Athletic footwear tread cradle

Abstract

Tread cradles for covering a sole of an article of footwear having at least one cleat are described, the tread cradles comprising bases having first and second sides, treads disposed on the first side of the bases, and disposed on the second side of the base, means for reversibly securing the cleat to the base, thereby removably attaching the article of footwear to the tread cradle. Covering the sole prevents mud, grass, and other debris from sloughing off, protects the sole from abrasive surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, protects flooring surfaces, and may cushion the article of footwear for greater user comfort.

1 . A tread cradle for covering a sole of an article of footwear having at least one cleat, the tread cradle comprising:
 a base having first and second sides;   treads disposed on the first side of the base; and   disposed on the second side of the base, means for reversibly securing the cleat to the base, thereby removably attaching the article of footwear to the tread cradle.   
     
     
         2 . The tread cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the means for reversibly securing the cleat to the base is a receptacle having walls that engage the cleat. 
     
     
         3 . The tread cradle of  claim 2 , wherein the walls of the receptacle define an opening for receiving the cleat. 
     
     
         4 . The tread cradle of  claim 3 , wherein a lip is disposed adjacent to the opening for receiving the cleat. 
     
     
         5 . The tread cradle of  claim 4 , wherein the lip is elastic and deformable. 
     
     
         6 . The tread cradle of  claim 3 , wherein a rib is disposed adjacent to the opening for receiving the cleat. 
     
     
         7 . The tread cradle of  claim 4 , wherein a rib is disposed adjacent to the opening for receiving the cleat. 
     
     
         8 . The tread cradle of  claim 3 , wherein a plurality of splines extend radially from the walls, projecting into the opening for receiving the cleat. 
     
     
         9 . The tread cradle of  claim 3 , wherein the walls frictionally engage the cleat. 
     
     
         10 . The tread cradle of  claim 4 , wherein the lip frictionally engages the cleat. 
     
     
         11 . The tread cradle of  claim 6 , wherein the rib frictionally engages the cleat. 
     
     
         12 . The tread cradle of  claim 8 , wherein the splines frictionally engage the cleat. 
     
     
         13 . The tread cradle of  claim 1 , wherein the means for reversibly securing the cleat to the base are a plurality of rods that engage the cleat. 
     
     
         14 . The tread cradle of  claim 13 , wherein the rods frictionally engage the cleat. 
     
     
         15 . A method for covering a sole of an article of footwear having at least one cleat, the method comprising:
 providing a tread cradle having a base and means for reversibly securing the cleat to the base, thereby removably attaching the article of footwear to the tread cradle.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising providing the base with a tread pattern that is different from a tread pattern of the article of footwear, thereby adapting the article of footwear to be useful on a different surface. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising providing the tread cradle with a support section. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising providing the tread cradle with a pressure sensitive adhesive section. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising providing the tread cradle with features to facilitate use of the tread cradle as a shin guard when not attached to the footwear. 
     
     
         20 . A method for manufacturing a tread cradle for covering a sole of an article of footwear having at least one cleat, comprising:
 determining the position of the at least one cleat on the footwear, and   providing a receptacle on the tread cradle in a position corresponding to the position of the at least one cleat on the footwear, the receptacle being capable of reversibly securing the cleat in the receptacle, thereby removably attaching the article of footwear to the tread cradle.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising providing the receptacle with a tread pattern that is different from a tread pattern of the article of footwear, thereby adapting the article of footwear to be useful on a different surface.