Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application 61/103,519, filed October 7, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/768,062, filed June 25, 2007, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/053,590, filed February 7, 2005, entitled "Convertible Traction Shoes," and U.S. Patent Application No. 11/943,418, filed on November 20, 2007, which is a continuation in part of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 11/053,590, filed February 7, 2005, entitled "Convertible Traction Shoes," the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to footwear, such as boots, shoes, specialty field shoes, woman's shoes, etc, and, more particularly, to a retractable members and retractable member systems adapted to control extension and retraction of the retractable members relative to the bottom of the footwear.

Background

[0003] Specialty footwear is currently available for a variety of sports and other activities. For example, shoes used in some sports include cleats protruding from the bottom of the soles to improve traction and balance. Roller skates include wheels affixed to the sole of a shoe, allowing the user to glide along a flat surface such as pavement. While mobility, balance and traction may be enhanced by the specialty footwear currently available, the utility of such footwear is extremely limited. Non-specialty footwear is much more versatile but is less than optimal for users on slick surfaces or for users who wish to alter their traction, mode of transport, height, etc. While footwear users have the option of bringing specialty footwear for use as needed, a better option is to increase the versatility of footwear. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments;

[0006] Figure 2 illustrates a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments;

[0007] Figure 3 illustrates a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments;

[0008] Figure 4 illustrates a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments;

[0009] Figures 5A-5C illustrate views of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments;

[0010] Figures 6A-6B illustrate views of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments;

[0011] Figures 7A-7B illustrate views of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments;

[0012] Figures 8A-8F illustrate views of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments;

[0013] Figures 9A-9E illustrate views of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments; [0014] Figures 10A-10F illustrate views of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments; and [0015] Figures 11A-11 D illustrate views of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments. Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0016] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scopes of embodiments, in accordance with the present disclosure, are defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0017] Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. [0018] The description may use perspective-based descriptions such as up/down, back/front, and top/bottom. Such descriptions are merely used to facilitate the discussion and are not intended to restrict the application of embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, "connected" may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact with each other. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. However, "coupled" may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other. [0020] For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "A/B" or in the form "A and/or B" means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "at least one of A, B, and C" means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C). For the purposes of the description, a phrase in the form "(A)B" means (B) or (AB) that is, A is an optional element.

[0021] The description may use the phrases "in an embodiment," or

"in embodiments," which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present invention, are synonymous.

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to retractable members for use on shoes, boots and other footwear. The various embodiments include retractable members that may be separate or molded as part of the tread face or tread block material of the footwear, and adapted for engaging a desired surface, such as turf, track, grass, etc. In various embodiments a top layer or cover layer may be bonded to an upper surface of the tread material, and in so coupling forming channels and fluid chamber adapted for passage and collection of fluid to help control extension and retraction of retractable members. In various embodiments, the channels and/or chambers may be formed in the tread material, and the top layer may be coupled to provide a more inflexible or rigid support. [0023] Figures 1-4 illustrate a section of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, an upper or first layer 10 may be coupled to the footwear. The first layer 10 may be a rubber material having, for example, a specified first durometer. A second layer 12 may be coupled to first layer 10. In various embodiments, the second layer may be a tread block made of a rubber having, for example, a specified second durometer. In various embodiments, the first durometer may be greater than the second durometer, such that the material is less compressible and/or flexible than the second layer. In various embodiments, the first layer 10 may be a variety of materials (e.g. leather, metal, carbon fiber, etc.), and which has a stiffness, compressibility, and/or inflexibility which is greater than that of the second layer. [0024] In various embodiments, a fluid channel 14 may be molded in the second layer 12 and/or in combination with the first layer 10. A chamber 16 may also be disposed at least partially within the second layer 12 and/or formed in conjunction with the first layer 10. Chamber 16 may be adapted to contain a desired volume of fluid, and may expand and contract with an influx and removal of fluid from the chamber. A retractable member 20 may be coupled to the second layer and generally extend away from the chamber 16. A first channel 22 may be disposed in the second layer 12, extending from the chamber 16 into the second layer a desired distance. In various embodiments, the top of first channel 22 may be exposed to the interior of the chamber, and in other embodiments, a membrane may be separating the two. A desired amount of second layer material may be left disposed between the bottom of the first channel 22 and a bottom of the second surface 12, thereby creating a hinge point 24.

[0025] In various embodiments, a second channel 26 may extend from a bottom surface of second layer 12 into layer 12 generally toward chamber 16. The amount of second layer material disposed between the top of the channel 26 and the chamber 16 may be such that it creates a diaphragm or flexible membrane region 28. Upon fluid being forced through channel 14 into chamber 16, the resulting pressure may act on the bottom of chamber 16 thereby causing a portion of the retractable member 20 to extend by pivoting about hinge point 24. Such movement is illustrated in Figure 2 with the retractable member extended in dashed lines. Evacuation of some or all of the fluid and/or reduction of the pressure in the chamber may cause the retractable member to pivot back towards the chamber about hinge point 24.

[0026] In various embodiments, the characteristics (e.g. thickness, position, material, etc.) of the hinge point 24 and/or the flex region 28 may be modified in order to control the degree of pivoting as well as the resistance tendency for the retractable member to retract towards its neutral or home position. In various embodiments, the diaphragm or flex region 28 may be a cavity or other formation that does not necessarily extend to a bottom surface of layer 12. In various embodiments, all or a portion of the retractable member may be augmented or modified with a variety of materials that can improve functionality of the retractable member 20. In one embodiment, a metal or hardened edge may be secured to the retractable member to act as a cleat.

[0027] In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, a retraction resistant member or retractable member stop 30 may be disposed with in the chamber 16 and positioned to resist movement of the retractable member 20 up into the chamber beyond a desired point. In one embodiment, stop 30 may be formed as part of the upper layer 10 and protrude down into the chamber to a position that is slightly above or touching the bottom of the chamber 16. Due to the higher durometer of this material and/or the greater inflexibility of the first layer 10, stop 30 may resist upward movement of the retractable member 20 into the chamber 16. In various embodiments, the stop member may be molded as part of the chamber of the second layer 12 and adapted to engage the first surface 10. In other embodiments, a separate stop may be disposed within the chamber. [0028] Figures 5A-5C illustrate another embodiment of a retractable member control system in accordance with embodiments in the present invention. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate upper exploded views and lower exploded views respectively of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate upper exploded views and lower exploded views respectively of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, and including a retractable member stop.

[0029] Figure 8A-8F illustrates a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, the system includes an upper or first surface 10 having a first stiffness, durometer, or flexibility and a second surface 12 having a second stiffness, durometer or flexibility. In various embodiments, the first surface 10 is stiffer, more inflexible, and/or less compressible than bottom or second surface 12. A channel 14 may be formed between the upper surface 10 and lower surface 12 and adapted to transport fluid to a chamber 16. The lower part of chamber 16 may include a flexible diaphragm 28 and have a retractable member 20 coupled thereto, such that as fluid is forced into chamber 16, the chamber 16 may expand thereby forcing the retractable member 20 to extend beyond a neutral or home position.

[0030] In various embodiments, a retraction resisting stop 30 may be disposed such that it can engage either the first surface or the second surface to prevent movement of the retractable member up in towards the chamber 16 beyond a neutral or home position. In various embodiments, one or more rib members 32 may be coupled to the retractable member 20 and the second layer 12. Rib members 32 may be configured to provide resistance to movement of the retractable member as a result of bending, torsional and other forces. In various embodiments, a variety of rib configurations and quantities may be used so as to help resist unwanted lateral movement of the retractable member.

[0031] Figures 9A-9E illustrate a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments. The system may include an upper or first layer 10 and a second layer 12 coupled thereto, and which may be a more flexible, compressible, or movable layer than first layer 10. A chamber 16 may be disposed at least partially in the second layer 12 and adapted to have a bottom portion that expands and retracts with fluid being forced into and out of the chamber 16. A retractable member 20 may be coupled to the bottom of a flexible member or membrane 28 and adapted to extend and retract with introduction and removal of fluid.

[0032] In various embodiments, a generally rigid flange or seal member 34 may be disposed about the retractable member and coupled to the second layer 12. The retractable member 20 may be adapted to move axially with respect to the seal member 34, and wherein the seal member 34 may help prevent or resist material debris and other foreign objects from gaining access to the diaphragm 28 and/or chamber 16. In various embodiments the seal member 34 may be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to metals, carbon fibers, polymers and/or other rigid and/or semi-rigid materials. In various embodiments, a stop 30 may be used to resist retraction of the retractable member beyond a desired distance. [0033] Figures 10A-10F illustrate a retractable member system in accordance with various embodiments, similar in general design to those previously disclosed embodiments. In various embodiments, a movable cup 36 may be coupled to the second layer 12 and disposed generally about the retractable member. The movable cup 36 may be material having a two or more position spring component form therein, such that as the diaphragm pushes against the upper portion of the cup 36 and a first force is overcome, the cup 36 plate at least partially inverts to a desired position. In such a configuration the retractable member 20 would be in the extended state. When some fluid is removed or pressure is reduced within the chamber, the spring action of the movable cup 34 may cause the cup 34 to go back to its non-deformed or non-inverted position, thereby helping to urge the retractable member to its neutral position. Movable cups in accordance with various embodiments may be made of a variety materials including metals, plastics, poly carbonates, carbon fibers and other formable materials. In various embodiments the cup plate may act as a seal and debris protector. In various embodiments the retractable member may be directly coupled to the cup plate, or a separate component that is adapted to pass through the cup plate.

[0034] Figures 11A-11 D illustrate a retractable member in accordance with various embodiments. The retractable member 20 may include an outer member 52 that is coupled to a portion of a retractable member control system in accordance with various embodiments. In various embodiments, the outer member may be coupled to a diaphragm 28 and movable in response to movement of the diaphragm 28. The outer member 52 may include a flange 58 adapted to bond with the diaphragm or other moving surface in response to pressurization and depressurization of, for example, a chamber 16. A second or inner retractable member 54 may be disposed within the outer member 52 and adapted to move axially with respect to the outer member 52. The inner retractable member 54 may be positioned such that it can extend beyond an extended position of the outer member 52, thereby allowing enhanced or further controllable extension of the retractable member 20.

[0035] In various embodiments, a biasing member 56 may be at least partially disposed between the inner retractable member 54 and the outer retractable member 52. The biasing member 56 may be adapted to resist axial movement of the inner retractable member beyond the outer member 52. The resistance of the biasing member 56 may be overcome by pressure exerted from the fluid chamber acting on the inner member 54, such that the inner member 54 may move axially beyond the outer retractable member 52, thus extending the overall length of the retractable member 20. The biasing member 56 may further help retract the inner retractable member 54 from extension beyond the outer retractable member 52. [0036] In various embodiments, the biasing member 56 may be a compression member having bellowed grooves and hollows, such that the compression member may compress a certain desired distance. In other embodiments a spring, elastomer or other compressable member may be used. In various embodiments the compressable member used may be selected as desired in order to permit a desired extension of the inner retractable member 54 with the respect to the outer retractable member 52. [0037] Retractable members in accordance with various embodiments may include the outer retractable member which under a first pressure will extend a first distance. As the pressure is increased to a second pressure, the inner retractable member will overcome the resistance of a biasing member and extend axially beyond the outer retractable member, thereby increasing the overall extension length of the retractable member. In various embodiments, as the second pressure is reduced or eliminated, the resilience/response of the biasing member may help urge the inner retractable member to retract axially. As the first pressure is reduced or eliminated, the outer retractable member may then retract, for example, as described with respect to previous embodiments. In various embodiments, multiple inner members and compression members may be used to increase the extended length potential of the retractable members. [0038] The term "fluid" used herein is used in the broadest sense, and includes, but is not limited to, liquids, such as hydraulic fluids and self sealing liquids, and gasses, such as air.

[0039] Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be implemented in a very wide variety of ways. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments in accordance with the present invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.