Patent ID: 7007413
Filing Date: 2006-03-07
Classification: A43C

Abstract:
1. In combination: a mounting connector adapted to be mounted in the sole of an athletic shoe, said mounting connector including a base and a male engagement member in the form of an externally threaded shaft projecting a predetermined distance from said base beyond said sole; a cleat adapted to be removably connected to the mounting connector, said cleat including a flange, a plurality of traction elements extending from one surface of said flange away from said mounting connector, and a first annular wall extending from a second surface of said flange toward said mounting connector and having a threaded female receptacle defined on an interior-facing surface of said first wall for threadedly receiving and removably engaging said shaft in response to mutual rotation between said cleat and said connector; wherein said shaft is formed of plastic material to prevent it from scratching and penetrating vulnerable surfaces when forced directly into contact with said vulnerable surfaces; locking means responsive to a predetermined extent of rotation of said shaft relative to said receptacle in a first angular direction for resisting turning of said shaft in a second opposite angular direction, said locking means comprising: