WO2009158137A1 - Système de traction réglable et procédé pour article chaussant - Google Patents

Système de traction réglable et procédé pour article chaussant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009158137A1
WO2009158137A1 PCT/US2009/045794 US2009045794W WO2009158137A1 WO 2009158137 A1 WO2009158137 A1 WO 2009158137A1 US 2009045794 W US2009045794 W US 2009045794W WO 2009158137 A1 WO2009158137 A1 WO 2009158137A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleat
traction
outsole
shoe
flexure
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/045794
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Rand J. Krikorian
Original Assignee
Softspikes, Llc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Softspikes, Llc filed Critical Softspikes, Llc
Publication of WO2009158137A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009158137A1/fr

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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
    • A43C15/16—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 pertains generally to methods and apparatus for enhancing traction for footwear and, more particularly, to improvements in footwear and cleats to permit the resulting traction to be selectively adjusted for different conditions and preferences. Although described primarily in connection with golf shoes, it will be understood that the present invention has applicability for any shoe in which a traction cleat is utilized.
  • metal spikes were initially permanently attached to the golf shoe outsole, experienced limited wear and lasted for many years. Ultimately, metal spikes became replaceable products and were provided with threaded stems that could engage and be disengaged from a correspondingly threaded receptacle mounted in a shoe outsole.
  • the second type of modern plastic cleat is one with static traction elements (i.e., elements that are substantially rigid and do not flex) that extend from the cleat hub.
  • static traction elements i.e., elements that are substantially rigid and do not flex
  • these cleats are shorter, typically a maximum of 6 - 6.25 mm in overall cleat height so as to limit any turf penetration that might occur.
  • These cleats although made of plastic material, are rigid and, because of their reduced height, are somewhat less effective in tangling or even biting into grass or thatch as the golfer walks on fairways and in rough.
  • One advantage of these shorter cleats is that when the golfer walks on cart paths or hard surfaces, the cleats produce a feeling to the wearer that he/she is walking on plastic or studs. This "advantage" is an accommodation to golfers who formerly used metal cleats in that it provides a similar feeling to that experienced with the metal cleats worn as recently as 1999.
  • metal spikes and plastic cleats have been replaceable in the shoe outsole by means of a threaded stem (metal or plastic) on the spike or cleat engaging a threaded socket mounted in the golf shoe outsole.
  • a threaded stem metal or plastic
  • currently prevalent cleat attachment methods have multiple lead-in options (i.e., multiple starting angular positions for the cleat stem relative to the outsole socket). Examples of multiple starting point lead-ins for threaded engagements for cleats are disclosed in U. S. Patent Nos. 6,810,608 (Kelly '608), and 7,137,213 (Kelly et al); the entire contents of those patents are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the retaining members on the cleat are substantially identical, as are the contoured openings in the receptacle, so that any of the retaining members can fit in any of the contoured openings, thereby providing plural (e.g., three) possible starting points and final positions for the rotational engagement.
  • each of the above-described connection techniques has three rotational starting point choices which allow for three different 120°-spaced positions or final orientations of, for example, an asymmetrical cleat in an outsole.
  • the asymmetrical cleat features could be cosmetic (e.g., a logo which typically is not symmetrical) as shown in U. S, Patent No. D466,275, or functional (e.g., an asymmetric shape or array of traction elements, as in McMullin '446) providing different traction effects at different rotational positions.
  • the different rotational positions may be viewed as permitting a degree of traction adjustability whereby the rotational positions of the dynamic and traction elements relative to the shoe outsole periphery produce different traction effects depending upon which rotational starting position is chosen during cleat connection to the shoe mounted receptacle.
  • the differences between the tractional effects produced in the three angular positions, both from a tactile perspective and from a tractional function perspective are subtle at best and are not necessarily sensed or appreciated by the person wearing the shoe.
  • one embodiment of the invention provides a cleat and outsole combination that allows the user to choose which of the two types of traction "feels" he or she prefers based on how the cleats are selectively installed in the outsole of the golf shoe.
  • the different tractional effects may be provided by an adjustment ring that can be selectively secured to and positioned on the cleat.
  • the present invention pertains to selectively changing the amount of flexure permitted for dynamic traction elements to achieve a desired tractional effect of comfort feeling for the wearer of an athletic shoe.
  • the number of dynamic traction elements on a cleat is such that the three starting locations for the rotational engagement combine with the angular spacing between the traction elements to provide traction element locations which differ for each starting location. Stated otherwise, the angular locations of each dynamic traction element for the installed cleat are different depending on which of the three starting locations is chosen.
  • a portion of the outsole of the golf shoe surrounding the receptacle is defined as an annular array of repeating segments of raised, recessed and neutral adjustment segments of angular width generally corresponding to the angular width of each traction element.
  • the radial location of the array of adjustment segments in relation to the socket rotational axis corresponds to the radial location on the cleat of an upper surface of each dynamic traction element relative to the stem rotational axis such that the upper surface of each traction element is always aligned with either a raised, recessed or neutral adjustment section.
  • Each raised adjustment segment projects downwardly a sufficient distance from the outsole to interfere with an aligned traction element and prevent it from being deflected upward (i.e., toward the outsole) under the weight of the wearer.
  • Each recessed adjustment segment receives an aligned traction element such that the element is permitted to deflect upwardly a maximum amount under the wearer's weight.
  • Each neutral adjustment segment which is typically co-planar with the exposed outsole bottom surface, permits an intermediate amount of upward deflection of an aligned traction element.
  • This arrangement permits the degree of flexure of the dynamic elements to be varied as a function of the final rotational or angular position of the cleat in the receptacle.
  • the permitted traction element flexure is zero, the wearer of the shoe experiences a hard "feel” much like that provided by static traction elements.
  • the "feel” is softer, much like that provided by the cleat in the McMullin '104 patent.
  • the "feel" is correspondingly intermediate that provided in the other two positions.
  • the tractional effects differ in each position for the reasons described above in connection with dynamic and static traction.
  • a separate element such as an adjustment ring may be placed on the upper surface of the cleat hub about the cleat connector.
  • the adjustment ring is not rotationally adjustable once mounted and includes spaced depending adjustment segments that are angularly aligned with and positively engage the top surfaces of respective dynamic traction elements so as to prevent the traction element from flexing under the weight of the wearer of the shoe.
  • an adjustment ring may be rotatable and have raised, recessed and/or neutral adjustment segments to interact at different heights with the dynamic traction elements depending on the angular position of the ring on the cleat.
  • FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the bottom surface of a portion of a shoe outsole configured to interact with a cleat according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom view in plan of a first cleat engaged in a first angular position with the shoe outsole of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a side view in elevation of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a bottom view in plan of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 2 engaged in a second angular position.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view in elevation of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 6 is a bottom view in plan of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 2 engaged in a third angular position.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view in elevation of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 8 is a bottom view in plan of a second cleat engaged in a first angular position with the shoe outsole of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 9 is a side view in elevation of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom view in plan of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 8 engaged in a second angular position.
  • FIG. 11 is a side view in elevation of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 12 is a bottom view in plan of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 8 engaged in a third angular position.
  • FIG. 13 is a side view in elevation of the cleat and outsole of FIG. 12.
  • FIG. 14 is a top view in perspective of a cleat useful in connection with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a top view in plan of the cleat of FIG. 14.
  • FIG. 16 is a view in perspective of the bottom surface of a portion of a shoe outsole configured according to another embodiment of the present invention to interact with the cleat of FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the surface of FIG. 15 showing a raised adjustment segment.
  • FIG.18 is a view in perspective of the cleat of FIG. 16 with a first adjustment ring attached in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a side view in elevation of the cleat and attached adjustment ring of FIG. 18.
  • FIG. 20 is a bottom view in perspective of the adjustment ring shown in FIG. 18.
  • FIG. 21 is a bottom view in perspective of a second adjustment ring attached in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention..
  • FIG. 22 is a top view in plan of the adjustment ring of FIG. 21.
  • FIG. 23 is a bottom view in plan of the adjustment ring of FIG. 21.
  • FIGS. 1 - 23 and of the preferred embodiments reveals the methods and apparatus of the present invention.
  • the relative directional terms "top”, “bottom”, “upward”, downward”, “vertical” and horizontal”, and the like, as used herein, refer to the orientation in a shoe outsole in which the cleat of the invention is installed when the shoe outsole rests on or is forced against a horizontal surface such as the ground, and these terms are not limiting on the orientation of the shoe, the cleat or the scope of the invention.
  • angular means the rotational direction about the central longitudinal axis of the cleat about which the cleat is rotated during installation in a receptacle in a shoe outsole;
  • radial refers to the transverse direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis;
  • axial refers to the longitudinal direction along or parallel to that axis.
  • the description may include dimensions for some of the structural features. It is to be understood that these dimensions are for reference and understanding and are not intended as limiting the scope of the invention.
  • rotational engagement or the like, in connection with a connector on a cleat engaging a receptacle in a shoe outsole, it is meant to include any form of rotational engagement, including but not limited to threaded engagement such as that disclosed in the Kelly '608 and Kelly et al patents and non-threaded rotational engagement such as that disclosed in the McMullin '571 patent.
  • connector stem is used herein to refer to the connector on the cleat that rotationally engages a receptacle connector mounted in the shoe sole; it is to be understood that this term includes a single shaft (threaded or not) concentric with the cleat longitudinal axis about which rotational engagement is effected, or plural separate stems disposed at short radially spaced locations from that axis.
  • FIGS. 1 - 7 A first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 7 to which specific reference is now made.
  • the number of dynamic traction elements on a cleat is such that the three possible starting locations for the rotational engagement combine with the angular spacing between the traction elements to provide traction element locations which differ for each lead-in location. Stated otherwise, the angular locations of each traction element for the installed cleat are different depending on which of the three thread starting locations is chosen.
  • a portion of the outsole 10 of the golf shoe surrounding the receptacle is defined as an annular array of repeating sections of raised, recessed and neutral adjustment segments of angular width generally corresponding to the angular width of each traction element. More specifically, FIG.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an outsole 10 including a recess or aperture 11 in which a receptacle is typically mounted to serve as a shoe connector.
  • the multi-start receptacle itself is not shown in FIG.1 for purposes of preserving clarity and understanding of the invention, but it is to be understood that the receptacle may be threaded or not and take the form described and illustrated in any of the above-referenced Kelly '608, Kelly et al or McMullin '571 patents.
  • the receptacle and the corresponding connecting stem of the cleat provide for three angularly spaced lead-ins or rotation starting points for the engagement of the cleat and receptacle.
  • the rotation required for full cleat insertion is typically limited by stop members on the cleat and in the receptacle to an angle on the order of 60° or less.
  • selection of a particular lead-in permits the final angular position of the dynamic traction elements on the cleat to be selected.
  • annular array of traction adjustment segments comprising: raised segments 12; recessed segments 13; and neutral segments 14 which are co-planar with outsole 10.
  • the series of three adjacent adjustment segments is repeated in eight successive sections to form the annular array.
  • the radial centerline of each segment is angularly spaced from the radial centerline of its two adjacent segments by 15°, thereby permitting a cleat with eight equiangularly spaced dynamic traction elements to be rotated 15° to have each traction element moved from one traction adjustment segment to the next adjacent segment.
  • the radial location of the array of adjustment segments 12, 13, 14 relative to the center of recess 11 corresponds to the radial location on the cleat of an upper surface of each traction element relative to the connector stem axis such that the upper surface of each traction element is always aligned with either the raised, recessed or neutral adjustment section.
  • a cleat 15 of the type disclosed in the McMullin '104 patent is shown attached to outsole 10 in a first angular position.
  • Cleat 15 has eight dynamic traction elements equally spaced angularly about the rotation axis A of the cleat, extending from the periphery of the cleat hub.
  • each of the elements 16 is angularly aligned with a respective raised traction adjustment segment 12.
  • this alignment produces an abutting relationship between the traction element and the adjustment segment so that no deflection of the traction element is possible.
  • the surface of the adjustment segment is preferably angled and contoured, as shown in Fig. 3, to be flush with the contacted angled upper surface of the traction element to maximize the contact area between them and thereby optimize the force opposing traction element deflection.
  • the raised adjustment segment could be configured to be slightly spaced from the top surface of the traction element so as to permit a small deflection of the traction element when the cleat is under load from the weight of the shoe wearer.
  • this first angular position of cleat 15 relative the adjustment segment array is considered to be the 0° position.
  • the peripheral edge of the traction element in the twelve o'clock position in FIG. 2 has a small outwardly pointed arrow to show its angular position.
  • this 0° position of the cleat in its outsole-mounted connector is achieved by starting the rotational insertion of the cleat connecting stem in a particular one of three possible starting positions for engaging the cleat in the shoe mounted receptacle.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second angular position of the cleat rotated 120° clockwise from the position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the traction elements 16 are angularly aligned with respective neutral or flat traction adjustment segments 14.
  • the traction elements in this position are permitted to deflect until their upper surfaces abut the surface in segment 14 which is in the plane of outsole 10. This is considered an intermediate amount of deflection for purposes of this embodiment.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a third angular position of the cleat rotated 240° clockwise from the position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the traction elements 16 are angularly aligned with respective recessed traction adjustment segments 13.
  • the traction elements are permitted to deflect maximally until their upper surfaces abut the defining top wall of the recess in segment 13 which is recessed from the plane of outsole 10. This is considered the maximum amount of deflection for purposes of this embodiment.
  • each raised adjustment segment 12 projects downwardly a sufficient distance from the outsole 10 to interfere with an aligned traction element 16 and prevent it from being deflected upward (i.e., toward the outsole) under the weight of the wearer.
  • Each recessed adjustment segment 13 receives an aligned traction element 16 such that the element is permitted to deflect upwardly a maximum amount under the wearer's weight.
  • each traction element 16 is angularly spaced 45° from the centerlines of the adjacent traction elements.
  • each traction element is re-positioned by 120°.
  • the combinations of traction element locations and starting positon spacing provide the possibility that a traction element could end up in any one of twenty-four different angular locations, successive locations being spaced by 15°.
  • a cleat has only four flexing traction elements located symmetrically, the numbers are reduced to twelve element locations with 30° spacing between them. It is to be understood that the principles of the invention include any number of unique starting positions for the rotational engagement combined with traction element multiples that result in separate and distinct final element locations. It is also to be understood that the cleat need not be symmetrical; that is, the traction elements can be oriented in an asymmetric array about the cleat periphery. Of course, this may require modification of the adjustment segment positions in the outsole.
  • the cleat may additionally include one or more static traction elements positioned so as to not interfere with the adjustable flexure feature of the dynamic elements.
  • the static elements would be located in alternating positions with the dynamic elements, or inboard from the cleat periphery.
  • FIGS. 8 - 13 An example of a cleat with only four flexible traction elements, and containing alternating dynamic and static elements used with an array of adjustment segments according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8 - 13.
  • FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a portion of an outsole 20 having a receptacle (not shown) mounted in an aperture or recess 21 in which a cleat 25 is rotationally engaged by means of its connector stem 27 which in this embodied is externally treaded.
  • the multi-start internally threaded mating receptacle itself is not shown for purposes of preserving clarity and understanding of the invention, but it is to be understood that the receptacle may take the form described and illustrated in either of the above-referenced Kelly '608 and Kelly et al patent.
  • the rotational connection need not be threaded but instead can be of the type described and disclosed in the above-referenced McMullin '571 patent.
  • annular array of traction adjustment segments comprising raised segments 22, recessed segments 23 and neutral segments 24 which are co-planar with outsole 20.
  • the three adjustment segments are repeated in four successive sections to form the annular array.
  • the radial centerline of each segment is angularly spaced from the radial centerline of its two adjacent segments by 30°, thereby permitting a cleat with four equi-angularly spaced dynamic traction elements 26 to be rotated 30° to have each traction element moved from one traction adjustment segment to the next adjacent segment.
  • the radial location of the array of adjustment segments 22, 23, 24 relative to the center of recess 21 (or the central longitudinal axis of an attached cleat) corresponds to the radial location on the cleat of an upper surface of each traction element relative to the connector rotation axis such that the upper surface of each traction element is always aligned with either the raised, recessed or neutral adjustment section. More specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a cleat 25 is shown with four dynamic traction elements 26 alternating with four static traction elements 28 spaced angularly about the axis A of the cleat. Cleat 25 is of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
  • Cleat 25 is shown attached to outsole 20 in a first angular position. In this first position, the top surface of each of the dynamic elements 26 is angularly aligned with a respective raised traction adjustment segment 22. In the illustrated embodiment this alignment produces an abutting relationship between the top transversely extending surface of the dynamic traction element and the adjustment segment so that no deflection of the traction element is possible.
  • the surface of the adjustment segment is preferably parallel to the abutting traction element surface, as shown in Fig. 9, so as to be in flush contact to maximize the contact area between them and thereby optimize the force opposing traction element deflection.
  • the raised adjustment segment could be configured to be slightly spaced from the top surface of the traction element so as to permit a small element deflection when the cleat is under load from the weight of the shoe wearer.
  • this first angular position of cleat 25 relative the adjustment segment array is considered to be the 0° position. As described, this 0° position of the cleat in its outsole-mounted connector is achieved by starting the insertion of the cleat connecting shaft in a particular one of three possible starting positions for engaging the cleat in the shoe mounted receptacle.
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a second angular position of the cleat rotated 120° clockwise from the position illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • the traction elements 26 are angularly aligned with respective neutral or flat traction adjustment segments 24.
  • the traction elements in this angular position of the cleat are permitted to deflect until their upper surfaces abut the surface in segment 24 which is in the plane of outsole 20. This is considered an intermediate amount of deflection for purposes of this embodiment.
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a third angular position of the cleat rotated 240° clockwise from the position illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • the dynamic traction elements 26 are angularly aligned with respective recessed traction adjustment segments 23.
  • the traction elements 26 are permitted to deflect maximally until their upper surfaces abut the top wall of the recess in segment 23 which is below the plane of outsole 20. This is considered the maximum amount of deflection for purposes of this embodiment.
  • Cleat 25 is illustrated in greater detail in FIGS. 14 and 15 to which specific reference is now made as to the portions of the cleat relevant to the present invention. Details regarding the complete structure and function of cleat 25 may be found in the above-referenced Krikorian et al patent application.
  • the threaded connecting stem 27 of the cleat is shown to have three separate threads to accommodate the requirement for a three start thread for the three lead-ins described hereinabove.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a portion of a shoe outsole 40 having an aperture or recess 41 in which a receptacle of the type described above would be mounted.
  • Four equiangularly spaced traction adjustment segments 42 are raised from the exposed outsole surface.
  • Each segment 42 has a recess in the form of a slot 43 defined in its distal surface that faces an engaged cleat.
  • Slot 43 extends angularly and is open at one end and closed at the other end and along its sides.
  • the open end of slot 43 is designed to permit the distal end of a dynamic traction element 26 to readily enter the slot angularly as the cleat is rotated relative to the outsole.
  • the slot is contoured to generally match the contour of the distal end of the traction element so that the traction element is positively retained along three sides once it has entered the slot.
  • each of traction elements 26 has a modified oval configuration wherein one long side is slightly concave, the other long side is slightly convex, and the two ends are sharply convex.
  • Slot 43 is similarly contoured except at its open end.
  • the slotted traction adjustment segment 42 is shown in outsole 40 at four locations without intermediate recessed segments such as segments 13 and 23 of the previously described embodiments. It will be appreciated that recesses and neutral segments can be employed in combination with raised segments 42 in the same manner as described in connection with the above-described embodiments of FIGS. 2 - 7 and 8 - 13.
  • slot 43 is designed to match the configuration of the distal end of a particular traction element 26. It will be appreciated that, for traction elements having different distal end configurations, the slot can be similarly differently configured.
  • cleats of the type described to have a cooperative locking arrangement with the receptacle to which they are attached to prevent inadvertent relative rotation between the traction element and the raised traction adjustment segments 12, 22, 42.
  • locking posts 35 on the top surface of the cleat hub which cooperate with locking structure (i.e., typically an annular array of radially projecting locking teeth) formed as part of the receptacle.
  • This locking arrangement is fully disclosed in the aforesaid Krikorian et al patent application and serves to prevent inadvertent rotation of the cleat relative to the receptacle once the two are fully engaged.
  • a golf shoe constructed to take advantage of the embodiments of the present invention as thus far described utilizes unique combinations of: number and angular positions of rotational starting positions; number and angular spacing of dynamic traction elements; and final angular positions of the dynamic traction elements upon full cleat insertion into the receptacle.
  • This combination of parameters makes it possible for the user/wearer of the shoe to modify the functional attributes of dynamic traction elements depending on which rotational starting position is chosen for the engagement of the cleat and receptacle. More particularly, this approach of modifying the tractional attributes exhibited by a traction element involves taking advantage of the known rotational stopping points of the traction elements during the rotational engagement of the cleat depending on which of the three unique starting position options is chosen.
  • selective restriction of flexure of dynamic traction elements is made possible by adding a separate piece or member to the cleat rather than requiring interaction between the traction element and special topography of the shoe outsole.
  • Embodiments pertaining to that aspect of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 18 - 23.
  • a traction adjustment member is positioned on the top surface of the cleat.
  • the adjustment member is a ring 50 disposed concentrically about the cleat rotational axis.
  • Ring 50 is preferably molded as a single piece of polymer material.
  • the ring has a substantially flat top surface and four traction adjustment segments 51 projecting downwardly from four respective locations spaced by 90°.
  • segments 51 extend radially outward from the remainder of the ring circumferential edge to correspond to the radial position of the exposed top surface of the dynamic traction elements 26. In the rotational ring position shown in FIGS.
  • segments 51 are angularly aligned with respective dynamic traction elements 26 and abut the top surfaces of those elements.
  • the radial and angular positions of segments 51 relative to the cleat axis are substantially the same as the radial and angular positions of the proximal portions of the top surfaces of traction elements 26.
  • the bottom surface of each segment 51 is substantially flat as is the abutting portion of the top surface of the aligned traction element 26.
  • Ring 50 may be selectively rotated 45° to angularly position the adjustment segments 51 between dynamic traction elements 26 so as to not prevent upward flexible deflection of dynamic traction elements under load, thereby effectively converting the tractional function of these elements from static to dynamic.
  • the tractional characteristics of the individual traction elements of the cleat may be changed.
  • ring 50 may have two or more different types of traction adjustment segments to permit different types of tractional adjustment. For example, the extent of the downward dependence of the different segments may be varied to differently limit the amount of flexible deflection permissible for the dynamic elements in each angular position of the cleat.
  • Ring 60 is preferably a single piece of molded polymer including four traction adjustment segments 61 extending at a slanted radially outward and downward angle from respective 90° spaced angular locations along the ring periphery.
  • Each segment 61 instead of contacting a respective traction element 26 in flush flat surface abutment, includes a notch 62 defined in its distal edge for receiving a similarly configured rib formed on the top surface of the traction element. This arrangement permits segment 61 to grip the rib on the traction element and has the advantage of preventing inadvertent angular movement of between segment 61 and traction element 26.
  • support would be added to the outsole in the cleat insertion stopping locations of one of the rotation starting locations (which would be marked in the outsole to indicate that this starting location produces a firm feel) such that the flexing nature of the traction elements is restricted by interference in the flexing path of the element.
  • the element would be supported by a standoff of support material in the outsole under and supporting the traction element, restricting its ability to flex.
  • the support or stand-off would be less extreme, and the setting would be advertised as normal traction feel.
  • the third feel or setting would be a result of inserting the cleat at the third lead-in position and would allow the maximum flexing of the cleat and the greatest cushioning or shock absorbing feel on a hard surface. This very soft feel could include a recess in the outsole of the shoe which would allow greater flexing than normally allowed.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne des caractéristiques de traction de crampons pour chaussures de sport, qui sont réglables en bloquant et en débloquant de manière sélective la quantité de flexion d'éléments de traction dynamiques sur le crampon. Le blocage est obtenu sous la forme d'une fonction d'emplacements de départ de rotation au cours de la fixation du crampon à un réceptacle de semelle extérieure, en plaçant un matériau ou des renfoncements sur la semelle extérieure à des positions de rotation finales différentes des éléments de traction. Dans une variante, la possibilité de réglage est obtenue en fixant et en positionnant de manière angulaire un organe séparé, tel qu'un anneau, sur le crampon avec des segments de l’organe positionnés ou non de façon à bloquer la flexion de l'élément de traction.
PCT/US2009/045794 2008-05-30 2009-06-01 Système de traction réglable et procédé pour article chaussant WO2009158137A1 (fr)

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US61/057,311 2008-05-30

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US8898935B2 (en) * 2011-08-03 2014-12-02 Nike, Inc. Article of footwear with interlocking cleat member and raised base
US9173450B2 (en) 2011-09-16 2015-11-03 Nike, Inc. Medial rotational traction element arrangement for an article of footwear
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