U.S. patent application number 14/249350 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-09 for apparatus for enhanced human-powered locomotion.
The applicant listed for this patent is Riccardo Brun del Re. Invention is credited to Riccardo Brun del Re.
Application Number | 20140298679 14/249350 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51653464 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140298679 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brun del Re; Riccardo |
October 9, 2014 |
APPARATUS FOR ENHANCED HUMAN-POWERED LOCOMOTION
Abstract
A foot or shoe-borne apparatus comprises a spacer and spring
assembly that can be oriented in two orientations. In the first
orientation, the assembly is under the sole of a user's foot or
shoe such that the assembly acts against the ground for enhanced
locomotion for that foot or shoe. In the second orientation, the
assembly is positioned away from the sole of the foot or shoe,
thereby enabling ordinary use of that foot or shoe.
Inventors: |
Brun del Re; Riccardo;
(Ottawa, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Brun del Re; Riccardo |
Ottawa |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
51653464 |
Appl. No.: |
14/249350 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/27 ; 267/153;
267/158; 267/166; 267/182 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/0093 20130101;
A43B 13/184 20130101; A43B 3/246 20130101; A43B 13/183 20130101;
A63B 25/10 20130101; A63B 25/08 20130101; A43B 13/182 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/27 ; 267/158;
267/166; 267/153; 267/182 |
International
Class: |
A63B 25/10 20060101
A63B025/10; A43B 13/18 20060101 A43B013/18; A63B 25/08 20060101
A63B025/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 9, 2013 |
CA |
2812815 |
Claims
1. A spring assembly attachable to a strap on a user's foot or
shoe, comprising a pivot coupled to the strap configured to allow
the spring assembly to pivot into a first quasi-stable orientation,
whereby the spring assembly contacts the ground for spring-assisted
use of the foot or shoe, and a second quasi-stable orientation,
whereby the spring assembly does not contact the ground for normal,
non-spring-assisted use of the foot or shoe.
2. The spring assembly of claim 1 wherein the pivot possesses a
lever or handle that facilitates pivoting the spring assembly from
the first to the second orientation and back.
3. The spring assembly of claim 1 wherein the pivot comprises a
mechanism that provides for the first quasi-stable orientation to
be further stabilized or momentarily mechanically locked under
forces generated by the action of the foot or shoe contacting the
ground.
4. The spring assembly of claim 1, further comprising additional
housings, straps, and fastening means, configured to allow the
spring assembly to be housed, strapped and fastened to a shoe.
5. The spring assembly of claim 1 wherein the spring assembly is
integral to a shoe.
6. The spring assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring assembly is
chosen from the group consisting of coil springs, wave springs leaf
springs, solid composite springs, and wireframes; air bladders,
rubberized materials, and solid or quasi-solid compressive
materials.
7. The spring assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring assembly
includes stiff members to effect ground-contact and shoe-contact of
the spring assembly, the stiff members coupled by a compressive
member comprising one or more of coil springs, wave springs, leaf
springs, solid composite springs, wireframes; air bladders, other
rubberized materials, and solid or quasi-solid compressive
materials.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to
Canadian Patent Application No. 2,812,815 filed Apr. 9, 2013 the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to apparatus for human-powered
locomotion. In particular the apparatus is a foot-borne device
which can be used for enhanced skateboarding, walking, running,
jumping and other human foot movement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are few effective foot-borne devices for use by users
which can assist in movement.
[0004] There is a need to provide
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention provides a foot-borne or shoe-borne spacer and
spring assembly that can be quickly and easily configured in one of
two orientations: a first, so-called `down` orientation in which
the spacer and spring assembly engages the ground and enables
spacer and spring-assisted locomotion, and a second, so-called `up`
orientation in which the spacer and spring assembly does not engage
with the ground and which allows normal use of the foot and shoe as
in ordinary, un-assisted locomotion, standing, or resting etc.
[0006] In what follows, the ground-engaging orientation of the
spacer/spring assembly will be referred as the `down` orientation.
The ground non-engaging orientation will be referred as the `up`
orientation.
[0007] The invention enables spacer/spring-assisted, foot-based
locomotion when the spacer/spring assembly is `down` and also
enables ordinary non-spacer/spring-assisted use of the foot and
shoe when the spacer/spring assembly is `up.` The invention
furthermore allows for the easy and rapid reconfiguration of the
spacer/spring assembly from `down` to `up` (and vice-versa) at the
user's discretion. In other words, the user can easily and rapidly
affect a change from one orientation to the other.
[0008] Taking an example wherein the user is skateboarding, a
device of the invention with spacer/spring assembly `down` enables
a spacer/spring-assisted power-stroke that propels the user and
skateboard forward. When the user places the spacer/spring in the
`up` position, the invention allows normal functioning of the
user's foot and shoe, including, in the present example, normal
skateboarding, standing on the skateboard during gliding, as well
as walking or any other activity off the skateboard.
[0009] Depending on the specifics of the user's body ergonomics,
the invention in the `down` position may assist the user in any or
all of the following ways: increasing efficiency of the user's
motion, extending the reach of the user's power-stroke, minimizing
vertical displacements of the user's center-of-mass, performing
energy recovery to the user's foot during the end of the
power-stroke, improving ergonomics or comfort, and absorbing shock
that would otherwise occur between the user's foot and the
ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the
invention, showing the spacer/spring assembly in the `down`
orientation.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment of the
invention, showing the spacer/spring assembly in the `up`
orientation.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of the
invention, showing a hinged, sheathed pogo type spacer/spring
assembly, in the `down` orientation (solid lines) and the `up`
orientation (dashed lines);
[0013] FIGS. 4a and 4b illustrate detailed views of the
spacer/spring assembly of the second embodiment of the invention,
showing the spacer/spring assembly in the `down` orientation and
locked (4a) as well as the same spacer/spring assembly in the `up`
orientation (4b);
[0014] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a third embodiment of the
invention in which the `up` and `down` orientations are effected by
a lever for manual rotation by the user.
[0015] FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d illustrate a sample wireframe
secondary spacer/spring that is appropriate for use in the first
embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0016] FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a fourth embodiment of the
invention.
[0017] FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate a fourth embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The apparatus of the present invention provides for a foot
or shoe-borne spacer/spring that can be quickly and easily oriented
in either of two distinct orientations, a `down` orientation which
allows the spacer/spring to engage with the ground, thus enabling
spacer/spring-assisted locomotion, and an `up` orientation in which
the spacer/spring does not engage with the ground and thus allows
normal use of the foot and shoe. These two orientations are
referred to as the `down` and `up` orientations, respectively.
[0019] To describe the two orientations more precisely, consider
that the `down` orientation refers to the condition in which the
spacer/spring assembly is positioned below the sole of the user's
foot/shoe and is directed more or less perpendicularly to the sole
of the user's foot/shoe. In this orientation the spacer/spring is
able to engage with the ground when the user performs a power
stroke, that is, when the sole of the user's foot/shoe exerts a
force against the ground. In this orientation the spacer/spring
assembly can act as a spacer that positions the user's foot in a
posture advantageous for ergonomics. This can also create
compression in the spacer/spring, thereby storing energy, which can
be subsequently released at the end of the power stroke, that is,
upon removal of the compressive force, thereby enhancing the
efficiency and possibly the force of the power-stroke.
[0020] In the `up` orientation, the spacer/spring assembly is
positioned away from the bottom of the sole of the user's
foot/shoe. The spacer/spring assembly is instead oriented above the
foot/shoe or beside the foot/shoe. In the `up` orientation the
spacer/spring subsystem no longer engages with the ground during
normal use of the foot/shoe and thus permits normal use of the
foot/shoe, that is, non-spacer/spring-assisted use of the foot/shoe
as in ordinary locomotion, resting, or standing, etc.
[0021] One advantage of the invention is that the apparatus can be
construed to fit the user's existing shoe. A second advantage is
that the user is able to easily and quickly change the orientation
of the spacer/spring, in some cases, in the midst of physical
activity. This is described below after first summarizing the
distinct functional subsystems.
[0022] The invention in all its manifestations and embodiments
includes three functionalities. Each functionality is usually, but
not necessarily, embodied in its own mechanical subsystem: (S1) a
spacer or spacer/spring; (PAL2) a pivot, actuator and lock, and
(A3) an attachment to the user's foot/shoe and even the user's
body.
[0023] (S1) Spacer/Spring Functionality
[0024] The spacer/spring functionality (S1) while in the `down`
position, enhances the power stroke of the user's locomotion. This
is by way of the mediating influence of the spacer/spring when it
is positioned between the shoe and the ground.
[0025] (PAL2) Pivot, Actuator, and Lock Functionality
[0026] The pivot of the PAL2 functionality represents a hinge or
swiveling means that allows the spacer/spring to be oriented in
either of the two possible orientations, `down` or `up.` The
particular orientation at any given moment is chosen at the user's
discretion, by way of an actuation means that also comprises the
PAL2 functionality. Finally, the lock function of the PAL2
functionality refers to the means by which the spacer/spring, while
in the `down` position, is held firmly in position during the
power-stroke.
[0027] The PAL2 subsystem, along with the other subsystems, must
also perform an additional function, namely the function that
ensures that the two configurations of the spacer/spring (`down`
and `up`) represent mechanically quasi-stable configurations. In
other words, the spacer/spring should rest in each orientation and
should not spontaneously change orientation under the influence of
weak, random forces such as those caused by inertia, wind, or
inadvertent contact with the user's clothing or road debris etc. On
the contrary, the spacer/spring's orientation should be changed
only by way of an intentional, but simple, user-actuation as
described herein.
[0028] The system should have minima in the mechanical self-energy
function at both the `down` and `up` orientations. This can be
realized by way of detents or `catches` built into the S1 and PAL2
subsystems. These quasi-stable resting are distinct from the locked
`down` position mentioned previously. The latter ensures the
spacer/spring remains firmly in the `down` position during the
power stroke. This is further elaborated in the descriptions
below.
[0029] (A3) Attachment Functionality
[0030] The attachment functionality (A3) embodies the means by
which the invention can be fastened to the user's body. Depending
upon the particular embodiment, this can include the user's foot,
ankle, shoe, leg, and hip.
[0031] The three subsystems are best understood by considering the
drawings in light of the examples.
Example 1
[0032] FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the invention. FIG.
1 illustrates the `down` position, in which the spacer/spring
assembly S1 is positioned below the foot. FIG. 2 illustrates the
`up` position, showing the spacer/spring behind and above the heel
area of the foot.
[0033] This embodiment of the invention illustrates an apparatus 5
comprising two parts: a first `primary` spacer/spring 10, and a
second, `secondary` spacer/spring 11. The primary spacer/spring 10
is designed to simultaneously contact the ground and the sole of
the user's shoe when in the `down` position. The secondary
spacer/spring 11 is designed to enable pivoting of spacer/spring 10
between `down` and `up` positions. The secondary spacer/spring 11
also possesses inherent spring-like properties in order to
accommodate compression travel of the primary spacer/spring when
under compression, such as from the weight of the foot. The
secondary spacer/spring must also realize PAL2 functionality via
its coupling to the hinge 20 as will be described below.
[0034] In this first embodiment, the primary spacer/spring 10 takes
the form of a sphere or cylinder constructed of a robust material,
preferably with inherent elastic properties. Appropriate materials
include but are not restricted to metal or composite flat-form
springs, coil compression springs, solid urethane foam or rubber,
or hollow polymer balls or cylinders. Other materials having
elastic properties are contemplated.
[0035] The secondary spacer/spring 11 is a stirrup-shaped or
generally `U`-shaped wire-form constructed of materials commonly
used for springs, such as `spring steel` and the like.
[0036] The secondary spacer/spring 11 attaches to strap 30 via a
hinge 20. Strap 30 can be worn by user on the foot or be attached
to user's shoe. Alternatively, strap 30 may be an integral part of
a shoe. Detents or grooves on the outer edges of hinge 20 can
partially realize the PAL2 functionality of quasi-stable resting
states for the `down` and `up` orientations. More precisely, the
secondary spacer/spring 11 and the hinge 20 can be designed so that
their mechanical coupling produces quasi-stable `down` and `up`
configurations. The locking feature of PAL2 is realized by the
shape of the secondary spring 11 which includes re-curve 12 and by
the fact that the primary spacer/spring 10 contacts the sole of the
user's foot/shoe, thus providing a locking force during the power
stroke.
[0037] The attachment functionality A3 is realized by a strap
subsystem that can straps onto user's foot or user's shoe by way of
strap 30 and heel cup 31. Both strap 30 and heel cup 31 can have
adjustment means to ensure snug fit and user comfort.
[0038] In this embodiment, strap 30 and heel cup 31 transcribe the
outer perimeter of the foot/shoe. These may optionally incorporate
reinforcement such as metallic bands for extra strength.
Alternatively, the attachment functionality A3 can be built into a
specially designed and customized shoe. This can be readily
realized by gluing or permanently embedding or fastening pivot 20
into the shoe itself.
[0039] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus 5 allows the
primary spacer/spring 10 to rotate around user's heel, thus
enabling the two configurations. In the `down` configuration the
primary spacer/spring 10 mediates the user's power stroke against
the ground. In the `up` position the primary spacer/spring 10 is
lifted away from the sole of the foot/shoe, thus allowing for
more-or-less normal operation of the foot/shoe.
[0040] As indicated previously, the meta-stability and the locking
aspects of the PAL2 functionality are realized by judicious design
of the coupling between the primary spacer/spring 10 and the hinge
20. An alternative design comprises the secondary spacer/spring 11,
constructed of a material such as spacer/spring steel and
possessing some residual tension, that presses its lateral sections
against the mating lateral surface of the coupling. Concurrently,
hinge 20 is constructed with appropriate grooves that act as
detents.
[0041] By proper design of all the mating surfaces between the
secondary spacer/spring 11 and the hinge 20, apparatus 5 provides a
meta-stable resting points for the spacer/spring while in the
`down` and `up` positions.
[0042] The actuation means of this embodiment of the invention is
realized by way of the shape of the S1 subsystem. Staring from the
`down` orientation, the user can achieve the `up` configuration
seen in FIG. 2 by lifting the foot/shoe off the ground and by
applying a scraping motion of the user's foot/shoe relative to the
ground in such a manner as to avoid to compression of primary
spacer/spring 10 but instead achieving the swiveling of the
spacers/springs 10, 11 into the `up` configuration of FIG. 2.
[0043] Starting from the `up` position the user can achieve the
`down` position by manually pushing the spacer/springs 10, 11 down
or by performing a scraping motion of the heel against the shin of
the opposite leg or against any other convenient surface.
[0044] The apparatus 5 allows the user to easily and conveniently
set the spacer/springs 10, 11 into either `up` or `down`
meta-stable positions. The user thus has freedom to freely
transition the spacer/springs 10, 11 between its two orientations
and thus deploy the spacer/springs 10, 11 during the power-stroke
of spacer/spring-assisted locomotion, and to remove the
spacer/springs 10, 11 from the bottom of the foot/shoe when
ordinary use of the foot/shoe is desired.
[0045] As indicated previously, in this embodiment the locking
functionality of the PAL2 sub-system is achieved by the re-curve 12
of the secondary spacer/spring 11. This can also be achieved by
appropriate modifications to the coupling hinge 20. These features
ensure that when the apparatus 5 is in the `down` position, the
system locks into position as long as a suitable compression force
is maintained between the foot/shoe and the ground. When the
compression force is removed, the system returns to the metastable
`down` position which is easily altered by the user as described
above.
[0046] To illustrate an embodiment of the wire-frame secondary
spring 11, supplementary FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d are provided. FIG.
6a illustrates one embodiment of the wireframe as it appears when
held approximately vertical, looking down. FIG. 6b illustrates one
embodiment of the wireframe as it appears sitting on a bench with
the curve oriented upwards. FIG. 6c) illustrates one embodiment of
the wireframe as it appears in a perspective side view. FIG. 6d)
illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the wireframe, showing
an approximate 80 degree angle between the attachment portion and
main portion. Other angles between portions of the wireframe are
contemplated.
[0047] It is noted that that the specific features of the invention
are in no way limiting of the invention and are merely examples of
practical realizations of the invention. For example, it is not
necessary for the pivot to be located behind the heel. Instead,
other embodiments can be construed with the pivot located closer to
the front of the foot. Similarly, other variants can be contrived
that enable an `up` position at the side of the shoe. The
generality of the invention can be further illustrated by
considering other embodiments of the invention as in the following
examples.
Example 2
[0048] FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 5' comprises a
compressive spacer/spring 10' (shown in cutaway) that is housed
inside a tube or sheath 11'. The spacer/spring 10' is connected to
a shaft or piston 12' that is optionally terminated at its lowest
end with a pad 13' for contacting the ground.
[0049] The `down` configuration is delineated by solid lines in
FIG. 3. This is the default or resting configuration of the
spacer/spring system in this embodiment of the invention. The `up`
configuration, delineated with dotted lines in FIG. 3 and is
achieved by pivoting the spacer/spring assembly upward and
backward, toward the heel of the shoe. This is enabled by the hinge
20', which is built into the piston or shaft 12' and which embodies
the pivoting and locking means of the PAL2 functionality of the
invention in this embodiment.
[0050] As in the previous embodiment of the invention, the
attachment functionality A3 is accomplished by way of straps 30',
31', and 32', which hold the sheath 11' in place against the side
of the shoe and the user's ankle.
[0051] In this embodiment, the locking means required by PAL2
functionality is automatically achieved when the spacer/spring
assembly is compressed by the action of the user's foot. This is
realized by ensuring that the hinge 20' is situated near the lower
portion of the shaft 12' in such a way that even slight compression
pushes the hinge 20' into the sheath 11' and prevents any rotation
of the hinge, thereby preventing the spacer/spring subsystem from
moving into the `up` configuration. This is illustrated in FIGS. 4a
and 4b, which show the `up` and `down` positions respectively, of
the spacer/spring sub-system including the hinge 20'.
[0052] The meta-stability of the `up` configuration is realized by
the artifice of a friction-stop 34' consisting of a knob, flexible
hook, ridge, or mating depression on the strap that accepts the
lower portion of the spacer/spring assembly shaft 12' and/or the
pad 13' and thus maintains the lower portion of the spacer/spring
assembly in the `up` orientation during ordinary functioning of the
shoe.
[0053] Actuation of the system is accomplished either manually or
by scraping the side of the shoe against the ground. For example,
the pad 13' provides a convenient surface for the user to manually
release the shaft 12' from the `up` position and to thus initiate
the `down` position as needed for a spacer/spring-assisted power
stroke of the foot against the ground. Alternatively, the `up`
configuration can be achieved by the user removing pressure from
the spacer/spring assembly by lifting the foot off the ground and
by manually rotating the piston backward or by applying a diagonal
downward and forward force, as in a scraping motion, that does not
compress the spacer/spring but instead forces the shaft 12' into
the `up configuration.
[0054] To summarize, characteristic features of this second
embodiment of the invention are: (a) the spacer/spring assembly 10,
11, positioned laterally on the shoe; (b) the spacer/spring
assembly utilizes a piston-type action, and (c) the `up`
configuration is achieved by pivoting the spacer/spring assembly
backward, toward the back of the shoe.
[0055] As discussed with the previous, first embodiment, the
specific features of the second embodiment are in no way limiting
of the invention and are examples of practical realizations of the
more general, essential functionalities of the invention. For
example, the `up` and `down` orientations of the second embodiment
are achieved by hinge 20'. This is illustrative of the general
principle and an alternate design could be arranged which does not
use a hinge but instead wherein the spacer/spring is connected to a
solid, non-hinged piston and the piston and sheath are so arranged
at their upper ends so that when the spacer/spring is fully
compressed, the piston protrudes through the top of the sheath
where a latch would be implemented to maintain the spacer/spring
compression and thus the `up` configuration indefinitely.
[0056] The generality of the invention can be further illustrated
by considering a third embodiment of the invention in the
following.
Example 3
[0057] FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate respectively, the `down` and `up`
positions of a third embodiment of the present invention. This
embodiment has some similarity with the second embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4a, and 4b because both embodiments
incorporate a sheathed spacer/spring assembly.
[0058] In keeping with the numbering used in the previous, second
embodiment, the apparatus of the third embodiment is numbered 5''
in FIGS. 5a and 5b. The spacer/spring 10'' is housed inside the
sheath 11''.
[0059] This third embodiment of the invention differs from the
second embodiment because the PAL2 functionality is realized by way
of a handle 20'' which is contiguous to the piston or shaft 21''
and whose lower terminus has a contact 22'' that engages with the
ground. By way of the handle 20'' the user can manually couple or
decouple the shaft 21'' from the internal spacer/spring 11''. This
is accomplished by providing the shaft 21'' with an internal shelf
or notch, not illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, which couple or
decouple the shaft 21'' to the spacer/spring, depending on the
angle of rotation.
[0060] As in the previous figures the attachment functionality A3
is realized by way of straps 30'' and 31''.
[0061] To summarize, the characteristic features of this third
embodiment of the invention are: (a) the spacer/spring assembly
10'' is situated laterally on the shoe and the ground contacting
portion of the spacer/spring assembly is positioned beneath the
ball or heel of the user's foot; (b) the PAL2 functionality is
realized by means of a rotating action, affected via the user's
hand, and, (c) the `up configuration rotates the spacer/spring
assembly backward and upward, toward the heel of the shoe.
Example 4
[0062] FIGS. 7a and 7b together illustrate a fourth embodiment of
the invention. FIG. 7a shows the spacer/spring assembly in the
`down` orientation. FIG. 7b shows the spacer/spring assembly in the
`up` orientation. One of the noteworthy characteristics of this
embodiment is that the wire form is configured in such a way as to
rest against the sole of the shoe when in the `down` position (FIG.
7a).
[0063] FIGS. 8a and 8b together illustrate a fifth embodiment of
the invention. As with the previous case, FIGS. 8a and 8b
respectively show the spacer/spring assembly in the `down` and `up`
orientations. One of the characteristics of this embodiment is that
the wire form does not rest against the sole of the shoe while in
the `down` position (FIG. 8a).
[0064] Both embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 possess two
distinguishing features: the first feature is the use of apparatus
components that are built-in to the shoe. The second feature is the
use of secondary springs to ensure that both the `down` and `up`
positions of the main spacer/spring assembly are stable.
[0065] The embodiments of these figures also illustrate several
secondary, optional features for illustrative purposes. These
concern the composition of the main spacer/spring and the location
of the axle housings. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 1
possesses a main spacer/spring comprised of a tongue of spring
steel or fiber-reinforced composite. This embodiment also uses an
axle housing that is built-in (i.e. embedded) into the sole of the
shoe.
[0066] By contrast, the embodiment of FIG. 2 possesses a main
spacer/spring comprised of a ball of elastomeric material such as
closed-cell polyurethane. This embodiment uses an axle housing that
is affixed to the back heel of the shoe. In both cases, these
secondary features are illustrative are not essential or necessary
features of the respective embodiments; they are, in fact,
interchangeable, and are shown for illustrative purposes only, to
present several advantageous means to embody the broader aspects of
the invention.
[0067] FIGS. 7a and 7b show an embodiment of the invention that is
built-in to the shoe (20) and that utilizes secondary springs 14 to
help establish the stable `down` and `up` positions of the main
spacer/spring assembly.
[0068] FIG. 7a illustrates the `down` position, in which the main
spacer/spring 10 is positioned below the foot. FIG. 7b illustrates
the `up` position, in which the main spacer/spring 10 is positioned
behind and above the heel of the foot.
[0069] The main spacer/spring 10 is connected to pivot system 11,
which in this embodiment is comprised of a wireframe. The main
spring 10 may be connected to the frame 11 in either permanent or
impermanent manner, the latter facilitating replacement of the main
spring for maintenance and repair.
[0070] Although it is shown in side profile in the figures, the
wire frame 11 is essentially a bent rectangle of resilient material
such as spring steel wire. Wire frame 11 has two free ends of wire
whose proximal wire segments are bent at approximately 90 degrees
to the rectangle, such that the free ends can be inserted into
opposite ends of the axle housing 20 and thus establishing mating
of the two sub-systems 11 and 20.
[0071] A notable feature of this embodiment resides in the shape of
the wire frame 11. In the `down` position, the rectangular portion
of the wireframe rests against the sole of the shoe. The wire frame
11 thus positions the main spring 10 (to which it is attached)
under the shoe as illustrated in FIG. 7a, thereby providing
stability of the main spacer/spring under the foot.
[0072] The wire frame 11 also possesses attachment means 13--one on
either side of the shoe (but with only one secondary spring 14
visible in the figures). Secondary 14 are stretched between
fastening point(s) 12 on the wireframe and fastening point(s) 13 on
the shoe. The latter point(s) 13 can be screwed into the material
of the shoe or built-in to the shoe during manufacture.
[0073] In combination with the wire frame 10 and axle housing 20,
the secondary springs 14 ensure that the `down` and `up`
orientations of the spring assembly are stable while the in-between
orientations are not stable. They also ensure smooth operating
action of the spring assembly so that the user can transition
smoothly between the `down` and `up` states.
[0074] The axle housing 20 is comprised of a metal or plastic tube
that can be inserted into an existing shoe or that can be built-in
to a specialized, purpose-built shoe during manufacture. For
illustrative purposes, the axle housing 20 is embedded inside the
material of the shoe. This is not a defining feature of the
embodiment. Alternate locations for the axle housing, such as
behind the heel, are also possible.
[0075] For similarly illustrative purposes, the main spacer/spring
10 shown in FIG. 7 takes the form of a tongue of spring-steel or
fiber-reinforced composite. Again, this is for illustrative
purposes and other types of main springs may also be used.
[0076] To summarize, the essential features of the embodiment of
FIG. 7 are: (a) a wire frame that rests against the sole of the
shoe, (b) a built-in axle housing that is embedded within the
material of the shoe (not necessarily the sole); (c) secondary
springs that establish the stability of the `down` and `up`
orientations of the spring assembly.
[0077] FIGS. 8a and 8b show a second embodiment of the invention
that is built into the shoe and that utilizes secondary springs to
help to establish the stable `down` and `up` positions of the main
spacer/spring assembly.
[0078] FIG. 8a illustrates the `down` position, in which the main
spacer/spring 10 is positioned below the foot. FIG. 8b illustrates
the `up` position, in which the main spacer/spring 10 is positioned
behind and above the heel of the foot.
[0079] A key feature of this embodiment resides in the shape of the
wire frame 11. This wire frame (shown in side profile in the
figures) is essentially a bent rectangle with two free ends. In
contrast to the wire frame of FIG. 7, the present wire frame is
bent at greater than 90 degrees. As before the free ends of the
wireframe are inserted into opposite ends of the axle housing 20.
In this case however no part of the wireframe rests against the
sole of the shoe when `down.` Instead, and in contrast to the
embodiment of FIG. 7, a gap remains between the wire frame and the
sole of the shoe. This allows a portion of the main spacer/spring
10 to be positioned in contact with the sole of the shoe as
illustrated in FIG. 8a.
[0080] The wire frame 11 also possesses attachment means for
secondary springs 14--one on either side of the shoe (but with only
one spring 14 visible in the figures). The springs 14 are stretched
between fastening point(s) 12 on the wireframe and a fastening
point(s) 13 on the shoe. The latter point(s) 13 can be screwed into
the material of the shoe or built-in to the shoe during
manufacture.
[0081] In combination with the wire frame 10 and axle housing 20,
the secondary springs 14 ensure that the `down` and `up` positions
of the spring assembly are stable and that the in between
orientations are not stable. They also ensure smooth operating
action of the spring assembly so that the user can transition
smoothly between the `down` and `up` states.
[0082] The axle housing 20 is comprised of a metal or plastic tube
that can be built-in to a specialized, purpose-built shoe during
manufacture. For illustrative purposes, the axle housing 20 is
affixed to the back of the heel of the shoe. The heel location of
the axle housing 20 is not a defining feature of the embodiment,
however. Alternate locations for the axle housing, such as inside
the sole or heel are also possible.
[0083] For similarly illustrative purposes the main spacer/spring
10 shown in FIG. 8 takes the form of a spheroid of closed-cell
polyurethane foam. This too is for illustrative purposes and other
types of main springs are possible.
[0084] To summarize, the essential features of this embodiment are:
(a) a wire frame that does not rest against the heel of the shoe
but that allows a portion of the main spring to directly contact
the sole of the shoe, (b) a built-in axle housing that is affixed
to the material of the shoe (not necessarily the heel); (c)
secondary springs that establish the stability of the `down` and
`up` orientations of the spring assembly.
[0085] The above figures represent embodiments of the invention and
in no way limit the general principle of the invention. For
example, variants of the invention can be envisioned which are
placed toward the front of the foot.
[0086] The invention can be embodied as a so-called `retrofit`
system that straps onto pre-existing footwear such as running shoes
or to the user's bare foot or socked foot. Alternatively, the
invention can be integrated within a customized shoe with pivot and
actuating assembly being incorporated directly into the design of
the shoe.
[0087] The invention enables enhanced locomotion with improved
efficiency, ergonomics, and entertainment value of human foot-based
locomotion. The invention is particularly well suited for
skateboarding. Due to the two orientations of the spacer/spring
assembly, a skateboarding user can quickly place the spacer/spring
in the `down` position when that foot performs a power-stroke
against the ground and to place the spacer/spring assembly in the
`up` configuration when the same foot rests on the skateboard or
when the user is off the skateboard.
* * * * *