U.S. patent application number 12/686919 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-15 for footwear assemblies with removable enhanced traction devices and associated methods of use and manufacture.
Invention is credited to John W. Ludemann, Casey R. Rakoczy, Robert G. Rinehart, JR., Christopher J. Wojnar.
Application Number | 20100175280 12/686919 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42317975 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100175280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rinehart, JR.; Robert G. ;
et al. |
July 15, 2010 |
FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLIES WITH REMOVABLE ENHANCED TRACTION DEVICES AND
ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE
Abstract
Footwear assemblies including removable enhanced traction
devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear
assembly includes a footwear product with an outsole that removably
receives a traction enhancing device. The outsole includes a tread
pattern having a plurality of channels corresponding to portions of
the traction device. The traction device includes multiple webs or
straps that carry studs or other types of protrusions for improved
traction. When a user attaches the traction device to the footwear
product, the channels in the outsole removably receive the
corresponding webs, thereby positioning the protrusions to extend
away from the outsole. The outsole can also include one or more
channels extending around one or more peripheral portions of the
footwear product (e.g., around the side, back and/or front) to
receive corresponding portions of the traction device and retain
the traction device on the footwear product.
Inventors: |
Rinehart, JR.; Robert G.;
(Portland, OR) ; Rakoczy; Casey R.; (Portland,
OR) ; Ludemann; John W.; (Canby, OR) ; Wojnar;
Christopher J.; (Portland, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP;PATENT-SEA
P.O. BOX 1247
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1247
US
|
Family ID: |
42317975 |
Appl. No.: |
12/686919 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61144414 |
Jan 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
61267791 |
Dec 8, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/59C ;
36/59R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/0047 20130101;
A43C 15/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/59.C ;
36/59.R |
International
Class: |
A43C 15/00 20060101
A43C015/00 |
Claims
1. A footwear assembly, comprising: a footwear product including an
outsole having a tread pattern with multiple channels extending
through the outsole; and a traction enhancing device removably
coupled to the outsole, wherein the traction enhancing device
comprises: multiple webs configured to be removably received in the
corresponding channels of the outsole; and one or more studs
carried by the webs, wherein the one or more studs are configured
to extend away from the outsole when the webs are received in the
corresponding channels.
2. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the channels are first
channels extending through a bottom portion of the outsole, and
wherein the outsole further comprises second channels extending
around one or more peripheral side portions of the outsole, the
second channels being configured to removably receive corresponding
webs extending peripherally around the outsole.
3. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the outsole further
comprises an arch portion positioned between a forefoot portion and
a heel portion, and wherein the tread pattern is only at the
forefoot and heel portions such that the webs do not extend across
the arch portion when the webs are removably received in the
corresponding channels.
4. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the traction enhancing
device further comprises a leverage member configured to engage a
portion of the outsole to facilitate putting on and removing the
traction enhancing device from the outsole.
5. The footwear assembly of claim 4 wherein the leverage member
comprises a rigid member having an end portion shaped to correspond
to a cross-sectional shape of the channels.
6. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the traction enhancing
device further comprises a tension adjuster configured to adjust
the fit of the traction enhancing device on the outsole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/144,414,entitled "FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLIES WITH
REMOVABLE ENHANCED TRACTION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE
AND MANUFACTURE," filed Jan. 13, 2009, and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/267,791, entitled "FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLIES WITH
REMOVABLE ENHANCED TRACTION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE
AND MANUFACTURE," filed Dec. 8, 2009, each of which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to footwear
assemblies with removable traction enhancing devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Articles of footwear have been designed and worn by humans
since early in recorded history. Articles of footwear were
initially designed to protect the bottom of the feet of wearers
while walking or running over rough surfaces. Although the primary
purpose of footwear remains basically unchanged, the various types
of activity and surfaces on which wearers run, walk, or stand on
have led to an ever increasing diversity in the style and
construction of footwear. For examples, humans engage in a wide
variety of physical activities including walking, running, hiking,
trekking, hunting, backpacking, and indoor and outdoor activities.
Articles of footwear have been designed for each of these specific
activities. More specifically, for example, running shoes are
typically designed to provide a wearer with suitable comfort and
support for running long distances.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to footwear
assemblies including removable enhanced traction devices, and
associated methods of use and manufacture. A footwear assembly
configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure
includes a footwear product, such as a boot, with an outsole that
removably receives a traction enhancing device. The outsole
includes a tread pattern having a plurality of channels
corresponding to portions of the traction device. For example, the
traction device can include multiple webs or straps that carry
studs or other types of protrusions for improved traction. When a
user attaches the traction device to the boot, the channels in the
outsole removably receive the corresponding webs, thereby
positioning the protrusions to extend away from the outsole. The
outsole can also include one or more channels extending around one
or more peripheral portions of the boot (e.g., around the side,
back and/or front) to receive corresponding portions of the
traction device and retain the traction device on the boot. In
certain embodiments, the traction device is self-tensioning. In
other embodiments, the tension of the traction device is adjustable
to accommodate various sizes of boots or to tighten the traction
device after placing it on the boot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a side view of a footwear assembly configured in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
[0006] FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views and FIG. 2C is a bottom view
of the footwear assembly of FIG. 1 with the traction device removed
from the footwear product.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a side view of the footwear assembly of FIG. 1
with the traction device partially attached to the footwear
product.
[0008] FIG. 4A is a side view and FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the
footwear assembly of FIG. 1 with the traction device removably
attached or secured to the footwear product.
[0009] FIG. 5A is a side view of a footwear assembly configured in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 5B is an enlarged isometric view of detail 5B of FIG.
5A, FIG. 5C is an enlarged isometric view of detail 5C of FIG. 5A,
and FIG. 5D is a front view of detail 5D of FIG. 5A.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates several representative views of a
footwear assembly configured in accordance with another embodiment
of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0012] Footwear assemblies with removable enhanced traction devices
and associated methods for using and making such assemblies are
described in detail herein in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure. Certain details are set forth in the following
description, in the Figures, and in the Appendix to provide a
thorough and enabling description of various embodiments of the
disclosure. Other details describing well-known structures and
components often associated with footwear assemblies and methods of
forming such assemblies, however, are not set forth below to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0013] Many of the details, dimensions, angles, relative sizes of
components, and/or other features shown in the Figures are merely
illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure.
Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions,
angles, sizes, and/or features without departing from the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, further
embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without several of
the details described below, while still other embodiments of the
disclosure may be practiced with additional details and/or
features.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a footwear assembly 100 ("assembly
100") configured in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 100
includes a footwear product or boot 110 that removably retains a
traction enhancing assembly or device 140 ("traction device 140").
As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the relevant
art, the footwear product 110 can include any article of footwear
(e.g., a shoe, sandal, boot, etc.) and is not limited to the boot
110 shown in the Figures. The traction device 140 includes a
plurality of protrusions 142 (e.g., cleats, spikes, studs, etc.)
that enhance or improve a user's traction on slippery surfaces. In
one embodiment, the protrusions include studs of the type described
in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/267,787, filed Dec.
8, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference
thereto.
[0015] The traction device 140 of the illustrated embodiment
enhances the traction of the boot 110 on icy surfaces or other
slippery surfaces. As explained in detail below, the boot 110
includes several features that facilitate the alignment and
retention of the traction device 140 on the boot 110. As such, a
user can attach the traction device 140 to the boot 110 for use in
slippery conditions, and remove the traction device 140 from the
boot 100 when enhanced traction is no longer needed or desired.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a side view of the boot 110 configured in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In FIG. 2A, the
traction device 140 of FIG. 1 is removed or separated from the boot
110. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the boot 110 has an
upper 212 (only partially shown in FIG. 2A) attached to a sole
assembly 215. The sole assembly 215 of the illustrated embodiment
includes an outsole 220 attached to a midsole 214, which is
attached to the upper 212. In certain embodiments, the outsole 220
can be a separate component adhered or otherwise secured to the
midsole 214. For example, the outsole 220 can be formed from molded
rubber, and the midsole 214 can be made of an EVA or other
closed-cell foam material. In yet other embodiments, the outsole
220 can be integrally formed with the midsole 214. In other
embodiments, the components of the sole assembly 215 can be made
from other materials suitable for footwear devices and/or
soles.
[0017] According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the
outsole 220 includes a forefoot portion 222 spaced apart from a
heel portion 224 by an arch portion 226. Each of the forefoot and
heel portions 222, 224 has a lower surface 223 with a tread pattern
225 that facilitates walking on rough or uneven terrain. For
example, the tread pattern can be configured for walking on
irregular or slippery ground. In the illustrated embodiment, the
outsole 220 is configured for a work boot wherein the heel portion
224 includes a 90-degree heel (i.e., a heel that projects away from
the arch portion 226 at roughly a perpendicular orientation). In
this configuration, the arch portion 226 of the outsole 220 is
substantially free of lugs or other substantial traction
projections, such as the type provided on the forefoot portion 222
and the heel portion 224. In other embodiments, however, the lower
surface 223 and the tread pattern 225 can be configured for other
non-work boot foot wear for walking or running on other surfaces,
including for example, smooth surfaces. As also explained in detail
below, the sole assembly 215, including the tread pattern 225, is
configured to accommodate the traction device 140 (FIG. 1).
[0018] According to another aspect of the illustrated embodiment,
the sole assembly 215 is configured to removably receive the
traction device 140 (FIG. 1). FIG. 2B, for example, is a side view
of the boot 110, illustrating certain features of the sole assembly
215 that retain the traction device 140 on the boot 110. The
illustrated sole assembly 215 includes a retention portion 230
recessed or otherwise depressed into corresponding portions of the
outsole 220 and the midsole 214. For purposes of illustration in
FIG. 2B, the retention portion 230 is shown as a shaded or gray
portion of the sole assembly 215. The retention portion 230
includes a plurality of interconnected recessed grooves or channels
that receive corresponding portions of the traction device 140.
More specifically, the retention portion 230 includes multiple
lower channels 232 (identified individually as a first through
fifth channels 232a-232e) extending through the lower surface 223
of the outsole 220.
[0019] FIG. 2C, is a bottom view of the boot 110 of FIG. 2B.
Referring to FIGS. 2B and 2C together, the first and second lower
channels 232a, 232b extend laterally across the heel portion 224,
and the third, fourth, and fifth lower channels 232c-232e extend
laterally across the forefoot portion 222. In the illustrated
embodiment, the lower channels 232 are at least approximately
parallel to one another. In other embodiments, however, the lower
channels 232 can be formed at non-parallel angles relative to one
another, and/or extending longitudinally along portions of the
outsole 220. Moreover, the lower channels 232 can form other types
of patterns in the lower surface 223 of the outsole 220, including,
for example, a grid-like pattern, a webbed pattern, a symmetrical
pattern, an irregular pattern, etc. According to another feature of
the illustrated embodiment, each of the lower channels 232 has a
generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape extending into the
outsole 220 (e.g., the lower channels 232 can be wider at the lower
surface 223 of the outsole 220). In other embodiments, however, the
lower channels 232 can have other cross-sectional shapes including,
for example, rectilinear, curved, irregular, etc. Moreover,
although five lower channels 232 are illustrated in FIGS. 2B and
2C, in other embodiments the outsole 220 can include a greater or
lesser number of lower channels 232.
[0020] As also noted above and shown in FIG. 2C, in addition to the
lower channels 232, the tread pattern 225 of the outsole 220 can
include several gripping features, surfaces, and/or other patterns
configured for various types of walking conditions.
[0021] As also shown in FIG. 2B, the retention portion 230 of the
sole assembly 215 includes a side channel 233 extending between a
front channel 234 and a rear channel 236. The side channel 233
extends longitudinally along the sole assembly 215 through portions
of each of the outsole 220 and the midsole 214. Although not shown
in FIG. 2B, at the side of the boot 110 opposite the side
illustrated in FIG. 2B the retention portion 230 also has a side
channel extending longitudinally along the boot 110. The front
channel 234 extends through the forefoot portion 222 of the outsole
220, and the rear channel 236 extends through the heel portion 224
of the outsole 220. Although the retention portion 230 described
above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C is described as having multiple
separate channels or portions, one of ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate that the lower channels 232, the side channel 233,
the front channel 234, and the rear channel 236 can be
interconnected and can be integrally formed in the sole assembly
215. For example these channels can be molded or otherwise formed
in the sole assembly 215 when the sole assembly is formed.
Moreover, certain embodiments of the retention portion 230 can
include other channels or omit one or more of the channels
described above.
[0022] According to another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2B, the retention portion 230 does not include any channels or
grooves in the lower surface 223 of the outsole 220 between the
forefoot portion 222 and the heel portion 224. More specifically,
the arch portion 226 free of any grooves or other retention members
in the lower surface 223 of the outsole 220. In the illustrated
embodiment, however, the sole assembly 215 includes a retention
member 238 projecting laterally from the sidewall of the sole
assembly 215 at a location generally aligned with the arch portion
226. The retention member 238 can be a hook-like protrusion that at
least partially covers the side channel 233 at the arch portion
226. In certain embodiments, the retention member 238 can be made
from the same material as the outsole 220 and integrally formed
with the outsole 220. In other embodiments, however, the retention
member 238 can be made from other materials. Moreover, in certain
embodiments, the retention member 238 can be attached to a
stiffening shank (not shown) included in the sole assembly 215 at
the arch portion 226.
[0023] As also shown in FIG. 2B, the heel portion 224 includes a
ledge or step portion 237 proximate to the rear channel 236. As
described below in detail, the step portion 237 can be used to
removably position the traction device 140 (FIG. 1) over the
outsole 220 of the boot 110. FIG. 3, for example, is a side view of
the assembly 100 with the traction device 140 partially positioned
in the retention portion 230. The traction device 140 has a
web-like configuration received in the channels of the retention
portion 230. More specifically, the traction device 140 includes a
side web 343 extending peripherally around the sole assembly 215 in
the side channel 233 of the retention portion 230. The traction
device 140 also includes multiple lower webs 344 (identified
individually as first through fifth lower webs 344a-344b) extending
through the corresponding lower channels 232 (not shown in FIG. 3).
The traction device 140 also includes a front web 346 extending
around the front of the sole assembly 215 in the front channel 234,
and a rear web 348 extending around the heel portion 224 of the
sole assembly 215 that will be received in the rear channel
236.
[0024] According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, FIG.
3 illustrates a step in the process of aligning or attaching the
traction device to the boot 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 3,
the traction device 140 is not fully inserted into or aligned with
the corresponding channels in the retention portion 230. Moreover,
the side web 343 is positioned below the retention member 238 and
the side channel 233. In the illustrated embodiment, to fully
attach the traction device 140 to the boot 110, a user can insert
the front web 346 into the front channel 234 and pull the rear web
348 over the heel portion 224 of the outsole 220. To aid the user,
the traction device 140 includes a leverage member 350 at the rear
web 348. The leverage member 350 can be a rigid member molded with
the traction device 140 at the rear web 348. As shown in FIG. 3,
the leverage member 350 can engage the step portion 237 of the heel
portion 224 of the outsole 220 to allow a user to stretch or pull
the traction device 140 into place. For example, after aligning the
front web 346 and the lower webs 344 into the retention portion
230, a user can rotate the leverage member 350 in the direction
indicated by arrow 352. Rotating the leverage member 350 in this
direction engages the step portion 237 and elastically stretches
the traction device 140 to allow the traction device 140 to be
securely positioned in the retention portion 230 on the boot
110.
[0025] In operation, the user can wear the assemblies 100 (e.g.,
boots) without the traction devices installed, such as when
enhanced traction is not needed. When enhanced traction is needed,
such as when walking or standing on ice, snow or other frozen
ground, the user can quickly and easily install the traction
devices 140 on each boot as discussed above without needing to
remove the boots from the user's feet. In one embodiment, the
traction devices 140 and the sole assemblies can be configured so a
traction device will fit on either a left assembly (e.g., a boot
for the user's left foot) or a right sole assembly (e.g., a boot
for the user's right foot). In another embodiment, the traction
devices 140 can have left and right configurations to specifically
fit the sole assembly of a left or right boot or other assembly
100. When enhanced traction is no longer needed, the user can pull
or otherwise remove the traction devices from the boots without
needing to take the boots off. The traction devices 140 can then be
put in the user's pocket or in another suitable storage location
until the next time enhanced traction is needed. In one embodiment,
the traction devices 140 are configured to be generally foldable,
which allows for compact storage when the traction devices 140 are
not in use.
[0026] FIG. 4A is a side view and FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the
assembly 100 with the traction device 140 in place and positioned
in the retention portion 230 of the boot 110. Referring to FIGS. 4A
and 4B together, the lower webs 344 are aligned and received in the
lower channels 232 of the outsole 220. Moreover, the side web 343
is engaged in the side channel 233 and at least partially retained
in place by the retention member 238 at the side of the outsole
220. In this manner, the corresponding webs of the traction device
140 are correctly seated and recessed in the corresponding channels
of the retention portion 230 in the sole assembly 215. For example,
the retention member 238 positions and retains the side web 343 in
the side channel 233 at the side of the outsole 220, the rear web
348 can be positioned in the rear channel 236, and the front web
346 can be positioned in the front channel 234.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower webs 344 extend
laterally across the outsole 220 in only the heel portion 224 and
the forefoot portion 222. The removable traction device does not
have lower webs that extend across lower surface of the arch
portion 226, either laterally, longitudinally, or at an angle
therebetween. Accordingly, the arch portion is free of the lower
webs. Such a configuration is provided in an embodiment for a work
boot (e.g., a work boot having a 90-degree heel), and the lower
webs 344 of the traction device do not interfere with the arch
portion, such as when the user is stepping on a shovel, climbing a
ladder, or any other action that typically include pressing firmly
against the arch portion. While the illustrated embodiment has
lower webs only extending laterally in the lower channels of the
heel and forefoot portions, other embodiments can include lower
webs in these portions that partially extend longitudinally or
diagonally in those areas without extending across the lower
surface of the arch portion. In still further embodiments, the
lower webs can extend across the lower surface of the arch
portion.
[0028] According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, the
bottom surface of each of the lower webs 344 is at least
approximately coplanar with the lower surface 223 of the outsole
220. In certain embodiments, the lower webs 344 can be at least
partially recessed in the lower channels 232 (FIG. 2C) in outsole
220. In other embodiments, however, the lower webs 334 can at least
partially protrude from the lower surface 223 of the outsole 220.
Regardless of the position of the lower webs 334 relative to the
lower channels 232, the protrusions 142 project away from the lower
surface 223 of the outsole 220 to provide the enhanced gripping
capability of the assembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the
protrusions 142 are generally perpendicular to the lower surface
223 of the outsole 220. In other embodiments, however, some or all
of the protrusions 142 can extend away from the lower surface 223
at an angle towards the forefoot portion 222, the heel portion 224,
laterally from these portions, or at any other suitable angle.
Moreover, the protrusions 142 can be interconnected or ganged
together in the traction device 140 to prevent individual
protrusions 142 from loosening or falling out of the traction
device 140. Another benefit of the traction device 140 is that as
the individual protrusions 142 wear down or are broken, a new
traction device 140 can be used with the boot 110. Moreover, in
certain embodiments, the protrusions 142 can include wear
indicators to allow a user to easily see when the protrusions 142
are wearing out. The protrusions 142 can all be made of the same
material (i.e., metal, plastic, composite, etc.). In other
embodiments, protrusions 142 or sets of protrusions can be made of
a material different that other protrusions on the traction device
140.
[0029] According to yet another feature of the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 4B, the outsole 220 includes a plurality of
openings 447 configured to removably receive individual protrusions
142 separate from the traction device 140. In this manner, a user
can adjust (e.g., increase) the traction of the outsole 220 by
selectively placing protrusions 142 directly in the sole 220 in the
openings 447, in addition to the protrusions 142 carried by the
lower webs 334. For example, if a user desires more traction
specifically at the forefoot portion 222, the user can place
additional protrusions 142 in the openings 447 at the forefoot
portion 222 of the outsole 220.
[0030] FIG. 5A is a side view of a footwear assembly 500 configured
in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. In the
illustrated embodiment, the assembly 500 includes several features
generally similar in structure and function to the corresponding
features of the embodiments discussed above with reference to FIGS.
1-4B. For example, the assembly 500 includes a boot 510 removably
engaged with an enhanced traction device 540. The traction device
540 includes multiple webs 543 extending at least partially around
the boot 510. The webs 543 include protrusions 542 that extend away
from an outsole 520 of the boot 510. Several features of the
illustrated embodiment are described below with reference to FIGS.
5B-5D. FIG. 5B, for example, is an enlarged isometric view of
detail 5B of FIG. 5A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, the
web 543 has a generally trapezoidal shape and is seated in a
channel 532 in the outsole 520. The channel 532 securely retains
the web 543 and prevents the web 543 from slipping out of the
channel 532 during use (along with several other features of the
embodiments described above). Moreover, although only a portion of
the web 543 and the channel 532 are shown in FIG. 5A, the shapes or
configuration of the web 543 and channel 532 can be used at any
portion of the assembly 100 described above with reference to FIGS.
1-4B.
[0031] FIG. 5C is an enlarged isometric view of detail 5C of FIG.
5A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5C, the web 500 includes
a cable 541 extending through and embedded in the web 543. In
certain embodiments for example, the web 543 can be molded around
the cable 541. The cable 541 provides improved strength and
durability for the web to accommodate varying conditions, such as
rough or uneven terrain. In this manner, the cable 541 can at least
partially prevent the web 543 from tearing, ripping, or otherwise
coming loose from the boot.
[0032] FIG. 5D is a front view of detail 5D of FIG. 5A illustrating
a tension adjustment assembly 560 ("tension assembly 560")
configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
The tension assembly 560 includes a tension adjuster 562 operably
coupled to the web 543. The tension adjuster 562 includes a body
563 positioned between a first threaded end portion 564a and a
second threaded end portion 564b. The body 563 can have a textured
(e.g., knurled) surface to facilitate grip by a user. According to
one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the first threaded end
portion 564a is threaded in an opposite direction than the second
threaded end portion 564b. Moreover, the first threaded end portion
564a threadably engages a first end portion 541a of the web 543,
and the second threaded end portion 564b of the threadably engages
a second end portion 541a of the web 543. In certain embodiments,
for example, the end portions 541 of the web 543 can include a
barrel or other device that threadably receives the corresponding
threaded end portions 564 of the tension adjuster 562. In other
embodiments, the threaded end portions 564 can be securely attached
to the corresponding end portions 541 of the web 543, and the body
563 of the tension adjuster 562 can move along the threaded end
portions 564 to adjust the tension of the web 543 and/or the
traction device 540.
[0033] In operation, a user can twist or rotate the body 563 to
tighten or loosen the web 543 around the boot. More specifically,
rotating the body 563 moves the threaded end portions 564 and the
corresponding web end portions 541 towards or away from one
another. In this manner, a user can tighten or securely fasten the
web 543 and corresponding traction device 540 to the boot 510. The
tension adjuster 562 also enables the user to adjust the fit of the
web 543 with different sized boots. For example, the threaded end
portions 564 can include one or more marks 565 to indicate how far
a user can rotate the tension adjuster 562 to adjust the tension of
the web 543 according to different sized boots. In one embodiment,
the threaded end portions 564 can include multiple marks 565 to
indicate different shoe sizes. For example, the marks can indicate
small, medium, large, extra-large, etc. In other embodiments, the
marks can correspond to specific numeric sizes, such as 8, 9, 10,
11, etc. In this manner, the adjustment assembly 560 allows the
traction device 540 to be extendable so that the traction device
540 can fit boots of multiple sizes. For example, a size medium
traction device could fit boots in the range of sizes 8-10, a size
large traction device could fit boots in the range of sizes 11-14,
etc.
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates several representative views of a
footwear assembly 600 including a traction enhancing assembly 640
configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, a rear web
portion 648 includes a leverage member 650 having a molded support
piece 651. The support piece 651 can provide rigidity to the
leverage member 650. In certain embodiments, the support piece 651
is configured to engage a heel portion 618 of the outsole 620 to
place the traction enhancing assembly 640 and/or remove the
traction enhancing assembly 640 from the outsole 620. In addition,
the portion of the support member 651 that protrudes from the
leverage member 650 can have a shape or configuration that
generally matches the shape of a channel 621 between corresponding
tread portions 623. Accordingly, when the traction enhancing
assembly 640 is removed from the footwear assembly 600, a user can
implement the support member 651 to clear debris (e.g., dirt, mud,
ice, etc.) from the channel 621.
[0035] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the invention have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be
made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For example, although many of the Figures described above
illustrate the traction device with interconnected webs, in other
footwear assemblies the traction device can include multiple webs
separate and embedded in the outsole of the footwear product.
Further, while various advantages associated with certain
embodiments of the disclosure have been described above in the
context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit
such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit
such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure.
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