Abstract:
A boot sole adapted for attachment of a bottom and lower sides of a fishing or hiking boot. The boot sole includes a recessed cavity for receiving one or more cleats therein. The cleats are used for engaging rough and irregular surfaces. The cleats are attached to an inner sole. The inner sole is attached to a bottom of the boot using heating bonding or an adhesive. Disposed around the recessed cavity is a downwardly extending sole ring. The sole ring includes a flat surface for engaging a smooth ground or floor surface.

Description:
This application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) patent application claiming the benefit and subject matter of a non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/442,145, filed on Apr. 9, 2012 and having a title of “Wading Boot Sole”. The earlier filed non-provisional patent application claims the benefit and subject matter of a provisional patent application, Ser. No. 61/473,971, filed on Apr. 11, 2011. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (a) Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a fishing and hiking boot with a unique boot sole and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a boot sole having recessed cleats for engaging a rough and irregular surface when fishing and hiking for increased stability and safety. The boot sole also has an outer sole or sole ring with a flat bottom portion for engaging a smooth or flat floor surface. 
     (b) Discussion of Prior Art 
     Heretofore, fishing boots often have a flat bottom, which makes wading difficult and dangerous when negotiating rocks and gravel in a fishing stream or lake bed. Also, flat bottom boots often have a felt surface for improved traction. But, the felt surface helps transplant invasive aquatic species, which can destroy a river. Also, metal studs have been incorporated into a rubber boot sole. But, the studs wear out quickly and can&#39;t be used for walking on a bottom of a fishing boat or a floor surface. 
     In U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,610 to Laporte, a footwear item is disclosed having releasable attachments for engaging an outer sole. The attachments include spikes, studs, or cleats to improve traction when hiking and other sports activities. This type of footwear does not provide the unique features and objects of the subject invention having a plurality of recessed cleats incorporated into a boot sole as disclosed herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing, it is a primary objective of the subject invention to provide one or more cleats incorporated into a recessed cavity of a fishing or hiking boot sole. The cleats are used for engaging rough and irregular surfaces, such as rocks, gravel and the like, with improved stability, greater traction, and safety when fishing and hiking. 
     Another object of the invention is the boot sole includes a downwardly extending, outer sole or sole ring having flat bottom surface. The sole ring is disposed round a periphery of the recessed cavity. The flat bottom surface of the sole ring is used for engaging a flat floor surface, such as the bottom of a fishing boat and other smooth surfaces, without marring or scuffing the floor surface. 
     The subject invention includes a boot sole adapted for attachment of a bottom and lower sides of a fishing or hiking boot. The boot sole includes a recessed cavity for receiving one or more cleats therein. The cleats are used for engaging rough and irregular surfaces. The cleats are attached to an inner sole. The inner sole is attached to a bottom of the boot using heating bonding or an adhesive. Disposed around the recessed cavity is a downwardly extending sole ring. The sole ring includes a flat surface for engaging a smooth ground or floor surface. 
     These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those familiar with different types of fishing and hiking boots when reviewing the following detailed description, showing novel construction, combination, and elements as described, and more particularly defined by the claims, it being understood that changes in the embodiments to the disclosed invention are meant to be included as coming within the scope of the claims, except insofar as they may be precluded by the prior art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate complete preferred embodiments in the present invention according to the best modes presently devised and for the practical application of the subject fishing and hiking boot, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the invention item  10  primary embodiment sole assembly intentionally omitting component  34  rubber matting for clarity. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the invention item  10  primary embodiment sole assembly illustrating component  22  cleat member only. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a bottom perspective exploded view of the invention item  10  primary embodiment sole assembly illustrating intentionally omitting component  34  rubber matting for clarity. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of the invention item  10  primary sole assembly intentionally omitting component  34  rubber matting for clarity. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a bottom view of the invention item  10  primary embodiment sole assembly illustrated with component  34  rubber matting. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of the invention item  36  secondary embodiment sole assembly intentionally omitting component  34  rubber matting for clarity. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a bottom view of the invention item  36  secondary embodiment sole assembly illustrated with component  34  rubber matting. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view shown in use. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a section detail view of the invention along line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the subject fishing and hiking boot with a boot sole having a recessed cavity for attaching recessed cleats to an inner sole. An outer sole or sole ring is disposed around the recessed cavity. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one of the cleats shown being attached to a portion of the inner sole. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of the boot sole taken along lines  3 - 3 , shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded perspective view of the boot, inner sole, cleats and surrounding sole ring. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention relates to a design for a wading boot sole  10  for fishing to provide maximum traction on slick river bottoms and eliminate the transfer of aquatic species. The sole  10  comprises an outer bottom rim sole  14  and an inner sole  16 . The inner sole  16  comprises a plurality of elongated cleat members  22  having first and second ends and including a base portion  30 , a grip portion  28  formed at an angle relative to the base portion  30  and first and second gussets  32  formed at the first and second ends and extending between the base portion  30  and the grip portion  28 . The grip portions  28  include a row of teeth extending along the grip portion  28  between the first and second ends. The plurality of the elongated cleat members  22  extend approximately parallel and spaced apart from one another as seen in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-8 . As seen in  FIGS. 1, 6 and 8 , the plurality of base portions  30  of the elongated cleat members  22  are surrounded by a matting  34  having top and bottom surfaces and preferably made from rubber. 
     Cleat members  22  will be comprised of one of the materials selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide, carbide, niobium carbide, carbide steel. In some embodiments, the dimensions will be 1/64 to ⅜ inch thick, 1/16 to 4 inch wide and 1 to 8 inch long. Cleat members  22  will span the total width of inner sole  16 . They will be a half-circle shape, from 1 degree radius, or run straight. Members  22  vary from 1/16 to 2 inches in height. Cleat base  30  will be the mounting plate to attach the cleats to the inner sole  16  or frame members  26  by weld. Between 1 and 100 teeth will be formed per grip member  28 . Gussets  32  will be placed on the outside edge of the cleat member  22  and in the middle on the opposite side of the cleat members  22 . The dimensions will be 1′64 to ⅜ inch thick, 1/32 to 1½ inch wide, 1/16 to 1½ inch long, and 5 degrees to 80 degrees angel. They will act as supports for the cleat members  22 . 
     The inner sole  16  also comprises a plurality of elongate frame members  26  extending generally perpendicular to the elongate cleat members  22 . The plurality of elongate frame members  26  are also surrounded by the rubber matting  34  which includes a plurality of boot drainage holes  24  formed therein. The elongate frame members  26  act as a mount and cross-brace for cleat base members  30 . 
     The cleat frame members  26  will be comprised of one to the materials selected from selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide, carbide, niobium carbide, carbide steel. The dimensions will be ⅛ to 5 inch wide, 1/64 to ¼ inch thick. Length will depend on boot size. They will be positioned either horizontal, or parallel to the outer bottom rim sole  14 . In some embodiments, the frame members  26  are not present. As seen in  FIGS. 1, 6 and 8 , the elongate frame members  26  are also preferably surrounded by matting  34 . 
     An outer bottom rim sole  14  surrounds the matting  34  and is defined by an outer surface, an inner surface, a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the j outer bottom rim sole  14  is spaced apart from the top surface of the matting  34  in a first direction and the bottom surface of said outer bottom rim sole  14  is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the matting  34  in a second direction which is opposite from the first direction. A plurality of metal studs  18  are formed on the bottom surface of the outer bottom rim sole. 
     The outer bottom rim sole  14  provides a walking platform for use other than the river bottom. Where the recess at the matting  34  allows the cleat teeth to be protected when walking down the highway or dirt road. The cleat members  22  may be welded to the inner sole  16  that would be the shape of the recessed part of the sole and tilt up inside the outer bottom rim sole  14 . 
     The bottom surface of the outer bottom rim sole  14  is spaced apart from the row of teeth in a first direction such that when the bottom surface of the outer bottom rim sole  14  is placed on a foreign surface, the teeth are spaced apart from the foreign surface to prevent scratching thereof and to prevent dulling of the teeth. 
     The dimensions for the inner sole  16  will be 1/64 to 1 inch thick, and shaped to match the bottom of the boot. It will act as a mounting platform for the cleat members  22 . There will be ⅛ to 1 inch holes  24  cut in the inner sole  16  and covered from the backside with PVC reinforced mesh to allow the water to drain form the bottom of the boot. 
     The outer bottom rim sole  14  will be comprised of rubber. The dimensions will be ⅛ to 2½ inches wide, ⅛ to 2½ inches thick, and wrap around the whole outside of from selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide, carbide, niobium carbide, carbide steel. The dimensions will be ⅛ to 5 inch wide, 1/64 to ¼ inch thick. Length will depend on boot the boot. This will act as the walking surface when a user is out of the water. There will also be from 1 to 30 studs  18 , comprising of one of the materials selected from aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, silicon carbide, tungsten carbide, vanadium carbide, carbide, niobium carbide, carbide steel, spaced as desired in the outer bottom rim sole  14  as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 4-8 . The outer sole  14  is made of rubber. 
     In construction, first the inner sole  16  would be cut and shaped to match the bottom of the boot  12 . Then holes would be cut in the inner sole  16  at the desired places and cover with PVC reinforced mesh form the top side, so it is sandwiched between the bottom of the boot and the inner sole  16 . Next the cleat members  22  are cut to size and the teeth are cut out. Then the cleat members  22  can be welded to the inner sole  16  in the desired pattern. Then the gussets  32  should be inserted in their desired spots and welded. Next the outer bottom rim sole  14  would be molded out of rubber and the studs  18  inserted in their desired positions. Then the whole outer bottom rim sole  15  will be pressed on the bottom of the boot. Then rubber matting  34  will be inlayed over the inner sole  16  to protect the cleat base  30  and gussets  32  from rocks. 
     In some embodiments, the cleat members  22  are replaceable. To use the invention, a user places the soles on their feet to cross the slickest river bottom. It would be excellent for older people who enjoy fly-fishing. 
     In  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of another boot sole is shown having general reference numeral  110 . The boot sole  110  includes a boot sole body  111 . The boot sole body  111  is shown attached to a bottom  112  and lower sides  114  of a fishing and hiking boot  116 . The bottom  112  of the boot  116  is shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     The boot sole body  111  is characterized by having a recessed cavity  118  therein and an outer sole or sole ring  120  disposed around the outer perimeter of the cavity  118 . An upper portion  122  of the sole ring  120  is used for securing the boot sole to the lower sides  114  of the boot  116 . A lower portion  124  of the sole ring  120  has a flat surface  126  with treads  128  therein for better traction. 
     The cavity  118  is used for receiving a toe cleat  130 , an arch cleat  132  and a heal cleat  134  therein. The cleats  130 ,  132  and  134  are attached to an inner sole  136 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , a perspective view of the heal cleat  130  is shown being attached to a portion of the inner sole  136  using threaded inserts  138  and screws  140 . The cleats  130 ,  132  and  134  include a pair of spaced apart semi-circular cleat teeth  142 , mounted on a cleat frame  144 . The cleat teeth are used for gripping an irregular or rocky surface, as shown in  FIG. 13 . By removing the screws  140 , the cleats can be replaced when worn or damaged. 
     In  FIG. 13 , a cross sectional view of the boot sole body  111  is shown taken along lines  13 - 13  in  FIG. 11 . In this view, the inner sole  136  is bonded to the bottom  112  of the boot  116 . The bonding is illustrated as horizontal line  145 . The inner sole  136  is shown with a pair of threaded inserts  138  attached to the cleat frame  144  of the toe cleat  130 . It is important to note that in this drawing the bottom of the cleat teeth  142  are recessed above the flat surface  126  of the sole ring  120  a distance “X”. The recessed distance “X” is in a range of 1/64 to ½ inches and greater so that the teeth  142  with not engage, scar and damage a flat floor surface when walked on. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 13  is a flat surface shown as a horizontal line  146 . Further shown in this drawing is an irregular or rocky surface  148 , which is engaged by the cleat teeth  142  for greater stability, traction and safety, when fishing and hiking. 
     In  FIG. 14 , an exploded perspective view is shown of the boot  116 , inner sole  136 , cleats  130 ,  132 , and  134  and the surrounding sole ring  120 . The inner sole  136  is shown with a plurality of spaced apart threaded inserts  138  for receiving screws  140  and securing the cleats  130 ,  132  and  134  thereto when the sole  136  has been bonded to the bottom  112  of the boot  116 . Also shown in this drawing is the sole ring  120  positioned for attaching the boot sole body  111  to a portion of the bottom  112  and lower sides  114  of the boot  116  and bonded thereto. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments and modifications thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed except as precluded by the prior art.