Footwear traction device and method of using the same

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed toward a device that can be worn over footwear to provide traction, such as on slick or slippery surfaces, in snow, or on ice. The device includes multiple forefoot traction components pivotally connected to a linking component via a rivet. The forefoot traction components include a spike.

Description

FOOTWEAR TRACTION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAMECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 667,759, filed July 4, 2024 and 63 / 723,117, filed November 20, 2024. Both applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure generally concerns footwear or footwear accessory devices, systems, and methods for improving traction.BACKGROUND

[0003] Many attempts have been made to create devices that can be worn over footwear to help provide traction on slick or slippery surfaces, in snow, or on ice. Such footwear traction devices can be bulky both underneath the foot during use and when carried in a pack for later use, particularly for those traction devices intended for use in moderately steep terrain. Such devices can also be heavy to carry and lightening the weight of a pack can be beneficial.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure is directed toward a device that can be worn over footwear to provide traction, such as on slick or slippery surfaces, in snow, or on ice, particularly on moderately steep terrain. The over footwear traction devices described herein comprise pivottype connections that allow for rotation within a single plane. Such configuration can minimize the manner in which such a device can become entangled with itself during transport. In addition, the over footwear traction device comprises a combination of metal traction components coupled to each other by polymeric linking elements that allow for a device that is suitable for moderately steep terrain but also lightweight for devices suitable for use on moderately steep terrain.

[0005] Described over footwear traction device embodiments comprise a lower traction member configured to contact an outsole of a footwear and the ground during use and aharness to secure the traction member to the footwear. The traction member comprises a first forefoot traction component, a second forefoot traction component, and a first linking component having a first end coupled to the first forefoot traction component and a second end coupled to the second forefoot traction component. The first forefoot traction component comprises a connecting feature and at least one spike that is spaced apart from the connecting feature. The first forefoot traction component is configured to rotatably couple with the first end of the linking component at the connecting feature such that the linking component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the first forefoot traction component.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a traction component suitable for use with the over footwear traction device embodiments described herein. The traction component comprises a base plate and a spike, the spike comprising a spike base fixed to the base plate. Of importance, the traction component comprises a connecting feature configured for coupling to another component that is nestled next to the spike. As such, the traction component is configured to protect a connecting mechanism from contacting the terrain that otherwise could erode the mechanism during use. As described herein, the spike base comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end and the spike base extends along a spike base axis between the first end and the second end. A first end axis intersects the first end of the spike base and is transverse to the spike base axis and a second end axis intersects the second end of the spike base and is transverse to the spike base axis. A nearest edge of the connecting feature to the spike base is spaced from the spike base axis by a distance of no more than the height of the spike or no more than half the height and is located predominantly or substantially between the first end axis and the second end axis.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a harness that can be used in an over footwear device to secure a traction member such as the ones described. The harness, as described herein, fits around the footwear from heel to toe and has a rear section that fits around a heel of a first elasticity and a front section that fits around the toe box of the footwear of significantly less elasticity than that of the rear section yet still flexible. The front section is configured to contact the forefoot upper of the footwear during use and a portion of the inner edge within the front section holds an arcuate shape that facilitates the inner edge to conform with the surface of the footwear upper along the inner edge of the front section during use even though the front section is not as stretchy and pliable as the rear section.

[0008] The term “permanent” and phrases such as “permanently bonded,” “permanently adhered,” “permanently connected,” “permanently coupled,” and the like are defined to mean captive and / or non-releasable. In some embodiments but not necessarily all, two components that are permanently bonded could not be cleanly separated without degrading or destroying at least some of one of the materials.

[0009] The term “fused” is defined as a type of permanent adhesion that is caused by the mixing of materials at the interface where two or more components interface. The two materials when fused cannot be cleanly separated without destroying at least of one of the materials to a depth of 1 mm. The fused materials can be the same or different.

[0010] The term “coupled” or “connected” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two items are “couplable” if they can be coupled to each other, and, when coupled, may still be characterized as “couplable.” Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, items that are couplable are also decouplable, and vice-versa. One non-limiting way in which a first structure is couplable to a second structure is for the first structure to be configured to be coupled (or configured to be couplable) to the second structure.

[0011] The terms “a” and “an” or other singular uses of terms in conjunction with having, comprising, including, or the like are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise.

[0012] The terms “approximately” and “about” are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and include wholly what is specified) as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the term “approximately,” or “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of’ what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent.

[0013] The terms “substantially” and “predominantly” are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and include wholly what is specified) as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the terms may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of’ what is specified, where the percentage includes greater than 85%, 90%, or 95% for “predominantly,” and greater than 95%, or 98% for “substantially”.

[0014] The preposition “between,” when used to define a range of values (e.g., between x and y) means that the range includes the end points (e.g., x and y) of the given range and the values between the end points.

[0015] The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, any of the present devices, systems, and methods that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a device, system, or method that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Additionally, terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to differentiate structures or features, and not to limit the different structures or features to a particular order.

[0016] Furthermore, a structure that is capable of performing a function or that is configured in a certain way is capable or configured in at least that way, but may also be capable or configured in ways that are not listed.

[0017] The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments.

[0018] Any of the present devices, systems, and methods can consist of or consist essentially of — rather than comprise / include / contain / have — any of the described elements and / or features and / or steps. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of’ or “consisting essentially of’ can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open- ended linking verb.

[0019] Details associated with the embodiments described above and others are presented below.DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of an exemplary over footwear traction device as disclosed herein.

[0021] FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the over footwear traction device of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 3 depicts a lower perspective view of a traction member of the over footwear traction device of FIG. 1, the traction member lying flat.

[0023] FIG. 4 depicts a detail view of a portion of the lower perspective view of traction member shown in FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 5 depicts a sectional view of the traction member of FIG. 3, taken in the plane 5-5 in FIG. 4.

[0025] FIG. 6 depicts an upper perspective view of the traction member of FIG. 3.

[0026] FIG. 7 depicts a top plan view of the traction member of FIG. 3.

[0027] FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the traction member of FIG. 3.

[0028] FIG. 9 depicts a side elevational view of the traction member of FIG. 3.

[0029] FIG. 10 depicts a front elevational view of the traction member of FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 11 depicts a rear elevational view of the traction member of FIG. 3.

[0031] FIG. 12 depicts an upper perspective view of a footwear harness of the over footwear traction device of FIG. 1, the footwear harness lying flat.

[0032] FIG. 13 depicts a top plan view of the footwear harness of FIG. 12.

[0033] FIG. 14 depicts a detail view of a portion of the top plan view of the footwear harness of FIG. 13.

[0034] FIG. 15 depicts a bottom plan view of the footwear harness of FIG. 12.

[0035] FIG. 16 depicts a front elevational view of the footwear harness of FIG. 12.

[0036] FIG. 17 depicts a rear elevational view of the footwear harness of FIG. 12.

[0037] FIG. 18 depicts a side elevational view of the footwear harness of FIG. 12.

[0038] FIG. 19 depicts a sectional view of a reinforced eyelet comprising polymeric material over molded about an annular member.

[0039] FIG. 20A depicts a top plan view of a second embodiment of a traction member and FIG. 20B depicts a close-up view of a section of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20A.

[0040] FIG. 21 depicts a close up view of a bottom perspective view of a traction member depicted a second embodiment of a traction component.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONTraction Device

[0041] FIGS. 1-18 illustrate an embodiment of an over footwear traction device in accordance with the present disclosure. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an over footwear traction device 10 disposed over footwear. (A person would understand that two devices would be used for a pair of footwear.) The device 10 comprises a harness 100 and a traction member 20. FIGS. 3-9 illustrate an embodiment of a traction member 20 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIGS. 10-18 illustrate an embodiment of a harness 100 in accordance with the present disclosure.Traction Member

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, with respect to the traction member 20, as shown, it is configured to contact an outsole of a footwear during use. The traction member 20 can comprise a first forefoot traction component 22a, a second forefoot traction component 22b, and a (first) linking component 30 having a first end 32 coupled to the first forefoot traction component 22a and a second end 34 coupled to the second forefoot traction component 22b. The first forefoot traction component 22a can comprise a connecting feature 36 and at least one spike 38 that is spaced apart from the connecting feature 36. Similarly, the second forefoot traction component 22b can similarly be configured as the first forefoot traction component 22a.

[0043] The first forefoot traction component 22a can be rotatably coupled with the linking component 30 at the connecting feature 36 and the first end 32 of the linking component 30 such that the linking component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the first forefoot traction component 22a. Stated another way, the first forefoot tractioncomponent 22a can pivotably couple to the linking component 30 at a coupling that provides essentially one degree of freedom. It should be understood that, by the use of “essentially”, this does not exclude some amount of movement outside of the one degree of freedom due to fitting tolerances and mechanical deformation of components. In exemplary aspects, this amount of movement outside of the one degree of freedom can be, for example, less than 15 degrees, or less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees of movement outside of the one degree of freedom. However, this can contrast to conventional spiked traction devices wherein spike elements are coupled via linking ring of chain that provide at least two degrees of freedom between linking ring and the traction component and the chain which moves within 2 nearly 3 degrees of freedom within itself (or stated another way, articulates in multiple degrees of freedom at each link of the chain).

[0044] Similar to the first forefoot traction component 22a, the second forefoot traction component 22b can be rotatably coupled with the second end 34 of the linking component 30 at the connecting feature 36 of the second forefoot traction component 22b such that the linking component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the second forefoot traction component 22b.

[0045] As mentioned previously, the site at which the linking component 30 is coupled to the first forefoot traction component 22a (i.e., the connecting feature 36) is not coincident with the site of the spike 38 of the traction components. In particular, each first and second forefoot traction component 22a, 22b comprises a base plate and a spike 38 fixed to the base plate and the connecting feature 36 spaced apart from the spike.

[0046] The traction member 20 can further comprise a third forefoot traction component 22c and second linking component 50. The third forefoot traction component 22c is similarly configured to that of the first and second traction components 22a, 22b, and the linking component 50 is similarly configured to that of the linking component 30. In addition, the manner in which linking component 50 is coupled to the traction components 22c, 22a is also similar in that the linking component 50 pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the first forefoot traction component 22a and the third traction component 22c.

[0047] The linking components 30, 50 have a length greater than the width. The length is such to provide a desired degree of spacing between the traction components 22a-c.In some aspects, the linking component 30 and / or the second linking component 50 can have a length — as measured between its respective first end and its second end — that is at least 4 times to 10 times greater than its width — as measured in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the length and spaced equally between the first and second ends. The length and in turn the aspect ratio within this range is dependent in part on the size of the footwear.

[0048] The aspect ratio can also depend in part on the durability of the material of which the linking member is composed. The width may need to be greater if the material is lower on the hardness scale. In embodiments, the linking component 30, 50 can comprise a polymeric material. In embodiments, the polymeric material of which the linking component 30, 50 is composed is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In exemplary embodiments, the polymeric material can have a hardness of Shore A 80 to 98 and optionally a thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0049] In some embodiments, though not shown in the current figures, the linking member 30, 50 or stirrups can comprises a reinforcement 90 at each of its first end and second end that provides for a more durable coupling to the traction components. In particular, at each end, the linking member 30,50 can comprise a reinforced eyelet. The reinforcement of the eyelet can be a metal lining, such as an aluminum lining, around at least a portion of the inner wall of the eyelet. In other embodiments, the reinforcement 90 can be a polymeric annular member about which a different polymeric material with a lower hardness is overmolded and forms the bulk of the linking member. A polymeric reinforcement 90 can be a TPU that has a hardness of Shore D 30 to 90 or more particularly Shore D 40 to 70. In embodiments, the outer surface of the annular member can be fused to the over-molded polymeric material.

[0050] A cross-section of a specific embodiment of a reinforcement 90 is shown in FIG. 19 that can provide a more durable coupling for the polymeric components of the traction members as described herein. As shown in FIG. 19, the reinforcement 90 is an annular member with a central opening extending therethrough 91. The central opening 91 has a first diameter section 91a at one end that is greater than a second diameter section 91b at a middle portion of the central opening 91. The diameter of the first diameter section 91a is sized such that the reinforcement comprises a recess at the one end configured to house a rivet 95 orother coupling device such that the most distal surface 95b of the rivet 95 or other coupling device is not protruding beyond the adjacent distal surface 92 of the reinforcement 90. See FIG. 19 showing a rivet 95 that is extending through the central opening of the reinforcement with a curled end 95a of the rivet 95 nested within the recess 91 of the reinforcement 90, i.e., not protruding beyond the adjacent distal surface 92 of the reinforcement.

[0051] The reinforcement 90 as shown in FIG. 19 also comprises a flange 93 that projects from the middle section 91b of a hub 94. The reinforcement 90 can over-molded with a polymeric material to anchor the reinforcement. The flange 93 increases the surface area in which the reinforcement 90 contacts the surrounding over-molded material to better anchor the reinforcement. In embodiments, the reinforcement 90 is a polymeric material that has a higher hardness than that of the over-molded polymeric material. As mentioned above, a polymeric reinforcement 90 can be a TPU that has a hardness of Shore D 30 to 90 or more particularly 40 to 70. Each location where a polymeric component of the traction member is coupled to a traction component, another component of the traction member, or the harness, a reinforcement 90 in accordance with the above can be used. In particular, the distal end of each stirrup can comprise a reinforcement like that shown in FIG. 19 and described above, such that the recessed side of the reinforcement would face the show during use. In this manner, abrasion to the shoe by the rivet or other coupling device would be prevented.

[0052] The traction member 20 further comprises a plurality of stirrups configured to couple the traction components, such as 22a-c, to the harness 100. In the embodiment shown, there are 8 stirrups: 2 front stirrups 62, 2 left lateral stirrups (front 52a and rear 84a), 2 right lateral stirrups (front 52b and rear 84b), and 2 heel stirrups 76. An end of each stirrup is configured to couple to a harness, such as harness 100 described herein. At these harnessconnecting ends, the stirrup can comprise a reinforced eyelet as described for the linking component 30,50 to improve the durability of the connection.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, the member 20 comprises a forefoot polymeric component 60 that comprises front stirrups to couple the traction member to the harness 100. The front polymeric component 60 can be free of components that articulate or move with respect to each other. For example, the front polymeric component 60 can be a single body, i.e., integrally formed. It is contemplated that at least a portion of the frontpolymeric component 60 can be flexible to permit deformation without any articulating joints. In addition to the two front stirrups 62, the front polymeric component 60 can comprise first and second linking members 64a, b. In exemplary aspects, the two front stirrups 62 and first and second linking members 64a, b can be arranged together to form an X-like shape. The two front stirrups can extend at an acute angle (or no more than 90 degrees) relative to each other and can be configured to couple to the footwear harness 100. The first linking member 64a can pivotably couple to the second forefoot traction component 22b at a distal end 65 of the first linking member 64a, and the second linking member 64b can pivotably couple to the third forefoot traction component 22c at a distal end 65 of the second linking member 64b.

[0054] In embodiments (not shown), like the linking components 30,50, the first linking member 64a, and the second linking member 64b can comprise a reinforced eyelet at its distal end to improve the durability of the connection to the second and third front traction components.

[0055] The traction member 20 can further comprise a fourth forefoot traction component 22d that is coupled to the front polymeric component 60. The fourth forefoot traction component 22d can be positioned anterior to the first and second linking members 62a, b and posterior to the two front stirrups 62. In the embodiment shown, the fourth forefoot traction component 22d is fixedly coupled to the front polymeric component 60.

[0056] With this configuration, as shown, the first, second, third, and fourth (when present) forefoot traction components 22a-d, the first and second linking components 30, 50, and the first and second linking members 62a, b of the front polymeric component 60 can cooperate to frame opening 64 when place about footwear during use. However, when not in use, this configuration with it pivotable couplings, facilitates the device to be easily compacted for storage in a bag that is 33% or less than the volume of a footwear of a low-top hiking shoe or running shoe type.

[0057] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the fourth forefoot traction component 22d can be coupled to the second and third forefoot traction components 22b, c via respective linking components in the same manner as the first forefoot traction component 22a. In these aspects, the first linking member 62a and the second linking member 62b of the front polymeric component 60 are instead linking components like that of linking components30, 50 can be pivotably coupled to a remainder of the front polymeric component 60 by respective pivotal couplings (e.g., via rivets) to form third and fourth linking components. The remainder of the remainder of the front polymeric component 60 can be V-shaped. The fourth forefoot traction component and the third forefoot traction component can be rotatably coupled by the third linking component, and the fourth forefoot traction component and the second forefoot traction component can be rotatably coupled by the fourth linking component. The fourth traction component can be coupled to the front polymeric component. The first, second, third, and fourth traction components and the first, second, third, and fourth linking components can together be configured to define an opening where the outsole of the footwear does not contact the traction device during use.

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the linking components 30, 50 are coupled to the traction components 23a-c on the outsole-facing surface of the traction component. Similarly, the front polymeric component 60 is coupled to the traction components 24b-d on the outsolefacing surface of the traction components.

[0059] As best seen in FIG. 4, the front polymeric component 60 can further comprise a bumper 66 anterior to the fourth forefoot traction component 24d and between the base of the two front stirrups 62. More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the bumper 66 is a ridge-like structure extending along the base of the top “V” of the X-like structure of the front polymeric component 60. The bumper 66 is configured to interfere with terrain contacting an anterior edge 26 of the fourth forefoot traction component during use. As such, the bumper 66 projects downwardly from terrain-facing surface of the front polymeric component 60. In the embodiment shown, the anterior face of the bumper 66 is aligned with (an extension of) the edge of the X-like structure at the base of that top “V”. The bumper 66 can project downwardly from the terrain-facing surface of the front polymeric component 60 by 50% to 110% of a thickness of the anterior edge of the fourth forefoot traction component 22d, such as at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, or 105% of the thickness of the anterior edge of the fourth forefoot traction component 22d.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 3-4, in exemplary aspects, the linking component 30 can attach to the first and second forefoot traction components 22a, 22b via a rivet 40. For example, the connecting feature 36 of one or more of the forefoot traction components (e.g.,the first and second forefoot traction components 22a, b) can comprise a through-hole 39 configured to receive a connector (e.g., the rivet 40). In further aspects, the connecting feature 36 can comprise a recess 44 surrounding the through-hole in the outsole-facing surface of the traction component. The recess 44 is configured to receive a head 42 of the connector (e.g., the head of rivet 40). Optionally, 75% to 100% of a depth of the head 42 of the connector is disposed within the recess 44, e.g., thereby reducing erosion to the connector head during use. Optionally, an entirety, or substantially an entirety of the depth of the head 42 can be disposed within the recess 44. In some aspects, all elements of the traction member 20 that are coupled together are coupled by one or more rivets.

[0061] In further aspects, the connecting feature 36 of the first forefoot traction component 22 can be located adjacent a first spike 38 such that, during use, the terrain contacting the spike thereby mitigates contact with the connector (e.g., the rivet 40 discussed below) extending through the through-hole of the connecting feature. For example, the first spike 38 can have a spike base extending along an axis and having a length as measured along said axis. In some aspects, predominantly or substantially all of the cross-sectional area of the connector can lie within an area projected perpendicularly from the spike base by the height of the spike. The cross-sectional area of the connector being that of a cross-section parallel with the axis along which the spike base extends.

[0062] The traction member further comprises a right-lateral-front stirrup component 52b and a left-lateral -front stirrup component 52a respectively coupled to the second and third traction components 22c, 22d. These lateral stirrup components can be coupled to the traction components in the same manner as the linking components are to the traction components as described above. Specifically, the stirrup component comprises a first end with a connecting feature that is configured to couple to the traction component such that the stirrup component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the traction component. Adjacent the connecting feature, each stirrup 52a, 52b component comprises a limiter surface 53a, 53b that faces the first end on the side of the stirrup component that contacts the traction component and is configured to limit the rotation of the stirrup component relative to the traction component in both directions such that the lateral stirrup component can rotate between 100-180 degrees, such as 120 to 160 degrees, about the single axis. The stirrup is configured such that thesurface 53a, 53b would contact the traction member and thereby impede further rotation. The surface is contoured in a manner to achieve the desired range of rotation.

[0063] The stirrup components 52a, 52b at a second end are configured to couple to the harness. The second end comprises a connecting feature 90, such as a through-hole, that is configured to couple to the harness such that the stirrup component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the harness. The connecting feature 90 can be the reinforced eyelet as described herein.

[0064] The stirrup components 52a, 52b have a length greater than their width. The length provides the desired spacing between the traction component to which it is connected and the harness. Stirrup components 52a, 52b can have a length — as measured between its respective first end and its second end — that is, e g., at least 6 times to 14 times greater than its width — as measured in cross section in a plane perpendicular to the length and spaced equally between the first and second ends. The length and in turn the aspect ratio within this range is dependent in part on the size of the footwear. The aspect ratio can also depend on the durability of the material as the width may need to be greater for a lower hardness material is used.

[0065] The material of the stirrup components 52a, 52b can be the same as that of the linking components 30,50. In addition, the stirrup components 52a, 52b can also comprise a reinforced eyelet 90 at the first and / or the second end in the same way as described for the linking component 30,50.

[0066] Referring back to FIG. 3, the traction member 20 can further comprise at least one rear traction component 24 and a rear polymeric component 70 having an anterior end 72 and a posterior end 74 to which the at least one rear traction component 24 is coupled. The rear polymeric component 70 can be configured to be disposed under a hindfoot or hindfoot to midfoot region of the footwear. Rear polymeric component 70 can comprise at the anterior end 72, two rear stirrups 76 extending at an acute angle (or no more than 90 degrees) relative to each other. The two rear stirrups form an acute angle to each other in the embodiment shown and can each be configured to couple to the footwear harness 100 at a heel region of the footwear. The rear polymeric component 70 can be rotatably coupled at its anterior end to the first spike forefoot component 22a. In particular, like the coupling of a linkingcomponent and a traction component, the coupling of the rear polymeric component to the traction component 22a is such that the rear polymeric component essentially pivots in a single plane.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, two rear traction components 24a, 24b are fixedly coupled to the rear polymeric component 70. In exemplary aspects, a first rear traction component 24a of the at least one rear traction component 24 can be located between the anterior end 72 of the rear polymeric component 70 and the two rear stirrups 76 of the rear polymeric component. The second rear traction component 24b is posterior to the first rear traction component 24a and anterior to the two rear stirrups 76. The second rear traction component 24b is spaced apart from the first rear traction component 24a that is 50-150% or 75%-130% of a length of a linking component 30, 50.

[0068] The rear polymeric component 70 can comprise an elongatable portion 80. For example, the elongatable portion 80 can be polygonal or ovoidal, defining an opening 82 anterior to the first rear traction component 24a (e.g., anterior to the bumper 78 and posterior to the anterior end 72 of the rear polymeric component 70. The elongatable portion 80 can have a shape that elongates along an anterior to posterior axis 6 when the device is under tension along said axis. For example, the elongatable portion 80 can deform to narrow a transverse dimension of the opening 82 when the rear polymeric component 70 is subject to longitudinal tension along the anterior to posterior axis. In some aspects, the elongatable portion 80 can permit elongation and compression of the elongatable portion 80 along the anterior to posterior axis, such that the dimension of the elongatable portion along the anterior to posterior axis can vary from about 50% to 150% of the dimension in a neutral configuration (the configuration when no tension is applied in any direction).

[0069] The rear polymeric component 70 can further comprise a left-rear-lateral stirrup 84a and a right-rear-lateral stirrup 84b located between the bumper 78 and the anterior end 72 of the rear polymeric component. The left- and right-rear-lateral stirrups 84a, b can each be configured to couple to the footwear harness 100 at a hindfoot to midfoot region of the footwear.

[0070] The left-rear-lateral stirrup 84a and a right-rear-lateral stirrup 84b can be coupled to the elongatable portion 80. The left- and right-rear-lateral stirrups are eachconfigured to couple to the footwear harness 10 at a midfoot region of the footwear. The elongatable portion 80 can have a quadrilateral shape with two vertices 86 located on the anterior to posterior axis and left and right vertices 88a, b on an axis transverse to the anterior to posterior axis. The left-rear-lateral stirrup 84a can be coupled to the left vertex and the right-rear-lateral stirrup coupled to the right vertex.

[0071] The left- and right-rear-lateral stirrups 84a, b can be biased toward the posterior end of the device.

[0072] In a further embodiment, as shown, the rear polymeric component 70 can comprise a bumper 78 anterior to the first rear traction component 24a. Like the bumper of the front polymeric component 60, the bumper 78 can be configured to interfere with a terrain contacting an anterior edge of the rear traction component 24a during use. In the embodiment shown, the elongatable portion 80 comprises a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the portion of the rear polymeric component where the traction component 24a is fixedly coupled. The rate at which the thickness reduces within the body of the rear polymeric component 70 is greater in an interior portion of the component 70 than at the left and right lateral edges of the component 70 thereby creating ridges that flank lateral facing edges of the traction component 24a. The thickness of the rear polymeric component increases again posterior to the second rear traction component 24b at the base of the rear stirrups. The different in thickness between these different portions of component 70 can be between 50% to 110 % of the thickness of spike base plate, such as about 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% of the thickness of spike base plate.

[0073] In some aspects, one or more of the traction components (e.g., the first, second, third, and fourth forefoot traction components 22a-d and the at least one rear traction component 24) can comprise two spikes. In further aspects, each of the traction components can comprise two spikes. In other aspects, one or more of the traction components can have only a single spike.

[0074] In some aspects, the front polymeric component 60 and the rear polymeric component 70 consist of a polymeric material.

[0075] In various aspects, one or more of the traction components (e.g., the first, second, third, and fourth forefoot traction components 22a-d and the at least one rear traction component 24) can consist of a metal, preferably steel.

[0076] In some optional aspects, device comprises 6 traction components composed of steel, each with two spikes 38 and each spike 8-13 mm in height, and weigh no more than 110 grams in weight for a footwear size of USM 10.5-13, EU 44-49 or a 100 grams in weight for a footwear size of USW 9-11, USM 8-10, EU 40-43.

[0077] In some aspects, the linking components (e.g., the first and second linking components 30, 50) are non-articulating. That is, the linking components are unitary bodies that permit articulation only at their respective couplings to other elements (e.g., the second and third forefoot traction components and the front polymeric component 60). It is noted that the linking component has some flexibility and that bending by deformation is not articulating.

[0078] Another embodiment of a traction member is shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. It is the same as that described above and shown in FIGS. 3-4 except that this embodiment 300 includes a bridge section 301 that couples the left and right front lateral stirrups 303 such that the lateral stirrups also are part of the front polymeric component 60. On the left side, a left bridge section 301 is located between the left front lateral stirrup 303 and the first linking member 304. On the rights side, a right bridge section is located between the right front lateral stirrup and the first linking member. Both the left and right side can comprises a bridge section linking the stirrup or alternatively only one or the other.

[0079] In the embodiment shown, the first and second linking members each have a distal portion and the left and right front lateral stirrups each have a proximal portion. The left bride section couples to the distal portion of the first linking member at a proximal end and to the proximal portion of the left front lateral stirrup at a distal end and wherein the right bride section couples to the distal portion of the first linking member at a proximal end and the proximal portion of the right front lateral stirrup at a distal end.

[0080] The traction member of FIG. 20A and 20B further comprises a first forefoot traction component and a second forefoot traction component, wherein the first forefoot traction component is rotatably coupled to the left front lateral stirrup and wherein the leftbridge section is configured to limit the rotation of the left front lateral stirrup relative to the first forefoot traction component and / or the second forefoot traction component is ratably coupled to the right front lateral stirrup and wherein the right bridge section is configured to limit the rotation of the right front lateral stirrup relative to the second forefoot traction component.

[0081] In the embodiment shown, the left bridge section has a sigmoid like shape and the right bridge has a sigmoid like shape. However, a less curved shape, even a straight shape would also restrain rotation. In the embodiment shown, the proximal end of the left bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the first linking member at an inward half of the first linking member and the proximal end of the right bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the second linking member at an inward half of the second linking member

[0082] In the embodiment shown, the left bridge section has a smaller transverse diameter at its midpoint 304m as compared to a transverse diameter nearer its proximal and distal ends and the right bridge section has a smaller transverse diameter at its midpoint as compared to a transverse diameter nearer its proximal and distal ends.

[0083] In the embodiment shown, the distal end of the left bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the left front lateral stirrup at a forward half of the left front lateral stirrup and the distal end of the right bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the right front lateral stirrup at a forward half of the right front lateral stirrup.

[0084] In the embodiment shown, a neutral angle is formed by the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member is 137 to 147 degrees, or a 140 to 144 degrees and a neutral angle formed by the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member is 137 to 147 degrees, or a 140 to 144 degrees.

[0085] In the embodiment shown, the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 40 to 60 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees or 43 to 47 degrees and the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 40 to 60 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees or 43 to 47 degrees.

[0086] In the embodiment shown, the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 20 to 25 degrees or 21 to 24 degrees above and below the neutral angle and the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 20 to 25 degrees or 21 to 24 degrees above and below the neutral angle.

[0087] In the embodiment shown, the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 110 to 175 degrees or 115 to 170 degrees or 120 to 165 degrees above and below the neutral angle and the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 110 to 175 degrees or 115 to 170 degrees or 120 to 165 degrees above and below the neutral angleTraction Component

[0088] Referring to FIGS 4 and 5, a traction component (e.g., the fourth forefoot traction components 22d) can comprise a base plate 210 and a spike 220. The spike 220 can comprise a spike base 222 fixed to the base plate 210. The spike base 222 can comprise a first end 224 and a second end 226 opposite the first end. The spike base 222 can extends along a spike base axis 228 between the first end 224 and the second end 226. A first end axis 230 intersects the first end 224 of the spike base 222 and is transverse to (optionally, perpendicular to) the spike base axis 228. A second end axis 232 intersects the second end 224 of the spike base 222 and is transverse to (optionally, perpendicular to) the spike base axis 228. The spike base can have a length from about 5 mm to about 10 mm along spike base axis 228. The spike can have a height of 7-14 mm, measured along a vertical axis extending transversely to the spike base axis 228. The base plate can comprise a connecting feature 36 defining a through-hole 39. The connecting feature 36 can comprise an edge 240 nearest the spike base. The edge 240 nearest the spike base can be spaced from the spike baseaxis 228 by a distance of no more the height of the spike 220 or by no more than some percentage of the height greater than 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% . In some aspects, the edge 240 nearest the spike base can be predominantly or substantially located between the first end axis and the second end axis. In this way, the spike 220 can be configured to protect a connector (e.g., rivet) extending through the through-hole 39 of the connecting feature 38.

[0089] In some aspects, the base plate 210 and the spike 220 are a single body (unitarily formed). For example, the base plate 210 and the spike 220 can be formed from sheet metal, with the spike adjoining the base plate at a bend in the sheet metal. In some aspects, the base plate 210 and the spike 220 can be composed of a metal, preferably steel.

[0090] In further aspects, the traction component can comprise a second spike 250. Optionally, in these aspects, and the base plate 210 can comprise a second connecting feature 252. The second spike 250 and the second connecting feature 252 can be configured like the spike 220 the connecting feature 36 described herein. In this way, the second spike 250 can be configured to protect a connector (e.g., rivet) extending through the through-hole of the second connecting feature 252.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 21, a traction component embodiment is shown that is similar to the component shown in FIG. 4 and 5 and described above except this traction component comprises an outrigger 403 which defines an outward-facing edge of the base plate. During use, because two spikes 401, 402 are the primary contacts per a traction component, the traction component may rock about an axis that extends through the tips of the spike. The degree of rocking is impeded when a portion of the base plate contacts the ground, at which point three points are contacting the ground. The outrigger is configured to be that third point and by being a projecting section of the base plate, the degree of rocking is minimized. As such, the traction component is configured such that the two spikes 401, 402 and the outrigger 403 when contacting a surface during use, such as a terrain, the angle formed by the base plate and the surface is 30 to 45 degrees or 38 to 42 degrees or 35 to 45 degrees or 39 to 41 degrees or 40 degrees. In FIG. 21, the traction component comprising a base plate and two spikes 401, 402, wherein each spike comprises a spike base fixed to the base plate 405, wherein the spike base has a width and the spike has a height. The two spikes 401, 402 are spaced apart from each other and the base plate 405 comprises an outrigger 403 in betweenthe two spikes and offset from an axis X that bisects each of the spike bases. Optionally, the connecting feature location and configuration as described above with the embodiment shown is FIGs 4 and 5 can also be present in the embodiment shown in FIG. 21. In particular, in FIG. 21, connection feature 404 is adjacent the outrigger 403 but on an inward side thereof. Alternatively, the connection feature can be partially or entirely within an outrigger 403.Harness

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 12-18, the footwear harness 100 (also referred to herein as a “harness”) is intended to fit lengthwise around the footwear (as shown in FIG. 1) and couple to a traction member (such as the one described above and shown in FIGS 3-11) in order for the traction member to maintain its position adjacent the outsole of the footwear during use. The harness, in accordance with the present disclosure, has a stretchy rear section and a front section that does not readily stretch, at least under the forces that would normally be placed on the front section during use.

[0093] As shown in FIGS 12-18, the harness comprises a rear section 102 and a front section 104 that together form an outer edge 106 and an inner edge 108 of the harness, the inner edge being opposite the outer edge and defining a central opening 110. The central opening 110 has an oval-like shape where the length of the oval -like shape would extend between the toe and the heel of the footwear. The rear section 102 and the front section 104 together form a first side 112 and a second side 114 of the harness 100, the second side opposite the first side. The harness 100 is configured such that, during use, the first side 112 is adjacent the footwear, the second side 114 is facing outward, the inner edge faces 108 upward at the heel of the footwear, and the outer edge faces 106 downward at the heel of the footwear.

[0094] As mentioned above, the rear section 102 is an elastomeric configured to stretch so that the harness can be stretched to be placed onto the footwear yet fit snugly against footwear during use. Given the rear section provides for such degree of stretch, typically, the rear section can be sufficiently pliable to lie flat when placed with the first side 112 on a flat surface. The bulk of the rear section that provides the stretchiness of the rear section can be composed of a polymer with a hardness of Shore A 30 to 50. Such polymer can be a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0095] In contrast, the front section 104 can be composed of flexible, essentially inelastic polymeric material. Accordingly, the front section 104 is sufficiently rigid to maintain a three-dimensional, arcuate shape when placed on a flat surface. For example, the front section 104 can comprise a flexible polymeric material, wherein the flexible polymeric material is sufficiently rigid to hold the three-dimensional, contoured shape. As such, not all of the first side 112 of the front section 104 would lie flat on a flat surface when placed thereon. The front section 104 can be configured to contact a forefoot upper of the footwear during use. A portion of the inner edge 108 within the front section 104 can have an arcuate shape such that the front section generally conforms to the surface of the footwear upper during use. The front section 104 can be composed of a polymer with a hardness of Shore A 75-95. The front section 104 can be composed of a thermoplastic rubber (TPR) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0096] It is contemplated that the footwear harness 100, by having a front section 104 that is more inelastic than the rear portion, can inhibit stretching of harness at the front section that could lead to unwanted repositioning of the traction member 20 relative to the outsole of the footwear during use while still having the advantages that the stretchiness affords.

[0097] In some optional aspects, the front section 104 can be a single polymeric body comprising an inner edge rib 120 forming the inner edge 108 of the front section, an outer edge rib 122 forming the outer edge 106 of the front section, and at least one bridging rib 124 (optionally, a plurality of bridging ribs) extending between the inner edge rib 120 and the outer edge rib 122. A central portion 126 of the inner edge rib 120 can have the arcuate shape.

[0098] The embodiment of the harness 100 depicted in the figures comprises between two front traction member coupling sites 125, which can be configured to couple to the front stirrups described above, an outer edge rib section 122a that has at least twice the cross- sectional area than a section of the outer rib edge 122b lateral to the front traction member coupling sites 125. This frontmost section 122a of the harness 100 can have the highest degree of tension applied to it during use and having the thicker section can provide greater resistance to deformation during use. The lateral outer rib edges 122b also have a greater cross-sectional area than the inner edge rib 120 to also resist deformation during use, but the lateral sections 122b are not as thick as the central section 122a. (The cross sectional area is the value usedhere to quantify the thickness of the rib. As such, it is understood that the cross-section intended for measurement of the cross-sectional area is the cross-section that would have the smallest cross-sectional area for the particular element of concern. The cross-section transverse to the lengthwise axis. In other words, the longest dimension of the element of concern would not be needed to calculate the cross-sectional area.)

[0099] The harness 100 can also have an intermediate rib 128 that is between the inner edge rib 120 and the outer edge rib 122 extending generally parallel to the outer edge rib. In the embodiment shown, this intermediate rib 128 does not extend along the entire arc of the front section 104 but rather only along the right and left lateral sections of the arc (lateral to the front traction member coupling sites). The intermediate rib 128 comprises a cross- sectional area that is thicker than the inner edge rib 120 but not as thick as the section of the outer edge rib 122b lateral to the front traction member couplings sites 125.

[0100] As for the rear section 102, its first side 112 can be configured to contact the heel and the lateral surfaces of the footwear at the midsole and / or footwear upper during use.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 14, the front section 104 can have a first end 130 and a second end 132. The rear section 102 can have a first end 134 and a second end 136. The first end 134 of the rear section 102 can be fixedly coupled to the first end 130 of the front section 104, and the second end 136 of the rear section 102 can be fixedly coupled to the second end 132 of front section 104. For example, referring to FIG. 14, the first end 134 of the rear section 102 can be molded over the first end 130 of the front section 104, and the second end 136 of the rear section 102 can be molded over the second end 132 of front section 104. The surface of the first end 130 and second end 132 can be fused to the corresponding rear section first end 134 and second end 136. The surface of the harness where ends 132 and 136 meet is even or smooth. The first end 130 and the second end 132 can comprise a surface projection that allows for holding the front section 104 in position in the mold during formation of the rear section 102.

[0102] In some aspects, eyelets 150 can be overmolded into the rear section 102 and the front section 104 at coupling sites, such as front coupling sites 125, to provide structure for receiving a respective fastener (e.g., rivet, snap, or the like) to couple the traction member 20 to the footwear harness 100. In the embodiment shown, the traction member stirrups arecoupled to the coupling sites of the harness such that the stirrup rotates essentially in a single plane relative to the harness 100.

[0103] Devices described and illustrated herein can be used on both paved surfaces and trail, including trails with steep rocky inclines.Embodiments:Over-footwear Traction DeviceEmbodiment 1. An embodiment of an over footwear traction device that comprises a traction member configured to contact an outsole of a footwear during use, the traction member comprising a first forefoot traction component, a second forefoot traction component, and a first linking component having a first end coupled to the first forefoot traction component and a second end coupled to the second forefoot traction component; wherein the first forefoot traction component comprises a connecting feature and at least one spike that is spaced apart from the connecting feature, wherein the first linking component does not have a spike, and wherein the first forefoot traction component is configured to rotatably couple with the first end of the first linking component at the connecting feature such that the first linking component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the first forefoot traction component.Embodiment 2. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 1, wherein the second forefoot traction component comprises a connecting feature and at least one spike that is spaced apart from the connection feature of the second forefoot traction component, wherein the second forefoot traction component is configured to rotatably couple with the second end of the linking component at the connecting feature such that the linking component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the second forefoot traction component.Embodiment 3. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiment 1 to 2, wherein the first linking component is attached to the first and second forefoot traction components with a rivet.Embodiment 4. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the first linking component comprises a polymeric material.Embodiment 5. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 4 wherein the polymeric materials comprises / consists of a TPU or TPR.Embodiment 6. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, further comprising a third forefoot traction component and second linking component,wherein the third forefoot traction component comprises a connecting feature and at least one spike that is spaced apart from the connecting feature, wherein the second linking component does not have a spike, and wherein the first forefoot traction component and the third forefoot traction component are rotatably coupled by the second linking component.Embodiment 7. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, comprising a left front lateral stirrup component and a right front lateral stirrup component, the left front lateral stirrup component rotatably coupled to the third forefoot traction component and the right front lateral stirrup component rotatably coupled to the second forefoot traction component, wherein the two lateral stirrups are configured to couple to a footwear harness.Embodiment 8. The over footwear traction device of any one ofs Embodiment 1 to 7, further comprising a front polymeric component, wherein the front polymeric component is nonarticulating (or alternatively, a single body) and comprises two front stirrups and first and second linking members that together form an X-like shape, wherein the two front stirrups are at an angle of 90 degrees or less to each other and are configured to couple to a footwear harness, wherein the first linking member at its distal end rotatably couples to the second traction component and wherein the second linking member at its distal end rotatably couples to the third traction component.Embodiment 9. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 8, further comprising a fourth forefoot traction component that is fixedly coupled to the front polymeric component anterior to the first and second linking members and posterior to the two front stirrups, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth traction components, the first and second linking components, and the first and second linking members of the front polymeric component cooperate traction component to define an opening.Embodiment 10. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 9, wherein the front polymeric component comprises a bumper anterior to the fourth forefoot traction component, wherein the bumper is configured to interfere with terrain contacting an anterior edge of the fourth forefoot traction component during use.Embodiment 11. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 8 to 10, further comprising a first rear traction component and a rear polymeric component having an anterior end and a posterior end and configured to be disposed under a hindfoot or hindfoot to midfoot region of the footwear, wherein the first rear traction component comprises a spike and is fixedly coupled to the rear polymeric component between the anterior end and the posterior end of the rear polymeric component, wherein the rear polymeric component comprises at its posterior end two rear stirrups extending at an angle of 90 degrees or less relative to each other, wherein the two rear stirrups are each configured to couple to a footwear harness at a heel region of the footwear, wherein the rear polymeric component is rotatably coupled at its anterior end to the first forefoot traction component.Embodiment 12. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 11, wherein one of the first rear traction component is located between an anterior end of the rear polymeric component and the rear stirrups of the rear polymeric component and wherein the rear polymeric component comprises a bumper anterior to the first rear traction component, the bumper being configured to interfere with a terrain contacting an anterior edge of the first rear traction component during use. Embodiment 13. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 11 or 12, wherein the rear polymeric component comprises a elongatable (e.g., polygonal or ovoidal) form defining an opening anterior to the bumper and posterior to the anterior end of the rear polymeric component, wherein the elongatable form has a shape that elongates along an anterior to posterior axis when the device is under tension along said axis and shortens along the anterior to posterior axis when the device is under tension along an axis transverse thereto.Embodiment 14. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 11-13, wherein the rear polymeric component comprises a left rear lateral stirrup and a right rear lateral stirrup located between the bumper and the anterior end of the rear polymeric component, wherein the left and right rear lateral stirrups are each configured to couple to a footwear harness at a hindfoot to midfoot region of the footwear.Embodiment 15. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 11-13, wherein the rear polymeric component comprises a left rear lateral stirrup and a right rear lateral stirrup coupled to the elongatable form,wherein the left and right rear lateral stirrups are each configured to couple to a footwear harness at a midfoot region of the footwear, wherein the elongatable form has a quadrilateral shape with two vertices located on the anterior to posterior axis and left and right vertices on an axis transverse to the anterior to posterior axis, wherein the left rear lateral stirrup is coupled to the left vertex and the right rear lateral stirrup coupled to the right vertex.Embodiment 16. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 15, wherein the left and right rear lateral stirrups are biased toward the posterior end of the device.Embodiment 17. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1-8 and 11-16, further comprising a fourth forefoot traction component, a third linking component, a fourth linking component, and front polymeric component comprising two stirrups, wherein the fourth forefoot traction component and the third forefoot traction component are rotatably coupled by the third linking component, wherein the fourth traction component and the second traction component are rotatably coupled by the fourth linking component, wherein the fourth traction component is coupled to the front polymeric component, wherein the four traction components and the four linking components cooperate to define an opening.Embodiment 18. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the connecting feature comprises a through-hole configured to receive a connector and the first front traction component comprises a recess surrounding the through-hole that is configured to receive a head of the connector, wherein more than half of a depth of the head of the connector up to the entire depth of the head of the connector is disposed within the recess thereby reducing erosion to the connector head during use.Embodiment 19. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 18, wherein the connecting feature is located adjacent a first spike of the at least one spike such that, during use, the terrain contacting the first spike thereby mitigates contact with the connector extending through the through-hole of the connecting feature.Embodiment 20. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein all components coupled to another component are coupled with a rivet.Embodiment 21. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein each of the traction components comprise two spikes.Embodiment 22. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the front polymeric component and the rear polymeric component consist of a polymeric material.Embodiment 23. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the traction components consist of steel.Embodiment 24. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the device comprises 6 traction components composed of steel, each traction component having two spikes that are 7-14 mm in height, and wherein the traction member is no more than 120 grams in weight.Embodiment 25. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the linking components are non-articulating.Embodiment 26. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the linking component has a length as measured between its first end and its second end that is at least 4x greater than its width.Embodiment 27. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the first and / or second linking component has a reinforced eyelet at the first end and a reinforced eyelet at the second end.Embodiment 28. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 8-16 and 18-27, wherein each of the linking members of the front polymeric component comprises a reinforced eyelet at its distal end and / or wherein each of the stirrups of the front polymeric component or the rear polymeric component comprises a reinforced eyelet at the distal end configured to couple to a harness.Embodiment 29. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 27 or 28, wherein the reinforced eyelet comprises an annular member comprising a central opening 91 having a first diameter section 91a at one end that is greater than a second diameter section 91b at a middle portion of the central opening 91, wherein the diameter of the first diameter section 91a is sized such that the eyelet comprises a recess at the one end configured to house a rivet 95 or other coupling device such that the most distal surface 95b of the rivet 95 or other coupling device is not protruding beyond the adjacent distal surface 92 of the eyelet.Embodiment 30. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing Embodiments, where the first, second, third, and / or fourth traction components comprise two spikes. Embodiment 31. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing Embodiments, where the two spikes are spaced apart from each other a distance, peak to peak, and the length of the linking components from the first end to the second end is 70% to 175% of the distance between spikes.Embodiment 32. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing Embodiments, further comprising a stirrup component configured to couple to the second traction component at a first end and to a harness at a second end.Embodiment 33. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 32, wherein the stirrup component comprises a reinforced eyelet at each end.Embodiment 34. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 32, wherein the stirrup component comprises a surface configured to impede rotation by contacting the traction component, wherein the rotation limiting surface is configured to limit the rotation of the stirrup component to a sweep of 90 to 180 degrees or 120 to 160 degrees.Embodiment 35. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 11 to 34, further comprising a second rear traction component comprising a spike, wherein the second rear traction component is posterior to and spaced apart from the first rear traction component. Embodiment 36. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 35, wherein the first and second rear traction component are spaced apart from each other a distance that is 70% to 130% the length from the first end to the second end of the linking component.Embodiment 37. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing Embodiments, further comprising a harness according to any one of the harness claims below coupled to the traction member.Embodiment 38. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing Embodiments, wherein the first, second, third, and / or fourth traction component is the traction component according to any one of the traction component Embodiments below.Embodiment 39. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 8 to 38, wherein the front polymeric component further comprises a left front lateral stirrup and a left bridge section located between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member and / or a rightfront lateral stirrup and a right bridge section located between the left front lateral stirrup and the second linking member, wherein the first and second linking members each have a distal portion and the left and right front lateral stirrups each have a proximal portion, wherein the left bride section couples to the distal portion of the first linking member at a proximal end and to the proximal portion of the left front lateral stirrup at a distal end and wherein the right bride section couples to the distal portion of the first linking member at a proximal end and the proximal portion of the right front lateral stirrup at a distal end, wherein the second forefoot traction component is rotatably coupled to the left front lateral stirrup and wherein the left bridge section is configured to limit the rotation of the left front lateral stirrup relative to the second forefoot traction component and / or the third forefoot traction component is ratably coupled to the right front lateral stirrup and wherein the right bridge section is configured to limit the rotation of the right front lateral stirrup relative to the third forefoot traction component.Embodiment 40. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 39, wherein the left bridge section has a sigmoid like shape and / or the right bridge has a sigmoid like shape.Embodiment 41. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 39 or 40, wherein the left bridge section has a smaller transverse diameter at its midpoint as compared to a transverse diameter nearer its proximal and distal ends and / or the right bridge section has a smaller transverse diameter at its midpoint as compared to a transverse diameter nearer its proximal and distal ends.Embodiment 42. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 39 to 41, wherein the proximal end of the left bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the first linking member at an inward half of the first linking member and / or wherein the proximal end of the right bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the second linking member at an inward half of the second linking member.Embodiment 43. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiment 39 to 42, wherein the distal end of the left bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the left front lateral stirrup at a forward half of the left front lateral stirrup and / or wherein the distal end of the right bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the right front lateral stirrup at a forward half of the right front lateral stirrup.Embodiment 44. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 39 to 43, wherein a neutral angle formed by the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member is 137 to 147 degrees, or a 140 to 144 degrees and / or wherein a neutral angle formed by the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member is 137 to 147 degrees, or a 140 to 144 degrees. Embodiment 45. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 39 to 44, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 40 to 60 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees or 43 to 47 degrees and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 40 to 60 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees or 43 to 47 degrees.Embodiment 46. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 45, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 20 to 25 degrees or 21 to 24 degrees above and below the neutral angle and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 20 to 25 degrees or 21 to 24 degrees above and below the neutral angle.Embodiment 46. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 39 to 45, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 110 to 175 degrees or 115 to 170 degrees or 120 to 165 degrees above and below the neutral angle and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 110 to 175 degrees or 115 to 170 degrees or 120 to 165 degrees above and below the neutral angle.Traction component EmbodimentsEmbodiment 1. A traction component comprising a base plate and a spike, wherein the spike comprises a spike base fixed to the base plate, wherein the spike base comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end and the spike base extends along a spike base axis between the first end and the second end, wherein a first end axis intersects with the first end of the spike base and is transverse to the spike base axis and a second end axis intersects with the second end of the spike base and is transverse to the spike base axis, wherein the spike base has a width and the spike has a height, wherein the base plate comprises a connecting feature comprising a through-hole, and wherein the connecting feature comprises an edge nearest the spike base, wherein the edge nearest the spike base is spaced from the spike base axis a distance of no more than 100%, 75%, 0%, or 25% the height of the spike and has at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of cross-sectional area of the connecting feature located between tire first end axis and the second end axis.Embodiment 2. The traction component of Embodiment 1, wherein the connecting feature comprises a through-hole configured to receive a connector and a recessed area surrounding the through-hole that is configured to receive a head of the connector, wherein more than half of the depth of a head of the connector up to the entire depth of the head of the connector is disposed within the recess thereby reducing erosion to the connector head during use.Embodiment 3. The traction component of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the base plate and tire spike are unitarily fonned.Embodiment 4. The traction component of Embodiment 1 or 2 or 3. wherein the base plate and the spike are composed of steel.Embodiment 5. Tire traction component of any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the traction component comprises a second spike and the base plate comprises a second connecting feature and the second spike and second connecting features are configured like the spike and connecting features according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 8.Embodiment 6. The traction component of any one of Embodiments 1 to 5. wherein the spike base has a width of 6-13 mm and the spike has a height of 7-14 mm.Embodiment 7. Tire traction component of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the connecting feature comprises an edge nearest tire spike base, wherein the edge nearest the spike base is spaced from the spike base axis a distance of no more than 50% or 25% the height of the spike and has atleast 80% or at least 90% of cross-sectional area of the connecting feature located between the first end axis and tire second end axis.Embodiment 8. Tire traction component of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the connecting feature comprises an edge nearest tire spike base, wherein the edge nearest the spike base is spaced from the spike base axis a distance of no more than 25% the height of the spike and has at least 80% of cross-sectional area of the connecting feature located between the first end axis and the second end axis.Embodiment 9. Tire traction component of Embodiment 5, wherein the base plate further comprises a third connecting features disposed between the connecting feature and the second connecting feature and offset from an axis that bisects the connecting feature and the second comiecting feature.Embodiment 10. Tire traction component of any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the base plate comprises an outrigger located between the third connecting feature and an outward facing periphery of the base plate, wherein the traction component is configured such that the base plate forms an angle of 30° to 45° or 38° to 42° with a surface during use when the two spikes and the outrigger are in contact with the surface.Embodiment 11. A traction component comprising a base plate and two spikes, wherein each spike comprises a spike base fixed to the base plate, wherein the spike base has a width and the spike has a height. wherein two spikes are spaced apart from each other and the base plate comprises an outrigger in between the two spikes and offset from an axis that bisects each of the spike bases, wherein the traction component is configured such that the base plate forms an angle of 30° to 45° or 38° to 42° with a surface during use when the two spikes and the outrigger are in contact with the surface.Embodiment 12. Tire traction component of Embodiment 11,Wherein each of the spike bases comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end and the spike base extends along a spike base axis between the first end and the second end, wherein a first end axis intersects with the first end of the spike base and is transverse to the spike base axis and a second end axis intersects with the second end of the spike base and is transverse to the spike base axis, wherein the base plate comprises two comiecting feature comprising a through-hole, and wherein each the connecting feature comprises an edge nearest a corresponding spike base, wherein the edge nearest the spike base is spaced from the spike base axis a distance of no more than 100%, 75%, 50%, or 25% the height of the spike and has at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, orat least 90% of cross-sectional area of the connecting feature located between the first end axis and the second end axis.Embodiment 13. The traction component of Embodiment 12, wherein each of the two connecting features comprises a through-hole configured to receive a connector and a recessed area surrounding the through-hole that is configured to receive a head of the connector, wherein more than half of the depth of a head of the connector up to the entire depth of the head of the connector is disposed within the recess thereby reducing erosion to the connector head during use.Embodiment 14. The traction component of any one of Embodiments 11 to 13, wherein the base plate and the spikes are unitarily formed.Embodiment 15. The traction component of any one of Embodiments 11 to 14, wherein the base plate and the spikes are composed of steel.Embodiment 16. The traction component of any one of Embodiments 11 to 156, wherein each of the spike bases have a width of 6-13 mm and the spikes have a height of 7-14 mm.Embodiment 17. The traction component of any one of Embodiments 11 to 16, wherein each of the comrecting features comprises an edge nearest the corresponding spike base, wherein the edge nearest the spike base is spaced from the spike base axis a distance of no more than 50% or 25% the height of the spike and has at least 80% or at least 90% of cross-sectional area of the connecting feature located between the first end axis and the second end axis.Embodiment 18. The traction component of any one of Embodiments 11 to 17, wherein each of the comrecting features comprises an edge nearest the spike base, wherein tire edge nearest the spike base is spaced from the spike base axis a distance of no more than 25% the height of tire spike and has at least 80% of cross-sectional area of the connecting feature located between the first end axis and the second end axis.Embodiment 19. The traction component of any one of Embodiments 11 to 17, wherein the base plate further comprises a third connecting features disposed between the two spikes and offset from an axis that bisects each of the spike bases, wherein the outrigger has a greater amount of offset than the third connecting feature and / or is peripherally adjacent the third connection feature.Harness EmbodimentsEmbodiment 1. An over footwear traction device comprising a traction portion configured to contact the outsole of a footwear during use;a harness coupled to the traction portion and configured to hold the traction portion against the outsole of the footwear during use, wherein the harness comprises a rear section and a front section that together form an outer edge and an inner edge of the harness, the inner edge being opposite the outer edge and defining a central opening, wherein the rear section and the front section together form a first side and a second side of the harness, wherein the second side opposite the first side, wherein the harness is configured such that, during use, the first side is adjacent the footwear, the second side is facing outward, the inner edge faces upward at the heel of the footwear, and the outer edge faces downward at the heel of the footwear; wherein the rear section is elastomeric polymeric material or an elastomeric, pliable material that is not capable of holding a three-dimensional shape absent an external force (neutral configuration), wherein the front section is composed of flexible polymeric material capable of holding a three- dimensional shape in a neutral configuration, wherein the front section is configured to contact a forefoot upper during use and a portion of the inner edge within the front section has an arcuate shape such that the front section generally conforms with the surface of the footwear upper during use or wherein the front section is composed of flexible polymeric material capable of holding a three-dimensional shape in a neutral configuration.Embodiment 2. The footwear traction device of Embodiment 1, wherein the front section is configured to contact a forefoot upper during use and a central portion of the inner edge within the front section has a three-dimensional, arcuate shape.Embodiment 3. The footwear traction device of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the front section is a single polymeric body comprising an inner edge rib forming the inner edge of the front section, an outer edge rib forming the outer edge of the front section, and multiple bridging ribs extending between the inner edge rib and the outer edge rib, wherein a central portion of the inner edge rib has the arcuate shape.Embodiment 4. The footwear traction device of Embodiment 3, wherein a central portion of the outer edge rib has a greater cross-sectional area along a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis than that of a lateral portion of the outer edge rib.Embodiment 5. The footwear traction device of Embodiment 3 or 4, wherein a lateral portion of the outer edge rib has a greater cross-sectional area along a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis than that of the inner edge rib.Embodiment 6. The footwear traction device of Embodiment 5, wherein the front section further comprises an intermediate rib that is between a lateral portion of the inner edge rib and the lateral portion of the outer edge rib that extends generally parallel with a lateral portion of the outer edge rib.Embodiment 7. The footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 3 to 6, wherein the intermediate rib has a greater cross-sectional area along a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis that that of the inner edge rib.Embodiment 8. The footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 3 to 7, wherein the intermediate rib has a greater cross-sectional area along a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise axis that that of the inner edge rib.Embodiment 9. The footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first side of the rear section is configured to contact the heel and the lateral surfaces of the footwear at the midsole or footwear upper during use.Embodiment 10. The footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the front section has a first end and a second end and the rear section has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the rear section is fixedly coupled to the first end of the front section and the second end of the rear section is fixedly coupled to the second end of front section. Embodiment 11. The footwear traction device of Embodiment 10, wherein the first end of the rear section is molded over the first end of the front section and the second end of the rear section is molded over the second end of the front section.Embodiment 12. The footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the rear section consists of a polymer with a hardness of Shore A 30 to 50 and the front section consists of a polymer with a hardness of Shore A 75 to 95.Embodiment 13. The footwear traction device of any one of Embodiment 1 to 12, wherein the front section is composed of a thermoplastic rubber and the rear section is composed of a thermoplastic elastomer.Embodiment 14. The footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the traction portion is a traction member according to claims 1 to 38 above.Front polymeric component with bridge to lateral stirrup EmbodimentsEmbodiment 1. An over footwear traction device that comprises a traction member configured to contact an outsole of a footwear during use, the traction member comprising a front polymeric component, wherein the front polymeric component is a nonarticulating body (or alternatively single body) and comprises two front stirrups and first and second linking members that together form an X-like shape and further comprising a left front lateral stirrup and a left bridge section located between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member and / or a right front lateral stirrup and a right bridge section located between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member, wherein the first and second linking members each have a distal portion and the left and right front lateral stirrups each have a proximal portion, wherein the left bride section couples to the distal portion of the first linking member at a proximal end and to the proximal portion of the left front lateral stirrup at a distal end and wherein the right bride section couples to the distal portion of the first linking member at a proximal end and the proximal portion of the right front lateral stirrup at a distal end, the traction member further comprising a first forefoot traction component and a second forefoot traction component, wherein the first forefoot traction component is rotatably coupled to the left front lateral stirrup and wherein the left bridge section is configured to limit the rotation of the left front lateral stirrup relative to the first forefoot traction component and / or the second forefoot traction component is ratably coupled to the right front lateral stirrup and wherein the right bridge section is configured to limit the rotation of the right front lateral stirrup relative to the second forefoot traction component.Embodiment 2. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 1 wherein the left bridge section has a sigmoid like shape and / or the right bridge has a sigmoid like shape.Embodiment 3. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the left bridge section has a smaller transverse diameter at its midpoint as compared to a transverse diameter nearer its proximal and distal ends and / or the right bridge section has a smallertransverse diameter at its midpoint as compared to a transverse diameter nearer its proximal and distal ends.Embodiment 4. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the proximal end of the left bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the first linking member at an inward half of the first linking member and / or wherein the proximal end of the right bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the second linking member at an inward half of the second linking member.Embodiment 5. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the distal end of the left bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the left front lateral stirrup at a forward half of the left front lateral stirrup and / or wherein the distal end of the right bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the right front lateral stirrup at a forward half of the right front lateral stirrup.Embodiment 6. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein a neutral angle formed by the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member is 137 to 147 degrees, or a 140 to 144 degrees and / or wherein a neutral angle formed by the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member is 137 to 147 degrees, or a 140 to 144 degrees.Embodiment 7. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 40 to 60 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees or 43 to 47 degrees and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 40 to 60 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees or 43 to 47 degrees.Embodiment 7. The over footwear traction device of Embodiment 6, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 20 to 25 degrees or 21 to 24 degrees above and below the neutral angle and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup canrotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 20 to 25 degrees or 21 to 24 degrees above and below the neutral angle.Embodiment 8. The over footwear traction device of any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 110 to 175 degrees or 115 to 170 degrees or 120 to 165 degrees above and below the neutral angle and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 110 to 175 degrees or 115 to 170 degrees or 120 to 165 degrees above and below the neutral angle.

Claims

Claims:

1. An over footwear traction device that comprises a traction member configured to contact an outsole of a footwear during use, the traction member comprising a first forefoot traction component, a second forefoot traction component, and a first linking component having a first end coupled to the first forefoot traction component and a second end coupled to the second forefoot traction component; wherein the first forefoot traction component comprises a connecting feature and at least one spike that is spaced apart from the connecting feature, wherein the first linking component does not have a spike, and wherein the first forefoot traction component is configured to rotatably couple with the first end of the first linking component at the connecting feature such that the first linking component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the first forefoot traction component.

2. The over footwear traction device of claim 1, wherein the second forefoot traction component comprises a connecting feature and at least one spike that is spaced apart from the connection feature of the second forefoot traction component, wherein the second forefoot traction component is configured to rotatably couple with the second end of the linking component at the connecting feature such that the linking component pivots essentially in a single plane relative to the second forefoot traction component.

3. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the first linking component is attached to the first and second forefoot traction components with a rivet.

4. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first linking component comprises a polymeric material.

5. The over footwear traction device of claim 4 wherein the polymeric materials comprises / consists of a TPU or TPR.

6. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a third forefoot traction component and second linking component, wherein the third forefoot traction component comprises a connecting feature and at least one spike that is spaced apart from the connecting feature,wherein the second linking component does not have a spike, and wherein the first forefoot traction component and the third forefoot traction component are rotatably coupled by the second linking component.

7. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a left front lateral stirrup component and a right front lateral stirrup component, the left front lateral stirrup component rotatably coupled to the third forefoot traction component and the right front lateral stirrup component rotatably coupled to the second forefoot traction component, wherein the two lateral stirrups are configured to couple to a footwear harness.

8. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a front polymeric component, wherein the front polymeric component is non-articulating (or alternatively, a single body) and comprises two front stirrups and first and second linking members that together form an X-like shape, wherein the two front stirrups are at an angle of 90 degrees or less to each other and are configured to couple to a footwear harness, wherein the first linking member at its distal end rotatably couples to the second traction component and wherein the second linking member at its distal end rotatably couples to the third traction component.

9. The over footwear traction device of claim 8, further comprising a fourth forefoot traction component that is fixedly coupled to the front polymeric component anterior to the first and second linking members and posterior to the two front stirrups, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth traction components, the first and second linking components, and the first and second linking members of the front polymeric component cooperate traction component to define an opening.

10. The over footwear traction device of claim 9, wherein the front polymeric component comprises a bumper anterior to the fourth forefoot traction component, wherein the bumper is configured to interfere with terrain contacting an anterior edge of the fourth forefoot traction component during use.

11. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a first rear traction component and a rear polymeric component having an anterior end and a posterior end and configured to be disposed under a hindfoot or hindfoot to midfoot region of the footwear,wherein the first rear traction component comprises a spike and is fixedly coupled to the rear polymeric component between the anterior end and the posterior end of the rear polymeric component, wherein the rear polymeric component comprises at its posterior end two rear stirrups extending at an angle of 90 degrees or less relative to each other, wherein the two rear stirrups are each configured to couple to a footwear harness at a heel region of the footwear, wherein the rear polymeric component is rotatably coupled at its anterior end to the first forefoot traction component.

12. The over footwear traction device of claim 11, wherein one of the first rear traction component is located between an anterior end of the rear polymeric component and the rear stirrups of the rear polymeric component and wherein the rear polymeric component comprises a bumper anterior to the first rear traction component, the bumper being configured to interfere with a terrain contacting an anterior edge of the first rear traction component during use.

13. The over footwear traction device of claim 11 or 12, wherein the rear polymeric component comprises a elongatable (e.g., polygonal or ovoidal) form defining an opening anterior to the bumper and posterior to the anterior end of the rear polymeric component, wherein the elongatable form has a shape that elongates along an anterior to posterior axis when the device is under tension along said axis and shortens along the anterior to posterior axis when the device is under tension along an axis transverse thereto.

14. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the rear polymeric component comprises a left rear lateral stirrup and a right rear lateral stirrup located between the bumper and the anterior end of the rear polymeric component, wherein the left and right rear lateral stirrups are each configured to couple to a footwear harness at a hindfoot to midfoot region of the footwear.

15. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 11-13, wherein the rear polymeric component comprises a left rear lateral stirrup and a right rear lateral stirrup coupled to the elongatable form, wherein the left and right rear lateral stirrups are each configured to couple to a footwear harness at a midfoot region of the footwear, wherein the elongatable form has a quadrilateral shape with two vertices located on the anterior to posterior axis and left and right vertices on an axis transverse to the anterior to posterior axis,wherein the left rear lateral stirrup is coupled to the left vertex and the right rear lateral stirrup coupled to the right vertex.

16. The over footwear traction device of claim 15, wherein the left and right rear lateral stirrups are biased toward the posterior end of the device.

17. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 1-8 and 11-16, further comprising a fourth forefoot traction component, a third linking component, a fourth linking component, and front polymeric component comprising two stirrups, wherein the fourth forefoot traction component and the third forefoot traction component are rotatably coupled by the third linking component, wherein the fourth traction component and the second traction component are rotatably coupled by the fourth linking component, wherein the fourth traction component is coupled to the front polymeric component, wherein the four traction components and the four linking components cooperate to define an opening.

18. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the connecting feature comprises a through-hole configured to receive a connector and the first front traction component comprises a recess surrounding the through-hole that is configured to receive a head of the connector, wherein more than half of a depth of the head of the connector up to the entire depth of the head of the connector is disposed within the recess thereby reducing erosion to the connector head during use.

19. The over footwear traction device of claim 18, wherein the connecting feature is located adjacent a first spike of the at least one spike such that, during use, the terrain contacting the first spike thereby mitigates contact with the connector extending through the through-hole of the connecting feature.

20. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein all components coupled to another component are coupled with a rivet.

21. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the traction components comprise two spikes.

22. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front polymeric component and the rear polymeric component consist of a polymeric material.

23. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction components consist of steel.

24. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises 6 traction components composed of steel, each traction component having two spikes that are 7-14 mm in height, and wherein the traction member is no more than 120 grams in weight.

25. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linking components are non-articulating.

26. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the linking component has a length as measured between its first end and its second end that is at least 4x greater than its width.

27. The over footwear traction device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or second linking component has a reinforced eyelet at the first end and a reinforced eyelet at the second end.

28. The over footwear traction device of any one of 8-16 and 18-27, wherein each of the linking members of the front polymeric component comprises a reinforced eyelet at its distal end and / or wherein each of the stirrups of the front polymeric component or the rear polymeric component comprises a reinforced eyelet at the distal end configured to couple to a harness.

29. The over footwear traction device of claim 27 or 28, wherein the reinforced eyelet comprises an annular member comprising a central opening 91 having a first diameter section 91a at one end that is greater than a second diameter section 91b at a middle portion of the central opening 91, wherein the diameter of the first diameter section 91a is sized such that the eyelet comprises a recess at the one end configured to house a rivet 95 or other coupling device such that the most distal surface 95b of the rivet 95 or other coupling device is not protruding beyond the adjacent distal surface 92 of the eyelet.

30. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing claims, where the first, second, third, and / or fourth traction components comprise two spikes.

31. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing claims, where the two spikes are spaced apart from each other a distance, peak to peak, and the length of the linking components from the first end to the second end is 70% to 175% of the distance between spikes.

32. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a stirrup component configured to couple to the second traction component at a first end and to a harness at a second end.

33. The over footwear traction device of claim 32, wherein the stirrup component comprises a reinforced eyelet at each end.

34. The over footwear traction device of claim 32 or 33, wherein the stirrup component comprises a surface configured to impede rotation by contacting the traction component, wherein the rotation limiting surface is configured to limit the rotation of the stirrup component to a sweep of 90 to 180 degrees or 120 to 160 degrees.

35. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 11 to 34, further comprising a second rear traction component comprising a spike, wherein the second rear traction component is posterior to and spaced apart from the first rear traction component.

36. The over footwear traction device of claim 35, wherein the first and second rear traction component are spaced apart from each other a distance that is 70% to 130% the length from the first end to the second end of the linking component.

37. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a harness according to any one of the harness claims below coupled to the traction member.

38. The over footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the first, second, third, and / or fourth traction component is a traction component comprising comprising a base plate and a spike, wherein the spike comprises a spike base fixed to the base plate, wherein the spike base comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end and the spike base extends along a spike base axis between the first end and the second end, wherein a first end axis intersects with the first end of the spike base and is transverse to the spike base axis and a second end axis intersects with the second end of the spike base and is transverse to the spike base axis, wherein the spike base has a width and the spike has a height, wherein the base plate comprises a connecting feature comprising a through-hole, and wherein the connecting feature comprises an edge nearest the spike base, wherein the edge nearest the spike base is spaced from the spike base axis a distance of no more than 100%, 75%, 50%, or 25% the height of the spike and has at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of cross-sectional area of the connecting feature located between the first end axis and the second end axis ora traction component comprising a spike and a base plate, wherein each spike comprises a spike base fixed to the base plate, wherein the spike base has a width and the spike has a height, wherein two spikes are spaced apart from each other and the base plate comprises an outrigger in between the two spikes and offset from an axis that bisects each of the spike bases, wherein the traction component is configured such that the base plate forms an angle of 30° to 45° or 38° to 42° with a surface during use when the two spikes and the outrigger are in contact with the surface.

39. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 8 to 38, wherein the front polymeric component further comprises a left front lateral stirrup and a left bridge section located between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member and / or a right front lateral stirrup and a right bridge section located between the left front lateral stirrup and the second linking member, wherein the first and second linking members each have a distal portion and the left and right front lateral stirrups each have a proximal portion, wherein the left bride section couples to the distal portion of the first linking member at a proximal end and to the proximal portion of the left front lateral stirrup at a distal end and wherein the right bride section couples to the distal portion of the first linking member at a proximal end and the proximal portion of the right front lateral stirrup at a distal end, wherein the second forefoot traction component is rotatably coupled to the left front lateral stirrup and wherein the left bridge section is configured to limit the rotation of the left front lateral stirrup relative to the second forefoot traction component and / or the third forefoot traction component is ratably coupled to the right front lateral stirrup and wherein the right bridge section is configured to limit the rotation of the right front lateral stirrup relative to the third forefoot traction component.

40. The over footwear traction device of claim 39, wherein the left bridge section has a sigmoid like shape and / or the right bridge has a sigmoid like shape.

41. The over footwear traction device of claim 39 or 40, wherein the left bridge section has a smaller transverse diameter at its midpoint as compared to a transverse diameter nearer its proximal and distal ends and / or the right bridge section has a smaller transverse diameter at its midpoint as compared to a transverse diameter nearer its proximal and distal ends.

42. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the proximal end of the left bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the first linking member at an inward half of the first linking member and / or wherein the proximal end of the right bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the second linking member at an inward half of the second linking member.

43. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 39 to 42, wherein the distal end of the left bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the left front lateral stirrup at a forward half of the left front lateral stirrup and / or wherein the distal end of the right bridge section couples to a proximal portion of the right front lateral stirrup at a forward half of the right front lateral stirrup.

44. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein a neutral angle formed by the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member is 137 to 147 degrees, or a 140 to 144 degrees and / or wherein a neutral angle formed by the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member is 137 to 147 degrees, or a 140 to 144 degrees.

45. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 40 to 60 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees or 43 to 47 degrees and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 40 to 60 degrees or 40 to 50 degrees or 43 to 47 degrees.

46. The over footwear traction device of claim 45, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 20 to 25 degrees or 21 to 24 degrees above and below the neutral angle and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 20 to 25 degrees or 21 to 24 degrees above and below the neutral angle.

47. The over footwear traction device of any one of claims 39 to 46, wherein the left bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the left front lateral stirrup and the first linking member such that the left front stirrup can rotate relative to the first linking member along a sweep of 110 to 175 degrees above and below the neutral angle and / or wherein the right bridge section is configured to resist relative movement between the right front lateral stirrup and the second linking member such that the right front stirrup can rotate relative to the second linking member along a sweep of 110 to 175 degrees above and below the neutral angle.

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