US3520075A - Detachable golf spike attachment - Google Patents

Description

July 14, 1970 J. w. MULLIKIN DETACHABLE GOLF SPIKE ATTACHMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 10, 1969 Josiah w Mull/kin INVENTOR.

July 14, 1970 J. w. MULLIKIN 3,520,075

DETACHABLE GOLF SPIKE ATTACHMENT Filed Feb. 10, 1969 :3 Sheets-Sheet 46 I00 0 l /06 o 68 I 1%. ml 1 a Josiah W. Mull/kin INVENTOR.

BY m zsfl United States Patent O 3,520,075 DETACHABLE GOLF SPIKE ATTACHMENT Josiah W. Mullikin, Badge 90376, Box 455, Aramco, Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia Filed Feb. 10, 1969, Ser. No. 797,813 Int. Cl. A43c /00 US. Cl. 36-65 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A self-contained attachment through the medium of which an ordinary street shoe can be readily converted to a golf shoe and can be detached and stored for subsequent use. It embodies sole and heel plates each having replaceable spikes and distributively arranged attaching clips capable of being adjusted and then clamped on the sole and heel of the shoe. The respective rearward and forward marginal edges of the plates are hingedly and adjustably joined by novel linking means in a manner to facilitate applying and removing the attachment.

This invention relates to a compact and convenient attachment which is such in construction and capability that it enables a user to clamp it on the bottom of a casual or street-type shoe in a manner to convert the same to an acceptably usable golf shoe.

The idea of providing readily applicable and removable spikes, calks and cleats for the bottom of an ordinary or conventional-type shoe is not, as is known, new. If broad background information is desired the reader can refer to the patent to Patton 3,025,615. Other similar but less pertinent prior patents could be but are not here cited.

Briefly, the attachment, broadly construed, is characterized by two suitably proportioned plates made of appropriate sheet material. One plate, hereinafter referred to as the sole plate, is of appropriate size and shape that, when in use, it is superimposed firmly upon the underneath surface of the sole of the wearers shoe. The second complemental plate is likewise of appropriate side, shape and material and it is designed and adapted for coaction with the shoe heel and is designated as the attachable and detachable heel plate. The rearward marginal transverse edge of the sole plate is properly angled to cooperate with the forward or inner edge of the heel plate and these edges are spaced apart so that they occupy coacting positions at the respective end portions of the shank of the shoe bottom. Both of these plates are provided with attachable and detachable ground-penetrating spikes which are distributively mounted on the underneath side surfaces of the plates. Both plates are also provided at appropriate places with replaceable detachable and adjustable clips which are comparable, broadly speaking, with so-called skate clamps. These clips are individually adjustable and are acceptably and reliably connected with surfaces of the sole and heel components. In addition, and this is important, the longitudinally spaced generally parallel confronting inner marginal edges of the respective plates are united or connected by novel adjustable connecting means. This means, more specifically stated, is characterized by a hinged tongue and an adapter bracket. The adapter bracket is integral with the heel plate and is such in shape that a tang or extension of the tongue is adjustably connectible with the horizontal arm of the bracket.

The forward or sole plate is firmly and fittingly superimposed on the underneath side of the sole of the shoe bottom and has distributively arranged replaceable calks or spikes. In addition, it has struck-out strap members which function as accommodating stirrups for slotted horizontal leg portions of the L-shaped plate attaching and retaining clips.

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The heel plate features similar circumferentially spaced stirrup-like straps which are struck-out and also slidingly and adjustably mount the horizontal legs of the heel plate attaching clips or clamps as they are hereinafter referred to. One of these clips is at the rear median portion of the plate and has an upper end carrying a finger ring which facilitates applying and removing the heel plate.

Then, too, novelty is predicated on the adapter bracket carried by the heel plate and the hinged tongue carried by the sole plate and wherein adjacent end portions are overlapped and adjustably joined together. This provides the desired flexible linking connection between the heel and sole plates and insures the flexibility needed in applying and removing the over-all attachment once the clamping clips have been properly adjusted.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective showing a casual or street type shoe which is designated as a conventional type and which is here shown as converted to provide a golf shoe by mounting the ready-to-use self-contained attachment thereon.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of the attachment by itself.

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the attachment appearing in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a central longitudinal sectional view with parts in section and elevation taken approximately on the plane of the section line 44 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the indicating arrows.

FIG. 5 is a transverse view taken on the section line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a similar sectional view but taken on the plane of the section line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view in section taken approximately 0n the plane of the section line 7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a view of a fragmentary sectional type showing a slight modification in the vertical leg of the attaching clip.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of an exploded type showing the sole and heel plates completely separated and showing the bracket and hinged tongue which go to make up the primary components of the adjustable connecting means between the two plates.

And FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the construction and mounting of one of the aforementioned detachable or replaceable spikes.

With reference in particular to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, it will be evident that the aforementioned front or sole plate is designated by the numeral 12 and that the rearward smaller heel plate is denoted by the numeral 14. These plates are structurally, adjustably and separably linked together by connecting means which is referred to broadly by the numeral 16.

With respect to the plate 12 it will be noted that it is of requisite size, shape and material and is contoured to fit with requisite nicety against the tread of the sole A (FIG. 1) of the street shoe B. The heel of the shoe is denoted at C and the usual shank is designated at D. This plate has a forward or leading edge 18, a rearward or inner edge 20 which is at a slight oblique angle as brought out in FIG. 2. The inner and outer longitudinal marginal edges 22 have struck-out straps 24 which provide stirrup-like keepers for the attachable, detachable and adjustable clamping clips 26. Each clip is of L-shaped form and as shown in FIG. 3 embodies a horizontal leg 28 having a slot 30 to accommodate a self-tapping screw or fastener 32. The vertical leg is denoted at 34 (FIG. 1) and this has a terminal hook or upper end 36 which takes over the welt or ledge portion of the sole A in the manner illustrated.

The clips 26 which serve to attach the sole plate are basically the same and mounted similar to the clips 46 which are utilized for mounting the heel plate 14. However, the leg portions 34 are provided with lateral hooks which are retentively applied as best shown in FIG. 5. The attachable, detachable and replaceable spikes (calks or cleats) are referred to broadly here by the numeral 38 and will be referred to in detail later on.

With respect to the heel plate 14 this is structurally and basically the same as the sole plate except that it is smaller and has a different shape. Here the longitudinal marginal edges are referred to by the numeral 40 and hereagain keeper straps are struck-out as at 42 to accommodate the slotted horizontal arms 44 of the L-shaped attaching and retaining clips 46. Hereagain the clips are L-shaped and in each instance the horizontal leg is provided with a slot 50 (FIG. 3) to accomodate the self-tapping attaching and adjusting screw 52. The two side clips each has a vertical leg 54 (FIG. 6) which has a bent-over detent 56 to hold it in place in the manner shown. At this point it is desirable to mention the slight modification shown in FIG. 8 wherein the vertical leg of the clamping clip is denoted by the numeral 58 and which is simply provided with a suitable frictionretaining bend as at 60. Otherwise, the clips are basically the same. It is also to be mentioned that the clip which cooperates with the curvate rearward marginal edge 62 has an upstanding leg 64 which is bent to form an eye 66 to accommodate a loop-like finger grip 68. The forward marginal edge of this particular plate also referred to as the inner edge is denoted at 70. Thus there are three clamps or clips for holding the heel plate on and allowing it to be snapped into position or unsnapped and removed in a seemingly self-evident manner.

Attention is now directed to the preferred spikes which are used on both plates. One such spike is detailed in FIG. where it is conveniently designated by the numeral 72. This spike is carried by a disk-like plate or flange 74 having spanner wrench holes therein and also having a screw-threaded stud 76 which passes through a hole 78 in the well-like depression 80. This depression serves to seat the assembling and retaining nut or washer 82. When the washer is seated in the depression it is substantially flush with the upper surface of the plate. This is true in connection with the spikes on both plates 12 and 14.

The novel connecting or uniting means between the two clip-equipped and spike-equipped plates 12 and 14 is unique and is brought out with particularity in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 9. The median part of the inward edge is provided with a notch 84 and this notch is provided at its respective ends with alternately bent semi-circular straps. The up-bent straps are designated at 86 and the down-bent semi-circular straps are denoted at 88. These straps accommodate end portions of an expansible and retractable hollow pintle or hinge pin which is denoted at 90 and spans the notch and is held by the bent straps 86 and 88. This arrangement serves to accommodate the hinged plate connecting tongue 92. The forward end portion of the tongue is provided with a bent knuckle 94 which is fitted into the notch 84 and is rockably anchored on the hinge pin 90. The numerals 96 designate strengthening abutments which are opposite each other and coact with the edge 20 in the manner shown. The median portion of this tongue is provided with a centralized elongated slot 98. The relatively narrow extension 100 constitutes a tang. This tang-equipped hinged tongue serves to coact with the L-shaped adapter bracket 102 which is also best shown in FIG. 9. The

relatively short limb 104 is integral with the edge 70, is centrally positioned and is of requisite height to cooperate and abut the forward marginal edge of the shoe heel C as illustrated. The relatively horizontal and elongated limb is denoted by the numeral 106 and has a screw-threaded hole 108 to accommodate the assembling and retaining screw 110. This leg has an accommodation slot 112 for the tang. It is parallel with and spaced from the indentation 114 and provides a receiving and stabilizing pocket for the tang when the latter has been assembled and retentively and adjustably secured in place as brought out for example in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 4.

In practice the clip and spike-equipped sole plate 12 is initially fitted into place in the manner suggested in FIGS. 1 and 4 after which the clips 26 are adjusted and set so that the plate will remain securely in its given position. The connecting means 16 is adjusted by extending it or retracting it as the case may be so that the clips 46 on the heel plate 14 fit with certainty on the shoe heel. Once the two plates 12 and 14 have been adjusted relative to each other it is easy to apply and remove the overall attachment with the aid of the finger ring 68. This is to say the hinging means embodied in the connecting means 16 makes it easy to snap the heel plate 14 in place and subsequently force it down and forwardly for releasing and detaching needs. It follows therefore that once,

the attachment is properly set to a particular shoe it can be readily applied and removed in a self-evident manner. Then, too the hinged tongue 92, constituting an important feature of the connecting means 16, provides the desired flexibility which has been found to be necessary for comfortable walking once the attachment is applied.

In use the sole plate clamps or clips are adjusted for the sole width of the shoe and are locked in place by tightening the retaining screws. The heel plate clips are then properly adjusted to the heel width of the shoe and are similarly fastened. The rear heel clip, which is suitably bendably resilient, is adjusted with the aid of the finger ring in a self-evident manner. The over-all attachment can then be pulled onto the sole of the shoe by guiding the sole plate clips so that they will catch the welt of the sole and obtain a secure grip. The right and left heel clips are guided along the sides of the heel and the rear heel clip is guided along the back of the shoe heel in a manner that all clips grip the heel at the welt or shoulder where the heel and upper part of the shoe join. The attachment is then properly in position for use on the shoe. It will be evident too that the attachment now serves the same purposes as a regular spikeequipped golf shoe. When the user has completed his game of golf it is only necessary to lift the foot and catch hold of the finger ring and to pull it out in a direction away from the heel and at the same time press down on the heel clip. This will cause the heel plate to move away from the shoe heel and now by pressing forward on the attachment the sole plate clips will be released from the sole of the shoe and the attachment can be removed and stored in the golf bag.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. For use on a walking shoe such as is commonly adapted for regular street wear, a readily applicable and removable self-contained golfing attachment for said shoe comprising, in combination, a sole plate of a size and shape to be removably applied firmly upon the underneath surface of the sole of said shoe, said plate having a bottom side provided with lateral distributively arranged depending spikes, said plate also having elongated side marginal edges provided with opposed clips for retentive connection with coacting portions of said shoe sole, a heel plate complemental to said sole plate and also of a size and shape to be applied to the underneath surface of the heel of said shoe and likewise having a bottom side provided with distributively arranged depending spikes and having marginal edges provided with clips adapted for retentive connection with coacting portions of said heel, said plates having adjacent confronting inward marginal edges disposed in spaced apart but cooperatively connectible relation at the forward and rearward ends of the shank of said shoe, and mcans operatively joining said inward marginal edges, the means operatively joining said inward marginal edges comprising (1) an elongated plate-connecting-tongue having a forward end provided with a hinging knuckle, a hinge pin operatively mounted on a coacting inward marginal edge of the sole plate, said hinging knuckle being aligned and hingedly connected with said hinge pin, the rearward end of said tongue being free and terminating in a reduced tang and having an elongated slot and (2) a rigid bracket integrally joined with a median portion of the inner edge of the heel plate, said bracket being L-shaped in edge elevation and embodying a long limb having a slot and a complemental tang pocketing indentation for insertable reception and stabilized seated retention of said tang and (3) a headed screw-threaded fastener carried by an end portion of said long limb and retentively cooperable with the slotted portion of said tongue and tang, respectively.

2. A self-contained attachment for converting a street shoe into a golf shoe comprising, in combination, a sole plate of a size and shape to be removably applied firmly upon the underneath surface of the sole of said shoe, said plate having a bottom side provided with distributively arranged depending spikes, said plate also having elongated side marginal edges provided with opposed clips for retentive connection with coacting portions of said shoe sole, a heel plate complemental to said sole plate and also of a size and shape to be applied to the underneath surface of the heel of said shoe and likewise having a bottom side provided with distributively arranged depending spikes and having marginal edges provided with additional clips which are designed and adapted for retentive connection with coacting portions of said heel, said plates having adjacent confronting inward marginal edges disposed in spaced apart but cooperatively connectible relation at the forward and rearward ends of the shank of said shoe, the median portion of the inner edge of said heel plate being provided with a rigid adapter bracket, the median portion of the inner edge of said sole plate being provided with a notch, a hinge pin operatively mounted on said inner edge and spanning said notch, and a plate uniting tongue provided at a forward end with an assembling and hinging knuckle fitted into the notch and hingedly mounted on and operatively linked to said hinge pin, the rearward end of said tongue being free and providing a tang, said tang being adjustably and detachably connected with said adapter bracket.

3. The attachment defined in and according to claim 2, and wherein said clips are substantially L-shaped in edge elevation, each clip having horizontal and vertical legs, the vertical legs having upper free ends designed and adapted to clampingly grip the sole or heel, as the case may be, and the horizontal legs having longitudinal slots, and mounting and retaining screws passing through their respectively cooperable slots and operatively joined to their respectively cooperable plates.

4. The attachment defined in and according to claim 3, and wherein marginal portions of said plates are provided with struck-out straps providing stirrup-like keepers for the respectively cooperable horizontal legs of said clips.

5. The attachment defined in and according to claim 4, and wherein one of said keeper straps is located at a central portion of the rear marginal edge of the heel plate in a manner to accornmodatingly locate a rear clip, the vertical leg of said last-named clip being resilient and the upper free end having a detent and being provided with a freely accessible pivotally mounted finger-gripping ring which facilitates manual application and removal of the over-all attachment.

6. The attachment defined in and according to claim 2 and wherein said tongue, including said tang, is straight from end to end and is fiat-faced and is provided with an elongated slot, said bracket being L-shaped in edge elevation and embodying long and short limbs, said short limb being integral with the coacting inner edge of the coacting heel plate and laterally offset, said long limb having an indented seat and a slot spaced from and aligned with said seat, said tang passing through said slot and being slidingly pocketed and retained in said seat, and fastening means operatively mounted on an end portion of said long limb and passing operatively and adjustably through and cooperable with said slot and said tongue.

7. The attachment defined in and according to claim 6, and wherein said clips are substantially L-shaped in edge elevation, each clip having horizontal and vertical legs, the vertical legs being designed and adapted to clampingly grip the sole or heel, as the case may be, and the horizontal legs having longitudinal slots, and retaining screws passing through said slots and secured to the respectively cooperable plates.

8. The attachment defined in and according to claim 2, and wherein one of said addiitonal clips is L-shaped and has a horizontal leg adjustably mounted on a median portion of a rear marginal edge of said heel plate and a vertical upstanding leg which is bendably resilient and has an upper free end terminating in a detent and provided with a conveniently accessible pivotally mounted finger ring which when caught hold of and properly used facilitates applying and removing the over-all attachment.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 452,284 5/1891 Reilly 36-65 710,187 9/1902 Downer 36-64 1,837,730 12/1931 Smith 367.6 2,002,706 5/1935 Mong 367.6 2,538,182 1/1951 Young 367.6 2,668,373 2/1954 Russo 36-7.6 3,229,389 1/1966 Adams 367.6

MERVIN STEIN, Primary Examiner G. H. KRIZMANICH, Assistant Examiner

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