Patent Grant
9009992
The present invention relates generally to an article of footwear, and more particularly to an article of footwear including a ball contacting member.
There are many sports activities that include kicking a ball. Examples of such sports include soccer, football, rugby, Australian-rules football, and kickball. Conventional sports shoes that are available for these sports typically have an upper not very different from the uppers of other athletic shoes.
Features to optimize contact between the ball and shoe have been previously proposed. Hyde (U.S. Pat. No. 2,661,547) teaches a concave attachment to a shoe providing a pocket on the top of the foot to receive a football when it is kicked. Hannah (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,422,249 and 4,617,746) and Gerrand (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,421,936 and 6,637,132, and WO 2005/107508 A1) teach shoes having surfaces to optimize kicking of a ball.
In one aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: an upper including a forefoot portion, a heel portion and a midfoot portion disposed between the forefoot portion and the heel portion; a ball contacting member disposed on the upper of the article of footwear, the ball contacting member including a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion being closer to the heel portion of the upper than the first end portion; the second end portion being thicker than the first end portion; and wherein the ball contacting member includes an interior portion extending between an upper surface of the ball contacting member and an exterior surface of the upper and wherein the interior portion comprises a substantially continuous material.
In another aspect, the invention provides an upper including an exterior surface; a ball contacting member in contact with the exterior surface of the upper; a lower planar surface that is approximately parallel with a lower surface of the article of footwear; an upper surface of the ball contacting member forming a first angle with the lower planar surface; the exterior surface of the upper forming a second angle with the lower planar surface; and wherein the first angle is substantially greater than the second angle.
In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a ball contacting member configured to attach to an upper of the article of footwear, the ball contacting member being disposed on an exterior surface of the upper; the ball contacting member including an upper surface configured to contact a ball being kicked by a wearer of the article of footwear; and; wherein a trajectory of a ball kicked using the ball contacting member is lower than a trajectory of the ball kicked using the exterior surface of the upper.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.
The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
Referring to
It will be understood that forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14 are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article 100. Likewise, medial side 16 and lateral side 18 are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcating article 100 into two halves. In addition, forefoot portion 10, midfoot portion 12 and heel portion 14, as well as medial side 16 and lateral side 18, can also be applied to individual components of an article, such as a sole structure and/or an upper.
For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of an article, such as an upper and/or a sole structure.
Article of footwear 100, also referred to as simply article 100, may include upper 102 and sole structure 101. Generally, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article 100 is a running shoe, upper 102 could be a low top upper. Generally, upper 102 may be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to, for example, nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber, or synthetic rubber. In some cases, upper 102 can be made of any suitable knitted, woven or non-woven material.
In some embodiments, sole structure 101 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 101 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 101 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. In some cases, the configuration of sole structure 101 can be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 101 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, as well as other surfaces.
Sole structure 101 is secured to upper 102 and extends between the foot and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure 101 may include different components. For example, sole structure 101 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional. Sole structure 101 may be made from any suitable material, including but not limited to elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, other synthetic rubbers, aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, or plastics.
In some embodiments, sole structure 101 may include cleat members 199 that can enhance traction with the ground. In one embodiment, sole structure 101 includes cleat members 199 that are incorporated into sole structure 101. However, other embodiments may include removable cleat members. In one embodiment, sole structure 101 may use one or more features described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,746 to Auger et al, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. In one embodiment, the cleat assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,973,746 is used in combination with article 100.
Article 100 can include vamp portion 120. The term “vamp portion” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims generally refers to a portion of upper 102 extending through forefoot portion 10 and midfoot portion 12. Vamp portion 120 may extend to entry hole 108 of upper 102. Additionally, in some cases, article 100 can include tongue 107 that extends from entry hole 108 into forefoot portion 10.
In some embodiments, upper 102 may include shoe fastening system 103 (see
Article of footwear 100 can include provisions for lowering the trajectory of a kicked ball. In some embodiments, article of footwear 100 may provide a kicking surface that is substantially inclined with respect to an outer portion of a shoe where a ball may contact an article during various types of kicks. In one embodiment, article 100 can include a wedge-shaped ball contacting member that provides a relatively steep angle for contact with a ball. This configuration may be useful in indoor soccer where the top of the goal is lower than the top of the goal in outdoor soccer, requiring lower trajectories for kicks.
In some embodiments, article 100 may also include provisions for enhancing the ability to contact and control the ball when kicked. In some cases, article 100 can include ball contacting member 105. Ball contacting member 105 may be any member configured to come in contact with a ball during various types of kicks.
Generally, ball contacting member 105 may be associated with any portion of upper 102. In some cases, ball contacting member 105 can be associated with forefoot portion 10 of upper 102. In other cases, ball contacting member 105 can be associated with midfoot portion 12 of upper 102. In an exemplary embodiment, ball contacting member 105 can be associated with vamp portion 120 of upper 102. Furthermore, in some cases, ball contacting member 105 may be disposed on a portion of upper directly above the instep, or top, of a foot.
Ball contacting member 105 may include upper surface 106. Upper surface 106 may be configured to contact a ball and may be generally oriented outwardly from upper 102. In addition, ball contacting member 105 may include first end portion 180 and second end portion 182. First end portion 180 may be disposed in forefoot portion 10, while second end portion 182 may be disposed in midfoot portion 12. In particular, second end portion 182 may be disposed closer to heel portion 14 than first end portion 180. In some cases, second end portion 182 may be disposed adjacent to entry hole 108, while first end portion 180 may be disposed adjacent to toe portion 115 of upper 102. With this arrangement, ball contacting member 105 may extend through a substantial majority of the length of vamp portion 120. In other embodiments, however, both first end portion 180 and second end portion 182 may be disposed in midfoot portion 12. In still other cases, first end portion 180 and second end portion 182 could be disposed in any other portions of article 100.
In some embodiments, ball contacting member 105 may include provisions for increasing the grip of upper surface 106. In some embodiments, ball contacting member 105 may include a ball control surface disposed along upper surface 106 of ball contacting member 105. In one embodiment, ball contacting member 105 may include first set of gripping members 110. In some cases, first set of gripping members 110 comprise raised portions of ball contacting member 105. First set of gripping members 110 may be designed to make initial contact with a ball before upper surface 106.
In some embodiments, first set of gripping members 110 may be disposed uniformly along upper surface 106. In other embodiments, first set of gripping members 110 may be distributed in a non-uniform manner on upper surface 106. In different embodiments, first set gripping members 110 may vary in size, height, and/or shape. First set of gripping members 110 may be formed in various shapes, including but not limited to circles, squares, rectangles, diamonds, ovals, stars, as well as other shapes. Generally, first set of gripping members 110 may be any desired size and may be spaced apart by intervals of varying distances. In some cases, first set of gripping members 110 may be sized and located so that the contact area between first set of gripping members 110 and a ball may be optimized. First set of gripping members 110 may be constructed in the shape of a manufacturer's logo, an athletic team's logo, or other kinds of patterns. It will also be understood that gripping members may be optional. In yet another embodiment, for example, upper surface 106 of ball contacting member 105 may be smooth.
In some embodiments, ball contacting member 105 may stop short of covering toe portion 115 of article 100 in order to allow flexing of the toes of a wearer. In some cases, to enhance grip at toe portion 115, upper 102 can include additional gripping members associated with toe portion 115. In the current embodiment, upper 102 can include second set of gripping members 112. In particular, second set of gripping members 112 can comprise substantially similar gripping members to the gripping members of first set of gripping members 110. With this arrangement, second set of gripping members 112 may be located on an upper surface 113 of toe portion 115 of article 100 in order to extend the ball control surface past the end of ball contacting member 105. It will be understood that gripping members on toe portion 115 of article 100 may be permanently installed or removable. Furthermore, in still other embodiments, ball contacting member 105 may extend over toe portion 115.
In different embodiments, the number of gripping members in first set of gripping members 110 and/or second set of gripping members 112 can vary. In some cases, first set of gripping members 110 can comprise between 1 and 30 gripping members. In other cases, first set of gripping members 110 can include more than 30 gripping members. In the current embodiment, first set of gripping members 110 may include 15 gripping members. Also, in some cases, second set of gripping members 112 can include between 1 and 10 gripping members. In other cases, second set of gripping members 112 can include more than 10 gripping members. In the current embodiment, second set of gripping members 112 can include 4 gripping members.
In many cases, a gripping system may include provisions that provide the wearer with the ability to apply different types of spin. In some embodiments, an article of footwear may include gripping members with multiple surface orientations. Generally, elevated gripping members may be provided with surface orientations that maximize the contact area between the gripping members and the ball. In some cases, these gripping member surfaces may be oriented to provide enhanced control of spin during kicking. In particular, multiple surface orientations may be provided for enhanced control of spin with each surface orientation associated with a certain type of kick or spin.
In some embodiments, gripping members may include provisions that help to increase friction or grip between the gripping member and a ball. These provisions may include features disposed on the upper surfaces of the gripping members. In some cases, the upper surfaces of the gripping members may be roughened, cut or include channels or grooves. It is also possible to provide protrusions or small projections on the upper surfaces of the gripping members. These various features can, in some cases, help to improve friction or grip between the gripping member and a ball. Some of these features are particularly helpful in adverse playing conditions. For example, a roughened outer surface, or an outer surface with grooves may help to improve friction during wet or rainy conditions. The upper surface features for the gripping members can be selected according to player preference or to match a certain playing condition.
In different embodiments, gripping members of first set of gripping members 110 and second set of gripping members 112 can have any type of surface features. In one embodiment, each gripping member of first set of gripping members 110 and second set of gripping members 112 can include recesses 111. In some cases, recesses 111 may provide enhanced grip between ball contacting member 105 and a ball. In other embodiments, it is also possible to independently arrange the upper surface feature of each gripping member. In other words, different gripping members on the same article may have different upper surface features.
Referring now to
For purposes of describing the relative inclinations of upper surface 106 and exterior surface 122, a lower planar surface 189 is described and shown. Lower planar surface 189 is a planar surface that is approximately parallel with lower surface 187 of sole structure 101. In some cases, lower planar surface 189 could be approximately parallel with any lower surface of article 100. In cases where an article is disposed on a ground surface, lower planar surface 189 may be approximately parallel with the ground surface.
In the current embodiment, upper surface 106 is inclined at angle A1 with respect to lower planar surface 189. In addition, exterior surface 122 of upper 102 is inclined at angle A2 with respect to lower planar surface 189 and upper surface 113 of toe portion 105 of upper 102 is inclined at angle A3 with respect to lower planar surface 189. In the current embodiment, angle A1 is substantially greater than angle A2. In other words, upper surface 106 is substantially steeper than exterior surface 122. This arrangement may provide a relatively steep contact angle between upper surface 106 of ball contacting member 105 and a ball that helps a user impart a lower trajectory to the ball during a kick. It will be understood that in other embodiments, angle A1 could be substantially equal to angle A2. In still other embodiments, angle A1 could be substantially less than angle A2. In addition, in the current embodiment, angle A2 is greater than angle A3 and angle A1 is substantially greater than angle A3. As shown in
In some embodiments, ball contacting member 105 may be installed on article of footwear 100 in such a way that there is no gap between a lower surface of ball contacting member 105 and vamp portion 120 of article of footwear 100. Such a gap may dissipate energy that could otherwise be applied to a kicked ball. A gap may also reduce the ability of a user to sense the contact between ball contacting member 105 and the kicked ball.
Referring to
Alternatively, in some cases, interior portion 740 of ball contacting member 105 may be a hollow portion filled with a fluid of some kind. In particular, in some cases, interior portion 740 may be filled with air having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure to reduce weight of the article of footwear 100 while preserving the firmness of the striking surface. In some cases, interior portion 740 of wedge-shaped device may further be divided into multiple air-filled compartments that can be pumped to any desired pressure by a user to provide variability in the firmness of the striking surface. In addition, allowing a user to adjust the pressure of interior portion 740 can allow the user to adjust the angle of ball contacting member 105 in order to change the arc of a kicked ball.
Referring now to
Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates a substantially convex upper surface for ball contacting member 105, other embodiments could include any other shape for a ball contacting member. For example, in another embodiment, illustrated in
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, a ball contacting member can be curved along a longitudinal direction. In other words, the thickness of a ball contacting member can vary in a nonlinear manner in the longitudinal direction. In some cases, a ball contacting member can have a substantially concave shape in a longitudinal direction in a manner that corresponds to the natural curvature of a ball. In other cases, a ball contacting member can have a substantially convex shape in a longitudinal direction.
Generally, a ball contacting member can be attached to an article of footwear in any manner. In a previously described embodiment, ball contacting member 105 may be permanently installed on vamp portion 120 of article of footwear 100 (see
In another embodiment, shown in
Referring to
Referring to
Referring now to
In different embodiments, the number of loops used with a ball contacting member can vary. In one embodiment, the number of loops could be one. In another embodiment, the number of loops could be between one and three. In still another embodiment, the number of loops could be greater than three. In the exemplary embodiment, loops 540 may comprise three loops configured to receive lace 504.
Generally, any materials could be used for a ball contacting member. Examples of different materials include, but are not limited to, roughened leathers, rubbers, silastics, or any synthetic or natural elastomeric material such as styrene-butadiene, or polyurethane. Furthermore, in different embodiments, gripping members provided on a ball contacting member can be made of varying materials including any of the materials used for a ball contacting member. In some cases, gripping members could be made of a substantially similar material to a ball contacting member. In other cases, gripping members could be made of a substantially different material than a ball contacting member. In some embodiments, materials that enhance gripping in wet conditions can be used with a ball contacting member and/or gripping members.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
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