Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: A shoe sole comprising a sole portion (10) with a forward toe end (12) and a rear end (13), an inner medial side (15) and an outer lateral side (16). Blade-like projections (20) extend downwardly from the sole portion (10) and are angled relative to a generally longitudinal line (31) from the toe end (12) to the rear end (13) of the sole portion (10) so that an outer end (31) of each projection nearer to the medial side (15) is located nearer to the toe end. The angled projections provide increased grip for the outside foot of a wearer during turning movement. The heights of the projections (20) progressively reduce from the rear end (13) of the sole portion towards the toe end (12). At least the forwardmost one (21) of the medial projections has an outer corner (33) at the end of the lower extremity (30) which is displaced inwardly towards the lateral side (16).

Abstract: An elastomeric mesh bag member is arranged for receiving a shoe therewithin to provide for covering of the shoe sole and optionally of the shoe heel. For use with elevated heel construction, the bag member includes a heel opening to receive the heel therethrough. The elastomeric strands of the bag member may employ a matrix of tooth members to extend over the shoe heel and sole portion for enhanced traction, as well as using an optionally employable traction disc securable to the strands adjacent the toe portion of the associated shoe.

Abstract: Footwear which is adaptable for athletic events requiring different sole configurations for different playing surfaces, for example artificial turf and natural turf, by providing the soles of shoes with a prescribed pattern of protuberances which are suitable for one type of event, and altering the pattern to adapt the shoes for another and different type of event. In particular the sole of each shoe can have removable conical cleats for playing on natural turf, and removable stud or square cleats for playing on artificial turf.

Abstract: A traction device including a bit having a penetrating surface for penetrating a riding surface. The penetrating surface defines the cross sectional area of the bit and includes a plurality of facets wherein each facet intersects a common vertex. In a second embodiment, the penetrating surface defines an oval cross section transverse to the direction of penetration into a riding surface, wherein the circumference of the cross section increases as the distance from the tip increases.

Abstract: A very long wearing material to replace regions that erode rapidly in the heels of outdoor shoes. The material is made by embedding relatively large, round, wear-resistant particles in a very hard urethane binder. Applications include both applying the material directly to the heel as a paste with curing in situ and casting in molds for attachment to the heel with an adhesive.

Abstract: The invention is a replaceable golf shoe cleat or spike 10 for use in place of a standard metal spike 4. Winter golf shoe spike 10 preferably has a main cleat body 11 molded from a durable plastic type material in single unitary fashion. A threaded stud 13 is formed on the upper surface of generally concavo-convex flange 12 and protrudes axially therefrom. A plurality of traction ribs 15 are formed on the bottom traction surface of concavo-convex flange 12. While the ribs 15 may be present in a variety of configurations, they are preferably triangular ridges arranged in a radial fashion emanating from the center of concavo-convex flange 12.

Abstract: A roofer's attachment for shoes to provide secure footing while working on a sloping roof and the like. The attachment preferably includes a rigid half sole having a slip-resistant material on the bottom surface, an instep strap attached to the sides of the half sole, a rigid toe member that biases the toe portion of the half sole against the roof and prevents curling and a heel strap to secure the attachment to the roofer's shoe. The material on the bottom surface of the half sole is preferably formed from medium weave indoor/outdoor carpet. The toe member is preferably made of a rigid material such as Teflon or a suitably curved piece of steel and the half sole is made of hard plastic or hardened leather with the carpet attached underneath.

Abstract: A drive control system for an automobile which has a heel support pivot on the floor of the automobile at a position opposite to the brake pedal in front of driver's seat. The brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are placed on the circle drawn by the ball of the foot when the foot is rotated about the heel on the heel support pivot, thereby permitting the driver to selectively operate the brake pedal or the accelerator pedal by rotating the foot about the heel.

Abstract: An improved athletic shoe sole of the type with annular cleating segments has an annular cleat set projecting from the main sole surface and disposed along a substantially circular path, the set having a plurality of cleat nodes each of which is arranged in a substantially abutting relationship to at least one adjacent cleat node. Each node has a distal end or tip spaced from the main sole surface and first and second edges on opposite sides of the distal end with proximal ends terminating on the circular path. Improved pivotability and traction characteristics are provided.

Abstract: The sole comprises two superposed layers made of different materials: a) a bottom layer (1) of a material which is firm and strong, and provided with projections for bearing against the ground such as studs (13, 14) disposed around the periphery of the sole; and b) a top layer of a material which is flexible and resilient, and which serves as a bearing surface for the user's foot, with said layer carrying flexible projection (20, 21, 22) which project beneath the bottom sole (1) by passing through openings (10, 11, 12) provided therethrough.

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: An athletic shoe sole (10) includes a twist flex portion (18) positioned generally below the ball region of the user's foot. The twist flex portion (18) is defined by intersecting diagonal grooves (20, 22, 24, 26) and diamond shaped cleats (44, 46) between the grooves. A truncated pivot ball (28) is located in a toe portion (12) of the shoe. A similar pivot ball (38) is located in the heel portion (16) of the shoe. Grooves and ribs are provided in several regions of the shoe sole (10) for facilitating flexing of the shoe sole (10) in a direction perpendicular to the ribs and grooves, and for stiffening the shoe sole (10) in a direction longitudinally of the ribs and grooves.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthotic support construction that is attachable to the undersurface of the front portion of the sole of the shoe for treating a disorder of the foot by supporting a selected region of the foot when the shoe is worn. The support construction comprises an elongated planar sheet, preferably of rectangular form, adapted to be mounted on the shoe sole with one of its major surfaces against the undersurface of the shoe sole. The sheet is preferably formed from a flexible, resilient, shearable, and essentially inelastic material that is trimmed to the outline of the front portion of the shoe sole and cemented in place. The sheet has an elevated portion of increased thickness projecting from the other of its major surfaces so as to underlie and thereby, to support the selected region by exerting pressure through the shoe sole against the selected region.

Abstract: A safety shoe for use in working on slippery surfaces has an upper portion secured to a flexible rubber sole. A flexible fastener secured to the bottom of the sole has hooked elements which removably secure a fibrous sole pad thereon. The juncture of the upper and sole is overlapped by a rubber strip element which secures the juncture and provides improved appearance. A conventional toe guard may be affixed to the perimeter of the toe portion of the strip element. A cushioned inner pad is contained within the shoe on the top surface of the sole. The preferred sold pad is formed of interlocked polyester or nylon fibers to provide a long-lasting pad which is not appreciably depreciated by floor cleaning compounds and provides traction on the slippery surface. The sole pads are of a material conventionally used in cleaning floors and in stripping wax from floors. The sole pads are secured by a pressing them onto the bottom of the shoe and are removed by peeling them off.

Abstract: A composite outsole for a shoe includes a leather sole piece, an inner sole bonded to the outsole and a back plate interleaved between the inner sole and the outsole and at least partially embedded within the outsole in a region substantially coextensive with the ball support area of the sole. Multiple pockets are formed in the tread surface of the outsole and are spaced apart substantially within the ball support region. Each pocket is filled by a stud which is integrally formed with the back plate. Each stud is characterized by a large diameter portion having an external wear surface disposed substantially flush with the external tread surface of the leather outsole, and a small diameter portion which links the large diameter portion with the back plate.

Abstract: The shoe sole (12) includes an insole (18), an outsole (16) and a midsole (20). The outsole includes openings (28, 30) at the ball of the foot and the heel of the foot and the midsole, of EVA material, is provided with cavities (46, 48) receiving polyurethane inserts (50, 52) disposed concentrically with respect to associated outsole openings. The inserts are larger in diameter than the outside openings and include a domed central portion (58) projecting through said openings.

Abstract: This invention relates to shoesoles for the bottom of golf shoes and especially to shoesoles provided with, in addition to conventional spikes at the forepart and heel, ground-engaging protrusions distribution along the inner and outer marginal edges of the soles to enhance the stance of the golfer.

Abstract: A sole for athletic shoes, particularly soccer shoes, made of a lightweight plastic construction having a reinforcement web provided between the ball region and the heel for the attachment of gripping elements is improved so that a greater resistance to twisting, at least in the midfoot section, is achieved without the weight of the sole being increased. This is achieved in that the reinforcement web is positioned to running diagonally from a lateral side of the ball region over sole to the medial side of the heel. Additionally, a diagonal web may be provided running from a medial side of the ball region to the small toe region.

Abstract: A temporary covering for feet in cold and wet weather conditions is formed by two identical boots each having a pair of foot shaped plastics members sealed together along substantially their entire periphery leaving only foot entry openings. Together the side members define a sole for the boot. Each boot has at least one tie loop with a tie ribbon passing therethrough. Each boot also has an insert member of generally foot shape received in the boot and which, when rotated to lie generally against the sole portion of the boot shapes the boot into wearable condition. Each boot has a plurality of antiskid strips adhered to the bottom outer surface of the sole portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved sole structure for golf shoes. It has a predetermined number of metal nails located at the front end corresponding to ball portion and the rear end corresponding to heel portion of the sole, and a plurality of soft cleats formed as integrated parts of the sole around the metal nails in order to stabilize attitude of player during striking and to provide good elasticity.

Abstract: A shoe attachment (10) for being releasably mounted on a shoe (16), boot or the like to prevent inner and outer skidding is disclosed. The attachment (10) comprises a body (12) having an upper (14) which is releasably mounted on the lower portion of the shoe (16). This upper (14), in the preferred embodiment, terminates in a sole (22) which defines, with the upper, the cavity which receives the shoe (16). The sole (22) is fabricated such that skidding is reduced between the attachment sole (22) and the supporting surface (26) and between the attachment sole (22) and the shoe sole (22) received within the attachment cavity.

Abstract: This invention comprises a strap attachable to a surfer, having a foot band, an ankle band and a connecting band therebetween, while a suction cup on an underside of the foot band is attachable upon a surfboard.

Abstract: A cleated sole for footwear intended primarily for serious sportsmen and trackers uses ovaloid pairs of cleats. The preferred embodiment utilizes cleat pairs which include two depressions on their ground contacting base, and a shallow transverse depression across the cleat pair base's rear. The footwear sole has improved traction, balance, and quietness.

Abstract: An athletic shoe of the type having an elongated sole, a front, a back, an inner side and an outer side and at least one cleat extending outwardly from the sole. The cleat includes a forwardly facing surface and an outwardly facing surface which taper towards each other and meet each other adjacent one side of the sole so that the forwardly facing and outwardly facing surfaces are generally V-shaped when viewed in plan. An inwardly facing surface extends longitudinally between the other ends of the forwardly and outwardly facing sides. In use, the inwardly facing surface of the cleat provides traction as the athlete steps sidewardly. Conversely, the tapering forward and outwardly facing surfaces minimize traction in the event of a transverse blow to the athlete's legs.

Abstract: A novel sole construction (16) comprises an outsole (20) and a cleat layer (34) disposed above the outsole and having a plurality of cleats (22) depending therefrom. A plurality of perforations (38) are formed in the outside (20) each perforation (38) receiving a respective cleat (22) for insertion therethrough. Thus, the exterior bottom surface (18) of the sole construction (16) comprises a flexible, light weight outsole (20) with more durable cleats (22) disposed at strategic points therein.

Abstract: A shoe that includes an outsole having a plurality of gripping portions, the locus of the gripping portions defining a path extending from the outermost portion of the shoe below the small toe generally toward the ball of the foot at the large toe, with the portions contacting the ground sequentially along the path as the front portion of the outsole sets down. Also disclosed in providing a shoe outsole with a plurality of channels which have a first narrow region having a first width and an adjacent region having a larger width so as to permit deformable foreign matter such as food that collects in the first region to be discharged into the second region, which is sufficiently wider than the first region as to cause discharge of the matter.

Abstract: A replaceable retention system for mounting golf spikes, cleats, and the like to the bottom of a shoe sole including a transverse plate and a holder. The holder is adapted to be insertable into a prepared cavity in the sole of the shoe and also includes an interior thread for receiving the threaded shank of a spike. The plate slidably engages structure in the holder which supports the plate in a transverse orientation to the interior thread of the holder whereby the threaded shank of the spike contacts and secures the plate in this arrangement. By this configuration, the plate may be inserted between the lower and upper layers of the sole for securely retaining the holder in position within the cavity in the lower layer of the sole. The removal and replacement of the plate, holders and spikes is thus facilitated by this invention.

Abstract: An improved shoe traction apparatus (10) comprising an elongated strap member (15) provided with releasable engaging means (12) on the ends, an upper frictional unit (13) and a lower composite frictional unit (14) formed intermediate the ends; whereby the upper frictional unit (13) engages the sole (51) of the users shoe (50); and, the lower composite frictional unit (14) engages a slippery surface (100); and, wherein the lower composite frictional unit (14) comprises a relatively hard frictional component (19) and a relatively soft frictional component (20).

Abstract: The elastically deformable base of an article of footwear has a substantially plane lower surface which is formed with a deep recess below the heel, with an elongated shallow recess below the outer portion of the instep, with a two-part recess below the ball and with a two-part recess below the toes of the foot resting on the upper surface of the base. The depth of the recesses is reduced to zero or close to zero when the corresponding sections of the base are stressed by the adjacent portions of the foot during walking, jogging or running. The depth of the recesses is proportional to the magnitude of shocks or stresses which are transmitted to the corresponding sections of the base in actual use of the article of footwear. The upper surface of the base is deformed in response to a reduction of the depth of recesses in the plane lower surface so that the profile of the foot is imprinted into successive portions of the upper surface when the article of footwear is in use.

Abstract: A running shoe is provided for running along a shore line on a beach and consists of heel and toe cleat structures attached to a sole of a waterproof upper that will give increased traction and stability to the shoe.

Abstract: Slip resistant footwear comprising a sole having a top face and a bottom face for contact with the surface to be walked upon; a vacuum chamber whose volume decreases when force is applied to the top face of the sole; a passageway connecting the bottom face of the sole with the vacuum chamber; means for permitting the passage of air from the vacuum chamber to the atmosphere operative when the volume of the vacuum chamber decreases; and means for securing the sole proximate to a foot of the user.

Abstract: A baseball shoe is disclosed, which is comprised of an upper and a cleated sole attached to the upper. The cleated sole is formed of a single integral piece of plastic which includes a base extending through the toe, ball, arch and heel sections of the shoe. A pluality of first and second cleats extend from the base. The first cleats are arranged in a front group about the periphery of the toe and ball sections, and in a back group in a generally circular arrangement in the heel section. The first cleats have a generally flat rectangular-shaped ground engaging surface, an outer surface, a concave inner surface, a pair of side surfaces and a rib extending from the concave inner surface. The second cleats are located generally in the forefoot area of the shoe and have a generally cylindrical configuration will a round ground engaging surface.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for running is disclosed. The shoe has a tread design of triangular faced, slope-sided, prism-shaped, canted studs arranged in a pattern which limits and controls impact forces conducted to the foot. A set of triangular, prism-shaped stabilizer pins molded laterally into and across the outersole protects the metatarsal bones and helps to propel the foot into the next step. Tetrahedral lateral heel stabilizers control lateral roll of the ankle area and pyramidal buttress supports at the stabilizer end reduce impact shock to the metatarsal area. An interior sole further reduces impact forces and an interior lining directs perspiration away from the foot.

Abstract: Athletic shoe sole with cleats having exchangeble grip elements that are snap-locked to a mounting stud. The grip element can easily be inserted and removed again, without impairment of shoe sole stability or danger of damage thereto, by the provision of interactive engagement formations, comprised of a minimum of one raised area 16, 17, 26 and a complementary recessed area 19, 28, that have at least one inclined surface that produces a relative axial shifting between the gripping element and mounting stud when the gripping element is rotated about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the raised areas 16, 17, 26 are arranged such that, in the snap-locked condition, they do not have operative contact with the recessed areas 19, 28, but can be brought into operative contact by rotating grip element 11 around its longitudinal axis x, and thereafter the grip element 11 can be pressed out over the catch point of the snap-lock device or snap-lock devices 8, 12 to release the grip element from the mounting stud.

Abstract: Sport shoe sole provided with either stationary or replaceable obstacles, and more specifically to the sole of a sport shoe designed for running or jogging. The obstacles are located in the sole construction in the region between the point of support (C) of the ball of the foot and the center of gravity (P') of the heel. The moment arm (x2) of the foot is shorter than the respective moment arm (x1) with an ordinary sport shoe. This saves energy, and the dynamic resistance of the calf and the Achilles tendon with each step is reduced in comparison to the prior art, so that the running proceeds economically and effectively. The heel platform located behind the center of gravity (P') of the heel is lowered down, in which case the moment arm (x3) of the heel is eliminated, and the front muscle of the lower leg is released from unnecessary strain.

Abstract: An athletic shoe for use on artificial turf has an outer ground sole with cleats that project perpendicular from the surface of the sole, each cleat having a channel on one side extending to the projecting end of the cleat, the cleats being arranged on the sole so that the channel side of each cleat faces opposite to the most likely direction of force on the end of the cleat with respect to the sole during normal athletic activity of the wearer on artificial turf, whereas the side of the cleat opposite the channel is tapered so that the artificial turf fibers in the path of the cleat as it moves against and parallel to the artifical turf are gathered in the channel and the cleat slides along a gathered bunch of such turf fibers, bears upon the bunch of fibers so gathered and wipes the fibers of moisture in case they are wet; thereby providing a dry contact between the end of the cleat and the gathered bunch of fibers and so insures relatively high friction between the cleat and the turf fibers even when the t

Abstract: A sports shoe or boot has a sole of flexible plastic material, with gripping projections or studs of a wear-resistant material thereon; disposed between the sole and a bearing surface on the projection is a compressible ring member, to produce a cushioning effect.

Abstract: A sole for an athletic shoe, such as a cleated soccer or football shoe, comprises a thin, unitary member formed of flexible material. The member has a contour or configuration which renders the flexible material substantially rigid at the arch and heel portions of the sole. This provides substantial support to the arch of the foot. Cleats may extend from the toe and heel portions of the lower surface of the sole member.

Abstract: An article of footwear for walking on sheet ice and the like without slipping has self-deicing non-skid sole structure comprising a conventional flexible sole with a flexible aluminum flyscreen substantially loose covering over it, secured around the periphery of the sole; for preventing slipping on hard, smooth tile floors and the like are two other features, either or both of which may be provided: soft "Silicone" type rubber pads adhering to and flexing with selected portions of the flexible aluminum flyscreen loose covering for traction on such hard surfaces and also an all around downward projection of a soft trim strip of "Silicone" type rubber for the same purpose.

Abstract: The invention is with respect to fixing studs in the shoe soles. A sport shoe, as an example of the invention has pockets in its sole, into each of which the wider base plate at the end of a stud may be slipped and then locked in position tightly by a keeper washer with outward lock parts on its edge locking into grooves in the walls of the pocket like a bayonet-joint. For stopping the stud turning in its pocket it may have a hollow in its base locking onto an unround horn or the like on the floor of the pocket.

Abstract: A spike, preferably made entirely of plastic material, for a sport shoe having a tapping in the sole thereof, the spike including a head portion which is capable of being rotated for locking same onto the tapping, a threaded stem extending from the head portion for engagement within the tapping, and the threaded stem being provided with a blind axial conduit for engagement by a spanner of corresponding configuration upon breakage of the spike and exposure of the blind end of the conduit.

Abstract: A non-slip overshoe having at least one thin metal plate operably attached to its lower surface. The plate is provided with a series of sharp projections to provide gripping on slippery surfaces. Fixed and removable plate attachment means are disclosed.

Abstract: A sole for a sports shoe comprises a plurality of fixing protrusions projecting from the underside of the sole, and a sleeve member which is fitted over each protrusion. The protrusion has a shoulder defining a retaining surface engaged by latching hooks on the sleeve member. In the engaged position of the latching hooks, a portion thereof still projects outwardly of the sleeve member. A cap-like member defining a gripping projection or stud is fitted over the sleeve member on each protrusion, and is engaged with the outwardly projecting portions of the latching hooks so as to be retained in place, while also securing the latching hooks engaged with the retaining surface of the shoulder.

Abstract: A molded outsole for an athletic shoe including molded, non-metallic studs or cleats includes a plurality of first substantially identical studs and a plurality of second substantially identical studs. The first studs have a shape characterized by three partially-overlapping frustoconical shapes, blended together to present an outline which does not retain dirt, in a triangular pattern, and produce a stud shorter than a second stud. The second studs have a shape characterized by a large frustoconical portion bounded by two partially-overlapping smaller frustoconical portions, of equal height, arranged to define a generally arcuate shape presenting a concave face and a convex face, the large frustoconical portion and the two small frustoconical portions being appropriately filleted to produce a smooth surface which does not retain dirt. These second studs may be oriented to support traction primarily in a predetermined direction, and to allow pivoting.

Abstract: A molded outsole for an athletic shoe including molded, non-metallic studs or cleats includes a plurality of first substantially identical studs and a plurality of second substantially identical studs. The first studs have a shape characterized by three partially-overlapping frustoconical shapes, blended together to present an outline which does not retain dirt, in a triangular pattern, and produce a stud shorter than a second stud. The second studs have a shape characterized by a large frustoconical portion bounded by two partially-overlapping smaller frustoconical portions, of equal height, arranged to define a generally arcuate shape presenting a concave face and a convex face, the large frustoconical portion and the two small frustoconical portions being appropriately filleted to produce a smooth surface which does not retain dirt. These second studs may be oriented to support traction primarily in a predetermined direction, and to allow pivoting.

Abstract: Anti-skid spikes for use on shoes or boots, to provide firm footing on ice or snow. The spikes are readily extendable and retractable without the use of keys or tools, e.g., when entering a car or a house where floors and rugs might otherwise be damaged thereby. A mechanism for selectively extending and retracting the spikes is sealed within the sole and heel of the footwear to provide improved esthetics and to prevent interference with the mechanism, as by moisture and ice, when temperatures vary from hot to cold.

Abstract: A track shoe is described having a cushion member of resilient elastomer material secured to the bottom surface of its spike plate beneath the metatarsal bones of the wearer's foot. The cushion member is positioned behind and separate from the rearmost spikes on such spike plate. Such cushion member has an average width longitudinally of the shoe greater than its thickness. The cushion member absorbs shock, helps runners stay on their toes by preventing "rock-back" onto the heel of the shoe, and aids in foot stability during landing.

Abstract: A lateral traction device is provided for use in combination with shoes. The device employes a traction surface, adapted to be mounted to at least one side of the shoe for enabling gripping of a surface when the shoe is rotated about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A baseball shoe comprised of an upper shoe body, a unitary molded sole and heel affixed to the bottom of said body, metal blade-like spikes projecting from said sole in triangular pattern, and a cluster of blunt plug-like cleats molded integrally with said heel and adapted to be relatively noninjurious to peronnel or base bags when engaged by said cleats.