U.S. patent application number 14/521217 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-02 for athletic shoe trainer.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anthony Davis, Clarence Elder. Invention is credited to Anthony Davis, Clarence Elder.
Application Number | 20150181974 14/521217 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53480387 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150181974 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Anthony ; et
al. |
July 2, 2015 |
ATHLETIC SHOE TRAINER
Abstract
An athletic shoe for simulating training in running spikes. The
athletic shoe includes an outsole for engaging a horizontal
supporting surface, a midsole having a wedge portion coupled to the
outsole and an arch portion elevated at an angle of not less than
15.degree. relative to the horizontal surface, and an upper that
encloses the midsole. By incorporating a wedge that elevates the
forefoot of the shoe and a molded plate, rigidity is provided to
the arch of the foot to maintain the user on the balls of the
user's feet.
Inventors: |
Davis; Anthony; (Jersey
City, NJ) ; Elder; Clarence; (Guttenberg,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Davis; Anthony
Elder; Clarence |
Jersey City
Guttenberg |
NJ
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53480387 |
Appl. No.: |
14/521217 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61894353 |
Oct 22, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/91 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43C 11/1493 20130101;
A43B 7/145 20130101; A43B 13/223 20130101; A43B 7/1445 20130101;
A43B 7/1425 20130101; A43B 5/06 20130101; A43B 13/145 20130101;
A43B 7/1435 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/06 20060101
A43B005/06; A43B 7/14 20060101 A43B007/14 |
Claims
1. An athletic shoe comprising: an outsole for engaging a
supporting horizontal surface; a midsole coupled to the outsole,
the midsole having an arch portion elevated at an angle of not less
than 15 degrees relative to the horizontal surface; and an upper
that encloses the midsole.
2. An athletic shoe comprising: an outsole, the outsole having a
planar gripping surface designed to engage in planar contact with a
supporting horizontal surface; a midsole coupled to the outsole,
the midsole having an arch portion elevated at an angle of not less
than 15 degrees relative to the horizontal surface; and an upper
that encloses the midsole.
3. An athletic shoe comprising: an outsole; a midsole coupled to
the outsole, the midsole having first portion and a second portion
elevated at an angle of not less than 15 degrees relative to the
first portion; and an upper that encloses the midsole.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. application Ser.
No. 61/894,353, filed on Oct. 22, 2013, titled ATHLETIC SHOE
TRAINER, which application is incorporated in its entirety by
reference in this application.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to an athletic shoe, and in
particular, an athletic shoe trainer having an elevated midsole to
simulate training in running spikes.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] High performance athletic sprinters often suffer from
injuries or chronic pain in the lower leg, e.g., shin splints. It
is hypothesized that this is due to sprinters not having access to
footwear that provides conditioning that accurately simulates the
later season training and competition in sprinting spikes. This gap
can be attributed to the fact that competitive spike shoes possess
key functional features not incorporated into typical training
flats. Specifically, he spike shoe places the heel in an elevated
position and also typically incorporates a common feature known as
a "spike plate" which limits flexibility in the arch of the foot.
In order to prevent these injuries, sprinters must gradually
incorporate spike shoes into their training regimen. Often training
facilities that are available for early season conditioning do not
permit spike training.
[0006] Thus, a need exists for an athletic shoe that Allows for
speed and power training in true sprint form on all indoor surfaces
and, further, Provides conditioning of lower leg muscles and
transition from traditional running shoes ("flats") to running
spikes ("spikes").
SUMMARY
[0007] An athletic shoe is provided to simulate training in running
spikes. The athletic shoe includes an outsole for engaging a
horizontal supporting surface, a midsole having a wedge portion
coupled to the outsole and an arch portion elevated at an angle of
not less than 15.degree. relative to the horizontal surface; and an
upper that encloses the midsole. By incorporating a wedge that
elevates the forefoot of the shoe and a molded plate (i.e., the
arch portion), rigidity is provided to the arch of the foot which
forces the user to run on the ball of the user's feet. The outsole
also facilitates optimum support and force transfer via integrated
bands and a Velcro.RTM. strap that runs over the laces.
[0008] In one example, the athletic shoe may include an outsole for
engaging a supporting horizontal surface and a midsole coupled to
the outsole, where the midsole includes an arch portion elevated at
an angle of not less than 15.degree. relative to the horizontal
surface. The athletic shoe also includes an upper that encloses the
midsole.
[0009] In another example, the athletic shoe may include an outsole
having a planar gripping surface designed to engage in planar
contact with a supporting horizontal surface, and a midsole coupled
to the outsole, where the midsole includes an arch portion elevated
at an angle of not less than 15.degree. relative to the horizontal
surface. The athletic shoe further includes an upper that encloses
the midsole.
[0010] In yet another example, the athletic shoe may include an
outsole and a midsole coupled to the outsole, where the midsole
includes a first portion and a second portion elevated at an angle
of not less than 15.degree. relative to the first portion. The
athletic shoe further includes an upper that encloses the
midsole.
[0011] Other devices, apparatus, systems, methods, features and
advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one
with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional
systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this
description, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] The present disclosure may be better understood by referring
to the following figures. The components in the figures are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the figures, like
reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
different views.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one example of an
implementation of an athletic shoe 100 according to the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 2. is a lateral side view of the outsole assembled with
the midsole of the athletic of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the outsole assembled with the
midsole, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates cross-sectional views of the various
components of the midsole assembly 104 shown at Sections A-A, B-B,
C-C, and D-D in FIGS. 2. and 3.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view illustrating the configuration of the
upper of the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is rear view illustrating the configuration of the
upper for the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top view illustrating the tongue configuration
of the shoe of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a lateral view of athletic shoe of FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a medial view of athletic shoe of FIG.
1.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a side view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a top view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a back view of the athletic shoe of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 13A is a medial view of the athletic shoe of FIG.
1.
[0026] FIG. 13B is a lateral view of the athletic shoe of FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 14A is a top view of the midsole assembly of FIG.
2.
[0028] FIG. 14B is a lateral view of the midsole assembly of FIG.
2.
[0029] FIG. 14C is a medial side view of the midsole assembly of
FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] FIGS. 1-14C illustrate examples of different implementations
of an athletic shoe is provided to simulate training in running
spikes. The athletic shoe, according to the present teachings, may
generally include an outsole for engaging a supporting horizontal
surface, a midsole coupled to the outsole, the midsole having an
arch portion elevated at an angle of not less than 15 degrees
relative to the horizontal surface, and an upper that encloses the
midsole. The outsole may be made of rubber and include a planar
gripping surface designed to engage in planar contact with the
supporting horizontal surface. The outsole may be designed for
all-surface wear and include ridges and a tread design on the
forefoot tip portion of the outsole for increased traction. The
midsole may include a wedge portion that elevates the forefoot from
the ground (i.e., horizontal support surface) to an angle (not less
than 15.degree.) that simulates training in spike shoes. The
midsole may also include a foot length force plate (i.e., arch
portion) made of high performance elastomer, such as Pebax.RTM., to
be compliant yet stiff enough to provide additional support to the
arch of the foot and maximize the force transfer between the leg
and the ground. The force plate may include a plastic mold with
cut-outs to secure or otherwise couple the force plate to the
midsole wedge. The force plate may also include a series of axially
extending stiffening ribs or ridges to increase the rigidity of the
shoe. The upper may be made of synthetic leather and include a
Velcro.RTM. strap that extends across the tongue of the shoe to
provide compression support to the foot. The upper may also include
four or more integrated bands to provide additional compression
support of the foot. The athletic shoe my further include a heel
bumper or outsole to enclose the heel and couple the quarter of the
upper to the force plate.
[0031] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one example of an
implementation of an athletic shoe 100 according to the present
disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the athletic shoe 100
includes an outsole 102, a midsole assembly 104, and an upper 106.
The outsole 102 includes a toe outsole portion 108 with a gripping
surface and a heel outsole portion 110 with the gripping surface.
The toe outsole 108 and heel outsole 110 may be constructed of
polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber or other suitable
material.
[0032] The midsole 104 includes a rubber midsole wedge 112 and a
force plate 114 constructed of polyether block amide (Pebax.RTM.).
The upper 106 includes a Velcro.RTM. strap 116 for securing the
users foot within the shoe, and integrated band supports 118 for
providing support about the quarter of the shoe. The heel outsole
110 couples the quarter of the upper 106 to the force plate 114.
The upper 110 may also include a tongue portion 120. The upper 106
may be made from a combination of synthetic leather and synthetic
nubuck leather. The upper 106 may also be made from a combination
of polyester, nylon, micro-fiber, open mesh cloth, or any other
suitable synthetic fabrics.
[0033] An insole (not shown) made from vinyl or any other suitable
material may be laid over the midsole 104 in the interior of the
shoe 100. The insole couples the upper 106 to the midsole. The
insole may be adhered, such as by gluing, to the top of the midsole
104.
[0034] FIG. 2. is a lateral side view of the outsole 102 assembled
with the midsole 104.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the outsole 102 assembled with
the midsole 104. As illustrated, the toe outsole 108 may include a
gripping surface having series of ridges and v-shaped tread designs
and the heel outsole went in may also include a tread surface
having v-shaped treads. As shown, the force plate 114 may be
elevated at an angle of no less than 15.degree. relative to the
gripping surface of the toe outsole 108. The toe outsole when a
late may include a series of cut-outs that complement a
corresponding to a series of cut-outs in the force plate 114 to
facilitate coupling of force plate 114 to the midsole wedge 112 and
toe outsole 108. The toe outsole 108 may also include a toe tab 202
that overlays the upper 106 to provide additional protection to the
toe.
[0036] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates cross-sectional views of the various
components of the midsole assembly 104 shown at Sections A-A, B-B,
C-C, and D-D in FIGS. 2. and 3. In particulate, Section A-A is a
sectional view along the axial centerline of the midsole assembly.
Section B-B is a sectional view of the midsole wedge that
illustrates the dimensional features of the cut-outs. Section C-C
is a sectional view of the force plate that illustrates the
dimensional features of the axial stiffening ribs. Section D-D is a
sectional view illustrating the dimensional features of the heel
outsole.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a top view and FIG. 6 is rear view illustrating
the configuration of the shoe upper 106. The top view illustrates
features of the tongue, quarter and vamp designs. The rear view
illustrates features of the heel, back stay, and outside counter.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the tongue 120.
[0038] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate lateral and medial views of
athletic shoe 100 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the shoe upper may
include a synthetic leather vamp, open-cell tech mesh saddle with a
v-shaped thermal transfer weld overlay extending over the saddle to
the quarter, a synthetic nubuck quarter with a synthetic leather
quarter overlay, open-cell tech mesh tongue, and a synthetic
leather back stay. The upper may further include an eye stay having
eyelets or lace loops to accommodate shoe lacing, and a Velcro.RTM.
strap to provide additional support at across the tongue.
[0039] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 illustrates side, top and back views,
respectively of the athletic shoe 100 shown in FIG. 1.
[0040] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate medial and lateral views of the
athletic shoe 100 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the figures
illustrate features of the Velcro.RTM. support strap. As shown, the
support strap may include a medial side strap base that is secured
beneath the quarter overlay, where the medial side strap base
includes a "D" ring, and a strap extending from a slot formed in
the lateral side strap base. In this way, the supporting strap is
crossed over the laces to the medial side, looped through the "D"
ring, and is then crossed back over itself and secured on the
lateral side, as shown in FIG. 13C.
[0041] FIGS. 14A-14C illustrate top and lateral and medial side
views of the midsole assembly 104 shown in FIG. 2. In particular,
the figure illustrates the features of the force plate 114 which,
as shown, may include a series of axially extending stiffening
ribs, cut-outs for air ventilation, and a raised arch portion for
supporting the arch of the foot.
[0042] In general, terms such as "coupled to," and "configured for
coupling to," and "secured to," and "configured for securing to"
and "in communication with" (for example, a first component is
"coupled to" or "is configured for coupling to" or is "configured
for securing to" or is "in communication with" a second component)
are used herein to indicate a structural, functional, mechanical,
electrical, signal, optical, magnetic, electromagnetic, ionic or
fluidic relationship between two or more components or elements. As
such, the fact that one component is said to be in communication
with a second component is not intended to exclude the possibility
that additional components may be present between, and/or
operatively associated or engaged with, the first and second
components.
[0043] The foregoing description of implementations has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not
exhaustive and does not limit the claimed inventions to the precise
form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above description or may be acquired from practicing the
invention. The claims and their equivalents define the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *