WO2015117179A1

WO2015117179A1 - Footwear cover

Info

Publication number: WO2015117179A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000100
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard James HARLEY
Original assignee: Harley Richard James
Priority date: 2014-02-10
Filing date: 2014-02-10
Publication date: 2015-08-13

Abstract

A footwear cover and methods of covering footwear and making a footwear cover are disclosed. The footwear cover comprises a symmetrical one-piece body comprising an upper wrapping and an arch cover, the upper wrapping comprising a curved profile, the profile conforming to a footwear upper, the upper wrapping narrowing from a middle to the arch cover; and a kick pad comprised on the upper wrapping which covers the top of the footwear in a striking zone when the cover is applied to the footwear. The kick pad may comprise a gripping surface such as, a heat transfer grip, one or more of a rough material surface, a rubber or polymeric coating, a gel, a hard plastic mould, a fabric or a contoured surface for grip.

Description

TITLE

FOOTWEAR COVER FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[1] The present invention relates to a footwear cover. More particularly, the invention relates to a footwear cover for athletic footwear, which has a kicking pad for the top of the foot and conceals or partially conceals branding on the footwear.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[2] Footwear can be an expensive product, particularly specialised footwear such as, athletic footwear. The expensive nature of footwear creates brand pressure under which wearers feel that they must wear certain branded footwear in order to conform. The cost involved in keeping up with such brand pressure is often an unwanted burden or one that cannot be met.

[3] The cost involved, along with player sponsorship, can also make it difficult or impossible to have players wearing matching footwear. The same is true if a wearer has specialised needs from footwear as a result of a specialised role, biomechanics or injury.

[4] Covers are available for certain footwear types, in particular, cycling shoes. These covers tend to be used to counter particular weather conditions such as, rain or cold. While some ankle supports provide some cover for athletic footwear, they are necessarily tight fitting and restrict movement of the foot in order to provide the support.

[5] In football sports, shoelace protection can be an issue. Laces tend to: become loose thu becoming a tripping hazard; fray and tear after water-logging; come undone; and cause interruption to the kicking surface and process. To counteract this, some players use electrical tape, or similar, to protect and flatten their laces. There is a need for alternative footwear covers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

16] The present invention is broadly directed to a footwear cover and a method of making a footwear cover. In one embodiment, the footwear cover conceals or partially conceals branding on the footwear, flattens and protects laces and comprises a kick pad for the top of the foot. Preferred advantages that the footwear cover of the present invention may attain include that by covering branding, brand pressure is eliminated; and a team's footwear may be readily coordinated and branding conflicts resolved. When used in ball sports that use kicking, the invention may have the advantage of reduction or elimination of kicking errors caused by the laces, along with the prevention of other laces-related problems. [7] In one aspect, the present invention provides a footwear cover comprising a symmetrical one-piece body comprising an upper wrapping and an arch cover, the upper wrapping comprising a curved profile, the profile conforming to a footwear upper, the upper wrapping narrowing from a middle to the arc cover; and a kick pad comprised on the upper wrapping which covers the top of the footwear in a striking zone when the cover is applied to the footwear.

[8] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of covering footwear comprising applying the footwear cover of the first aspect to the footwear.

[9] In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of covering footwear comprising covering the footwear with a symmetrical one-piece body, the body comprising an upper wrapping and an arch cover, the upper wrapping comprising a curved profile, the profile conforming to a footwear upper, the upper wrapping narrowing from a middle to the arch cover; and a kick pad comprised on the uppe wrapping which covers the top of the foot in a striking zone when the cover is applied to the footwear; to thereby cover the footwear.

[10] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of making a footwear cover comprising forming a symmetrical one-piece body comprising an upper wrapping and an arch Cover, the upper wrapping comprising a curved profile, the profile conforming to a footwear upper, the upper wrapping narrowing from a middle to the arch cover; and

a kick pad comprised on the upper wrapping which covers the top of the foot in a striking zone when the cover i applied to the footwear.

[11] The method of the fourth aspect may further comprise a step of applying a gripping surface to the kick pad.

[12] In one embodiment of the fourth aspect, forming comprises cutting the body from a sheet of material.

113] In another embodiment of the fourth aspect, applying comprises heat transfer. The heat transfer may Comprise ironing.

[ 14] In one embodiment of any above aspect, the kick pad comprises a gripping surface.

[15] In one embodiment of any above aspect, the gripping surface comprises a heat transfer grip. The heat transfer grip may comprise a polyester. The heat transfer grip may comprise a plurality of gripping transfers.

[ 16] In another embodiment of any above aspect, the gripping surface comprises one or more of a rough material surface, a rubber or polymeric coating, a gel, a hard plastic mould, a fabric or a contoured surface for grip. [17] In one embodiment of any above aspect, the arch cover comprises a single piece of material.

[18] In another embodiment of any above aspect, the arch cover comprises an arch strap wing on either side of the upper wrapping.

[1 ] The arch cover may be continuous with or attached to one or both sides of the upper wrapping.

[20] In one embodiment of any above aspect, the arch cover comprises parallel or substantially parallel back and front edges alon at least part of its length.

[21 ] In another embodiment of any above aspect, the arch cover is connected at each side to the upper wrapping so that the body forms a closed loop that can be pulled over the footwear. The arch cover may be sewn to either side of the upper wrapping,

[22] In another embodiment of any above aspect, the arch strap wings are connected so that the body forms a closed loop that can be pulled over the footwear. The arch strap wings may be sewn together.

[23] In still another embodiment of any above aspect, the arch strap wings comprise tabs of equal width.

[24] In yet another embodiment of any above aspect, the arch strap wings comprise mirror images of one another.

[25] In another embodiment of any above aspect, arch strap wings compri e a colour that contrasts with a colour of the upper wrapping.

[26] In still another embodiment of any above aspect, when joined together, the arch strap wings form the arch cover.

[27] The arch cover may comprise a square back edge at a heel end and a curved front edge at a toe end. The curved front edge may straighten when the cover is stretched to fit over footwear. 128 ] In yet another embodiment of any above aspect, an upper wrappin ankle edge Comprises an M-shape or substantially an M-shape. The M-shape may comprise two peaks comprised on either side of the body which comprise one or more region/s of projection in order to fit around the sides of the footwear upper and a central valley comprising a region of recess in order to conform to a top of a wearer's foot below an ankle and sit on the footwear below the foot insert. The M-shape may also comprise an ankle edge recess on the outside of each peak.

[29] In another embodiment of any above aspect, an upper wrapping toe edge comprises a U- shape or substantially a U-shape. The U-shape may comprise a toe box projection and side recesses on either side thereof. [30] In a preferred embodiment of any above aspect, when fitted to the footwear, the upper wrapping covers or partially covers any footwear lacing and at least part of the footwear sides.

[31] In one embodiment of any above aspect, when fitted to the footwear, the upper wrapping does not cover the footwear toe box and heel.

1 21 In another preferred embodiment of any above aspect, the upper wrapping or at least the kick pad comprises a flat outer surface.

1 3 ] In another embodiment of any above aspect, when the cover is applied to the footwear, the kick pad covers or partially covers any laces comprised on the footwear.

[34] In yet another embodiment of any above aspect, the upper wrapping comprises a lace fastener to fasten to laces on the top of footwear. The lace fastener may comprise a hook component of a hook and loop fastener.

[35] In still another embodiment of any above aspect, the upper wTapping and/or arch strap wings comprise a laminate.

[36] The laminate may comprise one or more of a neoprene layer and a nylon layer.

[37] The neoprene may comprise styrene-butadiene rubber.

[38] The upper wrapping may comprise a laminate comprising a neoprene layer and one or more layer of nylon. The arch cover may comprise a laminate comprising a neoprene and one or more layer of nylon. The one or more layer/s of nylon may comprise a top layer of nylon and/or a bottom layer of nylon. In a preferable embodiment of any above aspect, the upper wrapping comprises a neoprene layer and a top layer of nylon and the arch cover comprises a neoprene layer and top layer of nylon and a bottom layer of nylon.

[39] In another embodiment of any above aspect, the cover stretches enough to be pulled over footwear and contracts enough to prevent movement during use.

[40] In yet another embodiment of any above aspect, the footwear cover further comprises a kick target indicator on the kick pad or upper wrapping. The kick target indicator may comprise printed matter and/or stitching.

[41] The kick target indicator may comprise a high visibility indicator. The high visibility indicator may comprise one or more bright colours.

[42] In another embodiment of any above aspect, the footwear cover further comprises one or more connectors for interconnection across a footwear outsole at or near an arch of a wearer's foot to secure the footwear cover to the footwear. The one or more connectors may be disposed on the arch strap wings and/or the upper wrapping. In a preferable embodiment of any above aspect, the one or more connectors are disposed on both arch strap wings so that, when connected, the cover forms a closed loop.

[43] Each of the one or more connectors may comprise a permanent and/or a temporary connector.

[44] In yet another embodiment of any above aspect, each of the one or more connectors comprise stitching which joins the two arch strap wings or joins the arch cover to the upper wrapping so that the cover forms a closed loop.

[45] The stitching may comprise secure stitching at wrapper adjoinin borders on the arch Cover. In embodiments in which the arch cover comprises arch strap wings, the secure stitching at both borders joins the wings.

[46] The stitching may comprise nylon.

[47] In still another embodiment of any above aspect, the one or more connectors comprise mateable connectors.

[48] The one or more connectors may comprise respective hook and loop fasteners disposed on the arch strap wings.

[49] In embodiments comprising one or more temporary connectors, the arch strap wings may comprise complementary shapes.

[50] In yet another embodiment of any above aspect, the cover further comprises one or more kick guides, each kick guide positioned at a striking zone for kicking a ball when the cover is applied to the footwear. The stiiking zone of the one or more kick guides may be for a torpedo punt, a chip kick, a kick to hook the ball, a kick to slice the ball, a kick to pass the ball, a check side kick or a snap kick.

[51 ] The one or more kick guides may comprise a left and/or right kick guide.

[52] Each of the one or more kick guides may comprise one or more of: a gripping surface; one or more kick guide target indicators; or one or more kick guide target indicator printed matter.

[53] In another embodiment of any above aspect, the cover comprises a hem. The hem may be comprised of nylon and/or spandex.

[54] In yet another embodiment of any above aspect, the kick pad comprises a lace fastener to secure the kick pad to footwear laces. The lace fastener may comprise a hook component of a hook and loop fastener.

[55] Where the terms "comprise", comprises", "comprising", "include", "includes", "included" or "including" are used in this specification, they are to be interpreted^' as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or group thereof.

[56] Further, any prior art reference or statement provided in the specification is not to be taken as an admission that such art constitutes, or is to be understood as constituting, part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[57] In order that, the present invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying illustrations, wherein like reference numerals refer to like features and wherein:

[58] Figure lA: shows one embodiment of a footwear cover cut out according to the invention.

[59] Figure IB; shows the wings of the cover shown in FIG. 1A joined to form the closed loop.

[60] FIG. 1C shows a cross-section of the upper wrapping of the footwear cover shown in FIG. 1 A.

[61 ] FIG. ID shows a cross-section of the arch cover of the footwear cover shown in FIG. 1A,

[62] Figures 2A-2F: show various views of a footwear cover according to the invention fitted to a football boot.

[63] Figure 3: shows the arch cover section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .

[64] Figure 4: shows the kick pad of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[65] Figure 5: shows a footwear cover according to an embodiment comprising kick guides for torpedo punts.

[66] Figure 6: shows a footwear cover according to an embodiment comprising kick guides for chipping, striking and passing when playing soccer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[67] The following description refers to specific embodiments of the present invention and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention to those specific embodiments.

[68] FIG. 1A shows one embodiment of a footwear cover 100 according to the invention. Cover 100 is shown in FIG. 1A in the form of a cut-out which allows visualisation of the symmetrical one-piece body 102 comprising an upper wrapping 104, kick pad 130 and arch strap wings 144.

[69] Body 102 comprises a curved profile 106 which conforms to the footwear upper. This curved profile 106 narrows from a middle 108 to an arch strap wing 144 on either side. [70] To protect its integrity, body 102 comprises a hemmed edge 103 throughout its full extent. Hemmed edge 103 is formed by stitching an overlay material over the edges of body 102. The overlay material comprises 70% nylon and 30 spandex. In other embodiments, hemmed edge 103 may be formed by other hemming methods such as, folding and sewing the folded edge or overcast stitching.

[71] The upper wrapping ankle edge 110 comprises an M-shape or substantially an M-shape. The M-shape comprises two peaks 1 12 separated by a central valley 1 14 and ankle edge recesses 1 15 on the outer side of peaks 112. The peaks 112 are disposed on either side of body 102 and comprise regions of projection in order to fit around the sides of the footwear upper. The central valley 114 comprises a region of recess in order to conform to a top of a wearer's foot and sit on the footwear below the foot insert.

[72] The upper wrapping toe edge 1 16 comprises a U- shape or substantially a U-shape, The U-shape comprises a toe box projection 1 J 8 and toe edge side recesses 120 on either side of projection 118. Toe box projection 1 8 projects towards the footwear toe box, without covering the toe box. Side recesses 120 are curved regions of recess so that upper wrapping 104 narrows to form arch trap wings 144.

[73] Side recesses 120 and ankle edge recesses 1 15 terminate at arch cover adjoining border 121 which is the section of upper wrapping 104 which joins to arch strap wings 144.

[74] The two arch strap wings 144 on either side of upper wrapping 104 are mirror images of one another. Each wing 144 comprises a back edge 150, a front edge 152, a wing joining edge 154 and a wrapping adjoining border 156. Back edge 150 is relatively longer than front edge 152 and at least a part of edges \ 50, 152 are parallel or substantiall parallel along at least part of their length when wings 144 are joined together and stretched to fit over footwear.

[75] Wrapping adjoining border 156 merely marks the join with upper wrapping 104 and may also indicate a correct fit of cover 100 on footwear when border 156 is fitted along the boundary between footw^fear outsole and upper. Although not shown in FTG. 1A, to readily communicate the correct fit to a wearer, wings 144 may comprise a contrasting colour to that of upper wrapping 104. A high visibility colour may be used for added contrast. For example, wings 144 may compri e a bright pink colour, while upper wrapping 104 may comprise black or wing 144 may comprise black and upper wrapping 104 may comprise bright pink.

[76] Arch strap wings J 44 comprise tabs in which wing joining edges 154 comprise equal widths so that they can be readily joined together or overlaid without any overlap. When arch strap wings 144 are joined together, as shown in FIG. IB, body 102 forms a closed loop 122 that can be pulled over the footwear..

[77] A can be seen in FIG. IB, the underside of kick pad 130 comprises a lace fastener 138 which fastens to any lacing on the top of the footwear when cover 100 i fitted. In the embodiment shown, lace fastener 138 comprises the hook component of a hook and loop fastener. In other embodiments, lace fastener 138 comprises other fasteners such as, an adhesive.

[78] FIG. IB shows a protecting cloth 139 that has had one corner pulled away so that it partially overlays lace fastener 138. Protecting cloth 139 is applied to cover 100 to prevent damage during shipping and storage and is removed before use.

[79] FIGS. 2A.-2F show different views of cover 100 in which arch strap wings 144 have been sewn together so that cover 100 fonns closed loop 122. The stitching 143 comprises secure stitching at both borders 156 with the stitching 143 joining the overlaid wings 144. In this embodiment, stitching 143 forms the one or more connectors 142 that secure wings 144 to one another. In other embodiments, other types of connector 142 may be used to join wings 144.

[80] The one or more connectors 142 may comprise a permanent connector and/or a temporary connector. Examples of permanent connectors include stitching, glue and/or staples. Examples of temporary connectors include hook and loop fasteners, buttons and button holes, snap fastener components, hook and eye components, clip components or zipper components.

[81 ] The one or more connectors 142 may comprise a mateable connector in which respective interconnecting components are disposed on respective interconnecting components, for example, wings 144. It is noted that the examples listed above of temporary connectors are also mateable connectors.

[82] From the teaching herein, the skilled person understands that the connectors 142 classified as permanent may be undone, but are selected so that cover 100 may be maintained as a closed loop 122 throughout many wear cycles of fitting and removal. On the other hand, the easily releasable nature of the connectors 142 classified a.s temporary means that they may be more readily undone, such that they are selected to be connected at the start of each wear cycle and then released when the wearer wishes to remove cover 100.

[83] To fit cover 100, a wearer securely fits the footwear 200 and then inserts his/her foot through the closed loop 122 and cover 100 is pulled on over the laces to cover part of footwear upper 202. In embodiments comprising one or more temporary or composite connectors 142, cover 100 is placed over the laces and the interconnecting elements are joined together, for example, wings 144 are pulled down to below outsole 206 and then connected together over outsole 206. [84] In embodiments comprising one or more temporary connectors 142, arch strap wings 144 may comprise complementary shapes which may be selected to assist in the joining of the one or more temporary connectors 142 and/or assist in the one or more temporary connectors 142 remaining interconnected. For example, wing 144 may comprise inter-fitting or overlaying finger-like projections.

[85] Irrespective of connector type, once connected, arch strap wings 144 form arch cover 140 which, as shown in the bottom view of FIG. 2B, covers part of footwear outsole 206 and extends across all or part of the arch of the foot. When, as in the case shown in FIG. 2B, footwear 200 is a boot that has studs or cleats, arch cover 140 extends between the studs or cleats at the heel and the stud or cleat at the front of footwear 200. The curved profile 106 comprised by side recesses 120 narrowing from upper wrapping 104 to arch strap wings 144 allows arch cover 140 to fit in this region where no studs or cleats are located.

[86] FIG. 2B also allows the visualisation of edges I 50 and 152 being parallel or substantially parallel when arch cover 140 is stretched to cover footwear 200.

[87] FIG. 4 shows the profile of arch cover 140 before being fitted to footwear and can be compared with the profile shown in the bottom view of FIG. 2B which shows cover 100 fitted to footwear 200. Before being fitted, arch cover 140 comprises a square back edge 146 at the heel end and a curved arch cover front edge 148 at the toe end. The curved front edge 148 assists in maintaining the U-shape of toe-edge 116 and consequently in maintaining the covering of the footwear upper sides. When fitted, edges 146 and 148 are parallel along some of their length.

[88] In another embodiment, arch cover 140 comprises a single piece of material. In this embodiment, arch cover sides 149 are connected, using one or more connectors 142, to upper wrapping 104 at one or both arch cover adjoining borders 121. When cover 140 is formed as a separate piece of material to upper wrapping 104, connection will be at both borders. When cover 140 is formed integrally with upper wrapping 104, connection will only be required at the one arch cover adjoining border 121 at which cover 140 is not attached to or integral with.

[89] As shown in the top, outside, front and inside views of FIGS. 2A, 2C, 2D and 2F, respectively, when cover 100 is fitted to footwear 200, upper wrapping 104 covers part of the footwear upper 202. The parts of footwear 200 covered comprises the footwear laces 204 (not shown) and consequently, most of tongue 210 and part of the footwear sides 214. Upper wrapping 104 does not cover the footwear toe box 208, as is illustrated in the top,_, front and side views of FIGS. 2A, C, D and F, or heel 212, as shown in the rear view of FIG. 2E.

[90] The fit of cover 100 and contour of ankle edge 110 and toe edge 116 can be readily visualised in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 2D and 2F. The regions of projection which fit around footwear sides 214 comprised by peaks 1 12 and the region of recess provided by valley 114 which conforms to the top of a wearer's foot below the ankle, allows cover 100 to sit on footwear 200 below foot insert 216.

[91 ] Kick pad 130 is disposed on upper wrapping 104 and is positioned so that when cover 100 is applied to the footwear it covers a striking zone of the top of the footwear. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2C, 2D and 2F, this positioning is in a location over or partially over laces 204 (not shown).

[92] A striking zone is an area of footwear used to strike balls in many ball sports. For example, a striking zone is an area of the footwear used to kick the ball in Australian Rules Football, Rugby League Football, Rugby Union Football and Association Football (Soccer). The striking zone covered by kick pad 130 is, for example, that which is used to strike the ball to execute a drop punt in Australian Rules Football.

[93] FIG. 4 shows kick pad 130 in isolation and shows that, advantageously, kick pad 130 comprises a flat outer surface 136 devoid of any marked projections. Without cover 100 applied, the lace are just such a marked projection which can lead to a kicking error due to uneven Contact being made with the ball. The flat outer surface 136 provided by the kick pad 130 is far superior to the conventional method of taping footwear which, if not performed correctly, still results in marked projections. Additionally, cover 100 may be more readily fitted and removed than tape and does not result in the waste, mess and harm to the environment that comes with disposing of tape.

[94] In the embodiment shown, kick pad 130 comprises a gripping surface 132 that provides additional grip on the ball than that provided by the rest of cover 100. Gripping surface 132 comprises a heat transfer grip 134 comprising polyester, which i applied by heat transfer.

[95] Heat transfer grip 134 comprises a plurality of gripping transfers 135, which in the embodiment shown, comprises raised dots in an ordered array. In other embodiments, gripping transfers 135 may have other shapes such as, polygonal and may be applied in a different shape such as, a circle, an oval or a star.

[96] In other embodiments, other types of gripping surface are used such as, a rough material surface, a rubber or polymeric coating, a gel, a hard plastic mould, a fabric or a contoured surface for grip. A contoured surface for grip is a surface that increases grip when contact is made with a ball, but in which the contours are not so large as to influence ball direction. One example of a contoured surface for grip is a ribbed surface. [97] Kick pad 130 shown in FIG. 4 ha four sides. In other embodiments, kick pad 130 has another number or sides, for example, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 2, 13, 14 or 15. Kick pad 130 may comprise any shape such as, a polygon, circle, oval or star.

[98] Upper wrapping 104 may also comprise a kick target indicator 126. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, kick target indicator 126 comprises kick target indicator printed matter 128 that can be viewed by a wearer to highlight the location of kick pad 130. Although not shown in the black and white figures, to increase visibility, printed matter 128 may comprises a bright pink indicia. As a result, a wearer can readily identify the centre or sweet spot of kick pad 130, where printed matter 128 is comprised on both sides of kick pad 130.

[99] The embodiment of FIG. 2 shows indicator 126 to comprise kick target indicator stitching 129 comprising lines of stitching which indicate the border of the striking zone and kick pad 130.

[ 100] In other embodiments, indicator 126 comprises other indicia such as, additional material or a seam. Additionally, other high-visibility colours or safety-colours may be used for indicator 126, printed matter 128 and/or stitching 129. The colour or colour of indicator 126, printed matter 128 and/or stitching 129 may also be selected to coordinate with team or brand colours.

[101 ] Although the embodiments shown in the Figures shows indicator 126 to be comprised on wrapping 104, in other embodiments, indicator 126 is disposed on kick pad 130.

[102] The invention also provides a method of making footwear cover 100. In one embodiment of the method, the symmetrical one-piece body 102 is formed; kick pad 130 is disposed on the upper wrapping; and gripping surface 132 is applied to the kick pad.

[ 103] Cover 100 shown in the Figures was formed by cutting body 102 from a sheet of neoprene material. In other embodiments, other methods of forming body 1 2 are employed such as extrusion or additive manufacturing.

1104] The neoprene comprising body 102 is a light-weight, highly elastic, 2mm thick, durable neoprene. In other embodiments, other materials may be used such as, non-woven textiles including spandex, polytetrafluoroethylene or blends thereof.

[105] FIG. 1C is a cross-section of upper wrapping 104 and FIG, I D is a cross-section of arch cover 140. These cross-sections show the materials used in the construction of cover 100. While both upper wrapping 104 and arch cover 140 comprises a neoprene layer 105, 145, respectively, upper wrapping 104 also comprises a top layer 107 comprising nylon and arch cover 140 also comprises a top layer 147 comprising nylon and a bottom layer 151 also comprising nylon. The nylon layers 107, 147, 151 help prevent the neoprene layers 105, from damage during use. As described below, the nylon layers 107, J 47 and 151 may be coloured as desired. Body 102 may comprise different sizes for different sized footwear. One size of body 102 -may be suitable for use with a range of footwear sizes. For example, a body 102 comprising a length from wing 144 to wing 144 of 210 mm, wing back edge 150 length of 25 mm; a wing front edge length of 10 mm; and a wing joining edge length of 28 mm will fit a US shoe size of 3-5. Respective dimensions of 223 mm, 26.5 mm; 10.5 mm; 40 mm wall fit a US shoe size of 6-9 and 235 mm, 28.5 mm; 11mm; and 42 mm will fit a US shoe size of 10-12.

[106] Cover 100 is of a suitable size and comprised of suitable material so that it stretches enough to be pulled over footwear and contracts enough to prevent movement during use

[107] FIGS. 5 and 6 show embodiments of cover 100 comprising kick guides 1 0. Kick guides 160 also indicate striking zones; however, because they do not cover laces, there is no requirement for covering and smoothing out marked projections. Kick guides 160 are then for indicating striking zones located in areas other than the lace area of footwear.

[108] In FIG. 5, kick guides 160a and 160b are positioned so that in use they will be located over the top of the foot, on one side of the laces to indicate the part of the footwear that should be used to kick a torpedo punt. The torpedo punt is also known as a screw punt or spiral punt. Kick guide 160a indicates the striking zone for a torpedo punt when cover 100 is fitted to a right foot and kick guide 160b indicates the striking zone for a torpedo punt when cover 100 is fitted to a left foot.

[109] In other embodiments, cover 100 comprises kick guide 160 for only a left foot or a right foot, that is, one of 160a or 160b.

[ 1 10] In FIG. 6, kick guide \ 60c is positioned so that it in use it will be located over the top of the foot, below the laces, to indicate the part of the footwear that should be used to chip the ball when playing soccer.

f i l l] Kick guides 160d and 160e are positioned so that, in use, they are located over part, of the top and part of the side of the foot, in front of and to the side of the laces, to indicate the part of the footwear that should be used to slice and hook the ball when striking the ball while playing soccer. Kick guides 160d and 160e are then used to indicate the pat of the footwear used to curl the ball.

[ 112] Kick guides 160f and 160g are positioned so that, in use, they are located over part of the side of the foot to indicate the part of the foot that should be used to pass the ball while playing soccer. Kick guide 160g is positioned so that, in use, it would be located over the inside of a right foot and kick guide 16 f is positioned so that, in use, it would be located over the inside of a left foot. It may be preferable to provide a cover 100 for a left foot with only 160f in position and a cover 100 for a right foot with only 160g in position.

[1 13] Other kick guides 160 may be used to indicate striking zones for other types of kicks such as, a checkside punt or a snap kick.

[1 14] Each kick guide 160 may comprise one or more of a kick guide target indicator 164 (not shown), a kick guide target indicator printed matter 166 (not shown) or a kick guide target indicator stitching 168 (not shown). Indicator 164, printed matter 166 and stitching 168 may Comprise similar features as described above with respect to indicator 126, printed matter 128 and stitching 129. That is, high visibility or safety colours may be used as may colours to coordinate with a team.

[115] Each kick guide 160 may comprise a gripping surface 162, similar to gripping surface 132.

[ 116] Advantageously, the present invention keeps footwear laces secure and out of harm's way during sport. Thi reduces or eliminates the likelihood of the laces coming undone and also reduces or eliminates kicking error caused by the uneven surface generated by the presence of the laces. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the regular surface and grip provided by kick pad 130 adds distance to a kick. This is achieved by the improved contact made with the ball by gripping surface 132 and by kick pad 130 ensuring truer contact is made ith the ball. Furthermore, the added grip on kick pad 130 means that a wearer has greater kicking control and can impart additional spin to a kicked ball.

[117] A further significant advantage is provided by cover 100 in that it helps secure the footwear to a wearer's foot. This can eliminate or reduce the likelihood of the wearer being unable to participate in the game due to detached footwear, as well as eliminating or reducing kicking errors due to the footwear slipping on the wearer^'s foot. The present invention replaces the need to tape laces, while also providing the advantages outlined above.

[118] Other advantages of the present invention include that cover 100 may be easily removed at the completion of or during games. Additionally, when an appropriate material is used, cover 100 can provide a protective waterproof layer over the top of the laces to help keep the foot warm and dry in cold and wet conditions.

[119] Yet another advantage of cover 100 is that it may be washable and reusable.

[ 120] As noted above, cover 100 can also be used to conceal branding on footwear and thereby overcome brand pressure and thereby may be an attractive option for school-age wearers or those institutions providing sporting activities for school-age wearers. [121 ] Another advantage of cover 100 is that it provide a cost-effective solution to coordinating the footwear of multiple wearers. This is of considerable need when there are sponsorship clashes between, for example, a wearer's sponsor or footwear needs and a team or competition sponsor. A further area of application in this regard is when it is desired to coordinate the footwear of multiple wearers for presentation purposes. This overcomes the burden of the wearers obtainin or bein provided with matching footwear. In this manner, the footwear may be coordinated by displaying numbers or positions.

[122] The colour of cover 100 may be selected to allow a user to show his/her style and flair and be fashionable. Additionally, cover 100 can be used to change the colour and look of old, tired footwear.

[123] Advantageously, cover 100 may be printed or otherwise coated. Again, this is of considerable need in the situations outlined in the preceding paragraph and in situations where a particular wearer or wearers, for example, winners and place-getters or qualifying competitors, are to be fitted with branded or brand-obscuring covers 100. The printing or covering may be used for a wearer to show his/her support for a particular team or athlete by displaying that team' or player's colours, number, name or nickname.

Claims

1. A footwear cover comprising:

a symmetrical one-piece body comprising an upper wrapping and an arch cover, the upper wrapping comprising a curved profile, the profile conforming to a footwear, upper, the upper wrapping narrowing from a middle to the arch cover; and

a kick pad comprised on the upper wrapping which covers the top of the footwear in a striking zone when the cover i applied to the footwear.

2. The cover of claim 1 wherein the kick pad comprises a gripping surface.

3. The cover of claim 2 wherein the gripping surface comprises a heat transfer grip, one or more of a rough material surface, a rubber or polymeric coating, a gel, a hard plastic mould, a fabric or a contoured surface for grip.

4. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the arch cover is connected at each side to the upper wrapping so that the body forms a closed loop that can be pulled over the footwear.

5. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein an upper wrapping ankle edge comprises an M-shape or substantially an M-shape.

6. The cover of any one of claims I to 5 wherein an upper wrapping toe edge comprises a . U- shape or substantially a U-shape.

7. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein when fitted to the footwear, the upper wrapping covers or partially covers any footwear lacing and at least part of the footwear sides.

8. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the upper wrapping or at least the kick pad comprises a flat outer surface.

9. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein when the cover is applied to footwear, the kick pad covers or partially covers any laces comprised on the footwear.

10. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the footwear cover further comprises a kick target indicator on the kick pad or upper wrapping.

11. The cover of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the cover further comprises one or more kick guides, each kick guide positioned at a striking zone for kicking a ball when the cover is applied to the footwear.

12. The cover of claim 11 wherein the one or more kick guide/s comprises a left and/or right kick guide.

13. A method of covering footwear comprising:

covering the footwear with a symmetrical one-piece body, the body comprising: an upper wrapping and an arch cover, the upper wrapping comprising a curved profile, the profile conforming to a footwear upper, the upper wrapping narrowing from a middle to the arch cover; and a kick pad comprised on the upper wrapping which covers the top of the foot in a striking zone when the cover is applied to the footwear;

to thereby cover the footwear.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the kick pad comprises a gripping surface.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the gripping surface comprises a heat transfer grip, one or more of a rough material surface/s, a rubber or polymeric coating, a gel, a hard plastic mould, a fabric or a contoured surface for grip.

16. A method of making a footwear cover comprising:

forming a symmetrical one-piece body comprising an upper wrapping and an arch cover, the upper wrapping comprising:

a curved profile, the profile conforming to a footwear upper, the upper wrapping narrowing from a middle to the arch cover; and a kick pad comprised on the upper wrapping which covers the top of the foot in a shiking zone when the cover is applied to the footwear.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising applying a gripping surface to the kick pad.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the gripping surface comprises a heat transfer grip, one or more of a rough material surface, a rubber or polymeric coating, a gel, a hard plastic mould, a fabric or a contoured surface for grip.

19. The method of any one of claim 16 to claim 18 wherein forming comprises cu tting the body from a sheet of material .

20. The method of claim 16 further comprising connecting the upper wrapping and arch cover to form a closed loop.