Adaptable footwear for playing football

Abstract

To provide a football shoe or football boot that is possible to address concerns about comfort, weight, ease of use, aesthetics, and most importantly ball feel, and still achieve enhanced ball kicking.SOLUTION: Provided is a football shoe or football boot, including: a sole; and an upper, the upper including a central region, in which the upper includes one or more protuberances at each side of the central region, the one or more protuberances on each side defining a crest alongside the central region, such that the crests and the central region define a ball control region, the protuberances having been formed by incorporation of fluid material with the upper, in direct contact with the upper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to footwear worn when playing football, and is suitable for all laws of the game including soccer, rugby, Australian rules football, American rules football, and Gaelic football, but is particularly useful when playing the game known in most countries as football, and distinguished in others as soccer. [Background technology]

[0002] Many proposals have been made over time in search of a football shoe or boot with an upper for improving ball-kicking results. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,421,936 discloses a football shoe with an upper, the upper being defined at its instep by a pair of longitudinally extending and laterally spaced ridges, the ridges being of transversely concave surfaces to substantially encase and support a ball contacting the instep of the foot. The upper further has a toe region, the ridges having a front surface with respective peak points of the upper at the front ends of the ridges behind the toe region.

[0003] The broad concept of a concave ball contact surface has also been disclosed in European Patents such as EP 359081 in which a pair of ridges are located along the sides of the lacing area, and EP 496931 in which a concave surface extends from a planar toe almost to the ankle opening. WO 1996 / 022712 describes a soccer shoe in which a mixture of external leather patches and ribs in the toe area is believed to give the player more precise control of the ball when kicking.

[0004] In the configuration of U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,936, objective testing has established that, all other factors being substantially equal, the modified upper increases the take-off velocity of the ball, and the subjective experience of the players is that the configuration increases the accuracy of the kick. Both of these advantages are clearly valuable when kicking for goal in soccer and other football laws. However, in the players' experience, football shoes with modified uppers of the kind disclosed in said patent may be less comfortable than shoes without the modification, especially when running across the field, due to the reduced flexibility of the upper. This was the reason why, in the embodiment described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,421,936, and in the commercially available shoes manufactured in accordance with that patent and sold under the trademark "Concave®", the modified area is recessed behind the toe area.

[0005] Another modified football shoe is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,941,943. The shoe includes a ball control insert that includes one or more protruding ball control surfaces attached to the interior of a flap portion over the tongue. While the modified shoe may enhance the ability to kick the ball, the location and extent of the ball control insert may be uncomfortable for the wearer, particularly when running.

[0006] To address the need to provide a more comfortable football shoe with enhanced ball striking, the applicant developed the shoe disclosed in WO 2014 / 183170, which has a generally rigid, concave ball control region located substantially rearward of the toe region within a flap over the tongue. Due to its substantially rearward location, the rigid ball control region of the football shoe does not press against or impact the bridge or toes of the wearer's foot, thereby providing a more comfortable fit.

[0007] The applicant's International Publication No. WO 2016 / 141427 discloses a recessed ball area at the rear end of an insert having a long forward tail that is inserted into and secured to the tongue of a shoe or boot.

[0008] Although these shoes have been found to be beneficial in improving striking accuracy and ball speed, players have suggested that comfort during running could be improved further and have expressed some concerns about the additional weight of the shoe due to the material inserted to achieve the modified upper configuration, which is specifically the case with the inserts of WO2014 / 183170 and WO2016 / 141427, where the integrity of the insert defining both ridges leads to additional bulk.

[0009] Additionally, some wearers experience difficulty lacing shoes that include modified upper configurations, or find such shoes to be aesthetically unappealing due to their bulkier size.

[0010] Another problem that arises specifically for experienced wearers is that some modified shoes or boots in the prior art result in a loss of "ball contact feel," thereby negating some of the positive benefits that the modified shoe or boot may provide.

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to address at least some of these concerns.

[0012] The reference to any prior art herein is not an admission or suggestion that this prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction, or that this prior art could reasonably be expected to be understood, considered relevant, and / or incorporated into other parts of the prior art by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] Through trial, error and experimentation, the inventors of the present invention have discovered that it is possible to achieve enhanced ball kicking while addressing concerns regarding comfort, weight, ease of use, aesthetics, and most importantly, ball contact feel.

[0014] In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a method for treating a cancer cell comprising: Saul and; an upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a peak or tongue extending within said boundary; the overhang or tongue portion includes a central portion and one or more protrusions disposed laterally of the central portion, the protrusions being formed from material added to the material defining the overhang or tongue portion, and the central portion either has no, or a negligible amount of, added material forming the protrusions; Providing football shoes or football boots.

[0015] The absence or negligible amount of added material enhances ball contact feel for the player within the central portion. Preferably, any thin layer of added material that may be present within the central portion has a negligible effect on hardness, stiffness, or cushioning within the central portion.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a method for producing a composition comprising: Saul and; an upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a peak or tongue extending within said boundary; the peak or tongue portion includes a central portion and one or more protrusions disposed laterally of the central portion, the central portion being configured to provide a lower level of ball cushioning relative to the one or more protrusions; Providing football shoes or football boots.

[0017] By reducing the level of ball cushioning within the central area, the player's feel for the ball is enhanced.

[0018] The throat area is that portion of the upper generally rearward of the toe box and rearward of the throat line (if present) and generally of the vamp in front of the wearer's ankle. Typically, in an athletic shoe, this will include the fastening section and will include the eye stay (or "fastening receptacle" discussed below). The throat itself (if present) is the opening in the throat area and will typically be found where the tongue is provided. However, in a canopy type, the throat area may no longer provide an opening per se if the canopy is attached along a boundary of flexible material. The canopy need not be attached along a boundary, although this is preferred to hold the canopy and central portion in place during use. In one form of the invention, the canopy is of substantially different construction or material than the remainder of the upper.

[0019] In another form of the invention, the visor and substantially the remainder of the upper may be constructed from the same material, e.g., an extensible material or fabric, with substantially the remainder of the upper being encased or covered by a flexible material having less extensibility than the visor. For example, the extensible material or fabric may be encased or covered by a sheath or membrane. The edges of the sheath or membrane suitably define the boundary of the flexible material to provide the visor within that boundary. The throat region may be distinct from the remainder of the upper, or may be indistinguishable and simply define a particular area of ​​the shoe or boot.

[0020] The boundary of the throat region may completely surround the eave portion or may only partially surround the eave portion. In another aspect of the invention, the boundary may be adjacent to the eave portion on both sides of the eave portion.

[0021] In the tongue type, the tongue may be the same material as the remainder of the upper or may be a material having similar properties as the remainder of the upper. Preferably, the boundary partially surrounds the tongue, e.g., on both sides of the tongue.

[0022] The central portion and the protuberances on either side define a ball control area that the wearer uses to advantageous effect. By having a central portion with a reduced level of cushioning compared to the protuberances, the wearer advantageously obtains an improved degree of ball contact feel that may otherwise be significantly diminished or negated by having a material or structure with or forming the protuberances at that location. Furthermore, by having the protuberances located on the peak, for example, a wearer with a wider foot will continue to receive the ball striking benefits provided by the protuberances since the protuberances will remain in a location that is central relative to the wearer's foot. Thus, while the benefits provided by the protuberances related to ball striking power and accuracy are maintained, the wearer also obtains an improved ball contact feel due to the reduced level of cushioning provided by the central portion.

[0023] The central portion may be less stiff than the one or more protrusions, thereby reducing the level of cushioning.The central portion may be less stiff compared to the one or more protrusions, thereby reducing the level of cushioning.

[0024] The upper preferably comprises a flexible material for optimal comfort of the wearer. The flexible material is of lower stiffness than the protuberances and preferably of similar stiffness to the central portion. However, the flexible material may be more or less stiff than the central portion. In a preferred embodiment, the central portion may be defined by the absence of material with or forming protuberances. If the central portion does not have material with or forming protuberances, the stiffness of the central portion will be that of the flexible material. Therefore, the material with or forming protuberances may only be laterally of the central portion. Thus, the wearer will have approximately the same level of "ball contact feel" throughout the tongue or visor, except in the areas containing the stiffer protuberances.

[0025] The protrusion may be formed by applying a fluid, such as a hardenable plastic material, to the tongue or eaves. Alternatively, the protrusion may be formed by applying a non-hardenable material, such as a gel material, to the tongue or eaves. More specifically, the protrusion may be formed by an injectable material that is injected between the inner and outer surfaces of the eaves or tongue. However, other methods of applying a hardenable plastic material are also known. The eaves or tongue may be formed from a first layer and a second layer, e.g., an outer layer and an inner layer, and the protrusion is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. For example, the protrusion may be formed from an injectable material that is injected between the first layer and the second layer, e.g., the outer layer and the inner layer. The injected material may be in direct contact with the first layer and the second layer. Alternatively, the protrusion may be preformed, e.g., an insert, which is then disposed between the first layer and the second layer, e.g., the outer layer and the inner layer. The projections may then be secured between the layers in any manner known in the art, for example, the projections may be secured between the layers by gluing, stitching, welding, or a combination of these securing techniques.

[0026] In one alternative, the protrusion may be disposed on the upper surface of the canopy or tongue. For example, the protrusion may be formed directly on the upper surface of the canopy (e.g., by injection of material). In another example, the protrusion may be preformed, e.g., an insert, and then affixed to the upper surface. The preformed protrusion may be part of a separate component that overlies the canopy or tongue area.

[0027] In another alternative, the protrusion may be disposed on the underside surface of the canopy or tongue. For example, the protrusion may be formed directly on the underside surface (e.g., by injection of material). In another example, the protrusion may be preformed, e.g., an insert, which is then affixed to the underside surface. The preformed protrusion may be part of a separate component that underlies the area of ​​the canopy or tongue. The separate component may be disposed within the confines of a slit, i.e., a slit that defines a pocket in the canopy or tongue.

[0028] In another example, the protrusion may be formed integrally with the eaves or tongue portion, for example, when the eaves or tongue portion is molded or formed, the protrusion may be formed in that process, for example by being overmolded or undermolded during that process.

[0029] The football shoe or boot may include a fastening system for fastening the shoe or boot in place, the fastening system may be accompanied by an underlying or overlying fastening area that includes one or more components of the fastening system. The visor or tongue may be located at least partially within the fastening area.

[0030] The fastening mechanism preferably includes a lacing system, but may include any other fastening means typical of the art, such as those discussed below.

[0031] The protrusions may be of any suitable number, shape, and size to achieve one or more desired effects. For example, there may be a single protrusion located on each side of the central portion. In another example, there may be multiple protrusions located on each side of the central portion. In yet another example, there may be a different number of protrusions on each side of the central portion.

[0032] The projections preferably have a rounded top, i.e., no sharp peaks. The projections may be aligned to define a ridge on each side of the central portion. Each ridge may be in the form of a single linear projection. The ridges may be curved or straight. The ridges may be equally spaced along their length. Alternatively, the ridges may converge inwardly in a forward direction. This defines a constriction from the rear to the front of the central portion, thereby decreasing the spacing between the projections on opposite sides of the central portion. This extension of the projections may continue until they meet at a junction that defines the front of the central portion. The inwardly converging projections may thereby provide the wearer with a larger "sweet spot" that can cradle and support the ball when the wearer kicks it. The ridges may be joined at their forward ends such that the two ridges form a U-shape. The ridges may also converge inwardly at their rearward ends, but not to the same extent as at their forward ends.

[0033] The height of the ridge relative to the upper surface of the peak or tongue may vary along its length. Preferably, the height tapers in a forward direction. Rather than joining to define a U-shape, the ridges may taper in height and flatten out into the upper surface of the tongue or peak. This reduces the amount of material added to the upper area, providing greater comfort to the wearer.

[0034] Additionally, the ridge may taper in width in the anterior direction.

[0035] Preferably, the forward (distal) portion is spaced from any components of the fastening mechanism to ensure that the lugs provide the maximum possible benefit to the wearer while kicking the ball, since interference between the fastening mechanism and the distal portion of the lugs may reduce the maximum benefit that the lugs provide. In one example, at least a portion of the lugs is located rearward of the fastening region.

[0036] A fastening mechanism may be interlockingly engaged with the protrusions, for example, if a tightening lace is employed, the tightening lace may pass through the protrusions.

[0037] The peak may extend rearwardly into a collar that extends around the wearer's ankle or leg when the shoe or boot is worn. The peak may be relatively more extensible than the remainder of the upper to aid in foot insertion. The peak may comprise an elastomeric material, such as neoprene or other stretchy fabric.

[0038] The eaves may be positioned within the fastening area in such a way as to limit lateral and / or longitudinal movement of the eaves relative to the remainder of the upper when the football boot or shoe is in a closed configuration. For example, the eaves may be secured to the remainder of the upper, thereby limiting lateral and / or longitudinal movement of the eaves relative to the upper. For example, the eaves may be secured to the upper by stitching, welding, or adhesive. Alternatively, the eaves may be secured by a fastening means, such as a tightening lace extending through the eaves. This helps to ensure that the lugs and central portion are always in approximately the same position for the wearer. This is particularly beneficial because conventional tongues of football shoes or boots tend to move during play, and having the lugs and central portion in a predictable and consistent location means that the wearer can take advantage of the benefits provided by these features with limited need for re-adjustment of the tongue.

[0039] In an alternative form of the invention, the remainder of the upper may be of the same material as the peak discussed above, and thus the peak may be contiguous with the base layer that forms the remainder of the upper.

[0040] The tongue may be attached to the upper or may be integral with the upper. The tongue may be secured by a fastening means, such as a drawstring extending through the lateral sides. This helps to ensure that the projections and central portion are always in approximately the same position on the wearer.

[0041] The apron may form part of the upper without a distinct tongue, as is known in conventional shoes without a tongue. In another example, the apron may form part of the upper and the football shoe or boot may further include a tongue located between the apron and the wearer's foot. Having a tongue in addition to the apron not only provides the wearer with the advantages associated with the apron, i.e., the central portion and the protrusions, but also with the tongue. These advantages include easier donning of the shoe or boot, easier doffing of the shoe or boot, and allowing components of the fastening system, such as laces, to sit on the tongue rather than rubbing against the wearer's foot.

[0042] At least a portion of the central portion may be within the fastening area. For example, the entire central portion may be within the fastening area. If the central portion is partially within the fastening area, preferably the central portion is behind the fastening area. In one alternative, the entire central portion may be outside the fastening area. In this example, the central portion may be behind the fastening area.

[0043] The central portion may be positioned over an instep of the wearer.

[0044] Any of the features described below in relation to other aspects of the invention may also be applied in conjunction with these aspects of the invention.

[0045] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention: Saul and; an upper including a central region, said upper including one or more protrusions on each side of said central region, said one or more protrusions on each side defining ridges along lateral sides of said central region such that said ridges and said central region define ball control regions; the protrusions are formed by incorporating a fluid material into the upper in direct contact with the upper; Football shoes or boots are provided.

[0046] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a ball control region in an upper of a football shoe or football boot, the method comprising: A fluid material is incorporated into the upper in direct contact with the upper to define one or more protrusions on each side of a central region, the one or more protrusions on each side being aligned to define ridges along lateral sides of the central region, such that the ridges and the central region define a ball control region on the shoe or boot.

[0047] The fluid material may be a hardenable plastic material that, once hardened, forms protrusions that may be more rigid or harder than the upper. Preferably, if the upper is made of a flexible material, the hardenable plastic material is applied directly to the flexible material of the upper, i.e., in direct contact with the flexible material of the upper. The hardenable plastic material may be applied after the upper is made and before or after attachment to the sole. The hardenable plastic material may be in liquid form. The hardenable plastic material may be applied by injection either between layers in a multi-layer upper structure or in a one-piece multi-layer flexible material such as leather; between fibers or particles of the flexible material; within the interstices of the components of the flexible material; or on or under a single layer of the flexible material. If the hardenable plastic material is provided on one surface of the flexible material, it may adhere to that surface and form protrusions on the other surface.

[0048] The projections may be located in any of the following locations: outside the fastening area, e.g., outside the lace receiving areas, e.g., lace eyelets; distributed between the lace receiving areas; on the tongue; or on the visor as defined above. The projections are preferably in the throat area of ​​the shoe. The projections are preferably on the instep of the wearer. The final location of the projections may vary from the midfoot as a result of different foot shapes of users.

[0049] Alternatively, the fluid material may be a fluid-filled material, such as a gel, air, or metamaterial, such as one that is malleable under normal pressure or manipulation, yet hardens upon a major impact. The fluid-filled material may be applied after the upper is made and before or after attachment to the sole. The fluid-filled material may be in the form of a liquid. The fluid-filled material may be applied by injection either between layers in a multi-layer upper structure or in a one-piece multi-layer flexible material such as leather, between fibers or particles of flexible material, within interstices of components of the flexible material, or into pockets within the upper.

[0050] Because there are raised portions on each side of the central region, the deposition of the fluid material may be limited to discrete locations, i.e., separated on either side of the central region, with no or negligible amounts of hardenable plastic material being present within the central region.

[0051] Any of the features described in relation to other aspects of the invention may also be applied in conjunction with these aspects of the invention.

[0052] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention: Saul and; an upper defined by a medial surface and an lateral surface, said upper having two spaced lateral ridges and a centrally extending area between said two spaced lateral ridges, said area being convex in at least a closed configuration of said shoe or boot, said ridges resulting from material injected between the medial and lateral surfaces of said upper; Football shoes or boots are provided.

[0053] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a ball control region in a football shoe or boot including an upper defined by a medial surface and an lateral surface, the method comprising: Injecting material between the inner and outer surfaces of the upper to form two spaced-apart lateral ridges, and positioning the ridges so that, in at least a closed configuration of the shoe or boot, a centrally extending area between the two spaced-apart lateral ridges has a convex shape.

[0054] The material may be injected between the first and second sheet layers of the upper. The raised area may include or be bordered by an opening. A placket may be formed at the edge of the opening, and the upper may define an inner layer and an outer layer at the edge of the opening. A fluid material, such as a gel or a hardenable plastic material, may be injected between the inner and outer layers. If a lace or another fastener extends between the opening, the placket may also reinforce the edge.

[0055] Rather than having multiple sheet layers defining the upper, a leather upper or similar multi-layer sheet material may be provided, with ridges arising from injected material between the inner and outer layers.

[0056] By way of illustration, multiple layers of leather may include the grain, the corium, and the connective tissue, and a ridge material may be injected to separate two of the layers and form a pocket containing the injected material therein.

[0057] There may be multiple inserts to define each ridge. Preferably, the injected insert is the only one added to the shoe to define the ridge, without the need for additional layers of material that could add weight and bulk to the shoe or boot.

[0058] Preferably, the injected insert is relatively stiffer or harder than the inner and / or outer layers.

[0059] Any of the features described in relation to the previous or following aspects of the invention may also be applied to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention.

[0060] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: Saul and; an upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a peak or tongue extending within said boundary; The overhang or tongue portion includes a central portion and one or more protrusions disposed laterally of the central portion, the protrusions being formed by applying a fluid material to the overhang or tongue portion. Providing football shoes or football boots.

[0061] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of forming a ball control region in an upper of a football shoe or boot, said upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a peak or tongue portion extending within said boundary, the method comprising: applying a fluid material to the peak or tongue portion to define a protrusion therein that defines a ball control area.

[0062] The fluid material may comprise a hardenable plastic material, and a further step may comprise hardening the hardenable plastic material, or the fluid material may comprise a gel or other fluid, as discussed above.

[0063] Any of the features described in relation to other aspects of the invention may also be applied in conjunction with these aspects of the invention.

[0064] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention: Saul and; an upper including a central region, said upper including one or more protrusions on each side of said central region, said one or more protrusions on each side defining ridges along lateral sides of said central region, said central region between said ridges being convex such that at least an apex of said central region is elevated above said ridges in at least a closed configuration of said shoe or boot. Football shoes or boots are provided.

[0065] The central region may correspond to the upper region of the shoe or boot. "Upper region" is understood to mean the part of the shoe or boot that fits over the upper surface of the middle arch of the human foot. The central region may include a fastening mechanism for fastening the shoe or boot in place. The central region may be the fastening region.

[0066] The apex may be a single point or a ridge line down the center of the central region between adjacent ridges on each side. At each point along the apex line, the apex may be elevated above the adjacent ridges. Also, the convex shape of the central region may include a single convex ridge between the ridges.

[0067] At least the top of the central region is elevated above the ridges in at least the closed configuration of the shoe or boot. "Elevated" is understood in the reference frame of the foot-grounded configuration. The fastening mechanism can take a variety of forms including a traditional lace-up with the tongue down, which may be retracted in the unworn configuration. Thus, the "elevated" feature is understood in the closed configuration, e.g., worn or simply tissue-filled as is commonly used for shoe filler / stretcher or new shoes for display purposes. In more non-conventional forms of shoes, such as those shown in the preferred embodiment of the present invention in Figures 1-8, at least the top of the central region is elevated above the ridges for both the worn and unworn configurations.

[0068] Preferably, during some forms of ball contact with a standard spherical football or other type of football, only the convex shape is engageable, while during other forms of ball contact with said football, the convex shape and the ridges are engageable with the football. By way of example, during a low power kick, the football may only engage with the convex shape between the ridges and exclude the ridges. Another form of ball contact may be a high power kick, whereby the ridges also come into contact with the ball. During a high power kick, the deformation due to the elastically deformable nature of the ball may be such that it partially encapsulates the foot contacting the ridges and the convex shape between the ridges. The spacing between the ridges may contribute to this functionality.

[0069] Each ridge may be in the form of a single linear protrusion. The ridges may also be curved or straight. The ridges may be equally spaced along their length. Alternatively, the ridges may taper inwardly towards the front.

[0070] The projections may be formed by applying a hardenable plastic material to the upper. The projections defining the ridges may be inserts disposed under an outer layer of the upper, so that the upper has a seamless appearance. This may be accomplished by injecting material under the outer layer of the upper. In a preferred form of the invention, the upper is defined by an inner or outer surface or layer, and material is injected between the inner and outer surfaces or layers.

[0071] For the embodiments of the invention described herein, preferably the injectable material is a hardenable plastic material. This material may be bonded to one or both of the inner and outer layers. Thus, the injected material may be defined within a pocket between the inner and outer layers. This preferred process is called CPU-Fine Moulding, which is a compression molding process (also called "flow-moulding").

[0072] It is also possible to create ridges / protrusions through: (i) As an overmold directly onto the outer material (ii) As an overlay (iii) As a direct overfill (iv) Under molding (v) Pinching (vi) Injection molding (vii) Under injection (viii) Dripping during processing of preformed parts

[0073] Preferably, the material defining the ridges is stiffer than the layers of the upper, in some cases depending on the particular mode to be produced. The upper preferably comprises a flexible material for optimal comfort of the wearer, while the lugs are typically relatively stiff, thereby imparting greater velocity and improved accuracy to a kicked ball as a result of contact with the lugs / ridges.

[0074] A preferred material for said ridges / protrusions is a PU (polyurethane) based material having a Shore hardness of 80-85A (desirably the material hardness ranges from Shore A through Shore C and D).

[0075] Any injectable and / or moldable material can be used, including TPU, TPR, rubber, silicone, EVA, PET, PP, foam, and any thermoformable and / or compression moldable material, as well as gels, liquids of any form, viscosity, and shape, and dual and / or multi-density materials. The gels or fluids should preferably be within Shore OO and Shore OOO. Compressed gas may also be used to fill pockets or cavities and form each ridge / protrusion.

[0076] The shoe or boot of the embodiments described herein may include an inner upper. Preferably, the inner upper comprises a flexible material for optimal comfort of the wearer. Thus, the inner upper may be a soft flexible material, such as a woven or knitted fabric or neoprene. Preferably, the inner upper is an elastomeric, stretchable or extensible material that stretches to accommodate the user's foot when placed within the shoe. The inner upper may also incorporate a tongue and / or a collar around the heel. Thus, the inner upper, tongue and collar may be of one-piece form that is secured to the sole plate. However, the present invention according to the various aspects described above also contemplates a conventional tongue.

[0077] The convexity between the ridges may change during use of the shoe or boot. For example, when the shoe is not worn, the convexity may be at its maximum convexity. When the shoe is worn, the instep of the wearer may exhibit less convexity than when the shoe is not worn. However, for some people, the foot may generate more convexity in the central region during wear. Thirdly, the convexity may also change due to the impact of a ball. For example, when a ball impacts two spaced lateral ridges, the ball may act to spread the two spaced lateral ridges, reducing the degree of convexity.

[0078] The central region between the ridges may include a fastening mechanism, preferably a lace, but may also include any other fastener known in the art, such as clasps such as hooks or eyelets, clips such as snap fasteners, straps, bands including Velcro® or the like, or buckles, zippers, or toggles, or the like. If laces are employed, the upper may have a number of lace receiving portions, such as eyelets or eyelets, openings, loops, hooks, or sleeves, adapted to receive laces or similar fasteners to fasten the shoe or boot in place. Typically, the lace receiving portions are aligned in laterally spaced pairs. The laces may extend between the pairs, e.g., crisscrossed or straight laces.

[0079] The ridges may be on the outside of the fastening mechanism.

[0080] Any of the features described in relation to other aspects of the invention may also be applied to this aspect of the invention.

[0081] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention: Saul and; an upper including a central laced region, said upper including one or more projections on each lateral side of said laced central region, said one or more projections on each side defining ridges along lateral sides of said central region. Football shoes or boots are provided.

[0082] Any of the features discussed above in relation to the previous aspect of the invention may also be applied to this aspect of the invention.

[0083] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for producing a method for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: Saul and; an upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a visor extending within said boundary; the eave portion includes a central portion and one or more protrusions disposed laterally of the central portion, the one or more protrusions on each side defining ridges along lateral sides of the central portion such that the ridges and the central portion define a ball control area, and the eave portion includes an extensible material such that the spacing between the ridges is variable. Providing football shoes or football boots.

[0084] The variable spacing between the ridges allows the ball control area to adapt to the shape of the wearer's foot in which it is inserted: the wider the foot, the more the ridges / protrusions will be spaced apart or spread across the width of the foot.

[0085] Any of the features discussed above in relation to the previous aspect of the invention may also be applied to this aspect of the invention.

[0086] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or apparent from the text or drawings, all of these different combinations constituting various alternative aspects of the invention.

[0087] As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the term "comprise" and variations of that term, such as "comprising", "comprises", "comprised", are not intended to exclude further additives, components, integers or steps.

[0088] Further aspects of the invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0090] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are side views showing a football boot or shoe according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, with and without a foot. [Diagram 2] 2A and 2B are front views of a preferred shoe with and without a foot. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are alternative side views of a preferred form of the shoe, with and without a foot. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are rear views of a preferred form of shoe with and without a foot. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are 45 degree views from the rear of the preferred shoe with and without a foot. [Figure 6]6A and 6B are plan views of the preferred form of the shoe, with and without a foot. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a preferred form of shoe, with and without a foot. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred form of the shoe shown on a foot during impact with a standard spherical football. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are perspective views of a shoe according to another embodiment of the invention, with and without a foot. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of the shoe of FIGS. 9A and 9B. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred form of shoe as worn on a foot. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are perspective views of a shoe according to another embodiment of the invention, with and without a foot. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view of the shoe of FIGS. 12A and 12B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0091] The illustrated embodiment of a football shoe 100 is specifically designed for a form of football, also known in some countries as soccer. In a first embodiment, the football shoe 10 includes a sole 12 and an upper 14. The upper 14, as best seen in FIG. 7, is made of an outer layer 16 and an inner upper 18. The outer layer 16 is made of a suitable highly flexible leather or polymer material, as is typical in the art. The outer layer 16 conventionally includes opposed lateral edges 20 defining a longitudinally extending fastening opening 22 between which a fastening lace 24 extends. The opening may be bordered and reinforced by a placket 23 extending on each side from the opening a short distance beyond the associated ridge 40, if there are multiple ridges on each side.

[0092] The inner upper 18 (see FIG. 7) is made of a neoprene material and defines an integral overlay 26, a tongue 28, and a collar 30 (see FIG. 3). Neoprene is elastic and flexible, stretching to comfortably accommodate the user's foot when it is inserted into the shoe 10. Neoprene also has a compressible, spongy quality, providing an additional layer of comfort for the user's foot. The inner upper 18 (see FIG. 3), which defines the integral overlay 26, tongue 28, and low-profile collar, is received within the outer layer 16 but is exposed in the central fastening opening 22 in the form of the tongue 28. Additionally, the low-profile collar 30 protrudes above the outer layer 16, encircling the entire ankle. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the low-profile collar 30 is adjacent to the tongue 28. The inner upper 18 may be stitched to the outer layer 16 around the collar 30 .

[0093] As best seen in Figure 7, the shoe 10 also includes ridges 40 on either side of the central cinching area. Each ridge is formed from a plastic material that is injected between the outer layer 16 and the placket 23 and then allowed to harden to form a relatively rigid ridge.

[0094] The cross section of the insert 42 may be substantially triangular. However, other configurations are within the scope of the present invention, with the more preferred configuration being a rounded configuration as shown in the shape of a speed hump. The cross-sectional shape may be uniform along the length of the insert 42. However, the insert may be of a non-uniform cross-sectional shape, for example, gradually flattening in the forward direction. Thus, the insert 42 may taper in height, particularly at each end. However, the shape of the insert 42 is not limited to being linear or straight, as curved ridges are also possible. Furthermore, each ridge 40 need not be defined by a single linear insert 42. Instead, the ridges may be made up of a series of spaced apart projections.

[0095] Although only one ridge 40 is shown on either side of the central cinching region 22, there may be two or more rows of substantially parallel extending ridges (not shown) on each side of the central cinching region 22. Adjacent ridges may vary in height, and preferably extend outwardly of decreasing height.

[0096] As best seen in Fig. 6, when the shoe is in the unworn configuration as shown in Fig. 6B, the two ridges 40 may be aligned substantially parallel. However, as shown in Fig. 6A, the stretch allowed by the elastomeric inner upper 18 may widen the central cinching area, widening the cinching opening 22. This widening is not uniform across the length of the opening 22. Rather, there is a greater increase in the gap width toward the rear. Thus, in the worn configuration, the ridges 40 widen outwardly from the front to the rear.

[0097] As best seen from an understanding of FIG. 7, the advantage of the insert 42 is three-fold. First, the insert 42 is below the surface of the outer layer 16, making its presence less detectable and providing a more seamless appearance to the outer layer 16. Second, the presence of the insert 42 between the outer layer 16 and the reinforcing bracket 23 means that only one additional piece is needed to establish the presence of the ridge 40, the insert 42 itself. This reduces the need for additional pieces to hold the insert in place, thus minimizing weight gain. Third, if the insert 42 is injected, this translates into efficient manufacturing and also allows the insert 42 to self-adhere in place.

[0098] The shoe 10 is manufactured according to conventional shoe manufacturing techniques, except for the injected insert 42. The inner and outer layers 18, 16 and the placket 23 are die-cut or laser-cut according to a pattern from a sheet of suitable material. The necessary stitching and gluing is then performed, including joining the placket 23 and the outer layer 16. Holes required for lacing and any reinforcements are then formed through the outer layer 16 and the placket 23. The insert 42 is injected between the outer layer 16 and the placket 23. The inner and outer layers 16, 18 of the upper may then be joined, and then the upper 14 is molded around the last and the sole plate is glued to the upper 14. While the ridges 40 are injected, in accordance with some aspects of the present invention, they may be sewn into the pocket or inserted therein as a preformed insert. Rigid ridges formed of expanded plastic material, such as rigid foam, are also possible. Such ridges would be rigid but lightweight. Desirably, the ridges are hard enough to be effective, but not so hard that they are uncomfortable.

[0099] From a consideration of Figures 7 and 8, the change in morphology from the unworn to the worn configuration and upon impact with the ball 50 can be seen. As can be seen from Figure 7B, the central regions between the ridges 40 are convex in cross section in the unworn configuration, with the peaks 41 of the central regions elevated above the corresponding adjacent ridge points 43. Figure 7B is a mirror image in this respect. However, the dotted lines indicate the location of the peaks 41, which will be understood from a consideration of the side profile shown in Figure 1B. This convexity may change when the user's foot is inserted into the shoe 10, as can be seen from Figure 7A. As already explained in relation to Figure 6, the insertion of the user's foot will cause a widening of the central tightening area 22, which widening of the shoe becomes more pronounced towards the rear. Thus, as shown in Figure 7A, the insertion of the user's foot causes a decrease in the convexity in the transverse direction. However, this change in convexity may extend variably towards the rear of the shoe. The change in convexity may also depend on the contour of the user's foot, specifically the instep area: if the user has a high instep, the central region will exhibit a transverse contour that is relatively convex compared to a user with a flatter foot and a lower instep, in which case the transverse convexity will remain, but will be less pronounced.

[0100] 7A also shows that when the user's foot is inserted, the shoe upper 14 assumes a shape that defines a top portion and two substantially upright side portions. In such a configuration, the ridges 40 are seen to be located at the transitions between the top portion and each of the side portions. This spacing of the ridges 40 is important for reasons that will be discussed below.

[0101] When a user lightly taps the ball 50, the spacing and convexity of the ridges means that an impact with the top of the user's foot in the central region (otherwise referred to as the "catchment area") is unlikely to contact the ridges 40. Thus, in a low power impact, the ball will make full contact with the convex surface within the central region to the extent that it impacts in the central region. However, upon a relatively heavy impact with the ball 50, the ridges 40 will come into contact with the ball, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the relatively harder / rigider nature of the ridges 40 will impart greater velocity and / or accuracy to the rebounding ball 50. A study of FIG. 8 also shows that the impact of the ball 50 may act to spread the ridges 40 further apart, thereby further reducing the transverse convexity of the central region.

[0102] 11-13 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a football shoe 10' in which ridges 40' are distributed between the lace eyelets and the boundary of the central fastening opening 22'. The ridges 40' may include a plurality of spaced ridges or may be formed from a single ridge having a slit therein into which the laces can be seated. It will be appreciated from the above description that this embodiment includes many of the features previously discussed, as indicated by repeated reference numerals.

[0103] 9A and 9B, the football shoe 100 includes a sole 112 and an upper 114. A fastening system 120 in the form of a lacing system as known in the art is provided to allow a wearer to secure the football shoe 100 to their foot. The upper 112 includes a peak 130 defined in part by its position relative to a fastening region 140 with which the fastening system 120 is associated, and a lower upper 116. The fastening region shall be understood to define the area of ​​the upper that is underlying, or overlying, which includes one or more components of the fastening system 120.

[0104] The peak can otherwise be defined with reference to a throat region 125 that is part of the vamp (which in athletic shoes is generally integrated with the quarter) behind the toe cap 121 and generally over the instep of the wearer. The throat region defines the flexible material boundary 123 of the lower upper 116. The peak 130 and the lower upper 116 can be secured together by any suitable method known in the art, including stitching and welding.

[0105] The peak extends to form a collar portion 127 around the ankles of the wearer.

[0106] 9A, 9B, and 10, a portion of the fastening system 120, in this case the front and rear portions of the fastening system 120, have laces that are visible from the outside of the football shoe 100. Conversely, the portion between the front and rear portions has laces that are not visible from the outside of the football shoe 100. The invisible laces are located under the canopy 130.

[0107] The canopy 130 is made of a first material including an outer surface 118 and an inner surface (not shown). As best seen in FIG. 10, the canopy 130 includes a central portion 132 made primarily of the first material and a protrusion 122 formed laterally of the central portion 132 between the outer surface 118 and the inner surface of the canopy 130. The protrusion is formed of a second material having a greater stiffness and / or hardness than the first material. The provision of the protrusion 122 at the canopy 130 defines a ball control region that allows the wearer to kick the ball with greater power and accuracy when the protrusion contacts the football during the act of kicking the ball. Additionally, by providing a relatively less stiff central portion 132, the wearer will also experience an improved ball contact sensation when kicking the ball, since the wearer will not experience the same level of ball contact sensation cushioning that might otherwise be experienced by having a stiffer material at the central portion 132.

[0108] In the embodiment of Figures 9A, 9B, and 10, the projections 122 are in the form of upwardly extending ridges 124. The ridges 122 may extend linearly from a relatively rearward section of the fastening region 140 to a forward section of the fastening region 140, converging inwardly, thereby forming a substantially V-shaped projection, where the projections join at a junction 134. In this configuration, the projections 122 may provide a wraparound support when the wearer strikes the ball, thereby providing a "sweet spot" without the need for additional material in the center portion, leading to improved ball contact feel and less added weight. Although one projection is shown on each side of the center portion 132 in these figures, there may be any number of projections on either side of the center portion. The projections may be of any size and shape, and in some embodiments may be formed between portions of the fastening system 120.

[0109] Preferably, the protrusion 122, specifically the ridge 124, does not directly contact any of the components of the fastening system 120. This ensures that the fastening system does not interfere with the protrusion 122, thereby limiting any of the kicking benefits that the protrusion 122 provides. In this embodiment, the protrusion 122 is formed by injecting a suitable fluid material between the exterior surface 118 and the interior surface. When this material hardens, it has a greater rigidity than the first material of the eave portion 130. In other embodiments, the protrusion 122 can be formed on the upper surface of the eave portion 130. In yet another embodiment, the protrusion 122 can be formed on the underside of the eave portion 130.

[0110] The football shoe 100 may also include a tongue (not shown) underlying the peak 130. In such embodiments, the tongue provides a layer of material between the wearer's foot or sock and the fastening system 120. In this case, this ensures that the laces do not sit on the wearer's foot or sock and cause discomfort.

[0111] In alternative embodiments, the football shoe 100 may include a conventional tongue as known in the art, rather than having the peak 130. In such embodiments, the projections are disposed on the tongue. For example, the projections may be disposed between the inner and outer surfaces of the tongue, on the lower surface of the tongue, or on the upper surface of the tongue.

[0112] The foregoing defines only some embodiments of the present invention, modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Saul and; an upper including a central region, said upper including one or more protrusions on each side of said central region, said one or more protrusions on each side defining ridges along lateral sides of said central region such that said ridges and said central region define said ball control region; the protrusions are formed by incorporating a fluid material into the upper in direct contact with the upper; Football shoes or football boots.

2. A football shoe or boot according to claim 1, wherein the fluid material is a hardenable plastic material that, once hardened, forms protrusions.

3. 3. A football shoe or boot according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the projections are arranged on the outside of the fastening area.

4. 3. A football shoe or boot according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fastening mechanism comprises lace receivers and the protrusions are distributed between the lace receivers.

5. 3. A football shoe or boot according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper includes a throat region, the throat region being provided by a flexible material of the upper to define a boundary of the flexible material, a visor extending within the boundary, and the projection being located on the visor.

6. 3. The football shoe or boot of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper includes a tongue portion and the projection is disposed on the tongue portion.

7. A football shoe or boot according to claim 1, wherein the fluid material is a fluid-filled material.

8. 8. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the deposition of the fluid material is split on either side of the central region, with no or negligible amounts of fluid material being deposited within the central region.

9. 1. A method of forming a ball control zone on an upper of a football shoe or football boot, comprising: A method comprising incorporating a fluid material into the upper in direct contact with the upper to define one or more protrusions on each side of a central region, the one or more protrusions on each side being aligned to define ridges along lateral sides of the central region, such that the ridges and the central region define a ball control region on the shoe or boot.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the fluid material is applied after the upper is made and before or after attachment to the sole.

11. 11. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the upper is formed from a flexible material and the fluid material is a hardenable plastic material that adheres directly to the flexible material of the upper.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the curable plastic material is applied by injection either in a multi-layer upper structure or between layers in a unitary multi-layer flexible material such as leather.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the hardenable plastic material is applied by injection between fibers or particles of the flexible material or within interstices of components of the flexible material.

14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the hardenable plastic material is applied above or below a single layer of flexible material.

15. The method of claim 9 or 10, wherein the fluid material is a fluid-filled material.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the upper is formed of a flexible material and the fluid-filling material is applied by injecting either between layers in a multi-layer upper construction or in a unitary multi-layer flexible material such as leather, between fibers or particles of the flexible material, within interstices of components of the flexible material, or within pockets within the upper.

17. 17. The method of any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the deposition of the fluid material is split on either side of the central region, with no or negligible amount of fluid material being deposited within the central region.

18. Saul and; an upper defined by a medial surface and an lateral surface, said upper having two spaced apart lateral ridges and a centrally extending area between said two spaced apart lateral ridges, said area being convex in shape at least in a closed configuration of said shoe or boot, said ridges resulting from material injected between the medial and lateral surfaces of the upper.

19. 19. A football shoe or boot according to claim 18, wherein the raised area includes or is bordered by an opening, an edge of which is formed with a bracket, the bracket and upper defining medial and lateral layers at the edge of the opening, and a fluid material is injected between the medial and lateral layers.

20. 20. A football shoe or boot according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the injected material is relatively stiffer or harder than the upper.

21. 21. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the fluid material is a hardenable plastic material which, once hardened, forms the projections.

22. 22. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the projections are located outside the fastening area containing the fastening mechanism.

23. 22. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a fastening mechanism including lace-like receivers, said projections being distributed between said lace receivers.

24. 20. A football shoe or boot according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the fluid material is a fluid-filled material.

25. 1. A method of forming a ball control zone in a football shoe or boot including an upper defined by a medial surface and an lateral surface, comprising: a step of injecting material between an inner surface and an outer surface of the upper to form two spaced-apart lateral ridges and positioning the ridges so that, at least in a closed configuration of the shoe or boot, a centrally extending area between the two spaced-apart lateral ridges is convex in shape.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the fluid material is a hardenable plastic material, and comprising hardening the hardenable plastic material to form the protrusions.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the injected material, once hardened, is relatively stiffer or harder than the inner and / or outer layers.

28. The method of claim 25 , wherein the fluid material is a fluid filler material.

29. Saul and; an upper including a central region, said upper including one or more protrusions on each side of said central region defining ridges along lateral sides of said central region, said central region between said ridges being convex such that, in at least a closed configuration of the shoe or boot, at least an apex of said central region is raised above said ridges.

30. 30. A football shoe or boot according to claim 29, wherein each ridge is in the form of a single linear projection.

31. 30. A football shoe or boot according to claim 29, wherein the material defining the ridges is stiffer or harder than the upper.

32. 32. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 29 to 31, also comprising an inner upper of a relatively softer, flexible material than the outer upper.

33. 33. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein a central area between the ridges comprises a fastening mechanism, the ridges being outboard of the fastening mechanism.

34. Saul and; an upper including a central laced area, said upper including one or more protrusions on each lateral side of said laced central area, said one or more protrusions on each side defining ridges along lateral sides of said central area.

35. 35. A football shoe or boot according to claim 34, wherein the projections are formed by applying a fluid material directly to the upper.

36. 36. A football shoe or boot according to claim 35, wherein the fluid material is a hardenable plastic material.

37. 35. A football shoe or boot according to claim 34, wherein the fluid material is a fluid-filled material.

38. 38. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the deposition of fluid material is split on either side of the central region, with no, or negligible, amount of fluid material being deposited within the central region.

39. Saul and; an upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a peak or tongue extending within said boundary; A football shoe or boot, wherein the peak or tongue portion includes a central portion and one or more protrusions arranged laterally of the central portion, the protrusions being formed from material added to the material defining the peak or tongue portion, and the central portion has no, or a negligible amount of, the added material forming the protrusions.

40. Saul and; an upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a peak or tongue extending within said boundary; A football shoe or boot, wherein the peak or tongue portion includes a central portion and one or more protrusions arranged laterally of the central portion, the central portion being configured to provide a relatively low level of ball cushioning relative to the one or more protrusions.

41. 41. A football shoe or boot according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the deposition of the fluid material is split on either side of the central region, with no or negligible amounts of fluid material being deposited within the central region.

42. 42. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the peak is formed from an extensible material.

43. 43. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein the eaves are attached along a boundary of the flexible material, the eaves being of a different construction or material to substantially the remainder of the upper.

44. 43. A football shoe or boot as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein the peak and substantially the remainder of the upper are constructed from the same material, and substantially the remainder of the upper is encased or covered in a flexible material having a lower elongation than the peak.

45. 45. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein the central portion is less stiff than the one or more lugs.

46. 45. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein the central portion has a relatively low stiffness relative to the one or more lugs.

47. 47. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 39 to 46, wherein the projections are formed by applying a fluid to the tongue or visor.

48. 48. A football shoe or boot according to claim 47, wherein the projections are formed by applying a hardenable plastics material to the tongue or visor.

49. 49. A football shoe or boot according to claim 48, wherein the hardenable plastics material is disposed on an undersurface of the peak or tongue.

50. 49. A football shoe or boot according to claim 48, wherein the protrusions are formed from an injectable material injected between the inner and outer surfaces of the peak or tongue.

51. 49. The football shoe or boot of claim 48, wherein the peak or tongue is formed from a first layer and a second layer, the injected material being disposed between and in direct contact with the first and second layers.

52. 48. A football shoe or boot according to claim 47, wherein the projections are formed by applying a non-hardening material to the tongue or peak portion.

53. 53. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 40 to 52, comprising a fastening mechanism for fastening the shoe or boot in position, the fastening mechanism being associated with a fastening area located thereunder or thereover which comprises one or more components of the fastening mechanism, the visor or tongue being at least partially located within the fastening area.

54. 54. A football shoe or boot according to claim 53, wherein the tongue is secured by the fastening mechanism.

55. 54. A football shoe or boot according to claim 53, wherein the entire central portion lies within the fastening area.

56. 54. The football shoe or boot according to claim 53, wherein at least a portion of the projection is positioned rearwardly of the fastening area.

57. 54. The football shoe or boot according to claim 53, wherein the entire central portion is located rearwardly of the fastening area.

58. 58. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 40 to 57, wherein there is a single protrusion located on each side of the central portion and aligned to define a ridge on each side of the central portion.

59. 59. A football shoe or boot according to claim 58, wherein said ridges converge inwards at their front ends and also converge inwards at their rear ends but to a lesser extent than said front ends.

60. 60. A football shoe or boot as claimed in claim 58 or 59, wherein the height of the raised portion relative to an upper surface of the peak or tongue gradually decreases in a forward direction and flattens out onto the upper surface of the peak or tongue.

61. 61. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the ridge tapers in width in a forward direction.

62. 62. A football shoe or boot as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 61, wherein when the shoe or boot is worn, the peak extends rearwards to form a collar portion which extends around the ankle or lower leg of the wearer.

63. 63. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 40 to 62, wherein the upper includes a peak portion without a distinct tongue portion.

64. 64. A football shoe or boot according to any one of claims 40 to 63, wherein the upper comprises both a peak portion and a tongue portion.

65. Saul and; an upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a peak or tongue extending within said boundary; 1. A football shoe or boot, wherein the peak or tongue portion includes a central portion and one or more protrusions disposed laterally of the central portion, the protrusions being formed by incorporating a fluid material into the peak or tongue portion.

66. 66. A football shoe or boot according to claim 65, wherein the fluid material comprises a hardenable plastic material.

67. 66. A football shoe or boot according to claim 65, wherein the fluid material comprises a non-hardenable material.

68. 1. A method of forming a ball control region in an upper of a football shoe or boot, said upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a peak or tongue extending within said boundary, comprising: incorporating said peak or tongue portion and a fluid material to define one or more protrusions on each side of a central portion, said protrusions and said central portion defining a ball control area.

69. 69. The method of claim 68, wherein the fluid material comprises a hardenable plastic material.

70. 69. The method of claim 68, wherein the fluid material comprises a non-hardenable material.

71. Saul and; an upper including a throat region, said throat region being provided by a flexible material of said upper defining a boundary of said flexible material, and a visor extending within said boundary; 1. A football shoe or boot, wherein the eave portion includes a central portion and one or more protrusions arranged laterally of the central portion, the one or more protrusions on each side defining ridges along lateral sides of the central portion such that the ridges and the central portion define a ball control area, and the eave portion includes an extensible material such that the spacing between the ridges is variable.

72. 72. A football shoe or boot according to claim 71, wherein the eaves are attached along a boundary of the flexible material, the eaves being of a different construction or material than substantially the remainder of the upper.

73. 72. The football shoe or boot of claim 71, wherein the peak and the remainder of the upper are constructed from the same material, and substantially the remainder of the upper is encased or covered in a flexible material having a lower elongation than the elongation material of the upper.

Images