SEVERO CORNELIUS, Tatiane (Rua Antonio Fernandes da Cunha 245, -610 Santana do Livramento - RS, 97573, BR)
| CLAIMS 1. A cover for the frontal part of a sport shoe so as to improve ball control, characterized in that it comprises a bag or sleeve (1) which can be snugly fitted on the frontal part of the shoe by being elastic and of smaller size than the frontal part of the shoe, said bag or sleeve being made of elastic material and has certain features, such as adherence, roughness, etc., which significantly increase the friction between the ball and the shoe 2. Cover according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a plurality of holes (3) with the same positioning as the cleats (4) of the sport shoe. 3. Cover according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it is solely fastened by the pressure between shoe and cover, enabling placing and removing it manually virtually instantaneously. 4. Cover according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that it may be applied to sport shoes for different sports where there is contact between foot and ball, such as various types of football, soccer, rugby, etc. |
Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to cover for a sport shoe, in particular to a soccer shoe. The cover can be made of rubber, latex or similar materials in general.
Background and Advantages
A general problem for soccer players is insufficient control of the ball when playing and kicking the ball.
Often, there is not sufficient frictional interaction with the ball which makes it difficult for the player to control the direction in which a ball is kicked or to apply a spin to the ball, so as to curve the trajectory of the kicked ball. Further, the problem of insufficient ball control increases as the shoe gets worn.
In view of these problems, the object of the present invention is to increase, based on the kind of material used (adherence, roughness, etc.) , the friction between the front part of the relevant sport shoe and the game ball, with the following advantages, among others:
- The ball may be kicked with a much stronger spinning effect than regular sport shoes;
- The use of the cover increases 35 to 40% the turning or spinning effect of the ball when it is kicked, with the advantage for the cover user that the ball becomes harder to catch, for instance by the adversary's goalkeeper;
- When increasing the ball' s turn or spin, an increased effect or bend may be achieved in the ball's path;
- It increases control of the ball not only when receiving a pass but also when making a pass, and it may be more accurately directed; - It makes possible an enhanced abrasive effect throughout the foot's impact area: instep, toe, left side and right side;
- It enables players to play during the whole game with the cover on one or on both shoes or simply fitting the covers when making a specific kick in very few seconds and then taking it off fast, thus changing the shoe features without needing to change shoes. Further, they are disposable; - Different models may be made for the abrasion area, and according to the design the rubber achieves more or less effect on the ball;
- Since various colours may be used, these may match the rest of the player's clothes; and - Since the cover compresses the foot, internal foot bandages for preventing injuries may be avoided, since the cover itself will be protecting the foot.
A further main object is to make it possible to place the friction-enhancing cover fast within a few seconds or less, without requiring any special fastening means.
In accordance with the present invention, these and even further objects have been achieved in a surprisingly simple manner, by the features as defined in the appended claims .
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a perspective view from above of the cover or sleeve according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view from below of the same cover as in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is an example of the application of the cover on a shoe seen from above. Fig. 4 is an example of an application of the cover on the shoe as seen from underneath.
Description The device comprises a cover, sleeve or bag (1) made of elastic material which due to its features (adherence, roughness, etc.) presents a high friction ratio on its outer surface. Preferably, the size of cover 1 is smaller than the frontal part of the shoe on which it is placed, so as to enable a proper and snug setting or fixing. Moreover, on its under part 2 it can comprise a plurality of holes 3 in a combined position with the cleats 4 which football shoes or other similar shoes usually have on their under side . Said holes 3 assist in fixing the cover to the frontal part of the shoe, thereby preventing the cover from sliding or falling off the shoe. The holes 3 can have a somewhat larger diameter than the cleats 4, in order to allow for a certain tolerance when encircling the frontal shoe part. The membrane of which the cover 1 is made is normally of uniform thickness. The roughness of the surface can be further enhanced by texturing it, or by applying indented or embossed formations (for example nodules) on the surface.