Sole for shoes for football, rugby or the like with variable-configuration studs

Abstract

 A studded sole (10) for shoes for soccer, rugby or the like, comprising one or more orientatable studs (12) whose transverse cross-section has asymmetries with respect to one or more preferential orientation axes; each stud (12) having a shaped tang (14) which can be inserted in a complementarily shaped recess (15) formed in the sole tread (13), which allows the stud (12) to assume a plurality of stable active positions, each active position setting a specific orientation of the stud (12). Elements (16) for anchoring the stud to the sole are also provided.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shoe sole which is particularly but not exclusively useful in the practice of soccer and rugby, in track-and-field sports and golf, or in other sports or recreational activities in which studs or spikes are required.

[0002] It is known that in some sports, such as soccer, rugby and other similar sports, the soles of shoes must be provided with studs.

[0003] Nowadays there is a plurality of models of studded soles in which the number, shape and size of the studs aim to provide the highest possible effectiveness in grip and anchoring to the ground.

[0004] Athletic actions in fact often require sudden changes in the direction of motion of the body or in any case impulsive movements which require considerable grip on the ground even when said ground intrinsically has poor grip, for example in the presence of mud or very wet grass.

[0005] However, the shoe as a whole must be particularly comfortable, and it is known that said comfort is, to a large extent, determined by the sole.

[0006] For example on particularly hard ground, in fact, studded soles must in any case ensure that the foot has a rather wide resting base, so as to avoid concentrations of the discharge of body weight which are particularly harmful and so as to avoid consequent pain for the foot sole.

[0007] It is also known that although different people wear the same shoe size, they would require different distributions of the studs indeed because of the specific build of their body.

[0008] Ideally, therefore, each shoe should be adapted to the physical characteristics of the wearer, also taking into account the environmental and ground characteristics in which said shoe will be used.

[0009] In order to further adapt the shoe to often contrasting environmental and body parameters, shoes which have movable or interchangeable studs have been provided.

[0010] Said soles provided with movable or interchangeable studs, despite solving many of the above drawbacks, do not in any case provide a complete and fully satisfactory answer to the above-described problems.

[0011] A principal aim of the present invention is to provide a sole with studs for soccer, rugby or the like which solves the above-described drawbacks of conventional models, particularly providing very high flexibility in relation to the differences in the build of the athlete's body and to the environmental conditions in which it must work.

[0012] In relation to this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a sole whose various configurations can be provided by the user simply and quickly without requiring particular technical expertise.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a strong and durable sole.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sole which can be adapted to the various sports and recreational activities in general.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a sole whose costs are competitive with respect to conventional soles.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sole which can be manufactured with conventional technologies.

[0017] This aim, these objects and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a studded sole for soccer, rugby or the like, characterized in that it comprises one or more orientatable studs whose transverse cross-section has asymmetries with respect to one or more preferential orientation axes, each stud having an axial portion for coupling to said sole which has, in various angular positions, locator elements which are complementary with respect to similar locator elements provided in the sole, said locator elements allowing said stud to assume a plurality of stable active positions, each position forcing a specific orientation of the stud, means for anchoring said stud to said sole being provided.

[0018] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of two embodiments thereof and of corresponding different embodiments, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

figure 1 is an axonometric view of part of a sole according to the invention, in a first embodiment;

figure 2 is an exploded view of part of the sole of figure 1;

figure 3 is an orthographic projection view of the sole of figure 1;

figure 4 is an orthographic projection view of the sole of figure 1 during use;

figure 5 is a sectional view of a detail of the sole of figure 1;

figure 6 is an axonometric view of a detail of a sole according to the invention, in a second embodiment;

figure 7 is an axonometric view of a different embodiment of the detail of figure 6;

figure 8 is an axonometric sectional view of a stud in a different embodiment;

figure 9 is a sectional orthographic projection view of the stud of figure 8;

figure 10 is a sectional axonometric view of a stud according to the invention, in another embodiment;

figure 11 is a sectional orthographic projection view of the stud of figure 10;

figure 12 is a projection view of a sole with the studs of figure 10.

[0019] With particular reference to figures 1 to 5, a sole with studs, for soccer, rugby or the like, according to the invention, is generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

[0020] In this case, the sole 10 is associated with an upper which is particularly suitable for soccer, which is shown only partially and is designated by the reference numeral 11.

[0021] The sole 10 comprises, again in this case, six orientatable studs, each designated by the reference numeral 12; four of said studs are arranged substantially in a quadrilateral configuration in the front part of the foot, whilst two are located at the heel.

[0022] In this embodiment, all the studs 12 of the sole 10 can be orientated; however, in other embodiments it is possible to provide for the presence of one or more orientatable studs 12, whilst the other studs can be normal or fixed, movable or interchangeable.

[0023] Each one of the orientatable studs 12, in this embodiment, has a shape which is transversely oblong in a preset direction; however, if required by the needs of a specific sport, the shape of the cross-section of the stud can be the most disparate and can be studied according to the specific criteria and experience of a given activity.

[0024] In this case, each one of the orientatable studs 12 is, as a whole, substantially shaped like a truncated cone, with a free end which has a smaller cross-section than the end that faces the tread of the sole 10, which is designated by the reference numeral 13.

[0025] Each one of the studs 12 has a tang 14 which is shaped so as to be octagonal in this case and can be inserted in a complementarily shaped (octagonal) recess 15 which is therefore likewise octogonal and is formed in the tread 13.

[0026] Thanks to its polygonal geometry, said recess 15 allows the corresponding tang 14 and therefore the corresponding stud 12 to have a plurality of stable active positions, each of which forces a specific orientation of the stud 12.

[0027] Orientation of the stud 12 arises not only from the environmental conditions of the ground but also from the experience of the athlete in relation to his own physical build and athletic characteristics.

[0028] Each stud 12 is associated with the sole 10 through anchoring means, which in this case are constituted by a threaded element 16 which can be inserted axially in a through hole 17 formed in said stud 12 and in the corresponding tang 14.

[0029] The threaded element 16 is associated by screw-and-nut coupling with a threaded hole 18a formed in a plate 18 which is embedded in the sole 10 at the bottom of a corresponding recess 15.

[0030] The threaded element 16 of each one of the studs 12 is in any case, in this first embodiment, independent and locks the corresponding stud 12 by means of its head 19.

[0031] With particular reference to figure 6, a sole for soccer, rugby or the like with studs, according to the invention, in a second embodiment does not differ essentially from the one described above, except for the stud or studs, each of which is designated by the reference numeral 100.

[0032] Each stud 100 has, in this case, an octagonal (but more generally polygonal) tang 101 which can be inserted in a corresponding recess, not shown, which is also octagonal.

[0033] Each one of the studs 100 is associated with the sole through anchoring means which in this case are constituted, for each one of said studs 100, by a corresponding built-in threaded element 102.

[0034] The threaded element 102 protrudes partially at its head 103 and at its free end 104, which engages a corresponding threaded hole formed in a plate which is fully similar to the plate 18 and is embedded at the bottom of the recess.

[0035] In this second embodiment, the sole is sold together with an accessory tool which in this case is constituted by a rod-shaped element 105 suitable to screw and unscrew the head 103 of the threaded element 102.

[0036] The rod-shaped element 105 can be inserted in blind holes 106 formed laterally, at a preset distance, at the head 103 of the threaded element 102.

[0037] With particular reference to figure 7, a different embodiment of the stud related to the second embodiment is generally designated by the reference numeral 200.

[0038] The different embodiment 200 differs from the sole stud 100 in that it comprises a threaded element 201 which is built into the corresponding stud body 202 at the region thereof that faces the tread.

[0039] It should be noted that the sole according to the invention allows, through the possibility to orientate the studs or at least part thereof, to gradually adjust the grip of the shoe according to the different physical build and athletic characteristics of the person and to the environmental characteristics, especially those of the ground.

[0040] In particular, it should be noted that the sole according to the invention improves significantly the optimization of forces, tractions and rotations, which are particularly important in all sports and especially in soccer and rugby.

[0041] It should also be noted that the sole according to the invention can be adapted both to the hardest grounds and to the softest and most slippery grounds.

[0042] It should also be noted that adaptation to the various configurations is particularly easy and quick even for users who do not have particular technical expertise.

[0043] The basic structural simplicity of the sole according to the invention should also be noted; the costs of said sole are accordingly competitive with respect to conventional soles.

[0044] The structural flexibility of the sole should also be noted: said sole can adapt to the most disparate and specific requirements of the various activities.

[0045] With particular reference to figures 8 and 9, an orientatable stud, in a different embodiment, is generally designated by the reference numeral 310.

[0046] The stud 310, in this case, is applied to a composite sole 311 comprising a layer that constitutes the tread 312, made for example of a material known commercially by the name Nylon, and an insole 313 which in this case is made of a material known commercially by the name Texon.

[0047] The stud 310 is associated with the sole 311 together with similar studs, although it is not illustrated in the figures.

[0048] In this case, the stud 310 furthermore comprises a body 314 which is substantially frustum-shaped, with an advantageously asymmetrical plan shape; a threaded pin 316 is fixed axially to said body at the orientation surface, designated by the reference numeral 315, which is to be placed in abutment against the tread 312.

[0049] The stud 310 comprises a base 317 for anchoring to the sole 311 which has a flanged head 318 with a hexagonal socket 319, to be placed in abutment against the inner surface of the insole 313, and a stem 320 with a female thread 321 which passes through the sole 311 in a suitable through hole 322 formed thereon, and is suitable to reversibly connect to the threaded pin 316 by screw-and-nut coupling.

[0050] The flanged head 318 and the orientation surface 315 are suitable to anchor the stud 310 by sandwich-like packing together with the sole 311.

[0051] In particular, in this case, the orientation surface 315 is provided with raised orientation portions 323.

[0052] In particular, in this case the raised orientation portions 323 are radial and suitable to couple to complementarily shaped recesses 324 formed on the tread 312 at the abutment surface of the stud 310.

[0053] Rotation-preventing means are also associated with the flanged head 318 and are constituted by points 325 that protrude below it and are suitable to penetrate the insole 313, perforating it partially.

[0054] In practice, operation and application of the stud 310 are as follows.

[0055] The user inserts the base 317 from the inside of the shoe, making the stem 320 protrude at the tread.

[0056] In particular, the head 318 is moved into abutment against the inner surface of the insole 313.

[0057] Likewise, the threaded pin 316 is coupled to the female thread 321.

[0058] At this point the user, by means of an Allen key, which is not shown and normally commercially available, locks the head 318 and by fitting it inside the recessed hexagonal socket 319.

[0059] In this manner, the user can effectively screw in the base 317, making the raised orientation portions 323 mate with the recesses 324 in the preset orientation and fixing the stud 310 finally to the sole 311.

[0060] With particular reference to figures 10 to 12, a stud according to the invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 410 in another embodiment.

[0061] In a manner which is fully similar to the stud 310, the stud 410 is applied to a sole 411 and comprises a body 412, which in this case is substantially shaped like a truncated cone with an advantageously asymmetrical plan shape, has an orientation surface 413, and is axially associated with a threaded pin 414 which can be coupled by screw-and-nut coupling to a base 415 which is described hereinafter.

[0062] Actually, the stud 410 differs from the stud 310 in that the base 415, in this second embodiment, is composite and constituted by an external element 416, with a flanged head 417 and a cylindrical stem 418, in which a through hole 419 is formed axially; said hole is formed by a surface which is shaped like a truncated cone at the head 417 and is cylindrical at the stem 418.

[0063] The base 415 also comprises an inner element 420 which is shaped complementarily and inserted in the hole 419 and is provided with a head 421 with a hexagonal socket 422 and a stem 423 with a female thread 424 which is suitable to couple to the pin 414.

[0064] In this case, too, the orientation surface 413 is provided with radial raised portions 425 which are suitable to couple to corresponding recesses 426 formed in the regions where the stud 410 abuts against the sole 411.

[0065] In this case, rotation-preventing means are also associated with the head 417 and are constituted by points 427 which protrude below it and are suitable to penetrate the insole of the sole 411 and partially perforate it.

[0066] Application of the stud 410 does not differ substantially from the application of the stud 310, except that in this case the Allen key, designated by the reference numeral 428 here, acts on the inner element 422, which in turn closes the stud 410 by means of the interposition of the outer element 416.

[0067] In practice it has been observed that the present invention has achieved its intended aim and objects.

[0068] The present invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept.

[0069] All the details may also be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0070] The materials and the dimensions may be any according to requirements.

[0071] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A studded sole for shoes for soccer, rugby or the like, characterized in that it comprises one or more orientatable studs whose transverse cross-section has asymmetries with respect to one or more preferential orientation axes, each stud having an axial portion for coupling to said sole which has, in various angular positions, locator elements (14,323,425) which are complementary with respect to similar locator elements provided in the sole said locator elements allowing said studs to assume a plurality of stable active positions, each position setting a specific orientation of the studs, means for anchoring said studs to said sole being provided.

2. A studded sole for shoes for soccer, rugby or the like, characterized in that it comprises one or more orientatable studs whose transverse cross-section has asymmetries with respect to one or more preferential orientation axes, each stud having a shaped tang which can be inserted in a complementarily shaped recess formed in the tread, said recess allowing said stud to assume a plurality of stable active positions, each position setting a specific orientation of the stud, means for anchoring said stud to said sole being provided.

3. A sole according to claim 2, characterized in that said tang and the corresponding recess are shaped so as to form corresponding polygonal lateral surfaces which are in contact with each other during use.

4. A sole according to claim 2, characterized in that said anchoring means comprise a corresponding threaded element which can be inserted axially in each stud and is associable with a threaded hole formed in a plate which is embedded in said sole at the bottom of a corresponding recess.

5. A sole according to claim 4, characterized in that said threaded element is built into a corresponding stud so as to protrude at least partially at the free end and at the head.

6. A sole according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises auxiliary tools for screwing and unscrewing said head.

7. A sole according to claim 6, characterized in that said tools comprise a rod-shaped element which can be inserted in blind holes which are formed laterally at a preset distance at the head of each one of said threaded elements.

8. An orientatable stud according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a body to which a pin with one component of a screw-and-nut coupling is fixed axially at the orientation surface to be placed in abutment against the tread, said stud comprising a base for anchoring to the sole which has a flanged head with a hexagonal socket, to be placed in abutment against the inner surface of said sole, and a stem which has a component which is complementary to the previous one of said screw-and-nut coupling, passes through said sole in a suitable hole formed thereon, and is suitable to reversibly connect to said pin, said flanged head and said orientation surface, in association, being suitable to anchor said stud through sandwich-like packing of said sole.

9. A stud according to claim 8, characterized in that said base is composite, since it is constituted by an external element with a flanged head and a cylindrical stem, in which a through hole is formed axially, said hole being formed by a surface which is shaped like a truncated cone at the head and is cylindrical at said stem, said base further comprising an internal element which is shaped complementarily and is inserted in the hole of said external element which has a head provided with a hexagonal socket and a stem with a component of said screw-and-nut coupling which is suitable to couple to said pin provided with the complementary component of said screw-and-nut coupling.

10. A stud according to one or more of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that said screw is provided on said pivot and said female thread is provided on said stem.

11. A stud according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that rotation-preventing means are associated with said flanged head and are constituted by points which protrude below it and are suitable to penetrate the insole of said sole and partially perforate it.

12. A stud according to one or more of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said orientation surface is provided with raised orientation portions which constitute said locator elements.

13. A stud according to claim 12, characterized in that said raised portions are radial and are suitable to couple to complementarily shaped recesses formed in said sole at the abutment surface of said stud.

Drawing