GOLF SHOE SOLE WITH A ONE-WAY ROTATION TREAD PATTERN

Abstract

A golf shoe sole with a pattern configured for one-way rotation includes a pattern with a rotation point pattern. The rotation point pattern includes a center point tread, whereby the golf shoe sole is configured to rotate about the center point tread of the rotation point pattern. The pattern can also include one or more one-way rotation patterns. Each of the one-way rotation patterns include a plurality of one-way guide blades.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

None

PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

None

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

None

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Technical Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure generally relates to shoes and soles for shoes. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a golf shoe sole with a one-way rotation tread pattern.

2. Description of the Related Art

A proper golf swing requires the golfer to rotate his/her hips first away from the intended target area and then reverse the rotation toward the target area during the swing. It should be readily understood that the more stable the front foot is anchored and the smoother or more fluent this rotation and transition movements occur, the better the golf swing, i.e. more power, more consistency, reduction in injuries, the like, etc. As such, ideally, a golfer will keep the front or lead foot anchored during the turn or rotation away from the target. In addition, it is commonly taught to maintain the front or lead foot anchored during the turn towards the target, during contact, and through the rotation towards the target, or follow through of the swing.

The instant disclosure recognizes that it is desired to maintain or anchor the front foot anchored during the back swing for consistency. However, the instant disclosure contemplates that a lot of golfers have a hard time transitioning through the follow through of the swing, or finishing, while his/her golf spikes are anchored to the ground and not allowed to rotate. For example, many golfers front ankle is not flexible enough to allow a fluent finish. Thus, it has been discovered that, while maintaining the anchoring in the swing for consistency, it may be desired to allow a golfer to rotate the front foot after contact, and through the follow through of the swing.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognizable unmet need for a golf shoe sole that provides a one-way rotation tread pattern.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in a possibly preferred embodiment, the present apparatus overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a device by providing a golf shoe sole with a pattern configured for one-way rotation. The golf shoe sole with the one-way rotation pattern may be designed to keep the front foot anchored during the swing, while allowing the front foot to rotate after contact during the follow through.

The present apparatus and method includes the pattern having a rotation point pattern. The rotation point pattern may include a center point tread, whereby the golf shoe sole may be configured to rotate about the center point tread of the rotation point pattern.

One feature may be that the center point tread may include a substantially conical shaped top.

Another feature may be that the center point tread may include a rotatable center point cleat. In select embodiments, the rotatable center point cleat may be rotatable by a ball bearing socket. In other select embodiments, the center point cleat may be a commonly known soft spike.

Another feature may be that the rotation point pattern may include at least one ring tread around the center point tread. In select embodiments, the rotation point pattern may include two or more ring treads equally spaced around the center point tread. In select embodiments, the ring treads may have a substantially V-shaped top.

Another feature may be that the center point tread may have a center height that may be approximately equal to the ring height of the ring treads.

In select embodiments, the pattern configured for one way rotation may include one or more one-way rotation patterns. The one-way rotation pattern may include a plurality of one-way guide blades. In select embodiments, the one-way guide blades may have a radius of curvature approximately equal to the distance from the center of the rotation point pattern.

One feature of the one-way guide blades may be the inclusion of a slide end configured to allow rotation and a stop end configured to restrict rotation. In select embodiments, the slide end may include a rounded or angled portion and the stop end may include a blunt or sharp portion. In other select embodiments, each of the one-way guide blades may include a substantially V-shaped top portion.

One feature may be that the one-way rotation patterns may include a plurality of rows of the one-way guide blades, where each of the one-way guide blades from one row are offset from each of the one-way guide blades of adjoining rows. In select embodiments, each of the rows of one-way guide blades may include at least two one-way guide blades.

One feature of the one-way rotation tread pattern may be the inclusion in the one-way rotation patterns of a counter rotate spike. In select various embodiments, the counter rotate spike may be positioned off of the inner toe portion, may have a substantially square or trapezoidal cross-section, and/or may have a height being shorter than the one-way guide blades. The counter rotate spike may be configured to give traction extension during the counter rotate portion of the swing, provide traction when walking, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

The golf shoe sole with a one-way rotation tread pattern of the instant disclosure may include a heel portion, a front portion, and a center portion.

In select embodiments, the shoe sole pattern may have a rotation point pattern in the heel portion, and a one-way rotation pattern in the front portion. In these embodiments, the golf shoe sole may be for the front shoe of the golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in one direction about the heel portion.

In other select embodiments, the shoe sole pattern may have a rotation point pattern in the front portion, and a one-way rotation pattern in the heel portion. In these embodiments, the golf shoe sole may be for the front shoe of the golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in one direction about the front portion. For example, the golfer's heel may rotate around the front mounted cone spike.

In yet other select embodiments, the shoe sole pattern may have a rotation point pattern in the center portion, a first one-way rotation pattern in the heel portion, and a second one-way rotation pattern in the front portion. In these embodiments, the golf shoe sole may be for the front shoe of a golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in one direction about the center portion.

Another feature may be that the golf shoe sole may be convex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present golf shoe sole with a one-way rotation tread pattern will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the golf shoe sole with the one-way rotation tread pattern on a golf shoe with the rotation point pattern in the heel portion and the one-way rotation pattern in the front portion;

FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 1A showing the one-way rotation of the shoe about the rotation point pattern in the heel portion of the shoe;

FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the golf shoe sole with the one-way rotation tread pattern with the rotation point pattern in the front portion and the one-way rotation pattern in the heel portion;

FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 3A showing the one-way rotation of the shoe about the rotation point pattern in the front portion of the shoe;

FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the golf shoe sole with the one-way rotation tread pattern with the rotation point pattern in the center portion and one-way rotation patterns in the heel and front portions;

FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment from FIG. 4A showing the one-way rotation of the shoe about the rotation point pattern in the center portion of the shoe;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of one of the one-way guide blades;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the one-way guide blade from FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of one of the one-way guide blades;

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of the one-way guide blade from FIG. 5C taken from the cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 5C;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of one of the one-way guide blades with a curved outer edge and a sharp inner edge;

FIG. 7 is a side view of another exemplary embodiment of the one-way guide blade with an angled outer edge and a blunt inner edge;

FIG. 8A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the rotation point pattern with the center point tread;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the rotation point pattern from FIG. 8A taken from the cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of the rotation point pattern with the rotatable center point cleat;

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the rotation point pattern from FIG. 9A taken from the cross-sectional line shown in FIG. 9A; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the golf shoe sole with the one-way rotation tread pattern with the rotation point pattern in the heel portion and the one-way rotation pattern in the front portion including the counter rotation spike off of the inner toe portion of the sole.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-10 by way of example, and not limitation, therein is illustrated example embodiments of sole 100 with pattern 102 configured for one-way rotation 174 on golf shoe 158. Although sole 100 is shown on a golf shoe, the disclosure is not so limited, and may be utilized on any type of shoe desiring sole 100 with pattern 102 configured for one-way rotation 174. In addition, sole 100 with pattern 102 configured for one-way rotation 174 may be configured in any direction (rotation toward the inner or outer portion of the shoe) and/or on either shoe, left or right. For example, sole 100 may be used as desired for the front shoe (left foot for a right hand golfer and right foot for a left hand golfer) and/or the back shoe (right foot for a right hand golfer and left foot for a left hand golfer). For the specific example shown in FIG. 1, and clearly not limited thereto, sole 100 with pattern 102 configured for one-way rotation 174 may be used for the right shoe 158, where one-way rotation 174 may be toward the outer portion of shoe 158.

Pattern 102 may be included on sole 100 and may be configured for one-way rotation 174. See FIGS. 1-4 and 10. Pattern 102 may include any shape and/or material for providing one-way rotation to shoe 158 via sole 100. For example, pattern 102 may be made from any rubbers, plastics, or like materials commonly known and used for shoe soles. In select embodiments, pattern 102 may have rotation point pattern 104, and one or more one-way rotation patterns 106. In combination, rotation point pattern 104 and the one or more one-way rotation patterns 106 may allow shoe 158 to rotate about rotation point pattern 104 in one-way rotation 174.

Rotation point pattern 104 may be included in pattern 102 of golf shoe sole 100. See FIGS. 1-4 and 8-10. Rotation point pattern 104 may be for providing a rotation point for one-way rotation 174 on golf shoe 158 via sole 100. Rotation point pattern 104 may include any pattern for providing such a rotation point in sole 100.

In select embodiments, rotation point pattern 104 may include center point tread 108. See FIGS. 1-4, 8 and 10 (best shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B). Center point tread 108 may be for providing a center point for rotation, whereby golf shoe sole 100 may be configured to rotate about center point tread 108 of rotation point pattern 104. In select embodiments, center point tread 108 may include substantially conical shaped top 110. As examples, substantially conical shaped top 110 may have a conical shape, or it may have a substantially conical shape with a squared off (as shown in FIG. 8B), or rounded top.

In other select embodiments, rotation point pattern 104 may include rotatable center point cleat 112. See FIGS. 9A and 9B. Rotatable center point cleat 112 may be for providing a center point for rotation, whereby golf shoe sole 100 may be configured to rotate about rotatable center point cleat 112 of rotation point pattern 104. Rotatable center point cleat 112 may be rotatable by any means. In select embodiments, rotatable center point cleat 112 may be rotatable by a ball bearing socket 114 (similar to a skateboard wheel). Center point cleat 112 may be any device or cleat rotatable in the center of rotation point pattern 104. In select embodiments, center point cleat 112 may be a standard golf spike, like soft spike 116 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

At least one ring tread 118 may be included in rotation point pattern 104 around center point tread 108. See FIGS. 1-4, and 8-10. Each ring tread 118 may be for providing additional rotation treads around center point tread 108. Rotation point pattern 104 may include any desired number of ring treads 118. As shown in the figures, in select embodiments, rotation point pattern 104 may include two or more ring treads 118 equally spaced around center point tread 108. Ring treads 118 may have a V-shaped top 120 (see FIGS. 8B and 9B), or a substantially V-shaped top.

Center point tread 108, or the cone spike, may have center height 122 and ring treads 118, or the circle blades, may have ring height 124. See FIGS. 8B and 9B. Center height 122 and ring height 124 may be any desired height for providing the rotation point in rotation point pattern 104. In select embodiments, center height 122 of center point tread 108 may be approximately equal to ring height 124 of the ring treads 118. This feature may allow for the necessary traction and rotation about center point tread 108 in rotation point pattern 104.

One-way guide blades 126 may be included in one-way rotation pattern 106. See FIGS. 1-7 and 10. One-way guide blades 126 may be for allowing or aiding in one-way rotation 174 about one-way rotation point pattern 106 on sole 100. One-way guide blades 126 may have radius of curvature 128 based on distance 130 from the center of rotation point pattern 104, i.e. the center of center point tread 108. Radius of curvature 128 being based on distance 130 from the center of rotation point pattern 104 may provide for the least amount of resistance for one-way rotation 174 about rotation point pattern 104 and may thus aid or allow one-way rotation 174 about rotation point pattern 104 on sole 100.

Each one-way guide blade 126 may have slide end 132 and stop end 134. See FIGS. 2-4, 5A, 5C, and 6-7. Slide end 132 may be configured to allow rotation in the direction of one-way rotation 174. Stop end 134 may be configured to restrict rotation in the opposite direction of one-way rotation 174. As such, in combination, slide end 132 and stop end 134 of each one-way guide blade 126 may be configured for allowing or aiding one-way rotation 174 about rotation point pattern 104. For example, as shown in the figures with one-way rotation 174 toward the outer side of shoe 158, slide end 132 may refer to the outer portion of each one-way guide blade 126, or the portion towards the outside of the shoe or foot of each one-way guide blade 126. Likewise, stop end 134 may refer to the inner portion of each guide blade 126, or the portion towards the inside of the shoe or foot of each one-way guide blade 126. However, as discussed above, the disclosure is not so limited and if desired slide end 132 and stop end 134 may be reversed to provide one-way rotation 174 in the opposite direction, or towards the inside of shoe 158. In select embodiments, slide end 132 may be configured with rounded (see FIG. 6) or angled (see FIG. 7) portion 136 and stop end 134 may be configured with blunt (see FIG. 7) or sharp (see FIG. 6) portion 138. Rounded or angled portion 136 may be designed to allow for movement in one-way direction 174, while blunt or sharp portion 138 may be designed to resist movement opposite of one-way direction 174. Each one-way guide blade 126 may include substantially V-shaped top portion 140. Substantially V-shaped top portion 140 may include squared off V-shaped top 140, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5B, and/or pointed V-shaped top 140, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5D, or other similar substantially V-shaped tops.

One-way rotation pattern 106 may include a plurality of rows 142 of one-way guide blades 126. See FIGS. 1-4, and 10. Rows 142 may be any desired number of rows and may contain any desired number of one-way guide blades 126 in each row. In select embodiments, as shown in the figures, each of the one-way guide blades 126 from one row 142 may be offset from each of the one-way guide blades 126 of adjoining rows 142. In other select embodiments, each of rows 142 of one-way guide blades 126 may include at least two one-way guide blades 126, as shown in the figures. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, sole 100 may include 7 rows 142 of one-way guide blades 126 in front portion 154, with each row 142 including at least 2 one-way guide blades 126. As another example, as shown in FIG. 3A, sole 100 may include 4 rows 142 of one-way guide blades 126 in heel portion 152, with each row 142 including at least 2 one-way guide blades 126. As yet another example, as shown in FIG. 4A, sole 100 may include five (5) rows of one-way guide blades 126 in front portion 154 and four (4) rows 142 of one-way guide blades 126 in heel portion 152, with each row 142 including at least two (2) one-way guide blades 126. Each row 142 may be designed to maintain radius of curvature 128 in adjacent one-way guide blades 126.

An optional counter rotate spike 144 may be included in select embodiments of one-way rotation pattern 106. See FIG. 10. Counter rotate spike 144 may be for giving traction extension during the counter rotate portion of the swing. Counter rotate spike 144 may also help in walking. Counter rotate spike may be positioned in any desired location for giving traction extension during the counter rotate portion of the swing and/or for helping in walking. In select embodiments, counter rotate spike 144 may be positioned off of inner toe portion 146. Counter rotate spike may have any desired shape or size for giving traction extension during the counter rotate portion of the swing and/or walking. In select embodiments, counter rotate spike 144 may have a substantially square or trapezoidal cross-section 148. As an example, for golf purposes, counter rotate spike 144 may be configured to give traction extension during the counter rotate portion of the swing, work as a break at the end of the rotation, provide traction when walking, the like, and/or combinations thereof.

Golf shoe sole 100 with one-way rotation tread pattern 102 may include heel portion 152, front portion 154, and center portion 156. See FIGS. 2-4 and 10. In select embodiments, as shown in the figures, heel portion 152 may be raised.

The instant disclosure recognizes that not all golfers and swings are alike. Namely, not all golfers anchor and rotate about the same position on their front foot. As such, golf shoe sole 100 may be designed with rotation point pattern 104 in any desired position on sole 100, including, but not limited to, heel portion 152, front portion 154 and/or center portion 156. Correspondingly, one-way rotation pattern 106 may be accordingly positioned in opposing parts on sole 100 for aiding and allowing one-way rotation 174 about rotation point pattern 104.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, in select embodiments, shoe sole pattern 102 may have rotation point pattern 104 in heel portion 152, and one-way rotation pattern 106 in front portion 154. In these embodiments, as an example, golf shoe sole 100 may be for front shoe 158 of the golfer, whereby front shoe 158 may rotate in one-way direction 174 about heel portion 152, as shown in FIG. 2B.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in other select embodiments, shoe sole pattern 102 may have rotation point pattern 104 in front portion 154, and one-way rotation pattern 106 in heel portion 152. In these embodiments, as an example golf shoe sole 100 may be for front shoe 158 of the golfer, whereby front shoe 158 may rotate in one-way direction 174 about front portion 154, as shown in FIG. 3B.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in yet other select embodiments, shoe sole pattern 102 may have rotation point pattern 104 in center portion 156, first one-way rotation pattern 106 in heel portion 152, and a second one-way rotation pattern 106 in front portion 154. In these embodiments, as an example golf shoe sole 100 may be for front shoe 158 of a golfer, whereby front shoe 158 may rotate in one-way direction 174 about center portion 156.

Another feature may be that golf shoe sole 100 may be convex 172. Convex 172 may refer to the bottom of sole 100 being slightly rounded to aid in one-way rotation 174 via one-way guide blades 126.

As shown in the figures, the instant disclosure contemplates golf shoe 158 including any of the various embodiments of sole 100 with pattern 102 configured for one-way rotation 174.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A shoe sole with a pattern configured for one-way rotation comprising:

the pattern having: a rotation point pattern.

2. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein said rotation point pattern including a center point tread, whereby the shoe sole is configured to rotate about said center point tread of the rotation point pattern.

3. The shoe sole of claim 2, wherein said center point tread including a substantially conical shaped top.

4. The shoe sole of claim 2, wherein said center point tread including a rotatable center point cleat.

5. The shoe sole of claim 4, wherein said rotatable center point cleat is rotatable by a ball bearing socket and said center point cleat is a soft spike.

6. The shoe sole of claim 2, wherein said rotation point pattern including at least one ring tread around said center point tread.

7. The shoe sole of claim 6, wherein:

said rotation point pattern including two ring treads equally spaced around said center point tread;

each of said ring treads having a V-shaped top; and

said center point tread having a center height being approximately equal to a ring height of said ring treads.

8. The shoe sole of claim 1, wherein said pattern further comprising:

one or more one-way rotation patterns.

9. The shoe sole of claim 8, wherein each of said one-way rotation patterns including a plurality of one-way guide blades having:

a slide end configured to allow the one-way rotation; and

a stop end configured to restrict movement opposite the one-way rotation.

10. The shoe sole of claim 9, wherein each of said one-way guide blades having a radius of curvature approximately equal to a distance from a center of said rotation point pattern.

11. The shoe sole of claim 9, wherein:

said slide end including a rounded or angled portion and said stop end including a blunt or sharp portion;

each of said one-way guide blades including a substantially V-shaped top portion; and/or

each of said one-way rotation patterns including a plurality of rows of one-way guide blades, where each of said one-way guide blades from one row are offset from each of the one-way guide blades of adjoining rows, wherein each of said rows of one-way guide blades including at least two one-way guide blades.

12. The shoe sole of claim 9, wherein one of said one-way rotation patterns including a counter rotate spike, wherein said counter rotate spike being positioned off of an inner toe portion, having a substantially square or trapezoidal cross-section, and having a height being shorter than said one-way guide blades, whereby said counter rotate spike being configured to:

give traction extension during the counter rotate portion of the swing; and/or

provide traction for walking.

13. The shoe sole of claim 8 including a heel portion, a front portion, and a center portion, the shoe sole is convex.

14. The shoe sole of claim 13, wherein said pattern having:

the rotation point pattern in the heel portion; and

the at least one-way rotation pattern in the front portion;

wherein, the shoe sole being for a front shoe of a golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in one direction about the heel portion.

15. The shoe sole of claim 13, wherein said pattern having:

the rotation point pattern in the front portion; and

the at least one-way rotation pattern in the heel portion;

wherein, the shoe sole being for a front shoe of a golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in one direction about the front portion.

16. The shoe sole of claim 13, wherein said pattern having:

the rotation point pattern in the center portion;

a first one-way rotation pattern in the heel portion; and

a second one-way rotation pattern in the front portion;

wherein, the shoe sole being for a front shoe of a golfer, whereby the front shoe may rotate in one direction about the center portion.

17. A golf shoe with a sole having a pattern configured for one-way rotation comprising:

the pattern having: a rotation point pattern.

18. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein said rotation point pattern including a center point tread, whereby the golf shoe is configured to rotate about said center point tread of the rotation point pattern.

19. The golf shoe of claim 17, wherein said pattern further having one or more one-way rotation patterns.

20. The golf shoe of claim 19, wherein each of said one-way rotation patterns including a plurality of one-way guide blades, each guide blade having:

a slide end configured to allow the one-way rotation;

a stop end configured to restrict movement opposite the one-way rotation; and

a radius of curvature approximately equal to a distance from a center of said rotation point pattern.