7 th February 2008
The development in synthetic materials since the 1950’s has allowed a range of design possibilities to emerge. However any new materials depend on the understanding of inventors and designers to create well-matched uses for them and an example of perseverance in selecting the right material to create a desired effect could be difficult to
The potential for polymers to be extruded, pultruded and injected into moulds has facilitated creation of organic and rounded shapes when previously there was less freedom of choice for the designer. Earlier patents of Johnston’s designs did recognise the need to allow the boot to change shape when contact with the ball was made were recorded at the patent office but no specific protection to that feature was sought ……
Johnston needed to be dedicated in his conviction – and the effort required to ignite the enthusiasm of major manufacturers shows how difficult it really is for inventor/designers to secure the market that may be so well deserved. Johnson spent considerable amounts of his own capital in developing the boot and was successful in eventually seeing the Adidas ‘Predator’ (TM) going into production.
Johnston’s eventual success with the Predator, ultimately backed by Adidas - along with his understanding of the needs of the user - led to another ground-breaking ‘detachable sleeve’ boot design with the appearance of ‘The Pig’ in 2003. (“ Patented Interactive Grip”)
Johnston needed to be dedicated in his conviction – and the effort required to ignite the enthusiasm of major manufacturers shows how difficult it really is for inventor/designers to secure the market that may be so well deserved. Johnson spent considerable amounts of his own capital in developing the boot and was successful in eventually seeing the Adidas ‘Predator’ (TM) going into production.
Johnston’s eventual success with the Predator, ultimately backed by Adidas -
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match if compared to that shown by Craig Johnston, a former Middlesborough FC and Liverpool FC footballer. His commitment stemmed from his realisation that the ball, whilst in contact with the foot, should be in contact with the largest area possible. This left Johnston with the task of analysing what had to be done to redesign the traditional surface of the boot to give maximum control. Many hundreds of hours of testing and research followed ...
© Reuters photo
Johnston has said that prior to the time when he created the original boot he had experimented with materials taken from table-tennis bats glued to the surface of boots. After an enormous expenditure of time and effort his creation allowed better control of the ball’s movement. He also realises though that whilst effective performance is essential aesthetics also plays a great part in the success of a product.
Whilst form does follow function aesthetic considerations are very necessary.
Whilst form does follow function aesthetic considerations are very necessary.
