FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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Embodiments described herein are related to cleats for articles of footwear. Specifically, embodiments described herein relate to cleats configured to promote shedding of debris and to inhibit clogging of the cleat with debris.
BACKGROUND
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Articles of footwear may be designed to provide desired performance properties for various activities. Footwear may be designed to increase traction or grip of the footwear with the ground surface. This may help to prevent slipping of the wearer's foot on the ground, particularly in wet or muddy conditions. Traction may be improved by incorporating cleats into the ground-engaging surface of the footwear. Cleats may enhance grip of the footwear with the ground surface. Articles of footwear with cleats may be used in various sporting activities, such as soccer, football, or golf, among other activities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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Some embodiments described herein relate to a cleat for an article of footwear that includes a base having a first side configured to face toward a ground surface and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the base comprises a domed surface having a convex curvature. The cleat further includes a plurality of arms extending radially from the first side of the base, wherein each of the plurality of arms includes a first end coupled to the base and a second end extending away from the base. An arm of the plurality of arms has a first side configured to face toward the ground surface, wherein the first side of the arm has a first surface extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein the first surface includes no protrusions or ridges having a dimension greater than 0.5 mm.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the first side of the base may have no protrusions or ridges.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the first side of the base may have a smooth surface.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, one or more of the base and the plurality of arms is formed from a hydrophobic material.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plurality of arms may include four to six arms.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the arm of the plurality of arms may extend from the base at an angle relative to a transverse axis of the base. In some embodiments, the angle may be in a range of 140 degrees to 170 degrees.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the cleat may have a maximum diameter measured from the second end of the arm to a second end of an opposing arm on the cleat in a range of 28 millimeters to 33 millimeters.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the domed surface may have a radius of curvature in a range of R0.0 to R44.0.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the arm of the plurality of arms may include a midline extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first surface of the first side of the arm meets a second surface of the first side of the arm at the midline. In some embodiments, an angle formed between the first surface and the second surface of the arm may be in a range of 120 degrees to 130 degrees. In some embodiments, the arm has a first edge extending from the first end to the second end and a second edge extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first surface extends from the first edge to the midline, and the second surface extends from the second edge to the midline.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the arm of the plurality of arms may extend linearly in a transverse direction of the base.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, a width of the arm of the plurality of arms may taper from the first end toward the second end of the arm.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the arm of the plurality of arms may terminate at a tip. The tip may have a planar surface. In some embodiments, the tip may have a channel.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the second side of the base may include a coupling structure configured to couple the cleat to an article of footwear.
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Some embodiments described herein relate to an article of footwear that includes an upper, a sole coupled to the upper, and a cleat removably coupled to the sole. The cleat includes a base having a first side configured to face toward a ground surface and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the base includes a domed surface having a convex curvature. The cleat further includes a plurality of arms extending radially from the first side of the base, wherein each of the plurality of arms has a first end coupled to the base and a second end extending away from the base. An arm of the plurality of arms includes a first side configured to face toward the ground surface, wherein the first side has a first surface extending from the first end of the arm to the second end, and the first surface includes no protrusions or ridges having a dimension greater than 0.5 mm.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the sole may include a coupling structure for removably coupling to the cleat.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the plurality of arms may include four to six arms.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the first side of the base of the cleat may have no protrusions or ridges.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the arm of the plurality of arms of the cleat may have a midline extending from the first end to the second end, and the first surface of the first side of the arm meets a second surface of the first side of the arm at the midline.
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In any of the various embodiments described herein, the arm of the plurality of arms of the cleat may terminates at a tip. The tip may have a planar surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES
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The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles thereof and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the same.
- FIG. 1 shows a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear having cleats according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a first side of a cleat according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 3 shows a top-down view of a first side of a cleat according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleat of FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 5 shows a side view of a cleat according to an embodiment.
- FIG. 6 shows a top-down view of a second side of a cleat according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
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Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the claims.
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References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," "some embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
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The indefinite articles "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless clearly contradicted or the context clearly dictates otherwise.
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The terms "comprising" and "including" are an open-ended transitional phrases. A list of elements following the transitional phrase "comprising" or "including" is a non-exclusive list, such that elements in addition to those specifically recited in the list can also be present.
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As used herein, unless specified otherwise, references to "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. are not intended to denote order, or that an earlier-numbered feature is required for a later-numbered feature. Also, unless specified otherwise, the use of "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. does not necessarily mean that the "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. features have different properties or values.
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Footwear may include cleats to improve the traction or grip of the footwear with a ground surface, such as a sports field, golf course, grass, turf, dirt, or other surface. Cleats are typically designed with a goal of increasing or maximizing the amount of traction or grip provided by the footwear. In existing cleats, traction is often provided and enhanced by manufacturing and designing the cleat to have various traction elements, such as ridges or protrusions, on the ground-engaging surface of the cleat to help to grip the surface and increase friction.
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However, the additional ridges and protrusions while increasing traction may also promote clogging of the cleat with dirt, grass, and other debris. Clogging may be particularly problematic when the user is performing an activity on a wet or muddy surface, or when the user is performing the activity in inclement weather. The rough surface of the cleats may result in dirt and grass becoming stuck or lodged on the ground-engaging surface of the cleat. Crevices and sharp angles between different traction elements may provide prime locations for dirt, grass, and debris to accumulate within the cleat. The relatively rigid structure of many existing cleats limits the ability for the debris to be removed without user intervention. As a result, the traction or grip provided by the cleat may be greatly reduced when the cleat is clogged with debris.
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If the cleat is clogged with dirt and debris, the user may have to manually clean the cleat. However, manually removing debris clogged in the cleat may be difficult, time-consuming and undesirable for the user. Similarly, replacing a clogged cleat with a new cleat can be inconvenient for the user, and the user may not have replacement cleats and/or a cleat removal tool readily available. Thus, a cleat that minimizes or inhibits clogging by debris and that promotes shedding of debris without user intervention is desired. Further, a cleat that can provide traction and grip when used in wet and muddy conditions is desired.
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The inventors of the present application have found that a cleat having a smooth surface helps to minimize clogging of the cleat with debris. Having a smooth surface, rather than a surface with ridges and protrusions as in typical cleats, may sacrifice some traction in optimal conditions, i.e., when the cleats are completely free of debris. However, the inventors of the present application have found that cleats with smooth surfaces as described herein demonstrate improved traction in practical conditions, where some amount of dirt, grass, and debris is present and may collect on cleats during wear. Further, the cleats described herein provide improved traction in poor conditions, such as when the ground is wet or muddy, where the risk of clogging would otherwise be increased.
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The inventors further found that providing a base of the cleat with a rounded surface helps to facilitate self-cleaning or shedding of debris from the cleat. Additionally, having a lower number of arms, for example, in a range of four to six arms, helps to reduce the formation of small crevices in the cleat to prevent accumulation of debris. Further, increasing the flexibility of the arms helps to promote self-cleaning and removal of debris from the cleat without user intervention.
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The features described herein, alone or in combination, help to provide a cleat that provides sufficient traction for activities, such as sports activities, while inhibiting or minimizing accumulation of debris in the cleat and facilitating shedding of debris from the cleat.
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Some embodiments described herein relate to a cleat for an article of footwear that includes a base and a plurality of arms extending from the base. The base may include a coupling assembly for securing the cleat to an article of footwear. The plurality of arms may include four to six arms. The arms may extend radially from the base. The arms may be linear in a transverse direction of the base. One or more arms may taper from a first end at the base to a second end extending away from the base. The base may have a first side configured to face a ground surface that has a convex curvature or dome-shape. The first side of the base may be smooth. The first side of the base may have no ridges or protrusions having a dimension greater than 0.5 mm, or may have no ridges or protrusions. The arms may have a first side configured to face toward a ground surface and that includes a smooth surface. The smooth surface may have no ridges or protrusions. One or more arms may include a midline that extends from a first end of the arm at the base to a second end of the arm that extends away from the base. A first surface may extend from a first edge of the arm to the midline. A second surface may extend from a second edge of the arm to the midline. The first and second surface may meet at an angle. The angle may be in a range of about 120 degrees to about 130 degrees. The arms may terminate at a tip. The tip may have a planar surface. The surface of the tip may include a channel. The channel may extend from an outer edge toward an inner edge of the tip. The tip of each of the plurality of arms may be in a common plane. The cleat may have an outer diameter of about 28 mm to about 33 mm.
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FIG. 1 shows an article of footwear having cleats according to an embodiment. Footwear 100 includes a sole 110 and an upper. Footwear 100 may include a toe region 102, midfoot region 104, and heel region 106. Footwear 100 includes a lateral side 107 opposite a medial side 109. Sole 110 may include one or more layers. For example, sole 110 may include an outsole configured to contact the ground, and a midsole to provide cushioning and support. Sole 110 may include additional elements, such as one or more reinforcing structures, such as rods or plates, among other components.
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Sole 110 includes one or more cleats 150. Cleats 150 are removably securable to sole 110. In this way, a cleat 150 that is damaged or clogged can be removed and replaced without the user needing to replace the footwear 100 entirely. However, in some embodiments, cleats 150 are permanently attached to sole 110. Sole 110 may include coupling structures 120 for removably coupling to cleats 150. Coupling structures 120 and cleats 150 may be arranged in any of various portions of sole 110, such as at toe region 102, midfoot region 104, heel region 106, at lateral or medial sides 107, 109 or locations therebetween. As shown in FIG. 1, cleats 150 are arranged at lateral 107 and medial sides 109 of toe region 102. Cleats 150 are arranged at heel region 106, with a first cleat 150 arranged at lateral side 107 and a second cleat 150 arranged at medial side 109. However, footwear 100 may include additional or fewer cleats 150, and cleats 150 may be arranged in other patterns or layouts.
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Each cleat 150 of footwear 100 may have the same structure, or cleats 150 may have different structures. Footwear 100 may include at least one cleat 150 as described herein. While it is understood that footwear 100 may include multiple cleats 150, the following description will refer to the construction of a single cleat 150 for convenience.
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A cleat 150 according to an embodiment is shown for example in FIGS. 2-6. Cleat 150 includes a base 160 and a plurality of arms 170 extending from base 160. Each arm 170 may include a tip 190 at an end of arm 170 opposite base 160. In embodiments in which cleat 150 is removably secured to an article of footwear, cleat 150 may further include a coupling assembly for attaching cleat 150 to the article of footwear. In some embodiments, two or more of base 160, plurality of arms 170, tip 190, and coupling assembly may be integrally formed.
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As shown in FIG. 2, base 160 may have a first side 162 configured to face toward the ground when cleat 150 is in use. Base 160 includes an opposing second side configured to face toward the article of footwear and to couple to the article of footwear. A coupling assembly (e.g., coupling assembly 180 in FIGS. 5-6) may be disposed on second side of base 160 for coupling cleat 150 to the article of footwear.
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In some embodiments, first side 162 of base 160 may be curved, as shown for example in FIG. 4. First side 162 may have a convex curvature. First side 162 may have a dome shape. First side 162 may have a radius of curvature in a range of R0.0 to R44.0, R5.0 to R43.0, or R10.0 to R42.0. The convex curvature improves debris shedding by creating an angle that facilitates shearing of debris during walking.
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First side 162 of base 160 may be smooth. First side 162 may be a continuous surface that is generally flat, planar, or may have a curvature, e.g., a convex curvature. First side 162 may have no protrusions, ridges, nubs, or the like. First side 162 may have no recesses, apertures, grooves, channels, or the like (with the exception of attachment apertures 128 in embodiments having attachment apertures 128 as described herein). First side 162 of base 160 may have no protrusions or ridges extending from base 160, and may have no channels, grooves, or the like formed in base 160 that have a dimension (e.g. width, length, depth, or height) greater than 0.5 mm. First side 162 may be a polished surface. First side 162 of base 160 may have a glossy or shiny appearance as a result of the high degree of smoothness. The smooth and/or curved surface of base 160 greatly improves the shedding of debris from cleat 150 and inhibits accumulation of debris on cleat 150.
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Cleat 150 may include one or more attachment apertures 128. Attachment apertures 128 are configured to receive a tool to facilitate removal or attachment of cleat 150 to footwear. Attachment apertures 128 may be arranged on first side 162 of base 160 of cleat 150. Attachment apertures 128 may be arranged at a perimeter of base 160. Attachment apertures 128 may be arranged on base 160 at a location between a pair of adjacent arms 170, such as between a first end 172 of adjacent arms 170. Attachment apertures 128 may be spaced about 180 degrees from one another. Attachment apertures 128 may have a generally circular shape. In use, a tool having prongs may be inserted into attachment apertures 128 and rotated or otherwise maneuvered to facilitate removal of cleat 150 from footwear, such as to disengage coupling assembly 180 of cleat 150 with coupling structures 120 of footwear 100.
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Cleat 150 has a plurality of arms 170 extending from base 160. Arms 170 are configured to contact the ground to provide traction. Arms 170 may extend from first side 162 of base 160. Arms 170 may extend from a perimeter of first side 162 of base 160. Cleat 150 may have 2 to 10 arms, 3 to 8 arms, or 4 to 6 arms. A smaller number of arms 170, and a larger spacing between arms 170 helps to avoid dirt, grass, and other debris becoming lodging or stuck in the cleats, such as in narrow spaces between adjacent arms 170 or in a region where arm 170 meets base 160 of cleat 150.
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Arms 170 may extend radially from base 160. In some embodiments, arms 170 may extend radially from the portion of first side 162 having the convex curvature or dome shape as described herein. Arms 170 extend radially outward in a transverse direction X of base 160. Arms 170 may be generally linear in the transverse direction X. As shown for example in FIG. 3, cleat 150 may be radially symmetric. Arms 170 may be arranged on base 160 at a fixed interval. For example, when cleat 150 has six arms 170, the arms 170 may be spaced from one another at a 60 degree angle. In a further example, when cleat 150 has four arms 170, arms 170 may be spaced from one another at a 90 degree angle. In some embodiments, cleat 150 may be radially asymmetric with arms 170 spaced from one another at different angles.
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Arms 170 are the widest or outermost portion of cleat 150 in the transverse direction X of cleat 150. A largest diameter D1 of cleat 150 as measured from an outer edge 195 of a first arm 170A to an outer edge 195 of an opposing second arm 170B may be at least about 28 mm, less than about 33 mm, and may be in range of about 28 mm to about 33 mm, about 29 mm to about 32 mm, or may be about 30 mm. Generally, as a length of an arm 170 increases, a flexibility of the arm 170 increases. Thus, increasing a maximum diameter of cleat 150, and thus increasing a length of the arms 170, increases the flexibility of the arms 170. A cleat 150 having a maximum diameter in the ranges described above helps to provide flexibility to facilitate shedding of debris accumulated on or between arms 170.
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Each arm 170 may include a first end 172 attached to base 160 and a second end 174 opposite first end 172 that extends away from base 160. Arm 170 may have a first edge 176 extending from first end 172 to second end 174 and an opposing second edge 178 extending from first end 172 to second end 174. Arm 170 may have a first side 171 configured to face the ground. First side 171 of arm 170 may include a smooth surface. The smooth surface may have no protrusions, ridges or nubs. First side 171 of arm 170 may have no protrusions, ridges or nubs having a dimension greater than 0.5 mm. First side 171 may be flat or may include a flat portion. The smooth surface helps to prevent dirt and debris from becoming clogged in cleat 150.
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Arm 170 may include a midline 181 extending from first end 172 to second end 174 of arm 170. Midline 181 may be generally linear in a transverse direction X. A first surface 175 extends from first end 172 to second end 174 and from first edge 176 to midline 181. A second surface 177 extends from first end 172 to second end 174 and from second edge 178 to midline 181. Thus, first and second surfaces 175, 177 meet at midline 181. First and second surfaces 175, 177 may form an angle, α. The angle α may be at least about 110 degrees, less than about 140 degrees, and may be in a range of about 110 degrees to about 140 degrees, about 115 degrees to about 135 degrees, or about 120 degrees to about 130 degrees. For example, the angle α may be about 125 degrees. The angle α helps to promote shedding of debris from arms. One or both of first surface 175 and second surface 177 may be smooth, and may have no protrusions or ridges. One or both of first surface 175 and second surface 177 may be flat or planar.
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In embodiments comprising midline 181, midline 181 may be defined by an angled edge formed where the first and second surfaces 175, 177 meet on arm 170. In some embodiments, arm 170 may not include a midline 181. In such embodiments, the first and second surfaces 175, 177 may merge at a curved surface having a convex curvature.
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In some embodiments, arms 170 may taper from first end 172 to second end 174. A width of arm 170 at first end 172 as measured from first edge 176 to second edge 178 may be greater than a width of arm 170 at second end 174 measured from first edge 176 to second edge 178. In some embodiments, arms 170 may not taper from first end 172 to second end 174. Arms 170 may have a constant width from first end 172 to second end 174.
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As shown for example in FIG. 4, arms 170 extend outward from base 160 in a longitudinal direction Z. Thus, arms 170 extend away from base 160 toward a ground surface. As arms 170 extend radially and longitudinally from base 160, arms 170 extend generally diagonally from base 160. In some embodiments, a height of arm 170 measured in the longitudinal direction Z from second side 164 of base 160 to a tip 190 of arm 170 may be at least about 5 mm, less than about 10 mm, and may be in a range of about 5 mm to about 10 mm, or in a range of about 6 mm to about 8 mm.
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Arm 170 may form an angle β relative to a transverse axis X of base 160, as best shown in FIG. 4. Transverse axis X may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis Z of base 160. The angle β may be measured between the transverse axis X of base 160, and an axis extending along the first side of arm 170. The angle β may be at least about 140 degrees, less than about 170 degrees, and may be in a range of about 140 degrees to about 170 degrees, about 145 degrees to about 165 degrees, or about 150 degrees to about 160 degrees. For example, the angle β may be about 160 degrees.
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A second side 188 of arm 170 may have a curvature from first end 172 to second end 174. Second side 188 of arm 170 may curve toward second end 174 and tip 190. Second side 188 may include a recessed area 189. Recessed area 189 may extend from first end 172 of arm 170 at base 160 toward second end 174. Recessed area 189 may help to increase flexibility of arms 170. Recessed area 189 may reduce the weight of cleat 150 and allows for more deflection of arm 170. Further, recessed area 189 may improve manufacturing by reducing the overall amount of material used to manufacture cleat 150 and by reducing the thickness of the cleat for consistent curing after injection. In some embodiments, a recessed area 189 can have a curved shape with a concave curvature as shown, for example, in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, a recessed area 189 can have an uncurved shape, such as a rectangular or triangular shape, among others. In some embodiments, second side 188 may not include a recessed area 189.
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In some embodiments, each arm 170 may terminate at a tip 190. Tips 190 of each of the arms 170 may be arranged in a common plane. Tip 190 is configured to be a ground engaging surface of cleat 150. Tip 190 may have a surface 192 at which first and second sides 171, 188 of arm 170 and first and second edges 176, 178 of arm 170 converge. Surface 192 may be generally flat or planar. Surface 192 of tip 190 may include protrusions or ridges having a maximum dimension no greater than 2.0 mm, no greater than 1.5 mm, or no greater than 1.0 mm.
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Tip 190 may be raised relative to first side 171 of arm 170, such as relative to first and second surfaces 175, 177. Surface 192 may be arranged in a different plane than a plane of arm 170, such as in a different plane than first or second surface 175, 177 of arm 170 (see, e.g., FIG. 5). Tip 190 may form a stepped configuration.
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Surface 192 of tip 190 may have a polygonal shape. In some embodiments, tip 190 may be shaped generally as a pentagon. In some embodiments, tip 190 may be shaped generally as a hexagon. Tip 190 may include an outer edge 195 opposite an inner edge 196. A channel 194 may extend from outer edge 195 toward inner edge 196 of tip 190. Channel 194 may help to improve traction. Channel 194 may extend at least 50% of a distance from outer edge 195 toward inner edge 196, and in some embodiments may extend 60%, 70% or 80% of the distance from outer edge 195 toward inner edge 196. Channel 194 may be generally linear. Channel 194 may have a constant width as measured between opposing sides of channel 194. Channel 194 may have a curved cross sectional area. Cross-sectional area of channel 194 may have a semi-circular or U-shape (see, e.g., FIG. 5).
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Cleat 150 may include a coupling assembly 180 as shown for example in FIGS. 5-6. Coupling assembly 180 is configured to removably secure cleat 150 to an article of footwear. Coupling assembly 180 may be configured to engage with or mate with a coupling structure of the article of footwear. Coupling assembly 180 may be arranged on a second side 164 of base 160.
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In some embodiments, coupling assembly 180 may include a body 182 and one or more brackets 185. Body 182 is positioned centrally on second side 164 of base 160. Body 182 may have a central region 183 and one or more projections 184. As shown in FIG. 6, body 182 has a central region 183 with a circular shape, and a pair of opposing projections 184. However, it is understood that central region 183 may have alternate shapes, e.g., square, oval. Further, body 182 may have different numbers and shapes of projections 184, e.g., 1 projection, or 3 or more projections. Body 182 may be configured to mate with a coupling structure of the article of footwear, such as a socket or recess.
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Coupling assembly 180 may further include one or more brackets 185 spaced from body 182 by a gap 186. Brackets 185 may extend from second side 164 of base 160. Brackets 185 may be positioned at or near a perimeter of second side 164 of base 160. Brackets 185 may match a curvature of perimeter of base 160. In FIG. 6, cleat 150 includes a pair of brackets 185 that are arranged on opposing sides of base 160.
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In use, body 182 of coupling assembly 180 may be placed on coupling structure of footwear, with a portion of coupling structure of footwear arranged in gap 186 between bracket 185 and body 182. Cleat 150 may be rotated to engage coupling assembly 180 with a coupling structure of the article of footwear. While coupling assembly 180 is described herein for illustrative purposes, in other embodiments, alternate coupling assemblies known in the art for securing a cleat to an article of footwear may be used.
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A cleat 150 as described herein may be formed by molding, such as by injection molding. A mold providing the desired shape and geometry for cleat 150 may have one or more polished surfaces. Specifically, a surface of mold corresponding to first side 162 of base 160 and/or first side 171 of arms 170 may be polished, such as to a mirror polish. In this way, cleat 150 produced from the mold has a polished surface that is smooth, and has low surface roughness and low surface friction. Alternatively, cleat 150 may be formed by an additive manufacturing method. The cleat 150 is not subjected to a finishing process that provides a matte finish or sandblasted finish. Such finishing processes may increase surface friction which can promote adhesion of dirt and debris to the surface of cleat 150.
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Cleat 150 may be formed from a polymer, and may be formed from a thermoplastic material. For example, cleat 150 may be formed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, cleat 150 is formed at least in part by a hydrophobic material, such as a hydrophobic polymer, for example, hydrophobic TPU. Cleat 150 may be formed entirely from a hydrophobic material. Alternatively, an outermost layer or outer surface of cleat 150, for example, the first sides of base 160 and arms 170 of cleat 150, may be formed from the hydrophobic material. Cleat 150 may be formed using one or more polymers that provide low surface roughness.
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In some embodiments, a coating may be applied to cleat 150, such as to first side of cleat 150 to further enhance smoothness. For example, cleat 150 may be submerged in a dipping solution. The coating may be a hydrophobic coating, among others.
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It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventors, and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention(s) and the appended claims in any way.
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The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, and without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance herein.
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The breadth and scope of the present invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
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In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention are mentioned:
- 1. A cleat for an article of footwear, the cleat comprising:
- a base having a first side configured to face toward a ground surface and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the base comprises a domed surface having a convex curvature; and
- a plurality of arms extending radially from the first side of the base, wherein each of the plurality of arms comprises a first end coupled to the base and a second end extending away from the base, wherein an arm of the plurality of arms comprises a first side configured to face toward the ground surface, wherein the first side of the arm comprises a first surface extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein the first surface comprises no protrusions or ridges having a dimension greater than 0.5 mm.
- 2. The cleat of embodiment 1, wherein the first side of the base comprises no protrusions or ridges.
- 3. The cleat of one of embodiments 1 or 2, wherein the first side of the base comprises a smooth surface.
- 4. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-3, wherein one or more of the base and the plurality of arms comprises a hydrophobic material.
- 5. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the plurality of arms comprises four to six arms.
- 6. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the arm of the plurality of arms extends from the base at an angle relative to a transverse axis of the base.
- 7. The cleat of embodiment 6, wherein the angle is in a range of 140 degrees to 170 degrees.
- 8. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-7, wherein the cleat comprises a maximum diameter measured from the second end of the arm to a second end of an opposing arm on the cleat, and wherein the maximum diameter is in a range of 28 millimeters to 33 millimeters.
- 9. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the domed surface has a radius of curvature in a range of R0.0 to R44.0.
- 10. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the arm of the plurality of arms comprises a midline extending from the first end to the second end, and wherein the first surface of the first side of the arm meets a second surface of the first side of the arm at the midline.
- 11. The cleat of embodiment 10, wherein an angle formed between the first surface and the second surface of the arm is in a range of 120 degrees to 130 degrees.
- 12. The cleat of one of embodiments 10 or 11, wherein the arm comprises a first edge extending from the first end to the second end and a second edge extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first surface extends from the first edge to the midline, and wherein the second surface extends from the second edge to the midline.
- 13. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-12, wherein the arm of the plurality of arms extends linearly in a transverse direction of the base.
- 14. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-13, wherein a width of the arm of the plurality of arms tapers from the first end toward the second end of the arm.
- 15. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the arm of the plurality of arms terminates at a tip, and wherein the tip has a planar surface.
- 16. The cleat of embodiment 15, wherein the tip comprises a channel.
- 17. The cleat of one of embodiments 1-16, wherein the second side of the base comprises a coupling structure configured to couple the cleat to an article of footwear.
- 18. An article of footwear, comprising:
- an upper;
a sole coupled to the upper; and - a cleat removably coupled to the sole, the cleat comprising:
- a base having a first side configured to face toward a ground surface and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the base comprises a domed surface having a convex curvature; and
- a plurality of arms extending radially from the first side of the base, wherein each of the plurality of arms comprises a first end coupled to the base and a second end extending away from the base, wherein an arm of the plurality of arms comprises a first side configured to face toward the ground surface, wherein the first side comprises a first surface extending from the first end of the arm to the second end, and wherein the first surface comprises no protrusions or ridges having a dimension greater than 0.5 mm.
- 19. The article of footwear of embodiment 18, wherein the sole comprises a coupling structure for removably coupling to the cleat.
- 20. The article of footwear of one of embodiments 18 or 19, wherein the plurality of arms comprises four to six arms.