WO2000064294A1

WO2000064294A1 - Traction assembly for golf shoes

Info

Publication number: WO2000064294A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/011360
Authority: WO
Inventors: John J. Erickson; John F. Lane, Iii; Douglas K. Robinson
Original assignee: Acushnet Company
Priority date: 1999-04-26
Filing date: 2000-04-26
Publication date: 2000-11-02
Also published as: WO2000064294A8

Abstract

The present invention includes a traction member (14a-f) for golf shoes that has a base (56) with a central hole (62) there through and base projections (70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 122, 124, 126, 132) spaced about the hole. The shank (48) of a conventional cleat (12a) extends through the hole (62). The cleat (12a) can be non-metal or metal. Upon removably attaching the cleat (12a) to the outsole (10) by the shank, the cleat (12a) couples the traction member (14a-f) to the outsole forming a traction assembly. The geometry and number of projections (70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 122, 124, 126, 132) on the traction member (14a-f) can vary, thus vary the traction level exhibited by the member. The traction members (14a-f) can be provided to a golfer in sets with various levels of traction.

Description

TRACTION ASSEMBLY FOR GOLF SHOES

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to shoes, and more particularly to a traction assembly for use on golf shoes.

Background of the Invention

A golfer's performance depends substantially on the ability of the golfer's shoes to provide a solid base of support. To that end, golf shoes generally include a shoe upper joined to an outsole, where the bottom surface of the outsole includes numerous metal spikes for providing traction. These metal spikes are typically include cone-shaped protrusions.

The traction provided by the metal spikes upon interaction between the outsole and the ground enables the golfer to perform the body movements necessary to culminate in an ideal contact between the club head and the ball (i.e., a golf swing).

Although metal spikes provide the necessary traction, one significant problem with them is their propensity to damage the turf of golf courses. This damage can be in the form of, for example large indentations, dislodged turf, or compacted turf. This damage can increase the frequency of golf course maintenance, and consequently increase the operating costs of golf courses, which is undesirable. Also, during play, golf balls that contact the damaged turf can travel erratically, which is undesirable. As a result, there is a trend today towards banning the use of metal spikes on golf courses.

In an effort to provide traction, while minimizing turf damage, non-metal cleats have been devised. These cleats have a head and an integral shank extending therefrom. The shank removably couples the cleat to the outsole. The head of the cleat has a number of projections for providing traction. One problem with conventional non-metal cleats and metal spikes is that they generally provide one predetermined level of traction on a shoe. If additional traction is desired for certain ground conditions, other cleats with a different traction level can be used. However, if traction above that afforded by cleats is desired, other shoes must be used that have an outsole with projections integrally formed thereon for increased traction. In order for a golfer to be prepared for different conditions requiring different levels of traction, a golfer needs more than one pair of shoes, which is undesirable due to cost and inconvenience. Otherwise, metal spikes are used, if possible, despite their drawbacks.

Thus, there remains a need for a traction configuration that is not metal, yet provides adequate traction during a golf swing, and decreases damage to the turf of golf courses. It is desired that the improved configuration have the ability to provide various levels of traction on the same shoe or in different areas on the shoe, if desired.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed towards a traction assembly or a traction member for use with a shoe outsole. The traction assembly includes at least one cleat. The cleat has a head and a shank extending from the head. The head includes at least one cleat projection that extends from the head opposite the shank. The traction assembly further includes the traction member.

The traction member includes a base with a hole there through and traction or base projections spaced about the hole. The base projections extend upward from the base. The cleat head has a first diameter and the hole has a second diameter, which is less than the first diameter. When the cleat shank is disposed through the hole and connected to the outsole, the cleat head secures the traction member to the outsole. Advantageously, the base projections can be circumferentially disposed about the hole to surround the cleat so that the traction member increases the traction level significantly over conventional non-metal cleats.

In one embodiment, the cleat and traction member are separate pieces. In another embodiment, the traction member is formed of thermoplastic urethane or rubber. In other embodiments, the cleats are non-metal, plastic or metal. In another embodiment, the head of the cleat has a diameter of at least about 0.75 inches. In another embodiment, the traction member has a plurality of pins that engage holes in the outsole to prevent rotation of the traction member.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a traction member includes a base with two holes. This traction member is secured to the outsole using two cleats, one for each hole. In this embodiment, the base projections can be located around the holes and/or at least one base projection can be disposed between the holes. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a golf shoe is disclosed. The golf shoe includes an outsole with receptacles and a plurality of traction assemblies. The cleat shanks of the traction assemblies are secured to the receptacles.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a bottom view of a golf shoe outsole with various types of traction members of the present invention attached thereto;

Fig. 2A is an enlarged, exploded, cross-sectional view along line 2A,B - 2A,B of Fig. 1 of a first type of traction member of the present invention and a cleat;

Fig. 2B is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the first type of traction member and cleat of Fig. 2 A, wherein the member and cleat are installed;

Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a portion of the golf shoe outsole as shown in Fig. 1, wherein the first type of traction member is not installed;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of the first type of traction member and the cleat; Fig. 5 is an enlarged, explodes perspective view of a second type of traction member and metal cleat;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, perspective view of a base projection of the second type of traction member of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged, side view of the projection of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line 8 - 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view along line 9 - 9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged, perspective view of a third type of traction member as shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged, perspective view of a fourth type of traction member as shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged, perspective view of a fifth type of traction member as shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged, perspective view of a sixth type of traction member as shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 14 is an enlarged, perspective view of a seventh type of traction member;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged, perspective view of an eighth type of traction member; Fig. 16 enlarged, bottom view of a portion of another embodiment of a golf shoe outsole with ninth and tenth type of traction members of the present invention attached thereto;

Fig. 17A is an enlarged, exploded, cross-sectional view along line 17A,B - 17A,B of Fig. 16 of the ninth type of traction member of the present invention and a cleat;

Fig. 17B is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the ninth type of traction member of and cleat of Fig. 17 A, wherein the member and cleat are installed; and

Fig. 18 is an enlarged, bottom view of a portion of the golf shoe outsole as shown in Fig. 16, wherein the traction members are not installed; Fig. 19 is an enlarged, perspective view of the ninth type of traction member of Fig.

16;

Fig. 20 is an enlarged, perspective view of the tenth type of traction member of Fig. 16;

Fig. 21 is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a golf shoe of the presnt invention;

Fig. 22 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of a traction member for use with the shoe of Fig. 21; and

Fig. 23 is a bottom view of another alternative embodiment of a traction member for use with the shoe of Fig. 21.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

Referring to Fig. 1, there is illustrated an embodiment of a golf shoe outsole 10 having various types of traction assemblies of the present invention coupled thereto. Each traction assembly includes a cleat 12a and one type of traction member 14a-f. The outsole 10 includes a forward end 16, a spaced rear end 18, a bottom surface 20, and an opposed top surface 22 (as shown in Fig. 2A). The bottom surface 20 contacts the turf, and the top surface 22 is adjacent to a shoe midsole as known in the art.

Referring to Fig. 1, the bottom surface 20 of the outsole 10 is defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending sections: the toe section 24, the forefoot section 26, the shank section 28, and the heel section 30. The toe section 24 is defined as the section of the outsole 10 that underlies the toes of a wearer's foot, and is depicted as the section between lines AA and BB. The forefoot section 26 is defined as the section of the outsole 10 that underlies the metatarsal pad of the wearer's foot, and is depicted as the section between lines BB and CC. The shank section 28 is defined as the section of the outsole 10 that underlies the arch of the wearer's foot, and is depicted as the section between lines CC and DD. The heel section 30 is defined as the section of the outsole 10 that underlies the heel of the wearer's foot and is depicted as the section between lines DD and EE. Referring to Figs. 2 A and 3, the outsole 10 defines depressions 32, one of which is shown. The depression 32 receives the cleat 12a and the first type of traction member 14a. Each depression 32 defines a central hole 38 for receiving an associated receptacle 40.

Referring to Figs. 2 A and 4, the non-metal or plastic cleat 12a fixedly couples the associated traction member 14a to the outsole 10. The cleat 12a includes a head 44 and an integral externally threaded shank 46 that extends from one side of the head 44. A plurality of projections 48 extend outwardly from the opposite side of the head 44. In this specification and the appended claims cleat means any traction element with a head including at least one projection, and a shank for connection of the element to the outsole. Thus, cleats can be metal or non-metal, and include those with one projection like conventional metal spikes or a plurality of projections. The head 44 further includes a first diameter, designated by the arrow dl. The first diameter is at least about 0.75 inches.

Referring to Figs. 2 A and 3, each receptacle 40 is located within the central hole 38 of each outsole depression 32. Each receptacle 40 includes an internally threaded bore 50. As best shown in Fig. 3, each receptacle further includes tabs 52 circumferentially spaced about the receptacles 40 are commercially available from various manufacturers and selected to be compatible with the cleat 12a used. The receptacles used could be, but are not limited to for example internally threaded members, bayonet type systems, the MacNiell Q-LOK™ System, or the TriSport Fast-Twist™ System.

Both the cleats 12a and the receptacles 40 can be modified so that other engagement means aside from threads or in addition to threads are provided. For example, the cleat could have projections extending from the shank that fit into key holes in the outsole, and lock after a quarter turn. Recommended cleats 12a include, for example, those that are commercially available from the manufacturers TriSport, Limited, which is located in the United Kingdom, MacNeill Engineering, or SOFTSPJKES®. Referring to Fig. 3, the outsole 10 is formed from a material that is flexible, abrasion resistant, light weight, and inexpensive. Recommended materials are ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, and thermoplastic urethane. If the outsole is formed of EVA or rubber, it is compression molded. Since an EVA or rubber outsole is soft, a retaining plate (not shown) is necessary to secure the receptacles 40 thereto as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. The outsole material encases the retaining plate. The retaining plate is formed of thermoplastic urethane or DELRIN®. DELRIN® is a trademark of E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company. If the outsole is formed of thermoplastic urethane, it is injection molded and a retaining plate is not necessary. The thermoplastic urethane flows around the receptacles 40 and enters the gaps 54. Thus, when the material cures, it secures the receptacles 40 to the outsole 10. During molding, the depressions 32 are also formed.

Referring to Fig. 1, the outsole 10 includes six (6) different types of traction members 14a-f. The first type of traction member 14a is in the toe section 24. The second and third types of traction members 14b and 14c are in the forefoot section 26. The fourth and fifth types of traction members 14d and 14e are in the shank section 28. The sixth type of traction member 14f is in the heel section 30.

Referring to Figs. 2A and 4, the first type of traction member 14a has a base 56 with a first or upper surface 58, a second or lower surface 60, and a central hole 62 that extends there between. The hole 62 has a second diameter, designated by the arrow d2, which is less than the first diameter dl of the cleat head 44, but the second diameter is large enough to receive the shank 46. The diameter of the traction member 14a is greater than about 1". Referring to Figs. 2A-B and 4, the base 56 is shaped like a ring and further includes a recessed, inner portion 64 or circular depression, which receives the head 44 of the cleat. The lower surface 60 of the base is flat. In use, the lower surface 60 of the traction member 14a contacts the upper surface 20 of the outsole 10 within the depression 32.

Referring to Figs. 2A-B, 3 and 4, the upper surface 58 includes a plurality of projections 70. Each projection is shaped to form a radially extending ridge 72. The ridge 72 is formed where the sloped sides of each projection meet. The projections 70 are at spaced circumferential locations from one another. Thus, the upper surface of traction member 14a is serrated. Each projection 70 has a height above the lower surface 60 of the traction member, represented by the arrow H. To produce one example of a traction member with a low or minimum level of traction, the projection height is about 0.079 inches or 2.0 mm. In this embodiment the height H of the projections 70 is less than the height of the cleat projections 48.

Referring to Figs. 2A-B and 4, each cleat 12a is removably attached to the outsole 10 by disposing the shank 46 of the cleat 12a through the hole 62 in the traction member 14a, and into the receptacle 40 internally threaded bore 50 and screwing the shank 46 into threaded engagement with the receptacle 40. The head 44 of the cleat 12a presses the traction member 14a against the outsole 10. Since the diameter d2 of the traction member hole 62 is less than the diameter dl of the cleat head 44, the cleat head 44 fixedly couples the traction member 14a to the outsole 10.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 5-6, the second type of traction member 14b is similar to the first type of traction member 14a, except traction member 14b includes projections 80 with a pointed free end 81 and a ridge 82. This traction member is shown with a cleat 12, which is metal and has a single, central projection. Non-metal cleats can also be used. The shape of each projection is formed by a front conical portion 83 and a rear sloped portion 84 integral therewith. The base or outline 85 of the projection 80 is engaged with the surface 86a of the traction member. The base 85 has a tear-drop shape similar to that shown in Fig. 9. The tear-drop shape includes a rounded end 87 and an opposed tapered end 88.

Referring to Figs. 6-9, the conical front portion 83 extends outwardly from the surface 86a to terminate in the pointed free end 81. The free end 81 has a surface area that is small enough when exposed to the force of the wearer, so that when the tip 81 contacts the turf, it will have sufficient pressure to penetrate the turf cleanly. Thus, the tip 81 of each projection 80 allows better penetration into the turf with small indentations, when the user walks, which will reduce the noticeable damage that is done to the turf. Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, the rear portion 84 of each projection 80 extends outwardly from the surface 86a. The rear portion 84 is adjacent to the conical front portion 83. The rear portion 84 forms the angled ridge 82 at the intersection of its sloped sides. The angled ridge 82 extends between the tip 81 and the surface 86a. Referring to Fig. 7, the ridge 82 angles downwardly away from the tip 81. Each projection has a length represented by the arrow L. Each projection has a height above the surface 86b represented by the arrow H. Referring to Fig. 9, the base 89 of the conical portion 83 is shown partially in phantom. The base 89 has a diameter represented by the arrow D.

In order to vary the amount of traction exhibited by the projections 80, the length L and height H can be varied. To produce one example of a traction member with a medium level of traction, the height H is about 5.0 mm and the length L is about 5.5 mm. To produce an example of a traction member with a high level of traction, which will be aggressive toward the turf, the height H is about 7.0 mm and the length L is about 7.0 mm. The conical base diameter D can also be varied. Referring to Figs. 1 and 10, the third type of traction member 14c is similar to the first type of traction member 14a, except the traction member 14c includes projections 90. Each projection 90 includes an angled step 92 and a rod 94. Each angled step 92 extends along a sector or a circumferential section of the traction member 14c. The rod 94 extends from the upper surface of each step 92. There are eight steps 92 so that each step covers an approximately 45° circumferential section of the traction member.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 11, the fourth type of traction member 14d is similar to the first type of traction member 14a, except traction member 14d includes projections 100. Each projection 100 is shaped like a truncated cone, and has a circular horizontal cross- section. The projections 100 are circumferentially spaced approximately 22.5° apart. The projections 100 have a wide base 102, and narrow toward a free end 104. The free end 104 of each projection 100 is blunt; however it may also be pointed.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 12, the fifth type of traction member 14e includes projections 110. Each projection 110 is circumferentially spaced approximately 22.5° from one another. The projections 110 have a wide base 112, and narrow toward a free end 114. The projections 110 have generally tear-drop shaped horizontal cross-sections near the base 112. The free end 114 of each projection is blunt; however it may also be pointed. The shape of each projection 110 forms a sloped surface 116 between the base 112 and the free end 114. Referring to Figs. 1 and 13, the sixth type of traction member 14f is similar to the first type of traction member 14a, except traction member 14f defines two holes 120 there through. Each hole 120 receives a cleat 12a. The cleats 12a couple the traction member 14f to the outsole 10, as discussed above. Similar to the projections 100 of the fourth type of traction member 14d (as shown in Fig. 11), the projections 122 and 124 of traction member 14f are shaped like truncated cones .and have circular horizontal cross-sections. Each projection 122 is spaced about the periphery of the traction member 14f, and the projection 124 is disposed between the holes 120.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 14, the seventh type of traction member 14g is similar to the first type of traction member 14a, except the traction member 14g includes projections 126, which have triangular shaped horizontal cross-sections. Each projection 126 is circumferentially spaced approximately 60° from one another. These projections have a wide base 128, and narrow toward a free end 130. The free end 130 of each projection 126 is blunt; however it may also be pointed. Referring to Figs. 1 and 15, the eighth type of traction member 14h is similar to the sixth type of traction member 14f because it requires two cleats for retention, however, the traction member 14h has tear-drop shaped projections 132 like traction member 14b (as shown in Fig. 5). Referring to Figs. 16-18, the outsole 210 has various traction assemblies of the present invention coupled thereto. Each traction assembly includes a cleat 212 and ninth and tenth types of traction members 14i and 14j, respectively. The cleats 212 used with these traction members are non-metal and the cleat projections 213 are shaped differently than those discussed with respect to Fig. 1. The outsole 210 can be molded to include projections 215 which increase traction. One recommend shape of the projections 215 is tear-drop shaped, as discussed above with reference to Figs. 5-9.

Referring to Figs. 16 and 18, the outsole 210 defines depressions 214 and 216 for receiving each traction member 14i and 14j, respectively. The depression 214 receives the cleat 212 and the ninth type of traction member 14i. The depression 214 includes a lower portion 216 and a raised portion 218 that surrounds the lower portion 216. The lower portion 216 defines a central hole 38 for receiving an associated receptacle 40, as discussed above. The raised portion 218 defines a plurality of holes 220 about the circumference of the depression spaced 45° apart.

Referring to Figs. 17A and B, the ninth type of traction member 14i has a base 222 with a first or upper surface 224, a second or lower surface 226, and a central hole 228 that extends there between. The base 222 further includes an inner portion 230 and a stepped outer portion 232. The outer portion 232 defines the inner portion 232 as a circular depression for receiving the head 44 of the cleat 212. The lower surface 226 of the inner portion 230 includes an annular projection 234, however in another embodiment the lower surface of the base can be substantially flat.

Referring to Figs. 17A and 19, the upper surface 224 of the outer portion 232 includes sets of projections 234 and single projections 236. The sets of projections 234 are at spaced circumferential locations from one another. Each set 234 is circumferentially space 45° apart from the adjacent set. The single projections 236 are raised ridges that extend across the outer portion 232 of the traction member 14i between each set of projections 234. Each set 234 includes three raised ridges 238. The ridges 238 in each set 234 are parallel to one another, and extend radially across the outer portion 232 of the traction member 14i. Turning to Fig. 17A, the lower surface 226 of the outer portion 232 includes a plurality of pins 240 that extend therefrom about the circumference of the outer portion 232. The pins 240 are spaced about 45 ° apart.

Referring to Fig. 17B and 18, in use the lower surface 226 of the traction member 14i contacts the upper surface 213 of the outsole 210 within the depression 214. The pins 240 are aligned with the holes 220 in the outsole 210. When the pins 240 are disposed in the holes 220, the traction member 14i and outsole provide additional features for preventing rotation of the traction member with respect to the outsole.

Turning again to Fig. 18, the depression 216 defines a central hole 38 for receiving receptacles, as discussed above. Each depression 216 further defines a groove 242 that surrounds the outer edge of each depression 216.

Referring to Figs. 18 and 20, the tenth type of traction member 14j includes teardrop shaped projections 244 similar to the projections 80, as discussed above in connection with Fig. 5. The traction member 14j further includes a flange 246 extending downwardly from the surface opposite the surface with the projections 244. The fl.ange 246 circumscribes the traction member 14j. When the traction member 14j is placed in the depression 216, the flange 246 is press fit into the groove 242. This helps reduce the likelihood of rotation of the traction member 14j. Either of the anti-rotation features discussed above can be used with the different types of traction members discussed previously above. Other anti-rotation features can be provided as known by those of ordinary skill in the art.

A set of traction members can contain a plurality of each type of traction members. Depending on the conditions of the ground or b.ased upon the outsole area they will occupy, different types of traction members can be secured to the outsole. The same type of traction member can be used in the same outsole area or different types of traction members can be used in the same area. Accordingly, a set of one or more traction members can have base projections of the same or varying geometries.

Referring to Figs. 21-23, a golf shoe outsole 310 has various types of traction assemblies of the present invention coupled thereto. Each traction assembly includes at least two cleats 312a and at least one type of traction member 314a-c. The outsole 310 defines depressions 316 for receiving the cleats and traction member. The first traction member 314a has a substantially triangular shape, and extends from the toe section 24 into the forefoot section 26. The traction member 314a defines three holes 318 for receiving three cleats 312a. The traction member 314a further includes two sets of base projections 320 and 322. Base projections 320 are disposed centrally between the holes 318. Base projections 322 are disposed along the periphery of the traction member 314a.

The second and third traction members 314b and 314c define two holes 324 for receiving cleats 312a. The traction member 314b is within only the forefoot section 26. The traction member 314c is within only the heel section 30. The traction members 314b and 314c include base projections 326 disposed between the holes 324.

The traction members 314a-c and cleats 312a are configured .and dimensioned as discussed above, and are connected to the outsole 310, as discussed above. Although the base projections 320, 322 and 326 are tear-drop shaped, in other embodiments various other shapes can be used. The traction members 314a-c can be provided with various sizes of base projections for various levels of traction, and can be used with various other traction members previously discussed.

The traction members are formed from a material that is elastic so that they provide the necessary flexibility for comfort and are abrasion resistant. The material selected should withstand more than 400 cycles under the National Bureau Standards rubber abrasion test. Recommended materials for traction members in the toe section to the shank section have a Shore A durometer of between about 70 points to about 80 points, and more preferably having a Shore A durometer of about 75 points. The specific gravity of the material from the toe section to the shank section ranges from between about 1.19 to about 1.20. The material for the traction members in the heel section may have a Shore A and specific gravity greater than the material used in the shank sections due to the requirements in the heel section. Recommended materials are thermoplastic urethane or rubber. If thermoplastic urethane is used, the traction member is injection molded. If rubber is used, the traction member is compression molded. The preferred material for the traction members in the toe section through the shank section is a polyester-type thermoplastic polyurethane manufactured by URE-TECH CO., Ltd. located in Taiwan under the name Utechllan U-75AP.

The number, spacing, and arrangement of the projections on each type of traction member allows sufficient space between projections, so that the projections have the necessary turf interaction. The geometry of the projections provide different levels of traction and can vary from those disclosed. When the traction assembly is attached to the outsole, the height of the cleat projections can be greater than, less than, or equal to the height of the base projections.

One advantage of the traction members is that they improve the traction of the outsole, while using conventional cleats for attachment to the outsole. These traction members decrease turf damage compared to metal spikes. These traction members can also be replaced after excessive wear. In addition, the traction members make the shoe versatile, because different types can be selected and even positioned at different locations on the sole, so that the traction provided can be customized to the turf conditions without using a different shoe or metal spikes. Furthermore, where metal spikes are allowed the traction members can be used with them to increase traction.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives stated above, it will be appreciated that modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. For example, the traction assembly may be formed of one piece so that the cleat and the fraction member are integral. Furthermore, features of one embodiment can be used with the features of another embodiment as known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments which would come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A traction assembly for use with an outsole comprising: at least one cleat having a head with a shank extending therefrom, at least one cleat projection extending from the head opposite the shank, the head having a first diameter; a fraction member having a base including a first surface, a spaced second surface, and a hole extending between the surfaces, the hole having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, and the first surface having a plurality of base projections extending therefrom at spaced locations, wherein upon disposing the shank through the hole and removably connecting the shank to the outsole, the cleat head fixedly couples the traction member to the outsole.

2. The traction assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cleat and traction member are separate pieces.

3. The traction assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fraction member is formed from thermoplastic urethane or rubber.

4. The traction assembly of claim 1, wherein the first diameter is at least about 0.75 inches.

5. The fraction assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cleat is formed of a non-metal or plastic material.

6. The fraction assembly of claim 5, wherein the cleat has a plurality of cleat projections.

7. The traction assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cleat is formed of a metal material.

8. The traction assembly of claim 7, wherein the cleat has one central cleat projection.

9. A fraction member for use with an outsole and at least one cleat, the cleat having a head with a shank extending therefrom, at least one cleat projection extending from the head opposite the shank, the head having a first diameter, wherein said traction member comprises: a base including first surface, a spaced second surface, and a first hole extending between the surfaces, the first hole having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, the first surface having a plurality of base projections extending therefrom at spaced locations, wherein upon disposing the shank through the hole and removably connecting the shank to the outsole, the cleat head couples the fraction member to the outsole.

10. The traction member of claim 9, wherein the traction member is for use with two cleats, and the fraction member further includes a second hole extending between the surfaces, the second hole having the second diameter that is less than the first diameter, wherein upon disposing each shank through each hole and removably connecting each shank to the outsole, each cleat head couples the traction member to the outsole.

11. The fraction member of claim 10, wherein the base proj ections are tear-drop shaped.

12. The traction member of claim 9, wherein the first surface of the traction member is serrated.

13. The traction member of claim 9, wherein the base proj ections are tear-drop shaped.

14. The traction member of claim 13, wherein the base projections include a pointed free end and a ridge extending from the first surface to the free end.

15. The traction member of claim 9, wherein the height of the cleat projections is less than the height of the base projections.

16. The traction member of claim 9, wherein the height of the cleat projections is greater than the height of the base projections.

17. The traction member of claim 9, wherein the height of the cleat projections is equal to the height of the base projections.

18. The fraction member of claim 9, wherein the outsole further includes a surface and a plurality of projections extending from the surface, the projections including a pointed free end and a ridge extending from the surface to the free end.

19. The traction member of claim 9, wherein the second surface of the base has a plurality of space pins extending therefrom, and the outsole has a plurality of holes therein for receiving the pins.

20. A golf shoe comprising: an outsole having a plurality of receptacles disposed therein; a plurality of cleats, each cleat having a head with a shank extending therefrom, the head having a first diameter and at least one cleat projection extending therefrom; a plurality of traction members, one fraction member being operatively associated with each cleat, each traction member including a base including a first surface, a spaced second surface, and a hole extending between the surfaces, the hole has a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, the first surface having a plurality of base projections extending therefrom at spaced locations, wherein upon disposing the shank through the hole and connecting the shank to the receptacle bore, the cleat head fixedly couples the traction members to the outsole.

21. The traction assembly of claim 1 , wherein the proj ections circumferentially surround the hole.

22. The fraction member of claim 10, wherein the base projections are located around the first and second holes.

23. The fraction member of claim 22, wherein at least one base projection is located between the first and second holes.