Patent ID: RE40460

Claim:
A method of installing a removable cleat to the sole of a shoe, the method comprising: providing a cleat having: a ground-engaging structure for engaging the ground; and an attachment structure for removably attaching the cleat to the footwear, the attachment structure having a vertical axis, a base to which the top of the ground-engaging structure is attached, and a plurality of extensions attached to the base; providing a receptacle for receiving and holding the cleat, the receptacle being mounted in the sole of a shoe, the receptacle having: a wall defining a cavity between a receptacle top and a receptacle bottom, wherein portions of the wall extend radially inward toward a central vertical axis of the receptacle so as to define: (i) a plurality of inclines within the cavity, and (ii) a plurality of protuberances within the cavity, each protuberance extending radially inward toward the vertical axis further than the inclines; a restraining ledge attached to the receptacle bottom and extending into the cavity so as to prevent downward movement of an installed cleat; and an opening in the restraining ledge having at least three equidistantly spaced radially projecting lobes that extend radially outward from the central vertical axis of the receptacle; and inserting the cleat extensions through the receptacle opening into the receptacle cavity; and engaging the extensions above the restraining ledges so that the cleat is securely attached to the receptacle so as to resist rotational movement of the cleat.