Retractable Cleat Protector For Cleated Bicycle Shoes

Abstract

A retractable cleat protector for cleated bicycle shoes. It has a cleat protector body with a lower ground facing surface, and an upper cleat facing surface having recesses formed therein for engaging with a cleat. A cleat retention loop of flexible and elastic material is connected to the cleat protector body for retaining the cleat protector to the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe. A mode selection loop of flexible and elastic material is connected to the cleat protector body for selectively retaining the cleat protector body in a first orientation wherein the cleat protector body covers a cleat on a bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe, and a second orientation wherein the cleat protector body is retained away from the cleat on the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to protective covers or cleat protectors for cleats located on the bottom of footwear, and more particularly a retractable cleat protector for cleated bicycle shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In order to derive more power from pedaling bicycles, various systems have been developed over many years that allow a rider to detachably engage the rider's shoes with the pedals. Early toe clip system offered significant advantages over platform pedals because they allow the cyclist to drive the pedal during the full rotation, i.e., pulling up on the pedal as well as pushing down. They also allowed riders to wear conventional shoes without any special attachments on the soles.

[0003] In most current systems using cleats on the shoes and clipless pedals, a plate or other cleat structure at the bottom of the shoe snaps into a spring-loaded holder on the pedal. This is accomplished by the rider pressing his or her foot down onto the pedal. To remove the cleated shoe from the pedals, the rider will twists his or her foot to the side to detach the cleat from the spring loaded holder. These systems are more efficient that toe clip systems. One drawback, however, is that these systems include a cleat that extends downwardly from the bottom of the sole of the shoe, which is typically formed or metal and/or hard plastic. These cleats can be damaged by walking on the ground and cleats can likewise make noise and scuff flooring.

[0004] There are covers adapted to cover the bottom of a shoe having cleats including covers that snap to the bottom of the entire sole, covers that snap onto the cleats, and variations thereof. However, none of these prior art cleat covers teach cleat covers that stay on the bottom of the bicycle shoe during use for bicycling while the shoes are clipped to the pedals, as well as times the cleat cover covers the cleats while the cleated bicycle shoe wearer walks around. Accordingly the prior art cleat covers must be removed from the bottom of the cleated bicycle shoes when the rider is riding, carried somewhere (e.g., in the rider's jersey, in a pouch, etc.) and then reattached when the rider wishes to walk with his or her cleats protected. This is inconvenient and time consuming, and the extra space to hold such cleat covers is typically limited during bicycle rides, and there is a risk of losing the cleat covers in the process.

[0005] There accordingly remains a need for a retractable cleat protector for cleated bicycle shoes that are retained on the cleated bicycle shoe during bike rides, but which can be moved to cover the cleats when the bicycle shoes are used for walking around.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention provides a retractable cleat protector for cleated bicycle shoes, comprising: a cleat protector body; a cleat retention means for retaining the cleat protector body to the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe; and a mode selection means for selectively retaining the cleat protector body in a first orientation wherein the cleat protector body covers a cleat on the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe, and a second orientation wherein the cleat is uncovered by cleat protector body.

[0007] The invention also provides a retractable cleat protector for cleated bicycle shoes, comprising: a cleat protector body with a lower ground facing surface, and an upper cleat facing surface having recesses formed therein for engaging with a cleat; a cleat retention loop of flexible and elastic material connected to the cleat protector body for retaining the cleat protector to the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe; and a mode selection loop of flexible and elastic material connected to the cleat protector body for selectively retaining the cleat protector body in a first orientation wherein the cleat protector body covers the cleat, and a second orientation wherein the cleat protector body is retained away from the cleat and on the bottom of the cleated bicycle shoe.

[0008] The invention further provides a retractable cleat protector for bicycle shoes having a cleat fixed to its sole, comprising: a cleat protector body; a cleat retention means for retaining the cleat protector body to the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe; means for permitting the pivoting of the cleat protector body relative to the cleat retention means; and means for retaining the cleat protector body away from the cleat and near the shoe's sole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a retractable cleat protector of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 a bottom view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 1 attached to a cleat on the bottom of a shoe and in its walking mode with the cleat covered.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 1 attached to the cleat on the bottom of a shoe and in its walking mode.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 1 attached to the cleat on a bottom of the shoe and in its riding mode to cover the cleat.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a another exemplary embodiment of a retractable cleat protector of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a further exemplary embodiment of a retractable cleat protector of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 7 is side view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 6.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 6.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view through view lines 9-9 of FIG. 8.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic side of the retractable cleat protector view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 6 starting to be engaged with a cleated bicycle shoe.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 6 partially engaged with a cleat of a cleated bicycle shoe.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 6 completely engaged to cover a cleat of a cleated bicycle shoe.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 6 beginning to be disengaged from a cleat of a cleated bicycle shoe.

[0022] FIG. 14 is a bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 6 completely disengaged from a cleat of a cleated bicycle shoe just before a mode selection loop is looped around the heel of the retractable cleat protector.

[0023] FIG. 15 is a bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 6 completely disengaged from a cleat of a cleated bicycle shoe and with its selection loop looped around the heel of the retractable cleat protector.

[0024] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of yet a further exemplary embodiment of a retractable cleat protector of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 17 is side view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 16.

[0026] FIG. 18 is a top view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 16.

[0027] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the retractable cleat protector through view lines 19-19 of FIG. 18.

[0028] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 16 starting to be engaged with a cleat on a cleated bicycle shoe.

[0029] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 16 with its cleat retention loop engaged with a cleat on a cleated bicycle shoe.

[0030] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic bottom view showing the cleat cover portion in the process of being engaged with the cleat.

[0031] FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 16 fully engaged with the cleat.

[0032] FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 16 fully engaged with the cleat and with the mode selection loop wrapped around the toe box of the shoe.

[0033] FIG. 25 is a side view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 16 fully engaged with the cleat and with the mode selection loop wrapped around the toe box of the shoe.

[0034] FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 16 with its cleat cover portion flipped backwardly towards the heel and with the mode selection loop wrapped around the heel of the shoe.

[0035] FIG. 27 is a bottom view of another exemplary embodiment of a retractable cleat protector of the invention.

[0036] FIG. 28 is side view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 27.

[0037] FIG. 29 is a top view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 27.

[0038] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the retractable cleat protector through view lines 30-30 of FIG. 27.

[0039] FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 27.

[0040] FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 27.

[0041] FIG. 33 is a bottom view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a retractable cleat protector of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 34 is side view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 33.

[0043] FIG. 35 is a top view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 33.

[0044] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the retractable cleat protector through view lines 33-33 of FIG. 35.

[0045] FIG. 37 is a top view showing another exemplary retractable cleat protector covering a bicycle cleat for a bicycle shoe.

[0046] FIG. 38 is a partially exposed side of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 37.

[0047] FIG. 39 is a bottom view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 37.

[0048] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view through view lines 40-40 of FIG. 39.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of a retractable cleat protector 10 for cleated bicycle shoe and FIG. 2 shows the retractable cleat protector 10 in its riding position attached to the cleat 12 on the sole 14 of a cleated bicycle shoe S with the cleat 12 accessible to being clipped onto a pedal (not shown.) The cleat 12 has three corners 16A, 16B, and 16C and a bottom surface 18. The retractable cleat protector 10 comprises a flexible and stretchable cleat engagement portion 20 and cleat cover portion 22. The flexible and stretchable cleat engagement portion 20 can comprise an elastic loop that is moveably connected to cleat cover portion 22, which may preferably be formed of a harder rubber or plastic material than is the flexible and stretchable cleat engagement portion 20. For example, the flexible and stretchable cleat engagement portion 20 can be formed of natural or synthetic rubber, silicone, and other elastomeric materials, and the cleat cover portion 22 can be formed of similar materials and/or harder plastic materials. An area of connection 24 between the flexible and stretchable cleat engagement portion 20 and the cleat cover portion 22 can comprise a flexible neck, which can be formed of a flexible material such as the same material forming the loop 20 and allows the cleat cover portion 22 to pivot relative to the stretchable cleat engagement portion 20 attached to the cleat 12. The cleat cover portion 22 can have openings 26 formed therein for weight savings and preferably includes a large aperture 28 that is adapted to engaged with a retention clip 30 that is positioned (e.g., with a self-adhesive pad) at the bottom of the sole 14 when the cleat cover portion 22 is flipped rearwardly toward the heel when the retractable cleat protector 10 is being used for riding with cleat engaging pedals, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown a side view of the retractable cleat protector 10 with its cleat cover portion 22 flipped rearwardly towards the shoe's heel 32 and engaged with the retention clip 30 so that the cleat 12 is fully accessible and yet the retractable cleat protector 10 remains on the bottom of the shoe S and does not interfere with the operation of the cleat 12 being engaged with a pedal (not shown) adapted to engage with the cleat. The heel 32 and toe box 34 of the shoe S are shown.

[0051] Turning to FIG. 4, there is shown a bottom plan view of the retractable cleat protector 10 with its cleat cover portion 22 flipped forward towards the shoe's toe box 34 so that it covers the cleat 12. This is the orientation of the cleat cover portion 22 will be placed in when a user wishes to walk on the ground with the cleat covered up. Also, a user wearing cleated bicycle shoes may on occasion need to or wish to ride a bicycle with pedals that do not engage with cleats. In this mode, the user can still use his or her cleated shoes and ride. Moreover, in this position, a user will align the opening 28 in the cleat cover portion 22 with a portion of the cleat, e.g., corner 16C, and the cleat cover portion 22 is sized and shaped so that it catches on the cleat 12 and the cleat cover portion 22 will not detach therefrom except upon being pulled free, e.g., by pulling the cleat cover portion 22 forward and away from the cleat 12.

[0052] Alternately, as shown in FIG. 5, a retractable cleat protector 40 can have as its stretchable cleat engagement portion a separate elastic band 42 (e.g., formed or rubber, plastic, etc.) that is attached by a clip or webbing 44 to a cleat cover portion 44. In any event, the flexible and stretchable cleat engagement portion 12 snaps or otherwise connects onto the cleat without interfering with its function in attaching to a pedal. The cleat protector 40 can have openings 47 provided in the cleat cover portion 44 to reduce weight, and a large aperture 49 can be provided to engage with a clip.

[0053] In additional embodiments of retractable cleat protectors, rather than using a clip on the bottom of the sole, a shoe engagement elastic band is attached to the cleat protector opposite to where the cleat protector connects to the cleat attachment band. When the cleat cover is in the biking mode, the cleat cover portion is flipped towards the heel, and the shoe engagement band is passed around the heel of the shoe. When the user wishes to walk around, the cleat cover is flipped back to cover the cleat on the bottom on the shoe, and the shoe engagement band is passed around the toe box of the shoe.

[0054] Turning next to FIGS. 6-15, there are shown various view of another embodiment of a retractable cleat protector 50 of the invention. Referring first to FIG. 6, there is shown a bottom view of the retractable cleat protector 50, and FIG. 7 is a side view thereof. FIG. 8 is a top view of the retractable cleat protector 50, and FIG. 9 is a cross section view thereof through view lines 9-9 of FIG. 8. It includes a cleat protector body 52, a cleat retention loop 54, and a mode selection loop 56. The cleat protector body 52 has a lower body rim 58, and an upper body cup 60. The lower body rim 58 and the upper body cup 60 are joined by thin and elastic junction arms 62. The thin and elastic junction arms 62 permit the cleat protector body 52 to snap around the cleat, as will be described further below. The cleat retention loop 54 and mode selection loop 56 both extend upwardly and away from the cleat protector body 52 and in a forward direction. The cleat protector body 52 has a generally triangular shape and can have an opening 64 centered between the lower body rim 58, the upper body cup 60, and the thin and elastic junction arms 62. An inner facing indent 72 is formed on an inside of the lower body rim 58 and an inner facing indent 74 is formed on the upper body cup 60. The inner facing indent 72 formed on the inside of the lower body rim 58 will capture around a lower base 94 of the generally triangular shaped cleat 90, and the inner facing indent 74 formed on the upper body cup 60 captures around an apex 96 of the triangular shaped cleat 90, with the features of the cleat best shown in FIG. 14. The bottom face 76 of the cleat protector body 52 preferable has raised areas 70A and 70B formed on the bottom corners of the lower body rim 58 and raised area 70C formed on the apex of the upper body cup 60. These raised areas 70A, 70B, and 70C provided raised surfaces that provide some cushioning and protection to the cleat 90 when the retractable cleat protector 50 is used to cover the cleat 90.

[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 10-15, there are shown various views of the retractable cleat protector 50 connected to a cleated bicycle shoe S. FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic side view showing the retractable cleat protector 50 starting to be engaged with a cleat 90 attached to a sole 88 of a cleated bicycle shoe S. Its cleat retention loop 54 is looped around the shoe's toe box 92 and the cleat protector body 52 is not yet engaged with the cleat 90. FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side view showing the retractable cleat protector 50 partially engaged with a cleat 90 of the cleated bicycle shoe S. To get to this position, the cleat protector body 52 will be pulled rearwardly towards the shoe's heel 98, and the inner facing indent 72 (not shown) formed on the inside of the lower body rim 58 will capture around a lower base 94 of a triangular shaped cleat 90, and the upper body cup 60 will be snapped around an apex 96 of the cleat (see in FIG. 14) to secure the cleat protector body 52 on the cleat. Thereafter, the mode selection loop 56 will be loop around the toe box 92 to secure the retractable cleat protector 50 in place to cover the cleat 90, which is shown in FIG. 12.

[0056] FIG. 13 is a bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector 50 of FIG. 6 beginning to be disengaged from the cleat 90 of the cleated bicycle shoe S. This is accomplished by pulling the mode selection loop 56 forwardly to disengage it from being looped around the toe box 92 and also to disengage the upper body cup 60 from the apex 96 of the cleat 90. The cleat retention loop 54 will remain looped around the shoe's toe box 92. Thereafter, in FIG. 14, the retractable cleat protector 50 is shown with its cleat protector body 52 flipped rearwardly towards the shoe's heel 98 and completely disengaged from the cleat 90 of the cleated bicycle shoe S. FIG. 15 is a bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector 50 with its cleat protector body 52 flipped rearwardly to contact the shoe's sole 88 and completely disengaged from the cleat 90, and with its selection loop 56 looped around the heel 98 of the cleated bicycle shoe S. In this mode, the cleat 90 is exposed and is free to be engaged with a cleat engagement of a bicycle pedal (not shown).

[0057] Turning to FIGS. 16-26 there are shown various view of another embodiment of a retractable cleat protector 100. FIGS. 16-19 are views of the retractable cleat protector 100 not attached to a cleated bicycle shoe. FIG. 16 is a bottom view, and FIG. 17 is side view of the retractable cleat protector 100. FIG. 18 is a top view and FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the retractable cleat protector 100 through view lines 19-19 of FIG. 18. The retractable cleat protector 100 of these figures is similar to the cleat protector 50 described above, and includes a cleat protector body 152, a cleat retention loop 154, a mode selection loop 156, a lower body rim 158, and an upper body cup 160. The lower body rim 158 and the upper body cup 160 are joined by thin and elastic junction arms 162. The thin and elastic junction arms 162 permit the cleat protector body 152 to snap around the cleat, as will be described further below. The cleat retention loop 154 and mode selection loop 156 both extend outwardly away from the cleat protector body 152 and in opposite directions. The cleat protector body 152 has a generally triangular shape and can have an opening 164 formed in the center of the lower body rim 158, the upper body cup 160, and the thin and elastic junction arms 162. An inner facing indent 172 is formed on an inside of the lower body rim 158 and an inner facing indent 74 is formed on the upper body cup 160. The inner facing indent 172 is formed on an inside of the lower body rim 158 and the inner facing indent 174 is formed on the upper body cup 160. The inner facing indent 172 formed on the inside of the lower body rim 158 will capture around a lower base 94 of the generally triangular shaped cleat 90, and the inner facing indent 174 formed on the upper body cup 160 captures around an apex 96 of the triangular shaped cleat 90, with the features of the cleat best shown in FIGS. 20, 21, and 26. The bottom face 176 of the cleat protector body 152 preferably has raised areas 170A and 170B formed on the bottom corners of the lower body rim 158 and raised area 170C formed on the apex of the upper body cup 160. These raised areas 170A, 170B, and 170C provide cushioning and protection to the cleat 90 when the retractable cleat protector 100 is used to cover the cleat 90.

[0058] Turning now to FIGS. 20-26, there are shown various views of the retractable cleat protector 100 connected to a cleated bicycle shoe S. FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic bottom view showing the retractable cleat protector 100 starting to be engaged with a cleat 90 attached to a sole 88 of a cleated bicycle shoe S. Unlike the retractable cleat protector 50 of FIGS. 6-15, the retractable cleat protector 100 of FIG. 16 is first attached with its upper side 180 facing outwardly away from the sole 88 of the cleated bicycle shoe S. Its cleat retention loop 154 is first looped around the apex 96 of the cleat 90, and as shown in FIG. 21, is pulled backwardly towards to shoe's heel 98 so that the cleat retention loop 154 is wrapped around the lower base 94 of the generally triangular shaped cleat 90 to hold the retractable cleat protector 100 in placed to the bottom of the cleated bicycle shoe S. The mode selection loop 156 is not yet in use in this position. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 22, the cleat protector body 152 is flipped forward to cover the cleat 90. In FIG. 23, the upper body cup 160 is hooked onto the apex 96 of the cleat 90. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the mode selection loop 156 is looped around the toe box 92 and the inner facing indent 172 (not shown) formed on the inside of the lower body rim 158 will capture around the lower base 94 of the generally triangular shaped cleat 90, and the inner facing indent 174 (not shown) formed on the upper body cup 160 captures around the apex 96 of the triangular shaped cleat 90. In this walking mode of the retractable cleat protector 100, its pads 170A, 170B and 170C will be faced outwardly and in position to protect the cleat 90 and flooring surfaces when walking around. FIG. 26 shows the bicycle riding mode, where the mode selection loop 156 is detached from the toe box 92, the retractable cleat protector 100 is flipped rearwardly, and the mode selection loop 156 is looped around the heel 98 of the shoe S, and the cleat protector cover 152 will rest against the shoe's sole 88.

[0059] Turning now to FIGS. 27-32, there are shown views of a fourth embodiment of an exemplary retractable cleat protector 200, which is similar to the retractable cleat protector 100 shown in FIGS. 16-26. FIG. 27 is a bottom view and FIG. 28 is cross-sectional view of the retractable cleat protector 200 through view lines 28-28 of FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a top view and FIG. 30 is a side view of the retractable cleat protector of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is a bottom perspective view and FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of the retractable cleat protector 200. The retractable cleat protector 200 includes a cleat protector body 252, a cleat retention loop 254, and a mode selection loop 256. The cleat body portion 252 has a lower body rim 258, and an upper body cup 260. The lower body rim 258 and the upper body cup 260 are joined by thin and elastic junction arms 262. The thin and elastic junction arms 262 permit the cleat protector body 252 to snap around the cleat in the same as the retractable cleat protector 100. The cleat retention loop 254 and mode selection loop 256 both extend away from the cleat protector body 152 and in opposite directions. The cleat protector body 252 can have a shape that is similar to the shape of the cleat it is designed to cover, e.g., a generally triangular shape, and can have an opening 264 centered by the lower body rim 258, the upper body cup 260, and the thin and elastic junction arms 262. An inner facing indent 272 is formed on an inside of the lower body rim 258 and an inner facing indent 274 is formed on the upper body cup 260. Raised areas 270A and 270B are preferably formed on the bottom corners of the lower body rim 258 of the cleat protector body 252 and raised area 270C is preferably formed on the apex of the upper body cup 260. These raised areas 270A, 270B, and 270C provide cushioning and protection to the cleat 90 when the retractable cleat protector 200 is used to cover the cleat 90. Unlike the retractable cleat protector 100, the retractable cleat protector 200 has thin and flexible arms 280 that join the cleat retention loop 254 to the lower body rim 258 of the cleat protector body 252. These thin and flexible arms 280 act to space the cleat protector body 252 further away from the cleat when cleat retention loop 254 is engaged around the cleats, and also allows more movement of the cleat protector body 252 before it is snapped onto the cleat 90. The retractable cleat protector 200 will be used in the same manner as the retractable cleat protector 100 of FIGS. 16-26.

[0060] Turning now to FIGS. 33-36, there are shown views of a sixth embodiment of an exemplary retractable cleat protector 300, wherein FIG. 33 is a top view thereof, FIG. 34 is a side view thereof, FIG. 35 is a bottom view, and FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view through view lines 36-36 of FIG. 35. The exemplary retractable cleat protector 300 is similar to the retractable cleat protector 100 shown in FIGS. 16-26. The retractable cleat protector 300 includes a cleat protector body 352, a cleat retention loop 354, a mode selection loop 356, a lower body rim 358, and an upper body cup 360. The lower body rim 358 and the upper body cup 360 are joined by perimeter rim portions 362 and cleat cover face 364. The perimeter rim portions 362 and cleat cover face 364 permit the cleat protector body 352 to snap around the cleat, as will be described further below. The cleat retention loop 354 and mode selection loop 356 both extend outwardly away from the cleat protector body 352 and in opposite directions. The cleat protector body 352 has a generally triangular shape, and the cleat cover face 364 connects together the lower body rim 358, the upper body cup 360, and the perimeter rim portions 362. An inner facing indent 372 is formed on an inside of the lower body rim 358 and an inner facing indent 374 is formed on the upper body cup 360. The inner facing indent 372 is formed on an inside of the lower body rim 358 and the inner facing indent 374 is formed on the upper body cup 360. The inner facing indent 372 formed on the inside of the lower body rim 358 will, in the same manner as is shown with respect to the exemplary retractable cleat protector 100 of FIGS. 16-19, capture around a lower base 94 of the generally triangular shaped cleat 90, and the inner facing indent 374 formed on the upper body cup 360 captures around an apex 96 of the triangular shaped cleat 90, with the features of the cleat best shown in FIGS. 20, 21, and 26. A bottom surface 376 of the cleat cover face 364 provide cushioning and protection to the cleat 90 when the retractable cleat protector 300 is used to cover the cleat 90, and a top surface 378 of the cleat cover face 364 will make contact with the cleat 90 and engage therewith. Unlike the other embodiments of the retractable cleat protectors, in this embodiment, the cleat 90 will be completely enclosed by the cleat protector body 352 when it is engaged therewith. However, the retractable cleat protector 300 will be used as described with reference to the fourth embodiment of the retractable cleat protector 100 as described in FIGS. 20-26.

[0061] Turning lastly to FIGS. 37-40, there are shown various view of a are shown views of a sixth embodiment of an exemplary retractable cleat protector 400, wherein FIG. 37 is a top view thereof showing the cleat 402 that will be attached to the bottom of a bicycle shoe (not shown). Cleat 402 is generally rectangular and the retractable cleat protector 400 is shaped to cover same. FIG. 38 is a partially exposed side view showing retractable cleat protector 400, FIG. 39 is a bottom view thereof, and FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view thereof through view lines 40-40 of FIG. 39. The exemplary retractable cleat protector 400 is similar to the retractable cleat protector 100 shown in FIGS. 16-26 but has a generally rectangular cleat protector body 452, a cleat retention loop 454, a mode selection loop 456, a lower body rim 458, and an upper body cup 460. The lower body rim 458 and the upper body cup 460 are joined by perimeter rim portions 462 and cleat cover face 464. The perimeter rim portions 462 and cleat cover face 464 permit the cleat protector body 452 to cover the cleat 402, as will be described further below. The cleat retention loop 454 and mode selection loop 456 both extend outwardly away from the cleat protector body 452 and in opposite directions. The cleat protector body 452 and the cleat cover face 464 connects together the lower body rim 458, the upper body cup 460, and the perimeter rim portions 462. An inner facing indent 472 is formed on an inside of the lower body rim 458 and an inner facing indent 474 is formed on the upper body cup 460. The inner facing indent 472 is formed on an inside of the lower body rim 458 and the inner facing indent 474 is formed on the upper body cup 460. The inner facing indent 472 formed on the inside of the lower body rim 458 will, in the same manner as is shown with respect to the exemplary retractable cleat protector 100 of FIGS. 16-19, capture around a lower base 406 of the generally rectangular shaped cleat 402, and the inner facing indent 474 formed on the upper body cup 460 captures around an upper end 406 of the cleat 402. A bottom surface 476 of the cleat cover face 464 provide cushioning and protection to the cleat 402 when the retractable cleat protector 400 is used to cover the cleat 402, and a top surface 478 of the cleat cover face 464 will make contact with the cleat 402 and engage therewith. If desired, the bottom surface 476 of the cleat cover face 464 can have grooves or other skid resistant features 478 molded therein. Like the embodiment of the retractable cleat protector 300, in this embodiment, the cleat 402 will preferably be completely covered by the cleat protector body 452 when it is engaged therewith. However, the retractable cleat protector 400 will be used as described with reference to the fourth embodiment of the retractable cleat protector 100 as described in FIGS. 20-26.

[0062] The retractable cleat protectors 10, 40 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 can be molded from natural or synthetic plastic, rubber, silicone, and/or other elastomeric materials, with the cleat cover portions formed of the same type but harder durometer rated material that the loops, or two dissimilar materials can be molded together to form the retractable cleat protectors, 10, 40, 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400. The cleat protector bodies 22, 46, 52, 152, 252, 352, and/or 452 can, if desired, be formed of more wear resistant material than other sections of the cleat protectors and/or can be treated to become harder and more wear resistant in these areas. Also, while the cleat protectors have been described for use with generally triangular shaped cleats, the cleat protectors can be sized and shaped to fit cleats of any sizes and shapes.

[0063] Unlike prior art cleated bicycle shoe protectors, with the inventors' cleat protectors, the cleat protectors are lightweight and unobtrusive and can remain attached to the bottom of the shoe even while riding, which makes them more convenient to use than prior bicycle shoe cleat protectors. Although the example of bicycles with cleat receiving pedals is used herein, the retractable cleat protector of the invention can be used with other pedal operated vehicles besides bicycles.

[0064] Although the embodiments shoe an elastic band being used to hold the cleat protector to the cleat, e.g., by wrapped around a perimeter thereof, other means can be used for this purpose. For example, in lieu of the elastic band, the cleat protector could include a plate or other element that is positioned under the cleat and held down by the cleat, and is hinged to the cleat cover portion. Indeed, such a hinge could have two set and biased positions so that the cleat cover either flips to the walking mode, or the biking mode.

[0065] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above disclosures are exemplary only and that various other alternatives, adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A retractable cleat protector for cleated bicycle shoes, comprising: a cleat protector body; a cleat retention means for retaining the cleat protector body to the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe; and a mode selection means for selectively retaining the cleat protector body in a first orientation wherein the cleat protector body covers a cleat on the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe, and a second orientation wherein the cleat is uncovered by cleat protector body.

2. The retractable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the cleat retention means comprises a cleat retention loop of flexible and elastic material connected to the cleat protector body.

3. The retractable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the mode selection means comprises a mode selection loop of flexible and elastic material connected to the cleat protector body.

4. The retractable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the cleat protector body comprises a body with a lower ground facing surface, and an upper cleat facing surface having recesses formed therein for engaging with a cleat.

5. The retractable cleat protector of claim 4, wherein the cleat protector body is generally triangular shaped and the upper cleat facing surface has a wider lower ridge with a recess formed therein for engagement of a wider end of a cleat, and a cupped portion with a recess formed therein at an apex of the generally triangular cleat protector body which is engaged with a narrower end of the cleat, and wherein the cleat protector body has a cleat cover face that covers a bottom surface of the cleat protector body and which covers a cleat the cleat protector body covers.

6. The retractable cleat protector of claim 4, wherein the cleat protector body is generally triangular and the upper cleat facing surface has a wider lower ridge with a recess formed therein for engagement of a wider end of a cleat, and a cupped portion with a recess formed therein at an apex of the generally triangular cleat protector body which is engaged with a narrower end of the cleat, and wherein the wider lower ridge and the cupped portion are connected together with flexible arms.

7. The retractable cleat protector of claim 4, wherein protrusions are formed on the lower ground facing surface of the cleat protector body.

8. The retractable cleat protector of claim 4, wherein the cleat protector body is generally rectangular shaped and the upper cleat facing surface has a lower ridge with a recess formed therein for engagement of a lower end of a cleat, and a cupped portion with a recess formed therein at an upper end of generally rectangular cleat protector body which is engaged with an upper end of the cleat, and wherein the cleat protector body has a cleat cover face that covers a bottom surface of the cleat protector body and which covers a cleat the cleat protector body covers.

9. The retractable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the cleat retention means comprises a cleat retention loop of flexible and elastic material connected to a first end of the cleat protector body and the mode selection means comprises a mode selection loop of flexible and elastic material connected to a second end of the cleat protector body, and wherein the cleat retention loop and the mode selection loop extend away from the cleat protector body in opposite directions.

10. The retractable cleat protector of claim 9, wherein the cleat retention loop is sized to be looped around a cleat on the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe, and the mode selection loop is sized to be looped around a toe box of a cleated bicycle shoe to retain the cleat protector body on the cleat when the retractable cleat protector is used in a walking mode, and in a riding mode the cleat protector body is flipped backward into contact with the bottom of the cleated bicycle shoe and the mode selection loop is looped around a heel of the cleated bicycle shoe to retain the cleat protector body away from the cleat so that the cleated bicycle shoe can be connected with cleated pedals.

11. The retractable cleat protector of claim 9, wherein the cleat retention loop is connected with flexible aims to the cleat protector body.

12. The retractable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the cleat protector body has a lower ground facing surface and an upper cleat facing surface, and wherein the cleat retention means comprises a cleat retention loop of flexible and elastic material connected to a first end cleat protector body and the mode selection means comprises a mode selection loop of flexible and elastic material connected to a second end of the cleat protector body, and wherein the cleat retention loop and the mode selection loop extend away from the cleat protector body in the same direction and outwardly away from the upper cleat facing surface.

13. The retractable cleat protector of claim 11, wherein the cleat retention loop and the mode selection loop are sized to be looped around a toe box of a cleated bicycle shoe to retain the cleat protector body positioned to cover the cleat when the retractable cleat protector is used in a walking mode, and in a riding mode the cleat protector body is flipped backward into contact with the bottom of the bicycle shoe and the mode selection loop is looped around a heel of the bicycle shoe to retain the cleat protector body away from the cleat so that the cleated bicycle shoe can be connected with cleated pedals.

14. The retractable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the cleat retention means and the mode selection means are formed of flexible and elastic material.

15. The retractable cleat protector of claim 14, wherein the cleat protector body is formed of a stiffer and more rigid material than the cleat retention means and the mode selection means.

16. A retractable cleat protector for cleated bicycle shoes, comprising: a cleat protector body for covering a bicycle shoe cleat; a cleat retainer connected to the cleat protector body for retaining the cleat protector to the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe; and a mode selector connected to the cleat protector body for selectively retaining the cleat protector body in a first orientation wherein the cleat protector body covers the bicycle shoe cleat, and a second orientation wherein the cleat protector body is retained away from the bicycle shoe cleat and on the bottom of the cleated bicycle shoe.

17. The retractable cleat protector of claim 17, wherein the cleat protector body has an upper cleat facing surface with a lower ridge with an elongate recess formed therein for engagement of a wider end of the bicycle shoe cleat, and an upper cupped portion with a recesses formed therein at an upper end of the cleat protector body which is engaged with an upper end of the bicycle shoe cleat.

18. The retractable cleat protector of claim 16, wherein the cleat retainer connects to the cleat on the bottom of the cleated bicycle shoe without interfering with its function, and in a walking mode, the mode selector connects to a toe box of a cleated bicycle shoe to position the cleat protector body over the bicycle shoe cleat, and in a riding mode, the cleat protector body is moved away from the bicycle shoe cleat and the mode selected is connected to a heel of the bicycle shoe to retain the cleat protector body away from the bicycle shoe cleat so that the cleated bicycle shoe can be connected with cleated pedals.

19. The retractable cleat protector of claim 16, wherein the cleat protector body has a lower ground facing surface and an upper cleat facing surface, and wherein the cleat retainer comprises a cleat retention loop of flexible and elastic material connected to a first end of the cleat protector body, and the mode selector comprises a loop of flexible and elastic material connected to a second end of the cleat protector body, and wherein the cleat retention loop and the mode selection loop extend outwardly away from the cleat protector body in the same direction.

20. The retractable cleat protector of claim 16, wherein the cleat protector body has a lower ground facing surface and an upper cleat facing surface, and wherein the cleat retainer comprises a cleat retention loop of flexible and elastic material connected to a first end of the cleat protector body and the mode selector comprises a loop of flexible and elastic material connected to a second end of the cleat protector body, and wherein the cleat retention loop and the mode selection loop extend outwardly away from the cleat protector body in different directions.

21. The retractable cleat protector of claim 16, wherein the cleat protector body is formed of a stiffer and/or more rigid material than the cleat retention loop and the mode selection loop.

22. A retractable cleat protector for bicycle shoes having a cleat fixed to its sole, comprising: a cleat protector body; means for pivotally connecting the cleat protector body to the cleat; and means for selectively retaining the cleat protector body either away from the cleat and near the shoe's sole or over the cleat.

23. The retractable cleat protector for bicycle shoes of claim 22, wherein the means for pivotally connecting the cleat protector body to the cleat comprises an engagement loop of flexible material connected to the cleat protector body, which loop of flexible material loops around a perimeter of a cleat without interfering with its function.

24. The retractable cleat protector for bicycle shoes of claim 22, wherein the means for pivotally connecting the cleat protector body to the cleat comprises a hinge connecting the cleat protector body to the cleat.

25. The retractable cleat protector for bicycle shoes of claim 22, wherein the means for selectively retaining the cleat protector body either away from the cleat and near the shoe's sole or over the cleat comprises the cleat protector body having an engagement which selectively detachably connects to a retention clip which is attached to the sole of the shoe, or to the cleat.

26. The retractable cleat protector for bicycle shoes of claim 22, wherein the means for selectively retaining the cleat protector body either away from the cleat and near the shoe's sole or over the cleat comprises a mode selection loop of flexible and elastic material connected to the cleat protector body, which mode selection loop selectively loops around a front of the shoe to position the cleat protector body over the cleat when in a walking mode, or loops around a back of the shoe to position the cleat protector body off of the cleat when in a riding mode.