Abstract: A two-piece releasably securable cleat assembly for an athletic shoe, and particularly a golf shoe, formed of a pair of interengaging members which are preferably molded of plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the cleat assembly includes a first member comprised of a T-shaped threaded stem having a plurality of arms projecting radially and perpendicular from an end thereof, the stem for threadably engaging a complementary threaded bore or boss in the sole and/or heel of the shoe. The second member, interengagable with the T-shaped threaded stem, includes a generally circular base having an essentially planar top surface and a lower surface characterized by a plurality of traction enhancing arcuate legs which are preferably arranged in plural concentric circles on the lower surface. The base further features a central opening for snugly and slidably receiving the T-shaped threaded stem of the first member to releasably secure the second member to the shoe sole and/or heel.

Abstract: An athletic shoe system is provided comprising a shoe with shoe sole, non-metal screw boss, and cleat. The cleat of the preferred embodiment is usable with the shoe system of the present invention or with prior art athletic shoe systems. The preferred invention includes a removable plastic cleat having a disc-shaped body with a downwardly projecting generally circular pattern of ridges on its bottom side and an upwardly projecting threaded stem on its top side. A non-metal screw boss for embedding in the sole of a shoe has a cylindrical body with a threaded bore. An array of lobes project radially outwardly from the lower end of the cylindrical body and a corresponding set of truncated cone-shaped tabs project upwardly from the lobes. In use, a plurality of the screw bosses are embedded within the shoe sole during molding with the threaded bores of the bosses exposed through the bottom of the sole.

Abstract: A slip-resistant floor covering system comprising, in accordance with preferred embodiments of apparatus of the present invention, a slip-resistant tile having a plurality of pyramidal-shaped ridges which support an individual's foot at an elevation above liquid and other slip-inducing substances which flow through a network of drainage troughs (each trough being defined between adjacent ridges) and channels in the upper surface of the tile. The ridges of the plurality of ridges are directionally oriented relative to the channels to encourage rapid flow of spilled liquid and other substances away from a spill site. The orientation of the ridges relative to the channels also induces air flow through the troughs and channels in order to reduce foot and leg fatigue which may be experienced by an individual standing on the tile for long periods of time. Protruding members, extending from the lower surface of the tile, contact a floor surface and limit relative movement between the tile and the floor surface.