Abstract: A heel traction device for attachment to a heel of a shoe or a boot comprises a traction platform formed of a flexible rubber material. The traction platform has a first face for contacting a ground surface and a second face for attachment to the heel of the shoe or boot. The traction platform defines a plurality of openings formed therethrough for receiving a traction element in each of said openings. A support band is connected to the traction platform for securing the traction platform to the shoe or a boot. The support band has a rear portion for attachment to a rear portion of the shoe or the boot and two opposing side portions for attachment to side portions of the shoe or the boot. Each of the side portions define a slot formed therethrough for receiving a strap.

Abstract: A midsole traction device is described. The midsole traction device comprises a first base portion; a second base portion and a flexible connector portion connecting the first base portion to the second base portion. The first base portion comprises a first traction aid on a first side of the midsole traction device. The second base portion comprising a second traction aid of the first side of the midsole traction device. The second traction aid is different to the first traction aid.

Abstract: A traction cleat assembly for a golf shoe includes a hub and removable cover affixed to the hub body in a fixed position with mated sealing engagement between the hub and removable cover defining a, the hub body including a minor driven fitting comprising one of a female fitting and male fitting defined in the hub bottom surface, and the cover top surface including a minor driving fitting for mating engagement with the minor driven fitting to define mated engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A mid-sole traction device for a shoe or a boot comprises a traction platform formed of a flexible rubber material. The platform has a first face for contacting a ground surface and a second face for attachment to a mid-sole of the shoe/boot. The first face is spaced from the second face. First and second protrusions are formed on the first face. The first protrusion has first and second ends, each of which defines an opening for receiving a spike. The second protrusion has first and second ends, each of which defines an opening for receiving a spike. The second protrusion is separate and spaced from the first protrusion. A first slot is formed in the platform and is located near a first peripheral edge of the platform for receiving a strap. A second slot is formed in the platform near a second peripheral edge for receiving a strap.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear (e.g., outsole components) have one or more of: a base plate having a V-shaped support structure with lateral and medial support members extending forward from a base support area located in a heel or rear midfoot area of the outsole component; a base plate having a matrix structure with recesses or openings formed between rib elements that make up the matrix structure; and/or a base plate having a rear heel support. The base plates may be made, at least in part, as unitary, one-piece constructions, using selective laser sintering or other three-dimensional printing and/or rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques.

Abstract: A method of forming a flexible pad and a sock comprising at least one flexible pad located on the underside of the sock is disclosed. The at least one flexible pad has a rear face attached to the sock, and an outwardly facing front face. A plurality of suckers are located on the at least one flexible pad section, and on the front face of the at least one flexible pad section, and each of the plurality of suckers form a concave shape. Each of the plurality of suckers are capable of creating a suction action when depressed from the rear face under pressure, and each of the plurality of suckers has a circular shaped side wall. An outer surface of the side wall is sloped inwards towards a central part of the sucker, and the base of the side wall is wider than the top portion.

Abstract: An attachment device includes a webbing matrix having an elastic property in at least one direction, and a gripping member fixedly connected to a first distal end the webbing matrix. The device further includes a first hook or loop material disposed proximate a second distal end and on a first side of the webbing matrix, and on a second corresponding hook or loop material disposed proximate the first distal end and on a second side of the webbing matrix. The device further includes a series of gripping elements being infused into the second side of the webbing matrix, and a fastening device disposed on the first side of the webbing matrix, where the fastening device includes a thin flexible base material surrounding a perimeter of the fastening device, the thin flexible base material fixedly connected to the webbing matrix.

Abstract: A material that includes at least one layer made of an auxetic structure and articles of footwear having soles comprising the materials. When the material is under tension, it expands in both the direction under tension and in the direction orthogonal to the direction under tension. The articles of footwear have soles that have at least one layer made of a material that has a pattern of apertures to provide the auxetic structure. The apertures are surrounded by sole portions that can rotate or pivot to change the size of the apertures. An outer covering can be mated with an outsole structure formed by the auxetic structure. The outer covering includes features that mate with the apertures in the outsole structure. The outer covering is elastic and can stretch to accommodate expansion of the auxetic structure.

Abstract: An assembly improving, lower mass fastener head that is easier to handle and reduces the amount of material that is required in manufacturing the fastener comprises three lugs at multiples of 60 degrees around an axis of a threaded body. Those portions of a hex head that are not necessary for application and transmission of torque, nor necessary to resist axial loading, nor necessary to axially stabilize the fastener head within current driving tooling may be removed. Compatibility with existing hex head tools is maintained while improving handling of the fastener by an assembler and reducing material used in the fastener head.

Abstract: A crampon including a body extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a first side and a second side, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface, the crampon including points projecting in the area of the supporting surface, as well as a first member for retaining a boot in the area of the receiving surface, the first retaining member being movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the crampon further including an elastic mechanism provided for biasing the first retaining member toward the locking position. On the side of the receiving surface, the crampon includes a return adapted to cooperate with the boot, the return biasing the first retaining member toward the unlocking position when the boot approaches the receiving surface, the return allowing the first retaining member to move back toward the locking position when the boot is in place on the receiving surface.

Abstract: A traction device has a pliable securing portion configured to connect the traction device to footwear. A traction portion forms a barrier between the outsole of footwear and a surface. A retainer having retainer ends is configured to be retained by a compartment within the securing portion. A portion of at least one link of the traction portion is configured to connect to a retainer within a compartment when a portion of the link is received by an opening in the wall surface of the compartment. At least one traction portion is configured to be removable from the traction device. At least one retainer end is removable. When the retainer end is removed from the retainer, the retainer can then receive a replaceable traction device or a traction portion can be removed from the traction device. The wall surface of the compartment can have a plurality of openings.

Abstract: An ice grip is adapted to be worn on a user's foot and includes a sole having a ground engaging surface (2) on which is mounted at least one location element (10). The location element (10) is adapted to removably engage a traction element (20) for improving the traction of a user wearing the ice grip when standing or walking over slippery surfaces. The location element (10) and the traction element (20) are cooperatively arranged such that the traction element (20) is received by and removed from the location element (10) in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the ground engaging surface (2).

Abstract: A removable traction device for wearing over an article of footwear includes an outer peripheral band; a traction area defined within the outer peripheral band and including a removable traction member; and a plurality of resilient connecting strands extending between the traction area and the outer peripheral band. The traction area includes an exterior ground engaging surface and an interior surface opposite thereto and the interior surface includes a peripheral flange defining a traction member receiving pocket, such that the removable traction member is insertable into and removable from the traction member receiving pocket.

Abstract: A bicycle cleat positioning kit includes a first section and a second section. The first section has a first shoe attachment portion that is configured to be detachably coupled to a first bicycle shoe. The first section being configured to adjustably position a first cleat on a first sole of the first bicycle shoe. The second section has a second shoe attachment portion that is configured to be detachably coupled to a second bicycle shoe different from the first bicycle shoe. The second section being configured to adjustably position a second cleat on a second sole of the second bicycle shoe.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a sole assembly comprising a plurality of traction elements disposed on a ground-facing surface of the sole assembly, and wherein the sole assembly is configured to provide a rocker effect. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a sole assembly that includes a spring system based on a semi-rigid polymer shaped to provide the rocker effect. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to a golf shoe with a sole profile having a geometric shape that provides a roll-over effect according to rocker shoe technology and wherein the sole profile is optimized to convey the benefits of rocker shoe technology to golf specific activities.

Abstract: An ice grip accessory for a shoe having a toe portion, a high heel and a sole has joined forward and rear portions. The forward portion has a toe box for engaging a toe portion of the shoe and a pad oriented upon a bottom surface of the shoe sole, the pad supporting a plurality of depending ice grip studs. The rear portion has a heel box for engaging at least a portion of the top lift of the shoe heel, the heel box supporting a heel pad oriented upon a bottom surface of the heel, the heel pad supporting a depending ice grip stud. The forward and rear portions are joined by a strap extending between and connecting the forward portion pad and the heel box, the strap including an upwardly extending portion surrounding an upper portion of the shoe counter. The straps may be length adjustable to allow the accessory to be accommodated of a variety of differently-sized shoes.

Abstract: A crampon capable of being worn on general footwear for golf shoes and climbing irons is disclosed, in which because of small volume and light load, the crampon has a cheap and conveniently portable advantage.

Abstract: A thinner shoe mounted receptacle results from a thin cleat attachment flange received in a shallow receptacle cavity. An angled interface between the cleat and receptacle provide a friction fit engagement to minimize inadvertent disengagement of the cleat and receptacle. Rotational locking occurring inside or outside the cavity further prevents inadvertent cleat rotation. Multiple positionally synchronized angular stops positively define the final angular orientation of the cleat in the receptacle.

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

Abstract: A thinner shoe mounted receptacle results from a thin cleat attachment flange received in a shallow receptacle cavity. An angled interface between the cleat and receptacle provide a friction fit engagement to minimize inadvertent disengagement of the cleat and receptacle. Rotational locking occurring inside or outside the cavity further prevents inadvertent cleat rotation. Multiple positionally synchronized angular stops positively define the final angular orientation of the cleat in the receptacle.

Abstract: A crampon including a body extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a first side and a second side, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface, the crampon including points projecting in the area of the supporting face, as well as a structure for retaining a boot in the area of the receiving surface. The crampon includes a device for adjusting the longitudinal bending strength of the body.

Abstract: A crampon including a body extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a first side and a second side, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface, the crampon including points projecting in the area of the supporting surface, as well as a first member for retaining a boot in the area of the receiving surface, the first retaining member being movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the crampon further including an elastic mechanism provided for biasing the first retaining member toward the locking position. On the side of the receiving surface, the crampon includes a return adapted to cooperate with the boot, the return biasing the first retaining member toward the unlocking position when the boot approaches the receiving surface, the return allowing the first retaining member to move back toward the locking position when the boot is in place on the receiving surface.

Abstract: The mini crampon is secured to a ski mountaineering/AT boot containing a special binding insert molded into the sole of the AT boot, and at least two trunnion pins, and at least one stop bumper retained in the mini crampon, which engage the binding insert in the AT boot sole securing the mini crampon to the AT boot.

Abstract: A removable traction device for wearing over an article of footwear includes an outer peripheral band; a traction area defined within the outer peripheral band and including a removable traction member; and a plurality of resilient connecting strands extending between the traction area and the outer peripheral band. The traction area includes an exterior ground engaging surface and an interior surface opposite thereto and the interior surface includes a peripheral flange defining a traction member receiving pocket, such that the removable traction member is insertable into and removable from the traction member receiving pocket.

Abstract: A fraction plate and a method of use 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.

Abstract: A method of adapting a shoe configured for a first physical activity into a modified shoe suitable for a second physical activity on a floor comprises: providing a traction adjustment band, the traction adjustment band including an upper band and a sole band; placing the traction adjustment band around the shoe such that the upper band is disposed on an upper portion of the shoe and the sole band is disposed across a sole of the shoe; and removably securing the traction adjustment band to one of the shoe or to a wearer's foot using a retaining strap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stick on cleat for removably transforming a shoe into a functional pair of removable cleats having a flexible detachable base plate comprising an top surface and a bottom surface; at least 5 spikes depending from the bottom surface; an adhesive layer on the top surface, wherein the adhesive layer can be removably secured to a shoe sole; and a protective layer positioned over the adhesive layer.

Abstract: An improved binding for footwear traction devices, snowshoes and other footwear accessories that provides adjustable lateral supports and generally even platform or foot bed. Furthermore, an improved traction device with removable rear traction component to allow for use with detachable snowshoe platform.

Abstract: A toe traction device for preventing foot slippage within high heeled shoes includes a generally oval shaped main body having a cushion liner disposed between a top surface and a bottom surface, a plurality of retention straps for securing the device to the foot of a user and a plurality of grippers for interacting with the insole of a shoe.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hiking boot attachment is provided that assists in the descent of slopes. The hiking boot attachment includes a platform that engages the underside of a mid-portion of a sole of a hiking boot, in a region under a ball of a hiker's foot. A strap system is attached to the platform and secures the platform to the hiking boot. Further, one or more supports are secured to the platform. The one or more supports each have a portion that extends downward from a bottom face of the platform to engage the ground and lift the platform above the ground. This may reduce incline of the hiking boot when descending a slope. The portions of the one or more supports that engage the ground deliver downward force to regions of ground disposed to lateral sides of the hiking boot, to promote stability.

Abstract: A flexible, rollable sole having a thin elastic or rubber cord attached thereto in parallel to and at a distance from the sole edge, the elastic cord fits around the ski boot at the junction of the sole and upper, the elastic cord extends around the boot at the level of the sole. The attachment may comprise a plurality of extensions of the plastic or rubber cord. In embodiments pair of soles sufficient to completely cover the toe and heel of the boot have a short gap therebetween. In embodiments a thin elastic hand holds a fabric upper body in place. Large loops or tabs allow a user to easily manipulated the device wearing ski gloves, a band, fastener or hook may be used to hold the device to its companion device or in the rolled up position or around the boot shaft while the user is skiing.

Abstract: A method for making a cleated plate member for an article of footwear is described. The method includes a number of steps where various molds are used to form different components of the cleated plate member. A collar receptacle is formed using a first molding process. A cleat member is formed from a non-compatible material with a fastener of the cleat member associated with the collar receptacle using another molding process to form a combined cleat assembly. The combined cleat assembly is placed into corresponding receptacles in a mold used to form the cleated plate member. The cleated plate member is formed using another molding process that embeds the collar receptacle into the body of the cleated plate member. The completed cleated plate member includes releasably attached cleat members.

Abstract: Provided is a personal traction device that includes a traction mechanism that is very comfortable underfoot, while providing excellent traction over slippery surfaces as well as excellent long-term wear.

Abstract: A cleat arrangement is configured for use with an article of footwear comprises a receptacle, a cleat, and a retaining ring. The receptacle is provided in the sole of the footwear. The cleat includes a projecting member and a retaining surface. The retaining surface is configured to fit within the receptacle with the projecting member extending from the receptacle. The retaining ring fits over the cleat and engages the retaining surface of the cleat positioned within the receptacle and the projecting member of the cleat extending through the retaining ring. The retaining ring releasably engages the receptacle such that the retaining ring holds the cleat within the receptacle.

Abstract: A cleat attachment system for footwear. The cleat includes a cylinder on a base with one or more locking tabs disposed around the outside of the cylinder. The receptacle includes a cylindrical cavity with one or more locking tabs on the cavity's inner surface. A cleat attaches to a receptacle embedded in footwear by inserting the cleat attachment structure into the receptacle, after ramps on the cleat attachment structure and the receptacle are oriented with respect to each other. The locking tabs engage to retain the cleat in the receptacle. Corresponding ramps on the cleat attachment structure and the receptacle cooperate to disengage the locking tabs when the cleat attachment structure is twisted about its axis. The cleat is thereby detached from the receptacle.

Abstract: An overshoe traction device includes a flexible strap for attaching to a shoe, and front and rear cleat members attached to the strap. The rear cleat member includes a metallic rear plate. The front cleat member includes metallic fore and aft plates, and an elastically flexible material molded to, and interconnecting, the fore and aft plates. The fore and aft plates are spaced from one another to form a gap therebetween. Cleats extend downwardly from the rear plate and each of the fore and aft plates. The cleats of the fore and aft plates extend in a pattern around a central region of the front cleat member. The elastically flexible material forms a topside of the front cleat member, and a central region of the underside of the front cleat member and defines a horizontal pivot zone between the fore and aft plates, enabling the fore and aft plates to pivot up and down relative to one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a traction adjustment band for emplacement on a shoe, comprising: an upper band; a sole band; a first attachment interface connecting one end of the upper band to one end of the sole band; and a second attachment interface connecting another end of the upper band to another end of the sole band so as to form a unitary band.

Abstract: A piece of footwear is equipped with one or more spare cleat fasteners adapted to receive one or more spare cleats on a upper of the footwear and a plurality of cleat fasteners adapted to receive a plurality of cleats on a sole of the footwear. In one implementation, the spare cleat fasteners are apertures adapted to receive the spare cleats. When a user of the footwear discovers that one or more cleats on the sole of the footwear are worn, broken, or missing, the user may replace the worn, broken, or missing cleats with spare cleats located in the spare cleat fasteners on the upper of the footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an interchangeable pod system is disclosed. The interchangeable pod system includes an outsole, a pod set, and a cleat set. The pods are attached to the outsole by means of the members of the cleat set. Variations in the types of pods and cleats used allow a wearer to reconfigure the article of footwear in order to maximize performance on a given surface in a given set of surface conditions as well as other parameters.

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 cleated shoe is presented which provides cushion support and lateral stability in a lightweight construction. The shoe includes a lower and an upper. The lower may include a primary midsole, cushion elements, and an outsole. A cleat may be connected to the outsole. At least one cushion may be located between the primary midsole and outsole. Various embodiments of cushions are presented and may be consistent with specific types of shoes associated with various types of activities such as football, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, or golf. The lower may be consistent with approaches to remediate a wearer's pronation or supination.

Abstract: A thong style sandal with cleats comprising of a foot-bed with a foot strap and a sole having a plurality of removable cleats that extend out from the bottom of the outsole to define a ground-engaging surface for extra traction. The sandal includes a foot-strap attached to the front portion of the foot-bed with a toe post, and substantially arc-shaped side straps attached on opposing sides of the foot-bed, the ends of the foot-strap being anchored to the outsole. The sandal with cleats provides ground engaging traction while providing extra comfort as it allows the foot to remain at an ambient temperature by allowing the foot to breath in open air as the greater part of the foot is exposed to the environmental elements. The sandal conforms closely with the foot that provides a stable platform during sporting activity. The sandal has a plurality of sockets for securing the cleats to the sandal.

Abstract: A stabilizing training device suitable for use on an ice-skate is disclosed. The device provides a foot retaining portion and a stabilizing portion directly under the foot retaining portion. The unit is designed to provide at least partial resiliency to permit limited lateral movement in use. The device is positioned about the foot or footwear by positioning the former into the foot retaining area. A base extends between foot retaining members of the foot retaining area. The base contacts the sole of the foot or footwear and has, extending downwardly and outwardly therefrom, arms which provide for the stabilizing aspect when the device is in use.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the shoe sole (10) comprises at least one main ground engagement section (22) specifically designed to respond to certain modes of solicitation by the foot of the player. Such section is provided with a sculpted pattern having recesses (102) and solid areas (100). The recesses and solid areas are distributed to minimize pressures or stress differences throughout the ground engagement section concerned so as to provide better adherence and lower wear by abrasion in response to such mode of solicitations. Preferably this arrangement is applied to more than one main ground engagement section (22, 24, 42, 44) in the shoe sole, each of which offers a specific response to a particular mode of solicitation by a player in action. According to a preferred embodiment the recesses are made of elongated cells opening (102) in a corresponding solid area through an elongated aperture (101) with rounded ends (108). The application of these principles to the production of a tennis shoe is described.

Abstract: A crampon capable of being worn on general footwear for golf shoes and climbing irons is disclosed, in which because of small volume and light load, the crampon has a cheap and conveniently portable advantage.

Abstract: A cleat for footwear. The cleat includes a base layer that attaches to the outsole of the footwear, a cushioning layer and a traction element layer. The traction element layer is attached to the base layer solely by the cushioning layer. Each of the cleat layers provides friction with the ground when the cleat engages the ground. The durometer of the base layer and the durometer of the traction element layer are greater than the durometer of the cushioning layer. When a user steps on a surface wearing a shoe outfitted with these cleats, the resilience of the cushioning layer at once both lessens the impact of the traction elements on the ground surface and lessens the reaction force on the user's foot transmitted through the shoe's outsole. The user's comfort is thereby enhanced.

Abstract: A removable traction device for wearing over an article of footwear includes an outer peripheral band, a forefoot pod member disposed interior of the outer peripheral band, a heel pod member disposed interior of the outer peripheral band, and a plurality of resilient connecting strands extending between the forefoot pod member and the outer peripheral band and between the heel pod member and the outer peripheral band, thereby connecting the forefoot pod member and heel pod member to the outer peripheral band. According to one aspect of the invention, at least some of the connecting strands define a non-linear configuration According to a further aspect of the invention, the forefoot pod member and heel pod member include a ground-engaging outsole surface having a non-slip tread configuration and the forefoot pod member and heel pod member further include a footwear engaging surface having an anti-fatigue tread configuration.

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.

Abstract: A mounting connector for a cleat includes a noncircular and/or asymmetrical base and a cleat engagement member. The noncircular base may define a perimeter having a truncated edge which renders the base asymmetrical about the axis of the cleat engagement member. The system may further include a cleat configured to mate with the cleat engagement member. The base positions the cleat engagement member (and thus the cleat and/or the cleat center axis) at a maximum distance from the shoe's center of rotation. This, in turn, provides a wider performance track, improving the stability of the shoe.

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.