Patents by Inventor Thomas H. Ricker

Thomas H. Ricker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5337494
    Abstract: A cleated shoe which includes a mechanism which allows for the cleats to be retracted when not on an activity surface and then to be lowered or extended simultaneously for better traction at the wearer's command. The mechanism consists of a control lever located at the back of the shoe and two sliding flexible plastic members disposed on top of one another longitudinally within the sole of the shoe, with the heads of a plurality of cleats trapped between these two sliding members. The head of the cleats remain within the sole of the shoe whereas the body of the cleat can be extended out of the bottom of the shoe sole or totally retracted into the sole. The top sliding member is grooved to drive and lock the cleat into retraction or extension while the lower sliding member uncovers or covers the cleat opening, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Thomas H. Ricker