The present invention relates to shoes, more particularly sports shoes. In particular, the present invention relates to sports shoes for use in sports requiring a user to kick a ball.

Any sport requiring a user or participant to kick a ball requires training and repeated practice to correctly kick the object. With regard to soccer, Thomas Riley in "Science and Soccer," [1], there are several areas of soccer performance to consider. These include the mechanics of kicking, injury prevention, rehabilitation, nutrition, psychological wellbeing and, amongst many others, the collation and processing of performance data.

In order to improve the results of kicking a ball to obtain, for example, more power or greater accuracy it is imperative to improve the mechanics of the kick. The present invention advantageously addresses one or more of the problems associated with the prior art.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shoe comprising a sole and an upper having an inner and outer surface, the inner surface of the upper and the sole forming an open cavity therebetween for receiving a foot, and at least one means for detecting pressure located on the upper and at least one indicator means operatively connected to the means for detecting pressure via a processor such that the detection of pressure on the upper results in the indicator means generating a detectable signal. In order to assist the improvement of technique, a kick of a ball needs to be considered. A kick of the ball is the amalgamation of several occurrences. These are the biomechanics of the kicking motion, the angle of attack, approach speed, the placement of the non-kicking foot, the stride frequency and length, the knee extension, the pelvis rotation, age, maturity, muscular strength, fatigue, ground reaction, limb preference, air resistance, the quality of the ball being used and the

The Applicants therefore considered the foot-to-ball contact to assist a user to produce more accurate kicks.

As noted in the by Eleftherios Kellis and Athanasios Katis in "Biomechanical Characteristics and determinants of Instep Soccer Kick," when the player is instructed to perform an accurate kick, 'there is a reduction in ball speed, linear and angular joint velocities impaired with a powerful kick.' This decline is due to the decreases in 'range of motion of the pelvis, hip and knee joints.' With most of the other decisive factors attenuated when the demand for accuracy is high, the success of the kick is thus determined mostly by the quality of the foot-to-ball contact. 'In other words, when the player is instructed to perform an accurate kick, then the approach as well as the joint rotations and velocities are also lower impaired those recorded during a powerful kick.

In order that a kick be more powerful, accurate or the shape of the flight of the ball be varied requires different parts of a foot to strike the bail together with variations in standing foot placement, arc of kicking limb and amount of effort exerted, amongst other things. in one embodiment, the shoe comprises a plurality of means for detecting pressure, each associated with at least one indicator means.

Preferably, the indicator means emits an audible and/or visual signal. More preferably, the indicator means is visual More preferably still, the indicator means comprises an LED, More preferably still, the indicator means comprises a surface mounted LED. Even more preferably still, the indicator means comprises a S D LED.

The indicator means may comprise a sonic emitter for emitting a sound. In one embodiment, the shoe comprises a plurality of discrete means for detecting pressure each associated with a indicator means such that the detection of pressure on one discrete means for detecting pressure results in a detectable signal being emitted from the indicator means associated with that means for detecting pressure.

The means for detecting pressure may be a pressure sensor such as Uneo GD25- 00N Pressure sensitive resistors or similarly Flexiforce force sensors.

The indicator means may comprise an LED which emits light when pressure is detected. The indicator means may further comprise a sonic emitter which emits sound when pressure is detected. In such an embodiment, a user is provided with instant feedback as to which area of the upper is in contact with a ball. The indicator means may comprise any one or more of the following : LED and sound emitter. The sound emitter may be a speaker. The indicator means may further comprise means for varying the strength of visible and/or audible signal generated when pressure is detected.

The discrete means for defecting pressure may be located at different sites on the upper. Preferably, the means for detecting pressure overlie specific regions of the foot when the shoe is worn by a user. More preferably, there is means for detecting pressure located over one or more of the following area of a users foot: the Proximal Phalanx of 1 st Digit of Foot; the metatarsal of the 1st Digit of the Foot, distal Articular Surface of 1 st Metatarsal and the Proximal Phalanx of the 1 st Digit of the Foot; os metatarsal hallucis ll-IV; the proximal Phalanx of the 5th Digit of the Foot, Distal Articular surface of the 5th Metatarsal; the metatarsal of 5th Digit of the foot, Distal Articular Surface of the 5th Metatarsal; and, the calcaneus tarsal.

The means for detecting pressure preferably comprise pressure sensitive resistors. In one embodiment, a pressure sensitive resistor is located on the upper overlying the following areas of the foot when the shoe is worn by a user: the Proximal Phalanx of 1 st Digit of Foot; the metatarsal of the 1 st Digit of the Foot, distal Articular Surface of 1st Metatarsal and the the Proximal Phalanx of the 1 st Digit of the Foot; os metatarsal hallucis ll-IV; the proximal Phalanx of the 5th Digit of the Foot, Distal Articular surface of the 5th Metatarsal; the metatarsal of 5th Digit of the foot, Distal Articular Surface of the 5th Metatarsal; and, the calcaneus tarsal. in another embodiment, each pressure sensitive resistor (PSR) has a surface mounted LED operativeiy coupled thereto and said LED is located on top of the PSR.

The processor may comprise a micro-processor, such as AT EGA328-AU or the ATTINY26. The processor may be located within the sole of the shoe, the sole being in one embodiment less flexible than the upper. The processor may be able to store data acquired from a set period of use. in use, when the shoe strikes an object, the area of the shoe which makes contact and which has means for detecting pressure will detect pressure applied to that means. Via the processor, the means for emitting a detectable signal will emit a signal to indicate that a particular means for detecting pressure has indeed detected pressure.

In one embodiment, when the shoe strikes an object, pressure will be detected at one or more sites on the shoe via one or more pressure sensors. Those pressure sensors operably connected to the processor will communicate that pressure has been detected and the processor will cause the LEDs associated with the one or more pressure sensors to emit light. The light may be emitted for a temporary period. In one embodiment the light may be emitted for a period of 1 to 15 seconds. Preferably, the period can be varied according to a users requirements via the processor. in a preferred embodiment, the processor is operative linked to a wireless transmitter for communicating with another device. The processor may communicate with another device by means of Bluetooth ^tm transmitter. In this embodiment, a smart phone or other device may communicate with the processor to alter the functionality of the shoe, vary the period of light emission, vary the frequency of light emission, alter the visible colour of iight emission and record which sensor has been under force and the amount of times a sensor has received a force.

The shoe may further comprise means for detecting movement. The means for detecting movement may detect direction and force. The means for defecting movement is preferably operably coupled to the processor. The means for detecting movement may comprise an accelerometer.

The means for detecting pressure may also serve as control means for controlling the functions of the shoe. Differing periods of pressure applied and/or applying pressure to different means for detecting pressure may allow a user to control the functions of the shoe. Preferably, the use of a device having Bluetooth capability is used, said device having appropriate means for operating the functionality of the shoe.

Means for determining pressure may also be located on the instep of the shoe, to assist in determining the timing of each step to calculate the speed of a player, in conjunction with an accelerometer, and their stance when striking an object.

The shoe may further comprise GPS means for use in determining data such as, speed, position, distance covered.

The means for operating the functionality of the shoe may be provided for by a mobile phone app.

The processor is preferably embedded in the sole of the shoe so that it is not removeab!e. More preferably, the processor is located toward the rear of the shoe. When a user is wearing the shoe, the processor is preferably proximal to the anterior process of the caicaneous in the plantar region. This part of the sole does not need to flex as much as other regions and is therefore a suitable position for the processor.

The shoe may further comprise a power source. Preferably, the power source is a ceil battery. The power source is preferably located in the sole of the shoe. The power source is preferably replaceable and/or rechargeable. The power source may be accommodated in a recess compiementanly shaped to that of the power source. A closure iid may be provided to ensure the power source remains in place during use. In one embodiment, the recess is located beneath a foot bed which overlie the recess and covers at least a substantial part of the sole of the shoe.

The upper may comprise any suitably flexible material, such as synthetic leather. The sole may comprise any suitable supportive yet flexible material such as moulded plastic.

The shoe is preferably for use in playing football but may be suitable for any sport requiring the user to strike an object. The shoe may further comprise data collection means. Alternatively, the shoe may further comprise means for sending data to a separate device, such as a smart phone or a computer or other such data collecting means.

Simultaneous data collection typically requires a strong connection (ZigBee, ZWave, !nsteon , Bluetooth or Wireless Mesh Network connectivity) to a device and the shoe may comprise the means to facilitate such connection.

The data collection means may comprise a printed circuit board. The circuit board will comprise sufficient processing power. Component necessary for relevant statistics must be included. The process must be capable of meeting the demands of the system. The system will be protected in the same way as it is in the main body of the patents.

The shoe may comprise means to facilitate wireless charging. The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a shoe in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows the outstep shoe of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 shows the instep of the shoe shown in Figs. 1 and; Fig. 4 is a plan view of a shoe shown in Figs, 1 - 3; Fig. 5 is a rear view of a shoe as shown in Figs. 1 - 4; Fig. 6 shows the Proximal Phalanx of 1 st Digit of Foot;

Fig. 7 shows the metatarsal of the 1st Digit of the Foot, distal Articular Surface of 1 st Metatarsal and the the Proximal Phalanx of the 1 st Digit of the Foot;

Fig. 8 shows the os metatarsal hallucis ll-IV;

Fig. 9 shows the proximal Phalanx of the 5th Digit of the Foot, Distal Articular surface of the 5th Metatarsal;

Fig. 10 shows the metatarsal of 5th Digit of the foot, Distal Articular Surface of the 5th Metatarsal;

Fig. 11 shows the calcaneus Tarsal;

Figs. 12A - F are circuit diagrams of the processor and switches according to the present invention; Fig.13 shows a PCB for use in a shoe in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 14 shows a further embodiment in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 15 shows a sole in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 16 shows a shoe which extrapolates the present invention through the use of a sonic emitter;

Fig. 17 shows a simplified PCB for use in a shoe which extrapolates the present invention through the use of performance measuring components; and

Fig. 18 shows a simplified PCB for use in a shoe which extrapolates the present invention through the use of a sonic emitter. Figs. 1 - 5 show a shoe 10 having a first upper 12, a second upper 13 and a sole 14. The upper 12 and sole 14 form a chamber having an opening 16 for receiving the foot of a user. The shoe is a football boot and the sole has studs 18 disposed along its lower face 20. The shoe has laces (not shown) threaded through eyelets 22 in the upper to assist in securing the boot to a user's foot. The shoe comprises a number of regions, the toe 24, heel 25, base 26, mid-foot area 27, outstep 28 and instep 29, opposite the outstep .

Disposed on the surface of the second upper 13 are a plurality of discrete pressure sensors 30 received in apertures 31 disposed in the second upper 13. Each pressure sensor is associated with a surface mounted LED array 32; the assembly 33 comprising pressure sensor and LED array. Fig.

1 shows an exploded view of the sensor/LED array. A plurality of assemblies are located over the surface of the upper. The second upper 13 is transparent to permit light form the LEDs to be seen therethrough. The assemblies are located in different regions of the shoe which correspond to the following regions of a user's foot: the Proximal Phalanx of 1 st Digit of Foot 40; the metatarsal of the 1 st Digit of the Foot, distal Articular Surface of 1st Metatarsal and the Proximal Phalanx of the 1st Digit of the Foot 42; os metatarsal hallucis ll-IV 44; the proximal Phalanx of the 5th Digit of the Foot, Distal Articular surface of the 5th Metatarsal 46; the metatarsal of 5th Digit of the foot, Distal Articular Surface of the 5th Metatarsal 48; and, the calcaneus tarsal 50. In this manner, the principal regions of the foot most commonly used for striking a ball have assemblies overlain. This can be best viewed from Figs. 2 to 5 which show the assemblies mounted on the surface of the shoe in the various regions identified above

Fig. 6 shows the Proximal Phalanx of 1 st Digit of Foot 70. This area of the foot can be used to produce a nice lofted pass or a curled shot. Sweet spot .

A lofted pass occurs when the Proximal Phalanx of the 1 st digit of the foot makes contact with the lowest, central point on the ball. This type of contact creates the backspin needed to lift the ball high into the air, and to achieve the arched trajectory.

A curled shot occurs when the Proximal Phalanx strikes the ball in a way that imparts the desired spin on the ball, if the contact is successful, the pressure of the air through which it moves will be less on one side than the other. The air thus pushes the ball into a different direction than it was kicked. This part of the foot can also be used for dribbling the ball and close control.

Fig. 7 shows the metatarsal of the 1st Digit of the Foot, distal Articular Surface of 1 st Metatarsal and the Proximal Phalanx of the 1st Digit of the Foot, 72. Sweet spot 2.

The metatarsal of the 1 st digit of the foot is useful for controlling a pass. The junction of the Metatarsal of the 1 st digit of the foot and the Distal Articular Surface of the 1 st Metatarsal is used mainly for a side foot pass. Striking the ball directly in the centre with this combination provides a straight pass with little to no deviation from the intended target. This part of the foot can also be used for dribbling around opposing players. Fig. 8 shows the os metatarsal hallucis ll-IV, 74. Sweet spot 3. In conjunction with an adequate knee extension and maximal approach speed, this area of the foot is used to transfer the maximum amount of power (force. distance/time)? to the ball. Hit the ball dead in the middle and limit the rotation of the foot in when in contact with the ball to ensure the desired target is hit.

Fig. 9 shows the proximal Phalanx of the 5th Digit of the Foot, Distal Articular surface of the 5th Metatarsal, 76. Similar to Sweet Spot 1 , this is the best place to impart an outward spin on the ball, sweet spot 4. If the contact is successful, the pressure of the air through which it moves will be less on one side than the other. The air thus pushes the ball into a different direction than it was kicked.

Fig. 10 shows the metatarsal of 5th Digit of the foot, Distal Articular Surface of the 5th Metatarsal. Sweet spot 5, 78, similar to Sweet Spot 2. The junction of the Metatarsal of the 5th digit of the foot and the Distal Articular Surface of the 5th Metatarsal is used mainly for a side foot pass. Striking the ball directly in the centre with this combination provides a straight pass with little to no deviation from the intended target. This part of the foot can also be used for dribbling around an opponent.

Fig. 11 shows the calcaneus Tarsal, 80. Sweet spot 6. The bone used to perform a back heeled kick. This kick is one of the most potent weapons a soccer player can use, as it is not only hard to spot (as it can be performed with minimal body movements) but it is also hard for an opposition player to react to.

Figs. 12A - F show the circuit diagrams for the processor and switches according to one embodiment of the present invention and Fig. 13 shows a PCB 60 usable in a shoe according to the present invention. The shoe has a microprocessor 62 located in the heel region of the sole 14. The microprocessor is operatively connected to the assemblies to control the LEDs in reaction to pressure being detected by the pressure sensors. There may also be a Bluetooth™ transmitter operatively connected to the microprocessor to permit control of functionality via another device such as a mobile telephone. Further, to detect movement, both direction, angle of the foot and force, an accelerometer is located within the sole 14 and operatively connected to the processor so that data provided by the accelerometer may be communicated via Bluetooth™ to another device so that more information can be gathered and fed back to a user to assist them in improving their technique when striking a ball.

The shoe may have a plurality of modes of operation. One mode may be for indicating which are of the foot has struck the ball in which case, the LED emits light for a limited period of time to indicate which pressure sensor has made contact with the ball. In a different mode, say where the user wants to improve technique in creating a certain shape on the flight of a ball, the area of the foot required to strike the ball to create the desired flight may be highlighted by the LEDs located in that area so that a user has a visual guide as to which part of the foot should strike the ball.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, shoe 100 is intended to measure the performance of a user in greater detail. The shoe comprises all of the features of the previously described embodiment. The areas measured include: the part of the foot used to strike the ball 102, the distance travelled by a user during activity 112, the top speed reached by a user during the activity, the running style of the user, the angle of the shoe when it strikes the ball and any other key performance data 114.

This embodiment is designed to measure all key performance data and relay it to the user immediately, without the need for an accessory (such as a smartphone) to display the data. In doing so, applicants have made it easier for users to analyse their performance. Fig. 15 shows a simplified placement of electrical components: 130 potentiometer, 132 pedometer, 134 accelerometer, 136 battery, 138 microprocessor, 140 SD card slot, 142 gyroscope.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig 16. and Fig. 18, shoe is shown to provide feedback through the use of a sonic emitter 150 and according electrical architecture. The shoe comprises all of the features of the previously described embodiment. The areas measured include: the part of the foot used to strike the ball 102.

Fig. 18 shows a simplified placement of components: pressure sensor 170, battery 172, microprocessor 174, digital sonic device 176, volume control up 178, volume control down 180.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig. 17, sole is shown with simplified electronic architecture used to collect and transmit performance data. The areas measured include: the part of the foot used to strike the ball 102, the distance travelled by a user during activity, the top speed reached by a user during the activity, the running style of the user, the angle of the shoe when it strikes the ball and any other key performance data.

There is shown a simplified placement of electrical components: digital pedometer 152, micro processor 154, digital accelerometer 156, digital gyroscope 158, wireless connectivity architecture 160, lithium ion battery 162, pressure sensor 164.

This embodiment is designed to measure all key performance data and transmit the collected data wirelessly. In doing so, applicants have made it easier for users to collate and analyse their performance.

When accuracy is the primary focus of a soccer player, foot to ball contact is the decisive factor (cf. Prof Kallas biomechanics of instep Soccer Kicks, the science of soccer). Optimal foot-to-ball contact occurs when certain areas of the foot are utilised. Increased attention to these areas shortens the time it takes for an athlete to achieve competency in the fundamental areas of soccer technique (kicking accuracy and shot selection).

One set of criteria to define competency may include: above average ability, clear understanding of the skills involved, on the path to mastery. Accuracy: percentage of passing accuracy and shot accuracy it Is perhaps best measured on a grading scale. The ball must have reached its intended target 70% of the time. Simplified testing involves kicking a ball (under no pressure) to a clearly defined target. Shot selection: selecting correct area of the foot to utilise for the desired outcome.

A high-pitched tone as the indicator of correct ball striking came after an understanding of the research by Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Patreas, John Zeimbekis, [The Cognitive Penetrability of Perception: New Philosophical Perspectives] which has shown that high pitched noises grab the attention of those closes regardless of background noise.

The use of a volume adjustment has allowed the user to choose the appropriate volume level at his or her discretion. This is demonstrated in Fig 16 and Fig 18. Current methods for performance analysis include relying on the eye of the coach and his staff. Statistics measured are mostly counting measures.

The ratio of coaches to players is far from ideal (the ratio is increasingly large and we consider the number of coaches to athletes entire club as opposed to just the first team squad). As such, form and statistics can be lost in the current selection process. Continual and instantaneous collection of data will also lead to improved coaching sessions and decrease time taken for players to achieve core competency. Consider the scenarios: a coach notices that the players are consistently tiring after running over 4 km (failing to run further than 6km in total)

coaching staff notices that a player has a tendency to place his weight on his heels during running and, by altering their running technique, the player could increase his/her maximum sprinting speed coaching staff notice certain players often take "heavy touches" (this suggests a lack of competency in ball control).

Instantaneous data collection allows the coaching staff to address these issues by designing a specified training regime without delay (weaknesses will be immediately identified and improved upon). The in-depth knowledge of the squad will also lead to superior squad recruitment (more information available to use; a coach is more informed when making these decisions). This is demonstrated in Fig 17. Simultaneous and immediate data collection will lead to a plethora of athletes being available for recruitment. Any athlete, by publicising the data collected while he or she performs, puts him or herself forward for recruitment by professional and semiprofessional clubs.

The database can be be stored publicly; profiles will be searchable.

Simultaneous data collection would rely on strong connection (ZigBee, ZWave, Insteon or Bluetooth). This could be achieved by two methods: Running a computer simulation as a demonstration and donating a selection of data collecting shoes to a club as a case study. To provide for such data analysis, a printed circuit board can be provided having sufficient processing power. Components necessary for gathering relevant statistics must be included. The process must be capable of meeting the demands of the system. This is demonstrated in Fig 17.