SOCCER CLEAT WITH LEG PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE

Abstract

An assembly is provided including a cleated shoe and a leg protective structure. The leg protective structure has a lower end which is fixed to the shoe through a flexible junction. The leg protective structure is configured as a sock and/or a shin guard. In various embodiments different opening and closure mechanisms are disclosed for the leg protective structure and different configurations for positioning of shin guard elements and flexible tubular layers. The leg protective structure can thus be worn upon a foot and leg without a sock or over a sock upon a foot and leg, and the leg protective structure provides the integrated function of a shin guard or to work along with a separately provided shin guard.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit under Title 35, United States Code §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/862,365 filed on Aug. 5, 2013.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The following invention relates to soccer cleats which include a cleated shoe portion and also a leg protective structure extending up from the shoe portion and formed integrally with the shoe portion. More particularly, this invention relates to soccer cleats which also include a leg protective structure which functions at least partially as a sock and/or a shin guard as well.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Soccer is a sport which is characterized by requiring a very small amount of equipment, and in some instances only requiring a soccer ball and a field or other playing area. To maximize the playing experience, soccer players benefit from having some equipment on their feet and legs (beneath the knee).

Most typically, two separate items of equipment are worn by a soccer player including a cleated shoe and a shin guard. After putting on these items, a player typically next dons a sock. Often this sock is a high sock which extends up close to the knee. The cleated shoe is worn on the foot of the wearer outside of the lower portion of the sock. The cleated shoe has a foot enclosing main portion with a sole having cleats extending downwardly therefrom. These cleats are typically built into the sole, but can in some instances be removable.

Shin guards come in a variety of different styles and reside over a front side of the wearer's leg. A typical shin guard has a hard forward surface and a padded rearward surface which is placed adjacent the forward side of the wearer's leg. Such shin guards can be placed inside of the socks of the wearer or can be placed outside the socks of the wearer and then taped in place or suspended in place with straps. In many soccer leagues rules require that the shin guard be covered by some structure such as an outer sock or tape. Some shin guards come with elastic straps or adjustable straps or sleeves which help to hold the shin guard in place. Other shin guards are built into or removably attached, such as by hook and loop fasteners, to an ankle sleeve that elastically holds to the ankle and has sleeve portions extending up onto the leg.

As one can see, the initial simplicity of the gear associated with soccer can in some instances mutate into significant complexity, especially for young children which have some difficulty in keeping multiple separate gear items together and some difficulty in donning and doffing footwear. In particular, children often have difficulty keeping track of two socks, two shoes and two shin guards (and possibly also two ankle sleeves to which the shin guards attach). The consequences of losing one of these items while traveling to a soccer game location or at the soccer game location itself can involve the child being prevented from playing. Even when all of these six (or eight) separate items are effectively collected and carried to the soccer game location, the not insignificant task of having the child don two shin guards, two socks, followed by two shoes and getting the shoes properly tightened takes a significant amount of time and effort. For younger children, this requires adult assistance. In other instances, the child experiences significant delay in getting the gear properly attached or plays with equipment improperly installed. Removal of this gear also typically requires adult assistance for young children.

Furthermore, it is important that shin guards be positioned precisely where required for optimal comfort and performance. The shin guard primarily serves to protect the shin of the wearer. Because this region above the foot of the wearer is also a location where a ball is often struck, the accuracy and force behind a kick is influenced by the position of the shin guard as well. Thus, it is important that the shin guard not only be positioned in the same location in a precise repeatable fashion, but also that this position be carefully selected for optimal protection of the wearer and performance.

Often children (and even adults) are not entirely familiar with the very best position for the shin guard for optimal comfort, protection and performance. Also, shin guards which are too large or too small often get improperly matched with the shoes and other gear, resulting in an undesirable configuration. Even when individuals are highly knowledgable in the proper sizing and positioning of shin guards, a somewhat cumbersome and time consuming process must be repeated every time the shin guards are attached to the legs of the wearer, so that this optimal position can be achieved each time the soccer gear is to be donned. Accordingly, a need exists for a soccer cleat which includes a shin guard and/or sock as an integral unit to simplify the overall equipment structure and to optimize protection, performance and comfort associated with this equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With this invention a soccer cleat is provided which includes a leg protective structure integrally formed with the soccer cleat so that the overall structure covers both the foot and leg of a wearer. The cleat includes a shoe which generally extends from a heel to a toe and includes a sole on a lower surface thereof. Cleats extend down from the sole of the shoe or from a structure affixed to an underside of the sole of the shoe. The shoe (or boot) includes ankle support adjacent to the heel to provide protection for at least lower portions of the ankle of the wearer. The shoe is configured to be openable and closable on an upper portion thereof somewhat to facilitate passage of a wearer's foot into and out of the shoe. This closure structure can be in the form of laces interacting with eyelets on the upper surface of the shoe or can be in the form of hook and loop fastener straps which interact together to open and close the upper portion of the shoe somewhat. As another alternative, upper portions of the shoe can merely be formed of sufficiently elastic material to allow a foot to be slid thereinto and still providing a sufficient retaining function.

The leg protective structure extends up from the shoe (or boot) to cover at least portions of the leg of the wearer. This leg protective structure extends from a lower end adjacent the shoe to an upper end opposite the lower end. A flexible junction is provided between the lower end of the leg protective structure and the shoe. This flexible junction preferably features flexible fabrics which can also include some degree of elasticity, so that the leg protective structure is securely joined to the shoe, but in a manner which accommodates the flexing of the wearer's foot relative to the wearer's leg through the ankle joint.

The flexible junction can include a seam joining the lower end of the leg protective structure to the shoe or can be seamless with fabric or other flexible materials extending continuously from at least portions of the leg protective structure at the lower end thereof into portions of the shoe. The flexible junction can be continuous, completely circumscribing the lower end of the leg protective structure or can be discontinuous and only provide attachment between the leg protective structure and the shoe at portions thereof. For instance, in one embodiment the flexible junction could be in the form of stirrup type flexible straps on lateral sides of the leg protective structure with forward and rearward locations left open, or filled with flexible material having a greater flexibility and/or a greater elasticity than more stiff stirrup portions on lateral sides of this flexible junction.

The leg protective structure can provide different functional characteristics in various embodiments of this invention. Thus, the leg protective structure can function like a sock and/or like a shin guard. In particular, in one embodiment the leg protective structure is primarily a tubular sock-like structure extending up from the shoe. A shin guard element can be affixed to this sock-like structure permanently in a built-in fashion, either on an exterior of the sock-like structure of embedded within an interior of the sock-like structure, or can be removable relative to the sock-like structure. For instance, the shin guard could reside within a pouch provided within an interior of the sock-like structure for this purpose. Alternatively, the shin guard could be separately provided and attached to an outside of the sock-like structure.

In another embodiment the leg protective structure is more like a shin guard. In such an embodiment a wearer would typically wear a separate sock underneath the shin guard-like structure. The shin guard-like structure would still have at least one leg surrounding flexible tubular layer and shin guard elements would be built into such a shin guard-like structure either embedded within or attached to an interior of the shin guard-like structure or at least partially on an exterior of the shin guard-like structure.

In other embodiments the leg protective structure has both the characteristics of a sock and the characteristics of a shin guard with at least one interior flexible tubular layer as well as shin guard elements, all integrally formed together into the leg protective structure extending up from the shoe.

To hold the leg protective structure of the overall assembly to the leg and to facilitate conveniently donning and doffing the entire structure, either directly to a foot and leg of a wearer or over a sock of a wearer, two general configurations are disclosed in various embodiments. In a first configuration the materials forming the leg protective structure exhibit sufficient flexibility and elasticity that the wearer slides the foot into an opening at the upper end of the leg protective structure and continues to move the foot downward through the leg protective structure until the foot passes into the shoe. The shoe can either merely have elasticity characteristics which allow the foot to pass entirely down into the shoe, or the shoe can include laces, hook and loop fastener straps, or other adjustable fasteners. These can initially be loosened to facilitate foot passage into the shoe portion, and then later tightened to hold the shoe securely onto the foot.

In a second configuration, the leg protective structure can be opened and closed to facilitate passage of the foot and leg of the wearer thereinto. In one such embodiment a substantially vertical zipper closure is provided extending along at least a portion of the leg protective structure between the lower end and the upper end. This zipper closure can be adjusted between an open and a closed configuration. When in an open configuration the leg protective structure is opened and the foot and leg of the wearer can be conveniently placed thereinto. The zipper closure can then be adjusted to a closed configuration to securely hold the leg protective structure on the wearer.

As an alternative to the zipper closure, a hook and loop closure, such as that provided under the trademark VELCRO provided by Velcro Industries B.V. of the Netherlands, can be provided with a forward flap and a rearward flap containing complemental portions of a hook and loop fastener thereon. These flaps can be separated from each other to put the leg protective structure in an open configuration and then after the foot and leg of the wearer have been placed into the shoe and leg protective structure, the flaps can be brought together and secured to each other to hold the shoe and leg protective structure securely onto the foot and leg of the wearer.

Other fasteners besides hook and loop fasteners could alternatively be provided to hold the forward and rearward flaps together, including buttons, hooks, laces or other fasteners. These flaps and the opening therebetween are preferably oriented spaced away from the front side of the leg protective structure so that they do not affect performance when kicking a soccer ball, and interfere less with the location where the shin guard would be either incorporated into the leg protective structure or attached separately.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide leg and foot wear for playing soccer which incorporate elements of a cleated shoe as well as sock and/or shin guard elements.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the ability of soccer players to keep their gear together, especially for children.

Another object of the present invention is to provide soccer gear for feet and legs of a wearer which can be rapidly and easily donned and doffed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide maximum protection, performance and comfort for feet and legs of soccer players.

Another object of the present invention is to provide foot and leg soccer gear which is easy to put on and take off.

Another object of the present invention is to provide foot and leg soccer gear which has attached elements so that individual elements are hard to misplace.

Another object of the present invention is to provide soccer foot and leg gear which is stylish, interactive and customizable to enhance the soccer experience.

Another object of the present invention is to provide foot and leg soccer gear which is either free of shoelaces or has un-loosenable decorative laces, so that the nuisance and hazard of untied shoelaces is avoided.

Other further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the included drawing figures, the claims and detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a soccer cleat and leg protective structure assembly according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a variation of that which is shown in FIG. 1, shown upon a leg of a wearer and with a sock worn between the leg of the wearer and the assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG. 1 with the assembly worn on a leg of a wearer without a sock.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG. 1 with a shin guard removable element and associated sleeve shown worn over the assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternative assembly to that which is shown in FIG. 1, featuring a zipper closure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG. 5 shown on a leg and worn over a sock.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG. 5 worn upon a leg and without a sock.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG. 5, depicting the assembly worn on a leg and in a variation where a seam is interposed between a leg protective structure and a soccer cleat portion of the assembly.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second alternative assembly to that which is shown in FIG. 1 with modifications to the shoe portion and to the leg protective structure including a hook and loop closure feature for the leg protective structure and an interior pouch for removable placement of a shin guard element.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG. 9 with the hook and loop closure shown in an open configuration.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a portion of that which is shown in FIG. 9, illustrating further details of the shin guard supporting pouch on a front side of the leg protective structure thereof.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of that which is shown in FIG. 9, showing the shin guard element in the process of being inserted into or taken out of the pouch in the leg protective structure thereof.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further alternative assembly of that which is shown in FIG. 9, featuring a cut out rear portion and shin guard element fixed within an interior of a leg protective structure thereof.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of that which is shown in FIG. 13, shown upon a leg and over a sock of a wearer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures (or structures closely related thereto), reference numeral 10 is directed to a soccer cleat with leg protective structure assembly according to an exemplary embodiment (FIG. 1). Variations on this assembly 10 include an alternate assembly 60 (FIG. 5), a second alternative assembly 80 (FIG. 9) and a third alternative assembly 110 (FIG. 13). The assemblies 10, 60, 80, 110 reside over a foot and leg L of a wearer to provide convenience, comfort, protection and performance for the soccer player.

In essence, and with particular reference to FIG. 1, basic details of the assembly 10 are described, according to this exemplary embodiment. The assembly 10 includes a shoe 20 on a lower portion of the assembly 10. This shoe 20 performs to cover and support a foot of the wearer. Cleats 30 extend downward from the shoe 20. A leg protective structure 40 extends up from the shoe 20. This leg protective structure 40 functions as a sock and/or shin guard affixed to the shoe 20 and surrounding at least portions of the leg L of the wearer above the shoe 20.

A flexible junction 42 is provided between the leg protective structure 40 and the shoe 20 to hold the leg protective structure 40 to the shoe 20 and also facilitate flexible movement of the foot relative to the leg L about the ankle joint. This flexible junction 42 can include a seam 43 (FIGS. 8 and 14) joining the leg protective structure 40 to the shoe 20 or can be seamless with continuous fabric extending between the shoe 20 and the leg protective structure 40, but still functioning as the flexible junction 42.

A shin guard element 50 can be incorporated into the leg protective structure 40 (FIGS. 2 and 3) either on an exterior of the leg protective structure 40 (FIG. 2) or within an interior of the leg protective structure 40 (FIG. 3). As an alternative, the shin guard element 50 can be removably placed over the leg protective structure 40 as a separate unit (FIG. 4). The assembly 10 is configured in this embodiment to have the leg protective structure 40 exhibit sufficient elasticity to allow a foot and leg of a wearer to merely be slipped down into the leg protective structure 40 and into the shoe 20. In alternative embodiments, closure systems, such as a zipper closure 70 (FIG. 5) or a hook and loop closure 90 (FIG. 9) can be provided to open and close the leg protective structure 40 for donning and doffing of the assembly 10 or alternative assemblies 60, 80 (FIGS. 5 and 9).

More specifically, and with particular reference to FIGS. 1-4, specific details of the assembly 10 are described according to this exemplary embodiment. The assembly 10 is a single assembly having a shoe 20 as a portion thereof and a leg protective structure 40 as a portion thereof. The shoe 20 and leg protective structure 40 are fixed together at a flexible junction 42 to provide the single assembly 10. The shoe 20 has a structure similar to that of other soccer cleats. In particular, the shoe 20 includes a sole 22 on a lower portion thereof. The shoe 20 extends from a heel 28 to a toe 29. Ankle support 26 is provided above the heel 28.

An open upper of the shoe 20 is adjustably positionable to a tighter or looser configuration by interaction of laces 24 to tighten or loosen the upper onto a foot of a wearer in one embodiment, but most preferably the leg protective structure 40 helps to hold the assembly 10 on the wearer's foot and leg so that the laces 24 can be merely decorative and un-loosenable or be elastic to help hold the foot, but not need tying, or the laces 24 can be omitted. As an alternative to laces 24, velcro straps 25 (FIGS. 9, 10, 13 and 14) or other closure systems can be utilized. In one embodiment, a laces cover 23 (FIG. 8) overlies the laces 24. Cleats 30 extend downward from the sole 22 to facilitate engagement into turf and to enhance traction for the shoe 20. The cleats 30 can be removably attachable to the sole 22 or permanently fixed to the sole 22. In at least one embodiment the cleats 30 are attached to a rigid structure which itself is attached to the sole 22.

The leg protective structure 40 extends up from the shoe 20 from a lower end 44 to an upper end 46. The leg protective structure 40 has a generally cylindrical form between the lower end 44 and upper end 46. A front side 48 lays over a shin of a wearer when the assembly 10 is worn. At least a portion of the leg protective structure 40 is in the form of a tubular layer 45 formed of flexible fabric material and typically covering a majority of the leg protective structure and a majority of the leg of the wearer above the shoe 20.

The flexible junction 42 defines a joint between the leg protective structure 40 at the lower end 44 and the shoe 20 above the ankle support 26 and heel 28. This flexible junction 42 provides affixation between the leg protective structure 40 and the shoe 20, while also maintaining flexibility so that the ankle joint of the wearer can properly function. In one embodiment a seam 43 (FIGS. 8 and 14) is provided between the shoe 20 and the leg protective structure 40 at this flexible junction 42. In other embodiments, a seamless transition is provided at the flexible junction 42 with flexible fabrics or other materials seamlessly transitioning between the shoe 20 and the leg protective structure 40 at the flexible junction 42.

In one embodiment the flexible junction 42 completely circumscribes the lower end 44 of the protective structure 40. In other embodiments, the flexible junction 42 is discontinuous with portions of the flexible junction 42 affixed between the lower end 44 and the shoe 20, and other portions of the flexible junction 42 open and facilitating greater flexibility. In one embodiment attached portions of the flexible junction 42 are on lateral sides of the lower end 44 and thus act like stirrups, with forward and rearward portions either open or attached with fabric or other flexible elements which exhibit a greater degree of flexibility than the stirrup portions, to facilitate flexing of the foot relative to the leg about the ankle joint.

A forward portion of the leg protective structure 40 at the lower end 44 can optionally extend inboard of the opening in the top of the shoe 20 to act as a tongue for the shoe 20. In other embodiments the shoe 20 is tongueless. In still other embodiments the tongue is provided within the shoe 20 which is discontinuous with the leg protective structure 40, so that an upper end of the tongue can be grabbed and positioned separate from the leg protective structure 40.

The assembly 10 can be worn in a couple of different ways. In one embodiment a sock is first worn over the foot and leg of the wearer (FIG. 2). The assembly 10 is then donned over the socks. The socks thus extends all the way into the toe 29 of the shoe 20 on the foot of the wearer. In another embodiment, the assembly 10 is worn without a sock S (FIG. 3). Most preferably in this embodiment, interior surfaces of the assembly 10 are provided with a flexible and somewhat resilient padded layer acting somewhat like a sock built into the interior of the assembly 10. Such a sock-like liner preferably extends all the way down to the toe 29 of the shoe 20 in a seamless fashion for maximum comfort. As an alternative, such an interior surface can be made up of separate structures on various different portions of the leg protective structure 40 and the shoe 20 which work together to perform a sock-like function. In this embodiment, for the assembly 10 to be worn without a separate sock S (FIG. 3) most preferably fabrics and other materials from which the assembly 10 are formed are selected so that they can be washable within a typical washing machine as a single unit, or to be removable for washing.

Whether the assembly 10 is worn with a sock S (FIG. 2) or without a sock (FIG. 3) the assembly 10 can include a shin guard element 50 therein. This shin guard element 50 typically includes a forward rigid shell and a rearward pad. A contour of the shin guard is provided with a size and shape so that it can mold somewhat over the shin of the leg L of the wearer on a front side 48 of the leg protective structure 40. In at least one embodiment the shin guard element 50 only includes the shell, with padding functions of the shin guard element 50 provided by other portions of the leg protective structure 40, such as a flexible tubular layer 45 positioned inboard of the shin guard element 50.

In FIG. 2 a variation of the assembly 10 is depicted where the shin guard element 50 extends at least partially out of the front side 48 of the leg protective structure 40. In this embodiment, the shin guard element 50 could be covered by a thin layer of fabric, such as to ensure that soccer league rules that may require that all shin guard hard elements be covered by a sock or other flexible fabric layer, be satisfied. As an alternative, tape or other structures could be provided over an outer surface of such an exteriorly positioned shin guard element 50 (FIG. 2).

In FIG. 3 a variation of the assembly 10 is depicted where the shin guard element 50 is embedded inboard of an outer portion of the leg protective structure 40 so that the shin guard element 50 is hidden within the leg protective structure 40. Such a shin guard element 50 could be on an interior surface of the leg protective structure 40 or could be embedded within inner and outer tubular layers 45.

In FIG. 4 a variation is shown where the shin guard element 50 is not affixed to the leg protective structure 40 or the assembly 10, but rather is provided as a separate item removably attachable to the assembly 10 and including a sleeve 52 on a rearward side thereof to assist in holding the shin guard element 50 over the front side 48 of the leg protective structure 40. In such an embodiment as that depicted in FIG. 4, it is also conceivable that no such shin guard element 50 would be utilized and that the leg protective structure 40 would act like a sock on an upper end of the shoe 20.

In such a configuration, the assembly 10 could be utilized without any shin guard element, such as for a soccer player who is playing the goalie position or for a soccer player playing in a league which does not require the wearing of shin guards, or where the leg protective structure 40 in the form of merely flexible tubular layer 45 fabric is sufficiently thick or protective to function somewhat like a shin guard, or where a shin guard plate can merely be removably inserted into an interior of the leg protective structure 40 and removed therefrom and held in place by the leg protective structure as desired by the user. Thus, in these variations of the assembly 10, the leg protective structure 40 can function as a sock, or can function as a shin guard and associated shin guard positioning structure, with a sock worn separately beneath, or can function as a combined sock and shin guard integrated together into a single unit.

In each of these embodiments, the leg protective structure 40 provides at least either the sock function or the shin guard function, if not both. The leg protective structure 40 also keeps the leg protective structure 40 joined to the shoe 20 through the flexible junction 42 to facilitate flexing of the ankle joint between the foot and leg L of the wearer.

In one embodiment, the assembly 10 can be fitted with electronics for various purposes. For instance, equipment can be built into the assembly 10 to allow the wearer to be tracked in position. Such tracking could be used to find an abducted child or to track the position of the wearer on a soccer field for training and other purposes. The position detecting electronics could interact with a smart phone app or other computer so that visual depictions of position can be studied. Distances traveled can also be calculated.

Other electronics could include sensors, such as sensors that detect where and how hard a soccer ball has been struck. If correctly struck a positive feedback sound or light could be generated as a reward. If incorrectly struck a negative feedback sound or light could be generated.

The assembly 10 can be itself designed with logos such as team logos, or colors to match that of a team. In one embodiment, a slip pocket or pockets are provided on an exterior of the assembly 10. Cards, panels or other planar elements ca be selected or custom manufactured, or printed to fit in the pockets and display outwardly. Such a configuration allows the assembly 10 to have a customizable appearance for aesthetics or to designate a team affiliation.

With particular reference to FIGS. 5-8, details of an alternate assembly 60 which distinguish this alternate assembly 60 from the assembly 10 (FIG. 1) are described. The alternate assembly 60 features a leg protective structure 40 which can be opened and closed in a fashion other than merely utilizing elastic and flexible structures, so that the leg protective structure 40 and shoe 20 can be slipped onto a wearer's foot and leg. In particular, a zipper closure 70 is provided. This zipper closure 70 extends between a lower tip 72 and an upper tip 74 with a zipper structure 76 provided to zip open and closed the leg protective structure 40.

A user would zip the zipper closure 70 open, then put on the alternative assembly 60, and then close the zipper closure 70 to complete the donning of the alternative assembly 60. As with the assembly 10 (FIGS. 1-4), variations can be provided including having a shin guard element 50 incorporated therein. In the embodiments shown the shin guard element 50 is at least partially visible on an exterior of the alternative assembly 60. However, this shin guard element 50 could be covered by at least one layer so that it is embedded inboard of the leg protective structure 40 or can otherwise be configured as disclosed above with respect to the assembly 10 (FIGS. 1-4). Furthermore, the alternative assembly 60 can be worn over a sock S (FIG. 6) or worn without a sock (FIG. 7).

FIG. 8 depicts a variation of the alternative assembly 60 which includes a laces cover 23 for covering the laces 24 of the shoe 20. This laces cover 23 can be incorporated into any of the embodiments of the invention depicted herein. A seam 43 is also depicted between the shoe 20 and the leg protective structure 40 in one embodiment, at the flexible junction 42 between the shoe 20 and the leg protective structure 40.

With particular reference to FIGS. 9-12, details of a second alternative assembly 80 are described, according to an alternative embodiment. The assembly 80 includes a shoe 20 featuring hook and loop fastener straps 25 rather than laces 24 (FIG. 1) to tighten the upper of the shoe 20 onto a foot of the wearer. Furthermore, the leg protective structure 40 in the second alternative assembly 80 features a substantially horizontally extending opening which can be selectively opened and closed, but with a closure other than the zipper closure 70 (FIG. 5). In particular, the second alternative assembly 80 features a hook and loop closure 90 formed of a forward flap 92 and a rearward flap 94. These flaps 92, 94 are configured so that they overlap relative to each other, such as with the rearward flap 94 outside of the forward flap 92. Surfaces of the flap 92, 94 which come into contact with each other include a fastener thereon. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, this fastener is in the form of a hook and loop closure 90 with one half of a hook and loop fastening system on the forward flap 92 and a complemental other half of the hook and loop fastening system on the rearward flap 94.

A user places a foot in the shoe 20 and leg L in the leg protective structure 40. Then the flaps 92, 94 are tightly overlapped with the hook and loop closure 90 coupling together to securely hold the leg protective structure 40 on the leg L of the wearer. Simultaneously, a shin guard and other portions of the leg protective structure 40 are brought into the precise position where desired for optimal performance of the leg protective structure 40. While hook and loop closure 90 details are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, other forms of fasteners could be substituted for the hook and loop closure 90, including buttons, hooks, laces and other fastening elements, to secure the leg protective structure in a closed configuration wrapping around the leg L of the wearer.

The particular details of the leg protective structure 40 for the second alternative assembly 80 can be any of those described above in other embodiments. The second alternative assembly 80 particularly shows one configuration for supporting a shin guard therein in the form of a pouch 100 with a removable element 55 acting as a shin guard which can fit within this pouch 100. The pouch 100 is particularly configured with an open upper edge 102 into which the pouch 100 can be accessed. A tab 104 extends up from the upper edge 102 in the embodiment shown with hook and loop fastener elements 106 on the tab 104 and a complemental hook and loop fastener 108 on an inside of the front side 48 of the leg protective structure 40, to allow for selective closing of the tab 104 and selective closing of the pouch 100. Hook and loop fasteners or other fasteners can also be used directly on the shin guard removable element 55 to hold it in place.

A geometry of the pouch 100 is selected to closely approximate a perimeter of the removable element 55 so that the removable element 55 is securely held in place when placed within the pouch 100 (by sliding along arrow A of FIG. 12 into or out of the pouch 100). With such a removable element 55, shin guards of different configurations can be substituted for each other and potentially shin guards can be removed, such as during washing. Furthermore, the overall assembly 80 can be utilized without the removable element 55 if desired.

In a third alternative assembly 110 (FIGS. 13 and 14) an embodiment is depicted which is similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1 featuring the assembly 10, except that the shoe 20 still features hook and loop fastener straps 25 and also a cut out rear 120 is provided opposite the front side 48 (FIG. 1).

In FIG. 13 a shin guard element 50 is shown inside of the front side 48 of the leg protective structure 40. The shin guard element 50 could merely be held in place by the leg protective structure 40, having a somewhat elastic character, or could be fastened to the inner surface of the front side 48, such as through a hook and loop fastener arrangement or other fastening elements to hold the shin guard element 50 in position, either permanently or temporarily. As another alternative, a perimeter of the shin guard element 50 can be sewn or otherwise affixed to the leg protective structure 40 in a permanent fashion.

Typically, the third alternative assembly 110 is worn over a sock S upon a leg L and the cut out rear 120 is provided to increase lightness of the third alternative assembly 110, and to some extent make it easier to insert the wearer's foot into the shoe 20. In FIG. 14 a seam 43 is shown illustrating how the flexible junction 42 between the leg protective structure 40 and the shoe 20 can be attached through a seam 43, as an alternative to a seamless configuration (FIG. 13).

Materials for forming the various elements of the assemblies 10, 60, 80, 110 can be taken from lists of materials typically used in shoes and for elastic sleeves. Examples include polycarbonate urethane (PCU), neoprene, canvas, leather, synthetic leather and synthetic fibers including polyester, nylon, rayon, spandex and other materials with varying degrees of elasticity built into the material or added by attaching elastic elements. These materials can be combined on various portions of the shoe 20 and leg protective structure 40 to provide optimal performance.

This disclosure is provided to reveal a preferred embodiment of the invention and a best mode for practicing the invention. Having thus described the invention in this way, it should be apparent that various different modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention disclosure. When structures are identified as a means to perform a function, the identification is intended to include all structures which can perform the function specified. When structures of this invention are identified as being coupled together, such language should be interpreted broadly to include the structures being coupled directly together or coupled together through intervening structures. Such coupling could be permanent or temporary and either in a rigid fashion or in a fashion which allows pivoting, sliding or other relative motion while still providing some form of attachment, unless specifically restricted.

Claims

1. A cleated soccer shoe with leg protective structure, comprising in combination:

a shoe including a heel opposite a toe and a foot supporting interior;

a plurality of cleats extending below the shoe, at least one of said cleats closer to said heel and at least one of said cleats closer to said toe;

a leg protective structure extending from a lower end to an upper end, said lower end affixed to said shoe through a flexible junction, allowing a foot within the shoe to flex relative to a leg within the leg protective structure about an ankle joint; and

said leg protective structure including at least one flexible tubular layer for covering portions of a lower leg of a wearer.

2. The soccer shoe of claim 1 wherein said flexible tubular layer includes a sock built into said leg protective structure and extending into said interior of said shoe.

3. The soccer shoe of claim 1 wherein said leg protective structure includes a front side with a shin guard therewith.

4. The soccer shoe of claim 3 wherein said shin guard is built into said flexible tubular layer.

5. The soccer shoe of claim 4 wherein said shin guard is located inboard of at least portions of said flexible tubular layer, such that said shin guard is covered by said flexible tubular layer.

6. The soccer shoe of claim 4 wherein said shin guard is at least partially on an exterior of said flexible tubular layer such that said shin guard is at least partially uncovered and visible from an exterior of said flexible tubular layer.

7. The soccer shoe of claim 3 wherein said leg protective structure includes a pouch on an interior thereof, said pouch having an open top, said pouch sized to receive said shin guard therein, and said shin guard located within said pouch.

8. The soccer shoe of claim 3 wherein said flexible tubular layer includes a sock built into said leg protective structure and extending into said interior of said shoe.

9. The soccer shoe of claim 1 wherein said flexible junction includes a seam joining said lower end of said leg protective structure to said shoe.

10. The soccer shoe of claim 1 wherein said flexible junction includes outer continuous at least partially flexible fabric covering both sides of said junction above and below said junction.

11. The soccer shoe of claim 1 wherein said leg protective structure includes a pouch on a front side of an interior thereof, said pouch having an at least partially open upper end, said pouch including a removable shin guard within said pouch.

12. The soccer shoe of claim 1 wherein a substantially rigid shin guard element is included over an exterior of said leg protective structure adjacent a front side of said leg protective structure, said shin guard including a flexible sleeve forming a circuit, said sleeve sized to reside outside of said leg protective structure, said sleeve holding said shin guard to said leg protective structure on said front side of said leg protective structure.

13. A method for providing footwear including a shin guard, including the steps of:

identifying an assembly including a shoe with a heel opposite a toe and a foot supporting interior within the shoe, a plurality of cleats extending below the shoe, at least one of the cleats closer to the heel and at least one of the cleats closer to the toe, a leg protective structure extending from a lower end to an upper end, the lower end affixed to the shoe through a flexible junction which allows the foot within the shoe to flex relative to a leg within the leg protective structure about an ankle joint, the leg protective structure including at least one flexible tubular layer for covering portions of a lower leg of a wearer; and

putting the combined shoe and leg protective structure upon a foot and leg of a wearer.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said putting step is preceded by a step of donning a sock over the leg and foot of the wearer.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein said identifying step includes the flexible tubular layer including a sock built into the leg protective structure and extending into an interior of the shoe.

16. A cleated soccer shoe and sock combination, comprising in combination:

a shoe including a heel opposite a toe and a foot supporting interior;

a plurality of cleats extending below the shoe, at least one of said cleats closer to said heel and at least one of said cleats closer to said toe;

a leg protective structure extending from a lower end to an upper end, said lower end affixed to said shoe through a flexible junction, allowing a foot within the shoe to flex relative to a leg within the leg protective structure about an ankle joint; and

said leg protective structure including a sock on an inboard surface thereof extending from said leg protective structure down into said interior of said shoe.

17. The cleated shoe of claim 16 wherein said leg protective structure includes a front side with a shin guard therein.

18. The cleated shoe of claim 17 wherein said shin guard is built into said sock.

19. The cleated shoe of claim 17 wherein said leg protective structure includes a pouch on an interior thereof, said pouch having an open top, said pouch sized to receive said shin guard therein, and said shin guard located within said pouch.

20. The cleated shoe of claim 16 wherein said sock is continuous to a closed end within said interior of said shoe at said toe of said shoe.