Blocking Device Patents (Class 36/135)
  • Patent number: 11864629
    Abstract: The present application provides for a shoe cover for protecting cleated shoes from contact with the ground while also allowing the wearer to run or engage in sporting activities while wearing the product, as well as kits that include the shoe cover and methods for the use and manufacturing of the shoe cover. A shoe cover as provided herein includes a sole, a first cover, a second cover, a first fastener, and a second fastener. Another shoe cover as provided herein includes a sole, a cover, and a fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Max Zieger
  • Patent number: 11576469
    Abstract: A cap for capping an upper surface of a shoe a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. The first layer has an outer surface that has a coefficient of friction that is greater than that of the upper surface of the shoe that that the cap caps. The second layer is an adhesive layer. Third layer is a release layer that can be peeled off the adhesive layer to expose it, thereby enabling said adhesive layer to stick to said shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Terraignota Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Sophia I. de Castro, José Tadeo V. de Castro
  • Patent number: 10772380
    Abstract: A shoe heel platform includes a substantially flat base sized to extend under a heel of a high heeled shoe. The base includes a heel section with a connecting member positioned and configured to removably attach to the heel of the high heeled shoe. The connecting member may be a magnet, a receptacle to receive a tap piece of the heel of the shoe, or both. The base also may include a sole section with a connecting member positioned and configured to removably attach to the sole of the high heeled shoe. The base also may include a linking member that connects the heel section to the sole section in a manner that enables a user to adjust the size of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Brooke A. Singer
  • Patent number: 9861157
    Abstract: A shoe covering may include an interior member and an exterior member. The interior member may be configured to be positioned adjacent a shoe outsole during use. The exterior member may be configured to be positioned adjacent a ground surface during use. The shoe covering may be configured such that it may be relatively easily engaged with/disengaged from a shoe. An aspect of the shoe covering may be configured to provide the user with increased traction, comfort, cushioning, and/or protection of spikes on the shoe as compared to use of a shoe without the shoe covering engaged with the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Anthony Gair
  • Patent number: 9839257
    Abstract: A flexible one size fits all overshoe that is placed over the shoe which covers all areas of the shoe damaged during skateboarding. This overshoe is made of a flexible material that conforms to the shoe in all areas in order to protect area of the shoe. This can be one or a combination of pieces to create the overshoe. The overshoe adds additional cushioning and traction to the heel and ball of the shoe. The mid foot of the overshoe is constructed in a way to allow stretching to fit and conform to an extremely broad range of shoe sizes. The upper and the sole also has added traction in the form of raised areas to allow the “grip” of the shoe to the skateboard for the efficient execution of tricks and stunts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Edward Fransko, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9456653
    Abstract: A bicycle shoe support includes a rigid support frame and a flexible support member. The rigid support frame has a cleat attachment section, a heel section and a pair of side sections. The heel section is arranged with respect to the cleat attachment section. The side sections longitudinally extend between the cleat attachment section and the heel section to define a foot receiving space therebetween. The flexible support member extends beneath the foot receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Yutaka Ueda
  • Patent number: 9009992
    Abstract: An article of footwear with a ball contacting member is disclosed. The ball contacting member enhances the ability of a wearer to kick a ball with a low trajectory. The ball contacting member can be attached to the article of footwear in various different ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian D. Baker, Thomas G. Bell, Daniel W. Peter, Blake Rhulen, Morgan Stauffer
  • Patent number: 8745900
    Abstract: A new aerodynamic cover for a bicycle shoe and clipless bicycle pedal for improving speed when cycling. The aerodynamic cover has a main body including an ankle portion having a rear side, a heel portion connected to the ankle portion, and a sole portion connected to the heel portion and having an underside. An opening is formed in the sole portion for allowing a bicycle pedal to be engaged to the bicycle cleat. An outwardly extending fin stretches from the rear side of the ankle portion, around the heel portion, to the underside of the sole portion. The aerodynamic cover may further have a pedal layer, a cleat layer, and a base plate layer. A gap is defined between the pedal layer and the cleat layer. The gap inhibits excessive friction between the pedal layer and the cleat layer as the cleat is pivoted with respect to the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Speedplay, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Bryne
  • Patent number: 8453355
    Abstract: A cover for cleated shoes. The shoe cover has a ball area, a heel area, and a mid-foot area between the ball area and the heel area. At least the mid-foot area is formed of stretchable material and is thinner than the material forming the ball area and heel of the sole. An internal support member is located internally in the ball area and/or heel area of the sole. An upper portion extends upward from the sole portion and defines a toe cup and a heel cup, with the upper portion being formed of stretchable material in at least the mid-foot area, and which has an opening formed therein to allow shoe and/or foot access to the shoe cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Cleatskins, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Keith Kay
  • Publication number: 20130104428
    Abstract: A cleat cover for temporary coverage an athletic shoe sole comprising: a plurality of receptors along a top surface, where the receptors provide openings to receive cleats protruding from the athletic shoe; a sole, where the sole includes a flat smooth surface; at least two straps, where said at least two straps secure the cleat cover to the athletic shoe sole; and a heel strap, where heel strap provides an additional means to secure the cover once in place. The plurality of receptors may include a first group of receptors for receiving any front cleats from the athletic shoe and a second group of receptors for receiving any heel cleats from the athletic shoe. The plurality of receptors may be configured in accordance with the cleats of the athletic shoe and may be made of rubber foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Chad O'Brien, Mike O'Brien, Kyle Nickell
  • Patent number: 8387287
    Abstract: A protective cover for a bicyclist cleated shoe includes a thin flexible body member arranged in a generally cylindrical shape having a hollow interior and an engagement area disposed at the interior of the body member configured to receive and retain a cleat extending from the bicyclist shoe such that the cleat is covered by the engagement area and/or the body member, where the body member is configured to be disposed on the shoe in a position of engagement in which the cleat is received and retained at the engagement area and a position of disengagement where the body member remains secured to the shoe while the cleat is free from contact with the engagement area and is exposed for attachment to a pedal of the bicycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cleatskins, Inc.
    Inventors: Marianne Kay, Richard Kay
  • Publication number: 20120285045
    Abstract: A removable cleat protector for a cycling shoe having a cleat with particular size and shape attached thereto. The cleat protector including: a contoured base; and a plurality of wall sections extending upwardly from a perimeter of the contoured base, the wall sections having a catch portion sized and shaped to snap into and contact with one end of the cleat, and a cavity portion sized and shaped to securely contact with another end of the cleat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: James Kuangcheng Tsen, Stephen David Opie, Marianne Kay
  • Publication number: 20120272550
    Abstract: The invention provides a portable protective sheath specially designed to cover the bottoms and sides of athletic cleats. The PeepZ comprises a durable rubber or plastic soled footpad accentuated with empressed grooves that facilitate traction. The top surface is configured for applying the sheath device to the front half of a cleated sports shoe to cover the front half of the sole and the sides of the toe portion of the shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Gloria Parce
  • Patent number: 8225529
    Abstract: A lightweight yet durable, self-adhering, protective overshoe with integrated cleaning bosses providing a more efficient and complete method for athletic cleat or boot cleaning, maintenance, handling and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Suzanne Simms
  • Patent number: 8215038
    Abstract: A spike saver for attachment for protecting a spike-bearing shoe that includes a sole for protecting the bottom of the spike-bearing shoes and with two double legged elastic straps attached to the sole at each side for releasably holding the spike-bearing shoes by means of hook and loop arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Dale D. Sattler, JoAnn Sattler
  • Publication number: 20120066935
    Abstract: A retractable cleat protector for cleated bicycle shoes. It has a cleat protector body with a lower ground facing surface, and an upper cleat facing surface having recesses formed therein for engaging with a cleat. A cleat retention loop of flexible and elastic material is connected to the cleat protector body for retaining the cleat protector to the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe. A mode selection loop of flexible and elastic material is connected to the cleat protector body for selectively retaining the cleat protector body in a first orientation wherein the cleat protector body covers a cleat on a bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe, and a second orientation wherein the cleat protector body is retained away from the cleat on the bottom of a cleated bicycle shoe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen Opie, Jimmy Tsen, Marianne Kay
  • Patent number: 8112910
    Abstract: A shoe system includes a shoe having a sole with forward and rearward portions, the forward portion having opposed sides and including a plurality of spike elements and the rearward portion being void of spike elements. The shoe system includes a cover configured to span between the opposed sides of the forward portion lowerly adjacent the spike elements; the cover having opposed sides and including a lower layer, an intermediate layer, and an upper layer. The lower, intermediate, and upper layers are removably coupled to the shoe. The lower layer is constructed of flooring-friendly material, the intermediate layer is constructed of a yielding material, and the upper member is constructed of a porous material. The spike elements interact with the upper layer and at least a portion of the intermediate layer when the cover is lowerly adjacent the spike elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Kate Herber
  • Patent number: 8074381
    Abstract: A pedal connection arrangement includes a pedal having a spherical portion with an outer spherical surface. The pedal connection arrangement also includes a bicycle shoe that has a pedal gripping cavity that directly engages at least portions of the outer spherical surface of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The shoe is configured so that the pedal gripping cavity securely grips outer spherical surface of the pedal, yet remains free to swivel in various directions about the spherical portion of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The various directions include directions other than about the pedal longitudinal axis, thereby giving more flexibility for movement of the rider's foot while maintaining positive contact between the shoe and the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Harrington
  • Patent number: 8024872
    Abstract: A multi-layered protector is adapted to attach to and cover the entire sole of a shoe to protect the sole from being marred or otherwise damaged when the shoe is worn by a user. The protector includes a ground engaging layer, a wear indicating layer and an adhesive layer. The wear indicating layer is rigid in character and provides immediate feedback to a user of its exposure. A removable peel layer adjacent the adhesive layer may be removed in order to attach the sole protector to the sole of the shoe. Preferably, the ground engaging layer includes an upwardly extending, peripheral rim portion adapted to protect the outer edge portions of the sole. A deformable conforming layer is optionally provided between the wear indicating layer and the adhesive layer. The protector may be adapted for customization or may be produced specifically for use with a particular shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Inventor: Raymond Anthony Pettis
  • Publication number: 20110185598
    Abstract: A protective cover for a shoe having cleats including a front end, an opposing rear end, an upper which extends from the front to the rear end, a bottom extending rearwardly from the front end, an approximate midpoint of the cover where the bottom terminates, a cavity formed into the bottom for receiving a cleat disposed on a forward part of the shoe and for receiving an insert configured to engage and contact a cleat of the shoe, where the upper extends around and over a portion of a toe area of the shoe, and where the upper extends from the midpoint rearward around a heel area of the shoe to delimit an opening in the cover adjacent to the bottom and rearward of the midpoint through which a portion of the shoe extends when the cover is worn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Jimmy Tsen, Stephen Opie, Marianne Kay
  • Patent number: 7934327
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes a torsion system constructed of a material and configured to allow, in a pre-selected manner, rotation of a forefoot portion of the article of footwear relative to a rearfoot portion of the article of footwear about a longitudinal axis of the article while substantially precluding bending in an intermediate portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: adidas International B.V.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Gebhard
  • Patent number: 7779560
    Abstract: A cleat protector shoe cover. The cleat protector shoe cover has an upper portion formed of either engagements or an elastic material and having a shoe opening formed in a top thereof. The cleat protector shoe cover is stretchable and engages with a cleated shoe to prevent the cleats from being damaged or damaging a floor surface by providing seating areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Cleatskins, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Keith Kay
  • Publication number: 20100107451
    Abstract: A protective cover for a bicyclist cleated shoe includes a thin flexible body member arranged in a generally cylindrical shape having a hollow interior and an engagement area disposed at the interior of the body member configured to receive and retain a cleat extending from the bicyclist shoe such that the cleat is covered by the engagement area and/or the body member, where the body member is configured to be disposed on the shoe in a position of engagement in which the cleat is received and retained at the engagement area and a position of disengagement where the body member remains secured to the shoe while the cleat is free from contact with the engagement area and is exposed for attachment to a pedal of the bicycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: CLEATSKINS, INC.
    Inventors: Marianne KAY, Richard KAY
  • Publication number: 20090300945
    Abstract: An article of footwear with flexing portions disposed in an arch portion of a sole system is disclosed. The flexing portions in the sole system increase the curling toe flexibility of the article of footwear. In addition, the sole system includes trapping portions that enhance the ability of a wearer to stop and capture a ball. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes an asymmetric fastening system biased toward a medial side of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: John Droege, Paul Hooper, Tetsuya Minami, Morgan Stauffer
  • Publication number: 20090288314
    Abstract: A cover for cleated shoes. The shoe cover has a ball area, a heel area, and a mid-foot area between the ball area and the heel area. At least the mid-foot area is formed of stretchable material and is thinner than the material forming the ball area and heel of the sole. An internal support member is located internally in the ball area and/or heel area of the sole. An upper portion extends upward from the sole portion and defines a toe cup and a heel cup, with the upper portion being formed of stretchable material in at least the mid-foot area, and which has an opening formed therein to allow shoe and/or foot access to the shoe cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Keith Kay
  • Publication number: 20090265959
    Abstract: A shoe system includes a shoe having a sole with forward and rearward portions, the forward portion having opposed sides and including a plurality of spike elements and the rearward portion being void of spike elements. The shoe system includes a cover configured to span between the opposed sides of the forward portion lowerly adjacent the spike elements; the cover having opposed sides and including a lower layer, an intermediate layer, and an upper layer. The lower, intermediate, and upper layers are removably coupled to the shoe. The lower layer is constructed of flooring-friendly material, the intermediate layer is constructed of a yielding material, and the upper member is constructed of a porous material. The spike elements interact with the upper layer and at least a portion of the intermediate layer when the cover is lowerly adjacent the spike elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Kate Herber
  • Patent number: 7596890
    Abstract: An apparatus (1,2,3,4) that is to be temporarily attached to the soles of ski boots, whenever the wearer is not attached to skis and desires the ability to comfortably walk or desires protection for the sole of the ski boots. The preferred embodiment generally comprises sandal type soles (4) made of a resilient, elastic springy material which aids in the natural walking action by alternately compressing and releasing, adding energy to the step, thereby aiding walking while wearing ski boots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Jelinek Francis
  • Patent number: 7540101
    Abstract: A pedal connection arrangement includes a pedal having a spherical portion with an outer spherical surface. The pedal connection arrangement also includes a bicycle shoe that has a pedal gripping cavity that directly engages at least portions of the outer spherical surface of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The shoe is configured so that the pedal gripping cavity securely grips outer spherical surface of the pedal, yet remains free to swivel in various directions about the spherical portion of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The various directions include directions other than about the pedal longitudinal axis, thereby giving more flexibility for movement of the rider's foot while maintaining positive contact between the shoe and the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Harrington
  • Publication number: 20090100721
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cleated shoe protection system having a sandal member for receiving a shoe with a plurality of gripping members and a disposable insert member configured to fit within the sandal member. The disposable insert member has a deformable top layer to form a plurality of recesses by pressing the gripping members of an athletic shoe into the insert member so as to accommodate different patterns of gripping members. The present invention is also directed to a kit containing the cleated shoe protection system as well as extra disposable insert members and a display rack or bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Gorynski
  • Patent number: 7343702
    Abstract: A bicycle shoe includes a shoe sole, a coupler member attached to bottom of the shoe sole, and a protective device attached to the coupling member, for contacting with ground, and for preventing the coupler member from being directly contacted with the ground, and for preventing the coupler member from being worn out. The protective device includes a lock notch formed in each of the front and the rear portions, and the coupler member includes a front portion and a rear portion for engaging into the lock notches of the protective device, for attaching the protective device to the coupler member. The protective device includes a retaining member for selectively attaching the shorter coupling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Kuo Chih Chao, Chia Pin Chen
  • Patent number: 6860038
    Abstract: An athletic shoe protection system for effectively protecting the cleats and spikes of athletic shoes while worn by an athlete. The athletic shoe protection system includes an insert member having a thermoplastic layer attached to a foam layer. The insert member is formed to be inserted within a sandal member. The user heats the thermoplastic layer to a soft state and then presses the gripping members of an athletic shoe into the thermoplastic layer and the foam layer which conform to the gripping members creating recessed portions. The user then allows the thermoplastic layer to cool into a hard state and then inserts the insert member into a sandal member. The user may then insert the athletic shoe into the sandal member with the gripping members fitting within the recessed portions of the thermoplastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: Matthew R. Stucke
  • Publication number: 20040074113
    Abstract: A protective cover for a cleat shoe comprises a sole an upper surface of which is surrounded by an edge line, and a vamp to guide and support with the sole the cleat shoe in the cover. The edge line includes a rear end arc line belonging to a sole heel portion. The vamp includes a lower end line having points each attached to and along the edge line excepting the rear end arc line of the sole heel portion. The lower end line is upwardly waved between the points to form openings through between inside and outside of the cover. First and second vamp straps are opposedly formed to extend rearward from each guide vamp portion adjacent to the rear end arc line of the sole heel portion to allow the first vamp strap to become detachably attached to the second vamp strap when required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Jun Kim, Jae Ryu
  • Publication number: 20040035026
    Abstract: A track and field shoe has spikes extending outwardly from a forward portion of an outsole of the shoe. A shoe cover provides a bottom plate resting in contact with the forward portion of the outsole of the shoe and has a similar peripheral shape. The shoe cover further includes an elastic clamping fabric engaged on three mutual edges peripherally with the bottom plate. A fourth mutual peripheral edge of the clamping fabric and the bottom plate forms an opening into the shoe cover for accepting a tip of the shoe inserted into it upon stretching the clamping fabric. A hem in the clamping fabric extends parallel and adjacent to the fourth peripheral edge and terminates with a hem seam. The hem seam has a maximum elastic yield below that of the clamping fabric. This is critical as it allows the clamping fabric to stretch to fit a wide range of shoes, while enabling the hem seam to fit more tightly around the tip of the shoe applying a clamping force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Richard E. Foster
  • Publication number: 20030159315
    Abstract: Spike Protector with a foamed rubber sole plate, an elastic side wall and a semi-elastic top wall to that can snuggly retain the front half of a standard running shoe and at the same time keep the cleats from said running shoe from touching a hard surface such as cement or wood flooring or the like thereby protecting said cleats from damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Donald Willis
  • Patent number: 6354020
    Abstract: A support and cushioning system for an article of footwear. The system includes a resilient insert disposed between a midsole and an outsole of a shoe. The resilient insert includes several chambers disposed in a heel portion of the resilient insert. These chambers are fluidly interconnected to each other via heel chamber interconnection passages. The resilient insert also includes several chambers disposed in a forefoot portion of the resilient insert. These chambers are also fluidly interconnected to each other. A connecting passage connects at least one of the chambers in the heel portion and at least one of the chambers in the forefoot portion of the resilient insert. A bladder having a fluidly interconnected heel chamber and forefoot chamber is also inserted above the midsole to provided added cushioning to the wearer. In one embodiment, the resilient insert contains air at ambient pressure and the bladder contains air at slightly above ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Reebok International Ltd.
    Inventors: Neal F. X. Kimball, Andrew A. Bjornson, J. Spencer White, Alexander W. Jessiman
  • Patent number: 6092306
    Abstract: A tap shoe taps cover system for covering the taps of a tap shoe to permit a wearer of tap shoes to walk more quietly. The tap shoe taps cover system includes heel and ball tap covers each with upper and lower faces, and an outer perimeter. The tap cover each have a plurality of resiliently deflectable retaining clips upwardly extending from the upper face of the respective tap cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Tracey Newton-Dunn
  • Patent number: 5794368
    Abstract: An overshoe for a shoe whose soles have a plurality of extending spikes, cleats or similar surface engaging elements to protect surfaces from being disturbed or damaged by contacting such elements includes a two-layered substantially flat sole with a toe hold and a heel retaining member. The two-layered sole includes a soft upper layer interconnected to a hard lower layer, and is formed in an oblong generally rectangular configuration that is oversized relative to the soles of conventionally sized spiked sport shoes. The lower layer is sufficiently firm or tough enough to resist puncturing by spikes or cleats extending from a sole of a covered shoe, and is preferably made of hard rubber, so golf spikes will not penetrate the sole and scuff or mark putting greens. The upper layer is soft or flexible to accommodate depressions formed from spikes or cleats extending from a sole of a covered shoe, and is preferably made of soft rubber or foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Alan A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 5722189
    Abstract: A removable bottom covering is provided for spiked athletic shoes, particularly golf shoes. A flexible sole member has a toe section, a heel section, and an intermediate section between the toe and heel sections. A plurality of magnetic attaching members are disposed in the toe and heel sections and are arranged in a pattern and have a recess or well so as to accommodate and attach to metallic spikes of the athletic shoe. An area of reduced thickness is defined in the flexible sole member between the toe and heel sections. The area of reduced thickness has a shape and depth so as to accommodate the remaining spikes of the athletic shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Ron D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5689901
    Abstract: An ice-gripping attachment device for securement to the sole of primary footwear, e.g., a boot. The attachment device includes comprises a front section, a rear section, and a pair of straps interconnecting the sections. The front section includes a front sole portion having a toe box disposed over it. The rear section includes a rear sole portion and a heel cup disposed over it. The toe box is adapted for accommodating the toe portion of the boot, while the heel cup is arranged for accommodating the heel portion of the boot. The pair of straps interconnect the toe box and the heel cup along the medial and lateral sides of the boot and are located above the front sole portion and the rear sole portion so that they do not contact the ground when attachment device is in place on the boot. The straps are arranged to be releasably secured together by VELCRO.RTM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Michael Bell
    Inventors: Michael Bell, Jonathan Bell
  • Patent number: 5666746
    Abstract: An improved spiked shoe protector which provides a protection device to overlay the spikes of spiked shoes to protect the sharp end of the spikes, as well as the underlying surfaces with which the spikes would otherwise come in contact. A significant feature of the present invention is an adjustment strap which permits the protector of the invention to be adjusted in length to accommodate different shoe sizes and which also provides a limited elasticity for easy application to and removal of two separate portions from the shoe in much the same way that ski boots are secured to skis by bindings. The strap is affixed at one end to either a sole or heel portion of the protector and adjustably secured at the other end to the remaining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Owen Craig Pollard
  • Patent number: 5600902
    Abstract: The article is designed for attachment to golf shoes to protect the surface integrity of putting greens on a golf course. The article includes a pad that can be removably attached to the bottom of a golf shoe to prevent conventional spikes from penetrating the surface of the green. After completion of putting, the pad can easily be removed and attached to the golfer's club bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: Edward Q. Yavitz
  • Patent number: 5548910
    Abstract: A spike guard for spiked shoes, such as golf shoes, including an elastomeric body having a top portion, bottom portion, a front end and a rear end. A plurality of spaced apart elastomeric projections extend upwardly from the top portion of the elastomeric body for universally receiving the spikes of a spiked shoe. Devices are also provided for holding the elastomeric body onto a spiked shoe so that the spikes of the shoe will not damage the surface disposed thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: James E. Klingseis
  • Patent number: 5446977
    Abstract: A cycling shoe having a bottom sole. The bottom sole includes a plate member having a cleat-attaching portion and a cover member for covering at least a cleat-attaching area including the cleat-attaching portion and its periphery of the plate member. A portion of the cover member overlapping the cleat-attaching area is rendered removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Masashi Nagano, Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 5398429
    Abstract: A new and improved cleat receiving shoe sole apparatus includes a flexible base member which includes a plurality of wells for receiving respective cleats of a cleated shoe, and which includes a shoe-bonding assembly for bonding the flexible base member to the cleated shoe. The shoe-bonding assembly may include a cleat-bonding assembly, located in the wells, for removably and replaceably bonding the wells to the respective cleats. The shoe-bonding assembly may include a layer of a tacky adhesive applied to a top surface of the flexible base member for adhering the flexible base member to the cleated shoe. Also, the cleat-bonding assembly may include respective layers of a tacky adhesive applied to respective inner walls of the wells, such that the flexible base member may be adhered to the cleats of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: James A. Olsen
  • Patent number: 5367794
    Abstract: A protector worn over a cleated shoe. A two layered sole includes a deformable upper layer and a non-deformable lower layer. Right and left upper sections wrap around the cleated shoe, one upper section partially overlying the other, and mutually attaching by hook and loop material. Each upper section is generally configured as an inverted V, attaching at two points to the sole. At the point of the V, two parallel attaching strips overlie or underlie corresponding strips, these strips bearing interlocking hook and loop material. Cleats on the shoe sink into the upper, deformable sole layer. A low wall built into the protector sole at the heel retains the shoe heel thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Stephen Adelstein, Terence D. Kindle
  • Patent number: 5315767
    Abstract: A removable, durable, substitute sole for removable attachment to an athletic shoe (10) is provided. The substitute sole may be provided on or as part of an all-rubber elastic and stretchable overshoe (20) formed so that the upper part of the overshoe maintains intimate and snug fit with the inner shoe, but still permits air flow, heat dissipation and perspiration evaporation. A durable sole (30) may be attached by an elastomeric bonding agent or the toe and heel portions (32, 34) made more wear-resistant as part of the manufacturing process of the overshoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventor: Frank M. Bradbury
  • Patent number: 5305536
    Abstract: A protective body is arranged for projection onto cleats of an associated athletic shoe, such that the body includes a first layer of a first durameter arranged to receive in a piercing manner the cleats such that a second layer of a second durameter measurement greater than the first durameter measurement is arranged to effect impalement of the cleats therewithin, with a third layer mounted coextensively to the second layer of a third durameter greater than the second durameter measurement for providing for a rigid support surface. A strap member is mounted through the layers for securement to the athletic shoe structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Carl L. Depping
  • Patent number: 5172496
    Abstract: A protective overshoe for use with a spiked shoe has a hard outersole a soft innersole formed with openings for accommodating each spike, and a flexible upper affixed to the outersole. The innersole is formed with transverse V-shaped grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Frank J. Vemi
  • Patent number: 5070631
    Abstract: An improved golf shoe cleat cover formed with at least one groove located on the underside of the cover and having a plurality of cleat gripping members slideably positionable within the groove to conform to the pattern and spacing of the cleats on a golf shoe to which the cover is to be attached and to releasably grip these cleats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1991
    Inventor: James R. Fenton
  • Patent number: 5031342
    Abstract: A device enabling walking in bicycling shoes fitted with cleats for clipless pedals and providing protection to the cleats while walking as well as elevating the heel to approximate walking shoes. The device anchors on the nose of the cleat and the heel box of the shoe, the elastic nature of the device and rigidity of the shoe sole serving to keep the device in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Inventor: R. Igor Crook