Abstract: A three-piece cleat assembly for use on athletic shoes which have, embedded in their soles, an interlocking receptacle, such as that used in the Q-LOK R system. Molded of plastic, the cleat assembly includes a connector, a traction-enhancing member and a T-shaped member. The latter includes a stem from one end of which arms project outwardly. Distal from these arms, the stem is bifurcated into two branches. During assembly, the stem of the T-shaped member is inserted through a center hole in the traction-enhancing member; and the branches are squeeze-fitted into et square bore within the connector. Upon being released, the branches spring apart, pressing against the connector. Simultaneously, the arms nest snugly within troughs formed in the base of the traction-enhancing member; and a barb on the tip of each branch is caught on a shoulder rimming the square bore.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe, provided with a front region and a heel region. The method comprises the steps of stitching an upper to a piece of fabric in order to obtain an inner shoe which is closed at its lower portion, providing a rubber mid-sole having at least one inner cavity or seat and at least one outer cavity or seat, filling the at least one inner cavity with a lightweight filler, coupling said inner shoe with the mid-sole by a peripheral cover band, vulcanizing and placing one or more inserts in the at least one outer cavity or seat.

Abstract: An outsole for a shoe is formed a thin, flexible, nonporous and inelastic sheet material having a pattern of perforations through it, and a plurality of tread elements of a hard, wear-resistant material molded onto a first side of the sheet material by a process in which the tread forming material is inject through the perforations in a manner such that at least some of the resultant tread elements have anchoring portions extending through the perforations from an opposite second side of the sheet material, a portion of the sheet material around the perforations being held between the tread elements and the anchoring portions. A pattern of treads of various shapes and sizes can be provided in a configuration generally conforming with the sole surface to which the outsole is to be applied, so that a minimum of tread material wastage occurs when the outsole is cut out from the sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a traction device that is selectively removable from a threaded aperture and allows for the operative engagement of the traction device into a threaded aperture without requiring the rotation of the traction member relative to the threaded receptacle. The traction device includes a head and a shaft projecting from the head. The head may include any of a variety of ground engaging members such as wedges, spikes or teeth. A plurality of fins extend from the shaft and exhibit substantially equal flex resistance towards the head and away from the head. Upon operable engagement, the fins are biased between successive threads. The traction device may be configured to provide a substantially equal insertion force and extraction force.

Abstract: A gritted outsole suitable for intervulcanization with a rubber boot has a layer of inorganic grit particles secured to its outer face. The grit particles are chemically bonded to the rubber of the outsole by an adhesive having both polar and non-polar components. The adhesive may comprise a pair of successive primer coatings on the grit particles. The first primer coating is made of a polar organic polymer which has a high affinity for the grit particle. The second primer overcoats the first primer and serves to intervulcanize the first primer with the rubber of the outsole. An intervulcanized gritted outsole according to the invention provides improved traction and has greater durability than conventional gritted outsoles.

Abstract: The shoe of the invention consists of a thermally-moldable material which is secured in a cut-out region of the shoe sole.

Abstract: A stud for releasable attachment to an article of footwear, particularly for use in games and sports, comprises a support made of plastics material such as glass-filled nylon and a metal pin element. The support has an externally screw-threaded sleeve for engagement with a socket in an article of footwear and an outwardly directed flange for engagement with the lower end of the socket or with the sole of the article of footwear. The pin element comprises a stem and a ground-engaging head which may be blunt or spike-shaped. In assembly the stem is inserted into the sleeve and is then deformed as by riveting to secure the support and the pin element together.

Abstract: The heel of a shoe is formed with replaceable inserts or knobs that may be formed of material that is the same as or different from the material of the heel and the manner of mounting is such that a user may readily replace the inserts to prevent or limit wear of the shoe heel.

Abstract: A shoe having a slip resistant or gripping surface on the sole thereof. Preferably, the shoe is an outer shoe, such as a rubber or boot. The gripping surface is applied to the sole in separated, discrete bands within channels in the sole and comprises a mixture of a grit, such as silicon carbide, and an adhesive. The gripping surface is used to prevent or curtail slipping by the wearer on smooth surfaces, such as ice or snow.