BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A shoe accessory which is used to convert a non-cycling shoe into a cycling shoe which is capable of attaching a cycling cleat. Many cycling pedals possess a mechanism which requires a cycling specific shoe with a cycling cleat attached to the bottom of the shoe in order to attach the shoe to the pedal. This invention describes an accessory used to convert a non-cycling shoe of any brand, model, color or size to be a shoe which is equipped to attach any of several types of cycling cleats.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Cycling specific shoes generally consist of two types. The design details of these two different types of shoes are related to the type of pedal that is to be used. Furthermore, the pedal type is chosen by the cyclist to suit their particular cycling needs.
One type of pedal is a toe-clip pedal. These work with stirrup-like clips and adjustable straps to hold the foot in place on the pedal. Toe-clip pedals may be used either with normal street shoes or with special shoes with a slotted cleat attached. This slotted cleat is attached to the bottom outer sole of a cycling specific shoe using threaded fasteners. A groove in the slotted cleat engages the front plate of the pedal in a tongue and groove manner. Many track cyclists use this type of cycling shoe with slotted cleats and toe clip pedals because of the firm mechanical lock provided by the slotted cleat engaging the pedal combined with the toe straps. Fixed gear bicycles ridden on public streets are another type of cycling which may involve the use of toe-clip pedals. However, these urban fixed gear bicycles are most commonly ridden with non-cycling shoes. With non-cycling shoes, the cleat is absent so there is no engagement between a cleat and the front plate of the pedal. The cycling specific shoes designed to work with toe-clip pedals are limited regarding the options of brand, model, style and colors when compared to the options offered with non-cycling shoes.
Another type of pedal is the clipless pedal. This type of pedal has a spring loaded mechanism which receives and firmly holds a cleat. This cleat is attached to the bottom of the cycling shoe. The cycling shoe is disengaged from the pedal when the cyclist twists their foot in the appropriate direction to free the cleat from the spring loaded mechanism. Shoes designed for this type of pedal system fall into two categories. The two categories are differentiated by the shape of the cleat system they accommodate: either narrow low profile clipless cleats, or wide platform clipless cleats. In general, the narrow low profile clipless cleats are used by bicycle riders who ride off-road, because the mechanism design of the pedal is tolerant of debris such as mud. And, in general the wide platform clipless cleat is used by cyclists who ride primarily on the road. Both of the cycling specific shoes designed for these cleats have a limited offering regarding the options of brand, model, style and colors when compared to the options offered with non-cycling shoes.
Yet another type of pedal is referred to as a platform pedal. This simple pedal design has no mechanism for attaching a cycling shoe. This pedal is used with ordinary non-cycling shoes.
Popular examples of the narrow low profile clipless cleats are the Shimano Pedal Design (SPD) including Shimano SM-SH-56, Shimano SH51, Shimano SH52; also Time Atac cleat design, Ritchey cleat design, and Crank Brothers Egg Beater cleat design. Many other brands exist, but are not mentioned here. Low profile clipless pedals are typically found on mountain bike and other off road type bicycles. Cycling shoes designed for this type of cleat incorporate a thick sole where the low profile cleat is nearly flush with the bottom of the sole. The sole is often arranged with a resilient elastomer material which provides good traction on hard surfaces, and prevents the cleat from contacting the ground. However, these shoes are made by companies whose offerings in models, styles and colors are limited when compared to the number of brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling shoes that are available.
Examples of the wide platform clipless cleats are Look Delta, Look Keo, Shimano SH-10 SPD-SL, and Shimano SM-SH11 SPD-SL. The pedals which these types of cleats mate with are typically used with road bicycles. Shoes designed for this type of pedal are usually equipped with a relatively rigid outer sole for optimum power transfer, and the cleat is attached to the bottom of the sole. These types of shoes are difficult to walk in, as they are optimized for cycling only. The bottom surface of these types of shoes is made of a hard material which does not provide sufficient traction to walk with when compared to non-cycling shoes. Also, these types of shoes are made by companies whose offerings in models, styles and colors are limited when compared to the number of brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling shoes that are available.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,446,977 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,173, both assigned to Shimano Incorporated, are examples of a shoe which accommodates the Shimano Pedal Design (SPD). This shoe design is also suitable for walking in. However this type of shoe is offered in a limited amount of models, styles and colors when compared to the number of brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling shoes that are available. If the shoe style and color does not suit the cyclist's requirement for fashion, the cyclist may not be as willing to purchase the shoe. The present invention is designed to overcome the limitation in choices of brands, models, styles and colors that can be used as cycling shoes.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,372 provides a solution which allows a cycling shoe with a cleat to be more suitable for walking in. Still, in this case the cyclist is required to use a Shimano brand cycling specific shoe which offerings are limited in models, styles and colors when compared to the number of brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling shoes that are available.
Some shoe brands offer shoes which are SPD compatible and have been designed to appeal to customers with a need for fashion. Nike brand shoes offered a shoe model called Gyrizo. The Nike Gyrizo shoe is fashionable and is SPD compatible; however it is not currently available for sale. Vans offers a shoe model called Warner, which is fashionable and SPD compatible, however the Warner is only available in one color. John Fluevog brand shoes offered a shoe model called the Race Vog which was SPD compatible; however this shoe is no longer available. Dromarti brand shoes currently offers cycling specific shoes which are fashionable and SPD or Look cleat compatible. DZR and Mission Labs are brands of urban cycling shoes which are SPD compatible and provide fashionable choices; both of these brands of shoes are currently available. However, the number of choices of brand, model, color and style of all of the choices mentioned above is limited when compared to the number of brands, models, styles and colors of non-cycling shoes that are available.
ADVANTAGES The industry offerings of cycling shoes includes a modest number of brands, models, styles and colors to choose from. In contrast, the industry offering for non-cycling shoes includes a large number of brands, models, styles and colors to choose from. If an accessory is provided which accepts any clipless cleat design, or accepts a slotted cleat for a toe-clip pedal, this accessory could be placed in a non-cycling shoe of any brand, model, color, or size. This non-cycling shoe would be modified to allow the attachment of the accessory which allows the attachment of cleats. The accessory would be securely fixed to the non-cycling shoe. With the accessory that a cleat can be attached to securely fixed to the interior of the shoe, the non-cycling shoe would now be considered a cycling shoe. For the purpose of this invention disclosure, the terms “accessory” and “cleat attach plate” shall be considered the same item. Now a cyclist can choose from any of the many brands of non-cycling shoes, since they can all be converted into a cycling shoe with the accessory. The number of choices of brand, model, styles and colors of shoes which can be used for cycling with clipless or toe-clip pedals is now greatly increased over the offerings currently provided.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The accessory for converting a non-cycling shoe to a cycling shoe overcomes the problems associated with the prior art. The cyclist now can choose from a very large number of brands, models, colors, and sizes of shoes which can be converted to a cycling specific shoe. The accessory is a cleat attach plate which is made of a material appropriate for the forces induced during pedaling and walking motions, the preferred material is nylon. Other materials which would be suitable are titanium, aluminum, or a composite material such as fiberglass or carbon fiber. This cleat attach plate will posses the appropriate geometry required to accept any one of the many cleats that are currently available. It is not the intent of this invention to describe an accessory which is capable of universally accepting all cleat types. The comfort liner of the shoe is removed and a hole which is shaped to accommodate the cleat mounting system is cut thru the sole of the shoe. The plate is firmly attached to the inside of the shoe sole, appropriately aligned with the thru hole. The attachment method could involve an adhesive or fasteners or any number of other engineered techniques for fastening; including but not limited to ultrasonic welding, hot melt adhesives or plastic welding techniques. The comfort liner is then placed back inside the shoe, covering up the plate. The rider would attach their cleat in the typical manner, and the shoe is enabled to connect to that particular pedal system. Because some cleats are made of metal, it is desirable to prevent the cleat from touching the walking surface. Therefore, the bottom of the cleat attach plate could include ground contact preventing members which prevents the metal cleat from contacting the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1a is a top perspective view of a non-cycling shoe, including the inner sole and bottom sole, with the peripheral portion in phantom.
FIG. 1b is a bottom perspective view of the non-cycling shoe from FIG. 1a.
FIG. 2a is an exploded perspective view of a cleat attach plate which a narrow low-profile clipless cleat can be attached to, showing the typical narrow low profile clipless cleat system components.
FIG. 2b is a view of FIG. 2a which shows the bottom of the cleat attach plate.
FIG. 3a is an exploded perspective view of a cleat attach plate which a wide platform type clipless cleat can be attached to, showing the typical wide platform clipless cleat system components.
FIG. 3b is a view of FIG. 3a which shows the bottom of the cleat attach plate.
FIG. 4a is a perspective view of a cleat plate which has a slotted cleat built into the plate.
FIG. 4b is a perspective view of FIG. 4a which shows the bottom of the cleat plate in FIG. 4a
FIG. 4c is a side view of the cleat plate in FIG. 4a
FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a cleat attach plate which a slotted cleat can be attached to, showing the typical slotted cleat system components
FIG. 5b is a perspective view of FIG. 5a which shows the bottom of the cleat attach plate.
FIG. 6a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru hole is shaped for use with a cleat attach plate which a narrow low-profile clipless cleat can be attached to.
FIG. 6b is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 6a, with the cleat attach plate attached.
FIG. 6c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 6b
FIG. 6d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 6b
FIG. 6e is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 6b, with a narrow low profile cleat attached to the cleat attach plate.
FIG. 6f is a side view of the shoe shown in FIG. 6e, with the peripheral portion of the shoe in phantom.
FIG. 6g is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 6e.
FIG. 6h is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 6e
FIG. 7a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru hole is shaped for use with a cleat attach plate which a wide platform type clipless cleat can be attached to.
FIG. 7b is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 7a, with the cleat attach plate attached.
FIG. 7c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 7b
FIG. 7d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 7b
FIG. 7e is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 7b, with a narrow low profile cleat attached to the cleat attach plate.
FIG. 7f is a side view of the shoe shown in FIG. 7e, with the peripheral portion of the shoe in phantom.
FIG. 7g is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 7e.
FIG. 7h is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 7e
FIG. 8a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru hole is shaped for use with a cleat plate which has slotted cleat geometry built in.
FIG. 8b is a side view showing the non-cycling shoe shown in FIG. 8a. with the cleat plate attached.
FIG. 8c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 8b
FIG. 8d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 8b
FIG. 8e is a side view, showing the shoe in FIG. 8b, with the peripheral portion of the shoe shown in phantom.
FIG. 9a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru hole is shaped for use with a cleat attach plate which a slotted cleat can be attached to.
FIG. 9b is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 9a, with the cleat attach plate attached.
FIG. 9c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 9b
FIG. 9d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 9b
FIG. 9e is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 9b, with a slotted cleat attached to the cleat attach plate.
FIG. 9f is a side view of the shoe shown in FIG. 9e, with the peripheral portion of the shoe in phantom.
FIG. 9g is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 9e.
FIG. 9h is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 9e
FIG. 10a is an exploded perspective view of a cleat attach plate which a narrow low-profile clipless cleat can be attached to, showing the typical narrow low profile clipless cleat system components. Shown in this assembly are the elastomer ground contact preventing devices.
FIG. 10b is a view of FIG. 2a which shows the bottom of the cleat attach plate.
FIG. 11a is a bottom view of a non-cycling shoe which has been modified with a thru hole which passes thru the sole. The thru hole is shaped for use with a cleat attach plate which a narrow low-profile clipless cleat and ground contact preventing members can be attached to.
FIG. 11b is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 11a, with the cleat attach plate attached.
FIG. 11c is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 11b
FIG. 11d is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 11b
FIG. 11e is a bottom view of the shoe shown in FIG. 11b, with a narrow low profile cleat attached to the cleat attach plate. Shown in this view are the ground contact preventing members.
FIG. 11f is a side view of the shoe shown in FIG. 11e, with the peripheral portion of the shoe in phantom.
FIG. 11g is a section view taken along line L1 of FIG. 11e.
FIG. 11h is a section view taken along line L2 of FIG. 11e
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring first to FIG. 1a, a non-cycling shoe 1 is shown. The bottom sole 2 and inner sole 3 are identified in this drawing for reference. The inner sole 3 is relatively easily removed from a non-cycling shoe. The peripheral portion 4, shown in phantom, of the shoe is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed invention. Without modifications, the non-cycling shoe 1 has no means to safely and reliably attach a cycling cleat to the shoe. The current invention provides an accessory and method to render the non-cycling shoe 1 of any make model, size, or color into a shoe capable of attaching any of the cleat systems previously described.
FIGS. 2a-b illustrate a cleat attach plate 40 which a narrow low-profile clipless cleat 10 can be attached to. The contoured upper surface 41 of the cleat attach plate 40 is shaped appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the cyclist's foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred embodiment, the plan view 42 of the cleat attach plate is designed to fit only the front ½ of the shoe interior geometry, however the plan view perimeter outline shape 42 could match the entire interior outline of the shoe insole. The cleat attaching area 43 is shaped to accommodate narrow low profile cleats. Elongated slots 44 are provided to allow the cyclist to adjust the location of the cleat to suit their riding needs. The distance between centerlines 45 of the elongated slots 44 match the bolt pattern 11 of the narrow low profile clipless cleat 10. These elongated slots 44 are typical of cycling specific shoes which accommodate the narrow low profile cleat system. The recess 46 is shaped to receive a four hole threaded plate 13 required to mount the narrow low-profile clipless cleat 10. The four hole threaded plate 13, is a common part available on the market. The threaded fasteners 12 pass thru the cleat 10 and cleat attach plate 40 and thread into the four hole threaded plate 13 holding the assembly together. A plurality of cleat attach plates could exist, each designed with a specific plan view profile perimeter outline shape 42 which fit appropriately in the shoe interior of each specific shoe size. In the preferred embodiment, surface 47 will be fixed to the top surface of the bottom sole of a shoe using adhesive.
FIG. 3a-b illustrate a cleat attach plate 50 which a wide platform type clipless cleat 20 can be attached to. The contoured upper surface 51 of the cleat attach plate 50 is shaped appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the cyclist's foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred embodiment, the plan view perimeter outline shape 52 of the cleat attach plate is designed to fit only the front ½ of the shoe interior geometry, however the plan view perimeter outline shape 52 could match the entire interior outline of the shoe insole. The cleat attaching area 53 is shaped to accommodate a wide platform type cleat. Wide platform type clipless cleats 20 attach to the shoe sole with three male threaded fasteners 23 with three special elongated washers 22. These male threaded fasteners 23 typically have M5×0.8 threads. Therefore the cleat attach plate 50 is provided with three recesses 54 and three thru holes 55 to accommodate the corresponding female threaded fasteners 57. The centerlines 56 of the three thru holes 55 are located to match the centerlines of the bolt pattern geometry 21 of the wide platform clipless cleat 20. In the preferred embodiment, surface 58 will be fixed to the top surface of the bottom sole of a shoe using adhesive.
FIG. 4a-c illustrate a cleat plate 60 which possess the slotted cleat geometry 63 required for use with toe clip pedals. The contoured upper surface 61 of the cleat attach plate 60 is shaped appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the cyclist's foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred embodiment, the plan view perimeter outline shape 62 of the cleat attach plate is designed to fit only the front ½ of the shoe interior geometry, however the plan view perimeter outline shape 62 could match the entire interior outline of the shoe insole. The slotted cleat geometry 63 is designed to engage the toe clip pedal in a tongue and groove engagement. The width of the slot 64 typically ranges from 0.080″-0.100″ (approximately 2 mm-2.5 mm). The depth of the slot 65 from the bottom of the cleat plate 60 will dictate the amount of overlap between the slotted geometry and the metal plate of the toe clip pedal. The depth of the slot 65 is critical to achieve the right amount of engagement between the cleat geometry 63 and the pedal. The depth of the slot 65 is dependent on the thickness of the sole of the make and model that the specific cleat plate 60 is designed for. Too much engagement between the slot and the pedal, and the rider may have difficulty removing their shoe from the toe-clip pedal, too little engagement and the rider's shoe may become easily disconnected from the toe clip pedal while pedaling. In the preferred embodiment, surface 66 will be fixed to the top surface of the bottom sole of a shoe using adhesive.
FIG. 5a-b illustrates a cleat attach plate 70 which a slotted cleat 30 can be attached to. The slotted cleat 30 is for use with toe clip pedals. The contoured upper surface 71 of the cleat attach plate 70 is shaped appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the cyclist's foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred embodiment, the plan view perimeter outline shape 72 of the cleat attach plate is designed to fit only the front ½ of the shoe interior geometry, however the plan view perimeter outline shape 72 could match the entire interior outline shape of the shoe insole. The cleat attaching area 73 is shaped to accommodate a slotted cleat. Slotted cleats 30 are typically attached to the shoe sole with male threaded fasteners 32. These male threaded fasteners typically have M5×0.8 threads. The cleat attach plate 70 is provided with two recesses 74, and two thru holes 75, to capture the corresponding female threaded fasteners 77. The female threaded fasteners 77 are fixed to the cleat attach plate using a press fit design. The distance between centerlines 76 of the recesses 74 are located to match the slotted cleat bolt pattern 31. In the preferred embodiment, surface 78 will be fixed to the top surface of the bottom sole of a shoe using adhesive.
FIG. 6a illustrates a non-cycling shoe 80 which has a hole 81 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 6b illustrates the same shoe 80 with the cleat attach plate 40 attached. The hole 81 is sized to accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the narrow low profile cleat attach plate 40. The location of the hole 81 is based on the design of the cleat attach plate 40 geometry and allows for the ideal location for a cycling cleat relative to the foot and pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 81 cut thru the bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 40 attached to the interior of the shoe is now considered a shoe capable of attaching a cycling cleat, or a shoe converted for cycling use 120. This non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a cycling shoe 120 illustrates the results of using the invention. The shoe 120 is capable of attaching a SPD, Time ATAC, Crank Brothers, Ritchey or any of the other narrow low profile cleats currently available. FIG. 6c is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 6b. The insole 3 is shown resting on top of the cleat attach plate 40. In the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 40 is fixed to the top surface 5 of the bottom sole 2 using adhesive, represented by an ‘A’, between the surface 47 of the cleat attach plate 40 and the top surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 6d is a section view taken along the line L2 shown in FIG. 6b. FIG. 6e is a bottom view of shoe 120 with a narrow low profile cleat 10 attached to the cleat attach plate 40, using the appropriate fastening hardware. FIG. 6f is a side view of a shoe 120 with a narrow low profile cleat 10 attached; this view shows how the cleat 10 might protrude from the bottom of the shoe. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed invention. FIG. 6g is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 6e, showing the narrow low profile cleat 10 attached. The four hole threaded plate 13 is shown nested into the recess 46 of the cleat attach plate 40. FIG. 6h is a section view taken along line L2 shown in FIG. 6e, showing the narrow low profile cleat 10 attached to the cleat attach plate 40.
FIG. 7a illustrates a non-cycling shoe 90 which has a hole 91 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 7b illustrates the same shoe 90 with the cleat attach plate 50 attached. The hole 91 is sized to accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the wide platform cleat attach plate 50. The location of the hole 91 is based on the design of the cleat attach plate 50 geometry and allows for the ideal location for a cycling cleat relative to the foot and pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 91 cut thru the bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 50 attached to the interior of the shoe is now considered a shoe capable of attaching a cycling cleat, or a shoe converted for cycling 130. This non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a cycling shoe 130 illustrates the results of using the invention. The shoe 130 is capable of attaching a Look Delta cleat, Shimano Road cleat or any of the other wide platform cleats currently available. FIG. 7c is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 7b. The insole 3 is shown resting on top of the cleat attach plate 50. In the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 50 is fixed to the top of the bottom sole using adhesive, represented by an ‘A’, between surface 58 of the cleat attach plate 50, and surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 7d is a section view taken along the line L2 shown in FIG. 7b. FIG. 7e is a bottom view of shoe 130 with a wide platform cleat 20 attached, using the appropriate fastening hardware. FIG. 7f is a side view of a shoe 130 with a wide platform cleat 20 attached; this view shows how the cleat 20 might protrude from the bottom of the shoe. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed invention. FIG. 7g is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 7e, showing the wide platform cleat 20 attached. FIG. 7h is a section view taken along line L2 shown in FIG. 7e, showing the wide platform cleat 20 attached.
FIG. 8a illustrates a non-cycling shoe 100 which has a hole 101 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 8b illustrates the same shoe 100 with the slotted cleat plate 60 attached. The hole 101 is sized to accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the slotted cleat plate 60. The location of the hole 101 is based on the design of the slotted cleat plate 60 geometry and allows for the ideal location for the cycling cleat geometry 63 relative to the foot and pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 101 cut thru the bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 60 attached to the interior of the shoe is now considered as a shoe converted for cycling 140. This non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a cycling shoe 140 illustrates the results of using the invention. This shoe 140 possesses a cleat plate 60 which possesses the slotted cleat geometry 63 required to engage toe clip pedals. FIG. 8c is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 8b. The insole 3 is shown resting on top of the slotted cleat plate 60. In the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 60 is fixed to the top of the bottom sole using adhesive, represented by an ‘A’, between the surface 66 of the slotted cleat plate 60, and the surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 8d is a section view taken along the line L2 shown in FIG. 8b. FIG. 8e is a side view of shoe 140 with a slotted cleat plate 60 attached, this view shows how the slotted cleat geometry 63 might protrude a distance from the bottom of the shoe. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed invention.
FIG. 9a illustrates a non-cycling shoe 110 which has a hole 111 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 9b illustrates the same shoe 110 with the cleat attach plate 70 attached. The hole 111 is sized to accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the slotted cleat attach plate 70. The location of the hole 101 is based on the design of the cleat attach plate 70 geometry and allows for the ideal location for a cycling cleat 30 relative to the foot and pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 111 cut thru the bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 70 attached to the interior of the shoe is now considered a shoe capable of attaching a cycling cleat, or a shoe converted for cycling 150. This non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a cycling shoe 150 illustrates the results of using the invention. The shoe 150 is capable of attaching many of the slotted cleats currently available. FIG. 9c is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 9b. The insole 3 is shown resting on top of the cleat attach plate 70. In the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 70 is fixed to the top of the bottom sole using contact adhesive, represented by an ‘A’, between the surface 78 of the cleat attach plate 70, and the surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 9d is a section view taken along the line L2 shown in FIG. 9b. FIG. 9e is a bottom view of shoe 150 with a slotted cleat 30 attached, using the appropriate fastening hardware. FIG. 9f is a side view of a shoe 150 with a slotted cleat 30 attached, this view shows how the cleat 30 might protrude a distance from the bottom of the shoe. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed invention. FIG. 9g is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 9e, showing the slotted cleat 30 attached. FIG. 9h is a section view taken along line L2 shown in FIG. 9e, showing the slotted cleat 30 attached.
FIGS. 10a-b illustrate a cleat attach plate 160 which a narrow low-profile clipless cleat 10 can be attached to. The contoured upper surface 161 of the cleat attach plate 160 is shaped appropriately to provide a comfortable surface for the cyclist's foot during riding and walking motions. In the preferred embodiment, the plan view perimeter outline shape 162 of the cleat attach plate is designed to fit the front ½ of the shoe interior geometry, however the plan view perimeter outline shape 162 could resemble the entire interior portion of the shoe insole. The cleat attaching area 163 is shaped in a manner required to accommodate narrow low profile cleats. The cleat attach area 163 is also shaped to accommodate the thickness of the sole of the specific brand and model of shoe the accessory cleat attach plate is designed for. Elongated slots 164 are provided to allow a cyclist to adjust the location of the cleat 10. The distance between centerlines 165 of the elongated slots 164 are matches the bolt pattern 11 of the narrow low profile clipless cleat 10. These elongated slots 164 are typical of cycling specific shoes which accommodate the narrow low profile cleat system. The recess 166 is shaped to receive the four hole threaded plate 13 required to mount the narrow low-profile clipless cleat 10. The threaded fasteners 12 pass thru the cleat 10 and cleat attach plate 160 and thread into the four hole threaded plate 13 holding the assembly together. A plurality of cleat attach plates would exist, each designed with a specific plan view perimeter outline shape 162 which fit appropriately in the shoe interior of each specific shoe size. In the preferred embodiment, surface 167 will be fixed to the top surface of the interior sole of a shoe using adhesive. The ground contact preventing members 14 are slightly taller than the clipless cleat 10 and therefore prevent the cleat 10 from contacting the ground while walking. The ground contact preventing members 14 can be attached to the cleat attach plate 160 using threaded fasteners 15. The ground contact preventing members 14 may also be fixed to the cleat attach plate 160 using any number of other common attaching methods including in-molding, two shot molding, adhesives or snap fits. The ground contact preventing members 14 are made of an elastomer material which possesses a resilience characteristic to provide walking comfort similar to ordinary shoes.
FIG. 11a illustrates a non cycling shoe 170 which has a hole 171 cut thru the bottom sole 2. FIG. 11b illustrates the same shoe 170 with the cleat attach plate 160 attached. The hole 171 is sized to accommodate the cleat attach area designed for the narrow low profile cleat attach plate 160. The location of the hole 171 is based on the design of the cleat attach plate 160 geometry and allows for the ideal location for a cycling cleat relative to the foot and pedal design. A non-cycling shoe with the hole 171 cut thru the bottom sole 2 and having a cleat attach plate 160 attached to the interior of the shoe is now considered a shoe capable of attaching a cycling cleat, or a shoe converted for cycling 180. This non-cycling shoe which has been converted to a cycling shoe 180 illustrates the results of using the invention. The shoe 180 is capable of attaching a SPD, Time ATAC, Crank Brothers, Ritchey or any of the narrow low profile cleats currently available. FIG. 11c is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 11b. The insole 3 is shown resting on top of the cleat attach plate 180. In the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate 160 is fixed to the top surface 5 of the bottom sole 2 using an adhesive, represented by an ‘A’, between the surface 167 of the cleat attach plate 160, and the surface 5 of the bottom sole 2. FIG. 11d is a section view taken along the line L2 shown in FIG. 11b. FIG. 11e is a bottom view of shoe 180 with a narrow low profile cleat 10 attached to the cleat attach plate 160, using the appropriate fastening hardware. FIG. 11f is a side view of the shoe 180 with a narrow low profile cleat 10 attached; this view shows how the ground contact preventing members 14 would prevent the cleat 10 from contacting the ground. The peripheral portion 4 of the shoe shown in phantom lines is for illustrative purposes only and forms no part of the claimed invention. FIG. 11g is a section view taken along line L1 shown in FIG. 11e, showing the narrow low profile cleat 10 attached, and the ground contact preventing members 14, which are slightly taller than the cleat 10. The four hole threaded plate 13 is shown nested into the recess 166 of the cleat attach plate 160. FIG. 11h is a section view taken along line L2 shown in FIG. 11e, showing the narrow low profile cleat 10 attached.
Regarding the modification of a non-cycling shoe 1 to a shoe which is capable of receiving any of the four types of cleat attach plates described in this patent: the thru hole in the sole can be created by using any number of manufacturing techniques for cutting thru the types of materials commonly found on shoe soles. The thru hole can be formed using a computer controlled cutting machine which cuts with a laser, metal cutting bit, or water jet cutting technology. In the preferred embodiment the thru hole is created with a steel rule die and a press with sufficient force to cut thru the sole of a shoe.
The cleat attach plate is attached to the top surface 5 of the bottom sole 2 of the shoe using any one or a combination of different attachment methods, including pressure sensitive adhesive, very high bond adhesive, contact adhesive, threaded fasteners, rivets, heat staking, or ultrasonic welding. In the preferred embodiment, the cleat attach plate, is assembled using a contact adhesive, such as Weldwood Gel Formula Contact Cement.
The cleat attach plate can be manufactured in any of many different materials including titanium, aluminum, injection molded thermoplastic materials, thermoset materials, carbon fiber, or fiberglass reinforced plastic. The preferred embodiment finds the cleat attach plate made of injection molded nylon, such as Dupont Zytel 101L.
The method of use of such a non-cycling shoe 1 which has been converted to a cycling shoe involves cycling and walking. During cycling, the cleat is clipped into the mechanism of a clipless pedal. In the case of a toe clip pedal, the slotted cleat is engaged in a tongue and groove manner to the front metal plate of the toe clip pedal. During walking, the bottom sole 3 makes contact with the ground. In the case that the shoe is converted to use with a narrow low profile cleat 10, the ground contact preventing members 14 can be installed to prevent the cleat 10 from touching the ground while walking. The ground contact preventing members 14 can be detachably mounted to the cleat attach plate 160, thus allowing for replacement in the case of excessive wear caused by walking. This type of mounting can be achieved using screws, rivets, adhesives or snap fits. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the ground contact preventing members 14 are installed using screws 15. Or the ground contact preventing members 14 can be integrally mounted to the cleat attach plate 160.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to be merely illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the invention, and which are susceptible of modification of form, size, arrangement of parts and details of operation. The invention rather is intended to encompass all such modifications that are within its spirit and scope as defined by the claims.
