Abstract: Articles of manufacture and articles of wear may include one or more traction elements. Portions of the traction elements may be extendable and/or retractable. The traction elements have at least a two-plate construction that is designed to moderate a force that is applied to one of the plates. This construction may be used in articles of footwear having cleats or other traction elements. force applied by a wearer's foot may be moderated by the two-plate construction.

Abstract: Articles of manufacture and articles of wear may include one or more retractable traction elements. A plurality of the retractable traction elements may be interconnected by a base member and may form an insert. Each of the retractable traction elements may include an extension inducing element and a ground (or other surface) contacting element. The extension inducing element may flex in response to an applied force and may cause the ground or other surface contacting element to extend and engage an underlying surface.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Abstract: Tractional characteristics of athletic shoe cleats are adjustable by selectively blocking and unblocking the amount of flexure of dynamic traction elements on the cleat. Blocking is achieved as a function of rotational starting locations during cleat attachment to an outsole receptacle by placing material or recesses in the outsole at different final rotational positions of the tractional elements. Alternatively, adjustability is obtained by attaching and angularly positioning a separate member, such as a ring, on the cleat with segments of the member positioned or not to block traction element flexure.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Abstract: Accidental falls are one of the principal causes of disability. The present invention relates generally to a device that may be fit in footwear to prevent injuries caused by slippery terrain. The device is provided with retractable spikes which penetrate the ice or slippery surface like a claw. The device also has an excenter system which allows adjustment of the spikes between two positions.

Abstract: Surface-engaging footwear projections can automatically be activated by horizontal sliding motion. In an example, horizontal sliding motion can turn one or more circular rolling members, such as around a horizontal axis, or move one or more sliding members along a horizontal track. The motion of such rolling or sliding members can cause one or more surface-engaging projections to move downward from the footwear into contact with the surface, which can then help slow or stop the horizontal sliding motion.

Abstract: A shoe provides a gear assembly mounted within a heel portion, the gear assembly providing an actuator gear communicating with a plurality of drive gears. Threaded couplings are fixedly engaged with a sole portion and a plurality of spikes are threadedly engaged with the couplings. Drive shafts, transfer rotation from the drive gears to the spikes. An actuator gear is manually rotated for extending, and retracting the spikes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sole arrangement (4) and a shoe (2) comprising such a sole arrangement (4). The sole arrangement (4) is characterized in that it comprises an upper sole member (20) and a lower sole member (50) wherein the lower sole 5 member (50) is positioned closer to the ground during normal use of the sole arrangement (4), said lower sole member (50) being movably attached to the upper sole member (20) allowing the lower sole member (50) to move in a vertical direction relative to the upper sole member (20), a plurality of vertically extending spikes (21) arranged inside the sole arrangement (4) such that the spikes (21) are moveable relative to the lower sole member (50), said lower sole member (50) having a plurality of holes (53) adapted to receive the spikes (21) as to allow the spikes (21) to protrude from the lower sole member (50) in a downward direction, a locking sole member (30) located between the upper and lower sole members (20, 50).

Abstract: An article of footwear has selectively height adjustable cleat members provided on a sole. A cleat member provided in a unit engaged with or otherwise attached to the sole. The cleat member may have a portion which extends outwardly from the sole that is positionable at one of a plurality of predetermined positions relative to the sole and includes a biasing to at least one of the predetermined positions. A cleat may include a coupling engaged with the sole and a tip that is selectively extendable and retractable via a linear movement and rotational movement relative to a remainder of a cleat so as to present a selectively variable height. The sole may include a plurality of cleats in which the cleats include a gyre-linear cleat portion adjustably positionable to lock relative to the remainder of its respective cleat between a plurality of predetermined heights. In aspect, the predetermined heights correspond to locking positions.

Abstract: A shoe traction system may have an attachment element to allow the orientation of a traction device, such as a golf spike or cleat, to change relative to a sole. The system may further include a positioning element made from a resilient material and returns the spike to a neutral position. The density of the resilient material may be selected according to a weight of a user of the shoe traction system. In operation, the shoe traction system may allow each spike secured to the outsole to form a dynamic positioning system for uneven or varying ground surfaces. The spikes may work independently of each other and all spikes may be adjusting at all times to any change in surfaces.

Abstract: A shoe provides a gear assembly mounted within a heel portion, the gear assembly providing an actuator gear communicating with a plurality of drive gears. Threaded couplings are fixedly engaged with a sole portion and a plurality of spikes are threadedly engaged with the couplings. Drive shafts, transfer rotation from the drive gears to the spikes. An actuator gear is manually rotated for extending, and retracting the spikes.

Abstract: A sports shoe includes a shoe body and a plurality of traction members. The shoe body has a sole portion and mounting seats protruding downwardly therefrom and each defining a chamber. Each traction member includes: a positioning unit mounted in the respective chamber and formed with a threaded hole; a connecting plate movably disposed in the respective chamber under the positioning unit and formed with an oval hole; a cleat disposed in the respective chamber and pivoted to the positioning unit and the connecting plate, and extending outwardly of the respective chamber, an angle of the cleat being adjusted when the connecting plate is moved relative to the positioning unit; a fastener engaging the threaded hole in the positioning unit and abutting against the connecting plate; and a locking unit for preventing relative movement between the positioning unit and the connecting plate when the fastener is tightened.

Abstract: A shoe including: a body; a lower surface disposed on the body for contact with the ground; and at least one deployable traction element associated with the lower surface and having a retracted and a deployed position, the at least one deployable traction element providing additional traction when the at least deployable traction element is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A traction element for a shoe is provided. The traction element including: a base element; at least one spike associated with the base element; and a securing element for securing the base element to the shoe; wherein the at least one spike is configured for one of football, baseball, soccer and golf.

Abstract: An active shoe cleat system with a shoe having a processor in the shoe operably connected to cleats on the bottom of the shoe, at least one sensor that measures at least one parameter pertaining to ambient conditions on the shoe, a projection within the cleats that are deployed in response to control signals from the processor generated in response to data from information provided in part by the sensor, and means for urging the projection outward from within the cleat. In a preferred embodiment, the cleat may be activated by hydraulics or pneumatics or have a direct motor driven cable, gear or shaft work system. The sensors may monitor a variety of ambient conditions such as speed, torque, acceleration, force, water presence or other factors affecting traction and performance.

Abstract: A sole (6) for anti-slipping shoes of the type including foldaway anti-slipping elements (12) arranged in the face of the sole that will come in touch with the ground, characterized in that the anti-slipping elements to increase the adherence to the ground are secured to rigid or semirigid supporting members (10) that are hinged to the sole so as to be lifted from the same by rotation like a flag by at least 180° with respect to a symmetry axis other than the axis of hinge/lifting from the shoe sole and not parallel thereto. Each the supporting member being housed during the use of the sole in its own single recess or groove (8) arranged in the sole portions.

Abstract: An improved boot for use in ice and snow conditions that combines a flared snowshoe-like secondary sole with integral and selectively deployable crampons. The expanded secondary sole extends approximately ¼? or more down from the primary sole of the boot and includes retractable crampons attached to the expanded sole to increase traction in snow or ice. The expanded sole functions to increase the surface area of the “footprint”, thereby reducing the overall depth of the footprint and making traversing in soft conditions (snow, mud, sand) less fatiguing to the wearer. The crampons may pivot outward from inside pockets in the secondary sole or, alternatively, may slide outward in a stiletto-fashion and/or unfold. The crampons may be individually deployable or simultaneously deployable by a central release button.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. At least one recess is formed in the sole assembly, and a retractable protrusion is positioned in each recess. The protrusion is configured to be contained substantially within an exterior surface of the sole assembly in a retracted position and to extend substantially beyond the exterior surface in an extended position. The footwear includes at least one reservoir containing a fluid, with each reservoir having a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another, the first chamber is positioned inwardly of the second chamber, and the second chamber is positioned proximate a retractable protrusion.

Abstract: An attachment for an item of footwear having an outsole, the attachment comprising a body having first and second body surfaces, the body being releasably co-operable with the outsole in a first position in which the first body surface is disposable away from the outsole and in a second position in which the second body surface is disposable away from the outsole; an attaching portion which is associated with the body and which includes an inter-engageable formation for releasably attaching the attachment in the first and second positions; and a detaching portion which is associated with the body, the detaching portion having an edge portion moveable with respect to the body to allow the body to be released from the item of footwear. The invention also includes an outsole and an item of footwear to which the attachment can be releasably attached.

Abstract: A convertible shoe having a shoe body and a shoe sole. An air channel formed in said shoe sole including pressurized air inlet and air exhaust. An elongated pocket or multiple individual pockets in the bottom of the shoe sole and along said air channel. A flexible wall portion between said air channel and pocket that expands into the pocket(s) upon pressurization of said air channel. A protrusion affixed to said flexible wall portion and which extends out of said pocket and into engagement with a support surface when said air channel is pressurized.

Abstract: The anti-skid boot, having a crampon, is provided with both an outer sole and a boot body. The anti-skid boot includes a crampon which is provided around an outer surface of a front part of the outer sole. The crampon includes a plurality of triangular protrusions, a plurality of oblique slots and a locking notch. The anti-skid boot further includes a plate spring which is provided between the crampon and the outer sole. The anti-skid boot further includes a plurality of support pins which is fastened to the outer surface of the outer sole after passing through the plurality of oblique slots, and a locking hook which is rotatably coupled to a predetermined position of the outer surface of the outer sole adjacent to each of the opposite ends of the crampon.

Abstract: Footwear comprising a support member having an upper surface attachable to a foot, and two bulbous protuberances, each having a curved outer contour, protruding from a lower surface thereof, one of the protuberances being positioned more posteriorly than the other of the protuberances.

Abstract: A resilient shoe sole having a less resilient outer layer and a more resilient inner layer, and retractable studs anchored in the inner, more resilient layer. The bottom surface of the sole has annular grooves formed around the tip portions of the studs to permit those portions to flex when pressure is applied to the bottom surface, as during walking on a hard surface.

Abstract: Shock absorbers for footwear are provided. The shock absorbers are units utilizing a shock absorbing spring system, and project like cleats from recesses in the soles of footwear. The shock absorbers serve to minimize impact shock in the normal use of footwear. The shock absorbers do this by compressing as weight is applied to the shoe, to the point that the shock absorbers may become flush with the bottom of the shoe's sole on normal impact if desired. When weight is released from the shoe (for example, in lifting one's foot to take a step), the re-extension of the shock absorber spring system may additionally provide the benefit of energy return for the user. The shock absorbers may be made as either fixed or as detachably interchangeable projections from the sole of the footwear.

Abstract: A spike shoe has a cushion mounted on the outer sole thereof. The cushion has spike-accommodating bores defined therein and each spike is accommodated in a bore. The cushion compresses as the wearer of the shoe places his or her weight on the sole of the shoe. The spike-accommodating bores are sized and shaped so the cushion adjacent to each bore contacts the spike accommodated in the bore during the compression of the cushion and prior to the cushion being fully compressed whereby each spike is wiped by the cushion every time the wearer places his or her weight on the shoe during a walking or running movement.

Abstract: A dual function outsole structure for use on level and sloping ground is disclosed. The outsole structure is provided with a recess for the mounting of a base plate with a rotation seat. The base plate is hidden within the outsole and the rotation seat is pivotally mounted to the two corresponding securing plates on the base plate. The rotation seat is provided with a plurality of shoe spikes and the two lateral sides of the rotation seat are provided with an elastically trigger anti-return bolt. Under normal situation one end of the anti-return bolt engages with a positioning hole provided on the securing plate such that the rotation seat is positioned. In view of the above components, under normal situation the shoe spike is hidden at the recess of the outsole and is suitable for waling on a level ground (such as on a tar road, pavement road surface or a cement road).

Abstract: A shoe sole (6) provided with a number of rigid spikes or nails (12) on its face in contact with the ground, said spikes or nails being not fixedly secured to the sole but being able to pass from a first extracted position in contact with the ground to a second retracted position not interfering with the trampling surface because of the combination of folding spike support means which can be overturned with first and second grooves or recesses (20) formed in the sole within which such spike support means can be accommodated in the extracted and the rest positions.

Abstract: An article of footwear provided with a ground engaging unit. The ground-engaging unit according to the present invention extends outwardly from a sole of the article of footwear, and has at least a portion that can be adjusted to present a varying height profile (i.e., a distance that the ground-engaging unit extends from the sole). The ground-engaging unit is preferably a single unit attached or otherwise fixed to the sole. It preferably includes a tip movably mounted on a base. The tip is selectively extendible or retractable with respect to the base. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip and the base are threadedly engaged, such that the height of the tip is adjustable by rotating the tip relative to the base between predetermined positions. A locking mechanism may also be provided to fix the tip and base in a particular relative relationship.

Abstract: A switchable shoe spike (6) for a shoe, including a central hub (7) having a first and second side, at least one of which includes a spike (5A) projecting therefrom, engagement means (10) for enabling the mounting of the shoe spike to a sole of the shoe, and support means (12) for positioning the shoe spike in a first or second position (5B) corresponding with an exposure of the first or second side, wherein the support means positions the shoe spike through rotation about the central hub.

Abstract: An article of footwear provided with a ground engaging unit. The ground-engaging unit according to the present invention extends outwardly from a sole of the article of footwear, and has at least a portion that can be adjusted to present a varying height profile (i.e., a distance that the ground-engaging unit extends from the sole). The ground-engaging unit is preferably a single unit attached or otherwise fixed to the sole. It preferably includes a tip movably mounted on a base. The tip is selectively extendible or retractable with respect to the base. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tip and the base are threadedly engaged, such that the height of the tip is adjustable by rotating the tip relative to the base between predetermined positions. A locking mechanism may also be provided to fix the tip and base in a particular relative relationship.

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: An antislip apparatus is provided for footwear to be fit on a region of a sole and/or a heel of a shoe defining an engagement surface in contact with the ground surface. The antislip apparatus includes a ground gripping structure for engaging the ground surface including a support and crampon-like prongs disposed on the support extending perpendicularly from the support. A cam arrangement interacts with the support for moving the prongs to one of a grip position with the prongs extending beyond the level of the engagement surface, or to a rest position with the prongs disposed inwardly of the engagement surface. The cam arrangement includes a plate disposed substantially parallel to the support and cams acting on one of the support and the plate to vary a distance between the support and the plate to move the prongs. An operating arrangement or actuator is provided for operating the cam arrangement. The actuator includes a cylindrical rotor formed integral with the plate.

Abstract: A shoe having retractable spikes including a shoe portion comprised of a sole portion having a heel portion and a toe portion. The heel portion and the toe portion each have a plurality of apertures therethrough in a spaced relationship. A pair of plates are disposed within the hollow interior of the sole portion. The pair of plates each have a plurality of spikes extending downwardly therefrom in a spaced relationship. The plurality of spikes are aligned with the plurality of apertures of the heel portion and the toe portion of the sole portion. The pair of plates each have a pair of springs extending downwardly therefrom which bias the plate upward. A deployment mechanism provides an extended orientation whereby the pair of plates extend downwardly against the biasing of the springs with the spikes extending through the apertures.

Abstract: Mountain-climbing shoes with a non skid instrument are constructed in such a way that two through-holes are formed in the width of the back base of each shoe. Combination holes for setting plates are positioned in both apertures of the through-hole. A screw rod and a fixation rod are provided. A skid prevention part is hinge-combined so as to be supported by the setting plates and is rotatable centering around a rotary shaft pin. An elastic plate having a prolonged hole is fixed onto one side face of the skid prevention part. A fixation body is set on the elastic plate so that the fixation body is movable along the elastic plate. A flute is formed on both side faces of the fixation body and is combined with a protrusion. The fixation pin is inserted into and is fixed to a combination groove or a release groove formed in a righted-angle flute shape on both sides of the setting plate.

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: A pack boot includes an outsole and a pair of traction devices located on opposite ends of the outsole. The traction devices are substantially the same except oriented in opposite directions. Each traction device includes a generally planar base at a lower side of the outsole and secured to the outsole, a substantially planar anchor plate at an upper side of the outsole, a plurality of rivets extending from the base to the anchor plate and clamping the base to the anchor plate with the outsole therebetween, and a carrier having a pair of crampons and pivotally secured to the base between an active position wherein the crampons are downwardly facing and an inactive position wherein the crampons are upwardly facing. The carrier pivots about a horizontal, transverse pivot axis located at one end so that the carrier “turns over” as it pivots about 180 degrees between the active and inactive positions. The carrier has a generally planar main portion and the crampons are generally perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A spiked athletic shoe includes a shoe upper and an outsole housing connected to the shoe upper. The outsole housing includes a bottom having a plurality of spike openings. Spaced-apart rear and front spike plates are positioned within the outsole housing and include a plurality of spikes attached for movement between a spike-extended position through the spike openings and a spike-retracted position. Springs engage the rear and front spike plates for normally urging the rear and front spike plates and attached spikes upwardly into the spike-retracted position. A mechanically-actuated slide overlies the rear and front spike plates for controlling movement of the spike plates between the spike-retracted position and the spike-extended position.

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: A golf shoe sole comprising ejecting and retracting spikes, the improvement wherein said sole contains a high pressure liquid pump assembly in communication with a plurality of housed cylinder assemblies each of which contain a slidable spike with seal, wherein extreme pressure being exerted upon contained liquid equals extreme firmness of ejected spikes. Said pump having shifting means of a four way rotatory spool valve for the control of ejection and retraction in either auto or manual mode, or said pump being one of the two, the former manual operating by way of lever reciprocating upon a piston. The latter auto, operating by way of a diaphragm located on the bottom soul of the back of the heel. Said diaphragm being subject to intense momentary pressure generated by the weight transference from the forward walking motion of the human wearer. An exclusively manual pump requiring only a two way ball, seat, and stem control valve.

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: Disclosed is a golf shoe which comprises spikes provided in a lower surface of a sole. Each of the spikes is composed of a spike pin provided projectingly in the lower surface of the sole and projecting catches arranged around the spike pin. The spike pin is caused to be retractable in its axial direction and pressed to be protruded more than a tip position of each of the projecting catches. Also disclosed is a spike for a golf shoe, which comprises a spike pin and projecting catches arranged around the spike pin. The spike pin is caused to be retractable in its axial direction and pressed to be protruded more than a tip position of each of the projecting catches.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a cavity formed therein and a plurality of holes extending from the cavity to the bottom surface of the sole. A spike is disposed in each one of the holes, and each spike is translatable between an extended position wherein a first end of the spike protrudes from the bottom surface of the sole and a retracted position wherein the first end does not protrude from the bottom surface of the sole. A slide member is slidably disposed in the cavity and has a plurality of recesses formed in a first surface thereof which is oriented towards the spikes. The slide member is translatable in a lengthwise direction between a first position wherein the recesses are aligned with the spikes so that the spikes assume their retracted position and a second position wherein the recesses are not aligned with the spikes so that the spikes assume their extended position.

Abstract: A sport shoe, particularly suitable for golf, provides a shoe with a base section sole and an overlying sole that is selectively removable from the base section sole. The base section sole can be spikeless, or include one type of spikes, while one or more overlying soles can include different spike types or spikeless faces. In one example, the base section sole contains metal long spikes that seat within magnetic recesses of the overlying sole. The overlying sole includes short plastic spikes or a spikeless face.

Abstract: A spike for a sole is provided with a pin and a receiving portion for receiving a rear end portion of the pin, an elastic member is provided between the rear end portion of the pin and the receiving portion, a sports shoe having elastic spikes is also provided with the sole, and the rubber spikes being arranged in combination with the elastic spikes each including the pin, the receiving portion and the elastic member.

Abstract: A shoe has spikes that can be retracted merely by moving an external operating member. Replaceable lower sole members can be selected and attached to the shoe based on ground surface conditions. Also, a shoe package includes one shoe with spikes and one shoe with retractable spikes or without spikes. A method of swinging a golf club using the shoe package permits a golfer's rear foot to be firmly planted while allowing the golfer's front foot to rotate and glide thus facilitating proper follow through.

Abstract: A spiked athletic shoe includes a shoe upper, and an outsole housing connected to the shoe upper. The outsole housing includes a bottom wall with a plurality of spike-receiving openings. Spaced-apart rear and front spike plates are located within the outsole housing, and reside respectively in a rear heel portion of the shoe and a front portion of the shoe generally in an area of the ball and toes of the foot. The rear and front spike plates include a plurality of spikes attached thereto for movement between a spike-extended position whereby the plurality of spikes extend outwardly from the bottom wall of the outsole housing, and a spike-retracted position whereby the plurality of spikes are retracted within the outsole housing. A slide plate located within the outsole housing operatively engages the rear and front spike plates, and is actuated by a manually actuated lever to move the rear and front spike plates and attached spikes between the spike-retracted position and the spike-extended position.

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. The cleat provides a slightly higher, rounded, softer center core or tip which provides a measure of slip-resistance when walking on most hard, smooth dry surfaces and a firmer disk portion having multiple wing-shaped extensions to provide traction on turf surrounds the softer center.

Abstract: A retractable spike system for providing traction when desired under the entire surface of a footwear sole and heel. Two or more retractable spike assemblies are inserted into cavities in the sole and heel of the footwear. The spikes on each assembly can be engaged by a cam or wedge pressing on a carrier plate. All the assemblies are connected together by a rigid coil attached to the cams or a shaft to which the wedges are fixed, in such a manner that a single mechanism can simultaneously retract or extend all the spikes on all assemblies.

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.