Sole

Abstract

A sole substantially includes a body and a cover. The body extends in a longitudinal direction between a toe end and a heel end. The body includes a receiving region for receiving a cleat nut disposed between the toe end and the heel end. The cover is configured to cover the receiving area in a state in which the cover is coupled to the main body. The receiving region includes a body engaging portion. The cover includes a cover engagement portion configured to be removably engaged with the body engagement portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a sole and more particularly to a sole configured for use with a cleat nut and a shoe provided with a sole configured for use with a cleat nut. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, most shoes have an upper and a sole. The upper is stitched or adhesively bonded to the sole to form an internal foot receiving space for firmly receiving the foot. The upper is usually formed by stitching or adhesively bonding one or more flexible materials, such as textile fabrics, leather, and / or synthetic leather, together. The upper may also include a rigid reinforcement as needed and / or desired. The upper defines an ankle opening for inserting the wearer's foot into the internal foot receiving space and for removing the wearer's foot from the internal foot receiving space. In addition, the upper may include laces or other closures to more firmly hold the shoe to the wearer's foot in the internal foot receiving space. The sole may be a single layer made of a suitable material, or may be made of several layers of different materials. In the case of many sports shoes, the sole generally has an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The insole may define the bottom surface of the internal foot receiving space. The insole may be a thin compressible member that improves the comfort of the shoe. The midsole is usually attached to the lower edge of the upper. The midsole is typically the middle layer of the sole. The outsole is typically secured to the lower surface of the midsole and forms the ground contacting portion of the shoe. Some shoes are provided with cleat nuts for attaching the cleat to the bottom surface of the shoe. In some cases, a rigid insole plate is used to cover the cleat nuts. Summary of the invention

[0003] Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a shoe sole configured for use with a cleat nut.

[0004] In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a sole, which basically comprises a main body and a covering. The main body extends in a longitudinal direction between a toe end and a heel end. The main body comprises a receiving area for receiving a cleat nut arranged between the toe end and the heel end. The covering is configured to cover the receiving area when the covering is coupled to the main body. The receiving area comprises a main body engaging portion. The covering comprises a covering engaging portion, and the covering engaging portion is configured to be detachably engaged with the main body engaging portion.

[0005] With the shoe sole according to the first aspect, the cleat nut can be easily mounted on and removed from the shoe sole.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the first aspect is configured such that the body has a top surface including a recess defining the receiving area.

[0007] With the shoe sole according to the second aspect, by providing the recess for the cleat nut, the shoe sole can be relatively thin and light.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the second aspect is configured such that the cover is disposed below or flush with a top surface of the main body in a state in which the cover is coupled to the main body.

[0009] For the sole according to the third aspect, by arranging the cover below the top surface of the main body or flush with the top surface of the main body, the sole can further be relatively thin and light.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to any one of the first to third aspects is configured so that the body engaging portion is provided on a wall defining the receiving area, and the cover engaging portion is provided on a side surface of the cover.

[0011] With the sole according to the fourth aspect, the covering engagement portion may be provided in a wall defining the receiving area, so that the sole may be relatively thin.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is constructed so that the main body engaging portion includes a recess and the covering engaging portion includes a protrusion, and the protrusion is configured to engage the recess to removably fix the covering to the main body.

[0013] With the shoe sole according to the fifth aspect, the covering can be easily attached to the main body.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is constructed so that the cover engaging portion includes a recess and the body engaging portion includes a protrusion, and the protrusion is configured to engage the recess to removably fix the cover to the body.

[0015] With the shoe sole according to the sixth aspect, the cover can be easily attached to the main body.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the main body joint portion includes a first main body joint portion and a second main body joint portion, the first main body joint portion and the second main body joint portion are arranged to face each other in the width direction of the main body. The cover joint portion includes a first cover joint portion configured to engage with the first main body joint portion and a second cover joint portion configured to engage with the second main body joint portion.

[0017] With the shoe sole according to the seventh aspect, the cover can be easily attached to the main body, and disengagement of the cover from the main body can be suppressed.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the first body joint portion includes one of a first recess and a first protrusion, and the first cover joint portion includes the other of the first recess and the first protrusion, so that the first protrusion is configured to be detachably engaged with the first recess. The second body joint portion includes one of a second recess and a second protrusion, and the second cover joint portion includes the other of the second recess and the second protrusion, so that the second protrusion is configured to be detachably engaged with the second recess.

[0019] With the shoe sole according to the eighth aspect, the covering may be securely attached to the main body in a detachable manner.

[0020] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is configured so that at least one of the main body and the cover contains at least one of a resin material and a fiber-reinforced plastic material.

[0021] With the shoe sole according to the ninth aspect, by causing at least one of the main body and the cover to contain at least one of a resin material and a fiber-reinforced plastic material, the shoe sole can be relatively rigid and light.

[0022] In accordance with a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the ninth aspect is configured so that at least one of the main body and the cover contains a resin material including polyamide.

[0023] With the shoe sole according to the tenth aspect, the shoe sole can have a relatively high strength and can be highly durable.

[0024] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the ninth aspect is configured so that at least one of the main body and the cover contains a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a plurality of carbon fibers.

[0025] With the shoe sole according to the eleventh aspect, the shoe sole can have a relatively high strength and can be highly durable.

[0026] In accordance with a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the ninth aspect is configured such that at least one of the body and the cover includes a fiber-reinforced plastic material having a plurality of glass fibers.

[0027] With the shoe sole according to the twelfth aspect, the shoe sole can have a relatively high strength and can be highly durable.

[0028] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is configured so that the receiving area further includes an attachment opening.

[0029] With the shoe sole according to the thirteenth aspect, the cleat nut in the receiving area may be coupled to the cleat via the attachment opening.

[0030] In accordance with a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the thirteenth aspect is configured so that the attachment opening includes at least one elongated slot elongated in the longitudinal direction.

[0031] With the shoe sole according to the fourteenth aspect, the positions of the cleat nut and the cleat can be adjusted relative to the body of the shoe sole.

[0032] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the thirteenth aspect or the fourteenth aspect is configured such that the attachment opening includes three elongated slots.

[0033] With the shoe sole according to the fifteenth aspect, the cleat may be securely attached to the main body of the shoe sole.

[0034] According to the sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a shoe includes a sole according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, an upper attached to the sole, and an inner sole layer at least partially covering the top surface of the body and arranged on the inner side of the upper.

[0035] With the shoe according to the sixteenth aspect, there may be provided a shoe in which a cleat nut can be easily mounted on and removed from the shoe.

[0036] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the sole according to the sixteenth aspect further includes an outer sole layer that at least partially covers the bottom surface of the main body and is disposed on the outer side of the upper.

[0037] With the shoe according to the seventeenth aspect, the sole can provide appropriate traction when walking.

[0038] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed sole will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the sole. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this original disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of a shoe having a sole according to a first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A bottom plan view of the shoe illustrated in FIG.

[0042] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and 2 A bottom plan view of the shoe illustrated in FIG. 1 with a cleat already installed.

[0043] Figure 4 for Figures 1 to 3 The sole illustrated in the example is along the Figure 1 A transverse cross-sectional view taken along section line 4-4.

[0044] Figure 5 for Figures 1 to 4 0 is a top perspective view of the sole of the shoe illustrated in FIG, as viewed from the outer side of the sole, with the cleat nuts omitted.

[0045] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A top plan view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIG. 1 with the cleat nuts omitted.

[0046] Figure 7 for Figure 5 and 6 A bottom perspective view of the shoe sole illustrated in FIG. 1 as viewed from the inner side of the shoe sole.

[0047] Figure 8 for Figures 5 to 7 A bottom plan view of the sole illustrated in FIG.

[0048] Fig. 9 for Figures 5 to 8 The sole of the shoe illustrated in the example is as follows Figure 6 A transverse cross-sectional view as seen through section line 9-9.

[0049] Fig.10 for Figures 4 to 9 An exploded top perspective view of the sole illustrated in FIG.

[0050] Fig.11 for Figures 5 to 8 The sole illustrated in the example is similar to Fig. 9 , but in which the covering has been removed from the body of the sole.

[0051] Fig.12 for Figures 5 to 11 A top plan view of the covering of the sole illustrated in FIG.

[0052] Fig.13 for Fig.12 An enlarged perspective view of a portion of the cover illustrated in FIG.

[0053] Fig.14 is a top plan view of a shoe sole according to a second embodiment, with the cleat nut omitted.

[0054] Fig.15 for Fig.14 The sole of the shoe illustrated in the example is as follows Fig.14 The cross-sectional view as seen from the section line 15-15 in FIG. 1 is similar to the sole according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 Horizontal cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of footwear from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0056] First reference Figures 1 to 3 , an example is given of a shoe 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The shoe 10 is a left shoe in a pair of bilaterally symmetrical shoes, wherein the right shoe is omitted. The right shoe is identical to the shoe 10 (left shoe), except that the right shoe is a mirror image of the shoe 10 (left shoe). Therefore, the description of the shoe 10 is also applicable to the right shoe. Therefore, only one of the shoes (the left shoe 10) will be described. The shoe 10 is particularly suitable for riding a bicycle or other human-powered vehicle with pedals. Therefore, the shoe 10 can be referred to as a bicycle shoe.

[0057] It should be understood from the drawings and descriptions herein that the terms "inside" and "inside" refer to the right side of the shoe for the left foot, and the left side of the shoe for the right foot. In other words, the inside side or inside is the side of the shoe on the other foot of the shoe facing the wearer. Similarly, the terms "outside" and "outside" refer to the left side of the shoe for the left foot and the right side of the shoe for the right foot. The outside side or outside is the side of the shoe that is away from the shoe on the other foot. In addition, with respect to the present disclosure, the terms "inside" and "inside" are interchangeable. Similarly, with respect to the description of the present disclosure, the terms "outside" and "outside" are also interchangeable. In addition, the term "outside instep side" refers to the left side of the shoe in the instep area of ​​the left foot and the right side of the shoe in the instep area of ​​the right foot. Similarly, the term "inside instep side" refers to the right side of the shoe in the instep area of ​​the left foot and the left side of the shoe in the instep area of ​​the right foot.

[0058] Basically, if Figures 1 to 4 As seen in FIG. 1 , the shoe 10 includes a sole 12 and an upper 14. The upper 14 is attached to the sole 12. The sole 12 supports the upper 14. Specifically, the sole 12 is attached to the upper 14. For example, the sole 12 can be fixedly attached to the upper 14 in a conventional manner, such as by stitching, adhesives, and / or embedding portions of the upper 14 within the sole 12. Thus, the upper 14 and the sole 12 are combined. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole 14 is particularly useful for cycling. Therefore, as explained below, the anti-skid plate C can be attached to the shoe 10 by a plurality of fasteners F (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ). In this way, the sole 12 and the upper 14 form the bicycle shoe 10.

[0059] Here, the upper 14 is a low-top style upper. However, the upper 14 is not limited to the low-top style, but can be any style. The upper 14 is made of any suitable natural material or polymeric material. The upper 14 can be formed by an expandable material or a non-expandable material. For example, the upper 14 can be made of a leather material, a nylon mesh and / or any other material used for a traditional upper. Alternatively, the upper 14 can be made of a stretchable material or a stretchable fabric, which has the ability to stretch and elastically return to an initial unstretched state. For example, the stretchable material can be partially made of elastic fibers (such as Lycra, spandex elastic fibers or elastic fibers), and / or can be a knitted fabric stretched due to a series of interlocking loops formed in the production of the upper 14. Here, the upper 14 is made of a meshed thermoplastic polyurethane and a synthetic leather material.

[0060] Here, the shoe 10 further includes an outer sole layer 16. The outer sole layer 16 is disposed outside the upper 14. The outer sole layer 16 at least partially covers the bottom of the sole 12. Figure 4As seen in the figure, the lower edge portion 14a of the upper 14 is arranged between the sole 12 and the outer sole layer 16. The outer sole layer 16 can also be called the outsole. The outer sole layer 16 can be made of conventional materials commonly used for outsoles of bicycle shoes. For example, here, the outer sole layer 16 includes a polyurethane material or a polyamide material suitable for outsoles.

[0061] In addition, if Figure 4 As seen in the figure, the shoe 10 further includes an inner sole layer 18. The inner sole layer 18 is arranged inside the upper 14. The inner sole layer 18 at least partially covers the sole 12. The inner sole layer 18 is detachably arranged on the sole 12. Preferably, the inner sole layer 18 is not attached to the sole 12. Instead, the inner sole layer 18 is only placed on the top of the sole 12. The inner sole layer 18 can also be called an insole. The inner sole layer 18 can be made of conventional materials that are commonly used for insoles of bicycle shoes. For example, here, the inner sole layer 18 includes a layer of foam material. The inner sole layer 18 can also be made of several layers of different materials.

[0062] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The upper 14 includes a first lateral side 21 and a second lateral side 22. The upper 14 includes a foot receiving opening 24 ( Figure 1 ). The upper 14 further includes a closure system 26 for tightening and securing the shoe 10 to the wearer's foot. Here, the closure system 26 includes a single tightening strap 28 over the bottom toe area of ​​the upper 14, a strap tightening member 30 provided to the first lateral side 21, and a shoe cord or shoe rope 32 tied between the first lateral side 21 and the second lateral side 22. The tightening strap 28 is provided to the second lateral side 22, and a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) is provided between the tightening strap 28 and the first lateral side 21. Here, the strap tightening member 30 is a reel closure member that is configured to selectively wind the rope 32 to tighten the upper 14 on the wearer's foot, and is configured to unwind the rope 32 to loosen the upper 14 on the wearer's foot. However, the closure system 26 is not limited to the illustrated closure system. For example, alternatively, the closure system 26 may include a shoelace extending between the first lateral side 21 and the second lateral side 22. Alternatively, the upper 14 may include one or more tightening straps with hook-and-loop fasteners. Because closure systems for securing a shoe to a wearer's foot are conventional and well-known structures, a detailed description of the closure system 26 is omitted for the sake of brevity. Because the present disclosure is applicable to a variety of different shoe styles, designs, and configurations, the depicted embodiment shows a basic shoe design made of several textile-based materials that are sewn or stitched together to form the depicted shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the depicted shapes, as will be understood from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0063] refer to Figure 1and 2 , the sole 12 includes a forefoot portion 34 and a tarsal portion 36. The tarsal portion 36 of the sole 12 can be further subdivided into a midfoot portion 36a and a rearfoot portion 36b. Basically, the bones of a person's foot can be divided into three groups (i.e., phalanges, metatarsals, and tarsal bones). When describing the sole 12, the term "forefoot portion" as used herein refers to the portion or part of the sole that supports the phalanges and metatarsals of a person's foot, and the term "tarsal portion" as used herein refers to the portion or part of the sole that supports the tarsal bones of a person's foot. The tarsal bones of the foot are divided into three groups: a proximal group, a middle group, and a distal group. The proximal group includes tarsal bones, which include talus and calcaneus. The middle group includes one bone, namely the navicular bone. The distal group includes the cuboid bone and three cuneiform bones. The term "midfoot" as used herein refers to the portion or part of the sole that supports the navicular, cuboid and cuneiform bones of a person's foot, while the term "rearfoot" as used herein refers to the portion or part of the sole that supports the talus and calcaneus bones of a person's foot. The "rearfoot" may also be referred to as the heel.

[0064] Reference now Figures 5 to 13 , the sole 12 will now be discussed in more detail. Figures 5 to 13 , the sole 12 is shown without the outer sole layer 16 and the inner sole layer 18. Optionally, the outer sole layer 16 and the inner sole layer 18 can be omitted from the shoe 10. Here, the sole 12 includes a body 40 and a cover 42. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one of the body 40 and the cover 42 contains at least one of a resin material and a fiber reinforced plastic material. Preferably, the resin material contains polyamide. In addition, preferably, the reinforced plastic material contains a plurality of carbon fibers or a plurality of glass fibers. In other words, at least one of the body 40 and the cover 42 contains a resin material having polyamide. Preferably, at least one of the body 40 and the cover 42 contains a fiber reinforced plastic material having a plurality of carbon fibers. Alternatively, at least one of the body 40 and the cover 42 contains a fiber reinforced plastic material having a plurality of glass fibers. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, both the body 40 and the cover 42 contain fiber (e.g., carbon fiber, glass fiber, etc.) reinforced plastic (FRP). By forming the body 40 and the cover 42 from fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), the sole 12 will resist flexing during cycling.

[0065] The main body 40 extends in the longitudinal direction L between the toe end 44 and the heel end 46. Here, the main body 40 is a one-piece member molded from a polyamide material or a reinforced plastic material. The main body 40 includes a receiving area 48 so as to receive a cleat nut 50 disposed between the toe end 44 and the heel end 46. In other words, the receiving area 48 is disposed between the toe end 44 and the heel end 46. In addition, the receiving area 48 is configured to receive the cleat nut 50. The cleat nut 50 is a conventional cleat nut made of a metal material such as a steel plate or a stainless steel plate. The cover 42 is configured to cover the receiving area 48 in a state where the cover 42 is coupled to the main body 40. Figure 4 As seen in FIG. 4 , the receiving area 48 is configured to receive the cover 42 so that the cleat nut 50 is disposed in the receiving area 48 between the body 40 and the cover 42. In a state where the cover 42 is coupled to the body 40, the cleat nut 50 is retained in the receiving area 48.

[0066] The body 40 has a top surface 52. The body 40 has a bottom surface 54 facing in a direction opposite to the top surface 52. The outsole layer 16 at least partially covers the bottom surface 54 of the body 40. Here, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As seen in FIG. 1 , the lower edge portion 14a of the upper 14 partially covers the outer edge portion 54a of the bottom surface 54 of the body 40. The lower edge portion 14a of the upper 14 is sandwiched between the outer edge portion 54a of the bottom surface 54 of the body 40 and the outer sole layer 16. The lower edge portion 14a of the upper 14 is bonded to the bottom surface 54 of the body 40 and the outer sole layer 16 in a conventional manner.

[0067] The top surface 52 includes a recess 60 that defines the receiving area 48. The recess 60 is sized to receive the cleat nut 50 therein. The recess 60 is further sized to receive the cover 42 therein. When the cover 42 is coupled to the body 40, the cover 42 is disposed below or flush with the top surface 52 of the body 40. Figure 4 As seen in FIG. 8 , the inner sole layer 18 at least partially covers the top surface 52 of the main body 40 .

[0068] The receiving area 48 includes a body engagement portion 62. The body engagement portion 62 is configured to engage with the cover 42 to removably retain the cover 42 to the receiving area 48 of the body 40, as described below. Here, in the first embodiment, the body engagement portion 62 includes a first body engagement portion 64 and a second body engagement portion 66. As described below, the first body engagement portion 64 and the second body engagement portion 66 are configured to engage with the cover 42 to removably retain the cover 42 to the receiving area 48 of the body 40. Here, the body engagement portion 62 is disposed on a wall 68 defining the receiving area 48. In particular, the receiving area 48 includes the wall 68 (i.e., the side wall) and the bottom wall 70. The wall 68 (the side wall) surrounds the bottom wall 70 to define a recess 60, which receives the anti-skid plate nut 50 and the cover 40 therein. The first body engagement portion 64 and the second body engagement portion 66 are disposed on opposite sides of the wall 68 relative to the recess 60. Preferably, the first body engaging portion 64 and the second body engaging portion 66 are arranged to face each other in the width direction W of the body 40. Thus, if the body 40 is bent longitudinally, the first body engaging portion 64 and the second body engaging portion 66 will not be disengaged.

[0069] Now, refer to Figures 9 to 13 The cover 42 is discussed in more detail. As described above, the cover 42 is configured to be detachably connected to the receiving area 48 of the main body 40. In the first embodiment, the cover 42 includes a cover engaging portion 72. The cover engaging portion 72 is configured to be detachably engaged with the main body engaging portion 62. In particular, in the first embodiment, the cover engaging portion 72 includes a first cover engaging portion 74 configured to engage the first main body engaging portion 64 and a second cover engaging portion 76 configured to engage the second main body engaging portion 66. Here, the cover engaging portion 72 is arranged on a side surface 78 of the cover 42. The side surface 78 can also be referred to as the peripheral side edge of the cover 42. More specifically, the first cover engaging portion 74 and the second cover engaging portion 76 are arranged on opposite sides (peripheral side edges) of the side surface 78. Preferably, the first cover engaging portion 74 and the second cover engaging portion 76 are arranged to be opposite to each other in the width direction W when the cover 42 is connected to the main body 40. The side surface 78 includes a recessed portion 78 a configured to receive a tool (eg, a screwdriver) for removing the cover 42 from the body 40 .

[0070] In the first embodiment, the body engagement portion 62 and the cover engagement portion 72 are configured to be coupled together via a snap fit. Thus, the cover 42 is coupled to the body 40 by pushing the cover 42 into the recess 60 of the receiving area 48 so that the body engagement portion 62 and the cover engagement portion 72 are interlocked together. Thus, to form such a snap fit connection, the first body engagement portion 64 includes one of a first recess and a first protrusion, and the first cover engagement portion 74 includes the other of the first recess and the first protrusion, so that the first protrusion is configured to be removably engaged with the first recess. Likewise, to form such a snap fit connection, the second body engagement portion 66 includes one of a second recess and a second protrusion, and the second cover engagement portion 76 includes the other of the second recess and the second protrusion, so that the second protrusion is configured to be removably engaged with the second recess. In the first embodiment, the body engagement portion 62 includes a recess 80a or 80b, and the cover engagement portion 72 includes a protrusion 82a or 82b. The protrusion 82a or 82b is configured to engage the recess 80a or 80b to removably hold the cover 42 to the body 40. More specifically, the first body engaging portion 64 includes the first recess 80a, and the first cover engaging portion 74 includes the first protrusion 82a, so that the first protrusion 82a is configured to removably engage with the first recess 80a. In addition, in the first embodiment, the second body engaging portion 66 includes the second recess 80b, and the second cover engaging portion 76 includes the second protrusion 82b, so that the second protrusion 82b is configured to removably engage with the second recess 80b.

[0071] refer to Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 9 to 11 , the receiving area 48 is further discussed to receive the cleat nut 50. As described above, Figure 2 and 4 As seen in , the receiving area 48 is configured to receive the cleat nut 50. Therefore, the receiving area 48 may also be referred to as a cleat nut receiving area. Basically, the receiving area 48 further includes an attachment opening 84. In a state where the cleat nut 50 is disposed in the receiving area 48, the attachment opening 84 provides access to the cleat nut 50. In other words, the cleat C can be attached to the cleat nut 50 disposed in the receiving area 48 via the attachment opening 84. Preferably, the attachment opening 84 includes at least one elongated slot 86 extending in the longitudinal direction L. In this way, the position of the cleat C can be adjusted longitudinally relative to the main body 40 of the sole 12. More preferably, as in the first embodiment, the attachment opening 84 includes three elongated slots 86. Therefore, as Figure 3 As seen in FIG. 1 , cleat C may be attached to sole 12 via fasteners F. Alternatively, attachment openings 84 may include a single attachment opening, two attachment openings, or more than three attachment openings, as needed and / or desired.

[0072] Reference now Fig.14 and 15 , the sole 112 according to the second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the description of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0073] The sole 112 basically includes a body 140 and a covering 142. The sole 112 is attached to the upper 14 in the same manner as the first embodiment to form a bicycle shoe. Preferably, the sole 112 further includes an outer sole layer 16 and an inner sole layer 18. The outer sole layer 16 and the inner sole layer 18 are provided to the sole 112 in the same manner as the first embodiment. The body 140 is the same as the body 40 of the first embodiment, except that the engagement structure of the body 140 for engagement with the covering 142 has been modified as described below. Similarly, the covering 142 is the same as the covering 42 of the first embodiment, except that the engagement structure of the covering 142 for engagement with the body 140 has been modified as described below.

[0074] Similar to the first embodiment (for example, see the first embodiment Figure 4 ), the body 140 includes a receiving area 148 having a recess 160 for receiving the anti-skid plate nut 50. The receiving area 148 includes a body engaging portion 162. Here, in the second embodiment, the body engaging portion 162 includes a first body engaging portion 164 and a second body engaging portion 166. As described below, the first body engaging portion 164 and the second body engaging portion 166 are configured to engage with the cover 142 to removably retain the cover 142 to the receiving area 148 of the body 140.

[0075] The cover 142 includes a cover engagement portion 172. The cover engagement portion 172 is configured to be detachably engaged with the main body engagement portion 162. Here, in the second embodiment, the cover engagement portion 172 includes a first cover engagement portion 174 and a second cover engagement portion 176. In the second embodiment, the main body engagement portion 162 and the cover engagement portion 172 are configured to be coupled together via a snap fit. Therefore, the cover 142 is coupled to the main body 140 by pushing the cover 142 into the recess 160 of the receiving area 148 so that the main body engagement portion 162 and the cover engagement portion 172 are interlocked together.

[0076] Therefore, in order to form such a snap-fit ​​connection, the body engaging portion 162 includes at least one protrusion 180a or 180b, and the cover engaging portion 172 includes at least one recess 182a or 182b. Here, in the second embodiment, the body engaging portion 162 includes the protrusion 180a or 180b, and the cover engaging portion 172 includes the recess 182a or 182b. The protrusion 180a or 180b is configured to engage the recess 182a or 182b to removably retain the cover 142 to the body 140. More specifically, the first body engaging portion 164 includes a first protrusion 180a and a second protrusion 180b, and the first cover engaging portion 174 includes a first recess 182a and a second recess 182b. The first protrusion 180a is configured to removably engage with the first recess 182a, and the second protrusion 180b is configured to removably engage with the second recess 182b.

[0077] Alternatively, the body 140 and the cover 142 may be configured such that the body 140 includes a first protrusion and a first recess, and the cover 142 includes a second recess and a second protrusion. Thus, the second recess and the second protrusion of the cover 142 may engage the first protrusion and the first recess of the body 140 via a snap fit.

[0078] In understanding the scope of the present disclosure, as used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, parts, groups, wholes and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, parts, groups, wholes and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising", "having" and their derivatives. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the terms "portion", "section", "part", "member" or "element" can have the dual meaning of a single portion or multiple portions when used in the singular.

[0079] As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "front", "rear", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "lateral" and any other similar directional terms refer to the direction of the shoe in an upright position on the ground. Therefore, when used to describe the sole, these directional terms should be understood relative to the shoe in an upright position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the sole. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" as viewed from the right side of a person wearing the shoe, and "left" as viewed from the left side of a person wearing the shoe.

[0080] As used in the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of…” means “one or more” of the desired options. For example, if the number of options is two, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in the present disclosure means “only one single option” or “two of the two options”. For another example, if the number of options is equal to or greater than three, the phrase “at least one of…” as used in the present disclosure means “only one single option” or “any combination of equal to or greater than two options”. In addition, the term “and / or” as used in the present disclosure means “any one or both of…”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A and B” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, and (3) both A and B. The phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” includes (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) both A and B, (5) both B and C, (6) both A and C, and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, in the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one of A and at least one of B”.

[0081] In addition, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component. Thus, for example, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0082] As used herein, the terms "attachment" and "attached" include: a structure in which one element is directly fixed to another element by directly attaching one element to the other element; a structure in which one element is indirectly fixed to the other element by attaching one element to an intermediate member (one or more) that is attached to the other element; and a structure in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially a part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, for example, "couple", "connect", "couple", "install", "combine", "fix" and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, degree terms such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" mean the amount of deviation of the modified term so that the end result will not be significantly changed.

[0083] Although only selected embodiments have been selected to illustrate the present invention, it is obvious to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise expressly stated, the size, shape, position or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and / or desired, as long as these changes do not significantly affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise expressly stated, components that are shown to be directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them, as long as these changes do not significantly affect their intended functions. The function of an element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa, unless otherwise expressly stated. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to appear in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature that is different from the prior art, whether alone or in combination with other features, should be considered as a separate description of the applicant's further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by these features (one or more). Therefore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present disclosure is only for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A shoe sole, comprising: a body extending in a longitudinal direction between a toe end and a heel end, the body including a receiving area for receiving a cleat nut disposed between the toe end and the heel end; as well as a cover configured to cover the receiving area in a state where the cover is coupled to the main body, wherein The receiving area includes a body engagement portion, and The cover includes a cover engaging portion configured to be detachably engaged with the body engaging portion.

2. The sole according to claim 1, wherein: The body has a top surface including a recess defining the receiving area.

3. The sole according to claim 2, wherein: In a state in which the cover is coupled to the body, the cover is disposed below or flush with a top surface of the body.

4. The sole according to claim 1, wherein: The body engagement portion is disposed on a wall defining the receiving area, and The cover engaging portion is disposed on a side surface of the cover.

5. The sole according to claim 1, wherein: The body engaging portion includes a notch, and The cover engagement portion includes a protrusion configured to engage the recess to removably retain the cover to the body.

6. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: The cover engagement portion includes a notch, and The body engagement portion includes a protrusion configured to engage the recess to removably retain the cover to the body.

7. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: The main body engaging portion includes a first main body engaging portion and a second main body engaging portion, the first main body engaging portion and the second main body engaging portion are arranged to face each other in a width direction of the main body, and The cover engaging portion includes a first cover engaging portion configured to engage the first body engaging portion and a second cover engaging portion configured to engage the second body engaging portion.

8. The shoe sole according to claim 7, wherein: The first body engagement portion includes one of a first recess and a first protrusion, and the first cover engagement portion includes the other of the first recess and the first protrusion, such that the first protrusion is configured to detachably engage with the first recess, and The second body engagement portion includes one of a second recess and a second protrusion, and the second cover engagement portion includes the other of the second recess and the second protrusion, such that the second protrusion is configured to be detachably engaged with the second recess.

9. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the body and the cover includes at least one of a resin material and a fiber-reinforced plastic material.

10. The shoe sole according to claim 9, wherein: At least one of the body and the cover includes a resin material including polyamide.

11. The shoe sole according to claim 9, wherein: At least one of the body and the cover comprises a fiber reinforced plastic material having a plurality of carbon fibers.

12. The shoe sole according to claim 9, wherein: At least one of the body and the cover comprises a fiber reinforced plastic material having a plurality of glass fibers.

13. The shoe sole according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving area further includes an attachment opening.

14. The shoe sole according to claim 13, wherein: The attachment opening includes at least one elongated slot extending in a longitudinal direction.

15. The shoe sole according to claim 13, wherein: The attachment opening includes three elongated slots.

16. A shoe comprising: The sole according to claim 1; an upper attached to the sole; as well as The inner sole layer at least partially covers the top surface of the main body and is arranged on the inner side of the upper.

17. The shoe according to claim 16, further comprising: An outer sole layer at least partially covers the bottom surface of the main body and is arranged on the outer side of the upper.

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