System for Protecting Ground Surfaces from Shoe Spikes and Protective Covering for a Spike of a Shoe

Abstract

A protective spike covering for covering a spike of a shoe. The protective spike covering includes a covering member having a top portion, a bottom portion, a height extending from the top portion to the bottom portion, and a cavity. The top portion defines an opening into the cavity and the bottom portion forms a base that defines an enclosed bottom end of the cavity. The covering member has a perimeter portion that defines a perimeter of the cavity. The covering member is of a size and an arrangement such that the spike is passable into the cavity through the opening and such that the perimeter portion engages a perimeter of the spike to couple the protective spike covering to the shoe by interference fit or suction-enhanced vacuum fit.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to system for protecting a ground surface from the hard (e.g., metal) spikes of certain.

BACKGROUND

Shoes with hard (e.g., metal) spikes are used in a multitude of applications that require enhanced traction. One well-known type of shoe that is equipped with metal spikes is a baseball shoe.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a protective spike covering for covering a spike of a shoe. The protective spike covering includes a covering member having a top portion, a bottom portion, a height extending from the top portion to the bottom portion, and a cavity. The top portion defines an opening into the cavity and the bottom portion forms a base that defines an enclosed bottom end of the cavity. The covering member has a perimeter portion that defines a perimeter of the cavity. The covering member is of a size and an arrangement such that the spike can be pressed into the cavity through the opening and such that the perimeter portion engages a perimeter of the spike to couple the protective spike covering to the shoe by interference fit or suction-enhanced vacuum fit.

In another aspect, a protection system for a shoe having a plurality of spikes comprises a plurality of separate spike coverings. Each spike covering is configured to couple to a respective one of the plurality of spikes by interference fit.

Other aspects and features will be apparent hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a shoe with metal spikes.

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a protective spike covering.

FIG. 3 is an elevation of the protective spike covering.

FIG. 4 is top plan view of the protective spike covering.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-section of the protective spike covering.

FIG. 5A is a vertical cross-section similar to FIG. 5 of another spike covering.

FIG. 6 is a perspective of another embodiment of a protective spike covering.

FIG. 7 is another perspective of the protective spike covering of FIG. 6.

Reference is made in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designate like parts throughout that are corresponding and/or analogous. It will be appreciated that the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration. For example, dimensions of some aspects may be exaggerated relative to others. Further, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. Furthermore, structural and/or other changes may be made without departing from claimed subject matter. References throughout this specification to “claimed subject matter” refer to subject matter intended to be covered by one or more claims, or any portion thereof, and are not necessarily intended to refer to a complete claim set, to a particular combination of claim sets (e.g., method claims, apparatus claims, etc.), or to a particular claim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As seen generally in FIG. 1, the present disclosure provides a system for protecting a ground surface from the spikes 12 of a shoe 14. The shoe 14 can be used in a multitude of applications, but will most commonly be used for playing competitive baseball. The spike 12 of the shoe 14 is configured to provide additional traction to the user when walking or running on natural outdoor ground (e.g., dirt and natural turf). In the illustrated embodiment, the spike 12 is a thin but rigid metal tab that protrudes downward from the sole of the shoe. When particularly good traction is required (e.g., in the case of an outdoor baseball shoe), it is known to use metal spikes 12 as shown. However, it is also known to form spikes, cleats, or studs from other hard materials (e.g., vulcanized rubber). Regardless of the particular material chosen, hard, thin spikes 12 can bite into a ground surface as the wearer walks or runs.

The present inventor has recognized that hard, thin spikes 12 are also capable of damaging indoor or manufactured surfaces such as artificial turf or carpet. As explained in further detail below, the protection system contemplated in this disclosure includes a plurality of individual spike coverings 10 that fit over individual spikes 12 to provide a contact surface with the ground that is both (i) softer than and (ii) enlarged in relation to the contact surface provided by the bare spikes. Only one spike covering is shown, but it is understood that a protection system within the scope of certain embodiments of this disclosure will have an individual spike covering for each of the spikes 12 of the shoe. It is believed that the coverings 10 provide a way of protecting manufactured surfaces from the spikes 12. Moreover, the protective spike coverings 10 can be removable to enable the wearer to use a single pair of shoes 14 for both (i) events on outdoor ground requiring metal spikes 12 and (ii) events on manufactured surfaces that may be damaged by metal spikes.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the shoe 14 comprises a sole 16 and a body 18 supported by the sole. The metal spikes 12 extend downward from a lower surface 20 of the sole 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole 16 includes protruding ribbing 22 (e.g., bosses or pads). The metal spikes 12 are set into the ribbing 22 and protrude downward from the ribbing to a free lower edge margin. As is known to those skilled in the art, the ribbing 22 may have a contoured (e.g., curving, sloping, etc.) surface that extends circumferentially around an outer perimeter 24 of an upper end portion of the metal spike 12. Spikes of various sizes and shapes are known to those skilled in the art. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the shoe 14 comprises a multiplicity of metal spikes 12 having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape in a horizontal plan and also having a generally rounded rectangular shape in side elevation. However, spikes of various other sizes and shapes are also known to those skilled in the art. As will become apparent, while the protection system and spike coverings 10 thereof are described in reference to the generally rectangular-shaped spikes 12 of the shoe 14, the basic principles of the protection system and spike coverings 10 described in further detail below can be adapted for any other shoe spike that is known or may become known to those skilled in the art.

It can be seen that the spike 12 of the shoe 14 broadly comprises a type of cleat or stud. Although the present disclosure is described in reference to the metal spikes 12 of the shoe 14, it will be understood that aspects of the present disclosure can be adapted for use in a comparable protection system for shoes with other types of hard studs, e.g., shoes with vulcanized rubber cleats.

Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to a system for protecting underfoot surfaces from the metal spikes 12 as a wearer of the shoe 14 walks or runs along the ground surface. In general, the system comprises a protective spike covering 10 for each metal spike 12 of the multiplicity of metal spikes of the shoe 14. Each protective spike covering 10 is broadly configured to couple to the metal spike 12 via interference fit to form an enlarged stud that presents relatively soft material to the ground surface underfoot.

One exemplary embodiment of the protective spike covering 10 in the scope of the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. The protective spike covering 10 is comprised of a covering member 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the covering member 26 is formed from a single piece of monolithic material. The covering member 26 has a top portion 28, a bottom portion 30, a height 32 that extends from the top portion to the bottom portion, a cavity 34, and a perimeter portion 36 that extends circumferentially about the cavity. The top portion 28 defines an opening 38 to the cavity 34 and the bottom portion 30 forms a base 40 that defines an enclosed bottom end of the cavity. Additionally, the perimeter portion 36 defines a perimeter 42 of the cavity 34.

The covering member 26 is configured such that the metal spike 12 is able to be pressed into the cavity 34 through the opening 38. With the spike 12 seated in the cavity 34, the covering member 26 engages the spike 12 to form the interference fit. In an exemplary embodiment, the base of the covering member engages the free end of the spike and the top end portion of the covering member is in flush engagement with the ribbing 22. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the top portion of the covering member is contoured in a way that corresponds to the contours of the ribbing 22. The flush engagement between the top portion of the covering member and the ribbing provides a seal of the interior of the cavity to prevent debris from entering into the cavity. Furthermore, the flush engagement braces the covering member against the ribbing, resisting the covering member from being forced upward along the spike with every ground strike of the shoe 14. In addition, the engagement between the base of the covering member and the free end of the spike limits relative movement between the covering member and the spike during use of the shoe (e.g., prevents the covering member from being crushed so that the base deforms toward the sole of the shoe).

The covering member 26 is shaped and arranged to define the cavity 34 such that the cavity generally corresponds in size and shape to the exterior of the spike. For example, the cavity is defined so that the inner surfaces of the covering member frictionally engage the exterior surfaces of the spike when the covering 10 is fitted onto the spike. In an exemplary embodiment, this frictional engagement is all that is required to retain the covering on the spike while the shoe is in use (e.g., while the wearer is playing baseball on artificial turf). That is, no bonding agent such as an adhesive or tackifier, and no mechanical fastener such as a screw or nail, is required to retain the one-piece covering member on the spike during use of the shoe.

In certain embodiments, the spike 12 has a cross sectional shape and the cavity 34 has cross-sectional shape that is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional shape of the spike. For example, in one or more embodiments, the spike can have cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., a cross-sectional dimension between opposite vertical edges of the spike) and one or more (e.g., all) of the corresponding cross-sectional dimensions of the cavity can be between 0.5% and 20% less than the cross-sectional dimensions of the spike (e.g., between about 1.0% less and 15% less, between about 1.0% less and 10% less). As such, the inner perimeter of the perimeter portion of the covering will interfere with the exterior of the spike when the covering is pressed onto the spike. Suitably, at least the inner perimeter of the covering is formed from resiliently compressible material (e.g., rubber or a rubberized polymer such as a polyurethane) that is deformed when the covering is pressed onto the spike. When the covering is installed on the spike, the tendency of the material to resiliently rebound will enhance the strength of the engagement between the covering member and the spike and thus securely couple the covering to the spike. Further, slightly under-sizing the cavity in relation to the spike enables the covering member to continuously contact the spike about the entire perimeter thereof (e.g., along substantially the entire exposed exterior of the spike (e.g., greater than 95% of the entire surface area of the exposed exterior)).

The exemplary embodiment of the protective spike covering 10 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4 is suitable for use with the rectangular spikes 12 of the shoe 14. Thus, the perimeter 42 of the cavity 34 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape that corresponds with the generally rectangular cross-sectional shape (in horizontal cross-section) of the spike. The perimeter portion defining the perimeter of the cavity has opposite first and second side walls 44, 46 and opposite first and second end walls 48, 50. The first and second side walls 44, 46 have a side wall width 52 that is greater than a width 54 of the metal spike 12 of the shoe 14. The first and second end walls 48, 50 have an end wall width 56 greater than a thickness 58 of the metal spikes 12 of the shoe 14. While the side wall width 52 and the end wall width 56 are greater than the corresponding dimensions of the spike 12, it can be seen that these dimensions are generally proportional to the corresponding dimensions of the spike. Thus, the side wall width 52 is greater than the end wall width 56 (e.g., more than two-times greater).

Referring to FIG. 3, in one or more embodiments, the first and second side walls 44 and 46 can have a side wall thickness 60 and the first and second end walls 48 and 50 can have an end wall thickness 62 that is less than the side wall thickness 60.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom corner regions connecting the base of the covering member and the end walls are slightly tapered and/or rounded. In one or more embodiments, the bottom corner regions connecting the base of the covering member and the side walls are also slightly tapered and/or rounded. The tapering and rounding at the end wall corner regions corresponds to the rounded corners of the spikes 12. In addition, the rounded corner regions about the perimeter of the base are thought to enhance the durability of the covering member and provide a ground engagement feel that closely resembles the type of ground engagement feel with which a wearer would be familiar from prior use of the metal spikes.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the illustrated embodiment of the covering 10, the interior surfaces of the side walls and end walls of the perimeter portion are generally flat between the inner corner regions where they connect to one another and the base of the covering member. In another embodiment of a covering 10′ shown in FIG. 5A, at least one of the walls of the perimeter portion includes a protrusion 64′ that protrudes inward relative to the cavity 34. The illustrated protrusion 64′ is located at a vertical section of the perimeter portion along the height of the covering member adjacent the top end portion thereof. In addition, the illustrated protrusion 64′ extends around the entire perimeter of the cavity, along each of the opposite first and second side walls and each of the opposite first and second end walls. However, it is possible that the protrusion can be located on any one or more of the first and second side walls/end walls and/or along another segment or plurality of vertical sections of the height of the covering member without departing from this disclosure. In general, the coverings 10, 10′ may be configured couple to the metal spike 12 via suction-enhanced vacuum fit such that a vacuum in the cavity draws the covering into engagement with the spike. That is, as the spike is forced into the undersized cavity, a vacuum may form in the cavity that is ultimately sealed off by the (compressible) covering member. This vacuum is subsequently maintained within the cavity, continuously drawing the covering member into tight engagement with the spike. The protrusion 64′ is thought to enhance the effect of the suction-enhanced vacuum fit that forms when the covering 10′ is pressed onto the covering. In one or more embodiments, the covering member is devoid of openings into the cavity except for the opening through the top end. For example, the covering member is devoid of vent holes that would provide fluid communication between the cavity and the exterior or the covering after the spike is received in the cavity and a fluid seal forms between the perimeter portion of the covering member and the spike contiguously about the entire perimeter of the spike.

To use a protection system in the scope of this disclosure, an individual covering 10 is pressed onto each spike 12 of the shoe 14 to protect a ground surface from the spikes. The interference fit between each covering and the respective spike firmly holes the covering on the respective spike during use of the shoe. Thus, the coverings provide enlarged, relatively soft studs that may be more suitable for use with manufactured ground surfaces than the bare spikes. Moreover, the coverings can be repeatedly installed and removed. Thus a wearer can install the coverings when using the shoes 14 on a manufactured ground surface and remove the coverings when using the shoes on a natural ground surface.

In certain embodiments, the coverings 10 can have decorative coloring and/or a design or insignia (e.g., a letter, team logo, or the like) on one or more exterior surfaces. For example, the side walls of the covering member can have an integrally formed, imprinted designs that form a three-dimensional impression in one or more embodiments. Designs may also be screen printed, embossed, laser etched, integrally molded, or marked in any other suitable way. It will be apparent that enabling the use of coverings of different colorings and designs allows the coverings to be used to enhance the stylized appearance of the shoe to suit the stylistic tastes of the user and/or for merchandising purposes.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in another embodiment, of a protective spike covering 10″ is suitable for use with a spike having as generally chevron-shaped cross-sectional shape. Such bent spikes are known to those skilled in the art. Other than having a generally bend-shaped or chevron-shaped configuration (e.g., comprising a cavity having a generally chevron-shaped cross-sectional shape), which corresponds to the shape of a bent spike, the covering 10″ can have any of the same features as the covering 10 described above.

The foregoing description has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of this disclosure. Indeed, while certain features of this disclosure have been shown, described and/or claimed, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the apparatuses, forms, method, steps and system illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, the foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the disclosure. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosed system and method, and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A protective spike covering for covering a spike of a shoe, the protective spike covering comprising a covering member having a top portion, a bottom portion, a height extending from the top portion to the bottom portion, and a cavity, the top portion defining an opening into the cavity, the bottom portion forming a base defining an enclosed bottom end of the cavity, the covering member having a perimeter portion, the perimeter portion defining a perimeter of the cavity, the covering member being sized and arranged such that the spike can be pressed into the cavity through the opening whereby the perimeter portion engages a perimeter of the spike to couple the protective spike covering to the shoe by interference fit.

2. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein the perimeter of the opening has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape.

3. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein the perimeter of the opening has a generally chevron-shaped cross-sectional shape.

4. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein the perimeter portion has opposite first and second side walls and opposite first and second end walls.

5. The protective spike covering of claim 4, wherein the first and second side walls have a side wall width, the first and second end walls have an end wall width less than the side wall width.

6. The protective spike covering of claim 4, wherein the first and second side walls have a side wall thickness, the first and second end walls having an end wall thickness less than the side wall thickness.

7. The protective spike covering of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first side wall, the second side wall, the first end wall, and the second end wall includes a protrusion that protrudes inwardly relative to the cavity

8. The protective spike covering of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second side walls includes a protrusion protruding inwardly relative to the cavity.

9. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein the perimeter portion includes a protrusion protruding inward relative to the cavity about the perimeter of the cavity.

10. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein the covering member is configured such that a vacuum forms in the cavity as the spike passes into the cavity through the opening.

11. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the covering member is configured for flush engagement with a ribbing of the shoe immediately adjacent to the spike when a free end of the spike is engaged with the bottom portion of the covering member.

12. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the covering member is configured to conform to a tapered surface of the ribbing of the shoe.

13. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein the covering member is made of a rubberized material.

14. The protective spike covering of claim 1, wherein an outer perimeter of the covering member presents indicia.

15. A protection system for a shoe having a plurality of spikes, the protection system comprising a plurality of separate spike coverings, each spike covering being configured to couple to a respective one of the plurality of spikes by interference fit.