Sole system and cycling shoes

Abstract

This invention relates to a sole system and a cycling shoe. The sole system (12) is used in a cycling shoe (10). The sole system (12) essentially includes a sole body (16), a locking nut (20), and at least one fastener (34). The sole body (16) includes an outsole surface (16b), an insole surface (16a), a plurality of first elongated holes (36), and at least one second elongated hole (32). The second elongated hole (32) has a step defining a stepped portion (42). The locking nut (20) is disposed on one side of the insole surface (16a) of the sole body (16). The locking nut (20) includes a plurality of first nut portions (50) aligned with the first elongated holes (36) and at least one second nut portion (46) aligned with at least one second elongated hole (32). The fastener (34) includes a head (62) and a threaded portion (60). The threaded portion (60) is screwed into the second nut portion (46). The head (62) is located in the stepped portion (42) of the second elongated hole (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a shoe sole system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a shoe sole system in which the sole body is provided with a locking nut. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, most cycling shoes or riding shoes have an upper and a sole. The upper is stitched or glued to the sole to form an internal foot cavity for securely accommodating the foot. The upper is usually formed from one or more flexible materials (such as fabric, leather, and / or synthetic leather) stitched or glued together. The upper may also include rigid reinforcements as needed and / or desired. The upper defines an ankle opening for inserting the wearer's foot into the internal foot cavity and for removing the wearer's foot from the internal foot cavity. Additionally, the upper may include laces or other closures to more securely hold the cycling shoe to the wearer's foot within the internal foot cavity. The sole can be a single layer made of suitable material or can be multiple layers made of different materials. Many athletic shoes typically have an insole, midsole, and outsole. The insole defines the bottom surface of the internal foot cavity. The insole can be a thin, compressible component that enhances the shoe's comfort. The midsole is typically attached to the lower edge of the upper. The midsole is usually the middle layer of the sole. The outsole is typically attached to the lower surface of the midsole and forms the ground contact portion of the shoe. Some cycling shoes are equipped with cleat nuts for attaching cleats to the bottom surface of the shoe. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, the present invention relates to various features of a sole system for cycling shoes, wherein the sole body is provided with a locking nut.

[0004] In view of the state of the prior art and according to a first aspect of the present invention, a sole system for cycling shoes is provided. The sole system substantially includes a sole body, a clip nut, and at least one fastener. The sole body includes an outsole surface, an insole surface, a plurality of first elongated holes, and at least one second elongated hole. The at least one second elongated hole has a step defining a stepped portion. The clip nut is disposed on one side of the insole surface of the sole body. The clip nut includes a plurality of first nut portions aligned with the plurality of first elongated holes and at least one second nut portion aligned with the at least one second elongated hole. The at least one fastener includes a head and a threaded portion. The threaded portion is screwed into the at least one second nut portion. The head is disposed in the stepped portion of the at least one second elongated hole.

[0005] With the sole system according to the first aspect, the cleat nut can be fixed to the sole body at the desired location, so that the cleat can be attached, removed and then reattached at the same location.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the invention, the sole system of the first aspect is configured such that, in the installed state where the fastener is attached to the locking nut, the head is flush with or recessed from the outsole surface. With the sole system according to the second aspect, the locking nut can be secured to the sole body at a desired location, allowing the locking plate to be attached, detached, and then reattached at the same location, while avoiding surface protrusions or interruptions on the outsole surface.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the invention, the sole system according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the locking nut is Y-shaped. The sole system according to the third aspect provides a locking nut configured to securely and reliably attach the pedal locking plate to the sole.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the sole system according to the first to third aspects is configured such that the locking nut includes a connecting portion and a plurality of arms extending outwardly from the connecting portion, each of the plurality of arms including a first nut portion, and the connecting portion including the at least one second nut portion. With the sole system according to the fourth aspect, the pedal locking plate can be securely and reliably attached to the sole via the plurality of arms.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the sole system according to the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the sole body includes a scale. With the sole system according to the fifth aspect, the locking nut can be moved and positioned relative to the sole body with high precision.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, the sole system of the fifth aspect is configured such that the scale is located adjacent to the at least one second elongated hole. With the sole system according to the sixth aspect, the position of at least one fastener can be used to move and position the locking nut relative to the sole body with high precision.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the sole system according to the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the plurality of first elongated holes includes at least three elongated holes. The sole system according to the seventh aspect allows the pedal locking plate to be securely and stably attached to the sole.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the sole system according to the first to seventh aspects is configured such that the locking nut comprises a metallic material. With the sole system according to the eighth aspect, the pedal locking plate can be securely and reliably attached to the sole using a material having high tensile strength, fatigue strength, ductility, and toughness.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the sole system according to the first to eighth aspects is configured such that the sole body comprises a resin material. The sole system according to the ninth aspect provides a lightweight sole body.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the invention, the sole system of the ninth aspect is configured such that the resin material comprises a fiber-reinforced material. The sole system according to the tenth aspect provides a sole body that has relatively high strength and is very durable, while still being relatively lightweight.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, the sole system of the tenth aspect is configured such that the fiber reinforcement material comprises carbon fiber. The sole system according to the eleventh aspect provides a sole body having relatively high strength and stiffness while remaining relatively lightweight.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, the cycling shoe includes an upper body and a sole system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0017] According to the cycling shoe in aspect 12, the cycling shoe can be equipped with a sole system that allows the locking nut to be fixed to the sole body at the desired position.

[0018] Furthermore, other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosed sole system will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the sole system disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the original disclosure, illustrative embodiments are shown, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a side view of a cycling shoe according to an illustrative embodiment, the cycling shoe having a sole system for attaching a locking plate to the sole body using a locking plate nut;

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The bottom view of the cycling shoe and cleat shown;

[0022] Figure 3 This is observed from the inner surface of the sole. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows a top perspective view of the sole system, with the upper omitted.

[0023] Figure 4 This is observed from the inner surface of the sole. Figures 1 to 3 The top view of the sole system shown is provided, with the upper omitted.

[0024] Figure 5 It is observed from the outer surface of the main body of the shoe sole. Figures 1 to 4 An enlarged bottom view of the shoe sole system shown;

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figures 1 to 5 An exploded perspective view of the sole system of the cycling shoe shown;

[0026] Figure 7 It is observed from the outer surface of the main body of the shoe sole. Figures 1 to 4 An enlarged bottom view of the sole body and locking nut of the sole system shown in the diagram;

[0027] Figure 8 Similar to Figure 7 ,yes Figures 1 to 4 The image shows an enlarged bottom view of the sole body and locking nut of the sole system shown, but the locking nut has been secured to the sole body by fasteners.

[0028] Figure 9 Is it like along Figure 8 The cross-section line observed in 9-9 Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the sole body, locking nut, and fasteners shown;

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of the sole body, locking nut, and fasteners shown;

[0030] Figure 11 Is it like along Figure 8 Observed at section line 11-11 Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of the sole body, locking nut, and fasteners shown;

[0031] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Enlarged views of the sole body, locking nut, and fasteners shown; and

[0032] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 The enlarged view shown is of the sole body, locking nut, and fasteners, but the locking plate has been attached to the sole body using the locking nut and multiple fixing bolts.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 10: Cycling shoe; 12: Sole system; 14: Upper (body); 14a: First lateral side; 14b: Second lateral side; 14c: Tongue; 14d: Foot receiving opening; 16: Sole body; 16a: Insole surface (second side); 16b: Outsole surface (first side); 18: Fastening structure; 18A: Shoe fastener; 18B: Strap or shoelace; 18C: Strap; 20: Locking nut; 22: Recess / recessed area; 24: Center; 26: Forehead; 28: First side; 30: Second side; 32: Second elongated hole; 34: (Second) Fastener; 36: First elongated hole. 38: Outer side, 40: Inner side, 42: Recess / Stepped portion, 42a: Recessed surface, 44: Protrusion / Raised portion, 46: Center / Connecting portion, 47: Second nut portion, 48: Arm / Arm portion, 50: First nut portion, 52: Opening / Through hole, 54: Opening / Through hole, 56: Head, 58: Shaft / Threaded portion, 60: Shaft / Threaded portion, 62: Head, 62a: Surface, 64: Rectangular opening, 66: Opening, BA: Foot area, C1: Pedal locking plate, F1: First fastener, H: Heel end / Heel side, L: Longitudinal direction, L1: First length, L2: Second length, L F Forward longitudinal direction, L R : Vertical backward direction, M: Marker, M C : Central marker / neutral marker, M P : Positioning mark, S: Scale, T: Toe tip / Toe side, W: Lateral direction / Width direction, W1: First width, W2: Second width, W I : First width / inner width, W O : (Second / Outer) Width. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of bicycles, based on this disclosure, that the following description of these embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0036] First refer to Figure 1 This illustration shows a cycling shoe 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The cycling shoe 10 is the left shoe in a pair of symmetrical shoes, with the right shoe omitted. The right cycling shoe is identical to the left cycling shoe 10, except that it is a mirror image of the left shoe. Therefore, the description of the cycling shoe 10 also applies to the right shoe. Thus, only one of the cycling shoes (the left cycling shoe 10) will be described. The cycling shoe 10 is particularly suitable for cycling or human-powered vehicles with pedals.

[0037] As should be understood from the accompanying drawings and description, the terms "medial" and "inner side" refer to the right side of a cycling shoe for the left foot and the left side of a cycling shoe for the right foot. In other words, the medial or inner side is the side of the cycling shoe facing the wearer's other foot. Similarly, the terms "lateral" and "outer side" refer to the left side of a cycling shoe for the left foot and the right side of a cycling shoe for the right foot. The lateral or outer side is the side of the cycling shoe away from the other foot. Furthermore, the terms "medial" and "inner side" are used interchangeably with respect to the invention. Similarly, the terms "lateral" and "outer side" are used interchangeably with respect to the description of the invention. Additionally, the term "lateral instep" refers to the left side of the instep area of ​​a cycling shoe for the left foot and the right side of the instep area of ​​a cycling shoe for the right foot. Similarly, the term "medial instep" refers to the right side of the instep area of ​​a cycling shoe for the left foot and the left side of the instep area of ​​a cycling shoe for the right foot.

[0038] Basically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cycling shoe 10 includes a sole system 12 and an upper (or upper body) 14. The upper 14 is attached to the sole body 16. The sole body 16 supports the upper 14. For example, the sole body 16 can be fixedly attached to the upper 14 by conventional means, such as by stitching, adhesives, and / or embedding a portion of the upper 14 into the sole body 16. Thus, the upper 14 and the sole body 16 are integrated together. In this way, the sole body 16 and the upper 14 form the cycling shoe 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the sole body 16 is particularly useful for cycling. In other words, the sole body 16 is provided for the cycling shoe. The cycling shoe 10 has a longitudinal direction L and a lateral or width direction W. The longitudinal direction L extends longitudinally from the toe end T of the cycling shoe 10 to the heel end H of the cycling shoe 10. The width direction W is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0039] Here, the upper 14 is a low-top style upper. However, the upper 14 is not limited to a low-top style, but can have any style. The upper 14 is made of any suitable natural or polymeric material. The upper 14 can be formed from expandable or non-expandable materials. For example, the upper 14 can be made of leather, nylon mesh, and / or any other material used in conventional uppers. Alternatively, the upper 14 can be made of a stretchable material or stretchable fabric, which has the ability to stretch and elastically return to its original unstretched state. For example, the stretchable material can be partially made of elastic fibers (such as Lycra, Spandex, or knitted fabric), and / or can be a knitted fabric that can be stretched due to a series of interlocking loops formed during the production process of the upper 14. Here, the upper 14 is made of mesh thermoplastic polyurethane and synthetic leather material.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, the upper 14 includes a first lateral side 14a and a second lateral side 14b. The upper 14 also includes a tongue 14c located between the first lateral side 14a and the second lateral side 14b. The upper 14 includes a foot receiving opening 14d formed between the first lateral side 14a and the second lateral side 14b. Here, the upper 14 also includes a fastening structure 18 for securing the cycling shoe 10 to the wearer's foot. The fastening structure 18 may include at least one shoe fastener 18A and at least one lace or strap 18B extending across the tongue 14c and connecting between the first lateral side 14a and the second lateral side 14b. Alternatively, the fastening structure 18 may be only a lace. Furthermore, alternatively, the upper 14 may include one or more fastening straps with hook-and-loop fasteners having a fabric hook-and-loop fastening material. Here, the fastening structure 18 also includes a strap 18C. Since the fastening structure used to secure the shoe to the wearer's foot is a conventional and well-known structure, a detailed description of the fastening structure is omitted for brevity. Because the invention is applicable to a wide variety of shoe styles, designs, and configurations, the depicted embodiment only shows one basic shoe design, which consists of several textile materials spliced ​​or sewn together to form the depicted shape. However, as will be understood from the following description of the invention, the invention is not limited to the depicted shape.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the sole body 16 is configured to accommodate the pedal locking plate C1. The pedal locking plate C1 can be attached to the sole body 16 via a plurality of first fasteners F1 (see...). Figure 2 The plurality of first fasteners are secured to the locking nut 20. Here, the pedal locking plate C1 is a three-bolt locking plate attached to the sole body 16 using three bolts (i.e., first fasteners F1). Alternatively, the sole body 16 can be configured to accommodate other types of pedal locking plates, such as double-bolt locking plates. Each first fastener F1 may be provided with a washer or shim in a conventional manner.

[0042] In one embodiment, the sole body 16 is made of a rigid material that does not deform (e.g., bend). In this embodiment, the sole body 16 comprises a resin material. For example, the sole body 16 may be made of nylon (polyamide) or thermoplastic polyurethane. Preferably, in this embodiment, the resin material comprises a fiber-reinforced material. For example, the sole body 16 may be made of carbon-reinforced resin or glass fiber-reinforced resin.

[0043] The sole body 16 includes a first side (outsole surface 16b) and a second side (insole surface 16a). The outsole surface 16b is configured to face away from the upper 14 and to contact the ground. The insole surface 16a is attached to the lower portion of the upper 14. The sole body 16 includes a recess or recessed area 22 provided in the insole surface 16a and a corresponding protrusion (protrusion 44) provided on the outsole surface 16b.

[0044] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a recessed area 22 is provided at the foot region BA of the sole body 16, and its size and configuration are designed to have a locking nut 20 disposed therein. That is, the recessed area 22 includes a central portion 24, a front portion 26, and a first side portion 28 and a second side portion 30. The central portion 24 includes a second elongated hole 32 (e.g., at least one second elongated hole) configured to receive a second fastener 34 (at least one fastener). Each of the first side portion 28, the second side portion 30, and the front portion 26 has a corresponding first elongated hole 36 configured to receive a first fastener F1. The first side portion 28 and the second side portion 30 extend laterally relative to the longitudinal direction L of the sole body 16 and in the direction of the outer side 38 and the inner side 40 of the sole body 16. The front portion 26 extends from the central portion 24 toward the toe side T of the sole body 16 and includes a first elongated hole 36 configured to receive a first fastener F1. Each of the plurality of first elongated holes 36 extends in the longitudinal direction L (i.e., from the heel side H to the toe side T) of the sole body 16. The plurality of first elongated holes 36 are generally configured to position a plurality of first fasteners F1 in an equilateral triangular configuration. That is, the plurality of first fasteners F1 are arranged such that the first fastener F1 located at the front 26 is equidistantly positioned from the first fastener F1 located at the first side 28 and the second side 30, respectively; the first fastener F1 located at the first side 28 can be equidistantly positioned from the first fastener F1 located at the front 26 and the first fastener F1 located at the second side 30, respectively; and the first fastener F1 located at the second side 30 can be equidistantly positioned from the first fastener F1 located at the front 26 and the first fastener F1 located at the first side 28, respectively. However, it should be noted that each of the plurality of first elongated holes 36 can be positioned in any suitable manner and can have any suitable number of holes.

[0045] The plurality of first elongated holes 36 may include at least three first elongated holes 36, and allow a first fastener F1 to pass through and enter the locking nut 20 to secure the pedal locking plate C1 to the sole body 16. The sole body 16 has a toe end T, a foot region BA, and a heel end H. The foot region BA is located between the toe end T and the heel end H. The locking nut 20 is located in the foot region BA, which corresponds to the foot of the wearer wearing the cycling shoe 10. It should be noted that the locking nut 20, and therefore the pedal locking plate C1, can be located at any suitable position on the sole body 16.

[0046] The second elongated hole 32 located in the central portion 24 extends substantially in the same direction as the first elongated hole 36 located in the front portion 26 and along the same longitudinal line (i.e., in the longitudinal direction L) (see Figures 6 to 8 Furthermore, the second elongated hole 32 located in the center portion 24 can be connected to the first elongated hole 36 located in the front portion 26. In one embodiment, the second elongated hole 32 located in the center portion 24 is connected to the first elongated hole 36 located in the front portion 26, and is positioned closer to the heel side H of the sole body 16 than the first elongated hole 36 located in the front portion 26. Furthermore, the second width W2 of the second elongated hole 32 in the center portion 24 is smaller than the first width W1 of the first elongated hole 36 located in the front portion 26, while its second length L2 is approximately the same as the first length L1 of the plurality of first elongated holes 36.

[0047] like Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the second elongated hole 32 located in the central portion 24 has a recessed portion or a stepped portion 42. In this case, the second elongated hole 32 located in the central portion 24 has an internal width W from the inner bottom surface 16a to the stepped portion 42. I and the outer width W from the inner bottom surface 16a to the outer bottom surface 16b O The outer width W at point 16b on the outsole surface. O Width greater than the internal width W from the inner bottom surface 16a to the step portion 42 I This difference in width forms a stepped portion 42. The stepped portion 42 forms a recessed surface 42a facing the outsole surface 16b. Therefore, the sole body 16 includes an outsole surface 16b, an insole surface 16a, a plurality of first elongated holes 36 and at least one second elongated hole 32, the at least one second elongated hole 32 having a step defining the stepped portion 42.

[0048] The outsole surface 16b includes a protrusion 44 opposite to the recessed area 22 on the insole surface 16a. Thus, the protrusion 44 surrounds a plurality of first elongated holes 36 and a second elongated hole 32. The pedal clip C1 is sized and configured to be positioned within the boundary of the protrusion 44. Furthermore, the protrusion 44 is generally located in the forefoot region BA located between the toe end T and the heel end H.

[0049] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the sole body 16 includes a scale S adjacent to a second elongated hole 32 located at the center 24. That is, the scale S is located adjacent to at least one second elongated hole 32 located on the outsole surface 16b. In this case, the scale S is disposed within the protrusion 44. Specifically, a series of marks M are arranged adjacent to the second elongated hole 32 located at the center 24 on both the inner side 40 and the outer side 38. The marks M may be lines extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the sole body 16. Figures 6 to 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the mark M extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the sole body 16. The scale S includes a center or neutral mark M. C Neutral marker M C Located at the center of the second elongated hole 32. Positioning mark M P Set at neutral marker M C T on the toe side and neutral mark M C The heel side H. Preferably, the markings M are evenly spaced along the longitudinal direction L of the sole body 16. As shown in the figure, on the neutral marking M C Four positioning marks M are set on the T side of the toe. P And in neutral marker M C Four positioning marks M are also set on the H side of the heel. P However, it should be understood that the markings M can be any number as desired. Furthermore, if needed, the markings M can be numbered and indicate specific intervals (e.g., mm). It should be understood that the markings M can be configured in any desired manner, in any desired number, and in any desired direction. The markings M can indicate non-measuring distances and can be configured to easily enable the user to indicate the specific positioning of the locking nut 20, as discussed in more detail below.

[0050] In one implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the locking nut 20 comprises a metallic material and includes a central portion or connecting portion 46 and a plurality of arms or arm portions 48 extending from the central portion or connecting portion 46. Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 6 As shown, each of the plurality of arms 48 extends from the central portion 46 and includes one of the plurality of first nut portions 50 to form a symmetrical Y configuration. That is, in one embodiment, the locking nut 20 is Y-shaped. Specifically, each of the plurality of first nut portions 50 is radially spaced from another first nut portion 50 by approximately 120 degrees. However, it should be noted that the plurality of first nut portions 50 can be spaced apart from each other in any suitable manner. Furthermore, although the number of the plurality of first nut portions 50 is three in this embodiment, any desired and / or appropriate number of first nut portions 50 can be present.

[0051] Each of the plurality of first nut portions 50 includes an opening or through-hole 52, which is threaded and configured to receive a first fastener F1. Here, each opening or through-hole 52 of the plurality of first nut portions 50 is configured to receive a first fastener F1, wherein the first fastener F1 is a threaded fastener. The central portion or connecting portion 46 includes an opening or through-hole 54, which is threaded and configured to receive a second fastener 34. Here, the opening or through-hole 52 of the central portion or connecting portion 46 is configured to receive a second fastener 34, wherein the second fastener 34 is a threaded fastener. In this case, the locking nut 20 includes a connecting portion 46 and a plurality of arms 48 extending outwardly from the connecting portion 46. Each of the plurality of arms 48 includes a first nut portion 50, and the connecting portion 46 includes at least one second nut portion 47.

[0052] Therefore, the locking nut 20 is disposed on the inner sole surface 16a side of the sole body 16, and the locking nut 20 includes a plurality of first nut portions 50 aligned with a plurality of first elongated holes 36 and at least one second nut portion 47 aligned with at least one second elongated hole 32.

[0053] Because the locking nut 20 has high tensile strength, fatigue strength, ductility, and toughness, it achieves a rigid connection to the pedal locking plate C1. Furthermore, the configuration of the plurality of first nut portions 50 ensures stable attachment of the pedal locking plate C1.

[0054] Each first fastener F1 has a head 56 and a shaft or threaded portion 58. The head 56 is generally circular and its diameter is larger than that of the shaft 58. The second fastener 34 also includes a head 62 and a shaft or threaded portion 60. The head 62 is generally circular and its diameter is larger than that of the shaft 60.

[0055] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the pedal locking plate C1 includes a rectangular opening 64 located at its center. The rectangular opening 64 allows the second fastener 34 to be positioned therein. As discussed in more detail below, the second fastener 34 does not contact the pedal locking plate C1, but instead attaches the locking plate nut 20 to the sole body 16 and achieves the positioning of the pedal locking plate C1. Pedal locking plates are well-known in the field of human-powered vehicles. Therefore, the pedal locking plate C1 will not be discussed further in detail herein.

[0056] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, the pedal clip C1 is positioned on the sole body 16 together with the clip nut 20. The pedal clip C1 is positioned on the outsole surface 16b, and the clip nut 20 is positioned on the insole surface 16a. Here, three first fasteners F1 attach the pedal clip C1 to the clip nut 20. The sole system 12 is configured to receive the pedal clip C1. Therefore, the pedal clip C1 can be attached to the sole system 12 by a plurality of first fasteners F1 (see...). Figure 2 ).

[0057] With the pedal locking plate C1 attached to the sole body 16, the locking plate nut 20 is positioned on the inner side 40 of the sole body 16. For example... Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the second fastener 34 is inserted from the outsole surface 16b through the second elongated hole 32 and into the locking nut 20. The threaded portion 60 of the second fastener 34 is screwed into the second nut portion 47. The head 62 of the second fastener 34 engages with the stepped portion 42 of the second elongated hole 32. Therefore, in this case, the surface 62a of the head 62 abuts against or is disposed on the recessed surface 42a of the stepped portion 42. Therefore, in this case, the locking nut 20 is disposed on the inner outsole surface 16a side of the sole body 16, the locking nut 20 includes a plurality of first nut portions 50 aligned with a plurality of first elongated holes 36 and at least one second nut portion 47 aligned with at least one second elongated hole 32, and at least one fastener 34 includes a head 62 and a threaded portion 60, the threaded portion 60 being screwed into at least one second nut portion 47, and the head 62 being disposed in the stepped portion 42 of at least one second elongated hole 32.

[0058] In one implementation, such as Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the second fastener 34 is configured such that, in the installed state where the second fastener 34 is mounted on the locking nut 20, the head 62 is flush with or recessed from the outer bottom surface 16b.

[0059] When the second fastener 34 is inserted into the second nut portion 47 of the locking nut 20 such that the surface 62a of the head 62 engages with the recessed surface 42a of the step portion 42, the locking nut 20 can be fixed to the sole body 16 to prevent or restrict movement of the locking nut 20 in the longitudinal direction L. However, when the second fastener 34 is screwed into the second nut portion 47 but not fixedly engages with the recessed surface 42a of the step portion 42, the locking nut 20 can move relative to the sole body 16 in the longitudinal direction L. For example, as Figure 9 As shown, the locking nut 20 can move in the longitudinal forward direction L F Or longitudinal backward direction L R Move upwards.

[0060] In this embodiment, the user can move the locking nut 20 relative to the sole body 16 and position the second fastener 34 relative to the sole body 16 using the scale S. As can be understood, in this embodiment, the second fastener 34 is slidable within the second elongated hole 32, allowing the second fastener 34 to be positioned adjacent to an appropriate or desired mark M. In other words, this embodiment enables precise and repeatable positioning of the locking nut 20 relative to the sole body 16 before fixing its position.

[0061] Once the position of the locking nut 20 is determined to be correct or satisfactory, the second fastener 34 can be secured within the second elongated hole 32 by screwing the second fastener 34 into the opening 54 so that the head 62 of the second fastener 34 securely contacts the step portion 42. The pedal locking plate C1 can be located adjacent to the outsole surface 16b of the sole body 16. The first fastener F1 can be inserted through the opening 66 located in the pedal locking plate C1, through the first elongated hole 36 located in the sole body 16, and into the first nut portion 50. The threaded portion 58 of the first fastener F1 can be threaded into the first nut portion 50 so that the head 56 of the first fastener F1 engages the surface of the pedal locking plate C1. The first fastener F1 can then be tightened so that the pedal locking plate C1 is securely attached to the locking nut 20, and thus securely attached to the sole body 16.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the second fastener 34 can enter through the opening 64 located in the pedal clip C1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the scale S on the outsole surface 16b of the sole body 16 is visible through the opening 64. Therefore, when the user wishes to adjust the position of the pedal clip C1 attached to the sole body 16, the first fastener F1 and the second fastener 34 can be loosened to the extent that the pedal clip C1 can be moved relative to the sole body 16 in the longitudinal direction L through the elongated holes 32, 36, while keeping the connection between the pedal clip C1 and the clip nut 20 loose. Similarly, the second fastener 34 and the first fastener F1 can slide within the second elongated hole 32 and the plurality of first elongated holes 36, such that the second fastener 34 can be positioned adjacent to a suitable or desired mark M. Here, the user can use the scale S to move the clip nut 20 relative to the sole body 16 and position the second fastener 34 (and therefore the pedal clip C1 itself) relative to the sole body 16. Locking nut 20 and therefore pedal locking plate C1 can be in the longitudinal forward direction L F Or longitudinal backward direction L R The movement is upward. In other words, this embodiment allows the locking nut 20 to be precisely and repeatably positioned relative to the sole body 16 before the locking nut 20 is fixed in position, and thus the pedal locking plate C1 is precisely and repeatably positioned.

[0063] Once the position of the pedal locking plate C1 is determined to be correct or satisfactory, the threaded portion 58 of the first fastener F1 can be screwed into the first nut portion 50, such that the head 56 of the first fastener F1 engages the surface of the pedal locking plate C1 at the opening 66, and the threaded portion 60 of the second fastener 34 can be screwed into the second nut portion 47, such that the head 62 of the second fastener 34 engages the recessed surface 42a of the step portion 42. The first fastener F1 and the second fastener 34 can then be tightened, such that the pedal locking plate C1 is fixedly attached to the locking plate nut 20, and thus fixedly attached to the sole body 16.

[0064] This process can be repeated to position the locking nut 20 and, consequently, the pedal locking plate C1 in any desired portion of the foot area BA of the sole body 16 relative to the sole body 16. Therefore, as can be understood, this disclosure provides a sole system 12 in which the locking nut 20 can be secured to the sole body 16 at a desired location, such that the pedal locking plate C1 can be attached, removed, and then reattached at the same location.

[0065] In understanding the scope of this invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms specifying the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integrals, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integrals, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "part," "section," "section," "component," or "element," when used in the singular, can have a dual meaning of a single part or multiple parts.

[0066] As used herein, the following directional terms—forward, backward, front, back, up, down, above, below, upward, downward, top, bottom, side, vertical, horizontal, perpendicular, and lateral—and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions in which the cycling shoe is in an upright position on a level surface. Therefore, these directional terms used to describe the sole system should be interpreted relative to the cycling shoe equipped with the sole system and in an upright position on a level surface. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when viewed from the right side of the person wearing the cycling shoe and "left" when viewed from the left side of the person wearing the cycling shoe.

[0067] As used in this disclosure, the phrase “at least one” means “one or more” of the desired options. For example, when the number of options is two, the phrase “at least one” as used in this disclosure means either “only one option” or “two options.” For another instance, when the number of options is three or more, the phrase “at least one” as used in this disclosure means “only one option” or “any combination of two or more options.” Furthermore, the term “and / or” as used in this disclosure means “any one or both.” 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 A, B, and C. In other words, the phrase “at least one of A and B” does not mean “at least one A and at least one B” as in this disclosure.

[0068] Furthermore, 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 used only to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, without departing from the spirit of the invention, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa.

[0069] As used herein, the terms “attach” or “connect” encompass the following configurations: attaching one element directly to another element by a fixing method; attaching one element indirectly to another element through one or more intermediate members; and integrating one element with another, i.e., one element is essentially part of the other. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as “joint,” “connect,” “link,” “install,” “combine,” “fix,” and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, degree terms such as “essentially,” “approximately,” and “nearly” indicate a degree of deviation, provided that modifying the term does not significantly alter the final result.

[0070] Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components may be varied as needed and / or desired, provided that such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, components shown as directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures arranged therebetween, provided that such variations do not substantially affect their intended function. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the function of one element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment. All advantages need not be present simultaneously in one embodiment. Each feature that differs from the prior art (alone or in combination with other features) should also be considered as a separate description by the applicant of another invention that includes structural and / or functional concepts embodied by these features. Therefore, the above description providing embodiments according to the invention is for illustration only and not for limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sole system for a cycling shoe, the sole system comprising: a sole body including an outsole surface, an insole surface, a plurality of first long holes, and at least one second long hole having a step defining a stepped portion; a lock plate nut disposed on a side of the insole surface of the sole body, the lock plate nut including a plurality of first nut portions aligned with the plurality of first long holes and at least one second nut portion aligned with the at least one second long hole; and at least one fastener including a head portion and a threaded portion, the threaded portion being threaded into the at least one second nut portion and the head portion being disposed in the stepped portion of the at least one second long hole.

2. The sole system according to claim 1, wherein the fastener is configured such that, in a mounted state in which the fastener is mounted to the lock plate nut, the head portion is flush with the outsole surface or recessed from the outsole surface.

3. The sole system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock plate nut is Y-shaped.

4. The sole system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock plate nut includes a connecting portion and a plurality of arm portions extending outwardly from the connecting portion, each of the plurality of arm portions includes one of the first nut portions, and the connecting portion includes the at least one second nut portion.

5. The sole system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sole body includes a scale.

6. The sole system according to claim 5, wherein the scale is located adjacent to the at least one second long hole.

7. The sole system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of first long holes includes at least three long holes.

8. The sole system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lock plate nut includes a metallic material.

9. The sole system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sole body includes a resin material.

10. The sole system according to claim 9, wherein the resin material includes a fiber reinforced material.

11. The sole system according to claim 10, wherein the fiber reinforced material includes carbon fiber.

12. A cycling shoe comprising: an upper body; and the sole system according to any one of claims 1 to 11. ​ ​

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