US20130326908A1

US20130326908A1 - Golf shoe outsole

Info

Publication number: US20130326908A1
Application number: US13/786,257
Authority: US
Inventors: Marco Aurelio GROTT; Ernie Rustam; Michael Hesterberg
Original assignee: TaylorMade Golf Co Inc
Current assignee: TaylorMade Golf Co Inc
Priority date: 2012-06-11
Filing date: 2013-03-05
Publication date: 2013-12-12

Abstract

A golf shoe outsole has a generally low, heel-less profile and includes zonal traction regions in an arch area of the outsole, each of which supports at least one dynamic traction element and at least one static traction element. The zonal traction regions each have portions separated by a recessed or hinge area therebetween. The forefoot area of the outsole includes parallel channels joined by a diagonal channel, which create independent traction elements support on separate pods to provide enhanced flexibility within the forefoot area and between the forefoot area and the rest of the outsole.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/658,207, which was filed on Jun. 11, 2012, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This application relates to golf shoe outsoles and other athletic shoe outsoles subject to dynamic loading and weight shift during athletic activities, especially on grass covered ground surfaces.

BACKGROUND

A golf shoe, and especially the outsole of a golf shoe, plays an important role during a golfer's swing because it serves as the golfer's sole contact surface with the ground and acts as a platform to support the golfer during the golf swing. The golfer's footwork is important to the execution of a proper and effective golf swing.
The golfer's footwork during the swing is nuanced and differs from left foot to right foot. In general, for most golf shots the golfer's weight is initially distributed 50/50 on each foot and the weight is centered in the middle of each foot. During the backswing, the golfer's weight should shift to the outside (lateral side) of the golfer's back foot while the front foot maintains some weight for balance. The backswing applies forces tending to spin or pivot the back forefoot outwardly and the back heel inwardly, which must be resisted by the back foot's contact with the ground to maintain stability. During the downswing of the club, the golfer's weight begins to shift and by the time the golf ball is struck, the golfer's weight is evenly balanced on the rear foot and front foot or has started to shift more to the front foot. At the finish position of the swing, most of the golfer's weight is on the front foot with more weight on the outside (lateral side) of the front foot than the inside (medial side), and the golfer's heel and shoe outsole are elevated above the ground and facing rearwardly. In a proper swing, only the toe of the golfer's rear foot remains in contact with the ground at the finish. In the finish position the heel and most of the outsole of the golfer's rear shoe are off of the ground, with only the toe contacting the ground for balance.
With the foregoing footwork, the golfer's weight on any local area of the outsole constantly changes and shifts throughout the golf swing.
Improvements in the golf shoe outsole that provide the golfer with greater traction, better stability, improved overall balance, and greater power and consistency during the golf swing are most desirable.

SUMMARY

In a first embodiment, a golf shoe outsole has a low profile outsole member with a heel end, opposite toe end, lateral side and opposed medial side. The outsole member defines first, second, third and fourth quarter sections extending from the heel to the toe end, with the second and third quarter sections having a boundary therebetween defining a lateral mid-line through the outsole. The outsole member also defines a heel region proximate the heel end, forefoot region proximate to the toe end, and arch region therebetween. The outsole member defines a heel centerline that substantially bisects the heel region and extends from the heel end to the toe end. At least one dynamic traction element is attached to the outsole member and located within the second quarter section at least partially on the heel centerline.
In other specific implementations, the outsole includes at least two dynamic traction elements attached to the outsole member, which are located within the second quarter section and at least partially on the heel centerline. The dynamic traction element may be removably attached to the outsole member.
In other specific implementations, the dynamic traction elements are spike cleats having a plurality of flexible legs.
In other embodiments, the outsole member includes at least one zonal traction region and at least one dynamic traction element attached to each zonal traction region. In still other embodiments, each zonal traction region is made from a material having a rigidity greater than the rigidity of an adjacent outsole region.
In other embodiments, the outsole member includes at least two independent zonal traction regions, and at least one dynamic traction element attached to each zonal traction region. In specific implementations, the outsole may include a plurality of directional static traction elements attached to each zonal traction region, each having a longitudinal axis that is substantially radially aligned with a center point of the dynamic traction element.
In another embodiment, an outsole member includes a heel end, opposite toe end, heel area without a raised heel, forefoot area and arch area. The outsole member defines a heel centerline that substantially bisects the heel area and extends from the heel end to the toe end, passing through the arch area and forefoot area. First and second zonal traction regions embedded in the outsole are substantially bisected by the heel centerline. The first zonal traction region may have one end in the arch area and another end in the heel area. The second zonal traction region may have one end in the arch area and another end in the forefoot area. At least one dynamic traction element is attached to each zonal traction region.
In another implementation, the outsole may include at least one static traction element attached to each zonal traction region.
In yet another embodiment, the first and second zonal traction regions have ends that are proximate to one another and are separated by a recessed channel.
In an alternative embodiment, the first and second zonal traction regions are integral extensions of one another.
In yet another embodiment, the first and second zonal traction regions each are substantially symmetrical relative to the heel centerline and have leg portions separated by a recessed area therebetween.
In another implementation, the first and second zonal traction regions each have a substantially “V” shaped configuration, and have plural dynamic traction elements and plural static traction elements coupled or affixed thereto.
In another embodiment, the dynamic traction elements are detachable spike cleats and the static traction elements are non-detachable lug cleats.
In yet another embodiment, a golf shoe outsole includes a low profile outsole member having a toe end, heel end, lateral side edge and opposed medial side edge. The outsole member defines a heel area, forefoot area and arch area therebetween. First and second channels may be formed in the forefoot area of the outsole, with the first and second channels extending substantially from the lateral side edge to the medial side edge and being substantially parallel to one another. A third channel extending diagonally from the first channel to the second channel may be provided to create laterally opposed, raised outsole pod areas on each side of the third channel.
In another implementation, the outsole may include at least one dynamic traction element coupled to each outsole pad area.
In another embodiment, the outsole may include at least one static traction element coupled to each outsole pod area.
In another implementation, an athletic shoe outsole includes a substantially flat base surface extending from a heel end to a toe end of the outsole. The flat base surface may define first, second, third and fourth quarter sections moving from the heel end to the toe end. A first zonal traction region may be located at least partially within the second quarter section, and a second zonal traction region may be located at least partially within the second quarter region. The first and second zonal traction regions may each support at least one dynamic traction element that is at least partially located in an arch area of the flat base surface. At least one traction element in each zonal traction region may be substantially centered between the lateral and medial edges of the outsole, and bisected by a heel centerline extending from the heel end to the toe end.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf shoe outsole.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the outsole of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the outsole of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a medial side view of the outsole of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a lateral side view of the outsole of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the outsole of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of the outsole of FIG. 1, taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the outsole of FIG. 1, taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross section view of the outsole of FIG. 1, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a cross section view of the outsole of FIG. 1, taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a cross section view of the outsole of FIG. 1, taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 12 is a cross section taken along heel centerline 12-12 of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosed embodiments in any way. Various changes to the described embodiment may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.”
Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways (readily discernible to one of ordinary skill in the art) in which the disclosed apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods and apparatuses.
A low profile golf shoe outsole 10 is shown and described in various embodiments herein. As shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, outsole 10 has a low height profile, with no raised heel common to conventional golf shoes, allowing the golfer's weight to be distributed across the full length of the outsole.
Outsole 10 has a heel end 12, opposite toe end 14, lateral side edge 16 and medial side edge 18, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. From a reference standpoint, outsole 10 can be divided into first, second, third and fourth quarter sections 20, 22, 24, 26 (FIG. 6), moving from the heel end to the toe end. A boundary line between the second and third quarter sections defines a lateral mid-line 28 (FIG. 6) that divides the outsole into two halves.
The outsole also generally can be divided into three areas or regions, a heel region 30 proximate to the heel end, forefoot region 32 proximate to the toe end, and arch region 34 therebetween. Heel region 30 generally corresponds to the portion of the outsole underlying the golfer's heel. Arch region 34 generally corresponds to the portion of the outsole underlying the golfer's arch. Forefoot region 32 generally corresponds to the portion of the outsole beneath the golfer's forefoot. It will be appreciated that the boundaries between these regions are not precise, but are understood to generally correspond to the anatomy of the golfer's foot.
As shown in FIG. 6, a heel centerline corresponding to section line 12-12 substantially bisects heel region 30 and arch region 34, and continues to extend through a central area of forefoot region 32. Notably, in the forefoot region the heel centerline is located more on the lateral side of the forefoot region than the medial side. Due to the asymmetric nature of the human foot and outsole 10, a longitudinal center axis of the outsole would not be a straight line. Rather, in contrast to heel centerline 12-12, the longitudinal center axis would be slightly curved, more so in the forefoot region 32 than anywhere else. In comparison, the longitudinal center axis and heel centerline 12-12 initially would be substantially coincidental in the heel and arch regions but then deviate more in the forefoot region as the longitudinal center axis curves away from the heel centerline towards the medial edge.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in one exemplary embodiment outsole 10 has a plurality of primary “active” or dynamic traction elements 36 and secondary static traction elements 38 secured to the bottom of the outsole to provide traction and stability for the golfer.
Dynamic traction elements 36 preferably are detachable spike cleats that are omni-directional and may be detached and replaced when they wear out. Spike cleats 36 preferably each have resilient legs spaced radially around the center of the cleat, which dynamically (or actively) flex depending on the amount of weight or loading to which the spike cleat is subject. Each spike cleat 36 has a threaded end and is attached to a corresponding threaded receptacle 40 (see FIG. 12) formed in the outsole during the molding process. An example of an alternative detachable, non-threaded low profile spike cleat that may be used with the outsole described herein and method of mounting same is described in published application U.S. 2010/0257751, which is incorporated herein by reference. It will be appreciated that other types of dynamic traction elements having flexible spring-like elements other than the legs of the spike cleats shown may be used as well. In addition, dynamic traction elements that are permanently attached to the outsole may be used in place of detachable spike cleats 36, but without the advantage of being replaceable.
The primary dynamic traction elements preferably include two spike cleats 36 a, 36 b which are located at least partially within arch section 34 and are substantially aligned longitudinally with heel centerline 12-12. Spike cleats 36 a, 36 b provide traction under the arch portion of the golfer's foot in an area normally separated from the ground surface in a conventional golf shoe having a raised heel. Spike cleats 36 a, 36 b preferably are located substantially within, and most preferably completely within, second quarter section 22, and on the heel side of midline 28. While heel centerline 12-12 preferably substantially bisects spike cleats 36 a, 36 b, the spike cleats generally may be substantially centered between lateral and medial side edges 16, 18, with heel centerline 12-12 passing through at least a portion of both spike cleats 36 a, 36 b.
While two spike cleats are shown affixed to the outsole within second quarter section 22 and at least partially within arch region 34, it will be appreciated that more than two cleats or just one large cleat may be used in place of cleats 36 a, 36 b to provide traction in the central area between the heel and forefoot areas of the outsole.
Secondary static traction elements 38 preferably are lug style cleats formed as integral extensions of the outsole surface to which they are attached, and are formed as part of the outsole molding process. The lug cleats are dispersed throughout the outsole in the heel region, along the lateral and medial edges, in the toe area and between adjacent pairs of spike cleats, to provide additional static traction. Lug cleats 38 do not have flex elements like dynamic traction elements and therefore are much less flexible than spike cleats 36. While the lug cleats may elastically deform, they do not have dynamic flex elements comparable to the legs of spike cleats 36.
The lug cleats optionally have a frusto-pyramidal shape and are directionally oriented to provide increased traction and resistance in certain directions, depending on their location on the outsole. For example, the lug cleats surrounding spike cleats 36 a, 36 b preferably form a starburst pattern on all sides in which the longitudinal axis of each lug cleat is substantially radially aligned with the center of spike cleat 36 a, center of spike cleat 36 b or a point on heel centerline 12-12 therebetween. In other words, spike cleats 36 a and 36 b generally form an oval “center of gravity” area with which the adjacent and surrounding lug cleats are substantially radially aligned. Together, the spike cleats 36 a, 36 b and adjacent directional lug cleats 38 provide omni-directional traction in the arch region and beneath a soft tissue area of the golfer's foot.
The spike cleats typically have a height of about 6.5 mm. The lug cleats preferably have a height less than the height of the spike cleats, as for example about 4.5 mm. The difference in height (about 2 mm) generally causes the spike cleats to serve as a primary traction mechanism and the lug cleats to serve as a secondary traction mechanism depending on the hardness of the ground and magnitude of the load or force applied in the local area of the particular lug cleat. For example, in particularly soft ground in which the spike cleats are more deeply embedded in the ground surface, the lug cleats likewise will engage the ground to provide additional traction. In harder ground and especially with a lighter golfer, many of the lug cleats may not engage the ground surface when the golfer's weight is evenly balanced on both shoes or may bear a lighter share of the load.
A height difference of about 2 mm is generally preferred. Thus, if the spike cleats have a height of 7.5 mm, as measured from the base of the outsole, the lug cleats preferably have a height of 5.5 mm.
The orientation and pattern of the spike cleats and lug cleats shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 are designed to complement and facilitate proper footwork as the golfer's weight is dynamically supported and shifted during the golf swing.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 6, outsole 10 preferably is provided with two zonal traction platforms or regions 42, 44 which support at least one traction element. Zonal traction regions are embedded in the base surface of the outsole and preferably each support at least one dynamic and one static traction element. In one exemplary embodiment, zonal traction region 42 supports spike cleats 36 b, 36 c, 36 d, as well as plural lug cleats 38, and zonal traction region 44 supports spike cleats 36 a, 36 e, 36 f, as well as plural lug cleats 38. Zonal traction regions 42, 44 may be injection molded as part of the same molding step as the outsole or as part of a multi-step injection molding process, as in the case when zonal traction regions 42, 44 are formed from a different material than the remainder of the outsole. In the embodiment shown, regions 42, 44 are embedded in the outer surface of the outsole so as to be generally flush or flat with the outer surface (see, e.g., FIGS. 9, 10). Alternatively, the regions 42, 44 may be formed so as to have a raised surface relative to the outer surface of the outsole. In one preferred embodiment, zonal traction regions 42, 44 are made from a material that is less flexible (more rigid) than the remainder of the outsole.
Zonal traction regions 42, 44 preferably are separated by a gap area 46 that is recessed, thinner or formed from a more flexible material than zonal traction regions 42, 44 to facilitate independent flexing therebetween. Gap area 46 behaves much like a crease or hinge between regions 42, 44. In this way, each zonal traction region is influenced very little by forces applied to the other zonal traction region, and is more responsive to forces applied directly thereto. Besides providing a foundation for dynamic and static traction elements, the zonal traction regions provide some additional torsional rigidity to heel and arch regions 30, 34, while still maintaining a considerable measure of flexibility in this area of the outsole. The zonal traction regions also may serve as a design element and may be formed from a colored material that contrasts with the rest of the outsole.
Gap 46 preferably is about 4 to 8 mm wide and about 0 to 3 mm deep. When the gap or channel between zonal traction regions 42, 44 is 0 mm, the two regions are connected or “closed,” and effectively are continuous extensions of one another.
A balance between flexibility and support is further promoted in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in which each zonal traction region 42, 44 is substantially symmetric relative to a longitudinal center axis and has lateral and medial components separated by a channel or recess therebetween. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment shown, zonal traction region 42 has legs 42 a, 42 b separated by a recessed area 48 to allow a degree of independent movement and flexing therebetween in response to applied loads, thereby preventing zonal traction region 42 from acting as a single rigid plate. Similarly, zonal traction region 44 has legs 44 a, 44 b separated by a recessed area 50 to promote flexibility between the medial and lateral sides of the zonal traction region.
In one exemplary embodiment, zonal traction regions 42, 44 generally are symmetric about a longitudinal center axis, and have a similar “V” shaped configuration to provide reinforcing support as well as flexibility in heel section 30 and arch section 34. In other alternative embodiments, zonal traction regions 42, 44 may be asymmetric relative to the longitudinal center axis or heel centerline 12-12, may have a configuration other than a “V,” and may have different configurations from each other. In yet another alternative embodiment, zonal traction regions 42, 44 may be merged into one continuous integrated zonal traction region having a generally singular “X” shaped configuration, with no discernible transition or gap area 46 therebetween, as when a more torsionally rigid outsole is desired. Alternatively, the zonal traction regions also may be made from the same material as the outsole to provide a more flexible and compliant outsole.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 6, the outsole optionally includes a first channel or groove 52 extending from the medial edge to the lateral edge in forefoot section 32, substantially parallel second channel 54 extending from the medial edge to the lateral edge in forefoot section 32, and a diagonal channel 56 extending diagonally therebetween. Channels 52, 54, 56 are formed by making the outsole thickness thinner in the channel areas than the surrounding areas during the injection molding process. Channels 52, 54, 56 serve to isolate spike cleats 36 g, 36 h from spike cleats 36 i, 36 j, and isolate spike cleats 36 g, 36 h from each other, thereby allowing the spike cleats to flex independently from each other. The channels effectively isolate spike cleats 36 g, 36 h and 36 i, j (pair) on separate pods from each other, and also isolate these spike cleats from zonal traction region 44 and spike cleats 36 e, 36 f.
In one exemplary embodiment, channels 52, 54 have a width of about 2 to 15 mm, preferably about 7 to 12 mm, and a depth of about 1 to 3 mm. Channel 54 preferably has a depth and width that is comparable to or less than the width of channels 52, 54.
FIGS. 2 and 3 show toe and heel views, respectively, including spike cleats 36 i, 36 j, 36 g, 36 h located in forefoot section 32, spike cleats 36 b, 36 c and 36 d located in heel and arch sections 30, 34, and some of the lug cleats 38 attached to the outsole.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show medial and lateral elevation views, respectively, and illustrate the low profile nature of the present outsole, as well as spike cleats 36 a-j and various lug cleats 38. The outsole may be attached, such as by gluing to a cushioning midsole 57, and coupled to an upper using a lasting board and strobel, or using other conventional techniques known to those of routine skill in the art. The outsole also may be formed with lateral stability element 59 on the lateral side of the outsole.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6, showing the bottom and opposite ends of channel 54 as well as the thickened pod section to which spike cleat 36 h is removably attached.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 6 showing the bottom and opposite ends of channel 52, as well as the thickened outsole wall adjacent channel 52.
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 6, showing zonal traction region 44 inset in the outsole and several lug cleats 38.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 6, showing zonal traction region 42 inset in the outsole.
FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 6, showing zonal traction region 42, thinner gap area 48 and thickened cleat receptacles 58 a, 58 b. The receptacles have threaded openings (not shown) for threadably attaching spike cleats 36 c, 36 d (also not shown). Each of the spike cleats 36 a-j is removably attached to a thickened portion of the outsole. The thickened portions add local rigidity to the outsole and are threaded to define cleat receptacles to receive the spike cleats.
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross section showing spike cleats 36 a, b, c, e, g, j, as well as lug cleats 38 in the heel area.
The outsole may be formed in any one of a number of conventional methods, including one or more injection molding steps and compression molding. In one exemplary method, the zonal traction regions are formed in a first injection molding step and then the rest of the outsole is injection molded over the zonal traction regions in one or more additional steps. Once formed, midsole 57 may be formed of a complementary shape and attached to the heel and arch region of the outsole by gluing or otherwise. The resulting outsole and midsole construction then may be attached to an upper in a conventional manner.
The cushioning element may be formed from a variety of materials known in the art including ethyl vinyl acetate (EPA) or blown thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or blown thermoplastic polyurea (TPUA). Other suitable materials include both natural and synthetic rubbers, such as cis-1,4-polybutadiene, trans-1,4-polybutadiene, 1,2-polybutadiene, cis-polyisoprene, trans-polyisoprene, polychloroprene, polybutylene, the styrenic block copolymers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, (SEBS) and styrene-ethylenepropylene-styrene (SEPS), (commercial examples include SEPTON marketed by Kuraray Company of Kurashiki, Japan; TOPRENE by Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd and KRATON marketed by Kraton Polymers).
The outsole and zonal traction regions may be made from a variety of materials known in the art including polyurethane (PU), polyurea (PUA) (especially thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and thermoplastic polyurea (TPUA)), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) nylon, carbon fiber, glass fiber, polyaramid (generally designated in the art as an aromatic polycarbonamide) which include those commercially available under the tradenames Kevlar® (E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company), Twaron® (Akzo Nobel), Technora (Teijin), Nomex® and Nomex Z200 (Ed. du Pont de Nemours and Company), Teijinconex (Teij in), and Apial (Unitika). Other suitable materials include both natural and synthetic rubbers, such as cis-1,4-polybutadiene, trans-1,4-polybutadiene, 1,2-polybutadiene, cis-polyisoprene, trans-polyisoprene, polychloroprene, polybutylene, the styrenic block copolymers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene, (SEBS) and styrene-ethylenepropylene-styrene (SEPS), (commercial examples include SEPTON marketed by Kuraray Company of Kurashiki, Japan; TOPRENE by Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd and KRATON marketed by Kraton Polymers). Other suitable materials include the amide block copolymers and ester block copolyethers. The amide block copolymers (PEBA) are well known under the trademark PEBAX® commercialized by ATOCHEM. The ester block polyethers (PEBE), include products that have a rigid phase of the terephtalate polybutadiene type (PBT). These are known under the trademark HYTREL® (E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) or ARNITEL® (AKZO).
Despite conventional wisdom, it is believed that a golfer's footwork can be best served to promote a proper swing by giving both feet greater freedom to move and flex during the swing and by providing traction elements under the soft tissue of both feet.
The low flat profile of the present outsole/shoe moves the golfer's center of gravity closer to the ground and distributes the golfer's weight over a wider surface area in contact with the ground. In addition, the present outsole provides substantial traction under the soft tissue and arch of each foot, as well as traction elements that can flex and respond independently to dynamic loading and weight shift, thereby allowing local areas of the outsole advantageously to remain in contact with the ground as long as possible. For example, during the swing follow-through after impact, the medial forefoot spike cleats on the rear outsole can remain engaged with the ground for an interval of time after the lateral forefoot spike cleats lose contact as the heel lifts.
These features provide the golfer with greater traction, better stability, improved overall balance, and a foundation for greater power and consistency during the golf swing. The flexibility of the outsole makes it easier for the golfer to shift weight in the proper manner during the golf swing.
This approach contrasts with many golf shoes that provide relatively rigid platforms, raised heels that elevate the golfer's center of gravity, and traction elements focused primarily in the heel and forefoot regions of the shoe.
It will be appreciated that the principles and embodiments disclosed herein have application to other types of athletic shoes/outsoles that are subject to dynamic loading and weight shift and require outstanding traction, especially athletic shoes used on grass surfaces.
In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims

We claim:

1. A golf shoe outsole comprising:

a low profile outsole member having a heel end, opposite toe end, lateral side and opposed medial side, the outsole member defining first, second, third and fourth quarter sections extending from the heel and to the toe end, the second and third quarter sections having a boundary therebetween defining a lateral mid-line through the outsole, the outsole member having a heel region proximate the heel end, forefoot region proximate to the toe end, and arch region therebetween, the outsole member defining a heel centerline that substantially bisects the heel region and extends from the heel end to the toe end; and

at least one dynamic traction element attached to the outsole member and located within the second quarter section and at least partially on the heel centerline.

2. The golf shoe outsole of claim 1 including at least two dynamic traction elements attached to the outsole member and located within the second quarter section and at least partially on the heel centerline.

3. The golf shoe outsole of claim 1 wherein each dynamic traction element is removably attachable to the outsole member.

4. The golf shoe outsole of claim 2 wherein each dynamic traction element is a spike cleat having a plurality of flexible legs.

5. The golf shoe outsole of claim 1 wherein the outsole member includes a zonal traction region and the dynamic traction element is attached to the zonal traction region.

6. The golf shoe outsole of claim 5 wherein the zonal traction region is made from a material having a greater rigidity than an adjacent outsole surface area.

7. The golf shoe outsole of claim 2 wherein the outsole member includes at least two independent zonal traction regions, and at least one dynamic traction element is attached to each zonal traction region.

8. The golf shoe outsole of claim 7 wherein the zonal traction regions are made of a material that is more rigid than an adjacent outsole surface area.

9. The golf shoe outsole of claim 5 wherein plural dynamic traction elements are attached to each zonal traction region, and at least one of the dynamic traction elements is located within the second quarter section.

10. The golf shoe outsole of claim 5 including a plurality of directional static traction elements attached to each zonal traction region, which have a longitudinal axis that is substantially radially aligned with a centerpoint of the dynamic traction element.

11. A golf shoe outsole comprising:

an outsole member having no raised heel, the outsole having a heel end and opposite toe end, the outsole defining a heel area, forefoot area and arch area therebetween, the outsole member defining a heel centerline that substantially bisects the heel area and extends from the heel end to the toe end, passing through the arch area and forefoot area; and

first and second zonal traction regions coupled to the outsole which are substantially bisected by the heel centerline, the first zonal traction region having one end in the arch area and another end in the heel area, the second zonal traction region having one end in the arch area and another end in the forefoot area; and

at least one dynamic traction element attached to each zonal traction region.

12. The golf shoe outsole of claim 11 further including at least one static traction element attached to each zonal traction region.

13. The golf shoe outsole of claim 12 further including plural static traction elements attached to each zonal traction region and having a longitudinal axis in substantial radial alignment with the center of at least one dynamic traction element.

14. The golf shoe outsole of claim 11 wherein the first and second zonal traction regions have ends that are proximate to one another and are separated by a recessed channel.

15. The golf shoe outsole of claim 11 wherein the first and second zonal traction regions are integral extensions of one another.

16. The golf shoe outsole of claim 11 wherein the first and second zonal traction regions each are substantially symmetrical relative to the heel centerline and have leg portions separated by a recessed area therebetween.

17. The golf shoe outsole of claim 11 wherein the first and second zonal traction regions each have a substantially “V” shaped configuration, and each have plural dynamic traction elements and plural static traction elements coupled thereto.

18. The golf shoe outsole of claim 17 wherein the dynamic traction elements are detachable spike cleats and the static traction elements are non-detachable lug cleats.

19. The golf shoe outsole of claim 17 wherein the first and second zonal traction regions are formed of a material that is more rigid than an adjacent surface area of the outsole.

20. A golf shoe outsole comprising:

a low profile outsole member having a toe end, heel end, lateral side edge and an opposed medial side edge, the outsole member defining a heel area, forefoot area and arch area therebetween;

first and second channels formed in the forefoot area of the outsole, the first and second channels extending substantially from the lateral side edge to the medial side edge and being substantially parallel to one another; and

a third channel extending diagonally from the first channel to the second channel to create laterally opposed, outsole pod areas.

21. The golf shoe outsole of claim 20 further including at least one dynamic traction element coupled to each outsole pad area.

22. The golf shoe outsole of claim 21 further including at least one static traction element coupled to each outsole pod area.

23. The golf shoe outsole of claim 22 wherein each dynamic traction element is a detachable spike cleat, and each static traction element is a non-detachable lug cleat.

24. An athletic shoe outsole comprising:

a substantially flat base surface extending from a heel end to a toe end of the outsole, the flat base surface defining first, second, third and fourth quarter sections moving from the heel end to the toe end, the base surface defining a heel region, forefoot region and arch region therebetween;

a first zonal traction region located at least partially within the second quarter section; and

a second zonal traction region located at least partially within the second quarter region;

the first and second zonal traction regions each supporting at least one dynamic traction element that is at least partially located in the second quarter section and within the arch region of the base surface, each traction element being substantially centered between lateral and medial sides of the outsole.

25. The athletic shoe outsole of claim 24 wherein the first and second zonal traction regions each support plural dynamic traction elements and plural static traction elements having a height less than the dynamic traction elements.