Cleat shoe

Abstract

A shoe is described herein comprising an outsole component comprising a plurality of plates, wherein the plurality of plates are separated by at least one groove, wherein the plurality of plates comprises at least one cleat, wherein the at least one cleat protrudes from the outsole component at a first distance, wherein the plurality of plates comprise at least one lug, wherein the at least one lug protrudes from the outsole component at a second distance, wherein the outsole component is attached to a midsole component, wherein the midsole component extends through the at least one groove.

Description

[0001] CLEAT SHOE

[0002] Inventors:

[0003] Douglas Clark, Peter Dillon, Christopher Pawlus

[0004] RELATED APPLICATION

[0005] This application claims the benefit of United States Application No. 63 / 606,849, filed December 6, 2023.

[0006] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0007] Embodiments are described herein relating to configuring outsoles for softball shoes.

[0008] INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0009] Each patent, patent application, and / or publication mentioned in this specification is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent, patent application, and / or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0010] BACKGROUND

[0011] Softball requires specialized athletic gear. In particular, players need excellent footwear in the form of softball cleats. Generally, “cleats” refer to any shoe with projections extending from the sole. The spikes or cleats for softball have different spacing than cleats for other sports and are designed for providing the traction needed by softball players. Cleats help a player accelerate, run faster, stop quickly, and move from side-to-side precisely.

[0012] The spikes on softball cleats may comprise rubber, e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or metal. Metal cleats feature spikes attached on the outsole of the shoe. The metal cleats give the most traction on the field as they dig-in further in the dirt. Molded cleats (or lugs) are designed with shorter studs which are non-removable. The metal and / or lug cleats are attached to or integrally formed with an outsole. Traditionally, an outsole comprises a single plate. Lack of flexibility of a single plate may interfere with optimal performance of cleats. There is a need to design a flexible outsole that maximizes the efficacy of attached or integrally formed cleats.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A shoe is described herein comprising under an embodiment an outsole component comprising a plurality of plates, wherein the plurality of plates are separated by at least one groove, wherein the plurality of plates comprises at least one cleat, wherein the at least one cleat protrudes from the outsole component at a first distance, wherein the plurality of plates comprises at least one lug, wherein the at least one lug protrudes from the outsole component at a second distance, wherein the outsole component is attached to a midsole component, wherein the midsole component extends through the at least one groove.

[0015] In embodiments, tire plurality of plates comprises an upper plate.

[0016] In embodiments, the at least one cleat comprises upper cleats distributed about a periphery of the upper plate.

[0017] In embodiments, the at least one lug comprises upper lugs located at an interior of the upper plate.

[0018] In embodiments, the plurality of plates comprises a middle plate.

[0019] In embodiments, tire at least one groove comprise a first groove between the upper plate and the middle plate.

[0020] In embodiments, wherein the midsole component extends through tire first groove.

[0021] In embodiments, the first groove extends laterally through the outsole component along a first path.

[0022] In embodiments, the first path is configured to align below and adjacent to the phalanges.

[0023] In embodiments, wherein the at least one cleat comprises middle cleats distributed about a periphery of the middle plate.

[0024] In embodiments, the at least one lug comprises middle lugs located at an interior of the middle plate. In embodiments, the plurality of plates comprises a lower plate.

[0025] In embodiments, the at least one groove comprise a second groove between the middle plate and the lower plate.

[0026] In embodiments, tire second groove extends laterally through the outsole component along a second path.

[0027] In embodiments, the second path is configured to align below and adjacent to the metatarsals.

[0028] In embodiments, the at least one cleat comprises lower cleats distributed about a periphery of the lower plate.

[0029] In embodiments, the at least one lug comprises lower lugs located at an interior of tire lower plate.

[0030] In embodiments, the outsole component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0031] In embodiments, wherein the midsole component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0032] In embodiments, the first distance comprises 10.5 millimeters.

[0033] In embodiments, the first distance comprises 13.5 millimeters.

[0034] In embodiments, the second distance comprises 5 millimeters.

[0035] In embodiments, the second distance comprises 6 millimeters.

[0036] In embodiments, the at least one cleat comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0037] In embodiments, the at least one cleat is integrally formed with the outsole component.

[0038] In embodiments, the at least lug comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0039] In embodiments, the at least one lug is integrally formed with the outsole component.

[0040] In embodiments, the at least one cleat comprises metal material pinned into the outsole component.

[0041] In embodiments, tire at least one cleat comprises a central plate extending to a distal edge.

[0042] In embodiments, the at least one cleat comprises a pair of opposing lateral plates extending from opposing sides of the central plate, each said lateral plate extending at an angle to a plane defined by the central plate. In embodiments, the angle of the lateral plate is an oblique angle relative the plane of the central plate, whereby the cleat defines a U-shape in plan view.

[0043] A shoe is described herein comprising under an embodiment an outsole component comprising a plurality of plates, wherein the plurality of plates are separated by at least one groove, wherein the plurality of plates comprises at least one lug, wherein the at least one lug protrudes from the outsole component at a distance, wherein the outsole component is attached to a midsole component, wherein the midsole component extends through the at least one groove.

[0044] In embodiments, the plurality of plates comprises an upper plate.

[0045] In embodiments, the at least one lug comprises upper lugs located about a periphery and at an interior of the upper plate.

[0046] In embodiments, the plurality of plates comprises a middle plate.

[0047] In embodiments, the at least one groove comprise a first groove between the upper plate and the middle plate.

[0048] In embodiments, the midsole component extends through the first groove.

[0049] In embodiments, the first groove extends laterally through the outsole component along a first path.

[0050] In embodiments, the first path is configured to align below and adjacent to the phalanges.

[0051] In embodiments, the at least one lug comprises middle lugs located at a periphery and at an interior of the middle plate.

[0052] In embodiments, the plurality of plates comprises a lower plate.

[0053] In embodiments, the at least one groove comprise a second groove between the middle plate and the lower plate.

[0054] In embodiments, the second groove extends laterally through the outsole component along a second path.

[0055] In embodiments, the second path is configured to align below and adjacent to the metatarsals.

[0056] In embodiments, the at least one lug comprises lower lugs located at a periphery and at an interior of the lower plate.

[0057] In embodiments, the outsole component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane. In embodiments, the midsole component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0058] In embodiments, the distance comprises 10.5 millimeters, 13.5 millimeters, 5 millimeters, or 6 millimeters.

[0059] In embodiments, the at least lug comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0060] In embodiments, wherein the at least one lug is integrally formed with the outsole component.

[0061] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0062] Figure 1 shows an exploded side view of components of a sole for a sports shoe, under an embodiment.

[0063] Figure 2 shows a bottom view of a segmented outsole, under an embodiment.

[0064] Figure 3A shows a bottom view of a segmented outsole, under an embodiment.

[0065] Figure 3B shows a first side view of a segmented outsole, under an embodiment.

[0066] Figure 3C shows a second side view of a segmented outsole, under an embodiment.

[0067] Figure 4 shows the faceted design of a cleat, under an embodiment.

[0068] Figure 5 shows dimension of cleats and lugs, under an embodiment.

[0069] Figure 6A shows a bottom view of a segmented outsole, under an embodiment.

[0070] Figure 6B shows a side view of a segmented outsole, under an embodiment.

[0071] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a cleat, under an embodiment.

[0072] Objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a reading of the following Description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0073] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] Figure 1 shows in side view the three exploded components of a shoe sole including insole 102, midsole 104, and outsole 106. Metal and / or molded cleats 108 are attached to or integrally formed with the outsole of the shoe. An outsole may comprise a single nylon or TPU plate, under an embodiment. The single plate extends from heel 110 to toe 112 as seen in Figure 1. This single plate configuration resists a natural gait of an athlete’s foot. For example, as an athlete accelerates and sprints towards first base, the athlete’s gait causes the plate to flex out of its resting state position. However, it takes energy to flex the outsole as the outsole is biased toward a resting state.

[0075] A single plate outsole may comprise grooves to increase flexibility. Nevertheless, the outsole is still integrally formed. However, Figure 2 shows an outsole in accordance with the present invention that comprises three separate outsole plates. Figure 2 demonstrates an upper (or toe) plate 202, a middle plate 204, and a lower (heel) plate 206. The upper plate and lower plate are separated by a groove 210. The middle plate and lower plate are separated by a groove 212. The grooves 210, 212 extend laterally transverse across the outsole at an angle acute to each other.

[0076] While accelerating and running, the greatest stress is applied at the first groove 210, i.e. at a proximate location aligned below the phalanges, and at the second groove 212, i.e. at a proximate location located below the metatarsals. The grooves 210, 212 are therefore strategically located and provide optimal flexibility at these two stress points. The plates are made of TPU material and are fastened to the midsole 104 with glue or other adhesive. Under an alternative embodiment, the plates are made of nylon. As seen in the side view of Figure 3C, the outsole may comprise a thickness of 1.5 mm (302) but embodiments are not so limited. Under an embodiment, the segmented outsole is attached to a one piece thermoplastic polyurethane layer (i.e., the midsole 104). Under another embodiment, the midsole comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate. This layer 104 extends through the outsole to provide the flex grooves 210, 212 described above. Note that the portion of the midsole 104 that extends through the outsole at grooves 210, 212 comprises an inverted U-shaped channel. Opposing sides of each U-shaped channel respectively abut interior sides of corresponding grooves. The U-shaped channels enable increased flex between adjacent plates (202, 204 and 204, 206).

[0077] Figures 2 and 3A show an illustrative configuration of a plurality of spaced-apart oriented cleats located around a periphery of the upper 202, middle 204, and lower plates 206. The cleats comprise a faceted design as shown in Figure 4. Each cleat features a central plate 402 and two lateral plates 404, 406. The central plate comprises a height of either 10.5 mm or 13.5 mm. The lateral plates extend from shoulders of the central plate, and their height tapers as they extend downward from the central plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing lateral plates angle in a first direction to define a U shape. Or in other words, the lateral and central plates are integrally formed as a single metal piece to provide a faceted fingernail appearance. Figure 5 shows a 13.5 mm cleat 502 extending from base plate / outsole 514. Figure 5 also shows a 10.5 mm 504 cleat extending from base plate / outsole 514.

[0078] Under an embodiment, the cleats are pinned into the segmented TPU outsole shown in Figures 2 and 3A. Under an embodiment, a pin holds a metal spike in place in a mold, i.e. a mold for generating the outsole plates. The mold is then injected with TPU. Figure 7 provides a perspective view photograph of a cleat 710, under an embodiment. The faceted cleat 710 is integrally formed with an attachment plate 712 which itself includes a through hole 714. This through hole receives a pin which secures the cleat to the outsole. The cleat illustrated in Figure 7 includes a shallow recess 720 intermediate the opposing lateral plates 722, 724.

[0079] As seen in Figure 2 and 3A, the upper plate 202 comprises three cleats 220, 222, 224. Cleat 220 is located at a distal end of the upper plate 202 while cleats 222, 224 are proximally positioned at opposing interior and exteriors sides of the upper plate. The middle plate 204 comprises three cleats 230, 232, 234 which are located at its peripheral corners. The lower plate 206 comprises two cleats 240, 242 at its distal end and two cleats 244, 246 at its proximal end proximate the heel end 110.

[0080] Upper plate cleats 220, 222, 224 extend from the outsole to a height of 10.5 mm. Middle plate cleats 230, 232, 234 and lower plate cleats 240, 242, 244, 246 extend from the outsole to a height of 13.5 mm.

[0081] The segmented outsole shown in Figures 2 and 3 A also features a series of lugs comprising thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU), which is a melt-processable thermoplastic elastomer. It has the characteristics of both plastic and rubber. Thus, it exhibits properties like durability, flexibility, and excellent tensile strength.

[0082] The TPU lugs are cleats that are integrally molded with and extend from the outsole plates 202, 204, 206. As seen in the views of Figures 2 and 3 A, the lugs adopt a faceted configuration similar to the cleats and in the illustrative embodiment extend either 5.0 mm or 6.0 mm from the outsole. Figure 5 shows a side view of 6.00 mm lug 512 and a 5.00-mm hug 512 extending from base plate / outsole 514.

[0083] In contrast to the cleats, the lugs primarily occupy positions interior to the peripheral distribution of cleats. For example, upper plate 202 and middle plate 204 feature a series of TPU lugs 250, 252 extending from upper plate cleat 220 to lower plate cleat 234 along a radius of curvature that initially tracks an outer left side periphery of the upper plate 202 but then bends away in pronounced fashion from the left side periphery of the middle plate 204 on its path towards cleat 234.

[0084] The middle plate 202 features a grouping of lugs 254 located interior to cleat 230 while the lower plate features lugs 256 and 258 respectively located interior to cleat 240 and 242. Peripherally located lugs include lug 260 on upper plate 202 and lugs 262 and 264 on lower plate 206.

[0085] The upper plate lugs extend 5.00 mm from the outsole while the middle and lower plate lugs extend 6.00 mm from the outsole.

[0086] Under an embodiment, an outsole may combine a segmented plate design with a configuration of integrally formed TPU lug components (and foregoing metal cleats entirely). Figure 6A shows the alternative outsole comprising an upper plate 602, a middle plate 604, and a lower plate 606. The upper plate 602 and middle plate 604 are separated by groove 608. The middle plate 604 and lower plate 606 are separated by groove 610. Each plate comprises integrally formed lug components (612, 614, 618, 620, 622, 630, 632, 634, 636, 638, 640, 642), and each lug component positions protruding lugs at particular locations of the outsole. Lugs represent portions of a lug component that protrude from the outsole. These protrusions function as cleats. Note also that each lug tapers from its base towards its contact surface. (Also note that the TPU lugs shown in Figures 2 and 3A are similarly tapered from base to contact surface).

[0087] As seen in Figure 6A, the upper plate 602 features integrally formed lug components 612, 614, 616, 618 that distribute lugs around its periphery. However, components 612 and 614 also position lugs at an interior side edge of the upper plate 602. In a fashion similar to the upper plate configuration, the middle plate 604 features integrally formed lug components 620, 622 that distribute lugs around its periphery while also locating lugs in the interior of the middle plate 604.

[0088] The lower plate 606 comprises a lug component 630, 632 which distribute lugs around a periphery of its proximal end, i.e. immediately adjacent the groove 610, Distally located lug components 630, 632, 634, 636, 638, 640, 642 distribute lugs around a heel portion of the shoe and comprise finger portions 644 which radially extend elongated lugs into an interior of the lower plate 606.

[0089] Note that competitor designs require 35.62 lbs - 56.78 lbs of force to flex the shoe to about 45 degrees (the amount of flex the front portion of a user’s foot would have when a user commences to push / run). In comparison, the shoes described herein require only 19.01 lbs - 19.82 lbs to flex the shoe to about 45 degrees. In other words, there is significantly less energy required of an athlete to get the foot into the proper position to run. For testing purposes, a clamp is placed on the front end of the shoe and the rear end of the shoe. Force is then applied to flex the shoe to an angle about an axis aligned below and adjacent to the metatarsals (i.e., about groove 212, Figure 1).

[0090] A benefit of the shoe described herein is the ability for the outsole to be modular due to the outsole being separated into 3 distinct sections (202, 204, 206). Unlike traditional one-piece outsoles where only one cleat / tread type is used, this new outsole will allow different sections of the outsole to have a different cleat / tread types.

[0091] As a specific example, in softball, turf fields are becoming a more common but are not the only field type players may encounter. As a result, players will play some games on traditional clay and grass, and then other games on synthetic turf. In this type of use case, the three plate outsole would allow the front of the outsole to be traditional TPU cleat, while the center and back of the outsole could be a turf configuration. (Note that a turf configuration corresponds to the outsole plate comprising only integrally formed lugs). This would make the footwear a better option for the player by offering a hybrid design that will function well on both field types. The shoe described herein may be customized for any sport, e.g. baseball, softball, football, soccer, etc.

[0092] The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments described above in light of the above detailed description.

[0093] A shoe is described herein comprising an outsole component comprising a plurality of plates, wherein the plurality of plates are separated by at least one groove, wherein the plurality of plates comprises at least one cleat attached to the outsole component, wherein the at least one cleat protrudes from the outsole component at either a first distance or a second distance, wherein the at least one lug protrudes from the outsole component at either a third distance or a fourth distance, wherein the at least one lug protrusion tapers from a base to a contact surface. The outsole component attached to a sole component, wherein the sole component extends through the at least one groove.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A shoe comprising, an outsole component comprising a plurality of plates, wherein the plurality of plates are separated by at least one groove, wherein the plurality of plates comprises at least one cleat, wherein the at least one cleat protrudes from the outsole component at a first distance, wherein the plurality of plates comprises at least one lug, wherein the at least one lug protrudes from the outsole component at a second distance, wherein the outsole component is attached to a midsole component, wherein the midsole component extends through the at least one groove.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of plates comprises an upper plate.

3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the at least one cleat comprises upper cleats distributed about a periphery of the upper plate.

4. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the at least one lug comprises upper lugs located at an interior of the upper plate.

5. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the plurality of plates comprises a middle plate.

6. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the at least one groove comprise a first groove between the upper plate and the middle plate.

7. The shoe of claim 6, wherein the midsole component extends through the first groove.

8. The shoe of claim 7, wherein the first groove extends laterally through the outsole component along a first path.

9. The shoe of claim 8, wherein the first path is configured to align below and adjacent to the phalanges.

10. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the at least one cleat comprises middle cleats distributed about a periphery of the middle plate.11 . The shoe of claim 5, wherein the at least one lug comprises middle lugs located at an interior of the middle plate.

12. The shoe of claim 5, wherein the plurality of plates comprises a lower plate.

13. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the at least one groove comprise a second groove between the middle plate and the lower plate.

14. The shoe of claim 13, wherein the second groove extends laterally through the outsole component along a second path.

15. The shoe of claim 14, wherein the second path is configured to align below and adjacent to the metatarsals.

16. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the at least one cleat comprises lower cleats distributed about a periphery of the lower plate.

17. The shoe of claim 12, wherein the at least one lug comprises lower lugs located at an interior of the lower plate18. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the outsole component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

19. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the midsole component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

20. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the first distance comprises 10.5 millimeters.

21. The shoe of claim 1 , wherein the first distance comprises 13.5 millimeters.

22. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the second distance comprises 5 millimeters.

23. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the second distance comprises 6 millimeters.

24. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one cleat comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

25. The shoe of claim 24, wherein the at least one cleat is integrally formed with the outsole component.

26. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least lug comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

27. The shoe of claim 26, wherein the at least one lug is integrally formed with the outsole component.

28. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one cleat comprises metal material pinned into the outsole component.

29. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least one cleat comprises a central plate extending to a distal edge.

30. The shoe of claim 29, wherein the at least one cleat comprises a pair of opposing lateral plates extending from opposing sides of the central plate, each said lateral plate extending at an angle to a plane defined by the central plate.

31. The shoe of claim 30, wherein the angle of the lateral plate is an oblique angle relative the plane of the central plate, whereby the cleat defines a U-shape in plan view.

32. A shoe comprising, an outsole component comprising a plurality of plates, wherein the plurality of plates are separated by at least one groove, wherein the plurality of plates comprises at least one lug, wherein the at least one lug protrudes from the outsole component at a distance, wherein the outsole component is attached to a midsole component, wherein the midsole component extends through the at least one groove.

33. The shoe of claim 32, wherein the plurality of plates comprises an upper plate.

34. The shoe of claim 33, wherein the at least one lug comprises upper lugs located about a periphery and at an interior of the upper plate.

35. The shoe of claim 33, wherein the plurality of plates comprises a middle plate.

36. The shoe of claim 35, wherein the at least one groove comprise a first groove between the upper plate and the middle plate.

37. The shoe of claim 36, wherein the midsole component extends through the first groove.

38. The shoe of claim 37, wherein the first groove extends laterally through the outsole component along a first path.

39. The shoe of claim 38, wherein the first path is configured to align below and adjacent to the phalanges.

40. The shoe of claim 35, wherein the at least one lug comprises middle lugs located at a periphery and at an interior of the middle plate.

41. The shoe of claim 35, wherein the plurality of plates comprises a lower plate.

42. The shoe of claim 41, wherein the at least one groove comprise a second groove between the middle plate and the lower plate.

43. The shoe of claim 42, wherein the second groove extends laterally through the outsole component along a second path.

44. The shoe of claim 43, wherein the second path is configured to align below and adjacent to the metatarsals.

45. The shoe of claim 41, wherein the at least one lug comprises lower lugs located at a periphery and at an interior of the lower plate46. The shoe of claim 32, wherein the outsole component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

47. The shoe of claim 32, wherein the midsole component comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

48. The shoe of claim 32, wherein the distance comprises 10.5 millimeters, 13.5 millimeters, 5 millimeters, or 6 millimeters.

49. The shoe of claim 32, wherein the at least lug comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

50. The shoe of claim 32, wherein the at least one lug is integrally formed with the outsole component.

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