WO1997049308A1 - Athletic shoe having sliding spikes - Google Patents

Athletic shoe having sliding spikes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997049308A1
WO1997049308A1 PCT/US1996/010892 US9610892W WO9749308A1 WO 1997049308 A1 WO1997049308 A1 WO 1997049308A1 US 9610892 W US9610892 W US 9610892W WO 9749308 A1 WO9749308 A1 WO 9749308A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
slide
slot
outsole
shoe
athletic shoe
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/010892
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jeffrey A. Sink
Original Assignee
The Rockport Company, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The Rockport Company, Inc. filed Critical The Rockport Company, Inc.
Priority to AU63948/96A priority Critical patent/AU6394896A/en
Priority to PCT/US1996/010892 priority patent/WO1997049308A1/en
Publication of WO1997049308A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997049308A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B13/00Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
    • A43B13/14Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
    • A43B13/22Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer
    • A43B13/24Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer by use of insertions
    • A43B13/26Soles made slip-preventing or wear-resisting, e.g. by impregnation or spreading a wear-resisting layer by use of insertions projecting beyond the sole surface
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43BCHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B5/00Footwear for sporting purposes
    • A43B5/001Golf shoes
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43FOOTWEAR
    • A43CFASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
    • A43C15/00Non-skid devices or attachments
    • A43C15/16Studs or cleats for football or like boots
    • A43C15/161Studs or cleats for football or like boots characterised by the attachment to the sole

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improved athletic shoe and more particularly to an improved athletic shoe having sliding spikes on the sole.
  • a typical athletic shoe, and in particular, a golf shoe includes an upper (frequently made of leather or other suitable material), an inner or intermediate portion for support purposes and, finally, a sole portion which includes 10-12 screw-in metal spikes for each shoe.
  • the golf spikes provide traction on the golf course so that the shoes do not slide side to side when the golfer is swinging a golf club.
  • the screw-in metal spikes each require a corresponding screw-in metal or plastic receptacle which is usually embedded in the sole of the shoe with threads in it.
  • the problem with existing golf shoes is that by screwing the spikes into the receptacles, the spikes themselves must be generally arranged towards the center of sole.
  • the present invention in one preferred embodiment, includes a golf shoe comprising a first upper portion together with an outsole formed of a generally flat or planar material having one or more flexible portions (channels or grooves) conformed to flex back and forth about the ball of the user's foot as the user is walking or running.
  • An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes rubber bumpers secured to a front and back portion of the outsole of the shoe. These rubber bumpers provide additional traction when walking uphill or downhill on hard surfaces such as paths or walkways.
  • the outsole also includes a plurality of laterally formed slots generally wider than the flex portions across the bottom of the outsole.
  • the golf shoe further includes one or more slides of a predetermined width corresponding to the width of the slots, each of which is slidably insertable into the respective slot so as to be placed in a locking or engaging relationship with the outsole of the golf shoe.
  • the slides each contain one or more golf spikes which can be arranged in any predetermined pattern.
  • the slots and their respective slides are of a uniform width.
  • the slots and slides are tapered so that the width at the open end of the slot and corresponding slide is wider than at the closed end. The tapered design of the slots and slides facilitates removal of the slides for cleaning or replacement.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of an improved golf shoe according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the outsole of the improved golf shoe of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the outsole of the shoe of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.
  • FIG. 3B is a perspective view of another aspect of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the improved golf shoe according to the present invention.
  • FIGs. 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B show configurations of the placement of spikes on a pair of improved golf shoes for right-handed and left-handed golfers, respectively.
  • FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of the outsole of the improved golf shoe showing a further aspect of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the sole of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 10A and 10B show a bottom plan view another embodiment of a pair of shoe soles of the present invention.
  • the golf shoe 10 includes an upper portion 12 generally formed of a leather-type material (although it could be made of other materials, such as canvas), together with an intermediate sole portion or midsole 14 which is typically made of blown plastic foam such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and an outsole portion 20 (as described below).
  • Midsole 14 and outsole 20 together comprise the shoe sole. However, in some instances, midsole 14 may be omitted, and the shoe sole would comprise an outsole only.
  • Intermediate sole portion 14 provides a midsole cushion for the golf shoe
  • EVA a type of material
  • golf shoe 10 of FIG. 1 includes an outsole portion 20 desirably made of a nylon or plastic (sufficiently hard or rigid) type of material which is generally flat and which is glued or affixed to the midsole cushion portion 14.
  • the outsole 20, as will be described, is made with a plurality of flex grooves or channels 22, 23, 24, 25, which flex with respect to the ball of a user's foot.
  • the sole portion is generally affixed to the upper portion with a polyurethane cement.
  • the grooves are tilted at the same angle that the user's foot bends, typically at approximately a 12-degree angle.
  • the tilt aspect of the outsole 20 provides great flexibility as a golfer is walking on the golf course.
  • the rest of the outsole 20 is thick enough to provide rigidity so that the shoe does not bend side to side.
  • the grooves such as groove or channel 22 form a thin area which could be one of many shapes, such as flat, U-shaped, V-shaped and which provide for the flexing or hinging aspect described above.
  • the improved golf shoe 10 also includes, as desired, additional channels or grooves 28, 29 at the front and back portions, respectively, of the outsole 20.
  • the golf shoe 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a plurality of slides, such as slide 40, which slide into locking engagement with corresponding slots formed in the bottom portion of outsole portion 20.
  • slides such as slide 40
  • Each slide 40 includes one or more golf spikes 42 formed thereon. The actual engagement of slide 40 with outsole
  • the nylon outsole 20 of FIG. 1 has grooves 22-25 for flexibility, and slots to accommodate a respective slide, such as slide 40.
  • Grooves 28 at the front portion of shoe 10 provide for an improved walking motion.
  • grooves 28 at the front portion of shoe 10 provide for an improved walking motion.
  • the front and rear portions of the outsole 20 can also be beveled, as desired.
  • FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of an outsole 50 according to the present invention.
  • the bottom portion of the outsole 50 includes a plurality of slots laterally formed thereon which will receive a corresponding slide, such as slides 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58.
  • the bottom portion of outsole 50 includes the grooves or channels 62-65 to provide the flex action previously described.
  • a slide, such as slide 53 includes one or more golf spikes 70, 71 , 72, 73, embedded in some fashion thereon.
  • the slide can be made of a plastic, nylon or rubber type material.
  • the slide 53 also includes a hole 75 formed therethrough so that when a golf tee (or other suitable tool) is inserted into hole 75, slide 53 can be easily removed from the golf outsole 50. This is shown in more detail in FIG.
  • FIG. 3 A shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.
  • slide 53 includes four golf spikes 70-73 formed therein.
  • Slide 53 also includes a spring or bias portion 80 which engages a corresponding portion of golf outsole 50 to form a clasping or engaging relationship.
  • an exterior outer clip portion could be formed on slide 53 to engage outsole portion 50.
  • slide portion 54 is shown which can be inserted into corresponding slot 76. It can be seen that slot 76 is laterally formed across a portion of the bottom of outsole 50. The remaining slots are formed in a similar fashion. It is therefore apparent that slide 54 can be quickly inserted and/or removed to provide a very quick and efficient means of changing the spikes on a golf shoe, not previously attainable in the prior shoes.
  • FIG. 3B shows one embodiment of locking a slide 90, which can be slid into slot 92 within outsole 91.
  • Slide 90 has spikes 95, 96 embedded in some fashion. Also, slide 90 has a hole 97 drilled therethrough into notch area 94.
  • Slot 92 includes a spring bias type tab 93 which engages notch 94 in locking engagement when notch 94 slides past spring bias tab 93.
  • the locking engagement is in the form of a dovetail fashion, as can be seen in FIG.3B.
  • Other locking aspects of a slide within a slot are of course possible.
  • the slide can be removed in a very few seconds, since they do not have to be screwed in, as required in prior approaches.
  • the spike location can be at the very outer edges of outsole 50, as will be described in conjunction with the additional
  • the present invention thus provides flexibility for walking action as well as desired lateral rigidity.
  • any combination of spikes can be arranged on the bottom of the sole of shoe 10.
  • FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of an improved golf shoe 100 which has an upper portion 102 with an outsole portion 110 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • the outsole 110 includes four flex channels or grooves 112-115. Also, it can be seen in FIG. 4 that the outsole 110 includes seven slot portions 120-126. Each slot portion is of a predetermined width at the upper and lower levels which forms a slot adapted to receive a corresponding slide 130-136. It should also become apparent that slides 130-136 could be connected together integrally by a single strip so as to provide for a single means of inserting or removing a plurality of golf spikes from the golf shoe itself.
  • the particular slide can be removed easily by inserting a golf tee or other similar instrument into hole 75 to depress the spring bias portion 80 of the slide 53, as seen in FIG. 3A. This will remove the clamping or locking engagement with the outsole portion 50 to provide or facilitate easy removal of slide 53 from outsole 50.
  • FIGs. 5A and 5B depict a spike arrangement for a right-handed golfer using a pair of shoes 150, 160.
  • the right shoe 150 includes a slide 151 having two golf spikes 153, 154 arranged on the left-hand portion of the bottom of sole
  • each slide has a similar arrangement.
  • the left shoe 160 includes a slide 161 having two spikes 163, 164 near the left-hand portion of left shoe 160, while only a single spike 165 is near the right-hand portion of left shoe 160.
  • the other slide arrangements could be arranged in a similar fashion.
  • the heel portion of the golf shoes could have different arrangements or configurations of golf spikes to again provide for improved traction and durability.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a corresponding variation of a pair of golf shoes for a left- handed golfer, 170 being the right shoe, 180 being the left shoe. It can be seen that the arrangement of spikes 173, 174, 175 on a slide 171 and spikes 183, 184 and 185 on a slide 181 can vary in any desired fashion depending upon the particular needs of an individual wearing the shoes.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a further embodiment of the interaction of a slide with a slot in the golf shoe sole.
  • an outsole 200 includes, in this embodiment, two U-shaped flex channels or grooves 202, 203.
  • Slide 204 includes a golf spike 210 arranged with a T-shaped base portion 212 ending in a nipple portion 214. This configuration in FIG. 7 permits additional support of golf spike 210 within slide 204.
  • golf spikes 210 could be merely inserted into slide 204 through a hole drilled through the slide.
  • the widest part of spike base portion 212 of spike 210 is embedded inside the plastic portion of slide 204. This prevents the spike itself from being moved up or down within slide 204.
  • slide 204 is made of sufficient width at the upper portion 221 thereof, narrowing down to a lesser width at point 222, so that slide 204 will be in locking engagement with outsole 200.
  • outsole 200 has a raised section to act like a spring which goes up and down opposite to the cavity in the back of the slide 204.
  • FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the depth of flex groove 202 is less than the depth of the base of slide groove 222.
  • the shoe only flexes at the thinnest portions (i.e., at the flex grooves) and not at the slide grooves (so the slide does not bend).
  • the depth of flex groove 202 could be approximately 1/64
  • the depth of slide groove 222 could be approximately 1/16".
  • the thickness of the entire sole 224, at its thickest point, is approximately 3/16".
  • FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of an outsole 300 of the present invention.
  • Outsole 300 includes four channels or flex grooves 304, 308, 312 and 316.
  • Outsole 300 also includes seven slides 320, 324, 328, 332, 336,340 and 344.
  • Slide 320 for example, includes three spikes 348, 352 and 356 embedded in slide 320. However, any placement of spikes may be used to optimize traction and stability for a particular wearer.
  • a hole 360 is formed through slide 320 so that, when a golf tee (or other suitable tool) is inserted into hole 360, it depresses a spring bias member (not shown), so that, slide 320 can be easily removed from the golf shoe, as shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B and described above. Similar holes are provided in slides 324 - 344 as shown in FIG.
  • Nylon outsole 300 has a front portion 364 and a rear portion 368. Front portion 364 and rear portion 368 of outsole 300 are covered with a rubber plate or bumper 372 as shown in FIG. 9.
  • a rubber plate or bumper 372 sometimes, when walking up or down a steep incline, the spikes on outsole 300 momentarily fail to make contact with the ground. Thus, on a hard surface, very little traction is present.
  • the rubber plates or bumpers 372 provide traction to the wearer when walking up or down a steep incline, even when the spikes lose contact with a hard walking surface.
  • FIGs. 10A and 10B depict a bottom view of outsole 400 of a pair of golf shoes showing another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Each outsole 400 includes four channels or flex grooves 404, 408, 412 and 416.
  • Each outsole 400 also includes seven slides 420, 424, 428, 432, 436, 440 and 444 disposed in corresponding slots.
  • Slides 420 - 444, and corresponding slots are tapered so that they are wider at their lateral edges than at their medial edges. By tapering slides 420 - 444 and the corresponding slots, the distance between each slide 420 - 444 and the edge of each corresponding slot increases as slides 420 - 444 are removed.
  • each slide 420 - 444 must only be slid a few millimeters before there is a considerable distance between the slide and the edges of the slots.
  • Channels 404, 408, 412 and 416 are also tapered so that they are each narrower at their lateral edge. Thus, the taper of each slide is opposite to the taper of each groove.
  • Outsole 400 also includes rubber bumpers 472 located on a front portion 464 and a rear portion 468 of outsole 400. Bumpers 472 are similar to bumpers 372 discussed above with reference to FIG. 9.
  • the spikes could be made of rubber or similar soft material. Further, the spikes could be omitted entirely, and the slide would simply form a portion of the outsole of the shoe.
  • the spike configuration could also provide for longer or shorter spikes depending on the golf course conditions, to provide for better support and traction in the rough, for example, as a golfer swings.
  • aspects of the present invention could be used for other types of athletic shoes, such as for baseball, track, soccer and other sports where cleated or spiked shoes are commonly used.
  • a rubber outsole with plastic or nylon inserts could also be used into which spikes can be inserted when icy conditions are prevalent. Such would be useful for snow or ski boots.

Abstract

An improved golf shoe (10) includes an upper (12) and an outsole (20) having one or more flexible grooves or channels (22, 23, 24, 25) formed laterally to bend or flex about the ball of a user's foot when walking to provide for flexibility. The outsole (110) also includes one or more slots (120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126) laterally formed therethrough to receive corresponding slides (131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136), each of which have one or more golf spikes (42, 70, 71, 72, 73) formed therein. The slides (420-444) and corresponding slots (76) may be tapered to facilitate removal of the slides from the shoe. The slides facilitate changing of spikes by inserting the slide into the slot and clampingly engaging the slide in the slot. The shoe may also include rubber bumpers (372, 472) on a front and a back portion of each shoe to improve traction when walking up or down steep hills. The improved golf shoe provides for lateral support when a golfer is swinging a golf club while providing great flexibility and traction when walking.

Description

Athletic Shoe Having Sliding Spikes
Background of the Invention
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved athletic shoe and more particularly to an improved athletic shoe having sliding spikes on the sole.
Related Art
A typical athletic shoe, and in particular, a golf shoe includes an upper (frequently made of leather or other suitable material), an inner or intermediate portion for support purposes and, finally, a sole portion which includes 10-12 screw-in metal spikes for each shoe. The golf spikes provide traction on the golf course so that the shoes do not slide side to side when the golfer is swinging a golf club. The screw-in metal spikes each require a corresponding screw-in metal or plastic receptacle which is usually embedded in the sole of the shoe with threads in it. The problem with existing golf shoes is that by screwing the spikes into the receptacles, the spikes themselves must be generally arranged towards the center of sole. This leaves considerable room on the outside of the sole so that the shoe can be wobbly and there may not be sufficient support to prevent a sliding action, which of course is undesirable. Also, the spikes must screw into the receptacle, which makes the shoe stiff, which also can be undesirable. The only way to make the shoe more flexible is to use a softer material.
Most golf shoes use the above approach, although different types of materials, different colored spikes and the like may be utilized. The general limitation is that there are only about 10-12 metal spikes for each shoe, which does not provide optimum traction and support. As indicated, it would be desirable that the golf shoe be flexible as the user is walking, but also rigid with respect to side to side or lateral motion when the golfer is swinging a golf club. Previous approaches to this problem do not provide these desired capabilities.
Summary of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved athletic shoe. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved golf shoe. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved athletic shoe that has traction, flexibility and stability.
Briefly, the present invention, in one preferred embodiment, includes a golf shoe comprising a first upper portion together with an outsole formed of a generally flat or planar material having one or more flexible portions (channels or grooves) conformed to flex back and forth about the ball of the user's foot as the user is walking or running. An alternate embodiment of the present invention includes rubber bumpers secured to a front and back portion of the outsole of the shoe. These rubber bumpers provide additional traction when walking uphill or downhill on hard surfaces such as paths or walkways.
The outsole also includes a plurality of laterally formed slots generally wider than the flex portions across the bottom of the outsole. The golf shoe further includes one or more slides of a predetermined width corresponding to the width of the slots, each of which is slidably insertable into the respective slot so as to be placed in a locking or engaging relationship with the outsole of the golf shoe. The slides each contain one or more golf spikes which can be arranged in any predetermined pattern.
In one embodiment, the slots and their respective slides are of a uniform width. In an alternate embodiment, the slots and slides are tapered so that the width at the open end of the slot and corresponding slide is wider than at the closed end. The tapered design of the slots and slides facilitates removal of the slides for cleaning or replacement.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Figures
The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification illustrate an embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. FIG. 1 is a side view of an improved golf shoe according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the outsole of the improved golf shoe of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the outsole of the shoe of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of another aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the improved golf shoe according to the present invention.
FIGs. 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B show configurations of the placement of spikes on a pair of improved golf shoes for right-handed and left-handed golfers, respectively.
FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of the outsole of the improved golf shoe showing a further aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of another embodiment of the sole of the present invention. FIGs. 10A and 10B show a bottom plan view another embodiment of a pair of shoe soles of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of an improved golf shoe 10 according to the present invention is depicted. In FIG. 1, the golf shoe 10 includes an upper portion 12 generally formed of a leather-type material (although it could be made of other materials, such as canvas), together with an intermediate sole portion or midsole 14 which is typically made of blown plastic foam such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and an outsole portion 20 (as described below). Midsole 14 and outsole 20 together comprise the shoe sole. However, in some instances, midsole 14 may be omitted, and the shoe sole would comprise an outsole only. Intermediate sole portion 14 provides a midsole cushion for the golf shoe
10 and is made of a type of material (EVA) used on many types of athletic shoes.
As noted above, golf shoe 10 of FIG. 1 includes an outsole portion 20 desirably made of a nylon or plastic (sufficiently hard or rigid) type of material which is generally flat and which is glued or affixed to the midsole cushion portion 14. The outsole 20, as will be described, is made with a plurality of flex grooves or channels 22, 23, 24, 25, which flex with respect to the ball of a user's foot. In FIG. 1, there are four grooves or channels 22-25 laterally formed through the plastic or nylon outsole 20. There could be different numbers of channels or grooves, as necessary. The sole portion is generally affixed to the upper portion with a polyurethane cement.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, the grooves are tilted at the same angle that the user's foot bends, typically at approximately a 12-degree angle. The tilt aspect of the outsole 20 provides great flexibility as a golfer is walking on the golf course. The rest of the outsole 20 is thick enough to provide rigidity so that the shoe does not bend side to side.
As can be seen in FIG. 1, the grooves, such as groove or channel 22, form a thin area which could be one of many shapes, such as flat, U-shaped, V-shaped and which provide for the flexing or hinging aspect described above.
The improved golf shoe 10 also includes, as desired, additional channels or grooves 28, 29 at the front and back portions, respectively, of the outsole 20.
The golf shoe 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a plurality of slides, such as slide 40, which slide into locking engagement with corresponding slots formed in the bottom portion of outsole portion 20. Each slide 40 includes one or more golf spikes 42 formed thereon. The actual engagement of slide 40 with outsole
20 is shown in other drawings and described below.
The nylon outsole 20 of FIG. 1 has grooves 22-25 for flexibility, and slots to accommodate a respective slide, such as slide 40. Grooves 28 at the front portion of shoe 10 provide for an improved walking motion. Similarly, grooves
29 at the rear portion of shoe 10 also provide for comfortable walking. The front and rear portions of the outsole 20 can also be beveled, as desired.
FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of an outsole 50 according to the present invention. The bottom portion of the outsole 50 includes a plurality of slots laterally formed thereon which will receive a corresponding slide, such as slides 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58. As can be seen in FIG.2, the bottom portion of outsole 50 includes the grooves or channels 62-65 to provide the flex action previously described. A slide, such as slide 53, includes one or more golf spikes 70, 71 , 72, 73, embedded in some fashion thereon. The slide can be made of a plastic, nylon or rubber type material. The slide 53 also includes a hole 75 formed therethrough so that when a golf tee (or other suitable tool) is inserted into hole 75, slide 53 can be easily removed from the golf outsole 50. This is shown in more detail in FIG.
3B.
FIG. 3 A shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3. In FIG. 3 A, it can be seen that slide 53 includes four golf spikes 70-73 formed therein. Slide 53 also includes a spring or bias portion 80 which engages a corresponding portion of golf outsole 50 to form a clasping or engaging relationship. Alternatively, an exterior outer clip portion could be formed on slide 53 to engage outsole portion 50.
In FIG. 2, slide portion 54 is shown which can be inserted into corresponding slot 76. It can be seen that slot 76 is laterally formed across a portion of the bottom of outsole 50. The remaining slots are formed in a similar fashion. It is therefore apparent that slide 54 can be quickly inserted and/or removed to provide a very quick and efficient means of changing the spikes on a golf shoe, not previously attainable in the prior shoes.
FIG. 3B shows one embodiment of locking a slide 90, which can be slid into slot 92 within outsole 91. Slide 90 has spikes 95, 96 embedded in some fashion. Also, slide 90 has a hole 97 drilled therethrough into notch area 94.
Slot 92 includes a spring bias type tab 93 which engages notch 94 in locking engagement when notch 94 slides past spring bias tab 93. The locking engagement is in the form of a dovetail fashion, as can be seen in FIG.3B. Other locking aspects of a slide within a slot are of course possible. Once the slide is locked in position, it can be easily removed by inserting a suitable tool (such as a golf tee) through hole 97 to disengage tab 93 from notch 94. This will then permit easy removal of slide 90 from slot 92.
In a typical operation with three or four spikes on a particular slide, the slide can be removed in a very few seconds, since they do not have to be screwed in, as required in prior approaches. Also, the spike location can be at the very outer edges of outsole 50, as will be described in conjunction with the additional
Figures to be described below. The present invention thus provides flexibility for walking action as well as desired lateral rigidity. As will also become apparent, any combination of spikes can be arranged on the bottom of the sole of shoe 10. One can provide 24 spikes in one embodiment, 20 spikes in another embodiment, 30 in still another embodiment.
FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of an improved golf shoe 100 which has an upper portion 102 with an outsole portion 110 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
The outsole 110 includes four flex channels or grooves 112-115. Also, it can be seen in FIG. 4 that the outsole 110 includes seven slot portions 120-126. Each slot portion is of a predetermined width at the upper and lower levels which forms a slot adapted to receive a corresponding slide 130-136. It should also become apparent that slides 130-136 could be connected together integrally by a single strip so as to provide for a single means of inserting or removing a plurality of golf spikes from the golf shoe itself.
As can also be seen, the particular slide can be removed easily by inserting a golf tee or other similar instrument into hole 75 to depress the spring bias portion 80 of the slide 53, as seen in FIG. 3A. This will remove the clamping or locking engagement with the outsole portion 50 to provide or facilitate easy removal of slide 53 from outsole 50.
FIGs. 5A and 5B depict a spike arrangement for a right-handed golfer using a pair of shoes 150, 160. The right shoe 150 includes a slide 151 having two golf spikes 153, 154 arranged on the left-hand portion of the bottom of sole
152, while only one spike 155 is arranged near the right-hand portion of the bottom of sole 152. Each slide has a similar arrangement.
Similarly, the left shoe 160 includes a slide 161 having two spikes 163, 164 near the left-hand portion of left shoe 160, while only a single spike 165 is near the right-hand portion of left shoe 160. The other slide arrangements could be arranged in a similar fashion.
Also, it can be seen from FIGs. 5A and 5B that the heel portion of the golf shoes could have different arrangements or configurations of golf spikes to again provide for improved traction and durability.
FIG. 6 depicts a corresponding variation of a pair of golf shoes for a left- handed golfer, 170 being the right shoe, 180 being the left shoe. It can be seen that the arrangement of spikes 173, 174, 175 on a slide 171 and spikes 183, 184 and 185 on a slide 181 can vary in any desired fashion depending upon the particular needs of an individual wearing the shoes.
FIG. 7 depicts a further embodiment of the interaction of a slide with a slot in the golf shoe sole.
In FIG. 7, an outsole 200 includes, in this embodiment, two U-shaped flex channels or grooves 202, 203. Slide 204 includes a golf spike 210 arranged with a T-shaped base portion 212 ending in a nipple portion 214. This configuration in FIG. 7 permits additional support of golf spike 210 within slide 204.
In one embodiment, golf spikes 210 could be merely inserted into slide 204 through a hole drilled through the slide. In FIG. 7, the widest part of spike base portion 212 of spike 210 is embedded inside the plastic portion of slide 204. This prevents the spike itself from being moved up or down within slide 204. In
FIG. 7, it can also be seen that slide 204 is made of sufficient width at the upper portion 221 thereof, narrowing down to a lesser width at point 222, so that slide 204 will be in locking engagement with outsole 200.
As in FIG. 3A, outsole 200 has a raised section to act like a spring which goes up and down opposite to the cavity in the back of the slide 204. The slide
204 is then inserted within the slot and snaps in place.
As previously described, different configurations of the spike arrangement are possible, depending on the need for desired support or traction and whether the golfer is left-handed or right-handed. As the golfer swings and follows through, his feet can basically roll so that the spike configuration in FIGs. 5 and 6 provide for adaptability for the particular golfer.
FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the present invention in which the depth of flex groove 202 is less than the depth of the base of slide groove 222.
This is so that the shoe only flexes at the thinnest portions (i.e., at the flex grooves) and not at the slide grooves (so the slide does not bend). For example, in one embodiment, the depth of flex groove 202 could be approximately 1/64", while the depth of slide groove 222 could be approximately 1/16". The thickness of the entire sole 224, at its thickest point, is approximately 3/16".
FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of an outsole 300 of the present invention. Outsole 300 includes four channels or flex grooves 304, 308, 312 and 316. Outsole 300 also includes seven slides 320, 324, 328, 332, 336,340 and 344. Slide 320, for example, includes three spikes 348, 352 and 356 embedded in slide 320. However, any placement of spikes may be used to optimize traction and stability for a particular wearer. A hole 360 is formed through slide 320 so that, when a golf tee (or other suitable tool) is inserted into hole 360, it depresses a spring bias member (not shown), so that, slide 320 can be easily removed from the golf shoe, as shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B and described above. Similar holes are provided in slides 324 - 344 as shown in FIG.
9 for removal of the slides.
Nylon outsole 300 has a front portion 364 and a rear portion 368. Front portion 364 and rear portion 368 of outsole 300 are covered with a rubber plate or bumper 372 as shown in FIG. 9. Sometimes, when walking up or down a steep incline, the spikes on outsole 300 momentarily fail to make contact with the ground. Thus, on a hard surface, very little traction is present. The rubber plates or bumpers 372 provide traction to the wearer when walking up or down a steep incline, even when the spikes lose contact with a hard walking surface.
FIGs. 10A and 10B depict a bottom view of outsole 400 of a pair of golf shoes showing another embodiment of the present invention. Each outsole 400 includes four channels or flex grooves 404, 408, 412 and 416. Each outsole 400 also includes seven slides 420, 424, 428, 432, 436, 440 and 444 disposed in corresponding slots.
While in use, mud and sand from a golf course may enter the slot in the area between the outsole and the slide. When the slot and slide have a uniform width, debris caught between the outsole and slide, renders the slide difficult to remove. Slides 420 - 444, and corresponding slots, are tapered so that they are wider at their lateral edges than at their medial edges. By tapering slides 420 - 444 and the corresponding slots, the distance between each slide 420 - 444 and the edge of each corresponding slot increases as slides 420 - 444 are removed.
With this configuration, each slide 420 - 444 must only be slid a few millimeters before there is a considerable distance between the slide and the edges of the slots. Channels 404, 408, 412 and 416 are also tapered so that they are each narrower at their lateral edge. Thus, the taper of each slide is opposite to the taper of each groove.
Three spikes 448, 452 and 456 are embedded in slide 420. Similarly, three spikes are embedded in each slide 424 - 444. A hole 460 is formed through slide 420 so that, when a golf tee (or other suitable tool) is inserted into hole 460, slide 420 can be easily removed from the golf shoe, as shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B and described above. Outsole 400 also includes rubber bumpers 472 located on a front portion 464 and a rear portion 468 of outsole 400. Bumpers 472 are similar to bumpers 372 discussed above with reference to FIG. 9.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the spikes could be made of rubber or similar soft material. Further, the spikes could be omitted entirely, and the slide would simply form a portion of the outsole of the shoe.
The spike configuration could also provide for longer or shorter spikes depending on the golf course conditions, to provide for better support and traction in the rough, for example, as a golfer swings.
Also, the aspects of the present invention could be used for other types of athletic shoes, such as for baseball, track, soccer and other sports where cleated or spiked shoes are commonly used. A rubber outsole with plastic or nylon inserts could also be used into which spikes can be inserted when icy conditions are prevalent. Such would be useful for snow or ski boots.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The preferred embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined only by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

Whatls Claimed Is:
1. An athletic shoe comprising: an upper; an outsole affixed to said upper; a slot formed in a bottom portion of said outsole, wherein said slot is tapered such that a lateral edge of said slot is wider than a medial edge thereof; and a slide slidably received within said slot, wherein said slide is tapered such that a lateral edge of said slot is wider than a medial edge thereof.
2. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising: a spring bias tab disposed on one of said slot and said slide; and a locking notch disposed on the other of said slot and said slide, wherein said spring bias tab and said locking notch engage to lock said slide within said slot.
3. The athletic shoe of claim 2, further comprising: a hole formed within said slide adjacent to said locking notch, whereby a tool can be inserted into said hole to disengage said spring bias tab from said locking notch to permit removal of said slide from within said slot.
4. The athletic shoe of claim 1 , further comprising a spike disposed on said slide.
5. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of spikes disposed on said slide, wherein at least one of said spikes is arranged adjacent to an edge of said outsole.
6. The athletic shoe of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of slots and a plurality of corresponding slides, one of said slots being disposed at a front portion of said outsole, another of said slots being disposed at a back portion of said outsole.
7. The athletic shoe of claim 1 , further comprising: a first bumper disposed on a front portion of said outsole; and a second bumper disposed on a back portion of said outsole.
8. The athletic shoe of claim 7, wherein said first bumper and said second bumper are made of rubber.
9. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising: a spring bias tab disposed within said slot forming a ramp surface extending into said slot; and a locking notch disposed on a side of said slide opposite to said spring bias tab, wherein said ramp surface of said spring bias tab is engaged by said locking notch to lock said slide within said slot.
10. The athletic shoe of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of spikes disposed along said slide, wherein at least one of said plurality of spikes is arranged adjacent an edge of said sole.
11. The athletic shoe of claim 9, further comprising: a hole formed within said slide adjacent said locking notch, whereby a tool can be inserted into said hole to disengage said spring bias tab from said locking notch to permit removal of said slide from within said slot.
12. The athletic shoe of claim 1 , further comprising: a plurality of grooves formed across the bottom portion of said sole in a ball area of said sole forming flex lines, said flex lines being disposed in locations different from said slot.
13. The athletic shoe of claim 12, wherein said plurality of grooves are tilted at approximately a 12 degree angle.
PCT/US1996/010892 1996-06-25 1996-06-25 Athletic shoe having sliding spikes WO1997049308A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU63948/96A AU6394896A (en) 1996-06-25 1996-06-25 Athletic shoe having sliding spikes
PCT/US1996/010892 WO1997049308A1 (en) 1996-06-25 1996-06-25 Athletic shoe having sliding spikes

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1996/010892 WO1997049308A1 (en) 1996-06-25 1996-06-25 Athletic shoe having sliding spikes

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997049308A1 true WO1997049308A1 (en) 1997-12-31

Family

ID=22255383

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1996/010892 WO1997049308A1 (en) 1996-06-25 1996-06-25 Athletic shoe having sliding spikes

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6394896A (en)
WO (1) WO1997049308A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013167894A1 (en) * 2012-05-08 2013-11-14 Cooltraxx Limited Ice grips
GB2538537A (en) * 2015-05-20 2016-11-23 Icedog Design Ltd Sole plate assembly
KR101775034B1 (en) 2016-10-25 2017-09-05 전호권 golf shoes
GB2556666A (en) * 2016-09-20 2018-06-06 Nasser Rue Ali Mahmoud A footwear device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2239077A1 (en) * 1971-09-15 1974-02-21 Dassler Puma Sportschuh SHOE SOLE FOR SPORT SHOES
US3982336A (en) * 1976-01-21 1976-09-28 Herro Richard E Athletic shoe with a detachable sole
US4439936A (en) * 1982-06-03 1984-04-03 Nike, Inc. Shock attenuating outer sole
US4523396A (en) * 1982-09-02 1985-06-18 Puma-Sportschuhfabriken Rudolf Dassler Kg Athletic shoe having spike or stud-shaped cleats exchangeably arranged at the running sole
US4559724A (en) * 1983-11-08 1985-12-24 Nike, Inc. Track shoe with a improved sole
US5197210A (en) * 1989-11-20 1993-03-30 Sink Jeffrey A Athletic shoe

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2239077A1 (en) * 1971-09-15 1974-02-21 Dassler Puma Sportschuh SHOE SOLE FOR SPORT SHOES
US3982336A (en) * 1976-01-21 1976-09-28 Herro Richard E Athletic shoe with a detachable sole
US4439936A (en) * 1982-06-03 1984-04-03 Nike, Inc. Shock attenuating outer sole
US4523396A (en) * 1982-09-02 1985-06-18 Puma-Sportschuhfabriken Rudolf Dassler Kg Athletic shoe having spike or stud-shaped cleats exchangeably arranged at the running sole
US4559724A (en) * 1983-11-08 1985-12-24 Nike, Inc. Track shoe with a improved sole
US5197210A (en) * 1989-11-20 1993-03-30 Sink Jeffrey A Athletic shoe

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013167894A1 (en) * 2012-05-08 2013-11-14 Cooltraxx Limited Ice grips
GB2538537A (en) * 2015-05-20 2016-11-23 Icedog Design Ltd Sole plate assembly
GB2538537B (en) * 2015-05-20 2017-09-06 Icedog Design Ltd Sole plate assembly
GB2556666A (en) * 2016-09-20 2018-06-06 Nasser Rue Ali Mahmoud A footwear device
GB2556666B (en) * 2016-09-20 2020-03-25 Nasser Rue Ali Mahmoud A footwear device
KR101775034B1 (en) 2016-10-25 2017-09-05 전호권 golf shoes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6394896A (en) 1998-01-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5197210A (en) Athletic shoe
US20210000212A1 (en) Interchangeable Foreparts for Shoes
US11089838B2 (en) Interchangeable chassis for cleated footwear
CA3057494C (en) Article of footwear with modifiable sole
US6345454B1 (en) Shoe having a removable sole and method of use
US6032386A (en) Golf shoe with removable sole
US7386948B2 (en) Flexible hinged cleat
US6311415B1 (en) Bowling shoe with replaceable tip
EP2200464B1 (en) Article of footwear with walled cleat system
US20170079370A1 (en) Modular shoe systems and methods of using same
US6016613A (en) Golf shoe outsole with pivot control traction elements
US6195918B1 (en) Grinding apparatus with flexible plate
US6058627A (en) All-terrain footwear with retractable spikes
EP3570697B1 (en) Toe portion for a track and field shoe
US7600333B2 (en) Golf shoe cleat
US20020166263A1 (en) Spikeless golf shoe having an outsole with bi-directional surface reaction body
US20100031533A1 (en) Footwear sole with a removable heel insert
US6195920B1 (en) Grinding footwear apparatus with storage compartment
EP0100359A1 (en) Athletic shoe sole
US5926980A (en) Two-piece cleat assembly
US20210227926A1 (en) Sole structure for an article of footwear
WO2004086890A1 (en) Socks and footwears for preventing sole from slipping
WO2003045182A1 (en) Grip for footwear
WO1997049308A1 (en) Athletic shoe having sliding spikes
WO1991007108A1 (en) Athletic shoe

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AU CA JP US

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

Ref document number: 98502875

Format of ref document f/p: F

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: CA