Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FOOTWEAR
This invention relates to an article of studded footwear
for use in sport or in another activity wherein an enhanced
grip is required for use on a naturaL or artificial penetrable
surface such as grass, clay, particulate all-weather surfaces,
Tartan (Registered Trade Mark) track surfaces, artificial turf
such as "Astroturf" ~Registered Trade Mark) and all comparable
natural and artificial surfaces. Hereinafter the term "boot~
will be used to denote each and any article of footwear.
Conventional studded boots, such as football boots, each
have a sole from which project a number of fixed or removable
studs. The studs have been in the form of vertical (or steep)
sided cylindrical, conical or frustro-conical bodies, or
bodies which are made up of cylindrical and frustro-conical
parts. Known studded boots have had several disadvantages.
Firstly, the number of studs has been limited, because the
provision of a relatively large number of relatively closely-
spaced studs simply enCourageS the build-up of a pad of
surface material (such as mud and grass) betwee~ the studs,
forming a platform which negates the effect of the studs.
Limitation of the number of studs to as few as four or six on
the sole of a l~oot eliminates this problem, but causes such
a boot to ~e uncomfortable and/or unstable on hard surfaces
with an attendant danger of discomfort or injury due to
tripping or falling, or due to excessive pressure being
applied to small parts of a wearer~s foot
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Additionally, such studs have to be large enough to grip
firmly in wet/muddy conditions and thus are often so long as
to give an excessive grip in drier conditions which may occur
at different times, or in different parts of a playing
surface. Such e;~cessive grip can cause a wearer~s boot to
"lock" to a surface when a sudden turn is made or occurs and
there is a possibility of injury from this circumstance.
US 4392312 describes an alternative shoe having two
different types of studs. One type of stud comprises three
partially overlapping frustro-conical stud parts. Although
the studs are generally arcuate in shape the longer faces of
the studs are not ~streamlined~. Hence dirt accumulates in
grooves in the lDnger faces of the stud. The profile of the
two longer faces is the same.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a
studded boot ( "boot" meaning any article of footwear) wherein
the above disadvantages are obviated or minimised.
The present invention provides a boot having a plurality
of studs for penetrating a penetrable surface, sa~d studs
depending from the base of the boot, the studs being in the
form of an arcuate body having, when viewed in underneath
plan, a first axis and a second axis transverse to the first
axis, the body providing at each end of the first axis a ramp
surface which leads in an inclined manner substantially from
a surface of the boot base substantially to a crown surface
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of the stud body and the body having a barrier surface
provided at one of the ends of the second axis, the stud being
asymmetric about the first axis in the plane of the second
axis, so that when the stud penetrates a penetrable surface,
a force tending to cause movement of the stud along the second
axis in one direction is resisted and said stud grips the
surface, and a force tending to cause movement of the stud
along the first axis is not substantially resisted, the stud
performing movement relative to the surface tending to wipe
any accumulated surface material from its surfaces at the ends
of the second axis and wherein at least some of the studs are
disposed in a pattern which includes one or more partial or
complete rings, the studs being arranged such that the barrier
surface of the stud is located at the inside of the ring and
the outer stud surface, that is the surface located at the
outside of the ring, is, at least in part, convex and wherein
the barrier surface of the stud is more steep than the outer
stud surface.
The ring can be circular or non-circular.
Each stud can be longer along its first axis than along
its second axis.
The barrier surfaces can be a flat planar surface or can
be slightly concave or convex. The, or each, barrier surface
of each stud can merge with its end ramp surfaces by smooth
transition or at sharp edges. The crown surface of each said
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stud can be a flat planar surface or can be a smooth, dome
like surface and can merge smoothly or sharply with the ramp
and barrier surfaces. The first axis of the stud can be a
straight line or can be a curbed line such as a fraction of
a circle.
Each ramp surface can, when the stud is viewed along the
second axis, have a convex profile adjacent the base surface
and a concave profile between the convex profile and the stud
crown surface.
The studs can be integral with the boot base, for example
by being moulded therewith, or can be attached to the base by
a screw-in or plug-and-socket arrangement.
A respective array of studs can be provided on a heel and
sole portion of the boot base.
The invention will be described further, by way of
example, with ref erence to the accompanying drawings,
wherein: -
Fig. 1 is an underneath plan view of a stud of a firstpreferred embodiment of the boot of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view on line A-A;
Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view on line B-B;
Fig. 4 is an underneath plan view of a preferred
embodiment of the boot of the invention;
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Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a second shape of the
stud;
Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view on line A-A of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a plan view of a third shape of stud;
Fig. 8 is a plan view of a fourth shape of stud;
Fig. g is a cross-sectional view on line A-A of Fig. 7 or
8;
Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view on line B-B of Fig. 8;
Fig . l l is a cross-sectional view on line B-B of Fig . 7;
Fig. 12 is an underneath plan view of a second preferred
boot having studs in a different array;
Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a further shape of stud;
Fig. 14 is a cross-section on line B-B of Fig. 13;
Figs. 15 and 16 are vertical cross-sectional views
illustrating boots of the invention in use;
Figs. ~7a to 17_ are sketches illustrating possible ring
arrays of studs on the bases of boots of the invention;
Fig. 18_ is a perspective view of a variation; and
Fig. 18b is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the
variation of Fig. 18a.
~ eferring to the drawings, Fig. 4 is an underneath plan
view showing the base 10 of a preferred boot of the invention
having a plurality of studs 11 arranged in a first array 12
on a sole 13 of the base 10 and a second array 14 on a heel
15 of the base 10.
In this and ensuing embodiments the studs 11 are shown
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as being integrally formed with the base 10 as by moulding or
comparable forming processes. ~lowever, it is possible that
the studs l l could be individually attachable to the base by
fasteners or by a screw or plug-and-socket arrangement. This
feature is not germane to the invention and is therefore not
described in detail.
Referring to Figs. 1 to 3 it will be seen that each stud
11 is in the form of a solid body 16 having a first axis A-A
and a second axis B-B. The second axis B-B can be at right
angles to axis A-A but does not have to be so. Considered in
cross-section along axis A-A the body 16 has at each end of
the axis A-A a ramp surface 17 leading from the base surface
18 to a crown surface 19 of the stud 11. The ramp surface 17
is divided into a concave part 17a adjacent surface 18 and a
convex part 17k adjacent the crown surface 19. The stud 11
is longer along the first axis A-A than it is along second
axis B-B. Viewed in cross-section on axis B-B (Fig.3) it will
be seen that the stud body 16 provides a steep barrier surface
20 on one side and a less-steep barrier surface 21 on its
other side. Barrier surface 20 can be ilat in inverted plan
view, slightly concave as shown, or slightly convex. Barrier
surface 21 will normally be convexly curved.
The ratio of the length of the stud 17 along axis A-A to
the width along axis B-B (at comparable levels below surface
18 ) is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3 as being about 3 :1. This
ratio can vary from 1:1 to 10:1, but a range from 2:1 to 5:1
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is preferred and gives a best balance between the conflicting
needs of gripping power and intrinsic strength. The ratio of
the "height" of the stud 11, i.e. the vertical distance from
surface 18~to the lowermost crown surface lg of the stud 11,
to the width of the stud at the level of surface 18 is
illustrated as being about 1:1.3. However, variations from
1:0.7 up to 1:3 are possible- A preferred range is from 1:1
to 1:2.
It will be appreciated that the stud 11 presents a
"streamlined" shape in each direction along axis A-A and upon
being urged to travel along axis A-A whilst penetrating a
surface will tend to slide easily through the surface creating
a groove or channel therein. Contact between the faces of the
stud during such travel will tend to wipe surface material
from the stud during such travel, particularly surface
material ( such as mud or grass ) which tends to accumulate
adjacent barrier surfaces 20 and 21. :These surfaces are thus
kept clear of obstruction. When a force is applied to the
stud 11 in a direction along the axis B-B, the steep barrier
surfaces 20,21 act to cause the stud 11 to grip a surface
firmly and militate against the wearer slipping.
Fig. 4 shows how the plurality of studs ll are arranged
in the two arrays 12 and 14, one on the sole and the second
on the heel of the boot 10. The heel array 14 is of lesser
importance as heel pivoting is relatively rare, and seldom
causes injury. However, the previously-discussed problem of
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~locking~ of the boot ~o a surface possibly causing an ankle
injury is partLcularly relevant to the sole portion. Fig.4
shows how an array of studs on the sole is arranged in rings
22,23,24 (each as hereinbefore defined) surrounding a central
area of the sole. Axes A-A of the studs 11 are aligned along
the rings 22,23,24 with steeper surfaces 20 on the inside.
Here, circular rings are shown but oval, elliptical or other
shaped rings are possible. Ring 22 is complete, ring 23 is
substantially complete, but ring 24 is only partial. The
effect of the disposition of the studs in array 12 is to
provide an improved tendency to allow the boot to pivot about
a central part of the sole, whilst not impairing resistance
to liner movement of the sole relative to a surface.
Figs. ~ and 6 illustrate a second possible shape of stud
26. Stud 26 is a curved block or blade like form having
planar ramp surfaces 27 at its ends. Longer axis A-A is
curved .
Figs. 7 to 11 illustrate third and fourth studs 28 and
29, differing from stud 11 mainly in that their inner barrier
surfaces 30,31 are planar and can slightly convex
respectively. Stud 28 is symmetrical along axis B-B as seen
in Fig. 11. Both have profiles on axis A-A as shown in Fig. 9 .
Fig. 12 is comparable to Fig. 4 but shows modified arrays
32,33 of studs on sole and heel.
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Fig. 13,14,14a show a stud 36 whose general shape is
comparable to that of Figs. 1 to 3, but whose ratio o~ length
along A-A to width along B-B is about 1.5:1, and there is only
one barrier surface 37. This stud 36 is effective to grip
only when moved in one direction along B-s.
Figs. lS and 16- are sketches which illustrate an
additional advantage of the array dispositions of the studs
of this invention when the studs 38 are distinctly asymmetric
on axis B-B ( for example the studs of Figs . 1 to 3 and Figs .
13 to 14_). The barrier surfaces 39 in these cases are on the
inside of the rings. Referring to Fig.16, a conventional boot
40 with steep sided studs 41 is shown in the act of being
brought into contact with a surface 42 with a component of
motion in the direction of arrow 43. In this circumstance
upstream studs 41_ may make first contact with and dig into
the surface 42 and grip first, causing the boot to tilt about
its upstream edge 44, leading to instability and possible
injury. In Fig.15, if first contact occurs at studs 38_ they
do not grip, but tend to slide until downstream studs 38k come
into engagement and grip with leading surfaces 38k. This
means that the grip or braking force is applied to the sole
near at its downstream edge 45, thus reducing the tendency Ior
it to tilt. Grip is assured, but a sudden grip and tilt is
avoided .
The invention is not limited to the precise details of
the f4regoing and variations can be made thereto. For
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example, a boot of the invention may have some but not all o~
its studs of shape corresponding to those described and
illustrated For example, studs on the boot sole may be in
accordance ~ith the invention, whereas heel studs may be of
conventional form. Many other variations are possible
sy means of the invention herein disclosed, it is
possible to provide an article of sports footwear wherein the
stud formation and configuration will provide grip in any
direction of linear thrust whilst permitting rotation. The
density of stud distribution and the stud size may be varied
according to the sport and the playing surface and conditions
involved, whilst the number of studs provided in any instance
may be in excess of the number of conventional studs which
could be used in like circumstances due to the self-cleaning
characteristics of the stud of the invention.
Furthermore, the stud of the present invention will allow
of the use of a lighter, and more flexible sole material in
the construction of this article of footwear finally, a
possible variation of the profile of the ramp surface will
provide for a corresponding variation in the resistance to
rotation of the article in use.
Figs. 18_ and 18b il1ustrate a construction whereln the
size of the stud 45 can be varied by replacement of an upper
part thereof to suit different playing surfaces and/or
conditions and/or sports This variation of stud 45 has a
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base 46 integral with or secured to a shoe (not shown). sase
46 has a central upstanding core 47 which can be accommodated
with a recess 48 in a crown 49 whose shape is complementary
to that of base 46 and forms therewith a stud of shape
comparable to that in any of the earlier embodiments. A pin
so of plastics or like material passes through aligned holes
in the crown 49 and core 47 to retain the crown 49. The pin
50 can be an interference fit in the holes.
A small plier-like tool (not shown) can be used to insert
and remove the pins when a stud needs to be removed or
reFlaced. Studs can be replaced because of wear, or for
replacement by higher or lower studs to suit different ground
conditions .
.
Many other variations are possible within the scope of
the invention.
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any direction of linear thrust whilst permitting rotation.
The density of stud distribution and the stud size many be
varied according to the sport and the playing surface and
conditions involved, whilst the nu~ber of studs provided in
any instance may be in excess of the number of conventional
studs which could be used in like circumstances due to the
self-rleRnin~ characteristics of the stud of the invention.
Furthermore, the stud of the present invention will
allow of the use of a lighter, and more flexible sole
material in the construction of this article of footwear
finally, a possible variation of the profile of the ramp
surface will provide for a corresponding variatiOn in the
resistance to rotation of the article in use.
Figs. 24a and 24_ illustrate a consLlu~Lion wherein
the size of the stud 45 can be varied by rep~ Rr~ L of an
upper part thereof to suit different playing surfaces
and/or conditions and/or sports. This variation of stud 45
has a base 46 integral with or secured to a shoe (not
shown). Base 46 has a central upstanding core 47 which can
be Rr. ,~Ated with a recess 48 in a crown 49 whose shape
is complementary to that of base 46 and forms therewith a
stud of shape comparable to that in any of the earlier
embodiments. A pin 50 of plastics or like material passes
through aligned holes in the crown 49 and core 47 to retain
the crown 49. The pin 50 can be an interference fit in the
holes .
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A small plier-like tool (not shown) can be used to
insert and remove the pins when a stud needs to be removed
or replaced. Studs can be replaced because of wear, or for
replacement by higher or lower studs to suit different
ground conditions.
Fig. 25 is an underneath plan view of a f urther
variation. Here, a sole 5l is provided, on its forward
portion, with a plurality of studs constructed in
accordance with the foregoing. However, the studs 52 are
arranged so that their longitudinal axes extend generally
along radi 23 f rom a centre 54 . This produces a shoe
wherein pivoting of a shoe about the ball of the foot is
greatly di~cou~ged, Such a construction can be very
useful in relation to the left shoe for a right handed
golfer or the right shoe for a left handed golfer. To
reduce any directionality in pivoting the studs can be
arranged so that alternate ones 52a, 52_ have their more
vertical f aces directed in opposite directions about the
centre. If desired a pair of opposed further studs 54 can
be arranged on a toe portion of the shoe.
Many other variations are possible within the scope
of the invention.
