EP1219192A1

EP1219192A1 - Shoe protection device for motorcyclists

Info

Publication number: EP1219192A1
Application number: EP00311785A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: Gonaya Motorsport Inc
Current assignee: Gonaya Motorsport Inc
Priority date: 2000-12-29
Filing date: 2000-12-29
Publication date: 2002-07-03

Abstract

A wear protection device is provided to protect the shoe or boot of a motorcyclist from the scuff marks caused when changing gears. The device comprises a flexible, elastic one-piece band adapted to fit comfortably and securely on the boot or shoe. An array of holes (18) is disposed through the band to enhance air circulation and alleviate heat build-up. In the preferred embodiment, the device is of a continuous, looped construction and includes a layer of a wear resistant material.

Description

The present invention generally relates to protective footwear. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a device for protecting a boot or a shoe of a motorcyclist from scuff marks caused when shifting gears.
Many devices have been proposed to protect the motorcyclist's shoe or boot from scuff marks caused when shifting gears. Some of the more primitive protective devices (socks, stockings, tape) have proven to be dangerous, in that they unravel over time and are prone to be caught in the motorcycle's chain causing damage and/or accidents. The above devices are uncomfortable to wear, in that they tend to trap hot air at the cyclist's foot. Also, the devices present a slippery surface adjacent the bottom of the shoe or boot creating a potentially dangerous condition.
Examples of other devices designed to protect a cyclist's shoe or boot are disclosed in U.S. Patents numbers Des. 378,470 (McDaniel), 3,812,606 (Merola), 5,168,644 (Ellis), and 5,873,185 (Harris et al.). The above protective devices do not contemplate the need for traction or ventilation. Additionally, the McDaniel, Merola and Harris devices require the adjustment of cumbersome straps.
U.S. Patents numbers 1,132,159 (Carr), 2,523,495 (Boughey), and British Patent 218,444 show shoe protective devices adapted to be worn by workpersons.
U.S. Patent Number 4,069,599 (Alegria) discloses a device to protect the shoe of a drummer.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe a protective device for a cyclist's shoe having a traction adjunct and/or ventilation means as will be subsequently described and claimed in the instant invention.
The instant invention is a wear protection device named "Shoeband" which is utilized for protecting the shoe or boot of a motorcyclist. The device is of a one-piece construction designed to conveniently fit snugly around the shoe or boot. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is of a continuous one-piece construction. In a second embodiment the invention employs hook and loop fasteners at its ends to simplify the mounting and removal process.
A partial rubber sole is fixed on the bottom surface of the second embodiment. The rubber sole will improve traction and also add to the life of the device. The rubber sole may be fixed to the bottom surface in any known and convenient manner (sewing, gluing, etc.).
A series of holes is positioned in the upper surface of both embodiments of the device. Circulation of air through the holes will alleviate heat build-up and enhance comfort.
Because of its size and flexibility, Shoeband is easy to fold and store. A jacket pocket or a space under the cycle's seat will easily house Shoeband when it is removed from the shoe. Shoeband may be fabricated in a variety of colors to coordinate with a cycle or boot. Reflective lettering and/or material may be utilized for safety purposes.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide an improved protective device to be worn on the shoe or boot of a motorcyclist.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved protective device that is easily mounted and removed from the shoe or boot of a motorcyclist.
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved protective device for the shoe or boot of a motorcyclist, which device is comfortable to wear.
Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved protective device for the shoe or boot of a motorcyclist, which device is aesthetically pleasing.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which are inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing their intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
According to aspects of the present invention there are provided devices according to the claims hereinafter.
In the drawings:-
Fig. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a shoe protective device for motorcyclists according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an environmental, bottom perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a shoe protective device according to the present invention.
Fig. 3 is an environmental, side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a shoe protective device according to the present invention.
Fig. 4 is an environmental, perspective view of a second embodiment of a shoe protective device for motorcyclists according to the present invention.
Fig. 5 is an environmental, bottom view of a second embodiment of a shoe protective device according to the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a plan, bottom view of a second embodiment of a shoe protective device according to the present invention.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As illustrated in Figs. 1-3, the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a continuous one-piece member generally indicated at 10. Member 10 is configured as a loop and has an upper face 12 which is adapted to cover a portion of the top surface of the cyclist's left boot or shoe. The portion to be covered is the area of the boot which contacts the cycle's gear shift. Member 10 is designed to loop around the boot B at the instep thereof. Lower face 14 embraces the boot B at the instep. Member 10 is configured such that the surface area of upper face 12 is greater than the surface area of the lower face 14. Member 10 is fabricated from neoprene. A layer of polyurethane 16 is provided on the neoprene surface at regions where high wear is expected. The high wear regions are, obviously, at the upper face, which is in contact with the gear shift, and the boot bottom instep region. The layer of polyurethane provides a tougher wearing surface than neoprene, thereby increasing the life of the Shoeband. An array of holes 18 is disposed in the upper face 12 for reasons as discussed above.
A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 4-6. The second embodiment comprises a one-piece, flexible band generally indicated at 20. Band 20 is also adapted to be worn around the portion of a motorcyclist's shoe or boot B (Fig. 4) that would be scuffed when changing gears. Band 20 will be fabricated from neoprene or like material.
In its extended position (Fig. 6), band 20 is approximately fifteen and three-fourths inches long and three and one-half inches in width at its widest point. Because of its unique configuration, the band will fit almost any shoe or boot. A partial rubber sole 22 is fixed on the bottom face 24 of band 20. When worn (Fig. 5), rubber sole 22 is positioned to provide added traction for the cyclist. A series of holes 26 is positioned toward one end of the band. As in the preferred embodiment, the positioning of holes 26 is such that the holes are disposed on the top of boot B when the band is worn (Fig. 4). As mentioned above, holes 26 provide ventilating air to alleviate heat build-up. Hook and loop fastening devices 28 are incorporated at each end of the band to simplify mounting and removal.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

A device for protecting a motorcyclist's boot, said boot having an upper surface, an instep area, and a lower surface, said device comprising:

a flexible one-piece band having an upper face and a bottom face;

said upper face adapted to overlay and protect the upper surface of said boot;

said bottom face adapted to engage said lower surface of said boot; and

an array of holes disposed in said upper face.
The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said band is constructed from neoprene.
The device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said device is constructed in a continuous loop and extends around said instep area.
The device as defined in any preceding claim, wherein a protective layer is disposed on said upper face.
The device as defined in any preceding claim, wherein a protective layer is disposed on said bottom face.
The device as defined in claim 5, wherein said protective layer is polyurethane.
A device for protecting a motorcyclist's boot, said device comprising:

an elongated, flexible, one-piece band having a bottom face, a first end and a second end, said one-piece band adapted to cover a portion of the motorcyclist's boot;

a partial rubber sole fixed on a central area of said bottom face of said band; and

means for fastening said first end to said second end.
The device as defined in claim 7, wherein an array of holes is disposed through said band.
The device as defined in claim 8, wherein said array of holes is positioned in an area between said first end and said partial rubber sole.
The device as defined in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein said means for fastening are hook and loop fasteners.
The device as defined in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein said band is fabricated from neoprene.