U.S. patent application number 13/044820 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-13 for triathlon shoe.
Invention is credited to Michal CZAN.
Application Number | 20120227287 13/044820 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46794213 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120227287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CZAN; Michal |
September 13, 2012 |
TRIATHLON SHOE
Abstract
A triathlon shoe for use in both the cycling and running
segments of a race which includes an outer sole, a midsole, an
upper, a cleat for attachment to a pedal of a bike and a rigid
insert positioned above, and secured to, the cleat. The rigid
insert is secured to the midsole which includes a cushioning
material suitable for running. The midsole and outer sole are also
configured to allow the cleat to protrude through the bottom of the
shoe for attachment to the pedal of a bike. The midsole may also be
recessed to provide sufficient space for the pedal of the bike when
the pedal is attached to the cleat and to prevent the cleat from
striking the ground while the wearer is running.
Inventors: |
CZAN; Michal; (Mississauga,
CA) |
Family ID: |
46794213 |
Appl. No.: |
13/044820 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/06 20130101; A43B
5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/131 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/14 20060101
A43B005/14; A43B 5/00 20060101 A43B005/00; A43B 7/00 20060101
A43B007/00; A43B 5/06 20060101 A43B005/06 |
Claims
1. A shoe for cycling and running comprising: an outer sole; a
midsole positioned above the outer sole and secured to the outer
sole, the midsole comprising a cushioning material; an upper
secured to the midsole, the upper and midsole in combination
defining a space for a foot; and a rigid insert positioned above a
cleat, the rigid insert being secured to the cleat and to the
midsole, and the cleat protruding through the bottom of the shoe
and being configured for attachment to a pedal of a bike; wherein
the midsole and the outer sole are cut-out or recessed about the
cleat to accommodate the pedal of a bike when the pedal is attached
to the cleat.
2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the cleat is positioned on the shoe
such that when the shoe is worn on a foot having an ankle and a
ball, the cleat is in a region between under the ankle of the foot
and under the ball of the foot.
3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the rigid insert substantially
extends from a side wall of the upper to an opposite side wall of
the upper.
4. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising an insole positioned
over the rigid insert.
5. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a heel counter.
6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the heel counter is integral with
the rigid insert.
7. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a fastening strap.
8. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising a shoe cover.
9. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the shoe cover is fastened to the
shoe by hooks.
10. The shoe of claim 9, the shoe further comprising a recessed
groove and the shoe cover being secured to the shoe by an elastic
band binding a bottom end of the shoe cover within the recessed
groove.
11. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising drainage holes in the
midsole.
12. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the rigid insert comprises carbon
fibre.
13. A triathlon shoe comprising: an outer sole; a midsole
positioned above the outer sole and secured to the outer sole, the
midsole comprising a cushioning material; an upper secured to the
midsole, the upper and midsole in combination defining a space for
a foot; and a rigid insert positioned above a cleat, the rigid
insert being secured to the cleat and to the midsole, and the cleat
protruding through the bottom of the shoe and being configured for
attachment to a pedal of a bike; wherein the midsole and the outer
sole are cut-out or recessed about the cleat to accommodate the
pedal of a bike when the pedal is attached to the cleat.
14. The triathlon shoe of claim 13, wherein the midsole and outer
sole are cut-out or recessed about the cleat to permit a wearer of
the triathlon shoe to run without the cleat striking a running
surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to athletic footwear, and more
particularly, to a shoe for both cycling and running such as a
triathlon shoe.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A triathlon is a three-sport athletic competition involving
three continuous and sequential endurance events. Most often, these
are swimming, cycling and running in immediate succession over a
variety of distances.
[0003] Triathletes use specialized cycling shoes for the bike
segment of their races, which include metal or plastic cleats which
attach to the pedals of the bike. Cycling shoes are made with a
stiff sole to facilitate power transfer from the foot through the
shoe to the cleat and pedal. In contrast, running shoes, used in
the run segment of a triathlon, are made from a more lightweight
and flexible material designed to absorb some of the impact while
running as well as propel the runner forward. Running in cycling
shoes would be impractical as it would cause the triathlete to run
at a reduced speed as well as wear down the cycling shoes and
cleats.
[0004] In a race, triathletes compete for the fastest overall
course completion time. The time spent in transition between the
swim and bike segments and between the bike and run segments is
time included in the overall time of the race. When transitioning
between the bike and the run segments, triathletes have to remove
their cycling shoes, get into their running shoes and tie the shoe
laces. Lacing systems such as Lock Laces.TM. and Speed Laces.TM.
are designed to reduce the amount of time spend tying shoe laces,
but still do not eliminate that time altogether, nor do they reduce
the amount of time it takes to change shoes, from cycling shoes to
running shoes, during a bike to run transition.
[0005] Some triathletes, when approaching the bike dismount area,
will unfasten and remove their cycling shoes while still in motion
on the bike. The athlete may then pedal with their feet on top of
their shoes until finally dismounting from the bike and then run
barefoot to the location where he or she secures his bike and
obtains his or her running shoes. This technique is aimed to reduce
the amount of time to get through a transition area, but has risks.
First, running barefoot may increase the risk of foot injuries,
especially where the running surface contains hazards. Second,
while the triathlete is unfastening and removing his cycling shoes,
he or she has reduced stability and control over the bike, which
increases the risk of crashing or colliding into nearby
participants or spectators. This may cause injuries to the
triathlete and others, and possibly cause one or more participants
to not finish the race.
[0006] It would be desirable for a triathlete to reduce his or her
bike to run transition time without engaging in risky manoeuvres
which may lead to crashes or collisions with others. Accordingly,
there remains a need for improvements in the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides
a shoe for cycling and running comprising: an outer sole; a midsole
positioned above the outer sole and secured to the outer sole, the
midsole comprising a cushioning material; an upper secured to the
midsole, the upper and midsole in combination defining a space for
a foot; and a rigid insert positioned above a cleat, the rigid
insert being secured to the cleat and to the midsole, and the cleat
protruding through the bottom of the shoe and being configured for
attachment to a pedal of a bike; wherein the midsole and the outer
sole are cut-out or recessed about the cleat to accommodate the
pedal of a bike when the pedal is attached to the cleat.
[0008] According to a further embodiment, the present invention
provides a triathlon shoe comprising: an outer sole; a midsole
positioned above the outer sole and secured to the outer sole, the
midsole comprising a cushioning material; an upper secured to the
midsole, the upper and midsole in combination defining a space for
a foot; and a rigid insert positioned above a cleat, the rigid
insert being secured to the cleat and to the midsole, and the cleat
protruding through the bottom of the shoe and being configured for
attachment to a pedal of a bike; wherein the midsole and the outer
sole are cut-out or recessed about the cleat to accommodate the
pedal of a bike when the pedal is attached to the cleat.
[0009] Other aspects and features according to the present
application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the
art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the
invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings
which show, by way of example, embodiments of the invention, and
how they may be carried into effect, and in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a shoe according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of the shoe of FIG. 1 (without the
fastening strap);
[0013] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective cross-sectional view of the
shoe of FIG. 1, as defined by section line 3-3 in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a top view of the rigid insert and cleat of the
shoe of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the rigid insert and cleat shown
in FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a side view of the rigid insert and cleat shown in
FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a further rigid insert and cleat
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a shoe including a shoe
cover according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rigid insert integrally
formed with a heel counter according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] Like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding
elements in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed
to a shoe for both cycling and running. According to an embodiment,
the shoe may be advantageously used for racing, where a faster
transition time from a bike segment to a run segment, such as in a
triathlon, or from a run segment to a bike segment, such as in a
duathlon, is desirable as it may result in a faster overall course
completion time.
[0022] Embodiments of the shoe may also be advantageously used in
brick workouts, which involve training the transitions from one
sport to another in a triathlon, or similar event, in interval
fashion, such as, for example, five intervals of five minutes of
running and seven minutes of cycling. The shoe may make a brick
workout more convenient for the athlete as there would be no need
to change shoes between running and cycling segments.
[0023] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a shoe,
such as triathlon shoe 100, may comprise an outer sole 120, a
midsole 140, an upper 160, a heel counter 180, a cleat 200 and a
rigid insert 220. The outer sole 120 is the bottom part of the shoe
100 that contacts the ground when running. According to an
embodiment, the outer sole 120 may be made of a type of rubber,
such as hard carbon rubber or blown rubber compounds, or other
material having elastic properties and is secured to the midsole
140 by glue or other securing means. The outer sole 120 may have a
tread pattern, such as a waffle tread pattern 125, which may
provide better traction with the running surface. The outer sole
120 may also comprise a cut-out portion 130 which allows the cleat
200 to protrude through the shoe 100 for attachment to the pedal of
a bike.
[0024] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the midsole
140 may be positioned above the outer sole 120 and comprises a
cushioning material that may act to provide cushioning, stability
and flexibility. The cushioning material of the midsole 140 may be
made of combinations of vinyl compounds and air bladder or other
lightweight shock absorbing materials and may be contoured as
desired, such as to the shape of the bottom of a foot on the top
surface as well as contoured to the shape of the rigid insert 220.
According to an embodiment, the midsole 140 may include a cut-out
portion 145 which is shaped to accommodate the rigid insert 220 and
cleat 200 as well as to allow sufficient clearance for the shoe 100
to receive the pedal of the bike when it is attached to the cleat
200 and to allow disengagement of the cleat 200 from the pedal
which, according to an embodiment, may be accomplished by twisting
the foot inwards or outwards. According to an embodiment, the
midsole 140 may have additional posting to support the recessed
cushioning due to the cleat 200, rigid insert 220 and cut-out
portion 145. This additional posting may reduce over-pronation
which may otherwise result from less midsole material in the area
proximate to cleat 200.
[0025] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an
insole 150 may be positioned above the midsole 140 in the shoe 100.
The insole 150 may be contoured on each side as desired. According
to an embodiment, the insole 150 is contoured to the bottom of a
foot on its top surface and to the rigid insert 220 and midsole 140
on its bottom surface.
[0026] The midsole 140 may contain drainage holes 165 for allowing
water, sweat or any other liquid to escape and to provide air
circulation which may cool the wearer's feet. According to an
embodiment, drainage holes 165 may be of any shape, but aerodynamic
shapes, such as chevrons, may be preferred for a racing shoe.
Drainage holes 165 may also reduce the frequency and severity of
blisters and help to keep the foot dry. According to an embodiment,
the insole 150 may have perforations 152 aligned with perforations
in the midsole 140. The perforations in the midsole 140 may have
channels which lead to the drainage holes 165.
[0027] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the
upper 160 is the part of the shoe 100 that, with the midsole 140,
encloses the foot. The upper 160 may be made of a nylon material or
any other suitable material. According to an embodiment, the upper
may be tucked under and glued or otherwise secured directly to the
midsole 140 (slip-lasted). According to a further embodiment, a
board (not shown) is tucked under a portion of the upper 160
(board-lasted). Slip-lasting is lighter and provides more
flexibility, while board-lasting provides more stability and
prevents pronation.
[0028] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, a shoe cover
240 may be releasably secured to the shoe 100. The shoe cover 240
may increase the aerodynamic properties of the shoe 100, as well as
provide wind proofing and water proofing. The shoe cover 240 may
also help contain heat, which may be beneficial in colder
temperatures.
[0029] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 8, the shoe
cover 240 may be secured to the shoe 100 by one or more fasteners,
such as hooks (not shown as hidden behind cover 240). The hooks may
be secured to the drainage holes 165 and, when extended over the
shoe 100, to a loop 242. The loop 242 may be positioned at the top
of the upper 160 such as at the top of the heel as shown in the
embodiment in FIG. 1. According to an embodiment, the shoe cover
240 may be releasably secured to the shoe 100 using an elastic band
250 to elastically bind the bottom end of the shoe cover 240 within
a recessed groove 255 around the side of the shoe 100. The shoe
cover 240 may be contained substantially within or about the
recessed groove 255 when not in use and then pulled over the top of
the shoe 100 by the wearer. According to a further embodiment, both
the hooks and the elastic band 250 may be used to releasably secure
the shoe cover 240 to the shoe 100. According to an embodiment as
shown in FIG. 8, the shoe cover 240 may also comprise a zipper 244
to assist with deploying the shoe cover 240 over the shoe 100. The
hook secured in loop 242 may allow the zipper 244 to be pulled down
more easily when uncovering the shoe 100.
[0030] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the shoe 100
may also comprise a heel counter 180 which is a stiffer portion
that wraps around behind the heel of the shoe 100. The heel counter
180 may reduce ankle pronation and add to the stability of the shoe
100. According to an embodiment, the heel counter 180 may also
provide some cushioning around the heel of the shoe 100. According
to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, the heel counter 180 may be
attached or be integral with the rigid insert 220. This may provide
better power transfer from the foot to the pedals by reducing the
elasticity between the rigid insert 220 and the heel counter
180.
[0031] According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, a fastening
strap 190 may also be provided which may slide through one or more
loops 192 to strap the shoe 100 to the foot. According to further
embodiments, shoe laces (not shown) or other means may be used to
secure the shoe to the foot.
[0032] A cleat 200 is used to attach a shoe to the pedal of a bike
while cycling. When a cleat is positioned at the traditional cleat
position at the forefoot of the shoe, the foot acts as an
inefficient flexible lever during cycling which prevents maximum
power transfer from the rider's muscles to the pedals. According to
an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, moving the cleat 200 further back
on the shoe 100 to a position between under the ball of foot to
under the ankle, power is transferred more directly and efficiently
to the pedal from the rider's large muscle groups (quadriceps,
gluteus maximum and hamstrings) and the rider may be able generate
more power or pedal at a higher gear for a longer period of time.
This cleat positioning may also reduce the frequency and severity
of metatarsalgia (pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot),
especially on longer rides, as well as may reduce the frequency and
severity of injuries to the Achilles tendon, calf muscles and the
knee.
[0033] This cleat positioning may also be advantageous in a
triathlon or other race where cycling is followed by running by
reducing the exertion by the rider's calf and foot muscles during
the cycling segment and thereby leaving the rider's calf and foot
muscles less fatigued for the running segment of the race which may
result in faster overall race times. In the traditional cleat
position, calf muscles are used to stabilize the ankle to allow as
much power as possible to be transferred to the pedal through the
forefoot. When the cleat position is moved further back, to a
position between under the ball of foot to under the ankle, there
may be less exertion by the calf muscles to stabilize the ankles as
power is transferred to the pedal more directly. Less exertion by
the calf muscles may also slow the depletion of the athlete's
glycogen levels or increase endurance, leading to faster overall
race times. Moreover, this cleat position will lower the rider's
center of gravity when riding which may provide for better handling
and balance, especially when cycling downhill.
[0034] According to an embodiment, the rigid insert 220 may be made
of a rigid material, such as carbon fibre, and is secured to the
midsole 140, such as by glue or other securing means. The rigidity
or stiffness of the rigid insert 220 may assist with power transfer
during cycling. According to an embodiment, the rigid insert 220
may be placed above the midsole 140 and extend through the cut-out
portion 145. According to a further embodiment, the midsole 140 or
cut-out portion 145 may accommodate the rigid insert 220 such that
the top of the rigid insert 220 is at approximately the same level
as the surrounding portions of the midsole 140. According to an
embodiment, the rigid insert 220 may be sized such that it extends
from the heel up to the metatarsal phalangeal joints (balls of
foot, beginning of toes) in the foot. According to further
embodiments, the rigid insert 220 may be sized and shaped to
conform to the shape of the last of the shoe, the insole, the
midsole or any combination of the aforementioned shapes and sizes,
or be any other common shape such as a triangle, square, rectangle,
circle, or oval, or others that may fit within the boundaries of
the shoe 100 and be wide enough to allow for the attachment of the
cleat 200. According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6,
the rigid insert 220 may have perforations 222 which may provide
ventilation to the inside of the shoe 100 as well as allow any
water, sweat or other liquid that is inside the shoe 100 to
escape.
[0035] According to an embodiment, the rigid insert 220 may be flat
or curved. According to a further embodiment, the rigid insert 220
may not be flat or curved at its upper surface, but is covered by
an insole 150 that conforms to the shape of the rigid insert 220
and which provides an upper surface with a contour suitable for the
bottom of the foot. According to various embodiments, the rigid
insert 220 may comprise more than one material, may be made of
different thicknesses and may have a variable thickness
throughout.
[0036] According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the
rigid insert 220 may have holes 225 for fasteners such as screws
230, t-bolts, or other fasteners to be received in the rigid insert
220 to attach the cleat 200. Washers 235 may also be used in
securing the cleat 200 to the rigid insert 220. According to an
embodiment, the cleat 200 may be horizontally, vertically or
diagonally adjustable to some extent, such as through the use of
washers 235 and holes 225 which are oversized in comparison to the
fastener, to match the position of the cyclist's foot on the pedal.
According to an embodiment, cleats 200 of various sizes and
configurations may be attached to the rigid insert 220 as multiple
t-bolts may be located on the rigid insert 220 to accommodate
various cleat and pedal systems, and for multiple positioning of
any given system. According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, an
adapter 237 may also be used to fit the cleat 200 to the rigid
insert 220. According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the
cleat 200 may comprise three holes for attaching the cleat 200 to a
pedal of a bike. According to other embodiments, the cleat 200 may
have two holes or four holes. According to an embodiment, the rigid
insert 220 may be removed and placed in any other compatible
shoe.
[0037] The shoe 100 according to the embodiments discussed above
may reduce a triathlete's (or other athlete transitioning from a
bike segment to a run segment) transition time from the bike
segment to the run segment by eliminating the time lost to changing
from traditional cycling shoes into running shoes and tying the
laces of the running shoes. Similarly, in a race such as a
duathlon, where there is a run segment followed by a cycling
segment, followed by a further run segment, the shoe 100 can be
used in all three segments, eliminating the time lost to changing
shoes at both transitions. The shoe 100 may also allow a faster run
with a bike from the bike rack to the bike mount area in a
transition during a race.
[0038] Embodiments of the present invention may therefore provide a
shoe for cycling and running which may reduce transition times for
a triathlete (or other athlete in a race involving a transition
between cycling and running or vice-versa) and thereby may lead to
faster overall race times. Moreover, as described above,
embodiments of the present invention may also reduce fatigue in the
athlete's calf muscles during the bike segment which may result in
greater endurance during the run segment and thereby result in
faster overall race times. The embodiments of the present invention
may be used in a wide range of activities besides triathlons and
duathlons, including bicycle touring, commuting, BMX riding,
mountain biking and cyclo-cross.
[0039] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of
the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be
illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being
indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing
description, and all changes which come within the meaning and
range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be
embraced therein.
* * * * *