CN113892726B

CN113892726B - Spike element, sole and bicycle shoe

Info

Publication number: CN113892726B
Application number: CN202110655039.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 井内一宪; 青木寿明; 菊田润一
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2020-07-06
Filing date: 2021-06-11
Publication date: 2023-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2041-06-11
Also published as: DE102020208442A1; CN113892726A

Abstract

A cleat element for a bicycle shoe includes a cleat body including a first body surface and a second body surface opposite the first body surface. The cleat body is configured to be removably attached to a sole of a bicycle shoe such that the first body surface contacts the sole of the bicycle shoe. A plurality of protrusions extend from the cleat body at least in a first direction from the first body surface toward the second body surface. In a pre-attachment state in which the cleat element is not attached to the bicycle shoe, the cleat body and the plurality of lugs are formed as a single unit.

Description

Spike element, sole and bicycle shoe

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a cleat element for a bicycle shoe, a sole for a bicycle shoe comprising a cleat element and a bicycle shoe comprising a sole with a cleat element.

Background

For all types of cycling, bicycle shoes that can be attached to and released from the bicycle pedals are known. The tread of such bicycle shoes varies greatly depending on the intended use. For example, for highway (on-road) applications, only a lower grip is required to provide the bicycle rider with safe walking capabilities. Particularly because in a highway environment, the rider will not typically walk around from the bicycle, except at the beginning and end of the loop. On the other hand, for off-road applications, depending on the terrain, a cyclist may have to frequently get off the bicycle, for example to push the bicycle, sometimes even to carry the bicycle. Accordingly, bicycle shoes known for off-road use should be strong and include soles with spike portions to provide adequate grip for the rider in an off-road environment.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cleat element, sole and bicycle shoe that increases rider mobility and improves grip performance.

A cleat element for a bicycle shoe according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a cleat body including a first body surface and a second body surface opposite the first body surface. The cleat body is configured to be removably attached to a sole of the bicycle shoe such that the first body surface contacts the sole of the bicycle shoe. The cleat element further includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the cleat body at least in a first direction from the first body surface toward the second body surface. In a pre-attachment state in which the cleat element is not attached to the bicycle shoe, the cleat body and the plurality of lugs are formed as a single unit.

With the spike element according to the first aspect, a rider of a bicycle may choose to attach or remove the spike element to or from the bicycle shoe depending on their preference or the nature of the intended ground during cycling of the bicycle. Thus, the grip performance on the ground is improved since the tread of the bicycle shoe can be adapted to the respective ground conditions. Thus, the rider's flexibility is increased.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the spike element according to the first aspect is configured such that the spike body has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion in a second direction parallel to a body centerline bisecting the spike body. In an attached state in which the cleat element is attached to the bicycle shoe, the body centerline is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle shoe. Each of the plurality of protrusions is disposed at the first end portion and has a first surface portion and a second surface portion opposite the first surface portion in the second direction. The second surface portion faces toward the second end portion, and the first surface portion has a convex shape.

With the cleat element according to the second aspect, the grip performance with respect to the ground is further improved due to the convex shape of the first surface portion and the plurality of protrusions provided at the first end portion.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the spike element according to the second aspect is configured such that said second surface portion has a concave shape.

With the cleat element according to the third aspect, the grip performance with respect to the ground is further improved due to the concave shape of the second surface portion.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the spike element according to the second or third aspect is configured such that the first surface portion comprises a first end surface and a second first end surface. The first end surface and the second end surface are connected to each other. The first end surface and the second end surface form a spike shape with each other.

With the cleat element according to the fourth aspect, the grip performance with respect to the ground is further improved due to the cleat shape formed between the first and second first end surfaces.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the spike element according to the fourth aspect is configured such that the first end surface and the second first end surface are formed in a planar shape.

With the spike member according to the fifth aspect, the manufacture of the spike member is simplified. In addition, adhesion of mud and dirt can be prevented during use. Further, cleaning of the spike member after use is easy.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the spike element according to the fourth or fifth aspect is configured such that said first end surface and said second first end surface are integrally formed and form a pointed spike tip.

With the spike member according to the sixth aspect, the grip performance with respect to the ground is further improved due to the pointed spike tip.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the cleat element according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the second surface portion includes a first second end surface and a second end surface.

With the cleat element according to the seventh aspect, the grip performance with respect to the ground is further improved.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the cleat element according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the first and second end surfaces are formed in a planar shape.

With the spike member according to the eighth aspect, the manufacture of the spike member is simplified. In addition, adhesion of mud and dirt can be prevented during use. Further, cleaning of the spike member after use is easy.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the cleat element according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is configured such that the cleat body and the plurality of protrusions are formed as a one-piece, unitary member.

With the cleat element according to the ninth aspect, the stability and life of the cleat element is increased, thereby improving grip on the ground. In addition, the manufacture of the spike element is simplified.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the spike element according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is configured such that the spike body comprises at least one through hole. A securing member passes through the at least one through hole to removably attach the cleat element to the sole of the bicycle shoe.

With the cleat element according to the tenth aspect, the removability of the cleat element is improved, thereby improving rider flexibility.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the cleat element according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured such that the plurality of projections includes a first projection and a second projection. The cleat body includes a first body portion connected to the first projection, a second body portion connected to the second projection, and an intermediate portion connecting the first body portion and the second body portion in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction.

With the cleat element according to the eleventh aspect, the stability of the cleat element is increased in a state where the cleat element is attached to the sole of a bicycle shoe, thereby improving the grip performance.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the cleat element according to the eleventh aspect is configured such that the first body portion and the second body portion form an arrangement space therebetween in the third direction.

With the spike member according to the twelfth aspect, the stability of the spike member is increased in a state where the spike member is attached to the sole of the bicycle shoe, thereby improving the grip performance. In addition, the weight of the cleat element is reduced, increasing rider comfort.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the spike member according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the arrangement space is at least partially surrounded by the first body portion, the second body portion and the intermediate portion.

With the cleat element according to the thirteenth aspect, the stability of the cleat element is increased in a state where the cleat element is attached to the sole of a bicycle shoe, thereby improving the grip performance.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the spike element according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect is configured such that the arrangement space and the intermediate portion are bisected by the body centre line.

With the spike member according to the fourteenth aspect, the stability of the spike member is increased in a state where the spike member is attached to the sole of the bicycle shoe, thereby improving the grip performance.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the spike element according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is configured such that, in an attached state in which the spike element is attached to the bicycle shoe, the spike body is symmetrical about a body center line that bisects the spike body and is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bicycle shoe.

With the cleat element according to the fifteenth aspect, the stability of the cleat element is increased in a state where the cleat element is attached to the sole of a bicycle shoe, thereby improving the grip performance.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the stud element according to the fifteenth aspect is configured such that the plurality of protrusions are symmetrically arranged to the stud body with respect to the body centre line.

With the spike member according to the sixteenth aspect, stability of the spike member is increased in a state where the spike member is attached to the sole of the bicycle shoe, thereby improving grip performance.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the cleat element according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects is configured such that the cleat body and the plurality of protrusions are made of a cleat material that is harder than a sole material of the sole of the bicycle shoe. The spike material comprises in particular stainless steel, or a metal such as aluminium or titanium, or a fibre reinforced plastic, or a polymer such as polyamideimide, polyetherketone, nylon, or polyurethane, or any combination of the above.

With the spike member according to the seventeenth aspect, the grip of the spike member with respect to muddy ground is particularly improved. Thus, the rider may choose, for example, during cycling of the bicycle, ground conditions that are expected to be muddy, choose to attach the spike elements to their bicycle shoes, for example, ground conditions that are expected to be rocky or dry and hard, choose to remove the spike elements. Thereby increasing rider flexibility.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the invention, a sole of a cycling shoe includes a sole toe end and a sole heel end. Further, a cleat element according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects is removably attached to the sole between the sole toe end and the sole heel end.

According to the sole of the eighteenth aspect, flexibility of a rider is increased, and grip performance with respect to the ground is improved.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the sole according to the eighteenth aspect further comprises a cleat attachment portion disposed between the sole toe end and the sole heel end.

With the sole according to the nineteenth aspect, the sole may be attached to a pedal of a bicycle, thereby increasing the force transmission efficiency between the rider's foot and the bicycle drive mechanism.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the sole according to the nineteenth aspect is configured such that the cleat element is removably connected to the sole between the sole foot tip and the cleat attachment portion.

With the sole according to the twentieth aspect, since the protrusions are located at points of the sole where a large shearing force is applied to the sole during walking, the grip performance with respect to the ground is further improved.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the sole according to any one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects is configured such that the plurality of protrusions of the spike element are positioned closer to the sole foot tip than the spike body when the spike element is attached to the sole.

With the sole according to the twenty-first aspect, the grip performance with respect to the ground is further improved, since the plurality of protrusions are oriented towards the front of the sole, it is possible to exert maximum forces on the ground during walking due to its shape.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the sole according to the nineteenth aspect is configured such that the cleat element is removably attached to the sole between the cleat attachment portion and the sole heel end.

With the sole according to the twenty-second aspect, the grip performance on the ground at the time of downhill walking is improved. In downhill walking, the heel first touches the ground, thus exerting a large shear force on the sole at the heel.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the sole according to the twenty-second aspect is configured such that the plurality of protrusions of the spike element are positioned closer to the sole heel end than the spike body of the spike element.

With the sole according to the twenty-third aspect, the grip performance with respect to the ground is further improved, since the plurality of protrusions are oriented toward the rear of the sole, it is possible to apply the greatest force on the ground due to the shape thereof during downhill walking.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the sole according to the twentieth aspect is configured such that an additional spike element is removably attached to the sole between the spike attachment portion and the sole heel end, wherein the plurality of protrusions of the additional spike element are positioned closer to the sole heel end than the spike body of the additional spike element.

With the sole according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the grip performance on the ground in normal walking, uphill walking and downhill walking is improved, because the two spike elements are attached to the shoe at positions where they apply a larger shearing force to the sole during normal, uphill and downhill walking.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, a sole of a bicycle shoe comprises a sole spike portion integrally formed with and protruding from the sole. Further, a spike element according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects is removably attached to the sole such that the sole spike portion is located in the arrangement space of the spike element.

With the sole according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the sole spike portion is for additionally supporting the spike element in a state in which the spike element is attached to the sole. Thus, the stability of the spike element on the sole is increased, improving the grip on the ground.

The bicycle shoe according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention includes a sole according to any one of the eighteenth to twenty-fifth aspects of the present invention.

With the bicycle shoe according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the rider's flexibility is increased, and the grip performance on the ground is improved.

The spike member, the sole and the bicycle shoe according to the present invention increase the flexibility of the rider and improve the grip on the ground.

Drawings

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a bicycle shoe having a sole and cleat elements in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the bicycle shoe illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cleat element shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the cleat element shown in FIG. 1; and

Fig. 5 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a bicycle shoe having a sole and two cleat elements in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements throughout the several views.

A first embodiment of a bicycle shoe 10 including a sole 20 and a cleat element 30 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 1-4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cycling shoe 10 basically includes a sole 20, an upper 12 and a cleat element 30. The cycling shoe 10 has a toe portion 16, a heel portion 17, and a cleat attachment portion 18. Sole 20 and upper 12 are attached to each other by adhesion or any other suitable form of attachment. In this embodiment, upper 12 includes three hook-and-loop fasteners 14 for securing bicycle shoe 10 to the foot of a cyclist wearing bicycle shoe 10. Of course, other means for securing the bicycle shoe 10 to the foot of the bicycle rider are also contemplated, such as a zipper or laces. In general, bicycle shoes similar to the bicycle shoe 10 are known, and thus, details of the bicycle shoe 10 that do not belong to the present invention will not be described below.

Details of the spike member 30 will now be described. The cleat element 30 includes a cleat body 32, the cleat body 32 including a first body surface 34 and a second body surface 36 opposite the first body surface 34. The cleat body 32 is configured to be removably attached to the sole 20 of the cycling shoe 10 such that the first body surface 34 contacts the sole 20 of the cycling shoe 10. The cleat element 30 also includes a plurality of lugs 38, the plurality of lugs 38 extending from the cleat body 32 at least in a first direction D1 from the first body surface 34 toward the second body surface 36. In a pre-attached state in which the cleat element 30 is not attached to the bicycle shoe 10, the cleat body 32 and the plurality of lugs 38 are formed as a single unit. In other words, the cleat element 30 is manufactured as a single unit independent of the sole 20 or other portion of the cycling shoe 10.

The cleat body 32 and the plurality of lugs 38 may be assembled prior to attachment to the sole 20 of the cycling shoe 10.

The stud body 32 and the plurality of projections 38 may be formed from one material. The cleat body 32 and the plurality of lugs 38 may be formed as a single, unitary member. In the present embodiment, the number of the projections 38 is two. However, it is of course also possible to provide more than two projections 38. The plurality of projections 38 provide better friction because they are more likely to stick to the ground than a large projection.

As shown in fig. 3, for example, the first direction D1 is substantially perpendicular to the first body surface 34. For example, the first direction D1 is substantially perpendicular to the second body surface 36. The protuberance 38 protrudes from the stud body 32 in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is substantially the vertical direction of the cleat element 30. When the spike member 30 is attached to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10, the vertical direction of the spike member 30 is always perpendicular to the sole 20 at the location where the spike member 30 is attached to the sole 20. However, the first direction D1 may be inclined with respect to the first body surface 34 and the second body surface 36. An axis parallel to the first direction D1 intersects the first body surface 34 and the second body surface 36. When the cleat element 30 is attached to the sole 20, the first body surface 34 contacts the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, when the cleat element 30 is attached to the sole 20, the projection 38 then extends substantially perpendicularly from the sole 20 in the first direction D1. The sole 20 is curved in the longitudinal direction DL. Thus, the first direction D1 is not always perpendicular to the surface of the entire sole 20. The first direction D1 need not be defined as the vertical direction of the bicycle shoe 10, as the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 is folded as shown in fig. 1, and the cleat elements 30 are thus inclined relative to the overall vertical direction of the bicycle shoe 10. The spike member 30 is produced, for example, by bending sheet metal. In this case, the first body surface 34 is parallel to the second body surface 36. The spike member 30 is produced, for example, by molding resin. In this case, the first body surface 34 may be inclined with respect to the second body surface 36.

As shown in fig. 4, for example, the stud body 32 has a first end portion 40 and a second end portion 42 opposite the first end portion 40 in a second direction D2 parallel to a body centerline BC bisecting the stud body 32. The body center line BC is configured to be parallel to the longitudinal direction DL of the bicycle shoe 10 in an attached state where the cleat element 30 is attached to the bicycle shoe 10. Each of the plurality of projections 38 is disposed at the first end portion 40 and has a first surface portion 44 and a second surface portion 46 opposite the first surface portion 44 in the second direction D2. The second surface portion 46 faces toward the second end portion 42. The first surface portion 44 has a convex shape.

Specifically, in the attached state of the cleat element 30 to the bicycle shoe 10, the body center line BC of the cleat element 30 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction DL of the bicycle shoe 10 in a projected view, such as the bottom view shown in fig. 2. Here, the longitudinal direction DL of the bicycle shoe 10 and the second direction D2 of the cleat element 30 are substantially identical. Each of the projections 38 is provided at the first end portion 40. Each of the projections 38 has a first surface portion 44 and a second surface portion 46 opposite the first surface portion 44 in the second direction D2.

The second surface portion 46 has a concave shape. With the convex shape of the first surface portion 44 and the concave shape of the second surface portion, each of the projections 38 is well equipped to dig into, for example, a muddy ground, resulting in improved grip on the ground. A "convex" or "concave" shape within the meaning of the present disclosure is not to be understood from a strict mathematical sense. Rather, it means that the shape of the first surface portion 44 is curved outwardly as a whole and the shape of the second surface portion 46 is curved inwardly as a whole.

As shown in fig. 4, the first surface portion 44 includes a first end surface 48 and a second first end surface 50. The first and second first end surfaces 48, 50 are connected to each other and form a spike shape therebetween. The first end surface 48 and the second end surface 50 are formed in a planar shape. In this embodiment, first end surface 48 and second first end surface 50 are integrally formed and form pointed spike tips 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the ridge line of the spike tip 52 extends in a first direction D1. As shown in fig. 4, for example, the first end surface 48 is disposed substantially parallel to the third direction D3. And, the first end surface 48 is disposed substantially parallel to the first direction D1. However, the pointed spike tip 52 may be arranged to protrude mostly in the second direction D2. Thus, in the state where the spike member 30 is attached to the sole 20 of the cycling shoe 10, the pointed spike tip 52 is positioned closest to the sole foot tip 22. The spike shape formed between first end surface 48 and second first end surface 50 facilitates the protrusion 38 of cleat element 30 digging into the ground. Thus, the cleat element 30 has improved traction. The convex shape of the first surface portion 44 may also be arcuate in nature, but the pointed spike tip 52 provides better friction characteristics. Spike member 30 with pointed spike tip 52 is more likely to be laced to the ground than an arch-shaped spike member.

As shown, for example, in fig. 3, the second surface portion 46 includes a first second end surface 54 and a second end surface 56. The first and second end surfaces 54 and 56 are formed in a planar shape. The first and second end surfaces 54, 56 face toward the second end portion 42 of the cleat body 32. As shown in fig. 4, first and second end surfaces 54, 56 form a spike angle SA corresponding to the pointed spike tip 52 between first and second first end surfaces 48, 50. The spike angle SA is less than 180 degrees. The spike angle SA further facilitates the digging of the boss 38 into the ground. Furthermore, the spike angle SA increases the friction of the bicycle shoe 10, particularly on muddy surfaces, when the spike element 30 is attached to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. The concave shape of the second surface portion 46 may also be arcuate in nature, but the spike angle SA provides better friction characteristics.

The cleat body 32 and the plurality of lugs 38 are formed as a one-piece, unitary member. This increases the stability of the spike member 30, thereby improving the grip on the ground. Furthermore, since the cleat element 30 is formed as a one-piece, unitary member, it can be easily attached to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 and removed from the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. Another advantage of the spike member 30 being formed as a one-piece, unitary member is that if the spike member 30 is removed and placed into a pocket or pocket by the rider, the various parts of the spike member 30 are not lost. Thus, the rider's flexibility and comfort are increased.

In addition, the stud body 32 includes at least one through hole 58. The securing member 60 passes through the at least one through hole 58 to removably attach the cleat element 30 to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. For example, the through hole 58 is a long hole longer in the third direction D3. However, at least one of the through holes 58 may be circular. Thus, the accuracy of positioning of the cleat element 30 relative to the sole 20 may be improved. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the stud body 32 includes two through holes 58. A securing member 60 (see fig. 1) passes through each through-hole to removably attach the cleat element 30 to the sole 20 of the cycling shoe 10. In this embodiment, the securing member 60 is a male screw that threads into a female screw (not shown) disposed inside the sole 20 to attach the cleat element 30 to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. The spike member 30 may have locating projections (not shown) for locating the spike member 30 relative to the sole 20. In this case, positioning holes are provided in the sole 20 at positions corresponding to the positioning projections of the spike member 30. In this case, one through hole 58 is sufficient to securely position the spike member 30 on the sole 20.

In this embodiment, the plurality of projections 38 includes a first projection 62 and a second projection 64. The stud body 32 includes a first body portion 66 connected to the first projection 62, a second body portion 68 connected to the second projection 64, and an intermediate portion 70 connecting the first body portion 66 and the second body portion 68 in a third direction D3 perpendicular to the second direction D2. The third direction D3 is substantially perpendicular to the second direction D2. The third direction D3 is substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1. The third direction D3 is substantially a lateral direction of the bicycle shoe 10 in an attached state of the cleat element 30 to the bicycle shoe 10. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of projections 38 has a plate shape. Each of the plurality of projections 38 has a bent plate shape.

The bent portion of the plate is a pointed spike tip 52 having a sharp point. For example, each of the plurality of projections 38 extends perpendicular to a plane parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. The faces parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 are parallel to the first body surface 34 that contacts the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. The first body portion 66 and the second body portion 68 form an arrangement space AS therebetween in the third direction D3. First body portion 66 and second body portion 68 are disposed at each end of cleat element 30 in a third direction D3. The first body portion 66 is disposed at one end of the cleat element 30 in the third direction D3. The second body portion 68 is disposed at the other end of the cleat element 30 in the third direction D3. Thus, the first projection 62 and the second projection 64 are provided at each end of the cleat element 30 in the third direction D3. The first protrusion 62 is disposed at one end of the spike member 30 in the third direction D3. The second projection 64 is provided at the other end of the spike member 30 in the third direction D3.

For example, AS shown in fig. 4, the arrangement space AS extends substantially in the third direction D3. The arrangement space AS is at least partly surrounded by the first body portion 66, the second body portion 68 and the intermediate portion 70. The arrangement space AS and the intermediate portion 70 are bisected by the body center line BC. The intermediate portion 70 is narrower in the second direction D2 than the first and

second body portions

66, 68. Thus, the weight of the cleat element 30 may be reduced. AS described in further detail below, the arrangement space AS is used to arrange the sole spike portion 26 of the sole 20 therein to additionally support the spike member 30.

In this embodiment, the cleat body 32 is symmetrical about the body centerline BC. Body centerline BC bisects spike body 32. The body center line BC is configured to be parallel to the longitudinal direction DL of the bicycle shoe 10 in an attached state where the cleat element 30 is attached to the bicycle shoe 10. In addition, the plurality of lugs 38 are symmetrically disposed about the body centerline BC on the stud body 32. In this embodiment, the first projection 62 and the second projection 64 are symmetrically disposed about the body centerline BC on the stud body 32. In this embodiment, body centerline BC is the axis of symmetry of stud body 32. However, the stud body 32 may also be asymmetric about the body centerline BC.

In addition, the cleat body 32 and the plurality of lugs 38 are made of a cleat material that is harder than the sole material of the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. The spike material comprises in particular stainless steel, or a metal such as aluminium or titanium, or a fibre reinforced plastic, or a polymer such as polyamideimide (polyamide-imide), polyetherketone (polyether ether ketone), nylon, or polyurethane (urethane), or any combination of the above. In this embodiment, the stud body 32 and the first 62 and second 64 protrusions are made of a stud material. The cleat material is harder than the sole material, improving grip on the ground and increasing rider mobility. In particular, the above-described spike material improves the grip on muddy or earthy ground, among other things. Such floors are prone to slipping, and on such floors, the spike elements of known bicycle shoes sometimes lose grip, resulting in the rider tripping, slipping and even falling. With the harder spike material described above, the thickness of the lugs 38 may be reduced. As shown in FIG. 2, the thickness of the lugs 38 is less than the thickness of the sole spike portion 26. Accordingly, the grip performance of the bicycle shoe is improved, and the rider is less likely to trip or fall on the slippery ground. In addition, the wear resistance of the cleat element 30 increases.

As shown in fig. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the outer edges of the spike member 30 are chamfered. This reduces the risk of the rider cutting himself when holding the spike member 30 in his hand. Moreover, the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 is not damaged by the cleat elements 30.

The sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 will now be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. The sole 20 according to the present invention includes a sole toe end 22 and a sole heel end 24. The above-described spike member 30 is removably attached to the sole 20 between the sole toe end 22 and the sole heel end 24. The sole 20 also includes a cleat attachment portion 18 disposed between a sole toe end 22 and a sole heel end 24. As shown in fig. 2, the spike member 30 is removably attached to the sole 20 between the sole foot tip 22 and the cleat attachment portion 18. At this position between sole foot tip 22 and cleat attachment portion 18, the shear force in the fore-aft direction of bicycle shoe 10 is greater when the rider walks. Thus, this is the location where the improved traction provided by the cleat elements 30 is most effectively used.

The plurality of lugs 38 of the spike member 30 are positioned closer to the sole foot tip 22 than the spike body 32 when the spike member 30 is attached to the sole 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the first projection 62 and the second projection 64 are positioned closer to the sole foot tip 22 than the stud body 32. Thus, the first and

second protrusions

62 and 64 do not limit the attachment of the bicycle shoe 10 to the pedal of the bicycle. In other words, the plurality of protrusions 38 of the cleat element 30 do not interfere with the mounting of the bicycle shoe 10 on the pedal.

The first end portion 40 of the spike member 30 is also positioned closer to the sole foot tip 22 than the second end portion 42 of the spike member 30 when the spike member 30 is attached to the sole 20. On the other hand, the second end portion 42 of the spike member 30 is positioned closer to the sole heel end 24 than the first end portion 40 of the spike member 30 when the spike member 30 is attached to the sole 20.

The sole 20 also includes a sole spike portion 26 integrally formed with the sole 20 and protruding from the sole 20. The spike member 30 is removably attached to the sole 20 such that the sole spike portion 26 is located in the arrangement space AS of the spike member 30. In this way, the sole spike portion 26 additionally supports the spike member 30 and increases the stability of the spike member 30. Thus, the sole spike portion 26 limits movement of the spike member 30 across the sole 20. In addition, the sole spike portion 26 is made of the same sole material as the sole 20, as it is integrally formed with the sole 20. In the case of a ground having a hybrid structure, the combination of the sole cleat portion 26 made of sole material and the cleat element 30 made of cleat material increases the grip of the bicycle shoe 10 on the ground, thereby further increasing the versatility of the bicycle shoe 10. While the sole spike portion 26 located in the placement space AS of the spike member 30 increases the versatility of the bicycle shoe 10, the spike member 30 in accordance with the present invention may be used without the sole spike portion 26 located in the placement space AS of the spike member 30.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 for example, sole 20 includes a plurality of sole spike portions 26. The sole spike portion 26 is disposed at different locations on the sole 20. The sole spike portion 26 is disposed in a region of the sole 20 that is located proximate the sole toe end 22 and in a region of the sole 20 that is located proximate the sole heel end 24. In this way, the bicycle shoe 10 also has high grip performance when the cleat element 30 is not attached to the sole 20, especially for rocky floors. The "sole spike portion" according to the present disclosure may have different geometric configurations. Essentially, the sole cleat portion 26 protrudes from the sole 20 such that it becomes part of the tread of the sole 20 and increases the grip of the bicycle shoe 10 on the ground when the rider walks wearing the bicycle shoe 10.

Further, two sole spike portions 26 are provided on both sides of the cleat attachment portion 18 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL. This results in an increase in the grip performance of the bicycle shoe 10 when cleats (not shown) are attached to the cleat attachment portion 18. In general, cleats attached to the sole of a bicycle shoe may reduce the grip performance of the bicycle shoe, particularly for rocky floors, because cleats sometimes slip the bicycle shoe due to their reduced friction. This effect is eliminated by the sole spike portions 26 attached on either side of the cleat attachment portion 18 as shown in fig. 2. In addition, the two cleat portions 26 may improve stability of the bicycle shoe 10 on the pedal. Two sole spike sections 26 are arranged in a position sandwiching the cleats from the left and right. Accordingly, by increasing the area of the sole 20 that contacts the pedal during pedaling, stability of the sole 20 in the front-rear direction and stability in the left-right direction can be improved. Furthermore, the two sole spike portions 26 may protect the cleats during travel. While the sole spike portions 26 disposed on either side of the cleat attachment portion 18 increase the versatility of the cycling shoe 10, the spike member 30 according to the present invention may be used without the sole spike portions 26 disposed on either side of the cleat attachment portion 18.

A second embodiment of a bicycle shoe 10 including a sole 20, a cleat element 30 and an additional cleat element 30 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to fig. 5. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the bicycle shoe 10 further includes an additional cleat element 30. Therefore, all the features described above with respect to the first embodiment also apply to the second embodiment.

An additional cleat element 30 is removably attached to the sole 20 between the cleat attachment portion 18 and the sole heel end 24. The plurality of lugs 38 of the additional cleat element 30 are positioned closer to the sole heel end 24 than the cleat body 32 of the additional cleat element 30. For example, when walking downhill, the heel side of the cycling shoe 10 first contacts the ground. Thus, the additional cleat elements 30 attached to the sole 20 in the area proximate the heel end 24 of the sole are effective when walking downhill. This effect is particularly effective for muddy ground. Furthermore, the additional cleat elements 30 attached to the sole 20 in the area near the heel end 24 of the sole are effective when there is little stone on the ground, for example. The additional spike member 30 on the heel side, together with the spike member 30 on the toe side, improves grip on the ground. The plurality of lugs 38 are shaped to exert maximum force on the ground when walking downhill by the plurality of lugs 38 of the additional cleat element 30 being positioned closer to the sole heel end 24 than the cleat body 32 of the additional cleat element 30. Furthermore, in this manner, the plurality of protrusions 38 of the additional cleat element 30 do not interfere with the mounting of the bicycle shoe 10 on the pedal.

Of course, it is also contemplated that the cleat element 30 attached to the sole 20 between the sole foot tip 22 and the cleat attachment portion 18 is omitted from the sole 20. Then the additional spike member 30 is the only spike member 30. In this case, the spike member 30 is removably attached to the sole 20 between the cleat attachment portion 18 and the sole heel end 24. Moreover, the plurality of lugs 38 of the cleat element 30 are positioned closer to the sole heel end 24 than the cleat body 32 of the cleat element 30.

The phrase "bisecting the body centerline of the stud body" as used in this disclosure will be understood in the sense that the body centerline divides the stud body into two portions. The two portions of the cleat element do not necessarily have to be equal in size or symmetrical to each other. Thus, the body centerline is understood as a reference line dividing the stud body into two parts when viewed from above, e.g., in fig. 4. In other words, the body centerline need not be the line of symmetry of the cleat element. This means that the second direction D2 is the up-down direction when the spike element 30 is seen from above, e.g. in fig. 4. The second direction D2 may also be described as a front-to-rear direction of the spike member 30 in a state where the spike member 30 is attached to the sole 20 of the cycling shoe 10.

The term "spike shape" described herein will be understood to be an arrow-like or "V" shape formed by the first and second first end surfaces 48, 50 when viewed from above, e.g., in fig. 4.

It must be noted that the term "pointed spike tip" is not limited to a sharp tip. In other words, the term includes curved or flat tips, which are also not entirely sharp, as can be seen, for example, in fig. 4.

Reference numerals

10. Bicycle shoes

12. Shoe upper

14. Hook-and-loop fastener

16. Toe portion

17. Heel portion

18. Cleat attachment portion

20. Sole of shoe

22. Sole foot tip

24. Sole heel end

26. Sole spike portion

30 (additional) spike element

32. Spike body

34. The first body surface

36. The second body surface

38. A plurality of protrusions

40. First end portion

42. Second end portion

44. First surface portion

46. Second surface portion

48. A first end surface

50. Second first end surface

52. Pointed spike tip

54. First and second end surfaces

56. A second end surface

58. Through hole

60. Fixing member

62. First protrusion

64. Second protrusion

66. A first body part

68. A second body part

70. Middle part

AS arrangement space

BC body center line

D1 First direction

D2 Second direction

D3 Third direction of

DL (bicycle shoe) longitudinal direction

SA nail-shaped angle

Claims

1. A bicycle shoe comprising:

a sole; and

the spike element is provided with a plurality of spikes,

wherein the sole comprises a sole toe end, a sole heel end and a cleat attachment portion disposed between the sole toe end and the sole heel end,

wherein a cleat element is removably attached to the sole between the sole foot tip and the cleat attachment portion,

the cleat element has a cleat body and a plurality of projections,

the cleat body including a first body surface and a second body surface opposite the first body surface, the cleat body configured to be removably attached to the sole of the bicycle shoe such that the first body surface contacts the sole of the bicycle shoe,

the plurality of protrusions extending from the cleat body at least in a first direction from the first body surface toward the second body surface,

in a pre-attachment state in which the cleat element is not attached to the bicycle shoe, the cleat body and the plurality of lugs are formed as a single unit.

2. The bicycle shoe of claim 1, wherein

The spike body having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion in a second direction parallel to a body centerline bisecting the spike body,

in the attached state of the spike element to the bicycle shoe, the body centre line is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the bicycle shoe,

each of the plurality of protrusions is disposed at the first end portion and has a first surface portion and a second surface portion opposite the first surface portion in the second direction,

the second surface portion faces the second end portion, and

the first surface portion has a convex shape.

3. The bicycle shoe of claim 2, wherein

The second surface portion has a concave shape.

4. A bicycle shoe according to claim 2 or 3, wherein

The first surface portion includes a first end surface and a second first end surface,

wherein the first end surface and the second end surface are connected to each other and form a spike shape therebetween.

5. The bicycle shoe of claim 4, wherein the bicycle shoe is a bicycle shoe

The first end surface and the second end surface are formed in a planar shape.

6. The bicycle shoe of claim 4, wherein the bicycle shoe is a bicycle shoe

The first end surface and the second end surface are integrally formed and form a pointed spike tip.

7. A bicycle shoe according to claim 2 or 3, wherein

The second surface portion includes a first second end surface and a second end surface.

8. The bicycle shoe of claim 7, wherein the bicycle shoe is a bicycle shoe

The first and second end surfaces are formed in a planar shape.

9. A bicycle shoe according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein

The cleat body and the plurality of projections are formed as a one-piece, unitary member.

10. A bicycle shoe according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein

The spike body includes at least one through hole and

a securing member passes through the at least one through hole to removably attach the cleat element to the sole of the bicycle shoe.

11. The bicycle shoe of claim 2, wherein

The plurality of projections includes a first projection and a second projection,

the cleat body includes a first body portion connected to the first projection, a second body portion connected to the second projection, and an intermediate portion connecting the first body portion and the second body portion in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction.

12. The bicycle shoe of claim 11, wherein

The first body portion and the second body portion form an arrangement space therebetween in the third direction.

13. The bicycle shoe of claim 12, wherein

The arrangement space is at least partially surrounded by the first body portion, the second body portion and the intermediate portion.

14. The bicycle shoe according to claim 12 or 13, wherein

The arrangement space and the intermediate portion are bisected by the body centerline.

15. A bicycle shoe according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein

In the attached state of the spike element to the bicycle shoe, the spike body is symmetrical about a body center line bisecting the spike body and parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bicycle shoe.

16. The bicycle shoe of claim 15, wherein the bicycle shoe comprises a bicycle shoe body

The plurality of protrusions are symmetrically disposed with respect to the body centerline at the stud body.

17. A bicycle shoe according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein

The cleat body and the plurality of lugs are made of a cleat material that is harder than a sole material of the sole of the bicycle shoe, and

The spike material comprises in particular stainless steel, or a metal such as aluminium or titanium, or a fibre reinforced plastic, or a polymer such as polyamideimide, polyetherketone, nylon, or polyurethane, or any combination of the above.

18. The bicycle shoe of claim 1, wherein

The plurality of protrusions of the cleat element are positioned closer to the sole toe end than the cleat body when the cleat element is attached to the sole.

19. The bicycle shoe of claim 1, further comprising

The spike element may be attached to the upper,

wherein the additional cleat element has an additional cleat body and a plurality of additional protrusions,

the additional cleat element is removably attached to the sole between the cleat attachment portion and the sole heel end, with the plurality of additional protrusions extending from the additional cleat body, the plurality of additional protrusions being positioned closer to the sole heel end than the additional cleat body.

20. The bicycle shoe of claim 12 or 13, further comprising

A sole spike portion integrally formed with and protruding from the sole,

wherein the spike element is removably attached to the sole such that the sole spike portion is located in the arrangement space of the spike element.

21. A bicycle shoe comprising:

a sole; and

the spike element is provided with a plurality of spikes,

wherein a cleat element is removably attached to the sole between the cleat attachment portion and the sole heel end;

the cleat element has a cleat body and a plurality of projections,

the cleat body including a first body surface and a second body surface opposite the first body surface, the cleat body configured to be removably attached to a sole of the bicycle shoe such that the first body surface contacts the sole of the bicycle shoe,

22. The bicycle shoe of claim 21, wherein

The plurality of lugs of the cleat element are positioned closer to the sole heel end than the cleat body of the cleat element.