Cleat Protector Shoe Cover with Elastomeric Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleats or spikes on sports shoes can be damaged by abrasive surfaces and can also damage delicate floor surfaces, and users often forget to bring alternative shoes when transitioning from sports fields to indoor areas, leading to excessive wear or floor damage.
Innovation Solution
A cleat protector shoe cover with elastomeric pads and retention straps that conform to the cleats, providing protection for both the shoes and the floor, designed to be economical, comfortable, and functional.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cleats or spikes are used on sports shoes, then traction on sport fields is improved, but the cleats can be damaged by abrasive surfaces and can damage delicate floor surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A shoe cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the cleated shoe and the floor surface. The shoe cover includes a protective sole with elastomeric pads that contact the floor, while the cleats extend through openings in the protective sole. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the metal cleats and abrasive or delicate surfaces, thereby protecting both the cleats from damage and the floor from scratching.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If players carry separate cleatless shoes for indoor use, then floor protection is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of two separate shoes into one. The shoe cover is attached to the cleated athletic shoe, combining the traction-providing cleats with the floor-protective covering into a single integrated system. This eliminates the need for players to carry and switch between two separate shoes, reducing device complexity while maintaining both athletic performance and floor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe cover provides multiple functions: it protects the cleats from damage, protects the floor surface from scratching, and allows the single shoe to be used both for athletic activities requiring traction and for indoor use on delicate surfaces. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shoes for different environments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If shoe covers are designed to fit over cleated shoes, then protection is provided, but ease of operation is reduced due to difficulty in putting on and removing
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe cover is segmented into distinct functional components: a protective sole with elastomeric pads, an upper portion that fits over the shoe, and retention members for securing. The upper portion includes an opening that accommodates the cleats, allowing the shoe cover to be segmented in a way that facilitates easy placement over the cleated shoe without requiring removal of the cleats.
Solution Approach 2:
The shoe cover incorporates elastic and flexible materials that allow it to dynamically adapt to the shape of the shoe and the movement of the cleats during putting on and removal. The retention members can be easily engaged and disengaged, providing dynamic control over the securement state to facilitate quick donning and doffing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cleat protector shoe cover effectively shields cleats from damage and prevents floor surface damage, offering a practical solution for users to transition between sport fields and indoor areas without additional shoes.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of elastomeric pads are located within recesses formed in an upper part of the shoe cover
Data Source
AI summary
A cleat protector shoe cover. The cleat protector shoe cover has an upper portion formed of either engagements or an elastic material and having a shoe opening formed in a top thereof. The cleat protector shoe cover is stretchable and engages with a cleated shoe to prevent the cleats from being damaged or damaging a floor surface by providing seating areas.