WO2002005673A1

WO2002005673A1 - Footwear traction device

Info

Publication number: WO2002005673A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2001/000147
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin Gregory Horne; Dorothy Eileen Horne
Original assignee: Coldotz Enterprises Limited
Priority date: 2000-07-19
Filing date: 2001-07-19
Publication date: 2002-01-24
Also published as: AU2001280309A1

Abstract

A traction device (1) for attachment to the sole of footwear for added traction, the device comprising a base (2) with at least one projecting traction member extending from one side of the base to form a substantially L-shaped cross section, the traction member (1) having at least two tooth-shaped end portions (4). The invention further includes a traction device assembly having a plurality of spaced apart devices arranged adjacent the perimeter of the sole of footwear.

Description

"Footwear Traction Device"

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to traction devices for footwear such as boots, shoes and the like, or for an object or platform requiring stability.

BACKGROUND ART

Conventional methods of increasing the traction on the sole of a shoe or boot, particularly with mountaineers walking on ice or with tree loggers climbing up or over trees, have generally been with crampons fitted or secured to the soles of boots. These crampons are fastened to a boot using straps or elastic. A disadvantage with this design is that the fastening system generally includes a strapping arrangement that passes about the outside of the boot. This arrangement can be cumbersome by a user having to secure a standard boot into and out of the crampons with each day or period of use, and requiring such a strap on arrangement to be properly fastened to ensure the crampons stay in place and work effectively. This type of traction arrangement can be an irritation to a user. Further, it can cause inconvenience by the straps needing to be periodically adjusted. Wear on the straps can also result in needing to replace them frequently.

Some strap-on traction devices include a base section corresponding with the size of the sole of a boot, and into which a boot is secured. A disadvantage with this method is that it creates a rigid sole that can be uncomfortable to a user and may not provide a level of stability that would be obtained if the crampons were directed attached to the sole of a boot.

Another type of boot traction device that does not have straps are sprigs or cleats screwable into the soul of a boot. Sprigs are generally of a cylindrical shape with a tapered end and are used for golf and other field sports played on soft ground. However, these cleats are not suitable for applications requiring better traction such as on ice or wood.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a traction device and/or traction assembly that overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided a traction device for attachment to the sole of footwear for added traction, the device including a base with at least one projecting traction member, the traction member extending from one side of the base to form a substantially L-shaped cross section, the traction member having at least two tooth-shaped end portions.

Preferably a traction device includes a base with at least two projecting traction members, one traction member extending from one side of the base and the other said traction member extending from the opposite side of the base from the one said traction member to form a substantially U-shaped cross section, each traction member having at least two tooth-shaped end portions.

Preferably the traction device further comprises means to fasten the device to the sole surface of footwear wherein the base is substantially planar, and being provided with at least one aperture through which, in use, fasteners releasably attach the device to the sole of said footwear. Desirably the traction members extend substantially at right angles from the base, the base being substantially planar.

Preferably the at least two tooth-shaped end portions have a tooth angle A of between 10 and 140 degrees. Desirably the tooth angle A is 90 degrees. Advantageously at least one side of the tooth-shaped end portion is tapered in the area adjacent the peak of each tooth.

Preferably each traction member is provided with four said tooth-shaped end portions. Preferably the four tooth-shaped end portions are configured and arranged in a row, the row of tooth-shaped end portions of the one traction member being substantially parallel to an opposing row of tooth-shaped end portions of the other traction member.

Desirably the device is made of a durable and resilient material such as, for example, steel. Preferably the tooth-shaped end portions are hardened stainless steel. Alternatively the device is made of hardened stainless steel.

Desirably the fastening means includes at least three spaced apart apertures in the base, each aperture having a corresponding screw, in use, suitable to fasten the device to the sole of said footwear having a sufficient thickness to receive the screws.

Preferably at least three apertures have annular protrusions that project from the underside of the base and, in use, will locate in recesses in the sole of footwear or press into the soft sole of footwear when fastened.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly of traction devices on the sole of footwear, the assembly including a plurality of devices according to any one of the preceding claims configured and arranged on the sole of said footwear to provide traction in a variety of orientations.

Preferably four to ten devices are arranged about the sole of said footwear. Desirably the assembly has eight devices are arranged adjacent the perimeter of the sole, five of the devices being equi-distant about the toe end of the sole and three devices being equidistant about the heel end of the sole, and wherein no devices are assembled on the mid section of the sole between the heel end and the toe end where the sole flexes when the footwear is being used.

Alternatively the assembly has ten devices are arranged adjacent the perimeter of the sole, five of the devices being equi-distant about the toe end of the sole and three devices being equi-distant about the heel end of the sole, and two devices are assembled side by side on the mid section of the sole between the heel end and the toe end.

Advantageously the rows of tooth-shaped end portions on each device are aligned in parallel with the periphery or edge of the sole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1: illustrates a plan view of a traction device 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2: illustrates a end view of the traction device 1 of figure 1;

Figure 3: illustrates an side view of the traction device 1 of figure 1;

Figure 4: illustrates a perspective view of the traction device 1 of figure 1 along with a screw 6 as a fastening means;

Figure 5: illustrates an end view of a traction device 10 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 6: illustrates a perspective view of a traction device 15 according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 7: illustrates the sole of a boot with traction devices 1 fastened in a traction device assembly according to a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to figures 1 to 4, a traction device, generally referred to as 1, is illustrated.

The device 1 is made of any suitable durable and resilient material that can withstand compression forces between the sole of footwear and a hard ground surface. A suitable material includes a metal or an alloy. Preferably the metal is stainless steel.

Advantageously the device 1 is comprised of a steel alloy in the form of stainless steel. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant and it is desirable to have a material that is corrosion resistant as the main application of the device 1 is on terrain that is either wet or damp. Desirably the stainless steel includes a sufficient percentage by weight of chromium. The device 1 can alternatively be hardened steel.

Advantageously the device 1 may be cut from a piece of flat steel sheet metal plate of a suitable thickness, and the shape pressed or stamped by suitable means to fabricate the device 1. In one preferred embodiment, the thickness of the stainless steel is sufficient to enable such stamping and shaping the device 1, as required, and is desirably about 1.6 millimetres.

The device 1 includes a base 2 and at least two projecting traction members 3. Preferably the traction members 3 extend from opposite sides of the base 2 to form a substantially U- shaped cross section, as seen clearly in figure 2 and figure 4. Desirably the traction members 3 extend at substantially a right angle or perpendicular from the base 2, the base being substantially planar.

It will be appreciated that the device may function with one or more projecting members at one side of the base 2, and that in the preferred embodiment two rows of two projecting members are described. It will be appreciated that two rows of projecting members as seen will offer slightly more traction than one row.

The traction members 3 are advantageously triangular shaped in the form of tooth-shaped end portions 4. It is seen that the peaks of the tooth-shaped end portions 4 provide excellent traction properties, particularly when incorporated in the preferred arrangement according to an aspect of the invention. The tooth-shaped end portions 4 are considered to be particularly suitable in the logging industry for improved traction on surfaces such as felled trees and peeled logs.

Each traction member 3 may be provided with at least two tooth-shaped end portions. In the preferred embodiment shown, each traction member 3 is provided with four tooth- shaped end portions 4. The angle A of the teeth can be at any sufficient angle to provide traction and can be between 10 and 140 degrees. In this preferred embodiment the tooth- shaped end portions 4 are preferably at an angle A of 90 degrees.

As seen more clearly in figure 3, the tooth-shaped end portions 4 may further enhance the traction abilities of the device 1 with tapered sections 4a from the traction member 3 to the tip or peak of at least one tooth-shaped end portion 4. The tapered section 4a may be provided on one side or both sides of the tooth-shaped end portion 4. The tapered sections 4a are considered to provide a sharper point or tip for added traction on slippery surfaces such as on freshly peeled bark from logs.

The material of the device 1 can be a high quality stainless steel that is desirably fully hardened by immersing in an oil bath at a sufficient temperature and then suitably quenched or cooled. Alternatively the stainless steel may be of a non hardened type and the tooth-shaped end portions 4 hardened by using a gas flame at a suitable heat and then cooled, or hardened by any other known hardening process. The tooth-shaped end portions 4 may be tungsten tipped for added hardness and durability.

It will be appreciated that as the device 1 includes tooth-shaped end portions 4 it can be used for any application requiring traction of the object to which the device 1 is fastened. For example, a user may require an object to be temporarily stuck to wood or a tree. A user can fasten the device 1 to the object, say a timber beam stretched across a space, and then applying force to secure the beam to solid timber at either side of the space.

The base 2 is desirably in the form of a substantially flat or planar surface. The base 2 is provided with fastening means, in use, to allow attachment of the device 1 to the sole or underside of footwear such as, for example, a boot or shoe. The fastening means desirably releasably attaches the device 1 to the footwear for the added advantage of being able to replace worn devices 1 on the sole of footwear or to allow devices 1 to be rotated about the sole of the footwear for even wear, or otherwise.

The fastening means desirably includes at least one, but more desirably five apertures 5 in the base 2 to accommodate screws 6 (as also seen in a fastened position in figure 7) that may, in use, be used to fasten the device 1 to a sole 21 of a boot or shoe 22. The lengths of the screws 6 are sufficient to securely attach the device 1. Alternatively, bolts or rivets or a combination, or other known fastening means, can be expediently used. It is envisaged that some devices 1 may be bolted and other faster wearing devices 1 are releasably attached by screws 23.

The apertures 5 are desirably pressed by any known method to form annular protrusions

7. The annular protrusions 7 are desirably about 1 to 2 millimetres in depth and allow the heads of screws 6 to bear against the inside annular surface of the protrusion 7 and be flush with the top surface of the base 2 (as seen in figure 7). This is advantageous as a flush top surface of the base 2 allows, in use, any debris and soil to pass through the inside section of the device 1 without clogging the underside of the boots or shoe 22. Also, the protrusion 7 may locate in recesses in the sole 21, or create a recess in a soft sole 21, to increase the stability of the device 1 when in use.

Referring to figure 5, a traction device, generally referred to as 10, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

This alternative embodiment illustrates two U-shaped traction elements 11, 12 fastened together to form four substantially parallel rows of tooth-shaped end portions 13 for added traction. The apertures 14 allow fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets and the like or a combination thereof to secure the device 10 to the sole of footwear.

The traction element 11 is similar to device 1 and the traction element 12 is shaped to fit within element 11 such as to allow a sufficient distance between the four rows of tooth- shaped end portions 13.

Referring to figure 6, a traction device, generally referred to as 15, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

The device 15 is similar in many respects to the device 1 and features of the device 15 therefore do not need to be repeated. The illustrated device 15 is seen to conform with the device 1 in respect of the base 16 comparing with the base 2 and the projecting traction member 17 comparing with the traction member 3.

As seen, the traction member 17 extends from the base 2 to form a substantially L-shaped cross section. Desirably the traction member 17 extends at substantially a right angle from the base 16. The traction member 17 are advantageously triangular shaped in the form of tooth-shaped end portions 18. It is seen that the peaks of the tooth-shaped end portions 18 provide excellent traction properties. The traction member 17 may be provided with at least two tooth-shaped end portions 18, and in this embodiment is provided with four tooth-shaped end portions 18.

Referring now to figure 7, a preferred traction device assembly 20 of traction devices 1 according to the preferred embodiment on the sole 21 of a boot_N22, is illustrated.

It will be appreciated with the fastening means that one or more apertures 5 and corresponding screws 23 in the base 2 can be used. In this embodiment five apertures 5 in a spaced apart arrangement with corresponding screws 23 are desirably provided. The screws 23 can desirably be about 25 millimetres in length for heavy duty applications. It will also be appreciated that five screws in the base 2 can provide a more secure attachment to a sole 21 than two, three or four screws.

The assembly 20 shows ten devices 1 configured and arranged in a variety of desirable orientations to achieve traction when a boot user walks on a variety of terrain, such as along felled logs or in slushy ground conditions. As the devices 1 are arranged at a variety of orientations to set the rows of tooth-shaped end portions 4 in a number of strategic alignments relative to the direction of travel of a user and the alignment of the user's foot. It is seen that a high degree of traction is provided by the devices 1 in any one position on a piece of terrain, such as walking across, up and sideways.

The preferred traction device assembly shown with reference to figure 5 has ten devices 1 arranged adjacent the perimeter of the sole 21, five of the devices being equi-distant about the toe end B of the sole and three devices 1 being equi-distant about the heel end C of the sole, and two devices are assembled side by side on the mid section D of the sole between the heel end and the toe end. Alternatively, there may be no devices on the mid section D in applications where maximum flexion in the mid section D may be required.

It will be appreciated that an advantage with these devices 1 is that they are replaceable on a boot, and it is envisaged that some devices may need to be replaced more than other devices on the sole 21. It is envisaged that a user may wish to remove the devices 1 for re- attachment on another pair of boots.

It will further be appreciated that the assembly 20 can alternatively include the devices 10 or devices 15 or a combination of devices 1, 10, 15.

As any one of the devices 1 in the arrangement on the sole 21 can be replaced,\ it is envisaged they can be supplied in large quantities so that the devices 1 on a sole 21 can be periodically replaced as required, or rotated or switched about the sole for even wear.

This embodiment of the invention shows that the devices 1 do not need to be permanently attached to the sole 21 and that they can be removably attached if desired. These devices 1 can also be arranged similarly on both the shoes or boots of a user or be arranged in different configurations as required.

It is envisaged according to an alternative embodiment of the invention that the device may include a base with one row of projecting teeth at one side of the base. Then two of these devices may be aligned together along the edge of the base opposite the projecting members and a connecting plate be placed over the base. Fastening members may then attach the plate and respective bases to the sole of a boot or shoe or other such platform.

It is also envisaged with the scope of the invention that the devices 1 may be integrated with the sole of footwear such that the devices 1 may not releasably attachable but be permanently part of the sole. It is also envisaged that a sole may be moulded to accommodate a desirable arrangement of eight or ten devices about the perimeter of the sole.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught herein.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What we Claim is:

1. A traction device for attachment to the sole of footwear for added traction, the device including a base with at least one projecting traction member, the traction member extending from one side of the base to form a substantially L-shaped cross section, the traction member having at least two tooth-shaped end portions.

2. A traction device according to claim 1 wherein the device includes a base with at least two projecting traction members, one traction member extending from one side of the base and the other said traction member extending from the opposite side of the base from the one said traction member to form a substantially U- shaped cross section, each traction member having at least two tooth-shaped end portions.

3. A traction device according to either claim 1 or claim 2 further including means to fasten the device to the sole surface of footwear wherein the base is substantially planar, and being provided with at least one aperture through which, in use, fasteners releasably attach the device to the sole of said footwear.

4. A traction device according to claim 1 wherein the traction members extend substantially at right angles from the base, the base being substantially planar.

5. A traction device according to claim 1 wherein the at least two tooth-shaped end portions have a tooth angle A of between 10 and 140 degrees.

6. A traction device according to claim 5 wherein the tooth angle A is 90 degrees.

7. A traction device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one side of the tooth-shaped end portion is tapered in the area adjacent the peak of each tooth.

8. A traction device according to claim 1 wherein each traction member is provided with four said tooth-shaped end portions.

9. A traction device according to claim 8 wherein the four tooth-shaped end portions are configured and arranged in a row, the row of tooth-shaped end portions of the one traction member being substantially parallel to an opposing row of tooth- shaped end portions of the other traction member.

10. A traction device according to claim 1 wherein the device is made of a durable and resilient material such as, for example, steel.

11. A traction device according to claim 1 wherein the tooth-shaped end portions are hardened.

12. A traction device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the device is made of hardened stainless steel.

13. A traction device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the fastening means includes at least three spaced apart apertures in the base, each aperture having a corresponding screw, in use, suitable to fasten the device to the sole of said footwear having a sufficient thickness to receive the screws.

14. A traction device according to claim 13 wherein the at least three apertures have annular protrusions that project from the underside of the base and, in use, will locate in recesses in the sole of footwear or press into the soft sole of footwear when fastened.

15. A traction device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least four projecting traction members are provided, two traction members extending from one side of each respective base and the two other said traction member extending from the opposite side of each respective base to form two substantially U-shaped cross sections, said U-shaped cross sections adjoining adjacent respective said bases, and wherein each said traction member having at least two tooth-shaped end portions.

16. An assembly of traction devices on the sole of footwear, the assembly including a plurality of devices according to any one of the preceding claims configured and arranged on the sole of said footwear to provide traction in a variety of orientations.

17. An assembly according to claim 16 wherein four to ten devices are arranged about the sole of said footwear.

18. An assembly according to claim 16 wherein the assembly has eight devices are arranged adjacent the perimeter of the sole, five of the devices being equi-distant about the toe end of the sole and three devices being equi-distant about the heel end of the sole, and wherein no devices are assembled on the mid section of the sole between the heel end and the toe end where the sole flexes when the footwear is being used.

19. An assembly according to claim 16 wherein the assembly has ten devices are arranged adjacent the perimeter of the sole, five of the devices being equi-distant about the toe end of the sole and three devices being equi-distant about the heel end of the sole, and two devices are assembled side by side on the mid section of the sole between the heel end and the toe end.

20. An assembly according to any one of claims 16 to 19 wherein the rows of tooth- shaped end portions on each device are aligned in parallel with the periphery or edge of the sole.

21. A traction device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. A traction assembly substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.