REMOVABLE SHOE ADAPTORS

A removable shoe adaptor for use with any user shoe such as running shoes or hiking shoes. The removable shoe adaptor permits a user to use a pedal cleat with any shoe thereby transforming any shoes into bicycle cleat shoes. The removable shoe adaptor includes a base and a cleat member connected thereto. The removable shoe adaptor includes a plurality of wings extending from the base providing support for removal of the removable shoe adaptor from the clipless pedal. The wings prevent fore & aft movement as well as lateral movement of the shoe within the removable shoe adaptor. A strap connects to the free or distal ends of the wings and extends over the top of the user shoe so as to secure the removable shoe adaptor to the shoe. The wings provide a leverage point allowing the cyclist to twist the removable shoe adaptor in a matter required to remove the removable shoe adaptor from the clipless pedal of the bicycle.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/380,557 filed on Aug. 29, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present specification generally relates to bicycle cleats and, more specifically, for a removable shoe adaptor having bicycle cleats.

BACKGROUND

Cycling shoes are shoes purpose built for cycling. Specifically, clipless bicycle pedals allow a bicyclist to connect their shoe to the pedal that better allows the user to control the bicycle and provides for better power transfer. A typical cycling shoe includes a cleat member mounted to the sole of the shoe configured to connect to a pedal of a bicycle. There are a variety of designs depending on the type and intensity of the cycling for which they are intended. Key features include rigidity, for more-efficient transfer of power from the cyclist to the pedals, weight, a method of attaching the shoe firmly to the pedal and adaptability for use on and off the bicycle. These shoes can be cost prohibitive. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to provide a cost effective bicycle cleat.

In addition to being cost prohibitive, users of bicycles often engage in other activities while on an excursion, such as hiking or running. Since traditional cycling shoes are difficult to walk in, users are required to bring alternative shoes for hiking or running. Accordingly, there exists a need to provide an alternative mechanism for a cyclist allowing the cyclist to quickly transfer to alternative activities without requiring a change in shoes.

SUMMARY

A removable shoe adaptor configured to removably connect to a shoe, the shoe having at least one sidewall and a sole, the removable shoe adaptor configured to securely and removably connect to a bicycle pedal, the removable shoe adaptor having a base configured to mount adjacent to the sole of the shoe, the base having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, a cleat member connected to the lower surface of the base, the cleat member configured to removably connect to the bicycle pedal and a pair of wings extending from the base, the wings positioned adjacent to the sidewall of the shoe so as to secure the removable shoe adaptor to the shoe. In some embodiments, a second pair of wings are provided extending away from the base, the second pair of wings spaced apart from the first pair of wings, the second pair of wings positioned adjacent to the sidewall of the shoe so as to secure the removable shoe adaptor to the shoe. Each of the wings of the pair of wings may a distal end with a strap connected thereto. In some embodiments, the strap is provided having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the distal end of one of the pair of wings, the second end connected to the distal end of the other of the wings of the pair of wings.

The removable shoe adaptor may include a plurality of walking cleats connected to the lower surface of the base, the walking cleats having a predetermined height. The predetermined height of the walking cleats is greater than a predetermined height of the cleat member thereby preventing the cleat member from contacting the ground while a user is walking. The removable shoe adaptor may also include a plurality of attachment apertures thereby allowing adjustment of the cleat member. Further, in some embodiments, the wings include an outer surface, the outer surface being textured so as to prevent the buildup of unwanted debris. Each of the pairs of wings are angled towards each other whereby one of the pair of wings is angled in a forward direction and the other of the pair of wings is angled in a rearward direction. Furthermore, a method may be provided including the steps of twisting the removable shoe adaptor upon removal of the removable shoe adaptor from the bicycle pedal whereby the wings prevent unwanted lateral movement of the shoe during said twisting action.

In another embodiment, a removable shoe adaptor for connection to a shoe is provided including, a base, a cleat member connected to the base and a plurality of pairs of opposed wings extending upwardly from the base, the plurality of pairs of opposed wings configured to at least partially wrap around the shoe, the plurality of pairs of opposed wings configured to prevent lateral movement of the shoe when the shoe is connected to the base. Each of the wings of the pairs of wings may include a distal end allowing for connection of a strap. The strap is provided having a first end and a. second end, the first end connected to the distal end of one of the pair of wings, the second end connected to the distal end of the other of the wings of the pair of wings.

The removable shoe adaptor may further include a plurality of walking cleats connected to the base, the walking cleats each having a predetermined height. In this embodiment, the predetermined height of the walking cleats is greater than a predetermined height of the cleat member thereby preventing the cleat member from contacting the ground while a user is walking. The removable shoe adaptor may include a plurality of attachment apertures thereby allowing adjustment of the cleat member. In this embodiment, each of the wings of the plurality of pairs of wings includes an outer surface, the outer surface being textured so as to prevent the buildup of unwanted debris. In some embodiments, each of the pairs of wings are angled towards each other whereby one of the pair of wings is angled in a forward direction and the other of the pair of wings is angled in a rearward direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the wings and base are molded as a once piece construction Again, this embodiment includes the step of twisting the removable shoe adaptor upon removal of the removable shoe adaptor from the bicycle pedal whereby the wings prevent unwanted lateral movement of the shoe during said twisting action.

These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts side perspective view of a single removable shoe adaptor on a user according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 2 depicts bottom view of a single removable shoe adaptor according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3 depicts an elevational view of a removable shoe adaptor according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 4 depicts perspective bottom view of a single removable shoe adaptor according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 5 depicts an exploded perspective view of the cleat member removed from the removable shoe adaptor according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 6 depicts a front/side view of the a removable shoe adaptor having the walking cleats according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 7 depicts side view of one embodiment of the removable shoe adaptor according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and

FIG. 8 depicts a bottom view of view of one embodiment of the removable shoe adaptor according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 generally depicts a removable shoe adaptor for use with any user shoe such as running shoes or hiking shoes. While the present Figures show removable shoe adaptors in the singular, it should be appreciated that the removable shoe adaptor will be used and sold as a pair. In the present embodiment, the removable shoe adaptors are specifically designed for use on the right or left foot and thus may not be used interchangeably.

The removable shoe adaptor permits a user to use the removable shoe adaptor with any shoe thereby transforming any shoe into bicycle cleat shoes. The removable shoe adaptor includes a base and a cleat member connected thereto. The removable shoe adaptor includes a plurality of wings extending from the base providing support for removal of the removable shoe adaptor from the clipless pedal. In the present embodiment, there are four wings on each removable shoe adaptor located at the four “corners” of the fore-foot. The wings prevent fore & aft movement as well as lateral movement of the shoe within the removable shoe adaptor. A strap connects to the free or distal ends of the wings and extends over the top of the user shoe so as to secure the removable shoe adaptor to the shoe. The wings provide a leverage point allowing the cyclist to twist the removable shoe adaptor in a manner required to remove the removable shoe adaptor from the clipless pedal of the bicycle.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, a removable shoe adaptor 10 is shown. Each of the removable shoe adaptor 10 includes a base 16 having a lower surface 14 and upper surface 52. The lower surface 14 includes a forward end 20 and a rear end 18. The lower surface 14 further includes the cleat member 30. The base 16 of the removable shoe adaptor 10 is generally planar but may have curved or angled portions to accept and accommodate portions of the foot, such as an arch.

The removable shoe adaptor 10 is designed such that there is a right and left corresponding pair. The removable shoe adaptor 10 is sold as a pair. Furthermore, the removable shoe adaptor 10 may be configured as one size fits all. In other embodiments, the removable shoe adaptor is partially customized to accommodate a size or range of sizes in shoes. In even further embodiments, the removable shoe adaptor 10 is personally customized to the needs of the user to fit a particular or specific pair of shoes.

The cleat member 30 is a commonly known two-bolt style cleat made for a clipless pedal. The cleat member 30 includes a forward end 32 and a rear end 34. The forward end 32 is slightly pointed and rounded to accommodate a standard clipless pedal. Furthermore, the rear end 34 has a generally rectangular shape configured to accommodate a standard clipless pedal. The cleat member 30 is connected to the base 16 at the lower surface 14 by means of two bolts 56. The bolts 56 extend through the base 16 and may be visible on the upper surface 52 of the base 16. In other embodiments, different cleat members may be used depending on the needs of the user or bicycle rider.

The base 16 further includes a plurality of wings extending therefrom. The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B extend upwards and around a side portion of the user shoe 15 so as to prevent horizontal and lateral movement of the shoe on the base 16 and corresponding elements of the removable shoe adaptor 10. The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B have corresponding counterparts on the opposite side of the platform 16. In this example, wings 40A and 40B are opposed from each other and wings 44A and 44B are opposed from each other.

Each of the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B include apertures 42, 46 to hold a strap or other securing member. In this embodiment, the apertures 42, 46 are generally elongated and rectangular to accept the straps 48, 58. In other embodiments, the apertures may be any other suitable configuration to accept, hold and/or secure the straps 48, 58 to the removable shoe adaptor 10.

The straps 48, 58, in the present embodiment, include a Velcro® or other hook & loop closure. In other embodiments, the straps 48, 58 may be tied, elastic, hooks, or any other suitable fastening mechanism to as to securely connect the straps 48, 58, over the top of the user shoe. The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B further provide a leverage point which allows the user to twist the removable shoe adaptor 10 in a manner that is required to remove the removable shoe adaptor from the clipless pedal.

The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B must be made of a sufficiently rigid and resilient material to allow the user to gain leverage against the sidewalls of the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B. In some embodiments, the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B are connected to the base 16 at the lower surface 24 by means of a plurality of screws or bolts. In other embodiments, the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B are welded, glued, adhered, or formed as a one piece material with the base 16. In the present embodiment, the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B and the base 16 form a one-piece construction, typically molded.

The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B may be curved and/or angled to accommodate the curvature of a user 15 shoe. An illustrated in FIG. 6, the wings 40A and 40B are curved and angle inwards towards the user 15 show. Also illustrated in FIG. 6 is a textured outer surface 60 on the exterior surface of the wings 40A and 40B. The textured outer surface 60 of the wings may be applied to any exterior surface on the removable shoe adaptor 10, including, but not limited to, the wings 44A, 44B. The textured outer surface 60 is used for both aesthetic reasons and also to prevent dirt, debris, mud . . . etc. from sticking and caking on to any outer surface of the removable shoe adaptor 10.

The lower portion 14 of the base 16 further includes a plurality of walking cleats 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E. The walking cleats 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E are made of a plastic or polymer material. The walking cleats 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E are configured to protect the cleat member 30 when the user is not engaged with a clipless pedal and is walking. The walking cleats 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E are slightly taller as compared to the clip member 30 (as clearly illustrated in FIG. 1) so as to protect the clip member 30. Furthermore, the walking cleats 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E give the user some traction so as to prevent slipping on smooth surfaces.

The base 16 is wide and long enough to provide support under a softer shoe so as to provide comfort while riding. In some embodiments, an alternative set of mounting apertures may be provided thereby allowing the user to adjust the position of the cleat member 30. If the user wishes to adjust the position of the cleat member 30, the user simply removes the bolts 56 from the cleat member 30 and repositions the cleat member 30 to the alternative apertures.

Similarly, alternative mounting apertures may also be provided in the base 16 to allow the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B multiple connection points. The multiple connection points allow the user the adjust the position of the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B. The removable shoe adaptor 10 may include an adjustment screw to facilitate the adjustment of both the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B and the cleat member 30.

The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B provide a secure connection in the plane parallel to the ground when the removable shoe adaptor 10 are in use. The removable shoe adaptor 10 prevents the shoe from pulling back, sliding forward, and/or slipping off on either side of the shoe. Furthermore, the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B provide the connection point required for leverage to discharge the cleat member 30 from the clipless pedal. Without the leverage provided by the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B to disengage the cleat member 30, then there is no means to disconnect from the clipless pedal thereby increasing safety concerns.

The user 15 shoe includes a forward end 64 and a rear end 68. The base portion 16 of the removable shoe adaptor 10, is positioned on the sole of the shoe whereas the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B wrap around the sides of the shoe 66. The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B extend at an acute angle with respect to the base 16. The acute angle adds for additional strength and control of the removable shoe adaptor 10.

The straps 48, 58 extend over a top portion of the shoes 60. The strap 48 extends over the toe portion of the shoe whereas the strap 58 extends over a mid-portion of the shoe. As previously discussed, the straps 48, 58 include a include a Velcro® or other hook & loop closure and are made of a nylon, canvas, polyester, plastic, silicone, or other material having sufficient strength and flexibility for connecting the removable shoe adaptor 10 to the shoe. In other embodiments, the straps 48, 58 may be tied, elastic, hooks, or any other suitable fastening mechanism to as to securely connect the straps 48, 58, over the top of the user shoe. The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B further provide a leverage point which allows the user to twist the removable shoe adaptor 10 in a manner that is required to remove the removable shoe adaptor from the clipless pedal.

Materials of the base 16, and wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B and other portions of the removable shoe adaptor 10 may be made of any suitable material having sufficient strength and resiliency allowing the removable shoe adaptor 10 to connect to a clipless pedal and be easily removed from a clipless pedal. In the present embodiment, the materials used form a one-piece construction with the components listed above. Materials include metal, aluminum, aluminum alloys, plastics, polymers, plastic like materials, polymer like materials, and any other suitable material having sufficient strength and resiliency.

The removable shoe adaptors of the present specification provide a cyclist a more cost effective alternative to purchasing expensive cycling shoes. The wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B of the removable shoe adaptor provide strength to the removable shoe adaptor thereby enabling the user to effectively remove the removable shoe adaptor from the clipless pedal.

Furthermore, the removable configuration of the removable shoe adaptor allows a cyclist to quickly attach and subsequently remove the removable shoe adaptor during any excursion. The user is permitted to quickly transition for cycling to hiking or running without having to change shoes. Even though the shoe adaptors are removable, the wings 40A, 40B, 44A, 44B provide sufficient strength and support for any twisting action required to remove the removable shoe adaptor from the clipless pedal.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A removable shoe adaptor configured to removably connect to a shoe, the shoe having at least one sidewall and a sole, the removable shoe adaptor configured to securely and removably connect to a bicycle pedal, the removable shoe adaptor comprising:

a base configured to mount adjacent to the sole of the shoe, the base having an upper surface and an opposed lower surface;
a cleat member connected to the lower surface of the base, the cleat member configured to connect removably connect to the bicycle pedal; and
a pair of wings extending from the base, the wings positioned adjacent to the sidewall of the shoe so as to secure the removable shoe adaptor to the shoe.

2. The removable shoe adaptor of claim I wherein a second pair of wings are provided extending away from the base, the second pair of wings spaced apart from the first pair of wings, the second pair of wings positioned adjacent to the sidewall of the show so as to secure the removable shoe adaptor to the shoe,

3. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 1 wherein each of the wings of the pair of wings includes a distal end.

4. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 1 wherein a strap is provided having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the distal end of one of the pair of wings, the second end connected to the distal end of the other of the wings of the pair of wings.

5. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 1 wherein the removable shoe adaptor includes a plurality of walking cleats connected to the lower surface of the base, the walking cleats having a predetermined height.

6. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 5 wherein the predetermined height of the walking cleats is greater than a predetermined height of the cleat member thereby preventing the cleat member from contacting the ground while a user is walking.

7. The removable shoe adaptor of claim I wherein the removable shoe adaptor includes a plurality of attachment apertures thereby allowing adjustment of the cleat member. The removable shoe adaptor of claim l wherein the wings include an outer surface, the outer surface being textured so as to prevent the buildup of unwanted debris,

9. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 2 wherein each of the pairs of wings are angled towards each other whereby one of the pair of wings is angled in a forward direction and the other of the pair of wings is angled in a rearward direction.

10. A method of using the removable shoe adaptor of claim 1 including the step of twisting the removable shoe adaptor upon removal of the removable shoe adaptor from the bicycle pedal whereby the wings prevent unwanted lateral movement of the shoe during said twisting action.

11. A removable shoe adaptor for connection to a shoe, the removable shoe adaptor comprising:

a base;
a cleat member connected to the base; and
a plurality of pairs of opposed wings extending upwardly from the base, the plurality of pairs of opposed wings configured to at least partially wrap around the shoe, the plurality of pairs of opposed wings configured to prevent lateral movement of the shoe when the shoe is connected to the base.

12. removable shoe adaptor of claim 1 wherein each of the wings of the pairs of wings includes a distal end.

13. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 12 wherein a strap is provided having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the distal end of one of the pair of wings, the second end connected to the distal end of the other of the wings of the pair of wings.

14. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 11 wherein the removable shoe adaptor includes a plurality of walking cleats connected to the base, the walking cleats each having a predetermined height.

15. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 14 wherein the predetermined height of the walking cleats is greater than a predetermined height of the cleat member thereby preventing the cleat member from contacting the ground while a user is walking.

16. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 11 wherein the removable shoe adaptor includes a plurality of attachment apertures thereby allowing adjustment of the cleat member.

17. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 11 wherein the each of the wings of the plurality of pairs of wings include an outer surface, the outer surface being textured so as to prevent the buildup of unwanted debris.

18. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 11 wherein each of the pairs of wings are angled towards each other whereby one of the pair of wings is angled in a forward direction and the other of the pair of wings is angled in a rearward direction.

19. The removable shoe adaptor of claim 11 wherein the wings and base are molded as a once piece construction.

20. A method of using the removable shoe adaptor of claim 11 including the step of twisting the removable shoe adaptor upon removal of the removable shoe adaptor from the bicycle pedal whereby the wings prevent unwanted lateral movement of the shoe during said twisting action.

Patent History
Publication number: 20180055150
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 28, 2017
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2018
Inventor: Philip Shrader (Grosse Point City, MI)
Application Number: 15/687,999
Classifications
International Classification: A43C 15/16 (20060101); A43B 5/14 (20060101);