Abstract: A spikeless golf shoe includes an upper portion and an outsole portion which further includes a front portion and a heel portion. The outsole portion includes several rows of approximately trapezoidal shaped interconnected cleats designed so that the golfer is provided with stability and traction during a golf swing, traction while walking up an incline, stability while walking on a firm surface other than grass and increased flexibility and comfort. The cleats are also reduce or eliminate the spike mark problems to grass surfaces and reduce the accumulation of debris within the cleats. Several rows of cleats are positioned along the inner and outer periphery of the outsole portion and are oriented so that substantial traction is provided during a golf swing as well as allowing the golf shoe to roll during the follow through of a golf swing.

Abstract: A level is adapted for attachment to an upper surface of a shoe in such a manner that the level is visible to a wearer of the shoe. The level is calibrated by using a known level surface to stand upon and then adjusting the level so that it reads level when standing on the known level surface. The user then walks intermediate a first and second location, pausing as desired, and noting the reading that is provided by the level. Accordingly, a method of determining the grade at any given location is provided. If the user combines two or more readings that are taken intermediate the first and the second location, an average grade intermediate the first and the second location is provided. A preferred bubble level and method of adjusting the level to the shoe and of detaching it therefrom is disclosed.

Abstract: Golf shoes comprise a shoe 1 for a pivoting foot and a shoe 3 for a kicking foot. Outsoles of the shoe 1 for a pivoting foot and the shoe 3 for a kicking foot are formed of rubber or synthetic resin. A projection 7 is formed on a bottom surface of the shoe 3 for a pivoting foot. The projection 7 includes an almost semicircular bottom surface 11, a toe side wall 13 to be a curved surface and a heel side wall 15 to be a rectangular plane. The toe side wall 13 has a convex shape in a direction of a toe. A projection 19 is formed on a bottom surface of the shoe 3 for a kicking foot. The projection 19 includes an almost semicircular bottom surface 22, a heel sidewall 23 to be a curved surface and a toe side wall 25 to be a rectangular plane. The heel side wall 23 has a convex shape in a direction of a heel. If a golf player wears the golf shoes, slip can be prevented during a swing.

Abstract: The present invention the present invention relates to a spike for a golf shoe, which ensures quick and rigid locking of a spike body to a nut member embedded in an outsole of the golf shoe, and allows a commercially available conventional spike body element to be threadedly locked to the nut member upon wear or breakage of the spike body, thereby lengthening a useful life of the golf shoe.

Abstract: A removable cleat for a shoe is described. The cleat includes a ground-engaging structure for engaging the ground. An attachment structure is for removably attaching the cleat to the footwear. The attachment structure has a vertical axis, a base to which the top of the ground-engaging member is attached, and multiple extensions projecting radially outward from the base. The extensions are adapted for insertion into a cleat receptacle in the shoe to engage a receptacle attachment structure within the receptacle, so that when the cleat is attached to the receptacle, each cleat extension will be securely engaged above a receptacle restraining ledge.

Abstract: A golf cleat of the type having a base member and a plurality of outwardly angled traction teeth with the traction teeth having multifaceted design, and a mounting arrangement on the underside of the base member. The mounting arrangement includes a mounting stud having a multi-start thread and at least one locking post which coact with annular locking formations in the receptacle to thereby provide a stud having a multi-start thread complementary to the multi-start thread of the socket or receptacle whereby a simple quarter-turn of the cleat is fitted in its place with the locking formations on the thread engaged with the quadrant post to retain the cleat in the socket.

Abstract: An athletic shoe attachment comprises a wedge-shaped shim adapted to be interposed between the bottom of a shoe and a ground engageable traction member. Any selected traction member may be removed and replaced by a shim, and the removed traction member may be mounted on the shim in ground engageable position.

Abstract: This invention is a golf cleat that converts street footwear into golf shoe. The golf cleat features a circular golf cleat molded into a single unit from a durable plastic, rubber or any of the durable synthetic materials. The center of the bottom of the golf cleat is dome-shaped. Embedded in the dome are three individually evenly spaced cavities. The three cavities extend upward to form a sphere at the vertex, which is a traction device against the ground. At the base of the cavities are holes that extend from the bottom to the top. The purpose of the holes is to secure the golf cleat to the sole of the shoe with screws or nails. A plurality of evenly spaced pyramid-like shapes, flush against the outer edge of the circular golf cleat serves as traction against the ground.

Abstract: Golf shoes are proposed which make it possible for particularly senior golfers whose lower half body has weakened to make a correct swing during a downswing. A sealed bag formed of a vinyl is fixed to a portion of a midsole in surface contact with the foot sole of a shoe. A hand pump and a release valve are connected to the sealed bag through a vinyl tube. When the shoes are put on with the sealed bag inflated by injecting air into it by operating the hand pump, the portion of the little toe rises. When a swing is made in this state, even when the body weight moves at the time of a downswing or an impact, due to the rise of the portion of the little toe by inflation of the sealed bag, even a senior golfer can make a right swing by standing firm on his left foot. When air is released from the sealed bag, normal walking is possible.

Abstract: A foot position training apparatus for teaching proper foot position for batting a baseball includes a foot support member formed in the shape of the sole of a shoe. A toe portion is attached to a front edge of the support member and extends upwardly and rearwardly therefrom and defines a space for receiving the toes of a batter's foot and, more particularly, for receiving the toe portion of a batter's shoe. The toe portion restricts vertical movement of a batter's foot when batting a baseball. The apparatus further includes an upstanding wall extending along an outer edge of the support surface between the toe portion and a rear edge for restricting outward lateral movement of a batter's foot when batting a baseball. A plurality of cleats are threadably coupled to a lower surface of the foot support member for selectively engaging a ground surface.

Abstract: An article of footwear, in particular a sports shoe or walking boot, that has an outersole and at least one stud which is releasably connected thereto and interacts with the ground. According to the invention, the at least one stud comprises a stud-fastening mechanism, and the outersole has at least one locking recess. Furthermore, the stud-fastening mechanism can be moved into a position in which it engages behind the locking recess in order to produce the releasable connection between stud and sole. Preferably, the fastening mechanism comprises at least one locking arm which is arranged in an essentially pivotable or displaceable manner in a cavity in the interior of the stud.

Abstract: A rotatable shoe having a rotating device which is attached to an outsole of the shoe and includes a rotating body and an outer housing. The rotating body is secured to the outsole of the shoe and is defined, at a rotating center thereof, with an inserting groove which extends in an axial direction. The rotating body has a first inward flange portion which is formed adjacent to an upper end of the inserting groove and a stepped portion which is formed on a circumferential outer surface of and at a predetermined distance from an upper end of the rotating body. The outer housing possesses a recessed configuration in a manner such that it is coupled to the rotating body.

Abstract: A golf shoe 1 comprises a sole portion (an outsole) 3 and an upper portion 5. The sole portion 3 is formed of an elastic material such as crosslinked rubber or synthetic resin. The golf shoe 1 has a toe side flexibility evaluation value (Gt) of 0.0015 to 0.0100. The toe side flexibility evaluation value (Gt) is calculated by the following equation (I).

Abstract: The golf shoes of the invention comprise a level-measuring device comprising a transparent square fixed box installed inside the heel of the golf shoes, a ball having a round shape and made of opaque material wherein the ball rolls freely inside of the fixed box according to the movement of the shoes; first and second infrared emitting diodes which emit infrared light signals inside the fixed box where ball rolls; front, back, right, and left photosensors, which each output a signal after perceiving infrared light signal from the diodes; a microprocessor, which outputs a signal indicating the state of the golf shoes according to the signal outputted from the photosensors; a display device which shows the current state of shoes according to the signal for state of shoes outputted from microprocessor; a battery which supplies power to the first and second infrared emitting diodes and microprocessor; and an on-off switch.

Abstract: A footbed system is disclosed which includes at least one sole pad and at least two heel cups. Each heel cup including a base and a side wall extending from the base on the medial and lateral sides thereof. The volume of the side walls of each heel cup is varied to accommodate different width heels of users. The volume is modified by changing the height and/or thickness of the heel cup side walls. A cushion is coupled to the lower surface of the sole pad in a forefoot region and a damper is coupled to the lower surface of the sole pad in a heel region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleat for providing traction for footwear. The cleat provides traction and durability without damaging turf when in use.

Abstract: A removably attachable traction gear for the underside of footwear having two primary components: a retaining member and a receptacle. These two components respectively replace the common screw and threaded receptacle systems found in for affixing traction gear to the underside of shoes. A partial turn of the traction gear securely locks the gear into the receptacle. The retaining member has a three-extension design so as to make the traction gear resistant to lateral forces applied to the ground-engaging end of the cleat. Locking is achieved through use of cantilevered fingers which press in during installation of the retaining member, and which spring back out to lock with mated indentations in the extensions. During installation a dome containing insole material is compressed. Unlocking is achieved through reverse turning the retaining member to force the springs back in, and removal is aided through re-expansion of the dome. In a preferred form, the invention is utilized to attach a golf cleat to a shoe.

Abstract: A shoe stud for a sports shoe has a ground-engaging part and a multi-start threaded spigot for engagement in a complementary socket on a receptacle secured in the shoe sole or heel. The stud and receptacle also have a locking device which inter-engages when the spigot is fully inserted into the socket, to resist unscrewing. In order to ensure that the stud takes up a precise position relative to the receptacle, which may be needed if the stud is not rotationally symmetrical, the stud and receptacle have means to determine the initial position of the stud relative to the receptacle, and means to determine the final position of the stud relative to the receptacle. Determination of the initial position may be provided by a thread and complementary groove of the screw-thread connection which are of different dimensions from the others.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: A composite, long wearing, slip-resistant non-metal golf cleat that alleviates damage to grass, e.g., the surface of a golf green, yet provides traction similar to conventional metal spikes is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf equipment, such as golf shoes, golf clubs, golf gloves, or portions thereof, formed from compositions comprising a sulfonated, carboxylated, or phosphonated acid moieties, or a mixture thereof. The preferred ionomer composition comprises sulfonated thermoplastic elastomers, sulfonated thermoplastic polymers, sulfonated thermoset polymers, and mixtures thereof. The compositions include a blend of about 1 weight % to about 99 weight % of at least one sulfonated, carboxylated, or phosphonated ionomer and about 99 weight % to about 1 weight % of at least co-component polymer. The co-component polymer may be a conventional ionomer, a thermoplastic, a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset polymer, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Golf shoes comprise a shoe 1 for a pivoting foot and a shoe 3 for a kicking foot. Outsoles of the shoe 1 for a pivoting foot and the shoe 3 for a kicking foot are formed of rubber or synthetic resin. A projection 7 is formed on a bottom surface of the shoe 3 for a pivoting foot. The projection 7 includes an almost semicircular bottom surface 11, a toe side wall 13 to be a curved surface and a heel side wall 15 to be a rectangular plane. The toe side wall 13 has a convex shape in a direction of a toe. A projection 19 is formed on a bottom surface of the shoe 3 for a kicking foot. The projection 19 includes an almost semicircular bottom surface 22, and a heel sidewall 23 to be a curved surface and a toe side wall 25 to be a rectangular plane. The heel side wall 23 has a convex shape in a direction of a heel. If a golf player wears the golf shoes, slip can be prevented during a swing.

Abstract: A shoe (L) for a left foot includes an outsole body (1) Both side slip prevention projections (3a) and (3b) and a non-both side slip prevention projection (5) are formed on a bottom surface of the outsole body (1). The outsole body (1), the both side slip prevention projections (3a) and (3b) and the non-both side slip prevention projection (5) are integrally formed of a composition containing rubber or synthetic resin as a principal component. Each of the both side slip prevention projections (3a) and (3b) has a bottom surface to be a grounding surface, a toe side slip prevention wall and a heel side slip prevention wall. The toe side slip prevention wall is formed along a convex line in a direction of a toe. The heel side slip prevention wall is formed along a convex line in a direction of a heel. A shoe (R) for a right foot has a shape obtained by transversely inverting the shape of the shoe (L) for the left foot.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: An improved golf shoe and sole is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of golf shoes comprising a right shoe and a left shoe, the right shoe having a different arrangement of traction elements on the sole thereof than the left shoe. For right-handed golfers, the sole of the right shoe has a greater number of axial traction members which are aligned with an edge of the sole than transverse traction members which are positioned transverse to the edge of the sole. The right shoe accordingly resists pivotal motion. The left shoe has a greater number of transverse traction members than axial traction members so as to allow pivotal motion. The golf shoes accordingly allow the golfer to make a fuller back swing and to follow through more completely on the power stroke. The relative number of axial and transverse traction members on the left an right shoes may be reversed for left-handed golfers.

Abstract: A structure for inserting an insert member of an attachment, etc., into a concave receptacle portion embedded in a shoe sole and removably pinching and fixing the insert member inside the concave receptacle portion with an elastic member, the structure being capable of permitting the removal of the attachment with a wrench for a screw. The structure is constituted as follows.

Abstract: A replaceable spike for sport shoes, molded from a durable plastic-type material, comprising a main body, concavo-convex disc having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has a threaded post extending outwardly for removably attaching the spike to the sole of the shoe. The bottom portion, which is connected to the top portion, contains a plurality of nubs extending outwardly from the bottom portion for providing traction between the shoe and a supporting ground surface, while alleviating damage to the ground surface. Preferably, the nubs are at least three different sizes (small, medium, and large), based upon a fractal-like design, to provide surface roughness on multiple scales for increased traction.

Abstract: A shoe device that is useful in obtaining the proper stance when playing the game of golf. The shoe device has a sole section, wherein the sole section has a left side and a right side. The shoe also includes an upper section that is coupled to the sole section. The upper section is sized to receive a foot. The upper section has a right side area that is disposed above the right side of the sole and a left side area that is disposed above the left side of the sole. A slanting mechanism is disposed within the shoe for selectively slanting the sole section of the shoe so that either the right side area or the left side area is elevated to a height above the opposite area. By slanting the shoe to one side, a golfer is reminded to keep his/her weight the inside of their right foot when swinging a golf club, thereby making for a better swing.

Abstract: A removably attachable traction gear for the underside of footwear having two primary components: a retaining member and a receptacle. These two components respectively replace the common screw and threaded receptacle systems found in for affixing traction gear to the underside of shoes. A partial turn of the traction gear securely locks the gear into the receptacle. The retaining member has a three-extension design so as to make the traction gear resistant to lateral forces applied to the ground-engaging end of the cleat. Locking is achieved through use of cantilevered fingers which press in during installation of the retaining member, and which spring back out to lock with mated indentations in the extensions. During installation a dome containing insole material is compressed. Unlocking is achieved through reverse turning the retaining member to force the springs back in, and removal is aided through re-expansion of the dome.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: In a combination of shoe cleat and holder, a screw-threaded spigot (12) on the cleat is inserted with rotation into a complementary socket (18) of the holder, and has a ring of free-standing posts (34, 42) extending axially from the cleat and a ring of radially-projective teeth (26) on the holder, the rings being co-axial with the screw axis so that during at least later stages of insertion of the spigot (12) into the socket (18), on relative rotation of the rings, engagement of the teeth (26) with the posts (34, 42) causes the posts (34, 42) to deflect resiliently and engagement of the teeth (26) between the posts (34, 42) causes interengagement of the locking means.

Abstract: A golf shoe spike fabricated from a soft thermoplastic rubber and including a one-piece body member with a planar base having a proximal surface and a distal surface, and a self-threading stud of a length shorter than the threaded spike socket into which it is inserted at installation. The spike includes an outer planar face which may further included a plurality of traction segments integral with the distal surface of the planar base and extending radially outward from the center of the planar base, each of said segments separated from adjoining segments by a notch. The spike cups when tightly screwed into a threaded spike socket, thus forming a rim on the outer circumference of the outer planar face.

Abstract: A size-adjustable overshoe for golf shoe is provided. The overshoe includes a frame-like sole portion and a boot-shaped body portion. The sole portion is cut at proper positions into several segments and elastic connecting strips are used to connect the segments to one another. The body portion is connected to the sole portion with suitable fasteners, such as rivets. When the overshoe is worn over a differently sized golf shoe, the connecting strips automatically elastically change their length to adjust the size of the sole portion for the overshoe to fit on the golf shoe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to athletic shoes used in sports that require asymmetric movement of the feet, such as fencing. The asymmetric shoes of the present invention include a trailing shoe and a leading shoe that are each specially adapted to the particular asymmetric movement of the trailing and leading foot, respectively, allowing each foot to perform optimally. The leading and trailing shoes each include an upper and a sole. The trailing shoe sole includes front, rear, lateral, and medial portions, the lateral sole portion having a greater thickness than the medial portion.

Abstract: A cleat provides traction in golf shoes (and shoes for other turf sports) without adversely affecting turf, while providing a desired level of traction under as many different conditions as possible, is resistant to being worn down on hard surfaces. The cleat has a hub with an attachment stud for attaching to a receptacle in a shoe sole, and at least one traction element extending substantially laterally from the flange to engage grass blades to provide traction without damaging turf. The traction element is deflectably attached to the hub, preferably by a resilient arm having a turf-engaging portion at the end thereof. The traction element is preferably cantilevered out of the plane of the hub, and in any event preferably deflects when a hard surface is encountered, to protect the turf-engaging portion from abrasion.

Abstract: An article of footwear, in particular a sports shoe or walking boot, that has an outersole and at least one stud which is releasably connected thereto and interacts with the ground. According to the invention, the at least one stud comprises a stud-fastening mechanism, and the outersole has at least one locking recess. Furthermore, the stud-fastening mechanism can be moved into a position in which it engages behind the locking recess in order to produce the releasable connection between stud and sole. Preferably, the fastening mechanism comprises at least one locking arm which is arranged in an essentially pivotable or displaceable manner in a cavity in the interior of the stud.

Abstract: An outsole for a golf shoe includes a sole member having a plurality of pyramid-shaped protrusions and a plurality of spikes extend outwardly from the outer surface of the sole member to improve traction with the ground surface. The outsole also includes a plurality of longitudinally extending wear bars. Each of the wear bars extends outwardly from the outer surface of the sole member to a pair of ground engagement surfaces which are separated by a notch. The positions of the spikes and wear bars and the orientation of the wear bars are in part determined by bio-mechanical factors determined by the path of the center of pressure and the forces generated during the golfer's swing.

Abstract: A cushioning system for golf shoe includes a footbed and a lasting board, each having a sole region, an arch region, and a heel region. The footbed includes an upper layer which is engaged by the foot of a golfer and a cushion layer composed of compressible material disposed below the upper layer which extend the length of the footbed. A rigid bottom layer is disposed below the cushion layer in the heel region. A first cushioning element is disposed within a receptacle formed in the heel region of the lasting board. A second cushioning element is disposed within a receptacle formed in the upper and cushion layers in the heel region of the footbed.

Abstract: A permanent spike dynamic outsole (10) having a plurality of traction sections (16a-16f) which have a plurality of dynamic traction elements (20) on their respective leading and trailing edges, under which are located debris channels (32a-32e) which act as a retraction areas for the dynamic elements (20) to go when walking on firm surfaces, thus reducing damage to greens and abrasion from pavement. The debris channels (32a-32e) additionally provide an exit path for any debris that may be caught under the dynamic traction elements (20).

Abstract: An improved golf shoe and sole is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of golf shoes comprising a right shoe and a left shoe, the right shoe having a different arrangement of traction elements on the sole thereof than the left shoe. For right-handed golfers, the sole of the right shoe has a greater number of axial traction members which are aligned with an edge of the sole than transverse traction members which are positioned transverse to the edge of the sole. The right shoe accordingly resists pivotal motion. The left shoe has a greater number of transverse traction members than axial traction members so as to allow pivotal motion. The golf shoes accordingly allow the golfer to make a filler back swing and to follow through more completely on the power stroke. The relative number of axial and transverse traction members on the left an right shoes may be reversed for left-handed golfers.

Abstract: An exchangeable two-part polymeric golf cleat. The first part includes that portion of the cleat which contains the threaded stem for insertion into the outer sole of the shoe, at least a portion of the central hub, and a plurality of cantilevered projection traction elements. The second part includes the remainder (if any) of the central hub and a plurality of cantilevered projection traction elements. The first and second parts are of distinctly different colors. When different materials are used in the two parts, it is preferable that the first part have a harder durometer than the second part. The user of the cleat may determine when the traction element has been worn down to such an extent that adequate traction will soon no longer be provided. This determination can be made by visually observing the distinct color of the first portion visible in the traction element.

Abstract: A spike structure consists of a spike body made of a plastic material, and a self-tapping screw 3 made of a metal. The spike body 2 is comprised of a flange-shaped portion 4 and a threaded stud which has a thread on the outer surface thereof and extends from one surface of said flange-shaped portion 4. An axial bore is formed through the flange-shaped portion 4 and the threaded stud 5, while slits are formed in said threaded stud 5, extending to the free end of said threaded stud. A self-tapping screw 3 is inserted with tapping into the axial bore to be fixed to said spike body. Said self-tapping screw 3 is configurated to stretch said threaded stud radially outwardly when inserted into the axial bore of spike body.

Abstract: A cleat for athletic shoes which provides a sole attachment member; a hub having a planar upper portion for contacting the shoe sole, a rounded lower portion for bearing weight of the user, and an edge; and resilient traction elements. The resilient elements are made up of an outward band extending from the periphery of the upper portion of the hub, an inner band extending from the periphery of the lower portion of the hub, a bottom band, a top band, and a space bordered by the outer band, the inner band, the bottom band and the top band. When the user is walking on soft surfaces, the traction elements provide traction and the lower portion of the hub does not bear weight. When the user is walking on hard surfaces, the resilient traction elements bend outwardly allowing the hub to contact the walking surface and bear weight. This allows for longer life of the traction elements as well as uniform contact.

Abstract: Footwear having a removable spat-type feature. This feature allows the wearer to remove and replace the spat. The advantage is that it allows the use of different color, design or material spats to color coordinate the footwear with different colored clothes. This feature is of particular benefit when traveling since one pair of shoes with different colored saddles can accommodate a varied holiday wardrobe. In addition, other types of symbols or trademarks may be placed on the spat. The spat my depict indicia indicating membership to a club or other association. The spat and/or the upper may be provided with eyelets for securing the footwear on the wearer. The footwear has a first attachment media sewn into an upper at a level such that when the spat is placed on the upper, upper surfaces of the spat and the upper are substantially flush.

Abstract: A footwear cleat of flexible plastic includes a central hub portion and a series of resilient protrusions cantilevered from and extending radially outward and downwardly beyond the central hub portion. The protrusions are capable of horizontally engaging turf under the footwear for providing secure footing.

Abstract: An adjustable depth traction device for an athletic shoe which allows the shoe to be easily adapted to various terrains and course requirements. The present invention provides a traction device for an athletic shoe, typically a golf shoe, comprised of a base portion having a first length protrusion, and a second insert portion adapted to be attached to the first portion wherein the second insert portion has a length substantially greater than the first portion. Therefore, if the terrain warrants use of a long traction device and the course being played allows for use of such a device, the insert can be attached to the base portion. However, if the course does not allow use of such a long traction device, the insert can be easily and quickly removed from the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a tanned leather product that is impregnated with a plurality of microspheres containing a temperature stabilizing material. The present invention is also directed to a tanning process for embedding the microspheres into the leather. The thermal stabilizing material is a phase change material that allows the leather to have enhanced thermal properties when exposed to heat or cold.

Abstract: A cleat provides traction in golf shoes (and shoes for other turf sports) without adversely affecting turf, while providing a desired level of traction under as many different conditions as possible, is resistant to being worn down on hard surfaces. The cleat has a hub with an attachment stud for attaching to a receptacle in a shoe sole, and at least one traction element extending substantially laterally from the flange to engage grass blades to provide traction without damaging turf. The traction element is deflectably attached to the hub, preferably by a resilient arm having a turf-engaging portion at the end thereof. The traction element is preferably cantilevered out of the plane of the hub, and in any event preferably deflects when a hard surface is encountered, to protect the turf-engaging portion from abrasion.

Abstract: This invention is related to a golf shoe that naturally shifts the center of weight into a heel portion and cause smooth swing. The golf shoes according to this invention comprises a sole having a heel portion (30), a toe portion (34) formed continuously forwardly from the heel portion (30) and an intermediate metatarsal portion (32) formed between the heel portion (30) and the toe portion (34), wherein the toe portion (34) is angled 1.about.5.degree. upward from a horizontal line taking the intermediate metatarsal portion (32) as pivot point and the heel portion is angled -7.about.7.degree. from the horizontal line taking the intermediate metatarsal portion as pivot point.

Abstract: A three-piece cleat assembly for use on athletic shoes which have, embedded in their soles, an interlocking receptacle, such as that used in the Q-LOK R system. Molded of plastic, the cleat assembly includes a connector, a traction-enhancing member and a T-shaped member. The latter includes a stem from one end of which arms project outwardly. Distal from these arms, the stem is bifurcated into two branches. During assembly, the stem of the T-shaped member is inserted through a center hole in the traction-enhancing member; and the branches are squeeze-fitted into et square bore within the connector. Upon being released, the branches spring apart, pressing against the connector. Simultaneously, the arms nest snugly within troughs formed in the base of the traction-enhancing member; and a barb on the tip of each branch is caught on a shoulder rimming the square bore.