US20100175280A1 - Footwear assemblies with removable enhanced traction devices and associated methods of use and manufacture - Google Patents
Footwear assemblies with removable enhanced traction devices and associated methods of use and manufacture Download PDFInfo
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- US20100175280A1 US20100175280A1 US12/686,919 US68691910A US2010175280A1 US 20100175280 A1 US20100175280 A1 US 20100175280A1 US 68691910 A US68691910 A US 68691910A US 2010175280 A1 US2010175280 A1 US 2010175280A1
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- Prior art keywords
- outsole
- channels
- traction
- footwear
- traction device
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C15/00—Non-skid devices or attachments
- A43C15/02—Non-skid devices or attachments attached to the sole
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/0036—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design
- A43B3/0047—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design parts having a male and corresponding female profile to fit together, e.g. form-fit
Abstract
Footwear assemblies including removable enhanced traction devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a footwear assembly includes a footwear product with an outsole that removably receives a traction enhancing device. The outsole includes a tread pattern having a plurality of channels corresponding to portions of the traction device. The traction device includes multiple webs or straps that carry studs or other types of protrusions for improved traction. When a user attaches the traction device to the footwear product, the channels in the outsole removably receive the corresponding webs, thereby positioning the protrusions to extend away from the outsole. The outsole can also include one or more channels extending around one or more peripheral portions of the footwear product (e.g., around the side, back and/or front) to receive corresponding portions of the traction device and retain the traction device on the footwear product.
Description
- The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/144,414,entitled “FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLIES WITH REMOVABLE ENHANCED TRACTION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE,” filed Jan. 13, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/267,791, entitled “FOOTWEAR ASSEMBLIES WITH REMOVABLE ENHANCED TRACTION DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE AND MANUFACTURE,” filed Dec. 8, 2009, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present disclosure is directed generally to footwear assemblies with removable traction enhancing devices.
- Articles of footwear have been designed and worn by humans since early in recorded history. Articles of footwear were initially designed to protect the bottom of the feet of wearers while walking or running over rough surfaces. Although the primary purpose of footwear remains basically unchanged, the various types of activity and surfaces on which wearers run, walk, or stand on have led to an ever increasing diversity in the style and construction of footwear. For examples, humans engage in a wide variety of physical activities including walking, running, hiking, trekking, hunting, backpacking, and indoor and outdoor activities. Articles of footwear have been designed for each of these specific activities. More specifically, for example, running shoes are typically designed to provide a wearer with suitable comfort and support for running long distances.
- Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to footwear assemblies including removable enhanced traction devices, and associated methods of use and manufacture. A footwear assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a footwear product, such as a boot, with an outsole that removably receives a traction enhancing device. The outsole includes a tread pattern having a plurality of channels corresponding to portions of the traction device. For example, the traction device can include multiple webs or straps that carry studs or other types of protrusions for improved traction. When a user attaches the traction device to the boot, the channels in the outsole removably receive the corresponding webs, thereby positioning the protrusions to extend away from the outsole. The outsole can also include one or more channels extending around one or more peripheral portions of the boot (e.g., around the side, back and/or front) to receive corresponding portions of the traction device and retain the traction device on the boot. In certain embodiments, the traction device is self-tensioning. In other embodiments, the tension of the traction device is adjustable to accommodate various sizes of boots or to tighten the traction device after placing it on the boot.
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FIG. 1 is a side view of a footwear assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views andFIG. 2C is a bottom view of the footwear assembly ofFIG. 1 with the traction device removed from the footwear product. -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the footwear assembly ofFIG. 1 with the traction device partially attached to the footwear product. -
FIG. 4A is a side view andFIG. 4B is a bottom view of the footwear assembly ofFIG. 1 with the traction device removably attached or secured to the footwear product. -
FIG. 5A is a side view of a footwear assembly configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. -
FIG. 5B is an enlarged isometric view of detail 5B ofFIG. 5A ,FIG. 5C is an enlarged isometric view of detail 5C ofFIG. 5A , andFIG. 5D is a front view of detail 5D ofFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 6 illustrates several representative views of a footwear assembly configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. - Footwear assemblies with removable enhanced traction devices and associated methods for using and making such assemblies are described in detail herein in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Certain details are set forth in the following description, in the Figures, and in the Appendix to provide a thorough and enabling description of various embodiments of the disclosure. Other details describing well-known structures and components often associated with footwear assemblies and methods of forming such assemblies, however, are not set forth below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of various embodiments of the disclosure.
- Many of the details, dimensions, angles, relative sizes of components, and/or other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, sizes, and/or features without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, further embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced without several of the details described below, while still other embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with additional details and/or features.
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FIG. 1 is a side view of a footwear assembly 100 (“assembly 100”) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, theassembly 100 includes a footwear product orboot 110 that removably retains a traction enhancing assembly or device 140 (“traction device 140”). As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, thefootwear product 110 can include any article of footwear (e.g., a shoe, sandal, boot, etc.) and is not limited to theboot 110 shown in the Figures. Thetraction device 140 includes a plurality of protrusions 142 (e.g., cleats, spikes, studs, etc.) that enhance or improve a user's traction on slippery surfaces. In one embodiment, the protrusions include studs of the type described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/267,787, filed Dec. 8, 2009, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. - The
traction device 140 of the illustrated embodiment enhances the traction of theboot 110 on icy surfaces or other slippery surfaces. As explained in detail below, theboot 110 includes several features that facilitate the alignment and retention of thetraction device 140 on theboot 110. As such, a user can attach thetraction device 140 to theboot 110 for use in slippery conditions, and remove thetraction device 140 from theboot 100 when enhanced traction is no longer needed or desired. -
FIG. 2A is a side view of theboot 110 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. InFIG. 2A , thetraction device 140 ofFIG. 1 is removed or separated from theboot 110. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, theboot 110 has an upper 212 (only partially shown inFIG. 2A ) attached to asole assembly 215. Thesole assembly 215 of the illustrated embodiment includes anoutsole 220 attached to amidsole 214, which is attached to the upper 212. In certain embodiments, theoutsole 220 can be a separate component adhered or otherwise secured to themidsole 214. For example, theoutsole 220 can be formed from molded rubber, and themidsole 214 can be made of an EVA or other closed-cell foam material. In yet other embodiments, theoutsole 220 can be integrally formed with themidsole 214. In other embodiments, the components of thesole assembly 215 can be made from other materials suitable for footwear devices and/or soles. - According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the
outsole 220 includes aforefoot portion 222 spaced apart from aheel portion 224 by anarch portion 226. Each of the forefoot andheel portions lower surface 223 with atread pattern 225 that facilitates walking on rough or uneven terrain. For example, the tread pattern can be configured for walking on irregular or slippery ground. In the illustrated embodiment, theoutsole 220 is configured for a work boot wherein theheel portion 224 includes a 90-degree heel (i.e., a heel that projects away from thearch portion 226 at roughly a perpendicular orientation). In this configuration, thearch portion 226 of theoutsole 220 is substantially free of lugs or other substantial traction projections, such as the type provided on theforefoot portion 222 and theheel portion 224. In other embodiments, however, thelower surface 223 and thetread pattern 225 can be configured for other non-work boot foot wear for walking or running on other surfaces, including for example, smooth surfaces. As also explained in detail below, thesole assembly 215, including thetread pattern 225, is configured to accommodate the traction device 140 (FIG. 1 ). - According to another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the
sole assembly 215 is configured to removably receive the traction device 140 (FIG. 1 ).FIG. 2B , for example, is a side view of theboot 110, illustrating certain features of thesole assembly 215 that retain thetraction device 140 on theboot 110. The illustratedsole assembly 215 includes aretention portion 230 recessed or otherwise depressed into corresponding portions of theoutsole 220 and themidsole 214. For purposes of illustration inFIG. 2B , theretention portion 230 is shown as a shaded or gray portion of thesole assembly 215. Theretention portion 230 includes a plurality of interconnected recessed grooves or channels that receive corresponding portions of thetraction device 140. More specifically, theretention portion 230 includes multiple lower channels 232 (identified individually as a first through fifth channels 232 a-232 e) extending through thelower surface 223 of theoutsole 220. -
FIG. 2C , is a bottom view of theboot 110 ofFIG. 2B . Referring toFIGS. 2B and 2C together, the first and secondlower channels heel portion 224, and the third, fourth, and fifthlower channels 232 c-232 e extend laterally across theforefoot portion 222. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower channels 232 are at least approximately parallel to one another. In other embodiments, however, the lower channels 232 can be formed at non-parallel angles relative to one another, and/or extending longitudinally along portions of theoutsole 220. Moreover, the lower channels 232 can form other types of patterns in thelower surface 223 of theoutsole 220, including, for example, a grid-like pattern, a webbed pattern, a symmetrical pattern, an irregular pattern, etc. According to another feature of the illustrated embodiment, each of the lower channels 232 has a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape extending into the outsole 220 (e.g., the lower channels 232 can be wider at thelower surface 223 of the outsole 220). In other embodiments, however, the lower channels 232 can have other cross-sectional shapes including, for example, rectilinear, curved, irregular, etc. Moreover, although five lower channels 232 are illustrated inFIGS. 2B and 2C , in other embodiments theoutsole 220 can include a greater or lesser number of lower channels 232. - As also noted above and shown in
FIG. 2C , in addition to the lower channels 232, thetread pattern 225 of theoutsole 220 can include several gripping features, surfaces, and/or other patterns configured for various types of walking conditions. - As also shown in
FIG. 2B , theretention portion 230 of thesole assembly 215 includes aside channel 233 extending between afront channel 234 and arear channel 236. Theside channel 233 extends longitudinally along thesole assembly 215 through portions of each of theoutsole 220 and themidsole 214. Although not shown inFIG. 2B , at the side of theboot 110 opposite the side illustrated inFIG. 2B theretention portion 230 also has a side channel extending longitudinally along theboot 110. Thefront channel 234 extends through theforefoot portion 222 of theoutsole 220, and therear channel 236 extends through theheel portion 224 of theoutsole 220. Although theretention portion 230 described above with reference toFIGS. 2A-2C is described as having multiple separate channels or portions, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the lower channels 232, theside channel 233, thefront channel 234, and therear channel 236 can be interconnected and can be integrally formed in thesole assembly 215. For example these channels can be molded or otherwise formed in thesole assembly 215 when the sole assembly is formed. Moreover, certain embodiments of theretention portion 230 can include other channels or omit one or more of the channels described above. - According to another aspect of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2B , theretention portion 230 does not include any channels or grooves in thelower surface 223 of theoutsole 220 between theforefoot portion 222 and theheel portion 224. More specifically, thearch portion 226 free of any grooves or other retention members in thelower surface 223 of theoutsole 220. In the illustrated embodiment, however, thesole assembly 215 includes aretention member 238 projecting laterally from the sidewall of thesole assembly 215 at a location generally aligned with thearch portion 226. Theretention member 238 can be a hook-like protrusion that at least partially covers theside channel 233 at thearch portion 226. In certain embodiments, theretention member 238 can be made from the same material as theoutsole 220 and integrally formed with theoutsole 220. In other embodiments, however, theretention member 238 can be made from other materials. Moreover, in certain embodiments, theretention member 238 can be attached to a stiffening shank (not shown) included in thesole assembly 215 at thearch portion 226. - As also shown in
FIG. 2B , theheel portion 224 includes a ledge orstep portion 237 proximate to therear channel 236. As described below in detail, thestep portion 237 can be used to removably position the traction device 140 (FIG. 1 ) over theoutsole 220 of theboot 110.FIG. 3 , for example, is a side view of theassembly 100 with thetraction device 140 partially positioned in theretention portion 230. Thetraction device 140 has a web-like configuration received in the channels of theretention portion 230. More specifically, thetraction device 140 includes aside web 343 extending peripherally around thesole assembly 215 in theside channel 233 of theretention portion 230. Thetraction device 140 also includes multiple lower webs 344 (identified individually as first through fifth lower webs 344 a-344 b) extending through the corresponding lower channels 232 (not shown inFIG. 3 ). Thetraction device 140 also includes afront web 346 extending around the front of thesole assembly 215 in thefront channel 234, and arear web 348 extending around theheel portion 224 of thesole assembly 215 that will be received in therear channel 236. - According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment,
FIG. 3 illustrates a step in the process of aligning or attaching the traction device to theboot 110. For example, as shown inFIG. 3 , thetraction device 140 is not fully inserted into or aligned with the corresponding channels in theretention portion 230. Moreover, theside web 343 is positioned below theretention member 238 and theside channel 233. In the illustrated embodiment, to fully attach thetraction device 140 to theboot 110, a user can insert thefront web 346 into thefront channel 234 and pull therear web 348 over theheel portion 224 of theoutsole 220. To aid the user, thetraction device 140 includes aleverage member 350 at therear web 348. Theleverage member 350 can be a rigid member molded with thetraction device 140 at therear web 348. As shown inFIG. 3 , theleverage member 350 can engage thestep portion 237 of theheel portion 224 of theoutsole 220 to allow a user to stretch or pull thetraction device 140 into place. For example, after aligning thefront web 346 and the lower webs 344 into theretention portion 230, a user can rotate theleverage member 350 in the direction indicated byarrow 352. Rotating theleverage member 350 in this direction engages thestep portion 237 and elastically stretches thetraction device 140 to allow thetraction device 140 to be securely positioned in theretention portion 230 on theboot 110. - In operation, the user can wear the assemblies 100 (e.g., boots) without the traction devices installed, such as when enhanced traction is not needed. When enhanced traction is needed, such as when walking or standing on ice, snow or other frozen ground, the user can quickly and easily install the
traction devices 140 on each boot as discussed above without needing to remove the boots from the user's feet. In one embodiment, thetraction devices 140 and the sole assemblies can be configured so a traction device will fit on either a left assembly (e.g., a boot for the user's left foot) or a right sole assembly (e.g., a boot for the user's right foot). In another embodiment, thetraction devices 140 can have left and right configurations to specifically fit the sole assembly of a left or right boot orother assembly 100. When enhanced traction is no longer needed, the user can pull or otherwise remove the traction devices from the boots without needing to take the boots off. Thetraction devices 140 can then be put in the user's pocket or in another suitable storage location until the next time enhanced traction is needed. In one embodiment, thetraction devices 140 are configured to be generally foldable, which allows for compact storage when thetraction devices 140 are not in use. -
FIG. 4A is a side view andFIG. 4B is a bottom view of theassembly 100 with thetraction device 140 in place and positioned in theretention portion 230 of theboot 110. Referring toFIGS. 4A and 4B together, the lower webs 344 are aligned and received in the lower channels 232 of theoutsole 220. Moreover, theside web 343 is engaged in theside channel 233 and at least partially retained in place by theretention member 238 at the side of theoutsole 220. In this manner, the corresponding webs of thetraction device 140 are correctly seated and recessed in the corresponding channels of theretention portion 230 in thesole assembly 215. For example, theretention member 238 positions and retains theside web 343 in theside channel 233 at the side of theoutsole 220, therear web 348 can be positioned in therear channel 236, and thefront web 346 can be positioned in thefront channel 234. - In the illustrated embodiment, the lower webs 344 extend laterally across the
outsole 220 in only theheel portion 224 and theforefoot portion 222. The removable traction device does not have lower webs that extend across lower surface of thearch portion 226, either laterally, longitudinally, or at an angle therebetween. Accordingly, the arch portion is free of the lower webs. Such a configuration is provided in an embodiment for a work boot (e.g., a work boot having a 90-degree heel), and the lower webs 344 of the traction device do not interfere with the arch portion, such as when the user is stepping on a shovel, climbing a ladder, or any other action that typically include pressing firmly against the arch portion. While the illustrated embodiment has lower webs only extending laterally in the lower channels of the heel and forefoot portions, other embodiments can include lower webs in these portions that partially extend longitudinally or diagonally in those areas without extending across the lower surface of the arch portion. In still further embodiments, the lower webs can extend across the lower surface of the arch portion. - According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, the bottom surface of each of the lower webs 344 is at least approximately coplanar with the
lower surface 223 of theoutsole 220. In certain embodiments, the lower webs 344 can be at least partially recessed in the lower channels 232 (FIG. 2C ) inoutsole 220. In other embodiments, however, the lower webs 334 can at least partially protrude from thelower surface 223 of theoutsole 220. Regardless of the position of the lower webs 334 relative to the lower channels 232, theprotrusions 142 project away from thelower surface 223 of theoutsole 220 to provide the enhanced gripping capability of theassembly 100. In the illustrated embodiment, theprotrusions 142 are generally perpendicular to thelower surface 223 of theoutsole 220. In other embodiments, however, some or all of theprotrusions 142 can extend away from thelower surface 223 at an angle towards theforefoot portion 222, theheel portion 224, laterally from these portions, or at any other suitable angle. Moreover, theprotrusions 142 can be interconnected or ganged together in thetraction device 140 to preventindividual protrusions 142 from loosening or falling out of thetraction device 140. Another benefit of thetraction device 140 is that as theindividual protrusions 142 wear down or are broken, anew traction device 140 can be used with theboot 110. Moreover, in certain embodiments, theprotrusions 142 can include wear indicators to allow a user to easily see when theprotrusions 142 are wearing out. Theprotrusions 142 can all be made of the same material (i.e., metal, plastic, composite, etc.). In other embodiments,protrusions 142 or sets of protrusions can be made of a material different that other protrusions on thetraction device 140. - According to yet another feature of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 4B , theoutsole 220 includes a plurality ofopenings 447 configured to removably receiveindividual protrusions 142 separate from thetraction device 140. In this manner, a user can adjust (e.g., increase) the traction of theoutsole 220 by selectively placingprotrusions 142 directly in the sole 220 in theopenings 447, in addition to theprotrusions 142 carried by the lower webs 334. For example, if a user desires more traction specifically at theforefoot portion 222, the user can placeadditional protrusions 142 in theopenings 447 at theforefoot portion 222 of theoutsole 220. -
FIG. 5A is a side view of afootwear assembly 500 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, theassembly 500 includes several features generally similar in structure and function to the corresponding features of the embodiments discussed above with reference toFIGS. 1-4B . For example, theassembly 500 includes aboot 510 removably engaged with anenhanced traction device 540. Thetraction device 540 includesmultiple webs 543 extending at least partially around theboot 510. Thewebs 543 includeprotrusions 542 that extend away from anoutsole 520 of theboot 510. Several features of the illustrated embodiment are described below with reference toFIGS. 5B-5D .FIG. 5B , for example, is an enlarged isometric view of detail 5B ofFIG. 5A . In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5B , theweb 543 has a generally trapezoidal shape and is seated in achannel 532 in theoutsole 520. Thechannel 532 securely retains theweb 543 and prevents theweb 543 from slipping out of thechannel 532 during use (along with several other features of the embodiments described above). Moreover, although only a portion of theweb 543 and thechannel 532 are shown inFIG. 5A , the shapes or configuration of theweb 543 andchannel 532 can be used at any portion of theassembly 100 described above with reference toFIGS. 1-4B . -
FIG. 5C is an enlarged isometric view of detail 5C ofFIG. 5A . In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 5C , theweb 500 includes acable 541 extending through and embedded in theweb 543. In certain embodiments for example, theweb 543 can be molded around thecable 541. Thecable 541 provides improved strength and durability for the web to accommodate varying conditions, such as rough or uneven terrain. In this manner, thecable 541 can at least partially prevent theweb 543 from tearing, ripping, or otherwise coming loose from the boot. -
FIG. 5D is a front view of detail 5D ofFIG. 5A illustrating a tension adjustment assembly 560 (“tension assembly 560”) configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. Thetension assembly 560 includes atension adjuster 562 operably coupled to theweb 543. Thetension adjuster 562 includes abody 563 positioned between a first threadedend portion 564 a and a second threadedend portion 564 b. Thebody 563 can have a textured (e.g., knurled) surface to facilitate grip by a user. According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the first threadedend portion 564 a is threaded in an opposite direction than the second threadedend portion 564 b. Moreover, the first threadedend portion 564 a threadably engages afirst end portion 541 a of theweb 543, and the second threadedend portion 564 b of the threadably engages asecond end portion 541 a of theweb 543. In certain embodiments, for example, theend portions 541 of theweb 543 can include a barrel or other device that threadably receives the corresponding threaded end portions 564 of thetension adjuster 562. In other embodiments, the threaded end portions 564 can be securely attached to thecorresponding end portions 541 of theweb 543, and thebody 563 of thetension adjuster 562 can move along the threaded end portions 564 to adjust the tension of theweb 543 and/or thetraction device 540. - In operation, a user can twist or rotate the
body 563 to tighten or loosen theweb 543 around the boot. More specifically, rotating thebody 563 moves the threaded end portions 564 and the correspondingweb end portions 541 towards or away from one another. In this manner, a user can tighten or securely fasten theweb 543 andcorresponding traction device 540 to theboot 510. Thetension adjuster 562 also enables the user to adjust the fit of theweb 543 with different sized boots. For example, the threaded end portions 564 can include one ormore marks 565 to indicate how far a user can rotate thetension adjuster 562 to adjust the tension of theweb 543 according to different sized boots. In one embodiment, the threaded end portions 564 can includemultiple marks 565 to indicate different shoe sizes. For example, the marks can indicate small, medium, large, extra-large, etc. In other embodiments, the marks can correspond to specific numeric sizes, such as 8, 9, 10, 11, etc. In this manner, theadjustment assembly 560 allows thetraction device 540 to be extendable so that thetraction device 540 can fit boots of multiple sizes. For example, a size medium traction device could fit boots in the range of sizes 8-10, a size large traction device could fit boots in the range of sizes 11-14, etc. -
FIG. 6 illustrates several representative views of afootwear assembly 600 including atraction enhancing assembly 640 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. According to one feature of the illustrated embodiment, arear web portion 648 includes aleverage member 650 having a moldedsupport piece 651. Thesupport piece 651 can provide rigidity to theleverage member 650. In certain embodiments, thesupport piece 651 is configured to engage a heel portion 618 of theoutsole 620 to place thetraction enhancing assembly 640 and/or remove thetraction enhancing assembly 640 from theoutsole 620. In addition, the portion of thesupport member 651 that protrudes from theleverage member 650 can have a shape or configuration that generally matches the shape of achannel 621 betweencorresponding tread portions 623. Accordingly, when thetraction enhancing assembly 640 is removed from thefootwear assembly 600, a user can implement thesupport member 651 to clear debris (e.g., dirt, mud, ice, etc.) from thechannel 621. - From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although many of the Figures described above illustrate the traction device with interconnected webs, in other footwear assemblies the traction device can include multiple webs separate and embedded in the outsole of the footwear product. Further, while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described above in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the disclosure.
Claims (6)
1. A footwear assembly, comprising:
a footwear product including an outsole having a tread pattern with multiple channels extending through the outsole; and
a traction enhancing device removably coupled to the outsole, wherein the traction enhancing device comprises:
multiple webs configured to be removably received in the corresponding channels of the outsole; and
one or more studs carried by the webs, wherein the one or more studs are configured to extend away from the outsole when the webs are received in the corresponding channels.
2. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the channels are first channels extending through a bottom portion of the outsole, and wherein the outsole further comprises second channels extending around one or more peripheral side portions of the outsole, the second channels being configured to removably receive corresponding webs extending peripherally around the outsole.
3. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the outsole further comprises an arch portion positioned between a forefoot portion and a heel portion, and wherein the tread pattern is only at the forefoot and heel portions such that the webs do not extend across the arch portion when the webs are removably received in the corresponding channels.
4. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the traction enhancing device further comprises a leverage member configured to engage a portion of the outsole to facilitate putting on and removing the traction enhancing device from the outsole.
5. The footwear assembly of claim 4 wherein the leverage member comprises a rigid member having an end portion shaped to correspond to a cross-sectional shape of the channels.
6. The footwear assembly of claim 1 wherein the traction enhancing device further comprises a tension adjuster configured to adjust the fit of the traction enhancing device on the outsole.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/686,919 US20100175280A1 (en) | 2009-01-13 | 2010-01-13 | Footwear assemblies with removable enhanced traction devices and associated methods of use and manufacture |
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US14441409P | 2009-01-13 | 2009-01-13 | |
US26779109P | 2009-12-08 | 2009-12-08 | |
US12/686,919 US20100175280A1 (en) | 2009-01-13 | 2010-01-13 | Footwear assemblies with removable enhanced traction devices and associated methods of use and manufacture |
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US20100175280A1 true US20100175280A1 (en) | 2010-07-15 |
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US12/686,919 Abandoned US20100175280A1 (en) | 2009-01-13 | 2010-01-13 | Footwear assemblies with removable enhanced traction devices and associated methods of use and manufacture |
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US20130036633A1 (en) * | 2011-08-09 | 2013-02-14 | Ching-Nan LEE | Non-slip sole structure |
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USD722426S1 (en) | 2012-03-23 | 2015-02-17 | Reebok International Limited | Shoe |
USD734005S1 (en) * | 2011-10-17 | 2015-07-14 | Jione Frs Corporation | Shoe sole |
USD747600S1 (en) * | 2013-03-21 | 2016-01-19 | Reebok International Limited | Shoe sidewall |
USD747859S1 (en) | 2014-05-13 | 2016-01-26 | Cole Haan Llc | Shoe sole |
US9392843B2 (en) | 2009-07-21 | 2016-07-19 | Reebok International Limited | Article of footwear having an undulating sole |
US9433256B2 (en) | 2009-07-21 | 2016-09-06 | Reebok International Limited | Article of footwear and methods of making same |
US9913510B2 (en) | 2012-03-23 | 2018-03-13 | Reebok International Limited | Articles of footwear |
US20180070680A1 (en) * | 2016-09-15 | 2018-03-15 | Tingley Rubber Corporation | Traction Studs And Outsoles |
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-
2010
- 2010-01-13 US US12/686,919 patent/US20100175280A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: LACROSSE FOOTWEAR, INC., OREGON Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:RINEHART, ROBERT G., JR.;RAKOCZY, CASEY R.;LUDEMANN, JOHN W.;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20100225 TO 20100304;REEL/FRAME:024253/0899 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |