BUCKLE SYSTEM FOR SPORTS SHOE

Abstract

Sporting footwear can include a buckle system to secure the footwear to the user's foot. The footwear may also include additional other types of fastening systems. The buckle system can include a base plate attached to the shoe and a buckle housing attached to the base plate. The buckle housing and base plate can be assembled without tools, such as having a snap fit interface.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of sporting footwear, and more particularly to buckle systems used on cycling shoes, inline skates, ski boots, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is common for many different types of athletic footwear to include a strap with a buckle attachment system as part of the overall method to secure the footwear. The footwear may also include laces, hook and fastener straps, zippers, etc. Loosening the parts of the overall attachment system allows the footwear to open wide enough for the foot to be inserted or removed. Tightening and securing the overall attachment system secures the foot within the footwear. The buckle attachment system often includes a ratcheting system that allows the wearer to further tighten the footwear to the wearer's liking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Buckle attachment systems are often fairly large which among other drawbacks increases the weight of the shoe as compared to other types of attachment systems. There exists a continuing need to develop systems and methods to decrease the size and weight of buckle systems. In some embodiments, a buckle system includes a sewn-in base plate and a buckle housing that attaches to the base plate without the need of a screw. The buckle housing can snap securely into the base plate.

In some embodiments, footwear can include an upper for receiving a foot of a user, a sole attached to the upper, a strap connected to the upper, and a buckle system. The buckle system can be used to secure the strap to tighten the footwear around the foot of the user. The buckle system can comprise a base plate attached to the upper and a buckle housing received into the base plate. The buckle housing and the base plate can be connected together with a snap fit connection such that the two components form a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws. Thus, for example, the buckle housing does not require screws to attach to the base plate.

According to certain embodiments, sporting footwear for use in a sporting event can include an upper for receiving a foot of a user, a sole attached to the upper, a strap, and a ratcheting buckle system. The strap can have a plurality of teeth, the strap connected to the upper. The ratcheting buckle system can be for securing the strap to tighten the sporting footwear around the foot of the user. The ratcheting buckle system can include a base plate attached to the upper, a buckle housing received into the base plate and connected thereto with a snap fit connection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws, and a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing. The first engagement member can comprise a pawl for engaging one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap. The first engagement member can have a first position configured to prevent the strap from loosening and a second position to allow the strap to loosen.

In some embodiments, the snap fit connection can comprise a protrusion on the buckle housing received into a slot on the base plate. The protrusion may comprise two protrusions on opposite sides of the buckle housing and the slot may comprise two slots on the base plate. The two protrusions can be located at a front end of the buckle housing and the two slots can be located at a front end of the base plate. A raised ledge can be located on the base plate wherein each of the protrusions can be positioned within one of the slots such that a back end of the protrusion abuts the slot and a front end of the protrusion abuts the raised ledge. An additional slot can be located in a central area of the base plate and a first cooperating protrusion on the buckle housing can be received into the additional slot. A still further second additional slot can be located at a back end of the base plate and a second cooperating protrusion can be at a back end of the of the buckle housing received into the second additional slot.

Further embodiments can include one or more of the following features. The base can have a sunken bottom and the buckle housing can be positioned in the sunken bottom such that at least of portion of one or more of the front, back, and side surfaces of the buckle housing abut walls of the sunken bottom. The top of the base plate can be substantially flush with a top of the buckle housing. A second engagement member can be included which is configured to tighten the strap, wherein rotating the second engagement member causes one end of the second engagement member to engage one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap and advance the teeth through the buckle system. The first engagement member can be pivotally connected to the buckle housing. The footwear can further include at least one spring. The base plate can be plastic and the buckle housing can be metal.

In some embodiments, sporting footwear for use in a sporting event can comprise an upper for receiving a foot of a user, a sole attached to the upper, a strap attached to the upper at one end and having a free end, the strap comprising a plurality of teeth, and a ratcheting buckle system. The free end of the strap can be configured to advance through the ratcheting buckle system for securing the strap to tighten the upper around the foot of the user. The ratcheting buckle system can include a base plate sewn into the upper, a buckle housing received into the base plate and a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing. The buckle housing can be connected to the base plate with a snap fit connection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws. The snap fit connection can comprise a protrusion on the buckle housing received into a slot on the base plate. The first engagement member can comprise a pawl for engaging one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap, the first engagement member having a first position configured to prevent the strap from loosening and a second position configured to allow the strap to loosen.

The protrusion can further comprise two protrusions on opposite sides of the buckle housing and the slot can comprise two slots on the base plate. The two protrusions can be located at a front end of the buckle housing and the two slots can be located at a front end of the base plate. The base plate may further include first and second holes passing through the base plate. The buckle housing may further include first and second hooks on the buckle housing, each hook being positioned within one of the holes.

Certain embodiments of footwear can comprise an upper for receiving a foot of a user, a sole attached to the upper, a strap having a plurality of teeth, the strap connected to the upper, and a ratcheting buckle system for securing the strap to tighten the upper around the foot of the user. The ratcheting buckle system can comprise a base plate sewn into the upper, a buckle housing received into the base plate and connected thereto with a snap fit connection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly such that the ratcheting buckle system does not utilize screws, and a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing. The first engagement member can comprise a pawl for engaging one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap, the first engagement member having a first position configured to prevent the strap from loosening and a second position configured to allow the strap to loosen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a buckle system.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the buckle system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a buckle system.

FIG. 4 shows part of an assembly process for a buckle system.

FIG. 4A shows a detail view of the buckle system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the buckle system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6, 6A, and 7 illustrate components of another embodiment of a buckle system.

FIGS. 8, 9A and 9B show a prior art shoe with buckle system.

FIGS. 10A and 10B compare certain features of a buckle system according to certain embodiments (FIG. 10A) and a prior art buckle system (FIG. 10B).

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another buckle system.

FIG. 12 shows a side view of the buckle system of FIG. 11.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate components of the buckle system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of a base plate.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the buckle system of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Many different types of athletic or sporting footwear may include a strap with a buckle attachment system as part of the overall method to secure the footwear. For example, cycling shoes, inline skates, ski boots, and the like often include a buckle attachment system. Though many types of athletic or sporting footwear exist, a buckle attachment system will generally be described with reference to cycling shoes. It will be understood that features of the buckle attachment system discussed herein could be used with any type of athletic or sporting footwear or otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a buckle system 10 used to secure a strap 12. A buckle system 10 is shown as a ratcheting system, though the buckle system can secure the strap in one of many different ways. The strap 12 and buckle system 10 can be used to tighten a shoe or boot, such as an upper of a shoe, around the foot of the user. A sole is generally attached to the upper. A strap and buckle system is often used in addition to other securement systems such as laces, hook and loop fastener straps, zippers, etc. For example, clipless cycling shoes often have one or two straps that tighten with hook and loop fasteners and then one additional strap that uses a ratcheting buckle system.

Loosening the parts of the overall attachment system can allow the footwear to open wide enough for the user's foot to be inserted or removed. Tightening and securing the overall attachment system can secure the foot within the footwear. The buckle system can offer a secondary securement system that can provide greater clamping power and security as compared to laces, hook and loop fastener straps, or other securement or closure systems.

The illustrated buckle system 10 of FIG. 1 includes a base plate 14, a buckle housing 16, and one or more engagement members 18, 20. The engagement members 18, 20 can take one of many different forms and can include levers, prongs, protrusions, bars, etc., configured to engage or interact with the strap 12.

The base plate 14 can be used to secure the buckle system 10 to the shoe. (A prior art buckle system 10′ is shown sewn into a clipless cycling shoe 2 in FIG. 8.) For example, the base plate 14 can be sewn into the shoe. The base plate 14 can also be used for receiving the buckle housing 16. The base plate 14 can include a main portion 22 for receiving the buckle housing 16. As will be described in greater detail below, buckle housings are often connected at base plates through the use of a screw. The illustrated buckle system 10 does not require a screw but rather desirably provides a snap fit type interface between the base plate 14 and the buckle housing 16.

The base plate 14 can include an outer flange 24 that extends out from the main portion 22 and around all or substantially all of the base plate 14. In some embodiments, the outer flange 24 can be located along one or more sides of the base plate. In some embodiments the outer flange 24 can comprises protrusions located at selected locations along the base plate. The outer flange 24 can be fairly thin to allow the material to be pierced by a sewing needle to sew and secure the base plate to the shoe. The base plate 14 can be sewn into the shoe by thread passing through the outer flange 24.

The base plate 14 may be made of a plastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The plastic material may be relatively elastic, durable and fairly resistant to abrasion. The base plate can be injection molded. The strap may also be made of TPU.

The buckle housing 16 is preferably made of metal, but may also be made of plastic, such as a relatively hard plastic material. The base plate 14 and buckle housing 16 are often made of two different materials. This can allow for greater flexibility at the interface between the buckle system and the shoe, while providing increased durability and reliability between the buckle system and the strap.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a ratcheting aspect of the buckle system 10 will be described. The strap 12 is shown having a plurality of teeth 26 along the surface forming a rack. The buckle system 10 includes two engagement members 18, 20. The first engagement member 18 can be used for tightening the strap 12. This is done by raising and rotating the engagement member 18 in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 3. The engagement member 18 is in the form of a lever. Raising the lever 18 causes the lever to pivot about an axis “A” and causes one end 28 of the lever to engage the teeth 26 and advance the teeth through the buckle system (to the left in the frame of the figure) to tighten the strap 12. As shown, the end 28 of the lever 18 can include one, two, or more teeth, shaped to engage the teeth 26 on the strap 12 when the lever 18 is rotated, or raised up. The engagement member 18 can be raised and rotated as many times as desired to achieve the desired fit.

The second engagement member 20 can be used in one position to prevent the strap 12 from loosening (i.e., moving to the right in the frame of the figure) and in a second position can act as a release mechanism, allowing the strap 12 to be loosened. The second engagement member 20 includes a tooth or pawl 30. The pawl 30 can engage the teeth 26 on the strap and the strap 12 can be prevented from loosening as it generally cannot pass by the pawl 30 unless the second engagement member is rotated, or otherwise moved from blocking the path. As the teeth 26 include an angled leading edge, the teeth can move to the left, but are blocked from moving to the right. Thus, the teeth 26 define a locking face on the right side and a releasing face on the left side. Pressing on the end 32 of the second engagement member 20 causes the engagement member to rotate around axis “B” and can disengage the pawl 30 from the teeth 26, thereby allowing for loosening of the strap 12.

Each engagement member 18, 20 can be in contact with a spring 62 to bias the engagement members 18, 20 to a desired position (FIG. 2). For example, the engagement member 20 can be biased to a locked position, securing the strap in place within the buckle system 10. The engagement member 18 can be biased to a position where it is not engaging the strap. The engagement members 18, 20 can be pivotally received into the buckle housing 16 such as with a rod, protrusion, rivet, etc. 64.

It will be understood that other ratcheting and non-ratcheting systems can be used with the buckle system 10. For example, in some embodiments only one engagement member 20 is included in the system. The strap 12 can be tightened by simply pulling on the free end of the strap. Pressing on the end 32 of the engagement member 20 can then release the strap 12.

In some embodiments the engagement members 18, 20 can be sized to fit within the buckle housing 16. A top surface of the engagement members 18, 20 can be flush or substantially flush with the top of the buckle housing and possibly also with a portion of the base plate. For example, the tops of the engagement members 18, 20, the buckle housing 16, and the base plate 14 can form a substantially flush curved surface as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Looking now to FIG. 4, the base plate 14 and buckle housing 16 will now be described in more detail. The buckle housing 16 can snap securely into the base plate 14. The combined buckle housing and base plate can form a non-rotating and non-pivoting assembly. This can be done with a snap fit type connection and generally does not require the use of a screw. Though, a screw could also be used in addition to the snap fit connection.

Buckle systems often include a base plate including a threaded portion, or a threaded insert integrally formed with the base plate as can be seen in FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B which show a prior art version of a buckle system 10′ on a clipless cycling shoe 2. The cycling shoe has a sole 4, an upper 6, and a tongue 7 and the buckle system 10′ is sewn into the upper 6. FIG. 9A shows the stitching 8 that passes through the base plate 14′ to attach it to the upper 6. As can be seen, the buckle housing 16′ is attached to the base plate 14′ with a screw 34 (FIGS. 9A-9B). The base plate includes two threaded inserts 36. The use of a threaded insert and a screw greatly increases the thickness of the base plate 14′.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the difference in thickness or stack height between the prior art buckle system 10′ using a screw and a threaded insert and the buckle system 10 of the current disclosure. The stack height is measured from the outer surface of the shoe to the top of the buckle system. In FIG. 10B the stack height D1 of the prior art buckle system 10′ is 16 mm and in FIG. 10A the stack height D2 of the buckle system 10 of the current disclosure is 9.5 mm. It will be understood that these dimensions are only examples, but they illustrate how eliminating the threaded insert can greatly decrease the size of the buckle system.

Returning now to FIG. 4, it will be understood that the buckle housing 16 can attach to the base plate 14 in one of many different ways. For example, the main portion 22 can be shaped to receive the buckle housing 16 with a substantially tight fit. The buckle housing 16 can be similar to a cartridge that is advanced into the main portion 22 and locked in place.

As shown, the buckle housing 16 can slide and/or snap into the main portion 22 of the base plate 14. The base plate can be shaped to receive the buckle housing. The base plate can have a sunken bottom and the buckle housing can be positioned in the sunken bottom such that at least of portion of one or more of the front, back, and side surfaces of the buckle housing abut walls of the sunken bottom. For example, the back side 40 of the buckle housing can abut a back wall or ledge 38 on the base plate 14. In some embodiments, the ledge 38 can form a lip that extends into the buckle housing to further secure the housing in place. Also, the sides 50 of the buckle housing can be next to the side walls 42 of the main portion 22. In some embodiments, the side walls 42 and the sides 50 of the buckle housing 16 can be substantially the same height such that the tops are substantially flush. In other embodiments the side walls 42 can be shorter than the sides 50 of the buckle housing. In some embodiments of the base plate 14, the outer flange 24 and the main portion 22 can be substantially the same thickness from top to bottom, the bottom being in contact with the shoe.

The front 52 of the buckle housing 16 can also abut a front wall or ledge 44 on the base plate 14. FIG. 4A shows a detail view of some of the connection features between the buckle housing 16 and the base plate 14. Reviewing FIGS. 4 and 4A, slots 46 can also be seen in the base plate 14. A protrusion 54 on the buckle housing 16 can be received into the slot 46. The protrusion 54 can be received into the slot 46 in a snap fit manner with the ledge 44 then being positioned next to the front 52 of the buckle housing 16. As shown, the buckle system 10 can include two protrusions 54 received into slots 46 of either side of the buckle housing 16. Each of the protrusions 54 can be positioned within one of the slots 46 such that a back end of the protrusion abuts the slot and a front end of the protrusion abuts the raised ledge 44.

The base plate can be made of a flexible material, such that advancing the protrusion 54 towards the slot 46 can cause a portion of the wall 22 and/or the ledge 44 to flex and bend. This can allow the protrusion to pass through a space between the wall and ledge. After the protrusion has passed therethrough, the wall and/or ledge can resiliently spring back into position. In this way the wall and ledge can thereafter prevent the protrusion from leaving the slot at undesirable times.

One or more holes or slots 60 can be located on the sides of the buckle housing 16. The engagement members 18, 20 can be pivotally received into the buckle housing 16 at the one or more holes or slots 60 such as with a rod, protrusion, rivet, etc. 64.

FIGS. 4 and 5 also illustrate another feature which can help secure the buckle housing 16 to the base plate 14. The base plate 14 can include a slot 48 and the buckle housing 16 can include a cooperating feature 56 received into the slot 48. The cooperating feature 56 can be a hook as shown, but also can be a ridge, protrusion, bar, etc., to be received into the slot 48 and to help prevent the buckle housing 16 from moving out of the assembled condition. It will be understood that the slot and cooperating feature could be reversed such that the slot 48 is located on the buckle housing. Similarly, the protusion(s) 54, slots 46, ledges 44, etc. could also be reversed.

The buckle system 10 can beneficially reduce the thickness of the base plate and buckle housing as compared to prior art designs. In particular, the buckle system 10 does not have to accommodate industry standard screw depths for attaching the buckle housing to the base plate. This also results in a reduced costs parts count and reduced cost because screws are not required. Overall the design is simpler in overall execution. In addition, the assembly of the base plate and buckle housing does not require the use of tools. This is because the buckle housing can attach to the sewn in base plate without using an inset and external screw, rather in some embodiments, a non-rotating or pivoting buckle housing can snap into rigid attachment with a base plate on the shoe.

Turning now to FIGS. 6, 6A, and 7, an alternative design for a base plate 14″ and buckle housing 16″ is shown. Numerical reference to components is the same as previously described, except that two prime symbols (″) have been added to the reference. Where such references occur, it is to be understood that the components are the same or substantially similar to previously-described components.

The buckle housing 16″ can include one or more protrusions 54″ and the base plate 14″ can include one or more corresponding slots 46″. As can be seen in cross-sectional view of FIG. 6A, a protrusion 54″ can be received into a corresponding slot 46″. The one or more protrusions 54″ and the one or more corresponding slots 46″ can be located along any portion of the base plate 14″ and buckle housing 16″ so long as they allow for engagement. The protrusion 54″ can be received into the corresponding slot 46″ by an interference fit or a snap fit and in this way the buckle housing 16″ can be held in place within the base plate 14″. The base plate 14″ may also include a sunken bottom 58 that can receive and abut the bottom and side surfaces of the buckle housing 16″ similar to the ledges and walls that can abut the front, back, and sides of the buckle housing 16 described previously. The sunken bottom or other similar configurations can restrict movement of the buckle housing 16″ within the base plate 14″.

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate another embodiment of a buckle system 10′″ used to secure a strap 12′″. The strap 12′″ and buckle system 10′″ can be used to tighten a shoe or boot, such as an upper of a shoe, around the foot of the user. Numerical reference to components is the same as previously described, except that three prime symbols (′″) have been added to the reference. Where such references occur, it is to be understood that the components are the same or substantially similar to previously-described components

The illustrated buckle system 10′″ of FIG. 11 includes a base plate 14′″, a buckle housing 16′″, and one or more engagement members 18′″, 20′″. The base plate 14′″ can be used to secure the buckle system 10′″ to the shoe, for example by sewing the base plate to the shoe. The base plate 14′″ can also be used for receiving the buckle housing 16′″. The base plate 14′″ can include a main portion 22′″ for receiving the buckle housing 16′″.

The base plate 14′″ can include an outer flange 24′″ that extends out from the main portion 22′″ and around all or substantially all of the base plate 14′″. The outer flange 24′″ can be fairly thin to allow the material to be pierced by a sewing needle to sew and secure the base plate to the shoe. As shown, the outer flange 24′″ has an increased size as compared to the previously discussed embodiments, with an extension 25. The outer flange 24′″ can extend to a seam or end of the shoe upper 6, such as near the tongue 7 at the eyestay 9 (see generally FIG. 8). The extended section 25 can be substantially parallel with the strap 12′″ and can extend towards the tongue 7 of the shoe. In other embodiments, the extended section can extend towards the sole of the shoe. In some embodiments, the outer flange can extend from the sole to the tongue.

Having an increased size outer flange 24′″ can add support and increase the strength of attachment between the buckle system 10′″ and the shoe. The increased size of the outer flange can also add support to the shoe upper materials to stop or decrease wrinkling as the buckle system 10′″ is tightened. For example, it may prevent wrinkling near the eyestay area, or the area of the upper between the buckle system 10′″ and the eyestay. In addition, the larger outer flange can provide support to the upper. This can help the upper maintain the desired shape, and may beneficially stiffen and strengthen the upper.

The buckle system 10′″ of FIGS. 11-15 is shown with a ratcheting system with two engagement members 18′″, 20′″ similar to that previously discussed. The first engagement member 18′″ can be raised and rotated as many times as desired to achieve the desired fit. The second engagement member 20′″ can be used in one position to prevent the strap 12′″ from loosening (i.e., moving to the left in the frame of FIG. 11) and in a second position can act as a release mechanism, allowing the strap 12′″ to be loosened.

The engagement members 18′″, 20′″ can be sized to fit within the buckle housing 16′″. A top surface of the engagement members 18′″, 20′″ can be flush or substantially flush with the top of the buckle housing 16′″ as can be seen with reference to FIG. 12. It can also be seen that the main portion 22′″ of the base plate 14′″ can be spaced below the top of the buckle housing 16′″. Thus, the base plate can be generally slimmer than or maintain a generally lower profile than the buckle housing.

Looking now to FIGS. 13A-B, the basic parts of the buckle system 10′″ can be seen. One difference from previously described embodiments can be seen in the strap 12′″. The strap is shaped like a “T” with a head 66 at one end. A strap receiver 68 can be separately sewn or otherwise attached to the shoe at the tab 70. The strap 12′″ can then be inserted into the strap receiver 68 after all or part of the shoe has been assembled. In this way different length straps can be interchangeable with the buckle system. This two-part system can allow the end user more flexibility to determine the length of the strap. For example, the smaller sized strap can be the recommended default, while the longer strap can be interchanged therefore, for people with higher arches or otherwise having a taller or larger foot. This can allow one shoe to work with people having different widths or heights to their foot.

Continuing to review the basic parts of the buckle system 10′″, more particularly with respect to FIG. 13B, it will be seen that the base plate 14′″ and buckle housing 16′″ are very similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 4-5. As in the previously discussed embodiments, the buckle housing 16′″ can snap securely into the base plate 14′″. The combined buckle housing and base plate can form a non-rotating and non-pivoting assembly. This can be done with a snap fit type connection and generally does not require the use of a screw. Though, a screw could also be used in addition to the snap fit connection.

As shown, the buckle housing 16′″ can slide and/or snap into the main portion 22′″ of the base plate 14′″. The base plate can be shaped to receive the buckle housing. Protrusions 54′″ on either side of the buckle housing 16′″ can be received into the respective slots 46′″ on either side of the base plate 14′″. The front 52′″ of the buckle housing 16′″ can also abut a front wall or ledge 44′″ on the base plate 14′″. The protrusions 54′″ can be received into the slots 46′″ in a snap fit manner with the ledge 44′″ positioned next to the front 52′″ of the buckle housing 16′″.

The base plate can be made of a flexible material, such that advancing the protrusion 54′″ towards the slot 46′″ can cause a portion of the wall 22′″ and/or the ledge 44′″ to flex and bend. This can allow the protrusion to pass through a space between the wall and ledge. After the protrusion has passed therethrough, the wall and/or ledge can resiliently spring back into position. In this way the wall and ledge can thereafter prevent the protrusion from leaving the slot at undesirable times.

The buckle system 10′″ can include two holes or slots 48′″ on the base plate 14′″ and two corresponding cooperating features 56′″, such as hooks, on the buckle housing 16′″ to help secure the buckle housing to the base plate. The cooperating features 56′″ can be hooks as shown, but also can be a ridge, protrusion, bar, etc., to be received into the slots 48′″ and to help prevent the buckle housing 16 from moving out of the assembled condition. The cooperating features 56′″ can be positioned in any desired position on the buckle housing. As shown, the first hook 56′″ is near the back of the buckle housing and the second is near the front, close to the protrusions 54′″. The hooks are lined up and pointing in the same direction.

It will be understood that the slot and cooperating feature could be reversed such that the slots 48′″ are located on the buckle housing. Similarly, the protusion(s) 54′″, slots 46″, ledges 44″, etc. could also be reversed. Still further, it will be understood that where two or more cooperating features are used, they can be different; for example, a hook and a peg, or a tongue and a bar. Similarly, the slot or hole can be any desired shape and can also include an indentation, a groove, etc. Having two or more cooperating features can increase the strength and durability of the buckle system 10′″.

Looking at FIGS. 14 and 15, it can be seen that the underside of the base plate 14′″ can include recesses 72 to receive the hooks. This can help ensure that the hooks do not project below the bottom of the base plate.

Returning to FIG. 13B, it can also be seen that in addition to receiving hooks and protrusions, the base plate 14′″ can further be shaped to receive and confine the buckle housing 16′″. For example, the base plate can have a sunken bottom and the buckle housing can be positioned in the sunken bottom such that at least of portion of one or more of the front, back, and side surfaces of the buckle housing abut walls of the sunken bottom. For example, the back side 40′″ of the buckle housing can abut a wall or ledge 38′″ on the base plate 14′″. In some embodiments, the ledge 38′″ can form a lip that extends into the buckle housing to further secure the buckle housing in place. The back wall or ledge 38′″ of the base plate can also include a projection 74. The projection 74 can be used to account for the cutout from the hook 56′″ in the buckle housing 16′″. This way, the back 40′″ of the buckle housing above the hook can also abut a surface, namely the projection 74, on the back of the base plate. As discussed with respect to other embodiments, the sides 50′″ of the buckle housing can also be next to the side walls 42′″ of the main portion 22′″.

As shown, the side walls 42′″ can be shorter than the sides 50′″ of the buckle housing. In some embodiments, the side walls 42′″ and the sides 50′″ of the buckle housing 16′″ can be substantially the same height such that the tops are substantially flush.

The buckle system 10′″ can beneficially reduce the thickness of the base plate and buckle housing as compared to prior art designs. In particular, the buckle system 10′″ does not have to accommodate industry standard screw depths for attaching the buckle housing to the base plate. This also results in a reduced costs parts count and reduced cost because screws are not required. Overall the design is simpler in overall execution. In addition, the assembly of the base plate and buckle housing does not require the use of tools. This is because the buckle housing can attach to the sewn in base plate without using an inset and external screw, rather in some embodiments, a non-rotating or pivoting buckle housing can snap into rigid attachment with a base plate on the shoe.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. Sporting footwear for use in a sporting event comprising:

an upper for receiving a foot of a user;

a sole attached to the upper;

a strap having a plurality of teeth, the strap connected to the upper;

a ratcheting buckle system for securing the strap to tighten the sporting footwear around the foot of the user, the ratcheting buckle system comprising: a base plate attached to the upper; a buckle housing received into the base plate and connected thereto with a snap fit connection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws; and a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing, the first engagement member comprising a pawl for engaging one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap, the first engagement member having a first position configured to prevent the strap from loosening and a second position configured to allow the strap to loosen.

2. The sporting footwear of claim 1, wherein the snap fit connection comprises a protrusion on the buckle housing received into a slot on the base plate.

3. The sporting footwear of claim 2, wherein the protrusion comprises two protrusions on opposite sides of the buckle housing and the slot comprises two slots on the base plate.

4. The sporting footwear of claim 3, wherein the two protrusions are located at a front end of the buckle housing and the two slots are located at a front end of the base plate.

5. The sporting footwear of claim 4, further comprising a raised ledge on the base plate wherein each of the protrusions are positioned within one of the slots such that a back end of the protrusion abuts the slot and a front end of the protrusion abuts the raised ledge.

6. The sporting footwear of claim 3, further comprising an additional slot located in a central area of the base plate and a first cooperating protrusion on the buckle housing received into the additional slot.

7. The sporting footwear of claim 6, wherein the cooperating protrusion comprises a hook.

8. The sporting footwear of claim 6, further comprising a second additional slot located at a back end of the base plate and a second cooperating protrusion at a back end of the of the buckle housing received into the second additional slot.

9. The sporting footwear of claim 1, wherein the base plate further comprises a sunken bottom, the buckle housing positioned in the sunken bottom such that at least of portion of one or more of the front, back, and side surfaces of the buckle housing abut walls of the sunken bottom.

10. The sporting footwear of claim 1, further comprising a second engagement member configured to tighten the strap, wherein rotating the second engagement member causes one end of the second engagement member to engage one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap and advance the teeth through the buckle system.

11. The sporting footwear of claim 1, wherein the first engagement member is pivotally connected to the buckle housing.

12. The sporting footwear of claim 1, further comprising at least one spring.

13. The sporting footwear of claim 1, wherein the base plate is plastic and the buckle housing is metal.

14. The sporting footwear of claim 1, wherein the base plate is sewn into the upper.

15. The sporting footwear of claim 1, wherein the sporting footwear is a clipless cycling shoe.

16. Sporting footwear for use in a sporting event comprising:

an upper for receiving a foot of a user;

a sole attached to the upper;

a strap attached to the upper at one end and having a free end, the strap comprising a plurality of teeth;

a ratcheting buckle system wherein the free end of the strap is configured to advance through the ratcheting buckle system for securing the strap to tighten the upper around the foot of the user, the ratcheting buckle system comprising: a base plate sewn into the upper; a buckle housing received into the base plate and connected thereto with a snap fit connection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly without screws, the snap fit connection comprising a protrusion on the buckle housing received into a slot on the base plate; and a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing, the first engagement member comprising a pawl for engaging one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap, the first engagement member having a first position configured to prevent the strap from loosening and a second position configured to allow the strap to loosen.

17. The sporting footwear of claim 16, wherein the protrusion comprises two protrusions on opposite sides of the buckle housing and the slot comprises two slots on the base plate.

18. The sporting footwear of claim 17, wherein the two protrusions are located at a front end of the buckle housing and the two slots are located at a front end of the base plate.

19. The sporting footwear of claim 16, further comprising first and second holes passing through the base plate and first and second hooks on the buckle housing, each hook being positioned within one of the holes.

20. Footwear comprising:

an upper for receiving a foot of a user;

a sole attached to the upper;

a strap having a plurality of teeth, the strap connected to the upper;

a ratcheting buckle system for securing the strap to tighten the upper around the foot of the user, the ratcheting buckle system comprising: a base plate sewn into the upper; a buckle housing received into the base plate and connected thereto with a snap fit connection forming a non-rotating or pivoting assembly such that the ratcheting buckle system does not utilize screws; and

a first engagement member connected to the buckle housing, the first engagement member comprising a pawl for engaging one or more of the plurality of teeth on the strap, the first engagement member having a first position configured to prevent the strap from loosening and a second position configured to allow the strap to loosen.