Abstract: A removably attachable traction gear for the underside of footwear having two primary components: a retaining member and a receptacle. These two components respectively replace the common screw and threaded receptacle systems found in for affixing traction gear to the underside of shoes. A partial turn of the traction gear securely locks the gear into the receptacle. The retaining member has a three-extension design so as to make the traction gear resistant to lateral forces applied to the ground-engaging end of the cleat. Locking is achieved through use of cantilevered fingers which press in during installation of the retaining member, and which spring back out to lock with mated indentations in the extensions. During installation a dome containing insole material is compressed. Unlocking is achieved through reverse turning the retaining member to force the springs back in, and removal is aided through re-expansion of the dome.

Abstract: A spike for a sole is provided with a pin and a receiving portion for receiving a rear end portion of the pin, an elastic member is provided between the rear end portion of the pin and the receiving portion, a sports shoe having elastic spikes is also provided with the sole, and the rubber spikes being arranged in combination with the elastic spikes each including the pin, the receiving portion and the elastic member.

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: There is disclosed a cleat or spike receptacle for an athletic shoe, particularly for a track shoe. The cleat receptacle comprises a cylinder, an integral annular plate, and ribs which extend upward from the annular plate and define openings through which the plastic spike plate material flows during formation of the outsole spike plate. The annular plate has a plurality of slots through which the plastic material also flows during the spike plate formation. The holes and slots of the three-dimensional shape cleat receptacle, through which the plastic spike plate material flows, provide an additional bond of the cleat receptacle to the outsole spike plate. In addition, more plastic spike plate material is below the annular plate of the cleat receptacle resulting in greater holding strength for the attached spikes. Either a detachable cleat, or an integrally formed cleat, is carried by the cylinder of the cleat receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved golf shoe which incorporates a spike socket spine frame system that extends throughout the shoe sole for receiving all of the spike receptacles and is embedded in the outsole. The spine frame provides improved shoe performance and spike location and is made of a material that is stiffer than the outsole material. More particularly, the shoe sole is comprised of a spike socket spine having seventeen spike socket locations: three spike sockets in the toe section, six spike sockets in the metatarsal section, four spike sockets in the shank section and four spike sockets in the heel section, for receiving the posts of the golf spikes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a two-layer outsole for use with a shoe. The outsole includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a longitudinally extending axis. The outer layer forms the bottom of the outsole and has a plurality of first holes at spaced locations therethrough. The inner layer includes a base adjacent one side of the outer layer and a plurality of projections that extend from the base through the first holes in the outer layer, and terminate in a pointed free end. The projections protrude from the bottom of the outsole, and provide traction when the outsole interacts with the ground. The free end also forms a ridge. The ridge of each projection is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, each projection has an outline with a tear-drop shape. It has been found that when projections with this configuration are used with non-metal cleats, excellent traction is obtained.

Abstract: A spike for track shoes is disclosed. The spike has a central section in a cylindrical configuration having a first enlarged exterior diameter. It also has an upper section in a generally cylindrical configuration extending upwardly from the central section with a threaded exterior face for removable attachment to and removable attachment from the track shoe of a wearer, the exterior diameter of the upper section being less than the exterior diameter of the central section. Lastly, a lower section is provided having an uppermost region with a generally circular cross-sectional configuration with an exterior diameter less than that of the central sections. The lower section also has an axis co-extensive with the central and upper sections and a lowermost region with a circular cross-sectional configuration.

Abstract: A golf shoe spike includes a disk having a plurality of stubs extending from the underside thereof and a hole defined centrally therethrough. The disk has a recess defined in the underside and a plurality of protrusions extend radially inward from the periphery defining the recess. A bolt has a head and a threaded shank which extends through the hole of the disk and the head has a plurality of notches defined in the periphery thereof so as to receive the protrusions therein.

Abstract: A stud for sport shoes wherein the shoes are provided with internally threaded sockets for receiving the stud, the stud comprises: a main body portion having an upper and a lower surface; a shank extending outwardly from the upper surface of the body portion and having an outer dimension enabling the same to be threadably received within the threaded sockets of the sport shoe; and a plurality of concentric spaced apart ridges extending outwardly from the lower surface of the body portion to provide traction between the shoe and a supporting surface.

Abstract: A two-piece releasably securable cleat assembly for an athletic shoe, and particularly a golf shoe, formed of a pair of interengaging members which are preferably molded of plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the cleat assembly includes a first member comprised of a T-shaped threaded stem having a plurality of arms projecting radially and perpendicular from an end thereof, the stem for threadably engaging a complementary threaded bore or boss in the sole and/or heel of the shoe. The second member, interengagable with the T-shaped threaded stem, includes a generally circular base having an essentially planar top surface and a lower surface characterized by a plurality of traction enhancing arcuate legs which are preferably arranged in plural concentric circles on the lower surface. The base further features a central opening for snugly and slidably receiving the T-shaped threaded stem of the first member to releasably secure the second member to the shoe sole and/or heel.

Abstract: A footwear outsole assembly including an outsole body, a pair of cleated windows, and a pair of cushioning inserts on top of the windows. The cleated windows form a portion of the outsole wear surface. Each insert is visible through the corresponding cleated window. The cleated windows extend below the outsole body so that impact forces are absorbed by the windows and inserts.

Abstract: A sole for spiked track-and-field shoes has a wrap-up portion which extends via a coupling portion from a leading tip of a toe region of the sole proper. Multiple skid-preventing protrusions are fixed onto the toe region of the sole proper, the coupling portion, and the wrap-up portion in a perpendicular manner to the toe region of an underneath part of the sole, a surface of the coupling portion, and a surface of the wrap-up portion, respectively. The skid-preventing protrusions are formed higher than a line which connects the first row of the tips of the spike pins and the tips of the toe portion but lower than the spike pins.

Abstract: A removably attachable traction gear for the underside of footwear having two primary components: a retaining member and a receptacle. These two components respectively replace the common screw and threaded receptacle systems found in for affixing traction gear to the underside of shoes. A partial turn of the traction gear securely locks the gear into the receptacle. The retaining member has a three-extension design so as to make the traction gear resistant to lateral forces applied to the ground-engaging end of the cleat. Locking is achieved through use of cantilevered fingers which press in during installation of the retaining member, and which spring back out to lock with mated indentations in the extensions. During installation a dome containing insole material is compressed. Unlocking is achieved through reverse turning the retaining member to force the springs back in, and removal is aided through re-expansion of the dome. In a preferred form, the invention is utilized to attach a golf cleat to a shoe.

Abstract: The method of applying adhesive to a substrate is performed by an installer donning a pair of shoes having pins extending from the undersurface thereof and using a notched spreading edge squeegee having an elongate handle to push adhesive from the configuration of a puddle to a configuration of parallel spaced apart lines of adhesive, the installer being capable of walking forwardly being the squeegee and further being capable of walking across the lines of adhesive without adversely affecting desired quality of adhesion.

Abstract: A stud for sport shoes wherein the shoes are provided with internally threaded sockets for receiving the stud, the stud comprises: a main body portion having an upper and a lower surface; a shank extending outwardly from the upper surface of the body portion and having an outer dimension enabling the same to be threadably received within the threaded sockets of the sport shoe; and a plurality of concentric spaced apart ridges extending outwardly from the lower surface of the body portion to provide traction between the shoe and a supporting surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a directionally yieldable cleat assembly attached to an athletic shoe having an upper and a sole with a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced cleats are mounted to the sole so that the cleats protrude outwardly from the bottom of the sole. In one embodiment, a bumper is provided between the cleat and the sole for enabling a greater magnitude of deformation or deflection of the cleat in response to a predetermined lateral force imposed upon the cleat in a first laterally inward direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shoe than the deformation or deflection of the cleat in response to the same predetermined force imposed on the cleat in direction other than the first lateral direction. Deflection of the cleat is also minimized or eliminated in response to forces imposed on the cleats in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis of the sole to ensure that traction for the shoe is uncompromised.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a cleat. The cleat includes a spike member, having a tip and a base, the base being wider than the tip. The cleat also includes a washer member, having a perimeter portion and an inner portion, the perimeter and inner portions lying in separate planes. The inner portion has an aperture. The spike member is inserted through the aperture, so that spike member projects out from the lower face of the inner portion. Then material is molded around the washer member's perimeter portion, the upper face of the inner portion, and the base of the spike member, so as to hold the spike member in fixed relation to the washer member. In a preferred embodiment of the process, a barrier is placed around the lower face of the washer member's inner portion during molding, so as to prevent the material from coming into contact with the lower face of the washer member's inner portion and that portion of the spike member extending from the lower face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a directionally yieldable cleat assembly attached to an athletic shoe having an upper and a sole with a longitudinal axis. A plurality of spaced cleats are mounted to the sole so that the cleats protrude outwardly from the bottom of the sole. In one embodiment, a bumper is provided between the cleat and the sole for enabling a greater magnitude of deformation or deflection of the cleat in response to a predetermined lateral force imposed upon the cleat in a first laterally inward direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shoe than the deformation or deflection of the cleat in response to the same predetermined force imposed on the cleat in directions other than the first lateral direction. Deflection of the cleat is also minimized or eliminated in response to forces imposed on the cleats in a parallel direction to the longitudinal axis of the sole to ensure that traction for the shoe is uncompromised.

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 conventional fixed cleat of a golf shoe is replaced with a retractable cleat formed in a unitary body defining a plate with an inside flat surface and an insert member extending laterally from the flat surface, the insert member having threads about its periphery generally corresponding in diameter and length to the threads of a conventional fixed golf cleat. An axial hole extends through the plate and the insert member, and a biasing member and a retractable cleat extend through the axial hole so that the biasing member pushes the retractable cleat outwardly. A unitary flange covers the axial hole at the distal extremity, to retain the biasing member.

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 ceramics spike pin is provided with a pin body having a horizontal cross section of a substantially circular shape, which pin body is provided with a rounded free end portion having a predetermined radius of curvature and a connecting base portion having a predetermined radius of curvature, and a horizontally expanded base connected to the connecting base portion, wherein a diameter (d) of the connecting base portion in horizontal cross section, the radius of curvature(r) of the connecting base portion, and a maximum diagonal length (D) of the horizontally expanded base satisfy the relationship of 0<r<d<D and r.sup.2 .times.d/D.gtoreq.1.36. Accordingly, the stress concentration can be greatly relieved, and the impact resistance can be improved to thereby the durability.

Abstract: Conventional fishing waders are made adaptable for use under a plurality of conditions by utilizing different types of removably attachable spikes and cleats. Additionally, the soles of the waders may be covered with a felt material. The removable spikes are used with sand and gravel surfaces, and the removable metal cleats are best used for swift moving water and slippery rocks. The felt covered soles provide improved wader traction over larger sizes of gravel and rocks.

Abstract: Shoe sole equipped with studs 2 comprising a base 4 and a head 2. The base 4 is inserted into the sole and held in a position such that its lower surface 5 is kept flush with the walking surface 6 of the sole by a means of insertion 11 which is recessed from said lower surface. The tip of the stud is connected to this lower surface by means of a curved surface 7 whose arched shape is tangent to said surface 5 and which rises toward the head cover at least the first third 8 of the functional height 9 of the stud.

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 stud for a football boot is moulded in two parts. An attachment portion (1;25) moulded in a hard and inflexible material, such as an acetal resin, comprises an externally screw-threaded spigot (3;27) and a body providing a collar (7;29) a flange (5;30) and a central stiffening support. The stiffening support comprises a hub (8;37) supported by spokes (11;38) extending radially from the hub to the collar. A boss (2;26) of the stud is moulded on to the attachment portion and is of a tough but more resilient material, such as a polyurethane. The boss-forming material flows through apertures between the spokes to join up and form a ring (22) or plug (43) which causes the boss to become interlocked with the attachment portion.

Abstract: A golf shoe spike (S) comprising a ceramic pin (P) and an aluminum or aluminum alloy washer (b). The pin comprises a generally conical shank portion (11) and a seating portion (12) contiguous thereto and having an increased diameter. The washer (b) comprises a base portion (1) having an accomodating recess (3) on its top side and a central hole (5) through its bottom (6) and a flange portion (2) around said base portion (1). The pin (P) is inserted into the central hole (5) of the washer (b) and the outer peripheral wall portion (4) defining the accomodating recess (3) is caulked or drawn inwards to secure the seating portion (12) of the pin (P) tightly against the bottom portion (6) of the recess (3).

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: Footwear including an upper and a sole with a plurality of cleats extending from the sole arranged in groupings of cleats adapting the footwear to field sports. A control device extends upwardly of the sole around the heel, a pair of spines extend along the sole between cleats of a grouping of cleats within the region of the ball and heel of the foot, and a flex area is provided in the sole in the general off-center alignment of the heads of the metatarsal bones.

Abstract: A golf shoe or other spiked shoe having spike receptacles embedded in the shoe's outsole and an intermediate sole overlying the outsole and configured to relieve the spike-produced pressure points or zones which result from walking or standing on a hard surface.

Abstract: Cleated shoes for baseball and softball players wherein a minimum of two blade like cleats are provided. One of the cleats is placed under the first metatarsal head of the wearer. The cleats are oriented relative to the center line of the foot determined by a positioning line for each cleat that is perpendicular to the cleats and angled about 45.degree. relative to a forward projection of the center line, one positioning line being clockwise and the other counterclockwise to the center line.

Abstract: A pair of golf shoes, the bottom of the sole of each shoe having relatively wide flat beveled surfaces inclined inwardly and downwardly from the inner edge of the sole. These beveled surfaces allow the shoe to roll inwardly about the central longitudinal axis of the shoe when the weight of the person wearing the shoe shifts to the inner side of the foot, as during the address and backstroke stages of the golf swing. The engagement of the beveled surfaces with the ground during the swing provides the golfer with added stability.

Abstract: Adjustable-length, golf spike receptacles and anchoring strip combinations for use in soles of various sizes and widths comprise (1) an elongated strip of thin, flexible material and (2) a pair of golf spike receptacles which are attached, one at each end to the elongated strip. The golf spike receptacles comprise (a) an internally threaded sleeve or cylinder for receiving the threads of a golf spike and (b) a base plate to which the sleeve is attached at about a right angle to its axis. The base plates of the golf spike receptacles are attached to the ends of the elongated strips by attaching means in a manner such that at least one plate and preferably both plates are rotatable about the attaching means. In a further embodiment one or both the attaching means are slidably movable in elongated channels provided adjacent to the ends of the anchoring strip.

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 golf training device, preferably simulating a conventional golf ball with respect to size and shape, is provided with an opening to receive the shank of a specially designed spike in order to removably attach the training device to a golf shoe. A specially designed spike has a cylindrical shank with at least one annular rib, spaced from the flange portion, which functions to frictionally engage the training device to the golf shoe spike.

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: A shoe sole having a tread preferably defining a longitudinally and/or laterally oriented concavity with the lower extremities of the sole embodied in downwardly and outwardly disposed flexible lugs to cushion the foot against impact loads. The tread members are preferably inclined at an obtuse angle to the lower surface of the sole for spreading outwardly upon impact with the ground to dissipate the impact forces outwardly away from the foot and leg of the wearer. Rows of lugs may be spaced inwardly from the sole edges of a lesser vertical dimension than the outermost lugs and serve to supplement cushioning. A web extends between some of the outer lugs to reinforce same against load deflection. Further, the outer lugs may be of non-uniform lateral dimension at the heel portion of the sole.

Abstract: A general purpose athletic shoe is described in which an outer sole is provided with integrally molded cleats of two different types. The cleats of the first type are disposed around the periphery of the sole and the cleats of the second type are primarily disposed in the remaining portions of the sole. The second cleats are generally conical in shape and extend outwardly from the sole to about half the height of the first cleats. Each of the first cleats has three surfaces extending outward from a major exterior surface of the outer sole to a flat crown which is parallel to the major exterior surface. Two of the three outwardly extending surfaces of each of the first cleats take the form of essentially flat surfaces oriented generally perpendicular to the major exterior surface and the remaining outwardly extending surface is a partial conical surface which tapers so that first cleats are widest at their junction with the outer sole and narrowest at the crown.

Abstract: In a outsole for sports shoes, each of a multiplicity of tapered anti-slip cleats is provided over its periphery with a plurality of spaced substantially parallel longitudinal ribs. The blunt tread face of each cleat may have an oblique portion, the oblique portions of at least most of the cleats between the heel and shank being inclined forwardly and those of at least most of the cleats between the toe and shank being inclined rearwardly.

Abstract: A shoe for sprinters, middle distance and distance runners incorporating sharp spikes or like traction devices under the toe portion and raised cushion cleats under the heel portion for maintaining the heel in an elevated position for a good running posture and to provide cushioning as well as traction during heel contact. Also, the elevated heel portion reduces excess strain on the Achilles' tendon of the middle distance and long distance runners.

Abstract: A straight last athletic training shoe is described employing a foam core sole layer and an apertured sole layer between a harder outer sole layer and the shoe upper. The apertured sole layer provides lightweight cushioning and is preferably a heel lift layer positioned below an intermediate sole layer having a soft resilient foam core surrounded by a border portion of harder resilient material for stability. The foam core is provided within an elongated opening extending longitudingly beneath the heel, arch and metatarsal bones of the wearer's foot for greater cushioning and support. The apertures in the heel lift layer are arranged in three longitudinal rows with at least some apertures being in alignment with the foam core of the intermediate sole layer and the middle row having apertures which are staggered out of alignment with the apertures of the outer two rows.