U.S. patent application number 11/269471 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-10 for cleat for athletic shoe.
This patent application is currently assigned to Frederick B. Peake. Invention is credited to Frederick B. Peake.
Application Number | 20070101618 11/269471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38002325 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070101618 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peake; Frederick B. |
May 10, 2007 |
Cleat for athletic shoe
Abstract
A golf cleat and system includes cleats having a base and a
plurality of barbs. Each barb preferably has a proximal end
supported by the base and a distal end extending generally
perpendicular from the base. A perpendicular surface is formed by
the distal end extending from the base and preferably counters
rotational movement of a shoe in a plane generally parallel to the
ground during a golf swing. At least some of the barbs preferably
have an angular surface between the distal end and the base.
Inventors: |
Peake; Frederick B.; (Silver
Spring, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOYLE FREDRICKSON NEWHOLM STEIN & GRATZ, S.C.
250 E. WISCONSIN AVENUE
SUITE 1030
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Assignee: |
Peake; Frederick B.
|
Family ID: |
38002325 |
Appl. No.: |
11/269471 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/134 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0094 20130101;
A43C 15/162 20130101; A43B 5/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/134 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00 |
Claims
1. A golf cleat comprising: a base; plurality of barbs having a
proximal end supported by said base and a distal end extending
generally perpendicular to said base; and wherein, at least some of
said barbs have an angular surface between said distal end and said
base and a perpendicular surface substantially opposite said
angular surface that extends between said distal and proximal end
that counters rotational movement of a shoe in a plane at least
generally parallel to the ground during a golf swing.
2. The golf cleat of claim 1, wherein said angular surface creates
an angle of between about 40 to 50 degrees with said base.
3. The golf cleat of claim 2, wherein said angle is about 45
degrees.
4. The golf cleat of claim 1, wherein said base is circular and has
an outer edge.
5. The golf cleat of claim 4, wherein said plurality of barbs is
located substantially along said outer edge of said base, and said
angular surface extends at least substantially circumferentially of
said base.
6. The golf cleat of claim 5, wherein said barbs include an outer
surface, and wherein at least one of said barbs has an outer
surface that extends less than about 10.degree. relative to a
longitudinal axis extending perpendicularly to said base.
7. The golf cleat of claim 1, wherein the cleat is substantially
self-cleaning.
8. The golf cleat of claim 7, wherein the cleat removes debris when
rotated in a direction substantially oppositely to the rotational
movement that causes the cleat to grip the ground.
9. The golf cleat of claim 1, wherein said base and said plurality
of barbs are integrally formed.
10. The golf cleat of claim 1, wherein said angular surface extends
circumferentially in one direction when said shoe is a left footed
shoe and said angular surface extends in an opposite direction for
a right footed shoe.
11. The golf cleat of claim 10, wherein said opposite direction for
said right footed shoe is counterclockwise from said distal end to
said proximal end when looking down through the top of said
shoe.
12. The golf cleat of claim 1, wherein said golf cleat is made from
an elastomeric material with sufficient stiffness so that, during
at least a segment of the swing, the barbs engage the ground and
substantially do not roll over.
13. A golf cleat comprising: a base having a back surface and a
ground surface located opposite the back surface; a means for
removably securing said golf cleat to a bottom sole of a golf shoe
extending from said back surface of said base; a plurality of barbs
having a proximal end connected to said ground surface of said base
and a distal end extending generally perpendicular to said ground
surface of said base wherein, at least some of said barbs have an
angular surface at least generally between said proximal and distal
ends and substantially creating an angle in a range of about 40 to
50 degrees between said ground surface of said base and a
perpendicular surface opposite said angular surface that extends
between said distal and proximal end so as to counter rotational
movement of a shoe during a golf swing.
14. The golf cleat of claim 13, wherein said base and said
plurality of barbs are integrally formed.
15. The golf cleat of claim 13, wherein said angle of said angular
surface is about 45 degrees.
16. The golf cleat of claim 13, wherein said golf cleat is made
from an elastomeric material with sufficient stiffness so that,
during at least one segment of the swing, the barbs engage and
release the ground without rolling over.
17. A golf cleat system comprising: a plurality of at least one of
left and right golf cleats, said plurality of golf cleats connected
to a sole of at least one corresponding golf shoe, said cleats
having a plurality of barbs oriented to resist rotation of the
shoe; and wherein said left golf cleats resist counter clockwise
rotation and said right golf cleats resist clockwise rotation of
corresponding ones of the user's feet during a golf swing.
18. The golf cleat system of claim 17, wherein said plurality of
golf cleats on a left shoe further comprise a base and said
plurality of barbs each have a proximal end connected to said base,
a distal end extending generally perpendicular to said base forming
a perpendicular surface, and an angular surface between said distal
end and said base, wherein said perpendicular surface of said barb
resists counterclockwise movement; and said plurality of golf
cleats on a right shoe further comprise a base and said plurality
of barbs each have a proximal end connected to said base, a distal
end extending generally perpendicular to said base forming a
perpendicular surface, and an angular surface between said distal
end and said base, wherein said perpendicular surface of said barb
resists clockwise movement.
19. The golf cleat system of claim 17, wherein a bottom of said
left shoe comprises a front portion and a rear portion, and said
plurality of golf cleats of said left shoe comprise a plurality of
front portion golf cleats and a plurality of rear portion golf
cleats, wherein said plurality of front portion cleats is connected
to said front portion of said bottom to resist counterclockwise
rotation of said front portion of said bottom and said plurality of
rear portion cleats is connected to said rear portion of said
bottom sole to resist counterclockwise rotation of said rear
portion of said bottom; and a bottom of said right shoe comprises a
front portion and a rear portion, and said plurality of golf cleats
of said left shoe comprise a plurality of front portion golf cleats
and a plurality of rear portion golf cleats, wherein said plurality
of front portion cleats is connected to said front portion of said
bottom to resist clockwise rotation of said front portion of said
bottom and said plurality of rear portion cleats is connected to
said rear portion of said bottom sole to resist clockwise rotation
of said rear portion of said bottom.
20. The golf cleat system of claim 17, wherein said golf cleats are
disposed at both the forward and rear portions of the at least one
corresponding golf shoe.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to apparatus for improving
traction, balance and stability during a golf swing, and more
particularly, a cleat for attachment to the sole of a golf shoe
configured to resist the rotational movement of a golfer's foot
during a swing.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] The game of golf presents participants with a unique mixture
of challenge and recreation. Overall, golf is widely embraced by
the international population and there is a continual desire to
overcome the challenges inherent in the game thus increasing a
golfer's enjoyment of the sport.
[0005] With an ever increasing population of golfers, professional
and recreational alike, the sophistication of golf equipment has
grown by leaps and bounds all in an effort to simplify this
difficult sport. Golf clubs have taken advantage of different
materials, such as graphite, and shapes to increase power and
accuracy. Golf balls are also now made from a multitude of
materials offering a golfers improved distance and accuracy. Even
golf apparel has changed to keep the golfer comfortable and allow
unrestricted movement of the golfer's body during a swing. Golf
shoes too have seen an evolution over the life of the sport in
material selection and design. The reason for this change in golf
shoes can best be appreciated by first understanding a proper golf
swing and then a review of at least partially advantageous golf
shoes.
[0006] A proper golf swing requires a good foundation, stability
and balance, each of which is made more difficult due to the great
deal of rotational movement in the body of a golfer. Note that, the
description of a golfer's swing is often described hereinafter for
a right handed golfer. As will be appreciated, the principles of a
golf swing operate similarly for a left handed golfer. At the
beginning, a right-handed golfer's weight is evenly distributed
between both sides of a golfer's body. During the backswing the
golf club is swung back towards the foot furthest from the pin, the
rear foot. As the golf club travels back towards the rear foot, the
golfer's upper body begins to rotate and thus the club follows,
sweeping up and out a generally circular path. This, in turn,
causes a rotation of the hips (rear) which influences the rear leg
and ultimately the rear foot. Looking down, the front portion of a
golfer's rear foot is apt to rotate out and the back portion of the
rear foot is apt to rotate in, thus resulting in an overall
clockwise (counter-clockwise for a left-handed golfer) rotation of
the rear foot. The backswing continues until the club head reaches
a desired point from which a downswing will impart a preferred
force on the golf ball.
[0007] The golfer is now ready to begin the downswing during which
the golf club will sweep out a similar circular path traversed
through the backswing until it strikes the ball. As the golfer
executes the downswing, the cleats of the golfer's shoes preferably
brace the golfer. Unfortunately, however, known soft spike-type
cleats provide only minimal bracing, as the cleats often times
"roll over" or otherwise give as the torque of the golfer's body
during a swing exerts forces thereon, as described further
below.
[0008] During the follow through the golf club is carried forward
and up causing a rotation in the upper body opposite the rotation
of the backswing. During both the downswing and follow through
weight is shifted towards the front leg. This action too causes a
rotation in the front leg and ultimately the front foot. Looking
down, the front portion of a golfer's front foot is apt to rotate
out and the back portion of the front foot is apt to rotate in,
thus resulting in an overall counterclockwise (clockwise for a
left-handed golfer) rotation of the front foot.
[0009] Spikes in the bottom sole of a golf shoe preferably operate
to improve traction during these swing movements. If the spikes are
successful then a golfer may see improved distance and accuracy.
Many attempts have been made at designing spikes to serve this
purpose each with inherent advantages and disadvantages.
[0010] Originally, golf shoes were made with metal spikes attached
to the bottom soles. These spikes provided an adequate brace
against the different forces of each foot associated with a golf
swing. However, extending substantially entirely orthogonally to
the sole of the shoe, such spikes do little to counter the
above-described rotational movement of the golfer's feet. Moreover,
these metal spikes often leave spike marks behind causing excessive
damage to the golf course, especially the greens. In fact, many
golf courses have taken the step of banning golfers from using
metal spikes on their shoes. Therefore, though providing generally
adequate bracing capabilities, a great deal of effort has gone into
developing alternative material spikes that provide improved
bracing capabilities while minimizing the divots left behind.
[0011] Many attempts have been made at using rubber spikes in the
bottom sole of a golf shoe. These spikes have provided some bracing
capabilities, and are more green friendly, but generally lack
stiffness. Specifically, as noted previously, such spikes have a
tendency to "roll-over" during play, and therefore do not
adequately counter rotational movement of a golfer's foot.
Moreover, as a result, the spikes often break or fray and thus have
to be replaced all too frequently.
[0012] As a golfer walks a golf course and the surrounding areas he
encounters a multitude of surfaces; grass, sand, mud, rock, and
cement, to name a few. Grass and mud often get caught in the
spikes, especially as they roll over, thus causing the bracing
provided by the shoes to be further compromised. With respect to
harder surfaces, they have a tendency to wear down rubber spikes
more quickly. For example, cement is likely the most damaging
surface and it is often encountered when the golfer is entering and
leaving the course.
[0013] Most of these spikes have a circular base with multiple
barbs extending from the base to the ground. Often these barbs are
placed peripherally around the outside edge of the circular base
forming a spike. However, many of these spikes have blunt, bulky
barbs that are unable to penetrate the plethora of surfaces
encountered on a golf course. In sum, these spikes cannot provide
adequate resistance to the rotational movement of a golfer's feet
associated with a golf swing.
[0014] What is missing in the field of golf shoes and spikes is an
apparatus which is appropriately designed to allow a golfer's shoe
to engage one or more types of surfaces encountered on a golf
course, provide improved bracing (e.g., minimize "roll over"), and
resist and release appropriately in response to rotational movement
of a golfer's feet during a golf swing, while also being readily
retrofittable to most any golf shoe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] According to the present invention, the foregoing and other
objects and advantages are obtained by a golf cleat with a base and
a plurality of barbs. Each barb has a proximal end supported by the
base and a distal end extending generally perpendicular from the
base, although it may also extend at an acute angle with the base.
A perpendicular surface is formed by the distal end extending from
the base and is positioned to counter the rotational movement of a
shoe in a plane generally parallel to the ground during a golf
swing. At least some of the barbs have an angular surface between
the distal end and the base. Preferably, the angular surface
creates a circumferential angle that is between 40 and 50 degrees
with the base. More preferably, the circumferential angle is
approximately 45 degrees. The angular surface is not necessarily
meant to be formed solely as a straight line, single angle surface.
The angular surface may be a multiple angle, parabolic, or arcuate
surface. Moreover, the present barbs, in contrast to the barbs of
known cleats, have substantial thickness throughout a majority of
their length and do not extend significantly outwardly from the
perimeter of the base of the cleat. As a result, the present barbs
are less likely to "roll over."
[0016] In use, a golfer's shoe is in contact with any commonly
encountered ground surface mentioned above. When a golfer prepares
to swing a golf club he will firmly plant his feet on the ground.
At this point the distal ends of the plurality of barbs on the golf
cleat will pierce the ground surface below. The distal end is
generally a point, but all that is required is that the distal end
is narrower than the proximal end of each barb. Therefore, it is
easier for the barb to slide into the ground surface below given
its relatively narrow distal end and wider proximal end. Once
engaged and as the golfer begins the backswing, the rear foot will
experience the rotational forces mentioned above. As a result of
this rotation, the perpendicular surface of the plurality barbs
will be forced against the ground. Furthermore, the angled surface
of the barbs allows the golf cleat to dig deeper into the ground
during rotation, which in turn provides more resistance in the
perpendicular surface. Preferably, the barbs deflect very little
during this process and therefore provide adequate resistance to
the rotational forces associated with a golf swing. The rotational
forces encountered in the front foot during the downswing and
follow through are also resisted primarily by the perpendicular
surface of the plurality of barbs in this same manner. Importantly,
as a cleat system it is configurable to be readily retrofitted to
any golf shoe available with a simple change of cleats.
[0017] In accordance with an aspect of the invention the golf cleat
has a circular base with an outer edge. A plurality of barbs is
preferably placed along the outer edge of the circular base and the
angular surface extends at least substantially circumferentially of
the base. In one embodiment, there is an even number of barbs such
that each barb is placed opposite an identical barb. In yet another
embodiment, the angular surface extends circumferentially in one
direction for a left footed shoe and in an opposite direction for a
right footed shoe. Preferably, the angular surface of the plurality
of golf cleats for the left shoe extends clockwise from the distal
end to the proximal end when looking down through the top of the
shoe. Therefore, the angular surface of the plurality of golf
cleats for the right shoe extends counterclockwise from the distal
end to the proximal end when looking down through the top of the
shoe. Furthermore, the plurality of barbs may be integrally formed
with the base. In such an embodiment, the base and plurality of
barbs are preferably made from an elastomeric material with
sufficient stiffniess to 1) engage the ground and maintain the
integrity of the angle to prevent the force of rotation from
rolling the barb over, and 2) release the ground upon completion of
the golf swing.
[0018] According to another aspect of the invention the base has a
means for removably securing the golf cleat to the bottom sole of a
shoe. Preferably, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the
means for removably securing the golf cleat to the bottom sole of
the shoe is a threaded screw.
[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, a golf
cleat has a base, a means for removably securing the golf cleat to
the bottom sole of a shoe, and a plurality of barbs. The base has a
back surface and a ground surface located opposite the back
surface. The means for removably securing the golf cleat is located
on the back surface of the base. Each barb has a proximal end
connected to the ground surface and a distal end extending
generally perpendicular from the ground surface. At least some of
the barbs have an angular surface generally between their proximal
and distal ends, which creates an angle with the ground surface
that is preferably between 40 and 50 degrees. More preferably, this
angle is approximately 45 degrees. In order to increase simplicity
and ease of manufacture, preferably the barbs and base are
integrally formed. The golf cleat may also be manufactured from an
elastomeric material with sufficient stiffness to engage the
ground. Furthermore, with respect to one aspect of the invention,
the means for removably securing the golf cleat to the shoe is
preferably a threaded screw.
[0020] In still another embodiment, the invention is a golf cleat
system. A left shoe has a bottom sole and a plurality of removable
golf cleats connected to the bottom sole. Each golf cleat has a
plurality of barbs that are preferably all oriented to resist
counterclockwise rotation of the shoe. A right shoe has a bottom
sole and a plurality of golf cleats connected to the bottom sole.
Each golf cleat has a plurality of barbs that are configured and
oriented to resist clockwise rotation of the shoe. Together, the
shoes prevent rotational movement of a golfer's foot during a golf
swing. These golf cleats may also be made from an elastomeric
material
[0021] According to one aspect of the invention, all the golf
cleats on each shoe have a base and a plurality of barbs. Each barb
has a proximal end connected to the base and a distal end extending
generally perpendicular from the base. This forms a perpendicular
surface. The barbs also have an angular surface between the distal
end and the base. The perpendicular surface of the barbs on the
left shoe preferably resist counterclockwise movement and the
perpendicular surface of the barbs on the right shoe preferably
resist clockwise movement.
[0022] According to still another aspect of the invention, each
bottom sole of the shoes has a front and rear portion and each
plurality of cleats have a plurality of front portion golf cleats
and a plurality of rear portion golf cleats. The plurality of front
portion golf cleats is connected to the front portion of the bottom
sole and the plurality of rear portion golf cleats is connected to
the rear portion of the bottom sole. On the left shoe, the
plurality of front portion cleats resist counterclockwise rotation
of the front portion of the bottom sole and the plurality of rear
portion cleats resist counterclockwise rotation of the rear portion
of the bottom sole. On the right shoe, the plurality of front
portion cleats resist clockwise rotation of the front portion of
the bottom sole and the plurality of rear portion cleats resist
clockwise rotation of the rear portion of the bottom sole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the following figures, wherein like
numerals designate like elements, and wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf cleat according to
one preferred embodiment illustrating the downward facing surface
of the cleat;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golf cleat according to
one preferred embodiment illustrating the back side of the
cleat;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a golf
cleat according to one preferred embodiment; and
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of golf shoes incorporating
golf cleats according to the preferred embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] A golf cleat 10 according to one preferred embodiment of the
invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3. The golf cleat 10 preferably
includes a base 12, a threaded screw 14, and, in this embodiment,
eight barbs 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30. The base 12 has two
oppositely opposed surfaces, the ground surface 32 and the back
surface 34. The threaded screw 14 is preferably attached to the
back surface 34. This allows a user to removably secure the golf
cleat 10 into a threaded receiving hole in the bottom sole of a
shoe (not shown), for ready replacement of the cleats with any
conventional golf shoe.
[0029] The eight barbs 16-30 are connected to the ground surface 32
and centered around a hub 36. Each barb 16-30 is identical and
therefore it is understood that a description of one barb 16 is
sufficient to describe all barbs 16-30. Barb 16, best seen in FIGS.
1 and 4, preferably has a minor surface, the rear surface 38, and
four main surfaces, the perpendicular surface 40, the angular
surface 42, the radial surface 44, and the outer surface 46. All of
these surfaces may be either planar or curved and still serve as an
effective cleat according to the preferred embodiments to resist
the rotational forces associated with a golf swing.
[0030] The rear surface 38 (FIGS. 1 and 2) is simply a step from
the ground surface 32 to the angular surface 42. It is preferably a
relatively small step generally positioned perpendicular to the
ground surface 32. The height between the distal end 48 and
proximal end 50 may vary greatly and the golf cleat will still
finction as intended. For example, the rear surface 38 can be
completely eliminated and the golf cleat 10 would still function
properly and resist the rotational forces associated with a golf
swing.
[0031] The perpendicular surface 40 (best seen on barb 20) is a
surface that is generally perpendicular with the ground surface 32,
but it is also understood that the two surfaces could form an acute
angle in another embodiment of the invention. The perpendicular
surface 40 is between the distal end 52 and the proximal end 54 of
the barb 16. It preferably serves as the resisting surface when the
rotational forces associated with a golf swing are encountered,
e.g., as the user's shoe, and thus cleats, rotate in a direction
"X" shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] The angular surface 42 preferably extends from the distal
end 48 of the rear surface 38 to the distal end 52 of the barb 16.
However, if the rear surface 38 is not a part of the barb 16 then
the angular surface 42 preferably extends between the proximal end
54 and distal end 52 of the barb 16. The radial surface 44
preferably begins at the hub 36 and rises to the distal end 52 of
the barb 16. The outer surface 46 (best seen on barb 26) preferably
extends from the outer edge 56 of the ground surface 32 to the
distal end 52 of the barb 16.
[0033] Taken together, these surfaces form a claw-like barb 16,
which is generally constructed of a material that has a stiffness
sufficient for engaging the ground and resisting the rotational
forces associated with a golf swing. For example, any conventional
non-rubbery elastomeric material (i.e., sufficient stiffness to
counter roll over tendencies) may be employed. The distal end 52 of
the barb 16 is preferably a relatively narrow surface, which allows
it to be inserted into a multitude of different surfaces
encountered on a golf course. The girth of the barb 16 generally
increases from the distal end 52 to the proximal end 54. This
increase in girth provides a larger portion of the perpendicular
surface 40 to resist the rotational forces associated with a golf
swing. It also provides a greater amount of material to support the
perpendicular surface 40 thereby increasing the overall resistance
of the barb 16. In addition, because outer surface 46 extends
substantially perpendicularly to the base 12 of the barb, it has
less of a tendency to "roll over" break off and grip ground debris,
thus facilitating high integrity ground gripping, longevity and
consistent performance throughout a round without continual
cleaning of the cleats.
[0034] Moreover, the present barbs, in contrast to the barbs of
known cleats, have substantial thickness throughout a majority of
their length and do not extend significantly outwardly from the
perimeter of the base of the cleat. As a result, the present barbs
are less likely to "roll over." Notably, outer surface 46 may
extend slightly outwardly of the perimeter of the base to provide a
more broad gripping base. Preferably, surface 46 is curved as
shown, and at least a major portion thereof extends substantially
perpendicularly to base 12. As a result, the present cleats have
less of a tendency to roll over and become clogged with ground
debris. Whether curved or not, the majority of surface 46
preferably extends at an angle no more than about 15.degree.
relative to a longitudinal axis extending perpendicularly to base
12 of the cleat, and more preferably, less than about 5.degree.
relative to the longitudinal axis.
[0035] Ridges 58 may be added to the barb 16 in the form of
vertical steps along the radial surface 44 near the distal end 52
of the barb 16, but are not required. The ridges 58 may come in a
variety of forms other than shown, such as arcuate steps or steps
that are only cut part way into the radial surface. The latter
embodiment would therefore provide additional, minor perpendicular
surfaces to resist rotational movement of the shoe. Furthermore, in
another embodiment the ridges are preferably formed as horizontal
steps thus adding additional, minor perpendicular surfaces.
[0036] When the barb 16 encounters a force against the
perpendicular surface 40 the barb 16 is deflected such that the
angle between the perpendicular surface 40 and the ground surface
32 becomes slightly obtuse. However, this is only a minor
deflection because, for example, the girth of the barb 16 and
material provide it with a stiffness sufficient to resist these
common forces. Therefore, properly arranged golf cleats of the
present embodiment will resist the rotational forces of the shoes
commonly associated with a golf swing. Furthermore, when the golfer
wishes to disengage the cleat from the ground no additional motion
other than a simple step is required due to the narrowing shape of
the barb 16 from the proximal end 54 to the distal end 52.
[0037] Operation of the cleats is shown more generally in FIG. 4.
Note that FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating only a few
exemplary cleats of the preferred embodiment and that the invention
is operable with all arrangements of golf shoe cleats (including
disposing cleats throughout the sole of the shoes). Moreover,
though described in connection with a right-handed golfer, the
cleats are operational with the same improved performance when used
by left-handed golfers. Notably, this is so using the same cleats
formed to extend oppositely for the left and right shoes of the
golfer, as shown in FIG. 4. In use, tip 52, which may be sharp or
slightly blunt as shown, of the barbs of cleat 10 illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3, which is designed for the user's right shoe 20, pierces
the ground as the user addresses the ball. Similar cleats 10' are
preferably also employed in the user's left shoe 72. Once set, the
user begins her backswing while her back foot (shoe 70), e.g.,
right foot for a right handed golfer, rotates clockwise looking
down through the shoe in a plane substantially parallel to the
surface being engaged (e.g., the ground), as illustrated by arrow
R.sub.CW. As a result, cleats 10 similarly rotate (arrow X.sub.CW)
so as to cause cleats 10 to dig into or "claw" the ground, leading
with perpendicular surface 40 of the barbs. As a result, resistance
to the natural clockwise movement of the right foot is provided to
greatly improve traction of the golfer's foot. The opposite occurs
for the front (left, in this case, for a right-handed golfer) foot
(shoe 72), with the barbs of cleats 10' having a sloped surface
formed oppositely to the barbs of the cleats 10 of the back foot,
as shown in FIG. 4.
[0038] On the downswing, the back shoe 70 (and corresponding cleats
10) continues to rotate clockwise (R.sub.CW), while the lead or
front shoe 72 (left shoe for a right handed golfer) rotates
counter-clockwise (arrow R.sub.CCW in FIG. 4). The cleats 10, 10'
of the back and front shoes 70, 72 similarly rotate, as shown by
arrows X.sub.CW and X.sub.CCW, respectively. In response, the barbs
of cleats 10, 10' (formed oppositely as shown in FIG. 4), further
engage the ground to resist the corresponding
clockwise/counter-clockwise movement of the shoes, respectively,
thus stabilizing the golfer as she comes through the ball. As the
user finishes her swing and relaxes, returning her feet to a
position square to the ball, the claw-like barbs readily
release.
[0039] Importantly, the cleats 10, 10' are disposed not only on the
forward portions 74, 74'of the shoes 70, 72, but on the rear
portions 76, 76'as well, as shown in FIG. 4, functioning as
described above. Such an arrangement of cleats 10, 10'
substantially optimizes traction.
[0040] The barbs 16-30 and base 12 of the golf cleat 10 are
preferably molded around a standard metal screw 14. The hub 36 is
also formed from a molded plastic that provides a cavity for the
head of the threaded screw 14. However, it is also envisioned that
the threaded screw 14 could be formed from a plastic of sufficient
strength to serve as a means for removably securing the golf cleat
in the bottom sole of a shoe. Therefore, the entire golf cleat in
one embodiment is preferably made from a single piece of molded
plastic.
[0041] Overall, the present cleat operates to provide superior
bracing performance as a golfer executes a golf swing by
incorporating cleats that "dig" into the ground as the golfer's
body rotates, and appropriately release as the swing is completed.
More particularly, the cleats of the left and right shoes are
specifically designed to be circumferentially angled to "dig and
release" from the ground as the user's feet rotate generally
oppositely during different segments of the swing. The cleats can
be readily retrofitted to any golf shoe (i.e., the golfer need not
buy new shoes), and have far superior wear characteristics due
primarily to their increased stiffness compared to conventional
elastomeric cleats. The cleats are specifically designed for left
and right shoes, as noted above, and allow greatly improved bracing
performance during body rotation of either left or right-handed
golfers over conventional replaceable cleats. Notably, improved
performance is realized independent of the lie of the ball, the
conditions of the course or the varied surfaces encountered during
play. Moreover, given that the cleats efficiently grip and release
the ground, they generally release grass, and other debris, and are
thus essentially self-cleaning. This improves the golfer's grip and
stability throughout the round over conventional spikes that tend
to build up grass/debris along their surfaces due to, for example,
the tendency of their "rubbery" barbs to roll over and trap debris.
In the end, the present preferred embodiments virtually eliminate
the need to use a brush or other apparatus to scrape the spikes
clean. Rather, a simple counter-gripping rotation of each foot is
typically all that is needed to clean the spikes.
[0042] While this invention has been described with specific
embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. For example, various features of the embodiments are
interchangeable with various similar features of other disclosed
embodiments. Thus, all of the features disclosed with respect to
each embodiment can be applied to the other embodiments to achieve
desirable results. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the
invention as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not
limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
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