U.S. patent application number 16/290460 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-05 for traction elements for athletic shoes and methods of manufacture thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC. Invention is credited to John Robert Burt, Lee Shuttleworth.
Application Number | 20190269204 16/290460 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65818077 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190269204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burt; John Robert ; et
al. |
September 5, 2019 |
TRACTION ELEMENTS FOR ATHLETIC SHOES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE
THEREOF
Abstract
Various embodiments for a traction element used with athletic
shoes having a stud body with a metal insert that extends axially
from the stud body and methods for manufacturing such traction
elements are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Burt; John Robert;
(Brentwood, TN) ; Shuttleworth; Lee; (Brentwood,
TN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC |
Brentwood |
TN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65818077 |
Appl. No.: |
16/290460 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62637259 |
Mar 1, 2018 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 15/167 20130101;
A43C 15/161 20130101; A43C 15/162 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43C 15/16 20060101
A43C015/16 |
Claims
1. A method of manufacturing a traction element comprising: casting
a stud body with a metal insert, the stud body having a distal head
portion and a proximal end portion, wherein the metal insert
defines a shaft portion formed between a distal cap portion and a
proximal threaded portion, wherein the metal insert is cast with
the stud body such that the proximal threaded portion of the metal
insert extends axially outwardly at a predetermined distance from
the stud body; and coring out the proximal end portion of the stud
body to form an interior cavity.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: forming a plurality
of cutaways along an outer surface of the stud body.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: filling the interior
cavity with a filler material to form a retainer that provides
structural integrity to the metal insert relative to the stud
body.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the filler material comprises a
nylon material.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the metal insert comprises a
bulbous portion formed between the shaft portion and the proximal
threaded portion of the metal insert and being configured to engage
the retainer for retaining the metal insert to the stud body.
6. A method of manufacturing a traction element comprising: casting
a stud body, the stud body having a distal head portion and a
proximal end portion; coring out the proximal end portion of the
stud body to form an interior cavity; driving a metal insert into
the interior cavity such that the metal insert cuts into an
interior surface of the interior cavity to securely engage the
metal insert with the stud body.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the metal insert comprises a
distal head portion, a proximal threaded portion and a plurality of
drive grippers extending radially outward from the proximal
threaded portion adjacent the distal head portion.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein driving the metal insert into the
interior cavity comprises engaging the plurality of drive grippers
with a driving tool and rotating the metal insert into the interior
cavity.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of drive grippers
comprises a plurality of radially extending arms.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the distal head portion forms a
standard or reverse thread head configured for cutting into a
surface of the stud body when engaging the metal insert with the
stud body.
11. A traction element comprising; a cored out stud body defining
an interior cavity, a distal head portion, and a proximal end
portion, the stud body configured to be attached to a sole of a
shoe; and the interior cavity of the cored out stud body comprising
a light weight filler material; and a metal insert coupled to the
stud body, the metal insert extending axially from the stud
body.
12. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the stud body is
thimble shaped, the thimble shaped configured to provide traction
and gripping strength along a ground surface.
13. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the metal insert is
configured to mechanically couple the traction element to the sole
of the shoe.
14. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the proximal end
portion of the stud body tapers away from the distal head portion
and forms a peripheral flange that defines an opening in
communication with an interior cavity formed within the stud
body.
15. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the metal insert
comprises at least a steel or aluminum material.
16. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the metal insert
further defines a bulbous portion formed between a shaft portion
and a proximal threaded portion, the bulbous portion configured to
provide an engagement surface for a retainer or liner disposed
inside an internal cavity.
17. The traction element of claim 11, wherein a plurality of
cutaways may be formed axially along an outer surface of the stud
body, the plurality of cutaways collectively configured to receive
a driving tool.
18. The traction element of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality
of cutaways define an elongated slot configuration forming a base
proximate to a peripheral flange of the stud body.
19. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the plurality of
cutaways define at least one of a triangularly-shaped slot, a
rectangular shaped slot, a symmetrically shaped slot, an
asymmetrically shaped slot, and a circular shaped slot.
20. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the metal insert is
cast to the stud body.
21. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the metal insert is
mechanically coupled to the stud body.
22. The traction element of claim 11, wherein the light weight
filler material comprises nylon.
Description
CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a non-provisional application that claims benefit to
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/637,259 filed on Mar. 1,
2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to traction
elements for shoes, and in particular to traction elements for
athletic shoes having a reduced weight and methods of manufacturing
such traction elements.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Traction elements for athletic shoes are used to provide a
gripping surface that produces traction between the sole of the
shoe and the athletic surface, such as a grass field. Typically,
traction elements for athletic shoes used in sports, such as rugby,
use metal studs made of a metallic material to accommodate the high
shear forces applied to the metal studs during play. However, there
is a desire for a traction element that also reduces the weight of
the traction element while still meeting all of the performance,
shape specifications and material requirements required by various
official sports authorities.
[0004] It is with these observations in mind, among others, that
various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and
developed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a
traction element showing the stud body and metal insert, according
to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the traction element of
FIG. 1 showing the metal insert extending from the interior cavity
of the stud body, according to aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0007] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the traction element of FIG.
1, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a side view of the traction element of FIG. 1,
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of the traction element of FIG. 1,
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the traction element of FIG. 1,
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the traction element
taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5, according to aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of a
traction element showing the stud body and metal insert, according
to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the traction element of
FIG. 8 showing the metal insert extending from the interior cavity
of the stud body, according to aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the traction element of FIG.
8, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a side view of the traction element of FIG. 8,
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 12 is a top view of the traction element of FIG. 8,
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the traction element of FIG. 8,
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the traction element
taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12, according to aspects of the
present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 15 is top perspective view of a third embodiment of a
traction element showing the stud body and metal insert, according
to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the traction element
of FIG. 15 showing the steel insert extending from the cavity of
the traction element, according to aspects of the present
disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the traction element of FIG.
15, according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 18 is a side view of the traction element of FIG. 15,
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 19 is a top view of the traction element of FIG. 15,
according to aspects of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the traction element of FIG. 15,
according to aspects of the present disclosure; and
[0025] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the traction element
taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 19, according to aspects of the
present disclosure.
[0026] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
elements among the view of the drawings. The headings used in the
figures do not limit the scope of the claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Various embodiments for traction elements used for athletic
shoes are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the traction
elements have reduced weight while still meeting existing industry
performance standards for athletic shoes. In some embodiments, the
traction element includes a stud body defining an interior cavity
with a metal insert that is cast to the stud body and extends
outwardly from hollow cavity. In some embodiments, the traction
element includes a stud body defining an interior cavity and a
metal insert that is mechanically coupled within the stud body and
extends outwardly from the interior cavity. In some embodiments,
the metal insert of the traction element is configured to be
coupled to the sole of an athletic shoe for providing traction. In
some embodiments, a method of manufacturing the traction element
such that the metal insert is either cast to the stud body or
mechanically coupled to the stud body prior to being engaged to the
sole of an athletic shoe is disclosed. In some embodiments, the
metal insert includes a bulbous middle portion that engages a
plastic or like material retainer within the interior cavity of the
stud body to provide further structural integrity between the metal
insert and the stud body when the traction element is engaged to an
athletic shoe. In one aspect, the traction element meets the
current standards required of official governing sports bodies,
such as the ROC, which governs international rugby regarding the
performance, shape and material requirements set for athletic
equipment, such as rugby studs used in athletic shoes including the
traction element described herein. Referring to the drawings,
various embodiments of a traction element used with athletic shoes
are illustrated and generally indicated as 100, 200 and 300 in
FIGS. 1-21.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a first embodiment of the traction
element, designed 100, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the
traction element 100 includes a stud body 102 having a generally
thimble-shaped body configured to provide traction and gripping
strength along a ground surface when attached to the sole of an
athletic shoe. In some embodiments, the stud body 102 includes a
metal insert 104 that is cast to the stud body 102 during
manufacture and is aligned along the longitudinal axis A of the
stud body 102. The metal insert 104 is configured to mechanically
couple the traction element 100 to the sole of an athletic shoe
(not shown). Referring specifically to FIGS. 2-4, 6 and 7, the stud
body 102 defines a distal head portion 110 and a proximal end
portion 112. In some embodiments, the proximal end portion 112 of
the stud body 102 gradually tapers away from the distal head
portion 110 and forms a peripheral flange 122 that defines an
opening 118 in communication with an interior cavity 120 formed
within the stud body 102 during manufacture. As further shown, the
distal head portion 110 defines a top end 116 of the traction
element 100 that is configured to provide a traction surface along
the sole of an athletic shoe (not shown) when the traction element
100 engages the ground or other athletic surface.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments the metal insert
104 is made of steel and/or aluminum that forms an elongated body
125 defining a distal head portion 130, which is cast to the stud
body 102 during manufacture. In addition, the distal head portion
130 communicates with a shaft portion 131 of the metal insert 104
that extends between the distal cap portion 130 and a proximal
threaded portion 132 of the metal insert 104. As shown, the
proximal threaded portion 130 defines external threads 135
configured to couple with internal threads (not shown) formed
within each respective threaded engagement point defined along the
sole of an athletic shoe (not shown). In some embodiments, the
metal insert 104 further defines a bulbous portion 133 that is
formed between the shaft portion 131 and the proximal threaded
portion 132 that provides an engagement surface for a retainer or
liner disposed inside the internal cavity 120 to provide structural
reinforcement between the study body 102 and the metal insert 104
as shall be discussed in greater detail below with respect to
traction element 200.
[0030] As shown specifically in FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments
a plurality of cutaways 114 may be formed axially along the outer
surface of the stud body 102. The plurality of cutaways 114 may be
collectively configured to receive a driving tool (not shown), such
as a cleat wrench, that engages each respective cutaway 114 such
that rotation of the cleat wrench causes the stud body 102 to be
manually rotated as the metal insert 104 becomes fully engaged to
the threaded engagement point along the sole of the athletic shoe.
Referring specifically to FIG. 5, in some embodiments the stud body
102 may define three respective cutaways, 114A, 114B and 114C that
each extend a distance axially along the surface of proximal end
portion 112 of the stud body 102 and are spaced equidistantly
relative to each other at a 120 degree angle. In other embodiments,
two or more cutaways 114 may be formed to engage the cleat wrench
when securing the traction element 100 to the sole of the athletic
shoe. In some embodiments, each cutaway 114 forms an elongated slot
configuration forming a base proximate the peripheral flange 122 of
the stud body 102 that extends the length of the proximal end
portion 112 and gradually tapers to an apex formed at the top of
each cutaway 114. In other embodiments, the plurality of cutaways
114 may define a triangularly-shaped slot, a rectangular-shaped
slot, a symmetrically-shaped slot, an asymmetrically-shaped slot, a
circular-shaped slot, or a combination thereof.
[0031] In one method of manufacturing the traction element 100, the
stud body 102 may be first cast from a metallic material, such as
aluminum, in which the metal insert 104 is directly cast to the
stud body 102 such that the proximal threaded portion 132 of the
metal insert 104 extends partially outward from the cast of the
stud body 102. The interior cavity 120 is formed inside the stud
body 102 by coring out the interior portion of the stud body 102
around the metal insert 104 to form the interior cavity 120 and
opening 118. In some embodiments, the plurality of cutaways 114 are
formed when the stud body 102 is cast within a mold, or in the
alternative, the plurality of cutaways 114 may be machined out
along the surface of the proximal end portion 112 after the cast of
the stud body 102 is allowed to sufficiently cool. The method of
manufacturing the traction element 100 as disclosed herein provides
a strong structural connection between the stud body 102 and the
metal insert 104 such that shear forces applied to the traction
element 100 during use do not cause the metal insert 104 to break,
bend or twist relative to the stud body 102.
[0032] In one aspect, the coring out of stud body 102 to form the
interior cavity 120 during manufacture reduces the overall weight
of the traction element 100 while still allowing the traction
element 100 to meet all performance, shape specifications and
material requirements required of a conventional traction
element.
[0033] In some embodiments, the traction element 100 may be
manufactured with the following dimensions used during manufacture.
Referring to FIG. 4, the stud body 102 may have an overall length
400 of 20.8 mm and a width 402 of 19.4 mm. As further shown, the
distal head portion 110 of the stud body 102 may have a width 404
of 11.9 mm and a length 406 of 4 mm, while the proximal end portion
112 of the stud body 102 may have a length 408 of 16.8 mm and a
width 402 of 20.8 mm. Referring back to FIG. 7, the interior cavity
120 of the stud body 102 may have a length 410 of 14.6 mm and the
opening 118 of the interior cavity 120 may have a length 414 of 9.0
mm. After the metal insert 104 is cast with the stud body 102, the
proximal threaded portion 132 of the metal insert 104 is centered
along the longitudinal axis A of the stud body 102 and extends
outwardly from the opening 118 of the stud body 102 at a distance
412 of 6.0 mm. The present disclosure contemplates that the
dimensions of the stud body 102 and the metal insert 104 may vary
to accommodate different shapes and sizes of traction elements used
for different types of athletic shoes.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 9-14, a second embodiment of the traction
element, designated 200, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the
traction element 200 includes a hollow stud body 202 having a
generally thimble-shaped body configured to provide traction and
gripping strength along a ground surface when attached to the sole
of an athletic shoe. In some embodiments, the stud body 202
includes a metal insert 204 that is cast to the stud body 202
during manufacture and is aligned along the longitudinal axis A of
the stud body 202. The metal insert 104 is configured to
mechanically couple the traction element 200 to the sole of an
athletic shoe (not shown). Referring specifically to FIGS. 10-12,
13 and 14, the stud body 202 defines a distal head portion 210 and
a proximal end portion 212. In some embodiments, the proximal end
portion 212 of the stud body 202 gradually tapers away from the
distal head portion 210 and forms a peripheral flange 222 that
defines an opening 218 in communication with an interior cavity 220
defining an interior surface 224 formed within the stud body 202.
As further shown, the distal head portion 210 defines a top end 216
of the traction element 200 that is configured to provide a
traction surface along the sole of the athletic shoe when the
traction element 200 engages the ground or other athletic
surface.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 14, in some embodiments the metal insert
204 is made of steel and/or aluminum that forms an elongated body
225 defining a distal head portion 230, which is cast to the stud
body 202 during manufacture. In addition, the distal head portion
230 communicates with a shaft portion 231 of the metal insert 204
that extends between the distal cap portion 230 and a proximal
threaded portion 232 of the metal insert 204. As shown, the
proximal threaded portion 230 defines external threads 235
configured to couple with internal threads (not shown) formed
within each respective engagement point defined along the sole of
an athletic shoe (not shown). As shown in FIGS. 9 and 14, in some
embodiments the metal insert 204 further defines a bulbous portion
233 that is formed between the shaft portion 231 and the proximal
threaded portion 232 and provides an engagement surface for
contacting a retainer 206 made of a filler material, such as nylon,
that is disposed inside the interior cavity 220 during manufacture.
The retainer 206 is configured to provide further structural
reinforcement between the stud body 202 and the metal insert 204 as
shall be discussed in greater detail below.
[0036] As shown specifically in FIGS. 11 and 12, in some
embodiments a plurality of cutaways 214 may be formed axially along
the outer surface of the stud body 202. The plurality of cutaways
214 may be collectively configured to receive a driving tool (not
shown), such as a cleat wrench, that engages each respective
cutaway 214 such that rotation of the driving tool causes the stud
body 202 to be manually rotated as the metal insert 204 becomes
fully engaged to the sole of the athletic shoe. Referring
specifically to FIG. 12, in some embodiments the stud body 202 may
define three respective cutaways, 214A, 214B and 214C that each
extend a distance axially along the surface of proximal end portion
212 and are spaced equidistantly relative to each other at a 120
degree angle. In other embodiments, two or more cutaways 214 may be
formed along the study body 202 to engage the driving tool when
coupling the traction element 200 to the sole of the athletic shoe.
In some embodiments, each cutaway 214 forms an elongated slot
configuration forming a base proximate the peripheral flange 222 of
the stud body 202 and two opposing sides that extend the length of
the proximal end portion 212 and gradually taper to an apex formed
at the top of each cutaway 214. In other embodiments, the plurality
of cutaways 214 may define a triangularly-shaped slot, a
rectangular-shaped slot, a symmetrically-shaped slot, an
asymmetrically-shaped slot, a circular-shaped slot, or a
combination thereof
[0037] In one method of manufacture, the stud body 202 of the
traction element 200 may be cast from a metallic material, such as
aluminum, in which the metal insert 204 is directly cast to the
stud body 202 such that the proximal threaded portion 232 of the
metal insert 204 extends partially outward from the cast of the
stud body 202. The interior cavity 220 is formed inside the stud
body 202 by coring out the interior portion of the stud body 202
around the metal insert 204 to form the interior cavity 220 and
opening 218. Once the interior cavity 220 is formed, nylon or other
type of filler material 208 to form the retainer 206 is injected,
poured or inserted into interior cavity 220 that surrounds the
metal insert 204 to provide further structural integrity between
the stud body 202 and the metal insert 204. During the injection of
the filler material 208 into the interior cavity 220, the bulbous
portion 233 is configured to provide a retention feature that adds
further structural reinforcement between the stud body 202 and the
metal insert 204. In some embodiments, the plurality of cutaways
214 are formed when the stud body 202 is cast within a mold, or in
the alternative, the plurality of cutaways 214 may be machined out
along the surface of the proximal end portion 212 after the cast of
the stud body 202 is allowed to sufficiently cool. The method of
manufacturing the traction element 200 as disclosed herein provides
a strong structural connection between the stud body 202 and the
metal insert 204 such that shear forces applied to the traction
element 200 during a sporting activity do not cause the metal
insert 204 to break, bend or twist relative to the stud body
202.
[0038] In one aspect, as noted above the coring out of stud body
202 to form the interior cavity 220 during manufacture reduces the
overall weight of the traction element 200 while still allowing the
traction element 200 to meet all performance, shape specifications
and material requirements required of a conventional traction
element for an athletic shoe.
[0039] In some embodiments, the traction element 200 may be
manufactured with the following dimensions. Referring to FIG. 11,
the stud body 202 may have an overall length 500 of 20.8 mm and a
width 502 of 19.4 mm. As further shown, the distal head portion 210
of the stud body 202 may have a width 504 of 11.9 mm and a length
506 of 4.0 mm, while the proximal end portion 212 of the study body
202 may have a length 508 of 16.8 mm and a width 502 of 20.8 mm.
Referring back to FIG. 14, the hollow cavity 220 of the stud body
202 may have a length 510 of 14.6 mm and the opening 218 of the
interior cavity 220 may have a length 514 of 9.0 mm. After the
metal insert 204 is cast with the stud body 202 and the retainer
206 disposed within the internal cavity 220, the proximal threaded
portion 232 of the metal insert 204 will be centered along the
longitudinal axis A of the stud body 204 and extend outwardly from
the opening 218 of the stud body 202 at a distance 512 of 6.0 mm.
The present disclosure contemplates that the dimensions of the stud
body 202 and the metal insert 204 may vary to accommodate different
shapes and sizes of traction elements used for different types of
athletic shoes.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 15-21, a third embodiment of the traction
element, designated 300, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the
traction element 300 includes a stud body 302 having a generally
thimble-shaped body configured to provide traction and gripping
strength along a ground surface when attached to the sole of an
athletic shoe. In some embodiments, the stud body 302 includes a
metal insert 304 having a standard or reverse thread head that is
driven and cuts the surface of the interior cavity 320 of the stud
body 302 to establish a secure engagement between the distal cap
portion 330 of the metal insert 304 and the stud body 302 during
manufacture as shall be discussed in greater detail below. Similar
to the other embodiments of the traction element 300, the metal
insert 304 is configured to mechanically couple the traction
element 300 to the sole of an athletic shoe (not shown). Referring
to FIGS. 17-19, 20 and 21, the stud body 302 defines a distal head
portion 310 and a proximal end portion 312. The proximal end
portion 312 of the stud body 302 gradually tapers away from the
distal head portion 310 and forms a peripheral flange 322 that
defines an opening 318 in communication with an interior cavity 320
formed within the stud body 302. As further shown, the distal head
portion 310 defines a top end 316 of the traction element 300 that
is configured to provide a traction surface along the sole of an
athletic shoe (not shown) when the traction element 300 engages the
ground or other athletic surface.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 17 and 21, in some embodiments the metal
insert 304 is made of steel and/or aluminum that forms an insert
body 325 defining a distal cap portion 330 and a proximal threaded
portion 332 that extends axially from the distal head portion 330.
As noted above, the distal cap portion 330 forms external threads
350 that collectively form a standard or reverse thread head that
may be driven into the interior cavity 320 of the stud body 302
such that the external threads 350 and insert internal threads 331
of the distal cap portion 330 cut directly into the interior
surface of the stud body 302 to establish a secure engagement
between the distal cap portion 330 of the metal insert 304 and the
stud body 302 during manufacture. The interior cavity 320 defines a
recess 308, a first opening of the stud body 318, a second opening
of the stud body 319, a shoulder 321, and an interior surface 324.
Once engaged to the stud body 302, the metal insert 304 should be
centered and aligned along the longitudinal axis A of the stud body
302 and extends partially outward from the interior cavity 320 of
the stud body 302. As further shown, the metal insert 304 forms a
plurality of drive grippers 333A, 333B, 333C, 333D, 333E, 333F that
extend radially extend outward from the proximal threaded portion
332 adjacent the distal cap portion 330 of the metal insert 304.
The plurality of drive grippers 330 are configured to engage a
drive tool (not shown) that allows the metal insert 304 to be
driven into permanent engagement with the stud body 302 as shall be
described in greater detail below.
[0042] As shown specifically in FIGS. 18 and 19, in some
embodiments a plurality of cutaways 314 may be formed axially along
the outer surface of the stud body 302. The plurality of cutaways
314 may be collectively configured to receive a driving tool (not
shown), such as a cleat wrench, that engages each respective
cutaway 314 such that rotation of the cleat wrench causes the stud
body 302 to be manually rotated as the metal insert 304 becomes
fully engaged to an engagement point formed along the sole of the
athletic shoe. Referring specifically to FIG. 19, in some
embodiments the stud body 302 may define three respective cutaways,
314A, 314B and 314C that each extend a distance axially along the
surface of proximal end portion 312 of the stud body 302 and are
spaced equidistantly relative to each other at a 120 degree angle.
In other embodiments, two or more cutaways 314 may be formed along
the study body 302 to engage the cleat wrench when coupling the
traction element 300 to the sole of the athletic shoe. In some
embodiments, each cutaway 314 forms an elongated slot configuration
forming a base proximate the peripheral flange 322 of the stud body
302 and two opposing sides that extend the length of the proximal
end portion 312 and gradually taper to an apex formed at the top of
each cutaway 314. In other embodiments, the plurality of cutaways
314 may define a triangularly-shaped slot, a rectangular-shaped
slot, a symmetrically-shaped slot, an asymmetrically-shaped slot, a
circular-shaped slot, or a combination thereof.
[0043] In one method of manufacture, the stud body 302 of the
traction element 300 may be cast from a metallic material, such as
aluminum. The interior cavity 320 is formed inside the stud body
302 by coring out the interior portion of the stud body 302 during
manufacturing. In other embodiments, the interior cavity 320 may be
machined when the stud body 302 has cooled. Once the interior
cavity 320 is formed, a drive tool (not shown) is used to engage
the plurality of drive grippers 333 of the metal insert 302 which
are then rotated by the drive tool when the metal insert 304 is
manually driven into the interior cavity 320 of the stud body 302.
The rotating action of the drive tool allows the external threads
350 of the metal insert 304 to act as a standard or reverse thread
head that cuts directly into the interior surface of the stud body
302 to establish a secure engagement between the metal insert 304
and the stud body 302. The engagement between the metal insert 304
and the stud body 302 produces a strong structural connection
between the metal insert 304 and the stud body 302 such that shear
forces applied to the traction element 300 during a sporting
activity do not cause the metal insert 304 to break, bend or twist
relative to the stud body 302.
[0044] In some embodiments, the traction element 300 may be
manufactured with the following dimensions used during manufacture.
Referring to FIG. 18, the stud body 302 may have an overall length
600 of 15.0 mm and a width 602 of 16.0 mm. As further shown, the
distal head portion 310 of the stud body 202 may have a width 604
of 12.2 mm and a length 606 of 4.0 mm, while the proximal end
portion 312 of the study body 302 may have a length 608 of 12.0 mm
and a width 602 of 16.0 mm. Referring back to FIG. 21, the interior
cavity 320 of the stud body 302 may have a length 610 of at least
7.5 mm and the opening 318 of the interior cavity 320 may have a
length 614 of 13.0 mm. After the metal insert 304 is engaged with
the stud body 302, the proximal threaded portion 332 of the metal
insert 304 will be aligned along the longitudinal axis A of the
stud body 304 and extend outwardly from the opening 318 of the stud
body 302 at a distance 616 of 6.5 mm. At its widest point, the head
of the metal insert 304 may have a width 612 of 8.5 mm. The present
disclosure contemplates that the dimensions of the stud body 302
and the metal insert 304 may vary to accommodate different shapes
and sizes of traction elements used for different types of athletic
shoes.
[0045] It should be understood from the foregoing that, while
particular embodiments have been illustrated and described, various
modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention as will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. Such changes and modifications are within the scope and
teachings of this invention as defined in the claims appended
hereto.
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