US20230232934A1

US20230232934A1 - Stability Training Shoes

Info

Publication number: US20230232934A1
Application number: US17/850,119
Authority: US
Inventors: Barry LIGHTHEART
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-01-21
Filing date: 2022-06-27
Publication date: 2023-07-27

Abstract

A training device for improving balance, stability, and overall health. The balance training device is designed to improve fitness with low impact training. A pivot component is attached to a sole of a shoe. The pivot component is a flexible bubble or dome shaped protrusion extending outwardly from the sole. The pivot component is positioned forward toward the toe on the sole so that the ball of a foot is elevated when using the training device for improving balance. The pivot component may also be detachable and adjustable in position. The pivot component may also be integrated into a slip-on cover configured to fit over a sole of a shoe.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/301,690, which was filed on Jan. 21, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an exercise training aid, and more specifically to a training shoe device for improved balance and low impact fitness training. Accordingly, the present specification makes specific reference thereto. However, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally amenable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

People are constantly looking for new, different, and better ways to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially on a busy schedule. People who are working from home may be looking for ways to exercise without taking their attention away from their job. Office desk jobs can be sedentary and time consuming leaving people with little time throughout their busy days to exercise.
Exercise is generally measured by relative intensity. A low-impact exercise is generally defined as low load or low weight-bearing type of exercise. It generally refers to the force placed on bones and joints by any given physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines relative intensity as the amount of effort needed to carry out an activity, which affects your heart rate and breathing. Not only does low-impact exercise come with the benefits of improved strength, lower blood pressure and reduced stress, but such a workout also cuts down on the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Some people physically are unable to perform a high-impact workout that involves a lot of running or jumping. Adding low-impact types of exercise to can positively affect one's health, body, and mind. Low impact training effectively improves strength and builds up muscle endurance without putting excessive strain on the joints. Low-impact exercise can also help with weight loss without causing joint pain. Another benefit of low-impact exercises is to the improvement to cardiovascular health.
High-impact exercises are generally more intense cardiovascular workouts, typically burning more calories than low-impact physical activities. Some common types of high-impact exercise include football, soccer, hockey, rugby, or gymnastics, among many others. These types of physical activities can be helpful to maintain physical fitness, however research shows that putting a degree of stress on the skeletal system can be damaging long-term.
Balance is also important for physical health. Good balance is necessary for just about everything, including walking, getting out of a chair, and leaning over to tie shoes. Strong muscles and being able to keep oneself steady make all the difference in those and many other things on a daily basis. Balance training involves doing exercises that strengthen the muscles that help keep one upright, including legs and core. These kinds of exercises can improve stability and help prevent falls. There is existing equipment that forces the body to stabilize itself, like a half-circle stability ball or a balance board. Strong core muscles are necessary for good balance. Many other stability exercises will work abdominal muscles and other core muscles.
Stability balls are a type of gym equipment and highly preferred for various home workouts. They have multiple applications, are easy to use, and show effective results as well. These balls are designed to help retain good spinal posture that usually gets damaged due to slouching while working in front of the screen. Thus, instead of using a normal chair, a stability balls may be used instead. These balls are designed for exercises to improve core strength and flexibility. Stability balls can strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles. A strong core helps to protect the back and stabilize the whole body, including the spine, pelvis, hips and shoulders. Unfortunately, these devices are bulky and take up a lot of space. They are also limited in improving balance.
Accordingly, there is a great need for a balance and low-impact training aid that is easily assessable, does not require a lot of storage space, and that can be used anywhere. There is also a need for a way for a special stability training shoe designed for a low impact fitness routine. Similarly, there is a need for an exercise device allowing a user to exercise while standing in place. There is also a need for an alternative to ankle weights, which can be bulky and uncomfortable. Further, there is a need for a balance training device that is portable for use anywhere.
In this manner, the improved balance training device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, thereby providing an easy solution for helping a user with better balance with a low impact fitness routine. A primary feature of the present invention is a pivot component designed to elevate the users foot. The present invention allows the user to work on balance anywhere with low risk of injury. Finally, the balance training device of the present invention is capable of raising the user's foot above the ground, requiring them to balance on the raised profile with their heels off of the ground.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a balance training device. The balance training device comprises a shoe and a pivot component. The shoe comprises an upper and a sole attached to the upper. The sole comprises a heel portion, a midsole portion, and a front sole portion.
The pivot component extends out of a portion of an exterior surface of the sole. The pivot component is configured to train a user to balance on the pivot component. The pivot component is a protrusion configured to prevent a user from standing flat footed. The pivot component may be a generally convex, bubble, ovoid, or dome shape creating a balance point when in contact with the ground. The pivot component may be integrated directly into or adhered to the sole.
The pivot component may be positioned to extend out of the front sole portion, the mid sole portion, or a combination thereof. This positioning allows the user to balance on a ball of the foot and off the heel. The pivot component may be solid, flexible, or pliable to allow a variety of support characteristics. A flexible or pliable pivot component would be recommended for low impact exercise. The pivot component may flex or compress under load but is intended to not compress completely as to allow the user to continue to balance on the pivot component. This slight compression of the pivot component helps the user maintain balance whereas the stiffer the pivot component will require more balance. A solid pivot component would be recommended for a more advanced user seeking a more difficult workout. The pivot component may comprise a textured outer surface for gripping the floor. The pivot component may be integrated directly into or adhered to the sole.
Alternatively, the pivot component may be completely separable from the sole. The front sole portion of the sole may comprises a pivot component attachment area. The pivot component may further comprise a protrusion portion and a sole attachment portion. The sole attachment portion of the pivot component is attachable to the pivot component attachment area of the front sole portion of the sole. The protrusion portion may comprise a textured outer or gripping surface.
In an additional embodiment, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein comprises a balance training device. The balance training device is configured for use with a shoe. The balance training device comprises a sole cover and a pivot component. The pivot component extends downward out of a bottom of the sole cover. The sole cover is configured to slip over a bottom of the shoe.
The pivot component is configured to train a user to balance on the pivot component. The pivot component is a protrusion preventing a user from standing flat footed. The pivot component may be a generally convex, bubble, ovoid, or dome shape creating a balance point when in contact with the ground. The pivot component is positioned under a ball of a user's foot when the balance training device is attached to the shoe.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2A illustrates an end perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 2B illustrates an end perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a pivot component detached from a shoe of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7A illustrates a pivot component of one potential embodiment of the balance training device in a round configuration of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 7B illustrates a pivot component of one potential embodiment of the balance training device in an ovoid configuration of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture

FIG. 7C illustrates a pivot component of one potential embodiment of the balance training device in a rectangular configuration of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture

FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a pivot component of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, relates to shoes or footwear that have an inverted balance ball positioned along the bottom. The shoes force the wearer to balance themselves, thereby engaging muscles in the process of exercise or everyday life. This special training shoe has a semi-circular or curved profile extending from the bottom of the runner. This profile is typically semi-spherical, or close to semi-spherical. The center of the spherical shape is approximately located under the ball of the user's foot. The intent of the profile is to raise the user's foot above the ground, requiring them to balance on the raised profile. Users will find that keeping their heels of the ground requires balance and strength, creating a great workout while just standing in one place.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7C illustrate a balance training device 100. The balance training device 100 is configured for improving balance, stability, and fitness through low impact training. The balance training device 100 is designed to elevate a front portion of the users foot away from the heel. The balance training device 100 allows the user to work on balance anywhere with low risk of injury by raising the user's foot above the ground, requiring them to balance on the raised profile off of their heels.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, the balance training device 100 comprises a shoe 110 and a pivot component 140. The shoe 110 comprises an upper 112 and a sole 120. The shoe 110 further comprises a toe portion 112 and a rear or heel portion 116. The shoe 110 is typically an athletic-type shoe, such as a tennis or running type shoe, however, this is not meant as a limitation as the shoe could be any time of footwear. The upper 112 is the foot receiving portion and is attached to the sole 120. The sole 120 comprises a heel portion 124, a midsole portion 126, and a front sole portion 128.
The pivot component 140 comprises a protrusion portion 142 that extends or protrudes out of a portion of an exterior surface 122 of the sole 120. The pivot component 140 is configured to train a user to balance on the pivot component 140. The protrusion portion 142 is located to prevent a user from standing flat footed. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A-C, the protrusion portion 142 may be a generally convex, bubble, ovoid, semi-spherical, or dome shaped. However, this is not meant as a limitation as the shape may be half-dome, rectangular, square, or any other shape that would elevate a portion of the shoe 110. The pivot component 140 is designed to create a balance point when in contact with the ground. The pivot component 140 may be integrated directly into the sole 120. Alternatively, the pivot component 140 may be adhered directly to the sole 120. Additionally, the pivot component 140 may be different sized to accommodate different levels of ability.
The pivot component 140 may be positioned to extend out or the front sole portion 128 the mid sole portion 126, or a combination thereof. This positioning allows the user to balance on a ball of the foot and off of the heel. The ball of the foot is elevated forcing the user to use muscles to balance on the ball of the foot improving balance and leg and core strength. The pivot component 140 is flexible or pliable to allow for low impact exercise. The pivot component 140 may be air filled, gel filled, or may be solid in construction and may be denser or less dense than the sole 120 depending on the desired characteristics. The pivot component 140 or the sole 120 may also be weighted to enhance the exercise experience alleviating the need for ankle weights.
As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the pivot component 140 may be inflatable and collapsible. A valve 150 in the protrusion portion 142 may be used in inflate and deflate the pivot component 140. This allows the user to customize the workout intensity and to use the balance training device 100 as regular footwear when desired. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the protrusion portion 142 may comprise a textured outer or gripping surface 144. The textured outer or gripping surface 144 is configured to improve contact with the ground to improve stability. The pivot component may be integrated directly into or adhered directly to the sole via an adhesive.
Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 , the pivot component 140 may be completely detachable from the shoe 110. The pivot component 140 may also be adjustable in position on the sole 120. The front sole portion 128 of the sole 120 may comprises a pivot component attachment area 130. The pivot component 140 may further comprise a sole attachment portion 146. An attachment element 148 of the sole attachment portion 146 of the pivot component 140 is attachable to an attachment element 132 of the pivot component attachment area 130 of the front sole portion 128 of the sole 120. The attachment elements 132 and 148 may be a mechanical fastening system, such as hook and loop fasteners. This would allow the user to change sizes and shapes of the pivot component 140 as desired. The protrusion portion 142 may comprise the textured outer or gripping surface 144 configured to improve contact with the ground to improve stability.
In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein comprises a balance training device 200. The balance training device 200 is configured for use with a shoe 10. The balance training device 200 is configured as a slip-on cover configured to fit over a sole 12 of a shoe 10.
The balance training device 200 comprises a sole cover 250 and a pivot component 260. The pivot component 260 is a protrusion or bubble, similar to pivot component 140 that extends out of a bottom 252 of the sole cover 250. The sole cover 250 is flexible and elastic in construction and is configured to frictionally engage a bottom and sole 12 of the shoe 10.
The protrusion 260 is configured to train a user to balance on the protrusion 260. The protrusion 260 is configured to prevent a user from standing flat footed. The protrusion 260 may be a generally convex, bubble, ovoid, or dome shape creating a balance point when in contact with the ground, similar to pivot component 140. The protrusion 260 is positioned under a ball of a user's foot when the balance training device 200 is attached to the shoe 10. The protrusion 260 may comprise the textured outer or gripping surface 144 configured to improve contact with the ground to improve stability. The protrusion 260 is flexible or pliable to allow for low impact exercise. The protrusion 260 is typically gel filled or solid in construction.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the balance training devices 100 and 200 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the balance training devices 100 and 200 and their various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the balance training devices 100 and 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the balance training devices 100 and 200 and their components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the balance training devices 100 and 200 and their various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the balance training devices 100 and 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the balance training devices 100 and 200 are designed to be applied.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A balance training device comprising:

a shoe comprising an upper and a sole attached to the upper, the sole comprising a heel portion, a midsole portion, and a front sole portion;

a pivot component extending out of a portion of the sole; and

wherein the pivot component is configured to train a user to balance on the pivot component.

2. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component is flexible.

3. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component extends out of the front sole portion.

4. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component extends out of the midsole and front sole portions.

5. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component is convex in shape.

6. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component is semi-spherical in shape.

7. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component is ovoid in shape.

8. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component is inflatable.

9. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component comprises a textured outer surface.

10. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component is denser than the sole.

11. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the sole is denser than the pivot component.

12. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component is weighted.

13. The balance training device of claim 1, wherein the pivot component is detachable from the sole.

14. A balance training device comprising:

a shoe comprising an upper and a sole attached to the upper, the sole comprising a heel portion, a midsole portion, and a front sole portion comprising a pivot component attachment area;

a pivot component extending out of a portion of the sole, the pivot component comprising a protrusion portion and a sole attachment portion; and

15. The balance training device of claim 14, wherein the pivot component is convex in shape.

16. The balance training device of claim 14, wherein the pivot component is attached to the sole via a mechanical fastening system.

17. The balance training device of claim 14, wherein the pivot component is attached to the sole via an adhesive.

18. The balance training device of claim 14, wherein the protrusion portion comprises a gripping surface.

19. A balance training device for use with a shoe, the balance training device comprising:

a sole cover;

a pivot component extending out of a bottom of the sole cover, and

wherein the sole cover is configured to slip over a bottom of the shoe; and

20. The balance training device of claim 19, wherein the pivot component is positioned under a ball of a user's foot when the balance training device is attached to the shoe.