U.S. patent application number 09/289171 was filed with the patent office on 2002-02-14 for weighted training insert for footwear.
Invention is credited to HINES, WILLIAM J..
Application Number | 20020017039 09/289171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23110356 |
Filed Date | 2002-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020017039 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HINES, WILLIAM J. |
February 14, 2002 |
WEIGHTED TRAINING INSERT FOR FOOTWEAR
Abstract
An athletic training shoe insert includes one or more thin
strips of heavy material, such as lead, constructed to fit within a
shoe and formed to be spaced apart along the length of the shoe and
to extend the width of the shoe. A removable insole is constructed
to fit within the shoe and to hold the thin strips in a fixed
position within the shoe. The thin strips and the insole are
designed to allow a human foot to be placed comfortably in the shoe
and cooperate to substantially increase the weight of the shoe for
training purposes. The number of thin strips is changeable and the
position of the thin strips along the length of the athletic shoe
is changeable to change the weight of the athletic shoe. That is, a
larger number of thin strips can be added to increase the weight of
the shoe. Also, additional insoles and weights can be added to a
shoe to substantially increase the weight if desired.
Inventors: |
HINES, WILLIAM J.; (VERNON,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERT A PARSONS
PARSONS & GOLTRY
SUITE 260
340 EAST PALM LANE
PHOENIX
AZ
85004
|
Family ID: |
23110356 |
Appl. No.: |
09/289171 |
Filed: |
April 9, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/132 ; 36/43;
482/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/065 20130101;
A43B 13/38 20130101; A43B 19/005 20130101; A43B 17/003 20130101;
A43B 17/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/132 ; 36/43;
482/79 |
International
Class: |
A43B 013/38 |
Claims
Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise
terms as to enable those skilled in the art to understand and
practice the same, the invention claimed is:
1. An athletic training shoe insert comprising: at least one piece
of weighted material constructed to fit within an athletic shoe; an
insert form constructed to fit within the athletic shoe and to
receive the weighted material and hold the weighted material in a
fixed position within the athletic shoe; and the weighted material
and the insert form being designed to allow a human foot to be
placed comfortably in the athletic shoe and to cooperate to
substantially increase the weight of the athletic shoe for training
purposes.
2. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the weighted material include a metal containing strip.
3. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 2 wherein
the metal containing strip includes a lead strip.
4. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 2 wherein
the insert form is designed to receive a plurality of the metal
containing strips.
5. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 4 wherein
the athletic shoe has a length and a width and the insert form is
designed to extend substantially the length of the athletic shoe
and the plurality of metal containing strips are positioned in
spaced apart relationship along the length of the athletic shoe so
as to extend transversely approximately the width of the athletic
shoe.
6. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 5 wherein
the number of metal containing strips in the plurality of metal
containing strips is changeable and the position of the metal
containing strips along the length of the athletic shoe is
changeable.
7. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 2 wherein
the insert form includes pockets designed to receive the metal
containing strip.
8. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 2 wherein
the insert form includes flexible porous material at least
partially encircling the metal containing strip.
9. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 8 wherein
the flexible porous material insert includes one of foam injection,
molded rubber, molded porous plastic, and gel coating.
10. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 1 wherein
the insert form is constructed in the shape of an insole for the
athletic training shoe.
11. An athletic training shoe insert comprising: a plurality of
thin strips containing lead constructed to fit within an athletic
shoe having a length and a width, the strips being formed to be
spaced apart along the length of the athletic shoe and to extend
substantially the width of the athletic shoe; an insert form
constructed to fit within the athletic shoe and to receive the thin
strips and hold the thin strips in a fixed position within the
athletic shoe; and the thin strips and the insert form being
designed to allow a human foot to be placed comfortably in the
athletic shoe and to cooperate to substantially increase the weight
of the athletic shoe for training purposes.
12. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 11 wherein
the insert form includes pockets designed to receive the thin
strips.
13. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the number of strips in the plurality of thin strips is changeable
and the position of the strips along the length of the athletic
shoe is changeable to change the weight of the athletic shoe
14. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 11 wherein
the insert form includes flexible porous material at least
partially encircling the thin strips.
15. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 13 wherein
the flexible porous material insert includes one of foam injection,
molded rubber, molded porous plastic, and gel coating.
16. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 11 wherein
the insert form is constructed in the shape of an insole for the
athletic training shoe.
17. An athletic training shoe insert comprising: a plurality of
thin strips containing lead constructed to fit within an athletic
shoe having a length and a width, the strips being formed to be
spaced apart along the length of the athletic shoe and to extend
substantially the width of the athletic shoe; a removable insole
constructed to fit within the athletic shoe and to receive the thin
strips in a pocket and hold the thin strips in a fixed position
within the athletic shoe; and the thin strips and the insole being
designed to allow a human foot to be placed comfortably in the
athletic shoe and to cooperate to substantially increase the weight
of the athletic shoe for training purposes, and the number of
strips in the plurality of thin strips is changeable and the
position of the strips along the length of the athletic shoe is
changeable to change the weight of the athletic shoe.
18. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 16 wherein
the insole includes flexible porous material at least partially
encircling the thin strips.
19. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 17 wherein
the flexible porous material insert includes one of foam injection,
molded rubber, molded porous plastic, and gel coating.
20. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 16 wherein
the thin strips are soft enough to mold to a foot during use.
21. An athletic training shoe insert as claimed in claim 16 wherein
the thin strips are spaced apart along the length of the athletic
shoe sufficiently to allow normal flexing of the athletic shoe
along the length.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to personal training weights.
[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates to training
weights for use in athletic training.
[0003] In a further and more specific aspect, the instant invention
concerns the use of shoe inserts as training weights for use in
athletic training.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In athletic training and the like, it is highly desirable to
add additional weight or weights to various parts of the body
during the training procedures. These weights operate to increase
the amount and function of the muscles so that when the weights are
removed the various muscles, which now operate on a much smaller
mass, appear to be much larger and more efficient.
[0005] In the prior art, weights are hung on the body from
virtually any appendage. For example, vests or belts containing
weights are used during running and the like. Wrist and ankle bands
containing weights are used during virtually all exercises. Also,
weights, similar to small dumbbells, may be carried during
exercises such as running and the like. Unfortunately, these
weights are not convenient and in many instances may be simply
ignored. Also, it is difficult to provide weights that are
convenient for all classes of people (i.e. ladies, men, young boys
and girls, etc.). In many instances the weights are too large, too
small, improperly placed so as not to provide the ultimate good,
etc.
[0006] It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the
foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide new and improved shoe inserts as training weights for use
in athletic training.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide shoe inserts
as training weights which are easily accommodated to virtually any
class of person.
[0009] And another object of the invention is to provide shoe
inserts as training weights which are more easily placed in the
most strategic positions for exercising.
[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
shoe inserts as training weights which are easily adaptable to a
variety of exercises and different people.
[0011] Yet another object of the invention is to provide shoe
inserts as training weights which are easily inserted in standard
athletic shoes, such as tennis shoes, track shoes, running shoes.
etc. so as to be highly convenient and which are completely
adjustable in weight and position so as to be usable by virtually
any person desiring to exercise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant
invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof,
provided is an athletic training shoe insert including at least one
piece of weighted material constructed to fit within an athletic
shoe and an insert form constructed to fit within the athletic shoe
and to receive the weighted material and hold the weighted material
in a fixed position within the athletic shoe. The weighted material
and the insert form are designed to allow a human foot to be placed
comfortably in the athletic shoe and to cooperate to substantially
increase the weight of the athletic shoe for training purposes.
[0013] The desired objects of the instant invention are further
achieved in accordance with a preferred embodiment in an athletic
training shoe insert including a plurality of thin strips of lead
constructed to fit within an athletic shoe formed to be spaced
apart along the length of the athletic shoe and to extend
substantially the width of the athletic shoe and an insert form
constructed to fit within the athletic shoe and to receive the thin
strips of lead and hold the thin strips of lead in a fixed position
within the athletic shoe. The thin strips of lead and the insert
form are designed to allow a human foot to be placed comfortably in
the athletic shoe and to cooperate to substantially increase the
weight of the athletic shoe for training purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and further and more specific objects and
advantages of the instant invention will become readily apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of
a preferred embodiment thereof taken in conjunction with the
drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a view in top plan of an athletic training shoe
insert in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a view in side elevation of the athletic training
shoe insert of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view in side elevation of two of the athletic
training shoe inserts of FIG. 1 placed on top of each other;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a view in side elevation of another embodiment of
an athletic training shoe insert in accordance with the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a view in top plan of another embodiment of an
athletic training shoe insert in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 6 is a view in side elevation of the athletic training
shoe insert of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Turning now to the drawings in which like reference
characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several
views, attention is first directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 which
illustrates an athletic training shoe insert 10 in accordance with
the present invention. Insert 10 has associated therewith weighted
material, which in this specific embodiment includes a plurality of
metal strips 11 illustrated generally by broken lines in FIG. 1 and
can be seen from one end in the side elevational view of FIG. 2.
The weighted material may be any convenient material, such as one
or more pieces or strips of heavy material (e.g. total or partial
lead; smaller particles, such as rectangles, spheres, granules,
etc., of heavy material, like metals, minerals (sand) or even
liquid-filled chambers, embedded in plastic; or the like, etc.). In
this preferred embodiment metal strips 11 are a plurality of thin
lead strips constructed to be positioned transversely within an
athletic shoe and to extend in parallel spaced apart relationship
substantially the length of the athletic shoe. Here it should be
understood that each strip could be a solid piece of material or it
could be made up of a plurality of pieces, such as squares, to
provide easy shaping to the foot in a transverse direction.
[0022] Insert 10 further includes an insert form 15 constructed to
fit within the athletic shoe and to receive metal strips 11 therein
and hold metal strips 11 in a fixed position within the athletic
shoe. While insert form 15 can be constructed in any of a variety
of configurations which will hold the weighted material in a fixed
position within the athletic shoe, in this preferred embodiment and
for simplicity insert 15 is constructed in the shape of an insole
for the athletic training shoe. Also, in this preferred embodiment,
insert form 15 is constructed of a soft padding material, similar
to a standard insole and has pockets 16 formed between an upper
piece 17 of padding material and a lower piece 18 of stiffer
material (e.g. leather, plastic, or the like. A plurality of
partitions 20 are formed, one between each adjacent pair of metal
strips 11, to complete pockets 16. Generally, partitions 20 may be
formed by simply sewing transversely across insert form 15 to sew
upper and lower pieces 17 and 18 together along each partition 20.
Also, one or both ends of each pocket 16 may be sewn shut. In a
preferred embodiment one end of each pocket is closed and one end
is open to facilitate inserting and removing metal strips 11 so
that the overall weight of insert 10 can be easily changed and the
position of metal strips 11 can be easily changed.
[0023] In a typical example, a person might include only a few
metal strips 11 positioned in pockets 16 adjacent the front of
insert form 15 when first beginning training. As the person's
muscles begin to build-up or improve, more metal strips 11 can be
added in pockets 16 until all of pockets 16 in insert form 15 are
full. At this time if additional weight is desired, a second
athletic training shoe insert 25, similar to athletic training shoe
insert 10 can be added (see FIG. 3). Weighted material can again be
gradually added to second insert 25 until it is full and then
additional athletic training shoe inserts can be added. In a
preferred embodiment, metal strips 11 are formed of a thin
relatively soft lead which substantially molds to the foot during
use so that a human foot can be placed comfortably in the athletic
shoe, even when two or more athletic training shoe inserts are
used. Metal strips 11 could also be formed of a plurality of
pieces, such as squares, to provide easy shaping in a transverse
direction, especially if the metal is not sufficiently malleable to
be easily formed by simply using insert 10. Also, by placing metal
strips 11 in spaced apart relationship along the length of insert
form 15 (the length of the athletic shoe), the athletic shoe is
free to flex in a normal fashion as it is used.
[0024] Turning now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of an athletic
training shoe insert, designated 10', is illustrated. In this
embodiment similar components are designated with similar numbers
having a prime added to indicate the different embodiment. In this
embodiment, metal strips 11' are used which are similar in size,
shape, and material to metal strips 11 described above. An insert
form 15' includes a flexible porous material, such as foam
injection, molded rubber, gel coating, molded porous plastic, etc.,
which at least partially encircles the metal strip. Generally,
insert form 15' is formed by simply molding metal strips 11'
directly into it. However, insert form 15' can be molded to include
pockets 16' and metal strips 11' can then be slipped into or out of
pockets 16', as desired.
[0025] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, another embodiment is
illustrated of an athletic training shoe insert 30 in accordance
with the present invention. Insert 30 includes a single piece 31 of
weighted material constructed to fit within an athletic shoe. An
insert form 35 is constructed to fit within the athletic shoe and
to receive single piece 31 of the weighted material and hold single
piece 31 in a fixed position within the athletic shoe. Again,
insert form 35 is illustrated in the form of a normal insole but as
described previously any of a variety of shapes might be utilized
as long as it performs the function of holding single piece 31 of
weighted material in a fixed position. Also, single piece 31 may be
affixed to insert form 35 in a variety of means, including but not
limited to a pocket (generally as described above), molding into
insert form 35, sewing, riveting, etc.
[0026] Thus, single piece 31 of weighted material and insert form
35 are designed to be placed in an athletic shoe and to allow a
human foot to be placed comfortably in the athletic shoe. Single
piece 31 of weighted material and insert form 35 are further
designed to cooperate to substantially increase the weight of the
athletic shoe for training purposes.
[0027] Accordingly, new and improved shoe inserts as training
weights for use in athletic training are disclosed which include at
least one piece of weighted material constructed to fit within an
athletic shoe and an insert form constructed to fit within the
athletic shoe and to receive the weighted material and hold the
weighted material in a fixed position within the athletic shoe. The
weighted material and the insert form are designed to allow a human
foot to be placed comfortably in the athletic shoe and to cooperate
to substantially increase the weight of the athletic shoe for
training purposes. Because the shoe inserts are easily placed in
and removed from the athletic shoes they are always convenient and
are placed at the most strategic position to achieve the most
valuable exercise. Further, because the position and number of
pieces of weighted material are changeable or adjustable, the shoe
inserts are easily accommodated to virtually any class of person
and are more easily placed in the most strategic positions (i.e.
adjacent the toes or adjacent the heel) for exercising. Also, the
shoe inserts as training weights are easily inserted in standard
athletic shoes, such as tennis shoes, track shoes, running shoes.
etc. so as to be highly convenient and are completely adjustable in
weight and position so as to be usable by virtually any person
desiring to exercise.
[0028] Various changes and modifications to the embodiments herein
chosen for purposes of illustration will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. To the extent that such modifications and
variations do not depart from the spirit of the invention, they are
intended to be included within the scope thereof which is assessed
only by a fair interpretation of the following claims.
* * * * *