Patent Grant
9622545
Conventional footwear (e.g., work boots, athletic shoes, ski boots, etc.) often provides inadequate traction under certain environmental conditions (e.g., inclement or slippery surfaces). For example, even work boots, which often provide rugged tread on the bottom of their soles, may lack adequate fraction on an icy surface, such as a frozen construction site or highway. The drawbacks of moving across a soft or a slippery surface include risk of falls, injury, and/or inconvenience. Overshoes that provide traction can improve stability and reduce slipping in a variety of environmental conditions.
Conventional cleats or pin inserts may be used in overshoes, protruding from the bottom of the sole of the overshoe. A user of the overshoe pushes the cleats into a ground surface to grip the surface as the user stands or walks. However, the protruding nature of the cleats renders them vulnerable to wear or damage. For example, walking on hard surfaces or the installation and removal process can cause loosen or cause damage to the cleat.
The technology disclosed herein includes a dual-molded layer overshoe comprising a cleat, a sole layer configured to receive the cleat, and an upper layer, wherein the upper is molded to the sole layer and the upper layer has a lower durometer measurement than the sole layer, and wherein the cleat is secured between the sole layer and the upper layer. Significant elasticity in the upper layer allows stretching for installation and removal. Reduced elasticity in the sole layer offers greater durability in terms of spike retention and abrasion resistance. In one implementation, the components are assembled in one contiguous, fixed arrangement, wherein the cleat is molded into the sole layer, and the upper layer is then molded to the sole layer over the cleats.
This Summary is provided to introduce an election of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other features, details, utilities, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be apparent from the following more particular written Detailed Description of various implementations and implementations as further illustrated in the accompanying drawings and defined in the appended claims.
Overshoes are typically worn over primary footwear (e.g., a shoe). However, overshoes can also be used without covering a primary shoe, and used directly on top of a user's foot. When used over primary footwear, the overshoe includes an upper layer that attaches to the top and sides of the footwear, and a sole layer that underlies the sole of the footwear. The sole layer is sized to accommodate the sole of the primary footwear and is shaped with a perimeter that is roughly the shape of a shoe or boot sole. When worn, the sole layer underlies a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and a hind-foot region of the user's primary footwear.
The technology disclosed herein includes an apparatus, system, and method of manufacturing for a dual-molded layer overshoe. Specifically, the disclosed overshoe comprises a cleat, a sole layer configured to receive the cleat, and an upper layer, wherein the upper layer is molded to the sole layer and has a lower durometer measurement than the sole layer, and wherein the cleat is secured between the sole layer and the upper layer. The technology disclosed herein provides for a compact, industrial strength walking device for adverse environmental conditions, such as ice and snow, that provides improved cold weather flexibility, enhanced traction sole surfaces and protection, resists slippage, and fits easily and conveniently over all types of footwear.
As shown in
The upper layer 102 has a lower durometer (or hardness) measurement (e.g., a range of 30-50 A) than the sole layer 104 (e.g., a range of 75-95 A). This combination of different hardness measurements provides for structural integrity as well as flexible function of the overshoe 100. A lower durometer upper layer 102 provides improved cold weather flexibility and stretching of the overshoe 100 for removal and installation to the boot 114. Reduced elasticity in the higher durometer sole layer offers greater durability in terms of cleat (or pin) retention and abrasion resistance of the overshoe 100. As shown, the upper layer 102 covers and secures a toe area 118 and a heel area of the footwear 114 in a form-fitting manner. The sole layer 104 underlies the upper layer 102. The upper layer 102 is generally stretchable by a wearer or user of the footwear 114. In some implementations, the upper layer 102 is made of an elastic material, although other non-elastic materials may be used as well.
The upper layer 102 may be stretched when the user puts the upper layer 102 onto the footwear 114 and not stretched (or less stretched) when in place on the footwear 114. During installation, a front portion of an overshoe 100 and/or the back portion of the overshoe 100 may be stretched to allow for insertion of the boot 114. The sole layer 104, which has a higher durometer measurement than the upper layer 102, is generally disposed under the toe portion (not shown) and the heel portion (not shown) of the primary footwear 114. During removal, a front portion of an overshoe 100, and/or the back portion of the overshoe 100, may be stretched to allow the overshoe 100 to detach from the boot 114. A higher durometer sole layer 104 offers greater durability in terms of cleat (or pin) retention and abrasion resistance. In one implementation, the sole layer 104 can also be aggressively treaded.
The upper layer 102 and the sole layer 104 may comprise of one or more additional segments or portions. For example, there is a pull-tab 110 shown as part of the upper layer 102. The pull-tab assists in removal of the overshoe from the boot 114. The stretchability or elasticity of the low durometer upper layer allows for quick removal from the boot 114, and a pull-tab further decreases removal time and/or user effort. Additionally, the sole layer 104 has lug portions (e.g., lug portion 116) on the bottom of the sole layer 104.
At least one cleat (e.g., cleat 108) is inserted in the top surface of the harder sole layer 104, and located in between the sole layer and the upper layer. The cleat (e.g., grass cleat, bicycle cleat, or ice cleat) may be one or more components that extend from inside of the overshoe 100 through the bottom surface of the overshoe 100. The cleat is a rigid or a semi-rigid projection, which contacts a ground surface and grips the surface providing traction to a user wearing the overshoe 100. The placement of the cleat can vary. The cleat may be placed to protrude from the bottom surface of the sole layer, underlying a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and/or a hind-foot region of a user's foot.
In one implementation, the cleat may be one component. For example, the cleat may resemble a tack and be continuous in material. In another implementation, the cleat may include several components, such as a pin plate with one or more pins inserted in the pin plate and extending out of the pin plate, and through the bottom surface of the sole layer to contact a ground surface. The pin plate may be molded into the sole layer or attached by other mechanisms. The one or more pins may be studs, spikes, screws, etc., for example. The pins may also be made of a variety of materials (e.g., metal alloys, aluminum, tungsten, stainless steel, plastic, or other suitable materials). There may be one pin centered and embedded in each pin plate, or more than one pin in embedded in each pin plate.
In the implementation shown in
The pins (or cleats), which can vary in number, provide traction in the overshoe 100. In one implementation, a pin is molded into a pin plate, and the pin plate is molded into the sole layer. As a result, this configuration provides aggressive snow tread and improved spike retention preventing loss of the pin.
In one implementation, an overshoe may have 26 exposed tungsten carbide pins and corresponding pin plates. The pins can vary in distance projecting from the corresponding lugs of the overshoe 100 (e.g., 1 mm, 2 mm, etc.). For example, a pin projection of about 2.5 mm offers aggressive traction. In another example, a pin projection of about 1 mm offers sufficient traction and can be used for walking indoors or for transitional traction (i.e., traction in both indoor and outdoor environments).
In one implementation, the pins may be separate components from the pin plates and attached to the pin plates by interference fit, molding, or other means. For example, the pins may be metal pins that are molded into plastic pin plates. Molding of the pins into the pin plates in a fixed arrangement provides durability and allows users to use the overshoe with confidence.
Further, the pins may be positioned in the pin plates, wherein a majority of each pin is located in a pin plate, and a smaller portion of the pin protrudes down through the bottom surface of the lug portion of the sole layer 104, and into a ground surface during use.
The pin plates may be located in a variety of configurations in the sole layer 104 and the upper layer 102. In one implementation, the pin plates may be positioned entirely in the sole layer 104, with the upper layer 102 having contact with only the top surface of the pin plates. In yet another implementation, the pin plates may be located in both the sole layer 104, and the upper layer 102. In either of these two implementations, there may be at least a portion of upper layer 102 material above the top surface of the pin plates to provide cushioning for the user's foot for comfort and to avoid unwanted fatiguing.
As shown in
The upper layer 202 has a lower durometer (or hardness) measurement (e.g., a range of 30-50 A) than the sole layer 204 (e.g., a range of 75-95 A). This combination of different hardness measurements provides for structural integrity as well as flexible function of the overshoe 200. A lower durometer upper layer 202 provides improved cold weather flexibility and stretching of the overshoe 200 for removal and installation to footwear. Reduced elasticity in the higher durometer sole layer offers greater durability in terms of cleat (or pin) retention and abrasion resistance of the overshoe 200.
The upper layer 202 and the sole layer 204 may comprise of one or more additional segments or portions. For example, there is a pull-tab 210 shown as part of the upper layer 202. The pull-tab assists in removal of the overshoe from footwear. The stretchability or elasticity of the low durometer upper layer allows for quick removal from the footwear, and a pull-tab further decreases removal time and/or user effort. Additionally, the sole layer 204 has lug portions (e.g., lug portion 216) on the bottom of the sole layer 204.
At least one cleat (e.g., cleat 208) is inserted in the harder sole layer 204, and located in between the sole layer and the upper layer. The cleat (e.g., grass cleat, bicycle cleat, or ice cleat) may be one or more components that extend from inside of the overshoe 200 through the bottom surface of the overshoe 200. The cleat is a rigid or a semi-rigid projection, which contacts a ground surface and grips the surface providing traction to a user wearing the overshoe 200. The placement of the cleat can vary. The cleat may be placed to protrude from the bottom surface of the sole layer, underlying a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and/or a hind-foot region of a user's foot.
In one implementation, the cleat may be one component. For example, the cleat may resemble a tack and be continuous in material. In another implementation, the cleat may include several components, such as a pin plate (not shown) with one or more pins (e.g., pin 208) inserted in the pin plate and extending out of the pin plate, and through the bottom surface of the sole layer to contact a ground surface. The pin plate may be molded into the sole layer or attached by other mechanisms. The one or more pins may be studs, spikes, screws, etc., for example. The pins may also be made of a variety of materials (e.g., metal alloys, aluminum, tungsten, stainless steel, plastic, or other suitable materials). There may be one pin centered and embedded in each pin plate, or more than one pin in embedded in each pin plate.
In the implementation shown in
In
The pin (or cleat), which can vary in number, provide fraction in the overshoe 100. In one implementation, a pin is molded into a pin plate, and the pin plate is molded into the sole layer. As a result, this configuration provides aggressive snow tread and improved spike retention preventing loss of the pin (or spike).
In one implementation, an overshoe may have 26 exposed tungsten carbide pins and corresponding pin plates. The pins can vary in distance projecting from the corresponding lugs of the overshoe 200 (e.g., 1 mm, 2 mm, etc.). For example, a pin projection of about 2.5 mm offers aggressive traction. In another example, a pin projection of about 1 mm offers sufficient traction and can be used for walking indoors or for transitional traction (i.e., traction in both indoor and outdoor environments).
The pin plates may be located in a variety of configurations in the sole layer and the upper layer. The pin plates may be positioned entirely in the sole layer, with the upper layer having contact with only the top surface of the pin plates. In yet another implementation, the pin plates may be located in both the sole layer, and the upper layer.
The upper layer 302 has a lower durometer measurement than the sole layer 304. The stretchability or elasticity of the low durometer upper layer allows for quick removal from the foot. A higher durometer sole layer 304 offers greater durability in terms of cleat (or pin) retention and abrasion resistance.
The upper layer 302 has a lower durometer (or hardness) measurement (e.g., a range of 30-50 A) than the sole layer 304 (e.g., a range of 75-95 A). This combination of different hardness measurements provides for structural integrity as well as flexible function of the overshoe 300. A lower durometer upper layer 302 provides improved cold weather flexibility and stretching of the overshoe 300 for removal and installation to footwear. Reduced elasticity in the higher durometer sole layer offers greater durability in terms of cleat (or pin) retention and abrasion resistance of the overshoe 300. The upper layer 302 is generally stretchable by a wearer or user. In some implementations, the upper layer 302 is made of an elastic material, although other non-elastic materials may be used as well.
The upper layer 302 and the sole layer 304 may comprise of one or more additional segments or portions. For example, in this implementation, the sole layer 304 has lug portions (e.g., lug portion 316) on the bottom of the sole layer 304. Also, the sole layer 304 is shown as two separate components. The upper layer 302 in this implementation is one component.
At least one cleat (e.g., cleat 308) is inserted in the harder sole layer 304, and located in between the sole layer and the upper layer. The cleat (e.g., grass cleat, bicycle cleat, or ice cleat) may be one or more components that extend from inside of the overshoe 300 through the bottom surface of the overshoe 300. The cleat is a rigid or a semi-rigid projection, which contacts a ground surface and grips the surface providing traction to a user wearing the overshoe 300. The placement of the cleat can vary. The cleat may be placed to protrude from the bottom surface of the sole layer, underlying a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and/or a hind-foot region of a user's foot.
In one implementation, the cleat may be one component. For example, the cleat may resemble a tack and be continuous in material. In another implementation, the cleat may include several components, such as a pin plate (not shown) with one or more pins (e.g., pin 308) inserted in the pin plate and extending out of the pin plate, and through the bottom surface of the sole layer to contact a ground surface. The pin plate may be molded into the sole layer or attached by other mechanisms. The one or more pins may be studs, spikes, screws, etc., for example. The pins may also be made of a variety of materials (e.g., metal alloys, aluminum, tungsten, stainless steel, plastic, or other suitable materials). There may be one pin centered and embedded in each pin plate, or more than one pin in embedded in each pin plate.
In the implementation shown in
The pins (or cleats), which can vary in number, provide traction in the overshoe 300. In one implementation, a pin is molded into a pin plate, and the pin plate is molded into the sole layer. As a result, this configuration provides aggressive snow tread and improved spike retention preventing loss of the pin.
In one implementation, an overshoe may have 26 exposed tungsten carbide pins and corresponding pin plates. The pins can vary in distance projecting from the corresponding lugs of the overshoe 300 (e.g., 1 mm, 2 mm, etc.). For example, a pin projection of about 2.5 mm offers aggressive traction. In another example, a pin projection of about 1 mm offers sufficient traction and can be used for walking indoors or for transitional traction (i.e., traction in both indoor and outdoor environments).
In one implementation, the pins may be separate components from the pin plates and attached to the pin plates by interference fit, molding, or other means. For example, the pins may be metal pins that are molded into plastic pin plates. Molding of the pins into the pin plates in a fixed arrangement provides durability and allows users to use the overshoe 300 with confidence.
Further, the pins may be positioned in the pin plates, wherein a majority of each pin is located in a pin plate, and a smaller portion of the pin protrudes down through the bottom surface of the lug portion of the sole layer 304, and into a ground surface during use. In another implementation, the pin plates may be located in a variety of configurations in the sole layer 304 and the upper layer 302. The pin plates may be positioned entirely in the sole layer 304, with the upper layer 302 having contact with only the top surface of the pin plates. In yet another implementation, the pin plates may be located in both the sole layer 304, and the upper layer 302.
The upper layer 402 has a lower durometer (or hardness) measurement (e.g., a range of 30-50 A) than the sole layer 404 (e.g., a range of 75-95 A). This combination of different hardness measurements provides for structural integrity as well as flexible function of the overshoe 400. A lower durometer upper layer 402 provides improved cold weather flexibility and stretching of the overshoe 400 for removal and installation to footwear. Reduced elasticity in the higher durometer sole layer offers greater durability in terms of cleat (or pin) retention and abrasion resistance of the overshoe 400.
The upper layer 402 and the sole layer 404 may comprise of one or more additional segments or portions. For example, the sole layer 404 has lug portions (e.g., lug portion 416) on the bottom of the sole layer 404.
At least one cleat (e.g., cleat 408) is inserted in the harder sole layer 404, and located in between the sole layer and the upper layer. The cleat (e.g., grass cleat, bicycle cleat, or ice cleat) may be one or more components that extend from inside of the overshoe 400 through the bottom surface of the overshoe 400. The cleat is a rigid or a semi-rigid projection, which contacts a ground surface and grips the surface providing traction to a user wearing the overshoe 400. The placement of the cleat can vary. The cleat may be placed to protrude from the bottom surface of the sole layer, underlying a forefoot region, a mid-foot region, and/or a hind-foot region of a user's foot.
In one implementation, the cleat may be one component. For example, the cleat may resemble a tack and be continuous in material. In another implementation, the cleat may include several components, such as a pin plate (e.g., pin plate 406) with one or more pins (e.g., pin 408) inserted in the pin plate and extending out of the pin plate, and through the bottom surface of the sole layer to contact a ground surface. The pin plate may be molded into the sole layer or attached by other mechanisms. The one or more pins may be studs, spikes, screws, etc., for example. The pins may also be made of a variety of materials (e.g., metal alloys, aluminum, tungsten, stainless steel, plastic, or other suitable materials). There may be one pin centered and embedded in each pin plate, or more than one pin in embedded in each pin plate.
In the implementation shown in
The pins (or cleats), which can vary in number, provide traction in the overshoe 400. In one implementation, a pin is permanently molded into a pin plate, and the pin plate is permanently molded into the sole layer. As a result, this configuration provides aggressive snow tread and improved spike retention preventing loss of pins (or spikes).
In one implementation, an overshoe may have 26 exposed tungsten carbide pins and corresponding pin plates. The pins can vary in distance projecting from the corresponding lugs of the overshoe 400 (e.g., 1 mm, 2 mm, etc.). For example, a pin projection of about 2.5 mm offers aggressive traction. In another example, a pin projection of about 1 mm offers sufficient traction and can be used for walking indoors or for transitional traction (i.e., fraction in both indoor and outdoor environments).
In one implementation, the pins may be separate components from the pin plates and attached to the pin plates by interference fit, molding, or other means. For example, the pins may be metal pins that are molded into plastic pin plates. Molding of the pins into the pin plates in a fixed arrangement provides durability and allows users to use the overshoe 400 with confidence.
As shown in
A first insertion operation 504 inserts pins into pin plates to form cleats. The pins can be of varying height (e.g., 1 mm, 2.5 mm, etc.). The pins can be inserted into pin plates by molding the pins into the pin plates in a fixed arrangement. Molding of the pins into the pin plates in a fixed arrangement provides maximum durability and allows users to use the overshoe with confidence.
The pins may be studs, spikes, screws, etc. The pins may also be made of a variety of materials (e.g., metal alloys, aluminum, tungsten, stainless steel, plastic, or other suitable materials). There can be any number of pins and pin plates (e.g., 26 pins and 26 pin plates), however, each pin plate comprises one pin. The pins are inserted to extend from inside through the bottom surface of the sole layer of the overshoe to contact a ground surface.
In another implementation, the pins and pin plates are one component. For example, a cleat can comprise of a pin and a base pin plate, all in one configuration and material. The cleats contact a ground surface and grip the surface providing traction during use.
In another implementation, the pins may be inserted in the pin plates, wherein a majority of each pin is positioned in the pin plate, and the smaller portion of each pin protrudes down through the bottom surface of the lug portions of the sole layer, and into a ground surface during use. In another implementation, the pin plates may be located in a variety of configurations in the sole layer and the upper layer. The pin plates may be positioned entirely in the sole layer, with the upper layer having contact with only the top surface of the pin plates. In yet another implementation, the pin plates may be located in both the sole layer, and the upper layer.
A second insertion operation 506 inserts the cleats into the sole layer. The cleats can be molded into the sole layer, or attached by other means. The pin plates of the cleats can be positioned completely in the sole layer, wherein the top surfaces of the pin plates are level with the top surface of the sole layer. Or, in another implementation, part of the pin plates can remain above the top surface of the sole layer. When the pin plates, which have the pins attached, are inserted into the sole layer, the pins forcibly protrude through the bottom surface of the sole layer. In some implementations, the pin plates will be inserted into lug portions of the sole layer and the pins will forcibly protrude through the bottom surface of lug portions of the sole layer.
In an implementation using cleats, the cleats are inserted into the sole layers, positioned wherein the rigid projections of the cleats extend through the bottom of the sole layer. In some implementations, the cleats may protrude through a relatively flat, bottom surface of the sole layer. In another implementation, the cleats may protrude through a lug portion of the sole layer.
A second molding operation 508 molds an upper layer to the sole layer. The upper layer is a lower durometer than the sole layer. In the implementation where the top surfaces of the pins plates are level with the top surface of the sole layer, the upper layer covers the top surfaces of the pin plates. In the implementation where part of the pin plates remain above the top surface of the sole layer, the upper layer is molded directly (e.g., no glue, adhesives, etc. are used) on top and around the pin plates, and onto the sole layer.
Once assembled, the dual-molded layer overshoe comprises of a sole layer attached to the bottom of an upper layer of lower durometer measurement. A plurality of pins protrudes from pin plates through the bottom surface of lug portions of the sole layer to contact a ground surface during use. Significant elasticity in the lower durometer upper layer provides improved cold weather flexibility and stretch for removal and installation. Reduced elasticity in the higher durometer sole layer offers greater durability in terms of cleat (or pin) retention and abrasion resistance.
The specific steps discussed with respect to each of the implementations disclosed herein are a matter of choice and may depend on the materials utilized and/or the topography-related requirements of a given system. The steps discussed may be performed in any order, adding and omitting as desired, unless explicitly claimed otherwise or a specific order is inherently necessitated by the claim language. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary implementations of the invention. Since many implementations of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
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