US20150135557A1 - Buttress for Removable Cleats - Google Patents
Buttress for Removable Cleats Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150135557A1 US20150135557A1 US14/547,207 US201414547207A US2015135557A1 US 20150135557 A1 US20150135557 A1 US 20150135557A1 US 201414547207 A US201414547207 A US 201414547207A US 2015135557 A1 US2015135557 A1 US 2015135557A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cleat
- buttress
- sole
- shoe sole
- receptacle
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C15/00—Non-skid devices or attachments
- A43C15/02—Non-skid devices or attachments attached to the sole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/001—Golf shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C15/00—Non-skid devices or attachments
- A43C15/16—Studs or cleats for football or like boots
- A43C15/161—Studs or cleats for football or like boots characterised by the attachment to the sole
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C15/00—Non-skid devices or attachments
- A43C15/16—Studs or cleats for football or like boots
- A43C15/162—Studs or cleats for football or like boots characterised by the shape
Definitions
- the present invention relates to athletic shoes, and more particularly to cleats.
- FIGS. 1A-1C An illustration of the manner in which such a cleat may be dislodged is shown in FIGS. 1A-1C .
- a shoe sole for receiving at least one cleat has at least one cleat receptacle, and at least one buttress forming a protrusion on the bottom of the shoe sole.
- the buttress may be adjacent to the receptacle.
- the buttress may be configured to support an outer edge of a cleat mounted in the receptacle.
- Some embodiments may have a cleat mounted in the receptacle.
- the buttress may support at least a single leg of the cleat.
- the buttress may be configured so that it contacts an outer edge of the leg of the cleat. Additionally, the buttress may be in constant contact with the cleat when the cleat is mounted in the receptacle.
- the shoe sole may include two or more buttresses equidistant of each other.
- the receptacle may be surrounded by the at least one buttress.
- the buttress may be substantially in the shape of a ring.
- the buttress may interlock with the cleat.
- the inner diameter of the buttress may be equal to an outer diameter of the cleat so as to come in close contact with the cleat.
- the protrusion formed by the buttress has an acute angular apex facing the sole.
- a diameter at the apex of the buttress may be greater than an outer diameter of the cleat.
- the buttress may have a concave surface with a focal point located in the interior of the cleat receptacle. The focal point may be at the center of the cleat receptacle.
- an orthogonal projection on the sole of the apex may be within the buttress.
- some embodiments may have an orthogonal projection on the sole of the apex that is beside the buttress.
- an orthogonal projection on the sole of the apex may be along a side of the buttress facing the cleat socket.
- the apex may have a height equal to a greatest height of the cleat.
- the apex may have a height smaller than a greatest height of the cleat.
- a shoe includes a shoe sole for receiving at least one cleat that has at least one cleat receptacle, and at least one buttress.
- the buttress forms a protrusion on the bottom of the shoe sole.
- the shoe may have the buttress adjacent to the receptacle, and the buttress may be configured to support an outer edge of a cleat mounted in the receptacle.
- a shoe sole for receiving at least one cleat includes at least one cleat receptacle, and at least one buttress.
- the buttress may form a protrusion on the bottom of the shoe sole adjacent the receptacle.
- the buttress may be configured to prevent a cleat mounted in the receptacle from being dislodged from the receptacle.
- the buttress protects the cleat.
- the buttress may be spaced around the cleat.
- at least one buttress may be lined up with a leg of the cleat.
- the buttress may support at least a single leg of the cleat.
- a shoe has a sole with a traction surface with one or more receptacles in the sole for receiving a cleat.
- the cleat may have at least one traction projection extending from the base and an engagement projection for connecting with the receptacle.
- the base may have an exterior circumferential surface having a first shape.
- the sole may include a ring protruding from the sole and positioned around the receptacle The ring may have an interior circumferential surface with a second shape, such that the second shape may complement the first shape of the base.
- a shoe in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, includes a sole with a traction surface with one or more receptacles for receiving a base for a cleat disposed in the sole.
- the cleat may have at least one traction projection extending from the base and an engagement projection for connecting with the receptacle.
- the base may have an exterior circumferential surface having a first shape.
- the sole may also include a plurality of protection elements protruding from the traction surface and spaced equidistantly around the receptacle.
- Each of the protection elements may have an inner surface adjacent the receptacle.
- the inner surfaces of each protection element may have a second shape that complements the first shape of the base.
- FIGS. 1A-C are side views in partial cross section of a prior art cleat on a sole during an exposure to lateral stress (with the bottom of the cleat facing upwardly in the figure—this “upside down” orientation is shown in all of the side views below);
- FIG. 2A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 2A (showing the bottom of the cleat and a portion of the bottom of the shoe sole).
- FIG. 3A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 3A ;
- FIG. 4A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 4C is an excerpt of the cleat of FIG. 4A ;
- FIG. 5A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 5A ;
- FIG. 6A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the buttress of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 6D is an excerpt showing the details of the buttress and the cleat of FIG. 6A ;
- FIG. 7A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 7A ;
- FIG. 8 is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- Removable cleats 12 mounted on athletic shoes soles 10 , are prone to being dislodged from their receptacles 16 by traction forces 18 that develop around the cleats 12 and against the legs 14 of the cleats 12 during use. These forces 18 can have significant components lateral to the main axis of the cleats, as shown in FIGS. 1A-C , and these lateral force 18 components can sometimes pull the cleats out of their receptacles.
- Removable cleats 12 may be designed to increase the traction of athletic shoes. The increased traction can result in increased lateral forces 18 , thereby increasing the likelihood that the cleats 12 will be removed from the sole of the athletic shoe.
- Lateral forces 18 can be encountered in a number of situations when a person is wearing an athletic shoe with cleats 12 .
- walking on a solid surface with a shoe having removable cleats 12 may create sufficient lateral forces 18 to dislodge the cleat 12 .
- the removable cleats 12 may experience strong lateral forces 18 on surfaces that are compressible. For example, surfaces such as soil or sand may allow the cleat 12 to dig into the surface, thereby increasing the surface area of the cleat that may be subject to the lateral force 18 .
- a cleat 12 may be most helpful, such as during a forceful movement that requires rotation of the foot (e.g. golf swing, soccer shot) or transmission of rapid power through the foot (e.g. sprinting), the strongest lateral forces 18 may be produced.
- a shoe sole 20 has at least one, but generally a series of, cleats 22 with, at least one, but usually a plurality of legs 24 .
- the cleats 22 are inserted into receptacles (or sockets) 26 in the sole 20 .
- the cleat 22 is surrounded by a circular buttress 28 disposed adjoining the rim 21 of the receptacle 26 .
- a continuous ring protrudes from the sole 20 and forms the buttress 28 resting against the circumferential outer surface of the cleat 22 and its legs 24 .
- the ring formed by the buttress 28 may not be continuous.
- the circular buttress 28 may have discontinuities along portions of the ring that are between legs 24 .
- the buttress is seen in cross section and reveals a profile that has an apex 23 with an acute angle 25 facing the sole 20 of the shoe.
- the apex 23 is the part of the buttress 28 that extends the furthest perpendicular to the surface of the shoe sole 20 .
- the buttress 28 is in close contact with the cleat 22 body and legs 24 .
- Acute angle 25 is the angle between a surface in contact 27 with the cleat 22 , and a surface facing away 29 from the cleat 22 .
- the height of the buttress 28 at the apex 23 may be from about a third to two thirds of the height of the legs 24 , or any other height suitable for supporting the cleat 22 when it is subject to lateral forces 18 .
- the surface in contact 27 with the cleat 22 extends from the apex 23 to the rim 21 of the receptacle 26 .
- the slope of the surface in contact 27 with the cleat 22 is the angle formed between the surface in contact 27 and the shoe sole 20 .
- the surface facing away 29 from the cleat 22 is the surface that extends from the apex 23 to the shoe sole 20 .
- the slope of the surface facing away 29 from the cleat 22 is the angle formed between the surface facing away 29 and the shoe sole 20 .
- the slope of the surface in contact 27 with the cleat 22 may be steeper than the slope of the surface facing away 29 from the cleat, or vice versa.
- the buttress 28 may contact the cleat 22 at the legs 24 , and may not contact the cleat 22 between the legs 24 .
- the legs 24 have an outer edge 24 a .
- the legs 24 also have inner surfaces 24 b, as shown in FIG. 2B .
- the buttress may contact only the outer edge 24 a of one or more legs 24 .
- the outer edge 24 a is the portion of the leg 24 that extends the furthest away from the center of the cleat 22 .
- FIGS. 2A-2B show an embodiment of the outer edge 24 a of a leg 24 .
- FIGS. 4A-4B show another embodiment of an outer edge 24 a. In FIGS.
- legs 44 a and 44 b have outer edges 24 a.
- the outer edge 24 a does not have to be a planar surface.
- the outer edge 24 a may have a number of different surfaces.
- the buttress 48 does not have to make contact with all of the outer edges 24 a.
- the buttress 48 may contact only the outer edges 24 a of short legs 44 b, and not of the long legs 44 a.
- the buttress 28 may be formed as an integral part of the sole 20 , or it may be prepared separately and secured to the sole 20 around the rim 21 of the receptacle 26 with glue or sequential molding.
- the material for the buttress 28 may be made of a material that is the same as the material of the sole 20 , or it may be of a different material with a different stiffness (e.g. shore A). Examples of suitable materials may be synthetic polymers such as, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic urethane, or polyvinyl chloride compounds.
- FIG. 3A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the profile of the buttress 38 viewed in cross section in FIG. 3A , may be rounded at the top or angular as described above and shown in FIG. 2A .
- some embodiments of the buttress 38 may be substantially flat at the top.
- FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 3A .
- the buttress 38 may form a continuous ring around the cleat 32 as shown in FIG. 3B .
- the distance between the buttress 38 and the rim 31 of the receptacle 36 may vary. A number of distances from the buttress 38 to the rim 31 may be suitable for the buttress 38 to counteract lateral forces 18 .
- the buttress 38 has an apex 33 .
- the apex is the point of the buttress 38 that extends the furthest perpendicular to the surface of the sole 30 .
- the apex 33 may have varying dimensions based on the shape of the buttress 38 .
- the apex 33 runs in a line continuously along the ring.
- Other embodiments may have a flat surface that forms an apex 33 .
- Some embodiments may have a number of apexes 33 formed along the continuous ring as seen in FIG. 3B .
- Apexes 33 may be equidistant from one another.
- the continuous ring may have crenellations formed by the buttress 38 that form a number of equidistant apexes 33 .
- the apexes 33 may not be equidistant.
- there may be a disproportionate number of apexes 33 formed along a portion of the buttress 38 .
- a large proportion of apexes 33 may be strategically formed on the buttress 38 in an area of the shoe sole 30 designed to counter strong lateral forces 18 .
- the buttress 28 When the buttress 28 supports the cleat 22 , it may contact the cleat 22 when the cleat 22 is mounted in the receptacle 26 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A , when the cleat 22 is inserted into the receptacle 26 , the cleat 22 and the buttress 28 are in constant contact until the cleat 22 is removed from the receptacle 26 . The contact between the cleat 22 and the buttress 28 may counter the lateral forces 18 experienced by the cleat 22 . However, the buttress 38 does not always have to be in contact with the cleat 32 , as in FIG. 3A .
- the buttress 38 may prevent the cleat 32 from being removed from the receptacle 36 by protecting the cleat 32 from the effect of the lateral forces 18 . As shown in FIG. 3B , the buttress 38 may be spaced away from the cleat 32 and may encounter lateral forces 18 before the cleat 32 thereby protecting the cleat 32 . In some embodiments, the buttress 28 may be configured to support the cleat 22 and to protect the cleat 32 from lateral forces 18 .
- FIGS. 4A-C a series of isolated buttresses 48 may be positioned against the cleat 42 .
- FIGS. 4A-B show three long legs 44 a and three short legs 44 b alternating along the rim 41 .
- the buttress 48 is shown in contact with the cleat 42 between the long legs 44 a and flush with the rim 41 of the receptacle 46 .
- buttress 48 may be sufficiently close to the cleat 42 so as to support the cleat 42 without making contact with the cleat 42 when the cleat 42 is in an unstressed position.
- the islets of buttresses 48 may be equidistant of each other around the rim 41 .
- the islets may be interspersed around the rim 41 and between the long legs 44 a of the cleat 42 .
- the islets of buttresses 48 may support only the long legs 44 a.
- the islets of buttresses 48 may be formed adjacent to the long legs 44 a.
- Other embodiments may have islets interspersed between the long legs 44 a and adjacent to the long legs 44 a.
- the islets of buttresses 48 may be interspersed around the rim 41 and between the short legs 44 b of the cleat 42 .
- the islets of buttresses 48 may support only the short legs 44 b as shown in FIG. 4B . To that end, the islets of buttresses 48 may be formed adjacent to the short legs 44 b.
- the buttress islet 48 may have a trapezoidal foot print on the sole 40 .
- the foot print may be curved or elliptical as shown in FIG. 5B , or pyramidal.
- the transversal cross section of the buttress islet 48 may be angular, as shown in FIG. 4B , or rounded as shown in FIG. 5B .
- each buttress 48 may have its own apex 43 .
- the inside slope 47 of the buttress 48 may be such that an orthogonal projection P of the apex 43 on the sole 40 is located beneath the buttress 48 .
- FIG. 4C is an excerpt of the cleat of FIG. 4A .
- the angle formed between the inside slope 47 and the sole 40 may be less than 90 degrees.
- the apex 43 may not be at the top of the inside slope 47 .
- Some buttresses 48 may be shaped in such a way that the inside slope 47 leads to another slope where the apex 43 is located.
- FIG. 6A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat 62 on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the orthogonal projection P of the apex 63 on the sole 60 shows that P crosses through cleat 62 .
- the orthogonal projection P may be seen in detail in FIG. 6D .
- FIG. 6D is an excerpt showing the details of the buttress and the cleat of FIG. 6A .
- An embodiment of the buttress 68 shown in FIG. 6A , at least partially covers the cleat 62 thereby interlocking with the cleat 62 .
- Embodiments of the buttress 68 that interlock with the cleat 62 may be able to combat lateral forces 18 better than embodiments that do not interlock with the cleat 62 .
- FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the cleat of FIG. 6A .
- the buttress 68 may surround the entire cleat 62 , and in some embodiments, may interlock with the cleat 62 all around the cleat 62 .
- FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of the buttress 68 of FIG. 6A when the cleat 62 is not inserted in the sole 60 .
- the buttress 68 is shaped to interlock with at least part of the cleat 62 .
- the buttress 58 is not in contact with cleat 54 .
- the buttress 58 is spaced around the cleat 52 .
- the short leg 54 b may contact the buttress 58 .
- the cleat 52 is kept in the receptacle 56 because it is supported by the contact with the buttress 58 .
- the cleat is also kept in the receptacle because the buttress 58 protects the cleat from lateral forces 18 .
- the leg 54 b flexes, the cleat 52 may not come into contact with the buttress 58 .
- FIG. 7A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat 72 on a sole 70 according to an embodiment of the invention.
- the buttress 78 is interlocking with cleat 72 .
- FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the cleat 72 of FIG. 7A .
- the interlocking buttress 78 may also be formed of islets as shown in FIG. 7B .
- the interlocking buttress 78 does not have to be a continuous ring.
- the buttress 78 islets may be elongated.
- Some embodiments may have a planar top surface, as shown in FIG. 7B .
- buttress 78 islets may have a planar top surface that is substantially parallel with the sole 70 .
- the side surfaces of the islet buttress 78 may be a planar surface.
- the planar surface may be substantially perpendicular with the sole 70 of the shoe.
- the side surfaces may be tapered as shown in FIG. 7B .
- the buttress 88 may also be used for non-removable cleats 82 that are permanently fitted in receptacles 85 in the sole 80 .
- the non-removable cleats 82 may be molded into the sole 80 of the shoe.
- the at least one buttress 88 may be formed as a unitary member with the sole.
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Abstract
Description
- This patent application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 61/905,919, filed Nov. 19, 2013, titled “Buttress for Removable Cleats,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to athletic shoes, and more particularly to cleats.
- Athletic shoe cleats, in particular golf cleats, have been subject to changing designs in recent years, to attempt to provide users with a variety of advantages. In particular, shoes with removable cleats have had great success. Recent improvement in cleats and receptacle design for facilitating the attachment and release of the cleat from the shoe has made the cleat more susceptible to unwanted dislodgement due to impact occurring during use of the cleats. An illustration of the manner in which such a cleat may be dislodged is shown in
FIGS. 1A-1C . - In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a shoe sole for receiving at least one cleat has at least one cleat receptacle, and at least one buttress forming a protrusion on the bottom of the shoe sole. The buttress may be adjacent to the receptacle. The buttress may be configured to support an outer edge of a cleat mounted in the receptacle.
- Some embodiments may have a cleat mounted in the receptacle. The buttress may support at least a single leg of the cleat. The buttress may be configured so that it contacts an outer edge of the leg of the cleat. Additionally, the buttress may be in constant contact with the cleat when the cleat is mounted in the receptacle. In some embodiments, the shoe sole may include two or more buttresses equidistant of each other.
- In some embodiments, the receptacle may be surrounded by the at least one buttress. The buttress may be substantially in the shape of a ring. Optionally, the buttress may interlock with the cleat. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the buttress may be equal to an outer diameter of the cleat so as to come in close contact with the cleat.
- In some embodiments, the protrusion formed by the buttress has an acute angular apex facing the sole. A diameter at the apex of the buttress may be greater than an outer diameter of the cleat. The buttress may have a concave surface with a focal point located in the interior of the cleat receptacle. The focal point may be at the center of the cleat receptacle. In some embodiments, an orthogonal projection on the sole of the apex may be within the buttress. Alternatively, some embodiments may have an orthogonal projection on the sole of the apex that is beside the buttress. Alternatively, an orthogonal projection on the sole of the apex may be along a side of the buttress facing the cleat socket.
- In some embodiments, the apex may have a height equal to a greatest height of the cleat. Alternatively, the apex may have a height smaller than a greatest height of the cleat.
- In some embodiments, the buttress may be integral to the sole. In some embodiments of the invention, a shoe includes a shoe sole for receiving at least one cleat that has at least one cleat receptacle, and at least one buttress. The buttress forms a protrusion on the bottom of the shoe sole. The shoe may have the buttress adjacent to the receptacle, and the buttress may be configured to support an outer edge of a cleat mounted in the receptacle.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a shoe sole for receiving at least one cleat includes at least one cleat receptacle, and at least one buttress. The buttress may form a protrusion on the bottom of the shoe sole adjacent the receptacle. The buttress may be configured to prevent a cleat mounted in the receptacle from being dislodged from the receptacle.
- In some embodiments, the buttress protects the cleat. The buttress may be spaced around the cleat. Optionally, at least one buttress may be lined up with a leg of the cleat. Additionally, the buttress may support at least a single leg of the cleat.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a shoe has a sole with a traction surface with one or more receptacles in the sole for receiving a cleat. The cleat may have at least one traction projection extending from the base and an engagement projection for connecting with the receptacle. The base may have an exterior circumferential surface having a first shape. The sole may include a ring protruding from the sole and positioned around the receptacle The ring may have an interior circumferential surface with a second shape, such that the second shape may complement the first shape of the base.
- In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a shoe includes a sole with a traction surface with one or more receptacles for receiving a base for a cleat disposed in the sole. The cleat may have at least one traction projection extending from the base and an engagement projection for connecting with the receptacle. The base may have an exterior circumferential surface having a first shape. The sole may also include a plurality of protection elements protruding from the traction surface and spaced equidistantly around the receptacle. Each of the protection elements may have an inner surface adjacent the receptacle. The inner surfaces of each protection element may have a second shape that complements the first shape of the base.
- The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIGS. 1A-C are side views in partial cross section of a prior art cleat on a sole during an exposure to lateral stress (with the bottom of the cleat facing upwardly in the figure—this “upside down” orientation is shown in all of the side views below); -
FIG. 2A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the cleat ofFIG. 2A (showing the bottom of the cleat and a portion of the bottom of the shoe sole). -
FIG. 3A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the cleat ofFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 4A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the cleat ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 4C is an excerpt of the cleat ofFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5B is a bottom view of the cleat ofFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 6A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the cleat ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the buttress ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 6D is an excerpt showing the details of the buttress and the cleat ofFIG. 6A ; -
FIG. 7A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7B is a bottom view of the cleat ofFIG. 7A ; and -
FIG. 8 is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention. -
Removable cleats 12, mounted onathletic shoes soles 10, are prone to being dislodged from theirreceptacles 16 bytraction forces 18 that develop around thecleats 12 and against thelegs 14 of thecleats 12 during use. Theseforces 18 can have significant components lateral to the main axis of the cleats, as shown inFIGS. 1A-C , and theselateral force 18 components can sometimes pull the cleats out of their receptacles.Removable cleats 12 may be designed to increase the traction of athletic shoes. The increased traction can result in increasedlateral forces 18, thereby increasing the likelihood that thecleats 12 will be removed from the sole of the athletic shoe.Lateral forces 18 can be encountered in a number of situations when a person is wearing an athletic shoe withcleats 12. In some situations, walking on a solid surface with a shoe havingremovable cleats 12 may create sufficientlateral forces 18 to dislodge thecleat 12. Theremovable cleats 12 may experience stronglateral forces 18 on surfaces that are compressible. For example, surfaces such as soil or sand may allow thecleat 12 to dig into the surface, thereby increasing the surface area of the cleat that may be subject to thelateral force 18. Furthermore, in situations where acleat 12 may be most helpful, such as during a forceful movement that requires rotation of the foot (e.g. golf swing, soccer shot) or transmission of rapid power through the foot (e.g. sprinting), the strongestlateral forces 18 may be produced. - To counteract these
lateral forces 18, one or more buttresses may be placed against or near thecleat 22. In some embodiments the buttress 28 may protect thecleat 22. Alternatively, the buttress 28 may support thecleat 22. In other embodiments the buttress 28 may protect and support thecleat 22. By supporting the cleat, thebuttress 28 prevents the cleat from being dislodged from its receptacle in the sole. Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2B , a shoe sole 20 has at least one, but generally a series of,cleats 22 with, at least one, but usually a plurality oflegs 24. Thecleats 22 are inserted into receptacles (or sockets) 26 in the sole 20. In this embodiment, thecleat 22 is surrounded by a circular buttress 28 disposed adjoining therim 21 of thereceptacle 26. A continuous ring protrudes from the sole 20 and forms the buttress 28 resting against the circumferential outer surface of thecleat 22 and itslegs 24. In some embodiments, the ring formed by thebuttress 28 may not be continuous. For example, the circular buttress 28 may have discontinuities along portions of the ring that are betweenlegs 24. InFIG. 2A , the buttress is seen in cross section and reveals a profile that has an apex 23 with anacute angle 25 facing the sole 20 of the shoe. The apex 23 is the part of thebuttress 28 that extends the furthest perpendicular to the surface of theshoe sole 20. Thebuttress 28 is in close contact with thecleat 22 body andlegs 24.Acute angle 25 is the angle between a surface incontact 27 with thecleat 22, and a surface facing away 29 from thecleat 22. The height of thebuttress 28 at the apex 23 may be from about a third to two thirds of the height of thelegs 24, or any other height suitable for supporting thecleat 22 when it is subject tolateral forces 18. - In
FIG. 2A , the surface incontact 27 with thecleat 22 extends from the apex 23 to therim 21 of thereceptacle 26. The slope of the surface incontact 27 with thecleat 22 is the angle formed between the surface incontact 27 and theshoe sole 20. The surface facing away 29 from thecleat 22 is the surface that extends from the apex 23 to theshoe sole 20. The slope of the surface facing away 29 from thecleat 22 is the angle formed between the surface facing away 29 and theshoe sole 20. The slope of the surface incontact 27 with thecleat 22 may be steeper than the slope of the surface facing away 29 from the cleat, or vice versa. - As shown in
FIG. 2B , the buttress 28 may contact thecleat 22 at thelegs 24, and may not contact thecleat 22 between thelegs 24. Thelegs 24 have anouter edge 24 a. Thelegs 24 also haveinner surfaces 24 b, as shown inFIG. 2B . In some embodiments, the buttress may contact only theouter edge 24 a of one ormore legs 24. Theouter edge 24 a is the portion of theleg 24 that extends the furthest away from the center of thecleat 22.FIGS. 2A-2B show an embodiment of theouter edge 24 a of aleg 24.FIGS. 4A-4B show another embodiment of anouter edge 24 a. InFIGS. 4A ,legs outer edges 24 a. As can be seen, theouter edge 24 a does not have to be a planar surface. Theouter edge 24 a may have a number of different surfaces. Similarly, thebuttress 48 does not have to make contact with all of theouter edges 24 a. The buttress 48 may contact only theouter edges 24 a ofshort legs 44 b, and not of thelong legs 44 a. - The buttress 28 may be formed as an integral part of the sole 20, or it may be prepared separately and secured to the sole 20 around the
rim 21 of thereceptacle 26 with glue or sequential molding. The material for thebuttress 28 may be made of a material that is the same as the material of the sole 20, or it may be of a different material with a different stiffness (e.g. shore A). Examples of suitable materials may be synthetic polymers such as, rubber, silicone, thermoplastic urethane, or polyvinyl chloride compounds. - Referring to
FIGS. 3A and 3B , the buttress 38 may be positioned on a perimeter larger than the perimeter of thereceptacle 36, such that it does not come in direct contact with thecleat 32 and itslegs 34.FIG. 3A is a side view in partial cross section of a cleat on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention. The profile of thebuttress 38, viewed in cross section inFIG. 3A , may be rounded at the top or angular as described above and shown inFIG. 2A . Alternatively, some embodiments of thebuttress 38 may be substantially flat at the top.FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the cleat ofFIG. 3A . In some embodiments, the buttress 38 may form a continuous ring around thecleat 32 as shown inFIG. 3B . The distance between thebuttress 38 and therim 31 of thereceptacle 36 may vary. A number of distances from thebuttress 38 to therim 31 may be suitable for thebuttress 38 to counteractlateral forces 18. - The
buttress 38 has an apex 33. The apex is the point of thebuttress 38 that extends the furthest perpendicular to the surface of the sole 30. The apex 33 may have varying dimensions based on the shape of thebuttress 38. In thebuttress 38 shown inFIG. 3B , the apex 33 runs in a line continuously along the ring. In some embodiments of the invention, there may be a single point along the ring that forms the apex 33. Other embodiments may have a flat surface that forms an apex 33. Some embodiments may have a number ofapexes 33 formed along the continuous ring as seen inFIG. 3B .Apexes 33 may be equidistant from one another. For example, the continuous ring may have crenellations formed by thebuttress 38 that form a number ofequidistant apexes 33. In other embodiments, theapexes 33 may not be equidistant. In some embodiments, there may be a disproportionate number ofapexes 33 formed along a portion of thebuttress 38. For example, a large proportion ofapexes 33 may be strategically formed on thebuttress 38 in an area of the shoe sole 30 designed to counter stronglateral forces 18. - When the
buttress 28 supports thecleat 22, it may contact thecleat 22 when thecleat 22 is mounted in thereceptacle 26. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2A , when thecleat 22 is inserted into thereceptacle 26, thecleat 22 and the buttress 28 are in constant contact until thecleat 22 is removed from thereceptacle 26. The contact between thecleat 22 and the buttress 28 may counter thelateral forces 18 experienced by thecleat 22. However, thebuttress 38 does not always have to be in contact with thecleat 32, as inFIG. 3A . The buttress 38 may prevent thecleat 32 from being removed from thereceptacle 36 by protecting thecleat 32 from the effect of the lateral forces 18. As shown inFIG. 3B , the buttress 38 may be spaced away from thecleat 32 and may encounterlateral forces 18 before thecleat 32 thereby protecting thecleat 32 .In some embodiments, the buttress 28 may be configured to support thecleat 22 and to protect thecleat 32 fromlateral forces 18. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A-C , a series ofisolated buttresses 48 may be positioned against thecleat 42.FIGS. 4A-B show threelong legs 44 a and threeshort legs 44 b alternating along therim 41. In this embodiment, thebuttress 48 is shown in contact with thecleat 42 between thelong legs 44 a and flush with therim 41 of thereceptacle 46. In some embodiments, buttress 48 may be sufficiently close to thecleat 42 so as to support thecleat 42 without making contact with thecleat 42 when thecleat 42 is in an unstressed position. The islets ofbuttresses 48 may be equidistant of each other around therim 41. - As shown in
FIG. 4B , the islets may be interspersed around therim 41 and between thelong legs 44 a of thecleat 42. In alternative embodiments, the islets ofbuttresses 48 may support only thelong legs 44 a. To that end, the islets ofbuttresses 48 may be formed adjacent to thelong legs 44 a. Other embodiments may have islets interspersed between thelong legs 44 a and adjacent to thelong legs 44 a. Alternatively, the islets ofbuttresses 48 may be interspersed around therim 41 and between theshort legs 44 b of thecleat 42. In other embodiments, the islets ofbuttresses 48 may support only theshort legs 44 b as shown inFIG. 4B . To that end, the islets ofbuttresses 48 may be formed adjacent to theshort legs 44 b. - As shown in the top view of
FIG. 4B , the buttressislet 48 may have a trapezoidal foot print on the sole 40. Alternatively, the foot print may be curved or elliptical as shown inFIG. 5B , or pyramidal. Similarly, the transversal cross section of the buttressislet 48 may be angular, as shown inFIG. 4B , or rounded as shown inFIG. 5B . - Depending on the design of the
cleat 42, there may be as little as twoislets 48, or as many as 8 or more. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 4A-C there are threesuch islets 48. Each buttress 48 may have itsown apex 43. Viewed in cross section, theinside slope 47 of thebuttress 48 may be such that an orthogonal projection P of the apex 43 on the sole 40 is located beneath thebuttress 48.FIG. 4C is an excerpt of the cleat ofFIG. 4A . The angle formed between theinside slope 47 and the sole 40 may be less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the apex 43 may not be at the top of theinside slope 47. Some buttresses 48 may be shaped in such a way that theinside slope 47 leads to another slope where the apex 43 is located. - In other embodiments such as the one shown in
FIG. 5A , the projection P is at the inside edge of thebuttress 58 as the slope is vertical or, as shown inFIGS. 6A , C and D, the projection P of the apex 63 may be located besides the interior surface of thebuttress 68 facing thecleat 62.FIG. 6A is a side view in partial cross section of acleat 62 on a sole according to an embodiment of the invention. InFIG. 6A , the orthogonal projection P of the apex 63 on the sole 60 shows that P crosses throughcleat 62. The orthogonal projection P may be seen in detail inFIG. 6D .FIG. 6D is an excerpt showing the details of the buttress and the cleat ofFIG. 6A . An embodiment of thebuttress 68, shown inFIG. 6A , at least partially covers thecleat 62 thereby interlocking with thecleat 62. Embodiments of thebuttress 68 that interlock with thecleat 62 may be able to combatlateral forces 18 better than embodiments that do not interlock with thecleat 62.FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the cleat ofFIG. 6A . As shown inFIG. 6B , the buttress 68 may surround theentire cleat 62, and in some embodiments, may interlock with thecleat 62 all around thecleat 62.FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of thebuttress 68 ofFIG. 6A when thecleat 62 is not inserted in the sole 60. As can be seen, thebuttress 68 is shaped to interlock with at least part of thecleat 62. - In the embodiment shown in
FIGS. 5A-5B , thebuttress 58 is not in contact with cleat 54. Thebuttress 58 is spaced around thecleat 52. In some embodiments, when theshort leg 54 b flexes, theshort leg 54 b may contact thebuttress 58. As a result, thecleat 52 is kept in thereceptacle 56 because it is supported by the contact with thebuttress 58. The cleat is also kept in the receptacle because thebuttress 58 protects the cleat fromlateral forces 18. In other embodiments, when theleg 54 b flexes, thecleat 52 may not come into contact with thebuttress 58. -
FIG. 7A is a side view in partial cross section of acleat 72 on a sole 70 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 7A , thebuttress 78 is interlocking withcleat 72.FIG. 7B is a bottom view of thecleat 72 ofFIG. 7A . In some embodiments, the interlocking buttress 78 may also be formed of islets as shown inFIG. 7B . The interlocking buttress 78 does not have to be a continuous ring. The buttress 78 islets may be elongated. Some embodiments may have a planar top surface, as shown inFIG. 7B . Other embodiments of thebuttress 78 islets may have a planar top surface that is substantially parallel with the sole 70. The side surfaces of the islet buttress 78 may be a planar surface. The planar surface may be substantially perpendicular with the sole 70 of the shoe. In other embodiments, the side surfaces may be tapered as shown inFIG. 7B . - In other embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 8 , the buttress 88 may also be used fornon-removable cleats 82 that are permanently fitted inreceptacles 85 in the sole 80. Thenon-removable cleats 82 may be molded into the sole 80 of the shoe. In some embodiments, the at least one buttress 88 may be formed as a unitary member with the sole. - The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be merely exemplary; numerous variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in any appended claims.
Claims (40)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/547,207 US20150135557A1 (en) | 2013-11-19 | 2014-11-19 | Buttress for Removable Cleats |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201361905919P | 2013-11-19 | 2013-11-19 | |
US14/547,207 US20150135557A1 (en) | 2013-11-19 | 2014-11-19 | Buttress for Removable Cleats |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20150135557A1 true US20150135557A1 (en) | 2015-05-21 |
Family
ID=52014399
Family Applications (1)
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US14/547,207 Abandoned US20150135557A1 (en) | 2013-11-19 | 2014-11-19 | Buttress for Removable Cleats |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US20150135557A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015077270A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160198804A1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-07-14 | Pride Manufacturing Company, Llc | Traction Cleat And Receptacle |
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US1864713A (en) * | 1931-04-25 | 1932-06-28 | William T Clark | Detachable self-centering cleats for athletic shoes |
US4380878A (en) * | 1980-09-26 | 1983-04-26 | Keds Corporation | Outsole |
US5617653A (en) * | 1991-04-15 | 1997-04-08 | Andrew S. Walker | Break-away cleat assembly for athletic shoe |
US7559160B2 (en) * | 2002-04-09 | 2009-07-14 | Trisport Limited | Studded footwear |
US7726043B2 (en) * | 2003-01-11 | 2010-06-01 | Trisport Limited | Studded footwear |
US8631591B2 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2014-01-21 | Pride Manufacturing Company, Llc | Replaceable traction cleat for footwear |
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FR2532159B1 (en) * | 1982-08-30 | 1985-07-26 | Patrick | IMPROVED SOLE FOR SPORTSHOES, WITH UNDERLYING PROJECTIONS ON THE GROUND, FOR THE PRACTICE IN PARTICULAR OF FOOTBALL, RUGBY, HOCKEY ON GRASS OR THE LIKE |
DE9101528U1 (en) * | 1991-02-11 | 1991-05-02 | Sportartikelfabrik Karl Uhl Gmbh, 7460 Balingen | Sole for sports shoes and gripping element for connection to such a sole |
US5367793A (en) * | 1992-04-24 | 1994-11-29 | Warm Springs Golf Club, Inc. | Winter golf shoe spikes |
ES2117548B1 (en) * | 1995-12-04 | 1999-01-01 | E R D I N S L Ab | NEW REGULATORY PROVISION OF MULTIDIRECTIONAL MOVEMENTS OF THE TACOS INCORPORATED IN SPORTS FOOTWEAR. |
US5979083A (en) * | 1998-01-23 | 1999-11-09 | Acushnet Company | Multi-layer outsole |
WO2000064294A1 (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2000-11-02 | Acushnet Company | Traction assembly for golf shoes |
JP3634682B2 (en) * | 1999-08-18 | 2005-03-30 | 住友ゴム工業株式会社 | shoes |
US7428790B2 (en) * | 2001-01-26 | 2008-09-30 | Penquin Brands, Inc. | Universal cleat |
US6817117B1 (en) * | 2002-03-05 | 2004-11-16 | Nike, Inc. | Golf shoe outsole with oriented traction elements |
US20090293317A1 (en) * | 2008-05-30 | 2009-12-03 | Softspikes, Llc | Adjustable Traction System and Method for Footwear |
-
2014
- 2014-11-19 WO PCT/US2014/066266 patent/WO2015077270A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-11-19 US US14/547,207 patent/US20150135557A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US1864713A (en) * | 1931-04-25 | 1932-06-28 | William T Clark | Detachable self-centering cleats for athletic shoes |
US4380878A (en) * | 1980-09-26 | 1983-04-26 | Keds Corporation | Outsole |
US5617653A (en) * | 1991-04-15 | 1997-04-08 | Andrew S. Walker | Break-away cleat assembly for athletic shoe |
US7559160B2 (en) * | 2002-04-09 | 2009-07-14 | Trisport Limited | Studded footwear |
US7726043B2 (en) * | 2003-01-11 | 2010-06-01 | Trisport Limited | Studded footwear |
US8631591B2 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2014-01-21 | Pride Manufacturing Company, Llc | Replaceable traction cleat for footwear |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20160198804A1 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2016-07-14 | Pride Manufacturing Company, Llc | Traction Cleat And Receptacle |
US9795190B2 (en) * | 2015-01-14 | 2017-10-24 | Pride Manufacturing Company, Llc | Traction cleat and receptacle |
Also Published As
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WO2015077270A1 (en) | 2015-05-28 |
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