KR20220037378A - Golf shoe having midsole structure for spike and spikeless outsoles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a golf shoe having a structured midsole. The shoe comprises: an upper; a midsole; and an outsole. The structured midsole can accommodate both a spiked outsole and a spikeless outsole. A lower surface of the midsole comprises a recessed pocket for interlocking with a complementary protruding segment located on an upper surface of the upper. When the protruding segment of the upper is placed within the recessed pocket of the midsole, the midsole is secured to the outsole. The midsole can be used to form a midsole/outsole assembly, and the outsole is spiked or spikeless, which provides cost savings.

Description

GOLF SHOE HAVING MIDSOLE STRUCTURE FOR SPIKE AND SPIKELESS OUTSOLES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/079,792, filed September 17, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

field of invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to footwear, and more particularly to golf shoes having improved midsoles structures. The structured midsole can accommodate both spiked outsoles and spikeless outsoles.

Both professional and amateur golfers now use specially designed golf shoes. Typically, golf shoes include an upper portion and an outsole portion with a mid-sole connecting the upper to the outsole. The upper has a traditional shape for inserting a user's foot and thus covers and protects the foot within the shoe. The upper is designed to provide a comfortable fit around the contours of the foot. The midsole is relatively light and provides cushioning to the shoe. The outsole is designed to provide stability and traction for the golfer. The lower surface of the outsole may include spikes or cleats designed to engage the ground surface through contact and penetration into the ground surface. These factors help provide the golfer with better foot stability and traction when walking or playing the course.

Often, the terms "spike" and "cleat" are used interchangeably in the golf industry. Because cleats are more commonly associated with other sports such as baseball, football and soccer, some golfers prefer the term "spike". Since spikes are more commonly associated with non-turf sports such as track and bicycle, other golfers like to use the term "cleats". In the following description, the term “spike” will be used for convenience. Golf shoe spikes may be made of metal or plastic material. One problem with metal spikes, however, is that they are usually elongate pieces with sharp tips extending downwards that can break through the surface of the putting green, thereby leaving holes and causing other damage. These metal spikes can also cause damage to other ground surfaces on a golf course, such as carpets and floors in clubhouses. Currently, most golf courses require golfers to use non-metallic spikes.

Recently, "spikeless" or "cleatless" shoes have become more popular. These shoe outsoles include rubber or plastic traction members, but no spikes or cleats. These traction members protrude from the underside of the outsole and contact the ground. Shoes are designed for use on and off the golf course. In other words, the shoe provides excellent stability and traction for the golfer playing on the course, including the tee, fairway and green. Moreover, the shoe is light and comfortable, and can be used outside the golf course. The shoes may be worn comfortably in the clubhouse, office, home, or other off-course location.

In conventional shoe making operations, the midsole may be attached to the upper by applying an adhesive, and the outsole may be molded directly to the lower surface of the midsole or secured to the midsole by adhesive. One midsole mold is used to form the midsole for the spikeless outsole and a different midsole mold is used to form the midsole for the spikeless outsole. Midsoles used for spiked outsoles generally have a greater thickness than midsoles used for spikeless outsoles. Changing the midsole mold back and forth so that different midsoles can be made for spiked vs. spikeless outsoles can be a time consuming and cumbersome process.

Shoe manufacturers are constantly looking for different manufacturing methods that are more cost-effective and efficient. A need exists for an improved midsole/outsole manufacturing system. Shoe manufacturers should have systems that provide greater flexibility so that both spiked and spikeless shoes can be manufactured in a high-speed and cost-effective manner. Shoe manufacturers should be able to quickly switch from producing shoes with spiked outsoles to producing shoes with spikeless outsoles and vice versa. A need also exists for improved midsole/outsole assemblies, wherein the fastened outsole may be a spike or spikeless outsole. The present invention provides such manufacturing systems and footwear with improved midsole/outsole assemblies as well as other advantageous features and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a golf shoe comprising a structured midsole. The shoe comprises: i) an upper; ii) a midsole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface comprising a concave pocket for engaging with a complementary protruding segment positioned on the upper surface of the outsole; and iii) an outsole having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the outsole includes a concave pocket on a lower surface of the midsole and a protruding segment for engaging with one another, the protruding segment being disposed in the concave pocket to secure the midsole to the outsole. The upper, midsole and outsole have forefoot, mid-foot, and rear-foot regions, respectively, and a lateral side and a medial side.

In one preferred embodiment, the protruding segments are disc-shaped and have a thickness in the range of about 1.5 to about 4.0 mm. Preferably, the protruding segments have a diameter in the range of about 18.0 to about 23.0 mm. Preferably, there are at least three projecting segments on the upper surface of the outsole and at least three recessed pockets on the lower surface of the midsole. In one example, there are six projecting segments on the upper surface of the outsole and six concave pockets on the lower surface of the midsole. More specifically, there may be four protruding segments in the forefoot region, two protruding segments in the hindfoot region of the outsole, four concave pockets in the forefoot region and two concave pockets in the hindfoot region of the midsole. In another example, there are nine protruding segments on the upper surface of the outsole and nine concave pockets on the lower surface of the midsole. More specifically, there may be five protruding segments in the forefoot region, four protruding segments in the hindfoot region of the outsole, five concave pockets in the forefoot region, and four concave pockets in the hindfoot region of the midsole.

In one embodiment, the lower surface of the outsole includes at least two spike receptacles for receiving the two spikes. For example, the lower surface of the outsole may include at least six spike receptacles for receiving the six spikes. In another example, the lower surface of the outsole includes at least nine spike receptacles for receiving the nine spikes.

In another embodiment, the lower surface of the outsole includes a plurality of projecting traction members. The underside of the outsole may include tile pieces as further described below. These tile pieces may include a traction member, the plurality of tile pieces comprising a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-projecting segment disposed between the first and second traction members; The tile piece, the first and second projecting traction members, and the non-projecting segment comprise the same material and form a single piece. For example, the tile segments, the first and second traction members, and the non-protruding segments comprise a rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane material.

The distinctive novel features of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, preferred embodiments of the present invention, together with other objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf shoe of the present invention showing the upper in detail;
1A is a bottom view of the golf shoe shown in FIG. 1 showing the outsole in detail;
2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the manufacture of a midsole/outsole assembly having a spiked outsole and a spikeless outsole in accordance with the present invention;
3A is a bottom view of one embodiment of a golf shoe of the present invention showing details of a spike outsole;
3B is a bottom view of one embodiment of a golf shoe of the present invention showing details of a spikeless outsole;
4 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a midsole of the present invention, showing details of six concave pockets;
5 is a plan view of one embodiment of an outsole of the present invention showing details of six overhanging segments;
Fig. 6 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a midsole of the present invention showing in detail nine concave pockets;
7 is a plan view of one embodiment of an outsole of the present invention showing in detail nine protruding segments;
8 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a midsole/outsole assembly of the present invention, wherein the outsole is a spike outsole;
9 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a midsole of the present invention showing details of six concave pockets;
10 is a lateral elevational view of one embodiment of a midsole of the present invention;
11 is a medial elevational view of one embodiment of a midsole of the present invention;
12 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a golf shoe of the present invention, showing details of a spike outsole having a spike receptacle and a traction member;
13 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a golf shoe of the present invention, showing details of a spikeless outsole having a traction member;
14 is a lateral elevational view of one embodiment of a golf shoe of the present invention showing the upper in detail;
14A is a plan view of the golf shoe shown in FIG. 14 showing the upper in detail;
15 is a lateral elevational view of one embodiment of a golf shoe of the present invention showing the upper in detail;
15A is a plan view of the golf shoe shown in FIG. 15 showing the upper in detail;

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to designate like elements, and particularly to FIG. 1 , one embodiment of a golf shoe 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The shoe 10 includes an upper portion 12 and an outsole portion 16 with a midsole 14 that connects the upper 12 to an outsole 16 . It is understood that the view shown in the figure is a right-footed shoe and the components of the left-footed shoe are mirror-symmetrical images of the right-footed shoe. It should also be understood that shoes may be manufactured in a variety of sizes, and thus the sizes of shoe components may be adjusted according to shoe size.

Upper 12 has a traditional shape and is made from standard upper materials such as, for example, natural leather, synthetic leather, knitted, non-woven materials, natural and synthetic fabrics. For example, breathable meshes and synthetic fiber fabrics made from nylon, polyester, polyolefin, polyurethane, rubber, and combinations thereof can be used. The materials used to construct the upper are selected based on desired properties such as breathability, durability, flexibility, and comfort. In one preferred example, upper 12 is made of a machined mesh material. The upper materials are sewn or bonded together to form an upper structure. Upper 12 generally includes an instep region 18 having an opening 20 for inserting a foot. The upper includes a vamp 19 for covering the forefoot of the foot. The instep region includes a tongue member 22 . Generally, shoelaces 24 are used to tighten the shoe around the contour of the foot. However, other tightening systems may be used that include a metal cable (shoelace) tightening assembly including a locking mechanism and a housing for locking the dial, spool and cable in place. For example, such shoelace tightening assemblies are available from Boa Technology, Inc. of Denver, Colorado (USA). It should be understood that the aforementioned upper 12 shown in FIG. 1 represents only one example of an upper design that may be used in the shoe construction of the present invention, and that other upper designs may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. do. For example, referring to FIGS. 14 , 14A , 15 and 5A , another example of a suitable shoe upper 12 that may be made in accordance with the present invention is shown.

The midsole 14 is preferably formed from a polymer foam material such as polyurethane (PU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber or silicone. The midsole 14 may be constructed by any suitable method, such as, for example, compression molding, injection molding, open pouring, casting, or the like. In one example, midsole 14 may be formed through an injection molding process that includes injecting a foam material, such as EVA, into a mold and allowing the foam material to cure and set on upper 12 . Foam material may seep through the fibers of upper 12 . Midsole 14 may be attached to upper 12 by applying an adhesive. Alternatively, midsole 14 may be attached directly to upper 16 during the injection step by positioning upper 12 over a mold during injection of the foam material. A last may be inserted into upper 12 to provide a structural frame to the upper during the injection process. The last may be a mechanical frame with a foot-like structure and is constructed from a rigid material such as wood, metal or high-density plastic. Midsole 14 may be attached to outsole 16 using a unique midsole/outsole assembly system of the present invention, as will be described in greater detail below.

The outsole 16 is designed to provide stability and traction to the shoe. The lower surface 23 of the outsole 16 is provided with a plurality of traction members ( 25). The lower surface of the outsole 16 and the traction member 25 may be made of any suitable material, such as rubber or plastic and combinations thereof. Thermoplastics such as nylon, polyester, polyolefin and polyurethane may be used. Suitable rubber materials that may be used include polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene-propylene rubber (“EPR”), ethylene-propylene-diene (“EPDM”) rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and the like, including blends of two or more thereof. can, but is not limited to these. In FIG. 1A , the outsole 16 includes both a traction member 25 and a spike (cleat) 21 . The spike 21 is generally made of a plastic material. The lower surface of the outsole 16 includes molded receptacles for securing the spikes 21 to the shoe, as further described below. The structure and function of the outsole 16 of the present invention is described in greater detail below.

In general, the anatomy of the foot can be divided into three bony regions. The hindfoot region generally includes the ankle (talus) and heel (calcaneus) bones. The midfoot region includes the cuboid, cuneiform, and navicular bones that form the longitudinal arch of the foot. The forefoot region includes the metatarsal bones and toes. Referring again to FIG. 1 , the outsole 16 has an upper surface (not shown) and a lower surface 23 . Midsole 14 is coupled to a top surface of outsole 16 as described in more detail below. Upper 12 may be coupled to midsole 14 as described above.

1A , the outsole 16 generally includes a forefoot region 26 for supporting the forefoot region; a midfoot region 28 for supporting a midfoot comprising an arch region; and a hindfoot region 30 for supporting a hindfoot including a heel region. Generally, forefoot region 26 includes portions of the outsole corresponding to the toes and joints connecting the metatarsals with the phalanges. Midfoot region 28 generally includes a portion of the outsole corresponding to the arch region of the foot. The hindfoot region 30 generally includes the portion of the outsole corresponding to the posterior portion of the foot, including the calcaneal bone.

The outsole also includes an outer side 31 and an inner side 32 . The lateral side 31 and the medial side 32 extend through the respective foot areas 26 , 28 , 30 and correspond to opposite sides of the outsole. The outer surface or edge 31 of the outsole is the side corresponding to the outer region of the wearer's foot. The lateral edge 31 is generally the side of the wearer's foot that is furthest from the wearer's other foot (ie, it is the side closer to the fifth toe [little toe]). The inner side or edge 32 of the outsole is the side corresponding to the inner region of the wearer's foot. The medial edge 32 is generally the side of the wearer's foot closest to the wearer's other foot (ie, the side closer to the thumb [big toe]).

More specifically, the outer side 31 and the inner side 32 extend about the perimeter or perimeter of the outsole 16 from the front end 27 to the rear end 29 of the outsole. The front end 27 is a portion of the outsole corresponding to the toe region, and the rear end 29 is a portion corresponding to the heel region. The regions, sides and regions of the outsole as described above are not intended to delimit the exact region of the outsole. Rather, these regions, sides and regions are intended to represent the general regions of the outsole. Upper 12 and midsole 14 also have these areas, sides, and regions. Each region, side and zone may also include anterior and posterior sections.

2-7 , in one preferred embodiment, the upper surface 33 of the outsole has a protrusion or protruding segment for engaging with a recessed region or pocket 44 on the lower surface 35 of the midsole 14 . (40). Complementary protruding segments 40 and pockets 44 are joined together to form a locked midsole/outsole assembly. An adhesive may also be applied to the lower surface 35 of the midsole 14 and/or the upper surface 33 of the outsoles 60 , 62 to bond the midsole to the outsole and to enhance adhesion of the midsole to the outsole. In FIG. 2 , pocket 44 is shown as a cut-out section in midsole 14 having vertical sidewall surface 50 and horizontal topwall surface 52 . The protruding segments 40 have corresponding vertical sidewall surfaces 54 and horizontal top wall surfaces 56 that mate with the sidewall surfaces 50 and top wall surfaces 52 of the pocket 44 when the outsole and midsole are joined together. has

2, two examples of outsole structures 60, 62 that may be used in accordance with the present invention are shown. In one example, outsole 60 includes spikes (cleats) 66 and may be referred to as spike outsoles; On the other hand, in an alternative example, the outsole 62 may not include spikes and may be referred to as a spikeless outsole. The spikeless outsole 62 preferably includes a traction member generally indicated at 70 .

More specifically, in one embodiment, the “spiked” or “cleat” outsole 60 is manufactured using the midsole 14 of the present invention. Most golf courses require golfers to use non-metallic spikes in their shoes. The lower surface 65 of the outsole 60 includes a molded receptacle (socket) 68 for securing the spikes 66 to the shoe. Plastic spikes 66 are commonly used and typically have a round base 71 with a central stud on one side. On the other side of the round base 71 there is a radial arm 72 with a traction projection 74 . Threads are spaced around the studs on the spikes 66 for insertion into the threaded receptacle 68 . These plastic spikes 66, which can be easily fastened and subsequently removed from the locking receptacle 68, tend to cause less damage to greens and clubhouse floor surfaces than metal spikes.

The spikes 66 are preferably removably fastened to a receptacle 68 in the outsole 60 . The spike 66 may be easily inserted and removed from the receptacle 68 . In general, the spike 66 may be secured within the receptacle 68 by inserting it and then twisting it slightly clockwise. To remove the spike 66 from the receptacle 68, it may be twisted slightly counterclockwise.

2 , an example of a section of a spiked outsole 60 is shown. A full shoe spike outsole 60 having a total of six cleats 66 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3A . As described above, midsole 14 and spike outsole structure 60 are joined and locked together to form a durable midsole/spike outsole assembly. Adhesive may also be applied to the lower surface 35 of the midsole 14 and/or the upper surface 33 of the outsole 62 to allow the midsole to be securely fastened to the outsole. The protrusion 40 of the spiked outsole 60 snaps into a recessed pocket 44 of the midsole. The shoe 10 further includes an upper (not shown in these figures).

In an alternative outsole embodiment, a “spikless” or “cleatless” outsole 62 is manufactured using the midsole 14 mold of the present invention. These shoe outsoles 62 have a lower surface 41 comprising a rubber or plastic traction member 70 but without spikes or cleats 66 . The traction member 70 protrudes from the lower surface 41 of the outsole and contacts the ground. Referring again to FIG. 2 , an example of a section of a spikeless outsole 62 is shown. An overall shoe spikeless outsole 62 having multiple traction members 70 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3B . As noted above, in this example, midsole 14 and spikeless outsole structure 62 are coupled and locked together to form a midsole/spikeless outsole assembly. The shoe further includes an upper (not shown in this figure). These spikeless shoes with a traction member 70 are designed for use on and off the golf course. In other words, these shoes provide superior stability and traction for golfers playing on the course, including tees, fairways and greens. Moreover, the shoe is light and comfortable, and can be used outside the golf course. The shoes may be worn comfortably in the clubhouse, office, home, or other off-course location.

4-7 , different embodiments of structured midsole 14 and outsoles 60 , 62 are shown. In FIG. 4 , the lower surface of the midsole 14 includes six pockets 44 configured to receive the protruding segments 40 on the upper surface of the spike or spikeless outsole structures 60 , 62 . 5 , the outsoles 60 , 62 include six overhanging segments 40 for insertion within six pockets 44 of the midsole. In this manner, the complementary midsole 14 and outsole structures 60 , 62 are locked and secured together. The upper surface 33 of the outsole has a structure that is fitted to the lower surface 35 of the midsole. That is, the upper surface 33 of the outsole extends upward and includes projecting segments 40 that engage with recessed pockets 44 in the lower surface 35 of the midsole. Accordingly, when the midsole is coupled to the outsole, the protruding segment 40 is disposed within the pocket 44 . Projecting segments 40 mate with pockets 44 to secure midsole 14 to spike or spikeless outsole structures 60 , 62 . 6 and 7 , a midsole structure 14 comprising nine pockets 44 and complementary outsoles 60 , 62 comprising nine protruding segments 40 for snap engagement within the pockets 44 are shown. is shown.

In one preferred embodiment, the midsole 14 is made of an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) material and the outsole 16 is made of a rubber material. As shown in FIG. 8 , the rubber protruding segment 40 overlies the spike receptacle 68 . The rubber protruding segment 40 preferably has a disk-like shape with a thickness (generally designated "A") in the range of about 1.5 to about 4.0 mm. More preferably, the protruding segment 40 has a thickness in the range of about 2.0 to about 2.5 mm. The flat surface of segment 40 (generally designated "B") preferably has a diameter in the range of about 18.0 to about 23.0 mm. More preferably, the protruding segment 40 has a diameter in the range of about 21.0 to about 22.0 mm. The overall width of the EVA midsole (generally designated as "C") preferably ranges from about 35 to about 45 mm.

The protruding segments 40 disposed on the outsole may have different shapes and sizes as long as they can engage recessed pockets 44 on the midsole. For example, the protruding segment 40 may have a rectangular shape, a triangle shape, a square shape, a sphere shape, a star shape, a diamond shape, a pyramid shape, an arrow shape, a rod shape, a cone shape, or the like. The shape and dimensions of the protruding segments 40 correspond to the shape dimensions of the recessed pockets 44 so that they can engage with each other. In this manner, the outsole structures 60 , 62 are coupled and locked to the midsole structure 14 .

It should also be understood that any number of protruding segments 40 may be disposed on the upper surface of the outsole and any number of concave pockets 44 may be disposed on the lower surface of the midsole. 4 and 5 , midsole 14 includes six pockets 44 configured to receive six projecting segments 40 of spiked or spikeless outsole structures 60 , 62 . 6 and 7 , midsole 14 includes nine pockets 44 configured to receive nine protruding segments 40 of outsoles 60 , 62 . It is appreciated, however, that the midsole/outsole assemblies shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , 6 and 7 are merely a few embodiments, and the invention is not limited to these examples.

As shown in Figures 2, 3A and 3B and discussed above, one advantage of structured midsole 14 of the present invention is that i) an outsole comprising spikes (a “spiked” outsole) and ii) no spikes that it can accommodate all types of outsoles ("spikless" outsoles); These outsoles are described in more detail below. Thus, the same midsole 14 mold may be used to make either the spiked outsole 60 or the spikeless outsole 62 . Spike outsole and spikeless outsole 60 , 62 are interchangeable with the same midsole. Since the shoemaker only needs to open one midsole mold to make a shoe with a spike or spikeless outsole in accordance with the present invention, significant cost savings exist. This manufacturing method in which only one midsole mold is used to fasten the midsole to different outsoles is more efficient and economically advantageous over methods using multiple midsole molds. Shoe manufacturers have greater flexibility with the midsole molds of the present invention - the molds can be used to make spike or spikeless outsoles in a quick and efficient manner.

The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a shoe, wherein a midsole mold is provided for manufacturing a midsole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the midsole comprising a concave pocket. The method also includes providing a shoe upper and a shoe outsole, the outsole having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the outsole includes a protruding segment for engaging with a recessed pocket on the lower surface of the midsole to secure the midsole to the outsole. The shoe upper also has an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface of the upper being secured to the midsole by an adhesive or other suitable fastening means. The upper, midsole, and outsole have forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot regions, respectively, and lateral and medial surfaces.

spike outsole

The spike outsole 60 may include any number of spike receptacles 68 and spikes (cleats) 66 , which may be arranged in a wide variety of patterns, as further described below.

For example, referring back to FIG. 3A , the outsole 60 includes a total of six spikes 66 ; There are four spikes 66 in the forefoot region and two spikes 66 in the hindfoot region. In another embodiment, the outsole 60 includes a total of nine spikes 66; There are five spikes 66 in the forefoot region and four spikes 66 in the hindfoot region. Preferably, the spike outsole 62 comprises a total number of spikes in the range of five (5) to nine (9) spikes. These spikes 66 may be arranged in various patterns on the forefoot, midfoot and/or hindfoot regions. Additionally, the protruding segments 40 overlying the spike receptacle 68 may be located at various locations on the top surface 33 of the spike outsole 60 . That is, these protruding segments 40 may be arranged in a variety of patterns in the forefoot, midfoot and/or hindfoot regions such that they may engage complementary pockets located in the midsole.

9-12, the outsole 60 includes a total of 6 spikes; There are 4 spikes in the forefoot area and 2 spikes in the hindfoot area. 9 shows a bottom view of the midsole 14 having six complementary pockets 44 for the six protruding segments 40 of the outsole. 10 and 11 , views of the lateral side 31 and medial side 32 of the midsole structure 14 are shown. Referring to FIG. 12 , the outsole is shown having six spike receptacles 68 for receiving the six spikes 66 . As shown in FIG. 12 , the outsole includes both the spike receptacle 68 for the spike 66 as well as the traction member 70 . Outsoles of this type that include both spikes 66 and traction members 70 are considered spike outsoles.

The spike outsole 60 is configured to contact the ground during golf play. The spike 66 can have a variety of shapes and sizes. The spikes 66 are designed to engage the ground surface and provide increased contact area with the ground. This helps to provide the golfer with better foot traction on the turf as they walk the course and play rounds. It is understood that the aforementioned spiked outsole 60 shown in FIG. 12 represents only one example of a spiked outsole that may be used in the shoe construction of the present invention, and that other outsole designs may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. should be

spikeless outsole

The spikeless outsole structure 62 may include any number of traction members 70, and the traction members may be arranged in a wide variety of patterns. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the spikeless outsole 62 does not include any spikes; Rather, there is only the traction member 70 . In a manner similar to the midsole structure 14 shown in FIGS. 9-12 described above, the upper surface of the outsole 62 is adapted to snap into six complementary pockets 44 in the lower surface of the midsole 14. It may include six protruding segments 40 . Adhesive may also be applied to the lower surface 35 of the midsole 14 and/or the upper surface 33 of the outsole 62 to allow the midsole to be securely fastened to the outsole. In this manner, the midsole is used to secure the spikeless outsole 62 to form a midsole/spikeless outsole assembly.

The spikeless outsole 62 shown in FIG. 13 is configured to provide traction on and off the golf course. In other words, the shoe provides excellent stability and traction for golfers playing on the course, including tees, fairways and greens. These surfaces are referred to as "in-course" surfaces. Moreover, it can also be used outside the golf course. The shoes can be comfortably worn in clubhouses, offices or other common places. These surfaces are referred to as "out of course" surfaces. The shoes may be worn while engaging in many different activities on many different surfaces such as tennis, squash, racquetball, street hockey, softball, soccer, football, rugby and sailing. The shoe provides traction and grip strength on both hard and soft surfaces. These shoes have a multi-surface traction (MST) outsole structure. The traction protrusion 70 may be of various shapes and sizes. The traction member 70 may be of any suitable shape including, but not limited to, a rectangle, a triangle, a square, a sphere, a star, a diamond, a pyramid, an arrow, a rod, or a cone. In addition, the height and area of the traction member 70 may be the same or different. The traction member 70 is designed to engage the ground surface and provide increased contact area with the ground.

As noted above, the spiked and spikeless outsole structures 60, 62 described above, shown in FIGS. 1-15A represent only a few examples of spiked outsoles that may be used in the shoe constructions of the present invention, and other spike and spiked outsole structures. A Chris outsole may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, other suitable outsoles are disclosed in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2020/0077734-A1 and US 2020/0146389-A1 and US-2020-0146389-A1 to Bidal; US Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0046072-A1 to Bento; and configurations described in US Pat. Nos. 9,999,275 and 10,595,585 to Bacon, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In one particularly preferred embodiment, the outsole has a lower surface of the outsole as a first set of helical paths (A), each helical path having an origin having a plurality of helical segments radiating therefrom, each segment having a different A first set of helical paths (A) having a degree of curvature and comprising sub-segments: a second set of helical paths (B), each helical path reaching an origin having a plurality of helical segments radiating from the point having a geometry such that it comprises a second set of helical paths B, each segment having a different degree of curvature and comprising sub-segments. Since the first set of helical paths (A) are normal and the second set of helical paths (B) are the inverse of the first set of helical paths, so that when the helical paths overlap each other, the lower part of the helical segment from set (A) The segments and sub-segments of the spiral segments from set (B) will form a four-sided tile piece on the surface of the outsole. As described above, the tile segment comprises a traction member, and the plurality of tile segments comprises a first protruding traction member, an opposing second protruding traction member, and a non-protruding segment disposed between the first and second traction members. and, the tile piece, the first and second projecting traction members, and the non-projecting segment comprise the same material and form a single piece. Preferably, the single piece is made of a rubber material.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used. Except in operational examples, or unless explicitly specified otherwise, in the specification all numerical ranges, amounts, values, and percentages, such as those for amounts of material and others, include that the term “about” refers to the value, amount, or range. Although it may not appear explicitly, it may be read as if the word "medicine" was before it. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and appended claims are approximations which may vary depending upon the desired characteristics sought to be obtained by the present invention.

The terms "upper", "lower", "upper", "lower", "downward", "upward" "right", "left", "outer", "medially", "anterior", "posterior", etc. are one It should also be understood that any term used to refer to a location of an element based on the perspective of the invention is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

It is understood that the footwear materials, designs, and structures described and illustrated herein represent only a few embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions may be made in materials, designs, and structures without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. All such embodiments are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (15)

golf shoes,
upper;
a midsole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface including a concave pocket for engaging with a complementary protruding segment positioned on the upper surface of the outsole; and
An outsole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface including a concave pocket on a lower surface of the midsole and a protruding segment for engaging with one another, the protruding segment disposed within the concave pocket to secure the midsole to the outsole, the upper, midsole; and an outsole, wherein the outsole has forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot regions, respectively, and a lateral surface and a medial surface. The golf shoe of claim 1 , wherein the protruding segments are disc-shaped and have a thickness in the range of about 1.5 to about 4.0 mm. The golf shoe of claim 2 , wherein the protruding segments have a diameter in the range of about 18.0 to about 23.0 mm. The golf shoe of claim 1 , wherein there are at least three protruding segments on an upper surface of the outsole and at least three recessed pockets on a lower surface of the midsole. 5. The golf shoe of claim 4, wherein there are six projecting segments on the upper surface of the outsole and six concave pockets on the lower surface of the midsole. The golf shoe of claim 5 , wherein the outsole has four projecting segments in the forefoot region and two projecting segments in the hindfoot region of the outsole, there are four concave pockets in the forefoot region and two concave pockets in the hindfoot region of the midsole. . 5. The golf shoe of claim 4, wherein there are nine projecting segments on the upper surface of the outsole and nine concave pockets on the lower surface of the midsole. 8. The golf shoe of claim 7, wherein there are five overhanging segments in the forefoot region and four overhanging segments in the hindfoot region of the outsole, five concave pockets in the forefoot region and four concave pockets in the hindfoot region of the midsole. . golf shoes,
upper;
a midsole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface including a concave pocket for engaging with a complementary protruding segment positioned on the upper surface of the outsole; and
An outsole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface comprising a concave pocket on a lower surface of the midsole and a protruding segment for engaging with one another, the protruding segment being disposed in the concave pocket to secure the midsole to the outsole; ,
the upper, midsole and outsole have forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot regions, respectively, and lateral and medial surfaces; A golf shoe, wherein the lower surface of the outsole includes at least two spike receptacles. 10. The golf shoe of claim 9, wherein the lower surface of the outsole includes at least six spike receptacles. 10. The golf shoe of claim 9, wherein the lower surface of the outsole includes at least nine spike receptacles. golf shoes,
upper;
a midsole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface including a concave pocket for engaging with a complementary protruding segment positioned on the upper surface of the outsole; and
An outsole having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface including a concave pocket on a lower surface of the midsole and a protruding segment for engaging with one another, the protruding segment disposed within the concave pocket to secure the midsole to the outsole, the upper, midsole; and the outsole has forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot regions, respectively, and a lateral surface and a medial surface; A golf shoe comprising an outsole, wherein a lower surface of the outsole comprises a plurality of projecting traction members. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the lower surface of the outsole is a first set of helical paths (A), each helical path having an origin having a plurality of helical segments radiating therefrom, each segment having a different degree of curvature. A first set of helical paths (A) comprising subsegments:
A second set of helical paths (B), each helical path having an origin having a plurality of helical segments radiating from the point, each segment having a different degree of curvature and comprising sub-segments comprising a helical path (B) of ;
Since the first set of helical paths (A) are normal and the second set of helical paths (B) are the inverse of the first set of helical paths, so that when the helical paths overlap each other, the lower part of the helical segment from set (A) is The segments and sub-segments of the spiral segments from set (B) form a four-sided tile piece on the surface of the outsole, the tile piece comprising a traction member, the plurality of tile pieces comprising a first protruding traction member, an opposing second two projecting traction members and a non-projecting segment disposed between the first and second traction members, wherein the tile piece, the first and second projecting traction members, and the non-projecting segment comprise the same material and form a single piece doing golf shoes. 14. The golf shoe of claim 13, wherein the tile segments, the first and second traction members, and the non-projecting segments comprise a rubber material. 14. The golf shoe of claim 13, wherein the tile segments, the first and second traction members comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane composition.

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