WO2010016854A1 - Personal traction device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a personal traction device that includes a traction mechanism that is very comfortable underfoot, while providing excellent traction over slippery surfaces as well as excellent long-term wear.

Description

PERSONAL TRACTION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention pertains to personal traction devices that can be worn over footwear such as shoes or boots so that traction mechanisms extend over the sole of the shoe for increasing the traction of the sole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There are many versions of personal traction devices that can be mounted to shoes, boots, or the like for increasing traction when walking on ice or snow-covered surfaces.

[0003] Such devices often include stretchable mounting straps that are configured to grasp the toe and heel portions of the boot. The traction mechanisms are connected to the straps and may be in the form of chains, flexible material with embedded metal studs, or other material with roughened or irregular surfaces that extend across the sole of the boot, usually in the vicinity of the sole that underlies the heel and metatarsal portion of the foot. [0004] A number of factors must be considered when designing such traction devices. For example, some mechanisms that provide very good traction, such as outwardly projecting metal spikes, may suffer from rapid wear or be uncomfortable to walk on for a length of time, especially when one is in an environment where the walking surface may change between dry, hard surfaces and icy or snow-packed surfaces. Also, it is difficult to durably mount metallic members, such as spikes or studs, to a flexible cross strap or the like. To this end, some designs provide for replacing dislodged or worn spikes, which necessarily increases the cost and complexity of the device.

[0005] Some mechanisms that extend across the sole of the shoe or boot, such as relatively low-profile chains or coiled spring-like members may be more comfortable to the user, but they typically have less aggressive traction characteristics. [0006] The present invention is directed to a personal traction device that provides a traction mechanism that is very comfortable underfoot, while providing excellent traction over slippery surfaces as well as excellent long-term wear. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a personal traction device in accord with the present invention shown mounted to a boot.

[0008] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a forward or toe assembly component of the personal traction device.

[0009] Fig. 3 is a plan view of a rear or heel assembly component of the personal traction device.

[0010] Fig. 4 is a perspective, enlarged view of an exemplary cleat component of the personal traction device. [0011] Fig. 6 shows in side view a portion of a traction device.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Fig 1 illustrates the traction device 20 mounted to a boot 22. A generally ring- shaped elastomeric member 24 is stretched around the boot, above the sole of the boot. The elastic properties of that member 24, as well as the friction between the member and the boot, secure that member in place.

[0013] The elastomeric member 24 is formed with several downwardly projecting tabs 26. Each tab 26 is formed with an aperture for receiving a connector link 28 of a cable assembly 30, 32 that extends across the sole (underside) of the shoe as described more fully below.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the forward or toe cable assembly 30 of the personal traction device. This assembly comprises a single length of stainless wire rope 34, shown in dashed lines, and preferably having a 0.0625-inch (1.6 mm) diameter. The ends of the rope 34 are overlapped and fastened by a crimp 36.

[0015] Crimps 38 are also applied in two places near the forward part of the rope to define two spaced-apart, forward connector loops 40 in the rope. Each of these loops is captured by one of the above mentioned connector links 28 that extend from each tab 26 of the elastomeric member 24.

[0016] Similarly, crimps 42 are applied in two places near the rearward part of the rope to define two spaced-apart, reward connector loops 44 in the rope. Each of these loops is also captured by a connector links 28 that extend from a tab 26 of the elastomeric member

24.

[0017] With continued reference to Fig. 2, the overall wire rope 34 can be considered as having four segments, each segment extending between a connector loop. For example, a transverse segment 46 of the assembly extends between the forward connector loops 40. Another transverse segment 46 extends between the rearward connector loops

42. A lengthwise segment 48 extends between a forward connector loop 40 and rearward loop 44 on each side of the assembly.

[0018] As seen in Fig. 2, the segments are arranged in a generally trapezoidal shape, with the two lengthwise segments extending along, but not parallel to, the long centerline

50 of the assembly (that centerline corresponding to the centerline of the boot to which the assembly is attached). The two transverse segments 46 extend generally across and perpendicular to that centerline 50.

[0019] Each segment of the wire rope 34 is strung or threaded with cleats 52 and spacers 70 such that a spacer 70 is located between each cleat 52. Figs. 4 and 5 respectively illustrate in enlarged perspective and end views the details of an exemplary cleat 52 made in accordance with the present invention.

[0020] In particular, each cleat 52 is formed of durable metal, such as stainless steel, and is generally cross-shaped. The cleat includes a round through-passage 54 having a diameter (eg, 0.0781 inches or 2.0 mm) that is slightly larger than that of the wire rope that slides through the passage. Accordingly, the threaded cleat is free to rotate about the rope 34.

[0021] The cross-shaped cleat 52 defines several edges where two radially outward surfaces meet. For example, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a first edge 56 of the cleat is defined by the junction of the two surfaces shown at 58 and 60. Another such edge 56' is defined by the junction of the two other surfaces shown at 58' and 60.' It is noteworthy that this pair of first edges 56, 56' are parallel to one another and reside in a common plane, which is indicated by the "ground" line 62 in Fig. 5.

[0022] The cleat 52 is symmetrical about its center. Accordingly, a pair of second edges 64, 64' matching but opposite to the first pair 56, 56' are defined on the opposing side of the cleat. Those edges 64, 64' are respectively defined by the junctions of surfaces 74, 76 and 74', 76' and likewise disposed in a common plane, which is shown by the "sole" line 66 in Fig. 5. Plane 66 is parallel to the opposing plane 62. [0023] The configuration of the first set of edges 56, 56' as shown in Fig. 5, orients those edges to be pointing downwardly in the direction as shown by arrows "D" in Fig. 5. In this regard, a line that bifurcates the angle between the two surfaces that form the edge 56, 56' is aligned with the direction that the edge is "pointing." Thus, in Fig. 5 the edges 56, 56' are pointing in the downwardly direction "D," normal to the plane 62. [0024] On the opposite side of the cleat 52, the second set of edges 64, 64' as shown in Fig. 5 are oriented so that those edges are pointing upwardly as indicated by arrows "U" in Fig. 5, perpendicular to the plane 66 in which the edges are disposed. [0025] Considering further the cleat shown in Fig. 5, the lower or ground plane 62 may be considered the surface (such as an ice-covered walkway) upon which the cleat 52 bears when fastened to the sole of a boot as shown in Fig. 1. The opposing plane 66, in this instance, corresponds to the underside or sole of the boot 22.

[0026] Consequently, all of the cleats of the device, when pressed between the sole 66 and ground surface 62 by the weight of the wearer, will have a downwardly pointing pair of sharp edges forced into the icy surface for providing excellent traction. In this regard, the configuration of the cleat (as described above) is such that when pressed between two planes (Fig. 5) it will assume a stable equilibrium position. Specifically, the cleat rotates about the rope 24 by an amount sufficient to direct a pair of edges to rest upon or point to the lower surface, and an opposing pair of edges points to or engages the surface of the upper plane.

[0027] In one embodiment, the outermost radial surfaces of the cleat, such as surface 60' is formed to be slightly arched or convexly curved, which curvature may enhance the tendency of the cleat to arrive at its stable equilibrium orientation just discussed. It is contemplated, however, that such surfaces could also be flat, and the cleat would still move to its stable equilibrium orientation (Fig. 5) when pressed between two generally parallel planes. [0028] As noted, the cleat is symmetrical so that the cleat shown in Fig. 5 will assume a stable equilibrium orientation at any one of four different positions. That is, the cleat will assume a stable equilibrium orientation when rotated by any integer multiple of 90 degrees beyond what is shown in Fig. 5. Put another way, a third pair of edges 80, 80' and opposing fourth pair of edges 82, 82' are formed in the cleat 52 to function in the same manner as the above-discussed first and second edge pairs in instances where the cleat happens to be rotated 90 degrees from the orientation shown in Fig. 5. [0029] It is noteworthy that the effect of the upwardly pointing edges of the cleat (edges 64 and 64' in Fig. 5), in addition to helping to stabilize the cleat in the position where the opposing edges point directly into the slippery surface 62, is to provide cutting edges pointed toward the underside of the shoe. These edges tend to shear through ice, snow and other debris that may on occasion move between the cleat and the sole. In this regard, the upwardly pointing cleat edges provide a self-cleaning action for preventing unwanted buildup of material on the device.

[0030] Although the cleat shown in the figures has inner corners defining a 90-degree angle, it is contemplated that those corners could also be formed as concave curves, as shown by the dashed lines 88 in Fig. 5.

[0031] The opposing end faces 90 of the cleat are flat and reside in planes perpendicular to the long axis of the passage 54 in the cleat. It will be appreciated that where the end surfaces 90 join the edges (such as edges 56' or 64' shown in Fig. 4) there is defined a relatively sharp point 92 in the cleat. Consequently, each end of the cleat has associated with it eight sharp points 92. The wire rope upon which the cleats are carried is free to bend slightly to accommodate irregular surfaces, walking motions etc. Consequently, the numerous sharp points 92 of the cleat will dig into the icy surface for enhancing traction, preventing sliding and otherwise supplement the traction provided by the edges discussed above.

[0032] The spacers 70 mentioned above (See figs 1, 2 and 6) are hollow, cylindrical members, preferably made of stainless steel. As shown in Fig. 6, the other diameter of the spacers is significantly less that the maximum cross sectional width of the cleats 52. As a result, the numerous sharp points 92 of the cleats are exposed (for supplementing traction) be a degree much greater than would be the case if the cleats were threaded adjacent to one another with no such spacers.

[0033] Fig. 3 shows in plan view the rearward or heel cable assembly 32 of the personal traction device. This assembly comprises a single length of stainless wire rope 94, having a 0.0625-inch (1.6 mm) diameter and shown in dashed lines. The ends of the rope 94 are fastened by a crimp 96. This assembly includes alternating cleats 52 and spacers 70 configured and arranged as described above in connection with the toe cable assembly 30.

[0034] Apex loops 98 are threaded onto the wire rope at each of three corners of the triangular-shaped heel assembly. Alternatively, crimps could be used instead of or in addition to these loops to define and stabilize the shape of the assembly. Each of the apex loops 98 is captured by a corresponding connector link 28 that extends from each tab 26 of the elastomeric member 24.

[0035] With continued reference to Fig. 3, the overall wire rope 94 can be considered as having three segments, each segment extending between an apex loop 98. For example, a transverse segment 100 of the assembly extends between the two forward apex loops.

[0036] The embodiment illustrated is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use, and thereby enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. Modifications may, therefore, be made to the preferred embodiment while still falling within the scope of the claims. For example each assembly could be modified to have more or fewer segments, or arranged in patterns other than the trapezoidal or triangular ones depicted here. Also, the tabs depending from the mounting strap may be equipped with rivets that capture one or more links for attachment to the loops on the wire rope. Such links may be bent or otherwise arranged so that the tab-to-wire rope connection rides smoothly over the boot.

Claims

1. A personal traction device that is attachable to footwear such as a shoe or boot, comprising: an elastomeric member; a cable assembly connected to the elastomeric and having two or more elongated segments; a plurality of cleats carried on each segment; each cleat including: a passage through which fits a segment so that the cleat is rotatably carried thereon; a first pair of parallel edges disposed in a first plane, the edges pointing in a first direction; a second pair of parallel edges disposed in a second plane that is substantially parallel to the first plane, the edges of the second pair pointing in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein each cleat further comprises: a third pair of parallel edges disposed in a third plane, the edges of the third pair pointing in a third direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a fourth pair of parallel edges disposed in a fourth plane that is substantially parallel to the third plane, the edges of the second pair pointing in a second direction that is opposite to the third direction.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the cleat is cross-shaped and the passage is centered in the cross shape.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the radially outermost surfaces of each cleat are arched.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the pair of first edges are joined by a concave surface.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising spacers threaded on at least one segment and located between each cleat.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the spacers are cylindrical and extend from the segment by a distance that is less than the maximum distance that a cleat extends from the segment.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the segments are arranged to define a substantially trapezoidal shape.

9. The device of claim 9 wherein the segments are arranged to define in addition to the trapezoidal shape a substantially triangular shape.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the cleats are made of stainless steel.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein each cleat has flat, parallel opposing end surfaces.