AU2005225023A1 - Shoe with Pedometer - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE STANDARD PATENT SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED: SHOE WITH PEDOMETER This invention is described in the following statement:n Shoe with Pedometer SField of the Invention O The invention relates to footwear and more particularly to a shoe in 00 5 which a pedometer is incorporated.

c Background of the Invention Pedometers are devices for counting and displaying the number of c- steps taken by a person. By measuring the number of steps taken, the c-i n 10 pedometer is able to then calculate and display other metrics such as distance 0covered (in a variety of measurement units) and velocity. In some instances, a pedometer can be adjusted to take into account a person's stride length.

Pedometers that are worn on the wrist or on the belt are well known.

Objects and Summary of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a shoe in which a pedometer is incorporated.

It is another object of the invention to provide a running shoe, which incorporates a pedometer.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, a pedometer with a digital display is incorporated into a tongue of a shoe.

The pedometer is incorporated into the tongue of a shoe so that the display of the pedometer can face the user when the shoe is worn.

The pedometer may be housed in a hinged case.

In some embodiments one shoe in a pair has a pedometer in a hinged case and the other shoe has a hinged case without a pedometer in it.

Description of the Drawing Figures In order that the invention be better understood, reference is now made to the following drawing figure(s) in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a left shoe having a pedometer incorporated into the heel; Figure 2 is another perspective illustration demonstrating various positions for the pedometer display area; SFigure 3 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a further embodiment illustrating a removable O pedometer; 00 5 Figure 5 is a further embodiment illustrating a pedometer located in the tongue of a running shoe; c Figure 6 is another embodiment illustrating a pedometer located in the tongue of a running shoe; SFigure 7 is an embodiment of a pedometer display and control tr 10 area; Figure 8 is another embodiment of a pedometer display and control area; Figure 9 is a further embodiment of a shoe incorporating a pedometer located within a hinged case; Figure lo is a side elevation of the shoe and hinged pedometer case in an open position; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a shoe and pedometer with a hinged case in an open position; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the device depicted in Figure 11 with a portion of the case removed; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of a shoe with hinged case showing the removal of a case portion.

Best Mode and Other Embodiments of the Invention As shown in Figure 1, a shoe lo has a laced upper 11 and a sole 12. In this example, the sole 12 includes an integral heel 13. As illustrated, a pedometer 14 is incorporated or embedded in the heel 13.

In this example, the invention is illustrated with reference to a running shoe. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular type of shoe or sole or heel configuration.

In the example provided in Figure 1, the pedometer 14 includes a display area 15 and a control area 16. The display area 15 depicts output information such as distance covered (in any convenient unit of measurement), or number of steps or strides. The display area 15 can also be used to display configuration information such as the wearer's stride length, Swhich can be input by the user. In preferred embodiments the display is an O LCD display that may be backlit or illuminated so that it can be used at night 00 5 or under low lighting conditions.

The control area 16 is used to locate the user's control interface, such as c buttons that are used to configure the device and control the type or style of 0output depicted in the display area 15. Button presses by the user can be used c- to change units of measurement or to input stride length. An optional reset tV 10 button may be provided.

The pedometer can also be configured to display the number of calories burnt by the user by converting the number of steps taken to calories into accordance to any one of a number of standard formulas known for this purpose.

The pedometer can also incorporate a number of different alarms.

Device inputs can allow the user to input a preference for an audible or visual alarm to be delivered after a preset or user input number of steps, kilometres or calories.

In preferred embodiments, the device may be preset to convert st-ides to distance according to the shoe size in which the device is provided.

Accordingly, a larger shoe size would indicate a longer stride and therefore fewer strides per meter or kilometre.

Strides are counted by measuring the impact of the shoe against the ground. Each impact of the shoe against the ground indicates a single stride.

Only a single pedometer is required for each pair of shoes.

As shown in Figure 2, the miniaturisation of a digital pedometer allows it to be located practically anywhere. In this example, display areas associated with the integrated pedometer may be provided on the toe 21 of the shoe or on the tongue 22 of the shoe.

As illustrated in Figure 3, a digital pedometer 30 may be permanently or semi permanently located within the shoe construction. In this example, the pedometer is located in the sole beneath the wearer's heel. In this example, the pedometer 30 generates a wireless signal 31 using Wi-Fi or another wireless protocol. The signal 31 is received by a wireless receiver and display device 32 which is worn by or carried by the user. The receiver and 0display device 32 could be the user's PDA, mobile phone or a dedicated device N worn on the belt or wrist. In this way, the shoe 33 need not incorporate user O controls or display.

00 5 Another embodiment is depicted in Figure 4. In this example, an opening or embedded casing 40 is moulded permanently into the shoe's heel c 41. The casing 40 includes a main opening 42 and threaded openings 43. The pedometer 44 has its own casing and a front panel 45. The front panel 45 has through openings 46 that receive fasteners 47. The fasteners 47 extend t 10 through the openings 46 and into the threaded openings 43 formed into the case 40. In this way, the pedometer 44 can be removed, for example, for replacing batteries contained in a battery'compartment 47.

In some preferred embodiments the pedometer is located in a pocket formed in the tongue of the shoe. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, this location is ideal in a running shoe. As illustrated, the tongue 50 is padded and protrudes above the laces. This serves to provide a convenient viewing location, ease of programming, mechanical cushioning for the pedometer and comfort for the user. The pedometer can be removed from its location in the tongue. Removal can be through the primary opening or through a separate slot, if required.

The opening may be made so that it is elastic enough to allow withdrawal of the pedometer when it is stretched. Where a removal slot is provided, the slot may be sealed with hook and loop type fastener material or the like.

In preferred embodiments, where one shoe is provided with a pedometer in the tongue, the other shoe in the pair is counterweighted with a counterweight, for example, a removable counterweight, also located in the tongue.

As shown in Figure 5, the upper surface 51 of the tongue 50 includes an opening 52 and the pedometer 53 is inserted between the upper and lower surfaces of the tongue. Thus the display area 54 and control area 55 are visible and accessible through the opening 52. Stitching 56 may be provided around the opening 52 to reinforce it. In some embodiments, the pedometer is inserted and removed through the opening 52.

As shown in Figure 6, the pedometer 60 may be similarly mounted so that it is visible and accessible through an opening 61 in the bottom surface or underside 62 of the tongue 63.

O As shown in Figures 7 and 8, different display and control schemes are 00 5 contemplated. As illustrated in Figure 7, the pedometer displays a numeral that is dependent on the display mode determined by the user. One user input c button 70 allows the user to set the stride length and units of display and other set-up information as required. A second user input 71 allows the user tc select the display mode and operation mode. A third input 72 operates as a re- .n 10 set. If desired, the display can be programmed to display steps, leg raises, distance in a variety of units, calories or time. Information of this type can also be transmitted by the pedometer by a wireless protocol to a wireless receiver located in a watch, PDA, telephone, PC or other device. The pedometer can also include a small speaker to emit voice announcements or alarm tones that relate to the data accumulated by the pedometer.

As shown in Figure 8, another display style 80 provides simultaneous indications for a number of different metrics. In this example, total steps take distance 81 and time 82 are displayed simultaneously. Other metrics may be displayed and user inputs can be operated to change the display modes and programme the unit.

A further embodiment of the invention is depicted with reference to Figures 9-13.

As shown in Figure 9, a shoe such as a running shoe go90 has a padded tongue 91 into which is incorporated a hinged case 92. The hinged case 92 comprises an inner case portion 93 that is permanently or semi-permanently retained by the tongue 91. Hinged to the inner case portion 93 is an outer case portion 94. The two case portions 93, 94 are held together by a horizontally oriented hinge 95 that allows the outer case portion 94 to open in the direction of the arrow 96. The inner case portion 93 may be sewn or glued in position or retained by an interference fit between the tongue and a circumferential retaining flange 97 associated with the inner case portion 93.

In preferred embodiments, both shoes in a pair have similarly configured tongues, each one retaining a hinged case of the type depicted in Figure 9. One of the hinged cases in the pair retains a pedometer located t within the outer case portion 94. The other hinged case does not contain a pedometer but may be used to contain an optional counter weight so that the Sweight of both shoes in the pair are equal. The empty case may also be used to O contain personal effects such as keys, cash, coins or the like.

00 5 As shown in Figure lO, the hinged case 92 may be opened, by pivoting the outer case portion 94 about the hinge 95. In the open position, the Sinterior surface o101 of the outer case portion 94 is oriented upward so that it Cmay be visually inspected by the wearer of the shoe.

As shown in 11, in the open position, the hinged case 92 containir.g the t 10 pedometer 11o preferably displays the pedometer so that the readout or display 111 is visible to and correctly faces the wearer of the shoe. The pedometer and its controls are akin to the types of digital pedometers discussed generally with reference to Figures 1-8.

Although the inner and outer portions of the hinged case 92 may be assembled in a number of ways, Figure 12 suggests the use of a longitudinal retaining screw or hinge pin 120 that co-operates with the horizontal hinge portion 121 located along the lower edge or extent of the inner case portion 93. In this example, the demountable outer case portion 94 contains the generally flush mounted pedometer module 122 which itself may be removed from the outer case portion 94, if required. A similar mechanism for the removal of the hollow outer case portion 131 is depicted in Figure 13. Because the demountable outer case portions of both shoes are substantially identical the outer case portion that contains the pedometer may be interchanged with the other, or hollow outer case portion. This allows the pedometer 122 to be carried by either shoe at the preference of the manufacturer or the user. The releasable hinge mechanism also allows the pedometer 122 to be easily accessed and removed for service purposes, changing of the battery etc.

In summary, Figures 9-13 disclose a pair of shoes having hinged cases retained by the tongues of each of the shoes in the pair. One of the hinged cases contains a pedometer and the other hinged case is hollow. The outer portions of the hinged cases are interchangeable so that the pedometer may be worn on either shoe. The hinged case is opened by rotating the outer case portion about a horizontal hinge that interconnects the two case portions.

When the hinged case is opened, the interior of the outer case portion faces Supward allowing a convenient visual inspection of e.g. the pedometer and its display. The outer surface of the outer hinge portion may be used to imprint a Sbrand, logo or other graphic or textual information, as desired.

0 While the present invention has been described with reference to 00 5 particular examples and details of construction, these should be understood as having been provided for teaching purposes and not as limitations to the Cc scope of spirit or the invention.

Claims (10)

1. A shoe having a tongue, wherein: 0 Z the tongue has an upper surface in which is located an opening; the opening retaining a case having an inner portion and an outer portion that Cc are attached to one another by a hinge; Sone of the portions containing a pedometer. (Ni S 10 2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein: the two portions comprise an inner portion and an outer portion and the pedometer is located within the outer portion.

3. The shoe of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein: the hinge extends horizontally along a lower edge of the portions.

4. The shoe of any one of claims 1-3, wherein: the tongue further comprises a lower surface and the inner portion of the case is retained between the inner portion and the outer portion of the tongue. The shoe of claim 4, wherein: the inner portion is retained by an interference fit with the opening and is removable.

6. The shoe of claim 4, wherein: the inner portion further comprises a retaining flange. t 7. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising: a second shoe having tongue with an upper surface in which is located a z second opening; the second opening retaining a second case having a second inner portion and a second outer portion that are attached to one another by a second hinge. c (Ni 8. The shoe of claim 7, wherein: the second case contains a counterweight.

9. The shoe of claim 7, wherein: the outer portion and the second outer portion are interchangeable. lO. The shoe of any one of claims 1-9, wherein: the pedometer is visible to and faces a user when the outer portion of the case is opened.

11. The shoe of any one of claims 1-1o wherein: a hinge or the hinges are demountable.

12. A shoe having a tongue, wherein: the tongue has an upper surface in which is located an opening; the opening retaining a pedometer.

13. A shoe having a tongue, wherein: the tongue has a surface on which is mounted a pedometer. 0 S 5 14. The shoe of either of claims 12 or 13, wherein: the pedometer is inserted and retained in an opening formed in the tongue Sand is removable from the opening. C 10 15. The shoe of any one of claims 1-14, wherein: Sthe shoe is a running shoe.

16. The shoe of any one of claims 1-15, wherein: the pedometer is adapted to communicate data to an external device over a wireless network.

17. A shoe with a pedometer as previously described with reference to any one of the drawing figures. Molins Co. for the Applicants Michael Porcu and Lorraine Bechara