Methods, Systems, And Apparatuses For The Use, Manufacture, And Application Of An Integrated Stability Chassis For Professional Boxing Shoes

Abstract

In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided methods, systems, and apparatuses for the use, manufacture, and application of an integrated stability chassis for use with professional boxing shoes. For example, there is a boxing shoe, including: a shoe sole having a smooth glide portion and a rotational pivot portion and a grip portion; an integrated stability chassis affixed atop the shoe sole; a lower shoe portion affixed atop the integrated stability chassis to surround a wearer's heel and lower foot, in which the integrated stability chassis suspends the lower shoe portion, in which the lower shoe portion serves as a base for a mid-rear shoe portion, a front shoe portion, and an upper shoe portion; a mid-rear shoe portion to stabilize the ankle of a wearer; a front shoe portion to stabilize the upper front portion of a wearer's foot; and an upper shoe portion to stabilize the lower leg and upper ankle of a wearer. Other related embodiments are described.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This U.S. Utility patent application is related to, and claims priority to, the U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/980,894 filed Feb. 24, 2020 entitled "METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND APPARATUSES OF AN INTEGRATED STABILITY CHASSIS FOR PROFESSIONAL BOXING SHOES," and having Attorney Docket Number 37995.6002P, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of athletic gear, and more particularly, to methods, systems, and apparatuses for the use, manufacture, and application of an integrated stability chassis for use with professional boxing shoes.

BACKGROUND

[0004] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to embodiments of the claimed inventions.

[0005] Boxing shoes are both lightweight, form-fitting, boot-like shoes made for boxing and other sports requiring fast footwork and traction. Conventional boxing shoes have been made to be flexible to allow the boxer's feet to move into any position without pinching or discomfort. Certain boxing shoes are made of synthetic materials, lightweight leather, or suede, typically with textured rubber soles. Certain boxing shoes have incorporated mesh into the design to prevent the shoes from becoming heavy due to the accumulation of sweat from the wearer during use.

[0006] Unfortunately, conventional boxing shoes suffer from an inherent lack of stability, which can and does lead to injury, bruising, sprains, and compromised performance, especially at the professional level.

[0007] The present state of the art may therefore benefit from the methods, systems, and apparatuses for the use, manufacture, and application of an integrated stability chassis for professional boxing shoes as is described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, and can be more fully understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the figures in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a boxer mid-pivot in accordance with described embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts exemplary wrestlers in action wearing wrestling shoes.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a lateral perspective view of the bones of the foot and ankle.

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts an anterior view of an exemplary pair of professional boxer's shoes having an integrated stability chassis in accordance with described embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a right perspective view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis in accordance with described embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts a superior right perspective view of the upper portion of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis in accordance with described embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 7 depicts an inferior right perspective view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis, with exemplary texturing, in accordance with described embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 8 depicts the assembly of elastic bands on an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis in accordance with described embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 9 depicts a left perspective view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe highlighting an exemplary integrated stability chassis, in accordance with described embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 10 depicts an inferior perspective view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis, with exemplary texturing, in accordance with described embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 11 depicts an exploded left-side view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis, in accordance with described embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Described herein are methods, systems, and apparatuses for the use, manufacture, and application of an integrated stability chassis for professional boxing shoes, for example, to provide increased stability to a professional boxer generally and specifically to improve support to the professional boxer's foot positioning and ankle during use. For example, there is a boxing shoe, including: a shoe sole having a smooth glide portion and a rotational pivot portion and a grip portion; an integrated stability chassis affixed atop the shoe sole; a lower shoe portion affixed atop the integrated stability chassis to surround a wearer's heel and lower foot, in which the integrated stability chassis suspends the lower shoe portion, in which the lower shoe portion serves as a base for a mid-rear shoe portion, a front shoe portion, and an upper shoe portion; a mid-rear shoe portion to stabilize the ankle of a wearer; a front shoe portion to stabilize the upper front portion of a wearer's foot; and an upper shoe portion to stabilize the lower leg and upper ankle of a wearer. Other related embodiments are described.

[0021] FIG. 1 depicts a boxer mid-pivot in accordance with described embodiments.

[0022] Boxing involves various coordinated hand and foot maneuvers which require quick and flexible steps. Boxers are known for being light on their feet, thus suitable footwear customized to the needs of boxers is a must for boxing practice and competition, especially at the professional level. Footwear with improper traction can lead to musculoskeletal strain and injury of the foot, leg and body. Injuries can be devastating to the career and ability of athletes such as boxers, so boxing footwear must balance functionality, comfort and support such that a boxer is not overly constrained in their movements or pinched by their footwear.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts exemplary wrestlers in action wearing wrestling shoes.

[0024] Boxing shoes and wrestling shoes share similarities in that they are both lightweight, form-fitting, boot-like shoes made for sports that rely on fast footwork and traction. Although wrestling has a longer history than boxing and dates back to Ancient Greece, the popularity of wrestling in the 20th Century led to advances in wrestling shoes.

[0025] Both boxing shoes and wrestling shoes are typically made of lightweight synthetics, mesh upper-portions and rubber soles to prevent slippage. Wrestling shoes typically have more traction on their soles. Leather and suede materials are recommended for boxing shoes as they allow for improved breathability and durability. As wrestlers are more accustomed to falling as part of their sport and training, boxers are at greater risk for bodily injury from falls and ankle breaks. Thus, an exemplary integrated ankle support for the boxing shoes as disclosed herein may include, for example "hook and loop" (e.g., Velcro brand) type straps. High-top boxing shoes can cover as much as 12 inches of the calf muscle. Boxers using low-top boxing shoes for greater speed often have to go through the additional work of bandaging their ankles prior to competition. Furthermore, boxing shoes are not generally available at sporting goods stores and substituting wrestling shoes or athletic shoes for boxing shoes is often not practical as wrestling and athletic shoes are more bulky and heavy and require accommodation that is detrimental to boxing steps and footwork. Regular shoes are generally wider and more loose fitting than boxing shoes. When trying on boxing shoes, the wearer should check for comfort and flexibility by rising on their toes and bouncing on the balls of the feet, as well as feeling for pinch points and uncomfortable arches. Even small annoyances in fit can become big problems when performing in the boxing ring.

[0026] Boxing further requires other specialized equipment such as boxing gloves, boxing hand wraps and gauze, boxing headgear, boxing protective gear, and boxing apparel.

[0027] FIG. 3 depicts a lateral perspective view of the bones of the foot and ankle.

[0028] As shown here, the major bones of the foot and ankle include the tibia bone 301, fibula bone 302 which sits lateral to the tibia bone 301, the talus bone 303, and the calcaneus bone 304 also known as the heel bone. The talofibular joint 305, also known as the ankle joint is the connection between the leg and the foot, specifically the tibia 301 (also known as the shin bone), fibula 302 and the talus 303 bones. The talofibular joint 305 is a hinge-type joint that allows for dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the foot (moving the front of the foot up, and down, respectively).

[0029] Various ligaments serve as connections between the bones of the foot, ankle, and shin, and various tendons connect the bones of the foot, ankle and shin to muscles. Thus, boxing footwear must provide proper support to avoid strain and injury on the bones, tendons, and ligaments of the foot, ankle, and shin. Common injuries to such tendons and ligaments from physical activity and improper footwear include Achilles tendonitis, or inflammation of the Achilles tendon connecting the calf muscles of the leg to calcaneus bone 304. The Achilles tendon allows the calf muscles to flex which occurs when we standing on the toes. Other muscles and tendons can become inflamed or rupture as a result of boxing include the tibialis muscles that run down the tibia (shin bone) 301 and insert along 306 the cuneiform and metatarsal bones.

[0030] The tibialis anterior is a muscle that originates in the upper two-thirds of the lateral (outside) surface of the tibia 301 and inserts along 306 the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal bones of the foot. It acts to dorsiflex (bring the toes upwards) and invert the foot.

[0031] High-top boxing shoes can provide support to the ankle and lower shin, which is especially important in boxing styles that employ agility and quick maneuvering. Boxing shoes are often sized and fit like regular shoes and like regular shoes, should be comfortable but snug to protect the foot, ankle, and shin and mitigate injury with falls or missteps.

[0032] FIG. 4 depicts an anterior view of an exemplary pair of professional boxer's shoes having an integrated stability chassis in accordance with described embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a right perspective view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis in accordance with described embodiments.

[0034] As depicted here, high top region 525 houses the ankle and shin of a wearer via reinforcement brace 520 which may be Velcro cable ties or a hook and loop strap which operate to protect and provide more support to the ankle and lower shin of the wearer. According to certain embodiment, reinforcement brace 520 may also support the mid-region or other regions of the boxing shoe and may be made of bio-skin or other breathable and permeable material. Using reinforcement brace 520 across the mid-region of the boxing shoe allows for dispersing pressure evenly across the forefoot of the wearer, providing the wearer a more secure fit and a feeling of bare-feet.

[0035] Mesh region 510 may include patches ("windows") of permeable mesh on the sides or other locations of the boxing shoe to reduce weight and permit breathability and evaporation of moisture (e.g., from sweat). The evaporation of accumulating moisture allows the foot of the wearer to remain cool and dry during boxing activity.

[0036] According to certain embodiments, outsole 515 may be made of a flexible material such as rubber and allows for improved grip and traction on boxing ring mats as a wearer moves around the ring.

[0037] According to certain embodiments, heel 506 may be made of a lightweight and flexible material, since the weight of the wearer will be resting on the balls of their feet during much of boxing. According to yet other embodiments, heel 506 may be made of hard material 505 to provide more support. Hard material 505 may be used in other locations of the boxing shoe, such as the anterior end, to provide support to the toes of the wearer and to help bring the wearer to a stop during gliding/sliding movements without slipping or falling. According to various embodiments, various optional materials such as leather, suede, and synthetics may be used in part or all of the boxing shoe.

[0038] FIG. 6 depicts a superior right perspective view of the upper portion of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis in accordance with described embodiments.

[0039] As depicted here, high-top region 605 houses the ankle and shin of a wearer and is reinforced via ankle brace 610 which is a reinforcement brace. According to certain embodiments, ankle brace 610 is Velcro cable ties or a hook and loop strap which operate to protect and provide more support to the ankle and lower shin of the wearer. According to certain embodiments, ankle brace 610 may be made of bio-skin or other breathable and permeable material to absorb condensation such as sweat and allow it to evaporate easily, keeping the wearer's ankle and lower shin dry and cool.

[0040] FIG. 7 depicts an inferior right perspective view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis, with exemplary texturing, in accordance with described embodiments.

[0041] As depicted here, peri-chassis wall 720 provides perimeter support to the integrated stability chassis of the boxing shoe and may be made of suede, fabric, or other material to absorb and evaporate condensation from the wearer's foot and improve durability. Peri-chassis wall 720 also assists with control and stopping during the wearer's side to side movements and may prevent the wearer from slipping during these movements. Pivot portion 705 allows for the wearer to twist and turn easily. Rotational thread portion 710 assists with grip between shoe sole 701 and surfaces in contact with shoe sole 701, which provides control during lunges and gliding/sliding movements and transitioning between gliding/sliding movements and other steps or stops. Smooth area portion 725 has less traction to assist the wearer with gliding/sliding movements. Rotational grip portion 715 allows for the wearer to twist their heels side to side.

[0042] According to certain embodiments, shoe sole 701 may be formed from natural or synthetic materials such as rubber, and may have a non-marking rubber outsole portion 702 which provides additional grip, as well as additional smooth portions which provide the wearer the ability to glide into a lunge.

[0043] FIG. 8 depicts the assembly of elastic bands on an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis in accordance with described embodiments.

[0044] As depicted here, elastic fabric band 815 may be looped from behind 830 around the upper portion of the boxing shoe and secured by Velcro hook piece 805 at the internal ends of elastic fabric band 815. Similarly, rubber band 810 may be looped towards the front 825 of the boxing shoe.

[0045] FIG. 9 depicts a left perspective view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe highlighting an exemplary integrated stability chassis, in accordance with described embodiments.

[0046] As depicted here, buttresses 905 of the integrated stability chassis provide traction and suspension for the portions of the boxing shoe that rest on the integrated stability chassis.

[0047] FIG. 10 depicts an inferior perspective view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis, with exemplary texturing, in accordance with described embodiments.

[0048] As depicted here, buttresses 1005 of the integrated stability chassis can be seen extending outwards from on top of boxing shoe sole 1010, to provide traction and suspension for the portions of the boxing shoe that rest on the integrated stability chassis.

[0049] FIG. 11 depicts an exploded left-side view of an exemplary professional boxer's shoe having an integrated stability chassis, in accordance with described embodiments.

[0050] As depicted here, integrated stability chassis 1110 rests on top of shoe sole 1115 and suspends the remaining portions 1105 of the boxing shoe.

[0051] According to certain embodiments, integrated stability chassis 1110 is surrounded by a thin sole to provide additional support during movements of the boxing shoe.

[0052] According to a particular embodiment, integrated stability chassis 1110 wraps around the outer lower perimeter of the boxing shoe supporting sole 1115, while keeping the boxing shoe both light and flexible overall. Integrated stability chassis 1110 aids the wearer by providing more stability during boxing maneuvers, for example, pivots or side steps, and permitting the wearer at the same time to become more agile overall within the boxing ring due to increased support of the wearer's foot and ankle.

[0053] Integrated stability chassis 1110 further supports the wearer's ankle to reduce the likelihood of it being twisted or becoming sprained.

[0054] According to certain embodiments, integrated stability chassis 1110 is formed from a soft rubber or similar material having similar flexibility and structural properties as rubber.

[0055] During use of the boxing shoe, wearers maneuvering and stepping within the boxing ring will benefit from integrated stability chassis 1110 which will help the wearers to feel more supported and comfortable, and thus more aggressive with their footwork and boxing maneuvers due to the reduced risk of foot, ankle, and lower shin injury. In such a way, the novel integrated stability chassis 1110 provides benefits similar to that of a car suspension which aids a vehicle in maintaining affirmative contact with the road while mitigating damage to the vehicle.

[0056] According to certain embodiments, the boxing shoe allows for control and comfort during various boxing steps, including: (i) bounce-step, (ii) speed step, (iii) pivot, (iv) side step, (v) grip and turn, (vi) glide, and (vii) twist.

[0057] According to certain embodiments, the boxing shoe allows for control and comfort during various boxing moves, including: (vii) jab, (v) cross, (viii) hook, (ix) uppercut, (x) lunge, (xi) bob and weave, (xii) blocking, (xiii) clinching, (xiv) parrying, and (xv) holding.

[0058] According to certain embodiments, the boxing shoe may be used in various activities outside of boxing, including: (i) kickboxing, (ii) dancing, (iii) fencing, (iv) bowling, (v) ballet, (vi) martial arts, (vii) wrestling, and (viii) musical theater.

[0059] While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of the specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the invention is therefore determined in reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A boxing shoe, comprising: a shoe sole having a smooth glide portion and a rotational pivot portion and a grip portion; an integrated stability chassis affixed atop the shoe sole; a lower shoe portion affixed atop the integrated stability chassis to surround a wearer's heel and lower foot, wherein the integrated stability chassis suspends the lower shoe portion, wherein the lower shoe portion serves as a base for a mid-rear shoe portion, a front shoe portion, and an upper shoe portion; a mid-rear shoe portion to stabilize the ankle of a wearer; a front shoe portion to stabilize the upper front portion of a wearer's foot; an upper shoe portion to stabilize the lower leg and upper ankle of a wearer; and wherein one or more of the lower, mid-rear, front, and upper shoe portions have integrated reinforcements to stiffen the boxing shoe and to stabilize the wearer's foot during movement for protection against foot and ankle musculoskeletal injury, wherein the one or more integrated reinforcements are formed from any of: (i) elastic bands, (ii) hook and loop type fasteners, (iii) cables, (iv) loops, (v) ties, (vi) braces, (vii) straps, and (viii) hooks.

2. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein each of the smooth glide portion, the rotational pivot portion, and the grip portion of the shoe sole are formed from different synthetic compounds, with each having distinct stiffness and friction characteristics; wherein the rotational pivot portion of the shoe sole comprises stiffness and friction characteristics corresponding to a coefficient of friction lower than the grip portion of the shoe sole and a modulus of elasticity less than both the smooth glide portion and the grip portion of the shoe sole; wherein the grip portion of the shoe sole comprises stiffness and friction characteristics corresponding to (i) a coefficient of friction greater than both the smooth glide portion and the rotational pivot portion of the shoe sole and (ii) a modulus of elasticity greater than both the smooth glide portion and the rotational pivot portion of the shoe sole; and wherein the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole comprises stiffness and friction characteristics corresponding to (i) a coefficient of friction lower than the grip portion of the shoe sole and greater than the rotational pivot portion of the shoe sole and (ii) a modulus of elasticity greater than rotational pivot portion of the shoe sole and less than the grip portion of the shoe sole.

3. The boxing shoe of claim 1: wherein the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole has a stiffness greater than the grip portion of the shoe sole and less than the pivot portion of the shoe sole; wherein the grip portion of the shoe sole has a stiffness less than each of the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole and less than the pivot portion of the shoe sole; and wherein the pivot portion of the shoe sole has a stiffness greater than each of the grip portion of the shoe sole and greater than the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole.

4. The boxing shoe of claim 1: wherein the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole has a coefficient of friction greater than the pivot portion of the shoe sole and less than the grip portion of the shoe sole; wherein the grip portion of the shoe sole has a coefficient of friction greater than each of the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole and greater than the pivot portion of the shoe sole; and wherein the pivot portion of the shoe sole has a coefficient of friction less than each of the grip portion of the shoe sole and less than the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole.

5. The boxing shoe of claim 1: wherein the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole has a modulus of elasticity representing rigidity and thus, an ability of an object to resist deformation in response to an applied force, which is greater than the grip portion of the shoe sole and less than the pivot portion of the shoe sole; wherein the grip portion of the shoe sole has a modulus of elasticity less than each of the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole and less than the pivot portion of the shoe sole; and wherein the pivot portion of the shoe sole has a modulus of elasticity greater than each of the grip portion of the shoe sole and greater than the smooth glide portion of the shoe sole.

6. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more reinforcements are on the lower shoe portion, wherein the reinforcements on the lower shoe portion distribute pressure evenly across a forefoot region of the wearer's foot, wherein the reinforcements secure the boxing shoe on the wearer's foot.

7. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the upper shoe portion contains a high-top brace reinforcement for to stabilize and protect the ankle and lower shin, wherein the brace reinforcement contains a spongy bio-skin material to absorb and evaporate condensation.

8. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein one or more of the lower, mid-rear, front, and upper shoe portions contain a mesh material, wherein the mesh material assists with one or more of: (i) aeration, (ii) absorption, and (iii) evaporation of condensation on the wearer's foot, wherein assisting with evaporation of condensation on the wearer's foot prevents overheating and slippage.

9. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the boxing shoe is comprised of one or more of: (i) suede, (ii) leather, (iii) mesh, (iv) elastic, (v) bio-skin, and (ii) fabric material, wherein the one or more materials assist with absorption and evaporation of condensation on the wearer's foot, wherein the one or more materials make the boxing shoe lightweight.

10. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the rotational pivot portion is located in an anterior portion of the shoe sole, wherein the grip portion is located in a posterior portion of the shoe sole, and wherein the rotational pivot portion and grip portion assist with twisting and turning movements of the wearer's foot.

11. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the smooth glide portion is located in a middle portion of the shoe sole, wherein the smooth glide portion assists the wearer with gliding movements on a surface in contact with the shoe sole, wherein a rotational thread portion adjacent to the smooth glide portion assists with grip between the shoe sole and the surface, and wherein the grip provides control during the gliding movements.

12. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the integrated stability chassis has reinforcements around its perimeter to secure and suspend other portions of the boxing shoe, wherein the reinforcements are buttresses.

11. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the boxing shoe allows for control and comfort during various boxing steps, including: (i) bounce-step, (ii) speed step, (iii) pivot, (iv) side step, (v) grip and turn, (vi) glide, and (vii) twist.

13. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the boxing shoe allows for control and comfort during various boxing moves, including: (vii) jab, (v) cross, (viii) hook, (ix) uppercut, (x) lunge, (xi) bob and weave, (xii) blocking, (xiii) clinching, (xiv) parrying, and (xv) holding.

14. The boxing shoe of claim 1, wherein the boxing shoe is used in one or more of: (i) kickboxing, (ii) dancing, (iii) fencing, (iv) bowling, (v) ballet, (vi) martial arts, (vii) wrestling, and (viii) musical theater.