Robust spike system for shoes with retractable and extendable spikes

Abstract

Shoe with a retractable and extendable spike system, • the shoe comprising an outsole with multiple spikes, • the spikes can be moved into a retracted and an extended position by a mechanical system, • wherein the mechanical system comprises at least one push rod, • the push rod being movable along a guide within the sole, • the movement of the push rod is controlled by a control element on the shoe.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to footwear with an integrated, mechanically retractable spike system distributed across the entire sole of the shoe. The mechanism allows the spikes to be extended as needed to provide better grip on snow and ice, or retracted to make the shoe usable on normal ground conditions.

[0002] The system is characterized by its ease of use and its small number of mechanical components, minimizing wear and reducing the risk of jamming. The spikes are retracted or extended by turning an adjustment wheel on the heel of the shoe. Detailed description of the mechanism's operation (see drawings 1 and 2) • The mechanism consists of two or more push rods, which are integrated either in the outsole or in the midsole and are moved by two gears. • The rods and gears have a sheath for protection and stabilization • At the points where spikes are to be extended, the push rods are shaped in a wave pattern. • The distance between the trough and the crest of the wave determines the maximum height by which the spike protrudes from the sole. Movement control by rotation mechanism (see drawing 3) • The push rods have teeth at their rear end with which they engage with a gear • A rotary knob on the heel of the shoe transmits its movement to a gear wheel that engages the teeth of the push rods. • Turning the knob moves the push rods back and forth, moving the spikes to the desired position. • The required movement of the push rod is small Mechanism for fixing the spikes in the extended state (see drawing 2) • If a spike is located at a trough, it is fully extended. • When stepping on the ground, the push rod above ensures that the movable cylinder with the spike cannot be pushed upwards, which means that the spikes retain their position. • The spike is screwed into a movable cylinder and can therefore be easily replaced after heavy wear. Inserting the spikes (see drawing 2) • If you turn the adjusting wheel again, the push rod is moved so that the spike is located under a wave crest. • The next time the shoe steps, the movable cylinder is pushed upwards by contact with the ground, so that the spike disappears completely into the sole. • A rubber ring provides sufficient grip so that the movable cylinder does not slip out of the sole by itself, while at the same time remaining light enough to allow it to be extended again. Stabilization and guidance of the spikes (see drawing 2) • The movable cylinder with the spike is stabilized by a guide cylinder that is firmly integrated into the shoe. • To allow the push rod to slide freely, the fixed cylinder has a groove that exactly matches the width of the push rod. State of the art

[0003] Retractable spike systems for shoes are already known.

[0004] Some models include mechanisms that allow spikes to be retracted or extended as needed. These solutions are often based on folding mechanisms, spring-based systems, or rotating plates that allow mechanical switching between an "ice mode" and a "normal mode."

[0005] Existing systems are often complex and contain many moving parts that can be prone to contamination or mechanical failure, or are inconvenient to operate. Many of these solutions also make the spikes difficult or impossible to replace. Furthermore, some designs are limited to equipping only certain areas of the sole (e.g., the heel) with spikes, which can limit functionality in certain situations. Object of the invention

[0006] The objective of the invention is to provide an easy-to-use, reliable, and robust spike system for shoes that allows flexible adaptation to different surfaces. In particular, the following disadvantages of existing systems should be avoided: • Low coverage of the shoe sole - Spikes should be distributed not only on the heel but across the entire sole to provide optimal grip. • Complexity and susceptibility to contamination - The system should use few and stable components to avoid blockages or defects caused by dirt or ice and to keep production costs low. • Difficulty in replacing the spikes - Worn spikes should be easy to replace without dismantling the entire mechanism. • Inconvenient operation - The spikes must be able to be extended and retracted easily and reliably, without great force or complicated mechanisms. Solution to the task

[0007] The invention solves this problem by means of a mechanical spike system that is distributed over the entire sole of the shoe and is controlled by a simple rotary wheel on the heel. • Mechanism with few and robust components: The spikes are integrated into push rods that move through the sole of the shoe in a wave pattern. • Easy control: By turning a wheel on the heel, the push rods are moved so that the spikes are either retracted into the shoe or extended. • Reliable fixation: When extended, the spikes are held against a fixed element by the pressure of the body weight, so that they do not retract accidentally. • Full-surface integration: The spikes are not only located on the heel, but can also be located in the forefoot area to ensure optimal traction on slippery surfaces. • Easy replacement of spikes: Worn spikes can be easily unscrewed from the system and replaced without having to dismantle the entire mechanism. Advantages of the invention 1. Full Sole Coverage - The spikes aren't limited to the heel area but can extend across the entire shoe, providing additional support to the forefoot area as well. This improves traction on ice and snow. 2. Simple and reliable mechanism - The mechanism is constructed with few sturdy components, making it less susceptible to defects or blockages caused by dirt, ice or small stones. 3. Convenient one-hand operation - The spikes are extended and retracted by simply turning an adjustment wheel on the heel, allowing the user to quickly switch between normal and non-slip conditions at any time. 4. Durability through replaceable spikes -Worn spikes can be replaced individually without having to replace the entire mechanism or undergo complex repairs. 5. Low force switching - The system is designed so that no significant force is required to retract or extend the spikes. This increases ease of use, especially for older people or those with limited manual strength. 6. Automatic fixation when extended - Thanks to the special mechanism, the spikes are fixed in the extended state by your own body pressure, so that they cannot retract unintentionally. 7. Low maintenance and durable - Due to the simple and robust design, the mechanism is very resistant to wear and tear and requires minimal maintenance.

[0008] List of reference symbols Drawing 1 1 shoe profile 2 spikes 3 Wave-shaped push rod with teeth 4 Handwheel with gear

[0009] List of reference symbols Drawing 2 1 midsole 2 Wave-shaped push rod with teeth 3 Movable cylinder with internal thread 4 Fixed cylinder 5 rubber ring 6 spikes with external thread 7 Outsole

[0010] List of reference symbols Drawing 3 1 handwheel with gear 2 gears 3 Wave-shaped push rod with teeth

Claims

[1] Shoe with a retractable and extendable spike system, • the shoe comprising an outsole with multiple spikes, • the spikes can be moved into a retracted and an extended position by a mechanical system, • wherein the mechanical system comprises at least one push rod, • the push rod being movable along a guide within the sole, • the movement of the push rod is controlled by a control element on the shoe. [2] Shoe according to claim 1, wherein the control element is a rotary knob on the heel of the shoe which controls the movement of the push rod via a gear. [3] Shoe according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical system has a wave pattern in the push rod at the locations where the spikes are arranged, which, depending on its position relative to the movable cylinder, extends the spikes or gives room to retract. [4] Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spikes are distributed over the entire shoe sole, including the forefoot and heel areas. [5] Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spikes are integrated into a movable cylinder which moves within a fixed guide cylinder in the sole. [6] Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the spikes is controlled by the push rod so that the spikes are automatically fixed by the ground pressure when they are extended. [7] Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spikes are attached by means of a thread and can be replaced individually. [8] Shoe according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system is designed with a minimum number of moving parts to reduce contamination and blockages. [9] Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rubber ring or a similar elastic component ensures that the movable spike components do not unintentionally extend from the sole. [10] Shoe according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable elements are protected by a casing.

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