U.S. patent application number 13/309446 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for athletic shoe.
This patent application is currently assigned to Oakley, Inc.. Invention is credited to Peter Backus, Troy McMullen, Jeff Soumokil.
Application Number | 20120324762 13/309446 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47360462 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20120324762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Soumokil; Jeff ; et
al. |
December 27, 2012 |
ATHLETIC SHOE
Abstract
An athletic shoe is disclosed having a two component traction
system. The traction system includes an upper and an outsole. The
outsole is coupled to the upper. The outsole includes at least a
first traction portion and a second traction portion. Each of the
first traction portion and the second traction portion define a
portion of a bottom surface of the shoe. The first traction portion
includes a plurality of first traction elements that provide the
shoe with first traction characteristics. The second traction
portion comprises a plurality of second traction elements that
differ from the first traction elements in size, shape or density
and provide the shoe with second traction characteristics different
from the first traction characteristics. At least one of the first
traction portion and the second traction portion is
replaceable.
Inventors: |
Soumokil; Jeff; (Yorba
Linda, CA) ; Backus; Peter; (Newberg, OR) ;
McMullen; Troy; (Corona, CA) |
Assignee: |
Oakley, Inc.
Foothill Ranch
CA
|
Family ID: |
47360462 |
Appl. No.: |
13/309446 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61499640 |
Jun 21, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 1/0027 20130101;
A43B 1/0081 20130101; A43B 3/26 20130101; A43B 13/141 20130101;
A43B 7/12 20130101; A43B 13/122 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/103 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00; A43B 13/22 20060101 A43B013/22 |
Claims
1. An athletic shoe having a two component traction system,
comprising: an upper; an outsole coupled to the upper, the outsole
comprising at least a first traction portion and a second traction
portion, wherein each of the first traction portion and the second
traction portion define a portion of a bottom surface of the shoe,
wherein the first traction portion comprises a plurality of first
traction elements that provide the shoe with first traction
characteristics and the second traction portion comprises a
plurality of second traction elements that differ from the first
traction elements in size, shape, hardness, pattern or density and
provide the shoe with second traction characteristics different
from the first traction characteristics; wherein at least one of
the first traction portion and the second traction portion is
replaceable.
2. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein only the second traction
portion is replaceable.
3. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the first traction
elements are lugs unitarily formed with a molded portion of the
outsole that forms the first traction portion.
4. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein each of the lugs comprises
an elliptical portion and a pair of fins that extend from the
elliptical portion.
5. The athletic shoe of claim 4, wherein the pair of fins extend
from opposing ends of the elliptical portion at an angle with
respect to a major axis of the opposing ends and to the same side
of the major axis.
6. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein the plurality of lugs
comprises a first lug adjacent to a second lug, wherein each of the
lugs comprises an elliptical portion, and wherein a fin extends
between the elliptical portion of the first and second lug.
7. The athletic shoe of claim 5, wherein the plurality of lugs
comprises a first lug adjacent to a second lug, a first pair of
fins of the first lug extending from a first elliptical portion of
the first lug towards the adjacent second lug, a second pair of
fins of the second lug extending from a second elliptical portion
of the second lug towards the adjacent first lug.
8. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein the second traction
elements are abrasive grains.
9. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein the first traction portion
comprises at least 30 lugs.
10. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein the lugs have a height of
less than or equal to about 6 millimeters.
11. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein the second traction
elements are recessed above the bottommost surface of the lugs.
12. The athletic shoe of claim 11, wherein the outsole comprises at
least one wear bar extending generally along an approximately
longitudinal, superior/inferior extending central plane of the
shoe, wherein a bottommost surface of the at least one wear bar is
positioned below the second traction elements.
13. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the first traction
portion comprises a forefoot section and a heel section, each of
which define a perimeter, wherein the second traction portion
comprises at least one forefoot insert and at least one heel
insert, wherein the at least one forefoot insert is positioned
within the perimeter of the forefoot section and the at least one
heel insert is positioned within the perimeter of the heel
section.
14. The athletic shoe of claim 13, wherein the at least one
forefoot insert comprises a first forefoot insert and a second
forefoot insert spaced from one another on opposite sides of a
phalangeal medial-lateral plane of the athletic shoe.
15. A golf shoe having a two component traction system, comprising:
an upper; a permanent outsole portion permanently coupled to the
upper, the permanent outsole portion comprising a base and a
plurality of lugs unitarily formed with the base and extending
downwardly from the base; a replaceable outsole portion replaceably
coupled to the upper, the replaceable outsole portion comprising a
base and a plurality of traction elements unitarily formed with the
base and extending downwardly from the base.
16. The golf shoe of claim 15, wherein the plurality of traction
elements are abrasive grains.
17. The golf shoe of claim 15, wherein the plurality of traction
elements are generally pyramid-shaped spikes.
18. The golf shoe of claim 15, wherein the plurality of traction
elements are microfibers.
19. The golf shoe of claim 15, wherein the replaceable outsole
portion is coupled to the upper by a hook and loop fastener.
20. The golf shoe of claim 19, further comprising an insole board,
wherein the upper is coupled to the insole board and the
replaceable outsole portion is coupled directly to the insole
board.
21. The golf shoe of claim 15, wherein the permanent outsole
portion comprises a forefoot section and a heel section, each of
which define a perimeter, wherein the replaceable outsole portion
comprises at least one forefoot insert and at least one heel
insert, wherein the at least one forefoot insert is positioned
within the perimeter of the forefoot section and the at least one
heel insert is positioned within the perimeter of the heel
section.
22. The golf shoe of claim 21, wherein the at least one forefoot
insert comprises a first forefoot insert and a second forefoot
insert spaced from one another on opposite sides of a phalangeal
medial-lateral plane of the golf shoe.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Related applications are listed in an Application Data Sheet
(ADS) filed with this application. The entirety of each related
application listed in the ADS is incorporated by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to shoes, and more
particularly to a traction system for an athletic shoe.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Historically, traction for shoes (e.g., athletic shoes, such
as golf shoes) intended to be worn on turf (e.g., natural or
artificial turf) was provided by pointed or downwardly conically
converging metal spikes that penetrate the turf. The metal spikes
were initially permanently attached to the golf shoe outsole,
experienced limited wear and lasted for many years. Ultimately,
metal spikes became replaceable components and were provided with
threaded stems that could engage and be disengaged from a
correspondingly threaded receptacle mounted in a shoe outsole.
[0006] Replaceable plastic cleats with a variety of traction
elements (e.g., in the form of generally downwardly projecting
teeth, legs, ribs, etc.) have also been developed and marketed.
There are currently two primary types of plastic cleats being
commercially utilized. One type has relatively long flexible legs
(i.e., dynamic traction elements) that extend from a cleat hub and
flex under the weight of the wearer of a golf shoe so as to tangle
with turf and provide traction. Examples of cleats with dynamic
traction elements are described and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,305,104 (McMullin '104), U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,445 (McMullin '445)
and U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,043 (McMullin '043). These cleats are
typically over 7.5 mm in overall cleat height, and this extra
height provides traction as the legs, when fully flexed and during
flexure, tangle with grass on fairways and in rough. The dynamic
traction elements are said to flex under the weight of the golfer,
thereby spreading outwardly along the surface of the green without
puncturing the turf.
[0007] The second type of modern plastic cleat is one with static
traction elements (i.e., elements that are substantially rigid and
do not flex) that extend from the cleat hub. In order to protect
greens, these cleats are shorter, typically a maximum of 6-6.25 mm
in overall cleat height so as to limit any turf penetration that
might occur. These cleats, although made of plastic material, are
rigid and, because of their reduced height, are somewhat less
effective in tangling or even biting into grass or thatch as the
golfer walks on fairways and in rough.
[0008] For almost as long as they have been in use, golf spikes
(and similar structures provided on athletic shoes for other turf
sports) have also been known to adversely affect the turf of golf
courses (or other playing surfaces), and particularly putting
greens. The large spikes tear into the putting green surface,
particularly when a golfer drags his or her feet as many do,
leaving "spike marks" that disrupt the carefully manicured surface
and adversely affect the trajectories of putted golf balls. So well
known are spike marks in golf that the rules of the game have been
adapted to account for their presence (the rules prohibit repairing
spike marks before putting). In addition to affecting players`
putting, spike marks also affect groundskeepers, who after a day of
play by numerous spike-wearing golfers have to spend hours
repairing the various putting greens on their golf courses.
[0009] In addition to the annoyance to players and groundskeepers
caused by the marks that they leave, traditional golf shoe spikes
also affect the health of grass all over the golf course, not only
on greens. First, the spikes penetrate a significant distance into
the ground, frequently damaging a portion of the grass plant above
the roots, known as the "crown." Damage to the crown often kills
the plant. Second, the spikes pick up seeds of undesirable weeds
and grasses and inoculate those seeds into the greens, causing
growth of undesirable plants.
[0010] Traditional metal or other rigid golf spikes are also
damaging to the floor surfaces of golf clubhouses, and may actually
exacerbate slipping on certain clubhouse floor surfaces such as
marble. Traditional metal golf spikes even cause damage to paved
outdoor walkways. Replacing worn traction elements on any of the
foregoing designs can be tedious, and changing the traction
elements such as to accommodate use on different surfaces is
difficult or impossible.
[0011] Thus, notwithstanding the various efforts in the prior art,
there remains a need for improved traction systems for shoes,
particularly for those intended for use on surfaces such as
turf.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] There is provided in accordance with one aspect of the
present inventions, an athletic shoe having a two component
traction system. The shoe comprises an upper and an outsole. The
outsole is coupled to the upper and comprises at least a first
traction portion and a second traction portion. Each of the first
traction portion and the second traction portion define a portion
of a bottom surface of the shoe. The first traction portion
comprises a plurality of first traction elements that provide the
shoe with first traction characteristics. The second traction
portion comprises a plurality of second traction elements that
differ from the first traction elements in size, shape, hardness,
pattern or density and provide the shoe with second traction
characteristics different from the first traction characteristics.
At least one of the first traction portion and the second traction
portion is replaceable.
[0013] There is provided in accordance with another aspect of the
present inventions, a golf shoe having a two component traction
system. The shoe comprises an upper, a permanent outsole portion,
and a replaceable outsole portion. The permanent outsole portion is
permanently coupled to the upper. The permanent outsole portion
comprises a base and a plurality of lugs unitarily formed with the
base and extending downwardly from the base. The replaceable
outsole portion is replaceably coupled to the upper. The
replaceable outsole portion comprises a base and a plurality of
traction elements unitarily formed with the base and extending
downwardly from the base.
[0014] There is provided in accordance with another aspect of the
present inventions an athletic shoe having a two component traction
system. The shoe comprises an upper and an outsole. The outsole is
coupled to the upper and comprises at least a first traction
portion and a second traction portion. Each of the first traction
portion and the second traction portion define a portion of a
bottom surface of the shoe. The first traction portion comprises a
plurality of first traction elements that provide the shoe with
first traction characteristics. The second traction portion
comprises a plurality of second traction elements that differ from
the first traction elements in size, shape, hardness, pattern or
density and provide the shoe with second traction characteristics
different from the first traction characteristics. The first
traction elements define a perimeter around a central region on the
bottom surface of the shoe. The central region is free of first
traction elements and is at least partially covered by the second
traction elements.
[0015] There is provided in accordance with another aspect of the
present inventions an athletic shoe having a two component traction
system. The shoe comprises an upper and an outsole. The outsole is
coupled to the upper and comprises at least a first traction
portion and a second traction portion. Each of the first traction
portion and the second traction portion define a portion of a
bottom surface of the shoe. The first traction portion comprises a
plurality of first traction elements that provide the shoe with
first traction characteristics. The second traction portion
comprises a plurality of second traction elements that differ from
the first traction elements in size, shape, hardness, pattern or
density and provide the shoe with second traction characteristics
different from the first traction characteristics. The second
traction elements are recessed above the first traction
elements.
[0016] There is provided in accordance with another aspect of the
present inventions an athletic shoe having a two component traction
system. The shoe comprises an upper and an outsole. The outsole is
coupled to the upper and comprises at least a first traction
portion and a second traction portion. Each of the first traction
portion and the second traction portion define a portion of a
bottom surface of the shoe. The first traction portion comprises a
plurality of first traction elements that provide the shoe with
first traction characteristics. The second traction portion
comprises a plurality of second traction elements that differ from
the first traction elements in size, shape, hardness, pattern or
density and provide the shoe with second traction characteristics
different from the first traction characteristics. The second
traction elements form a central region at least partially covering
the bottom surface of the shoe. The central region is surrounded by
a perimeter defined by the first traction elements and is free of
the first traction elements.
[0017] In some embodiments, the central region covers between
approximately 20% and 80% of the bottom surface of the shoe.
[0018] In some embodiments, the central region covers at least 25%
of the bottom surface of the shoe.
[0019] In some embodiments, the central region comprises a central
forefoot region and a central heel region, and the perimeter
comprises a first sub-perimeter around the forefoot region and a
second sub-perimeter around the heel region.
[0020] In some embodiments, the central forefoot region comprises a
first forefoot region and a second forefoot region spaced from one
another on opposite sides of a phalangeal medial-lateral plane of
the athletic shoe.
[0021] In some embodiments, approximately the entirety of the
central region is covered by the second traction elements.
[0022] There is provided in accordance with another aspect of the
present inventions an athletic shoe having a two component traction
system. The shoe comprises an upper and an outsole. The outsole is
coupled to the upper and comprises at least a first traction
portion and a second traction portion. Each of the first traction
portion and the second traction portion define a portion of a
bottom surface of the shoe. The first traction portion comprises a
plurality of first traction elements that provide the shoe with
first traction characteristics. The second traction portion
comprises a plurality of second traction elements that differ from
the first traction elements in size, shape, hardness, pattern or
density and provide the shoe with second traction characteristics
different from the first traction characteristics. The second
traction elements are recessed above the first traction
elements.
[0023] In some embodiments, the first traction elements comprise at
least one of a width and length that is greater than a width of the
second traction elements.
[0024] There is provided in accordance with another aspect of the
present inventions a method for replacing a first traction portion
of an athletic shoe having a two portion traction system, wherein
each traction portion defines a portion of the bottom surface of
the shoe and a second traction portion is permanently coupled to
the shoe. The method comprises removing the first traction portion
from the remainder of the shoe and replacing the first traction
portion with a replacement traction portion sized and shaped to
replace the first traction portion. In some arrangements, the
removal of the first traction portion comprises peeling the first
traction portion from the remainder of the shoe. In some
arrangements, the first traction portion can include several
individual sections and the method comprises replacing one or more
of the several sections.
[0025] There is provided in accordance with another aspect of the
present inventions a replacement traction portion for an athletic
shoe having a two component traction system. The replacement
traction portion is configured to be releasably secured to the shoe
such that the replacement traction portion defines a portion of the
bottom surface of the shoe. The replacement traction portion
includes traction elements that provide the shoe with traction
characteristics when the replacement traction portion is coupled to
the shoe. In one arrangement, the traction elements comprise grains
having an average particle diameter of between about 8.4 and 1815
micrometer (.mu.m) and the opposite side of the replacement
traction portion comprises one of a hook portion and a loop portion
of a hook-and-loop fastener to complement the other of the hook
portion and the loop portion provided on the shoe. In one
arrangement, the replacement traction portion is substantially
U-shaped. The replacement traction portion may be provided in a kit
containing a set of replacement traction portions configured to
replace some or all of the original traction portions of a pair of
shoes. The kit may contain three replacement traction portions for
each one of the pair of shoes. Each of the three replacement
portions may be substantially U-shaped.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] These and other features, aspects and advantages are
described herein with reference to drawings of preferred
embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the
inventions. The drawings contain thirteen (13) figures.
[0027] FIG. 1 is a side partial cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of a shoe.
[0028] FIGS. 2 and 3 are side and bottom views, respectively, of an
embodiment of a traction system for a shoe.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
traction system for a shoe taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
traction system for a shoe taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
traction system for a shoe taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.
[0032] FIGS. 7 and 8 are bottom and side views, respectively, of a
traction element for a shoe.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a traction
system for a shoe with a replaceable traction portion.
[0034] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of a traction portion of a traction system for a shoe
taken along lines 10-10 of FIG. 4.
[0035] FIG. 11 is an enlarged bottom view of a plurality of
traction elements of the traction portion of FIG. 10.
[0036] FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of a traction element of
the traction portion of FIG. 10.
[0037] FIG. 13 is an enlarged side perspective view of an
embodiment of an array of traction elements that can be implemented
with a traction system for a shoe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] The present disclosure provides for embodiments of a
traction system for an athletic shoe with components to meet the
performance requirements of a given activity, and is designed to
meet the traction requirements of individuals engaged in said
activity. Although embodiments will be discussed in terms of a
traction system particularly adapted for athletic shoes, such as
golf shoes, to be worn while golfing, it will be understood that
the inventions can also be employed with other types of shoes, such
as athletic, casual, or other types of sports or non-sports related
footwear. Described herein are traction systems for shoes that
provide increased traction, durability, and comfort to the user
over a number of surfaces of varying textures, contours and
hardness. Some embodiments provide increased traction without
damaging turf (e.g., of a golf course) or floor surfaces (e.g., of
a golf clubhouse).
[0039] As used herein, "anterior" means the front of the person
wearing the shoes described herein. "Posterior" means the back of
the wearer's body. "Medial" means toward the approximate medial
plane or vertical axis of the wearer's body, whereas "lateral"
means away from the approximate medial plane or vertical axis of
the wearer's body. "Superior" means approximately upwardly towards
the upper portion of the shoe, whereas "inferior" means
approximately downwardly towards the lower portion of the shoe.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a side partial cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of a footwear or shoe 100. Shoe 100 can comprise an
upper portion or body 110 attached to a lower portion or sole 120.
Upper portion 110 is not limited to the closed-toe embodiment
shown, and can comprise any of a number of upper bodies for
footwear known in the art or described herein, such as an open-toe
(e.g., a sandal, thong, etc.) or other design. Sole 120 can
comprise one or more layers of material such as an outsole 130,
midsole 140, insole board 150, and/or footbed 160, as is known in
the art or described herein. It will be understood that midsole 140
is optional, and/or can be integrally formed with outsole 130.
Additionally, as used herein, "coupled" is defined as directly
coupled to, or indirectly coupled to (e.g., with one or more
intervening layers). For example, a portion of outsole 130 can
directly couple to a portion of upper 110. Alternatively or
additionally, a portion of outsole 130 can indirectly couple to
upper 110, e.g., when a portion of outsole 130 is directly coupled
to one or more of layers 140, 150, 160, which are directly coupled
to a portion of outsole 130.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of the
present invention can comprise a traction system 10 comprising one
or more traction portions (e.g., traction portions 30, 40,
described further herein), to provide traction between shoe 100 and
a surface. The traction portions can have any of a number of
different traction characteristics that can affect the traction
between the shoe 100 and an external surface (e.g., turf), and/or
the comfort to a wearer of shoe 100. For example, the traction
portions described herein can include a plurality of traction
elements, such as traction element(s) 35 (for traction portion 30;
see, e.g., FIGS. 2-8) and/or traction element(s) 45 (for traction
portion 40; see e.g., FIGS. 3 and 10-13), with any of a number of
different sizes, materials, shapes, orientations, spacing, density,
hardness, or other characteristics to affect the traction and/or
comfort of shoe 100, as described further herein.
[0042] The traction portions can form a part of outsole 130 and/or
one or more other shoe layers, such as those described above and
illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring again to FIGS. 2-3, in the
illustrated embodiment, the traction portions 30, 40 form a part of
outsole 130, and are attached to a body 135 of outsole 130. Outsole
130 can be coupled to upper portion 110. A peripheral boundary 20
(FIG. 3) can define the general outer perimeter of the upper
portion 110 and/or outsole 130. The peripheral boundary 20 can
follow a contour that is selected to conform to the overall shape
of the foot.
[0043] The upper 110 and/or outsole 130 can have an anterior end 21
at the front or toe portion of the wearer's foot and a posterior
end 22 at the rear or heal portion of the wearer's foot. The upper
110 and/or outsole 130 can have a contoured medial side 23 and a
contoured lateral side 24 on opposed sides of a plane 500 extending
generally longitudinally and in a superior/inferior direction,
along the approximate center of shoe 100. As used herein, "plane"
does not impart a flat or planar surface, and can be defined by an
axis extending in a first dimension that is then extended along a
curvilinear path. For example, plane 500 is formed by extending a
superior-inferior axis along an approximately central path
extending between contoured sides 23, 24. In the embodiment of
FIGS. 2 and 3, the traction system 10 is configured to support the
right foot of the wearer. A traction system configured to support
the left foot would be a mirror image of the midsole shown in FIGS.
2 and 3. For simplicity, only one traction system of a pair will be
described in detail herein.
[0044] Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 and 3, outsole 130 can
include a first traction portion 30 and a second traction portion
40, wherein traction portions 30, 40 define a portion of a bottom
surface of shoe 100. First and second traction portions 30, 40 can
provide shoe 100 with first traction characteristics similar to, or
preferably, different from the second traction characteristics. For
example, first and second traction portions 30, 40 can provide
different levels of traction with respect to each other in
different directions and/or on different types of surfaces (e.g.,
turf, a clubhouse floor, etc.).
[0045] Traction portions 30, 40 can comprise any of a variety of
materials with a variety of traction characteristics, and can
comprise the same or different materials with respect to each
other. Traction portions 30, 40 can comprise one or more of a
variety of metals, composites or relatively rigid, molded plastic
materials, (e.g., thermoplastics or thermoplastic resins,
comprising, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, nylon,
polycarbonate, etc.) and may be substantially transparent,
translucent or opaque, or any of a variety of colors. Traction
portions 30, 40 can comprise a surface coating or treatment, such
as a grain or grit (e.g., silicon carbide, zirconia alumina,
ceramic alumina, or any of the aforementioned plastic materials in
a grain or grit form, etc.), fiber, sandblasting, and/or other
material or treatment that can provide traction. In some
embodiments, zirconia and/or ceramic can be implemented for lower
cost and to provide similar traction characteristics as, for
example, silicon carbide. In some embodiments, a grain or grit
comprising alumina can add durability and lower the effects of
frictional heat, which can cause premature wear to traction
portions 30, 40. In embodiments employing a grain or grit, a larger
grit size may provide greater traction performance and longer life,
although the size of the grit (e.g. average particle diameter)
employed can vary anywhere within a range of approximately 8.4 to
approximately 1815 .mu.m. In some embodiments, the grit size can be
within a range of approximately 92 to approximately 708 .mu.m.
Other grit sizes can also be used, depending on the desired
traction characteristic. In an embodiment, at least one of traction
portions 30, 40 comprises thermoplastic polyurethane, of a
durometer or Shore hardness in the type D scale between a range of
about 40 to 95, or more preferably, about 55 to 85, or more
preferably, about 70.
[0046] Traction portions 30, 40 can extend across some, most, or
substantially the entirety of one or more sides of shoe 100. For
example, traction portions 30, 40 can extend across a portion of
the bottom or inferior side of shoe 100 (FIG. 3). Traction portions
30, 40 can extend across a portion of one or more additional sides
of shoe 100, such as anterior, posterior, medial, or lateral sides,
to provide additional traction (FIG. 2).
[0047] Traction portions 30, 40 can be configured to form one or
more regions (e.g., sections or subsections) along a side of shoe
100 (e.g., the inferior or bottom side), to provide one or more of
a variety of traction and/or comfort characteristics for shoe 100.
Such sections or subsections can provide different amounts of
traction in one or more directions (e.g., a lateral, medial,
anterior, and/or posterior direction, and/or torsional traction
around a superior/inferior-extending axis). A section or subsection
of traction portion(s) 30, 40 can extend across part, most, or the
substantial entirety of the length and/or width of shoe 100, and
can be any of a number of different shapes (e.g., an approximate
circular, ovular, rectangular, square, ring-like, hourglass-like,
or other regular or irregular shape).
[0048] In some embodiments, traction portions 30, 40 can form one
or more perimeters or sub-perimeters that can partially or
completely surround a corresponding inner or central region formed
by the other of traction portions 30, 40. Such embodiments can
provide an outer perimeter traction characteristic that is
different from an inner region traction characteristic within said
perimeter or sub-perimeter. In some such embodiments, the inner
region can be free of the traction portion 30, 40 that forms the
perimeter or sub-perimeter. For example, a perimeter or
sub-perimeter formed with one or more of traction portions 30, 40,
can provide increased torsional traction and stability around a
superior/inferior axis extending through said perimeter or
sub-perimeter. An inner region formed within such a perimeter or
sub-perimeter can provide increased lateral, medial, anterior,
and/or posterior traction and stability. The one or more perimeters
or sub-perimeters of traction portions 30, 40 can approximately
follow some, most or substantially the entirety of the contour
formed by perimeter 20 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, traction
portions 30, 40 can form sections or subsections with portions that
deviate from the contour formed by perimeter 20.
[0049] First traction portion 30 can comprise a forefoot section 31
configured and positioned to support and provide traction for a
wearer's forefoot and phalanges, and a heel section 32, configured
and positioned to support and provide traction for a wearer's heal.
Sections 31 and/or 32 can be configured with any of the shapes
described generally herein for traction portion(s) 30, 40. In the
illustrated embodiment, sections 31, 32 define a perimeter that can
provide additional torsional traction for the forefoot and heel of
shoe 100. The perimeters formed by sections 31, 32 can be
positioned within perimeter 20, and thus can form sub-perimeters
with respect thereto. In some embodiments, sections 31, 32 can be
combined, and thus comprise a single loop or perimeter extending
along the bottom surface of shoe 100, e.g., a perimeter that
substantially follow the contours of perimeter 20.
[0050] In some embodiments, sections 31, 32 can substantially
surround some, most or substantially all of one or more
corresponding regions (e.g., inner or central regions) or inserts
of second traction portion 40. As such, one or more inserts of
traction portion 40 can be positioned within one or more perimeters
formed by corresponding forefoot section 31 and/or heel section 32
of first traction portion 30. For example, traction portion 40 can
be positioned within a single perimeter formed by traction portion
30, e.g., one that substantially follows the contours of perimeter
20. In the illustrated embodiment, second traction portion 40
comprises a heel insert 41 and a forefoot insert 42 configured to
be positioned within a perimeter formed by sections 31, 32,
respectively, of first traction portion 30. Heel insert 41 can
provide additional traction and stability to the heel of shoe 100
(e.g., posterior traction), and forefoot insert 42 can provide
additional traction and stability to the forefoot of shoe 100
(e.g., anterior traction).
[0051] The inserts 41, 42 can be configured to cover, and thus
provide traction to, a substantial portion of a surface (e.g., the
bottom surface) of shoe 100, and preferably, an inner or central
region of the bottom surface of shoe 100. In some embodiments, the
inner regions or inserts 41, 42 cover a surface on shoe 100 that is
free of first traction elements 35. In some embodiments, one or
more traction elements 35, or another type of traction element
(e.g., traction element 65; FIG. 9) extend from or through a
portion of inserts 41 and/or 42. Such embodiments can separate and
prevent interference between the differing traction characteristics
of traction portions 30 and 40. In some embodiments, second
traction portion 40 can cover a range of approximately 10-90% of
the bottom of shoe 100, or more preferably, 20-80%, or more
preferably, 30-65%. In some embodiments, second traction portion 40
covers at least 25% of the bottom of shoe 100. In some embodiments,
second traction portion 40 covers at least 35% of the bottom of the
shoe 100. In some embodiments, second traction portion 40 covers
approximately 40% of the bottom of the shoe 100.
[0052] It will be understood that the aforementioned regions or
sections of traction portions 30, 40, such as insert 41 and/or 42,
can include one or more sub-portions or sections to provide
additional traction characteristics. Referring to FIG. 3, forefoot
insert 42 can comprise a first forefoot insert section 42A and a
second forefoot insert section 42B, to provide further control of
the traction within a posterior and anterior portion, respectively,
of forefoot insert 42. It will be understood that any of a number
of combinations of sections and subsections (e.g., perimeters and
sub-perimeters) can be employed to provide a variety of different
results. For example, heel insert 41, forefoot section 31 and/or
heel section 32 can be sub-sectioned into two or more sections,
similar to inserts 42A and 42B of forefoot insert 42.
[0053] In embodiments of traction system 10 that include two or
more inserts or sections (e.g., forefoot section 31, heel section
32, inserts 41, 42, and/or insert sections 42A, 42B), such inserts
or sections can be spaced from one another on opposite sides of one
or more planes extending through athletic shoe 100. Inserts 42A,
42B are spaced from one another on opposite sides of a phalangeal
medial-lateral plane 501 extending through athletic shoe 100 for
illustrative purposes only. For example, the inserts or sections
31, 32, 41, 42, 42A, 42B can be spaced from one another on opposite
sides of plane 500, or any other plane extending through the bottom
side of shoe 100 (e.g., any other plane extending through the
bottom side of shoe 100 and angled with respect to planes 500,
501).
[0054] In embodiments of traction system 10 that include two or
more sections forming two or more sub-perimeters, such
sub-perimeters can include one or more overlapping or intersecting
portions. Thus, although the sub-perimeters formed by forefoot
section 31 and heel section 32 of traction portion 30 are shown
spaced from each other in a posterior/anterior direction, these
sub-perimeters can intersect, connect, and/or overlap in some
embodiments.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, traction system 10 can comprise one
or more wear bars 50 extending from the bottom of shoe 100 (e.g.,
attached to base 135 of outsole 130). Wear bar 50 can comprise any
known or the aforementioned materials described for traction
portions 30, 40. In some embodiments, wear bar 50 comprises a
material with higher wear properties than the material of traction
portion 40.
[0056] Wear bar 50 can extend along a portion of shoe 100, such as
along a portion of planes 500, 501, and/or the other aforementioned
planes angled with respect to planes 500, 501. Wear bar 50 can
extend through some, most, or substantially the entirety of
traction portions 30, 40 (e.g., sections 41, 42). Wear bar 50 can
extend from a portion of traction portions 30, 40 (e.g., from one
or more of the aforementioned perimeters formed by traction portion
30 around traction portions 40). Wear bar 50 can extend along a
side of traction portion 40 (e.g., along a portion of one or more
of the aforementioned perimeters formed by traction portion 30, or
along a portion of perimeter 20 of outsole 130). Wear bar 50 can
extend across some, most, or substantially all of the width (e.g.,
laterally-medially) or length (e.g. anteriorly-posteriorly) of the
bottom side of shoe 100. In some embodiments, wear bar 50 can
include a bottommost or inferior-most surface 51 that is positioned
below, or inferior to, the second traction portion 40, to reduce
wear on the second traction portion 40. In use, wear bar 50 can
extend, or penetrate a softer material, such as turf, sufficiently
that second traction portion 40 will engage and provide traction
with the softer material. When shoes 100 are worn on harder
material, such as a floor to a clubhouse, wear bar 50 will not
extend into or penetrate the material, preventing contact (and thus
preventing wear) on second traction portion 40. This allows second
traction portion 40 to comprise lower-wear materials that provide
greater traction than might otherwise be employed due to shortened
life of use. It will be understood that "bar" as used to define
wear bar 50 need not define an elongated shape and that wear bar 50
can comprise any of a number of straight or curvilinear elongated
or non-elongated shapes suitable to penetrate a softer material
without penetrating a harder material, while providing increased
wear-resistance with respect to traction portion 40.
[0057] Traction portions 30, 40 can be separately formed and
attached to one or more portions of shoe 100 (e.g., outsole 130,
body 135 of outsole 130, and/or the other layers shown in FIG. 1)
using a variety of attachment methods or engagement elements known
or described herein, or can be a solid or unitary component.
Examples of engagement and attachment structures and methods that
can be employed include one or more adhesive, snaps, hooks, tabs, a
press fit, clasps, interference fit, snap fit, slots, grooves,
screws, threads, rivets, magnets, hook and loop systems (e.g.,
Velcro.RTM.), and the like.
[0058] Traction portions 30, 40 can be attached to shoe 100
permanently or semi-permanently. In some embodiments, traction
portions 30, 40 can be removably or releasably attached to shoe
100. In some embodiments, first traction portion 30 can comprise a
removable stud, spike, lug, or other structure that is removably
threaded into corresponding threads in shoe 100, (e.g., body 135 of
outsole 130). In some embodiments, second traction portion 40 can
comprise a hook and loop system to removably attach portion 40 to
shoe 100 (e.g., body 135). Recent developments in hook and loop
systems, such as those manufactured by Paiho, located in Taiwan
(including, for example Paiho ETN-62 hook and ETB-06 or #1057 loop)
have sufficient sheer strength to be used in a shoe traction
system. Such sheer strength in a hook and loop system for a shoe
traction system was previously unknown and unavailable.
[0059] Removability of portions 30, 40 from the remainder of shoe
100 can allow portions 30, 40 to be removed, for example, to avoid
damaging a surface on which shoe 100 is used, to change traction
portions 30, 40 with another traction portion with different
characteristics (due to different conditions in which shoe 100 is
being used), and/or to replace traction portions 30, 40 due to
wear. The removability of traction portions 30, 40 with respect to
each other can allow one of portions 30, 40 to be removed
separately from removal of the other of portions 30, 40, from shoe
100, for example, if one wears more quickly than the other. In some
embodiments, one of traction portions 30, 40 (e.g., portion 30) can
be integrally formed with or permanently coupled to the outsole
base 135, to form a permanent outsole portion, and the other of
traction portions 30, 40 (e.g., portion 40), can be releasably
attached to the outsole base 135, to form a replaceable outsole
portion. An embodiment of a replaceable traction portion insert 40
is shown in FIG. 9, and described further below. An integrally
formed or permanently coupled traction portion that would require
specialized skill and/or specialized equipment to remove and
replace is generally not considered "replaceable" as used herein.
That is, activity that would essentially be a reconstruction or
rebuilding of the shoe 100 would not fall within the definition of
"replaceable." Such constructions would be considered permanently
coupled to the shoe 100. Preferably, a replaceable traction portion
can be removed and replaced with no tools, common tools or
specialized tools that are provided with the shoe 100 or otherwise
easily obtainable and with little or no specialized knowledge or
skill. That is, preferably, a replaceable traction portion can be
removed and replaced by a user of the shoe 100. An example of a
replaceable traction portion is one that is peelable by hand under
normal use conditions without any special tools, such as with the
hook-and-loop fastener arrangement described herein. A traction
portion that can be removed and replaced using only common tools
(e.g., screw driver, hex key) or a specialized tool (e.g.,
specialized driver specifically configured to engage or interact
with the traction portion or a removable fastener that secures the
traction portion to the shoe 100 may also be considered as
replaceable.
[0060] FIGS. 7 and 8 are bottom and side views, respectively, of
traction element 35. Note that traction element 35 in FIG. 8 is
shown in an upside-down orientation with respect to the view shown,
for example, in FIG. 2. Traction element 35 be configured in one of
any number of shapes that can provide traction, such as, for
example, star-shapes, cross-shapes, X-shapes, diamond shapes,
circles, triangles, squares, crescents, rectangles, U-shapes,
V-shapes, pyramid-shapes, conical shapes, etc. Traction element 35
need not be uniform in cross-section, and may be varied
geometrically by thickness, symmetry, and angle of drafting.
Additionally, in embodiments with a plurality of traction elements
35, different shapes can be used for different individual traction
elements or sets with respect to each other. The geometrical
variations of traction element 35 can determine, in part, the
traction properties of traction system 10. The number, pattern
(e.g., spacing with respect to each other and/or positioning on
base 135) of the traction elements 35, 45 can also be varied to
provide various traction properties. In some embodiments, traction
portion 30 comprises at least 30 traction elements 35.
[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, traction element 35 comprises
an approximately elliptical portion or body 36, with one or more
optional fins 37 extending from the elliptical portion 36. Fins 37
can provide additional traction (e.g., in one or more additional
directions) than an embodiment employing only elliptical body 36.
Fins 37 can extend from elliptical portion 36 in a variety of ways.
In an embodiment, a pair of fins 37 extends from opposing ends of
the elliptical portion. Fins 37 can extend from the elliptical
portion approximately collinear with major or minor axes (502, 503,
respectively) of the elliptical portion, or can extend at an angle
with respect to the major or minor axes of the elliptical portion
36. In an embodiment with the pair of fins extending from the
elliptical portion 36, said pair can extend from the same or
different sides of an axis extending through the elliptical portion
36. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of fins 37 extends from
the same side of major axis 502 extending through elliptical
portion 36.
[0062] The dimensions (e.g., height, width, length, diameter, etc.)
of the traction elements 35, 45 can be varied to provide various
traction properties. For example, in some embodiments traction
element 35 can comprise a height H.sub.1 with a range of about 1 mm
to 10 mm, or more preferably, about 2 mm to 8 mm, or more
preferably, approximately 4 mm. In some embodiments, traction
element 35 comprises a height of less than or equal to about 6 mm.
In some embodiments, the height H.sub.1 can be selected based upon
the height selected for traction element 45, as described further
below.
[0063] In some embodiments, traction element 35 can comprise a
length L.sub.1 with a range of about 3 mm to 25 mm, or more
preferably, about 5 mm to 15 mm, or more preferably, approximately
10 mm. In some embodiments, traction element 35 can comprise a
width W.sub.1 with a range of 3 mm to 15 mm, or more preferably,
about 4 mm to 12 mm, or more preferably, approximately 8 mm. In
some embodiments, traction element 35 comprises a height of less
than or equal to about 10 mm. In some embodiments, traction element
35 comprises at least one of a width and length that is greater
than or equal to a width W.sub.2 of traction element 45, described
further below. In some embodiments, traction element 35 comprises a
width and length that are both greater than a width W.sub.2 of
traction element 45. Such embodiments can vary the amount and
direction of the traction provided by traction portions 30 and 40
with respect to each other.
[0064] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of traction portion 40 of traction system 10 taken along
lines 10-10 of FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is an enlarged bottom view of a
plurality of traction elements 45 of the traction portion 40 of
FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of traction element 45 of
the traction portion 40 of FIG. 10. Note that traction portion 40
and traction element 45 in FIGS. 10 and 12, respectively, are shown
in an upside-down orientation with respect to the view shown, for
example, in FIG. 4.
[0065] Traction portion 40 can comprise one or more optional layers
to facilitate its attachment (e.g., releasable attachment) to (and
from) another portion of shoe 100 (e.g., outsole base 135) (FIGS.
2, 3). In the illustrated embodiment, portion 40 comprises a
support layer 46 to provide support on one of its sides to a
plurality of traction elements 45. An attachment layer 47 can be
attached to the opposing side of support layer 46, to attach
traction portion 40 to base 135. Attachment layer 47 can comprise
one or more of the aforementioned attachment elements and methods,
and preferably comprises at least one component of a hook/loop
attachment system, with the mating component attached to a
corresponding portion of base 135 (e.g., within an optional recess
56 of body 135, described further below; FIG. 9). Support layer 46
can comprise a material with sufficient rigidity to support
traction elements 45 and to attach to base 135, and sufficient
flexibility to provide comfort to the user when worn, such as
plastic, sheet metal, cloth, mesh, resin, or other suitable
materials. In some embodiments, support layer 46 and/or attachment
layer 47 comprise a water-resistant or waterproof, durable, and
self-cleaning material. It will be understood that the
aforementioned layers 46, 47 are optional, and that traction
elements 45 can be attached directly or indirectly to outsole 130
(e.g., base 135), or the other layers shown in FIG. 1.
Additionally, the use of "layer" for features 46, 47 does not
necessarily impart a continuous structure, and layers 46 and 47 can
be continuous or discontinuous structures.
[0066] Traction elements 45 can comprise any of a variety of
shapes, patterns, quantities, spacing, dimensions, and other
configurations, including those aforementioned for traction element
35 (FIGS. 2-8), and vice-versa. In some embodiments, traction
elements 45 can comprise a plurality of grains (e.g., abrasive
grains). In some embodiments, traction elements 45 can comprise a
plurality of fibers 53, such as those shown in FIG. 13. As shown in
FIG. 13, the fibers 53 can be organized substantially in rows
and/or columns; however, in other arrangements, the fibers 53 can
be organized in other patterns or can be random. In some
embodiments, traction elements 45 can comprise a conical or
pyramid-shaped (e.g., with three or more sides) spike. Referring
again to FIGS. 10-12, in the illustrated embodiment, traction
elements 45 can comprise one or more sides 49 extending from
optional layer 46, outsole 130, or the other layers of shoe 100
shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, sides 49 extend
from an optional base 48 that can be attached to support layer 46,
or the other layers of shoe 100. Sides 49 can extend in a tapered
manner to form an optional point 52 to provide additional traction
to traction element 45. It will be understood that traction
elements 45 can comprise a cylindrical, rectangular,
frustro-conical, frustro-pyramidal, or other shape that has a
substantially flat or blunt tip, while still providing the desired
traction characteristics.
[0067] The dimensions and spacing of elements 45 can be varied to
provide a variety of traction characteristics. The height H.sub.2
of element 45 can fall within a range of approximately 1 mm to 10
mm, or more preferably, 2 mm to 5 mm, or more preferably,
approximately 3 mm. The width W.sub.2 of elements 45 can fall
within a similar range. Although elements 45 are shown with an
approximately symmetric shape, elements 45 can be asymmetrically
shaped with different widths on its two or more sides.
Additionally, traction portion 40 can comprise traction elements 45
of different shapes and/or sizes with respect to each other and/or
traction elements 35.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4, 8, 10 and 12, in some embodiments, the
height H.sub.1 of traction elements 35 and the height H.sub.2 of
elements 45 can be configured with respect to each other, and/or
with respect to the attachment of traction portions 30, 40 to base
135 (FIG. 4). For example, the second traction elements 45 (e.g.,
their bottommost, inferior-most surface, or point 52) can be
configured to be superior to (e.g., recessed above) the bottommost
or inferior-most surface 55 of the traction elements 35 by a height
H.sub.3 (FIG. 10). Height H.sub.3 can be provided, for example, by
configuring the height H.sub.1 of traction elements 35 to be
greater than the height H.sub.2 of elements 45, as shown.
Additionally or alternatively, height H.sub.3 can be provided by
configuring the engagement of traction elements 35, 45 to base 135
in a superior and/or inferior direction with respect to each other.
Such embodiments can reduce the wear on traction elements 45 while
traction elements 35 are engaged with a surface, such as turf. In
some embodiments, the height H.sub.3 can fall within a range of
approximately 0.25-3 mm, or more preferably, 0.25-1.5 mm, or more
preferably, 1 mm.
[0069] Referring again to FIGS. 10-12, the spacing width W.sub.s of
adjacent elements 45 can fall within a range of approximately 1 mm
to 10 mm, or more preferably, 2 mm to 8 mm, or more preferably,
approximately 5 mm. A plurality of elements 45 can be positioned in
two or more aligned or offset rows and/or columns, such that second
traction portion 40 can comprise various 2 or 3-dimensional arrays
or matrices of elements 45. Similar arrangements can be employed
with elements 35 of first traction portion 30. Moreover, although
elements 45 are shown approximately evenly spaced with respect to
each other, elements 45 can be spaced at different intervals with
respect to each other and/or traction elements 35.
[0070] Referring again to FIG. 3, traction system 10 can comprise
adjacent traction elements 35A and 35B, each comprising fins 37A
and 37B, respectively. Traction elements 35A and 35B, and fins 37A,
37B can be similar to those embodiments of traction elements 35 and
fins 73 described elsewhere herein. One difference is that the
embodiment of FIG. 3 includes the pair of fins 37A of traction
element 35A extending from the elliptical portion 36 of element 35A
towards the adjacent second traction element 35B, and the pair of
fins 37B of traction element 35B extend from the elliptical portion
36 of element 35B towards the first traction element 35A. In
another embodiment, the pair of fins 37A of traction element 35A
extends from the elliptical portion 36 of element 35A away from the
adjacent second traction element 35B, and the pair of fins 37B of
traction element 35B extend from the elliptical portion 36 of
element 35B away from the first traction element 35A.
[0071] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a traction
system for a shoe with a replaceable traction portion 40 that can
be attached to body 135 of outsole 130. In some embodiments,
traction portion 40 can be inserted into the optional recess 56
extending into body 135. FIG. 9 also includes an additional
optional traction portion comprising optional traction elements 65
that can extend through portions of traction portion 40. As such,
traction portion 40 can overlap and/or surround a traction element
65. Traction element 65 can comprise similar shapes, structures,
materials, etc., as described herein for elements 35, 45. FIG. 9
also shows additional embodiments of traction portion 30, in which
two or more bodies 36 are connected by one or more cross-members or
fins 37 at a variety of different angles and configurations, to
provide various traction characteristics.
[0072] As described above, the traction portion 40 may be
replaceable such that a worn traction portion 40 can be replaced or
to change the traction characteristics of the shoe 100. One or more
sections of the traction portion 40 may be sold separately from the
shoes 100 to facilitate such replacement. These replacement
traction portions can be configured to be releasably secured to the
shoe such that the replacement traction portion defines a portion
of the bottom surface of the shoe. In one arrangement, the
replacement traction portion includes one of a hook portion and a
loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastener to complement the other of
the hook portion and the loop portion provided on the shoe. In one
arrangement, the replacement traction portion is substantially
U-shaped. The replacement traction portion may be provided in a kit
containing a set of replacement traction portions configured to
replace some or all of the original traction portions of a pair of
shoes. In one arrangement, the kit may contain three replacement
traction portions for each one of the pair of shoes. Each of the
three replacement portions may be substantially U-shaped.
[0073] Although embodiments of these inventions have been disclosed
in the context of certain examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the
specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments
and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and
equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the
inventions have been shown and described in detail, other
modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will
be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this
disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or
sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the
embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the
inventions. It should be understood that various features and
aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or
substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the
disclosed inventions. Additionally, it will be understood that
variations in the shapes and/or patterns of the traction system and
its components described herein can provide a similar functional
result.
* * * * *