US20040035024A1

US20040035024A1 - Dual functions outsole structure for use on level and sloping ground

Info

Publication number: US20040035024A1
Application number: US10/438,121
Authority: US
Inventors: Jeng-Shan Kao
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-23
Filing date: 2003-05-15
Publication date: 2004-02-26
Also published as: TW547018U

Abstract

A dual function outsole structure for use on level and sloping ground is disclosed. The outsole structure is provided with a recess for the mounting of a base plate with a rotation seat. The base plate is hidden within the outsole and the rotation seat is pivotally mounted to the two corresponding securing plates on the base plate. The rotation seat is provided with a plurality of shoe spikes and the two lateral sides of the rotation seat are provided with an elastically trigger anti-return bolt. Under normal situation one end of the anti-return bolt engages with a positioning hole provided on the securing plate such that the rotation seat is positioned. In view of the above components, under normal situation the shoe spike is hidden at the recess of the outsole and is suitable for waling on a level ground (such as on a tar road, pavement road surface or a cement road). If the anti-return bolt is triggered and one end of the bolt is retreated from the engaging position, the rotation seat rotates to an appropriate angle and is then positioned. Thus, the shoe spikes are protruded to provide a deeper ground-gripping force and allows safety walking on sloping ground, refraining from falling into ravine, valley.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to dual functions outsole structure for use on level and sloping ground, and in particular, an outsole capable of functioning as a general sport shoe outsole, and the outsole can be extended out or hidden shoe spikes based on road conditions so as to change the functions of a shoe (i.e. maintaining the function of a sport shoe or the function of a shoe with spikes). The outsole structure can provide a shoe which can be used in all kind of road surfaces without needing to change a different type of shoe for different grounds.

(b) Description of the Prior Art

Nowadays, it is common to have a two non-working days per week. As a result of additional non-working days, leisure life has become a mainstream in life. More people are moved away from indoors to outdoor activities, or from city to the wild. In traveling, it is common to walk on a tar road surface, cement road surface, and suddenly walk again on a sloping ground or a risky ravine, where the shoe suitable for level ground is now becoming in practical where the ground-gripping force of the outsole is insufficient. Thus, the shoe for level ground is not suitable for sloping ground and it causes dangers to the users (travelers falling down from slope or from ravine). Normally, travelers are reluctant to bring along another pair of shoes with spikes but insisting to use the same pair of shoes. In view of the demand, it is the object of the invention to provide a dual functions outsole structure for use on level and sloping ground which was invented by the inventor after many years of experiments, by proving an outsole structure of a shoe which can be used in ordinary conditions and become a spike shoe having higher level ground-gripping force. Thus any slope-climbing or walking down hill is always safe and convenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dual function outsole structure for use on level and sloping ground. The outsole is provided with a recess for the mounting of a base plate with a rotation seat. The base plate is hidden within the outsole, and the rotation seat is pivotally mounted to two corresponding securing plates on the base plate. The rotation seat is provided with a plurality of shoe spikes and two lateral sides of the rotation seat are provided with an elastically triggered anti-return bolt. Under normal situation one end of the anti-return bolt engages with a positioning hole provided on the securing plate such that the rotation seat is seemed to be positioned. In view of the above components, under normal situation the shoe spikes are hidden at the recess of the outsole, and the outsole is suitable for walking on a level ground (such as on a tar road, brick road surface or a cement road). If the anti-return bolt is triggered and one end of the bolt is returned from the engaging position, the rotation seat rotates to an appropriate angle and is then positioned. Thus, the shoe spikes are protruded to provide a higher level ground-gripping force and allows safety walking on sloping ground, refraining from falling into ravine, valley.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a dual function outsole structure for use in level and sloping ground characterized in that a recess is provided on the outsole and the recess is for the mounting of a base plate with a rotation seat, and the base plate is hidden within the outsole, and the rotation seat is pivotally mounted onto a securing plate on the base plate, the rotation seat is provided with a plurality of shoe spikes, and the rotation seat and the securing plate are provided with engaging positioning device; the shoe spikes are hidden within the recess of the outsole for normal walking on a level ground, and if the rotation seat is returned from an engaging position, the rotation seat rotates to an angle for positioning.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a dual function outsole structure for level and sloping ground, wherein the engaging positioning device is a securing plate provided with two positioning holes and the two ends of the rotation seat are protruded with a rotation shaft extended into the rotation shaft hole of the securing plate to form into a rotational pivot, the rotational seat is provided with an anti-return bolt and an elastic element, such that one end of the anti-return bolt is protruded outside the rotational seat, forming into an elastic condition, one end protruded from the anti-return bolt is engaged at a positioning hole, and the anti-return bolt is provided with a trigger rod protruded outside the rotation seat and is slidable within a sliding slot on the surface of the rotation seat.

The foregoing object and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To filly appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.

Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become manifest to those versed in the art upon making reference to the detailed description and the accompanying sheets of drawings in which a preferred structural embodiment incorporating the principles of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention. [0010]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the outsole showing the extension of shoe spike in accordance with the present invention. [0011]
FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the present invention. [0012]
FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the anti-return bolt mounted on a rotation seat for triggering in accordance with the present invention. The figure indicates that one end of the bolt body of the anti-return bolt can be returned from the engaging position after the anti-return bolt is triggered. [0013]
FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the shoe spike on the rotation seat protruded out the outsole in accordance with the present invention. [0014]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention. [0015]
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the engaging block of FIG. 6 of the present invention. [0016]
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the shoe spike on the rotation seat protruded out of the outsole of another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following descriptions are of exemplary embodiments only, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. [0018]
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, [0019] 3 and 4, there is shown a dual function outsole structure for use on level and sloping ground comprising an outsole 10, a base plate 20, and a rotation seat 30. The outsole 10 is located at the bottom portion of a shoe body (a) and is provided with a recess 11 at the outsole 10, which is in compliance with outsole designing. In the present invention, a sole portion of the front section of the outsole 10 and the heel portion of the rear section are provided with a recess 11 for the mounting of a rotation seat and shoe spikes so that the rotation seat and the shoe spikes can be contained within the recess 11.
The [0020] base plate 20 is substantially a plate-like structure made by ejection molding of plastic. The base plate 20 is positioned at the recess 11 of the outsole 10, and is hidden. The base plate 20 is provided with through holes 21 to enhance adhesion force between the base plate 20 and the outsole 10. Further the base plate 20 is provided with two corresponding securing plates 22. A rotation shaft hole 221 is found on the securing plate 22 for the mounting of the rotation seat 30. There are positioning holes 222, 223 found on the securing plate 22 such that when the rotation seat 30 rotates to a specific angle, the seat 30 can be engaged and secured.
The two ends of the [0021] rotation seat 30 are provided with rotation shafts 31 which are extended into the rotation shaft hole 221 on the securing plate 22 to form into a rotating pivot. The bottom section of the rotation seat 30 is provided with a guided corner 32 such that the rotation seat 30 can smoothly rotate at an inclination facing the recess 11. The rotation seat 30 is mounted with an anti-return bolt 33 and an elastic element 34 such that one end of the anti-return bolt 33 is protruded out of the rotation seat 30 and is elastic. The end of the anti-return bolt 33 is protruded and engages at the positioning holes 222, 223. In order to allow the anti-return bolt 33 to be easily triggered with finger and is prevented from sprung out, the anti-return bolt 33 is mounted with a trigger rod 331, and the trigger rod 331 is extendable out of the rotation seat 30 and is slidable within the sliding slot 35 on the surface of the rotation seat 30. The rotation seat 30 is provided with a plurality of shoe spikes 36.
Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, when the user walks on a tar road, a brick road or cement road surface, the [0022] rotation seat 30 rotates at an inclination facing the recess 11. At this instance, one end protruded from the anti-return bolt 33 is engaged with a positioning hole 222 provided on the securing plate 22, and the rotation seat 30 is positioned. Thus, the shoe spike 36 can be mounted at the recess 11 of the outsole 10 without protruding out. Thus, a hidden effect of the shoe spike 36 is obtained.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5 when the user walks on sloping ground or along a risky valley, the [0023] trigger rod 331 on the rotation seat 30 is triggered with fingers such that one end of the anti-return bolt 33 is returned from the engaging position of the positioning hole 222. Then the rotation seat 30 is free to rotate. When the rotation seat 30 has rotated at an appropriate angle, as shown in FIG. 5c, one end of the anti-return bolt 33 is engaged with another positioning hole 223 such that the rotation seat 30 cannot be rotated but at secured position. At this instance, the shoe spikes 36 on the rotation seat 30 are protruded out of the outsole 10 so that the outsole 10 is provided with a higher level ground-gripping force and allows the user to walk safely on a risky ground.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown another structure of a rotating-engaging position device (i.e., anti-return bolt and positioning hole) of the [0024] rotation seat 30. The near end of the rotation seat 30 is provided with a notch 37, and an engaging block 38 with corresponding protrusion 381 is pivotally mounted at the notch 37 forming into a flip structure. The tail end of the engaging block 38 is provided with a protrusion section 382 which can contact the inner wall of the notch 37 so that when the engaging block 38 is lifted up or positioned after closing to avoid inappropriate vibration. The material use for the rotation seat 30 is a soft material, thus, if slight strength is applied, the engaging block 38 can be easily lifted up or covered. The top and side of the securing plate 22 are provided with an engaging slot 224 to allow the end portion at the front end of the engaging block 38 to be inserted so that the effect of engagement of the engaging block 38 is obtained.
Referring to FIG. 8, when the user walks on a tar road, a brick road or cement road surface, the [0025] rotation seat 30 rotates at an inclination facing the recess 11. At this instance the end portion of the front end of the engaging block 38 is engaged at the engaging slot 224 at the side of the securing plate 22 and the rotation seat 30 is at a positioned condition. Thus, the shoe spike 36 can be placed on the recess 11 of the outsole 10 without extended out, providing a hidden effect.
Referring to FIG. 7, when the user walks on a risky ground, the engaging [0026] block 38 on the rotation seat 30 is triggered such that the end portion of the front end of the engaging block 38 is returned from the engaging position of the engaging slot 224, then the rotation seat 30 is at free state, allowing to rotate. When the rotation seat 30 rotates to an appropriate angle, as shown in FIG. 8, the end portion of the front end of the engaging block 38 will engage with the engaging slot 224 on the securing plate 22, and the rotation seat 30 is positioned so that the rotation seat 30 cannot be rotated but becomes secured. At this instance, the shoe spike 36 of the rotation seat 30 is protruded out the outsole 10 and the outsole 10 possesses a higher level ground-gripping force and allows the users to walk safely on sloping ground.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. [0027]
While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claim, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. [0028]

Claims

I claim:

1. A dual function outsole structure for use on level and sloping ground characterized in that a recess is provided on the outsole and the recess is for the mounting of a base plate with a rotation seat, and the base plate is hidden within the outsole, and the rotation seat is pivotally mounted onto a securing plate on the base plate, the rotation seat is provided with a plurality of shoe spikes, and the rotation seat and the securing plate are provided with engaging positioning device; the shoe spikes are hidden within the recess of the outsole for normal walking on a level ground, and if the rotation seat is returned from the engaging position, the rotation seat rotates to an angle for positioning.

2. The outsole structure of claim 1, wherein the engaging positioning device is a securing plate provided with two positioning holes and the two ends of the rotation seat are protruded with a rotation shaft extended into the rotation shaft hole of the securing plate to form into a rotational pivot, the rotational seat is provided with an anti-return bolt and an elastic element such that one end of the anti-return bolt is protruded outside the rotational seat, forming into elastic condition, one end protruded from the anti-return bolt is engaged at a positioning hole, and the anti-return bolt is provided with a trigger rod protruded outside the rotation seat and is slidable within a sliding slot on the surface of the rotation seat.

3. The outsole structure of claim 1, wherein the bottom section of the rotation seat is provided with a guiding corner such that the rotation seat smoothly rotates at an inclination facing the recess.

4. The outsole structure of claim 1, wherein the recess is provided to the sole position at the front section of the outsole and the heel section of the rear section of the outsole.

5. The outsole structure of claim 1, wherein the engaging positioning device includes a rotation seat having a near end portion provided with a notch, and an engaging block is provided with corresponding protrusion and is pivotally mounted within the notch and can be flipped, and the tail end of the engaging block is provided with an extension portion in contact with the inner wall of the notch, and the material of the rotation seat is a soft material, and the two ends of the rotation seat are protruded to form a rotation shaft protruded to the rotation shaft hole of the securing plate to form a rotatable pivot connection, and the top and the side of the securing plate are provided with an engaging slot for the end portion of the front end of the engaging block to be engaged so as to provide the effect of engagement of the engaging block.