Patent Grant
11166526
The present invention relates generally to an article of footwear and, more particularly, to a sports shoe with cleats.
Articles of footwear having cleats have previously been proposed. While conventional cleats generally help give sports shoes more grip, the cleats do not necessarily optimize traction during the first step of sprinting or when a wearer is moving backward. Moreover, the cleats doe not necessarily provide traction in an optimal way during quick directional changes. It would be advantageous for a sports shoe to have cleats that optimize traction during the first step of sprinting, backward movement, and quick directional changes.
An article of footwear with an arrangement of cleats is disclosed. In one aspect, the article of footwear may include a base plate including a forefoot region, a heel region, a longitudinal axis extending through the forefoot region and heel region, a forward edge, and a rearward edge. The article of footwear may also include a first cleat disposed on the forefoot region of the base plate. The first cleat may be disposed proximate the forward edge and the medial side. The first cleat may include at least two straight segments forming an angle. The article of footwear may include a second cleat disposed on the heel region of the base plate. The second cleat may be disposed proximate the rearward edge and the longitudinal axis of the base plate. The second cleat may include at least two straight segments forming an angle.
The straight segments of the first cleat may meet at a first point and the first cleat may be oriented so that the first point is directed in a direction between the forward edge and the medial side.
The straight segments of the second cleat may meet at a second point and the second cleat may be oriented so that the second point is directed toward the rearward end.
A third cleat and a fourth cleat may both be disposed on the forefoot region. The first cleat, the third cleat, and the fourth cleat may be arranged so that the first cleat, the third cleat, and the fourth cleat are aligned with a perimeter of a circle that may define a portion of the forefoot region. The third cleat and the fourth cleat may include flat cleats. A fifth cleat may be disposed on the forefoot region within the perimeter of the circle. The third cleat may comprise a flat cleat and the third cleat may be oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base plate.
In one aspect, the article of footwear may include a base plate including a forefoot region, a heel region, a longitudinal axis extending through the forefoot region and heel region, a forward edge, and a rearward edge. The article of footwear may also include a first cleat disposed on the forefoot region of the base plate. The first cleat may be disposed proximate the forward edge and the medial side. The first cleat may include at least two straight segments forming an angle. The article of footwear may include a second cleat disposed on the forefoot region and a third cleat disposed on the forefoot region. The first cleat, the second cleat, and the third cleat may be arranged so that the first cleat, the second cleat, and the third cleat are aligned with a perimeter of a circle defining a portion of the forefoot region.
The straight segments of the first cleat may meet at a first point and the first cleat may be oriented so that the first point is directed in a direction between the forward edge and the medial side. A fourth cleat may be disposed on the forefoot region within the perimeter of the circle. The fourth cleat may comprise a flat cleat and the fourth cleat may be oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base plate. A fifth cleat may be disposed at the bottom of the forefoot region and proximate the medial side. A sixth cleat may be disposed at the bottom of the forefoot region and proximate the lateral side.
The second cleat may comprise a flat cleat and the second cleat may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base plate. The third cleat may comprise a flat cleat and the third cleat may be oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base plate.
In one aspect, the article of footwear may include a base plate including a forefoot region, a heel region, a longitudinal axis extending through the forefoot region and heel region, a forward edge, and a rearward edge. The article of footwear may also include a first cleat disposed on the forefoot region of the base plate. The first cleat may be disposed proximate the forward edge and the medial side. The first cleat may include at least two straight segments forming an angle. The article of footwear may include a second cleat disposed on the heel region of the base plate. The second cleat may be disposed proximate the rearward edge and the longitudinal axis of the base plate. The second cleat may include at least two straight segments forming an angle. A third cleat may be disposed on the heel region of the base plate. The third cleat may be disposed opposite the rearward edge and proximate the medial side. The fourth cleat may be disposed on the heel region of the base plate. The fourth cleat may be disposed opposite the rearward edge and proximate the lateral side.
The straight segments of the second cleat may meet at a second point and the second cleat may be oriented so that the second point is directed toward the rearward end. The third cleat may comprise a flat cleat and the third cleat may be oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the base plate. The fourth cleat may comprise a flat cleat and the fourth cleat may be oriented at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to the third cleat.
A fifth cleat may be disposed on the forefoot region. A sixth cleat may be disposed on the forefoot region. The first cleat, the fifth cleat, and the sixth cleat may be arranged so that the first cleat, the fifth cleat, and the sixth cleat are aligned with a perimeter of a circle defining a portion of the forefoot region. A seventh cleat may be disposed at the bottom of the forefoot region and proximate the medial side. An eighth cleat may be disposed at the bottom of the forefoot region and proximate the lateral side.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims.
The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.
An article of footwear having an arrangement of cleats is disclosed.
In some embodiments, base plate 102 may be associated with an upper 104. Upper 104 may be attached to base plate 102 by any known mechanism or method. For example, upper 104 may be stitched to base plate 102 or upper 104 may be glued to base plate 102. Upper 104 may be configured to receive a foot. The exemplary embodiment shows a generic design for upper 104. In some embodiments, upper 104 may include another type of design.
Base plate 102 and upper 104 may be made from materials known in the art for making articles of footwear. For example, base plate 102 may be made from elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, synthetic rubbers, aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, plastics, or thermoplastics. In another example, upper 104 may be made from nylon, natural leather, synthetic leather, natural rubber, or synthetic rubber.
For clarity, base plate 102 is shown in isolation in
Bottom surface 108 may be configured to contact a playing surface. For example, bottom surface 108 may be configured to contact grass, synthetic turf, dirt, or sand. Base plate 102 may include provisions for increasing traction with such a playing surface. For example, such provisions may include cleats. Base plate 102 may include cleat receiving members 110, 146, and 152. In some embodiments, cleat receiving members 110, 146, and 152 may be configured to receive removable cleats. In other embodiments, base plate 102 may be associated with molded cleats. For example, base plate 102 may be configured to receive molded cleats. In another example, base plate 102 may include cleats integrally formed with base plate 102 through molding. As shown in
In some embodiments, the cleat receiving members may be disposed on the forefoot region 130 of base plate 102. In other embodiments, the cleat receiving members may be disposed on the heel region 132 of base plate 102. In some embodiments, the cleat receiving members may be disposed on a midfoot region of base plate 102. In yet other embodiments, the cleat receiving members may be disposed on both the forefoot region 130 and heel region 132 of base plate 102.
A first cleat 112, a second cleat 114, a third cleat 116, a fourth cleat 118, a fifth cleat 120, and a sixth cleat 122 may be disposed on forefoot region 130 of base plate 102. A seventh cleat 124, an eighth cleat 126, and a ninth cleat 128 may be disposed on heel region 132 of base plate 102. This arrangement of cleats may enhance traction for a wearer during cutting, turning, stopping, accelerating, and backward movement. The cleats may be made from materials known in the art for making articles of footwear. For example, the cleats may be made from elastomers, siloxanes, natural rubber, synthetic rubbers, aluminum, steel, natural leather, synthetic leather, plastics, or thermoplastics. In some embodiments, the cleats may be made of the same materials. In other embodiments, the cleats may be made of various materials. For example, first cleat 112 may be made of aluminum while second cleat 114 is made of a thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the cleats may have the same shape. In other embodiments, the cleat may have different shapes. For example, the exemplary embodiment shown in
Cleat receiving members 110, 146, and 152 may be configured to receive cleats or studs of various shapes and sizes. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of
Base plate 102 may include components other than cleats that contact a playing surface and increase traction. In some embodiments, base plate 102 may include traction elements that are smaller than cleats or studs. Traction elements on base plate 102 may increase control for wearer when maneuvering forward on a surface by engaging surface. Additionally, traction elements may also increase the wearer's stability when making lateral movements by digging into playing surface. In some embodiments, traction elements may be molded into base plate 102. In some embodiments, base plate 102 may be configured to receive removable traction elements.
In some embodiments, first cleat 112 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
The width of straight segments 138 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 12 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments may have a width within the range of approximately 6 mm and 8 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have substantially the same width. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have different widths. For example, in some embodiments, one of straight segments may have a width of 4 mm while the other of straight segments 138 has a width of 6 mm.
The height of straight segments 138 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have substantially the same height. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have different heights. For example, in some embodiments, one of straight segments 138 may have a height of 10 mm and the other of straight segments 138 may have a height of 12 mm.
The thickness of straight segments 138 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have substantially the same thickness. In some embodiments, straight segments 138 may have different thicknesses. For example, in some embodiments, one of straight segments 138 may have a thickness of 1.7 mm while the other of straight segments 138 has a thickness of 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, first cleat 112 may include a connector base (shown in hidden lines) for connecting first cleat 112 to base plate 102. In some embodiments, the connector base may be disposed beneath the cleat receiving member. In some embodiments, the connector base may be disposed above the cleat receiving member. In some embodiments, the connector base may be connected to base plate 102 by a removable mechanism, such as a screw. In some embodiments, the connector base may be integrally formed with first cleat 112.
In some embodiments, first cleat 112 may be disposed proximate forward edge 134 of base plate 102. In some embodiments, first cleat 112 may be disposed proximate medial side 140. In some embodiments, first cleat 112 may be offset from the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. Line 3-3 illustrates how first cleat 112 may be offset from the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. Line 3-3 overlays the longitudinal axis of base plate 102 from a rearward edge 142 of base plate 102 to a point 136 on a forefoot region 130 of base plate 102. From point 136, line 3-3 extends at an angle slightly toward medial side 140 of base plate 102. In some embodiments, first cleat 112 may be aligned with the angled portion of line 3-3. In some embodiments, point 136 may be directed toward a direction between forward edge 134 and medial side 140. First cleat 112 may be aligned with the wearer's hallux (big toe) proximate forward edge 134. In some embodiments, first cleat 112 may be oriented such that point 136 of first cleat 112 is directed in the same direction at the angled portion of line 3-3. As described in further detail with reference to
First cleat 112, second cleat 114, and third cleat 116 may be arranged to be substantially aligned the perimeter of a circle 162 that may define a portion of forefoot region 130. This arrangement may enhance a wearer's ability to pivot and to shift weight in different directions while maintaining traction.
In some embodiments, second cleat 114 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
The width of second cleat 114 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a width within the range of approximately 10 mm and 13.5 mm. The height of second cleat 114 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. The thickness of second cleat 114 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, second cleat 114 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, second cleat 114 may be positioned proximate medial side 140 of base plate 102. Second cleat 114 may be positioned further away from forward edge 134 than first cleat 112 is positioned. Second cleat 114 may be positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. This positioning of second cleat 114 may enhance traction during lateral movement as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction perpendicular to second cleat 114.
In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
The width of third cleat 116 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a width within the range of approximately 10 mm and 13.5 mm. The height of third cleat 116 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. The thickness of third cleat 116 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may be positioned proximate lateral side 144 of base plate 102. Third cleat 116 may be positioned further away from forward edge 134 than first cleat 112 and second cleat 114 are positioned. Third cleat 116 may be positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. For example, in some embodiments, third cleat 116 may form an angle within the range of approximately 30 degrees to 50 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may form an angle within the range of approximately 35 degrees to 45 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. In some embodiments, third cleat 116 may form an angle within the range of approximately 40 degrees to 50 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. This positioning of third cleat 116 may enhance traction during lateral movement as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction perpendicular to third cleat 116.
In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
The width of fourth cleat 118 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a width within the range of approximately 10 mm and 13.5 mm. The height of fourth cleat 118 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. The thickness of fourth cleat 118 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may be positioned proximate lateral side 144. Fourth cleat 118 may be positioned between third cleat 116 and forward edge 134. Fourth cleat 118 may be positioned further away from forward edge 134 than first cleat 112 is positioned, but closer to forward edge 134 than second cleat 114 is positioned. Fourth cleat 118 may be positioned at an angle with respect to third cleat 116. For example, in some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may form an angle of approximately 80 degrees with third cleat 116. In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may form an angle within the range of approximately 80 degrees to 100 degrees with third cleat 116. In some embodiments, fourth cleat 118 may form an angle within the range of approximately 85 degrees to 95 degrees with third cleat 116. This positioning of fourth cleat 118 may enhance traction during movement in a variety of directions as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction perpendicular to fourth cleat 118. The proximity and relative angles between third cleat 116 and fourth cleat 118 may enhance traction during lateral movement as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction perpendicular to second cleat 114. During such movement, the force caused by the pushing off or shifting may be distributed to both third cleat 116 and fourth cleat 118.
In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
The width of fifth cleat 120 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a width within the range of approximately 10 mm and 13.5 mm. The height of fifth cleat 120 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. The thickness of fifth cleat 120 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may be positioned further away from forward edge 134 than fourth cleat 118 is positioned. Fifth cleat 120 may be positioned proximate medial side 140. Fifth cleat 120 may be positioned proximate a bottom of forefoot region 130 of base plate 102. Fifth cleat 120 may be positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. For example, in some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may form an angle within the range of approximately 30 degrees to 50 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may form an angle within the range of approximately 40 degrees to 45 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may form an angle within the range of approximately 45 degrees to 50 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. This positioning of fifth cleat 120 may enhance traction during lateral movement as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction perpendicular to fifth cleat 120. In some embodiments, fifth cleat 120 may be positioned substantially parallel with fourth cleat 118. This positioning of fifth cleat 120 may further enhance traction in a direction perpendicular to fifth cleat 120 and fourth cleat 118. This positioning may also enhance traction as weight is shifted from fifth cleat 120 to fourth cleat 118 and vice versa.
In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
The width of sixth cleat 122 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a width within the range of approximately 10 mm and 13.5 mm. The height of sixth cleat 122 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. The thickness of sixth cleat 122 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may be positioned further away from forward edge 134 than fourth cleat 118 is positioned. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may be positioned substantially further away from forward edge 134 than fifth cleat 120 is positioned. Sixth cleat 122 may be positioned proximate lateral side 144. Sixth cleat 122 may be positioned proximate a bottom of forefoot region 130 of base plate 102. Sixth cleat 122 may be positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. For example, in some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may form an angle within the range of approximately 30 degrees to 50 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may form an angle within the range of approximately 40 degrees to 45 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may form an angle within the range of approximately 45 degrees to 50 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. This positioning of sixth cleat 122 may enhance traction during lateral movement as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction perpendicular to sixth cleat 122.
In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may be positioned substantially parallel with third cleat 116. This positioning of sixth cleat 122 may further enhance traction in a direction perpendicular to sixth cleat 122 and third cleat 116. This positioning may also enhance traction as weight is shifted from sixth cleat 122 to third cleat 116 and vice versa. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to fifth cleat 120. In some embodiments, sixth cleat 122 may be positioned substantially opposite fifth cleat 120. The proximity and relative angles between sixth cleat 122 and fifth cleat 120 may enhance traction during forward movement as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction substantially opposite forward edge 134. During such movement, the force caused by the pushing off or shifting may be distributed to both sixth cleat 122 and fifth cleat 120. The proximity and relative angles between sixth cleat 122 and fifth cleat 120 may provide traction without inhibiting pivoting on forefoot region 130.
In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
The width of seventh cleat 124 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a width within the range of approximately 10 mm and 13.5 mm. The height of seventh cleat 124 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. The thickness of seventh cleat 124 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may be positioned on a heel region 132 of base plate 102. Seventh cleat 124 may be positioned on a heel region 132 of base plate 102 in a position substantially opposite rearward edge 142. Seventh cleat 124 may be positioned proximate medial side 140. Seventh cleat 124 may be positioned at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. For example, in some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may form an angle within the range of approximately 30 degrees to 50 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may form an angle within the range of approximately 40 degrees to 45 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. In some embodiments, seventh cleat 124 may form an angle within the range of approximately 45 degrees to 50 degrees with the longitudinal axis of base plate 102. This positioning of seventh cleat 124 may enhance traction during lateral movement as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction perpendicular to seventh cleat 124.
In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may be positioned on a heel region 132 of base plate 102. Eighth cleat 126 may be positioned on a heel region 132 of base plate 102 in a position substantially opposite rearward edge 142. Eighth cleat 126 may be positioned proximate lateral side 144. In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to seventh cleat 124. In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may be positioned substantially opposite seventh cleat 124. The proximity and relative angles between eighth cleat 126 and seventh cleat 124 may enhance traction during backward movement as a wearer pushes off or shifts weight in a direction substantially opposite rearward edge 142. During such movement, the force caused by the pushing off or shifting may be distributed to both eighth cleat 126 and seventh cleat 124. The proximity and relative angles between eighth cleat 126 and seventh cleat 124 may provide traction without inhibiting pivoting on heel region 132.
In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may include a connector base (shown in hidden lines) for connecting eighth cleat 126 to base plate 102. In some embodiments, the connector base may be disposed beneath the cleat receiving member. In some embodiments, the connector base may be disposed above the cleat receiving member. In some embodiments, the connector base may be connected to base plate 102 by a removable mechanism, such as a screw. In some embodiments, the connector base may be integrally formed with eighth cleat 126.
The width of eighth cleat 126 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a width within the range of approximately 10 mm and 13.5 mm. The height of eighth cleat 126 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. The thickness of eighth cleat 126 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, eighth cleat 126 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, ninth cleat 128 may include any known shape. For example, as shown in
The width of straight segments 172 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a width within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a width within the range of approximately 7 mm and 12 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a width within the range of approximately 6 mm and 8 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have substantially the same width. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have different widths. For example, in some embodiments, one of straight segments 172 may have a width of 4 mm while the other of straight segments 172 has a width of 6 mm.
The height of straight segments 172 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a height within the range of approximately 4 mm and 20 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a height within the range of approximately 6 mm and 13 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a height within the range of approximately 10 mm and 12.5 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have substantially the same height. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have different heights. For example, in some embodiments, one of straight segments 172 may have a height of 10 mm and the other of straight segments 172 may have a height of 12 mm.
The thickness of straight segments 172 may be varied. For example, in some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 0.5 mm and 3 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1 mm and 2 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have a thickness within the range of approximately 1.7 mm and 1.9 mm. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have substantially the same thickness. In some embodiments, straight segments 172 may have different thicknesses. For example, in some embodiments, one of straight segments 172 may have a thickness of 1.7 mm while the other of straight segments 172 has a thickness of 1.9 mm.
In some embodiments, first ninth cleat 128 may include a connector base (shown in hidden lines) for connecting ninth cleat 128 to base plate 102. In some embodiments, the connector base may be disposed beneath the cleat receiving member. In some embodiments, the connector base may be disposed above the cleat receiving member. In some embodiments, the connector base may be connected to base plate 102 by a removable mechanism, such as a screw. In some embodiments, the connector base may be integrally formed with ninth cleat 128.
In some embodiments, ninth cleat 128 may be positioned proximate rearward edge 142. Ninth cleat 128 may be positioned so that point 170 is proximate the longitudinal axis of base plate. Ninth cleat 128 may be positioned so that point 170 is slightly offset from the longitudinal axis of base plate 102 toward lateral side 144. Ninth cleat 128 may be positioned so that point 170 points toward rearward edge 142. As explained in further detail with reference to
Seventh cleat 124, eighth cleat 126, and ninth cleat 128 may be arranged on heel region 132 to work together to enhance a wearer's ability to pivot and to shift weight in different directions while maintaining traction.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/101,582, filed on May 5, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entity.
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