US20120073166A1 - Attachable convex plyometric footwear trainers - Google Patents
Attachable convex plyometric footwear trainers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120073166A1 US20120073166A1 US12/890,263 US89026310A US2012073166A1 US 20120073166 A1 US20120073166 A1 US 20120073166A1 US 89026310 A US89026310 A US 89026310A US 2012073166 A1 US2012073166 A1 US 2012073166A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plyometric
- ball
- athletic trainer
- shoe
- proximal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0081—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of hook-and-loop type material
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/08—Wood
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/10—Metal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/02—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the material
- A43B13/12—Soles with several layers of different materials
- A43B13/122—Soles with several layers of different materials characterised by the outsole or external layer
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/143—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form provided with wedged, concave or convex end portions, e.g. for improving roll-off of the foot
- A43B13/145—Convex portions, e.g. with a bump or projection, e.g. 'Masai' type shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/28—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by their attachment, also attachment of combined soles and heels
- A43B13/30—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by their attachment, also attachment of combined soles and heels by screws
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/28—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by their attachment, also attachment of combined soles and heels
- A43B13/36—Easily-exchangeable soles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/06—Running shoes; Track shoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/144—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the heel, i.e. the calcaneus bone
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1415—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot
- A43B7/1445—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form characterised by the location under the foot situated under the midfoot, i.e. the second, third or fourth metatarsal
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B7/00—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements
- A43B7/14—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts
- A43B7/1405—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form
- A43B7/1455—Footwear with health or hygienic arrangements with foot-supporting parts with pads or holes on one or more locations, or having an anatomical or curved form with special properties
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4001—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor
- A63B21/4011—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the lower limbs
- A63B21/4015—Arrangements for attaching the exercising apparatus to the user's body, e.g. belts, shoes or gloves specially adapted therefor to the lower limbs to the foot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/18—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with elements, i.e. platforms, having a circulating, nutating or rotating movement, generated by oscillating movement of the user, e.g. platforms wobbling on a centrally arranged spherical support
Definitions
- This invention relates to footwear, and more particularly relates to attachable and detachable athletic footwear components which intensify plyometric athletic benefit experienced by wearers.
- the present invention is an athletic improvement to standard footwear well-known and commonly available in the art.
- the soles of most commonly available athletic and casual footwear are largely planar in shape, and usually designed to rest flat on the ground or a walking surface during use.
- Recent advances in the art include shoes comprising a frontal platform conjoined to and beneath the distal end of the foot for athletic training while walking Cox (U.S. Pat. No. 3,739,500) discloses a full-shoe version of the frontal platform.
- These platforms elevate the whole of a wearer's foot above the ground, but provide support only to the distal end of the foot (underlying the ball of the foot and toes).
- frontal platforms destabilize the tendons and muscles in the legs, and in so doing gradually activate and strengthen dormant tendons and muscles to provide foot support including the gluteus maximus, gluteus maxims, gastrocnemius, soleus, and fibularis longus.
- frontal platforms are planar in shape across the lateral axis and longitudinal axis. Footwear configured with these frontal platforms benefit the wearer only as far as the front platforms do not extend or provide support to the proximal ends of the feet. For this reason, frontal platforms do not destabilize muscles or tendons used to provide lateral stabilization of the feet of a wearer, or muscles or tendons which may provide longitudinal stabilization across the distal end of the foot.
- footwear with non-planar soles that are curved, or convex, through the longitudinal plane including shoes such as Reebok EasyTone®, Sketcher Shape-Up, and Masai Barefoot Technology®.
- This footwear (commonly called “toning shoes”) by design, reduces balance to the wearer and purportedly activate muscles and tendons largely dormant in other footwear by forcing wearers to lift the heel of their feet higher when making forward steps.
- frontal platforms like the soles of toning shoes, are not detachable from the shoe, and therefore reduce the shoes incorporating those advances in the art to serving only the purpose of plyometric athletic training, rather than for casual or formal use for which footwear is usually used.
- the present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available footwear. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a plyometric athletic trainer comprising an elastomeric hemisphere comprising a convex lower surface and a planar top surface, wherein the lower surface comprises a flexible elastomeric material such that the hemisphere undergoes deformation due to an impact load of a loaded shoe, wherein the hemisphere is detachable and attachable to a sole of a shoe.
- the plyometric athletic trainer further comprises, in some embodiments, one of an elastomeric material, lead, a metal, and wood.
- the top surface is non-planar such that the top surface contours the lower surface of a shoe sole.
- the lower surface of the hemisphere comprises one or more ground-engaging component(s), or tread(s).
- the lower surface, in some embodiments, and the top surface define a hollow interior recess isolated atmospherically from ambient air.
- the hollow interior recess of the hemisphere is inflated with one or more gases to attenuate shock imposed upon a shoe by the impact of the ground when the hemisphere is used in stepping.
- the hollow interior recess of the hemisphere is filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and gel.
- the plyometric athletic trainer is attachable and detachable to soles of one or more shoes.
- the plyometric athletic trainer may be attachable and detachable using one of Velcro, adhesives, screws, clamps, straps, ties, hooks, bands, and snaps.
- the plyometric athletic trainer may also be shaped as one of polyhedral, toroidal polyhedral, spherical cap, and egg.
- the plyometric athletic trainer may also comprise a door on the lower surface providing access to hollow interior recess.
- the hollow interior recess may also serve as a receptacle, the receptacle accessible through the door, the receptacle for receiving one or more of a weight, a shock absorber, and one or more electrical devices from the group consisting of a GPS tracker, an odometer, and a step counter.
- the hollow interior recess provides user storage.
- the lower surface and the planar top surface define a plurality of hollow interior recess(es) isolated atmospherically from ambient air, the hollow interior recesses separated by one or more interior walls affixed to both the top surface and the lower surface.
- the plyometric athletic trainer may further comprise a solid core encased by the lower surface and the top surface, the solid core comprising one or more of an elastomeric material, lead, a shock absorber, a metal, and wood.
- the present invention also provides a plyometric athletic trainer comprising a plurality of elastomeric hemispheres, the hemispheres each comprising a convex lower surface and a planar top surface, wherein both the lower surface and the planar top surface comprise an elastomeric material, wherein the hemisphere is detachable and attachable to a sole of a shoe; and wherein the lower surface and the top surface of each hemisphere define a hollow interior recess isolated atmospherically from ambient air; and wherein each hemisphere is interconnected to one or more of the other hemispheres such that each hemisphere is oriented in substantially the same direction and such that the top surface of each hemisphere rest in substantially the same plane.
- the present invention further provides a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer to be worn by a wearer for athletic training, the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer comprises a shoe comprising: a sole having a top side, an underside, oppositely disposed lateral edges including an inside lateral edge and an outside lateral edge, and two or more ground-engaging components on the underside, the ground-engaging components being approximately disposed in a common plane, with a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the shoe to the distal end of the shoe, and with a lateral axis extending from the inside lateral edge to the outside lateral edge.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer further comprises a distal ball affixed to the underside of the sole, the distal ball convex in shape and comprising an outer surface made of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the diameter of the distal ball at its largest magnitude is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge, wherein the outer surface defines a recess within the distal ball.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer further comprises a proximal ball affixed to the underside of the sole, the proximal ball convex in shape and comprising an outer surface of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the diameter of the proximal ball at its largest magnitude is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge, wherein the outer surface defines a recess within the proximal ball.
- the distal ball is affixed to the sole using a removable distal screw
- the proximal ball is affixed to the sole using a removable proximal screw
- the distal ball and proximal ball are inflated with air.
- one or more of the outer surface of the distal ball and the outer surface of the proximal are lined with tread.
- one or more of the distal ball and the proximal ball may be filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel.
- the outer surface of the distal ball may comprise an impermeable and flexible exterior surface with a hollow cores interiorly isolated atmospherically from ambient air and filled with one of air, water, noble gases, viscoelastic polyurethane foam, and permeable, silicone gel.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer may further comprise a plurality of mid-balls disposed between the proximal ball and the distal ball, the mid-balls identical in shape as the proximal ball.
- FIG. 1A is a top elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 1B is a top elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 1C is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1D is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4C is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1A is a top elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 100 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 100 comprises a shoe 102 , a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , a proximal ball 108 , a top surface 110 a , a top surface 110 b , an outer surface 112 a , and an outer surface 112 b.
- the shoe 102 is well-known to those of skill in the art.
- the shoe 102 may comprise any kind of shoes well-known to those of skill in the art, including running, track, hiking, climbing, bowling, casual, flip-flops, dress and the like.
- the shoe 102 comprises a distal end and a proximal end.
- the distal end of the shoe 102 comprises the forward half of the shoe 102 furthest away longitudinally from the heel of the foot of the wearer and under the ball of the foot of the wearer.
- the proximal end of the shoe 102 comprises the rearward half of the shoe 102 situated under the heel of the foot of the wearer and further away longitudinally from the ball of the foot of the wearer.
- the longitudinal axis of the shoe 102 runs from the proximal end of the shoe to the distal end, while the lateral axis of the shoe 102 runs from the inside edge of the shoe 102 to the outside edge.
- the inside edge of the shoe 102 is the lateral edge of the shoe 102 in closest proximity to a sister shoe being worn by the wearer on the opposite foot.
- the shoe sole is well-known to those of skill in the art.
- the shoe sole 104 comprises a top side, an underside, oppositely disposed lateral edges including an inside lateral edge and an outside lateral edge, and two or more ground-engaging components on the underside, the ground-engaging components being approximately disposed in a common plane, with a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the shoe to the distal end of the shoe, and with a lateral axis extending from the inside lateral edge to the outside lateral edge.
- the shoe sole 104 is made of polymers or various species of rubber, in other embodiments the shoe sole 104 is made of leather or other pliable and durable materials.
- the distal ball 106 in the shown embodiment, comprises a roughly half-spherical (or hemispherical), pod-like, dome-like, convex component.
- the distal ball 106 attaches and detaches below the distal end of the shoe sole 104 .
- the distal ball 106 is attached to the sole of a piece of footwear, and comprises a lower surface (i.e. an outer surface 112 b ) and a top surface 110 a ; the distal ball 106 comprising at least one convexly rounded projection on the lower surface (which is some cases spans the lower surface 112 b ) as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when the distal ball 106 is attached to the shoe in an upright position, said convexity being determined relative to the shoe sole.
- the distal ball 106 and/or the proximal ball 108 may be concave.
- the distal ball 106 is affixed to the underside of the shoe sole 106 .
- the distal ball 106 is detachable using screws, rails, clamps or rubbers cement.
- the distal ball 106 is convex in shape and comprises an outer surface 112 b of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the width of the proximal ball is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge.
- the distal ball 106 comprises an outer surface 112 b , or shell, made of rubber, leather and/or another pliable and durable material which completely encompasses the distal ball 106 .
- the lower surface 112 b of the distal ball 106 , and the top surface 110 b of the distal ball 106 together define a recess within the distal ball 106 . In some embodiments of the present invention, this recess is filled with compressed air.
- the distal ball 106 is inflatable by the wearer using means known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments of the present invention, the distal ball 106 is filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel.
- the compressed air may comprise ambient air, or any combination of one or more elements in a gaseous state.
- the compressed air may comprise, or be substituted for, elements, or a mixture of elements, in semi-solid, solid, or liquid state, in a liquid state of any measurably viscosity.
- the outer surface of the distal ball 106 comprises an impermeable and flexible exterior surface with a hollow core interiorly isolated atmospherically from ambient air and filled with one of air, water, noble gases, viscoelastic polyurethane foam, and permeable, silicone gel.
- the proximal ball 108 in the shown embodiment, comprises a roughly half-spherical, dome-like or hemispherical, convex component.
- the proximal ball 108 attaches and detaches below the proximal end of the shoe sole 104 .
- the proximal ball 108 is affixed to the underside of the shoe sole 106 .
- the proximal ball 108 is detachable using screws, rails, clamps or rubbers cement.
- the proximal ball 108 like the distal ball 106 , is attachable and detachable using Velcro, adhesives, straps, ties, hooks, bands, and snaps (snaps being metal buttons, one which “snaps” into the other).
- the Velcro lining may be Velcro hook lining, or Velcro hoop lining.
- the shoe 102 is lined with opposing hook or hoop Velcro lining for detachably receiving the straps and thus detachably and attachably receiving the balls 106 , 108 to which the strap are coupled.
- one or more plastic or metal rings are affixed to either side of the outer surfaces 112 a - b using means well-known to those of skill in the art.
- Velcro straps are removably inserted through these rings and strapped over the shoe 102 to secure the balls 106 , 108 to the shoe 102 before a user commences physical training activities.
- the rings are attachable and detachable.
- the rings may be fashioned in any color, and may be designed to look fashionable, or to complement colors and/or shapes featured on the balls 106 , 108 and/or the shoe 102 .
- the rings are substituted for fasteners, such as cam fasteners comprising a cam lever for gripping knurled tie-downs, or over-center fasteners, or ratchet fasteners.
- fasteners such as cam fasteners comprising a cam lever for gripping knurled tie-downs, or over-center fasteners, or ratchet fasteners.
- tie-downs strapped over the top of the shoe 102 are fastened through the fasteners and used to secure the balls 106 , 108 to the shoe in much the same fashion that tie-downs and their accompanying hardware are used to secure cargo and freight to truck beds.
- the proximal ball 108 is convex in shape and comprises an outer surface of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the width of the proximal ball is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge.
- the proximal ball 108 comprises an outer surface, or shell, made of rubber, leather and/or another pliable and durable material which completely encompasses the proximal ball 108 .
- the proximal ball 108 defines a recess within the distal ball 106 . In some embodiments of the present invention, this recess is filled with compressed air. In some embodiments of the present invention, the proximal ball 108 is inflatable by the wearer using means known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments of the present invention, the proximal ball 108 is filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel.
- the outer surface of the proximal ball 108 comprises an impermeable and flexible exterior surface with a hollow core interiorly isolated atmospherically from ambient air and filled with one of air, water, noble gases, viscoelastic polyurethane foam, and permeable, silicone gel.
- the diameter of the proximal ball 108 is ten to forty percent less than the diameter of the distal ball 106 . In other embodiments, the diameter of the distal ball 106 is ten to forty percent less than the diameter of the proximal ball 108 . In other embodiments, the diameter of the proximal ball 108 is less than the diameter of the distal ball 106 , or vice-versa.
- the distal ball 106 and proximal ball 108 when attached to the shoe sole 104 and used by a wearer, destabilize muscles and tendons in the lower extremities, and strengthen those muscles and tendons, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus maxims, gastrocnemius, soleus, fibularis longus, fibularis brevis, plantaris, flexor hallucis longus, medial malleolus, adductor magnus, semitendinosus, sartorius, plantaris, and the like.
- proximal ball 108 and the distal ball 106 have convex outer surfaces, they do not provide lateral stability to wearer of the present invention.
- the present invention forces the user to engage in increased plyometric exercise and causes increased strain and strengthening of muscles and tendons in the lower extremities.
- the balls 106 , 108 may not be hemispherical, but may be shaped in the form of any other geometric shape incorporating one or more non-planar facets, including polyhedral, toroidal polyhedral, spherical cap, and even egg-shaped. In various embodiments of the present invention, the balls 106 , 108 may be shaped in the form of any one half of the these geometric shapes.
- FIG. 1B is a top elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 120 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 120 comprises a shoe 102 , a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , and a proximal ball 108 .
- the shoe 102 , shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , and proximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 1B shows a plyometric athletic trainer 120 in its attached configuration, wherein the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 are not detached from the shoe 102 and shoe sole 104 .
- the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 are attached, in the shown embodiment, using rubber cement well-known to those of skill in the art to the shoe sole 104 , and are roughly centered laterally.
- FIG. 1C is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 140 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 140 comprises a shoe 102 , a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , a proximal ball 108 , a distal screw 142 , a proximal screw 144 , a distal screw receiver 144 , and proximal screw receiver 146 .
- the shoe 102 , shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , and proximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-1B .
- FIG. 1C shows a plyometric athletic trainer 140 in its detached configuration, wherein the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 are detached from the shoe 102 and shoe sole 104 .
- the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 (together the “balls 106 , 108 ”) are attachable, in the shown embodiment, using two screws 142 , 144 which traverse the balls 106 , 108 vertically and secure inside the shoe sole 104 .
- the distal screw 142 and the proximal screw 144 comprise screws well known to those of the skill in the art. In the shown embodiment, the screws 142 , 144 exceed the height of the balls 106 , 108 .
- the distal screw receiver 146 and the proximal screw receiver 148 comprise holes within the shoe sole 104 meant to receive and secure the screws 142 , 144 .
- the receivers 146 , 148 comprise studs. Screw receivers are well-known to those of skill in the art.
- the interior, or core of the balls 106 , 108 is solid and comprised of the same material as the outer surface 112 .
- the core is an extension of the outer surface 112 or top surface 110 .
- the balls 106 , 108 are attached using the screws 142 , 144 to the shoe sole 104 .
- the screws 142 , 144 attach the balls 106 , 108 to the shoe sole 104 at, or closer to, the perimeter of the balls 106 , 108 .
- Any number of screws 106 , 108 may be used to secure the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 .
- the top surface 110 of the balls 106 , 108 may not be planar or substantially planar, but may instead be curved, convex, concave, or otherwise non-planar such that the top surface 110 contours the lower surface of the sole 104 of the shoe 102 .
- FIG. 1D is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 160 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 160 comprises a shoe 102 , a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , a proximal ball 108 , a distal screw 142 , and a proximal screw 144 .
- the shoe 102 , shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , proximal ball 108 , distal screw 142 , and proximal screw 144 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-1C .
- the balls 106 , 108 may comprise a shock absorber mounted within one or more of the balls 106 , 108 to absorb shock, or impact to the balls 106 , 108 , exerted along the longitudinal axis.
- FIG. 1D shows the present invention 160 in its assembled configuration.
- FIG. 2 is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 200 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 160 comprises a shoe 102 , a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , a proximal ball 108 , a distal rail 202 a , distal rail 202 b , a proximal rail 204 a , a proximal rail 204 b , a distal receiving rail 206 a , a distal receiving rail 206 b , a proximal receiving rail 208 a , and proximal receiving rail 208 b.
- the shoe 102 , shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , and proximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-1D .
- the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 in the shown embodiment, comprise rails 202 a - b , 204 a - b disposed above the balls 106 , 108 .
- the distal rails 202 a - b and proximal rails 204 a - b (the “rails 202 a - b , 204 a - b ”), in the shown embodiment, run parallel with the longitudinal axis of the present invention. In other embodiments, the rails 202 a - b , 204 a - b run approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
- the distal rails 202 a - b slide across and into and lock within the distal receiving rails 206 a - b .
- the proximal rails 204 a - b slide into and lock within the proximal receiving rails 208 a - b using means well-known to those of skill in the art.
- the distal ball 106 optionally connects to the proximal receiving rails 208 a - b and is interchangeable with the proximal ball 108 .
- the diameter of the proximal ball 108 may differ from the diameter of the distal ball 106 .
- the present invention teaches multiple configurations of the present invention.
- either the distal ball 106 or the proximal ball 108 may be attached detachably below the shoe 102 without the other ball.
- the balls 106 , 108 may be detachably attached to the shoe 102 using Velcro, adhesives, screws, clamps, straps, ties, hooks, bands, or snaps.
- Velcro adhesives, screws, clamps, straps, ties, hooks, bands, or snaps.
- the planar top surface of the ball 106 , 108 comprises a layer of Velcro hooks or loops, made of nylon or polyester, which connect with an alternate layer of hooks or loops affixed to the sole of the shoe 102 .
- Adhesives are well-known to those of skill in the art.
- the balls 106 , 108 are glued to the shoe 102 .
- the balls 106 , 108 can be removed by dissolving the adhesives.
- the balls 106 , 108 may be clamped to the sole of the shoe 102 using clamps, clips, clasps, buckles, tie-down straps (including loop straps and two-piece straps), webbing, or other fastening devices affixed to the outer surface of the balls, 106 , 108 using means well-known to those of skill in the art, including marman clamps, hose clamps, set screws, turn buckles, and the like.
- Straps, ties, and bands may be affixed to the balls 106 , 108 and/or the shoe 102 for detachably attaching the balls 106 , 108 to the shoe 102 .
- the balls 106 , 108 may comprise a hollow interior, which may be accessible through a door hingedly connected to the outer surface 112 a - b of the balls 106 , 108 , or hingedly connected to the top surface 110 a - b.
- the hollow interior may be used to house one or more electrical devices from the group consisting of a GPS tracker, an odometer, light emitting diodes (LEDs), lights (color coded, in some embodiments, to match the shoe 102 and/or the balls 106 , 108 ), batteries, and a step counter.
- the hollow interior may also be used by a wearer to provide user storage, or may be filled with one or more of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel, or a non-silicone gel.
- FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 320 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 300 comprises a shoe 102 , a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , a proximal ball 108 , a distal screw 142 , and a proximal screw 144 .
- the shoe 102 , shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , and proximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-3A .
- the shown embodiment illustrates that, in some embodiments of the present invention, the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 may attach to a shoe sole 104 with a non-planar underside, such as a toning shoe.
- the shoe sole 104 comprises a convex underside
- the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 comprise concave upsides meant to conform to the shoe sole 104 .
- FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 340 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 320 comprises a shoe 102 , a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , a proximal ball 108 , a distal screw 142 , and a proximal screw 144 .
- the shoe 102 , shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , and proximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-3A .
- the shown embodiment shows balls 106 , 108 conjoined to the shoe sole 104 .
- FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 400 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 400 comprises a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , and a proximal ball 108 .
- the shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , and proximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-3B .
- the balls 106 , 108 may be multicolored.
- the colors of the balls 106 , 108 may be indicative of the height, and consequent degree of destabilization, of the balls 106 , 108 .
- the colors of the balls 106 , 108 may alternatively be indicative of the pressure of the inflated air within the balls 106 , 108 , and consequent degree of destabilization imparted to a wearer by the balls 106 , 108 .
- the distal ball 106 is ovoid in shape from the bottom perspective. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, either or both the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 may be ovoid in shape from this perspective view.
- FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 420 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 400 comprises a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , a proximal ball 108 , concentric tread 422 , and broken tread 424 .
- the shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , and proximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-4A .
- the proximal ball 108 and/or the distal ball 106 may comprise broken tread and/or concentric tread disposed on the convex outer surface of the balls 106 , 108 .
- FIG. 4C is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 440 in accordance with the present invention.
- the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 400 comprises a shoe sole 104 , a distal ball 106 , a proximal ball 108 , broken rotating tread 442 , and half-circular tread 444 .
- the shoe sole 104 , distal ball 106 , and proximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-4B .
- the proximal ball 108 and/or the distal ball 106 may comprise half-circular tread and/or broken rotating tread disposed on the convex outer surface of the balls 106 , 108 .
- the balls 106 , 108 comprise a GPS locator, powered by energy generated from turbine activated by the compression of the one or more of the distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 . This feature allows parents, children, spouses, and others to track the location of wearers of the present invention as they run through forested or secluded areas perceived to be higher in danger.
Abstract
Attachable and detachable footwear components are disclosed which contribute to the development of certain muscles and tendons in the lower body, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, sartorius, plantaris, and the like. The disclosed footwear components are inflatable in some embodiments and made in the preferred embodiment of flexible elastomeric polymers. The disclosed components detach to and from the soles of common footwear commonly available in the market, and comprise a distal ball, a proximal ball, and some embodiments, one or more mid-balls. When affixed to standard footwear, the disclosed components destabilize the foot longitudinally and laterally, and plyometrically stress tendons and muscles in the legs of a wearer, toning and strengthening the wearer's legs with time.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates to footwear, and more particularly relates to attachable and detachable athletic footwear components which intensify plyometric athletic benefit experienced by wearers.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- The present invention is an athletic improvement to standard footwear well-known and commonly available in the art. The soles of most commonly available athletic and casual footwear are largely planar in shape, and usually designed to rest flat on the ground or a walking surface during use.
- Recent advances in the art include shoes comprising a frontal platform conjoined to and beneath the distal end of the foot for athletic training while walking Cox (U.S. Pat. No. 3,739,500) discloses a full-shoe version of the frontal platform. These platforms elevate the whole of a wearer's foot above the ground, but provide support only to the distal end of the foot (underlying the ball of the foot and toes). Unlike conventional footwear, frontal platforms destabilize the tendons and muscles in the legs, and in so doing gradually activate and strengthen dormant tendons and muscles to provide foot support including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gastrocnemius, soleus, and fibularis longus.
- However, even the frontal platforms are planar in shape across the lateral axis and longitudinal axis. Footwear configured with these frontal platforms benefit the wearer only as far as the front platforms do not extend or provide support to the proximal ends of the feet. For this reason, frontal platforms do not destabilize muscles or tendons used to provide lateral stabilization of the feet of a wearer, or muscles or tendons which may provide longitudinal stabilization across the distal end of the foot.
- Further advances in the art include footwear with non-planar soles that are curved, or convex, through the longitudinal plane, including shoes such as Reebok EasyTone®, Sketcher Shape-Up, and Masai Barefoot Technology®. This footwear (commonly called “toning shoes”) by design, reduces balance to the wearer and purportedly activate muscles and tendons largely dormant in other footwear by forcing wearers to lift the heel of their feet higher when making forward steps.
- Recent studies, such as that conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) in mid-2010, suggest that toning shoes provide less practical athletic or plyometric benefit to wearers than previously believed in the industry, meaning new advances are needed.
- Additionally, frontal platforms, like the soles of toning shoes, are not detachable from the shoe, and therefore reduce the shoes incorporating those advances in the art to serving only the purpose of plyometric athletic training, rather than for casual or formal use for which footwear is usually used.
- From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for plyometric footwear that better activates muscles and tendons across the distal and proximal ends of the feet, which footwear does not reduce the practical utility of the footwear for conventional purposes. Beneficially, such footwear would overcome many of the difficulties with prior art by providing a means for wearers to detach the athletic soles from the footwear and which would destabilize the foot laterally.
- The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available footwear. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a plyometric athletic trainer comprising an elastomeric hemisphere comprising a convex lower surface and a planar top surface, wherein the lower surface comprises a flexible elastomeric material such that the hemisphere undergoes deformation due to an impact load of a loaded shoe, wherein the hemisphere is detachable and attachable to a sole of a shoe.
- The plyometric athletic trainer further comprises, in some embodiments, one of an elastomeric material, lead, a metal, and wood.
- In some embodiments, the top surface is non-planar such that the top surface contours the lower surface of a shoe sole. In other embodiments, the lower surface of the hemisphere comprises one or more ground-engaging component(s), or tread(s).
- The lower surface, in some embodiments, and the top surface define a hollow interior recess isolated atmospherically from ambient air. In other embodiments, the hollow interior recess of the hemisphere is inflated with one or more gases to attenuate shock imposed upon a shoe by the impact of the ground when the hemisphere is used in stepping.
- In still further embodiments, the hollow interior recess of the hemisphere is filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and gel. In still further embodiments, the plyometric athletic trainer is attachable and detachable to soles of one or more shoes.
- The plyometric athletic trainer may be attachable and detachable using one of Velcro, adhesives, screws, clamps, straps, ties, hooks, bands, and snaps. The plyometric athletic trainer may also be shaped as one of polyhedral, toroidal polyhedral, spherical cap, and egg.
- The plyometric athletic trainer may also comprise a door on the lower surface providing access to hollow interior recess. The hollow interior recess may also serve as a receptacle, the receptacle accessible through the door, the receptacle for receiving one or more of a weight, a shock absorber, and one or more electrical devices from the group consisting of a GPS tracker, an odometer, and a step counter.
- In still further embodiments, the hollow interior recess provides user storage. In still further embodiments, the lower surface and the planar top surface define a plurality of hollow interior recess(es) isolated atmospherically from ambient air, the hollow interior recesses separated by one or more interior walls affixed to both the top surface and the lower surface.
- The plyometric athletic trainer may further comprise a solid core encased by the lower surface and the top surface, the solid core comprising one or more of an elastomeric material, lead, a shock absorber, a metal, and wood.
- The present invention also provides a plyometric athletic trainer comprising a plurality of elastomeric hemispheres, the hemispheres each comprising a convex lower surface and a planar top surface, wherein both the lower surface and the planar top surface comprise an elastomeric material, wherein the hemisphere is detachable and attachable to a sole of a shoe; and wherein the lower surface and the top surface of each hemisphere define a hollow interior recess isolated atmospherically from ambient air; and wherein each hemisphere is interconnected to one or more of the other hemispheres such that each hemisphere is oriented in substantially the same direction and such that the top surface of each hemisphere rest in substantially the same plane.
- The present invention further provides a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer to be worn by a wearer for athletic training, the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer. The detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer comprises a shoe comprising: a sole having a top side, an underside, oppositely disposed lateral edges including an inside lateral edge and an outside lateral edge, and two or more ground-engaging components on the underside, the ground-engaging components being approximately disposed in a common plane, with a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the shoe to the distal end of the shoe, and with a lateral axis extending from the inside lateral edge to the outside lateral edge.
- The detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer further comprises a distal ball affixed to the underside of the sole, the distal ball convex in shape and comprising an outer surface made of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the diameter of the distal ball at its largest magnitude is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge, wherein the outer surface defines a recess within the distal ball.
- The detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer further comprises a proximal ball affixed to the underside of the sole, the proximal ball convex in shape and comprising an outer surface of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the diameter of the proximal ball at its largest magnitude is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge, wherein the outer surface defines a recess within the proximal ball.
- In some embodiments, the distal ball is affixed to the sole using a removable distal screw, and the proximal ball is affixed to the sole using a removable proximal screw.
- In other embodiments, the distal ball and proximal ball are inflated with air.
- In still further embodiments, one or more of the outer surface of the distal ball and the outer surface of the proximal are lined with tread.
- In still further embodiments, one or more of the distal ball and the proximal ball may be filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel.
- The outer surface of the distal ball may comprise an impermeable and flexible exterior surface with a hollow cores interiorly isolated atmospherically from ambient air and filled with one of air, water, noble gases, viscoelastic polyurethane foam, and permeable, silicone gel.
- The detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer may further comprise a plurality of mid-balls disposed between the proximal ball and the distal ball, the mid-balls identical in shape as the proximal ball.
- These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
- In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1A is a top elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 1B is a top elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 1C is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 1D is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention; and -
FIG. 4C is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present invention. - Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
- Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
-
FIG. 1A is a top elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 100 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 100 comprises ashoe 102, ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, aproximal ball 108, atop surface 110 a, atop surface 110 b, anouter surface 112 a, and anouter surface 112 b. - The
shoe 102 is well-known to those of skill in the art. Theshoe 102 may comprise any kind of shoes well-known to those of skill in the art, including running, track, hiking, climbing, bowling, casual, flip-flops, dress and the like. Theshoe 102 comprises a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of theshoe 102 comprises the forward half of theshoe 102 furthest away longitudinally from the heel of the foot of the wearer and under the ball of the foot of the wearer. The proximal end of theshoe 102 comprises the rearward half of theshoe 102 situated under the heel of the foot of the wearer and further away longitudinally from the ball of the foot of the wearer. - The longitudinal axis of the
shoe 102 runs from the proximal end of the shoe to the distal end, while the lateral axis of theshoe 102 runs from the inside edge of theshoe 102 to the outside edge. The inside edge of theshoe 102 is the lateral edge of theshoe 102 in closest proximity to a sister shoe being worn by the wearer on the opposite foot. - The shoe sole is well-known to those of skill in the art. The
shoe sole 104 comprises a top side, an underside, oppositely disposed lateral edges including an inside lateral edge and an outside lateral edge, and two or more ground-engaging components on the underside, the ground-engaging components being approximately disposed in a common plane, with a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the shoe to the distal end of the shoe, and with a lateral axis extending from the inside lateral edge to the outside lateral edge. - In some embodiments of the present invention, the
shoe sole 104 is made of polymers or various species of rubber, in other embodiments theshoe sole 104 is made of leather or other pliable and durable materials. - The
distal ball 106, in the shown embodiment, comprises a roughly half-spherical (or hemispherical), pod-like, dome-like, convex component. Thedistal ball 106 attaches and detaches below the distal end of theshoe sole 104. - The
distal ball 106, orhemisphere 106, is attached to the sole of a piece of footwear, and comprises a lower surface (i.e. anouter surface 112 b) and atop surface 110 a; thedistal ball 106 comprising at least one convexly rounded projection on the lower surface (which is some cases spans thelower surface 112 b) as viewed in a frontal plane cross-section when thedistal ball 106 is attached to the shoe in an upright position, said convexity being determined relative to the shoe sole. In alternative embodiments, thedistal ball 106 and/or theproximal ball 108 may be concave. - The
distal ball 106 is affixed to the underside of theshoe sole 106. In some embodiments, thedistal ball 106 is detachable using screws, rails, clamps or rubbers cement. Thedistal ball 106 is convex in shape and comprises anouter surface 112 b of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the width of the proximal ball is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge. - The
distal ball 106 comprises anouter surface 112 b, or shell, made of rubber, leather and/or another pliable and durable material which completely encompasses thedistal ball 106. Thelower surface 112 b of thedistal ball 106, and thetop surface 110 b of thedistal ball 106, together define a recess within thedistal ball 106. In some embodiments of the present invention, this recess is filled with compressed air. In some embodiments of the present invention, thedistal ball 106 is inflatable by the wearer using means known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments of the present invention, thedistal ball 106 is filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel. - The compressed air may comprise ambient air, or any combination of one or more elements in a gaseous state. In still further embodiments, the compressed air may comprise, or be substituted for, elements, or a mixture of elements, in semi-solid, solid, or liquid state, in a liquid state of any measurably viscosity.
- The outer surface of the
distal ball 106, in some embodiments, comprises an impermeable and flexible exterior surface with a hollow core interiorly isolated atmospherically from ambient air and filled with one of air, water, noble gases, viscoelastic polyurethane foam, and permeable, silicone gel. - The
proximal ball 108, in the shown embodiment, comprises a roughly half-spherical, dome-like or hemispherical, convex component. Theproximal ball 108 attaches and detaches below the proximal end of theshoe sole 104. - The
proximal ball 108 is affixed to the underside of theshoe sole 106. In some embodiments, theproximal ball 108 is detachable using screws, rails, clamps or rubbers cement. In other embodiments, theproximal ball 108, like thedistal ball 106, is attachable and detachable using Velcro, adhesives, straps, ties, hooks, bands, and snaps (snaps being metal buttons, one which “snaps” into the other). - In one embodiment of the present invention, between one and ten straps lined on one side with Velcro® are each affixed to either the lower surfaces 112 a-b or the top surfaces 110 a-b of the
distal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108. The Velcro lining may be Velcro hook lining, or Velcro hoop lining. In either case, theshoe 102 is lined with opposing hook or hoop Velcro lining for detachably receiving the straps and thus detachably and attachably receiving theballs - In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more plastic or metal rings are affixed to either side of the outer surfaces 112 a-b using means well-known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, Velcro straps are removably inserted through these rings and strapped over the
shoe 102 to secure theballs shoe 102 before a user commences physical training activities. - In various embodiments of the present invention, the rings are attachable and detachable. The rings may be fashioned in any color, and may be designed to look fashionable, or to complement colors and/or shapes featured on the
balls shoe 102. - In other embodiments of the present invention, the rings are substituted for fasteners, such as cam fasteners comprising a cam lever for gripping knurled tie-downs, or over-center fasteners, or ratchet fasteners. In those embodiments comprising fasteners, tie-downs strapped over the top of the
shoe 102 are fastened through the fasteners and used to secure theballs - The
proximal ball 108 is convex in shape and comprises an outer surface of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the width of the proximal ball is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge. - The
proximal ball 108 comprises an outer surface, or shell, made of rubber, leather and/or another pliable and durable material which completely encompasses theproximal ball 108. Theproximal ball 108 defines a recess within thedistal ball 106. In some embodiments of the present invention, this recess is filled with compressed air. In some embodiments of the present invention, theproximal ball 108 is inflatable by the wearer using means known to those of skill in the art. In other embodiments of the present invention, theproximal ball 108 is filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel. - The outer surface of the
proximal ball 108, in some embodiments, comprises an impermeable and flexible exterior surface with a hollow core interiorly isolated atmospherically from ambient air and filled with one of air, water, noble gases, viscoelastic polyurethane foam, and permeable, silicone gel. - In some embodiments of the present invention, the diameter of the
proximal ball 108 is ten to forty percent less than the diameter of thedistal ball 106. In other embodiments, the diameter of thedistal ball 106 is ten to forty percent less than the diameter of theproximal ball 108. In other embodiments, the diameter of theproximal ball 108 is less than the diameter of thedistal ball 106, or vice-versa. - The
distal ball 106 andproximal ball 108, when attached to theshoe sole 104 and used by a wearer, destabilize muscles and tendons in the lower extremities, and strengthen those muscles and tendons, including the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, gastrocnemius, soleus, fibularis longus, fibularis brevis, plantaris, flexor hallucis longus, medial malleolus, adductor magnus, semitendinosus, sartorius, plantaris, and the like. - Because the
proximal ball 108 and thedistal ball 106 have convex outer surfaces, they do not provide lateral stability to wearer of the present invention. The present invention, thus, forces the user to engage in increased plyometric exercise and causes increased strain and strengthening of muscles and tendons in the lower extremities. - In various embodiments of the present invention, the
balls balls -
FIG. 1B is a top elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 120 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 120 comprises ashoe 102, ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, and aproximal ball 108. - The
shoe 102,shoe sole 104,distal ball 106, andproximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation toFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 1B shows a plyometricathletic trainer 120 in its attached configuration, wherein thedistal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108 are not detached from theshoe 102 andshoe sole 104. Thedistal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108 are attached, in the shown embodiment, using rubber cement well-known to those of skill in the art to theshoe sole 104, and are roughly centered laterally. -
FIG. 1C is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 140 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 140 comprises ashoe 102, ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, aproximal ball 108, adistal screw 142, aproximal screw 144, adistal screw receiver 144, andproximal screw receiver 146. - The
shoe 102,shoe sole 104,distal ball 106, andproximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation toFIGS. 1A-1B . -
FIG. 1C shows a plyometricathletic trainer 140 in its detached configuration, wherein thedistal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108 are detached from theshoe 102 andshoe sole 104. Thedistal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108 (together the “balls screws balls shoe sole 104. - The
distal screw 142 and theproximal screw 144 comprise screws well known to those of the skill in the art. In the shown embodiment, thescrews balls - The
distal screw receiver 146 and theproximal screw receiver 148 comprise holes within the shoe sole 104 meant to receive and secure thescrews receivers - In various embodiments of the present invention, the interior, or core of the
balls - In
FIG. 1C , theballs screws shoe sole 104. In other embodiments, thescrews balls balls screws distal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108. - In various embodiments of the present invention, the top surface 110 of the
balls shoe 102. -
FIG. 1D is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 160 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 160 comprises ashoe 102, ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, aproximal ball 108, adistal screw 142, and aproximal screw 144. - The
shoe 102,shoe sole 104,distal ball 106,proximal ball 108,distal screw 142, andproximal screw 144 are substantially described above in relation toFIGS. 1A-1C . - The
balls balls balls -
FIG. 1D shows thepresent invention 160 in its assembled configuration. -
FIG. 2 is a lower elevational perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 200 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 160 comprises ashoe 102, ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, aproximal ball 108, adistal rail 202 a,distal rail 202 b, aproximal rail 204 a, aproximal rail 204 b, adistal receiving rail 206 a, adistal receiving rail 206 b, a proximal receivingrail 208 a, and proximal receivingrail 208 b. - The
shoe 102,shoe sole 104,distal ball 106, andproximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation toFIGS. 1A-1D . - The
distal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108, in the shown embodiment, comprise rails 202 a-b, 204 a-b disposed above theballs - The distal rails 202 a-b and proximal rails 204 a-b (the “rails 202 a-b, 204 a-b”), in the shown embodiment, run parallel with the longitudinal axis of the present invention. In other embodiments, the rails 202 a-b, 204 a-b run approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
- The distal rails 202 a-b slide across and into and lock within the distal receiving rails 206 a-b. The proximal rails 204 a-b slide into and lock within the proximal receiving rails 208 a-b using means well-known to those of skill in the art.
- In some embodiments of the present invention, the
distal ball 106 optionally connects to the proximal receiving rails 208 a-b and is interchangeable with theproximal ball 108. The diameter of theproximal ball 108 may differ from the diameter of thedistal ball 106. Thus, the present invention teaches multiple configurations of the present invention. - In various embodiments of the present invention, either the
distal ball 106 or theproximal ball 108 may be attached detachably below theshoe 102 without the other ball. - The
balls shoe 102 using Velcro, adhesives, screws, clamps, straps, ties, hooks, bands, or snaps. When attached with Velcro, the planar top surface of theball shoe 102. - Adhesives are well-known to those of skill in the art. In various embodiments of the present invention, the
balls shoe 102. In some of these embodiments, theballs - The
balls shoe 102 using clamps, clips, clasps, buckles, tie-down straps (including loop straps and two-piece straps), webbing, or other fastening devices affixed to the outer surface of the balls, 106, 108 using means well-known to those of skill in the art, including marman clamps, hose clamps, set screws, turn buckles, and the like. - Straps, ties, and bands may be affixed to the
balls shoe 102 for detachably attaching theballs shoe 102. - Snaps are well-known to those of skill in the art, and described above.
- The
balls balls - The hollow interior may be used to house one or more electrical devices from the group consisting of a GPS tracker, an odometer, light emitting diodes (LEDs), lights (color coded, in some embodiments, to match the
shoe 102 and/or theballs 106, 108), batteries, and a step counter. The hollow interior may also be used by a wearer to provide user storage, or may be filled with one or more of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel, or a non-silicone gel. -
FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 320 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 300 comprises ashoe 102, ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, aproximal ball 108, adistal screw 142, and aproximal screw 144. - The
shoe 102,shoe sole 104,distal ball 106, andproximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation toFIGS. 1A-3A . - The shown embodiment illustrates that, in some embodiments of the present invention, the
distal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108 may attach to a shoe sole 104 with a non-planar underside, such as a toning shoe. In the shown embodiment, theshoe sole 104 comprises a convex underside, and thedistal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108 comprise concave upsides meant to conform to theshoe sole 104. -
FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer 340 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 320 comprises ashoe 102, ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, aproximal ball 108, adistal screw 142, and aproximal screw 144. - The
shoe 102,shoe sole 104,distal ball 106, andproximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation toFIGS. 1A-3A . - The shown embodiment shows
balls shoe sole 104. -
FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 400 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 400 comprises ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, and aproximal ball 108. - The
shoe sole 104,distal ball 106, andproximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation toFIGS. 1A-3B . Theballs balls balls balls balls balls - In the shown embodiment, the
distal ball 106 is ovoid in shape from the bottom perspective. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, either or both thedistal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108 may be ovoid in shape from this perspective view. -
FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 420 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 400 comprises ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, aproximal ball 108,concentric tread 422, andbroken tread 424. - The
shoe sole 104,distal ball 106, andproximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation toFIGS. 1A-4A . - The
proximal ball 108 and/or thedistal ball 106 may comprise broken tread and/or concentric tread disposed on the convex outer surface of theballs -
FIG. 4C is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 440 in accordance with the present invention. The detachable convex plyometricathletic trainer 400 comprises ashoe sole 104, adistal ball 106, aproximal ball 108, brokenrotating tread 442, and half-circular tread 444. - The
shoe sole 104,distal ball 106, andproximal ball 108 are substantially described above in relation toFIGS. 1A-4B . - The
proximal ball 108 and/or thedistal ball 106 may comprise half-circular tread and/or broken rotating tread disposed on the convex outer surface of theballs - In some embodiments of the present invention, the
balls distal ball 106 and theproximal ball 108. This feature allows parents, children, spouses, and others to track the location of wearers of the present invention as they run through forested or secluded areas perceived to be higher in danger. - The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims (21)
1. A plyometric athletic trainer, the plyometric athletic trainer comprising:
an elastomeric hemisphere comprising a convex lower surface and a planar top surface, wherein the lower surface comprises a flexible elastomeric material such that the hemisphere undergoes deformation due to an impact load of a loaded shoe, wherein the hemisphere is detachable and attachable to a sole of a shoe.
2. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 1 , wherein the top surface comprises one of an elastomeric material, lead, a metal, and wood.
3. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 1 , wherein the top surface is non-planar such that the top surface contours the lower surface of a shoe sole.
4. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 1 , wherein the lower surface of the hemisphere comprises one or more ground-engaging component(s), or tread(s).
5. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 1 , wherein the lower surface and the top surface define a hollow interior recess isolated atmospherically from ambient air.
6. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 5 , wherein the hollow interior recess of the hemisphere is inflated with one or more gases to attenuate shock imposed upon a shoe by the impact of the ground when the hemisphere is used in stepping.
7. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 6 , wherein the hollow interior recess of the hemisphere is filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and gel.
8. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 1 , wherein the plyometric athletic trainer is attachable and detachable to soles of one or more shoes.
9. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 8 , wherein the plyometric athletic trainer is attachable and detachable using one of Velcro, adhesives, screws, clamps, straps, ties, hooks, bands, and snaps.
10. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 1 , wherein the plyometric athletic trainer is shaped as one of polyhedral, toroidal polyhedral, spherical cap, and egg.
11. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 5 , further comprising a door on the lower surface providing access to hollow interior recess.
12. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 11 , wherein the hollow interior recess serves as a receptacle, the receptacle accessible through the door, the receptacle for receiving one or more of a weight, a shock absorber, and one or more electrical devices from the group consisting of a GPS tracker, batteries, LEDs, lights, an odometer, and a step counter.
13. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 12 , wherein the hollow interior recess provides user storage.
14. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 5 , wherein the lower surface and the planar top surface define a plurality of hollow interior recess(es) isolated atmospherically from ambient air, the hollow interior recesses separated by one or more interior walls affixed to both the top surface and the lower surface.
15. The plyometric athletic trainer of claim 1 , further comprising a solid core encased by the lower surface and the top surface, the solid core comprising one or more of an elastomeric material, lead, a shock absorber, a metal, and wood.
16. A plyometric athletic trainer, the plyometric athletic trainer comprising:
a plurality of elastomeric hemispheres, the hemispheres each comprising a convex lower surface and a planar top surface, wherein both the lower surface and the planar top surface comprise an elastomeric material, wherein the hemisphere is detachable and attachable to a sole of a shoe;
wherein the lower surface and the top surface of each hemisphere define a hollow interior recess isolated atmospherically from ambient air; and
wherein each hemisphere is interconnected to one or more of the other hemispheres such that each hemisphere is oriented in substantially the same direction and such that the top surfaces of each hemispheres rest in substantially the same plane.
17. A detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer to be worn by a wearer for athletic training, the detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer comprising:
a shoe comprising:
a sole having a top side, an underside, oppositely disposed lateral edges including an inside lateral edge and an outside lateral edge, and two or more ground-engaging components on the underside, the ground-engaging components being approximately disposed in a common plane, with a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end of the shoe to the distal end of the shoe, and with a lateral axis extending from the inside lateral edge to the outside lateral edge;
a distal ball affixed to the underside of the sole, the distal ball convex in shape and comprising a lower surface made of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the diameter of the distal ball at its largest magnitude is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge, wherein the lower surface defines a recess within the distal ball; and
a proximal ball affixed to the underside of the sole, the proximal ball convex in shape and comprising an lower surface of a pliable durable non-porous polymer material, wherein the diameter of the proximal ball at its largest magnitude is more than half the distance between the inside lateral edge and the outside lateral edge, wherein the lower surface defines a recess within the proximal ball.
18. The detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer of claim 17 , wherein the distal ball is affixed to the sole using one or more removable distal screw(s) insertable through one or more apertures in the distal ball, and wherein the proximal ball is affixed to the sole using one or more removable proximal screw(s).
19. The detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer of claim 17 , wherein the distal ball and proximal ball are inflated with air.
20. The detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer of claim 17 , wherein one or more of the distal ball and the proximal ball are filled with one of viscoelastic polyurethane foam and silicone gel.
21. The detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer of claim 17 , further comprising a plurality of mid-balls disposed between the proximal ball and the distal ball, the mid-balls identical in shape as the proximal ball.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/890,263 US20120073166A1 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2010-09-24 | Attachable convex plyometric footwear trainers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/890,263 US20120073166A1 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2010-09-24 | Attachable convex plyometric footwear trainers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120073166A1 true US20120073166A1 (en) | 2012-03-29 |
Family
ID=45869189
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/890,263 Abandoned US20120073166A1 (en) | 2010-09-24 | 2010-09-24 | Attachable convex plyometric footwear trainers |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20120073166A1 (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN103251172A (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2013-08-21 | 李宁体育(上海)有限公司 | Dynamic unpredictable instable shoe |
US20140345167A1 (en) * | 2013-05-22 | 2014-11-27 | Qussay Abdulatteef Jasim Al-Ani | Mountaineering shoe sole |
JP2015051256A (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2015-03-19 | 株式会社 Mtg | Sandal |
US20150119767A1 (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2015-04-30 | Apos-Medical And Sports Technologies Ltd. | Device and methods fo treating neurological disorders |
EP2949234A1 (en) * | 2014-05-21 | 2015-12-02 | APOS - Medical And Sports Technologies Ltd. | Proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method |
US20170105474A1 (en) * | 2015-10-20 | 2017-04-20 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with Interchangeable Sole Structure Elements |
CN107048578A (en) * | 2017-03-30 | 2017-08-18 | 席毅林 | A kind of moving equilibrium footwear |
US9788597B2 (en) | 2002-08-19 | 2017-10-17 | APOS—Medical and Sports Technologies Ltd. | Proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method |
US9861509B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2018-01-09 | APOS—Medical and Sports Technologies Ltd. | Device and methods for treating a lower limb joint pathology and lower limb pain |
US10010743B2 (en) | 2010-07-02 | 2018-07-03 | APOS—Medical and Sports Technology Ltd. | Device and methods for tuning a skeletal muscle |
EP3432752A4 (en) * | 2016-08-08 | 2019-03-20 | Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. | Modular sole structure |
US20190110918A1 (en) * | 2017-10-12 | 2019-04-18 | Darco International, Inc. | Medical shoe having a dual-hardness outsole |
US20200121024A1 (en) * | 2018-10-21 | 2020-04-23 | Marvin Constant, JR. | Method and apparatus for interchangeable shoe sole |
US20210235809A1 (en) * | 2018-10-25 | 2021-08-05 | University Of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated | Gait modification apparatuses, systems and methods |
US20220039515A1 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2022-02-10 | Apos Medical Assets Ltd. | Map for footwear |
US20230232934A1 (en) * | 2022-01-21 | 2023-07-27 | Barry LIGHTHEART | Stability Training Shoes |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1516395A (en) * | 1923-11-14 | 1924-11-18 | Miceli Alfonso | Shoe attachment |
US2756517A (en) * | 1955-11-30 | 1956-07-31 | Philip N Youtz | Bouncing attachment for shoes |
US4774776A (en) * | 1984-05-14 | 1988-10-04 | Frank Gulli | Bouncing attachment for shoes |
US4821432A (en) * | 1988-03-25 | 1989-04-18 | Reiber M Andrew | Walking adapter for postsurgical shoes |
US6551225B1 (en) * | 2000-01-24 | 2003-04-22 | Ron Richard Romero | Flexible hemispherical exercise |
US7500324B1 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2009-03-10 | Kyle Power | Convertible therapeutic sandals |
US7610972B2 (en) * | 2004-08-04 | 2009-11-03 | Heeling Sports Limited | Motorized transportation apparatus and method |
-
2010
- 2010-09-24 US US12/890,263 patent/US20120073166A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1516395A (en) * | 1923-11-14 | 1924-11-18 | Miceli Alfonso | Shoe attachment |
US2756517A (en) * | 1955-11-30 | 1956-07-31 | Philip N Youtz | Bouncing attachment for shoes |
US4774776A (en) * | 1984-05-14 | 1988-10-04 | Frank Gulli | Bouncing attachment for shoes |
US4821432A (en) * | 1988-03-25 | 1989-04-18 | Reiber M Andrew | Walking adapter for postsurgical shoes |
US6551225B1 (en) * | 2000-01-24 | 2003-04-22 | Ron Richard Romero | Flexible hemispherical exercise |
US7610972B2 (en) * | 2004-08-04 | 2009-11-03 | Heeling Sports Limited | Motorized transportation apparatus and method |
US7500324B1 (en) * | 2005-11-30 | 2009-03-10 | Kyle Power | Convertible therapeutic sandals |
Cited By (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9788597B2 (en) | 2002-08-19 | 2017-10-17 | APOS—Medical and Sports Technologies Ltd. | Proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method |
US10632006B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2020-04-28 | Apos Medical Assets Ltd. | Device and methods for treating a lower limb joint pathology and lower limb pain |
US9861509B2 (en) | 2010-06-29 | 2018-01-09 | APOS—Medical and Sports Technologies Ltd. | Device and methods for treating a lower limb joint pathology and lower limb pain |
US11504571B2 (en) | 2010-07-02 | 2022-11-22 | Apos Medical Assets Ltd. | Device and methods for tuning a skeletal muscle |
US10744368B2 (en) | 2010-07-02 | 2020-08-18 | Apos Medical And Sports Technologies Ltd. | Device and methods for tuning a skeletal muscle |
US10010743B2 (en) | 2010-07-02 | 2018-07-03 | APOS—Medical and Sports Technology Ltd. | Device and methods for tuning a skeletal muscle |
US20150119767A1 (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2015-04-30 | Apos-Medical And Sports Technologies Ltd. | Device and methods fo treating neurological disorders |
US9693927B2 (en) * | 2011-12-08 | 2017-07-04 | APOS—Medical and Sports Technologies Ltd. | Device and methods of treating neurological disorders |
JP2015051256A (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2015-03-19 | 株式会社 Mtg | Sandal |
CN103251172A (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2013-08-21 | 李宁体育(上海)有限公司 | Dynamic unpredictable instable shoe |
US20140345167A1 (en) * | 2013-05-22 | 2014-11-27 | Qussay Abdulatteef Jasim Al-Ani | Mountaineering shoe sole |
EP2949234A1 (en) * | 2014-05-21 | 2015-12-02 | APOS - Medical And Sports Technologies Ltd. | Proprioceptive/kinesthetic apparatus and method |
US20170105474A1 (en) * | 2015-10-20 | 2017-04-20 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with Interchangeable Sole Structure Elements |
US9968159B2 (en) * | 2015-10-20 | 2018-05-15 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear with interchangeable sole structure elements |
EP3432752A4 (en) * | 2016-08-08 | 2019-03-20 | Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. | Modular sole structure |
CN107048578A (en) * | 2017-03-30 | 2017-08-18 | 席毅林 | A kind of moving equilibrium footwear |
US20190110918A1 (en) * | 2017-10-12 | 2019-04-18 | Darco International, Inc. | Medical shoe having a dual-hardness outsole |
US11000399B2 (en) * | 2017-10-12 | 2021-05-11 | Darco International, Inc. | Medical shoe having a dual-hardness outsole |
US20200121024A1 (en) * | 2018-10-21 | 2020-04-23 | Marvin Constant, JR. | Method and apparatus for interchangeable shoe sole |
US20210235809A1 (en) * | 2018-10-25 | 2021-08-05 | University Of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated | Gait modification apparatuses, systems and methods |
US20220039515A1 (en) * | 2018-12-13 | 2022-02-10 | Apos Medical Assets Ltd. | Map for footwear |
US20230232934A1 (en) * | 2022-01-21 | 2023-07-27 | Barry LIGHTHEART | Stability Training Shoes |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20120073166A1 (en) | Attachable convex plyometric footwear trainers | |
CN201332729Y (en) | Gym shoe | |
CN102793331B (en) | Articles with retractable traction elements | |
KR200416582Y1 (en) | Shoes with stretching function | |
JP2002501396A (en) | Footwear device with grinding plate and method of manufacturing the same | |
US8448356B2 (en) | Article of footwear for riding | |
US2430466A (en) | Air boot | |
US20090049711A1 (en) | Overshoe For Running | |
US20110258885A1 (en) | Shoe assembly for strength training and fitness exercise | |
US9370705B2 (en) | Proprioceptive shoe attachment and method of use | |
US20130008059A1 (en) | Sport shoe outsole with anti-slip and anti-abrasion | |
US2756517A (en) | Bouncing attachment for shoes | |
US20020178618A1 (en) | Slip-on moccasin-style golfing shoe | |
US20120227287A1 (en) | Triathlon shoe | |
US20070137065A1 (en) | Inflatable sole for shoe | |
US5162032A (en) | Resistance device for use with in-line roller skates | |
WO2018058024A1 (en) | Athletic shoe protector | |
US20130047468A1 (en) | Footwear with arch support and cushioning | |
CN210904854U (en) | Spring shoe slipper | |
US20150216261A1 (en) | Sporting footwear and system for enhancing force transfer | |
US20130340293A1 (en) | Shock-absorbing walk-aiding shoe | |
CN210407279U (en) | Old people shoes with massage and shock absorption functions | |
WO2013014433A1 (en) | Functional footwear | |
CN203873093U (en) | Leather shoe | |
CN203040845U (en) | Anti-skid shoe cover |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |