U.S. patent application number 11/777920 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for cleated footwear.
Invention is credited to Kaj Gyr.
Application Number | 20080010860 11/777920 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38947803 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080010860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gyr; Kaj |
January 17, 2008 |
CLEATED FOOTWEAR
Abstract
An article of footwear, such as a cleated shoe, includes a sole
portion with cleats which taper transversely, protruding less at
the sole edges and more towards the middle of the sole. The
footwear may take the form of a substantially flat sole to which
the cleats are anchored and a shock-absorbing outsole portion that
the cleats protrude through. The footwear also includes mini cleats
arranged along the sole, and the sole includes plural thickness
demarcators. The footwear also includes integral ankle protectors,
a hinged cuff, and an inner boot.
Inventors: |
Gyr; Kaj; (Nelson,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
520 SW YAMHILL STREET, Suite 200
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
38947803 |
Appl. No.: |
11/777920 |
Filed: |
July 13, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60830807 |
Jul 13, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/89 ; 36/114;
36/67A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 19/00 20130101;
A43C 15/16 20130101; A43B 7/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/089 ;
036/114; 036/067.00A |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/20 20060101
A43B007/20; A43B 5/00 20060101 A43B005/00; A43C 15/00 20060101
A43C015/00 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear, such as a cleated shoe, comprising: a
sole portion with cleats which taper transversely, protruding less
at the sole edges and more towards the middle of the sole.
2. The footwear of claim 1 further including mini cleats arranged
along the sole.
3. The footwear of claim 1 comprising a substantially flat sole the
cleats are anchored to and a shock-absorbing outsole portion that
said cleats protrude through.
4. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the sole includes a plurality of
thickness demarcators.
5. The footwear of claim 1 further including integral ankle
protectors.
6. The footwear of claim 1 further including a hinged cuff.
7. The footwear of claim 6 further including a hinged cuff with
lateral play.
8. The footwear of claim 7 wherein said hinged cuff includes a
means for adjusting lateral play.
9. The footwear of claim 1 further including an inner boot.
10. The footwear of claim 1 wherein the cleats are arranged in a
circular pattern, thereby minimizing torsional stresses on the knee
and ankle.
11. The article of footwear of claim 6 that includes a hightop in
lieu of a hinged cuff.
12. The article of footwear of claim 1 that includes a means for
attachment of the shoe to a shin guard.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/830,807, filed Jul. 13, 2006 and entitled
"CLEATED FOOTWEAR", the complete disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The footwear of the present inventive concept is designed to
optimize the natural biomechanics of the ankle/foot, promoting
better performance and causing fewer injuries than the cleated
shoes of the prior art. The primary biomechanical dynamic being
addressed with the present inventive concept is enhancement of the
foot's natural tendency to stay relatively perpendicular to the
tibia when making lateral cutting moves--something standard cleated
shoes do not allow.
[0003] The most prominent injury by far in any of the cleated-shoe
sports is ankle sprain. This is due to the fact that cleated shoes
create a significant lever for torsional/pivoting forces (due to
the increased distance off the ground), and said lever is not
countered by any effective means of stabilizing the ankle and/or
reducing the lever force.
[0004] Most prior art focuses on increasing traction, not on making
the foot respond in a biomechanically efficient manner. Cleats and
stiff soles, coupled with irregular fields and poor traction create
a situation that severely compromises the foot and lower leg,
leading to injuries and decreased athletic performance. The
footwear of the present inventive concept allows for biomechanics
akin to the unshod foot, thereby increasing both comfort and
performance.
SUMMARY
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,111 discloses a plastic cuff on an
article of footwear, as does U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,884. These address
the need for increased ankle support through the use of a
relatively rigid hinging cuff. Neither patent addresses the
increased angular forces (due to height off the ground and sharp
sole edges) that necessitated such a cuff. By simply incorporating
a hinging cuff without altering the configuration of the sole, one
is merely creating a more uncomfortable shoe, since, in order to
overcome the lever force of the wide flat sole the cuff has to be
of a stiffness similar to the cuff on alpine ski boots for the foot
to actually role naturally perpendicular to the tibia. In short,
proper medio-lateral rolling of the foot does not happen simply by
incorporating an ankle cuff or "hightop" with no tapered sole
profile, as the hard edges and flat soles of standard shoes counter
the lever force exerted by the ankle cuff/hightop, resulting in the
shoe's sole remaining flat while the cuff applies undo pressure to
the ankle during angular cutting moves.
[0006] Frampton Ellis has numerous US patents based on U.S. Pat.
No. 4,989,349, all of which address the dynamics of angular forces
and how alterations in the sole itself can decrease such forces.
His designs teach away from the sole of the present inventive
concept however, as they are comprised of uniform sole thickness,
bulges, sipes, and contoured portions that are integral with the
sides of the shoe, etc. Ellis' notion of uniform sole thickness
(mimicking the contours of the foot) still creates an unnessarily
large lever force when the sole is on either lateral edge, as the
thickness of the sole itself at its edges adds to the lever length
(the lever length being the distance between the center of ankle
rotation and the most lateral portion of the sole). The footwear of
the present inventive concept includes a very thin sole at its
edges, while bulging towards the center, thus with the present
concept the lever length is decreased commensurate with the
difference between the thicknesses of the soles at their edges. No
prior art teaches a sole configuration similar to that of the
present invention--thickest in the middle and narrow at the edges,
coupled with a hinging upper and integral ankle protector.
[0007] Advantages of the present inventive concept include: [0008]
Reduction of injuries; [0009] Better performance due to active
medio-lateral canting of the ankle. [0010] Better protection from
blows to the ankle; [0011] A smoother transition between the foot
and the ankle, making contact with the ball more reliable.
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a shoe sole germane to the art wherein all the
cleats are parallel to the ground. The footwear of the present
inventive concept teaches directly away from such art --instead
focusing on a rounded cleat profile (transversely) and sole that
tapers toward the edges.
[0013] The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of
embodiments and features of the present inventive concept. Persons
skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments
and features from the following detailed description in conjunction
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a cleated sole germane to the art.
[0015] Fig. 1a shows a transverse section at line 1.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows the sole of an embodiment with circular cleat
patterns.
[0017] FIG. 2a shows the transverse section at line 3.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows the sole of another embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 3a shows the transverse section at line 4.
[0020] FIG. 4 shows the sole of another embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 4a shows the transverse section at line 6.
[0022] FIG. 5 shows the sole of another embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 5a shows the transverse section at line 8.
[0024] FIG. 6 shows the sole of an embodiment with arced sole.
[0025] FIG. 6a shows the transverse section at line 10.
[0026] FIG. 6b shows the longitudinal section at line 12.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment similar to the previous but with
an arced elastomer outsole.
[0028] FIG. 7a shows the transverse section at line 13.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows another embodiment with a thickness
demarcator.
[0030] FIG. 8a shows the transverse section at line 15.
[0031] FIG. 8b shows the transverse section at line 16.
[0032] FIG. 9 shows a version with mini-cleats at the edge of the
sole.
[0033] FIG. 9a shows the transverse section at line 17.
[0034] FIG. 9b shows the longitudinal section at line 18.
[0035] FIG. 10 shows a right elevational view of the shoe with
hinged plastic cuff.
[0036] FIG. 11 shows a left elevational view of the same shoe with
cuff tightener.
[0037] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment with plastic cuff, inner
boot and ankle protector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Representative embodiments of the present inventive concept
are shown in FIGS. 2-12, wherein similar features share the common
reference numerals listed below: [0039] 2 Cleat [0040] 4 Sole
[0041] 6 Upper [0042] 8 Cuff [0043] 10 Cuff tightener [0044] 12
Laces [0045] 14 Thickness demarcator [0046] 16 Cuff hinge [0047] 18
Outsole [0048] 20 Mini-cleats [0049] 22 Flex grooves [0050] 24
Ankle protector [0051] 26 Inner boot
[0052] The salient features of the present inventive concept are:
tapered sole/cleat profile, integral ankle protection, and hinging
cuff--the most prominent feature being the tapered transverse
profile of the cleats. As FIGS. 2-6 illustrate, regardless of the
cleat pattern (on X-Y axes) on the sole, the cleats are always
tapered transversely (laterally in z axis) such that in relation to
any flat surface the footwear can role easily medio-laterally. The
cleats are highest relative to the ground near the center of the
shoe, while tapering upward towards the foot (in the z axis) at the
edges. There may be a relative flat area near the center of the
sole, as long as the edges taper appreciably. The ankle/foot is
naturally inclined to roll subtly back and forth at various parts
of a normal stride, and thus the arc of the sole should be such
that it compliments such rolling.
[0053] A tapered sole is of course inherently less stable than a
flat sole if not coupled with a hinged cuff which supports the
ankle. For example, when making a cutting turn to the right the
left tibia is necessarily canted towards the right off the vertical
10-30 degrees. In the present inventive concept the sole of the
left foot is allowed to roll naturally in the same direction as the
tibia (angling 10-30 degrees), thus the sole of the foot maintains
an angle roughly perpendicular to the tibia, as would occur if one
were barefoot in sand.
[0054] There are many possibilities for combining a hinged cuff and
tapered sole, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-12. The circular cleat
pattern shown in FIG. 2 is a preferred embodiment due to the fact
that it also addresses pivoting (rotational around the Z axis)
forces. With such pivoting there is a great deal of rotational
force applied to the leg, especially if the cleats are far apart.
Such forces can result in torn collateral or cruciate knee
ligaments. By keeping the cleats in the same radius (via a circular
pattern) in relation to the ball of the foot, this torsional force
is reduced.
[0055] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate various configurations of cleats, but
as FIGS. 2a-5a show, the cleats are anchored to a flat sole and
always tapered towards the edge regardless of a given cleat
pattern. FIG. 6 shows how, instead of rounding the cleats on the
edges relative to a flat sole (as in FIGS. 2-5), the cleats may be
the same height relative to a tapering (laterally in the Z axis)
sole. Thus the cleats remain roughly the same height relative to
the tapered sole, but they appear tapered at the edges relative to
the ground. In order for such a sole to flex optimally fore-aft
flexion grooves (FIG. 6b) may be included, since such a curved
surface can exhibit more rigidity than a non-tapered sole. The
flexion grooves promote flexing in the longitudinal axis due to the
decreased thickness of the sole at the flexion grooves.
[0056] As FIGS. 7-7a show, another way of achieving a similar
dynamic is to anchor the cleats to a flat sole while incorporating
an arced outsole made of a flexible shock absorbing material (such
as that typically used in the midsoles of athletic shoes), said
material arcing transversely relative to the harder flat sole it's
anchored to. The cleats are tapered towards the edge and may be
orthogonal or slightly radial (relative to the Z axis), appearing
to splay outward at the edges, as the cross section in FIG. 7a
illustrates. By virtue of its relatively low durometer, the outsole
may also act as cushioning--a quality sorely lacking in cleated
shoes. In addition, the outsole inhibits the accumulation of
mud/grass between the cleats, since it compresses and rebounds with
each stride, effectively forcing mud/soil away from the cleats.
[0057] Instead of arranging the arc of the sole relative to the
sole edges it's possible to incorporate a thickness demarcator, as
illustrated in FIGS. 8-8b. Such a demarcator can allow for more
optimum canting of the shoe on inside and outside turns, depending
on field conditions. The thickness demarcator is the thickest
portion of the sole; an example shows a transverse section on lines
16 (as in FIG. 8b) with the medial cleats protruding less than the
lateral cleats. A transverse section on linel5 shows just the
opposite--the medial cleats protrude more than the lateral The
thickness demarcator may take many forms, and it may be wider than
the single line shown, dividing the shoe sole/cleats into two or
more symetric or asymetric zones of thickness and relative flatness
towards the center of the sole.
[0058] The sole shown in FIGS. 9-9b illustrates how mini cleats may
be positioned at the edges of the sole or elsewhere throughout the
sole. These enhance traction when the sole is rolled
medio-laterally, as when executing a tight turn. Since the shoe of
the present inventive concept is designed to roll so that the
bottom of the foot remains largely perpendicular to the tibia, it's
advantageous to include as much traction-inducing surface as
possible along the edges of the sole. As FIG. 9b illustrates, the
mini cleats are cleats with lower profile than the larger cleats by
necessity, as its important not to add too much thickness to the
sole near the edges, in order to reduce lever forces and facilitate
a natural medio-lateral roll.
[0059] Cleated shoes are offered in both low and high-top versions,
hightops generally offering greater stability. By extending higher
than the malleoli of the ankles hightops brace the ankle to varying
degrees. Hightops are insufficient however, as they don't offer
enough lateral ankle protection, and they invariably restrict
fore-aft flexion of the ankle. A better alternative is a hinged
cuff similar to that found on nordic ski boots and inline skates.
See FIGS. 10-12 for examples of such a cuff. This type of cuff is
much more desirable than a standard hightop, as it confers much
better lateral support, while offering very little fore-aft
resistance. Incorporation of a hinged cuff for cleated shoes has
the additional advantage of protecting the ankle from blows such as
"cleating"--when the player gets struck above the shoe by another
player's shoe.
[0060] There are many possibilities for cuff configurations and
actual hinging hardware, but in general the cuff hinge should be
placed near the malleoli, and the cuff itself should extend far
enough upward so that it gives the support needed to counteract any
lateral forces. The shoe upper may extend up past the cuff, and/or
incorporate some sort of inner boot similar to that used with
inline skates, as in FIG. 10. The ankle protector may be a bulging
portion of the plastic cuff or some exposed inner boot with
reinforcement. The whole cuff should be stiff enough to withstand
blows to the ankle area. Generally plastic is the best material,
although stiff leather or composites are fine. A means of
tightening the cuff around the ankle should be incorporated--a
buckle, loop and hook fastener, or laces are fine--anything that
allows for adjustment and ease of use. A zipper, hook and loop,
laces or other fastening means may be used on the lower portion of
the shoe below the hinged cuff, and these means may also extend up
through the cuff.
[0061] For soccer shoes specifically it may be advantageous to have
a bit more lateral play in the hinged cuff in order to execute ball
handling moves which involve rolling the ankle laterally. This can
be achieved via a vertical slot or other sliding means on either
the shoe and/or the hinged cuff, allowing the hinge to slide
vertically. This vertical slot in combination with an elastomer or
other absorptive means adjacent to the hinge could allow for linear
resistance to any lateral ankle forces engendered during play. A
means for adjusting minimum and maximum lateral play may be
included, similar to the mechanisms germane to skiboots. Thus
various ball handling moves meet with little lateral resistance,
while sprain-inducing rolls of greater magnitude are nullified at
the given maximum lateral angle the hinges/cuffs are set at.
Lateral play may also be promoted via a cuff which floats on the
shoe upper, being secured by either an elastomer hinge or other
means of attachment which allows for fore/aft play and some lateral
laxity. All such hinges should use materials which eliminate the
possibility of squeaking, being that there are invariably at least
two surfaces sliding against each other.
[0062] The hinged cuff and its interface with the shoe should be
smooth in order to enhance contact with the ball. This can be a
huge advantage, as the above-ankle interface in standard soccer
shoes is not smooth at all due to protruding malleoli, bulbous
ankle protectors (if employed), and the irregular borders of shin
guards.
[0063] A shoe that is designed to attach to a shin guard may be
desirable, and it would be easy to do by connecting the hinged cuff
to the lower portion of a shin guard with an integral attachment
means.
[0064] Although having a hinged cuff is a salient feature of the
present inventive concept, it is possible to capture the same
dynamics of medio-lateral foot roll without the use of any sort of
hinged cuff. It's largely a matter of how strong a person's ankle
ligaments are. Although they are less ideal than a hinged cuff,
standard hightops may be coupled to the tapered sole of the present
inventive concept in lieu of a hinged cuff.
[0065] It's evident that there are a variety of options available
for various combinations of tapered soles and hinged cuffs. The
tapered sole and hinged cuffs are somewhat dependent on each other
in order for this design to work optimally. High top shoes are
simply not that effective when used with standard flat
soles/cleats. That's why U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,111 is not practical.
By using a cuff to stiffen the ankle without addressing the forces
exerted on the sole itself (which then translate up through the
ankle) one creates even more ankle discomfort than if one had not
used a cuff at all. That approach has already been tried by various
companies, with negative results. A flat sole half an inch thick
effectively nullifies the lever force a stiff cuff exerts. In
addition, with a flat sole there is no smooth transition between
being flat and stable on the ground and a full-blown ankle-roll
situation, as the ankle pivots suddenly around the edge of the sole
(the effective fulcrum) with great force when the center of ankle
rotation moves lateral to the sharp sole edge.
[0066] The tapered sole and hinged cuff of the present inventive
concept may also be adapted to court shoes such as basketball or
tennis shoes. A tapered/rounded sole (tapered/thin at the edges,
thicker in the middle) coupled with a hinged cuff enhances
efficiency in all court sports. The prior art for court shoes is
focused largely on ways of broadening the shoe sole as a means of
maximizing stability, as opposed to recognizing that the ankle's
stability is already hugely compromised when wearing an athletic
shoe (due to height off the ground and sole shape). Thus the ankle
must be actively braced via a hinged cuff, while lever forces
originating in the sole need to be reduced via a sole that is thin
at the edges and thickest near the middle.
[0067] Accordingly, it can be seen that the cleated footwear of the
present inventive concept ushers in a whole new realm of
possibilities for traction, safety, performance and comfort.
Although the description above contains many specificities, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but
as merely providing illustrations of some of the preferred
embodiments of the present inventive concept. Various other
embodiments and ramifications are possible within its scope.
[0068] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many
modifications and variations are possible in the details,
materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have
been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of
this inventive concept and that such modifications and variations
do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims
contained therein.
[0069] While the inventor understands that claims are not a
necessary component of a provisional patent application, and
therefore has not included highly detailed claims, the inventor
reserves the right to claim, without limitation, at least the
following subject matter.
* * * * *