Patent Application
20110247243
The present invention relates generally to an article of footwear, and in particular to an article of footwear with multiple cleat systems.
Articles of footwear with cleat members of different sizes have been previously proposed. Sumitomo (U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,996) teaches a cleat structure that includes a variety of projections on a shoe sole. Sumitomo teaches a pin that is the tallest cleat. Sumitomo teaches that the hardness of the pin is greater than an adjacent cleat element. Additionally, British patent application publication number 2,223,394 teaches a shoe sole including a variety of cleats formed integrally with the sole that penetrate only a small distance into the ground with removable, larger cleats that can penetrate more deeply. The integral cleats can be cylindrical in shape and have a rounded top surface.
There exists a need in the art for articles of footwear that can achieve maximum traction on various types of ground surfaces and/or under various playing conditions.
In one aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure including a first cleat system comprised of a first material and a second cleat system comprised of a second material; the first cleat system having a first cleat design; the second cleat system having a second cleat design; the first cleat system being associated with a forefoot region, a midfoot region, and a heel region of the sole structure; the second cleat system being associated with a first portion of the forefoot region and a second portion of the heel region; and wherein the second material is substantially more rigid than the first material.
In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure including a first cleat member set and a second cleat member set; the first cleat member set having a plurality of first cleat members with a length substantially oriented along the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear; the second cleat member set having a plurality of second cleat members with a length substantially oriented along the lateral axis of the article of footwear; wherein the first cleat member set is generally associated with a forefoot region and/or a heel region of the sole structure; and wherein the second cleat member set is generally associated with a midfoot region of the sole structure.
In another aspect, the invention provides an article of footwear, comprising: a sole structure, the sole structure including a first cleat member set and a second cleat member set; wherein the first cleat member set is generally associated with a forefoot region and/or a heel region of the sole structure; wherein the second cleat member set is generally associated with a midfoot region of the sole structure; the first cleat member set having a plurality of first cleat members with a length substantially oriented along the longitudinal axis of the article of footwear that extend a first height above the sole structure; the second cleat member set having a plurality of second cleat members with a length substantially oriented along the lateral axis of the article of footwear that extend a second height above the sole structure; and wherein the first height is greater than the second height.
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.
Referring to
It will be understood that forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14 are only intended for purposes of description and are not intended to demarcate precise regions of article 100. Likewise, medial side 16 and lateral side 18 are intended to represent generally two sides of an article, rather than precisely demarcating article 100 into two halves. In addition, forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and heel region 14, as well as medial side 16 and lateral side 18, can also be applied to individual components of an article, such as a sole structure and/or an upper.
For consistency and convenience, directional adjectives are employed throughout this detailed description corresponding to the illustrated embodiments. The term “longitudinal” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a length of an article. In some cases, the longitudinal direction may extend from a forefoot portion to a heel portion of the article. Also, the term “lateral” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction extending a width of an article. In other words, the lateral direction may extend between a medial side and a lateral side of an article. Furthermore, the term “vertical” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to a direction generally perpendicular to a lateral and longitudinal direction. For example, in cases where an article is planted flat on a ground surface, the vertical direction may extend from the ground surface upward. It will be understood that each of these directional adjectives may be applied to individual components of an article, such as an upper and/or a sole structure.
Article 100 can include upper 102. Generally, upper 102 may be any type of upper. In particular, upper 102 may have any design, shape, size and/or color. For example, in embodiments where article 100 is a basketball shoe, upper 102 could be a high top upper that is shaped to provide high support on an ankle. In embodiments where article 100 is a running shoe, upper 102 could be a low top upper.
Article 100 can include sole structure 104. In some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be configured to provide traction for article 100. In addition to providing traction, sole structure 104 may attenuate ground reaction forces when compressed between the foot and the ground during walking, running or other ambulatory activities. The configuration of sole structure 104 may vary significantly in different embodiments to include a variety of conventional or non-conventional structures. Sole structure 104 extends between upper 102 and the ground when article 100 is worn. In different embodiments, sole structure 104 may include different components. For example, sole structure 104 may include an outsole, a midsole, and/or an insole. In some cases, one or more of these components may be optional.
In some cases, sole structure 104 may be configured according to one or more types of ground surfaces on which sole structure 104 may be used. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to: natural turf, synthetic turf, dirt, natural grass, soft natural grass, as well as other surfaces. In some embodiments, sole structure 104 may be provided with one or more cleat systems comprising a plurality of cleat members. The term “cleat members” as used in this detailed description and throughout the claims includes any provisions disposed on a sole for increasing traction through friction or penetration of a ground surface. Typically, cleat systems and/or cleat members may be configured for football, soccer, baseball or any type of activity that requires traction.
Sole structure 104 may include one or more cleat systems comprising a plurality of cleat members that extend away from sole structure 104. Generally, cleat systems and/or cleat members may be associated with sole structure 104 in any manner. In some embodiments, cleat systems and/or cleat members may be integrally formed with sole structure 104. In other embodiments, sole structure 104 may include a partially rigid plate that extends across a substantial majority of a lower surface of sole structure 104. In some cases, cleats systems and/or cleat members may be attached to a partially rigid plate, such as by being screwed into holes within the plate or using any other provisions. Still further, in some cases, some cleats systems and/or cleat members may be integrally formed with sole structure 104, while other cleat systems and/or cleat members may be attached to and/or integrally formed with a partially rigid plate.
An article of footwear including cleat systems and/or cleat members can include provisions for maximizing traction between a sole structure and multiple types of ground surfaces. In some embodiments, an article can include cleat systems and/or cleat members disposed in different locations to achieve maximum traction on multiple types of surfaces. In other embodiments, an article can include distinct types of cleat systems and/or cleat members that each maximize traction for a distinct type of surface.
Referring to
In some cases, a complementary article of footwear for a right foot may include one or more of a medial forefoot cleat system, a lateral forefoot cleat system, a lateral heel cleat system and/or a medial heel cleat system. In other cases, a matching pair of articles may have cleat systems disposed on opposing sides. For example, an article for a left foot may have one or more cleat systems disposed on lateral side 18, while a matching article for a right foot may have one or more cleats systems disposed on medial side 16. In other embodiments, a matching pair of articles may have the same arrangement of one or more cleat systems on both articles. In still other embodiments, a matching pair of articles may have the same arrangement of one or more cleats systems in one region of a sole structure and have opposing arrangements of one or more cleats systems in another region of the sole structure.
Referring to
In this exemplary embodiment, forefoot cleat system 110, midfoot cleat system 112, and heel cleat system 114 may be associated with first cleat system 210 and medial forefoot cleat system 120, lateral forefoot cleat system 122, and lateral heel cleat system 124 may be associated with second cleat system 212.
In different embodiments, the material properties of cleat members in each respective cleat system could vary. In some embodiments, each cleat system may be associated with different rigidities. In an exemplary embodiment, first cleat system 210 may be associated with a first rigidity and second cleat system 212 may be associated with a second rigidity. In some embodiments, the second rigidity may be substantially greater than the first rigidity. In other embodiments, portions of first cleat system 210 and/or second cleat system 212 may be associated with various rigidities.
The differing rigidities first cleat system 210 and second cleat system 212 may be achieved in various ways. As an example, in the exemplary embodiment first cleat system 210 may comprise a first material 200 and second cleat system 212 may comprise a second material 202. In this case, first material 200 and second material 202 may be substantially different materials having substantially different rigidities. In particular, first material 200 may be made of a semi-rigid material, including, but not limited to rubber, hard foam, and other deformable materials. In addition, second material 202 may be a substantially rigid material, including, but not limited to plastics, polymers, nylon, polyurethane, and other rigid materials. However, it will be understood that any other materials with increasing levels of hardness could be used. In still other embodiments, it may be possible to modify the rigidity of one or more individual cleat members that comprise a cleat system by varying the geometry and/or structure of the cleat members.
By varying the rigidity of each cleat system, each cleat system may deform by a substantially different amount upon contact with a ground surface. This arrangement allows each cleat system to be tuned for maximizing traction with a different type of ground surface. In the current embodiment, first cleat system 210 may have a relatively low rigidity that is optimized for maximizing traction with a synthetic surface and second cleat system 212 may have a relatively high rigidity that is optimized for maximizing traction with soft natural grass. In other embodiments, first cleat system 210 may have an intermediate rigidity that is optimized for maximizing traction with firm natural grass. In addition, in other embodiments, first cleat system 210 and/or second cleat system 212 may have portions with varying levels of rigidity.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, individual cleat members of first cleat system 210 may be provided with a design of an approximately hexagonal shape. For example, in the current embodiment, midfoot cleat system 112 of first cleat system 210 may include a plurality of cleat members with a first hexagonal shape 300. Similarly, forefoot cleat system 110 and/or heel cleat system 114 associated with first cleat system 210 may include a plurality of cleat members with a second hexagonal shape 302.
In some embodiments, individual cleat members of second cleat system 212 may be provided with a design of an approximately round cross-sectional shape. For example, in the current embodiment, medial forefoot cleat system 120, lateral forefoot cleat system 122, and/or lateral heel cleat system 124 associated with second cleat system 212 may include a plurality of cleat members with a conical shape 310, a plurality of cleat members with a cylindrical shape 312, and/or a plurality of cleat members with a round or domed shape 314. In other embodiments, cleat members 314 may be comprised of a bump or other raised element comprised of any shape. In some cases, cleat members 314 may further be associated with a raised portion connecting the plurality of cleat members 314. In other cases, cleat members 314 may be optional and the space between conical cleat members 310 and cylindrical cleat members 312 may be smooth.
Additionally, it will be understood that while the current embodiments use hexagonal and/or round cross-sectional shaped cleat members, cleat members may be formed in any of various shapes, including but not limited to hexagonal, cylindrical, conical, circular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, diamond, ovoid, as well as other regular or irregular and geometric or non-geometric shapes.
Referring to
Similarly, first cleat system 210 may include a second cleat member set with a plurality of cleat members that have a length that is substantially oriented along lateral axis 30 of article 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the second cleat member set may include one or more first hexagonal cleat members 300 located in portions of midfoot cleat system 112. In this embodiment, the second cleat member set includes a first lateral hexagon cleat 410, a second lateral hexagon cleat 412, and a third lateral hexagon cleat 414. With this arrangement of hexagonal cleat members 300 having a length that is substantially oriented along lateral axis 30 of article 100, sole structure 104 may have flexibility in midfoot region 12. In some embodiments, the lateral axis orientation of the cleat members in the midfoot region may allow for bending of the sole structure in a region generally corresponding to an arch of a foot of the wearer of article 100.
In some embodiments, the length and/or width of cleat members in each cleat member set may vary. In this embodiment, the length of cleat members in the first cleat member set may vary. In an exemplary embodiment, first longitudinal hexagon cleat 400 may be associated with a first length L1, second longitudinal hexagon cleat 402 may be associated with a second length L2, third longitudinal hexagon cleat 404 may be associated with a fourth length L4, and fourth longitudinal hexagon cleat 406 may be associated with a fifth length L5. In addition, second lateral hexagon cleat 412 may be associated with a third length L3.
Similarly, in this embodiment, the width of cleat members in the second cleat member set may vary. In an exemplary embodiment, first lateral hexagon cleat 410 may be associated with a first width W1 and third lateral hexagon cleat 414 may be associated with a second width W2. In other embodiments, the length and/or width of any individual cleat member associated with first hexagonal cleat members 300 and/or second hexagonal cleat members 302 may vary.
In different embodiments, the approximate heights of cleat members in a cleat member set and/or cleat system may vary. In some embodiments, the height of cleat members associated with the first cleat member set and/or the second cleat member set may vary.
In this exemplary embodiment, first longitudinal hexagon cleat 400 may be associated with a first height H1 and second longitudinal hexagon cleat 402 may be associated with a second height H2. Likewise, third lateral hexagon cleat 414 may be associated with a third height H3.
By using cleat member sets with cleat members of increasing height, the depth of penetration of each cleat member set into a ground surface may vary so that each cleat can be tuned to provide maximum traction for a different type of surface. In the current embodiment, the first cleat member set may have a relatively large height that is optimized for maximizing traction with a synthetic surface. Furthermore, second cleat member 140 may have a smaller sized height that is optimized for maximizing traction with natural grass.
In some embodiments, cleat members associated with the first cleat member set may include additional elements for providing traction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cleat member set may include one or more second hexagonal cleat members 302 with a gripping member 500 disposed on a ground-engaging end of the cleat member. As shown in
In different embodiments, the values of first height H1, second height H2 and third height H3 may vary. In some embodiments, first height H1 may have a value approximately in the range between 6 mm and 14 mm. Also, second height H2 may have a value approximately in the range between 5 mm and 14 mm. In addition, third height H3 may have a value approximately in the range between 3 mm and 7 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, height H1, height H2 and height H3 may have approximate values of 10 mm, 8 mm and 4 mm, respectively. In other embodiments, however, first height H1, second height H2 and third height H3 may have any other values.
In some embodiments, first length L1 may be substantially larger than second length L2. In some cases, the length of cleat members may gradually decrease from the distal end near forefoot region 10 towards the proximal end near midfoot region 12. In other embodiments, the length of cleat members, including first length L1 and second L2, may decrease in correspondence with the proximity to midfoot region 12. In still other embodiments, first length L1 and second length L2 may be substantially similar.
In this embodiment, first length L1 and/or second length L2 are substantially larger than both first width W1 and second width W2. In some embodiments, second width W2 may be substantially larger than first width W1. In other embodiments, second width W2 and first width W1 may be substantially similar. In still other embodiments, first length L1 may be substantially larger than first width W1 and second width W2, while second length L2 may be slightly larger than second width W2 and substantially larger than first width W1. In one exemplary embodiment, first length L1, second length L2, second width W2, and first width W1 gradually decrease from the distal end near forefoot region 10 towards the proximal end near midfoot region 12.
In different embodiments, the values of first length L1, second length L2, first width W1, and second width W2 may vary. In some embodiments, first length L1 may have a value approximately in the range between 5 mm and 14 mm. Also, second length L2 may have a value approximately in the range between 4 mm and 10 mm. In addition, first width W1 may have a value approximately in the range between 1 mm and 3 mm. Also, second width W2 may have a value approximately in the range between 2 mm and 4 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, first length L1, second length L2, first width W1, and second width W2 may have approximate values of 12 mm, 8 mm, 4 mm, and 2 mm, respectively. In other embodiments, however, first length L1, second length L2, first width W1, and second width W2 may have any other values.
Referring now to
As shown in
In some embodiments, one or more cleat members associated with the first cleat member set may have a shifted lateral axis in portions of forefoot cleat system 110. With this arrangement, cleat members with a shifted lateral axis may provide enhanced traction to portions of sole structure 104 and/or mitigate forces associated with movements of a foot of a wearer. In this embodiment, a first shifted cleat member 610, a second shifted cleat member 612, a third shifted cleat member 614, a fourth shifted cleat member 616, and a fifth shifted cleat member 618 each have a lateral axis that is skewed towards midfoot region 12. Particularly, as shown in
In some embodiments, shifted cleat members may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in greater degree in correspondence with the proximity of the cleat member to the edge on lateral side 18. In this embodiment, second shifted cleat member 612 is located closer to the lateral edge than first shifted cleat member 610 and second shifted axis 602 is skewed towards midfoot region 12 in a greater degree than first shifted axis 600. Similarly, third shifted cleat member 614 may be closer to the lateral edge than second shifted cleat member 612. As a result, third shifted axis 604 may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in a greater degree than second shifted axis 602. In addition, third shifted axis 604 may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in a substantially greater degree than first shifted axis 600. In this embodiment, third shifted cleat member 614, fourth shifted cleat member 616, and fifth shifted cleat member 618 may be generally located with substantially similar proximity to the lateral edge. Accordingly, in this embodiment, third shifted axis 604, fourth shifted axis 606, and fifth shifted axis 608 may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in a substantially similar degree.
Additionally, in some embodiments, shifted cleat members may include one or more cleat members that transition orientation from having a length oriented along longitudinal axis 20 to having a length oriented along lateral axis 30 as previously discussed. In this embodiment, shifted cleat members may include a third transition hexagon cleat 624 along lateral side 18. In different embodiments, one or more shifted cleat members also may gradually transition orientation from the first cleat member set to the second cleat member set as discussed above.
In other embodiments, any one or more of the shifted cleat members may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in greater degree in correspondence with the proximity of the cleat member to the edge on medial side 16. In still other embodiments, any one or more of the shifted cleat members may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in substantially similar degree independently of proximity to the lateral edge and/or medial edge. In other cases, shifted cleat members may have a skewed longitudinal axis. In different embodiments, the shifted cleat members may be skewed towards different regions of sole structure 104, including forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heel region 14.
Referring to
In some embodiments, fourth height H4 and fifth height H5 may be substantially similar. In this embodiment fourth height H4 and/or fifth height H5 are substantially larger than sixth height H6 and seventh height H7. In other embodiments, fourth height H4 may be larger than fifth height H5 and fifth height H5 may be larger than sixth height H6 and seventh height H7. In one exemplary embodiment, fourth height H4, fifth height H5, sixth height H6, and seventh height H7 gradually decrease from the distal end near heel region 14 towards the proximal end near midfoot region 12. In other embodiments, the height of cleat members may decrease in correspondence with the proximity to midfoot region 12.
In different embodiments, the values of fourth height H4, fifth height H5, sixth height H6, and seventh height H7 may vary. In some embodiments, fourth height H4 may have a value approximately in the range between 6 mm and 14 mm. Also, fifth height H5 may have a value approximately in the range between 5 mm and 14 mm. In addition, sixth height H6 may have a value approximately in the range between 3 mm and 7 mm. Also, seventh height H7 may have a value approximately in the range between 3 mm and 7 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, fourth height H4, fifth height H5, sixth height H6, and seventh height H7 may have approximate values of 10 mm, 8 mm, 4 mm, and 3 mm, respectively. In other embodiments, however, fourth height H4, fifth height H5, sixth height H6, and seventh height H7 may have any other values.
In one exemplary embodiment, fourth longitudinal hexagon cleat 406 may be associated with fifth length L5 and third longitudinal hexagon cleat 404 may be associated with fourth length L4, as previously discussed. In some embodiments, fifth length L5 may be substantially larger than fourth length L4. In some cases, the length of cleat members may gradually decrease from the distal end near heel region 14 towards the proximal end near midfoot region 12. In other embodiments, the length of cleat members, including fifth length L5 and fourth length L4, may decrease in correspondence with the proximity to midfoot region 12. In still other embodiments, fifth length L5 and fourth length L4 may be substantially similar.
In this embodiment, fifth length L5 and/or fourth length L4 are substantially larger than widths associated with fourth transition hexagon cleat 900 and/or fifth transition hexagon cleat 902. In some embodiments, fourth transition hexagon cleat 900 may have a width that is substantially larger than first width W1 and/or second width W2, previously discussed and fifth transition hexagon cleat 902 may have a width that is slight larger or substantially similar to first width W1 and/or second width W2. In other embodiments, the widths of fourth transition hexagon cleat 900 and fifth transition hexagon cleat 902 may be substantially similar to first width W1 and/or second width W2. In one exemplary embodiment, fifth length L5, fourth length L4, and the widths associated with fourth transition hexagon cleat 900 and fifth transition hexagon cleat 902 may gradually decrease from the distal end near heel region 14 towards the proximal end near midfoot region 12.
In different embodiments, the values of fourth length L4 and fifth length L5 may vary. In some embodiments, fourth length L4 may have a value approximately in the range between 5 mm and 14 mm. Also, fifth length L5 may have a value approximately in the range between 4 mm and 10 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, fourth length L4 and fifth length L5 may have approximate values of 12 mm and 8 mm, respectively. In other embodiments, however, fourth length L4 and fifth length L5 may have any other values.
Referring now to
As shown in
Referring to
In some embodiments, shifted cleat members may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in greater degree in correspondence with the proximity of the cleat member to the edge on medial side 16. In this embodiment, first shifted heel cleat member 1010 is located closer to the medial edge than fourth longitudinal hexagon cleat 406 and first shifted heel axis 1002 is skewed towards midfoot region 12 in a greater degree than first heel axis 1000. Similarly, second shifted heel cleat member 1012 may be closer to the medial edge than first shifted heel cleat member 1010. As a result, second shifted heel axis 1004 may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in a greater degree than first shifted heel axis 1002. In addition, second shifted heel axis 1004 may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in a substantially greater degree than first heel axis 1000. In this embodiment, second shifted heel cleat member 1012 and third shifted heel cleat member 1014 may be generally located with substantially similar proximity to the medial edge. Accordingly, in this embodiment, second shifted heel axis 1004 and third shifted heel axis 1006 may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in a substantially similar degree.
Additionally, in some embodiments, shifted cleat members may include one or more cleat members that transition orientation from having a length oriented along longitudinal axis 20 to having a length oriented along lateral axis 30 as previously discussed.
In other embodiments, any one or more of the shifted cleat members may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in greater degree in correspondence with the proximity of the cleat member to the edge on lateral side 18. In still other embodiments, any one or more of the shifted cleat members may be skewed towards midfoot region 12 in substantially similar degree independently of proximity to the lateral edge and/or medial edge. In other cases, shifted cleat members may have a skewed longitudinal axis. In different embodiments, the shifted cleat members may be skewed towards different regions of sole structure 104, including forefoot region 10, midfoot region 12, and/or heel region 14.
In some embodiments, one or more cleat members associated with the first cleat member set may have varying heights at portions of heel cleat system 114. In one embodiment, one or more of the shifted cleat members may be configured to have a shorter height adjacent to the medial edge. In an exemplary embodiment, fourth longitudinal hexagon cleat 406 may be associated with fourth height H4 as discussed above. As shown in
In some embodiments, cleat members associated with the first cleat member set associated with heel cleat system 114 may include additional elements for providing traction. In an exemplary embodiment, the first cleat member set associated with heel cleat system 114 may include one or more second hexagonal cleat members 302 with gripping member 500 disposed on a ground-engaging end of the cleat member, as previously discussed.
In some embodiments, one or more cleat members associated with the first cleat member set may have a different orientation of the vertical axis at portions of heal cleat system 114. In this embodiment, first shifted heel cleat member 1804 and second shifted heel cleat member 1806 may have a different orientation of the vertical axis than one or more cleat members disposed away from the medial edge, including first longitudinal hexagon cleat 1800 and/or second longitudinal hexagon cleat 1802. As shown
Referring now to
In one exemplary embodiment, second cleat system 212 may include a toe portion 1300 located at the distal end of forefoot region 10. In this embodiment, toe portion 1300 may bridge the area between lateral forefoot cleat system 122 and medial forefoot cleat system 120. In some embodiments, toe portion 1300 may include one or more cylindrical cleat members 312. In some cases, toe portion 1300 may include one or more conical cleat members 310, cylindrical cleat members 312, and/or round cleat members 314. In other cases, toe portion 1300 may not contain any cleat members. In other embodiments, the area between lateral forefoot cleat system 122 and medial forefoot cleat system 120 may include a portion of first cleat system 210. In still other embodiments, lateral forefoot cleat system 122 and medial forefoot cleat system 120 may be comprised of a single cleat system.
In some embodiments, medial forefoot cleat system 120 may include a first cleat arrangement 1302 and a second cleat arrangement 1304. In this embodiment, each of first cleat arrangement 1302 and/or second cleat arrangement 1304 may include one or more conical cleat members 310, cylindrical cleat members 312, and/or round cleat members 314. In some embodiments, first cleat arrangement 1302 and second cleat arrangement 1304 may be connected by a medial bridge 1306. In some cases, medial bridge 1306 may be of a substantially smaller thickness than first cleat arrangement 1302 and/or second cleat arrangement 1304 to provide for flexibility between the arrangements. Flexibility in sole structure 104 at medial bridge 1306 may enhance bending movements of a foot of the wearer of article 100. In some cases, medial bridge 1306 may be comprised of a substantially similar rigid material as second cleat system 212. In other cases, medial bridge 1306 may be comprised of a semi-rigid material that has less rigidity than second material 202. In still other cases, medial bridge 1306 may be part of first cleat system 210 and may be comprised of a substantially similar material as first material 200.
In some embodiments, first cleat arrangement 1302 includes a plurality of conical cleat members 310 in varying sizes. Conical cleat members 310 may have a truncated conical body portion and an indented tip portion. In this exemplary embodiment, conical cleat members 310 may be represented by a first conical cleat 1310, a second conical cleat 1312, and a third conical cleat 1314. In this embodiment, first conical cleat 1310 may be associated with a first diameter D1, second conical cleat 1312 may be associated with a second diameter D2, and third conical cleat 1314 may be associated with a third diameter D3. In different embodiments, each individual cleat member of a design associated with conical cleat members 310 may have a diameter that is substantially similar to first diameter D1, second diameter D2, and/or third diameter D3 associated with first conical cleat 1310, second conical cleat 1312, and third conical cleat 1314, respectively. In different embodiments, conical cleat members 310 may have varying diameters.
In some embodiments, first cleat arrangement 1302 may include a plurality of cylindrical cleat members 312. Cylindrical cleat members 312 may have a cylindrical body portion a slightly indented tip portion. In this exemplary embodiment, cylindrical cleat members 312 may be represented by a first cylindrical cleat 1316 and a second cylindrical cleat 1318. In this embodiment, first cylindrical cleat 1316 and second cylindrical cleat 1318 may be associated with a fourth diameter D4. In different embodiments, each individual cleat member of a design associated with cylindrical cleat members 312 may have a diameter that is substantially similar to fourth diameter D4. In other embodiments, first cylindrical cleat 1316 and second cylindrical cleat 1318 may be associated with different diameters. In different embodiments, cylindrical cleat members 312 may have varying diameters. Additionally, first cleat arrangement 1302 also may include a plurality of round cleat members 314.
In some embodiments, a cleat bridge 1308 may extend between one or more first cylindrical cleat members 310. In this embodiment, cleat bridge 1308 may extend between first cylindrical cleat 1310 and second cylindrical cleat 1312. In other cases, cleat bridge 1308 additionally may extend between second cylindrical cleat 1312 and third cylindrical cleat 1314. In different embodiments, cleat bridge 1308 may extend between one or more first cylindrical cleat members 310 associated with second cleat system 212. In an exemplary embodiment, cleat bridge 1308 may be comprised of a semi-rigid material that is substantially less rigid than second material 202. With this arrangement, cleat bridge 1308 may provide additional stability and/or traction to a foot of the wearer of article 100.
Referring to
In different embodiments, the values of first diameter D1, second diameter D2, third diameter D3, and fourth diameter D4 may vary. In some embodiments, first diameter D1 may have a value approximately in the range between 5 mm and 12 mm. Also, second diameter D2 may have a value approximately in the range between 4 mm and 10 mm. In addition, third diameter D3 may have a value approximately in the range between 3 mm and 8 mm. Fourth diameter may have a value approximately in the range between 2 mm and 5 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, first diameter D1, second diameter D2, third diameter D3, and fourth diameter D4 may have approximate values of 10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm, and 3 mm, respectively. In other embodiments, however, first diameter D1, second diameter D2, third diameter D3, and fourth diameter D4 may have any other values.
By using cleat members of increasing diameter, the contact area between each cleat member and a ground surface may vary so that each cleat may be tuned to provide maximum traction for a different type of surface. In the current embodiment, cylindrical cleat members 312 may have a relatively small diameter that is optimized for maximizing traction with soft natural grass. In addition, conical cleat members 310 may have a relatively large diameter that is optimized for maximizing traction with a synthetic surface. Furthermore, some conical cleat members 310 also may have an intermediate sized diameter that is optimized for maximizing traction with firm natural grass.
Additionally, in some embodiments, conical cleat members 310 and cylindrical cleat members 312 may be provided with different heights. By using cleat members with different heights, the depth of penetration of each cleat member into a ground surface may vary so that each cleat can be tuned to provide maximum traction for a different type of surface. In the current embodiment, cylindrical cleat members 312 may have a relatively small height that is optimized for maximizing traction with soft natural grass. In addition, conical cleat members 310 may have a relatively large height that is optimized for maximizing traction with a synthetic surface. Furthermore, some conical cleat members 310 may have an intermediate sized height that is optimized for maximizing traction with natural grass.
In some embodiments, an interior portion of conical cleat members 310 may form the indented tip portion. In one exemplary embodiment, the indented tip portion may be associated with a fifth diameter D5. In this embodiment, fifth diameter D5 is smaller than first diameter D1. In various embodiments, the value of fifth diameter D5 forms the diameter of indented tip portion of conical cleat member 310. In different embodiments, fifth diameter D5 may vary in proportion to the value of the diameter associated with the respective conical cleat member 310. In some embodiments, first diameter D1 may have a value approximately in the range between 2 mm and 8 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, first diameter D1 and fifth diameter D5 may have approximate values of 10 mm and 6 mm, respectively. In other embodiments, however, first diameter D1 and fifth diameter D5 may have any other values.
Referring now to
In different embodiments, the values of eight height H8, ninth height H9, and tenth height H10 may vary. In some embodiments, eighth height H8 may have a value approximately in the range between 6 mm and 14 mm. Also, ninth height H9 may have a value approximately in the range between 5 mm and 12 mm. In addition, tenth height H10 may have a value approximately in the range between 1 mm and 8 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, eight height H8, ninth height H9, and tenth height H10 may have approximate values of 12 mm, 8 mm, and 4 mm, respectively. In other embodiments, however, eight height H8, ninth height H9, and tenth height H10 may have any other values.
With this configuration, each element that comprises the composite cleat may undergo an amount of deformation upon contact with a ground surface that is optimized for a particular type of ground surface. For example, center post 1504 may be comprised of base material 1502 that does not deform much in order to maximize on a soft surface such as soft natural grass. In contrast, the outer portion of first conical cleat 1310 may be comprised of surrounding material 1500 that undergoes a higher amount of deformation to maximize traction on artificial turf surfaces, which are difficult to penetrate using cleat members and where it may be undesirable to use rigid cleats that puncture the turf. In other embodiments, base material 1502 and/or surrounding material 1500 may comprise a material that undergoes an intermediate amount of deformation to maximize traction on surfaces such as hard grass, where more deformation for a cleat member is desirable than on a surface such as soft natural grass.
Referring now to
In one exemplary embodiment, lateral heel cleat system 124 may be disposed on an outer periphery of sole structure 104 in heel region 14 on lateral side 18. In other embodiments, sole structure 104 additionally may include a medial heel cleat system disposed on an outer periphery of sole structure 104 in heel region 14 on medial side 16. In some cases, matching articles of footwear may have heel cleat systems disposed on opposing sides. For example, an article for a left foot may have lateral heel cleat system 124 disposed on lateral side 18, while a matching article for a right foot may have a medial heel cleat system disposed on medial side 16. In other cases, sole structure 104 may not include lateral heel cleat system 124 and/or a medial heel cleat system. In various embodiments, individual and/or pairs of articles may have other arrangements of heel cleat systems, as previously discussed.
It will be understood that the combination of characteristics taught in the exemplary embodiments may provide cleat systems that are optimized for use on different ground surfaces. Specifically, second cleat system 212 may be provided with a material of a generally high rigidity that undergoes little deformation upon contact with a ground surface. Furthermore, first cleat system 210 may comprise a large number of cleat members that are generally evenly distributed through a central portion of sole structure 104. With this arrangement, first cleat system 210 and/or second cleat system 212 may help to maximize traction on natural grasses, as well as on artificial turf and other synthetic surfaces.
This arrangement helps to provide maximum traction over multiple surfaces without the need for a user to change footwear. In other words, a single pair of footwear can be used with synthetic turf, natural grass and soft natural grass. This may help save a user the costs associated with purchasing multiple different pairs of footwear for use on different types of surfaces.
It will be understood that while the current embodiments use two cleat systems that are optimized for artificial turf, firm natural grasses and/or soft natural grasses, in other embodiments these cleat systems could be tuned to provide maximum traction on any other types of surfaces. In other embodiments, the rigidity, height, diameter, shape, location and number of cleat members comprising each cleat system may be tuned to maximize traction on any types of ground surfaces. Moreover, in still other embodiments, additional cleat systems may be provided to obtain maximum traction on additional types of ground surfaces. For example, in another embodiment, three distinct cleat systems may be used for maximizing traction on three different types of ground surfaces.
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.
