1. A-Traction Covers Informative Presentation By: Nilu Faiz Joseph Maiorana Joseph Schneider

2. 2 Table of Contents Slide # Subject 3Problem Statement 4Identifying the Problem 5-6Surveys 7Survey Results 8Expert Interviews 9

3. 3 Step 1- Problem Statement Spikes/Cleats become worn out when walking on asphalt to a field/stadium/track.

4. Step 2- Brainstorming Consider Source of Problem Deals with cleat shoes wearing away when walking Friction/ contact of shoe with track field surface Athletes’ amount of shoe usage 4

5. 5 Background Experience – Joe plays football – Joey played baseball Knowledge from peer athletes – Conversations – Environment – Issues with track surface

6. 6 Hypotheses Impossible/difficult to improve upon outside factors So, Improve features of cleat shoe – Design & manufacture solution to fit on bottom of athletic cleats – Solution will provide protection so cleat shoe will last longer – This device will be effective when user is not using cleats for their main purpose

7. 7 Step 3- Research/ Justifying the Problem Surveys – Random distribution (50) – Peers with background to problem statement Expert Feedback – Interview experts through email, in person contact (7) Online research – Patent searches – http://uspto.gov

8. 8 Surveys Do you use metal, rubber, or plastic spikes?  Metal  Rubber  Plastic What do you use spikes/ cleats for? Check all that apply  Football  Baseball  Track & Field  Soccer  Golf  Work  Other

9. 9 Surveys Cont’d Do your spikes/cleats become damaged because of walking on asphalt/ sidewalks?  Yes  No On a scale of 1-5, do you believe your performance decreases because of worn down spikes? 1 2 3 4 5 Would you use a device that protects the spikes/cleats from becoming worn down?  Yes  No

10. 10 Survey Results 36 responses in accord that cleat shoes wear down to the point that it should be considered a problem 14 responses in accord that cleat shoes are not worn down enough to be a problem

11. 11 Contacting Experts Interview: in person/email Agreement = spikes become damaged 5 of 7 interviewees also agree that having to bring multiple shoes to an event is annoying These interviews prove problem statement to be valid First 3 helped justify problem statement Last 4 Provided feedback, tips in drafting solution

12. Experts’ Credibility Kyle Whittier – Athlete football (2yrs) baseball (10yrs) Chris Fenske – Athlete (track) – Sales Associate – Sport’s Authority Kevin Whittier – 4 yr Sales Associate – Sport’s Authority 12

13. Sample Email of Request Overview of situation, why need advice Background behind problem Survey questions Asked for further information/knowledge on design for solution 13

14. 14 Feedback Gained

15. Citation: Perron, Jr. “Soccer Shoe” United States Patent. 2009. http://uspto.gov Inventor: Perron, Jr.; J. Edward [Metairie, LA] Patent Filed: March 31, 2005 Patent Number: 7,487,604 Testimonial from Patent 1

16. Shoe cover insert innovation – enhances performance of soccer shoe Conventional soccer shoes have problem with vertical component – design needs to be modified Design includes an insert that: – cushion the foot – provide foot stability – motion control; reduce fatigue – extend the float time of a runner and – increase the jump height of the wearer – extends vertically. Patent 1 cont’

17. 17 Justified Problem Statement Conclusions based off research – Expert feedback – Patents – Online resources Athletes need to wear a different pair of shoes while walking on anything other than their playing field, otherwise their spikes will become damaged or dulled. EXISTS

18. 18 Step 4- Design Criteria Protect spikes from becoming dull Protect surfaces from damages Eliminate the need to bring multiple pairs of shoes to events Take less time than switching between shoes

19. Design Criteria Cont’ Manufacturing Cost Material Ease of Use Storage Durability 19 Safety Fit Weight Capacity Time-Saving Protection Physical Appeal

20. 20 Step 5: Possible Solutions Each team member came up with 2 different solutions Evaluated pros/cons, scored off of criteria screen

21. 21 Solution A: Spike Covers Blocks fit completely over the spikes Keeps spikes elevated above ground Reduces wear

22. 22 Solution B: Spike Sandals Sandal placed under cleat Velcro belt holds in place

23. 23 Solution C: Rubber Sole A rubber sole slips on the bottom of cleat Keeps spikes off the ground Pros Ease in use Easily put on/off Comfortable to walk in Cons Special size for cleat required

24. 24 Solution D: Spike Plugs Rubber plugs put on spikes Keep spikes from touching ground Pros Easy to put on Small Fits on any sized shoe Cons Easy to lose May take too much time to put on

25. 25 Solution E: Retractable Cover Rubber membrane on outside Stretchy rubber material extended over sole Covers heel, kicking portion Rubber sleeve covers entire bottom

26. 26 Innovation Solution F: Spike Plug W/ Retractable Cover – Spike plugs easily attach to bottom of athletic spike shoe – Retractable stretchy sleeve holds together spike plugs – Allows attachment of all five plugs without effort – Retractable cover provides tight support all around shoe – Prevents shoe laces from becoming untied

27. Step 6:Final Solution Derived Decision- Making Matrix helped in evaluation of potential sol Criteria: Totals made after evaluation 27  Manufacturing  Cost  Material  Ease of Use  Storage  Durability

28. Decision Matrix Soluti on Appea rance Manuf acturin g Weig ht CostMateri al Ease of use Storag e Dura bility Safet y Total A +++0+++-0 5 B 0++++++++ 8 C +0+0+++-+ 5 D +++0+--+- 2 E +++00+-+- 2 F +0+000+++ 6 Scoring: + Best option - Worst option 0 No difference

29. 29 Final Solution Based on the scores on the decision matrix, we chose our solution

30. 30 The Spike Cover A protective covering for the front and the back of the cleat Keeps spikes from coming in contact with the ground Has rubber bottoms for safety Easy to use Easy to store

31. 31 The Spike Cover

32. 32 Specifications WeightLess than 8 oz. MaterialRubber UsabilityCan be used with one hand StorageCan fit into sports bags Usability on Various Cleats Can be used on various types of cleats SizeVarious on foot size ColorBlack UseOn Cleats

33. 33 Function Protect spikes from becoming dull Protect spikes from coming in contact with the ground Eliminate the need to bring multiple pairs of shoes to events

34. 34 Form The spike covers come in two parts The spike covers must be sized to fit onto shoe Holes can hold spikes up to ¾” long

35. 35 Ergonomics The two parts of the spike cover are shaped to the heal and to the front of the cleat

36. 36 Ease of Maintenance Primary tools needed  Computer with Inventor  Micrometer  Prototype machine  Belt Saw

37. 37 Standardization Guerilla Glue Flip Flops

38. 38 Durability Layer 2 was added to the product to insure durability – It will protect the plastic from scratches – Keep the plastic from getting worn out

39. 39 Solution Justification

40. Experts- Provided Feedback 40 ExpertLocationContact Greg BakerDick Pond Athletics (Schaumburg) Baker@yahoo.com Mike JoycePlay it Again Sports (Schaumburg) (847) 895-8914 Matt WilhiteDick Pond Athletics (Carol Stream) (630) 665-3316 Marianny KayLaunched Cleatskins in 2008. Online product website mkay@cleatskins. com

41. 41 Step 7: Design Parameters INVENTOR DRAWINGS GO HERE

42. 42 Supplies and Cost The cost to make the product is fairly cheap Most of the project’s cost comes from the prototype machine The cost to produce one spike cover (both parts) is about $25 (according to Stephen Buchs) MaterialCost Proto-type MaterialProvided Flip-flopsProvided Guerilla GlueProvided

43. 43 Tool Selection Major Tools  Prototype Machine  Belt Saw

44. 44 Assembly Parts Part NamePart Description A1Front, Top layer. Made from plastic. A2Front, Bottom layer. Made from Rubber B1Sole, Top layer. Made from plastic. B2Sole, Bottom layer. Made from rubber.

45. 45 Step 8: Assembly Process 2 Parts to the solution – The front of the shoe – The sole of the shoe Each part is divided into 2 layers – Top Layer: made of plastic – Bottom Layer: made of rubber

46. 46 Assembly Process Suggested time of assembly: 2-3 days Assembly procedure 1. Gather Materials 2. Use prototype machine to make layer 1 of both parts 3. Cut out layer 2 with belt saw 4. Use shoe glue to attach parts Part A1 to A2 Part B1 to B2

47. Step 9- Test & Evaluate Evaluate performance of cleat covers Individual from team make use of covers Estimated time: 2 days to perform test 3x Equipment needed: – Team members – Data tables – Stopwatch – Weights – Prototype – Cleat shoes 47

48. 48 Testing Aspects 1. Safety  Is it slippery?  Is the cleat still balanced?  Do spikes become damaged with application? 2. Fit  Does the spike cover fall off?  Do the spikes fit within the holes?  Do the covers fit the portion of the shoe ? 3. Weight Capacity  Max amount covers can hold

49. Testing Aspects Cont’ 3. Time-Saving  Easier to slip-on rather than purchasing? 4. Performance  Protect spikes from external surf? 5. Physical Appeal  Product look effective?  Attract customers? 49

50. Testing Procedure 1. Safety Wear spike covers Walk on different surfaces If the cleats slip on surf, it fails 2. Weight Capacity Wear spike covers Add weights to the person to test the durability Record weight. Goal Capacity: 200 lbs.

51. Testing Procedure 3.Fit Place spike covers on sole Fail if covers fall off or become loose while walking Examine if the spikes fit in given holes Examine if covers fit the sole of the cleats correctly (not too big and not too small) 4.Protection? Wear the spike cover and walk Spikes shouldn’t become damaged in any way

52. Testing Procedure 5. Time-Saving Time starts when he/she begins to put on the spike cover. Time finishes when he/she takes of the spike cover. Same person start a new time trial with spikes already on. Start the time when he/she starts to remove the shoe. Stop the time when the other shoe is completely on. Compare the times. If the spike cover time was faster than the shoe- to-shoe time, the test is passed. 6. Physical Appeal Test by giving the appearance of the product a score on a scale of 1- 10. (7 and above is a pass) 52

53. 53 Test Results: Cleat Covers Failed the fit test  Dimensions were not correct  Spikes are different sizes  Angles were incorrect

54. 54 Data Chart Testing AspectsResults SafetyPASS FitFAIL Weight Capacity Performance Time-Saving Physical Appeal

55. 55 Problems in Design There should be two layers to the shoe – Plastic: serves as the protection of the spike – Rubber: serves as a safety precaution and increases durability of the product Unachievable to design solution to fit all types of spikes We chose the Nike Haurachi as our model shoe

56. 56 Step 10: Refinement Redo the measurements and drawings – Used micrometer – Calculations Learned pressure does not help covers from staying attached – Over time, it will become loose New Solution = Magnets

57. 57 Step 11: New Solution- Magnets Magnets will be implanted into the 2nd layer of the product They will make the fit of the product more efficient Solves problem statement  Cover protect spikes?  Spikes still damaged with cover on?  Eliminates need to change shoes?

58. 58 The A-Traction Cover Currently, we are finishing the new prototype with the magnets INSERT PIC

59. Data Chart 59 Testing AspectsResults SafetyPASS Fit Weight Capacity Performance Time-Saving Physical Appeal

60. Test Results: A-Traction Cover Did the same person perform the testing procedure? Do the results reflect a problem with the testing procedure? Do the results reflect a problem with the testing criteria? Do the results reflect a problem with the materials used for the prototype? Do the results reflect a problem with the quality of the building process of the prototype? Do the results reflect a problem with the design of the prototype? 60

61. 61 Mass Production It will be easy to mass produce our product Mold Assembly

62. 62 Acknowledgments Mike Barbanente Greg Baker Mike Joyce Matt Wilhite