WO2003043456A1

WO2003043456A1 - Article of footwear with a replacable ground-engaging member and method of attaching the ground-engaging member

Info

Publication number: WO2003043456A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/037114
Authority: WO
Inventors: Perry Auger; Troy Lindner; Peter A. Hudson
Original assignee: Nike, Inc.; Nike International Ltd.
Priority date: 2001-11-20
Filing date: 2002-11-20
Publication date: 2003-05-30
Also published as: CA2464870C; CA2707698A1; CA2464870A1; US6941684B2; EP1446029A1; BR0214122A; US6722061B2; ATE349925T1; US20030093926A1; CA2707695C; DE60217388T2; CA2707695A1; DE60217388D1; CA2707698C; US20040159021A1; EP1446029B1; BR0214122B1; AU2002346443A1

Abstract

An article of footwear provided with snap-fit replaceable ground-engaging members (14), particularly snap-fit tips, and a kit and method for altering ground-engaging characteristics of an article of footwear such as an athletic shoe. An article of footwear according to the present invention includes a sole (and/or a footplate (10)) having at least one ground-engaging member in snap-fit engagement therewith. In particular, the ground-engaging member is engageable under the application of a non-rotational force (especially a manual force). According to one aspect of the present invention, a clearly discernible feedback (especially an audible feedback, such as a click or a snapping sound) is provided to clearly indicate engagement between the ground-engaging member and the sole.

Description

ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR WITH A REPLACABLE GROUND-ENGAGING MEMBER AND METHOD OF ATTACHING THE GROUND-ENGAGING MEMBER

FIELD OF THE INVΕNTION

[01] The present invention relates to an article of footwear having one or more ground- engaging members, especially an athletic shoe having one or more selectively alterable ground-engaging members (such as spikes, cleats, etc.).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] It is generally known to provide one or more protruding ground-engaging members on the sole of a shoe, especially on the sole of an athletic shoe for activities such as golf, soccer, track, baseball, and "American-style" football. Such ground-engaging members are variously known in the art as cleats, spikes, studs, leaves, blades, triangles, nubs, etc., and generally serve to increase traction between the shoe and the ground surface.

[03] Furthermore, it is conventionally known to use particular types of ground-engaging members for certain types of playing surfaces. For example, molded cleats made from hard rubber or a thermoplastic material are commonly used on hard/firm natural ground surfaces (e.g., hard dirt). Relatively smaller molded -rubber nubs are commonly used on artificial turf and the like. Also, relatively thin spikes are conventionally used in golf and in track.

[04] For activities taking place on soft ground (e.g., wet fields, soggy grass, or muddy ground), it is generally known to use removable ground-engaging members. This is done to enable the user to use differed sized ground-engaging members based on the type of field being played on, and the condition of the field. Conventional removable ground-engaging members are typically engaged with a shoe sole by way of cooperating screw threads or other rotational engagement. [05] When conventional removable ground-engaging members are provided with screw threads for engagement with a shoe, a separate tool is used to manually rotate a ground-engaging member to attach and remove the ground-engaging members as desired. This is generally time consuming and labor intensive, and is also problematic if a user decides to change ground-engaging members in a hurried manner, such as during the course of a game, for example.

[06] Furthermore, conventional removable ground-engaging members must be adequately rotationally tightened so as to ensure good engagement between the shoe and the ground-engaging member. However, it is conventionally difficult to recognize when the ground-engaging member has been adequately tightened. Thus, the ground- engaging member may be inadvertently over-torqued in an attempt to ensure good engagement. This can damage the screw threads on the shoe and/or on the ground- engaging member, making it difficult or even impossible to subsequently disengage the ground-engaging member from the shoe when desired. On the other hand, the ground-engaging member may be inadvertently under-torqued (for example, to avoid damage caused by over-torquing). When this occurs, the ground-engaging member may not function as a stable traction device and/or may become loose and be susceptible to falling off of the shoe.

[07] While some conventional ground-engaging members are not threadedly engaged with a shoe, they still suffer from structural and/or functional problems. In particular, some existing non-threaded ground-engaging members are free to rotate relative to the sole. This can be a problem when, for example, the ground-engaging member is axially asymmetrical in shape (for example, conical or frusto-conical) because free edges of an axially asymmetrical ground-engaging member can become exposed, caught on objects and such, and be torn away. Furthermore, relative movement between a ground-engaging member and a sole generally destabilizes the engagement between the ground-engaging member and the sole, compared to holding them fixed relative to one another. [08] Also, some existing ground-engaging members use a receiving portion or the like mounted on an exterior surface of the shoe sole. Thus, the receiving portion may possibly be sheared off the sole or may otherwise become dislodged.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[09] The present invention is generally directed to an article of footwear (such as a shoe, and especially, but not necessarily only, an athletic shoe like a cleated soccer shoe) having a selectively alterable ground-engaging member engaged with a sole of the article of footwear, and a kit and method for altering ground-engaging characteristics of an article of footwear.

[10] A ground-engaging member according to the present invention is preferably engaged with the sole in a non-rotational manner, such as by simply applying a substantially non-rotational linear force to engage the ground-engaging member with the sole. Such a non-rotational action can be ensured, for example, by providing a rotation preventing mechanism. For example, a rib, spline, ridge, etc. may be provided on one of the ground-engaging member and a corresponding portion of the sole, and a slot, groove, etc. is provided in the other of the ground-engaging member and the corresponding portion of the sole. The rib and slot cooperate in the process of engaging the ground-engaging member with the sole so the ground-engaging member can only be linearly moved into engagement with the sole, with substantially no relative rotation therebetween. Once the ground-engaging member is engaged with the sole, the rotation prevention mechanism additionally prevents subsequent relative rotation between the ground-engaging member and the sole.

[11] According to one example of the present invention, one of the sole and the ground- engaging member includes a resilient spring assembly, and the other of the sole and the ground-engaging member includes a leg assembly having legs sized and arranged to resiliently retain the spring assembly therebetween. [12] When a ground-engaging member according to the present invention is engaged with the sole according to the present invention, it is desirable to provide a detectible feedback to indicate that the ground-engaging member is properly engaged with the sole. In a particular (but not exclusive) example of the present invention, the detectible feedback is an audible feedback (such as, without limitation, a snapping sound or a click sound) that a user can hear when the ground-engaging member is properly engaged with the sole. For example, in the above-described arrangement including spring and leg assemblies, the legs initially resiliently deflect the spring assembly. Subsequently, the spring assembly resiliently recovers, preferably in an audible manner, such as with a snap or click. Therefore, the spring assembly is resiliently retained between the legs of the leg assembly.

[13] A ground-engaging member according to the present invention may include a selectively removable tip that is engaged with a portion of the sole in accordance with the foregoing description. Furthermore, each portion of the sole may be engageable with several such tips, at least some of which have different heights, such that a given tip may be replaced with another tip having a different height. In this manner, the characteristics (especially, but not necessarily only, ground-engaging characteristics) of the article of footwear may be adjusted quickly and assuredly in accordance with changing playing conditions by avoiding the time-consuming conventional process of using a screw tool to engage and disengage conventional ground-engaging members, while additionally permitting sure engagement of a ground-engaging member because of the detectible feedback provided in accordance with the present invention.

[14] As mentioned above, the ground-engaging member can be engaged with a sole using a simple, non-rotational pressing force (especially, but not necessarily only, a manual pressing force). Conversely, the ground-engaging member according to the present invention can be disengaged using a simple prying tool. The prying tool may be specially associated with a respective ground-engaging member. However, it may be desirable to be able to use any suitable conventional article as a prying tool, including, for example and without limitation, a screwdriver blade, a coin, and a knife blade. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[15] The present invention will be described in detail hereinbelow with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[16] Figure 1 is a lateral elevational view of a footplate of an article of footwear in accordance with the present invention;

[17] Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the footplate illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[18] Figure 3a is a perspective view of a tip of a ground-engaging member according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[19] Figure 3b is a perspective view of a set of tips of a ground-engaging member according to the first embodiment of the present invention that can be provided together as part of a kit according to the present invention;

[20] Figure 4a is a perspective view of a tip according to the first embodiment of the present invention engaged with a spring assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[21] Figure 4b is a perspective view of a tip according to the first embodiment of the present invention engaged with a spring assembly provided in a raised base portion on the sole according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[22] Figure 4c is a perspective view of a prying tool associated with the present invention;

[23] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a tip of a ground-engaging member according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[24] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a spring assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[25] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the tip and spring assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention; and [26] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the tip and spring assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention in engagement with each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE rNVENΗON

[27] Figure 1 is a lateral (i.e., from the laterally outer side) elevational view of a footplate 10 of an article of footwear, such as a shoe (particularly, but not necessarily only, an athletic shoe). A right shoe happens to be illustrated by way of example, but this should not be taken as limiting the present invention. In order to assist in the understanding of the subject matter illustrated in the figures, a generic profile of a shoe upper 12 is indicated in phantom in Figure 1.

[28] For the purposes of the description herein, the article of footwear has a "sole" which includes footplate 10. However, other parts that may be included in a sole, such as a midsole, etc. have been omitted from the drawings for clarity.

[29] Footplate 10 includes at least one ground-engaging member 14 extending from footplate 10. Commonly, footplate 10 includes a plurality of ground-engaging members 14 distributed over the surface of footplate 10. Figure 2 illustrates one example of how ground-engaging members 14 may be distributed over the surface of footplate 10.

[30] Generally, the article of footwear can be divided into a forefoot region 11 (generally to the right of line A-A in Figure 2) and a heel or rearfoot region 13 (generally to the left of line A-A in Figure 2). Thus, in some cases (as in the embodiment depicted here), the forefoot region 11 may include a greater number of ground-engaging members 14 than the heel region 13. However, it is emphasized that the specific number, location, and/or shape of the ground-engaging members 14 that are provided on footplate 10 may vary widely and still be in accordance with the present invention.

[31] Each ground-engaging member 14 according to the present invention may be a unitary element removably engageable directly with the footplate or sole 10 (see Figure 4a), or may include a raised base portion 26 that is integral with the footplate 10 and a tip 14a (see, also, Figure 4b) selectively engaged with the raised base portion 26 in a manner that will be described in detail hereinbelow. It should be noted that in this arrangement, the tip 14a and the base portion 26 in combination are ground engaging members.

[32] Each tip 14a according to the present invention can be engaged to footplate 10 and disengaged therefrom as desired or required. Each tip 14a may have a certain, characteristic height or distance that it extends from footplate 10, as will also be discussed later.

[33] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is desirable to make tips 14a engage footplate 10 in a "snap-fit" manner. For the purposes of the description herein, a "snap-fif engagement between two elements should be understood to mean that engagement therebetween depends on the resiliency of at least one of the elements to effect engagement. For example, a first member may be initially resiliently or otherwise elastically displaced in the process of being engaged with a second member. Subsequently, the first member may resiliently recover its shape, position, orientation, etc. so as to restrain the second member from moving relative to the first member. The aforementioned resilient recovery may sometimes cause a click or a snapping sound, hence the reference to a "snap" fit.

[34] Figure 4a illustrates a tip 14a engaged with a spring assembly 16. Spring assembly 16 is associated with a region of footplate 10 with which tip 14a is engaged. Spring assembly 16 may include, for example, a base 18 and a plurality of generally elongate spring members 20 extending from base 18. Spring members 20 are preferably formed to be resiliently flexible along a transverse direction, like leaf springs. Spring members 20 may be made from any material exhibiting sufficient resilience and/or resistance to material fatigue. In one example of the present invention, spring members may be made from molded glass-filled nylon 12 or polyetheπnide. When using glass-filled nylon 12 or polyethermide to make spring members 20, for example, spring members 20 can generally handle a maximum deflection load before fatigue of about 7 pounds each. However, in the arrangement described herein, spring members 20 usually experience deflection loads below 7 pounds.

[35] Generally, spring assembly 16 is fixed relative to footplate 10 in a known and suitable manner. For example, at least a portion of spring assembly 16 may be embedded in footplate 10 by, for example, overmolding the material constituting footplate 10. In a particular example, the material constituting footplate 10 may be molded over base 18 of spring assembly 16 while leaving a bore or other opening 23 in the footplate 10 into which spring members 20 extend. Figures 4a and 4b generally illustrate the form of the material of footplate 10 including bore 23 defined therein.

[36] Generally, tip 14a includes a distal-most (with respect to the article of footwear) head 22, and a leg assembly 24 including a plurality of leg members 24a extending in generally the same direction from head 22. In the particular example illustrated, tip 14a may be provided with two spaced apart leg members 24a.

[37] Head 22 may be either axially symmetrical (e.g., conical, frusto-conical, pyramidal, etc.) or may be uniquely shaped for a given application. See, strictly by way of example, the substantially triangular cross-sectional shape of heads 22 in Figure 2.

[38] In accordance with the present invention, tip 14a is engaged with footplate 10 by inserting the leg assembly 24 of tip 14a into bore 23. In this regard, it may be desirable to make the exterior surfaces of leg assembly 24 conform closely with interior, surfaces of bore 23. This reduces interstitial spaces in which dirt and other debris may lodge. The cooperation between exterior surfaces of leg assembly 24 and interior surfaces of bore 23 should also be sufficiently tolerant so as to facilitate insertion of tip 14a in bore 23 without undue hindrance from contact friction and the like.

[39] As seen in, for example, Figure 4a, spring members 20 are preferably curved (or bent) and oriented relative to each other so that a spacing between spring members 20 at first increases then decreases in a direction from the proximal ends of spring members 20 to the distal ends thereof. Thus, the spring members 20 together present an intermediate portion having a maximum width X. The spring members 20 are resiliently flexible (particularly in compression) in a transverse direction (i.e., generally orthogonal to the direction of extension of the spring members 20), like leaf springs.

[40] Respective interior surfaces of leg members 24a may be formed in correspondence with an exterior profile of spring members 20, as seen in Figure 4a. Most generally, however, leg members 24a have a spacing therebetween that is smaller than the maximum width X between spring members 20. For example, as seen in Figure 4a, leg members 24a each include an inwardly protruding distal portion 24b which narrows the spacing therebetween to less than width X.

[41] Furthermore, it may be desirable to make a spacing between distal ends of spring members 20 (when spring members 20 are in a neutral, undefiected state) smaller than the distance between protruding portions 24b. Also, protruding distal portions 24b may be generally rounded or tapered in an appropriate manner to help guide the distal ends of the spring members 20 between protruding distal portions 24b. Either or both of these features facilitates receiving the distal ends of spring members 20 between leg members 24a.

[42] As a result, when tip 14a is pressed into bore 23, the distal portions 24b initially force spring members 20 together. This effect is facilitated because the spring members 20 each taper towards each other (with respect to a direction from the point of maximum width X towards the respective distal ends of spring members 20), providing at least somewhat of a wedging effect between leg members 24a.

[43] In general, the present invention provides for spring members 20 that are preferably, but not necessarily only, inwardly (i.e., towards one another) resiliently compressed by the respective rigid leg members 24a forced thereagainst. In practice, however, some slight outward deflection of leg members 24a may occur, within the scope of the presently contemplated invention, in reaction to the force applied to spring members 20. [44] After the protruding portions 24b pass the portion of spring members 20 having the maximum width X therebetween, the compressive force exerted on spring members 20 decreases because the spacing between the spring members 20 decreases. Therefore, spring members 20 resiliently either fully or partially (i.e., so as to remain under resilient compression) recover their neutral position.

[45] Preferably, the resilience of spring members 20 is such that the spring members 20 recover their neutral position relatively suddenly, causing an audible snapping or clicking sound. As mentioned above, this provides a positive indication that the tip 14a has become properly (i.e., fully) engaged with spring members 20.

[46] It is desirable, according to the present invention, to engage tip 14a with spring assembly 16 using a linear, substantially non-rotational motion. It is therefore useful, but not necessary, to provide a rotation prevention mechanism to prevent relative rotation between tip 14a and spring assembly 16. For example, either the tip 14a or the bore 23 can be provided with a rib or spline 32, and the other of the tip 14a and the bore 23 can be provided with a cooperating slot or groove 34. By way of example only, Figure 4 illustrates a rib 32 formed along at least part of the length of leg 24a, and a slot 34 formed along at least part of the length of bore 23, although, as mentioned, the reverse arrangement could be used. Alternatively, if desired, the rib 32 may extend the entire height of the tip 14a as shown in FIG. 3a.

[47] The cooperation between rib 32 and slot 34 has multiple effects. First, when tip 14a is inserted into bore 23, rib 32 and slot 34 are located, respectively, so as to align the leg assembly 24 with the spring assembly 16 in the required manner for engagement therebetween. Second, the cooperation of rib 32 and slot 34 prevents relative rotation between tip 14a and spring assembly 16 that might cause damaging torsional forces to be applied to spring members 20 during engagement. Additionally, after tip 14a is properly engaged, the cooperation between rib 32 and slot 34 prevents subsequent rotation of tip 14a, which again could cause damaging torsional forces to be applied to spring members 20 or cause a non-symmetrical head 22 to come out of alignment. [48] The tip 14a can be disengaged from footplate 10 by pulling or prying tip 14a, either manually, or using a suitable tool. In particular, a tool can be inserted between an edge of head 22 and the surface of footplate 10. The tool may be specifically adapted for use, or, more preferably, any suitable flat member (including, without limitation, a knife blade, a screwdriver blade, and a coin) can be used. A notch may be provided in head 22 adjacent to the location where head 22 abuts a surface of footplate 10. The notch facilitates insertion of a tool for prying off the tip. See, for example, notch 28 in Figure 4a and notch 28' in Figure 4b, as well as notch 380 in Figure 8, described further below.

[49] Figure 4c illustrates an example of a tool 36 adapted for prying off a tip 14a. Tool 36 includes a manually-graspable handle 38 (which can be of any suitable shape) having at least one prying tab 40 extending perpendicularly therefrom. In Figure 4c, two prying tabs 40 are provided for use with a tip 14a having two notches (like notch 28(28') in Figures 4a and 4b) provided on opposite sides of head 22 (although a second notch is not shown in Figures 4a and 4b). A lever force is then applied to handle 38 in a direction opposite to the direction in which prying tabs 40 extend to pry tip 14a out of engagement. However, as mentioned above, it is contemplated that a tool (such as a coin or screwdriver blade, for example) could be inserted on only one side of the tip 14a.

[50] It should be clearly understood from the foregoing that the present invention contemplates and is equally operable by providing a spring assembly on the tip and a leg assembly in association with the footplate, in reverse of the arrangement shown in Figure 4a.

[51] In use, dirt and debris may become lodged or caked in bore 23 in general, and between spring members 20 in particular. Spring members 20 may therefore be prevented from deflecting as required. It is therefore useful, but not necessary, to provide a substantially rigid central rib or other protrusion 30 extending from head 22 between leg members 24a. Central rib 30 preferably extends between distal ends of spring members 20 when tip 14a is engaged as described above. With this arrangement, central rib 30 can protrude into the space between spring members 20 into order to break up or otherwise dislodge any material (dried mud, for example) deposited therebetween.

[52] Additionally, the central rib 30 controls the deflection of the spring members 20 during the engagement of the stud 14 into the spring assembly 16. During the insertion process, the inwardly extending distal portions 24b engage the outside of respective spring members 20 to deflect the spring members 20 inwardly toward each other about their respective base 20a. During this process, the central rib 30 extends downward between the spring members 20 and limits the inward bending of the spring members 20 about their bases 20a as the tips 20b of the spring members 20 are restrained from moving any father inward toward the other spring member 20 in the X-direction. This restraint by the central rib 30 causes the location of the bending in the spring members 20 to change. Specifically, this restraint causes the bending location to shift up from base 20a towards the angled middle section 20c, as the tips 20b of the spring members 20 move upward along the sides of the central rib 30 just before total engagement This limiting of the bending of the spring members 20 at their base 20a is a safety and control factor as it lowers the possibility of fatigue of the spring members 20 at their base 20a, and provides a better control of the location of the bending forces.

[53] Figure 4a illustrates tip 14a as being engaged at a surface of footplate 10. However, as seen in Figures 1 and 4b, for example, footplate 10 may be provided with a plurality of raised base portions 26. In this case, each raised base portion 26 has a spring assembly 16 provided therein in accordance with the foregoing description. Using a plurality of base portions 26 in this manner permits the rest of footplate 10 to remain relative thin, and importantly, flexible. Alternatively, when raised base portions 10 are not provided, the entire sole (including footplate 10) should be made comparatively thicker overall in order to accommodate the spring assemblies 16 therein. In a preferred example according to the present invention, raised base portions 26 are unitarily formed with footplate 10, for example, during the process of forming footplate 10.

[54] With the exception of raised base portion 26 illustrated in Figure 4b, all other aspects of Figure 4b are identical to the arrangement shown in Figure 4a, so a repeated detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[55] Each tip 14a is not only generally replaceable, but one tip 14a can be replaced with another tip having a different height Y (see, for example, Figure 4a) (i.e., a distance that tip 14a extends from footplate 10 or from raised portion 26 formed on footplate 10). Thus, the ground engaging characteristics of the article of footwear can be also altered by providing a given arrangement of tips 14a of varying (or identical) heights. One can therefore provide a kit including the article of footwear and one or more sets of tips, each set having, for example, different heights. Also, a prying tool (such as tool 36 illustrated in Figure 4c) may be provided as part of such a kit. As a result, the ground-engaging characteristics of the article of footwear can be selectively altered by selectively replacing tips 14a provided thereon. All of the tips 14a in a set may have the identical height, or at least some may have different heights from each other. Figure 3b illustrates a set 42 of tips 14a', 14a", and 14a"', each having the same general structure (as described elsewhere herein) but having differing head heights Y', Y", and Y"\ Each of the tips may additionally or alternatively have other differences therebetween, particularly a characteristic relevant to traction performance. For example, the respective tips may have differently shaped head portions.

[56] Figures 5-8 illustrate a tip 140a and a spring assembly 160 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Tip 140a is similar to tip 14a as described above, in at least some respects. One difference is that the tip 140a includes a rib or ridge 320 that is relatively thicker than rib 32 of the first embodiment, and extends substantially the entire length of leg 240a. In part, rib 320 may serve to further rigidity leg 240a, thereby increasing the ability of leg 240a to deflect a corresponding spring member (as discussed above). The remaining features of tip 140a are similar to those discussed with reference to tip 14a.

[57] Figure 6 illustrates a spring assembly 160 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Similar to spring assembly 16 of the first embodiment, spring assembly 160 includes a base 180, from which a plurality of spring members 200 extend. In Figure 6, two spring members 200 are provided. However, different numbers and arrangements of spring members may be used. Spring members 200 are, for example, arranged in a manner similar to spring members 20 of the first embodiment.

[58] Spring assembly 160 notably includes a wall or frame 360 extending from at least part of the periphery of base 180 in substantially the same direction as spring members 200. The wall 360 may, for example, define a non-cylindrical space therein (as illustrated in Figure 6). This further retards any tendency for tip 140a to rotate relative to spring assembly 360.

[59] Wall 360 also preferably defines a slot or groove 340 therein for cooperating with rib 320. The cooperation between rib 320 and slot 340 has the benefits similar to those described above relative to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[60] The presence of wall 360 may also beneficially serve to protect spring members 200 in an overmolding process (of a type discussed above) and/or provide an increased surface area for bonding with a molding material used to form the footplate.

[61] Other aspects and functionaUties of the first embodiment of the present invention discussed above, such as, without limitation, the manner in which legs 240a engage spring members 200, the provision of raised base portions on the footplate, the use of a plurality of tips 140a having varying heights, the use of a central rib 300, and the contemplation of a kit for permitting selective alteration of tips 140a, are applicable to the second embodiment in the same manner as discussed above. [62] Figure 7 illustrates tip 140a aligned with spring assembly 160 prior to engagement, by aligning rib 320 with slot 340. Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating tip 140a in engagement with spring assembly 160. As mentioned above, a notch or the like 380 may be provided at an edge of head 220 to facilitate insertion of a disengaging tool and to provide a prying surface. The notch(es) 380 (and 28, discussed above) may have any suitable profile that admits a prying tool (as discussed above) so that the tip 140a can be pried off as desired.

[63] Thus, while there have been shown and described features of the present invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, and in the method illustrated and described, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention as broadly disclosed herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An article of footwear comprising a sole, said sole including: a receiving portion; and a ground-engaging member, said ground-engaging member being in snap-fit engagement with said receiving portion, wherein one of said receiving portion and said ground-engaging member includes a spring assembly, and the other of said receiving portion and said ground-engaging member includes a plurality of leg members, said spring assembly being resiUently retained between said plurality of leg members.

2. The article according to claim 1 , wherein said ground-engaging member comprises a replaceable tip in snap-fit engagement with said receiving portion.

3. The article according to claim 1 , wherein said sole includes a footplate from which said ground-engaging member extends.

4. The article according to claim 3, wherein said footplate is made from plastic.

5. The article according to claim 1 , wherein said sole includes a plurality of said receiving portions and a corresponding pluraUty of ground-engaging members.

6. The article according to claim 5, wherein said sole includes a forefoot region and a heel region, said forefoot region including a greater number of said ground-engaging members than said heel region.

7. The article according to claim 2, wherein said receiving portion includes said spring assembly, said spring assembly being resiliently engaged with said replaceable tip.

8. The article according to claim 7, wherein said spring assembly comprises a plurality of spring members extending in a direction generally perpendicular to said sole.

9. The article according to claim 8, wherein each said spring member is resiliently flexible in a direction transverse to said direction of extension of each said spring member.

10. The article according to claim 9, wherein said spring assembly includes first and second said spring members, said first and second spring members each being curved and oriented with respect to each other such that, in a direction from a proximal end of said first and second spring members, respectively, to a distal end of said first and second spring members, respectively, a spacing between said first and second spring members initially increases and then subsequently decreases.

11. The article according to claim 9, wherein said spring assembly includes first and second said spring members, said first and second spring members each being bent so as to define an obtuse angle and being oriented with respect to each other such that, in a direction from a proximal end of said first and second spring members, respectively, to a distal end of said first and second spring members, respectively, a spacing between said first and second spring members initially increases and then subsequently decreases.

12. The article according to claim 9, wherein said receiving portion includes a raised base having a bore formed therein through which said spring assembly extends, said replaceable tip being in snap-fit engagement with said raised base.

13. The article according to claim 12, wherein said tip includes a head and a pair of spaced apart said leg members both extending in generally the same direction from said head, wherein said spring assembly is arranged between said pair of leg members, each said leg member being shaped in substantial conformance with a shape of a respective said spring member of said spring assembly so as to provide a snap-fit engagement between said pair of leg members and said spring assembly.

14. The article according to claim 13, wherein at least one said leg member has a rib formed on an exterior surface thereof, and an interior wall of said bore has a slot formed therein corresponding to said rib, said rib being positioned on said at least one leg member and said slot being formed in said interior wall of said bore, respectively, so as to align said leg members and said spring assembly for said snap-fit engagement therebetween.

15. The article according to claim 13, wherein said head includes at least one notch formed at a periphery thereof adjacent to a surface of said sole, said at least one notch being sized and arranged to receive a prying tool.

16. The article according to claim 13, wherein said tip further includes a medial rib extending from said head between said leg members.

17. The article according to claim 16, wherein said medial rib extends between respective distal ends of said pair of spring members.

18 The article according to claim 2, comprising a plurality of said replaceable tips, said pluraUty of tips being interchangeably snap-fit engageable with said receiving portion.

19. The article according to claim 12, wherein said sole includes a pluraUty of said receiving portions each including a respective raised base, each said raised base extending substantially the same distance from said sole.

20. The article according to claim 12, wherein said sole includes a pluraUty of said receiving portions each including a respective raised base, each said raised base having a respective said tip in snap-fit engagement therewith, at least two of said tips extending different respective distances from their said respective bases.

21. The article according to claim 20, wherein each said tip extends between about 12 mm and about 16 mm from a respective said base.

22. The article according to claim 12, wherein said raised base is unitarily formed with said sole.

23. The article according to claim 12, wherein said sole includes a pluraUty of said receiving portions each including a raised base, each said raised base having a respective said tip in snap-fit engagement therewith, wherein each of said tips extends substantially the same distance from said respective bases.

24. The article according to claim 8, wherein said pluraUty of spring members are made from one of glass-filled nylon 12 and polyethermide.

25. The article according to claim 13, wherein said head is made from plastic or metal.

26. An article of footwear comprising a sole, said sole including: a receiving portion; and a ground-engaging member in snap-fit engagement with said receiving portion, wherein one of said receiving portion and said ground-engaging member includes a rib formed thereon, and the other of said receiving portion and said ground-engaging member includes a slot formed therein, said rib and said slot cooperating to prevent rotation of said ground-engaging member.

27. The article according to claim 26, wherein said ground-engaging member includes a replaceable tip, said tip being in snap-fit engagement with said receiving portion, wherein one of said receiving portion and said tip includes a rib formed thereon, and the other of said receiving portion and said tip includes a slot formed therein, said rib and said slot cooperating to prevent rotation of said tip.

28. The article according to claim 27, wherein said receiving portion includes a spring assembly and said tip includes a head and a pair of spaced apart leg members extending from said head in generally the same direction, wherein at least one said leg member has a rib formed along at least a part of a length of said at least one leg member and said spring assembly comprises a support frame formed about a pluraUty of spring members, said support frame defining a said slot cooperating with said rib and said spring assembly being engaged between said leg members.

29. An article of footwear comprising a sole, said sole including a footplate having: a unitarily formed raised portion; and a ground-engaging tip in snap-fit engagement with said raised portion.

30. The article according to claim 29, wherein said footplate includes a plurality of said unitarily formed raised portions, each said raised portion having a respective ground- engaging tip in snap-fit engagement therewith.

31. The article according to claim 29, further comprising a rotation preventing mechanism for preventing said tip from rotating relative to said raised portion.

32. The article according to claim 31, wherein said rotation preventing mechanism comprises a rib formed on one of said tip and said raised portion, and a corresponding slot formed in the other of said tip and said raised portion.

33. The article according to claim 32, wherein said raised portion includes a bore formed therein, said tip being received for engagement in said bore, wherein said rib is formed on one of said tip and an interior surface of said bore, and said corresponding slot is formed in the other of said tip and said interior surface of said bore.

34. The article according to claim 29, wherein said footplate and said raised portion unitarily formed thereon are made from molded plastic.

35. A kit for providing adjustable ground-engaging characteristics in an article of footwear comprising: an article of footwear comprising a sole; a receiving portion provided on said sole; and at least two tips each selectively engageable with said receiving portion, one of said at least two tips extending a different distance from said sole than the other of said at least two tips.

36. The kit according to claim 35, wherein said article of footwear is an athletic shoe.

37. The kit according to claim 36, wherein said athletic shoe is a cleated soccer shoe.

38. The kit according to claim 35, further comprising a tool constructed to disengage one said replaceable tip from engagement with said sole so that another said tip can be engaged with said sole.

39. The kit according to claim 35, wherein each said replaceable tip selectively is engageable with said receiving portion in a snap-fit manner.

40. The kit according to claim 35, wherein said receiving portion includes a raised portion, each said replaceable tip being engaged with said raised portion.

41. A method of attaching a ground-engaging portion to an article of footwear having a sole, comprising: engaging a ground-engaging tip portion with a receiving portion of the sole by applying a non-rotational force to the tip portion until the tip portion audibly comes into snap-fit engagement with the receiving portion.

42. The method of claim 41 , wherein engaging the tip portion with the receiving portion comprises engaging a leg assembly of one of the tip portion and the receiving portion with a spring assembly of the other of the tip portion and the receiving portion, the spring assembly being resiliently retained between respective legs of said leg assembly.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising aligning the tip portion relative to the receiving portion before engaging the leg assembly with the spring assembly, said aligning step including: providing a rib on one of the tip portion and the receiving portion and a corresponding slot on the other of the tip portion and the receiving portion; and aligning the rib and the slot, the rib and the slot being respectively located so as to permit engagement of the leg assembly and the spring assembly.

44. A method of changing ground-engaging characteristics of an article of footwear provided with a pluraUty of ground-engaging elements on a sole of the article of footwear, each ground-engaging element including a replaceable tip engaged with the sole, the method comprising: disengaging a first tip from the sole; and replacing the disengaged first tip by engaging a second tip with the sole, the second tip extending a different distance from the sole than the disengaged first tip.

45. The method according to claim 44, comprising disengaging a pluraUty of first tips from the sole and replacing each disengaged first tip by engaging a respective second tip with the sole, at least some of the second tips extending a different distance from the sole than the respective first tips corresponding thereto.