Traction Reducing Apparatus
An apparatus designed for retrofitting existing golf shoes. The disclosed apparatus is positioned on the outsole of the golf shoe worn on the golfer's back foot in the area which is below the big toe and the first and second metatarsal bones. The apparatus includes a traction reduction element and a connecting means. The traction reduction element includes a top surface and a smooth bottom surface. The connecting means is positioned on the top surface of the traction reduction element for the purpose of connecting the apparatus to the outsole.
The present invention relates generally to golf shoes, and more particularly to a traction reducing apparatus.
In executing a golf swing correctly, it is important that the golfer end up facing the target. Unfortunately, many golfers cannot successfully make this movement when they are wearing a standard pair of spiked or cleated golf shoes because the spikes or cleats of the shoes root their feet to the ground. Restraining movement of the golfer's back foot makes it difficult for the average golfer to make the proper turn during the golf swing so that his body is properly facing toward the target at the end of the swing. However, it is important for both the safety of the golfer and maintenance of good form, that a high degree of traction be maintained under his feet.
SUMMARYAccordingly, disclosed below is an apparatus designed to be used in connection with the outsole of a golf shoe which is worn on a golfer's back foot. The apparatus is positioned on the portion of the outsole below the big toe in the area occupied by the first and second metatarsal bones. The apparatus includes a traction reduction element and a connecting means. The traction reduction element includes a top surface and a smooth bottom surface. The connecting means is positioned on the top surface of the traction reduction element for the purpose of connecting the apparatus to the outsole.
The various features of novelty are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
In the drawings:
Golf shoes are designed to provide good traction in order to prevent the golfer from losing his or her balance. The modern golf shoe generally has between 7 and 9 removable and replaceable golf cleats. Conventional Golf cleats are mostly made from plastic and each have several (usually between 5 and 9) downward projecting prongs for firmly gripping the ground or turf. The studs are designed to afford the golf shoe a good grip on both grass and in bunkers so as to provide a steady, non-slip platform from which to hit consistent shots. As a result, the design of conventional golf shoes and cleats actually prevent the foot turning.
In a standard pair of golf shoes, both the right and the left shoes have symmetrical cleat arrangements. This is the case even though the leading foot and the back foot need to behave very differently when hitting long shots. In order to perform a proper golf swing, the front foot needs to be steady, the shoulders need to turn over 180 degrees, the torso also must turn and the back foot needs to pivot to allow these movements.
During a golf swing, upon impact with the ball and during the follow through there is maximum pressure on the area below the big toe near the first and second metatarsal bones. Thus, during these two portions of the swing cycle, the area of the ball of the back foot experiences the highest pressures. This causes the cleat or cleats in this vicinity to grasp the ground particularly hard. Therefore, it follows that standard golf shoes with conventional cleat arrangements resist this movement which is necessary for a proper swing.
The follow through is very important in the drive and long iron/fairway wood shots as this is when your body is supposed to turn and face the target at the end of the swing. If the body does not turn properly, it is likely that a golfer will not complete their follow through. This usually results in the loss of club head speed and causes the golfer to push the ball right of the target. Furthermore, preventing the back foot from pivoting also puts strain on the tendons and muscles in the ankle and calf.
Referring now to
As shown in
As further shown in
When the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) experiences the high pressures during ball impact and the follow through, by placing the traction reduction element (20) at this location, there is nothing there to grip the ground. As a result, the back shoe does not resist the turning motion, the golfer's back foot easily pivots and the golfer is able to pivot and face the target with much greater ease.
Thus, the disclosed apparatus (10) facilitates rather than resists the pivoting of the back foot (90), thus, making it easier for the average golfer to rotate his body correctly when hitting the ball with a driver, fairway wood or long iron, resulting in longer and straighter shots. Furthermore, it reduces the strains and chances of injury. Also, because of its specific positioning, a good grip is still maintained under all other areas of the foot.
For a golfer using golf shoes that have replaceable cleats, the embodiments shown in
Additionally, as shown in
Like most conventional golf cleats, the embodiments in
Furthermore, as shown in
However, it is likely that there are cleats having different measurements and when the apparatus (10) is used in connection with different size cleats, the traction reduction element (20) could have different parameters than mentioned above and still accomplish its intended purpose.
Moving on, the connecting means (30) can be any number of different mechanisms that are now known or later developed. For example, a non-exhaustive list of other viable alternatives include a Q-fit™ system, a Q-Lok™ system, a Fast Twist system, a traditional male/female threading system and a PINS™ (Performance Insert System) cleat fitting system. Most cleat fitting systems have at least two components to them. Either a male (72) or a female (74) treading like the illustration in
If the apparatus (10) has a connection means which may require that the replacement stud be tightened, then as shown in
As shown in
Furthermore, because the replaceable cleats on golf shoes are in fixed positions, the replacement stud embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10) should be used in place of the cleat which is closest to the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) of the golf shoe (90) worn on the golfer's back foot. If there are several golf cleat/studs located within the upper first and second metatarsal region (100) then the golfer can choose the stud which is closest to the joint between the Proximal phalanx of the big toe but not above it.
It should be noted that the apparatus (10) may be manufactured from any suitable material or combination thereof. The traction reduction element (20) can be made from hard rubber, steel or hard and durable plastic. Additionally, the apparatus (10) may easily be assembled from two or more separate pieces and can be manufactured with a twin or single injection mold process.
Referring now to
However, the embodiments of the disclosed apparatus (10) show in
Referring now to
For the embodiments in
As mentioned above, golf cleats have between 5 and 8 prongs. Thus, if the golf cleat (60) that the apparatus (10) is used with has 5 prongs then there will be 5 indentations in the plurality of indentations (48). Similarly, if the golf cleat (60) that the apparatus (10) is used with has 8 prongs then there will be 8 indentations in the plurality of indentations (48).
The connecting means in this embodiment is the top surface (42) of the wafer (40) which is provided with adhesive to facilitate attachment to the underbelly (64) of the golf cleat (60) as shown in
Because this embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10) must be fixed to the underbelly (64) of a golf cleat (60) its shape is dictated by the shape of the golf cleat it is used with. That being said, although most cleats are curcular, if there were an odd shaped cleat with an odd shaped underbelly, the apparatus (10) could be configured in the shape that would be necessary for it to attach properly to that underbelly (64).
In many commonly used golf cleats, the distance between its underbelly (64) and the bottom of its prongs is ⅛ of an inch. Therefore, because we want to reduce traction by not allowing the prongs (66) to dig into and then grip the ground, the wafer (40) should have a thickness (T) of at least ⅛ of an inch. However, if the apparatus (10) is used with a golf cleat which has a greater or less of a distance between the bottom of the prongs (66) and the underbelly (64), then the thickness of the wafer (40) must be at least equal to that distance.
Moreover, the smooth bottom surface (44) of the wafer (40) can be either flat as in
Referring now to
As with the other embodiments, the wafer (40) can be made from any material which will not prevent it from serving its intended use. It could be solid plastic or made from metal. Additionally, the interior of the wafer (40) could be made of compressed felt and covered with a durable lamenent which could provide both the smooth bottom surface (44) and the top surface (42) on which the adhesive is provided.
For people who do not generate a great deal of momentum with their swing, or for someone who is wearing golf shoes which have a particularly coarse tread on its sole in the area around the golf cleats, it might be helpful to employ a further embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10).
Referring to
In addition to a top surface (42) and a smooth bottom surface (44), the embodiment shown in
It is important that when fitted over an existing golf cleat that the apparatus (10) and the golf cleat (60) form a tight fit so that the adhesive provided on the bottom surface of the stabilization cavity comes into contact with the underbelly (64) of the golf cleat (60). Alternatively, the means (52) for accepting the plurality of prongs (66) could consist of a plurality of indentations (48) as described above in connection with the other embodiments.
Referring again to
However, if there are no existing cleats within the upper first and second metatarsal region (100), then the golfer could take advantage of yet another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10).
Referring to
In addition, although not depicted in the drawings, for those golfers who use the traditional metal spikes the apparatus (10) can be configured so that the means for accepting the plurality of prongs (52) is replaced with a hole or cavity to accept the single golf spike. This embodiment would work and would be used in the same way as the embodiments depicted in
Furthermore, in the event that a golfer prefers to have an entirely different set of golf shoes and does not want to retrofit the apparatus (10) to existing cleats (60), another embodiment of the disclosed apparatus (10) can be integral with the sole of the golf shoe (90).
Referring now to
Additionally, the raised portion (80) shown in
While specific embodiments of the disclosed apparatus have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles, it will be understood that the disclosed apparatus may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a traction reduction element comprising a top surface, a smooth bottom surface and bottom edges, the traction reduction element being designed for affixation at least partially within an upper first and second metatarsal region of a golf shoe having an outsole, the golf shoe being designed to accommodate a golfer's back foot; and
- a connecting means positioned on the top surface of the traction reduction element for connecting the traction reduction element to the outsole.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
- the apparatus is configured for use in connection with an existing cleat fitting system; the cleat fitting system comprising at least two complementary components; and
- the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the traction reduction element's smooth bottom surface is one of convex and flat.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein:
- the traction reduction element further comprising a height and a diameter; and
- the connecting means further comprising a height and a diameter.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein:
- the connecting means is comprised of one of a Q-fit™ system, a Q-Lok™ system, a Fast Twist system, a traditional male/female threading system and a PINS™ (Performance Insert System) cleat fitting systems;
- the traction reduction element comprises a height of ¼ inch and a diameter of between 1 inch and 1⅛ inches;
- the connecting means comprises a height of ⅛ inch and a diameter of between ⅜ inch and ⅝ inch; and
- the traction reduction element's smooth bottom surface further comprises two spaced apart holes for accommodating a cleat tightening tool.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the traction reduction element's smooth bottom surface is flat and the bottom edges are rounded.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
- the traction reduction element and connection means are comprised of a unitary wafer, the unitary wafer being designed for use in connection with an existing golf cleat, the golf cleat comprising an outer perimeter, an underbelly and a plurality of downward projecting prongs for gripping the ground, the unitary wafer comprising a top surface, a smooth bottom surface, a thickness and a means for accepting the existing golf cleat's plurality of downward projecting prongs;
- wherein the connection means is comprised of the top surface of the unitary wafer provided with an adhesive for affixing the apparatus to one of the underbelly of the golf cleat and the outsole; and
- the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein:
- the unitary wafer comprises a thickness of greater than or equal to ⅛ inch;
- the unitary wafer's smooth bottom surface is flat;
- the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with adhesive for affixing the apparatus to the underbelly of the golf cleat;
- the means for accepting the existing golf cleat's plurality of downward projecting prongs is comprised of a plurality of indentations; and
- the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein:
- the smooth bottom surface comprises an outer edge; and
- the unitary wafer further comprising an upturned peripheral lip positioned along the outer edge of the smooth bottom surface for covering the outer perimeter of the golf cleat.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein:
- the smooth bottom surface is convex;
- the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with adhesive for affixing the apparatus to the underbelly of the golf cleat; and
- the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein,
- the unitary wafer further comprises an outer perimeter, a stabilization cavity and an extended outer portion surrounding the stabilization cavity,
- the stabilization cavity comprising an upper border, a lower border and a bottom surface which is provided with adhesive for attaching to the underbelly of the golf cleat, the stabilization cavity being designed to totally cover the existing golf cleat's underbelly and outer perimeter; and
- the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with adhesive for affixing the apparatus to the outsole.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein:
- the upper border of the stabilization cavity is concentrically positioned relative to the outer perimeter of the unitary wafer; and
- a means for accepting the existing golf cleat's plurality of downward projecting prongs is positioned along the lower border of the stabilization cavity.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein:
- the upper border of the stabilization cavity is positioned off center relative to the outer perimeter of the unitary wafer;
- the smooth bottom surface of the unitary wafer being eccentric in shape;
- a means for accepting the existing golf cleat's plurality of downward projecting prongs is positioned along the lower border of the stabilization cavity; and
- the apparatus is designed for affixation completely within the upper first and second metatarsal region.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the means for accepting the plurality of downward projecting prongs is comprised of one of a continuous trench and a plurality of indentations; and the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with an adhesive.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the means for accepting the plurality of downward projecting prongs is comprised of one of a continuous trench and a plurality of indentations; and the top surface of the unitary wafer is provided with an adhesive.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein,
- the outsole comprising a plurality of existing golf cleats projecting therefrom, the plurality of golf cleats having a height relative to the outsole;
- the traction reduction element and the connecting means are integral with the outsole and together comprise a raised portion comprising a height relative to the outsole which is equal to the height of the plurality of golf cleats.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the raised portion fills the upper first and second metatarsal region of the golf shoe.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the raised portion comprises a bottom surface that is one of flat or convex.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 10, 2011
Publication Date: Feb 14, 2013
Inventor: Lawrence Malarkar (Dobbs Ferry, NY)
Application Number: 13/206,591
International Classification: A43B 5/00 (20060101);