WO1996034542A1

WO1996034542A1 - Detachable spike cover for sports shoe

Info

Publication number: WO1996034542A1
Application number: PCT/AU1996/000269
Authority: WO
Inventors: Allan Graeme Miners
Original assignee: Allan Graeme Miners
Priority date: 1995-05-05
Filing date: 1996-05-03
Publication date: 1996-11-07

Abstract

A protective cover or overshoe (11) for a spiked sports shoe (15) or the like is disclosed. The purpose of the cover or overshoe is to prevent damage to the floor or other walking surfaces caused by wearing an otherwise unprotected spike shoe. The cover or overshoe is capable of removable fitment to the spiked shoe and comprises a sole portion (12) to accommodate the spikes of the shoe and to isolate them from the surface on which the wearer is standing or walking, and attachment means, e.g. toe cap (13) and heel support (22) for removably securing the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface contoured to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe without the spikes penetrating the sole portion. Alternatively, the upper surface of the cover or overshoe is provided with an insert of softer material (23), e.g. foam latex rubber to receive the spikes. In a further embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a shoe/cover combination.

Description

DETACHABLE SPIKE COVER FOR SPORTS SHOE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to covers suitable for wearing over the soles and heels of shoes, particularly sports shoes having spiked soles and/or heels such as golf shoes, in order to prevent damage to surfaces on which the wearer is standing or walking, when the wearer is not otherwise engaged in the activity for which the shoes were designed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although the following description refers primarily to golf shoes and especially the spikes of such shoes, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Any footwear having spikes or studs or the like, for example golf shoes, football boots or soccer boots, which by suitable modification, are able to be fitted with the covers as described herein, is also envisaged. Hence, no limitation to the invention is implied or should be inferred. Any reference to spikes is meant to encompass not only spikes, but any other studs or devices capable of causing damage to floors or other walking areas not adapted to accommodate them. Protection against damage to any surface arising from any such footwear having spikes or studs or the like is therefore contemplated, where by suitable modification the invention may also be employed.

Furthermore, any reference to a sole is also meant to encompass any reference to the heel or other area of the base of the shoe, irrespective of whether there are distinct regions such as a forward sole and raised heel, or whether the sole is a single substantially flat platform.

Traditionally, golfers and other sportsmen wear spiked shoes to provide assistance against slippage of the feet, especially when engaged in certain activities such as in the case of golfers, swinging a club. As golf courses are primarily grassed areas (namely fairways and greens), or at the very least comprise generally "soft" areas such as bare dirt, sand etc in addition to such grassed areas, shoes of this nature are especially suitable. Although various parts of the golf course may in fact comprise other surfaces, such as paths of various construction, these are relatively small in area compared to the expanse of grassed areas, therefore making the inconvenience of walking on non-grassed areas relatively minor. In any event, no appreciable damage is experienced to such non-grassed areas, since these are outdoor areas designed for the weather and to be traversed by golfers.

However, this is not so when one considers the clubhouse or other areas which are often in proximity with the club house. On completion of a round of golf, it is customary for golfers to retreat or retire to the clubhouse (often referred to as the 19th hole) for refreshment, to sign score cards or perhaps simply to recount the day's events. Often too, presentations of the day's trophies are made in the clubhouse. The floor areas of such locations as the clubhouse however are susceptible to damage from spiked shoes as they generally comprise carpeted areas or wooden floors. Even where such floor surfaces are of a more robust nature, for example concrete (whether painted or not), stone or marble, they are still very much susceptible to damage from the sharp spikes of golf shoes.

Consequently, it is a general rule of clubhouses that spiked shoes are not allowed to be worn in the precincts of the clubhouse and other designated areas. Furthermore, club etiquette and decorum dictate that golf shoes may not simply be removed in favour of stockinged or bare feet. Therefore, unless golfers have a spare pair of shoes with them after completing their round, they are forced to either go to the changeroom (which itself is often in the clubhouse) or perhaps to their car or other transport if they have driven or been driven to the golf course, in order to change their golf shoes for conventional shoes.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide an alternative to changing one's shoes, by providing a suitable means (eg in the form of slip-on covers) for protecting against damage caused by spikes in the circumstances described above. It would also be advantageous if such protection could be quickly and easily attached over the spiked shoe and also readily removed therefrom, for example, where a game of golf is to be resumed after the players have entered the clubhouse for a break, for instance, after completing say nine holes. In addition to providing such protection for existing golf or other sports shoes, it would also be desirable to provide a sports shoe which has a removable cover, which may be taken off to reveal appropriate studs or spikes when required. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has therefore been conceived out of the need to provide protection, in the form of a removable cover, against damage caused by wearing spiked shoes on surfaces which are not intended to be subjected thereto. At the very least, the invention provides an alternative to known means of avoiding damage to floors etc by changing out of spiked shoes or simply removing same.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like to prevent damage to the floor or other walking surfaces caused by wearing such an otherwise unprotected spiked shoe, the cover or overshoe being capable of removable fitment to the spiked shoe and comprising a sole portion to accommodate the spikes of the shoe and isolate them from the surface on which the wearer is standing or walking, and attachment means for removably securing the cover or overshoe to the spiked shoe.

Preferably, the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface contoured to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe without the spikes penetrating the sole portion. Alternatively, the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface which is sufficiently resilient to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe without allowing the spikes to pass through the underneath surface, thereby isolating them from contact with the surface on which the covered shoes are worn.

As a further alternative to either a fully sculptured/moulded upper surface which is designed to encase the spikes without interference or a relatively flat but resilient upper surface which is designed to allow the spikes to partially penetrate therein, the upper surface may be provided with some form of intermediate design, eg ripple texture or hills and valleys, to assist in accommodating the points or tips of the spikes with ease of fit and ultimate comfort in mind.

The attachment means is preferably provided in the form of a toe portion (eg cap or strap) located at the front end of the sole portion for snug fitment over the toe area of the spiked shoe, and a rear heel support cup or other support strap located at or in the vicinity of the other or rear end of the sole portion for snug fitment about the rear of the spiked shoe, the toe portion and rear heel support cup or support strap co-operating to provide removable attachment of the cover or overshoe to the spiked shoe. More preferably the toe portion and/or rear support cup or strap are integral with the sole portion.

For example, one useful combination comprises an integral toe cap, into which the toe of the shoe can be inserted, whilst the rear end of the cover remains relatively open, a simple elastic strap attached thereto providing retention of the cover on the shoe once the strap is located (ie by stretching) about the rear of the shoe to which the cover is fitted. Alternatively, the toe and heel sections may be integral with not only the sole portion but with side portions to form an overshoe.

In general, the cover or overshoe may be conveniently manufactured from any suitable rubber, plastics or other chemical compound, or combination of such materials, which provides sufficient strength, hardness and resilience for the sole (especially where the spikes are allowed to penetrate a portion of the sole) and sufficient elasticity to facilitate easy removal and re-attachment to the existing sports shoe.

For example, the underneath portion of the sole may comprise a more rigid layer to resist penetration of the spikes and provide a suitably hard wearing walking surface, whilst the upper layer or at least an inner sole portion thereof (eg an insert) may be of a relatively softer material to accommodate the spikes. A suitable material to accommodate the spikes in this arrangement for example is provided by a latex foam or soft rubber, provided that the lower portion thereof, or a layer of other material beneath, is of sufficient resilience to prevent the spikes passing through. The ultimate choice of material or materials will be a compromise between ease of fitment, performance in terms of support and protection and, of course, cost of manufacture.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe, the cover or overshoe designed to prevent damage to the floor or other walking surfaces caused by wearing such an otherwise unprotected spiked shoe, the overshoe or cover being capable of removable fitment to the spiked shoe and comprising a sole portion to accommodate the spikes of the shoe and isolate them from the surface on which the wearer is standing or walking, and attachment means for removably securing the overshoe or cover to the spiked shoe.

Preferably, the cover or overshoe in this form of the invention again comprises a sole portion having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface contoured to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe. Alternatively, the cover or overshoe may comprise a sole portion as described above having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface which is sufficiently resilient to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe without allowing the spikes to pass through, thereby isolating them from contact with the surface on which the covered shoes are worn. As with the first embodiment, the upper surface of the sole of the cover may be of an intermediate design, eg ripple texture or hill/valley construction.

The attachment means in this alternate embodiment may be provided in the form described above in relation to the first embodiment, ie a toe portion (eg cap) and heel strap or cup arrangement. However with advantage, the attachment instead may be provided by means of indentations in the perimeter of the shoe, especially about the sole thereof, which cooperate with suitable lug portions moulded into the cover to provide for removable attachment of the cover to the shoe. Such indentations may be incorporated into the sole of the shoe during the moulding process to facilitate the quick fixing and detaching of the spike cover, which itself is so designed as to cover the spikes of the sole of the shoe and to be fixed to the sole of the shoe by means of moulded lugs which quickly and easily slot into the indentations on or about the sole of the shoe. It will also be appreciated that the reverse mechanism may be employed, namely slots may be provided in the periphery of the cover so that lugs located about the periphery of the sole of the shoe may be accommodated therein to retain the cover on the shoe.

Because of the flexible nature of the materials envisaged for the cover, the lugs (whether on the cover or the shoe itself) may be easily and readily removed from location in the indentations, by stretching the cover away from the shoe at the points where lugs engage with their corresponding slots or indentations, to remove the cover as required. With advantage, the detachable cover can be made from the same material as the sole of the shoe. The lugs themselves may also be formed of the same material as the cover/sole or may be made from a stiffer material which is moulded into the cover or sole as appropriate at the time of manufacture. As required, this would provide a stronger adherence of the cover to the sports shoe.

As an alternative to the foregoing means of providing retention of the cover on the shoe in this embodiment (ie by means of a lug/indentation system), it will be readily appreciated that any other form of clipping mechanism which can be adapted to suit the purpose may also be utilised.

Again the choice of materials for this embodiment will be largely dictated by the considerations discussed above in respect of the first embodiment.

By use of the sports shoe according to this second aspect of the invention, the wearer has the ability to wear what in effect is a standard shoe, ie with the cover attached and the spikes consequently covered. In this way, the wearer is not only able to enter areas normally prohibited to spiked shoes and to later simply remove the cover as required, but has the added advantage that he is able, for example, to drive a vehicle. This of course is particularly advantageous in sports such as golf where no other change of clothes is necessary, thereby simplifying the ability of the golfer to be ready for his round of golf on reaching the golf course, having driven to the course in a pair of shoes which can be adapted for the round of golf on arrival at the course by simply removing the cover to reveal the appropriate spikes to assist in his game.

In either embodiment, it will be readily appreciated that the particular design of the soles or bases of the cover or overshoe is related to the particular arrangement of spikes or studs, particularly where contoured pockets or wells to accommodate the spikes are envisaged. All that is required is that there be sufficient support to the wearer so that the spikes are isolated from the actual surface on which the wearer is standing or walking as the case may be. In principle this is accomplished as described above by either fully isolating the spikes in contoured recesses in the upper surface of the sole of the cover or in the alternative providing , sufficient resilient material in the sole of the cover to preclude the possibility that the points of the spikes penetrate and pass completely through the cover. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of an overshoe or cover according to one embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the overshoe or cover illustrated in Fig. 1, shown attached to a sports shoe,

Fig. 3 is cross section through A-A of the overshoe of Fig. 1, showing the areas of support provided in the overshoe or cover and the relative relationship of the spikes of the sports shoe thereto,

Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a shoe and cover combination according to a second aspect of the invention,

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the shoe illustrated in Fig. 4 on its own,

Fig. 6 is a cross section through B-B of Fig. 4 showing the means for attachment of the cover to the shoe,

Fig. 7 is a plan view of an overshoe or cover according to another embodiment of the present invention,

Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the cover illustrated in Fig. 7,

Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the cover illustrated in Fig. 7 and 8, and

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 to 9. BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures 1 to 3, a sports shoe cover or overshoe generally referenced 11, comprises a sole portion 12 and a toe cap 13 integral therewith. A flexible elastic strap 14 is also integral with the sole 12 and is located towards the rear end thereof. The sports shoe cover 11 may be fitted to sports shoe 15, fitted with spikes 16, as shown in Fig. 2.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the sole 12 of the sports shoe cover 11 is sculptured or contoured to provide raised portions about its periphery 17, as well as regions 18 and 19 roughly in the centre of the forward sole area and the rear heel area, respectively. These regions, namely 17, 18 and 19, in combination provide support for the wearer and isolate the spikes 16 from contact with the surface on which the wearer of the covered shoe 15/11 walks, by forming a well area 20, which effectively isolates the spikes 16.

In use, the cover 11 may be attached to shoe 15 as shown in Fig. 2 by simply locating the toe of shoe 15 inside the toe cap portion 13 and stretching the elastic support strap 14 around and behind the rear of the shoe 15, to provide protection whilst the wearer is walking on surfaces which require protection from the spikes 16. The cover 11 may be removed as required by stretching the elastic support strap 14 and removing it from the heel of the shoe 15 and then removing the cover 11 totally from the shoe 15 to reveal the spikes 16.

Referring to Figures 4 to 6, an alternative embodiment is illustrated, in which like components to those illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 are referenced with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment however there is depicted a shoe and removable cover combination generally referenced 21, which comprises a spiked sports shoe 15 fitted with spikes 16 and a removable cover 22. The cover 22 in this embodiment is a compressible foam material of suitable resilience, capable of accommodating the points of the spikes 16 without letting them pass right through.

Indentations 23 are provided about the periphery of the sole of the shoe 15, which are designed to accommodate lugs 24 of corresponding geometric shape located in the upper peripheral regions of the cover 22 and integral therewith. Upon fitment, the lugs 24 locate in the indentations 23 as illustrated in Fig. 6. Again, in use, the cover 22 of this embodiment may be attached to shoe 15 as shown in Figures 4 and 6, by locating lugs 24 in indentations 23, in order to provide protection whilst the wearer is walking on surfaces which require protection from the spikes 16. As required, the cover 22 may be simply removed by stretching it about the points where the lugs 24 mate with the 5 indentations 23 to dislocate same. The cover 22 may be refitted as required by reversing the procedure.

Referring to Figs 7 to 10, an alternative embodiment is illustrated, in which like components to those illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3 are again referenced with the same reference numerals. The figures show a sports shoe cover or overshoe generally referenced 10 11, which comprises a sole portion 12 and a separate heel portion 12'. An upper portion 21 of the cover is integral with the sole/heel portions 12,12' and comprises a toe cap 13 and heel support section 22.

As illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9, in outline, the sole/heel portions 12, 12' of the sports shoe cover 11 are provided with pockets or regions 23, 23' which contain foam inserts. The sports shoe 15 cover 11 may be fitted to a sports shoe (not illustrated), fitted with spikes analogous to that illustrated in Fig. 2 in relation to the first embodiment. The foam filled regions 23, 23' isolate the spikes of the shoe to which they are attached from contact with the surface on which the wearer of the covered shoe walks.

In use, the cover 11 may be attached to shoe by simply locating the toe of the shoe inside the 20 toe cap portion 13 and stretching the upper body portion 21 and heel support section 22 around and behind the rear or heel of the shoe, to provide protection whilst the wearer is walking on surfaces which require protection from the spikes contained in the shoe. The cover 11 may be removed as required by stretching the upper body portion 21 and heel support section 22, thereby effectively removing it from the heel of the shoe 15 and peeling the cover 25 11 totally from the shoe to reveal its spikes.

By wearing the fitted cover of any of the embodiments, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, or 4 to 6, or 7 to 10, over his spiked golf shoes, a golfer for example will be able to enter a clubhouse or other areas restricted to spike wearers by simply attaching the covers over his spiked shoes. He may then remove them when he wishes to continue on the course. The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and it will be readily appreciated that modifications obvious to those skilled in the art can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like to prevent damage to the floor or other walking surfaces caused by wearing such an otherwise unprotected spiked shoe, the cover or overshoe being capable of removable fitment to the spiked shoe and comprising a sole portion to accommodate the spikes of the shoe and isolate them from the surface on which the wearer is standing or walking, and attachment means for removably securing the cover or overshoe to the spiked shoe.

2. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like according to claim 1, in which the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface contoured to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe without the spikes penetrating the sole portion.

3. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like according to claim 1, in which the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface which is sufficiently resilient to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe without allowing the spikes to pass through the underneath surface, thereby isolating them from contact with the surface on which the covered shoes are worn.

4. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like according to claim 1, in which the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface which allows the spikes to partially penetrate the upper surface without allowing the spikes to pass through the underneath surface, thereby isolating them from contact with the surface on which the covered shoes are worn.

5. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the attachment means is provided in the form of a toe portion, for example a cap or strap, located at the front end of the sole portion for snug fitment over the toe area of the spiked shoe, and a rear heel support cup or other support strap located at or in the vicinity of the other or rear end of the sole portion for snug fitment about the rear of the spiked shoe, the toe portion and rear heel support cup or support strap co-operating to provide removable attachment of the cover or overshoe to the spiked shoe.

6. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like according to claim 5, in which the toe portion and/or rear support cup or strap are integral with the sole portion.

7. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like according to either claim 5 or claim 6, in which the toe and heel sections are not only integral with the sole portion but also with side portions extending between the toe and heel portions to form an enclosed, rather than open, overshoe.

8. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cover or overshoe is manufactured from any suitable rubber, plastics or other chemical compound, or combination of such materials, which material or materials provides sufficient strength, hardness and resilience for the sole, especially where the spikes are allowed to penetrate a portion of the sole, and sufficient elasticity to facilitate easy removal and re-attachment of the cover to the spiked sports shoe.

9. A protective cover or overshoe for a spiked sports shoe or the like according to claim 8, in which the underneath portion of the sole comprises a more rigid layer to resist penetration of the spikes and to provide a suitably hard wearing walking surface, whilst the upper layer, or at least an inner sole portion thereof, for example an insert, is made from a relatively softer material such as latex foam to accommodate the spikes.

10. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe, the cover or overshoe designed to prevent damage to the floor or other walking surfaces caused by wearing such an otherwise unprotected spiked shoe, the overshoe or cover being capable of removable fitment to the spiked shoe and comprising a sole portion to accommodate the spikes of the shoe and isolate them from the surface on which the wearer is standing or walking, and attachment means for removably securing the overshoe or cover to the spiked shoe.

11. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to claim 10, in which the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface contoured to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe without the spikes penetrating the sole portion.

12. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to claim 10, in which the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface which is sufficiently resilient to accommodate the spikes of the sports shoe without allowing the spikes to pass through the underneath surface, thereby isolating them from contact with the surface on which the covered shoes are worn.

13. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to claim 10, in which the cover or overshoe comprises a sole portion or portions having a substantially flat underneath surface and an upper surface which allows the spikes to partially penetrate the upper surface without allowing the spikes to pass through the underneath surface, thereby isolating them from contact with the surface on which the covered shoes are worn.

14. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the attachment means for the cover is provided in the form of a toe portion, for example a cap or strap, located at the front end of the sole portion of the cover for snug fitment over the toe area of the spiked shoe, and a rear heel support cup or other support strap located at or in the vicinity of the other or rear end of the sole portion of the cover for snug fitment about the rear of the spiked shoe, the toe portion and rear heel support cup or support strap co-operating to provide removable attachment of the cover or overshoe to the spiked shoe.

15. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to claim 14, in which the toe portion and/or rear support cup or strap of the cover are integral with the sole portion of the cover.

16. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to either claim 14 or claim 15, in which the toe and heel sections of the cover are not only integral with the sole portion of the cover but also with side portions extending between the toe and heel of the cover to form an enclosed, rather than open, overshoe.

17. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the attachment means for the cover is provided in the form of indentations in the perimeter of the shoe, especially about the sole thereof, which cooperate with suitable lug portions moulded into the cover to provide for

5 removable attachment of the cover to the shoe.

18. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the attachment means for the cover is provided in the form of slots located in the periphery of the cover so that lugs located about the periphery of the sole of the shoe may be accommodated therein to retain the cover on the

10 shoe.

19. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to either claim 17 or claim 18, in which the detachable cover is made from the same material as the sole of the shoe, the lugs themselves being formed of the same material as the cover or sole as the case may be, or made from a stiffer material which is moulded into the

15 cover or sole, as appropriate, at the time of manufacture.

20. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to any one of claims 10 to 13, in which the attachment means for attaching the cover to the shoe is provided by one or more suitable clipping mechanisms.

21. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe

20 according to any one of claims 10 to 20, in which the cover or overshoe is manufactured from any suitable rubber, plastics or other chemical compound, or combination of such materials, which material or materials provides sufficient strength, hardness and resilience for the sole, especially where the spikes are allowed to penetrate a portion of the sole, and sufficient elasticity to facilitate easy removal and re-attachment of the cover to the spiked sports shoe.

25 22. A spiked sports shoe or the like with a removable or detachable cover or overshoe according to claim 21, in which the underneath portion of the sole of the cover comprises a more rigid layer to resist penetration of the spikes and provides a suitably hard wearing walking surface, whilst the upper layer of the cover, or at least an inner sole portion thereof; for example an insert, is made from a relatively softer material such as latex foam to accommodate the spikes.