Abstract: Foot support systems include a fluid flow regulator and/or valve that: (a) can operate as a stop valve to stop transfer of fluid between a first fluid container and a second fluid container, (b) can open in a controlled manner to allow transfer of fluid from the second fluid container to the first fluid container, (c) can open to equalize pressure in the first and second fluid containers, and (d) can act as a check valve to enable flow of fluid from the first fluid container to the second fluid container when/if gas pressure in the first container exceeds that in the second container by a predetermined amount. Additional features relate to fluid flow control systems and methods, systems and methods for changing and controlling the crack pressure of a valve (e.g., a check valve), and/or systems and methods for matching foot support pressure features in two different sole structures.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a plurality of first cleats mounted on a first side of the article of footwear and a plurality of second cleats mounted on a second side of the article of footwear. Each of the first cleats includes at least one lateral leg and at least one medial leg, the at least one lateral leg having a first hardness and the at least one medial leg having a second hardness, wherein the first hardness is different than the second hardness. Each of the second cleats includes a limited number of legs, wherein all the limited number of legs on the at least one second cleat have a same hardness.

Abstract: An insole includes a heel cup portion supporting a heel, in which the heel cup portion has an outer height higher than an inner height.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an upper, an outsole, a sole plate, and a midsole structure. The sole plate is adjacent to the upper, the midsole structure is adjacent to the sole plate, and the outsole is adjacent to the midsole structure. An exposed forefoot region has the bottom wall of the sole plate uncovered by the outsole or midsole structure. A forward point and a rearward point are located along the bottom wall of the sole plate. The forward point is located at the front of the forefoot region and a rearward point is located farthest away from the forward point in the heel region. The forward point and the rearward point form a main axis line. The deepest point is the point located on the exterior of the outsole in the midfoot region that is not obstructed by midsole structure or outsole that can extend to form an inclination line to the forward point with respect to the main axis line at the highest angle. That angle is between 2 and 30 degrees.

Abstract: A footwear construction includes a sole assembly having a midsole of a first durometer and a plurality of separate, individually reactive lugs of a second, greater durometer bonded to the midsole. On soft terrain, the individual lugs can remain extended and can engage that terrain to provide grip and traction. On hard terrain, the individual lugs can independently compress into deformation regions of the midsole to enhance traction, so that the midsole also can optionally contact the terrain with portions of the lugs. The sole assembly can include a fabric embedded and encapsulated in the materials of the lugs and the midsole to mechanically bond the lugs to the midsole and impair delamination. The individual lugs can include caps extending into the midsole with voids filled with the midsole material to improve the lug securement. A related method of manufacture also is provided.

Abstract: A rotatable sports-board binding adapter mounts to a sports board and allows a user to adjust an angle of one foot relative to the sports board. The adapter includes a base plate forming a series of lock holes and at least one pocket that accommodates a low-friction puck. A rotatable plate connects to the base plate and includes a locking mechanism that can engage with any one of the lock holes to prevent rotation of the rotatable plate. When the low-friction puck is inserted into the pocket, the puck is translatable so that it contacts the rotatable plate, advantageously preventing the rotatable plate and base plate from directly contacting each other while providing a low-friction surface that enables the rotatable plate to easily rotate with respect to the base plate. As the low-friction puck wears, it may be additionally translated, or replaced with a new puck.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from a baseplate, the first ground engaging member may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape in a substantially horizontal plane, the first ground engaging member having a first sidewall edge, a second sidewall edge, and a third sidewall edge forming vertices of the substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. In addition, a first sidewall may have a concave portion that is concave in the substantially horizontal plane. Further, the first ground engaging member may be disposed proximate a peripheral edge of the outer member with the first sidewall edge disposed opposite the concave portion of the sidewall, and the first sidewall edge oriented facing toward the peripheral edge. Also, the concave portion of the first sidewall may be oriented in a substantially lateral direction, facing away from the peripheral edge of the outer member.

Abstract: A traction cleat assembly for a golf shoe includes a hub and removable cover affixed to the hub body in a fixed position with mated sealing engagement between the hub and removable cover defining a, the hub body including a minor driven fitting comprising one of a female fitting and male fitting defined in the hub bottom surface, and the cover top surface including a minor driving fitting for mating engagement with the minor driven fitting to define mated engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A sole portion for an item of footwear having a plurality of cleat systems, cleats, or plate structures that dissipate force by deflecting, deforming, displacing or otherwise shifting under selected force, or by facilitating cleat movement around a radial line during ground engagement.

Abstract: A cleat assembly for a shoe comprising an anchor for anchoring to the shoe, a cleat, a first biasing member circumscribing the anchor and engaged with the cleat, and a second biasing member biasing the first biasing member. The second biasing member can directly engage the first biasing member or a bushing that circumscribes the anchor. So constructed, the cleat assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom. That is, the cleat assembly provides effective axial shock absorbance coupled with 360° tilting of the cleat for enhancing a user's ability to suddenly change direction when wearing a shoe equipped with the cleat assembly, thereby minimizing stress and impact on muscles, joints and ligaments and enhancing the performance of athletes wearing such shoes.

Abstract: A spike structure made of different materials includes: a sole protruding portion, an interface member and a cleat member. The interface member is disposed between the sole protruding portion and the cleat member, so that the sole protruding portion does not directly contact the cleat member, but the sole protruding portion and the cleat member are in contact with the interface member, and because the interface member is easily bonded to the cleat member, the interface member and the cleat member can be fixedly combined by bonding. Besides, the interface member and the sole protruding portion are made of hard materials with similar hardness and are not easily deformed when they are in contact with each other. Therefore, the interface member and the sole protruding portion are not easily slipped off.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a midsole, a cleat plate including a bottom surface that faces toward a ground surface when the article of footwear is worn by a user, and a traction element connected with the cleat plate. The traction element includes a base member that is embedded within the cleat plate and a ground engaging member that extends from the base member and is exposed and extends transversely from the bottom surface of the cleat plate, where the ground engaging member has a length that is greater than a lengthwise dimension of the base member.

Abstract: Present aspects are directed to a braided upper comprising a tubular braided structure, which comprises an internal cavity and a plurality of apertures. The yarn of the tubular braided structure surrounds a perimeter of each of the plurality of apertures. The braided upper comprises a midsole positioned within the internal cavity and comprising a plurality of braid-receiving features mated with the yarn of the tubular braided structure. The braided upper and the midsole are keyed to one another when the yarn is mated with the plurality of braid-receiving features.

Abstract: A spike and key system is provided that includes a spike having a conical tip with a hole extending therethrough, and a key member including a first key having a racetrack shaped opening, and a second key having a rotatable key member designed to interact with the hole in the spike.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes a component including a first bundle of fibers affixed to a substrate, a ground-engaging assembly including a first traction element, a second traction element, and a connecting member extending between and connecting the first traction element and the second traction element, and a resin consolidating the first bundle of fibers and entrapping the connecting member to fix a position of the first traction element, the second traction element, and the connecting member relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A composite cleat includes a first component and a second component. The first component is made of a first material and is formed a first connecting portion extended along a longitudinal axis and a ground contact surface disposed at one end thereof. The second component is made of a second material different from the first material and is formed a second connecting portion fixedly connected with the first connecting portion and a threaded stud disposed at one end thereof.

Abstract: Present aspects are directed to an interlocking braided shoe and midsole system comprising a midsole insert having a plurality of protruding studs and a braided upper comprising a tubular containment structure. The tubular containment structure has a first zone comprising a first braid density and first braid configuration defining a plurality of apertures located on a top surface of the braided upper and a second zone having a second braid density and a second braid configuration defining a plurality of apertures located on the bottom surface of the braided upper. The plurality of apertures of the second braid configuration correspond to the plurality of protruding studs such that the plurality of protruding studs extend below an exterior surface of the braided upper through the plurality of apertures of the second braided configuration, coupling the bottom surface of the midsole insert with the braided upper.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole connected to the upper. The sole includes a plurality of cleat mounts. A plurality of cleats is releasably connected to the cleat mounts of the sole. Each of the plurality of cleats includes a mount coupling and a plurality of legs connected to the mount coupling. The mount coupling is configured to engage one of the plurality of cleat mounts and releasably connect the cleat to the sole. The plurality of legs includes at least one lateral leg having a first hardness and at least one medial leg having a second hardness, the first hardness different from the second hardness.

Abstract: Described is a shoe upper for a shoe, in particular an athletic shoe, wherein the shoe upper is laceless and comprises: (a.) a lateral portion; (b.) a medial portion; and (c.) at least an elastic intermediate portion between the lateral portion and the medial portion, wherein the stiffness of at least one of the lateral portion and the medial portion is at least 2 times higher than the stiffness of the elastic intermediate portion.

Abstract: A cleat assembly for a shoe comprising an anchor for anchoring to the shoe, a cleat, a first biasing member circumscribing the anchor and engaged with the cleat, and a second biasing member biasing the first biasing member. The second biasing member can directly engage the first biasing member or a bushing that circumscribes the anchor. So constructed, the cleat assembly provides multiple degrees of freedom. That is, the cleat assembly provides effective axial shock absorbance coupled with 360° tilting of the cleat for enhancing a user's ability to suddenly change direction when wearing a shoe equipped with the cleat assembly, thereby minimizing stress and impact on muscles, joints and ligaments and enhancing the performance of athletes wearing such shoes.

Abstract: A stud of an outsole structure includes: a tubular body having a ground contact portion that comes into contact with ground, and a hole passing through the stud upward from the ground contact portion; a core disposed inside the hole and extending vertically; and a plurality of partition walls disposed above the ground contact portion and extending radially from the core toward an inner wall surface of the tubular body. An outsole body has a plurality of locking portions disposed below the partition walls. Each of the locking portions is locked to an associated one of the partition walls in a state in which an upper end portion of the locking portion is in contact with a lower end portion of the associated partition wall.

Abstract: An article of footwear with an arrangement of cleats is disclosed. The arrangement of cleats may enhance traction during the first step of sprinting, quick directional changes, and backward movement. The arrangement of cleats may be disposed on a base plate and may include a first angled cleat aligned with the hallux of a user and a second angled cleat disposed proximate a rearward edge of the base plate. The first angled cleat and two flat cleats may be aligned with the perimeter of a circle on the forefoot region of the base plate.

Abstract: A sports shoe includes an instep and a rigid outer sole, the sole having a front portion including a first plurality of studs, a central portion, and a rear portion including a second plurality of studs. The rear portion includes a thickened portion with a flat outer surface on which the second plurality of studs is located, the thickened portion raising the rear portion relative to the front portion; the central portion includes an inwardly curved outer profile.

Abstract: A shoe friction control apparatus set that enables a user to specifically individually select a specific slide capability for one or more of their shoes from a plurality of different specific slide capacities. In various embodiments, the present disclosure enables a bowler to make a specific individual selection for the shoe on the bowler's slide foot. In various embodiments, the present disclosure enables a bowler to make this specific individual selection for the shoe on the bowler's other, non-slide, plant or kicker foot.

Abstract: A spike is operable to be removably coupled to an article of footwear. The spike includes a first portion that is substantially rigid. The spike also includes a second portion that is resilient.

Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear includes an outsole and a membrane layer. The outsole has a plurality of protrusions that extend from a base layer. The membrane layer extends between the plurality of protrusions and includes at least a portion that is separated from the base layer by a distance. The membrane layer forms an outer surface of the article of footwear, and is configured to elastically deform toward the base layer in response to an applied force.

Abstract: Adjustable traction is provided in a traction cleat by selectively restricting or not the amount of flexure permitted for a dynamic traction element on the cleat. Restricting flexure is alternatively achieved by an adjustably positionable ring or by rotating the cleat to align the dynamic element with different shoe sole topographical features. A dual locking post is provided to reduce the surface area required on the cleat hub for locking structures. The cleat is formed in a two shot molding process that permits elongations of the dynamic traction elements without sacrificing the integrity of the cleat structure.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole component including a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and a first elongate support member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. The ground engaging member may include a lower portion and an upper portion, the upper portion extending downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, the lower portion being made of a different material than the upper portion. The distance that the elongate support member extends downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate is less than the distance that the ground engaging member extends downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate.

Abstract: Sole structures for articles of footwear (e.g., outsole components) have one or more of: a base plate having a V-shaped support structure with lateral and medial support members extending forward from a base support area located in a heel or rear midfoot area of the outsole component; a base plate having a matrix structure with recesses or openings formed between rib elements that make up the matrix structure; and/or a base plate having a rear heel support. The base plates may be made, at least in part, as unitary, one-piece constructions, using selective laser sintering or other three-dimensional printing and/or rapid manufacturing additive fabrication techniques.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes a sole having a lower surface, and a reactive element disposed on the lower surface of the sole. The reactive element has an exposed surface, and the reactive element is configured to transition the exposed surface between a first state and a second state in response to a compression force applied to the reactive element by an external ground surface in a user activity, to prevent accumulation of ground surface material, such as mud, dirt, clay, sand, slush, etc., compacting on the sole of the article of footwear in the user activity. The reactive element may include an elastomeric dome shaped popper that compresses flat in response to a compression force and then pops back to a non-compressed state in response to release of the compression force.

Abstract: A footwear element that includes an outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, as well as spikes projecting in the area of an outer surface of the outer sole assembly, the flexible upper including a lower portion adapted to cover the foot of a user, the flexible upper having a shoe insertion opening. The upper includes an upper portion extending the lower portion in a direction away from the outer sole assembly, the upper portion being provided to cover at least the ankle of the user, or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg.

Abstract: A traction cleat attachment system for footwear that engages with a single click. The system comprises a cleat and a receptacle. The cleat includes a central stud with screw threads spaced about the outside surface of the stud. The receptacle includes a threaded annulus on a base for receiving the central stud of the cleat. The cleat also includes a collar coaxially surrounding the central stud with splines projecting from the interior collar surface. The threaded receptacle annulus is surrounded by two sets of alternating teeth projecting from the outside surface of the annulus. One of the set of alternating teeth have an upper surface at an angle with the base. Thus, the user obtains positive feedback that the cleat and socket have mated correctly.

Abstract: A sports shoe, particularly for soccer use and the like, comprising an upper and a sole which is provided with one or more studs, each stud being associated with the sole by way of at least one elastically deformable element for the movement of at least part of the stud about its own longitudinal axis in such a manner as to follow the movements of change of direction, traction and stopping of the athlete who is wearing the sports shoe, the sports shoe further comprising a stripping prevention element that lies inside the sole and the stud, passing through the elastically deformable element in order to prevent accidental breakages of the elastically deformable element and/or the separation of the stud during the use of the sports shoe.

Abstract: In traction cleat and receptacle system in a shoe outsole, unauthorized cleats are prevented from connection to a receptacle by a projection in the receptacle cavity and a recess in the cleat attachment stem for receiving the projection. A locking arrangement includes an annular array of twelve locking teeth on a boss surrounding the receptacle cavity, wherein every fourth tooth has a steeper side angle to in cooperate with mating cleat locking posts. A cylindrical shroud prevents the locking posts from damaging the outsole material during cleat rotation.

Abstract: An asymmetric pair of shoes to optimize performance during a sporting activity, the asymmetric pair of shoes, including: a first shoe having a first upper and a first sole attached to the first upper, wherein the first upper comprises a first support feature configured to provide increased support to at least one portion of the first upper during performance of a first predetermined action of a first foot of a wearer, and the first sole comprises a first traction feature configured to provide increased traction to at least one portion of the first sole during performance of the first predetermined action of the first foot; and a second shoe having a second upper and a second sole attached to the second upper, wherein the first support feature and first traction feature are not present at corresponding mirror-image locations of the second shoe.

Abstract: A shoe having a sole and an upper including a tongue, secured to the sole, a row of eyelets along each side of the tongue, including topmost eyelets and foremost eyelets, and a pocket accessory which includes a pocket member that has an anchor portion and a pocket flap which defines a pocket for receiving the knotted shoe lace via a pocket opening. There may be a cover member attached to the shoe, which can removably engage the pocket member to cover or expose the pocket opening. The pocket member may be sewn to the tongue of the shoe or attached thereto otherwise.

Abstract: An improved cleat design is provided for article of footwear. At least one cleat is arranged on a bottom surface of the outsole, such that the cleat is disposed partially within the outsole and extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface of the outsole. The cleat includes an aperture such that a portion of the outsole extends through the aperture in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the outsole to retain the at least one cleat in a desired position relative to the outsole.

Abstract: An improved cleat design is provided for article of footwear. At least one cleat is arranged on a bottom surface of the outsole, such that the cleat is disposed partially within the outsole and extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface of the outsole. The cleat is defined as a unitary member having two planar surface angled at a junction toward each other. The cleat further includes an aperture formed therein and extending across the junction as well as a bridge extending between the two planar surfaces and substantially spanning the aperture, where a portion of the outsole encases the bridge and extends through the aperture in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom surface of the outsole to retain the cleat in a desired position relative to the outsole.

Abstract: A traction cleat attachment system for footwear that engages with a single click. The system comprises a cleat and a receptacle. The cleat includes a central stud with screw threads spaced about the outside surface of the stud. The receptacle includes a threaded annulus on a base for receiving the central stud of the cleat. The cleat also includes a collar coaxially surrounding the central stud with splines projecting from the interior collar surface. The threaded receptacle annulus is surrounded by two sets of alternating teeth projecting from the outside surface of the annulus. One of the set of alternating teeth have an upper surface at an angle with the base. Thus, the user obtains positive feedback that the cleat and socket have mated correctly.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an article of footwear including an upper configured to receive a foot and a sole component fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the upper. The sole component may include a baseplate having a bottom surface and at least a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, and a first elongate support member extending substantially downward from the bottom surface of the baseplate, abutting the first ground engaging member at a side portion, and extending horizontally from the side portion of the first ground engaging member. The first support member may have a downward facing surface with a first facet and a second facet, wherein each of the first facet and the second facet are angled at different non-horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A shoe includes a sole having a plurality of cleats thereon at spaced apart locations. The cleats are configured to enhance the performance of the shoe based upon the specific characteristics of movement of the user. The cleats may include differently configured first and second cleats. Each first cleat includes at least one first directional pattern and each second cleat includes at least one second directional pattern. Individual cleats and methods of assembling and designing a shoe are also provided.

Abstract: A traction cleat attachment system for footwear that engages with a single click. The system comprises a cleat and a receptacle. The cleat includes a central stud with screw threads spaced about the outside surface of the stud. The receptacle includes a threaded annulus on a base for receiving the central stud of the cleat. The cleat also includes a collar coaxially surrounding the central stud with splines projecting from the interior collar surface. The threaded receptacle annulus is surrounded by two sets of alternating teeth projecting from the outside surface of the annulus. One of the set of alternating teeth have an upper surface at an angle with the base. Thus, the user obtains positive feedback that the cleat and socket have mated correctly.

Abstract: Pool cover components that are more resistant to corrosion than current cover assemblies and polymer hubs that separate potentially corrosive-prone components from one another. The polymer hubs isolate dissimilar metals, preventing them from conducting electricity and speeding the corrosion process. There may be a coating on one or more of the components to prevent electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A golf shoe outsole comprises a thin, flexible base layer having many discrete platforms projecting downwardly from the base layer for providing traction elements. The platforms are separated by channels and open regions to allow the discrete platforms to readily flex relative to one another about the thin base layer, providing enhanced flexibility to the outsole and improved traction performance during a dynamic act such as a golf swing.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a suspended stud assembly attached to a sole is disclosed. The suspended stud assembly includes a base portion attached to the sole of a shoe. A set of suspension arms connect a plurality of studs to the base portion. This arrangement allows the studs to move independently of the sole and of each other to provide greater traction capabilities to the article of footwear.

Abstract: A cleat attachment system for footwear. The cleat includes a cylinder on a base with one or more locking tabs disposed around the outside of the cylinder. The receptacle includes a cylindrical cavity with one or more locking tabs on the cavity's inner surface. A cleat attaches to a receptacle embedded in footwear by inserting the cleat attachment structure into the receptacle, after ramps on the cleat attachment structure and the receptacle are oriented with respect to each other. The locking tabs engage to retain the cleat in the receptacle. Corresponding ramps on the cleat attachment structure and the receptacle cooperate to disengage the locking tabs when the cleat attachment structure is twisted about its axis. The cleat is thereby detached from the receptacle.

Abstract: A shoe sole for receiving at least one cleat has at least one cleat receptacle, and at least one buttress forming a protrusion on the bottom of the shoe sole. The buttress may be adjacent to the receptacle. The buttress may be configured to support an outer edge of a cleat mounted in the receptacle.

Abstract: A surface structure for sports boots used for ball games having increased ball-contact properties where each boot has an upper part and a sole and the upper part has an outer surface used for shooting a ball, wherein at least a part of said ball shooting outer surface comprises a coating that has an adhesive substance covering said outer surface and a grained structure embedded in and kept by the adhesive. The grained structure comprises discrete granules of a resilient material, wherein between the adhesive and the outer surface of the upper part and between the adhesive and the granules a stable and durable bonding is provided, and the granules have outer surfaces that provide an improved contact with the ball when getting in contact with it.

Abstract: A water repellant footwear cover for insertion over cleated footwear including an upper component and a sole component. The upper component includes a foot insertion opening and the sole component includes several apertures, namely, two front through-holes for receiving a pair of front or toe cleats typically associated with cleated footwear, two rear through-holes for receiving a pair of rear or heel cleats typically associated with cleated footwear, a front cleat opening for receiving a group of front cleats, and a rear cleat opening for receiving a group of rear cleats. The upper component and sole component preferably are made up of a layered system of materials including an outer nylon layer, a middle neoprene layer, and an inner nylon layer.

Abstract: An interchangeable cleat system for an article of footwear includes an outer sole member with a plurality of fixed cleat members and a plurality of removable cleat members. The spacing between the removable cleat members and the fixed cleat members may be approximately constant in at least one portion of the article of footwear. The differences in height between the removable cleat members and the fixed cleat members may be approximately constant within a portion of the outer sole member. The cleat system can include at least three sets of cleat members that can be interchanged over different portions of the outer sole member.