U.S. patent application number 13/009855 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-26 for shoe accessory for cycling.
This patent application is currently assigned to ERIK HENRY TEWS. Invention is credited to ERIK HENRY TEWS.
Application Number | 20120017471 13/009855 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45492372 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120017471 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TEWS; ERIK HENRY |
January 26, 2012 |
SHOE ACCESSORY FOR CYCLING
Abstract
An accessory which is used to convert a non-cycling shoe into a
cycling shoe, resulting in a shoe which is capable of attaching a
cycling cleat. A hole is cut thru the sole of a non-cycling shoe.
The hole is shaped to accommodate the accessory. The accessory is a
plate shaped to fit inside the shoe and provides a comfortable
surface for walking and cycling purposes, furthermore the accessory
is fixed securely to the interior of a converted shoe. The
accessory has the appropriate geometry and holes to attach a
cycling cleat. The accessory may also possess ground contact
preventing members on the bottom surface, these prevent the cycling
cleat from contacting the ground while the shoe is used for
walking. The accessory enables any shoe to be a cycling shoe.
Inventors: |
TEWS; ERIK HENRY; (Santa
Cruz, CA) |
Assignee: |
TEWS; ERIK HENRY
Santa Cruz
CA
|
Family ID: |
45492372 |
Appl. No.: |
13/009855 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61298319 |
Jan 26, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/14 20130101; A43B
3/246 20130101; A43B 5/185 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/131 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/14 20060101
A43B005/14 |
Claims
1. An accessory for shoes, comprising: a. an upper surface shaped
to provide a comfortable shape for a bicycle rider during riding
and walking motions, and b. a cleat attaching area, where a cycling
cleat can be attached, and c. a bottom surface, separate from the
cleat attaching area, where said bottom surface shape substantially
matches the upper surface of the insole of any non-cycling shoe,
accessory is fixed to said upper surface of non-cycling shoe
insole, whereby any non-cycling shoe is now capable of attaching a
cycling cleat.
2. An accessory, as defined in claim 1, wherein said accessory has
ground contact preventing members which are substantially taller
than the cleat, thus preventing said cleat from contacting the
ground, said preventing member is detachably mounted to the bottom
of said accessory.
3. An accessory, as defined in claim 1, wherein said accessory has
ground contact preventing members which are substantially taller
than the cleat, for preventing said cleat from contacting the
ground, said preventing members are integrally mounted to the
bottom of said accessory.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A shoe accessory which is used to convert a non-cycling shoe
into a cycling shoe which is capable of attaching a cycling cleat.
Many cycling pedals possess a mechanism which requires a cycling
specific shoe with a cycling cleat attached to the bottom of the
shoe in order to attach the shoe to the pedal. This invention
describes an accessory used to convert a non-cycling shoe of any
brand, model, color or size to be a shoe which is equipped to
attach any of several types of cycling cleats.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification
should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art
is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the
field.
[0003] Cycling specific shoes generally consist of two types. The
design details of these two different types of shoes are related to
the type of pedal that is to be used. Furthermore, the pedal type
is chosen by the cyclist to suit their particular cycling
needs.
[0004] One type of pedal is a toe-clip pedal. These work with
stirrup-like clips and adjustable straps to hold the foot in place
on the pedal. Toe-clip pedals may be used either with normal street
shoes or with special shoes with a slotted cleat attached. This
slotted cleat is attached to the bottom outer sole of a cycling
specific shoe using threaded fasteners. A groove in the slotted
cleat engages the front plate of the pedal in a tongue and groove
manner. Many track cyclists use this type of cycling shoe with
slotted cleats and toe clip pedals because of the firm mechanical
lock provided by the slotted cleat engaging the pedal combined with
the toe straps. Fixed gear bicycles ridden on public streets are
another type of cycling which may involve the use of toe-clip
pedals. However, these urban fixed gear bicycles are most commonly
ridden with non-cycling shoes. With non-cycling shoes, the cleat is
absent so there is no engagement between a cleat and the front
plate of the pedal. The cycling specific shoes designed to work
with toe-clip pedals are limited regarding the options of brand,
model, style and colors when compared to the options offered with
non-cycling shoes.
[0005] Another type of pedal is the clipless pedal. This type of
pedal has a spring loaded mechanism which receives and firmly holds
a cleat. This cleat is attached to the bottom of the cycling shoe.
The cycling shoe is disengaged from the pedal when the cyclist
twists their foot in the appropriate direction to free the cleat
from the spring loaded mechanism. Shoes designed for this type of
pedal system fall into two categories. The two categories are
differentiated by the shape of the cleat system they accommodate:
either narrow low profile clipless cleats, or wide platform
clipless cleats. In general, the narrow low profile clipless cleats
are used by bicycle riders who ride off-road, because the mechanism
design of the pedal is tolerant of debris such as mud. And, in
general the wide platform clipless cleat is used by cyclists who
ride primarily on the road. Both of the cycling specific shoes
designed for these cleats have a limited offering regarding the
options of brand, model, style and colors when compared to the
options offered with non-cycling shoes.
[0006] Yet another type of pedal is referred to as a platform
pedal. This simple pedal design has no mechanism for attaching a
cycling shoe. This pedal is used with ordinary non-cycling
shoes.
[0007] Popular examples of the narrow low profile clipless cleats
are the Shimano Pedal Design (SPD) including Shimano SM-SH-56,
Shimano SH51, Shimano SH52; also Time Atac cleat design, Ritchey
cleat design, and Crank Brothers Egg Beater cleat design. Many
other brands exist, but are not mentioned here. Low profile
clipless pedals are typically found on mountain bike and other off
road type bicycles. Cycling shoes designed for this type of cleat
incorporate a thick sole where the low profile cleat is nearly
flush with the bottom of the sole. The sole is often arranged with
a resilient elastomer material which provides good traction on hard
surfaces, and prevents the cleat from contacting the ground.
However, these shoes are made by companies whose offerings in
models, styles and colors are limited when compared to the number
of brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling shoes that are
available.
[0008] Examples of the wide platform clipless cleats are Look
Delta, Look Keo, Shimano SH-10 SPD-SL, and Shimano SM-SH11 SPD-SL.
The pedals which these types of cleats mate with are typically used
with road bicycles. Shoes designed for this type of pedal are
usually equipped with a relatively rigid outer sole for optimum
power transfer, and the cleat is attached to the bottom of the
sole. These types of shoes are difficult to walk in, as they are
optimized for cycling only. The bottom surface of these types of
shoes is made of a hard material which does not provide sufficient
traction to walk with when compared to non-cycling shoes. Also,
these types of shoes are made by companies whose offerings in
models, styles and colors are limited when compared to the number
of brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling shoes that are
available.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,977 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,173, both
assigned to Shimano Incorporated, are examples of a shoe which
accommodates the Shimano Pedal Design (SPD). This shoe design is
also suitable for walking in. However this type of shoe is offered
in a limited amount of models, styles and colors when compared to
the number of brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling
shoes that are available. If the shoe style and color does not suit
the cyclist's requirement for fashion, the cyclist may not be as
willing to purchase the shoe. The present invention is designed to
overcome the limitation in choices of brands, models, styles and
colors that can be used as cycling shoes.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,372 provides a solution which allows a
cycling shoe with a cleat to be more suitable for walking in.
Still, in this case the cyclist is required to use a Shimano brand
cycling specific shoe which offerings are limited in models, styles
and colors when compared to the number of brands, models, styles
and colors of non-cycling shoes that are available.
[0011] Some shoe brands offer shoes which are SPD compatible and
have been designed to appeal to customers with a need for fashion.
Nike brand shoes offered a shoe model called Gyrizo. The Nike
Gyrizo shoe is fashionable and is SPD compatible; however it is not
currently available for sale. Vans offers a shoe model called
Warner, which is fashionable and SPD compatible, however the Warner
is only available in one color. John Fluevog brand shoes offered a
shoe model called the Race Vog which was SPD compatible; however
this shoe is no longer available. Dromarti brand shoes currently
offers cycling specific shoes which are fashionable and SPD or Look
cleat compatible. DZR and Mission Labs are brands of urban cycling
shoes which are SPD compatible and provide fashionable choices;
both of these brands of shoes are currently available. However, the
number of choices of brand, model, color and style of all of the
choices mentioned above is limited when compared to the number of
brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling shoes that are
available.
ADVANTAGES
[0012] The industry offerings of cycling shoes includes a modest
number of brands, models, styles and colors to choose from. In
contrast, the industry offering for non-cycling shoes includes a
large number of brands, models, styles and colors to choose from.
If an accessory is provided which accepts any clipless cleat
design, or accepts a slotted cleat for a toe-clip pedal, this
accessory could be placed in a non-cycling shoe of any brand,
model, color, or size. This non-cycling shoe would be modified to
allow the attachment of the accessory which allows the attachment
of cleats. The accessory would be securely fixed to the non-cycling
shoe. With the accessory that a cleat can be attached to securely
fixed to the interior of the shoe, the non-cycling shoe would now
be considered a cycling shoe. For the purpose of this invention
disclosure, the terms "accessory" and "cleat attach plate" shall be
considered the same item. Now a cyclist can choose from any of the
many brands of non-cycling shoes, since they can all be converted
into a cycling shoe with the accessory. The number of choices of
brand, model, styles and colors of shoes which can be used for
cycling with clipless or toe-clip pedals is now greatly increased
over the offerings currently provided.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The accessory for converting a non-cycling shoe to a cycling
shoe overcomes the problems associated with the prior art. The
cyclist now can choose from a very large number of brands, models,
colors, and sizes of shoes which can be converted to a cycling
specific shoe. The accessory is a cleat attach plate which is made
of a material appropriate for the forces induced during pedaling
and walking motions, the preferred material is nylon. Other
materials which would be suitable are titanium, aluminum, or a
composite material such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. This cleat
attach plate will posses the appropriate geometry required to
accept any one of the many cleats that are currently available. It
is not the intent of this invention to describe an accessory which
is capable of universally accepting all cleat types. The comfort
liner of the shoe is removed and a hole which is shaped to
accommodate the cleat mounting system is cut thru the sole of the
shoe. The plate is firmly attached to the inside of the shoe sole,
appropriately aligned with the thru hole. The attachment method
could involve an adhesive or fasteners or any number of other
engineered techniques for fastening; including but not limited to
ultrasonic welding, hot melt adhesives or plastic welding
techniques. The comfort liner is then placed back inside the shoe,
covering up the plate. The rider would attach their cleat in the
typical manner, and the shoe is enabled to connect to that
particular pedal system. Because some cleats are made of metal, it
is desirable to prevent the cleat from touching the walking
surface. Therefore, the bottom of the cleat attach plate could
include ground contact preventing members which prevents the metal
cleat from contacting the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1a is a top perspective view of a non-cycling shoe,
including the inner sole and bottom sole, with the peripheral
portion in phantom.
[0015] FIG. 1b is a bottom perspective view of the non-cycling shoe
from FIG. 1a.
[0016] FIG. 2a is an exploded perspective view of a cleat attach
plate which a narrow low-profile clipless cleat can be attached to,
showing the typical narrow low profile clipless cleat system
components.
[0017] FIG. 2b is a view of FIG. 2a which shows the bottom of the
cleat attach plate.
[0018] FIG. 3a is an exploded perspective view of a cleat attach
plate which a wide platform type clipless cleat can be attached to,
showing the typical wide platform clipless cleat system
components.
[0019] FIG. 3b is a view of FIG. 3a which shows the bottom of the
cleat attach plate.
[0020] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a cleat plate which has a
slotted cleat built into the plate.
[0021] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of FIG. 4a which shows the
bottom of the cleat plate in FIG. 4a
[0022] FIG. 4c is a side view of the cleat plate in FIG. 4a
[0023] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a cleat attach plate which
a slotted cleat can be attached to, showing the typical slotted
cleat system components
[0024] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of FIG. 5a which shows the
bottom of the cleat attach plate.
[0025] FIG. 6a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has
been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru
hole is shaped for use with a cleat attach plate which a narrow
low-profile clipless cleat can be attached to.
[0026] FIG. 6b is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 6a, with
the cleat attach plate attached.
[0027] FIG. 6c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 6b
[0028] FIG. 6d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 6b
[0029] FIG. 6e is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 6b, with
a narrow low profile cleat attached to the cleat attach plate.
[0030] FIG. 6f is a side view of the shoe shown in FIG. 6e, with
the peripheral portion of the shoe in phantom.
[0031] FIG. 6g is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG.
6e.
[0032] FIG. 6h is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 6e
[0033] FIG. 7a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has
been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru
hole is shaped for use with a cleat attach plate which a wide
platform type clipless cleat can be attached to.
[0034] FIG. 7b is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 7a, with
the cleat attach plate attached.
[0035] FIG. 7c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 7b
[0036] FIG. 7d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 7b
[0037] FIG. 7e is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 7b, with
a narrow low profile cleat attached to the cleat attach plate.
[0038] FIG. 7f is a side view of the shoe shown in FIG. 7e, with
the peripheral portion of the shoe in phantom.
[0039] FIG. 7g is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG.
7e.
[0040] FIG. 7h is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 7e
[0041] FIG. 8a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has
been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru
hole is shaped for use with a cleat plate which has slotted cleat
geometry built in.
[0042] FIG. 8b is a side view showing the non-cycling shoe shown in
FIG. 8a. with the cleat plate attached.
[0043] FIG. 8c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 8b
[0044] FIG. 8d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 8b
[0045] FIG. 8e is a side view, showing the shoe in FIG. 8b, with
the peripheral portion of the shoe shown in phantom.
[0046] FIG. 9a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has
been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru
hole is shaped for use with a cleat attach plate which a slotted
cleat can be attached to.
[0047] FIG. 9b is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 9a, with
the cleat attach plate attached.
[0048] FIG. 9c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 9b
[0049] FIG. 9d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 9b
[0050] FIG. 9e is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 9b, with
a slotted cleat attached to the cleat attach plate.
[0051] FIG. 9f is a side view of the shoe shown in FIG. 9e, with
the peripheral portion of the shoe in phantom.
[0052] FIG. 9g is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG.
9e.
[0053] FIG. 9h is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 9e
[0054] FIG. 10a is an exploded perspective view of a cleat attach
plate which a narrow low-profile clipless cleat can be attached to,
showing the typical narrow low profile clipless cleat system
components. Shown in this assembly are the elastomer ground contact
preventing devices.
[0055] FIG. 10b is a view of FIG. 2a which shows the bottom of the
cleat attach plate.
[0056] FIG. 11a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has
been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru
hole is shaped for use with a cleat attach plate which a narrow
low-profile clipless cleat and ground contact preventing members
can be attached to.
[0057] FIG. 11b is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 11a,
with the cleat attach plate attached.
[0058] FIG. 11c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG.
11b
[0059] FIG. 11d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG.
11b
[0060] FIG. 11e is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 11b,
with a narrow low profile cleat attached to the cleat attach plate.
Shown in this view are the ground contact preventing members.
[0061] FIG. 11f is a side view of the shoe shown in FIG. 11e, with
the peripheral portion of the shoe in phantom.
[0062] FIG. 11g is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG.
11e.
[0063] FIG. 11h is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG.
11e
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0064] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now
be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0065] Referring first to FIG. 1a, a non-cycling shoe 1 is shown.
The bottom sole 2 and inner sole 3 are identified in this drawing
for reference. The inner sole 3 is relatively easily removed from a
non-cycling shoe. The peripheral portion 4, shown in phantom, of
the shoe is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the
claimed invention. Without modifications, the non-cycling shoe 1
has no means to safely and reliably attach a cycling cleat to the
shoe. The current invention provides an accessory and method to
render the non-cycling shoe 1 of any make model, size, or color
into a shoe capable of attaching any of the cleat systems
previously described.
[0066] FIGS. 2a-b illustrate a cleat attach plate 40 which a narrow
low-profile clipless cleat 10 can be attached to. The contoured
upper surface 41 of the cleat attach plate 40 is shaped
appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the cyclist's
foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred
embodiment, the plan view 42 of the cleat attach plate is designed
to fit only the front 1/2 of the shoe interior geometry, however
the plan view perimeter outline shape 42 could match the entire
interior outline of the shoe insole. The cleat attaching area 43 is
shaped to accommodate narrow low profile cleats. Elongated slots 44
are provided to allow the cyclist to adjust the location of the
cleat to suit their riding needs. The distance between centerlines
45 of the elongated slots 44 match the bolt pattern 11 of the
narrow low profile clipless cleat 10. These elongated slots 44 are
typical of cycling specific shoes which accommodate the narrow low
profile cleat system. The recess 46 is shaped to receive a four
hole threaded plate 13 required to mount the narrow low-profile
clipless cleat 10. The four hole threaded plate 13, is a common
part available on the market. The threaded fasteners 12 pass thru
the cleat 10 and cleat attach plate 40 and thread into the four
hole threaded plate 13 holding the assembly together. A plurality
of cleat attach plates could exist, each designed with a specific
plan view profile perimeter outline shape 42 which fit
appropriately in the shoe interior of each specific shoe size. In
the preferred embodiment, surface 47 will be fixed to the top
surface of the bottom sole of a shoe using adhesive.
[0067] FIG. 3a-b illustrate a cleat attach plate 50 which a wide
platform type clipless cleat 20 can be attached to. The contoured
upper surface 51 of the cleat attach plate 50 is shaped
appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the cyclist's
foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred
embodiment, the plan view perimeter outline shape 52 of the cleat
attach plate is designed to fit only the front 1/2 of the shoe
interior geometry, however the plan view perimeter outline shape 52
could match the entire interior outline of the shoe insole. The
cleat attaching area 53 is shaped to accommodate a wide platform
type cleat. Wide platform type clipless cleats 20 attach to the
shoe sole with three male threaded fasteners 23 with three special
elongated washers 22. These male threaded fasteners 23 typically
have M5.times.0.8 threads. Therefore the cleat attach plate 50 is
provided with three recesses 54 and three thru holes 55 to
accommodate the corresponding female threaded fasteners 57. The
centerlines 56 of the three thru holes 55 are located to match the
centerlines of the bolt pattern geometry 21 of the wide platform
clipless cleat 20. In the preferred embodiment, surface 58 will be
fixed to the top surface of the bottom sole of a shoe using
adhesive.
[0068] FIG. 4a-c illustrate a cleat plate 60 which possess the
slotted cleat geometry 63 required for use with toe clip pedals.
The contoured upper surface 61 of the cleat attach plate 60 is
shaped appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the
cyclist's foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred
embodiment, the plan view perimeter outline shape 62 of the cleat
attach plate is designed to fit only the front 1/2 of the shoe
interior geometry, however the plan view perimeter outline shape 62
could match the entire interior outline of the shoe insole. The
slotted cleat geometry 63 is designed to engage the toe clip pedal
in a tongue and groove engagement. The width of the slot 64
typically ranges from 0.080''-0.100'' (approximately 2 mm-2.5 mm).
The depth of the slot 65 from the bottom of the cleat plate 60 will
dictate the amount of overlap between the slotted geometry and the
metal plate of the toe clip pedal. The depth of the slot 65 is
critical to achieve the right amount of engagement between the
cleat geometry 63 and the pedal. The depth of the slot 65 is
dependent on the thickness of the sole of the make and model that
the specific cleat plate 60 is designed for. Too much engagement
between the slot and the pedal, and the rider may have difficulty
removing their shoe from the toe-clip pedal, too little engagement
and the rider's shoe may become easily disconnected from the toe
clip pedal while pedaling. In the preferred embodiment, surface 66
will be fixed to the top surface of the bottom sole of a shoe using
adhesive.
[0069] FIG. 5a-b illustrates a cleat attach plate 70 which a
slotted cleat 30 can be attached to. The slotted cleat 30 is for
use with toe clip pedals. The contoured upper surface 71 of the
cleat attach plate 70 is shaped appropriately to provide a
comfortable surface for the cyclist's foot during riding and
walking motions. In the preferred embodiment, the plan view
perimeter outline shape 72 of the cleat attach plate is designed to
fit only the front 1/2 of the shoe interior geometry, however the
plan view perimeter outline shape 72 could match the entire
interior outline shape of the shoe insole. The cleat attaching area
73 is shaped to accommodate a slotted cleat. Slotted cleats 30 are
typically attached to the shoe sole with male threaded fasteners
32. These male threaded fasteners typically have M5.times.0.8
threads. The cleat attach plate 70 is provided with two recesses
74, and two thru holes 75, to capture the corresponding female
threaded fasteners 77. The female threaded fasteners 77 are fixed
to the cleat attach plate using a press fit design. The distance
between centerlines 76 of the recesses 74 are located to match the
slotted cleat bolt pattern 31. In the preferred embodiment, surface
78 will be fixed to the top surface of the bottom sole of a shoe
using adhesive.
[0070] FIG. 6a illustrates a non-cycling shoe 80 which has a hole
81 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 6b illustrates the same shoe 80
with the cleat attach plate 40 attached. The hole 81 is sized to
accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the narrow low
profile cleat attach plate 40. The location of the hole 81 is based
on the design of the cleat attach plate 40 geometry and allows for
the ideal location for a cycling cleat relative to the foot and
pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 81 cut thru the
bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 40 attached to the
interior of the shoe is now considered a shoe capable of attaching
a cycling cleat, or a shoe converted for cycling use 120. This
non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a cycling shoe 120
illustrates the results of using the invention. The shoe 120 is
capable of attaching a SPD, Time ATAC, Crank Brothers, Ritchey or
any of the other narrow low profile cleats currently available.
FIG. 6c is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 6b. The
insole 3 is shown resting on top of the cleat attach plate 40. In
the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 40 is fixed to the
top surface 5 of the bottom sole 2 using adhesive, represented by
an `A`, between the surface 47 of the cleat attach plate 40 and the
top surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 6d is a section view taken
along the line L2 shown in FIG. 6b. FIG. 6e is a bottom view of
shoe 120 with a narrow low profile cleat 10 attached to the cleat
attach plate 40, using the appropriate fastening hardware. FIG. 6f
is a side view of a shoe 120 with a narrow low profile cleat 10
attached; this view shows how the cleat 10 might protrude from the
bottom of the shoe. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in
phantom lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part
of the claimed invention. FIG. 6g is a section view taken along
line L1 shown in FIG. 6e, showing the narrow low profile cleat 10
attached. The four hole threaded plate 13 is shown nested into the
recess 46 of the cleat attach plate 40. FIG. 6h is a section view
taken along line L2 shown in FIG. 6e, showing the narrow low
profile cleat 10 attached to the cleat attach plate 40.
[0071] FIG. 7a illustrates a non-cycling shoe 90 which has a hole
91 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 7b illustrates the same shoe 90
with the cleat attach plate 50 attached. The hole 91 is sized to
accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the wide platform
cleat attach plate 50. The location of the hole 91 is based on the
design of the cleat attach plate 50 geometry and allows for the
ideal location for a cycling cleat relative to the foot and pedal
design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 91 cut thru the bottom
sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 50 attached to the interior
of the shoe is now considered a shoe capable of attaching a cycling
cleat, or a shoe converted for cycling 130. This non-cycling shoe
which has been converted to a cycling shoe 130 illustrates the
results of using the invention. The shoe 130 is capable of
attaching a Look Delta cleat, Shimano Road cleat or any of the
other wide platform cleats currently available. FIG. 7c is a
section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 7b. The insole 3 is
shown resting on top of the cleat attach plate 50. In the preferred
embodiment, the cleat attach plate 50 is fixed to the top of the
bottom sole using adhesive, represented by an `A`, between surface
58 of the cleat attach plate 50, and surface 5 of the bottom sole
2. FIG. 7d is a section view taken along the line L2 shown in FIG.
7b. FIG. 7e is a bottom view of shoe 130 with a wide platform cleat
20 attached, using the appropriate fastening hardware. FIG. 7f is a
side view of a shoe 130 with a wide platform cleat 20 attached;
this view shows how the cleat 20 might protrude from the bottom of
the shoe. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom
lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the
claimed invention. FIG. 7g is a section view taken along line L1
shown in FIG. 7e, showing the wide platform cleat 20 attached. FIG.
7h is a section view taken along line L2 shown in FIG. 7e, showing
the wide platform cleat 20 attached.
[0072] FIG. 8a illustrates a non-cycling shoe 100 which has a hole
101 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 8b illustrates the same shoe
100 with the slotted cleat plate 60 attached. The hole 101 is sized
to accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the slotted cleat
plate 60. The location of the hole 101 is based on the design of
the slotted cleat plate 60 geometry and allows for the ideal
location for the cycling cleat geometry 63 relative to the foot and
pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 101 cut thru the
bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 60 attached to the
interior of the shoe is now considered as a shoe converted for
cycling 140. This non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a
cycling shoe 140 illustrates the results of using the invention.
This shoe 140 possesses a cleat plate 60 which possesses the
slotted cleat geometry 63 required to engage toe clip pedals. FIG.
8c is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 8b. The
insole 3 is shown resting on top of the slotted cleat plate 60. In
the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 60 is fixed to the
top of the bottom sole using adhesive, represented by an `A`,
between the surface 66 of the slotted cleat plate 60, and the
surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 8d is a section view taken
along the line L2 shown in FIG. 8b. FIG. 8e is a side view of shoe
140 with a slotted cleat plate 60 attached, this view shows how the
slotted cleat geometry 63 might protrude a distance from the bottom
of the shoe. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom
lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the
claimed invention.
[0073] FIG. 9a illustrates a non-cycling shoe 110 which has a hole
111 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 9b illustrates the same shoe
110 with the cleat attach plate 70 attached. The hole 111 is sized
to accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the slotted cleat
attach plate 70. The location of the hole 101 is based on the
design of the cleat attach plate 70 geometry and allows for the
ideal location for a cycling cleat 30 relative to the foot and
pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 111 cut thru the
bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 70 attached to the
interior of the shoe is now considered a shoe capable of attaching
a cycling cleat, or a shoe converted for cycling 150. This
non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a cycling shoe 150
illustrates the results of using the invention. The shoe 150 is
capable of attaching many of the slotted cleats currently
available. FIG. 9c is a section view taken along line L1 shown in
FIG. 9b. The insole 3 is shown resting on top of the cleat attach
plate 70. In the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 70 is
fixed to the top of the bottom sole using contact adhesive,
represented by an `A`, between the surface 78 of the cleat attach
plate 70, and the surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 9d is a
section view taken along the line L2 shown in FIG. 9b. FIG. 9e is a
bottom view of shoe 150 with a slotted cleat 30 attached, using the
appropriate fastening hardware. FIG. 9f is a side view of a shoe
150 with a slotted cleat 30 attached, this view shows how the cleat
30 might protrude a distance from the bottom of the shoe. The
peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom lines is for
illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed
invention. FIG. 9g is a section view taken along line L1 shown in
FIG. 9e, showing the slotted cleat 30 attached. FIG. 9h is a
section view taken along line L2 shown in FIG. 9e, showing the
slotted cleat 30 attached.
[0074] FIGS. 10a-b illustrate a cleat attach plate 160 which a
narrow low-profile clipless cleat 10 can be attached to. The
contoured upper surface 161 of the cleat attach plate 160 is shaped
appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the cyclist's
foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred
embodiment, the plan view perimeter outline shape 162 of the cleat
attach plate is designed to fit the front 1/2 of the shoe interior
geometry, however the plan view perimeter outline shape 162 could
resemble the entire interior portion of the shoe insole. The cleat
attaching area 163 is shaped in a manner required to accommodate
narrow low profile cleats. The cleat attach area 163 is also shaped
to accommodate the thickness of the sole of the specific brand and
model of shoe the accessory cleat attach plate is designed for.
Elongated slots 164 are provided to allow a cyclist to adjust the
location of the cleat 10. The distance between centerlines 165 of
the elongated slots 164 are matches the bolt pattern 11 of the
narrow low profile clipless cleat 10. These elongated slots 164 are
typical of cycling specific shoes which accommodate the narrow low
profile cleat system. The recess 166 is shaped to receive the four
hole threaded plate 13 required to mount the narrow low-profile
clipless cleat 10. The threaded fasteners 12 pass thru the cleat 10
and cleat attach plate 160 and thread into the four hole threaded
plate 13 holding the assembly together. A plurality of cleat attach
plates would exist, each designed with a specific plan view
perimeter outline shape 162 which fit appropriately in the shoe
interior of each specific shoe size. In the preferred embodiment,
surface 167 will be fixed to the top surface of the interior sole
of a shoe using adhesive. The ground contact preventing members 14
are slightly taller than the clipless cleat 10 and therefore
prevent the cleat 10 from contacting the ground while walking. The
ground contact preventing members 14 can be attached to the cleat
attach plate 160 using threaded fasteners 15. The ground contact
preventing members 14 may also be fixed to the cleat attach plate
160 using any number of other common attaching methods including
in-molding, two shot molding, adhesives or snap fits. The ground
contact preventing members 14 are made of an elastomer material
which possesses a resilience characteristic to provide walking
comfort similar to ordinary shoes.
[0075] FIG. 11a illustrates a non cycling shoe 170 which has a hole
171 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 11b illustrates the same shoe
170 with the cleat attach plate 160 attached. The hole 171 is sized
to accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the narrow low
profile cleat attach plate 160. The location of the hole 171 is
based on the design of the cleat attach plate 160 geometry and
allows for the ideal location for a cycling cleat relative to the
foot and pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 171 cut
thru the bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 160 attached
to the interior of the shoe is now considered a shoe capable of
attaching a cycling cleat, or a shoe converted for cycling 180.
This non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a cycling shoe
180 illustrates the results of using the invention. The shoe 180 is
capable of attaching a SPD, Time ATAC, Crank Brothers, Ritchey or
any of the narrow low profile cleats currently available. FIG. 11c
is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 11b. The insole
3 is shown resting on top of the cleat attach plate 180. In the
preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 160 is fixed to the
top surface 5 of the bottom sole 2 using an adhesive, represented
by an `A`, between the surface 167 of the cleat attach plate 160,
and the surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 11d is a section view
taken along the line L2 shown in FIG. 11b. FIG. 11e is a bottom
view of shoe 180 with a narrow low profile cleat 10 attached to the
cleat attach plate 160, using the appropriate fastening hardware.
FIG. 11f is a side view of the shoe 180 with a narrow low profile
cleat 10 attached; this view shows how the ground contact
preventing members 14 would prevent the cleat 10 from contacting
the ground. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom
lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the
claimed invention. FIG. 11g is a section view taken along line L1
shown in FIG. 11e, showing the narrow low profile cleat 10
attached, and the ground contact preventing members 14, which are
slightly taller than the cleat 10. The four hole threaded plate 13
is shown nested into the recess 166 of the cleat attach plate 160.
FIG. 11h is a section view taken along line L2 shown in FIG. 11e,
showing the narrow low profile cleat 10 attached.
[0076] Regarding the modification of a non-cycling shoe 1 to a shoe
which is capable of receiving any of the four types of cleat attach
plates described in this patent: the thru hole in the sole can be
created by using any number of manufacturing techniques for cutting
thru the types of materials commonly found on shoe soles. The thru
hole can be formed using a computer controlled cutting machine
which cuts with a laser, metal cutting bit, or water jet cutting
technology. In the preferred embodiment the thru hole is created
with a steel rule die and a press with sufficient force to cut thru
the sole of a shoe.
[0077] The cleat attach plate is attached to the top surface 5 of
the bottom sole 2 of the shoe using any one or a combination of
different attachment methods, including pressure sensitive
adhesive, very high bond adhesive, contact adhesive, threaded
fasteners, rivets, heat staking, or ultrasonic welding. In the
preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate, is assembled using a
contact adhesive, such as Weldwood Gel Formula Contact Cement.
[0078] The cleat attach plate can be manufactured in any of many
different materials including titanium, aluminum, injection molded
thermoplastic materials, thermoset materials, carbon fiber, or
fiberglass reinforced plastic. The preferred embodiment finds the
cleat attach plate made of injection molded nylon, such as Dupont
Zytel 101L.
[0079] The method of use of such a non-cycling shoe 1 which has
been converted to a cycling shoe involves cycling and walking.
During cycling, the cleat is clipped into the mechanism of a
clipless pedal. In the case of a toe clip pedal, the slotted cleat
is engaged in a tongue and groove manner to the front metal plate
of the toe clip pedal. During walking, the bottom sole 3 makes
contact with the ground. In the case that the shoe is converted to
use with a narrow low profile cleat 10, the ground contact
preventing members 14 can be installed to prevent the cleat 10 from
touching the ground while walking. The ground contact preventing
members 14 can be detachably mounted to the cleat attach plate 160,
thus allowing for replacement in the case of excessive wear caused
by walking. This type of mounting can be achieved using screws,
rivets, adhesives or snap fits. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, the ground contact preventing members 14 are installed
using screws 15. Or the ground contact preventing members 14 can be
integrally mounted to the cleat attach plate 160.
[0080] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to
the illustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to
be merely illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the
invention, and which are susceptible of modification of form, size,
arrangement of parts and details of operation. The invention rather
is intended to encompass all such modifications that are within its
spirit and scope as defined by the claims.
* * * * *