U.S. patent application number 12/890263 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for attachable convex plyometric footwear trainers.
Invention is credited to Natalie Bryla.
Application Number | 20120073166 12/890263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45869189 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120073166 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bryla; Natalie |
March 29, 2012 |
ATTACHABLE CONVEX PLYOMETRIC FOOTWEAR TRAINERS
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.
Inventors: |
Bryla; Natalie; (Richmond,
TX) |
Family ID: |
45869189 |
Appl. No.: |
12/890263 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 13/10 20130101;
A43B 13/08 20130101; A43B 13/36 20130101; A43B 7/1455 20130101;
A63B 21/4015 20151001; A43B 5/06 20130101; A43B 1/0081 20130101;
A43B 7/1445 20130101; A63B 22/18 20130101; A43B 13/122 20130101;
A43B 7/144 20130101; A43B 13/145 20130101; A43B 5/00 20130101; A43B
13/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/132 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00 |
Claims
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.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to footwear, and more particularly
relates to attachable and detachable athletic footwear components
which intensify plyometric athletic benefit experienced by
wearers.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.RTM., Sketcher Shape-Up,
and Masai Barefoot Technology.RTM.. 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] The plyometric athletic trainer further comprises, in some
embodiments, one of an elastomeric material, lead, a metal, and
wood.
[0013] 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).
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] In other embodiments, the distal ball and proximal ball are
inflated with air.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] 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:
[0032] FIG. 1A is a top elevational perspective view of a
detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with
the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 1B is a top elevational perspective view of a
detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 1C is a lower elevational perspective view of a
detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with
the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 1D is a lower elevational perspective view of a
detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a lower elevational perspective view of a
detachable convex plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with
the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a detachable convex
plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a detachable convex
plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present
invention;
[0039] FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex
plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex
plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present
invention; and
[0041] FIG. 4C is a bottom perspective view of a detachable convex
plyometric athletic trainer in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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 110a, a top
surface 110b, an outer surface 112a, and an outer surface 112b.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] The distal ball 106, or hemisphere 106, is attached to the
sole of a piece of footwear, and comprises a lower surface (i.e. an
outer surface 112b) and a top surface 110a; the distal ball 106
comprising at least one convexly rounded projection on the lower
surface (which is some cases spans the lower surface 112b) 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. In alternative embodiments,
the distal ball 106 and/or the proximal ball 108 may be
concave.
[0051] The distal ball 106 is affixed to the underside of the shoe
sole 106. In some embodiments, 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 112b 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.
[0052] The distal ball 106 comprises an outer surface 112b, or
shell, made of rubber, leather and/or another pliable and durable
material which completely encompasses the distal ball 106. The
lower surface 112b of the distal ball 106, and the top surface 110b
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. In some embodiments of the present
invention, 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] The proximal ball 108 is affixed to the underside of the
shoe sole 106. In some embodiments, the proximal ball 108 is
detachable using screws, rails, clamps or rubbers cement. In other
embodiments, 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).
[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, between one and
ten straps lined on one side with Velcro.RTM. are each affixed to
either the lower surfaces 112a-b or the top surfaces 110a-b of the
distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108. The Velcro lining may be
Velcro hook lining, or Velcro hoop lining. In either case, 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.
[0058] In various embodiments of the present invention, one or more
plastic or metal rings are affixed to either side of the outer
surfaces 112a-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 the
balls 106, 108 to the shoe 102 before a user commences physical
training activities.
[0059] 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 106, 108 and/or the shoe
102.
[0060] 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 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] In some embodiments of the present invention, 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.
[0065] 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 medius,
gastrocnemius, soleus, fibularis longus, fibularis brevis,
plantaris, flexor hallucis longus, medial malleolus, adductor
magnus, semitendinosus, sartorius, plantaris, and the like.
[0066] Because the 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, thus,
forces the user to engage in increased plyometric exercise and
causes increased strain and strengthening of muscles and tendons in
the lower extremities.
[0067] In various embodiments of the present invention, 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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] The shoe 102, shoe sole 104, distal ball 106, and proximal
ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIG.
1A.
[0070] 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.
[0071] 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.
[0072] The shoe 102, shoe sole 104, distal ball 106, and proximal
ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS.
1A-1B.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
[0075] 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. In some embodiments, the
receivers 146, 148 comprise studs. Screw receivers are well-known
to those of skill in the art.
[0076] In various embodiments of the present invention, the
interior, or core of the balls 106, 108 is solid and comprised of
the same material as the outer surface 112. In various other
embodiments, the core is an extension of the outer surface 112 or
top surface 110.
[0077] In FIG. 1C, the balls 106, 108 are attached using the screws
142, 144 to the shoe sole 104. In other embodiments, 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.
[0078] In various embodiments of the present invention, 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] FIG. 1D shows the present invention 160 in its assembled
configuration.
[0083] 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 202a, distal
rail 202b, a proximal rail 204a, a proximal rail 204b, a distal
receiving rail 206a, a distal receiving rail 206b, a proximal
receiving rail 208a, and proximal receiving rail 208b.
[0084] The shoe 102, shoe sole 104, distal ball 106, and proximal
ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS.
1A-1D.
[0085] The distal ball 106 and the proximal ball 108, in the shown
embodiment, comprise rails 202a-b, 204a-b disposed above the balls
106, 108.
[0086] The distal rails 202a-b and proximal rails 204a-b (the
"rails 202a-b, 204a-b"), in the shown embodiment, run parallel with
the longitudinal axis of the present invention. In other
embodiments, the rails 202a-b, 204a-b run approximately
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0087] The distal rails 202a-b slide across and into and lock
within the distal receiving rails 206a-b. The proximal rails 204a-b
slide into and lock within the proximal receiving rails 208a-b
using means well-known to those of skill in the art.
[0088] In some embodiments of the present invention, the distal
ball 106 optionally connects to the proximal receiving rails 208a-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. Thus, the present invention teaches multiple
configurations of the present invention.
[0089] In various embodiments 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.
[0090] The balls 106, 108 may be detachably attached to the shoe
102 using Velcro, adhesives, screws, clamps, straps, ties, hooks,
bands, or snaps. When attached with Velcro, 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.
[0091] Adhesives are well-known to those of skill in the art. In
various embodiments of the present invention, the balls 106, 108
are glued to the shoe 102. In some of these embodiments, the balls
106, 108 can be removed by dissolving the adhesives.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] Snaps are well-known to those of skill in the art, and
described above.
[0095] The balls 106, 108 may comprise a hollow interior, which may
be accessible through a door hingedly connected to the outer
surface 112a-b of the balls 106, 108, or hingedly connected to the
top surface 110a-b.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] The shoe 102, shoe sole 104, distal ball 106, and proximal
ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS.
1A-3A.
[0099] 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. In the shown embodiment, the shoe sole 104
comprises a convex underside, and the distal ball 106 and the
proximal ball 108 comprise concave upsides meant to conform to the
shoe sole 104.
[0100] 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.
[0101] The shoe 102, shoe sole 104, distal ball 106, and proximal
ball 108 are substantially described above in relation to FIGS.
1A-3A.
[0102] The shown embodiment shows balls 106, 108 conjoined to the
shoe sole 104.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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.
[0105] 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 the distal ball 106 and the
proximal ball 108 may be ovoid in shape from this perspective
view.
[0106] 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.
[0107] The shoe sole 104, distal ball 106, and proximal ball 108
are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-4A.
[0108] 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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] The shoe sole 104, distal ball 106, and proximal ball 108
are substantially described above in relation to FIGS. 1A-4B.
[0111] 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.
[0112] In some embodiments of the present invention, 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.
[0113] 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.
* * * * *