U.S. patent application number 15/701999 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-15 for traction studs and outsoles.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tingley Rubber Corporation. Invention is credited to Steven A. Smith.
Application Number | 20180070680 15/701999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61559307 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180070680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Steven A. |
March 15, 2018 |
Traction Studs And Outsoles
Abstract
A traction stud comprises: a carrier comprising a post, a hollow
defined by the post that opens at a distal end of the post, and a
multi-pronged flange at a proximal end of the post; and a tip
bonded in the hollow and extending past the distal end of the post.
The carrier may be metal and/or the tip is ceramic. The
multi-pronged flange may comprise two or more prongs, each prong
having a first face, a second face, a thickness, and one or more
holes extending from the first face to the second face, wherein the
first and second faces are substantially perpendicular to the post.
Outsoles comprise the traction studs and boots and/or overshoes
comprise the outsoles. The traction studs are securely retained by
polymeric material of the outsoles. The studs penetrate and/or grip
slippery surfaces such as ice and packed snow.
Inventors: |
Smith; Steven A.; (Pompton
Plains, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tingley Rubber Corporation |
Piscataway |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61559307 |
Appl. No.: |
15/701999 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62394913 |
Sep 15, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/12 20130101; A43B
13/04 20130101; A43B 13/10 20130101; A43B 3/02 20130101; A43B 3/18
20130101; A43C 15/161 20130101; A43C 15/165 20130101; A43B 13/26
20130101; A43C 15/005 20130101; A43B 13/125 20130101; A43C 15/061
20130101; A43B 13/122 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43C 15/16 20060101
A43C015/16; A43B 3/02 20060101 A43B003/02; A43B 3/18 20060101
A43B003/18; A43B 13/04 20060101 A43B013/04; A43B 13/10 20060101
A43B013/10; A43B 13/12 20060101 A43B013/12; A43B 7/12 20060101
A43B007/12 |
Claims
1. A traction stud for boots and overshoes comprising: a carrier
comprising a post, a hollow defined by the post that opens at a
distal end of the post, and a multi-pronged flange at a proximal
end of the post; and a tip bonded in the hollow and extending past
the distal end of the post.
2. The traction stud of claim 1, wherein the carrier is metal, the
tip is ceramic, or both.
3. The traction stud of claim 1, wherein the multi-pronged flange
comprises two or more prongs, each prong having a first face, a
second face, a thickness, and one or more holes extending from the
first face to the second face, wherein the first and second faces
are substantially perpendicular to the post.
4. The traction stud of claim 1, wherein the post and the tip are
coaxial.
5. The traction stud of claim 1, wherein the carrier is a unitary
construction.
6. The traction stud of claim 1, wherein the tip comprises a
ceramic material selected from the group consisting of: an oxide of
aluminum, zircon, silicon, titanium, tungsten; a metal carbide or
nitride of aluminum, silicon, titanium, tungsten, zircon, or
mixtures thereof; or a metal alloy selected from the group
consisting of: bronze, brass, copper-nickel alloy, copper-aluminum
alloy, or copper-beryllium alloy.
7. The traction stud of claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises a
steel material and the tip comprises tungsten carbide.
8. An outsole of a boot for traction in slippery conditions
comprising: an outsole body comprising a first polymeric material
and having an external surface; and a plurality of traction studs
of claim 1 embedded in the first polymeric material and protruding
from the external surface.
9. The outsole of claim 8, wherein the first polymeric material
comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
10. The outsole of claim 8, wherein the external surface comprises
one or more integrally-formed features selected from the group
consisting of: a toe, a heel, a heel strike, cleats, and bobs.
11. The outsole of claim 10, wherein a first plurality of studs is
located in a plurality of cleats, a second plurality of studs is
located in a plurality of bobs, or both.
12. A boot or overshoe comprising an upper and the outsole of claim
8 affixed to the upper.
13. The boot or overshoe of claim 12 further comprising a midsole
comprising a second polymeric material located between the outsole
body and the upper.
14. The boot or overshoe of claim 13, wherein the second polymeric
material comprises polyurethane.
15. The boot or overshoe of claim 13, wherein the midsole comprises
a midsole edge, a midsole lip, a toe cap, and a heel counter.
16. A boot or overshoe for traction in slippery conditions
comprising: an upper comprising a waterproof material; an outsole
comprising an outsole body comprising a first polymeric material
and having an external surface and a plurality of traction studs
embedded in the first polymeric material and protruding from the
external surface, each stud comprising a carrier comprising a post,
a hollow defined by the post that opens at a distal end of the
post, and a multi-pronged flange at a proximal end of the post; and
a tip bonded in the hollow and extending past the distal end of the
post; and a midsole comprising a second polymeric material, the
midsole direct-attaching the upper and the outsole.
17. The boot or overshoe of claim 16, wherein the waterproof
material comprises a polyurethane-coated nylon, the first polymeric
material is a TPU, the second polymeric material is a polyurethane,
the carrier comprises a steel, and the tip comprises tungsten
carbide.
18. The boot or overshoe of claim 16 further comprising one or both
of a heel counter and a toe cap integral to the midsole.
19. A method of making a boot or overshoe for traction in slippery
conditions, the method comprising: obtaining a plurality of
traction studs, each stud comprising a carrier comprising a post, a
hollow defined by the post that opens at a distal end of the post,
and a multi-pronged flange at a proximal end of the post; and a tip
bonded in the hollow and extending past the distal end of the post;
forming an outsole by injection molding a first polymeric material
into a first mold cavity retaining the plurality of studs; and
affixing an upper to the outsole.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the carrier is metal, the tip
is ceramic, or both.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein affixing the upper to the
outsole comprises direct injecting a second polymeric material into
a second mold cavity retaining the outsole and the upper thereby
forming a midsole that direct-attaches the upper and the
outsole.
22. A method of providing traction in slippery conditions, the
method comprising: forming a boot or overshoe of claim 16; and
wearing the boot or overshoe for transport on the slippery
surfaces.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/394,913, filed Sep. 15, 2016, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to traction studs
and to footwear having outsoles including the studs suitable for
traction under slippery and/or icy conditions. In particular,
traction studs comprise a carrier comprising a post, a hollow
defined by the post that opens at a distal end of the post, and a
multi-pronged flange at a proximal end of the post; and a tip
bonded in the hollow and extending past the distal end of the
post.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Icy conditions can present risks of slip and fall injuries
to persons who work and recreate on them. To enhance traction on
ice and packed snow, outsoles of boots or overshoes are often
provided with traction studs. Studs are desirably heavy duty to
penetrate and grip slippery surfaces. Even so, over time and with
use, studs are subject to breakage, separation from the outsole,
and material degradation.
[0004] There is an ongoing need to provide traction outsoles that
are heavy duty and remain effective to penetrate and/or grip
slippery surfaces such as ice and packed snow for the effective
life of footwear such as boots and overshoes.
SUMMARY
[0005] Provided are traction studs that are securely retained by
polymeric material of footwear outsoles. The studs penetrate and/or
grip slippery surfaces such as ice and packed snow.
[0006] An aspect is a traction stud for boots and overshoes
comprising: a carrier comprising a post, a hollow defined by the
post that opens at a distal end of the post, and a multi-pronged
flange at a proximal end of the post; and a tip bonded in the
hollow and extending past the distal end of the post. The carrier
may be metal, the tip may be ceramic, or both. In one or more
embodiments, the carrier comprises a steel material and the tip
comprises tungsten carbide.
[0007] The multi-pronged flange may comprise two or more prongs,
each prong having a first face, a second face, a thickness, and one
or more holes extending from the first face to the second face,
wherein the first and second faces are substantially perpendicular
to the post. The post and the tip may be coaxial. The carrier may
be a unitary construction.
[0008] The tip may comprise a ceramic material selected from the
group consisting of: an oxide of aluminum, zircon, silicon,
titanium, tungsten; a metal carbide or nitride of aluminum,
silicon, titanium, tungsten, zircon; or mixtures thereof, or a
metal alloy selected from the group consisting of: bronze, brass,
copper-nickel alloy, copper-aluminum alloy, or copper-beryllium
alloy.
[0009] Another aspect is an outsole of a boot for traction in
slippery conditions comprising: an outsole body comprising a first
polymeric material and having an external surface; and a plurality
of traction studs according to any embodiment disclosed herein
embedded in the first polymeric material and protruding from the
external surface. The first polymeric material may comprise a
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The external surface may comprise
one or more integrally-formed features selected from the group
consisting of: a toe, a heel, a heel strike, cleats, and bobs. A
first plurality of studs may be located in a plurality of cleats, a
second plurality of studs may be located in a plurality of bobs, or
both.
[0010] A further aspect is a boot or overshoe comprising an upper
and any outsole disclosed herein affixed to the upper. The boot or
overshoe may further comprise a midsole comprising a second
polymeric material located between the outsole body and the upper.
The second polymeric material may comprise polyurethane. The
midsole may comprise a midsole edge, a midsole lip, a toe cap, and
a heel counter.
[0011] Another aspect is a boot or overshoe for traction in
slippery conditions comprising: an upper comprising a waterproof
material; an outsole comprising an outsole body comprising a first
polymeric material and having an external surface and a plurality
of traction studs embedded in the first polymeric material and
protruding from the external surface, each stud comprising a
carrier comprising a post, a hollow defined by the post that opens
at a distal end of the post, and a multi-pronged flange at a
proximal end of the post; and a tip bonded in the hollow and
extending past the distal end of the post; and a midsole comprising
a second polymeric material, the midsole direct-attaching the upper
and the outsole. The waterproof material may comprise a
polyurethane-coated nylon, the first polymeric material may be a
TPU, the second polymeric material may be a polyurethane, the
carrier may comprise a steel, and the tip may comprise tungsten
carbide. The boot or overshoe may further comprise one or both of a
heel counter and a toe cap integral to the midsole.
[0012] In another aspect, provided is a method of making a boot or
overshoe for traction in slippery conditions, the method
comprising: obtaining a plurality of traction studs, each stud
comprising a carrier comprising a post, a hollow defined by the
post that opens at a distal end of the post, and a multi-pronged
flange at a proximal end of the post; and a tip bonded in the
hollow and extending past the distal end of the post; forming an
outsole by injection molding a first polymeric material into a
first mold cavity retaining the plurality of studs; and affixing an
upper to the outsole. The carrier may be metal, the tip may be
ceramic, or both. Affixing the upper to the outsole may comprise
direct injecting a second polymeric material into a second mold
cavity retaining the outsole and the upper thereby forming a
midsole that direct-attaches the upper and the outsole.
[0013] Another aspect is a method of providing traction in slippery
conditions, the method comprising: forming any boot or overshoe
disclosed herein; and wearing the boot or overshoe for transport on
the slippery surfaces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a traction stud;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of an outsole comprising a
plurality of traction studs; and
[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan side view of an overshoe or boot comprising
an outsole comprising a plurality of traction studs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Traction studs disclosed herein have an advantage in that a
multi-pronged flange is used to improve continuity within the
structure of a polymeric/rubber outsole. That is, the use of more
than one prong at the base of a post holding a tip allows for
smaller and more spaced distances where the material of the outsole
is interrupted. The use of one or more holes in the prongs through
a thickness from face-to-face allows for the outsole material to be
continuous not only above and below the faces, but therethrough.
Prior art studs offer only a single flange at the base of a post,
which results in a relatively large area of disrupted material and
contact only above and below the flange faces (not through them).
Upon wear and tear of the prior art studs and outsoles, the studs
loosen and can dislodge from the outsole, which diminishes ice
traction performance.
[0018] Boots and overshoes provided herein have an advantage in
that their outsoles utilize traction studs having a multi-pronged
flange that is securely embedded in the material of the
outsole.
[0019] Reference herein to "stud" refers to a structure that
provides a protrusion from a surface of an outsole. The stud is
usually a different material from the outsole.
[0020] A "cleat" is a feature of an outsole, which is integral to a
body of the outsole protruding from a surface of the outsole for
traction purposes.
[0021] A "bob" is a specific type of cleat, having a round
shape.
[0022] An array of cleats and bobs constitutes a tread pattern.
[0023] Before describing several exemplary embodiments of the
invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to the details of construction or process steps set forth in the
following description. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways.
[0024] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a
traction stud 100. The stud 100 comprises a carrier 102 and a tip
104. In one or more embodiments, the carrier is metal and/or the
tip is ceramic. The carrier 102 comprises a post 106 having a
distal end 118 and a proximal end 110 and a flange 108. The carrier
102 may be a unitary construction, where the post 106 and flange
108 are one piece, being formed of any material that is suitable
for outdoor use under wet, icy and/or slippery conditions. For
example, materials that are non-corrosive and non-rusting are
preferable. A preferred metal material is steel. Exemplary steel
materials, include stainless steel, or a carbon steel such as
carbon steel T14 which is a hardened and tempered steel, which may
have an electrolytic coating to protect against corrosion and
enhance durability. Suitable electrolytic coatings include but are
not limited to copper (99% purity) and/or nickel (99% purity).
[0025] The post 106 has a length "B" and a hollow (not numbered)
that provides an opening at its distal end 118 in which the tip 104
resides. The tip is securely bonded in the hollow. The hollow has a
length that is shorter than the post's length "B". The tip 104
extends past the distal end 118 of the post 106 for a distance of
"A" as shown in FIG. 1. The hollow and likewise, the tip 104 are
generally coaxial with the post 106 for symmetry. The tip may
comprise any suitable material for outdoor use under wet, icy
and/or slippery conditions. For example, materials that are
non-corrosive and non-rusting are preferable. Non-sparking
materials may also be suitable. The tip may comprise a ceramic
material selected from the group consisting of: an oxide of
aluminum, zircon, silicon, titanium, tungsten; a metal carbide or
nitride of aluminum, silicon, titanium, tungsten, zircon; or
mixtures thereof. Preferably, the ceramic tip is tungsten carbide.
The tip may comprise a metal that is iron-free. The tip may
comprise a metal alloy such as bronze, brass, copper-nickel alloy
(Monel metal), copper-aluminum alloy (aluminum bronze), or
copper-beryllium alloy (beryllium bronze).
[0026] Dimensions of the carrier and tip depend on the application.
Generally, the tip extends from the distal end of the post far
enough to provide traction and not too far as to be prone to
breakage. The post is sized to protrude from an external surface of
an outsole and to provide structure to the tip. The flange is sized
and the holes are designed to provide surface area for the outsole
material to adhere and connect to itself. In one or more
non-limiting embodiments, the post 106 has a length B in the range
of 7-11 mm.+-.2%. In one or more non-limiting embodiments, the tip
104 extends past the distal end 118 for 1-1.15 mm.+-.1%. The tip
104 may have a total length in the range of 6-6.2 mm.+-.1%.
[0027] The flange 108 is at the proximal end 110 of the post 106,
preferably having two or more prongs 116a, 116b, 116c, 116d, i.e.,
being multi-pronged. The flange 108 has a thickness of "C" and a
width at its widest part of "E". In one or more embodiments, the
thickness C is in the range of 1-1.2.+-.1% and the width E is in
the range of 9.8-10.0 mm.+-.2%. Total height of the stud 100 is
"D", which equals A+B+C, and may be in the range of 9-9.35.+-.1%.
Each prong has a first face 112 and a second face (not shown)
opposite the first face 112 separated by the thickness C. The
flange 108 is substantially perpendicular to the post in that there
is a nominal 90.degree..+-.5% angle where the flange 108 meets the
proximal end of the post 110, allowing for tolerance errors
machining and/or molding. Each prong 116a-d comprises one or more
holes 114 extending from the first face 112 to the second face. The
prongs preferably have the same number of holes each for symmetry,
but should a need arise, the number of holes per prong may vary.
The holes may be of any diameter and cross-section shape as
desired. The holes are sized and located to facilitate manufacture
of the studs themselves and also for readily receiving injected
polymer so that upon formation, the outsole material is above,
below, and through the prongs of the stud, which acts as a locking
mechanism to hold the studs in place.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of an outsole 200
comprising an outsole body 202 and a plurality of traction studs
100 embedded therein. The outsole body 202 has an external surface
204, which faces the ground during use. Portions of the external
surface 204, primarily projecting portions, are in contact with the
ground during use. The outsole body 202 comprises a polymeric
material that is suitable for outdoor conditions. A preferred
polymeric material for the outsole body is a thermoplastic
polyurethane. The outsole 200 is formed by injection molding the
polymeric material into a mold cavity of a desired tread pattern
having projecting features, some of which retain the traction studs
100. The polymeric material flows around the multi-pronged flange
and through the one or more holes of the prongs, which upon curing
and solidifying results in embedding the studs 100 in the polymeric
material. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is thought
that a reinforcement of the studs to the outsole is formed by the
flow of polymer through the holes of the prongs, which forms
connecting polymer material to the polymer material that is on both
sides of the prongs. This results in securely retaining the studs
as compared to the prior art.
[0029] A mold for the outsole is prepared according to desired
design features. One or more integrally-formed features of the
outsole tread include but are not limited to: a toe 208, a heel
210, a heel strike 212, one or more cleats 214, and one or more
bobs 216. The studs are generally retained in one or more cleats
and one or more bobs, which are throughout the external surface 204
of the outsole body 202 including the heel 210. Generally, there
are not studs located in the heel strike or the toe. Placement of
the studs is throughout the outsole body to ensure the studs will
be in contact with the ground and to provide traction during
walking and striding. Preferably, the studs are in staggered
positions to obtain maximum traction with the fewest studs. In one
or more non-limiting embodiments, studs may be placed along the
perimeter of the outsole in cleats and in the interior in bobs.
Left and right outsoles are generally mirror images of each
other.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a plan side view of an overshoe or boot 300
comprising an outsole 200, which has a plurality of traction studs
100, an upper 312, and a midsole 302. The outsole 200 is according
to any disclosed herein. The upper 312 may be any suitable material
for the application. Generally, the upper is waterproof. Materials
for the upper include but are not limited to polymeric materials
and textile or fabric materials that have been waterproofed. For
example, the upper may be a woven nylon that is coated with
polyurethane. The upper is generally stitched together and the
seams are rendered waterproof. The upper may contain additional
features as desired, such as reflective piping for enhanced safety;
gussets to assist in donning an overshoe; a strap to secure the
overshoe during use; and a gaiter to provide extended waterproof
coverage on the leg.
[0031] The midsole 302 comprises a polymeric material that is
generally different from the polymeric material of the outsole, but
which is compatible to facilitate direct attachment of the outsole
to the upper by injection molding. By this method, an internal
waterproof membrane is not needed to ensure waterproofing of the
boot or overshoe. The midsole may comprise a polyurethane. In one
or more embodiments, to form the midsole 302, a mold cavity holds a
pre-fabricated outsole 200 and a pre-fabricated upper 312.
Polyurethane is injected to form the midsole 302 having a midsole
edge 304, which provides a boundary with the outsole 200. In this
embodiment, a midsole lip 306 is integral to toe cap 308 and heel
counter 310, while providing a boundary with the upper 312 where it
meets the upper 312. The midsole 302 may further have one or more
features including but not limited to: a toe cap 308 and a heel
counter 310, which may be designed to accommodate various
applications. Generally, the toe cap 308 and the heel counter 310
are formed integrally with the midsole. In a detailed embodiment,
the midsole 302 comprises: the midsole edge 304, the midsole lip
306, the toe cap 308, and the heel counter 310.
[0032] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"certain embodiments," "various embodiments," "one or more
embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature,
structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
disclosure. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as "in one or
more embodiments," "in certain embodiments," "in various
embodiments," "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various
places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring
to the same embodiment of the disclosure. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may
be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0033] Although the disclosure herein provided a description with
reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that
these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and
applications of the disclosure. It will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be
made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit
and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure
include modifications and variations that are within the scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *