Patents Assigned to Softspikes, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7086182
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie L. Deacon, Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: 6354021
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie L. Deacon, Faris W. Mc Mullin
  • Patent number: 6327797
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie L. Deacon, Faris W. Mc Mullin
  • Patent number: 6167641
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: 6094843
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Curley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6052923
    Abstract: A cleat for providing traction in golf shoes (and shoes for other turf sports) that does not adversely affect turf, but provides a desired level of traction under as many different conditions as possible, and is resistant to being worn down on hard surfaces. The cleat has a flange with an attachment stud for attaching to a receptacle in a shoe sole, a plurality of traction protrusions on the flange to engage grass blades to provide traction without damaging turf, and a bearing portion that bears the wearer's weight, particularly when the wearer walks on a hard surface. The protrusions are thereby less affected by the abrading effects of the hard surface, and last longer before they are worn to the point that they are no longer able to provide traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: 6023860
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: 6009640
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie L. Deacon, Faris W. Mc Mullin
  • Patent number: 5761833
    Abstract: An athletic shoe traction system which uses a plurality of miniature spikes is provided. The miniature spikes are preferably removably mounted so that they can be replaced when worn out. The miniature spikes can be formed on removable cleats similar to conventional removable cleats, or they can be provided on pads that attach to the underside of an athletic shoe, preferably in a recess provided for that purpose. Hook-and-loop type fasteners or other releasable fasteners, such as a releasable adhesive, can be used to attach the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D449921
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D450915
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D389299
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D401046
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D404192
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D407893
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D408122
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D409463
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D415340
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D434289
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin
  • Patent number: D434290
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Softspikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Faris W. McMullin