U.S. patent application number 12/878669 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-13 for shoe for deep-water-running exercise.
This patent application is currently assigned to AQX, INC.. Invention is credited to Jonathan ANDREWS, David L. BURTON, Stephen V. COOPER, John KENT, Garry L. KILLGORE, Jeffrey A. THOMAS.
Application Number | 20110009244 12/878669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34748846 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110009244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KILLGORE; Garry L. ; et
al. |
January 13, 2011 |
SHOE FOR DEEP-WATER-RUNNING EXERCISE
Abstract
An apparatus for use in exercising in water, preferably deep
water running, includes a shoe that is configured to be worn by the
user. The shoe includes a plurality of drag-generating elements
attached to and extending from each side of said shoe for
generating drag forces on the shoe during movement in water. The
drag-generating elements generate more drag for movement of said
shoe in a rearward direction than in a forward direction and are
sized and positioned to simulate the forces on the user's foot
arising from land-based running.
Inventors: |
KILLGORE; Garry L.;
(McMinnville, OR) ; THOMAS; Jeffrey A.;
(McMinnville, OR) ; ANDREWS; Jonathan;
(McMinnville, OR) ; BURTON; David L.;
(McMinnville, OR) ; COOPER; Stephen V.; (Amity,
OR) ; KENT; John; (McMinnville, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CLARK & BRODY
1700 Diagonal Road, Suite 510
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
AQX, INC.
McMinnville
OR
|
Family ID: |
34748846 |
Appl. No.: |
12/878669 |
Filed: |
September 9, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10545788 |
Aug 17, 2005 |
7794364 |
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PCT/US04/43954 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
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12878669 |
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60533049 |
Dec 30, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/08 20130101; A63B
21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/4025 20151001; A63B 21/4015 20151001;
A63B 21/0084 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/55 |
International
Class: |
A63B 31/00 20060101
A63B031/00 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for use in exercising in water comprising a shoe
foundation (10) configured to be attached to the foot of a user,
the said shoe foundation (10) being configured to extend along the
said foot when worn by the said user and comprising forefoot,
mid-foot, and heel areas, a plurality of drag-generating elements
(12) attached to each side of the said shoe foundation (10) and
spaced along the said shoe foundation (10) from the forefoot area
to the heel area and below the user's ankle when the said shoe
foundation (10) is worn by the said user, said drag generating
elements generating drag forces in water on the said foot during
use, wherein the said drag-generating elements (12) generate larger
drag forces in water when the said shoe foundation (10) is moved
rearward at a given velocity than when moved forward at the said
velocity and generate substantially equal drag forces on both sides
of the said shoe foundation (10).
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said drag-generating
elements on each side of said shoe are spaced from each other in
the direction of the longitudinal axis of said shoe.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said drag-generating
elements provide increased drag for rearward motion in water of at
least 12%.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein there are three of said
drag-generating elements on each side of said shoe.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a respective rearmost one
of said drag-generating elements is located at the rear of each
side of said shoe.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said rearmost one of said
drag-generating elements is larger than the other drag-generating
elements on the same side of said shoe.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 comprising three drag-generating
elements on each respective side of said shoe.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein a foremost
drag-generating element on each respective side of said shoe is
smaller than the other drag-generating elements on the same side of
said shoe.
9. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of said
drag-generating elements comprises a scoop having an open end and a
tapered front surface.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the depth of said scoop
is from about 6 mm to about 40 mm, the height of said scoop is from
about 19 mm to about 75 mm, and the length of said scoop is from
about 12 to about 50 mm.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the depth of said scoop
is from about 9 mm to about 22 mm, the height of said scoop is from
about 25 mm to about 63 mm, and the length of said scoop is from
about 18 mm to about 45 mm.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/545,788, filed Aug. 17, 2005, which is the
national stage of International Application Number
PCT/US2004/043954, filed Dec. 29, 2004, which was published in
English, and claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/533,049 filed Dec. 30, 2003.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for wearing on a
user's foot during the exercise known as deep water running (DWR)
to simulate running on land.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Approximately 30 million Americans participate in running as
a form of general exercise for fitness and health. It has also been
estimated that up to 70% of this population will incur a
running-related injury. Running has been described as "essentially
a series of collisions with the ground," and these collisions
typically exhibit vertical ground reaction forces (VGRF) of 1.5 to
3 times the runner's body weight. These impact forces, as well as
training errors resulting from increasing the total volume of
mileage too rapidly and/or excessive mileage, are at least
partially responsible for the creation of many running-related
injuries.
[0004] A known method of decreasing the running impact forces and
the negative effects of excessive mileage is to supplement a
runner's training program with deep-water running (DWR) in a pool.
This mode of training allows the runner to mimic the terrestrial
running style in the pool while typically using a buoyancy device,
e.g., AquaJogger.RTM., to support the runner's weight. It has been
reported that the DWR training method decreases spinal and joint
compressive loading, which decreases the likelihood of incurring
running-related injuries. A rationale for deep-water running (DWR)
is that it allows the runner to train with movements similar to
that found on land without incurring the impact forces, which
greatly reduces the repetitive loading of the musculoskeletal
system. Rehabilitation after injury, rather than prevention, is the
most common use of deep water running.
[0005] Despite the increasing use of DWR for rehabilitation and
more recently as training to supplement a normal regimen, very
little research focuses on the DWR technique. Several sources
describe "proper" DWR techniques, but it appears that the most
common DWR style is characterized by a high-knee or piston-like leg
action. In contrast, the cross-country style is intended to be more
like land-based running. The specificity-of-training principle
suggests that the movement pattern of DWR should be closely aligned
with that of terrestrial running to maximize the benefit to the
runner. The cross-country style of DWR is the one most like
terrestrial running, particularly in terms of the horizontal ankle
displacement.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the invention, a shoe is particularly
designed for use in DWR exercise to enhance the effects of the
accommodating resistance provided by the water when the foot is
moving from the anterior (front) to the posterior (back) portion of
the gait. The unique construction of the shoe in accordance with
the invention allows the runner to maintain proper running
technique throughout the normal range of motion and to benefit from
enhanced resistance in the appropriate planes of motion and minimal
drag when appropriate. As used herein, "shoe" means any article
that is attached to a user's foot and includes that commonly known
as a sandal, or a sock, or other similar articles.
[0007] The shoe according to the invention utilizes the
accommodating resistance properties of water by increasing or
decreasing drag to maximize resistance in the appropriate planes of
motion inherent in a running gait. Increased overall benefit to the
runner and an improved "feel" of the DWR exercise are achieved.
Applicants' research also suggests that wearing a shoe during DWR
enhances kinesthetic perception and further helps the runner
achieve a gait during DWR that is more similar to that of
land-based running.
[0008] In the preferred embodiment, enhanced resistance is achieved
by attaching three small scoops to each side of the shoe at the
forefoot, mid-foot, and heel areas of the shoe. The scoops create
fluid drag, and the size, configuration, and placement of the
scoops are important to the effective operation of the shoe in
DWR.
[0009] The scoops must be configured and placed such that they
conform both to the characteristics of the shoe and to the user's
foot. For example, the scoops are generally placed on the sides of
the shoe, and the front part of the side of a shoe generally tapers
downward such that the sides are shorter in that part of the shoe.
Accordingly, the height of the scoop in the forward part of the
shoe is often limited. In addition, applicants have found that the
characteristics of the user's foot affect the size and placement of
the scoops and the materials from which the scoops may be made. In
particular, the foot articulates at the ankle and the ball, which
means that rigid scoops that will restrict that motion must be
avoided.
[0010] Applicants have further discovered that the size and
placement of the scoops affect the stability of the shoe during the
running motion. Instability of the shoe, in turn, is transmitted to
the runner and has a significant impact on its feel and its ability
to simulate running on land. In addition, instability of the shoe
results in transmission of forces to the runner, which could affect
the runner's hip, knee, and ankle joints.
[0011] In accordance with the invention, a DWR shoe has more than
one scoop attached to each side of the shoe such that they are
generally symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane passing
through the longitudinal axis of the shoe. One objective in placing
the scoops in a symmetrical fashion is to ensure that the forces
arising from fluid drag on both sides of the shoe are approximately
equal. This approach generally is more effective in simulating land
running. While the main purpose of the invention is the simulation
of land or treadmill running, it is within the contemplation of the
invention to arrange the scoops in an asymmetrical fashion, for
example, for rehabilitation.
[0012] Applicants have found that placing a single scoop, or fin,
on the shoe or a single scoop on each respective side of the shoe
generates flutter in the shoe as it moves through the water. This
flutter is substantially eliminated by the use of more than one
scoop longitudinally arranged on the side of the shoe. Further, a
shoe with a single scoop could lead to hyperextension of the
runner's knee.
[0013] The use of several scoops spaced along the side of the shoe
distributes the drag forces along the foot longitudinally, which
reduces flutter in the yaw direction (i.e., about a vertical axis).
One reason for this may be that the angle of the foot changes
during the running motion, with the foot pointing more upward
(dorsiflexed) during the forward part of the motion. It must also
be remembered that the scoops create torque on the shoe, and very
large scoops are therefore not generally desired for that
reason.
[0014] The fins may be configured to create different amounts of
drag, and applicants have found it generally advantageous for the
scoop located nearest the back of the shoe to create the largest
amount of drag. The use of the largest scoop at the rear of the
shoe is advantageous because the rear part of the shoe is better
able to accommodate a large scoop and also because that places the
most drag at the runner's heel, which further assists in simulating
the feel of land-based running.
[0015] The shape and size of a scoop are primary factors affecting
the drag it produces during the forward and aft movements. Because
the foot does not move strictly linearly (see FIG. 1) the shape
affects the drag applied to the shoe in a variety of directions. It
will also be appreciated that the movement of a runner's foot is
rather complex because in normal running the foot rotates as the
toes come up during the forward motion and then rotates down during
the rearward motion. In the preferred embodiment the scoops are
generally conical with the front surfaces of the scoops sloping
toward the side of the shoe from the back to the front. This
configuration reduces drag in the forward direction while providing
desired drag in the aft direction.
[0016] Preferably the scoops in the front of the shoe are smaller
than those at the rear. This assists in reducing flutter it is
believed by reducing the effects of twisting (torsion) forces on
the front of the foot by scoops that are too wide.
[0017] Configuring the scoops with tapered front surfaces also
allows the water to flow around the rear scoop and engage the scoop
in front of it with less turbulence. Further, this reduces the
shadowing of a forward scoop by a rearward one. Thus, the majority
of the drag is provided by the rearmost scoop, and the drag
provided by the foremost scoop is the least.
[0018] In the preferred embodiment, the scoops are located on the
shoe in a lower position of the sidewall. This places the drag
forces lower on the shoe to further assist in simulating the
application of forces that arise during land running.
[0019] An object of this invention is to provide a shoe that
simulates land-based running.
[0020] Another object of this invention is to provide a shoe for
use in DWR exercising.
[0021] A further object of this invention is to provide a shoe
having several elements that create fluid arranged on a shoe for
creating drag simulating land-based running.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a plot showing the typical motion of a foot during
dry-land running on a treadmill.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a plot showing typical motion of a foot during
deep water running with the article of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a DWR shoe according
to the invention.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the shoe shown in FIG.
3.
[0026] FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c illustrate preferred configurations and
arrangements of the scoops.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The present invention is a shoe, as defined above, for use
in deep water running (DWR). FIG. 1 illustrates the motion of the
ankle of a runner when running on a treadmill. The curve 2
illustrates motion in a vertical plane when the runner is viewed
from the right side, and the treadmill is moving from right to
left. It will be appreciated that the bottom, somewhat linear
portion, 4 of the graph represents movement of the foot when in
contact with the treadmill.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates motion of the ankle of a runner wearing a
shoe according to the invention. It will be appreciated that the
curve 6 approximates the motion shown in FIG. 1. The portion 8 of
the graph 6 represents that part of the motion of the foot during
which increased resistance is provided by the shoe of the
invention.
[0029] When worn by the user while running in deep water to
simulate land-based running, the shoe provides low-impact water
exercise. The foundation of the shoe preferably resembles a
standard running shoe. The materials are selected for use in water,
such as materials that are less susceptible to chemical attack from
chlorine. The shoe may have a fabric upper and an elastomeric sole
and may also be provided with one or more openings or the like to
allow water to drain out of the shoe after use. Attached to the
foundation along each side of the shoe are scoop-shaped
protrusions. These protrusions are shaped to minimize hydrodynamic
drag on the foot as it moves forward through the water. This shape
also maximizes the drag as the runner moves his foot back though
the water. Optimally the drag when moving in the backwards
direction is 25%-30% greater than when moving in the forward
direction.
[0030] The scoop shape, size, material and position on the
foundation are important to the performance of the device. The
preferred embodiment of the invention uses three scoops per side,
lined up in a row from the toe of the foundation to the heel. The
scoop located nearest the heel is the largest of the three. The
center scoop, located near the arch, is somewhat smaller. The scoop
nearest the toe is the smallest. The scoop material is a semi-rigid
plastic, which can be formed to the desired shape and affixed to
the side of the foundation.
[0031] FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of a shoe 2 according to
the invention. A shoe foundation 10 may be formed in any of several
shapes, a typical running shoe being illustrated. As noted above,
however, the foundation may be in the form of a sock, a sandal, a
boot, or the like. Preferably, however, the foundation is
relatively small and light to provide the feel of a running shoe to
simulate land running. The shoe according to the invention includes
a plurality of scoops 12 attached to the sides of the shoe for the
purpose of providing drag during the rearward movement of the
shoe.
[0032] FIGS. 4a, 4b, and 4c illustrate preferred scoops for use
with a shoe of the invention. FIG. 4a is a perspective view of
three scoops 14, 16, and 18, which are preferably arranged in a
line as shown on a shoe. Scoop 14 would be placed at the rear of
the shoe and is the largest of the three scoops. Scoop 14 is
preferably placed at the rear of the shoe and may be placed at the
heel so that the rearmost part of the scoop 14 is flush with the
rear of the shoe. This configuration allows the scoop to engage the
water without the effects of turbulence created by the water
flowing around the shoe before engaging the scoop. Thus, this scoop
can be configured to provide the largest degree of drag. Scoop 16
is smaller than scoop 14 and scoop 18 is smaller than scoop 16.
[0033] It will be appreciated that in the preferred embodiment, the
scoops are attached to the sides of the shoe. This applies the drag
forces to the side of the user's foot near the bottom of the shoe
to simulate the forces applied by contact with the ground in
land-based running. Thus, the scoops are preferably placed on the
side of the shoe well below the ankle, and in some instances may
actually extend onto the bottom (sole) of the shoe.
[0034] FIG. 4b is a side view of the scoops shown in FIG. 4a and
FIG. 4c is an end view. These figures show some of the relevant
dimensions of the scoops. Dimension "A" of FIG. 4c is the depth of
a scoop, "B" is the height of a scoop, and "C" is the length of a
scoop and "D" is the spacing between adjacent scoops.
[0035] In the preferred embodiment, a shoe has 2 to 4 scoops
arranged longitudinally on each side of a shoe, and preferably has
three such scoops on each side. It is within the contemplation of
the invention to provide a different number of scoops on each
respective side, but in the preferred embodiment the scoops are
symmetrical about a vertical plane. The depth of the scoops ("A")
may be in the range of from about 6 mm to about 40 mm and more
preferably in the range of from about 9 mm to about 22 mm. The
height of the scoops ("B") may be in the range of from about 19 mm
to about 75 mm and more preferably from about 25 mm to about 63 mm.
The lengths of the scoops ("C") may be in the range of from about
12 mm to about 50 mm and more preferably from about 18 mm to about
45 mm. The spacing of the scoops may be in the range of from about
50 mm to about 75 mm and preferably about 57 mm.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, five scoops of generally arcuate
cross section, tapered configuration are configured as set forth in
the following table, and the three largest scoops are used for
larger shoes (e.g., sizes 13, 14), the three smallest scoops are
used for smaller shoes, and intermediate scoops are used with shoes
of intermediate size. The difference in drag between a scoop and
the adjacent scoop may be in the range of 10% to 20%.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE A SCOOP 1 2 3 4 5 "A" 22.1 mm 18.1 mm 14.6 mm
11.5 mm 8.9 mm "B" 62.7 mm 51.5 mm 41.3 mm 32.9 mm 25.2 mm "C" 44.4
mm 36.4 mm 29.2 mm 23.3 mm 17.9 mm
[0037] Applicants have found that a typical running shoe without
scoops provides about eleven percent more drag during rearward
motion than in forward motion, when the average velocity of the
foot is about 3.6 ft./sec. In the preferred embodiment with the
scoops of Table A attached to the sides of the shoe, the scoops
produce 12% to 33% more drag in the rearward direction when the
average velocity of about 3.6 ft./sec. In the preferred embodiment,
the scoops provide about 28% increased drag during rearward
movement.
[0038] It will be appreciated that while the preferred embodiment
utilizes scoops to provide the desired degree of increased drag as
described above, other elements may be provided with similar
effect. It is not necessary to use a hollow "scoop" as such, and it
may be possible to use other drag--creating elements, such as a
flat or slightly curved paddle, or the like, that extends outward
from the sides of the shoe. The front of such an element may
include a fairing or similar structure to reduce the drag during
forward motion of the foot. An advantage of a scoop is that it is
conveniently attached to the shoe by stitching and may be conformed
to the shape of other structures on the shoe whereby the same
stitching is used for the scoop as well as for the other
structures.
[0039] Modifications within the scope of the appended claims will
be apparent to those of skill in the art.
* * * * *