ATHLETIC SPORTS FOOTWEAR

Abstract

An athletic shoe includes a first cleat, a second cleat, and a third cleat. The first cleat is configured to extend and retract relative to a front portion of the athletic shoe. The second cleat is configured to rotate relative to a bottom portion of the athletic shoe. The third cleat is configured to extend from and retract into the at least one second cleat.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of athletic footwear. More specifically, this application relates to athletic footwear having movable cleats.

Athletic shoes that utilize cleats for purposes of providing the wearer with enhanced traction on grass and turf typically employ only fixed cleats that are generally molded to the underside of the shoe. Such cleats most commonly extend perpendicular to the bottom surface of the shoe and do not flex or otherwise move.

It has been observed that animals such as cats have claws that extend and retract, and such extension and retraction may contribute to the ability of such animals to move more effectively across varying terrain and to do so with increased agility.

It would be advantageous to provide an improved athletic shoe that incorporates technology that mimics the structure and movement of a cat's ligaments, metacarpals, joints and claws, with the goal of enhancing agility by the user and potentially reducing pain and injuries associated with conventional cleat designs.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment relates to an athletic shoe that includes a first cleat, a second cleat, and a third cleat. The first cleat is configured to extend and retract relative to a front portion of the athletic shoe. The second cleat is configured to rotate relative to a bottom portion of the athletic shoe. The third cleat is configured to extend from and retract into the second cleat.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to an athletic shoe that includes a first cleat, a second cleat, a third cleat, and a cooling system. The first cleat is configured to extend and retract relative to a front portion of the athletic shoe. The second cleat is configured to rotate relative to a bottom portion of the athletic shoe. The third cleat is configured to extend from and retract into the second cleat. The cooling system is configured to move air into and out of the athletic shoe. The cooling system includes a compression pump and valve device, a plurality of tubes, and a vent.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to an athletic shoe that includes a first cleat, a second cleat, a third cleat, and a pressure plate. The first cleat has a claw-like structure and is configured to extend and retract relative to a front portion of the athletic shoe. The second cleat is configured to rotate relative to a bottom portion of the athletic shoe. The third cleat is configured to extend from and retract into the second cleat. The pressure plate is located in a sole of the athletic shoe. The first cleat extends in response to pressure on the pressure plate, and the first cleat retracts in response to a reduction in pressure on the pressure plate.

Another exemplary embodiment relates to an athletic shoe that includes a cleat that is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to movement by a wearer of the athletic shoe. The cleat is configured to move from the first position to the second position when the wearer of the shoe applies downward pressure on the shoe, and the cleat is configured to return to the first position from the second position when the wearer of the shoe removes the downward pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an athletic shoe, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is another side view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is bottom view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9 is another detailed view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is another detailed view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is another detailed view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is side view of an athletic shoe, according to another exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14A is a detailed view of a plug for a locking mechanism in the athletic shoe of FIG. 13, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14B is a detailed view of a key for a locking mechanism in the athletic shoe of FIG. 13, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a detailed view of a mechanism within an athletic shoe, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is another detailed view of the mechanism of FIG. 15, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the FIGURES, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Athletic footwear is designed to increase agility and performance of a user. However, users can experience injuries to their feet, legs, etc. when using products that are currently available. Standard cleats may cause aches, pain, and injuries due to power and force being transferred to other parts of a user's foot. Further, standard cleats do not allow a user's foot to pivot left or right, which may increase ligament, tendon, and meniscus damage to a user's joints. The athletic footwear in the present disclosure is structured to mimic the anatomical structure, function, and movement of a cat to increase a user's traction, speed, agility, and power while reducing and/or preventing injuries such as ligament, tendon, or meniscus twisting injuries that are often linked to and experienced by many athletes who wear standard athletic footwear with spikes and studs. The athletic footwear in the present disclosure may include cleats and/or protrusions that may extend and retract and/or pivot left and right to provide a user with more traction and stability while at the same time providing the user with increased mobility to turn left and right which may decrease injuries.

The athletic footwear in the present disclosure is also designed to keep a user's foot dry and cool. Traditional athletic footwear does not allow air to effectively circulate, which traps moisture in the footwear causing the user's foot to get hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. The athletic footwear in the present disclosure may include a pump and valve device, a plurality of tubes, and a vent to thrust air into and out of the footwear to cool and dry a user's foot.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary embodiment of an athletic shoe 100 is shown. according to an exemplary embodiment, the athletic shoe 100 may include a strap 145 that is shaped to resemble an animal paw. In other embodiments, the strap 145 may have a different shape, such as rectangular, ovular, etc. The strap 145 may include fasteners and/or adhesives such as buckles, ties, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, etc. The athletic shoe 100 may include a pattern or design on the exterior such as a tiger pattern. In other embodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may include other patterns, designs, or fabrics on the exterior such as stripes, spots, images of animals, glow in the dark fabric, etc. In some embodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may include a non-slip material on the inside of the athletic shoe 100 which may be configured to increase traction of a user's foot with the athletic shoe 100.

The athletic shoe 100 includes first cleats 105 that may be curved and resemble a claw of a cat. According to other exemplary embodiments, the first cleats 105 may be straight, jagged, or any other shape. Although the shoe 100 is shown as having seven first cleats 105, according to other exemplary embodiments, a show may have greater or fewer first cleats (e.g., one first cleat, three first cleats, nine first cleats, etc.).

The first cleats 105 are configured to move between a first (“extended”) position (shown in FIG. 8) to a second (“retracted”) position (shown in FIG. 9), such that the first cleats 105 extend and retract relative to the front portion 110 of the athletic shoe 100. During the retraction operation in which the first cleats 105 move from the extended to the retracted position, the first cleats 105 are rotated downward and inward toward the center of the shoe in a manner that imitates the way a cat's foot “clenches” the claws downward to grip the terrain as the cat's feet contact the ground. In the extension operation, the process is reversed, such that the first cleats 105 are rotated upward and outward to return to the position illustrated in FIG. 8.

The first cleats 105 may improve grip and traction of the athletic shoe 100 with the ground. For example, when a user takes a step so that the athletic shoe 100 touches the ground, the first cleats 105 may retract into the retracted position to engage and grip the ground, providing the user with improved stability, grip, and traction. When a user lifts the athletic shoe 100 from the ground in preparation for taking the next step, the first cleats 105 may then move to return the extended position. This cycling between retracted and extended positions is repeated with each step as the first cleats 105 are actuated as the user takes steps.

To facilitate the extension and retraction of the first cleats 105, a pressure plate 115 may be provided, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 7-9. The pressure plate 115 may be positioned on top of a spring that is configured to bias the pressure plate 115 upward. The pressure plate 115 may be located in the sole of the athletic shoe 100, and may be coupled to the first cleats 105 via a plurality of fasteners such as rods, screws, etc. The first cleats 105 may retract relative to the front portion 110 of the athletic shoe 100 when a user takes a step and applies pressure to the pressure plate 115 when the shoe 100 touches the ground. Such pressure may be applied by any portion of the user's foot (e.g., the ball of the foot, the toes, or other parts of the foot) depending on the particular configuration of the athletic shoe and pressure plate. The weight of the user on the pressure plate effectively moves the pressure plate so as to move a mechanism that is responsible for the retraction of the first cleats 105. The first cleats 105 may then move toward the extended position when the user decreases pressure on the pressure plate 115 by lifting the foot off of the ground.

FIG. 8 shows the first cleats 105 in a fully extended position. The pressure plate 115 is connected to a first rod 165 (e.g., arm, segment, etc.), which is in turn connected to a second rod 170 by a pivot 175. The second rod 170 is connected to the first cleat 105 by another pivot 177. When the first cleats 105 are in the fully extended position, the first rod 165 and the second rod 170 extend in a linear configuration (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8, the first rod 165 and second rod 170 are essentially co-linear). When the user increases pressure on the pressure plate 115, the first cleats 105 may rotate in a direction 300 downward and inward of the extended position. Specifically, the movement of the pressure plate 115 causes a connection rod 275 to rotate in a direction 305. The rotation of the connection rod 275 causes the first rod 165 to rotate in a direction 310. The rotation of the first rod 165 causes the second rod 170 to rotate in a direction 315 such that the pivot 175 moves upward. The rotation of the second rod 170 causes the pivot 177 connected to the first cleat 105 to move in a direction 350. The first cleat 105 is also connected to a third rod 205 via a pivot point 176, and the third rod 205 is rotatably connected to a stationary anchor 210 that is connected to the bottom portion 125 of the shoe 100. When the pivot point 177 connecting the second rod 170 and the first cleat 105 moves in a direction 350, it applies a force with direction 350 on the first cleat 105 thus applying a force with a direction 350 on the third rod 205. Since the third rod is rotatably connected to the anchor 210, a moment is created causing the third rod 205, and thus the first cleat 105, to rotate in a direction 300.

FIG. 9 shows a fully retracted position of the first cleats 105 following the movement of the first cleat 105 in the direction 300. As illustrated, the first rod 165 and second rod 170 are no longer co-linear, with the pivot 175 above each of the first and second rods, forming a “V” shape. Return of the first cleats to the extended position follows the reverse path. That is, the first cleats 105 are extended in a similar manner as the retraction of the first cleats 105, however, the directions of force and rotation are opposite.

The athletic shoe 100 may also include one or more second cleats 120 that are configured to rotate relative to a bottom portion 125 of the athletic shoe 100. The rotation of the second cleats 120 may improve agility of a user, allowing the user to more effectively turn left or right. For example, when a user's foot turns or pivots, the user's movement causes the second cleats 120 to turn and pivot as well. The user's foot may provide a rotation force on the athletic shoe 100, causing the second cleats 120 to rotate relative to the athletic shoe 100. The rotation of the second cleats 120 may allow the athletic shoe 100 to turn with the user's foot. This may help prevent injuries to a user due to twisting such as damage to a ligament, tendon, and/or meniscus. The second cleats 120 may be protrusions that are prismatic, conical, or other suitable shapes.

At least one second cleat 120 may pivot and rotate from a first position to a second position relative to the athletic shoe 100 in response to movement of a user. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the athletic shoe 100 may include bearings that are attached to both the bottom portion 125 of the athletic shoe 100 and each of the second cleats 120 to allow movement of the second cleats 120 relative to the bottom portion 125 of the athletic shoe 100. According to an exemplary embodiment, the movement of the second cleats 120 between the first and second positions may provide for a rotation of up to 360 degrees. In another embodiment, the second cleats 120 may have a smaller range of rotation so that the second position may be up to 30, 60, etc. degrees relative to the first position. In some embodiments, each of the second cleats 120 may include a spring that is configured to bias the second cleat 120 to return from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may include only one second cleat 120.

Referring to FIGS. 10-11, at least one of the second cleats 120 may include an opening 130. The opening 130 may be located in the center of the second cleat 120 and may be cylindrical in shape. In some embodiments, the opening 130 may be located off-center in the second cleat 120. A third cleat 135 may be located within the opening 130. The third cleat 135 may be coupled to a spring 140 and configured to extend from and retract into the second cleat 120.

The third cleat 135 may extend when the user applies pressure on the pressure plate 115. Similar to the first cleats 105, fasteners such as rods and screws within the athletic shoe 100 may move so that that the third cleat 135 extends when the user applies pressure on the pressure plate 115 and retracts when the user decreases pressure on the pressure plate 115. When extended, the third cleat 135 may contact the ground and provide the user with additional stability, grip, and traction. The third cleat 135 may be provided as a protrusions in the shape of a conical spike. The conical spike shape of the third cleat 135 may allow the third cleat 135 to make divots or indentations in the ground, which may further help improve grip, traction, and stability of the athletic shoe 100 with the ground. Additionally or alternatively, the third cleat 135 may be a protrusion that is prismatic in shape.

Referring to FIG. 12, the athletic shoe 100 may include a cooling system 150. The cooling system 150 may include a compression pump and valve device 155. In other embodiments the cooling system 150 may include inflation bulbs and springs. The at least one compression pump and valve device 155 may be configured to thrust air into and out of the athletic shoe 100 when a user takes a step to cool and dry the user's foot. For example, when the user takes a step, the user applies a downward force which may compress the compression pump and valve device 155 causing air to travel out of the athletic shoe 100 through the compression pump and valve device 155. When the user lifts the athletic shoe 100 off the ground, the compression pump and valve device 155 decompresses causing air to travel into the athletic shoe 100 through the compression pump and valve device 155. The at least one valve within the compression pump and valve device 155 may be a check valve, clack valve, non-return valve, reflux valve, retention valve, a one-way valve, or a two-way valve, but other types of valves may also be included in the cooling system 150.

The cooling system 150 may also include a plurality of tubes 160 connected to the compression pump and valve device 155. The plurality of tubes 160 may be configured to circulate air throughout the athletic shoe 100. For example, air received into the athletic shoe 100 through the compression pump and valve device 155 may travel through the plurality of tubes 160. In some embodiments, the cooling system 150 may also include a vent to promote airflow into and out of the athletic shoe 100. For example, air that has traveled through the plurality of tubes 160 may exit the athletic shoe 100 through the vent. The vent may be located on the side of the athletic shoe 100. In other embodiments, the vent may be located on the bottom of the shoe, but any location on the shoe may be sufficient for placement of the vent.

Referring to FIG. 13, another embodiment of the athletic shoe 100 may include a locking mechanism 180 configured to activate and deactivate the first cleats 105 so that the first cleats 105 cannot extend and retract relative to the front portion 110 of the athletic shoe 100. In some embodiments, the athletic shoe 100 may include a clamping device 185. The clamping device may be configured to tighten the portion of the athletic shoe 100 that is disposed around a user's ankle. The clamping device 185 may be attached to a winding device positioned inside of the athletic shoe 100. A flexible string may also be positioned within the athletic shoe 100 disposed in an area around a user's ankle. When a user twists the clamping device 185, the winding device may wind the flexible string around the winding device so that the portion of the athletic shoe 100 around the user's ankle tightens and provides a more secure fit of the athletic shoe 100 on the user.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, the locking mechanism 180 may include a plug 250 that may include a rod 255 and an opening 260. The opening may be configured to receive a key 265. A user may insert the key 265 into the opening 260. The key 265 may rotate the plug 250 which may cause the rod 255 to rotate as well. When locking the locking mechanism 180, the plug 250 may rotate so that the rod 255 is positioned under the pressure plate 115 thus preventing movement of the pressure plate 115 in a downward direction when a user takes a step. Since the pressure plate 115 cannot move in a downward direction, the first cleats 105 cannot extend. To unlock the locking mechanism 180, a user may rotate the key 265 in the opening 260 of the plug 250 so that the rod 255 is rotated out from under the pressure plate 115 thus allowing the pressure plate 115 to move in a downward direction when a user takes a step. When the pressure plate 115 moves in a downward direction, the first cleats 105 may extend.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, another embodiment of a mechanism for extending and retracting the first cleats of the athletic shoe 100 is shown. The athletic shoe 100 may include a plurality of gears that are configured extend and retract the first cleats 105. A primary rod 215 may be connected to the pressure plate 115 (the pressure plate is not shown in this drawing figure, but would be connected to primary rod 215 at the end thereof). The primary rod 215 may be rigidly connected to a primary gear 190 via a screw 175. In some embodiments, the primary gear 190 may be a sprocket. The primary gear 190 may be connected to a secondary gear 195. In some embodiments, the secondary gear 195 may be a sprocket. The secondary gear 195 may be rigidly connected to the first cleat 105 via a screw 175.

FIG. 15 shows an illustration of retraction of the first cleat 105. A force from the pressure plate may cause the primary rod 215 to rotate in a direction 500. The motion of the primary rod 215 may cause the primary gear 190 to rotate in a direction 225 further causing the secondary gear 195 and the first cleat 105 to rotate in a direction 230 thus rotating the first cleat 105 into a retracted position.

FIG. 16 shows an illustration of extension of the first cleat 105. A force from the pressure plate may cause the primary rod 215 to rotate in a direction 235. The motion of the primary rod 215 may cause the primary gear 190 to rotate in a direction 240 further causing the secondary gear 195 and the first cleat 105 to rotate in a direction 245 thus rotating the first cleat 105 into an extended position.

As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/−10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.

Claims

1. An athletic shoe, comprising: a first cleat that is configured to extend and retract relative to a front portion of the athletic shoe;a second cleat that is configured to rotate relative to a bottom portion of the athletic shoe; anda third cleat that is configured to extend from and retract into the second cleat.

2. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising a cooling system configured to move air into and out of the athletic shoe, the cooling system comprising: a compression pump and valve device;a plurality of tubes; anda vent.

3. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising a pressure plate located in a sole of the athletic shoe.

4. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein the first cleat is configured to extend in response to pressure on the pressure plate.

5. The athletic shoe of claim 3, wherein the first cleat is configured to retract in response to a reduction in pressure on the pressure plate.

6. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the second cleat is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in response to movement of a user, wherein the second position may be up to 360 degrees relative to the first position.

7. The athletic shoe of claim 6, wherein the second cleat comprises a spring that is configured to bias the second cleat to return to the first position.

8. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the third cleat is further configured to rotate relative to the bottom portion of the athletic shoe.

9. The athletic shoe of claim 1, wherein the first cleat is curved and resembles a claw-like structure.

10. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising a strap, wherein the strap resembles an animal paw.

11. The athletic shoe of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism that is configured to deactivate the first cleat so that it cannot extend and retract relative to the front portion of the athletic shoe.

12. An athletic shoe, comprising: a first cleat that is configured to extend and retract relative to a front portion of the athletic shoe;a second cleat that is configured to rotate relative to a bottom portion of the athletic shoe;a third cleat that is configured to extend from and retract into the second cleat; anda cooling system configured to move air into and out of the athletic shoe, the cooling system comprising: a compression pump and valve device;a plurality of tubes; anda vent.

13. The athletic shoe of claim 12, further comprising a pressure plate located in a sole of the athletic shoe.

14. The athletic shoe of claim 13, wherein the first cleat extends in response to pressure on the pressure plate, and wherein the first cleat retracts in response to a reduction in pressure on the pressure plate.

15. The athletic shoe of claim 12, wherein the second cleat is configured to rotate from a first position to a second position in response to movement of a user, wherein the second position may be up to 360 degrees relative to the first position, and wherein the second cleat comprises a spring that is configured to bias the second cleat to return to the first position.

16. The athletic shoe of claim 12, wherein the third cleat is further configured to rotate relative to the bottom portion of the athletic shoe.

17. The athletic shoe of claim 12, further comprising a locking mechanism that is configured to deactivate the first cleat so that it cannot extend and retract relative to the front portion of the athletic shoe.

18. An athletic shoe, comprising: a cleat that is configured to move between a first position and a second position in response to movement by a wearer of the athletic shoe, wherein the cleat is configured to move from the first position to the second position when the wearer of the shoe applies downward pressure on the shoe, and the cleat is configured to return to the first position from the second position when the wearer of the shoe removes the downward pressure.

19. The athletic shoe of claim 19, further comprising a pressure plate located in a sole of the athletic shoe, and wherein the first cleat is configured to move from the first position to the second position when pressure is applied to the pressure plate.

20. The athletic shoe of claim 19, wherein movement from the first position to the second position causes the first cleat to rotate downward and inward toward the center of the shoe.