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.

Abstract: A shoe stud and receptacle, the shoe stud including a ground-engaging part and the two components are adapted to be secured together by a multi-start threaded connection comprising a screw-threaded spigot on one of the two components adapted to be inserted with rotation into a screw-threaded socket on the other component, and a locking means of the components which is arranged to become interengaged to resist unscrewing of the assembly, the locking means comprising a primary locking means and at least one secondary locking member, the primary locking means comprising a ring of posts extending axially from one of the components and a ring of teeth on the other component, the posts engaging between the teeth, and wherein the or each secondary locking member is adapted to engage with a post to maintain the interengagement of the primary locking means.

Abstract: A traction cleat system for an athletic shoe is disclosed. The system includes an elongated receptacle that receives a cleat strip. The elongated receptacle may be a channel or notch formed into the sole of the shoe. In one embodiment, the cleat strip includes an elongated, flexible hub, a cleat connector, and traction elements depending from the hub. The cleat strip is removable from the receptacle, permitting easy replacement of the cleat assembly when the traction elements become worn.

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: Adjustable traction is provided in a traction cleat by selectively restricting or not the amount of flexure permitted for a dynamic traction element on the cleat. Restricting flexure is alternatively achieved by an adjustably positionable ring or by rotating the cleat to align the dynamic element with different shoe sole topographical features. A dual locking post is provided to reduce the surface area required on the cleat hub for locking structures. The cleat is formed in a two shot molding process that permits elongations of the dynamic traction elements without sacrificing the integrity of the cleat structure.

Abstract: A golf ball marking stencil includes two caps, resiliently biased toward one another, configured as spherical segments defining a cavity therebetween to securely retain a golf ball. Stencil slots for marking putt alignment path, putter face squareness and swing path lines are defined in the caps. Actuator tabs project from the caps and may be pinched together in opposition to a bias spring to force the caps open to expose the cavity. The spring force of the bias spring prevents movement of a retained golf ball relative to the caps. The cavity periphery is contoured to permit a marker pen to be engaged therein when the cavity does not contain a golf ball.

Abstract: A cleat includes a hub and dynamic traction elements of the type that resiliently flex upwardly under the load of the weight of a wearer of a shoe. The traction elements are biased to resiliently flex inwardly from the hub periphery while flexing upwardly under the load.

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 traction cleat system for an athletic shoe is disclosed. The system includes an elongated receptacle that receives a cleat strip. The elongated receptacle may be a channel or notch formed into the sole of the shoe. In one embodiment, the cleat strip includes an elongated, flexible hub, a cleat connector, and traction elements depending from the hub. The cleat strip is removable from the receptacle, permitting easy replacement of the cleat assembly when the traction elements become worn.

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.

Abstract: A cleat for use with an athletic shoe includes a hub, a stud of substantially non-flexible material and extending downwardly and away from a lower surface of the hub, a cleat connector extending upwardly and from an upper surface of the hub and configured to engage a shoe-mounted mating connector disposed on a sole of the shoe, the upper surface opposing the lower surface of the hub, and at least one dynamic traction element extending downwardly from the lower surface of the hub and adapted to flex upwardly when the cleat is connected to a shoe and the at least one dynamic traction element is forced downwardly to contact a ground surface due to a weight load applied to a shoe.

Abstract: A shoe cleat comprises a fan-like array of dynamic traction elements that, under the weight of a wearer of a shoe, resiliently deflect toward the cleat hub and are compressed against an adjacent traction element and/or the hub to trap interposed grass blades.