WO2024098044A2

WO2024098044A2 - Footwear traction device, traction elements, elastomeric binding members, and methods of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2024098044A2
Application number: PCT/US2023/078756
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brad LEVER; Christopher Bunch; Nico FRANCIS
Original assignee: Kahtoola, Inc.
Priority date: 2022-11-03
Filing date: 2023-11-03
Publication date: 2024-05-10
Also published as: WO2024098044A3

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed toward a device that can be worn over footwear to provide traction, such as on slick or slippery surfaces, in snow, or on ice.

Description

FOOTWEAR TRACTION DEVICE, TRACTION ELEMENTS, ELASTOMERIC BINDING MEMBERS, AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME FIELD OF INVENTION [0067] The present disclosure generally concerns footwear or footwear accessory devices, systems, and methods for improving traction. BACKGROUND [0068] Many attempts have been made to create devices that can be worn over footwear to help provide traction on slick or slippery surfaces, in snow, or on ice. Such footwear traction devices are bulky underneath the foot, provide limited traction, are uncomfortable during use, do not stay in place on the footwear, are heavy; and/or provide insufficient durability. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0069] The present disclosure is directed toward a device that can be worn over footwear to provide traction, such as on slick or slippery surfaces, in snow, or on ice. Described embodiments include footwear accessory devices comprising at least one cleat that provides traction with scalloped sides in a trapezoidal shape configured to gain better traction in loose snow or ice. Additionally, described embodiments include a traction member for the underside of the foot comprising a transverse centrally located traction ridge element that is shaped to direct ice to a nearby cleat, thereby interrupting slipping. Still other embodiments comprise a fastening mechanism between the traction member(s) and a binding member that shields the binding member from abrasion during use. And other embodiments comprise a binding member manufactured in a flat configuration that is configured to twist to fit around the heel of the footwear with more uniform tension as compared to prior art binding members. Yet another embodiment can comprise an integrally formed traction base (also referred to herein as a traction member) with two traction plates connected at two stirrups allowing the two plates to be moveable relative to each other. [0070] One aspect of the disclosure is a traction base comprising one or more stirrups with a distal end that comprises a surface, such as a planar surface, defining an aperture there-through (referred to herein as a washer or grommet) that can serve as a shield to the binding member at the location of contact. In an embodiment, the distal end of the stirrup contacts an outward facing surface of the binding member such that an aperture on the binding member overlaps with the aperture of the stirrup to form a more durable connection to the binding member. At the toe box, 1 DMSLIBRARY01\24905\105001\35536531.v2-12/1/19 the distal end of the stirrup can alternatively contact an inward facing surface of the binding member such that an aperture on the binding member overlaps with the aperture of the stirrup allowing for a more comfortable user experience. A rivet can be used to fasten the distal end of the stirrup to the binding member. [0071] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a footwear traction device comprising a traction base configured to be on the underside of the footwear and having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the traction base comprising one or more cleats to contact the ground during use, each with a cross- sectional shape that is a trapezoidal with concave sides and chamfered corners. In embodiments, one, more, or all of the cleats are oriented such that the four concave sides face forward, laterally outward, inward, and backward, respectively during use, wherein the forward facing side of the cleat has a different length than the backward facing side of the cleat. In some embodiment, the traction base is configured to comprise a pair of front cleats closer to the toe end of the footwear and a rear pair of cleats closer to the heel of the footwear, wherein the forward facing concave side of both front cleats has a shorter length than the backward facing concave side of both front cleats and wherein the forward facing concave side of both rear cleats has a longer length than the backward facing concave side of both rear cleats. In a further embodiment, all the cleats under the forefoot, such as 4-6 cleats, have the same shape and orientation of the front cleats and all the cleats under the hind foot, such as 2-6 cleats, have the same shape and orientation of the rear cleats. [0072] Yet another aspect of the disclosure is a footwear traction device comprising a traction base configured to be on the underside of the footwear and having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a periphery extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, the traction base comprising a pair of cleats located on the bottom surface and spaced apart from each other and further comprising a transverse centrally-located traction elongated element that is configured to direct ice to one of the nearby, laterally-located cleats, thereby interrupting slipping. The elongated traction element extends transversely to the direction of motion by the wearer and is predominantly located in the space that is interior to the pair of cleats, which have a common transverse midline or stated another way, are laterally opposite each other. To expand the ability of the cleats to prevent slipping the elongated element is not directly between the pairs but is either slightly more forward or rearward of the pair of cleats. In other words, the transverse elongated element is predominantly not located between the pair of cleats. The elongated traction element can comprise an arched and/or angled portion that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward (or vice versa); wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse (or lateral) length greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, of the distance between the front pair. In addition, the arched and/or angled portion occupies a width greater than 20% and less than 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, of the width of a cleat. The one or more elongated traction element can further comprise an end section that extends from each end of the arched and/or angled portion at an angle between 90 and 150 degrees of the tangent, wherein the end section has a length between 8% and 35% of the occupied transverse length of arched and/or angled portion of the traction element. [0073] Still another aspect of the disclosure is a footwear traction device comprising a traction base that comprises two traction plates that are integrally formed. The first traction plate comprises a left and a right lateral stirrup and the second traction plate comprises a left and a right lateral stirrup, wherein the stirrups are configured to couple to a binding member configured to go around the footwear and be in contact with the footwear upper, wherein a left lateral stirrup of the first plate and the left lateral stirrup of the second plate are coupled to have a common distal end, which is configured to couple to a coupling site on the binding member and wherein a right lateral stirrup of the first plate and the right lateral stirrup of the second plate are coupled to have a common distal end, which is configured to couple to a coupling site on the binding member. As the plates and stirrups are composed of a polymeric material that is bendable, this configuration allows the two integrally formed plates to move relative to each other. In an embodiment, each common distal end defines an aperture and comprises a planar surface that contacts the coupling site of the binding member such that an aperture of the distal end overlaps with an aperture of the coupling site. [0074] Still another aspect of the disclosure is a footwear traction device comprising a traction base that couples to a binding member by way of a washer-like member or otherwise planar member with an aperture there-through that contacts the outward facing surface of the binding member such that an aperture on the coupling site of the binding member overlaps with the aperture of the washer-like/planar member, thereby allowing the washer-like/planar member to function as an abrasion shield to the binding member that is composed of a softer material. The washer like/planar member can be the distal end of a stirrup or attached, via a second aperture, to the distal end of a chain that is coupled to a traction base or traction elements at its proximal end. A fastener maintains the connection between the washer-like/planar member and the binding member. In an embodiment, the fastener is a rivet. This shield function is particularly useful at coupling sites that are vertically oriented and more likely to contact elements of a rough terrain, such as lateral coupling sites and rear coupling sites. [0075] Lastly, another aspect of the disclosure is a footwear traction device comprising an elastomeric binding member configured to go around the footwear and be in contact with the footwear upper and a traction base configured to be disposed on the underside of the footwear during use, wherein the traction base is configured to be coupled to the elastomeric binding member at two rear coupling sites at the rear of the footwear during use, wherein the traction base is configured to be coupled to the elastomeric binding member at a left lateral coupling site and a right lateral coupling site, which are both forward of the rear coupling sites during use, wherein the elastomeric binding member is configured to have a flat configuration when not coupled to the traction device, wherein the elastomeric binding member has an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the inner edge is opposite the outer edge and defines a central opening, wherein the elastomeric binding member is configured to have a first end that would be adjacent a toe box of the footwear and a second end that would be adjacent the heel of the footwear during use, wherein the elastomeric binding member has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the elastomeric binding member is configured such that, when disposed around the footwear, the first side is adjacent the footwear, the second side is facing outward, the inner edge faces upward at the heel, and the outer edge faces downward at the heel; wherein the elastomeric binding member defines an elongated aperture located above and external to each of the two rear coupling sites on the elastomeric binding member; and where the elastomeric binding member is sized such that a ratio of smallest distances between the inner edge and the outer edge at a location between the two rear coupling sites and at a location between the rear coupling sites and the coupling sites forward of the rear coupling sites has a value between 0.5 and 1.5. The elastomeric binding member described herein will fit around the heel of the footwear with more uniform tension as compared to prior art binding members. [0076] The term “coupled” or “connected” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two items are “couplable” if they can be coupled to each other, and, when coupled, may still be characterized as “couplable.” Unless the context explicitly requires otherwise, items that are couplable are also decouplable, and vice-versa. One non-limiting way in which a first structure is couplable to a second structure is for the first structure to be configured to be coupled (or configured to be couplable) to the second structure. [0077] The terms “a” and “an” or other singular uses of terms in conjunction with having, comprising, including, or the like are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. [0078] The terms “approximately” and “about” are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and include wholly what is specified) as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the term “approximately,” or “about” may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what is specified, where the percentage includes 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 percent. [0079] The terms “substantially” and “predominantly” are defined as being largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and include wholly what is specified) as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the terms may be substituted with “within [a percentage] of” what is specified, where the percentage includes greater than 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% for “predominantly,” and greater than 90%, 95%, or 98% for “substantially”. [0080] The preposition “between,” when used to define a range of values (e.g., between x and y) means that the range includes the end points (e.g., x and y) of the given range and the values between the end points. [0081] The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, any of the present devices, systems, and methods that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, an element of a device, system, or method that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features. Additionally, terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to differentiate structures or features, and not to limit the different structures or features to a particular order. [0082] Furthermore, a structure that is capable of performing a function or that is configured in a certain way is capable or configured in at least that way, but may also be capable or configured in ways that are not listed. Metric units may be derived from the English units provided by applying a conversion and rounding to the nearest 0.1 millimeter. [0083] The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments. [0084] Any of the present devices, systems, and methods can consist of or consist essentially of—rather than comprise/include/contain/have—any of the described elements and/or features and/or steps. Thus, in any of the claims, the term “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb. [0085] Details associated with the embodiments described above and others are presented below. DRAWINGS [0086] FIG. 1 depicts an outward facing surface of an elastomeric binding member in accordance with the present disclosure in a flat configuration. [0087] FIG.2 depicts an outward facing surface of an elastomeric binding member of the prior art in a flat configuration. [0088] FIG. 3A depicts the ground-contacting side of a traction base in accordance with the present disclosure. [0089] FIG.3B depicts the shoe sole-contacting side of a traction base in accordance with the present disclosure. [0090] FIG.3C depicts a perspective view of the front/forefoot portion of the embodiment shown in FIG.3A. [0091] FIG.3D depicts a side view of the front/forefoot portion of the embodiment shown in FIG.3A. [0092] FIG.3E depicts a side view of the rear/hindfoot portion of the embodiment shown in FIG.3A. [0093] FIG. 4A depicts various footprints/cross-sectional shapes of an elongated traction element in accordance with the present disclosure. [0094] FIG. 4B depicts a top planar view of a cleat in accordance with the present disclosure. [0095] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a traction base shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B coupled at a single, lateral location to the elastomeric binding member shown in FIG.1. [0096] FIG.6 depicts a close-up view of the coupling site shown in FIG.5. [0097] FIG. 7A depicts a pre-construction, perspective, and close-up view of a traction base shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B coupled at a front location to the elastomeric binding member shown in FIG. 1. A rivet is shown prior to insertion and deformation to couple the base to the binding member. [0098] FIG.7B depicts a pre-construction, perspective, and close-up view of an alternative stirrup distal end and coupling mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure. [0099] FIG.8 is an illustration of a prior art device but it depicts how a traction device in accordance with the present disclosure would be worn over footwear during use. [0100] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section view of a traction base embodiment along a intersecting two front cleats, and includes an enlarged cross-section detail view of the cleat of the traction member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0101] FIG. 1 depicts a flat configuration of an embodiment of an elastomeric binding member 102 in accordance with a present invention. For the purpose of comparison, FIG.2 depicts an elastomeric binding member 102 of the prior art. The configuration of the binding member 102 in FIG.1 allows for more uniform tension of the binding member during use, particularly around the heel area, as compared to the configuration shown in FIG.2. (As can be appreciated from FIG. 8, the elastomeric binding member is configured to be worn around a footwear upper, contacting the lateral sides, heel, and the top part of toe box during use. Also appreciated from FIG.8 is that a traction-providing base is disposed on the underside of the footwear during use.) [0102] In accordance with the present disclosure, a footwear traction device configured to be disposed about footwear can comprise an elastomeric binding member (EBM) 102 as depicted in FIG. 1. The EBM 102 is configured to go around the footwear and be in contact with the footwear upper and coupled at one or more coupling sites (e.g., 103, 104, 105, and 106) to a traction base (such as that shown in FIGS.3A and 3B) that is configured to be disposed on the underside of the footwear during use. In particular, the traction base is configured to be coupled to the EBM at two rear coupling sites 103, which would be located at the rear of the footwear during use, and at a left lateral coupling site 104 and a right lateral coupling site 105, which are both located forward of the rear coupling sites 103 during use and would be located on lateral sides of the footwear during use. [0103] The EBM 102 is configured to have a flat configuration when not coupled to a traction base, which is how it is depicted in FIG.1. The EBM 102 has an outer edge 107 and an inner edge 108, wherein the inner edge is opposite the outer edge and defines a central opening 109. The EBM 102 is configured to have a first end 110 that would be adjacent the toe box of the footwear and a second end 111 that would be adjacent the heel of the footwear during use. The rear coupling sites 103 are closer to the second end 111 than the first end 110. In addition, the EBM 102 has a first side (not shown) and a second side 112 (depicted in FIG.1) opposite the first side, wherein the EBM is configured such that, when disposed around the footwear, the first side is adjacent (in other words, facing) the footwear, the second side 112 is facing outward, the inner edge 108 faces upward at the heel, and the outer edge 107 faces downward at the heel. [0104] To allow for more uniform tension in the rear portion of the EBM 102, the EBM 102 defines an aperture 113 located above and external to each of the two rear coupling sites 103 on the EBM. (External means away from vertical midline and in the case of what is depicted in FIG. 1, away from the longitudinal/bilateral axis A-A of the EBM.) The aperture 113 can be elongated (having a length greater than its width) and can be oriented such that it extends substantially lengthwise (along the longer dimension) in the direction that tension is applied to the EBM 102 during use. The aperture 113 can have a varied or tapering width, wherein that width is greater closer to the coupling site 103 and smaller at the end further from the coupling site 103. Notably, unlike the prior art device of FIG.2, in EBM 102 of FIG 1, between an aperture 130a of the rear coupling sites 103 and the second end inner edge 108 at the midline (as depicted, tab 114 configured for grasping is located here and comprises a portion of the inner edge 108 that extends into the central opening), the EBM 102 does not have an aperture. [0105] Another aspect that allows from more uniform tension in the rear portion is that the EBM 102 is sized such that a ratio of smallest distances between the inner edge 108 and the outer edge 107 at a location between the two rear coupling sites 103 and at a location between the rear coupling sites and the coupling sites 104, 105 forward of the rear coupling sites has a value between 0.5 and 1.5 or 0.7 to 1.3 or 0.8 to 1.2. In an embodiment, the smallest distance between the inner edge 108 and the outer edge 107 at a location between the two rear coupling sites 103 can be 0.5 to 0.9 inches. [0106] In embodiments, the EBM 102 is sized such that a ratio of a length between rear coupling sites 103 and a length between inner edge 108 and outer edge 107 at a midline of the tab is greater than 1.7 and less than 2.2, such as 1.8 to 2.1 or 2 to 2.2 or 1.7 to 2 or 1.9 to 2.1. In embodiments, the space between the two rear coupling site apertures is between 1.9 and 2.35 inches, such as 2.1 to 2.3 inches. In embodiments, the EBM 102 can also have a greatest distance between the inner edge 108 and the outer edge 107 between the two rear coupling sites 103 that is less than 1.6 inches or less than 1.5 inches or less than 1.4 inches or less than 1.3 inches. [0107] Elastomeric binding member can be an elastomeric polymeric material, such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or thermoplastic polyurethane, and can have a hardness in the range of about Shore A 25 to 65, such as Shore A 25 to 35 or 30 to 55 or 30 to 40 or 40 to 50 or 45 to 55, or within a similar range on a different scale. Trapezoidal Cleat [0108] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and FIG. 5 depict a traction base 101 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG.4B depicts a top plane view of an embodiment of a cleat 170 projecting from the surface 103 of a traction base 101 in accordance with the present disclosure. It is understood that the traction base 101 described herein could couple to any suitable binding member with coupling sites appropriatelu lccated not just the binding member described and depicted in FIG.1. [0109] As shown, traction base 101 can comprise one or more cleats 170. Each cleat 170 comprises a cross-sectional shape or footprint that has four concave sides 171 and chamfered corners 172, wherein each cleat is oriented such that the four concave sides face forward 171a, laterally outward 171c, inward 171d, and backward 171b, respectively during use, wherein the forward facing side 171a of the cleat 170 has a different length than the backward facing side 171b of the cleat (See FIG.4B). This difference in length can provide for a trapezoidal shape in some embodiments. In addition, the cleat 170 can comprise a stepped or sloping surface or otherwise comprises surface protrusion or edges configured to engage terrain during use. In the embodiment depicted, the cleat 170 comprieses a stepped surface, and more specifically, a two-tier stepped surface. Three, four, or five tier-stepped surfaces are also contemplated. Also, as shown, the cleat 170 can comprise a frusto-pyramid-like shape. [0110] Again with reference to FIG.4B, each of the traction bodies 130 comprise a cleat 170 and a spike 175 coupled to the cleat. The cleat 170 is coupled to and protruding from a surface (FIG.3A) of the traction base 101 that is opposite the surface (FIG.3B) that faces the underside of the footwear during use. In embodiments, the traction base 101 and the cleat 170 can be integrally formed. The cleat 170 is polymeric. [0111] In embodiment, the spike 175 that is coupled to cleat 170 comprises an anchoring base 176 (partially shown in FIG.4B, see FIG.9 for cross-sectional view) and a traction tip 177, wherein the anchoring base is wider than the traction tip 177 and the anchoring base 176 is held by the cleat 170. In an embodiment, the cleat 170 is molded around the anchoring base 176, thereby encapsulating a significant portion of the anchoring base. The spike 175 can be composed of a metal and/or carbide. In some embodiments, the anchoring base 176 is a metal, such as aluminum, and the traction tip 177 is carbide. In some embodiments, the traction tip 177 on the spike 175 has a concave or sunken surface such as that shown in FIG.4B. Specifically, the concave or sunken surface is such that the outer perimeter of the traction tip 177 is the initial surface of the spike 175 to touch the ground before a portion of the surface more interior to the perimeter (such as the centermost point) touches the ground. This structure has the advantages of increasing the initial pressure into the ground and forcing an edge to catch the surface immediately, thereby minimizing slippage of the spike (and nearly eliminating it altogether). [0112] As for the height of a traction body 130 (cleat 170 and spike 175), as measured from the surface 117 of the base 101 to the distal end 173 of the spike 175, it can have a height between 3 mm to 10 mm or 3 mm to 7 mm or 4 to 6 mm. The spike can add 0.25 to 1.0 or 0.5-2 mm to the height of the traction body 130. Thus, in some embodiments, the height of the cleat 170 can be 2.5 mm to 9.5 mm, such as 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm or or 3.5 mm to 4.0 mm or 3 mm to 5 mm or 4 mm to 6 mm or 5 mm to 7 mm or 6 mm to 8 mm. Configuration of Multiple Cleats [0113] In some embodiments, the traction base 101 is configured to comprise a pair of front cleats 170a, which would be closer to the toe end of the footwear during use, and a rear pair of cleats 170e, which would be closer to the heel of the footwear during use. The forward facing concave side of both front cleats 170a has a shorter length than the backward facing concave side of both front cleats and wherein the forward facing concave side of both rear cleats 170e has a longer length than the backward facing concave side of both rear cleats. [0114] In some embodiments, the traction base 101 comprises a forefoot portion, such as a first plate 201 comprising three pairs of cleats, namely, a front pair 170a, middle pair 170b, and a rear pair, 170c, wherein the cleats 170 of each pair 170a, 170b, 170c are laterally spaced apart a distance from each other and cleat pairs 170a, 170b, 170c are longitudinally space apart from each other. In further embodiments, the traction base 101 comprises a hindfoot portion, such as a second plate 202 comprising two pairs of cleats, namely, a front pair 170d and a rear pair 170e, wherein the cleats 170 of each pair 170d, 170e on the second plate 202 are spaced apart a distance from each other, and cleat pairs 170d, 170e are space apart from each other. [0115] In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 4B, the forward facing concave side 171a of each cleat 170 of the forefoot portion, such as a first plate 201 and has a shorter length than the backward facing concave side 171b of each cleat of the first plate. In contrast, each cleat of the hindfoot portion can have the reverse of this configuration. In other words, the forward facing concave side of each cleat 170 of the hindfoot portion, such as a second plate 202, and has a longer length than the backward facing concave side of each cleat of the second plate. Elongated Traction Element [0116] Another aspect of this disclosure is a footwear device with a pair of cleats, such as those described herein, located on the bottom surface with a spike that contacts the ground during use and a transverse, elongated, and centrally-located traction element that is configured to direct ice to one of the nearby, laterally-located cleats, thereby interrupting slipping. The traction base 101 depicted in FIG.3A comprises an embodiment of an elongated traction element 220. FIG.4A depicts various cross-sectional shapes or footprints of an elongated traction element 220. With reference to FIG.3A, the elongated traction element 220 extends transversely to the direction of motion by the wearer and is located in the space that is interior to a pair of cleats (e.g., 170a to 170e). A pair of cleats 170a-e can have a common transverse midline, or stated another way, are laterally opposite each other. To improve the ability of the cleats 170a-e to prevent slipping, the elongated element 220 is not directly between the pairs but is either slightly more forward or rearward of a pair of cleats 170a-e. In other words, the transverse elongated element 220 is predominantly not located between a pair of cleats (e.g., 170a). [0117] As to its shape, the elongated traction element 220 can comprise an arched and/or angled portion 221 that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward (see element 220 rearward of pair 170a) (or vice versa, see element 220 forward of pair 170b). The arched and/or angled portion 221 occupies a transverse (or lateral) length greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, of the distance between the front pair 170a. In addition, the arched and/or angled portion occupies a width (or longitudinal dimension) greater than 20% and less than 45%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, of the width of a cleat 170. The overall length occupied by the elongated traction element 220 can be 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 110%, or 120% of the greatest transverse distance between an adjacent pair of cleats, such as the front pair, middle pair, or rear pair. Alternatively, the overall length occupied by the elongated traction element 220 can be 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 110%, or 120% of the shortest transverse distance between an adjacent pair of cleats, such as the front pair, middle pair, or rear pair. [0118] The one or more or all elongated traction element 220 can further comprise an end section 222 that extends from each end of the arched and/or angled portion 221 that extends away from the concave face or geometry. The schematic of a traction element 220 depicted in FIG. 4A(i) contains an end section 222 at each end of an arched and/or angled portion 221. In embodiments, the end section 222 extends from each end of the arched/angled portion at an angle between 90 and 150 or 100 to 130 degrees of the tangent of the arched/angled portion at the junction of the end section and the arched/angled portion. The end section 222 has a length between 8% and 35% or of the occupied transverse length of arched and/or angled portion 221 of the elongated traction element 220. As the end sections 222 are part of the traction element 220, the overall length of the traction element 220 would include these end sections 222. [0119] The height of the elongated traction elements 220 can be between 20% to 60% of the traction body 130 height, such as 20-30% or 30%-40% or 40% to 50% or 50% to 60%. In some embodiment, the frontmost traction element 220a or the two frontmost elongated traction elements 220a, 220b have a lower height than all other elongated traction elements, such as having a height that is 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of the height of the other elongated traction elements. (See FIG.3D depicting the configuration of a lower height of the two frontmost elements as compared to the other elongated traction elements.) In some embodiment, the frontmost elongated traction element 220a or the two frontmost elongated traction elements 220a, 220b are 20 to 30% of the height of the traction body 130, and all other elongated traction elements 220 are 30% to 60% of the height of the traction body 130, such 30% to 40% or 40% to 50% or 50% to 60% of the height of the traction body 130. [0120] FIG.3A depicts an embodiment of a traction base 101 with a first plate 201 and a second plate 202. FIG.3C depicts a perspective view of the first plate 201. With reference to FIG. 3C, in some embodiments, the first plate 201 further comprises a first and second elongated traction element 220a, 220b, respectively, in accordance with the above description. The first and second elongated traction elements 220a, 220b are predominantly located in the space between and interior to the front and middle pairs 170a, 170b. The first and second elongated traction elements 220a, 220b are each oriented about (extending along) a lateral or transverse axis, wherein the lateral axes along which the first and second elongated traction elements 220a, 220b extend are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. The first elongated traction element 220a is closer to the front pair 170a than the middle pair 170b and the second elongated traction element 220b is closer to the middle pair 170b than the front pair 170a. The first elongated traction element 220a comprises an arched and/or angled portion 221 that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward; wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, of the distance between the front pair 170a (the shortest distance between the pair). In addition, in another or further embodiment, the second elongated traction element 220b comprises an arched and/or angled portion 221 forming a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, of the distance between the middle pair 170b (the shortest distance between the pair). For elongated traction elements 220c and 220d, the arched and/or angled portion 221 occupies a transverse length no greater than the distance between the adjacent cleats’ outward facing chamfered corners that are closest to the respective elongated traction element or no greater than the distance between the traction tips 177 of the adjacent cleat pair. [0121] In some embodiments, a traction base 101, depicted on the first plate 201 in FIG. 3A, can further comprises a third and fourth elongated traction element 220c, 220d, respectively, in accordance with the above description. The third and fourth elongated traction elements 220c, 220d are predominantly located in the space between and interior to the middle and rear pairs 170b and 170c, respectively. The third and fourth elongated traction elements 220c, 220d are each oriented about (extending along) a lateral axis, wherein the lateral axes along which the third and fourth elongated traction elements extend are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. The third elongated traction element 220c is closer to the middle pair 170b than the rear pair 170c and the fourth elongated traction element 220d is closer to the rear pair 170c than the middle pair 170b. The third elongated traction element 220c comprises an arched and/or angled portion 221 that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward; wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, of the distance between the middle pair 170b (the shortest distance between the pair). The fourth elongated traction element 220d comprises an arched and/or angled portion 221 having a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%, of the distance between the rear pair 170c (the shortest distance between the pair). For elongated traction elements 220c and 220d, the arched and/or angled portion 221 occupies a transverse length no greater than the distance between the adjacent cleats’ outward facing chamfered corners that are closest to the respective elongated traction element or no greater than the distance between the traction tips 177 of the adjacent cleat pair. [0122] In some embodiments, the traction base 101 comprises a second plate 202, as depicted in FIG.3A. The embodiment shown is configured such that the first plate 201 is located underneath the forefoot during use and the second plate 202 is underneath the hind foot during use. The second plate 202 comprises two pairs of cleats, namely, a front pair 170d and a rear pair 170e, wherein the cleats of each pair are spaced apart a distance from each other. In some embodiments, the second plate comprises a fifth and sixth elongated traction element 220e, 220f, respectively, in accordance with the above description. The front pair 170d on the second plate 201 is spaced apart from the rear pair 170e on the second plate 201. Predominantly located in the space between the front and rear pairs 170d, 170e and interior to the cleats thereof are the fifth and sixth elongated traction elements, 220e and 220f. The fifth and sixth elongated traction elements 220e, 220f are each oriented about (or extending along) a lateral axis (see, e.g., axis B-B). As such, the lateral axes about which each of the fifth and sixth elongated traction elements are oriented are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. (As explained herein, the traction elements 220 are not linear structures. Thus, it is to be understood that these traction elements 220 are not entirely or always overlapping with the lateral axis about which it is oriented (or extending along).) [0123] The fifth elongated traction element 220e comprises an arched and/or angled portion 221 that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward. The arched and/or angled portion 221 of the fifth traction element 220e occupies a transverse length greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the distance between the front pair 170d (the shortest distance between the pair) of the second plate 201. The sixth elongated traction element 220f comprises an arched and/or angled portion has a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a length greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the distance between the rear pair 170e (the shortest distance between the pair). For elongated traction elements 220e and 220f, the arched and/or angled portion 221 occupies a transverse length no greater than the distance between the adjacent cleats’ outward facing chamfered corners that are closest to the respective elongated traction element or no greater than the distance between the traction tips 177 of the adjacent cleat pair. [0124] The arched and/or angled portion 221 of an elongated traction element 220 as described above can be a centrally located portion of the elongated traction element 220. In addition, the bilateral axis of the first or second plate 201,202 can intersect the elongated traction element 220 at its midpoint. [0125] As alluded to above and as depicted in FIGs. 3D and 3E, the elongated traction elements 220 can have varied heights relative to eachother. In the embodiment shown, the two frontmost elongated traction elements 220a, 220b have the same height, which is less than an adjacent pair (in this case, a middle pair) of elongated traction elements 220c, 220d. A middle pair, namely, elongated traction elements 220c, 220d, can also have the same height. In a further embodiment, the two rearmost elongated traction elements 220e, 220f can have the same height, which is less than an adjacent pair (in this case, a middle pair) of elongated traction elements 220c, 220d but more than the two frontmost elongated traction elements 220a, 220b. Integrally Formed, Length-Adjustable, Two Plate Traction Base [0126] Another aspect of the disclosure is a footwear traction device comprising a traction base that comprises two traction plates that are integrally formed, an embodiment of which is depicted in FIGS.3A and 3B. With reference to FIG.3B, a first traction plate 201 comprises a left and a right lateral stirrup 180a, 180b and the second traction plate 202 comprises a left and a right lateral stirrup 180c, 180d, wherein the stirrups are configured to couple to a binding member 101, such as the one depicted in FIG.1A and described above. (FIG.6 depicts a close up of the joined stirrups connected to a binding member 101.) A left lateral stirrup 180a of the first plate 201 and the left lateral stirrup 180c of the second plate 202 are coupled to have a common distal end 181. The distal end is configured to couple to a coupling site on the binding member. Similarly, the right lateral stirrup 180b of the first plate 201 and the right lateral stirrup 180d of the second plate 202 are coupled to have a common distal end 181, which is configured to couple to a coupling site on a binding member, such as the one depicted in FIG. 1 and described herein. As the plates and stirrups are composed of a polymeric material that is bendable, this configuration allows the two integrally formed plates to move relative to each other. In an embodiment, each common distal end 181 defines an aperture 183 through which a fastener can extend to couple to the coupling site of the binding member, such as coupling site 106. [0127] As depicted in FIG, 3A, a front pair of stirrups coupled to the first plate 101 can connect to the binding member at a forefoot/toebox region and a rear pair of stirrup coupled to the second plate 102 can connect to the binding member at a heel region. [0128] Stirrup 180 can have a length sufficient to couple the elastic band 101 to the traction base 101, whether directly or through an intervening component, such as a chain or coupling ring. Stirrup 180 can be a narrow strip of material integrally formed with the openwork traction base 101. As for the thickness of a stirrup 180, each stirrup 180 has a thickness that is substantially the same as the first or second traction plate 201, 202. (The thickness is the dimension between the outward facing surface and the inward or shoe-facing surface when the traction device is worn over a shoe.) In embodiments, the thickness of a stirrup 180 can be 0.1 to 0.2 inches or 0.1 to 0.15 inches. As for the width, the width of a stirrup 180 is between 0.15 inches to 0.40 inches, such as 0.2 to 0.3 inches or 0.3 to 0.4 inches. As described herein, this width can vary at the portion where the distal planar, washer-like feature meets the more proximal portion of the stirrup 180. The length of the stirrup is the dimension along the stirrup’s long axis, which in the embodiment depicted is also its bilateral axis. Connecting Mechanism to a Binding Member. [0129] Still another aspect of the disclosure is a footwear traction device comprising a traction base that couples to a binding member, such as the EBM as described herein, by way of a washer-like member or otherwise planar member with an aperture there-through that contacts the outward facing surface of the binding member such that an aperture on the coupling site of the binding member overlaps with the aperture of the washer-like/planar member, thereby allowing the washer-like/planar member to function as an “abrasion shield” protecting the binding member that is composed of a softer material than the shield. The washer like/planar member can be the distal end of a stirrup 180 or attached, via a second aperture, to the distal end of a chain that is coupled to a traction base or traction elements at its proximal end. This shield function is particularly useful at coupling sites that are vertically oriented during use and more likely to contact elements of a rough terrain, such as lateral coupling sites 103, 104 and rear coupling sites 105. [0130] Abrasion shield embodiments that are integrally formed with a polymeric stirrup 180 are shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The distal end 181 of the stirrup 180 comprises a washer- like/planar member that defines an aperture 183. A fastener maintains the connection between the washer-like/planar member and the binding member. In the embodiments depicted, the fastener is a rivet 185. (The washer-like/planar member is also referred to herein as a grommet.) [0131] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG. 7A, the distal end 181 of stirrup 180 comprises a planar surface 182 (contacting the binding member in FIG. 7A) that contacts the coupling site (103 to106) of the binding member 101 such that an aperture 183 of the distal end 181 overlaps with an aperture (e.g., 106a) of the coupling site (e.g., 106). [0132] In an embodiment, with reference to FIG.7B, the distal end 181 comprises a first planar surface 182a and a second planar surface 182b. The second planar surface 182b isspaced apart from and facing the first planar surface 182a. Each planar surface 182a,b define an aperture therethrough (aperture 183a shown) and the apertures defined by planar surfaces 182a,b are aligned (share a common axis) . The two planar surfaces 182a,b extend from a common base 184. The distance between the two planar surfaces 182a,b about the same as the thickness of the binding member 101 at a coupling site so that the binding member at the coupling site can fit between the two planar surfaces 182a,b such that the aperture of at the coupling site overlaps with the aperture of each planar surface 182a,b. [0133] In the embodiment depicted in FIG.7B, it is noted that the thickness of the stirrup increases to support the two planar surfaces in a spaced-apart manner. In some such embodiments, the common base can comprise two outer edges and an interior located between the outer edges, where the interior does not increase in thickness at the same rate as the other edges. With a sufficient difference in the rate of thickness increasing, the common base can comprise an interior carve-out or inset area. Stated antoher way, the outer edges taper can down more gradually than the interior portion to a thickness that is the same as a more proximal portion of the stirrup. In the embodiment shown, the change in thickness is more abrupt in the interior portion. [0134] Where the planar surface-distal end 181 meets the remaining portion of the stirrup (see, e.g., 186 on FIG.6), the thickness of the stirrup can increase and the width of the stirrup can decrease to allow for more flexibility in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis S-S of the stirrup. This configuration is depictd in FIG.6, which is an illustration of the lateral, connected stirrups 180a, 180c. This configuration allows for the angle Ɵ formed by the two connected stirrups (e.g., 180a, 180c) to increase or decrease with less force than would be required if the thickness and width did not change, such as is depicted for the front stirrup 180f and rear stirrup 180r in FIG.5. It is noted that in the depicted embodiment (See, e.g., FIG.6, the washer-like distal end 181 is substantially the same thickness as more proximal portion of the stirrup, yet there is a thickened, pinched section 186 adjacent the washer-like distal end. Traction Base Footwear Side [0135] With reference to FIG. 3B, the surface 118 of the traction base 101 facing the underside of the footwear during use can comprise a plurality of protrusions 190. In the embodiment shown, the protrusions 190, which can be small knobs or bumps, are positioned to in the vicinity--on the opposite side of a traction body 130 and more specifically opposite the spike 177. These protrusions can be integrally formed with the traction base 101. In embodiments, the height of the protrusions 190 from the surface is less than or equal to the thickness of the traction base 101. In some embodiments, the protrusions 190 is between 0.02 inches to 0.2 inches or between 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches. [0136] In embodiments, the traction base 101 comprises or consists of a homogenous polymeric material, which can be a thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomer. The polymeric material has a hardness of Shore A 55 to 110 or Shore A 55 to Shore A 95, such as Shore A 55 to 65 or 65 to 75 or 75 to 85 or 85 to 95 or 95 to 110. The traction base 101 can be formed by injection molding of the polymeric material. As in the embodiment shown, the traction base 101, the cleats 170 of the traction bodies 130, and the stirrups 180 are integrally formed by injection molding of the polymeric material. [0137] With reference to FIG. 9, a traction base 101 can comprise at least one layered section within a first plate 201 or a second plate 202 that comprises a bottom layer 11a (such as the bottommost layer) and a layer 10a, adjacent the bottom layer (i.e., the adjacent layer 10a). In various embodiments, the adjacent layer 10a can be a first pressure-dispersing layer and/or a reinforcement layer. In various embodiments, the bottom layer 11a can be at least one force absorption layer. For example, in various embodiments, the bottom layer 11a comprises a material that is softer than the adjacent layer 10a. These two layers can be adhered and/or bonded to one another in order to form a section that has a flexible absorption zone (11a) as well as a stiffer, pressure-dispersing and/or reinforcing zone (10a). This bilayer configuration is described in more detail in US Patent Publication No. 2019/0166955A1 to Kahtoola Inc., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0138] Devices described and illustrated herein can be used on both paved surfaces and trail, including trails with steep rocky inclines. A method of using a traction device as described herein can comprise placing the traction device around a footwear such that the traction base 101 as described herein provides the ground-contacting surface for a user such that the elongated traction elements 220 and/or the cleats with concave sides and chamfered corners 170 contact the ground to provide traction. The user, wearing the traction device about their footwear, can walk or run on paved surfaces or trails. Conditions can be wet, icy, or snowy. [0139] The traction base 101 described herein can be formed by injection molding, as can the elastomeric binding member 102.

Claims

We Claim: 1. A footwear traction device comprising a traction base, wherein the traction base comprises a pair of cleats and a first elongated traction element, wherein the cleats of the pair are laterally spaced apart from each other and wherein the first elongated traction element is located predominantly interior to and predominantly offset from the pair of cleats and extending along a lateral axis of the traction base, wherein the first elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward (i.e., toward a front of a footwear) and a convex face or geometry that faces backward (i.e., toward a rear of a footwear); wherein the arched or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50% of the distance between the pair of cleats.

2. The footwear traction device of claim 1, wherein the pair of cleats is a front pair of cleats and wherein the traction base further comprises a middle pair of cleats and a second elongated traction element, wherein the cleats of the middle pair are laterally spaced apart from each other wherein the second elongated traction element extends along a lateral axis of the traction base, wherein the lateral axes along which the first and second elongated traction elements extend are spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each other, wherein the first and second elongated traction elements are predominantly located in the space between and interior to the front and middle pairs, wherein the first elongated traction element is closer to the front pair than the middle pair and the second elongated traction element is closer to the middle pair than the front pair, wherein the second elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion forming a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50% of the distance between the middle pair.

3. The footwear traction device of claim 2, wherein the traction base further comprises a rear pair of cleats, a third elongated traction element, and a fourth elongated traction element, wherein the third and fourth lateral traction elements are predominantly located in the space between and interior to the middle and rear pairs of cleats, wherein the third and fourth elongated traction elements each extend along a respective lateral axis, wherein the lateral axes along which the third and fourth elongated traction elements respectively extend are spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each other, wherein the third elongated traction element is closer to the middle pair than the rear pair and the fourth elongated traction element is closer to the rear pair than the middle pair, wherein the third elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward; wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50% of the distance between the middle pair and wherein the fourth elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion having a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50% of the distance between the rear pair.

4. The footwear traction device of claim 3, wherein the traction base comprises a first plate and a second plate, wherein the device is configured such that the first plate is located underneath the forefoot during use and the second plate is underneath the hindfoot during use, wherein the first plate comprises the front pair, the middle pair, and the rear pair of cleats, wherein the second plate comprises two pairs of cleats, namely, a front pair and a rear pair of cleats, wherein the cleats of each pair on the second plate are spaced apart a distance from each other.

5 The footwear traction device of claim 4, wherein the second plate comprises a fifth and sixth elongated traction element, wherein the front pair of cleats on the second plate is spaced apart from the rear pair of cleats on the second plate, wherein predominantly located in the space between and interior to the front and rear pairs of cleats are the fifth and sixth elongated traction elements, wherein the fifth and sixth elongated traction elements each extend along a respective lateral axis of the second plate, wherein the lateral axes along which the fifth and sixth elongated traction elements respectively extend are spaced apart from and substantially parallel to each other, wherein the fifth elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward; wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a length greater than 50% of the distance between the front pair and wherein the sixth elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion has a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a length greater than 50% of the distance between the middle pair.

6. The footwear traction device of claim 5, wherein each cleat of the front pair of the second plate comprises a forward facing concave side and a backward facing concave side, wherein the forward facing concave side is longer than the backward facing concave side of each cleat of the front pair of the second plate.

7. The footwear traction device of claims 1 to 6, wherein one or more of the elongated traction element comprises an end section extending from each end of the arched and/or angled portion at an angle between 90 and 150 degrees of the tangent at a junction of the end section and the arched and/or angled portion, wherein each of the end section has a length between 8% and 35% of the occupied transverse length of the arched and/or angled portion from which the end sections extend.

8. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein first plate comprises a left and a right lateral stirrup and the second plate comprises a left and a right lateral stirrup, wherein the stirrups are configured to couple to a binding member, wherein the binding member is configured to extend from a heel to a forefoot region of a footwear and be in contact with a footwear upper of the footwear, wherein a left lateral stirrup of the first plate and the left lateral stirrup of the second plate are coupled to have a common distal end, which is configured to couple to a first of a plurality of coupling sites of the binding member and wherein a right lateral stirrup of the first plate and the right lateral stirrup of the second plate are coupled to have a common distal end, which is configured to couple to a second of the plurality of coupling sites of the binding member.

9. The footwear traction device of claim 8, wherein each common distal end defines an aperture and comprises a planar surface that contacts the coupling site of thr binding member such that an aperture of the distal end overlaps with an aperture of the coupling site of thr binding member.

10. The footwear traction device of claim 8 or 9, wherein each of the common distal ends contact the outward facing surface of the binding member.

11. The footwear traction device of claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein the first plate comprises two front stirrups, each having a distal end, wherein each front stirrup is configured to couple to the binding member near a front end of the binding member that is in proximity to a toe box of the footwear during use, and wherein the distal ends of the front stirrups contact the inward facing surface of the binding member.

12. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 8-11, wherein the two front stirrups each define an aperture at its distal end, wherein each of the distal ends of the front stirrups comprises a planar surface that contacts the respective coupling site on the binding member such that the aperture of the distal end of the front stirrup overlaps with an aperture of the coupling site of the binding member.

13. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 8-12, wherein the second plate comprises two rear stirrups that are configured to couple to the binding member near a rear end that is in proximity to a heel of the footwear during use, wherein the distal ends of the stirrup contact the outward facing surface of the binding member.

14. The footwear traction device of claim 13, wherein the two rear stirrups each define an aperture at its distal end, wherein the distal end comprises a planar surface that contacts the coupling site on the binding member such that the aperture of the distal end overlaps with an aperture of the coupling site.

15. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein each cleat comprises a cross-sectional shape that has four concave sides and chamfered corners, wherein each cleat is oriented such that the four concave sides face forward, laterally outward, inward, and backward, respectively during use, wherein the forward facing side of the cleat has a different length than the backward facing side of the cleat.

16. The footwear traction device of claim 15, wherein the traction base is configured to comprise a pair of front cleats closer to the toe end of the footwear and a rear pair of cleats closer to the heel of the footwear, wherein the forward facing concave side of both front cleats has a shorter length than the backward facing concave side of both front cleats and wherein the forward facing concave side of both rear cleats has a longer length than the backward facing concave side of both rear cleats.

17. The footwear traction device of claim 16, wherein the traction base comprises a first plate comprising three pairs of cleats, namely, the front pair, the middle pair and a rear pair, wherein the cleats of each pair are longitudinally spaced apart a distance from each other and pairs are laterally space apart from each other.

18. The footwear traction device of claim 17, wherein the forward facing concave side of each cleat of the first plate and has a shorter length than the backward facing concave side of each cleat of the first plate.

19. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the height of the elongated traction element can be between 20 to 60% of the traction body height, wherein teh traction body comprises the cleat and a spike.

20. The footwear traction device of claim 19, wherein a traction element nearest the front pair of cleats or the two elongated traction elements nearest the frong pair of cleats has a lower height than all other elongated traction elements.

21. The footwear traction device of claim 20, wherein the elongated traction element nearest the front pair or the two frontmost elongated traction elements nearest the front pair are 20 to 30% of the height of the traction body, and all other elongated traction elements are 30% to 60% of the height of the traction body. 22. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the traction member is polymeric, and optionally integrally formed.

22. A footwear traction device comprising a traction base, wherein the traction base comprises a surface configured to contact a ground during use, wherein the traction base comprises one or more cleats coupled to the ground-contacting surface and each cleat comprises a cross-sectional shape that has four concave sides and chamfered corners, wherein each cleat is oriented such that the four concave sides face forward, laterally outward, inward, and backward, respectively during use, wherein the forward facing side of the cleat has a different length than the backward facing side of the cleat.

23. The footwear traction device of claim 22, wherein the one or more cleats includes a pair of front cleats and a pair of rear cleats, wherin traction base is configured such that the pair of front cleats are closer to a front end of the footwear traction device during use and the pair of rear cleats are closer to a rear end of the footwear traction device during use, wherein the forward facing concave side of both front cleats has a shorter length than the backward facing concave side of both front cleats and wherein the forward facing concave side of both rear cleats has a longer length than the backward facing concave side of both rear cleats.

24. The footwear traction device of claim 22, wherein the traction base comprises a first plate comprising three pairs of the one or more cleats, namely, a front pair, middle pair and a rear pair, wherein the cleats of each pair are spaced apart a distance from each other and the pairs are space apart from each other.

25. The footwear traction device of claim 24, wherein the forward facing concave side of each cleat of the first plate and has a shorter length than the backward facing concave side of each cleat of the first plate.

26. The footwear traction device of claim 24 or 25, wherein the first plate further comprises a first elongated traction element and a second elongated traction element, wherein the first and the second elongated traction elements are predominantly located in the space between and interior to the front and middle pairs of cleats of the first plate, wherein the first and second elongated traction elements each extend along a respective lateral axis of the first plate, wherein the lateral axes along which the first and second elongated traction elements extend are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other, wherein the first elongated traction element is closer to the front pair of cleats than the middle pair of cleats and the second elongated traction element is closer to the middle pair of cleats than the front pair of cleats, wherein the first elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50% of the distance between the front pair and wherein the second elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion forming a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50% of the distance between the middle pair.

27. The footwear traction device of claim 26, wherein the first plate further comprises a third and fourth elongated traction element, wherein the third and fourth lateral traction elements are predominantly located in the space between and interior to the middle and rear pairs, wherein the third and fourth elongated traction elements each extend along a lateral axis, wherein the lateral axes along which the third and fourth elongated traction elements extend are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other, wherein the third elongated traction element is closer to the middle pair than the rear pair and the fourth elongated traction element is closer to the rear pair than the middle pair, wherein the third elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward; wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50% of the distance between the middle pair and wherein the fourth elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion having a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a transverse length greater than 50% of the distance between the rear pair.

28. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 24 to 27 such that the first plate is located underneath the forefoot during use and the second plate is underneath the hindfoot during use, wherein the second plate comprises two pairs of cleats of the one or more cleats, namely, a front pair and a rear pair, wherein the cleats of each pair of the second plate are spaced apart a distance from each other.

29. The footwear traction device of claim 28, wherein the second plate comprises a fifth elongated traction element and a sixth elongated traction element, wherein the front pair of cleats on the second plate is spaced apart from the rear pair of cleats on the second plate and predominantly located in the space between and interior to the front and rear pairs are the fifth and sixth elongated traction elements, wherein the fifth and sixth elongated traction elements each extend along a respective lateral axis, wherein the lateral axes along which the fifth and sixth elongated traction elements extend are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other, wherein the fifth elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion that has a concave face or geometry that faces forward and a convex face or geometry that faces backward; wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a length greater than 50% of the distance between the front pair and wherein the sixth elongated traction element comprises an arched and/or angled portion has a convex face or geometry that faces forward and a concave face or geometry that faces backward, wherein the arched and/or angled portion occupies a length greater than 50% of the distance between the middle pair.

30. The footwear traction device of claim 28, wherein the forward facing concave side of each cleat of the second plate has a longer length than the backward facing concave side of each cleat of the second plate.

31. The footwear traction device of claims 26 to 29, wherein one or more of the elongated traction elements comprises an end section that extends from each end of the arched and/or angled portion at an angle between 90 and 150 degrees of the tangent of the arched and/or angled portion at junction of the end section and the arched and/or angled portion, wherein the end section has a length between 8% and 35% of the occupied transverse length of arched and/or angled portion of the traction element.

32. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein first plate comprises a left and a right lateral stirrup and the second plate comprises a left and a right lateral stirrup, wherein the stirrups are configured to couple to a binding member, wherein the binding member is configured to go around the footwear extending from a heel of the footwear to a forefoot portion and be in contact with the footwear upper, wherein a left lateral stirrup of the first plate and the left lateral stirrup of the second plate are coupled to have a common distal end that is configured to couple to one of a plurality of coupling sites of the binding member, and wherein a right lateral stirrup of the first plate and the right lateral stirrup of the second plate are coupled to have a common distal end that is configured to couple to another of the one or more coupling sites of the binding member.

33. The footwear traction device of claim 32, wherein the common distal ends contact the outward facing surface of the binding member.

34. The footwear traction device of claim 32 or 33, wherein each common distal end defines an aperture and comprises a planar surface that contacts the coupling site of the plurality of coupling sites such that an aperture of the common distal end overlaps with an aperture of the coupling site.

35. The footwear traction device of claim 32, wherein the first plate comprises two front stirrups that are configured to couple to the binding member near a front end of the binding member that is in proximity to a toe box of the footwear during use, wherein the distal ends of the two front stirrups contact the inward facing surface of the binding member.

36. The footwear traction device of claim 35, wherein the two front stirrups each define an aperture at its distal end, wherein the distal end of each front stirrup comprises a planar surface that contacts the inward facing surface of the binding member at a respective coupling site of the plurality of coupling sites of the binding member such that the aperture of the distal end of the front stirrup overlaps with an aperture of the coupling site of the binding member.

37. The footwear traction device of claim 32, wherein the second plate comprises two rear stirrups that are configured to couple to the binding member near a rear end of the binding member that is in proximity to a heel of the footwear during use, wherein the distal ends of the rear stirrups contact the outward facing surface of the binding member.

38. The footwear traction device of claim 37, wherein the two rear stirrups each define an aperture at its distal end, wherein the distal end of each rear stirrup comprises a planar surface that contacts the outward facing surface of the binding member at a respective coupling site of the plurality of coupling sites of the binding member such that the aperture of the distal end of each rear stirrup overlaps with an aperture of the respective coupling site of the binding member.

39. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 22 to 38, wherein the traction member is polymeric, and optionally comprises layers or is integrally formed.

40. A footwear traction device configured to be disposed about footwear comprising an elastomeric binding member (EBM) configured to go around the footwear and be in contact with the footwear upper and a traction base configured to be disposed on the underside of the footwear during use, wherein the traction base is configured to be coupled to the EBM at two rear coupling sites at the rear of the footwear during use, wherein the traction base is configured to be coupled to the EBM at a left lateral coupling site and a right lateral coupling site, which are both forward of the rear coupling sites during use, wherein the EBM is configured to have a flat configuration when not coupled to the traction device, wherein the EBM has an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the inner edge is opposite the outer edge and defines a central opening, wherein the EBM is configured to have a first end that would be adjacent a toe box of the footwear and a second end that would be adjacent the heel of the footwear during use, wherein the EBM has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the EBM is configured such that, when disposed around the footwear, the first side is adjacent the footwear, the second side is facing outward, the inner edge faces upward at the heel, and the outer edge faces downward at the heel; wherein the EBM defines an elongated aperture located above and external to each of the two rear coupling sites on the EBM; and where the EBM is sized such that a ratio of smallest distances between the inner edge and the outer edge at a location between the two rear coupling sites and at a location between the rear coupling sites and the coupling sites forward of the rear coupling sites has a value between 0.5 and 1.5.

41. The footwear traction device of claim 40, wherein EBM comprises a tab configured for grasping located at the second end and comprises a portion of the inner edge that extends into the central opening; and wherein the two coupling sites each comprise an aperture and the EBM does not have an aperture in the space between the coupling site aperture and the tab.

42. The footwear traction device of claim 41, wherein the EBM is sized such that a ratio of a length between rear coupling sites and a length between inner edge and outer edge at a midline of the tab is greater than 1.7 and less than 2.2.

43. The footwear traction device of claim 40, wherein the space between the two rear coupling site apertures is between1.9 and 2.35 inches.

44. The footwear traction device of claim 40, where the EBM has a greatest distance between the inner edge and the outer edge between the two rear coupling sites that is less than 1.3 inches.

45. The footwear traction device of claim 40, wherein the traction base comprises a plurality of stirrups, wherein a distal end of the stirrup is configured to couple to a coupling site and comprises two grommets extending from a common base, wherein the two grommets are spaced apart from each other and configured such that the EBM in the vicinity of one of the coupling site apertures fits between the two grommets.

46. The footwear traction device of claim 40, wherein the traction base comprises a plurality of stirrups, wherein a distal end of the stirrup is configured to couple to a coupling site and comprises a grommet extending from a base, wherein the grommet comprises a flush surface that contact the coupling site and an aperture of the grommet overlaps with the aperture of the coupling site.

47. The footwear traction device of claim 45, wherein fastener extends through the grommet and the coupling site aperture.

48. The footwear traction device of claim 45, wherein the fastener is a rivet.

49. The footwear traction device of claim 45, wherein the common base comprises two outer edges and an interior located between the outer edges, wherein the outer edges taper down more gradually than the interior to have a thickness that is the same as a proximal portion of the stirrup.

50. The footwear traction device of claim 40, wherein the EBM comprises a lateral coupling site on each side of the EBM, wherein each lateral coupling site comprises an aperture, wherein the traction base has a pair of lateral stirrups on each side of the traction base, wherein each pair of lateral stirrups have a common distal end, which is configured to couple to one of the lateral coupling sites.

51. The footwear traction device of claim 50, wherein the common distal end comprises two grommets extending from a common base, wherein the two grommets are spaced apart from each other and configured such that the EBM in the vicinity of one of the lateral coupling site apertures fits between the two grommets and an aperture of the grommet overlaps with the aperture of the coupling site.

52. The footwear traction device of claim 51, wherein the common base comprises two outer edges and an interior located between the outer edges, wherein the outer edges taper down more gradually than the interior to have a thickness that is the same as a proximal portion of the stirrup.

53. The footwear traction device of claim 51, wherein the common base comprises a width and a height and a more proximal portion of the stirrup has a width and a height, wherein the width of the common base is less than the width of the more proximal portion of the stirrup and the height of the common base is greater than the height of the more proximal portion of the stirrup, wherein a tapering section joins the common base to the more proximal portion of the stirrup.

54. The footwear traction device of claim 50, wherein the common distal end comprises a grommet extending from a base, wherein the grommet comprises a flush surface that interfaces with the coupling site and an aperture of the grommet overlaps with the aperture of the coupling site 55. The footwear traction device of claim 54, wherein the base comprises two outer edges and an interior located between the outer edges, wherein the outer edges taper down more gradually than the interior to have a thickness that is the same as a proximal portion of the stirrup. 56. The footwear traction device of claim 54, wherein the base comprises a width and a height and a more proximal portion of the stirrup has a width and a height, wherein the width of the base is less than the width of the more proximal portion of the stirrup and the height of the base is greater than the height of the more proximal portion of the stirrup, wherein a tapering section joins the base to the more proximal portion of the stirrup. 57. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 40 to 56, wherein the EBM consists of or comprises a polymer with a hardness of Shore A 30 to 50. 58. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 40 to 57, wherein the EBM is integrally formed. 59. The footwear traction device of any one of claims 40 to 57 in combination with the footwear traction device of any one of claims 1 to 39. 60. A method of using a footwear traction device, comprising placing a footwear traction device of any one of the foregoing claims about the footwear of a user.