U.S. patent application number 13/471324 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-15 for removable cleat protector for cleated cycling shoes.
Invention is credited to Marianne Kay, Stephen David Opie, James Kuangcheng Tsen.
Application Number | 20120285045 13/471324 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47140867 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120285045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tsen; James Kuangcheng ; et
al. |
November 15, 2012 |
REMOVABLE CLEAT PROTECTOR FOR CLEATED CYCLING SHOES
Abstract
A removable cleat protector for a cycling shoe having a cleat
with particular size and shape attached thereto. The cleat
protector including: a contoured base; and a plurality of wall
sections extending upwardly from a perimeter of the contoured base,
the wall sections having a catch portion sized and shaped to snap
into and contact with one end of the cleat, and a cavity portion
sized and shaped to securely contact with another end of the
cleat.
Inventors: |
Tsen; James Kuangcheng;
(Needham, MA) ; Opie; Stephen David; (Arlington,
MA) ; Kay; Marianne; (Rancho Santa Fe, CA) |
Family ID: |
47140867 |
Appl. No.: |
13/471324 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61486261 |
May 14, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/185 20130101;
A43B 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/135 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/14 20060101
A43B005/14 |
Claims
1. A removable cleat protector for a cycling shoe having a cleat
with particular size and shape attached thereto comprising: a
contoured base; and a plurality of wall sections extending upwardly
from a perimeter of the contoured base, the wall sections having a
catch portion sized and shaped to snap into and contact with one
end of the cleat, and a cavity portion sized and shaped to securely
contact with another end of the cleat.
2. The removable cleat protector of claim 1, further comprising an
upper cleat facing surface with a lower ridge with a recess formed
therein for engagement of one end of a cleat, and a cupped portion
with a recess formed therein at an opposite end of the cleat
protector for engagement with another end of the cleat.
3. The removable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the cleat
protector is formed with a compression molded rubber having a
durometer in a range of about 60-65 Shore A.
4. The removable cleat protector of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of depressions formed in the contoured base to further
conform the cleat protector to the shape and size of the cleat.
5. The removable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the wall
sections include an inwardly angled surface sized and shaped to
further conform the cleat protector to the shape and size of the
cleat.
6. The removable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the wall
sections include an overhanging portion which forms the cavity
portion and is sized and shaped to further conform the cleat
protector to the shape and size of the cleat
7. The removable cleat protector of claim 1, further comprising at
least one padded area for ground contact of the cleat protector to
provide shock absorbance.
8. The removable cleat protector of claim 1, further comprising a
grasp tab extending outward from wall section to pull on the cleat
protector when fitting onto the cleat or removing from the
cleat.
9. The removable cleat protector of claim 8, wherein the grasp pad
includes an aperture to allow pairs of the cleat protectors to be
clipped together or hung up.
10. The removable cleat protector of claim 1, wherein the cleat
protector is formed from an elastomeric material.
11. A removable cleat protector for a cycling shoe having a cleat
with particular size and shape attached thereto comprising: a base
with raised pads formed on an underside thereof; and a plurality of
raised perimeter walls extending from an upper side thereof, the
raised walls having cavities formed therein to adapt to the
particular size and shape of the cleat, wherein the cleat protector
is formed of elastomeric material.
12. The removable cleat protector of claim 11, further comprising
an upper cleat facing surface with a lower ridge with a recess
formed therein for engagement of one end of a cleat, and a cupped
portion with a recess formed therein at an opposite end of the
cleat protector for engagement with another end of the cleat.
13. The removable cleat protector of claim 11, wherein the cleat
protector is formed with a compression molded rubber having a
durometer in a range of about 60-65 Shore A.
14. The removable cleat protector of claim 11, further comprising a
plurality of depressions formed in the contoured base to further
conform the cleat protector to the shape and size of the cleat.
15. The removable cleat protector of claim 11, wherein the wall
sections include an inwardly angled surface sized and shaped to
further conform the cleat protector to the shape and size of the
cleat.
16. The removable cleat protector of claim 11, wherein the wall
sections include an overhanging portion which forms the cavity
portion and is sized and shaped to further conform the cleat
protector to the shape and size of the cleat
17. The removable cleat protector of claim 11, further comprising
at least one padded area for ground contact of the cleat protector
to provide shock absorbance.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Patent Application claims the benefits of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/486,261, filed on May
14, 2011 and entitled "Removable Cleat Protector For Cleated
Bicycle Shoes," the entire content of which is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to protective covers or cleat
protectors for cleats located on the bottom of footwear, and more
particularly a removable cleat protector for cleated cycling
shoes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In order to derive more power from pedaling bicycles or
stationary bikes, 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 allow riders to wear
conventional shoes without any special attachments on the
soles.
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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, the prior art cleat covers that snap directly
onto the cleat component tend to be made of relatively rigid
plastic and the prior cleat covers fail to contemplate the wide
range of surfaces cyclist might traverse while off the bicycle,
from jagged rocky terrain to flat slick surfaces. Consequently, the
covers may fall off while traversing uneven terrain, and the cleat
cover may not provide sufficient slip resistance while walking
along slick surfaces, and the cyclist may thus lose traction and
slip.
[0006] There accordingly remains a need for a removable cleat
protector for cleated cycling shoes that remain securely engaged on
the cleats while providing good traction whether the wearer is
traversing jagged rocky surfaces or slick flat floors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In some embodiments, the present invention is a removable
cleat protector for a cycling shoe having a cleat with particular
size and shape attached thereto. The cleat protector including: a
contoured base; and a plurality of wall sections extending upwardly
from a perimeter of the contoured base, the wall sections having a
catch portion sized and shaped to snap into and contact with one
end of the cleat, and a cavity portion sized and shaped to securely
contact with another end of the cleat.
[0008] In some embodiments, the present invention is a removable
cleat protector for a cycling shoe having a cleat with particular
size and shape attached thereto. The cleat protector including: a
base with raised pads formed on an underside thereof; and a
plurality of raised perimeter walls extending from an upper side
thereof, the raised walls having cavities foamed therein to adapt
to the particular size and shape of the cleat, wherein the cleat
protector is formed of elastomeric material.
[0009] In some embodiments, the removable cleat protector is sized
and shaped to fit a particular style and brand of cleats that are
to be attached to the bottom of cycling shoes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1A-I are various views of a first exemplary embodiment
of a removable cleat protector, according to some embodiments of
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a view of the underside of a cycling shoe with a
cleat showing the removable cleat protector affixed thereto,
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0012] FIGS. 3A-I are various views of a second exemplary
embodiment of a removable cleat protector, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0013] FIGS. 4A-I are various views of a third exemplary embodiment
of a removable cleat protector, according to some embodiments of
the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 5A-I are various views of a fourth exemplary
embodiment of a removable cleat protector, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In some embodiments, the present invention is a removable
cleat protector for cleated cycling shoes including: a cleat
protector body made of pliable material with cleat retainers
portions extending upwardly from a ground contact portion of the
cleat protector body for securely detachably retaining the cleat
protector to cover the bottom of a cleated cycling shoe, a
plurality of raised pads formed on an undersigned of the ground
contact portion of the cleat protector and in contact with the
ground surface to provide cushioning and slip resistance, and a tab
for use in donning and removing the cleat protector from
cleats.
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1A-I, a first exemplary embodiment of a
retractable cleat protector 10 for cleated cycling shoe, wherein
FIG. 1A is a front view, FIG. 1B is a side view, FIG. 1C is a rear
view, FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view through view lines 1D-1D of
FIG. 1C, FIG. 1E is a cross-sectional view through view lines 1E-1E
of FIG. 1C, FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view through view lines
1F-1F of FIG. 1C, FIG. 1G is a cross-sectional view through view
lines 1G-1G of FIG. 1C, FIG. 1H is a front view, and FIG. 1I is a
rear view thereof. The removable cleat protector 10 is formed of
flexible and stretchable material. The inventors have found that
material such as compression molded rubber, having a durometer of
about 60-65 Shore A functions well, although other ranges will also
work. An additional benefit of this material is that it actively
grips to the cleat and has a smoothness such that it practically
establishes close contact with the cleat such that it practically
sticks to the entire or a substantial portion of the relevant
surface of the cleat to help hold the cleat protector in place. The
cleat protectors of the present invention are closely contoured to
match the shape of particular cleats and thus to mitigate the
torque which would have otherwise been substantial if the material
used to faun the cleat protector was stiffer or the bottom is a
flat plane as prior art cleat covers. In some embodiments, cleat
protectors of the present invention hug or conform to the front
surface (the surface opposite to the surface which is attached to
the cycling shoe) and the (contoured) side surfaces of the cleat to
encompass the entire or a substantial portion of the exposed (not
connected to the shoe) surfaces of the cleat and thereby to
accommodate or house the cleat therein.
[0017] The cleat protector 10 has an overall shape and sized
adapted to closely fit onto a cleat to which it will attach to.
FIG. 2 show the removable cleat protector 10 attached to the cleat
(not shown) on the bottom of a shoe S. Turning back to FIGS. 1A-H,
the removable cleat protector 10 has a contoured base 12 with wall
sections 14, 16 and 18 that extend upwardly from perimeter areas of
the contoured base 12. In some embodiments, the perimeter wall
section 14 has a catch portion 20 which cuts into wall section 14,
as best shown in FIG. 1D. The perimeter wall section 14 can also
have an inwardly angled surface 21 to further catch on the cleat
(not shown). The catch portion 20 is adapted to snap into contact
with a cleat (not shown). Wall section 18 has an overhanging
portion 22 which forms a cavity 23 which is also adapted to also
engage with a cleat (not shown). A grasp tab 24 extends outward
from wall section 18 and is used to pull on the cleat protector 10
when fitting it onto a cleat or removing it from the cleat. An
aperture can be formed through the grasp tab 24 to allow pairs of
the cleat protectors 10 to be clipped together or hung up.
[0018] As best seen in FIGS. 1A, 1B, ID, and 1G, various
depressions 30, 32, and 34 are formed in the front and/or sides of
the contoured base 12, which closely conform the cleat protector 10
to the shape and size of the particular cleat. Located on an rear
side of the cleat protector 10 are two spaced apart raised pad
areas 40 and 42 near the grasp tab 24, and a raised pad area 44.
The pad areas 40, 42, and 44 extend outwardly from the rear side 38
of the cleat protector 10 and provide ground contact areas that
provide shock absorbance capability and wear comfort and increase
the skid resistance of the cycling shoe when the cleat protector 10
is worn to cover the cleat. The material used to form the cleat
protector tend to hug to the relevant surfaces of the cleat and
when walking, the cleat protector does not pop off, which is a
problem with prior art cleat protectors worn on the bottom of
cleats on cycling shoes.
[0019] In some cases, the cleat protectors of the embodiments of
FIGS. 3A-H best fit and conform to Time RSX.TM., Time ICLIC.TM., or
like shaped cleats.
[0020] FIGS. 3A-H depict second embodiments of a removable cleat
protector 100 which has an overall shape and sized adapted to
closely fit onto a cleat to which it will attach. It has a
contoured base 112 with wall sections 114 and 118 that extend
upwardly from perimeter areas of the contoured base 112. The
perimeter wall section 114 has a catch portion 120 which cuts into
wall section 14, as best shown in FIG. 3D. The perimeter wall
section 114 can also have an inwardly angled surface 121 to further
catch on the cleat (not shown). The catch portion 120 is adapted to
snap into contact with a cleat (not shown). Wall section 118 has an
overhanging portion 122 which forms a cavity 123 which is also
adapted to also engage with a cleat (not shown). A grasp tab 124
extends outward from wall section 118 and is used to pull on the
cleat protector 100 when fitting it onto a cleat or removing it
from the cleat. An aperture can be formed through the grasp tab 124
to allow pairs of the cleat protectors 100 to be clipped together
or hung up.
[0021] Depressions can be formed in the contoured base 112 to
closely conform the cleat protector 100 to the cleat. Located on a
rear side of the cleat protector 10 is a raised pad area 140 near
the grasp tab 124. A raised pad area is located near a front of the
cleat protector 100. The pad areas 140 and 144 extend outwardly
from the rear side 138 of the cleat protector 100 and provide
ground contact areas that provide shock absorbance capability and
wear comfort and increase the skid resistance of the cycling shoe
when the cleat protector 100 is worn to cover the cleat. The
material used to form the cleat protector will tend to hug to the
cleat and when walking, will not pop off, which is a problem with
prior art cleat protectors worn on the bottom of cleats on cycling
shoes. Unlike the embodiment 10 of FIGS. 1A-H, the embodiment of
FIGS. 3A-H has a centrally located concavity 138.
[0022] In some cases, the cleat protectors of the embodiments of
FIGS. 3A-H best fit and conform to Speedplay Zero.TM., or like
shaped cleats.
[0023] FIGS. 4A-H depict third embodiments of removable cleat
protector 200 that has an overall shape and size adapted to closely
fit onto a particular cleat to which it attaches. The cleat
protector 200 is similar to the cleat protector of FIGS. 1A-H,
which is design for a different particular cleat. As shown, the
removable cleat protector 200 has and contoured base 212 with wall
sections 214 and 218 that extend upwardly from perimeter areas of
the contoured base 212. The perimeter wall section 214 has a catch
portion 220 which cuts into wall section 214, as best shown in FIG.
4D. The perimeter wall section 214 can also have an inwardly angled
surface 221 to further catch on the cleat (not shown). The catch
portion 220 is adapted to snap into contact with a cleat (not
shown). Wall section 218 has an overhanging portion 222 which forms
a cavity 223 which is also adapted to also engage with a cleat (not
shown). A grasp tab 224 extends outward from wall section 218 and
is used to pull on the cleat protector 200 when fitting it onto a
cleat or removing it from the cleat. An aperture can be formed
through the grasp tab 224 to allow pairs of the cleat protectors
200 to be clipped together or hung up.
[0024] As best seen in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4D, and 4G, various
depressions 230, 232, and 234 are formed in the front of the
contoured base 212, which will closely conform the cleat protector
200 to the cleat. Located on an rear side of the cleat protector
200 are two spaced apart raised pad areas 240 and 242 near the
grasp tab 224, and a raised pad area 244. The pad areas 240, 242,
and 244 extend outwardly from the rear side 238 of the cleat
protector 200 and provide ground contact areas that will provide
shock absorbance capability and wear comfort and increase the skid
resistance of the cycling shoe when the cleat protector 200 is worn
to cover the cleat. The material used to form the cleat protector
will tend to hug to the cleat and when walking, will not pop off,
which is a problem with prior art cleat protectors worn on the
bottom of cleats on cycling shoes.
[0025] In some cases, the cleat protectors of the embodiments of
FIGS. 4A-H best fit and conform to some models of Shimano.TM., such
as Shimano SPD-SL.TM., or like shaped cleats.
[0026] FIGS. 5A-H illustrate fourth embodiments of removable cleat
protector 300 that has an overall shape and size adapted to closely
fit onto a specific cleat to which it attaches. As shown, the
removable cleat protector 300 has a contoured base 312 with wall
sections 314 and 318 that extend upwardly from perimeter areas of
the contoured base 312. The perimeter wall section 314 has a catch
portion 320 which cuts into wall section 314, as best shown in FIG.
5D. The perimeter wall section 314 can also have an inwardly angled
surface 321 to further catch on the cleat (not shown). The catch
portion 320 is adapted to snap into contact with a cleat (not
shown). Wall section 318 has an overhanging portion 322 which forms
a cavity 323 which is also adapted to also engage with a cleat (not
shown). A grasp tab 324 extends outward from wall section 318 and
is used to pull on the cleat protector 300 when fitting it onto a
cleat or removing it from the cleat. An aperture can be formed
through the grasp tab 324 to allow pairs of the cleat protectors
300 to be clipped together or hung up. As best seen in FIGS. 5A,
5B, 5D, and 5G, various depressions 330, 332, and 334 are formed in
the front of the contoured base 312, which will closely conform the
cleat protector 300 to the cleat.
[0027] Located on an rear side of the cleat protector 300 are two
spaced apart raised pad areas 340 and 342 near the grasp tab 324,
and a raised pad area 344. The pad areas 340, 342, and 244 extend
outwardly from the rear side 338 of the cleat protector 300 and
provide ground contact areas that will provide shock absorbance
capability and wear comfort and increase the skid resistance of the
cycling shoe when the cleat protector 300 is worn to cover the
cleat. The material used to form the cleat protector will tend to
hug to the cleat and when walking, will not pop off, which is a
problem with prior art cleat protectors worn on the bottom of
cleats on cycling shoes.
[0028] In some cases, the cleat protectors of the embodiments of
FIGS. 5A-H best fit and conform to Look Keo.TM., Look
Campagnolo.TM. or like shaped cleats.
[0029] In some embodiments, cleat protectors of the present
invention hug or conform to the front surface (the surface opposite
to the surface which is attached to the cycling shoe) and the
(contoured) side surfaces of the cleat to encompass the entire or a
substantial portion of the exposed (not connected to the shoe)
surfaces of the cleat and thereby to accommodate or house the cleat
therein.
[0030] The retractable cleat protectors 10, 100, 200 and 300 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, 110, 100, 200 and 300. This way,
the cleat protectors can easily hug or conform to the exposed
surfaces of the cleat to accommodate the entire or a substantial
portion of the exposed surfaces of the cleat. Also, while the cleat
protectors have been described for use with certain shaped or
branded cleats, the cleat protectors can be sized and shaped to fit
cycling cleats having any sizes and shapes.
[0031] 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.
[0032] 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.
* * * * *