Bicycle Shoe Strap Assembly
A bicycle shoe strap assembly that closes about a throat opening of a bicycle shoe. The strap assembly includes a pad and a first strap and a second strap that extend from generally opposite sides of the pad. Each strap is securable to the shoe in a variety of positions so as to align the pad in a generally centered positioned over the arch of a rider's foot. It is envisioned that the second strap be constructed to engage the shoe at a number of locations or that the second strap be replaceable with other second straps wherein each second strap is securable to the shoe at dissimilar discrete locations.
The present invention relates generally to bicycle shoes and, more particularly, to an adjustable strap assembly for forming the throat closure of the shoe so that a padded portion of the strap assembly can be generally centered over the arch of a rider's foot or adjusted to the lateral sides of the throat opening to satisfy a rider's preference.
During operation of a bicycle, the interaction between the feet of a rider and the pedals of the bicycle communicate a majority of the energy of the rider to the bicycle. Understandably, the interaction between the foot, the rider's shoes, and the pedal can dramatically affect ride performance as well as rider comfort. During extended rides, shoes that do not fit properly or improperly cooperate with the pedals of a bicycle can generate sores or blisters on a rider's feet due to undesired inaction of the shoe with more tender areas of the foot.
In an attempt to mitigate these effects, many manufacturers provide a variety of shoe sizes in a variety of shoe widths. Although many shoes are provided in variety of sizes and widths, many riders can only approximate a desired fit and must tune the fit of the shoe with the laces and/or straps. With respect to bicycle shoes having strapped closures, commonly, one or more hook and loop straps traverse the tongue groove formed between the opposite sides of an upper of the shoe. One side of the strap is secured to a first side of the upper and the strap is passed through an eyelet that is secured to another side of the upper on the opposite side of the tongue groove. As the wearer pulls the end of the strap, the sides of the upper are tightened or snugged about the user's foot as the strap slides through the eyelet. When the desired compression is achieved, the user overlays the hook and loop portions of the strap to secure the opposite sides of the upper at a desired position. Although such straps are adequate for the forward portions of the tongue groove, a throat portion of the shoe closure, or that portion where the rider's ankle enters the shoe, requires greater padding and flexibility than such a closure offers.
Commonly, the throat closure of a bicycle shoe includes a strap and a pad area configured to be generally aligned with the tongue groove. The strap commonly extends from one side of the upper to another. One side of the strap is secured to a first side of the upper and a second side of the strap is constructed to cooperate with a buckle assembly that is secured to the opposite side of the upper. Although such a configuration provides a generally more flexible throat closure than the over-lying portions of a hook and loop strap, the strap assembly is not without its respective drawbacks.
As the user manipulates the buckle assembly to achieve the desired closure pressure, the pad attached to the strap translates to nearer the buckle or outward side of the upper. Such operation can result in the undesirable positioning of the pad to the lateral sides of a given riders' foot. Furthermore, although a number of shoes and widths are provided, not all feet that have similar sizes and widths are the same. For instance, the arch one rider's foot may extend higher than that of a rider having a foot of a comparable size. As the throat strap of the shoe is generally positioned over the arch of the foot, and there is great deal of movement and flexure of the foot structures proximate the throat opening during a pedaling operation, improper positioning of the padded area of the strap relative to the arch of the foot of the rider can result in a severally uncomfortable or irritating fit of the shoe with respect to individual riders.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a shoe closure or strap assembly and method of forming a throat closure of a shoe wherein both ends of the strap cooperate with the shoe in an adjustable manner so that individual users can select a preferred strap orientation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention provides a bicycle shoe strap assembly and method of forming a throat closure of a bicycle shoe that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks. A bicycle shoe strap assembly according to one aspect of the invention includes a pad, a first strap, and a second strap. The first and second straps pass through loops that are formed on generally opposite ends of the pad. The first strap includes a number of ridges that are constructed to pass through the first loop. The second strap is constructed to pass through the second loop and extend in an opposite direction with respect to the first strap. The first strap is constructed to engage a buckle that secures the first strap to a bicycle shoe and the second strap is constructed to engage a mount body that secures the second strap to the bicycle shoe. Each of the first strap and the second strap are securable to the shoe in a number of positions to generally center the pad across an arch of a foot of a wearer. Such a strap assembly allows the pad to be positioned to correspond to the anatomy of individual wearers.
A further aspect of the invention usable with one or more of the above aspects is to provide a buckle assembly that cooperates with the first strap. The buckle assembly preferably includes a catch that cooperates with the ribs of the first strap. Preferably, the buckle assembly includes a ratchet that cooperates with the number of ribs so that a user can conveniently snug the strap across the top of the foot. Preferably, the ratchet tensions the opposite sides of an upper of the shoe such that the shoe slightly compresses about the foot.
Another aspect of the invention usable with one or more of the above aspects is to form a number of openings in the second strap or provide the second strap in a number of discrete portions with a single opening formed in each portion. Each opening cooperates with a post that extends from a shoe such that the second strap can be secured to the shoe in a variety of positions. Alternatively, the strap includes a projection that cooperates with a number of openings formed in a mount body secured to the shoe. Preferably, if the strap includes a projection, the projection is secured to the strap with a living hinge. Such constructions also allow the second strap to be secured to the shoe in a number of positions.
Another aspect of the invention useable with one or more of the above aspects is that one or more of the pad, first strap, and second strap is replaceable. Preferably, the shoe assembly includes at least one hook and loop strap that provides closure pressure forward of the strap assembly.
A further aspect useable with one or more of the above aspects is to form a sole of the shoe to have a cleat configured to engage a bicycle pedal. Preferably, each shoe of a pair of shoes has generally mirror image constructions of one another.
A method of forming a shoe throat closure in accordance with one or more of the aspects above includes providing a strap assembly having a pad with first and second straps extending from opposite sides thereof. The first strap and the second strap are each secured to the bicycle shoe at one of a variety of positions to generally center and snug the pad across an arch of a foot of user.
These and various other features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings.
The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.
In the drawings:
Referring to
Outward strap 52 includes a body 68 that extends beyond loop 58. As described further below with respect to
Still referring to
Referring to
In one embodiment, a closed loop or pocket 88 extends from mount body 76 proximate post 80 and receives that portion of strap 54 that extends beyond post 80. Pocket 88 further reduces the potential of strap 54 inadvertently disengaging with post 80 and maintains the portion of instep strap 54 which extends beyond post 80 in relatively close proximity to upper 34 of shoe 20. Furthermore, pocket 88 prevents inadvertent contact of strap 54 with adjacent structures of the bicycle during use. Alternatively, as described further below with respect to
Still referring to
An instep strap 54′ according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in
However, each opening 224, 226 is offset a different distance, indicated by arrows 232, 234 from the head 228 of each respective strap portion 220, 222. Such a construction alters the position of pad loop 58 relative to mount 76 depending upon which strap portion 220, 222 is engaged therewith. It is appreciated that although instep strap 54′ is shown as having two different strap portions, more strap portions could be provided so as to increase the adjustability of instep strap 54′. It is further appreciated that providing instep strap 54′ as multiple distinct strap portions, increases manufacturing adjustability of the positions of holes 224, 226 as compared to instep strap 54. That is, by providing holes 224, 226 in separate bodies 230, holes 224, 226 can be positioned so as to partly overlie one another. Were such an orientation provided with instep strap 54, one or ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the strap 54 would not cooperate with post 80 and tab 82 in a more desirable snug fashion.
With respect to
As shown in
Mounts 76, 210 are each configured to cooperate with one of either of instep straps 54, 54′ thereby increasing the functionality of the shoe closure system. That is, each closure system facilitates the replaceability of each of shoes 20 and straps 54, 54′ independent the other of the shoe of strap. Such a configuration allows a user to more closely tailor the shoe closure system to their individual preferences.
Preferably, buckle assembly 94, as well as optional straps 40, 42 are oriented to be manipulated by a common hand of the user. More preferably, buckle assembly 94 and straps 40, 42 are operated by the same hand of a user as is associated with the foot. That is, each of buckle assembly 94 and optional straps 40, 42 are oriented so that a user can manipulate the mechanisms of the right foot with their right hand and the mechanisms of the left foot with their left hand. Such a construction allows a rider to conveniently adjust their footwear while riding if necessary.
Referring to
Ratchet 98 includes a handle 110 that is operationally connected to an operator 112. Rotation of handle 110 in a closing direction, indicated by arrow 114, biases operator 112 into engagement with one or more of grooves 108 of outward strap 52 and translates outward strap 52 in a closing direction, indicated by arrow 116. Handle 110 includes an opening 118 that generally corresponds to a size and a shape of catch 96. During the closure of strap assembly 22, outward strap 52 passes through buckle assembly 94 such that stop 106 interacts with one or more of grooves 108 thereby loosely fixing the position of strap assembly 22 relative to a user's foot. User manipulation of handle 110 in direction 114 translates outward strap 52 further in direction 116 such that stop 106 can interact with a rib 70 and groove 108 nearer pad 50 thereby providing a desired compression of strap assembly 22 across a top surface of the foot.
To open strap assembly 22, release 104 is displaced toward base 100, indicated by arrow 105, so that catch 96 rotates about pivot 102. When release 104 is depressed, stop 106 disengages from a respective groove 108 and rib 70 of outward strap 52 such that outward strap 52 can be freely translated in a release or opening direction, indicated by arrow 120, relative to buckle assembly 94. Translation of outward strap 52 in direction 120 enlarges throat 38 or the area associated with the ankle opening of bicycle shoe 20 so that the foot can be removed from shoe 20.
In use, strap assembly 22 allows pad 50 to be generally centrally positioned over the arch area of a rider's foot generally independent of the features of any given wearer's foot. As each of outward strap 52 and instep straps 54, 54′ can be secured to the generally opposite sides of upper 32 at a variety of positions, strap assembly 22 satisfies comfort and fit requirements of a variety of feet shapes and a variety of individual wearer preferences. For example, strap assembly 22 can readily satisfy the fit requirements associated with similar sized feet that have different arch characteristics. The adjustability of both of outward strap 52 and instep strap 54, 54′ allows strap assembly 22 to also satisfy variations in wearer preference with respect to the position of pad 50 relative to their foot. That is, strap assembly 22 can accommodate riders having similar sized feet but a preference to having the pad offset to one of an inward or instep step or an outward side of the arch area of the foot. Further, the adjustable interface of each side of strap assembly 22 with shoe 20 provides a strap assembly that is applicable across a variety of bicycle shoe platforms as well as a wide range of overall bicycle shoe sizes.
Similar to shoe 20, outward strap 152 includes a number of ridges 172 and grooves 174 and cooperate with a buckle assembly 176. Buckle assembly 176 includes a catch 178 that has a release 180 and a stop 182. Buckle assembly 176 includes a ratchet 184 having a handle 186 with an opening 188 formed therethrough. Opening 188 is generally constructed to correspond to catch 178 such that catch 178 is accessible when handle 186 is in a closed position. The operation and interaction between buckle assembly 176 and outward strap 152 are generally similar to that as described above with respect to strap assembly 22.
Instep strap 154 includes a projection or post 190 that is movably connected to instep strap 154. Preferably, post 190 is attached to instep strap 154 by a pivotable member such as a living hinge 192. Instep strap 154 is constructed to slidably cooperate with a mount or mount body 194 that is secured to shoe 20. Mount body 194 includes a number of openings or holes 196, 198, 200 that are generally aligned along a longitudinal axis of a mount body 194. Each of holes 196, 198, 200 is constructed to snap fittingly cooperate with post 190 of instep strap 154. Referring to
Although mount body 194 is shown as having two generally open ends that accommodate the passage of instep strap 154 entirely through the channel 204 of mount body 194, it is appreciated that mount body 194 could include a lower closed end similar to mount 210 (
Regardless of the specific configuration of mount body 194, similar to strap assembly 22, strap assembly 150 is adjustable with respect to mount body 194 as well as buckle assembly 176 thereby providing lateral or side to side adjustment of pad 160 relative to the foot of a rider. Although it is envisioned that pad 160 be generally centered across the top of the arch of the foot of the rider, the adjustability of the various strap assemblies allows a rider to individualize the configuration of the strap assembly for a desired fit and comfort.
The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.
Claims
1. A bicycle shoe strap assembly comprising:
- a pad;
- first securing means located near one end of the pad and second securing means located near another end of the pad;
- a first strap portion having a number of ribs configured to pass through the first securing means and a head portion that engages the first securing means; and
- a second strap portion constructed to cooperate with the second securing means and removably extending from the another end of the pad, the second strap portion being configured to engage a mount body that is permanently affixed to a shoe, the first strap portion and the second strap portion securable to the shoe so as to generally laterally center the pad with respect to an arch of a rider's foot.
2. The bicycle shoe strap assembly of claim 1 wherein the second strap portion includes an opening that engages the mount body and is replaceable with another second strap portion that has an opening configured to engage the mount body, the opening of the second strap portion and the another second strap portion being offset different distances from an end of a respective second strap portion that engages the second securing means.
3. The bicycle shoe strap assembly of claim 1 further comprising a number of openings formed in the second strap portion, each opening being configured to cooperate with a post associated with the mount body.
4. The bicycle shoe strap assembly of claim 1 wherein the second strap portion includes a tab that cooperates with one of a number of openings associated with the mount body.
5. The bicycle shoe strap assembly of claim 4 further comprising a living hinge between the tab and the second strap portion such that the tab is movable relative to the second strap portion.
6. The bicycle shoe strap assembly of claim 1 wherein the mount body further comprises a post configured to engage an opening formed in the second strap portion and a pocket configured to receive a section of the second strap portion that extends beyond the post.
7. The bicycle shoe strap assembly of claim 6 wherein the second strap portion translates in a first direction to engage the post and a second direction that is generally perpendicular to the first direction to engage the pocket.
8. A bicycle shoe strap system comprising:
- a pad;
- a loop positioned at each end of the pad;
- a first strap having a number of ridges constructed to pass through one of the loops; and
- a second strap and a third strap that individually cooperate with the other loop, each of the second strap and third strap having a head that is incapable of passing through the other loop and a hole formed through the strap that is offset from the head, the hole formed in the second strap being offset from the head a different distance than the hole formed in the third strap.
9. The bicycle shoe strap system of claim 8 wherein each head includes a projection that cooperates with a respective loop to orient one of the second strap or the third strap in a direction that is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the respective strap.
10. The bicycle shoe strap system of claim 8 wherein one of the second strap and the third strap are disposable as determined by a user.
11. The bicycle shoe strap system of claim 8 wherein the first strap includes a head that is constructed similar to the head of each of the second and third straps and that engages the loop in a generally mirror image with respect to one of the second and third straps.
12. The bicycle shoe strap system of claim 8 further comprising a mount that is secured to a shoe and that includes a post and a pocket, the post being configured to engage the hole of a respective second or third strap so as to fix the position of the respective strap with respect to the mount.
13. The bicycle shoe strap system of claim 12 wherein the mount is located nearer an instep side of the shoe than the pad.
14. The bicycle shoe strap system of claim 8 further comprising a buckle that includes a ratchet and that is attached to a shoe and that tightens the strap system across a wearer's arch as the buckle is closed.
15. The bicycle shoe strap assembly of claim 8 wherein at least one of the pad, first strap, and second strap are replaceable.
16. A bicycle shoe comprising:
- a sole configured to cooperate with a pedal of a bicycle
- an upper extending from the sole to generally encircle a foot of a user;
- a buckle attached to a first side of the upper;
- a mount body attached to a second side of the upper; and
- a strap assembly extending between the first and second sides of the upper proximate an ankle of a user and comprising: a pad; a first strap extending from a first end of the pad, the first strap having a plurality of ribs and being constructed to cooperate with the buckle to secure the first end of the pad relative to the upper; and a second strap extending from the second end of the pad and constructed to cooperate with the mount body to secure the second end of the pad relative to the upper; and wherein the first strap and the second strap can be secured to the upper in a variety of positions to center the pad across an arch of the foot of a user.
17. The shoe of claim 16 wherein the pad includes a loop at each end thereof, each loop being configured to slidably cooperate with one of the first strap and the second strap.
18. The shoe of claim 17 wherein each loop includes a recess and each of the first strap and second strap includes a projection to index each loop relative to a respective strap.
19. The shoe of claim 16 further comprising a post extending from the mount body constructed to cooperate with a hole formed in the second strap.
20. The shoe of claim 19 wherein the second strap is further defined as one of a number of straps that each have one hole or a single strap having a number of holes.
21. The shoe of claim 19 further comprising a nipple extending from an end of the post in a crossing direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the post.
22. The shoe of claim 19 further comprising a loop extending from the mount body proximate the post and on a side of the post generally opposite the pad.
23. The shoe of claim 16 wherein the sole further comprises a cleat constructed to cooperate with the pedal.
24. The shoe of claim 16 further comprising another shoe having a generally mirror construction of the first shoe.
25. The shoe of claim 16 further comprising a tab movably connected to the second strap.
26. The shoe of claim 25 further comprising a projection extending from an end of the tab and configured to cooperate with an opening formed in the mount body.
27. The shoe of claim 25 wherein the tab is connected to the second strap by a living hinge.
28. The shoe of claim 16 further comprising at least one hook and loop closure positioned nearer a toe of the shoe than of the strap assembly.
29. A method for forming a throat closure of a bicycle shoe comprising the steps of:
- providing a strap assembly having a pad with first and second straps extending from opposite sides thereof; and
- securing the first strap to the bicycle shoe at one of a variety of positions and securing the second strap to the bicycle shoe at one of a variety of positions to generally center and snug the pad across an arch of a foot of user.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein securing the first strap includes operating a buckle that cooperates with a number of ribs of the first strap.
31. The method of claim 29 wherein securing the second strap includes engaging a post with one of a plurality of pockets.
32. The method of claim 29 wherein the second strap is further defined as one of a single strap having a number of holes or a number of replaceable straps that each have one hole.
33. The method of claim 32 further comprising locating each one hole or each hole of the number of holes at a different location along a length of each of the replaceable straps or the single strap, respectively.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 16, 2008
Publication Date: Apr 22, 2010
Inventor: Daniel Joshua Martin (Madison, WI)
Application Number: 12/252,569
International Classification: A43C 11/14 (20060101);