Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a sole plate assembly for an item of footwear, to parts of that assembly, and to items of footwear including that assembly. Background of the Invention

[0002] Sporting shoes or boots, such as football (soccer) or rugby boots or golf shoes, may have removable and replaceable projections for providing grip such as studs, cleats or spikes which typically screw into fittings in the sole. It is also known to provide one or more removable sole plates which carry such projections. These sole plates are typically attached to the sole by the projections themselves.

[0003] US 7866064 (Nike) discloses an interchangeable 'pod' system comprising an outsole, a pod set and a cleat set. The pods are attached to the outsole by means of the cleat set.

[0004] GB 2477285 A (Foote) discloses a sports shoe with interchangeable inserts of different thicknesses. A 'traction-enhancing projection' is removably mountable to at least one of the inserts.

[0005] US 8,510,974 (Cleats) discloses a traction plate removably attachable to the outsole of a shoe. The plate includes a flange with one or more surface-engaging elements on one face, and two-or more shoe-coupling elements which are inserted into corresponding receptacles in the outsole.

[0006] One problem may occur when the sole flexes. Since the sole plates are attached to the sole only at discrete points, they may not flex with the sole, and gaps may occur between the sole and the sole plates. These gaps may accumulate dirt and/or compromise the safety and structural integrity of the shoe.

[0007] Another problem is that the sole plates are difficult to attach and remove. For example, it may be necessary to remove each stud, cleat or spike in order to remove the sole plate. The more attachment points there are between the sole and the sole plates, the more difficult they are to attach and remove.

[0008] Another problem is that the form of the stud, cleat or spike may be restricted by the need to use it as attachment means for the sole plate. Statements of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sole plate assembly for an item of footwear, comprising one or more removable or interchangeable plates each having one or more gripping or traction projections, such as studs, cleats, spikes or blades. The periphery of at least one of the removable plates may engage with another plate that is fixed directly or indirectly to the sole, or may engage directly with the sole. User actuable means are provided for securing the at least one removable plate directly or indirectly to the sole.

[0010] By securing the periphery of the removable plate directly or indirectly to the sole and using a separate user actuable means to removably attach the removable plate to the sole, the removable plate is prevented from coming away from the sole and can be secured relatively simply, for example by a single user actuable member.

[0011] The periphery of the removable plate may engage with a fixed plate fixed directly or indirectly to the sole. The removable plate and the fixed plate may be substantially coplanar, for example so that together they form part of the outer surface of the sole.

[0012] The fixed plate may engage with the outer periphery of the removable plate, for example by fitting the removable plate into an aperture or recess in the fixed plate. The fitting may be a slide fitting, or the removable plate may be formed of multiple parts which can be assembled within the aperture. One of the parts may be removably attached to the sole or to the fixed plate by the user actuable means, and may engage the other parts. At least some of the multiple parts may be flexibly joined together.

[0013] Alternatively, the fixed plate may engage with an inner periphery of the removable plate, and the outer periphery of the removable plate may engage with an outer part of the sole, or with another part fixed to the sole. The user actuable means may removably secure the removable plate to the fixed plate.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a sole plate assembly including a removable plate having at least one gripping projection and user actuable means separate from the gripping projection for removably securing the removable plate directly or indirectly to the sole.

[0015] In either aspect of the invention, different removable plates may be used for the sole and heel parts of the plate assembly. Aspects of the invention include novel parts of the sole plate assembly, and items of footwear including the sole plate assembly. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] There now follows, by way of example only, a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the figures identified below.

Figure 1 is an isometric exploded view of a sole plate assembly in a first embodiment.

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are orthographic views respectively of a fixed outer sole plate, removable plates and sole assembly in the first embodiment.

Figure 3 is a cross-section through the sole assembly of Figure 2c.

Figure 4 is an exploded cross-section through the sole assembly of Figure 2c.

Figures 5a to 5c are orthographic views of variants of the sole assembly of Figure

2c, showing different combinations of removable sole and heel plates.

Figure 6 is an isometric exploded view of a sole plate assembly in a second embodiment.

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c are orthographic views respectively of a fixed outer sole plate, removable plates and sole assembly in the second embodiment.

Figure 8 is a cross-section through the sole assembly of Figure 7c.

Figure 9 is an exploded cross-section through the sole assembly of Figure 7c.

Figures 10a to 10c are orthographic views of variants of the sole assembly of

Figure 7c, showing different combinations of removable sole and heel plates.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0017] Different illustrative embodiments are described below. Functionally similar parts are indicated using the same reference numerals, although these parts may differ in some respects between the embodiments.

[0018] The embodiments described below relate in general to a sole plate assembly for attachment to the sole of an item of footwear, such as a boot, shoe or sandal. The sole may comprise an outer sole, in that it forms an outer part of the item of footwear, or a midsole, in that it does not form an outer part.

[0019] A 'plate' as used herein generally forms part of the outer (i.e. bottom) surface of the sole. Depending on context, the term 'sole' may encompass any part of the sole, or the part of the sole distinct from the heel. [0020] For conciseness, only the sole of the item of footwear is described in detail, but it will be understood that the item of footwear may include standard features such as an upper, insole and midsole as required.

[0021] In the description below, the upward and downward directions are defined relative to the position of the item of footwear when placed upright on the ground i.e. so that the upper is upwards and the sole is downwards. The forward direction is defined generally as running from the heel towards the toe, and left and right are defined with reference to the forward direction. The outward direction is defined to be generally parallel to the sole, and extending from the centre to the edge of the sole, and the inward direction is opposite to the outward direction.

First Embodiment

[0022] A sole plate assembly of the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 5c, comprises a sole 9, to which is permanently attached a fixed sole plate 6 and a fixed heel plate 7. The fixed sole and heel plates 6, 7 may be integrated as a single fixed plate and/or may be integrated with the sole 9.

[0023] A removable sole plate 2 comprises first and second (e.g. left and right) plate sections 2a, 2b interconnected by a flexible bridge portion 3, made for example of a flexible elastomer such as silicone rubber; this allows the left and right plate sections 2a, 2b to be compressed or flexed together so that the removable sole plate 2 fits within a sole aperture Al in the fixed sole plate 6. As shown in Figure 3, the left and right plate sections 2a, 2b each have an outer peripheral flange 2a', 2b' that fits into a groove or recess 6b in the fixed sole plate 6, or between the fixed sole plate 6 and the sole 9, around the edge of the sole aperture Al, thus securing the outer periphery of the left and right plate sections 2a, 2b to the fixed sole plate 6.

[0024] The removable sole plate 2 is secured against the sole 9 by a securing plate 1. As best shown in Figure 2b, the securing plate 1 tapers in the forward direction and is slid into a correspondingly tapered space between the left and right plate sections 2a, 2b so as to force the left and right plate sections against the edges of the sole aperture Al . The front end of the securing plate 1 has a tongue la that fits within a slot 6a located at the front side of the sole aperture Al so as to secure the front end of the securing plate 1 to the fixed sole plate 6. The securing plate 1, when assembled, lies substantially flush or coplanar with the left and right plate sections 2a, 2b. The flexible bridge 3 fits between the securing plate 1 and the sole 9.

[0025] An advantage of the flexible bridge 3 is that the left and right plate sections 2a, 2b are biased against the edge of the sole aperture Al and held in position while the securing plate 1 is fitted. Also, the plate sections 2a, 2b are secured together so that it is more difficult to lose one of them. In an alternative embodiment, the flexible bridge 3 may be omitted and the left and right plate sections 2a, 2b may be discrete; these are then fitted separately within the sole aperture Al and are held in place by the securing plate 1.

[0026] The left and right plate sections 2a, 2b have corresponding inner peripheral flanges 2a", 2b" which are held in recesses or grooves lb in the securing plate 1, or between the securing plate 1 and the sole 9, thus securing the inner peripheries of the left and right plate sections 2a, 2b.

[0027] The securing plate 1 is removably secured to the sole 9 by a locking bolt or screw 8a, which passes through the securing plate 1 from the outside of the shoe and is secured within a screw hole 10a in the sole 9.

[0028] A removable heel plate 5 has tapered sides which may be slid into a correspondingly shaped heel aperture A2 in the fixed heel plate 7. The front and sides of the removable heel plate 5 have a peripheral flange 5a that fits within a groove or recess 7a in the fixed heel plate 7, or between the fixed heel plate 7 and the sole 9.

[0029] The removable heel plate 5 is removably secured to the sole 9 by a locking bolt or screw 8b, which passes through the removable heel plate 5 from the outside of the shoe and is secured within a screw hole 10b in the sole 9. Alternatively, the locking screw 8b may pass through the sole 9 from the inside of the shoe and engage a screw hole in the upper face of the removable heel plate 5. The head of the locking screw 8b may then be accessed through the collar of the shoe by removing an insole.

[0030] Instead of a screw fitting, alternative locking means may be used such as a clip or bayonet fitting. It is preferred that the fitting has a positive locking arrangement so that the fitting cannot work loose. Preferably, the positive locking arrangement requires less than one full turn to lock or unlock, such as a half turn or quarter turn.

[0031] Each removable sole plate 2 and removable heel plate 5 may carry one or more gripping projections 12 such as studs, blades, cleats or spikes; these may be permanently fixed to or integrated with the corresponding plate, or may be detachable from the plate. There may be provided interchangeable types of sole plate 2 and of heel plate 5, each of which may be chosen independently of each other, for customised performance. Examples are shown in Figures 5a to 5c, as summarised in Table 1 below:

Table 1

Second Embodiment

[0032] A sole plate assembly of the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 to 10c, comprises a sole 9, to which is permanently attached a central fixed sole plate 6. The fixed sole plate 6 may be integral with the sole 9. A removable sole plate 2 and heel plate 5 are removably attachable to the fixed sole plate 6 and the sole 9, as described in more detail below.

[0033] The fixed sole plate 6 is elongate in the longitudinal direction of the sole 9, and is wider towards the toe and heel than at its middle section. The removable sole plate 2 and heel plate 5 are approximately C-shaped in plan and fit around the forward and rearward end respectively of the fixed sole plate 6. The inner ends of the removable sole plate 2 and heel plate 5 carry securing means 10a, 10b, such as moulded cam dowels, for engaging with locking members 8a, 8b located in the fixed sole plate. The locking members 8a, 8b may each include a circumferential slot of varying height around the circumference, such that turning the locking member 8a, 8b engages the securing means 10a, 10b. The locking members 8a, 8b may be captive within the fixed sole plate 6, or may be removable.

[0034] In a variant of the second embodiment, the fixed sole plate 6 may be removably attached to the sole 9 by means of the locking members 8a, 8b. In that case, no direct engagement would be required between the locking members 8a, 8b and the removable plates 2, 5, and the securing means 10a, 10b would not be required. In that case, a single locking member could be used, and the removable plates 2, 5 could be integrated as a single plate.

[0035] In either variant, the sole 9 has peripheral grooves 9a, 9b respectively at the sole and heel portions thereof. The peripheral grooves 9a, 9b may be integral with the sole 9 or formed by a part fixed to the sole 9. As shown in Figure 8, the outer periphery 2' of the removable sole plate 2 turns upwards and inwards so as to fit within the peripheral groove 9a. In a similar fashion, the outer periphery 5a of the heel plate 5 fits within the peripheral groove 9b. Thus, the outer peripheries 2', 5a are secured to the sole 9.

[0036] The inner peripheries 2", 5b respectively of the removable sole plate 2 and heel plate 5 include projections that fit within corresponding recesses 6a around the periphery of the fixed sole plate 6. In this way, the inner peripheries are secured to the fixed sole plate 6.

[0037] The removable sole plate 2 and removable heel plate 5 may each carry one or more projections, such as studs, blades, cleats or spikes, for providing grip to the sole. There may be provided interchangeable types of sole plate 2 and of heel plates 5, each of which may be chosen independently of each other, for customised performance. Examples are shown in Figures 10a to 10c, as summarised in Table 2 below:

Table 2

Features Common to First and Second Embodiments

[0038] From the above description, it will be seen that there are many features common to the embodiments. This does not imply that these features are essential to all embodiments of the invention. However, some specific details common to both of the above embodiments will now be discussed, to avoid repetition for each embodiment.

[0039] There may be provided a set of interchangeable sole plates 2 and/or heel plates 5, each of the set having a different number and/or type of projections 12.

[0040] The fixed sole and heel plates 6, 7 and/or interchangeable sole and heel plates 2, 5 are preferably made from a semi-rigid material, such as a thermoplastic polymer or a composite fibre-based material, that allows a degree of flexibility in the sole assembly, without compromising its security. The fibre based material may include carbon, glass or graphene fibres. These plates need not be made from a homogenous material, but may comprise different materials combined together, for example by moulding or bonding. In one example, the flanges, grooves, tongues and/or slots may be made from a more rigid material than the rest of the plate or may be reinforced with an insert.

[0041] Each removable plate 2, 5 may be suitable for use with more than one size or type of footwear. For example, in the first embodiment the apertures Al, A2 may be of a standard shape and size across a range of sizes of footwear. In the second embodiment, the peripheral grooves 9a, 9b may be of a standard shape and size across a range of sizes of footwear. In one specific example, the removable plates 2, 5 may be provided in a relatively small number of sizes each corresponding to a range of shoe sizes, for example as shown in Table 3 below. Hence, the removable plates 2, 5 may be manufactured more cost-effectively as the need for different sizes of tooling is reduced, and a smaller inventory of different part sizes is required.

Table 3

[0042] The locking screws or members 8a, 8b may each have a slotted head that can be turned with a coin or a large flat-blade screwdriver, or may have an alternative means for engaging with a tool. It is preferred that the heads of the locking screws or members 8a, 8b lie substantially flush with the surrounding surface of the sole, at least when secured. The locking screws or members 8a, 8b are preferably made from a rigid, durable weather- resistant material such as stainless steel or nylon.

Alternative Embodiments

[0043] Having read the above description, many variants of the above embodiments may be envisaged, which nevertheless fall within the scope of the invention. For example, in the first embodiment the interchangeable sole plate 2 may be secured in a similar fashion to the interchangeable heel plate 5, and vice versa. The securing plate 1 may extend over both the interchangeable sole plate 2 and heel plate 5 and may secure both to the sole 9.

[0044] In either of the first and second embodiments, the removable sole plate 2 and heel plate 5 may be integrated into a single removable plate, with suitable modification of the fixing arrangements.

[0045] In the first and second embodiments, the peripheries of the interchangeable plates 2, 5 are secured using a tongue, flange, rim or projection engaging in a groove, slot or recess. Other forms of engagement may be used, such as projecting studs or dowels that engage in corresponding slots or recesses. It is not essential that the engagement be continuous along the periphery.

[0046] The securing plate 1 of the first embodiment or the fixed plate 6 of the second embodiment may carry one or more projections 12, or may be free from such projections.

[0047] The above embodiments are described purely by way of example and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Alternative embodiments may be envisaged, which nevertheless fall within the scope of the following claims.

Alternative Statements of Invention

Alternative statements of invention are defined by the numbered clauses below.

1. A sole plate assembly for an item of footwear having a sole, the assembly comprising: a. a removable plate having one or more projections for providing grip, b. means for engaging a periphery of the removable plate so as to secure the periphery directly or indirectly to the sole, and c. user actuable means for removably securing the removable plate directly or indirectly to the sole.

2. The sole plate assembly of clause 1, wherein the means for engaging the periphery of the removable plate comprises a fixed plate fixed directly or indirectly to the sole.

3. The sole plate assembly of clause 2, wherein the removable plate and the fixed plate are substantially coplanar.

4. The sole plate assembly of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the fixed plate has an aperture into which the removable plate fits.

5. The sole plate assembly of clause 4, wherein the periphery of removable plate engages an edge of the aperture.

6. The sole plate assembly of clause 4 or clause 5, wherein the removable plate comprises first and second plate sections.

7. The sole plate assembly of clause 6, further including a securing plate that fits between the first and second plate sections within the aperture.

8. The sole plate assembly of clause 7, wherein the user actuable means is arranged to removably secure the securing plate to the sole.

9. The sole plate assembly of clause 7 or clause 8, wherein the securing plate is arranged to engage the inner peripheries of the first and second plate sections.

10. The sole plate assembly of any one of clauses 6 to 9, wherein the first and second plate sections are joined by a flexible bridge.

11. The sole plate assembly of clause 5, wherein the removable plate is slidable into the aperture so that a periphery of the removable plate engages an edge of the aperture. A sole plate assembly comprising a first removable plate according to any one of clauses 6 to 10 and a second removable plate according to clause 11. The sole plate assembly of clause 12, wherein the first removable plate comprises a removable sole plate and the second removable plate comprises a removable heel plate. The sole plate assembly of clause 2 or clause 3, wherein the fixed plate is arranged to engage an inner periphery of the removable plate. The sole plate assembly of clause 14, wherein an outer periphery of the removable plate is arranged to engage the sole, or a part fixed to the sole. The sole plate assembly of clause 14 or clause 15, wherein the user actuable means is arranged to removably secure the removable plate to the fixed plate. The sole plate assembly of clause 16, wherein the removable plate is approximately C- shaped in plan and has first and second ends having securing means for engagement with the user actuable means. A sole plate assembly for an item of footwear having a sole, the assembly comprising a removable plate having at least one projection for providing grip to the sole, and user actuable means for removably securing the removable plate directly or indirectly to the sole, wherein the user actuable means is separate from said at least one projection. The sole plate assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the removable plate comprises semi-rigid material. The sole plate assembly of clause 19, wherein the semi-rigid material comprises or includes one or more of a thermoplastic material and a composite fibre-based material. An item of footwear including the sole plate assembly of any preceding clause. The removable plate of the sole plate assembly of any one of clauses 1 to 20. A set of interchangeable removable plates each as in clause 22, each having a different type and/or configuration of said projections. A set of items of footwear of a range of different sizes, wherein a removable plate according to clause 22 is arranged to fit each of the set.