DE102020208442A1 - Spike element, sole and cycling shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

A spike element for a bicycle shoe includes a spike body including a first body surface and a second body surface opposite the first body surface. The spike 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. A plurality of protrusions extend from the spike body at least along a first direction from the first body surface toward the second body surface. The spike body and the plurality of protrusions are formed as a single unit in a state before attachment where the spike member is not attached to the bicycle shoe.

Description

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

Cycling shoes that can be attached to and detached from the pedal of a bicycle are known for all types of sport cycling. The profiles of such cycling shoes differ considerably depending on the intended use. For example, only a low level of traction is required for use on the road in order to offer the cyclist safe walking skills. Mainly because the rider doesn't usually get off the bike to walk around except at the beginning and end of a tour in a street environment. On the other hand, in off-road use, depending on the terrain, the cyclist may have to get off the bicycle frequently, for example to push the bicycle, and sometimes even have to carry the bicycle. As such, off-road cycling shoes are known to be robust and include a sole with spiked portions to provide adequate support for the rider in an off-road environment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a spike element, a sole and a bicycle shoe that increase the flexibility of the rider and improve grip on the ground.

A spike element for a bicycle shoe according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a spike body including a first body surface and a second body surface opposite to the first body surface. The spike 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 spike element further includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the spike body at least along a first direction from the first body surface toward the second body surface. The spike body and the plurality of protrusions are formed as a single unit in a state before attachment where the spike member is not attached to the bicycle shoe.

With the spike element according to the first aspect, a cyclist can decide to attach the spike element to a bicycle shoe or to remove it from this, depending on his or her preference or the nature of the expected ground during a bicycle tour. In this way, the grip on the ground is improved because the profile of the bicycle shoe can be adapted to the respective ground conditions. This increases the driver's flexibility.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the spike member according to the first aspect is configured such that the spike body has a first end portion and a second end portion that is contiguous to the first end portion in a second direction parallel to a body centerline that is the Spike body divides, faces. The body center line is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bicycle shoe in an attachment state in which the spike element is attached to the bicycle shoe. Each of the plurality of projections is provided at the first end portion and has a first surface portion and a second surface portion opposing 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.

With the spike member according to the second aspect, the ground grip 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 present invention, the spike member of the second aspect is formed such that the second surface portion has a concave shape.

With the spike member according to the third aspect, the grip on 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 member according to the second or third aspect is configured such that the first surface portion includes a first first-side surface and a second first-side surface. The first first-side surface and the second first-side surface are connected to each other. The first first-side surface and the second first-side surface form a spike shape therebetween.

With the spike member according to the fourth aspect, the grip on the ground is further improved due to the spike shape formed between the first first side surface and the second first side surface.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the spike member of the fourth aspect is formed such that the first is first term surface and the second first-side surface are formed in a planar shape.

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

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

With the spike element according to the sixth aspect, the grip on the ground is further improved by the pointed spike tip.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the spike member according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is configured such that the second surface portion includes a first second-side surface and a second second-side surface.

With the spike member according to the seventh aspect, the grip on the ground is further improved.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the spike member according to the seventh aspect is configured such that the first second-side surface and the second second-side surface are formed in a planar shape.

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

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

With the spike element according to the ninth aspect, the stability and longevity of the spike element are increased and thus the grip on the ground is improved. In addition, the manufacture of the spike element is simplified.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the spike member according to any one of the first to ninth aspects is formed such that the spike body includes at least one through hole. A fastener extends through the at least one through hole to detachably attach the spike member to the sole of the bicycle shoe.

With the spike element according to the tenth aspect, the detachability of the spike element is improved and thus the flexibility for the driver is increased.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the spike member according to any one of the first to tenth aspects is configured such that the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The spike 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 spike element according to the eleventh aspect, in a state in which the spike element is fixed to the sole of the bicycle shoe, the stability of the spike element is increased and hence the grip is improved.

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

With the spike member according to the twelfth aspect, in a state in which the spike member is attached to the sole of the bicycle shoe, the stability of the spike member is increased and hence the grip is improved. In addition, the weight of the spike element is reduced and the comfort for the driver is increased.

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

With the spiked element according to the thirteenth aspect, in a state where the spiked element is fixed to the sole of the bicycle shoe, the stability of the spiked element is increased and thus the grip is improved.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the spike element according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect formed such that the arrangement area and the intermediate portion are divided by the body center line.

With the spike element according to the fourteenth aspect, in a state in which the spike element is fixed to the sole of the bicycle shoe, the stability of the spike element is increased and hence the grip is improved.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the spike body according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects is formed such that the spike body is symmetrical with respect to a body centerline dividing the spike body and parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bicycle shoe is in a fastening state in which the spike element is fastened to the bicycle shoe.

With the spiked element according to the fifteenth aspect, in a state where the spiked element is fixed to the sole of the bicycle shoe, the stability of the spiked element is increased and thus the grip is improved.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the spike body of the fifteenth aspect is configured such that the plurality of protrusions are symmetrically provided on the spike body with respect to the body centerline.

With the spiked element according to the sixteenth aspect, in a state where the spiked element is fixed to the sole of the bicycle shoe, the stability of the spiked element is increased and hence the grip is improved.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the spike member according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects is configured such that the spike body and the plurality of protrusions are made of a spike material harder than a sole material of the bicycle shoe . In particular, the spike material comprises stainless steel or a metal such as aluminum or titanium, or fiber reinforced plastic, or a polymer such as polyamideimide, polyetheretherketone, nylon or urethane, or any combination of these materials.

With the spike element according to the seventeenth aspect, the grip of the spike element is improved particularly on muddy ground. The rider has the choice of attaching the spike element to the bicycle shoe if, for example, muddy ground conditions are to be expected during a bike tour, and removing the spike element if rocky or dry and hard ground conditions are to be expected, for example. This increases the driver's flexibility.

A sole for a bicycle shoe according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention includes a toe sole end and a heel sole end. Furthermore, a spike element according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects is detachably attached to the sole between the toe sole end and the heel sole end.

With the sole according to the eighteenth aspect, the rider's flexibility is increased and the grip on the ground is improved.

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

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

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the sole of the nineteenth aspect is configured such that the spike member is detachably attached to the sole between the toe end of the sole and the cleat attachment portion.

With the sole according to the twentieth aspect, the grip on the ground is further improved because the protrusions are located at the point of the sole where large shearing force is exerted on the sole when walking.

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 spiked element is located closer to the toe sole end than the spiked body, while the spiked element is on the sole is attached.

With the sole according to the twenty-first aspect, the grip on the ground is further improved because the plurality of protrusions are oriented toward the front of the sole and thus can exert the largest force on the ground when walking due to their shape.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, the sole of the nineteenth aspect is configured so that the spike member is fixed between the cleat tion section and the heel sole end is detachably attached to the sole.

With the sole according to the twenty-second aspect, the grip on the ground when walking downhill is improved. When walking downhill, it is the heel of the shoe that hits the ground first and consequently there is great shearing force on the sole.

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 member is located closer to the heel sole end than the spike body of the spike member.

With the sole according to the twenty-third aspect, the grip on the ground is further improved because the plurality of protrusions are oriented toward the rear of the sole and therefore can exert the largest force on the ground due to their shape when walking downhill.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the sole of the twentieth aspect is configured such that an additional spike member is detachably attached to the sole between the cleat attachment portion and the heel sole end, the plurality of protrusions of the additional spike member being closer to the Heel sole end is located as the spike body of the additional spike element.

With the sole according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the grip on the ground for ordinary walking, uphill walking and downhill walking is improved because two spike members are attached to the shoe at the places where large shearing forces are applied to the sole in ordinary walking, uphill walking and downhill walking.

A sole for a bicycle shoe according to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention includes a sole spike portion formed integrally with the sole and protruding from the sole. Furthermore, according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects, a spike element is detachably attached to the sole such that the sole spike portion is located in the arrangement area of the spike element.

With the sole according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the sole spike portion is used to further support the spike member in a state of being attached to the sole. This increases the stability of the spike element on the sole and improves grip on the ground.

A bicycle shoe according to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention comprises a sole according to 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 on the ground is improved.

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

• 1 eine Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Fahrradschuhs mit einer Sohle und einem Spike-Element gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt;
• 2 eine Unteransicht des in 1 gezeigten Fahrradschuhs zeigt;
• 3 eine perspektivische Ansicht des in 1 gezeigten Spike-Elements zeigt;
• 4 eine Unteransicht des in 1 gezeigten Spike-Elements zeigt; und
• 5 eine Unteransicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Fahrradschuhs mit einer Sohle und zwei Spike-Elementen gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zeigt.

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

• 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a bicycle shoe with a sole and a spike element according to the present invention;
• 2 a bottom view of the in 1 cycling shoe shown;
• 3 a perspective view of the in 1 spike element shown;
• 4 a bottom view of the in 1 spike element shown; and
• 5 12 shows a bottom view of a second embodiment of a bicycle shoe with a sole and two spike elements according to the present invention.

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters indicate corresponding or identical elements throughout the different drawings.

A first embodiment of a bicycle shoe 10 according to the present invention, comprising a sole 20 and a spike element 30, will now be described with reference to FIG 1 until 4 described.

As in 1 As can be seen, the cycling shoe 10 basically comprises the sole 20, an upper 12 and the spike element 30. The cycling shoe 10 has a toe portion 16, a heel portion 17 and a cleat attachment portion 18. The sole 20 and the upper 12 are bonded or another suitable form of attachment connected to each other. In this embodiment, the upper 12 comprises three Velcro fasteners 14 for fastening the bicycle shoe 10 on a foot of a cyclist wearing the cycling shoe 10. Of course, other means of fastening the bicycle shoe 10 to the cyclist's foot, such as a zipper or shoelaces, are also conceivable. In general, bicycle shoes such as the bicycle shoe 10 are well known, and therefore details of the bicycle shoe 10 that are not related to the present invention will not be described below.

The details of the spike element 30 will now be described. The spike member 30 includes a spike body 32 including a first body surface 34 and a second body surface 36 opposite the first body surface 34 . The spike body 32 is configured to be removably attached to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 such that the first body surface 34 contacts the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 . The spike member 30 further includes a plurality of protrusions 38 extending from the spike body 32 at least along a first direction D1 from the first body surface 34 toward the second body surface 36 . The spike body 32 and the plurality of protrusions 38 are formed as a single unit in a state before attachment where the spike member 30 is not attached to the bicycle shoe 10 . In other words, the spiked element 30 is manufactured as a single unit independent of the sole 20 or other parts of the bicycle shoe 10 .

The spike body 32 and the plurality of protrusions 38 can be assembled before being attached to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 .

The spike body 32 and the plurality of protrusions 38 may be formed from one material. The spike body 32 and the plurality of protrusions 38 may be formed as a unitary, one-piece member. In this embodiment, the number of the projections 38 is two. Of course, more than two projections 38 can also be provided. The multiple protrusions 38 provide better friction because they are more likely to stick to the ground than one large protrusion.

As for example in 3 1, first direction D1 is substantially perpendicular to first body surface 34. For example, first direction D1 is substantially perpendicular to second body surface 36. Protrusions 38 protrude from spike body 32 in first direction D1. The first direction D1 is essentially the vertical direction of the spike element 30 in this embodiment. The vertical direction of the spike element 30 is always perpendicular to the sole 20 at the point where the spike element 30 is attached to the sole 20 , when the spike element 30 is attached to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. 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 spike element 30 is attached to the sole 20, the first body surface 34 contacts the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. The protrusions 38 consequently extend in Substantially perpendicular from the sole 20 in the first direction D1 when the spike element 30 is attached to the sole 20, such as in FIG 1 you can see. The sole 20 is curved in the longitudinal direction DL. Therefore, the first direction D1 is not always perpendicular to the surface of the entire sole 20. The first direction D1 is not necessarily defined as the vertical direction of the bicycle shoe 10 because the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 as shown in FIG 1 is curved and the spike element 30 is therefore inclined with respect to an overall vertical direction of the bicycle shoe 10 . The spike element 30 is produced, for example, by bending a metal sheet. In this case, the first body surface 34 and the second body surface 36 are parallel. The spike member 30 is made by molding a resin, for example. In this case, the first body surface 34 may be inclined with respect to the second body surface 36 .

As for example in 4 As can be seen, the spike body 32 has a first end portion 40 and a second end portion 42 opposing the first end portion 40 in a second direction D2 parallel to a body centerline BC bisecting the spike body 32 . The body centerline BC is formed to be parallel to a longitudinal direction DL of the bicycle shoe 10 in an attachment state in which the spike member 30 is attached to the bicycle shoe 10 . Each of the plurality of projections 38 is provided on the first end portion 40 and has a first surface portion 44 and a second surface portion 46 opposed to the first surface portion 44 in the second direction D2. The second surface portion 46 faces the second end portion 42 . The first surface portion 44 has a convex shape.

Specifically, in the attachment state in which the spiked element 30 is attached to the bicycle shoe 10, the body center line BC of the spiked element 30 is in a projected view such as that in FIG 2 shown bottom view, essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction DL of the bicycle shoe 10. Here the longitudinal direction DL of the bicycle shoe 10 and the second direction D2 of the spike element 30 are essentially the same. Each of the projections 38 is provided on the first end portion 40 . Everyone who Protrusions 38 have 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 protrusions 38 is well equipped to dig into, for example, muddy ground for improved grip on the ground. A “convex” or “concave” shape, as used in this disclosure, is not to be construed in a strictly mathematical sense. Rather, it means that the shape of the first surface section 44 as a whole curves outwards and the shape of the second surface section 46 curves inwards as a whole.

As in 4 As shown, the first surface portion 44 includes a first first-side surface 48 and a second first-side surface 50. The first first-side surface 48 and the second first-side surface 50 are joined together and form a spike shape therebetween. The first first-side surface 48 and the second first-side surface 50 are formed in a planar shape. In this embodiment, the first first-side surface 48 and the second first-side surface 50 are integrally formed and form a tapered spike tip 52. For example, as shown in FIG 3 As shown, the ridgeline of the tapering spike tip 52 extends in the first direction D1. As for example in 4 As illustrated, the first first-side surface 48 is provided substantially parallel to a third direction D3. The first first-side surface 48 is also provided substantially parallel to the first direction D1. However, the pointed spike tip 52 may be provided so as to protrude mainly in the second direction D2. Thus, in a condition where the spike member 30 is attached to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10, the tapered spike tip 52 is closest to the toe sole end 22. That between the first first side surface 48 and the second first side surface 50 formed spike shape facilitates the digging of the projections 38 of the spike member 30 in the ground. As a result, the spike element 30 has an improved grip. It is also possible that the convex shape of the first surface portion 44 is actually curved, but the tapered spike tip 52 offers better frictional properties. The spike element 30 with the tapered spike tip 52 is more likely to stick to the ground than an arcuate spike element.

As for example in 3 As illustrated, the second surface portion 46 includes a first second-side surface 54 and a second second-side surface 56. The first second-side surface 54 and the second second-side surface 56 are formed in a planar shape. The first second-side surface 54 and the second second-side surface 56 face the second end portion 42 of the spike body 32 . As in 4 As shown, the first second-side surface 54 and the second second-side surface 56 form a spike angle SA that corresponds to the tapered spike tip 52 between the first first-side surface 48 and the second first-side surface 50 . The spike angle SA is less than 180 degrees. This spike angle SA further facilitates digging of the protrusions 38 into the ground. In addition, the spike angle SA improves 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 could actually be domed, but the spike angle AS provides better frictional properties.

The spike body 32 and the plurality of protrusions 38 are formed as a unitary, one-piece member. This increases the stability of the spike element 30 and thus improves grip on the ground. Additionally, because the spike member 30 is formed as a unitary, one-piece member, it can be easily attached to and detached from the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 . A further advantage of forming the spiked element 30 as a unitary, one-piece element is that individual parts of the spiked element 30 cannot be lost if the driver removes the spiked element 30 and puts it into a pocket or bag, for example. This increases the flexibility and comfort of the driver.

In addition, the spike body 32 includes at least one through hole 58. A fastener 60 extends through the at least one through hole 58 in order to detachably fasten the spike element 30 to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. The through hole 58 is, for example, a long hole long in the third direction D3. However, the at least one through hole 58 may be circular. As a result, the positioning accuracy of the spike element 30 in relation to the sole 20 can be improved. As in 3 and 4 As can be seen, the spike body 32 includes two through holes 58. A fastener 60 extends through each through hole (see FIG 1 ) to detachably attach the spike element 30 to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. In this embodiment, the fasteners 60 are externally threaded screws which receive internal threads (not shown) in the female side of the sole 20 are screwed in order to attach the spike element 30 to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 . The spiked element 30 may have a positioning protrusion (not shown) to position the spiked element 30 with respect to the sole 20 . In this case, a positioning hole is provided in the sole 20 at a position corresponding to the positioning protrusion of the spiked element 30 . In this case, a through hole 58 is sufficient to securely position the spike element 30 on the sole 20 .

In this embodiment, the plurality of protrusions 38 includes a first protrusion 62 and a second protrusion 64. The spike body 32 includes a first body portion 66 connected to the first protrusion 62, a second body portion 68 connected to the second protrusion 64 and an intermediate portion 70 connecting the first body portion 66 and the second body portion 68 in the 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 a substantially lateral direction of the bicycle shoe 10 in an attachment state in which the spike member 30 is attached to the bicycle shoe 10 . In this embodiment, each of the plurality of projections 38 has a plate shape. Each of the plurality of projections 38 has an arcuate plate shape. The curved portion of this plate is the tapered spike tip 52 with a sharp point. Each of the plurality of projections 38 extends perpendicularly to a plane parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3, for example. The plane parallel to the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 is 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 area AS therebetween in the third direction D3. The first body portion 66 and the second body portion 68 are provided at each end of the spike member 30 in the third direction D3. The first body portion 66 is provided at an end of the spike member 30 in the third direction D3. The second body portion 68 is provided at the other end of the spike member 30 in the third direction D3. Thus, the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 64 are provided at a respective end of the spike member 30 in the third direction D3. The first protrusion 62 is provided at an end of the spike member 30 in the third direction D3. The second protrusion 64 is provided at the other end of the spike member 30 in the third direction D3.

The arrangement area AS essentially extends in the third direction D3. The assembly area AS is at least partially surrounded by the first body portion 66, the second body portion 68, and the intermediate portion 70, such as in FIG 4 you can see. The arrangement area AS and the intermediate section 70 are divided by the body centerline BC. The intermediate portion 70 is narrower in the second direction D2 than the first body portion 66 and the second body portion 68. As a result, the weight of the spike member 30 can be reduced. The locating area AS is for locating a sole spike portion 26 of the sole 20 therein for additional support of the spike member 30, as described in detail below.

In this embodiment, spike body 32 is symmetrical with respect to body centerline BC. The body center line BC divides the spike body 32. The body center line BC is formed to be parallel to the longitudinal direction DL of the bicycle shoe 10 in an attachment state in which the spike member 30 is attached to the bicycle shoe 10. In addition, the plurality of protrusions 38 are provided symmetrically to the spike body 32 with respect to the body center line BC. In this embodiment, the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 64 are provided symmetrically on the spike body 32 with respect to the body centerline BC. In this embodiment, body centerline BC is an axis of symmetry for spike body 32. However, spike body 32 may be asymmetrical about body centerline BC.

Furthermore, the spike body 32 and the plurality of projections 38 are made of a spike material that is harder than the sole material of the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10. The spike material includes, in particular, stainless steel or a metal such as aluminum or titanium, or fiber reinforced plastic, or a polymer such as polyamideimide, polyetheretherketone, nylon, or urethane, or any combination of these materials. In this embodiment, the spike body 32 and the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 64 are made of the spike material. The fact that the spike material is harder than the sole material improves grip on the ground and increases the driver's flexibility. In particular, the spike materials mentioned above improve grip on muddy or earthy ground. This type of surface is slippery and on it the well-known spike elements of cycling shoes can sometimes lose their grip and cause the rider to trip, slip or even fall. With the harder spike materials mentioned above, the thickness of the protrusions 38 can be reduced. As in 2 As can be seen, the thickness of the protrusions 38 is thinner than the thickness of the sole Spi ke Section 26. This improves the grip of the cycling shoe and reduces the likelihood of the rider stumbling or falling on slippery surfaces. In addition, the wear resistance of the spike element 30 is increased.

As in 3 and 4 As can be seen, in this embodiment the outer edges of the spike element 30 are bevelled. This reduces the risk for the driver of cutting himself when handling the spike element 30. In addition, the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 is not damaged by the spike element 30 .

Sole 20 of bicycle shoe 10 will now be discussed with reference to FIG 1 and 2 described. The sole 20 according to the present invention includes a toe sole end 22 and a heel sole end 24. The spike element 30 described above is removably attached to the sole 20 between the toe sole end 22 and the heel sole end 24. The sole 20 further includes the cleat attachment portion 18 provided between the toe sole end 22 and the heel sole end 24 . As in 2 As illustrated, the spike member 30 is removably attached to the sole 20 between the toe sole end 22 and the cleat attachment portion 18 . At this position between the sole end 22 and the cleat attachment portion 18, the shearing force in the front-rear direction of the bicycle shoe 10 when the rider walks is large. This is therefore where the improved grip offered by the spiked element 30 is most effectively used.

The plurality of protrusions 38 of the spiked element 30 are located closer to the toe sole end 22 than the spike body 32 while the spiked element 30 is fixed to the sole 20 . As in 2 As can be seen, the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 64 are located closer to the toe sole end 22 than the spike body 32. Thus, the first protrusion 62 and the second protrusion 64 do not restrict the attachment of the bicycle shoe 10 to a bicycle pedal. In other words, the plurality of protrusions 38 of the spike element 30 does not impede installation of the bicycle shoe 10 onto the pedal.

Additionally, the first end portion 40 of the spiked element 30 is located closer to the toe sole end 22 than the second end portion 42 of the spiked element 30 while the spiked element 30 is fixed to the sole 20 . On the other hand, the second end portion 42 of the spiked element 30 is located closer to the heel sole end 24 than the first end portion 40 of the spiked element 30 while the spiked element 30 is fixed to the sole 20 .

The sole 20 further includes the sole spike portion 26 formed integrally with the sole 20 and protruding from the sole 20 . The spike element 30 is detachably attached to the sole 20 so that the sole spike section 26 is located in the arrangement area AS of the spike element 30 . In this way, the sole spike portion 26 provides additional support for the spike element 30 and increases the stability of the spike element 30. The sole spike portion 26 thus prevents the movement of the spike element 30 on the sole 20. Furthermore For example, sole spike portion 26 is made of the same sole material as sole 20 since it is integral with sole 20. The combination of the sole spike portion 26 of the sole material and the spike element 30 of the spike material increases the grip of the bicycle shoe 10 on the ground in situations where the ground has a mixed texture and thus increases the versatility of the cycling shoe 10 further. Although the sole spike portion 26 located in the arrangement area AS of the spike element 30 increases the versatility of the bicycle shoe 10, the spike element 30 according to the present invention can also be located without the sole spike located in the arrangement area AS of the spike element 30 -Section 26 are used.

In this embodiment, the sole 20 includes a plurality of sole spike sections 26, such as in FIG 2 you can see. The sole spike sections 26 are arranged at different locations of the sole 20 . The sole spike portions 26 are disposed in an area of the sole 20 located near the toe sole end 22 and in an area of the sole 20 located near the heel sole end 24 . In this way, the bicycle shoe 10 also has a high level of grip when the spike element 30 is not attached to the sole 20, in particular on rocky ground. A "sole spike section" according to this disclosure can have different geometric configurations. Essentially, a sole spike portion 26 protrudes from the sole 20 so that it is part of the profile of the sole 20 and aids in the grip of the bicycle shoe 10 on the ground when a rider in the bicycle shoe 10 is walking.

Moreover, two sole spike portions 26 are arranged on both sides of the cleat attachment portion 18 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL. This results in increased grip of the bicycle shoe 10 when a cleat (not shown) is attached to the cleat attachment portion 18 . Typically, a cleat attached to the sole of a cycling shoe reduces the grip of the cycling shoe, particularly on rocky terrain This is because the cleat sometimes causes the cycling shoe to slip due to its lower friction. With the sole spike sections 26 which, as in 2 shown, are attached to both sides of the cleat attachment portion 18, this effect is canceled. In addition, the two sole spike portions 26 can improve the stability of the bicycle shoe 10 on the pedal. The two sole spike portions 26 are arranged at positions sandwiching the cleat from left and right. Therefore, the stability of the sole 20 in the front-back direction and the stability of the sole 20 in the left-right direction can be improved by increasing the area of the sole 20 contacting the pedal when stepping. In addition, the two sole spike portions 26 can protect the cleat during walking. Although the sole spike sections 26 arranged on both sides of the cleat attachment section 18 increase the versatility of the bicycle shoe 10, the spike element 30 according to the present invention can also be used without the sole spike sections 26 arranged on both sides of the cleat attachment section 18 will.

A second embodiment of a bicycle shoe 10 according to the present invention, comprising a sole 20, a spike element 30 and an additional spike element 30, will now be described with reference to FIG 5 described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that the bicycle shoe 10 includes an additional spike element 30 . All the features described above for the first embodiment also apply to the second embodiment.

The additional spike element 30 is detachably attached to the sole 20 between the cleat attachment portion 18 and the heel sole end 24 . The plurality of protrusions 38 of the supplemental spiked element 30 is located closer to the heel sole end 24 than the spike body 32 of the supplemental spiked element 30. For example, when walking downhill, the heel side of the bicycle shoe 10 contacts the ground first. Therefore, the additional spike element 30, which is attached in the area of the sole 20 in the vicinity of the heel sole end 24, is effective when walking downhill. This effect is particularly effective on muddy ground. In addition, the additional spike element 30, which is attached in the area of the sole 20 near the heel sole end 24, is effective, for example, when there are few stones on the ground. The additional spike element 30 on the heel side improves traction together with the spike element 30 on the toe side. Because the plurality of protrusions 38 of the supplemental spiked element 30 is located closer to the heel sole end 24 than the spike body 32 of the supplemental spiked element 30, the shape of the plurality of protrusions 38 can exert the greatest force on the ground when walking downhill . In addition, in this way the plurality of protrusions 38 of the additional spike element 30 does not interfere with the installation of the bicycle shoe 10 on the pedal.

Of course, it is also conceivable that the spike element 30, which is attached to the sole 20 between the toe sole end 22 and the shoe plate attachment section 18, is omitted from the sole 20. In this case, the spike element 30 is detachably attached to the sole 20 between the cleat attachment portion 18 and the heel sole end 24 . In addition, the plurality of projections 38 of the spike element 30 is located closer to the heel sole end 24 than the spike body 32 of the spike element 30.

The phrase "a body centerline dividing a spike body" as used in this disclosure is to be understood as meaning that the body centerline divides the spike body into two sections. These two sections of the spike element do not necessarily have to be of the same size or symmetrical to one another. Consequently, the body center line is to be understood as a reference line dividing the spike body into the two sections mentioned, as for example in 4 viewed from above. In other words, the body centerline is not necessarily a line of symmetry of the spike element. That is, the second direction D2 is the up-down direction when the spike member 30 is viewed from above, such as in FIG 4 . The second direction D2 can also be described as the front-back direction of the spiked element 30 in a state where the spiked element 30 is attached to the sole 20 of the bicycle shoe 10 .

The term "spike shape" as used herein should be understood to mean an arrow-like or "V" shape, as seen, for example, in 4 is formed by the first first-side surface 48 and the second first-side surface 50 when viewed from above.

It should be noted that the term "tapered spike tip" is not limited to a sharp tip. In other words, the term also includes a curved or flattened tip that is not perfectly sharp, such as in 4 you can see.

Reference List

10

cycling shoe

12

top

14

Velcro

16

toe section

17

heel section

18

cleat attachment section

20

sole

22

Toe sole end

24

heel sole end

26

Sole spike section

30

(additional) spike element

32

spike body

34

first body surface

36

second body surface

38

multitude of protrusions

40

first end section

42

second end section

44

first surface section

46

second surface section

48

first first-page surface

50

second first-side surface

52

tapering spike tip

54

first two-sided surface

56

second two-sided surface

58

through hole

60

fastener

62

first lead

64

second projection

66

first body section

68

second body part

70

intermediate section

AS

layout area

B.C

Body Centerline

D1

first direction

D2

second direction

D3

third direction

DL

longitudinal direction (of the bicycle shoe)

SA

spike angle

Claims (26)

Spike element for a cycling shoe, comprising a spike body including a first body surface and a second body surface opposite the first body surface, the spike 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, a plurality of protrusions extending from the spike body at least along a first direction from the first body surface towards the second body surface, wherein the spike body and the plurality of protrusions are formed as a single unit in a state before attachment in which the spike member is not attached to the bicycle shoe. Spike element according to claim 1 , wherein the spike body has a first end portion and a second end portion opposed to the first end portion in a second direction parallel to a body centerline dividing the spike body, the body centerline in an attachment state in which the spike element attached to the bicycle shoe is parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bicycle shoe, each of the plurality of protrusions is provided at the first end portion and has a first surface portion and a second surface portion opposing the first surface portion in the second direction, the second surface portion dem second end portion faces, and the first surface portion has a convex shape. Spike element according to claim 2 , wherein the second surface portion has a concave shape. Spike element according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the first surface portion includes a first first-side surface and a second first-side surface, the first first-side surface and the second first-side surface being joined together and forming a spike shape therebetween. Spike element according to claim 4 , wherein the first first-side surface and the second first-side surface are formed in a planar shape. Spike element according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the first first-side surface and the second first-side surface are integrally formed and form a tapered spike tip. Spike element according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , wherein the second surface portion includes a first second-side surface and a second second-side surface. Spike element according to claim 7 , wherein the first second-side surface and the second second-side surface are formed in a planar shape. Spike element according to one of Claims 1 until 8th wherein the spike body and the plurality of protrusions are formed as a unitary, one-piece member. Spike element according to one of Claims 1 until 9 wherein the spike body includes at least one through hole, and a fastener extends through the at least one through hole to detachably attach the spike member to the sole of the bicycle shoe. Spike element according to one of Claims 1 until 10 , wherein the plurality of protrusions includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the spike body having a first body portion connected to the first protrusion, a second body portion connected to the second protrusion, and an intermediate portion connecting the first body portion and connecting the second body portion in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction. Spike element according to claim 11 , wherein the first body portion and the second body portion form an arrangement area therebetween in the third direction. Spike element according to claim 12 wherein the placement area is at least partially surrounded by the first body portion, the second body portion, and the intermediate portion. Spike element according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein the array area and the intermediate section are divided by the body centerline. Spike element according to one of Claims 1 until 14 wherein the spike body is symmetrical with respect to a body centerline dividing the spike body and being parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bicycle shoe in an attachment state in which the spike member is attached to the bicycle shoe. Spike element according to claim 15 wherein the plurality of protrusions are provided symmetrically on the spike body with respect to the body centerline. Spike element according to one of Claims 1 until 16 , wherein the spike body and the plurality of protrusions are made of a spike material that is harder than a sole material of the sole of the bicycle shoe, and the spike material is, in particular, stainless steel or a metal such as aluminum or titanium, or fiber reinforced plastic or a polymer such as polyamideimide, polyetheretherketone, nylon or urethane, or any combination of these materials. Sole for a bicycle shoe comprising a toe end and a heel end, wherein a spike element according to one of Claims 1 until 17 is detachably attached to the sole between the toe sole end and the heel sole end. sole according to Claim 18 , further comprising a cleat attachment portion provided between the toe sole end and the heel sole end. sole according to claim 19 wherein the spike element is detachably attached to the sole between the toe sole end and the cleat attachment portion. Sole according to one of claims 18 until 20 wherein the plurality of projections of the spike element is located closer to the toe sole end than the spike body while the spike element is fixed to the sole. sole according to claim 19 wherein the spike element is removably attached to the sole between the cleat attachment portion and the heel sole end. sole according to Claim 22 , wherein the plurality of projections of the spike element is located closer to the heel sole end than the spike body of the spike element. sole according to claim 20 wherein an additional spike element is removably attached to the sole between the cleat attachment portion and the heel sole end, wherein the plurality of projections of the additional spike element is located closer to the heel sole end than the spike body of the additional spike element. Sole for a bicycle shoe comprising a sole spike portion which is formed integrally with the sole and protrudes from the sole, wherein a spike element according to any one of Claims 12 until 14 is removably attached to the sole, so that the sole spike section is located in the arrangement area of the spike element. Cycling shoe having a sole according to any one of claims 18 until 25 includes.

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