Interface support for bicycle shoe with cleat

Abstract

A support interface apparatus removably couplable to a cleated cycling shoe to enable the user to walk on an underlying substrate with minimal slipping on the substrate and / or minimal damage to the underlying substrate by the cleat. The apparatus includes a base pad and a cleat cavity located in the front portion of the base pad. The cleat cavity includes a perimeter, a base, and a cleat-retaining space established by the perimeter and the base. The cleat cavity is arranged for removably retaining the cleat of the cycling shoe therein so that the user may walk on the underlying surface without the heel and the cleat making direct contact with the underlying substrate.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention[0001]The present invention relates to adaptive apparatuses for use with bicycle shoes. More specifically, the present invention relates to such apparatuses for those bicycle shoes including cleats for riding bicycles with clipless pedals. Still more specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus configured to enable walking with cleated bicycle shoes while minimizing slippage between the shoes and the underlying walking surface.2. Description of the Prior Art[0002]Cleated bicycle shoes are used by riders to engage with the pedals of clipless pedal bicycles. Clipless pedals are desirable for various reasons but requires the use of cleated bicycle shoes to secure engagement of the shoes with the pedals. While cleated bicycle shoes are useful while riding, there are disadvantages once the rider disembarks from the bicycle and wishes to walk without removing the shoes. Specifically, such cleated cycling shoes are not stab...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an apparatus that allows a person who wears cleated bicycle shoes to easily transition into for walking and then transition out of when riding the bicycle. The apparatus provides a stable, even surface that eliminates the negative heel stance that accompanies walking in cycling shoes by providing a flat surface on which to stand and walk. The apparatus is simple and functional. It allows the user to keep the cleated cycling shoes on while walking comfortably on an underlying surface. The apparatus includes a base pad with a cavity that removably retains the cleat of the cycling shoe, making it easy to transition in and out of. After stepping into the apparatus, the person can walk on floors without scratching or damaging them and experience a similar walking experience as being in a pair of sandals. The apparatus is made of a lightweight material that is relatively soft and flexible. It can be easily stored in a pocket of a cycling jersey or another compartment while riding.

Problems solved by technology

While cleated bicycle shoes are useful while riding, there are disadvantages once the rider disembarks from the bicycle and wishes to walk without removing the shoes.

Specifically, such cleated cycling shoes are not stable footwear to walk around in when not clipped into pedals on a bicycle.

They are particularly slippery on hard surfaces but also are a challenge on other surfaces.

They can also cause damage to the underlying surface.

In addition to the slipperiness and damage-inducing features of the cleats, there is a further disadvantage when walking in cleated cycling shoes.

While cleated bicycle shoes are desirable when riding bicycles with clipless pedals, they cause difficulties when the wearer wish to walk in them.

Those difficulties include the slipperiness and unevenness described.

A known existing attempt to overcome the slipping problem is a cleat cover that only covers the cleat with a rubberized cover but does not solve for the negative heel or walking stability issues.

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