Patent Publication Number: US-2023137559-A1

Title: Interface support for bicycle shoe with cleat

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to adaptive apparatuses for use with bicycle shoes. More specifically, the present invention relates to such apparatuses for those bicycle shoes including cleats for riding bicycles with clipless pedals. Still more specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus configured to enable walking with cleated bicycle shoes while minimizing slippage between the shoes and the underlying walking surface. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Cleated bicycle shoes are used by riders to engage with the pedals of clipless pedal bicycles. Clipless pedals are desirable for various reasons but requires the use of cleated bicycle shoes to secure engagement of the shoes with the pedals. While cleated bicycle shoes are useful while riding, there are disadvantages once the rider disembarks from the bicycle and wishes to walk without removing the shoes. Specifically, such cleated cycling shoes are not stable footwear to walk around in when not clipped into pedals on a bicycle. The cleats are made of a hard nonmetallic material such as a plastic including, but not limited to Nylon. They are particularly slippery on hard surfaces but also are a challenge on other surfaces. They can also cause damage to the underlying surface. 
     In addition to the slipperiness and damage-inducing features of the cleats, there is a further disadvantage when walking in cleated cycling shoes. The cleats are only located on the forward section of the sole of the shoe. There are no cleats on the heel section or the section between the forward and heel sections. As a result, the wearer must deal with a “negative” heel stance (the heel section is below the level of the forward section) that gives the feel of constantly walking uphill. 
     While cleated bicycle shoes are desirable when riding bicycles with clipless pedals, they cause difficulties when the wearer wish to walk in them. Those difficulties include the slipperiness and unevenness described. A known existing attempt to overcome the slipping problem is a cleat cover that only covers the cleat with a rubberized cover but does not solve for the negative heel or walking stability issues. What is needed is an apparatus that the wearer can easily transition into for walking and then transition out of when riding the bicycle. What is also needed is such an apparatus that substantially eliminates slipping, surface damage, and unevenness when the wearer is walking. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that the wearer of cleated bicycle shoes can easily use to transition into for walking and then transition out of when riding the bicycle. It is also an object of the invention to provide such an apparatus that substantially eliminates slipping, surface damage, and unevenness when the wearer is walking. 
     These and other objects are achieved with the present invention, which is an interface support apparatus that is easily coupled to and decoupled from a cleated cycling shoe. The apparatus provides a stable, even surface that eliminates the negative heel stance that accompanies walking in cycling shoes by providing a flat surface on which to stand and walk. The apparatus is simple and functional. It allows the user to keep cleated cycling shoes on while walking comfortably on an underlying surface. 
     The apparatus includes a base pad having a front section, a heel section, and an intermediate section between the front section and the heel section. The base pad includes a top surface and a bottom surface. A cavity is formed in the top surface of the front section. The cavity is configured to removably retain therein the cleat of a cleated cycling shoe. The cavity provides a frictional fit between that portion of the base pad and the cleat so that when the wearer walks while still in the cycling shoes, the apparatus encases the cleat so that it moves with the wearer. At least a portion of the bottom surface of the base pad is made of a material that can provide grip to an underlying surface. It may also include some form of texturing to enhance or provide that grip. The cavity in the top surface of the forward section is made sufficiently deep to retain most or all of the cleat therein so that the sole of the cycling shoe is substantially flat relative to the top surface of the base pad through all sections of the base pad. That configuration substantially eliminates the negative heel stance. 
     The cavity of the base pad allows the wearer to clip into the apparatus for an easy transition in, and to pull the cleat out of the cavity for an easy transition out, both without removing the cycling shoes from the feet. After stepping into the apparatus, the wearer can walk on floors without scratching or damaging them. It also minimizes slipping. The apparatus is made of a lightweight material such as a nonmetallic including viscoelastic material that is relatively softer than a hard plastic. The “clip in” cavity allows use of Standard cycling cleats. 
     The apparatus may be used indoors or outside. The base pad may be made of a single material with the cavity molded therein or later cut from the formed pad. The base pad may also be formed of two or more layers. For example, in a first embodiment, there may be a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer may be formed of a relatively rigid material such as a thermoplastic urethane (TPU). The top layer may be molded around the cleat cavity. It is simultaneously rigid and flexible enough to allow just enough give for a standard road cycling shoe cleat to “clip in” and be held in by friction fit. The bottom layer may be formed of the same or a different material such as an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) selected to allow for shock absorption, low-slippage, and comfort while walking. In a second embodiment of the invention, the base pad is made of three layers, wherein each layer is formed of EVA material. These materials are of relatively low weight. The base pad may be sufficiently flexible to allow storage in a pocket of a cycling jersey or another compartment while riding. Since the cycling shoe cleat sits within the apparatus cavity, it eliminates negative heel instability allowing a similar walking experience as being in a pair of sandals. 
     These and other advantages of the apparatus of the present invention are further considered in the following detailed description, accompanying drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a top view of a first embodiment of the interface support apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a cross sectional side view of the apparatus of  FIG.  1    showing the cleat cavity. 
         FIG.  4    is a top view of the front section of the apparatus of  FIG.  1    showing the cleat cavity. 
         FIG.  5    is a bottom view of the front section of the apparatus of  FIG.  1    showing the cleat cavity in phantom. 
         FIG.  6    is a side view of the cleat cavity of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is a cross sectional side view of the cleat cavity of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is a is a top view of a second embodiment of the interface support apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG.  9    is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10    is a cross sectional side view of the apparatus of  FIG.  8    showing the cleat cavity. 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of the front section of the apparatus of  FIG.  8    showing the cleat cavity. 
         FIG.  12    is a bottom view of the front section of the apparatus of  FIG.  8    showing the cleat cavity in phantom. 
         FIG.  13    is a cross sectional side view of the cleat cavity of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  14    is a representation of the lower portion of a cyclist transitioning into the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG.  15    is a representation of the cyclist walking while in the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG.  16    is a representation of the cyclist about to remove a cleated cycling shoe from the apparatus. 
         FIG.  17    is a representation of the cyclist with both cleated cycling shoes removed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A first embodiment of an interface support apparatus  10  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   . The apparatus  10  functions as a cushion and interface between a cleated cycling shoe  100  and an underlying substrate  102  (shown in  FIGS.  14 - 17   ). The apparatus  10  enables the user to removably insert a shoe cleat  104  into a cleat cavity  12  extending into a top surface  14  of the apparatus  10  and to retain the cleat  104  in the cavity  12  until intentionally removing it. 
     The apparatus  10  includes a bottom surface  16  arranged to make contact with the underlying substrate  102 . The bottom surface  16  may be smooth, textured or shaped as desired provided the material comprising the bottom surface  16  is sufficiently frictional to minimize sliding of the apparatus  10  plus shoe  100  on the substrate  102 . The apparatus  10  may be of variable dimensions, provided it has a width and a length approximately corresponding to the width and length of the shoe  100 , although they do not have to be precisely the same. The cleat cavity  12  is formed with dimensions sufficient to securely retain the cleat  104  therein. 
     The apparatus  10  may be formed as a unitary piece or it may be formed in at least two layers as shown in  FIGS.  2  and  3   . The layers include a top layer  18  and a bottom layer  20 . The top layer  18  may be formed of a relatively rigid material such as a thermoplastic urethane (TPU) but not limited thereto. The top layer  18  is simultaneously rigid and flexible enough to allow just enough give for a standard road cycling shoe cleat to “clip in” and be held in by friction fit. The bottom layer  20  may be formed of the same or a different material such as an ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), but not limited thereto, selected to allow for shock absorption, low-slippage, and comfort while walking. 
     The top layer  18  includes the cleat cavity  12  therein. The cleat cavity  12  is located in a front portion  22  of the apparatus. The front portion  22  is spaced from a heel portion  24  by an intermediate portion  26 . As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 7   , the cleat cavity  12  includes a perimeter  28 , a cleat-retaining space  30 , and a base  32 . The base  32  may extend into interface  33  between the top layer  18  and the bottom layer  20  of the apparatus. 
     The perimeter  28  and space  30  of the cleat cavity  12  are shown in the form of a rounded triangle in  FIGS.  4  and  5    but is not limited to that specific configuration. However, the rounded triangle configuration ensures that the cleat  104  is completed positioned in the cavity  12  while also being removably retained therein. A cleat cavity that has a inched front end limit the ability to place the entire cleat  104  in the cavity  12  so that the entire cleat can be retained. The perimeter  28  includes a forward clip  34  and a rear clip  36 . The clips  34  and  36  are arranged for securing the cleat  104  in the space  30  resting on the base  32 . The clips  34  and  36  are rigid enough to keep the shoe  100  on the apparatus  10  when together, but also flexible enough to permit the user to withdraw the cleat  104  from the cavity  12 . The forward clip  34  includes a forward lip section  38 , and the rear clip  36  includes a rear lip section  40 , both of which extend inwardly from cavity ring  42 . The lip sections  38  and  40  aid in the securing of the cleat  12  in the space  30 . Optionally, a portion  44  of the rear lip section  40  may be rounded to facilitate cleat release from the apparatus  10 . 
     A second embodiment of an interface support apparatus  200  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS.  8 - 13   . The apparatus  200  functions as a cushion and interface between the cleated cycling shoe  100  and the underlying substrate  102  shown in  FIGS.  14 - 17   . The apparatus  200  enables the user to removably insert a shoe cleat  104  into a cleat cavity  202  extending into a top surface  204  of the apparatus  200  and to retain the cleat  104  in the cavity  202  until intentionally removing it. 
     The apparatus  200  includes a bottom surface  206  arranged to make contact with the underlying substrate  102 . The bottom surface  206  is arranged with a gripping configuration, such as with a texture, serration, or other form of surface profile that facilitates gripping of the substrate  102 . The bottom surface  206  may have a herringbone construction. The bottom surface  206  may alternatively be smooth provided the material comprising the bottom surface  206  is sufficiently frictional to minimize sliding of the apparatus  200  plus shoe  100  on the substrate  102 . The apparatus  200  may be of variable dimensions, provided it has a width and a length approximately corresponding to the width and length of the shoe  100 , although they do not have to be precisely the same. The cleat cavity  202  is formed with dimensions sufficient to securely retain the cleat  104  therein. 
     The apparatus  200  is formed of three layers of relatively pliable material. The layers include a top layer  208 , a middle layer  210 , and a bottom layer  212 . The top layer  208 , the middle layer  210 , and the bottom layer  212  are each made of EVA. The layer materials are selected to enable a standard cycling shoe cleat to “clip in” and be held in by friction fit, and to allow for shock absorption, low-slippage, and comfort while walking. 
     The top layer  208  includes the cleat cavity  202  therein. The cleat cavity  202  is located in a front portion  214  of the apparatus. The front portion  214  is spaced from a heel portion  218  by an intermediate portion  220 . As shown in  FIGS.  11 - 13   , the cleat cavity  202  includes a perimeter  222 , a cleat-retaining space  224 , and a base  226 . The base  226  may extend into interface  228  between the top layer  208  and the middle layer  210  of the apparatus  200 . 
     The perimeter  222  and the space  224  of the cleat cavity  202  are shown in the form of a rounded triangle but is not limited to that specific configuration. However, the rounded triangle configuration ensures that the cleat  104  is completed positioned in the cavity  12  while also being removably retained therein. A cleat cavity that has a inched front end limit the ability to place the entire cleat  104  in the cavity  12  so that the entire cleat can be retained. The perimeter  222  includes a forward clip  230  and a rear clip  232 . The clips  230  and  232  are arranged for securing the cleat  104  in the space  224  resting on the base  226 . The clips  230  and  232  are rigid enough to keep the shoe  100  on the apparatus  200  when together, but also flexible enough to permit the user to withdraw the cleat  104  from the cavity  202 . The forward clip  230  includes a forward lip section  234 , and the rear clip  232  includes a rear lip section  236 , both of which extend inwardly from cavity ring  238 . The lip sections  234  and  236  aid in the securing of the cleat  104  in the space  224 . Optionally, a portion  238  of the rear lip section  236  may be rounded to facilitate cleat release from the apparatus  200 . 
     Use of the apparatus  10  or the apparatus  200  to enable a user to keep the cleated cycling shoe on while walking on a surface is represented in  FIGS.  14 - 17   . In  FIG.  14   , a user  150  directs the shoe  100  toward the front portion  22 / 214  of the apparatus  10 / 200 , aligning the cleat  104  with the cleat cavity  12 / 202 .  FIG.  15    shows two of the shoes  100  retained to two of the apparatuses  10 / 200 , with the cleat  104  removably retained at the front portion  22 / 214  of the apparatuses  10 / 200 .  FIG.  14    further shows the user  150  moving forward with heel  106  of the shoe  100  to the right up spaced from the heel portion  24 / 218  with toe section  108  secured to the apparatus  10 / 200  at the front portion  22 / 214  to provide a normal walking method. The shoe  100  to the left is shown with the heel  110  down on the heel portion  24 / 218  and the toe section  108  secured to the front portion  22 / 214 , illustrating resolution of the negative heel stance. 
       FIG.  16    shows the user  150  initiating disengagement of the shoe  100  from the apparatus  10 / 200 . Specifically, the user  150  uses the toe section  108  of the shoe  100  to the left to keep the apparatus  10 / 200  on the underlying substrate  102  before pulling the cleat  104  from the cleat cavity  12 / 202 .  FIG.  17    illustrates the outcome of the disengagement effort, with the shoe  100  to the right spaced away from the apparatus  10 / 200  and the cleat  104  free from the cavity  12 / 202 . 
     The cavity  12 / 202  is arranged for removably retaining the cleat  104  of the cycling shoe  100  therein so that the user  150  may walk on the underlying substrate  102  without the heel  106  and the cleat  104  making direct contact with the underlying substrate  102 . 
     The present invention has been described with respect to specific examples of its embodiment. It is not intended to be limited to those specific examples but is instead described by the following claims and equivalents.