ATHLETIC SHOE PROTECTOR

Abstract

The invention provides an athletic shoe protector for protecting and preserving the spikes on athletic shoes and further protects surfaces off of the playing field or track from being damaged by the spikes. The athletic shoe protector of the invention comprises a single-layer sole that is quickly and easily attachable and detachable from the spiked athletic shoe via an attaching means.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US17/53210, which designated the United States and was filed on Sep. 25, 2017, published in English, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/399,665, filed on Sep. 26, 2016. The entire teachings of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a variety of sports such as track and field, baseball, football, soccer, rugby, lacrosse and golf, to name a few, athletic shoes are provided with cleats, lugs, pins or spikes and the like (collectively referred to herein as “spikes”) extending downwardly from the bottom of the soles. Spikes were previously made of metal, but now are more commonly made of hard plastic. These spikes provide the user with additional traction on sport fields and tracks. However, the spikes can be damaged by walking on abrasive and hard surfaces such as those found when the athlete is off the track or playing field.

To prevent this, athletes that run track and field, for example, will walk around on the heels of their spiked running shoes after running their race and leaving the track surface. This then causes excessive wear to the heels of the spiked running shoes as well as placing the athlete's feet and legs in an unnatural position while attempting to preserve the spikes on the bottom of their athletic shoes.

While many athletes will bring different shoes to the track or playing field to change into for those times that the athlete is not actually on the field or track, it is not always convenient for the player to change shoes immediately upon leaving the track or playing field. For example, for those athletes who wear spiked athletic shoes for track and field, removing the spiked running shoes directly after a race or between meets is very time consuming due to the substantial time it initially takes to place the tight-fitting running shoes on the athlete's foot and adjust them for maximum running comfort and speed.

Various designs for shoe protectors intended to protect spikes as well as the various surfaces upon which the spikes may come into contact when not on the track or playing field such as floors and rugs are known. However, these prior designs tend to be bulky and time consuming for the athlete to put on and remove. It would be desirable to have an athletic shoe protector that is slim, lightweight and that the athlete may easily carry them to the track or playing field and quickly and easily place on over their spiked athletic shoes and likewise, quickly removed from their athletic shoes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an athletic shoe protector for protecting and preserving the spikes on athletic shoes and further protects surfaces off of the playing field or track from being damaged by the spikes. The athletic shoe protector of the invention comprises a single-layer sole that is quickly and easily attachable and detachable from the spiked athletic shoe via an attaching means.

In accordance with the invention, the single-layer sole is made of a single layer of material preferably of having the same general shape as the sole of the athletic shoe it will be attached to. The single layer sole is substantially planer in that the term “substantially” allows for a thickened area such as a heel or some other variation from a literally planar surface that is integral with the single layer sole. As used herein the phrase “integral with the single layer sole” means that there is not an additional layer of material. The single layer of material is preferably a “uniform” single layer of material, for example, having the same composition, density, resilience, and elasticity throughout. Thus, a sole made entirely of rubber but wherein the top surface of the sole is configured to be softer and more pliable and the bottom surface of the sole is relatively harder is not “uniform” as that term is intended herein. The thickness of the single layer sole defines a peripheral sidewall between the top surface of the sole and the bottom surface of the sole.

While the single-layer sole is generally planar, it is thick enough to receive the spikes of the athletic shoe such that the spikes do not protrude from the bottom of the single-layer sole. Preferably, the single-layer sole does not include pre-formed perforations for receiving spikes or any other preformed grooves or indentations on the top portion of the sole that is in contact with athletic shoe. The material of the single-layer sole is such that it permits the spikes to be embedded into the top surface of the sole at any location on the sole thereby providing a friction fit between the athletic shoe and the single-layer sole while providing traction and wear-resistance on the bottom surface of the sole.

The single-layer sole need not be coextensive with the sole of the athletic shoe on which hit is being worn, but is preferably of a size and shape to provide stability to the wearer over the spiked athletic shoes. The top surface of the sole closest to the wearer's foot is preferably not partially or entirely enclosed with any material that extends above the sole and/or over the athletic shoe except for the areas where the attachments secure the single-layer sole to the athletic shoe. The single-layer sole preferably does not include a rim or shoulder of any material extending up from the single-layer sole. The single-layer sole preferably does include, for example a heel cup extending upward from the sole to secure the heel.

The single layer of material of the sole is deformable enough to receive the spikes of the athlete's athletic shoe thereby providing a friction fit with the single-layer sole on the top surface of the single-layer sole that contacts the sole of the spiked athletic shoes. At the same time, the single layer of material of the single-layer sole also provides the athlete with traction and some degree of wear and weather resistance on the bottom surface of the single-layered sole that is in direct contact with the ground.

The single-layer sole is preferably of a thickness and strength such that when the spiked athletic shoes are being worn with the single layer sole, they do not protrude from the bottom surface of the single layer sole. The bottom surface of the single-layer sole that is in contact with the ground may be completely flat or include a spike-free bottom surface traction design for promoting traction integrally formed with the single-layer sole and that do not include the addition of another layer of material.

The single-layer sole may include areas wherein the single layer of material is thicker than at other portions of the single-layer sole so as to provide, for example, a built in orthotic such as a pronation limiting heel for those athletes who need extra support at all times. Alternatively, “off the shelf” or customized orthopedic inserts may be optionally attached via gluing for example to the top surface of the single layer sole to also provide added support for those athletes who need extra support at all times.

Additionally, a removable insole may be placed on the single-layer sole essentially converting the athletic shoe protector into a sandal that may be worn by the athlete in the absence of an athletic shoe. Removable insoles include, for example, DR. SCHOLL'S® massaging gel insoles. Thus, the athlete need only carry the removable insole to the track or playing field instead of a second pair of shoes and thereby use the shoe protector of the invention in combination with the athletic shoe to protect the spikes of the athletic shoe and/or in combination with the removable insole and the athlete's shoeless foot as a sandal.

There are a number of lightweight high-tech materials from which a single layer outsole may be constructed that are both deformable and wear resistant at the same time. For example, various synthetic plastic foams, blended foams such as ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane foams (PU), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), vinyl, nylon, PHYLON (which is a “twice foamed” EVA product), rubber, thermoplastic rubber (TPR), carbon rubber, blown rubber, crepe rubber, foamed rubber or any composite materials such as fiber reinforced composite material. Other useful lightweight composite materials comprise KEVLAR and leather/canvas composite materials.

The attaching means may be any means for securing the single-layer sole to the wearer's spiked athletic shoes. Preferably, the attaching means does not add bulk or weight to the single layer sole.

Preferably, in a first embodiment, the attaching means comprises at least one pair of corresponding straps attached to the peripheral sidewall of the single-layer sole on opposite sides of the sole in the general area of the wearer's instep such that straps may overlie each other and/or be secured together over the athletic shoe via a hook and loop closure, snaps, buckles, magnets or other known means for quickly joining and detaching the corresponding straps to provide adjustability of tightness and appropriate position over different sized and shaped athletic shoes. For example, the straps are joined to form a single strap that extends over the athletic shoe in the general area of the instep portion of the athletic shoe. Preferably a second pair of straps is attached to the single layer sole on opposite sides of the sole such that the pair of straps may be secured together via a hook and loop closure for example, over the athletic shoe in the general area of the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe. The pair of straps may be secured to the single-layer sole via the use of an adhesive, stitching or other means. Preferably the straps are, for example, nylon straps which are secured together by hoop and look fasteners and optionally include keepers that are sewn or otherwise attached to the straps to secure any leftover ends of the straps and hold the excess strap in place.

Preferably, in a second embodiment, the attaching means comprises two pairs of single strap and D-ring combinations comprising a first single strap attached to, for example, the peripheral sidewall of the single-layer sole in the general area of the athletic shoe's instep portion. On the opposite side of the sole, a first D-ring is attached to, for example, the peripheral sidewall of the sole in the general area of the athletic shoe's instep portion. The first single strap is long enough to extend over the instep portion of the athletic shoe, through the first D-ring on the opposite side to double back on itself where it is capable of being adjusted to securely fit across the instep portion of the athletic shoe and wherein it may be secured to itself for example via a hook and loop closure. Preferably a second single strap in combination with a second D-ring is configured the same way but in the general area of the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe wherein the second single strap is secured on one side of the sole for example, to the peripheral wall of the sole, and the second D-ring is configured on the opposite side of the sole, for example, to the peripheral wall of the sole and wherein the second single strap is long enough to extend over the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe, through the second D-ring on the opposite side to double back on itself where it is capable of being adjusted to securely fit across the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe, and where it may be secured to itself for example via hook and loop closure.

Preferably, the first and second single straps and first and second D-rings may be secured to the single-layer sole, for example to the peripheral sidewall of the sole, via the use of an adhesive, stitching or other means. Preferably the straps are, for example, nylon straps comprising hook and loop material configures along the length of the nylon strap such that the strap may be threaded through the appropriate D-ring and doubled back on itself, adjusted for maximum fit and secured to itself via the hook and loop material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a spiked athletic shoe and single-layer sole in combination with a portion of the single-layer sole broken away illustrating the studs embedding into the single layer of material of the sole.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bottom surface of the single-layer sole showing a first embodiment for configuring the straps that secure the single-layer sole to the athletic shoe of the wearer.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the athletic shoe protector.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the bottom surface of the single-layer sole showing a second embodiment for configuring the straps that secure the single-layer sole to the athletic shoe of the wearer.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the athletic shoe protector showing a second embodiment for configuring the straps that secure the single-layer sole to the athletic shoe of the wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 3, the athletic shoe protector 1 comprises a single layer sole 2 having a top surface 3, and a bottom surface 4. As shown in FIG. 1, the single-layer sole 2 extends substantially to the toe portion 5 of the athletic shoe 6, and to the heel portion 7 of the athletic shoe 6. A plurality of spikes 8 are illustrating projecting from the athletic shoe 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, attaching means comprise a first pair of straps 9 comprising two strap members 10, 11 are each attached to the single-layer sole 2 at the peripheral sidewall 21 (FIG. 1) of the single layer sole. The free end for each strap member has a hook and loop element 15, 16 allowing the free ends of the strap members 10, 11 to be joined together over the instep portion 17 of the athletic shoe 6 as shown in FIG. 1. Continuing with FIG. 1, a second pair of straps 12 is configured in the same manner as the first pair of straps 9 and strap elements 13, 14 are joined over the ball of the foot portion 5 of the athletic shoe 6.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, keepers 18, 19 are attached to strap members 11, 14 to secure any excess strap that may be remaining after adjusting the athletic shoe protector 1 over the athletic shoe 6 (FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the attaching means comprises a first single strap 30 attached to the peripheral sidewall 21 (FIG. 1) of the single-layer sole 2 in the general area of the instep portion 31 of the athletic shoe 38. On the opposite side of the sole 2, a first D-ring 32 is attached to the peripheral sidewall 21 (FIG. 1) of the sole in the general area of the instep portion 31 of the athletic shoe 38. The first single strap 30 is long enough to extend over the instep portion 31 of the athletic shoe 38, through the first D-ring 32 on the opposite side to double back on itself where it is capable of being adjusted to securely fit across the instep portion 31 of the athletic shoe 38 and wherein it may be secured to itself for example via a hook and loop closure 33. Preferably a second single strap 34 in combination with a second D-ring 35 is configured the same way but in the general area of the ball of the foot portion 36 of the athletic shoe 38 wherein the second single strap 34 is secured on one side of the peripheral wall 21 (FIG. 1) and the second D-ring 35 is configured on the opposite side and wherein the second single strap 34 is long enough to extend over the ball of the foot portion 36 of the athletic shoe 38, through the second D-ring 34 on the opposite side to double back on itself where it is capable of being adjusted to securely fit across the ball of the foot portion 36 of the athletic shoe 38, and where it may be secured to itself for example via hook and loop closure 37.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the bottom surface 4 of the single-layer sole 2 may include a spike free bottom surface traction design 20 formed integrally with the single-layer sole 2.

The patent and scientific literature referred to herein establishes the knowledge that is available to those with skill in the art. All United States patents and published or unpublished United States patent applications cited herein are incorporated by reference. All published foreign patents and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. All other published references, documents, manuscripts and scientific literature cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. It should also be understood that the embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and that features from the various embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in accordance with the invention.

Claims

1. An athletic shoe protector for protecting spikes protruding downwardly from the bottom of an athletic shoe consisting of:

a single-layer sole that is constructed from a single, uniform layer of material, wherein the single-layer sole is substantially planar and has a top surface and a bottom surface and the thickness of the single-layer sole defines a peripheral sidewall between the top surface and the bottom surface of the single-layer sole, wherein the single layer of material is deformable such that it permits the spikes to be embedded into the top surface, wherein the single layer of material comprises a thickness that does not permit the spikes to protrude through the bottom surface of the single-layer sole, optionally wherein the bottom surface comprises a spike-free bottom surface traction design; and

means for attaching the single-layer sole to the athletic shoe, wherein the attachment means comprises two pairs of single strap and D-ring combinations comprising a first single strap attached to the single-layer sole in the general area of the athletic shoe's instep portion wherein on the opposite side of the sole, a first D-ring is attached to the sole in the general area of the instep portion of the athletic shoe wherein the first single strap is long enough to extend over the instep portion of the athletic shoe, through the D-ring on the opposite side to double back on itself where it is capable of being adjusted to securely fit across the instep portion of the athletic shoe and wherein it is secured to itself, wherein a second single strap is secured on one side of the sole and wherein a second D-ring is configured on the opposite side of the sole and wherein the second single strap is long enough to extend over the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe, through the second D-ring on the opposite side to double back on itself where it is capable of being adjusted to securely fit across the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe, and wherein it is secured to itself.

2. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, wherein the first single strap is secured to itself via hook and loop material and wherein the second single strap is secured to itself via hook and loop material.

3. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, wherein the first and second single straps and the first and second D-rings are attached to the peripheral sidewall of the single-layer sole.

4. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising orthopedic inserts on the top surface of the single-layer sole.

5. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising a removable insole placed on top of the single layer sole thereby converting the athletic shoe protector into a sandal.

6. An athletic shoe protector for protecting spikes protruding downwardly from the bottom of an athletic shoe consisting of:

a single-layer sole that is constructed from a single, uniform layer of material, wherein the single-layer sole is substantially planar and has a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the single layer of material is deformable such that it permits the spikes to be embedded into the top surface, wherein the single layer of material comprises a thickness that does not permit the spikes to protrude through the bottom surface of the single-layer sole, optionally wherein the bottom surface comprises a spike-free bottom surface traction design; and

means for attaching the single-layer sole to the athletic shoe, wherein the attachments means is a first pair of straps and a second pair of straps wherein the first pair of straps consists of two strap members wherein each strap member is secured to the single-layer sole, wherein the two strap members are capable of being joined together to form a single strap across the instep portion of the athletic shoe thereby securing the sole to the athletic shoe, wherein the second pair of straps consists of two strap members wherein each strap member is secured to the single-layer sole, wherein the two strap members are capable of being joined together to form a single strap across the ball of the foot portion of the athletic shoe, wherein the first and second pair of straps optionally further include a keeper for securing excess strap after securing the athletic shoe protector to the athletic shoe thereby securing the sole to the athletic shoe.

7. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, wherein the two strap members of the first pair of straps and the second pair of straps are joined together by a hook and loop material, snaps or magnets.

8. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, wherein the two strap members of the first pair of straps and the second pair of straps are attached to the peripheral sidewall of the single-layer sole.

9. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising orthopedic inserts on the top surface of the single-layer sole.

10. The athletic shoe protector of claim 1, further comprising a removable insole placed on top of the single layer sole thereby converting the athletic shoe protector into a sandal.