[0001] This invention relates to studded footwear such as sports shoes, for example football
boots and golf shoes. The term "football" is intended to encompass all sports known
as football, such as soccer, rugby and American and Australian football.
[0002] The studs are intended to provide traction, having a ground-engaging part of a type
suited to the sport involved. Thus, studs for football tend to have relatively sharp
ground-piercing spikes, while those for golf shoes currently have relatively soft
and blunt ground-gripping spikes. The studs are detachably fastened to the sole of
the article of footwear by a screw-threaded spigot on the stud engaging in a correspondingly
threaded socket in a receptacle moulded in, or otherwise secured to the shoe sole.
The screw thread may be single start or multi-start, and the stud and socket also
incorporate a locking ratchet to prevent accidental unscrewing of the stud.
[0003] The studs provide most, if not all, of the traction for the footwear, and may be
of different kinds, even for one sport. Thus, golf studs may have dynamic spikes which
flex when pressure is applied to them, or static spikes, which do not flex. A dynamic
spike may not always flex in the manner intended, depending on the surface or the
way the pressure is applied.
[0004] Previously, rotational orientation of the studs relative to the shoe sole was not
necessary, as most studs are circular or otherwise rotationally symmetrical. Their
final orientation relative to the shoe sole is therefore not relevant.
[0005] However, in some sports where the forces on the studs are relatively high and of
a particular type, such as lateral forces or forces due to rapid forward acceleration
of the wearer of the shoe, studs which are specifically-oriented can be more effective.
(The term "specifically-oriented stud" will be used to include studs which are non-rotationally
symmetrical, or studs which are rotationally symmetrical, but whose orientation relative
to the shoe sole is significant.) A specifically-oriented stud must be oriented very
precisely relative to the shoe sole to ensure that it operates in the desired manner.
Most known screw threads and locking ratchets are unable to provide this precise orientation.
We have devised a system of ensuring the precise orientation of the stud relative
to the receptacle. Orientation of the receptacle in the sole then provides the precise
orientation of the stud relative to the sole.
[0006] A multi-layered outsole for a golf shoe is disclosed in
WO 99/37175. The inner sole comprises a series of receptacles that extend through the outer sole
for receiving studs. The outer sole also has a series of small projections.
WO 00/64294 discloses a golf shoe traction assembly wherein a golf cleat is used to secure a
traction member to an outsole.
[0007] The present invention relates to a combination of an outsole and studs for an article
of studded footwear in which said outsole includes receptacles for specifically-oriented
studs, the studs having ground engaging spikes including dynamic spikes,
characterised in that the outsole also includes traction elements formed integrally with the outsole, the
studs and traction elements being so constructed and arranged such that the spikes
interact with the traction elements in use of the footwear in that the traction elements
guide the dynamic spikes as they flex.
[0008] The ability to provide precise orientation of the stud relative to the outsole means
that the outsole can be designed with traction elements that work with the studs to
improve the overall traction of the outsole.
[0009] Thus, where the studs for golf shoes include dynamic spikes, the traction elements
may be formed on one or both circumferential sides of at least one spike. The traction
elements can then guide the spikes as they flex, and also act as static or dynamic
traction elements. The traction elements may extend at any appropriate angle from
the outsole. They may be V-shaped or triangular in profile.
[0010] The traction elements will be designed to complement the spike configuration of a
stud, which depends on the positioning of the stud in the outsole and the forces on
the outsole in use.
[0011] An embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying
drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is an underneath plan view of an outsole for a golf shoe with one stud attached;
Figure 2 is a side view of the stud of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top plan view of a stud:
Figure 4 is an underneath plan view of a receptacle; and
Figure 5 is a scrap section along the line 5-5 of Figure 1.
[0012] The outsole 1 of Figure 1 is for a studded golf shoe. The outsole 1 is moulded from
rubber, and incorporates several receptacles 2, which are moulded into the outsole
1 in the appropriate arrangement on the sole 3 and heel 4. Each receptacle 2 is adapted
to receive a specifically-oriented stud 5 (only one of which is shown). The stud 5
has ground-engaging spikes 6 and the outsole 1 has integrally-formed traction elements
7, which in use interact with the spikes 6.
[0013] Each stud 5 is a unitary moulding of plastics material, having a flange 8 with a
screw-threaded spigot 9 projecting from an upper side of the flange 8, while the spikes
6 project from the lower side. There are three dynamic spikes 6a, which flex when
pressure is applied to them, and five static spikes 6b, which do not.
[0014] The spigot 9 has a multi-start external screw thread 10, with a relatively steep
helix angle so that the stud 5 can be inserted in the receptacle 2 in half a turn.
In order to define the initial position of the stud 5 relative to the receptacle 2,
one of the threads on the spigot 9 is different from the others so that the screw
thread 10 can only be engaged in one position of the stud 5 relative to the receptacle
2.
[0015] Because of the relatively steep helix angle of the thread, the frictional resistance
to unscrewing of the stud 5 is relatively low. The stud 5 and receptacle 2 therefore
have a locking means 11, which comprises a ring of resilient posts 12 on the stud
5 co-operating with a ring of teeth 25 in the receptacle 2, arranged so that engagement
of the teeth with the posts causes resilient deflection of the posts, and engagement
of the teeth between the posts interengages the locking means. This serves to secure
the stud 5 in the receptacle 2 and to define its final position relative to the receptacle
2. The stud 5 is then precisely oriented in the receptacle 2 when it is fully engaged.
[0016] The resilient posts 12 extend axially from the upper side of the flange 8. They surround
the spigot 9 and form a ring concentric with the spigot 9. There are six posts 12
distributed uniformly about the axis of the stud. The axial extent of each post 12
is about half the axial height of the spigot 9, and each post is radially resilient.
The radially outer surface of each post 12 has a lower part-cylindrical portion 13
and an upper part-conical portion 14. The top surface 15 of each post 12 is angled
up towards the spigot 9, so that the radially inner surface 16 of each post 12 has
the greatest axial height. The radially inner surface 16 is generally convex towards
the spigot 9, with a central convex region 17, a first circumferential end 18 having
a concave profile towards the spigot 9, and a second circumferential end 19 having
a convex profile towards the spigot 9. The first end 2 is the leading end and the
second end 19 the trailing end on insertion of the stud 5, and vice versa when it
is removed. The concave profile of the first end 18 presents less resistance on insertion
of the stud, while the convex profile of the second end 29 presents greater resistance
on removal.
[0017] The receptacle 2 is also a unitary moulding of plastics material. It has a circular
top plate 20 with a central boss 21 depending from it. The receptacle 2 is anchored
in the outsole 1 by the top plate 20, which may include means (not shown) for ensuring
that the receptacle 2 is precisely oriented relative to the outsole 1.
[0018] The boss 21 has a stout cylindrical wall 22, whose inside forms an internally screw-threaded
socket 23 adapted to receive the spigot 9. The socket 23 also has a multi-start thread,
with one of the grooves being different from the others, to complement the different
thread 10 in the spigot 9. The radially outer surface 24 of the boss 21 is formed
with the other part of the locking means 11, as the ring of axially-extending teeth
25, projecting radially outwards from the surface 24. In cross-section, the teeth
25 are generally triangular, but with a rounded apex.
[0019] The distance of radial projection of the teeth 25 from the socket axis is substantially
equal to that of the inner surfaces of the posts 12 at the first end 19. There is
therefore radial interference between the teeth 25 and posts 12, which causes frictional
resistance to relative rotation of the stud 5 and receptacle 2.
[0020] The stud 5 is installed by the insertion of the spigot 9 into the socket 23. Because
of the different thread 10 and groove, there is only one position in which the screw-threaded
connection can engage. As the spigot 9 is rotated it is drawn into the socket 23,
and the teeth 25 engage with the posts 12. The posts 12 deflect radially in a resilient
manner to allow the teeth 25 to move past the posts 12. Once the spigot 9 has rotated
through 180°, the stud 5 is fully inserted in the receptacle 2, and is secured by
the interengagement of the teeth 25 and posts 12.
[0021] Thus, the position of the stud 5 in the receptacle 2 is precisely determined by the
screw thread and the locking means 11. As the position of the receptacle 2 relative
to the outsole 1 is also precisely determined, the spikes 6a, 6b of the stud 5 will
be in a precisely determined position relative to the outsole 1, so that in use they
can interact with the traction elements 7 on the outsole 1.
[0022] As shown in the Figures, four traction elements 7 are provided, so that there is
one on each circumferential side of each dynamic spike 6a. Each traction element 7
is of substantially triangular form and projects from the outsole 1. The axial height
of each traction element 7 is less than the axial extent of the dynamic spikes 6a.
The elements 7 shown project substantially at right angles to the outsole 1, but may
be at any suitable angle.
[0023] In use, when the shoe is worn, the weight of the wearer in the shoe causes the dynamic
spikes 6a to flex radially outwards. Their movement is guided by the traction elements
7, which then also come into engagement with the ground to provide extra traction,
as static spikes.
[0024] It will be appreciated that the construction and arrangement of the traction elements
7 will be designed to complement the studs 5 which are used. The traction elements
7 may therefore have different forms, and act dynamically or statically. It will also
be appreciated that different thread forms and locking means may be used on the stud
and receptacle, as required.
1. A combination of an outsole and studs for an article of studded footwear in which
said outsole (1) includes receptacles (2) for specifically-oriented studs (5), the
studs having ground engaging spikes (6) including dynamic spikes (6a), characterised in that the outsole (1) also includes traction elements (7) formed integrally with the outsole,
the studs (5) and traction elements (7) being so constructed and arranged such that
the spikes (6) interact with the traction elements (7) in use of the footwear in that the traction elements (7) guide the dynamic spikes (6a) as they flex.
2. A combination of a stud and an outsole for an article of studded footwear according
to claim 1, in which the traction elements (7) are formed on at least one circumferential
side of at least one spike (6).
3. A combination of a stud and an outsole for an article of studded footwear according
to claim 1, in which the traction elements (7) are formed on both circumferential
sides of at least one spike (6).
4. A combination of a stud and an outsole for an article of studded footwear according
to any preceding claim, in which the traction elements (7) extend at any appropriate
angle from the outsole (1).
5. A combination of a stud and an outsole for an article of studded footwear according
to any preceding claim, in which the traction elements (7) are V-shaped or triangular
in profile.
6. A combination of a stud and an outsole for an article of studded footwear according
to any of claims 1 to 5, in which the traction elements (7) are designed to complement
the spike (6) configuration of the stud (5).
1. Kombination einer Laufsohle und Stollen für einen Schuhwerkartikel mit Stollen, bei
dem die Laufsohle (1) Aufnahmen (2) für speziell orientierte Stollen (5) umfasst,
wobei die Stollen in den Boden eingreifende Spikes (6) aufweisen, welche dynamische
Spikes (6a) umfassen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Laufsohle (1) ferner mit der Laufsohle integral ausgebildete Traktionselemente
(7) umfasst, wobei die Stollen (5) und Traktionselemente (7) so konstruiert und angeordnet
sind, dass die Spikes (6) bei Benutzung des Schuhwerks mit den Traktionselementen
(7) zusammenwirken, indem die Traktionselemente (7) die dynamischen Spikes (6a) führen,
wenn sie sich biegen.
2. Kombination eines Stollens und einer Laufsohle für einen Schuhwerkartikel mit Stollen
nach Anspruch 1, bei der die Traktionselemente (7) an zumindest einer Umfangsseite
von zumindest einem Spike (6) ausgebildet sind.
3. Kombination eines Stollens und einer Laufsohle für einen Schuhwerkartikel mit Stollen
nach Anspruch 1, bei der die Traktionselemente (7) an beiden Umfangsseiten von zumindest
einem Spike (6) ausgebildet sind.
4. Kombination eines Stollens und einer Laufsohle für einen Schuhwerkartikel mit Stollen
nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei der sich die Traktionselemente (7) in einem
geeigneten Winkel von der Laufsohle (1) aus erstrecken.
5. Kombination eines Stollens und einer Laufsohle für einen Schuhwerkartikel mit Stollen
nach einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, bei der die Traktionselemente (7) ein V-förmiges
oder dreieckiges Profil haben.
6. Kombination eines Stollens und einer Laufsohle für einen Schuhwerkartikel mit Stollen
nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, bei der die Traktionselemente (7) ausgebildet sind,
die Spike(6)-Konfiguration des Stollens (5) zu komplementieren.
1. Combinaison d'une semelle d'usure et de crampons pour une chaussure à crampons, dans
laquelle ladite semelle d'usure (1) comprend des alvéoles (2) pour des crampons (5)
orientés de manière spécifique, les crampons comportant des pointes (6) destinées
à venir en contact avec le sol qui comprennent des pointes dynamiques (6a), caractérisée en ce que la semelle d'usure (1) comprend également des éléments de traction (7) formés d'un
seul tenant avec la semelle d'usure, les crampons (5) et les éléments de traction
(7) étant conçus et disposés de telle sorte que les pointes (6) coopèrent avec les
éléments de traction (7) lors de l'utilisation de la chaussure et en ce que les éléments de traction (7) guident les pointes dynamiques (6a) lorsqu'elles fléchissent.
2. Combinaison d'un crampon et d'une semelle d'usure pour une chaussure à crampons selon
la revendication 1, dans laquelle les éléments de traction (7) sont formés sur au
moins un côté périphérique d'au moins une pointe (6).
3. Combinaison d'un crampon et d'une semelle d'usure pour une chaussure à crampons selon
la revendication 1, dans laquelle les éléments de traction (7) sont formés sur les
deux côtés périphériques d'au moins une pointe (6).
4. Combinaison d'un crampon et d'une semelle d'usure pour une chaussure à crampons selon
l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications, dans laquelle les éléments de traction
(7) s'étendent en formant tout angle approprié par rapport à la semelle d'usure (1).
5. Combinaison d'un crampon et d'une semelle d'usure pour une chaussure à crampons selon
l'une quelconque des précédentes revendications, dans laquelle les éléments de traction
(7) ont un profil en forme de V ou triangulaire.
6. Combinaison d'un crampon et d'une semelle d'usure pour une chaussure à crampons selon
l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans laquelle les éléments de traction
(7) sont conçus pour compléter la configuration de pointe (6) du crampon (5).