Golf shoe cleat

A three-piece cleat assembly for use on athletic shoes which have, embedded in their soles, an interlocking receptacle, such as that used in the Q-LOK R system. Molded of plastic, the cleat assembly includes a connector, a traction-enhancing member and a T-shaped member. The latter includes a stem from one end of which arms project outwardly. Distal from these arms, the stem is bifurcated into two branches. During assembly, the stem of the T-shaped member is inserted through a center hole in the traction-enhancing member; and the branches are squeeze-fitted into et square bore within the connector. Upon being released, the branches spring apart, pressing against the connector. Simultaneously, the arms nest snugly within troughs formed in the base of the traction-enhancing member; and a barb on the tip of each branch is caught on a shoulder rimming the square bore. To affix the cleat assembly, one simply inserts a trifurcated element on one end of the connector into the embedded receptacle and then rotates the connector through about 60 degrees. When rotation is complete, leaf spring-type fingers on the trifurcated element re-extend themselves, fitting into pockets in the receptacle and locking the connector in position. The traction-enhancing member includes arcuate-shaped, tapered ridges arrayed generally concentrically about the center hole. In use, the traction-enhancing member is mounted so that the thickest part of each ridge is closest to the shoe. As the ridges flex, mud picked up by the cleats becomes dislodged.

FIELD OF INVENTION 
This invention relates generally to golf shoes, and more particularly to 
releasably mounted cleats for the soles and/or heels of such shoes, for 
use in situations in which improved traction for the wearer is desirable. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Damage to golf greens, as well as to the wooded floors and carpets of golf 
clubhouses, caused by golfers wearing athletic shoes with metal spikes is 
a well-known phenomenon. In response to consumer demand, shoe 
manufacturers have begun to provide golf shoes having non-metallic cleats. 
In the applicant's earlier pending U.S. patent application, there is 
disclosed a removably mounted, two-piece cleat assembly for use with golf 
shoes. This cleat assembly comprises a pair of interlocking components, 
each of which is preferably molded of plastic. The paired components 
include a base and a T-shaped member having a threaded stem for threadedly 
engaging a bore or boss in the sole of a shoe. Distal from the tip of the 
threaded stem, the T-shaped member terminates in a plurality of arms which 
extend perpendicularly therefrom. 
The base itself in the applicant's earlier combination defines a center 
hole and a plurality of channels extending radially therefrom for 
receiving the threaded stem and the arms, respectively, of the T-shaped 
member. In use, this threaded stem, inserted through the center hole of 
the base, holds it, the T-shaped member, and the shoe in assembled 
relation. 
The base further defines a generally flat disk-shaped surface from which a 
plurality of arcuate-shaped ridges, Arranged in generally concentric 
circles, project downwardly to provide traction. In the preferred 
embodiment, the ridges are arrayed or grouped in a pattern which is 
subdivided into four quadrants by the channels. An arcuate-shaped trough 
appear,; between concentric ridges within each quadrant and communicates, 
at its distal ends, with a pair of the channels. For added strength, the 
innermost ridge in each quadrant is buttressed by an inwardly directed 
support, which terminates at the center hole. 
The mounting of the cleat assembly is achieved by inserting the threaded 
stem into the center hole in the base, in such a way that the plurality of 
arms of the T-shaped threaded member nest snugly within radially extending 
depressions formed in the channels, then threadably engaging the threaded 
stem with a selected threaded bore or boss in a shoe. A simple hand tool, 
such as a Phillips or flat head screwdriver, can be used to facilitate 
this mounting operation. To replace a cleat assembly, one merely 
disengages its T-shaped threaded member from the shoe, exchanges the old 
base for a new one, and mounts it on the shoe with either the same or 
another T-shaped threaded member. 
The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,809, which issued Jun. 23, 1998, 
to Savoie. He discloses a quick release spike, fabricated of plastic with 
a metal core, for use on footwear. Now marketed by Champ as the Q-LOX R 
system, Savoie's combination utilizes a receptacle having an opening 
formed in its bottom surface for receiving a connecting element on the 
cleat or spike. This opening, which in plan view has threefold symmetry, 
is sized to slideably receive the connecting element. In transverse 
cross-section, this connecting element has three extensions, arranged in a 
pattern which complements the receptacle opening. Communicating with this 
opening is a chamber within the receptacle which extends generally 
perpendicularly from the centerline of the opening. The chamber itself is 
divided into three pockets by shoulders which protrude inwardly. 
Immediately upon its being been inserted into the receptacle, the 
connecting element is in a position from which it can be rotated, but only 
in one direction. This rotation can occur through an angle of 
approximately 60 degrees about the centerline of the receptacle opening. 
As the connecting element is so rotated, each extension thereon becomes 
wedged against a ramp-like section on one of the shoulders. 
Simultaneously, a leaf spring-like finger, which initially extends 
slightly inwardly toward the receptacle opening, is pushed out of the way, 
allowing the extension contiguous with the finger to be rotated past it. 
Ultimately, each finger re-extends itself, with the result that greater 
torque must be applied to remove the cleat than to install it. A special 
tool must be used to install or remove Savoie's quick release cleat. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved, 
removably-mounted cleat assembly for use with golf shoes, which is also 
comfortable to wear. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved cleat 
assembly with a self-cleaning cleat. 
A further object of the present invention is to provide, in an improved 
cleat assembly, means for slideably engaging an open receptacle mounted in 
the sole of a shoe, in such a way that dirt, water and other contaminants 
that might jam the receptacle are sealed out, thereby making the shoe 
easier to maintain. 
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved 
cleat assembly with a dual locking means to securely lock the cleat in the 
receptacle. 
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved 
cleat assembly in which the cleat can be installed or removed with the use 
of an ordinary flat blade screwdriver. 
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an improved 
cleat assembly in which the cleat need not be reinforced by a metal core, 
thus making the cleat easier and less costly to manufacture. 
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an improved 
cleat assembly having a set of interlocking components, including a 
T-shaped member, a traction-enhancing member and a connector. The 
traction-enhancing member is molded of pliable polyvinyl chloride or a 
similar plastic. Like the base in the cleat assembly described in the 
applicant's pending U.S. patent application, the traction-enhancing member 
has a generally flat disk-shaped surface from which a plurality of 
arcuate-shaped ridges project downwardly. These ridges are tapered in such 
a way that spaces between them open towards the tip of the ridges. 
This traction-enhancing member, with its ridges so formed, not only is 
comfortable to walk on, even on a hard surface, but also is self-cleaning. 
As weight is applied to the improved cleat assembly, the ridges flex; and 
any trapped mud caught in the troughs is soon freed. 
Like the quick release cleat taught by Savoie, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,809, 
the connector in the improved cleat assembly is slideably engageable with 
one of a plurality of open receptacles mounted in the soles and heels of 
certain athletic shoes. Specifically, the connector includes a 
receptacle-engaging means which can be slip-fitted into a Q-LOK R 
receptacle and then locked therein by rotating the connector about its 
centerline. Three leaf spring-type fingers projecting from the outer 
periphery of the receptacle-engaging means are utilized to supplement the 
locking action. Each of these fingers is pressed, as the connector is 
being rotated, into one of three pockets defined by the Q-LOK R 
receptacle. Once the connector has been fully rotated, these fingers 
re-extend themselves and interact, like barbs, with shoulders in the 
receptacle, making it more difficult to remove the cleat assembly than to 
install it. 
In addition, the connector has a slightly concave flange which extends 
laterally and upwardly from beneath the receptacle-engaging means. The 
flange not only provides for additional contact surface between the 
receptacle and connector, helping to prevent rotation of the latter within 
the receptacle but also the flange covers the Q-LOK R receptacle and seals 
it against dirt. 
The third interlocking component in the improved cleat assembly, the 
T-shaped member, includes a stem and a plurality of arms which extend 
generally perpendicularly from the lower end thereof. In assembled 
relation, the stem and arms fit, respectively, into a center hole and 
channels within the traction-enhancing member. Distal from the arms, the 
stem is bifurcated, terminating in a pair of branches. The branches 
comprise means for engaging internal walls of the connector which define a 
centrally-located square bore. 
Means for locking the T-shaped member in position relative to the connector 
includes a pair of barbs, each barb being disposed on one of the branches. 
By squeeze-fitting the branches into the square bore, the stem can be 
fully inserted therein, allowing the barbs to catch on shoulders which rim 
the upper edges of the square bore. Once the branches are released, they 
spring apart, pressing against the connector walls, and lock the T-shaped 
member, the traction-enhancing member and the connector together as one 
unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawings, an improved cleat assembly is indicated 
generally by the reference numeral 10. The cleat assembly 10 comprises 
three interlocking components including a T-shaped member 12, a 
traction-enhancing member, 14, and a connector 50, each of which is a 
single, unitary piece molded from a plastic material. The 
traction-enhancing member 14 is preferably fabricated from a pliable 
polyvinyl chloride having a hardness in the range of 80 to 85 durometers 
with 85A preferred. Both the T-shaped member 12 and the connector 50, on 
the other hand, are preferably made of a more rigid plastic such as nylon. 
As is illustrated in FIG. 10, the connector 50 in the improved cleat 
assembly 10 is slideably engageable with one of a plurality of open 
receptacles 60 mounted in the sole and heel of an athletic shoe. The 
connector 50 itself defines a square bore 51, which is rimmed along each 
of its upper edges by a shoulder 52 (FIGS. 6 and 7). 
In the T-shaped member 12, a plurality of arms 18, which in the preferred 
embodiment number four, extend perpendicularly from the bottom of a 
bifurcated stem 16 (FIG. 1). Disposed on the stem 16 between a pair of 
branches which define a U-shaped cutout 15 and the arms 18 is a round neck 
13 which is sized to slideably fit a center hole 44 in the 
traction-enhancing member 14 (FIGS. 5 and 9). 
Distal from the arms 18, each of the branches terminates with a locking 
barb 17. Squeeze-fitted into the square bore 51, the branches can be 
inserted sufficiently far therein to catch the barbs 17 on a pair of 
shoulders 52 (FIG. 9). The, barbs 17 lock in place when the branches are 
released and spring apart, pressing against the connector walls. 
Means for rotating the cleat assembly 10 in the receptacle 60, so that the 
cleat assembly can be installed therein or removed therefrom, includes the 
T-shaped member having a slot 19 formed in the bottom of the stem 16. 
Installatiion of the cleat assembly 10 is achieved by engaging a screw 
driver blade (not shown) with the sidewalls of slot 19. 
Means for affixing the cleat assembly 10 to certain athletic shoes 
comprises at least one Q-LOK R receptacle 60 mounted on the underside 
thereof and the connector 50 (FIG. 10). Preferably trifurcated, the 
connector 50 includes a main body 53 and leaf spring-type fingers 54, 
which project from the cuter periphery thereof (FIG. 6). Prior to affixing 
the assembly 10, the main body 53 and fingers 54 must first be slip-fitted 
through a triform opening 63 in the receptacle 60 (FIG. 1). Once inside 
the receptacle 60, the main body 53 is rotated clockwise, about the 
centerline of the connector 50, through an angle of approximately 60 
degrees until the connector is locked into position. Sidewalls 61, against 
which the fingers 54 press as the connector 50 is being rotated relative 
to the receptacle 60, force the fingers, which project from the outer 
periphery of the main body 53, to move into closer contact with it (FIG. 
6). After the connector 50 has been fully rotated, these fingers 54 
re-extend themselves into pockets 64, each pocket being disposed above a 
lip 65 in the receptacle 60 (FIGS. 1, 6 and 7). Like barbs, the fingers 54 
interact with walls defining the pockets 64 (FIG. 9). The locking action 
provided by this interaction requires one to apply greater torque to 
remove the cleat assembly 10 than to install it. 
In addition, the connector 50 has a slightly concave flange 56 which 
extends laterally from beneath the trifurcated element 53 and is separated 
therefrom by a groove 55 (FIG. 7). The lip 65 is sufficiently thick that 
when it is received within the groove 55, the connector 50 cannot be 
pulled out of the receptacle 60 from the locked position (FIGS. 7 and 9). 
Moreover, the flange 56 covers the Q-LOK R receptacle 60 and seals it 
against dirt (FIG. 9). 
In the improved cleat assembly 10, the traction-enhancing member 14 
includes a disk-shaped base from which a plurality of arcuate-shaped 
ridges 30, 31 project downwardly (FIGS. 1 and 8). The base, across its 
upper, generally-flat surface, measures, by way of example, about 7/8 inch 
in diameter and has a center hole 44 which is approximately 1/4 inch in 
diameter. 
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the ridges 30, 31 are preferably arrayed in a 
pattern with fourfold symmetry. Dividing the ridges 30, 31 into four 
quadrants are channels 34. Between each pair of proximate ridges 30, 31 is 
an open space which communicates with two of the channels 34. The ridges 
30, 31 ore tapered in such a fashion that they decrease in transverse 
cross-section downwardly, enhancing self-cleaning (FIG. 8). In the 
preferred embodiment, each ridge 30, 31 includes a concave sidewall and a 
convex sidewall (FIGS. 1, 2 and 8). Each ridge 30, 31 increases in 
transverse cross-section from its tip to the base, with the convex 
sidewall being tapered less relative to the centerline of the 
traction-enhancing member 14 than is the concave sidewall (FIGS. 8 and 9). 
In use, as weight is applied to the improved cleat assembly 10, the ridges 
30, 31 flex, freeing any trapped mud caught in the troughs 35. Sunken 
within each channel 34, at a depth which is approximately equal to the 
thickness of an arm 18, is a trough 35 which radiates outwardly from the 
center hole 44 (FIG. 8). In assembled relation, the stem 16 and arms 18 of 
the T-shaped member 12 fit snugly into the center hole 44 and troughs 35, 
respectively, within the traction-enhancing member 14 (FIGS. 2 and 9). 
Simultaneously, distal from the arms 18, a pair of barbs 17 on branches of 
the bifurcated stem 16 engage two shoulders 52 at the upper edges of a 
centrally-located square bore 51 within the connector 50 (FIGS. 6 and 9). 
Squeeze-fitted into the square bore 51, the branches spring apart when 
released, pressing against inner walls of the connector 50 and insuring 
that the barbs 17 remain caught on the shoulders 52. 
It is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive other 
applications, modifications and/or changes in the invention described 
above. Any such applications, modifications or changes which fall within 
the purview of the description are intended to be illustrative and not 
intended to be limitative. The scope of the invention is limited only by 
the scope of the claims appended hereto.