U.S. patent application number 12/393451 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-27 for traction cleat for field sports.
This patent application is currently assigned to SOFTSPIKES, LLC. Invention is credited to John Robert Burt, Rand J. Krikorian.
Application Number | 20090211118 12/393451 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40996916 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090211118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krikorian; Rand J. ; et
al. |
August 27, 2009 |
Traction Cleat for Field Sports
Abstract
A cleat for use with an athletic shoe includes a hub, a stud of
substantially non-flexible material and extending downwardly and
away from a lower surface of the hub, a cleat connector extending
upwardly and from an upper surface of the hub and configured to
engage a shoe-mounted mating connector disposed on a sole of the
shoe, the upper surface opposing the lower surface of the hub, and
at least one dynamic traction element extending downwardly from the
lower surface of the hub and adapted to flex upwardly when the
cleat is connected to a shoe and the at least one dynamic traction
element is forced downwardly to contact a ground surface due to a
weight load applied to a shoe. The distal end of the stud extends
further from the lower surface of the hub than the distal end of
each unflexed dynamic traction element such that, when the shoe to
which the cleat is connected is forced downward toward the ground
surface, the stud contacts and/or begins to penetrate the ground
surface to provide initial traction before each dynamic traction
element makes contact with the ground surface.
Inventors: |
Krikorian; Rand J.;
(Brentwood, TN) ; Burt; John Robert; (Chandler,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDELL, SHAPIRO & FINNAN, LLC
1901 RESEARCH BOULEVARD, SUITE 400
ROCKVILLE
MD
20850
US
|
Assignee: |
SOFTSPIKES, LLC
Brentwood
TN
|
Family ID: |
40996916 |
Appl. No.: |
12/393451 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61031412 |
Feb 26, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/134 ;
36/67A |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 15/165 20130101;
A43C 15/16 20130101; A43C 15/168 20130101; A43C 15/161 20130101;
A43C 15/167 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/134 ;
36/67.A |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; A43C 15/00 20060101 A43C015/00 |
Claims
1. A cleat for use with an athletic shoe, the cleat comprising: a
hub; a stud of substantially non-flexible material and extending
downwardly and away from a lower surface of the hub; a cleat
connector extending upwardly and from an upper surface of the hub
and configured to engage a shoe-mounted mating connector disposed
on a sole of the shoe, the upper surface opposing the lower surface
of the hub; and at least one dynamic traction element extending
downwardly from the lower surface of the hub and adapted to flex
upwardly when the cleat is connected to a shoe and the at least one
dynamic traction element is forced downwardly to contact a ground
surface due to a weight load applied to a shoe; wherein the distal
end of the stud extends further from the lower surface of the hub
than the distal end of each unflexed dynamic traction element such
that, when the shoe to which the cleat is connected is forced
downward toward the ground surface, the stud contacts and/or begins
to penetrate the ground surface to provide initial traction before
each dynamic traction element makes contact with the ground
surface.
2. The cleat of claim 1, wherein the stud has a configuration that
tapers in a direction toward a terminal end of the stud.
3. The cleat of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the cleat
connector comprises a connecting portion of the stud that is
configured to engage with the shoe-mounted mating connector.
4. The cleat of claim 3, wherein the connecting portion of the stud
comprises a threaded section that engages with a corresponding
threaded section of the shoe-mounted mating connector.
5. The cleat of claim 3, wherein the connecting portion of the stud
is configured to extend through an aperture in the hub to engage
with the shoe-mounted mating connector and secure the hub and stud
to the shoe.
6. The cleat of claim 5, wherein the stud is releasably securable
to the hub when the connecting portion of the stud is engaged with
the shoe-mounted mating connector.
7. The cleat of claim 5, wherein the cleat connector further
comprises connecting structure disposed on the upper surface of the
hub.
8. The cleat of claim 1, wherein the cleat connector comprises
connecting structure disposed on the upper surface of the hub, and
the stud includes a connecting section that releasably secures the
stud to the hub.
9. The cleat of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of dynamic
traction elements disposed along a perhiphery of the hub.
10. The cleat of claim 9, wherein the stud extends from a central
location of the hub lower surface.
11. The cleat of claim 9, wherein the hub has a symmetrical
geometry.
12. The cleat of claim 9, wherein the hub has an asymmetrical
geometry.
13. The cleat of claim 12, wherein the hub has a geometry of an
irregular ellipse.
14. The cleat of claim 13, wherein the dynamic traction elements
are arranged in two arrays extending along opposing curved sides of
the hub periphery and in a longitudinal direction of the hub.
15. The cleat of claim 1, further comprising a boss formed on the
upper surface of the hub, wherein the boss has a geometry
configured to engage with a corresponding recess in the shoe sole
so as to facilitate different orientations of the cleat on the shoe
sole upon connection of the cleat with the shoe.
16. A shoe comprising a sole and a plurality of cleats as recited
in claim 1, wherein the sole includes a plurality of mating
connectors disposed at different locations along the sole and to
which the cleat connectors of the cleats are secured.
17. The shoe of claim 16, wherein the hub of each cleat has an
asymmetrical geometry, and the cleats are arranged on the shoe such
that the hub of each cleat has a different orientation on the shoe
sole with respect to the hub of at least one other cleat.
18. The cleat of claim 1 wherein said dynamic traction element also
extends outwardly from the lower surface of said hub.
19. A method of using a cleat with a shoe, the cleat comprising a
hub, a stud of substantially non-flexible material and extending
downwardly and away from a lower surface of the hub, a cleat
connector extending upwardly and from an upper surface of the hub,
the upper surface opposing the lower surface of the hub, and at
least one dynamic traction element extending downwardly from the
lower surface of the hub, wherein the distal end of the stud
extends further from the lower surface of the hub than the distal
end of each unflexed dynamic traction element, the method
comprising: securing the cleat to the shoe by connecting the cleat
connector of the cleat to a shoe-mounted mating connector disposed
on a sole of the shoe; and pressing the shoe toward a ground
surface such that the stud contacts and/or begins to penetrate the
ground surface to provide initial traction before each dynamic
traction element makes contact with the ground surface and each
dynamic traction element flexes upwardly toward the shoe sole when
the dynamic traction element engages the ground surface due to a
weight load applied to the shoe.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the cleat connector comprises a
securing portion disposed on the stud, and the securing the cleat
to the shoe comprises: connecting the securing portion of the stud
to the shoe-mounted mating connector of the shoe.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the stud is removably securable
to the hub, and the securing the cleat to the shoe further
comprises: inserting the securing portion of the stud through an
aperture in the hub prior to connecting the securing portion to the
shoe-mounted mating connector of the shoe; wherein the connection
of the securing portion of the stud to the shoe-mounted mating
connector secures the hub to the shoe sole.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the cleat connector comprises a
securing portion disposed on the hub, and the securing the cleat to
the shoe comprises: connecting the securing portion of the hub to
the shoe-mounted mating connector of the shoe.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the stud is removably securable
to the hub, and the method further comprises: securing the stud to
the hub by connecting a securing portion of the stud to a
corresponding stud securing portion of the hub.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein the stud is removably securable
to the hub, and the hub is configured to be connected to the shoe
sole with studs having different lengths.
25. The method of claim 19, wherein the hub has an asymmetrical
geometry, and the method further comprises: securing a plurality of
cleats with hubs having asymmetrical geometries to the shoe such
that the hub of each cleat has a different orientation on the shoe
sole with respect to the hub of at least one other cleat.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/031,412, filed Feb. 26, 2008, and entitled "Improved Traction
Cleat for Field Sports," the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains to footwear cleats for field
sports and, more particularly, to improvements in such cleats that
result in improved traction without sacrificing running speed.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Footwear cleats used in soccer, rugby, lacrosse, American
football and other field sports typically take the form of
individual replaceable hard plastic or metal studs that threadedly
engage respective receptacles mounted in the outsole of an athletic
shoe. Depending on preferences and conditions, the studs typically
range in length from ten millimeters to eighteen millimeters. For
muddy and similar poor field conditions, longer studs are more
desirable because they penetrate the ground more deeply to provide
better traction. That is, it is the surface area of the stud in
contact with the sod (i.e., the turf and top soil) below the ground
level that engages the sod for traction during a push-off for a
running step or during an attempt to stop. Therefore, more stud
surface area makes contact with the sod as penetration into the sod
increases.
[0004] However, when studs penetrate the sod more deeply, the
wearer is unable to run as fast as he/she can when there is less
penetration. For example, a 15 mm stud penetrates the ground only
to approximately 10 mm on initial impact, and as the runner pushes
off to take the next step, the downward force causes the stud to
initially sink toward the maximum 15mm depth. This is referred to
as secondary sink or penetration. The limit of this secondary
penetration is provided by the outsole of the shoe abutting the
ground. The result of secondary penetration is a significant loss
of power on the push off for each step, thereby limiting running
speed.
[0005] In addition, a not insignificant amount of the wearer's
energy (i.e., force and time) is used in withdrawing a long stud
from the muddy turf with each step.
[0006] Moreover, long studs are a cause of many field sport
injuries. The longer the stud, the more deeply anchored it becomes
in the turf. When studs are deeply anchored, forces applied to
ankles, legs and knees are more likely to create injuries since the
stud and shoe cannot readily break away from the turf in response
to lateral impact from collisions and tackling. In other words,
when the shoe does not easily break away from the turf, a portion
of the leg is more likely to break or become sprained in response
to lateral force applied to a knee or leg.
[0007] It is also known to provide golf shoes with plastic cleats
that do not penetrate the ground. This is a highly desirable
characteristic for golf shoe cleats because ground penetration,
particularly on putting greens, can damage the grass root system
and leave uneven marks that adversely affect the ability to
accurately put a golf ball. A highly efficient type of golf cleat
for this purpose provides dynamic traction wherein traction
elements on the cleat flex under the load of the wearer's weight
and, in doing so, provide traction without penetrating the ground.
Examples of dynamic traction cleats may be found, for example, in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,209,230, 6,305,104 and 7,040,043, the disclosures
of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
In these patents, cleats are disclosed which take the form of a hub
with a connector such as a threaded shaft extending from the hub
top surface that can be selectively secured to a mating connector
mounted in a golf shoe outsole. Plural flexible traction elements
extend generally downward and outward from the hub periphery to
engage grass blades and turf, and thereby provide traction, as the
traction elements flex under the weight of the wearer.
SUMMARY
[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a cleat
configuration for field sports that permits shorter studs to be
used without sacrificing traction performance and running speed
under poor field conditions, and that thereby conserves the
wearer's energy and minimizes injuries.
[0009] It is another object of the invention to utilize the
principles of dynamic traction in combination with standard type
field traction studs to permit the length of the studs to be
reduced without sacrificing traction under poor field conditions.
More specifically, it is an object of the invention to utilize
dynamic traction to reduce secondary penetration by field studs
into muddy and soggy sod.
[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a cleat for use
with an athletic shoe comprises a hub, a stud of substantially
non-flexible material and extending downwardly and away from a
lower surface of the hub, a cleat connector extending upwardly and
from an upper surface of the hub and configured to engage a
shoe-mounted mating connector disposed on a sole of the shoe, the
upper surface opposing the lower surface of the hub, and at least
one dynamic traction element extending downwardly from the lower
surface of the hub and adapted to flex upwardly when the cleat is
connected to a shoe and the at least one dynamic traction element
is forced downwardly to contact a ground surface due to a weight
load applied to a shoe. The distal end of the stud extends further
from the lower surface of the hub than the distal end of each
unflexed dynamic traction element such that, when the shoe to which
the cleat is connected is forced downward toward the ground
surface, the stud contacts and/or begins to penetrate the ground
surface to provide initial traction before each dynamic traction
element makes contact with the ground surface.
[0011] The combination of at least one substantially non-flexible
stud with at least one dynamic traction element accordance with the
present invention results in a cleat with enhanced traction while
minimizing injuries to the user and conserving user energy during
sports or other activities.
[0012] The above and still further features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the
following detailed description of a specific embodiment thereof,
particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are
utilized to designate like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view in elevation of an example embodiment
of a cleat in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom view in plan of the cleat of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a view in perspective including the top surface of
the cleat of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of the stud for the cleat of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view in plan of the body part including hub
for the cleat of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a side view in elevation of a modified version of
the cleat of FIG. 1 including a stud having a greater axial
dimension.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view in plan of a modified cleat of FIG. 1
including an alignment structure on a top surface of the hub.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a side view in elevation of another example
embodiment of a cleat in accordance with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom view in plan of the cleat of FIG. 8.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a view in perspective of the body part including
hub of the cleat of FIG. 8.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a side view in elevation of a further example
embodiment of a cleat in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a bottom view in plan of the cleat of FIG.
11.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a view in perspective including the top surface
of the cleat of FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a view in perspective of the body portion
including the hub for the cleat of FIG. 11.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a view in plan of a shoe sole including a
plurality of cleats of FIG. 11 connected to the shoe sole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] In accordance with the present invention, a cleat comprises
a hub including at least one stub formed from a substantially
inflexible or non-flexible material extending downwardly from the
hub, at least one dynamic traction element extending downwardly
from a lower surface of the hub and a cleat connector extending
from an upper surface of the hub and configured to engage with a
mating connection on a shoe. Each dynamic traction element is
configured or adapted to flex upwardly toward the hub when force is
applied downwardly on the cleat (e.g., due to a weight load applied
by a wearer of a shoe to which the cleat is attached).
[0029] In addition, the cleat is designed such that a distal end of
the stud extends a greater distance below the lower surface of the
hub than the distal end of each unflexed dynamic traction element.
This results in the stud making contact and/or penetrating a ground
surface (e.g., sod) to provide initial traction before each dynamic
traction element makes contact with the ground surface.
[0030] An example embodiment of a cleat according to the present
invention is depicted in FIGS. 1-5. Referring to these figures,
cleat 2 includes a body part comprising a central hub 20 and a stud
4 which extends through a central opening in the hub as described
below. The body part with hub 20 is similar in design to the cleat
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,104 and particularly as
illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 of that patent with one major exception:
the hub 20 has a centrally disposed circular cut-out portion. Stud
4 extends coaxially through the cut-out portion of hub 20 and
includes a male threaded section 8 that extends away from an upper
end 25 of the hub and is configured to engage with a female
threaded connector receptacle located in a shoe outsole to connect
the cleat to the shoe.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, the threaded section 8 is formed as an
integral part of stud 4. The threading may be single or multiple
threads and may be accompanied by any suitable locking mechanism to
prevent inadvertent disengagement of the threaded section from a
corresponding female threaded connector in the shoe outsole. The
stud 4 also includes a lower traction portion 11 which projects
from a lower surface 27 of the hub and includes a tapered,
frusto-conical bottom portion 5 at the terminal end of the lower
traction portion 11 to facilitate traction on turf or a ground
surface when the cleat is forced against the ground surface.
[0032] A series of cut-out or notched sections 6 is disposed around
the periphery of the stud, the notched sections being located at
angularly spaced positions with respect to each other and extending
in a longitudinal direction of the stud, where a portion of each
notched section 6 is located at the tapered portion 5 of the stud.
The notched sections 6 also provide enhanced gripping or traction
against the ground surface as the stud is forced into the ground
surface. While the cleat of FIGS. 1-5 includes three notched
sections 6, any suitable number (e.g., one or more) notched
sections can optionally be provided along the ground-engaging
portion of the stud. As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the notched
sections 6 have a V-shaped cross-section. However, the notched
sections can also have other cross-sectional configurations (e.g.,
curved or multi-faceted cross-sectional configurations).
[0033] As further shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the stud 4 can be
designed as a separate piece from the body part including hub 20,
where the stud is releasably secured to the hub during attachment
of the combination to a shoe-mounted connector. In this regard, the
stud 4 includes an annular upward-facing flange 10 disposed between
the lower traction portion 11 and threaded section 8. The flange 10
is suitably dimensioned so as to abut a corresponding annular
shoulder formed by radially-inward extending projections 24
angularly spaced from each other along the central aperture of the
hub 20 and located near the hub lower surface 27. In particular,
when the stud 4 is inserted through the central aperture of hub 20
at the hub lower surface 27, annular flange 10 on the stud 4
engages with the radially-inward extending projections 24 of the
hub 20 so as to force hub 20 against the shoe sole as the stud 4 is
engaged with the shoe-mounted connector. This arrangement permits
the stud and/or hub to be independently replaced upon disengagement
of the assembled unit from the shoe. Alternatively, the stud and
hub may be molded together, preferably from polymers of different
hardness to accommodate the structural and functional requirements
that render the stud able to penetrate a ground surface, such as
sod, and the dynamic elements to resiliently flex under load.
[0034] The cleat of the present invention can be provided with
studs having different lengths. For example, the stud 4 shown in
FIGS. 1-5, when connected with the hub 20, has a length of about 11
mm as measured from the upper surface 25 of the hub to the terminal
end of the stud 4. In FIG. 6, the cleat 102 has been modified to
include a stud 104 which is slightly longer in axial dimension in
relation to stud 4 of FIGS. 1-5. In particular, when stud 104 is
connected with hub 20 as shown in FIG. 6, the stud has a length of
about 14 mm as measured from the upper surface 25 of the hub to the
terminal end of the stud 104. Other stud lengths, such as stud
lengths having dimensions from about 10 mm or smaller to about 16
mm or larger in axial dimension, can also be used with cleats in
accordance with the invention. As noted above, in embodiments in
which the stud is not molded with the hub, cleats can be easily
modified by combining the body portion including hub of the cleat
with studs of different lengths depending upon a particular
application in which the cleat is to be used. Different sized studs
can also be combined with hubs having different numbers and/or
types of dynamic traction elements.
[0035] The stud can be constructed of any suitably rigid material,
such as hard, non-flexible plastic or polymer materials or metals
or metal alloy (e.g., aluminum), or any other conventional
materials known for cleats. The invention is concerned with the
combination of the stud and the body part, and specifically with
surrounding the stud with the traction elements on the body part to
achieve enhanced traction of the cleat for particular
applications.
[0036] In particular, the hub bears a plurality of depending
resiliently flexible (i.e. dynamic) traction elements 22. The
traction elements 22 extend outwardly and downward from the hub
lower surface 27 at angularly spaced locations along the hub
periphery. Each traction element 22 preferably flexes substantially
independently from the others, although adjacent traction elements
may cooperate to provide traction. Each traction element 22 is
resiliently deflectably secured to the hub 20, so that, under the
weight of the wearer, the traction element is deflected upward
toward the sole of the wearer's shoe.
[0037] The dynamic traction elements are made from a resilient
material such as polyurethane or other flexible elastomer. The hub
may be made from the same material as the dynamic traction elements
or, alternatively, from a different material. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-5, the body part including hub 20 and traction elements 22
is made (e.g., via a molding process) entirely from a single
material such as polyurethane or other flexible, durable
elastomer.
[0038] It is noted that the cleat of FIGS. 1-5 shows six dynamic
traction elements 22 arranged in a symmetrical pattern around the
hub 20. However, the cleat can include any suitable number of
dynamic traction elements (for example, one or more dynamic
traction elements) arranged in any suitable symmetric or asymmetric
patterns along the hub depending upon a particular application and
traction function required for the cleat.
[0039] The traction elements 22 depicted with the cleat of FIGS.
1-5 include multi-faceted surfaces that can have a slight taper
inward toward the terminal ends of the traction elements. However,
it is noted that the cleats of the present invention can include
one or more dynamic traction elements having any one or more
suitable geometric configurations, including two or more traction
elements on a single cleat having different geometric
configurations and/or different lengths or axial dimensions, so
long as the dynamic traction elements maintain their resilient
flexibility during use of the cleat as described above. In
addition, the dynamic traction elements may be provided with small
barbs extending downward from their distal ends to enhance traction
by digging slightly into the turf or ground surface as they flex
under load.
[0040] Preferably, gussets 24 are provided along an internal side
portion of the traction elements and extending the longitudinal
dimension of the traction elements between a terminal end of the
traction elements and the lower hub surface 27 (see FIG. 2). The
gussets 24 act as resilient "springs" to aid the natural resilience
of the traction elements and to pull the elements back into their
unflexed positions (as shown in FIGS. 1-3) when they are not under
load (for example, when the shoe is lifted by the wearer from the
ground). In addition, each gusset 24 acts as a wear surface when
the arms are deflected against the shoe sole, so that even the
sides of the turf-engaging portions are substantially protected
from abrasion.
[0041] In the preferred embodiment described above, the dynamic
traction elements, when unflexed, are said to extend downwardly and
outwardly from the bottom surface of the hub. By outwardly it is
meant that the dynamic element axis and/or outward facing surface
diverges downwardly and away from the longitudinal axis of the stud
104 and hub. It will be appreciated, however, that dynamic traction
elements are not necessarily required to extend outwardly and that
such outward extension can be eliminated without departing from the
scope of the invention. Specifically, the dynamic elements may
extend only downwardly, as long as they flex to provide traction
and resist undesired excess ground penetration of the stud under a
weight load.
[0042] As can best be seen in FIG. 1, the stud 4 extends downward
away from the lower surface 27 of the hub 20 a distance that is
greater than the distance from which each of the dynamic traction
elements 22 extends from the hub lower surface 27 when the dynamic
traction elements are in their original, relaxed and un-flexed
positions. During use of the cleat, as the wearer of the shoe steps
on turf, the stud makes initial contact and/or penetrates the turf
or ground surface before the dynamic traction elements make contact
and begin to flex and provide traction for the cleat. When the stud
4 penetrates the turf sufficiently, the dynamic traction elements
22 contact the ground and interact with grass blades to resist
lateral motion relative to the turf.
[0043] In addition, a generally V-shaped gap or "notch" is formed
between adjacent dynamic tractions elements 22. During engagement
of the cleat 2 with turf or a ground surface, the dynamic traction
elements 22 also provide traction by the cooperation of each pair
of adjacent traction elements, as the V-shaped "notch" between them
traps grass when the user's foot moves laterally through the grass.
Moreover, additional traction is provided as grass blades are
trapped between the shoe sole and the cantilevered dynamic traction
elements 22 as the elements 22 flex toward the sole, thereby
mechanically locking the shoe to grass blades exposed above the
sod. As the user lifts his or her foot, the traction elements 22
spring back to their unflexed state, releasing the hold on the
grass blades contemporaneously with when the shoe is lifted from
the ground surface.
[0044] Thus, the cleat of FIGS. 1-5 provides enhanced traction in
which the rigid and substantially non-flexible or inflexible stud
initially engages and/or penetrates a ground surface when the
user's shoe to which the cleat is attached makes contact with the
ground, followed by additional traction by the dynamic traction
elements flexing upward toward the shoe sole to engage with grass
blades or other turf matter to provide further traction in
combination with the stud until the user decides to lift the shoe
from the ground surface. This cleat design further allows the stud
to be of shorter length in relation to conventional cleats
employing rigid studs, since the dynamic traction elements enhance
the traction of the cleat in combination with the traction provided
by the stud.
[0045] While the cleat embodiment described above and depicted in
FIGS. 1-5 includes a single hard and substantially non-flexible or
inflexible stud and one or more flexible dynamic traction elements,
it is to be understood that plural studs may be included in the hub
described above and shown in FIGS. 1-5 or, alternatively, plural
studs may be included as part of a larger cleat structure along
with dynamic elements. For example, in some applications it may be
desirable to have one or more bridges or other structure
interconnecting plural cleat sections so as to form an integral
cleat with two or more studs and two or more dynamic traction
elements.
[0046] It is also within the scope of the invention to provide a
shaped boss on the top surface of the cleat hub to permit different
orientations of the cleat on a shoe sole during its connection with
the shoe. For example, referring to FIG. 7, a modified cleat
includes a hub 20' with a hexagonal boss 26 on the top surface 25.
The hexagonal boss 26 permits six different orientations of the
cleat on the shoe sole, where boss 26 would mate with a
corresponding hexagonal recess in the sole or sole-mounted
connector while the stud 4 is connected into the connector
receptacle in the shoe sole. Other geometric configurations for the
boss are also possible (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.), where
such geometric configurations would also correspond with recess
configurations on the shoe sole.
[0047] In the previous embodiments, the threaded section of the
stud connects the cleat with a corresponding female threaded
portion in the shoe sole. However, it is noted that any other
suitable connection elements can also be provided on portions of
the stud and/or portions of the hub of the cleat to facilitate
connection with corresponding connection elements disposed on or in
the shoe sole.
[0048] In one embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8-10, a cleat 202 is
depicted that is similar to the cleat of FIG. 1 in relation to the
function of the stud and dynamic traction elements extending from a
lower surface of the cleat but with the exception that the hub 220
includes connecting elements disposed on the upper surface of the
hub that connect with corresponding connection elements provided on
the shoe sole to facilitate an easy connection of the cleat 202
with the shoe sole. In particular, the upper surface of the hub 220
of cleat 202 includes an externally screw-threaded spigot 230
positioned at a central location along the hub and free-standing
posts 232 arranged at rotationally spaced positions along the hub
periphery. The spigot 230 and posts 232 facilitate a connection
with corresponding socket and teeth provided on a shoe sole in a
manner substantially similar to the cleat connection described in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,810,608 and 7,107,708, the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The
spigot 230 of hub 220 is rotated within the shoe sole socket such
that the posts 232 engage with the teeth of the shoe sole to
connect the cleat with the shoe sole.
[0049] As can be seen in FIG. 9, cleat 220 includes eight dynamic
traction elements 222 that are rotationally spaced from each other
along the periphery of the hub 220 and have a substantially similar
shape and design and also function in a similar manner as the
traction elements 22 described above and depicted in the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-5. Each traction element 222 further includes a gusset
224 provided along an internal side portion of the traction element
and extending the longitudinal dimension of the traction element
between a terminal end of the traction element and the lower hub
surface, where the gussets 224 act as resilient "springs" to aid
the natural resilience of the traction elements and to pull the
elements back into their unflexed positions.
[0050] The stud 204 is also substantially similar in design to the
stud 4 depicted in FIG. 4, including tapered section 205 and
notched sections 206 near the terminal end of the lower traction
portion of the stud to enhance traction of the cleat when the stud
engages and/or penetrates the ground surface. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 8-11, stud 204, when connected with the hub 220, has a length
of about 15 mm as measured from the upper surface 225 of the hub to
the terminal end of the stud 204.
[0051] The stud further includes a threaded section 208 that
engages with a female threaded section disposed within a central
opening of the hub 220, where the hub central opening further
extends through spigot 230. As may best be seen in FIG. 10 (which
depicts the body portion of the cleat including the hub 220 but
without the stud 202), an annular ring 240 extends from the lower
surface of the hub 220 and defines a portion of the hub central
opening through which the stud 202 extends. The stud 202 can
include a flange located between its lower traction portion and its
threaded section 208 that fits within and engages the inner wall
surface portion of ring 240 when the stud threaded section 208
engages with the female threaded section within the hub central
opening. As seen in FIG. 8, a portion of threaded section 208
extends slightly beyond the terminal end of spigot 230. However,
the stud can be configured such that the terminal end of the stud
threaded section lies within the spigot upon complete threaded
engagement of the stud with the hub. In addition, a releasable
connection of the stud with the hub can be achieved in any other
suitable manner. Alternatively, the stud can be molded with the hub
to form a single, integral piece.
[0052] The cleat embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 therefore includes
connection elements disposed on the hub rather than the stud that
facilitate connection of the cleat with the shoe sole. This cleat
can also be designed such that studs having different axial
dimensions can be installed with the hub to facilitate different
stud lengths extending beyond the lengths of the dynamic traction
elements depending upon different applications in which the cleat
is to be used.
[0053] While each of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-10
describes a cleat and stud combination where the entire unit is
symmetrical about a central longitudinal axis extending through the
stud and the central aperture of the hub, it is noted that cleats
incorporating the principles of the present invention may also be
asymmetrical.
[0054] An example of such an asymmetrical cleat is illustrated in
FIGS. 11-14, where the body part including the hub 320 in this
cleat is transversely configured as a teardrop or irregular
ellipse. However, it is to be understood that other irregular or
asymmetric configurations can also be used. As can be seen in FIG.
12, the bottom surface 327 of the hub 320 has an apertured
frusto-conical configuration through which the threaded stem 308 of
the stud 304 extends. Six dynamic traction elements 322 are
disposed in two arrays of three elements along the longer curved
sides of the hub periphery. The traction elements 322 include
gussets 324 and are substantially similar in design, function and
operability as the traction elements 24 described above and
depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5. The particular locations
of the dynamic elements can be selected to provide different
traction effects. In this regard, the cleat of FIGS. 11-13 is
typically intended to have only one angular orientation when
secured to a shoe sole. Uniquely positioning an asymmetrical cleat
on a shoe outsole is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,834,446 and
6,940,707, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
[0055] The stud 304 is substantially similar to the studs of the
previous embodiments, including a threaded section 308 that is
inserted through a central opening of the hub 320, and a tapered
section 305 and notched sections 306 near the terminal end of the
lower traction portion of the stud to enhance traction of the cleat
when the stud engages and/or penetrates the ground surface. The
stud 302 further includes a flange located between its lower
traction portion and its threaded section 308 that is suitably
dimensioned so as to abut with a corresponding annular shoulder
formed along the central aperture of the hub 320 and located near
the hub lower surface 327. When the stud 304 is inserted through
the central aperture of hub 320 at the hub lower surface 327, the
annular flange on the stud 304 engages with the annular shoulder of
the hub 320 so as to force hub 320 against the shoe sole as the
stud threaded section 308 engages with a corresponding female
threaded connector section in the shoe sole.
[0056] In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 13, two connecting posts
330 extend from the upper surface 325 of the hub 320 and are
arranged with respect to each other in the longitudinal direction
of the teardrop shaped hub with the central opening in the hub
being disposed between the two posts. Each post 330 has a curved
and generally U-shaped configuration and is configured to engage
with corresponding connecting structure in the shoe sole. The
connecting posts 330 and corresponding connecting structure in the
shoe sole facilitate a suitable alignment of the asymmetrical cleat
on the shoe sole when the stud threaded section 308 is connected to
the shoe sole to secure the cleat to the shoe. In the embodiment of
FIG. 15, a shoe sole 400 is depicted in which cleats 302 are
secured to the shoe sole in different orientations. Other
orientations are also possible and can be designed for particular
applications in which different types of traction are desired.
[0057] The various embodiments described above are only some
examples of different ways to implement the principles of the
invention in which at least one rigid and substantially inflexible
or non-flexible stud is combined with at least one other traction
element (e.g., one or more dynamic traction elements) with the stud
extending a further distance from a lower surface of the hub of the
cleat in relation to the other traction element so as to enhance
traction and performance of the cleat for a variety of different
applications.
[0058] It will be further appreciated that the traction elements
surrounding the stud on the hub of the cleat need not all be
dynamic traction elements. In other words, at least some of the
peripherally disposed traction elements may be relatively
inflexible or non-flexible to provide static traction and effect
different overall tractional characteristics, as desired for
particular applications. Examples of combinations of dynamic and
static traction elements are described in the previously referenced
U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,446. Moreover, one or more static traction
elements may project downwardly from hub locations that are
radially inward of the hub periphery. Further still, and as noted
above, any two or more traction elements on a cleat can have
different geometric shapes or configurations and also different
lengths as measured from an upper or lower surface of the hub to
the terminal end of the traction elements.
[0059] One or more studs may also be provided at various locations
with respect to the hub. While the previous example embodiments
depict a stud positioned at a generally central location of the
hub, it is noted that a cleat can be provided with a stud located
at any non-central location along the hub or, alternatively, two or
more studs located at varying positions along the hub.
[0060] As noted above, the cleat can be designed such that the stud
easily separates from the hub upon disengagement with the shoe sole
(e.g., as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5) or upon disengaging
with the hub (e.g., via a screw threaded connection as shown in the
embodiment of FIGS. 8-10). Alternatively, the stud can be molded
with the hub so as to form a cleat as a single, integral unit
(i.e., where the stud is inseparable from the hub).
[0061] In the embodiments described above, the body member
including the hub and traction elements can be formed in a single
molding (e.g., "one shot") step. Alternatively, the body member can
be formed in two or more steps, with different components or parts
of the body member being molded together to form a single, integral
body member. The multiple molding process may be used, for example,
to effect different functional characteristics (e.g., different
hardness characteristics for different portions of the hub) or
aesthetic (e.g., different color) characteristics.
[0062] In addition the advantages described above, the capability
of providing studs of different lengths without sacrificing
functional performance serves to enhance the comfort of the wearer.
Specifically, athletic shoes with longer studs are less comfortable
to walk in than athletic shoes with shorter studs or no studs. With
improvements in comfort, there is also less stress on muscles and
joints.
[0063] Having described example embodiments of traction cleats,
variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the
art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to
be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes
are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as
defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *