For Golf Patents (Class 36/127)
  • Publication number: 20130333247
    Abstract: A golf shoe outsole comprises a thin, flexible base layer having many discrete platforms projecting downwardly from the base layer for providing traction elements. The platforms are separated by channels and open regions to allow the discrete platforms to readily flex relative to one another about the thin base layer, providing enhanced flexibility to the outsole and improved traction performance during a dynamic act such as a golf swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Marco Aurelio Grott, Ernie Rustam, Gerald Kuhtz, June Cate
  • Patent number: 8607479
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of golf shoes with a rolling surface supporting the swing, wherein an external rolling surface is provided along a shoe outer edge and in the big toe region to the tip region of the other shoe an inner rolling surface is provided along the shoe inner edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Johannes Schwarz
  • Patent number: 8601724
    Abstract: Golf shoes are revealed. The golf shoes include auxiliary supports arranged at the positions which golf players' center of gravity shifted to during the strike. Thus the center of gravity of the player changed during the swing is supported by the auxiliary supports for maintaining the lower body of the player stable throughout the lift. The power of the strike is maintained due to the firm lower body. The accuracy is also good, not affected by changes of the center of gravity of the body. Therefore the player can swing through easily and have a nice shoot smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Po-Hai Shiue, Po-Hsiang Hsueh
  • Patent number: 8578631
    Abstract: Golf shoe sole 10 having extendable spikes 71 activated by compressed air from a pump 42 located inside sole of shoe. Pump 42 is operated by weight of wearer's heel on a bladder 41 located in heel of sole and check valves 51 maintain pressure in pneumatic system. Pushbutton switch 58 selects movement of spikes 71 between retracted and extended modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Gene A. Francello, Eric Nelson, Helen K. Park
  • Publication number: 20130283644
    Abstract: A gripping device is provided for increasing traction in a shoe. In one embodiment, the gripping device includes a first arcuate surface having an inner row of teeth extending generally in a first direction, wherein the arcuate surface is configured to generally extend along an outer contour of the shoe. The gripping device further includes a second arcuate surface having an outer row of teeth extending outward from the first arcuate surface, the inner row of teeth and the outer row of teeth forming a generally V-shaped channel therebetween having an acute angle. The gripping device also includes a plurality of attachment tabs on the first arcuate surface and extending generally in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Eduardo Quiroz Ramirez
  • Patent number: 8510973
    Abstract: A shoe and an apparatus for selectively extending spikes from the bottom of a shoe. The shoe has a sole having a longitudinal direction a plurality of spike apertures. The apparatus comprises a plurality of spike assemblies, each being locatable within one of the spike apertures an elongate member extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the shoe and a cyclically alternating positioner for moving the elongate member between the first and second positions. The positioner including an actuating button. Depressing the actuating button a first time causes the positioner to move the elongate member to a first position whereat the spikes are extended from the sole. Depressing the actuating button a second time causes the positioner to move the elongate member to the second position whereat the spikes are retracted into the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Kickspike Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell Bachmann, Michael H. Boudreau, Carl S. Flatman, Nicolas B. Sunder
  • Patent number: 8510974
    Abstract: A traction plate for a shoe. The traction plate is removably attachable to the outsole of a shoe to provide traction on a surface for a shoe wearer. The plate includes a flange with one or more surface-engaging elements on one face. The plate also includes two or more shoe-coupling elements. The shoe-coupling elements are inserted into corresponding receptacles in a shoe-outsole and then rotated to affix the plate to the shoe. The shoe-coupling elements may be captively attached to the plate flange or attachable to the shoe receptacle with a rotation of no more than one full revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: CLEATS LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Yue, Armand J. Savoie
  • Publication number: 20130210536
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a golf shot alignment and support system using golf shoes which have at least a portion of the front portion of the sole or welt, or both, of the shoe squared off, and aligning the squared off portion to help set up golfer's feet parallel toward an intended target. The golf shoes further provide a point of balance for the golfer at the end of the golf swing. The present disclosure also provides for methods of their use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Winskowicz
  • Publication number: 20130185960
    Abstract: To improve the grip of the shoe at the ground, especially when playing golf, the shoe has a cleat with a cleat base body which can be connected to the sole and that at least one extension is arranged at the cleat base body which extends to the ground. The vertical projected area (AF) of the end of the extension which is facing the ground is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, outside of the vertical projected area (AG) of the cleat base body. The cleats are arranged on a carrier plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: PUMA SE
    Inventor: Puma Se
  • Patent number: 8490303
    Abstract: An outer sole for a golf shoe includes a plurality of cleats distributed along a forefoot area and a heel area. The cleats are integrated with the outer sole and extend from a surface of the outer sole that faces away from the shoe. The cleats are essentially cross-shaped, and the arms of the cross are preferably connected via arc sections. Such outer sole for a golf shoe gives good traction on the golf course but is also useable as a casual shoe off the golf course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ECCO Sko A/S
    Inventor: Dieter Kasprzak
  • Patent number: 8458847
    Abstract: A device comprising a cleaning device operably attached to a mounting device, wherein the mounting device is configured to engage a footwear, wherein the cleaning device facilitates the cleaning of equipment, such as a golf club. Furthermore, a method of cleaning a golf club comprising providing a cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device has a first end and a second end, coupling the first end of the cleaning device and the attachment device, wherein the attachment device and a mounting plate form a mounting device, and wherein the mounting device is configured to engage a footwear is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Brent Herrmann, Richard J. Herrmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8418382
    Abstract: A sole structure can include one or more ridge tractions elements. The ridge traction elements can be separated by one or more flexure zones. The sole structure can also include other types of traction elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl L. Madore, Nicole Mueller
  • Patent number: 8413352
    Abstract: The club head cleaning attachment for a golf shoe is removably secured to a golf shoe to enable the shoe to be used in cleaning the head or face of a golf club during play. The device is formed of a flexible, resilient elastomeric material, and has a toe pocket fitting over the extreme forward end of the toe cap and sole of the shoe. Attachment straps or bands extend rearwardly to secure the device about the horizontal circumference of the shoe. The strap or band may be a continuous, endless component stretched to fit around the shoe, or may have mating first and second ends that secure to one another behind the heel. The toe pocket includes a cleaning element extending outwardly therefrom generally along the forward edge of the shoe sole. The cleaning element may be a non-woven web of plastic material, an absorbent cloth, or a brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Robert A. Watkins
  • Patent number: 8371047
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole kit that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. The kit includes a wedged slab and a neutral slab. The slabs may be trimmed using the kit's sizing chart to create medial or lateral wedged insoles for either the right or left foot. The slab construction may mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Lanny Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130031802
    Abstract: As described above, just as a person inserts his/her toes into a space under furniture and does sit-ups by using the force of the toes, a functional shoe of the present invention provides a portion into which an instep and a toe base portion are inserted on the functional shoe to use the force of the toe base portion which may exert the greatest force from among portions of a foot, thereby adding momentum. Accordingly, a wearer may further use the force of the instep and the toe base portion to support weight. That is, when a batter hits a baseball in a baseball game, an instep of the batter including a toe base portion may be inserted into a weight support unit to support the weight of the batter, thereby adding forces of the instep and the toe base portion the weight of the batter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Dong-jin Park
  • Publication number: 20120329567
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide devices for stabilizing the foot of a golfer during a swing to improve the golfer's form. Embodiments disclose a variety of strap designs to hold a spike, such as a golf tee, underneath the sole of the golf shoe. The spike engages the ground to limit the movement of the foot during a swing to improve the mechanics of a golfer's swing. Some embodiments include a strap to which the golf tee is removably secured. Other embodiments provide for golf shoe designs which incorporate the spike or an attachment mechanism for a spike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Adan Anastasios RAMMOS, Jared James Tavares
  • Publication number: 20120297646
    Abstract: A multi-adaptable power automated apparatus used for gaining traction on various surfaces comprising: snow, and/or ice to name some. Further assisting with accelerating, decelerating, turning, and/or stopping of a person(s) and/or vehicle(s); yet further compatible in/or on water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Jean Brault
  • Patent number: 8312648
    Abstract: A foot orthotic for golf that provides solid stability and encourages proper foot bracing and release during the golf swing. The orthotic having a semi-rigid shell, compliant top cover, anti-skid forefoot pad and a heel post. The heel post having a short medial edge to encourage proper bracing and release and an extended lateral edge to resist foot rolling or supination during the golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: John K. Ballantyne
  • Patent number: 8302332
    Abstract: A removable spike or cleat assembly for footwear, including a sole, wherein the assembly includes a spike or cleat constructed from an elastically deformable material and including one or more leg members and mounting apparatus adapted to engage with the sole, wherein the spike or cleat is adapted to engage with a projection located on the mounting apparatus, the engagement between the spike or cleat and the projection being achieved by rotating the spike or cleat relative to the projection and at least partially inserting the one or more leg members into one or more apertures located on the mounting apparatus, and wherein the spike or cleat is disengaged from the mounting apparatus by producing an elastic deformation of the one or more leg members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Raptors Sports Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Craig Leach
  • Publication number: 20120266498
    Abstract: A golf shoe is disclosed comprising an upper portion coupled to a sole. The upper portion of the shoe is sized to receive a foot. The sole may have a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion may have an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the front portion such that, when worn by a golfer, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: Micky Gallas
  • Publication number: 20120227285
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a heel section, a mid-foot section, and a toe section. The heel section, the mid-foot section, and the toe section collectively have a geometric shape having a first slope of a polarity along an inner edge of the apparatus from the toe section to the heel section and a second slope of the polarity along the inner edge of the apparatus to an outer edge of the apparatus at the toe section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: AdMark Athletic Ventures
    Inventors: Michael R. Adair, Timothy W. Markison
  • Patent number: 8245422
    Abstract: A single component traction cleat of co-molded hub and dynamic traction portions includes dynamic traction elements flexible about proximal ends secured inboard of and below a hub periphery having cut-outs through which the elements move when flexed. The hub has a cross-like configuration with spoke-like legs from which static traction elements depend. Locking posts located on the hub spoke legs include a recess between two symmetrical interference sections for receiving a locking tooth on a mating receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Softspikes, LLC
    Inventors: Rand J. Krikorian, John Robert Burt
  • Publication number: 20120180342
    Abstract: An out-sole assembly for a golf shoe. The outsole assembly includes an internal base member composed of EVA, an inner frame member composed thermoplastic polyurethane subjected to an isocyanate solution, an external base member composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a dual looping frame composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of spike members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventors: JON BOBBETT, MICHAEL ROY, JAMES GORMAN
  • Publication number: 20120117828
    Abstract: An outer sole for a golf shoe includes a plurality of cleats distributed along a forefoot area and a heel area. The cleats are integrated with the outer sole and extend from a surface of the outer sole that faces away from the shoe. The plurality of cleats includes at least a larger sized set of cleats and a smaller sized set of cleats. Such outer sole for a golf shoe gives good traction on the golf course but is also useable as a casual shoe off the golf course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: ECCO Sko A/S
    Inventor: Dieter Kasprzak
  • Patent number: 8109016
    Abstract: An adjustable golf spike assembly for a golf shoe includes a receptacle fixedly attached to the sole of the golf shoe. The receptacle defines an octagonal recess and an octagonal, externally threaded post disposed within the recess. A cleat includes an oversized gripping portion for providing traction and an attachment portion extending from the gripping portion. The attachment portion has an octagonal outer surface to match and engage with the octagonal recess and an octagonal threaded recess for engaging with the threads of the receptacle. Rotation of the cleat relative to the receptacle longitudinally moves the gripping portion relative to the receptacle. Engagement between the upper portion of the cleat and the receptacle provides for discrete rotational positioning of the cleat relative to the receptacle to position and hold the cleat a desired distance from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: David B. Keough
  • Publication number: 20120005924
    Abstract: Golf shoes are revealed. The golf shoes include auxiliary supports arranged at the positions which golf players' center of gravity shifted to during the strike. Thus the center of gravity of the player changed during the swing is supported by the auxiliary supports for maintaining the lower body of the player stable throughout the lift. The power of the strike is maintained due to the firm lower body. The accuracy is also good, not affected by changes of the center of gravity of the body. Therefore the player can swing through easily and have a nice shoot smoothly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: PO-HAI SHIUE, PO-HSIANG HSUEH
  • Patent number: 8087189
    Abstract: An out-sole assembly for a golf shoe. The outsole assembly includes an internal base member composed of EVA, an inner frame member composed thermoplastic polyurethane subjected to an isocyanate solution, an external base member composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a dual looping frame composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of spike members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Jon Bobbett, Michael Roy, James Gorman
  • Patent number: 8079161
    Abstract: There is described a sports shoe, especially a golf shoe, having a sole on which downwardly projecting ground-engaging elements are mounted or can be mounted. It is provided according to the invention that the ground-engaging elements (9), or the means (10) provided for mounting them, are guided and held to move forward and backward along an arc, especially an arc of a circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Andrea Drollinger, Frank Drollinger
  • Patent number: 8074379
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a shoe (10) including an upper (12), having lateral and medial sides, a midsole (14) joined to the upper (12), and an outsole (16) joined to the midsole (4). Shoe (10) is tightened around the wearer's foot using a lacing system (18) comprising a lace (20) and tightening mechanism (22). Lace (20) is threaded through shank (24) positioned under the arch and heel wrap (26) and attached at opposite ends to tightening mechanism (22). In an advantageous aspect of the present invention, lace (18) is tensioned to draw shank (24) upwards and towards the arch of the foot. In order to support the foot, shank (24) is comprised of a material having a strain rate lower than the upper (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Douglas K. Robinson, Jr., John J. Erickson, John F. Lane, III, Hetal Y. Dave
  • Publication number: 20110252669
    Abstract: An outer sole for a golf shoe includes a plurality of cleats distributed along a forefoot area and a heel area. The cleats are integrated with the outer sole and extend from a surface of the outer sole that faces away from the shoe. The cleats are essentially cross-shaped, and the arms of the cross are preferably connected via arc sections. Such outer sole for a golf shoe gives good traction on the golf course but is also useable as a casual shoe off the golf course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: ECCO Sko A/S
    Inventor: Dieter Kasprzak
  • Patent number: 8020322
    Abstract: A cleat for a shoe has an annular array of different types of angularly spaced traction elements disposed about and depending from a hub periphery. The array includes plural types of flexible traction elements and plural types inflexible traction elements interleaved within the array. The dynamic elements are longer than the static elements and are of two different lengths. The static elements have two different configurations. The flexible elements are sufficiently close to adjacent inflexible elements to permit grass to be trapped therebetween when the flexible elements are flexed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Publication number: 20110203140
    Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, wherein a single collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone. The single collapsible support element has aniotropic mechanical proerties disposed in the recess, the support element being stiffer in a longitudinal direction and more collapsible in a transverse direction, and having a variable thickness in a transverse direction wherein an inner thickness is thicker than an outer thickness, The collapsible support element resists collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further comprises flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas K. Robinson, Jr., JR., John J. Erickson
  • Publication number: 20110185597
    Abstract: A golf shoe has a stabilizing system consisting of an upper, a longitudinally extending midsole consisting of polyurethane, and a shank, wherein the midsole additionally to its longitudinal extension is extended vertically with a medial arch support structure, a lateral side support structure and a heel support structure. The structures are bonded to the outside of the upper and the medial arch support structure and the lateral side support structure extends upwardly and encircles eyelets for lacing of said upper. In order to further stabilize the golf shoe through all the phases of the swing of a golfer, the heel support structure (9) of said midsole (2) extends vertically to a point above the human calcaneus of a wearer, approximately to the point where the Achilles tendon is fixated. Midsole beams (14,23) are extending from the vertically extending heel support structure towards the vertical medial (8) and lateral (7) support structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ECCO SKO A/S
    Inventor: Stefan Guest
  • Publication number: 20110146108
    Abstract: A golf shoe includes a sole member integrally formed with a molding material, a structural member, and a plurality of receptacles in the bottom of the sole member. The structural member extends along at least a portion of the length of the sole member and is configured to not vertically overlap with any of the receptacles. A method of manufacturing a shoe with a sole member that has a structural member formed integrally therewith is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Marco Aurelio Grott, Gerald Kuhtz, David Ortley, Ernie Rustam
  • Patent number: 7946062
    Abstract: An outsole for an article of studded footwear in which said outsole includes receptacles for specifically-oriented studs. The outsole also includes traction elements formed integrally with the outsole. The studs and traction elements being so constructed and arranged to interact in use of the footwear. The traction elements are designed to complement the spike configuration of the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Trisport Limited
    Inventor: Paul Andrew Kelly
  • Publication number: 20110113652
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pair of golf shoes with a rolling surface supporting the swing, wherein an external rolling surface is provided along a shoe outer edge and in the big toe region to the tip region of the other shoe an inner rolling surface is provided along the shoe inner edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Johannes Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20110099847
    Abstract: A temporary sole is designed to be attached to a shoe of any shape, design, or size. The temporary sole has two eyelets, one in front and one in back that slide over the toe and heel of the shoe and hold the sole in place. Optionally, the temporary sole may also include a strap which goes over the top of the shoe and further holds the temporary sole into place. In some designs of the temporary sole, it is designed to accept removable cleats. These cleats can be designed for golf or another sport. By attaching the temporary sole to a shoe and fixing the cleats into place on the temporary sole, any shoe can be transformed into an athletic shoe or a shoe fit to handle a specific surface or terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Pedro Eduardo Koe-Krompecher
  • Patent number: 7926205
    Abstract: The invention concerns a sole arrangement and a shoe comprising such a sole arrangement. The sole arrangement is characterized in that it comprises an upper sole member and a lower sole member wherein the lower sole member is positioned closer to the ground during normal use of the sole arrangement, said lower sole member being movably attached to the upper sole member allowing the lower sole member to move in a vertical direction relative to the upper sole member, a plurality of vertically extending spikes arranged inside the sole arrangement such that the spikes are moveable relative to the lower sole member, said lower sole member having a plurality of holes adapted to receive the spikes as to allow the spikes to protrude from the lower sole member in a downward direction, and a locking sole member located between the upper and lower sole members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Grip Force Technologies AB
    Inventor: Mikael â„«mark
  • Publication number: 20110078926
    Abstract: The club head cleaning attachment for a golf shoe is removably secured to a golf shoe to enable the shoe to be used in cleaning the head or face of a golf club during play. The device is formed of a flexible, resilient elastomeric material, and has a toe pocket fitting over the extreme forward end of the toe cap and sole of the shoe. Attachment straps or bands extend rearwardly to secure the device about the horizontal circumference of the shoe. The strap or band may be a continuous, endless component stretched to fit around the shoe, or may have mating first and second ends that secure to one another behind the heel. The toe pocket includes a cleaning element extending outwardly therefrom generally along the forward edge of the shoe sole. The cleaning element may be a non-woven web of plastic material, an absorbent cloth, or a brush.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Robert A. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20110072687
    Abstract: An out-sole assembly for a golf shoe. The outsole assembly includes an internal base member composed of EVA, an inner frame member composed thermoplastic polyurethane subjected to an isocyanate solution, an external base member composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a dual looping frame composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of spike members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventors: Jon Bobbett, Michael Roy, James Gorman
  • Patent number: 7905034
    Abstract: The present invention is further directed towards a golf shoe having an outsole comprising of forward and rear base sections that are connected and molded together with an arch support shank. The base sections are relatively soft and made from thermoplastic polyurethane having a maximum Shore A hardness of between 75 to 85. The shank is also made of thermoplastic polyurethane having a minimum hardness of at least 95 Shore A hardness. Each base section has a plurality of openings, wherein a corresponding plurality of relatively hard pods are molded, each pod of a size and configuration to fit within a corresponding opening and extend at least 6.3 mm from the bottom surfaces of the base sections. The shoe provides flexibility both across the metatarsal area and longitudinally at approximately the metatarsal area thereby providing the golfer with improved traction and balance, especially when the golfer executes a golf shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Douglas K. Robinson, Jr., James M. Feeney, John J. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7895773
    Abstract: A shoe comprising an upper, a midsole, and an outsole, wherein a collapsible support element is positioned in a recess proximate to a wearer's first metatarsal bone, and the collapsible support element is stiffer in a longitudinal direction and is more collapsible in a transverse direction. The collapsible support element comprises a collapsible gel pad encased in a thermoplastic urethane, or a single collapsible element having a wave configuration, or a series of collapsible wave elements. Each embodiment of the collapsible support element resists collapsing when a golfer walks but have a propensity to collapse during the golfer's swing, which allows more efficient transfer of energy during the swing. The shoe further comprises flexing channels in a forward portion as well as a flexing channel in the rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Douglas K. Robinson, Jr., John J. Erickson
  • Patent number: 7845097
    Abstract: An out-sole assembly for a golf shoe. The outsole assembly includes an internal base member composed of EVA, an inner frame member composed thermoplastic polyurethane subjected to an isocyanate solution, an external base member composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a dual looping frame composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane, and a plurality of spike members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Jon Bobbett, Michael Roy, James Gorman
  • Patent number: 7823301
    Abstract: A sports shoe or a pair of asymmetric shoes, in particular for playing golf, including a sole fitted with a rotation mechanism to rotate independently of the sole. The rotation mechanism includes a first rotary disc substantially located in the shoe section intended to receive the big toe of a foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: db ONE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Daniele Belluto
  • Publication number: 20100242307
    Abstract: A golf shoe is disclosed comprising an upper portion coupled to a sole. The upper portion of the shoe is sized to receive a foot. The sole may have a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion may have an elevation that is greater than the elevation of the front portion such that, when worn by a golfer, the heel of the foot is elevated above the toes of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Micky Gallas
  • Publication number: 20100212190
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cleat (1) for a shoe, especially for a golf shoe, which cleat can be attached to the bottom side (2) of a sole (3). To improve the grip of the shoe at the ground especially when playing golf the invention is characterized in that the cleat (1) has a cleat base body (4) which can be connected with the sole (3) and that at least one extension (5) is arranged at the cleat base body (4) which extends to the ground, wherein the vertical projected area (AF) of the end of the extension (5) which is facing the ground is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, outside of the vertical projected area (AG) of the cleat base body (4). Furthermore, the invention relates to a shoe sole with such a cleat as well as to a shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: PUMA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT RUDOLF DASSLER SPORT
    Inventor: Peter Schmid
  • Publication number: 20100192418
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices, methods, and kits for reducing joint pain and treating conditions of weight-bearing joints. The methods are accomplished through the use of a cushioned wedged insole or slab that selectively reduces pressure by cushioning impact and redistributing forces away from affected joints or joint compartments. Further, insoles are provided, which mimic the combination of fatty globules and the surrounding restricting fibrous network cushioning structures found in the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Lanny L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100186260
    Abstract: A sports shoe is disclosed for playing golf, having a sole fitted with a rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism being provided with a rotary element rotatable against a biasing force provided to the rotary element by a biasing mechanism coupled to the rotary element. Further, a ground plate device is provided, in particular for use in playing golf, the ground plate device comprising a rotation mechanism, the rotation mechanism being configured to receive a section of a sole of a sports shoe, especially a golf shoe, and being provided with a rotary element rotatable against a biasing force provided to the rotary element by a biasing mechanism coupled to the rotary element. In a preferred embodiment, the ground plate device further comprises fastening means for detachably or not-detachably fastening the sports shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: James Richard Colthurst
  • Patent number: 7757413
    Abstract: A shoe that relates to safety of the participants' when sports shoes with cleats are employed, e.g. golf, football, and soccer. Knee, ankle, & hip injuries are brought about by abrupt leg turns after the foot is planted and the participant's knee continues to move in a separate direction. A principle objective of the present invention is also to enhance the participants' performance. The primary objective, however, is to minimize the frequency and/or seriousness of knee, ankle, and hip injuries brought about by knee and leg turns after the foot is planted on the playing surface. This invention will permit the foot to rotate under magnetic control when enough pressure is exerted by the participant's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Allen J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100154255
    Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include a plurality of sensors, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas K. Robinson, John J. Erickson, Gordon B. Taylor, Steven E. Beard, Derek S. Weber, Jared Moisan