Cleat/spike insole shoe

Abstract

An article of athletic sports footwear comprises an upper for holding a foot of a wearer to a sole having a Cleat/Spike attached Insole. The insole plastic structure mirrors the skeletal structure of the human foot. A plurality of ground engaging members extend downwardly from the Cleat/Spike Insole to a Unisole Shoe providing traction on a ground surface.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/900,217, Filed Jul. 27, 2004, now abandoned.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The specialization of sports shoes i.e. football, soccer, baseball, and basketball has drawn the invention of a multiple or two way sport shoe. The relocation of hardened plastic into the interior as Insole support and a means for Cleat/Spike attachment. Our invention retains a comfortable soft sole Versus a conventional hard outsole plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The modern cleated athletic shoe is a combination of many elements which have specific functions, all of which work together for support and protection during an athletic event. Design of athletic shoe has become a science, but there has been little advancement for cleated footwear. The Outsole Plate and cleats provides traction, protection and a durable wear surface. Outsole plates severally limits running performance. In particular, Outsole Plates can cause discomfort, fatigue, and injury. Outsole plates inhibits the musculo-skeletal motion with respect to the flexibility movement of the phalanges bones and the metatarsal bones of a wearer's foot.

Our design, however takes into account the demands and requirements of the sport as they relate to the performance and safety of athletes. In meeting demands, our invention and innovation is creating an “Insole Connected Cleat/Spike Shoe”. The Cleat/Spike Insole Shoe prevents instability leading to fatigue, injury and inefficiency of foot work action. It is desirable to eliminate interference with the bio mechanical running sequence and to enhance performance by providing a shoe that can be used for running and traction.

Broadly, an article of footwear includes an upper and a insole. The insole includes a plurality of downwardly extending ground engaging members providing traction. The insole lies next to the foot under a sockliner. The insole is the foundation of the shoe.

The midsole lies between the insole and the outsole. The primary function of the midsole is to provide cushioning to the wearer's heel and forefoot. The outsole is commonly molded from abrasive resistant rubber material and comes in contact with the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Cleat/Spike Insole Shoe an article of footwear herein referred to as CSI Shoe. The features and aspects of the invention applies to the structures and forces to areas of the shoe. The specific enhancement at the insole area provides flexibility and support. The Socklined Insole plastic provides stability that increases energy efficiency during activity.

A first advantage of the CSI Shoe over prior art footwear styles is the flexibility. The Socklined Plastic Insole is flexible, lightweight and easier to assemble than conventional midsole attached outsole plates. The sole of a typical athletic shoe accounts for at least 50-60% of the total shoe weight. The CSI Shoe midsole/outsole components can be molded from a combined material. A third advantage is assembly is reduced to two primary structures. The upper attached sole and Insole. Therefore, reducing costs by eliminating the need for a separate outsole mold, material and assembly line efficiency.

Finally, bridging with arch support also reduces considerable weight in scaling down of cushioning midsole and outsole material from the mid foot area.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an article of footwear that overcomes deficiencies. Cleat/Spike Insole Shoe is not limited and intended for sports indoor or outdoor.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The upper is secured to the sole in conventional manner and forms an interior space for securely and comfortably inserting a foot by a wearer. The upper may be from multiple elements including mesh, goretex, synthetic leather and leather. Constructing materials thereof stitched and adhesively bonded together to form a footwear structure.

The CSI unit fills the inner space adjacent to the topside surface of the sole. The insole includes a socklined plastic layer having cleats/spikes attached, affixed or receptacle means for said cleats/spikes. The sockliner comprises a compressibly resilient foam layer having top and bottom surfaces sized and shaped for insertion into the footwear and for supporting the foot. The sole (mid/out) attenuates reaction forces and absorbs energy as the footwear contacts the surface. The midsole forms the middle layer of the cushion sole and may be composed of resilient foam material, such as polyurethane (PU), or similar or combination of material. Cleats/Spikes are provided at the bottom of the sole for ground engaged traction. The CSI Shoe structure reduces manufacturing cost and simplifies manufacturing processes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1B(1) Sockliner is a very soft foam insert that adds plenty of comfort and relieves cleat/spike pressure with light cushing and shock absorption of the shoe. The foam lower layer has a compressibility sufficient to permit the layer to resiliently compress under the foot in response to pressure applied by the foot during periods of a gait cycle when the footwear impacts the ground thereby absorbing shock and cushioning the foot during impact. The sockliner may further comprise an open cell layer. The bottom surface of the upper layer is permantly bonded to the top surface of the lower layer for spacing the lower layer from the foot to reduce heat transfer from the lower layer to the foot and insulate. The sockliner may include a closed cell lower layer and a porous upper level permitting air to pass through to cool and dry the foot. The socklined bonded plastic unit may be removable and replaceable. The CSI Shoe improves stability, propulsion, sides-to-sides and gains maximum foot control. The Cleat/Spike Insole has direct contact creating a natural synergy with the athletes foot. FIG. 1B(1A) The plastic insole provides support and is used for cleats/spikes attachment. The plastic insole can be formed by injection molding a resin into a desired shape, including a receptacle. The receptacle is sized and dimensioned to receive a threaded or locking system head of the shank (cleat component). The resin can be enhanced having a fibrous composition of nylon or glass. Arch support is placed beneath the medial region, and considerable weight may be saved, as conventional mid/out sole materials may be reduced or eliminated. The resistance to flex is important in the arch support region during the gait cycle. In addition, the anterior of the support requires an increase of flexibility for toeing off.

Cleated athletic shoes typically includes a sole having an upper extending upwardly from the sole and into which the foot of the athlete is positioned and secured in place. A conventional cleated athletic shoe usually includes a pattern of cleats in the rearfoot portion and in the forefoot portion of the outsole. CSI Spikes/Cleats attach to the plastic insole with a screw, threaded shank head, shank lock system and/or have a receptacle disposed on the exterior surface in the molding process. A engagement receptacle would have threads on the interior surface wall. Shoes with studs are designed for efficient, reliable attachment and disengagement. This allows the player to use the optimal stud for different field conditions.

The structure and function of the upper and insole unit has been fully described, attention will be directed to the sole of the present invention. The sole of a typical athletic shoe accounts for 70% of the total shoe weight. Thus, to significantly reduce the total weight of a shoe, steps must be taken to reduce the weight of the sole. To achieve a sole which is lightweight, the components thereof must be structured from a elimination concept to materials which are functionally efficient.

FIG. 1B(2)A Unisole is lightweight, provides flexibility, rigidness and is easier to assemble than conventional midsole and outsoles. The Unisole is attached to the upper by lasting and/or adhesives. In addition, a Unisole reduces mold costs due to the fact that the midsole/outsole, or sole can be formed with one mold from a combined midsole/outsole material which eliminates the need for a separate outsole mold. By using one mold as compared to two molds, simultaneously reduces the thickness, cost and weight. As mentioned above, a Unisole uses a combined midsole/outsole material to reduce the weight and increase the stability of the shoe. The stability is vital due to cleat pressure. The Unisole and alternative components are molded from a compound comprising a cushioning foam (for example, polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate) and an abrasion resistant rubber. The EVA foam and compounds are available from Eclipse Polymers Co. Ltd. EVA or polyurethane are both capable of producing a suitable sole, however our requirements are durability and stiffness value. A Unisole is made by injection or form molding. The bottom surface may be molded with a plurality of tread elements to increase the traction. A tread element texturing may take the form of v-shaped flex groves, waffles, or other dimensional projections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A Bottom view of Unisole with cleats/spikes

FIG. 1B Side view —illustrates shoe configuration

1-1A Socklined plastic insole

2 Uni-sole

Claims

1. A footwear assembly comprising: an upper; and a rubber sole secured to the upper, a socklined plastic insole adapted to removably secure a plurality of cleats/spikes, said insole having a arch, rear and fore foot region and a layer of cushioning material bonded to said plastic insole, wherein said socklined plastic insole has vertically aligned receptacles.

2. A athletic shoe comprising: an upper and rubber sole attached component, a socklined plastic insole unit, wherein said cushioned sockliner and plastic insole access footbed cavity, said plastic insole having at least one cushioning material layer adapted to permit deformation in response to load and bottom layer substantially rigid to prevent pressure from cleat/spike ground engagement, said layer providing a means for stability and traction.

3. A method for a socklined plastic insole comprising: providing a cushion layer bottom attached, providing a top surface bonded plastic insole layer, providing lower exterior surface inner wall threaded receptacles, providing a rubber sole having a upper extending upward, whereby cleats/spikes are attached to said insole for ground engagement from the sole's bottom surface.