BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention

This invention relates to footwear and more particularly relates to an apparatus for securing cleats to feet of players during soccer, football and field activities.

Description of the Related Art

In athletic activities on a field such as soccer and football it is often necessary to secure cleats to a player's feet using more than the laces integrated into the footwear themselves. In field activities such as soccer, football, field hockey and the like, cleats are prone to misfit—particularly with respect to children's feet as children are constantly outgrowing shoes which originally fit the foot of the child at some earlier point, or which were purchased larger than ideal to accommodate anticipated child growth.

Injuries also frequently occur to the ankles and feet of players and athletes on the field. Injuries during soccer, football and field hockey commonly occur to the ankles and metatarsus bones. These sprains and fractures usually result in rest time away from the field causing loses in revenue invested in children's sports, loses to motivation and training, entertainment and lifestyle losses to children and their families, and productivity.

The flexible tongues, shoe laces, throat lines, and vamps of typical soccer, football and field hockey shoes—as well as the oversized throats themselves—do not secure the shoes and cleats effectively to children's feet during hard kicking activities. Traditional cleats in the art are inadequate to withstand the athletic activities to which they are subjected when even slightly misfit footwear is on the feet of a wearer.

Furthermore, there also exists a need in the art for a device which covers shoelaces and prevents them from coming untied during athletic field activities. Shoe laces commonly come in contact with, or are impacted by, other player's cleats, shoes, and balls during play. This contact causes shoe laces to come untied during field play, creating enormous difficulty for players.

Still further, there exists a need in the art to protect a player's cleats from crumb rubber (or tire crumb). It is a further object of the present invention to cure this need in the art.

Previous attempts to secure cleats to an athlete's feet have been ineffective, adding size, bulk and weight unnecessarily to the footwear. Such added weight and bulk are undesirable and impede movement. There exists a need in the art for a device that accurately secures cleats to a wearer's feet, which is lightweight, cost-effective and easily attached and detached.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an adjustable, lightweight, detachable securement apparatus for cleats for use primarily in soccer, football and other field sports. Beneficially, such an apparatus would overcome many of the difficulties and safety concerns expressed, by providing a cost-effective, literally effective, means of securing cleats.

The present invention has been developed in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available apparati and methods. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an adjustable, detachable, cleat securement device comprising: a first flexible, planar body panel defining a generally elongated Y-shaped exterior surface, the first flexible, planar body panel for circumscribing an exterior surface of a shoe of the wearer; a second flexible, planar body panel defined by a generally elongated Y-shaped exterior surface, the second flexible, planar body panel affixed to the first flexible planar body panel for circumscribing a surface of the shoe of the wearer; a planar base member affixed to the first flexible, planar body panel and the second flexible planar body panel defining a plurality of apertures for receiving cleats on a sole of the shoe; wherein the first flexible, planar body panel and the second flexible planar body panel and the base member define a heel opening through which the heel of user protrudes; a first protuberance cantilevering forward from the first flexible, planar body panel, the first protuberance comprises a rounded forward edge; a second protuberance cantilevering forward from the second flexible, planar body panel, the second protuberance comprising a flat forward edge; and fastening means affixed to the second flexible, planar body panel for affixed said second flexible, planar body panel to said first flexible, planar body panel.]

The fastening means may comprise a pad of hooks and a pad of loops.

The edges of the device defining the heel opening may be stitched.

The plurality of apertures may be four or more in some embodiments.

A second adjustable, detachable, cleat securement device is provided comprising: a first sidewall comprises a rearwardly-jutting component and an inferiorly-jutting component, wherein the rearwardly-jutting component affixes to a second sidewall and the inferiorly jutting component affixes to a planar bottom surface; a second sidewall comprises a rearwardly-jutting component which affixes to the planar bottom surface; a planar base member defining a plurality of apertures for receiving cleats on a sole of the shoe; wherein a heel opening is defined between the bottom surface and the rearwardly-jutting component through which the heel of user protrudes; a first protuberance cantilevering forward from the first sidewall, the first protuberance comprises a rounded forward edge; a second protuberance cantilevering forward from the second sidewall, the second protuberance comprising a flat forward edge positioning more distally from the second sidewall than the first protuberance positions from the first sidewall; and fastening means affixed to the second flexible, planar body panel for affixed said second flexible, planar body panel to said first flexible, planar body panel.

A third adjustable, detachable, cleat securement device is provided comprising: a first sidewall comprising a rearwardly-jutting component and an inferiorly-jutting component, wherein the rearwardly-jutting component affixes to a second sidewall and the inferiorly jutting component affixes to a planar bottom surface; a second sidewall comprises a rearwardly-jutting component which affixes to the planar bottom surface; a planar base member defining a plurality of apertures for receiving cleats on a sole of the shoe; wherein a heel opening is defined between the bottom surface and the rearwardly-jutting component through which the heel of user protrudes; a first protuberance cantilevering forward from the first sidewall, the first protuberance comprises a rounded forward edge; a second protuberance cantilevering forward from the second sidewall, the second protuberance comprising a flat forward edge positioning more distally from the second sidewall than the first protuberance positions from the first sidewall; and a convex polymeric disk affixed to the second protuberance comprising a hook pad adapted to affix to a loop pad on first sidewall, wherein the loop pad is larger in area than the hook pad such that the hook pad may be selectively mated with the loop pad to adjust a size of the apparatus.

The convex polymeric disk may exceed three square inches in diameter.

A method of protecting cleats from crumb rubber and dirt and affixing cleats more securely to a wearer's foot is also provided, the steps of the method comprising: wrapping an inner surface of a shoe with a first flexible, planar body panel defining a generally elongated Y-shaped exterior surface; affixing a second flexible, planar body panel to the first flexible planar body panel, the second flexible planar body panel defined by a generally elongated Y-shaped exterior surface, wrapping an outer surface of the shoe with the second flexible; affixing a planar base member to an inferiorly jutting component of the first flexible, planar body panel and the second flexible planar body panel, the planar base member defining a plurality of apertures for receiving cleats on a sole of the shoe; wherein the first flexible, planar body panel and the second flexible planar body panel and the base member define a heel opening through which the heel of user protrudes; affixing a first protuberance cantilevering forward of the first flexible, planar body panel to the first flexible, planar body panel, the first protuberance comprising a rounded forward edge; affixing a second protuberance cantilevering forward of the second flexible to the second flexible, planar body panel, planar body panel, the second protuberance comprising a flat forward edge; and fastening the second flexible, planar body panel to said first flexible, planar body panel such that said first flexible planar body panel and said second flexible planar body panel circumscribe the shoe and the ankle of a wearer and partially envelope a vamp of the shoe.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable, reinforced, detachable cleat support device panel and method of cleat securement to a shoe which also provide lateral and medial support to an ankle. The adjustable cleat securement device comprises, in some embodiments, a resilient body panel having a generally elongated U-shape that encapsulates the heel of the shoe and allows cleats to pass through apertures on a base member. The resilient body panel defines an open end. The detachable body panel adheres to the shoe through the use of a fastening mechanism such as Velcro. Stitching may provide enhanced stability.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an environmental, forward side perspective view of two adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparati in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an environmental, forward side perspective view of an adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrated the steps of a method of protecting cleats from crumb rubber and more securely affixing cleats to a wearer's feet in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an environmental, forward side perspective view of two adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparati (or device) 100 in accordance with the present invention.

The cleat securement device 100 may be formed of rigid fabric such nylon and neoprene that allows much or limited mobility of the foot and which conforms to the exterior surfacing of an ankle and upper foot. Other polymeric/elastomeric materials may be used, including woven and/or stitched materials. The device 100 comprises a sheath-like sock which affixed over a shoe 106.

Cleats 112a-b project inferiorly from the sole 108 of the shoe 106 as shown. The device 100 detachably affixes to the shoe 106 as shown, contouring the exterior surface of the shoe 102 around the ankle portion of the shoe and wearer 112. The device 102 comprises a flexible, arcuate wrap 120 which is U-shaped from a forward perspective and Y-shaped from a side perspective.

The device 100 defines a plurality of apertures 110a-d on the bottom surface 122 of the device 100 through which cleats 112 protrude inferiorly when the device 100 is detachably affixed over the shoe 106. The sole 108 of the shoe 106 seats on the bottom surface 122 (or base member 122).

The apertures 110 may be circumscribed by stitching. The apertures 110 may be formed by punching or stamping the surrounding material. The apertures may be dipped in, or coated in, protective polymeric material 522—which may be dapped around the perimeter of the apertures.

The shoe laces are indicated at 102. The vamp is indicated at 104.

The device 100 comprises an outer surface 130 and an inner surface 126. In various embodiments, the outer surface 130 and inner surface 126 are formed by a single integrated planar piece. A heel opening forms posteriorly on the device 100 through which a heel of the shoe 106 protrudes.

In addition to securing the cleats 112, the present invention supports ankles under stress, as in soccer, rugby, football, or other field activities. In many instances, the resilient nature of the device is of insufficient rigidity to ensure sufficient stability to the ankle for orthopaedic applications.

A still further object of the present invention is to protect cleats of players from becoming sullied with crumb rubber (or tire crumb) which will adhere to the present invention 100 instead of becoming embedded with the cleats themselves in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an environmental, forward side perspective view of an adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparatus 200 in accordance with the present invention.

The device 200 is arcuate from a forward perspective and defines a heel opening 132 as shown. The device 200 is generally Y-shaped as shown from a side perspective, however the inner and outer sides 126, 130 (or surfaces 126, 130) may be W-shaped roughly when the panel forming them is laid flat. The edges of the device 200 circumscribing the heel opening 132 may be stitched as shown.

In various embodiments, the device 200 comprises a first Y-shaped side 126 which envelopes an inner surface of the shoe joined to a second Y-shaped side 130 which envelops an outer surface of the shoe, with a heel opening 132 forming as shown through which the heel of the shoe protrudes.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparatus 300 in accordance with the present invention.

The outer side 130 of the device 300 comprises a cantilevering first protuberance 302 (or terminal end) which juts forwardly of the bottom surface 122 of the device 300. This protuberance 302 may comprise a Velcro pad 310, or hook fastener pad as known to those of skill in the art, which mates with a corresponding pad 308 on an opposing second protuberance 304 and/or fastening means 306 (commonly called Velcro which makes use of a pad of small rigid hooks engaged by a corresponding pad of small loops). The pad 310 may circumscribe entirely, or circumscribe only a portion of the exterior surface of the apparatus 300, such that the apparatus 300 is adjustable to fit a variety of foot and ankle sizes.

The pad 308 may engage any portion of the pad 310, which allows the apparatus 300 to be adjustable for different shoe and ankle sizes and diameters.

The first protuberance 302 is bulbous in shape. The first protuberance 302 comprises a rounded forward surface 312 while the second protuberance 304 comprises a flat forward surface 314 as shown.

The inner side 126 of the device 300 comprises also a cantilevering second protuberance 304 (or terminal end) which juts forward of the bottom surface 122 of the device 300, but which juts forward a further distance than the first protuberance 302. The second protuberance 304 comprises fastening means 306 for fastening the first protuberance 302 to the second protuberance 304. The fastening means 306 may be stitched as shown to the second protuberance 304. The second protuberance 304 juts forward of more distally (or further from the center of the apparatus 300) than does the first protuberance 302.

The fastening means 306 may comprise Velcro, buttons, buckles, hooks or other means known to those of skill in the art. The fastening means 306 comprises a pad of hook fasteners 308 (a “hook pad”). The first protuberance 302 comprises a pad of loops 310 for engaging the pad of hooks 308 (a “loop pad”).

The fastening means 306 may comprise a polymeric disc, semicircle, or projection which affixes over the top of a shoe for protecting the forward surface of a wearer's foot and which has a pad 308 affixed to the back thereof. The polymeric disc is of sufficient area to cover the shoelaces on the shoe. In some embodiments, the area of the of an exterior surface of the polymeric disc may exceed three square inches. In other embodiments, this threshold is four square inches. The polymeric disc may be convex.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of an adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparatus 400 in accordance with the present invention.

Typically, the prevention of injury to feet and ankles, as well as the treatment of injured wrists and ankles, requires the provision of pressure and support to the area around the injured ankle. There are many known devices that for this purpose, but none which are integrated into an apparatus 400 as shown.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus 400 is formed from rigid or semi-rigid polymeric materials rather than flexible materials such that apparatus 400 forms a housing which cups or receives the shoe.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of an adjustable, lightweight, detachable cleat securement apparatus 500 in accordance with the present invention.

In various embodiments, the apparatus 500 comprises a first side 504 having a first protuberance 302, wherein the first side 504 comprises an inferiorly jutting lower component 506 and rearwardly jutting component 508.

The inferiorly jutting component 506 affixed to the bottom surface 122. The rearwardly jutting component 508 circumscribes the heel and or rearward portion of the shoe 106 and affixes to the second side 502.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrated the steps of a method 600 of protecting cleats from crumb rubber and more securely affixing cleats to a wearer's feet in accordance with the present invention.

The method 600 begins at 602 when the shoe of a wearer is wrapped with a first flexible planar body having a generally elongated Y-shaped exterior surface. The method 600 proceeds at 604 when a second flexible, planar body panel is affixed 604 to the first flexible planar body panel, the second flexible planar body panel adapted to circumscribe a surface of the shoe of the wearer.

The method 600 may proceed by wrapping an outer surface of the shoe with the second flexible. The method 600 proceeds, in some embodiments, at 606 by affixing 606 a planar base member to an inferiorly jutting component of the first flexible, planar body panel and also affixing the planar base member to the second flexible planar body panel (in some embodiments, a second inferiorly jutting component of the second flexible planar body panel). The planar base member defines a plurality of apertures adapted to receiving cleats on a sole of the shoe. In some embodiments, the apertures are formed 612 at regularly-spaced intervals. The apertures may narrower in diameter than the diameter of the cleats with the apertures are receiving to ensure the apertures (which may stretch) for a tight friction fit around each cleat. The first flexible, planar body panel and the second flexible planar body panel and the base member define a heel opening 132 through which the shoe and heel of user protrudes when the first flexible planar body panel and the second flexible planar body panel have been detachably affixed to one another using fastening means known to those of skill in the art, such as Velcro (meaning loop-hock fasteners), buckles, snaps, or other means known to those of skill in the art.

The method 600 proceeds at 608 by affixing a first protuberance cantilevering forward of the first flexible, planar body panel to the first flexible, planar body panel, the first protuberance comprising a rounded forward edge.

The method 600 proceeds with affixing 610 a second protuberance cantilevering forward of the second flexible to the second flexible, planar body panel, planar body panel, the second protuberance comprising a flat forward edge.

The method 600 proceeds at 614 by fastening the second flexible, planar body panel to said first flexible, planar body panel such that said first flexible planar body panel and said second flexible planar body panel circumscribe the shoe and the ankle of a wearer and partially envelope a vamp of the shoe.

The present invention may comprise or consist of any of the above-described components.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.