In-Molded Golf Shoe Cleats with Disk-Shaped Perimeter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional golf shoes with cleat structures experience discomfort and fatigue due to high pressure points and the releasable connection between cleats and the sole structure can lead to unintended disengagement, affecting traction and potentially damaging equipment.
Innovation Solution
The integration of cleat structures with a flat interior surface and a disk-shaped perimeter, in-molded into the footwear sole using a mold with different thermal conductivity areas to prevent deformation, providing a flexible and comfortable base without threaded connectors, and a method for molding these structures directly into the sole for permanent attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If threaded connectors or turnbuckle type engagement structures are used to releasably engage cleats with footwear sole structure, then cleats can be adjusted and removed, but high pressure points are created underfoot causing discomfort and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the threaded connector and turnbuckle engagement structures from the footwear construction, eliminating the source of high pressure points while maintaining cleat attachment functionality through an integrated sole design
Solution Approach 2:
The cleat attachment mechanism is merged directly into the sole structure itself, combining the sole and cleat engagement functions into a single integrated component that eliminates separate connectors and reduces pressure points
2Ease of operation
If cushioning elements or rigid plates are incorporated to reduce point loading and pressure forces, then wearer comfort improves, but shoe height increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure distribution function is merged into the sole structure itself rather than adding separate cushioning elements or rigid plates, achieving comfort without increasing overall shoe height
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure is designed with local variations in density and composition to provide pressure distribution exactly where needed under the cleats, rather than requiring uniform cushioning throughout the entire shoe
3Adaptability or versatility
If releasable connection structures are used between cleats and sole structure, then cleats can be adjusted, but cleats may loosen and become disengaged without wearer knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the releasable connection structures (threaded connectors, turnbuckles) that cause unintended disengagement, replacing them with a permanent integrated attachment method
Solution Approach 2:
The cleats are permanently attached during the sole manufacturing process itself, establishing secure attachment before the product reaches the consumer, eliminating the risk of loosening during use
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cleat structures with connectors are used, then cleats can be adjusted and removed, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate components (sole, connectors, cleats) are merged into a single integrated structure manufactured in one process, dramatically reducing construction complexity while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sole structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, distributing pressure, and permanently attaching cleats, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components
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
This solution reduces discomfort by distributing pressure evenly, enhances traction, and prevents cleat disengagement, resulting in a more comfortable and reliable footwear option with improved durability and reduced height.
Implementation Method 1
a mold with different thermal conductivity areas to prevent deformation
Data Source
AI summary
Cleat structures, e.g., for golf shoes, may include a flat and flexible interior surface and/or a generally disk-shaped perimeter area that includes features to promote in-molding of the cleat to a footwear sole component (e.g., to permanently engage the cleat with an outsole member). Such cleats may provide a flexible and comfortable base, including a low profile, e.g., to enable formation relatively thin and/or flexible footwear sole components. Footwear sole components and articles of footwear that include one or more in-molded cleat structures of this type also are described. Molds used for in-molding procedures and methods of using the molds to make articles with in-molded components (e.g., for making footwear sole structures including one or more in-molded cleats) also are described.