US20160029738A1

US20160029738A1 - High top golf shoe

Info

Publication number: US20160029738A1
Application number: US14/449,741
Authority: US
Inventors: Mario Llanes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-08-01
Filing date: 2014-08-01
Publication date: 2016-02-04

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to high top golf shoes. The high top golf shoes may include an upper portion that limits angle rotation in a first direction different than in a second direction. The high top golf shoes may include an upper portion that includes material which flexes when in compression and that resists stretching when a tensile force is applied. The high top golf shoes may include an upper portion having different material than a mid-portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to high top golf shoes. In particular, the present disclosure relates to high top golf shoes that allow a user to swing a golf club without ankle rotation related limitation.

BACKGROUND

Typically, when a person swings a golf club, a corresponding swing motion requires rotation of the person's ankles with respect to a respective foot. Generally, a person's right ankle will rotate with respect to her right foot differently than the person's left ankle rotates relative to her left foot throughout an associated golf club swing motion.
Ankle weakness and/or ankle injury often requires some sort of brace that limits rotation of an ankle relative to a foot. Limiting a person's ankle rotation may also limit the person's golf club swing motion.
A high top golf shoe is needed that limits a person's ankle rotation relative to a respective foot without limiting his golf club swing motion.

SUMMARY

A pair of high top golf shoes are provided. The pair of high top golf shoes includes a right shoe including a right sole, a right mid-portion and a right upper portion, wherein the right upper portion includes first right material on a right inner side and a second right material on a right outer side. The first right material on the right inner side limits right ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second right material on the outer right side limits right ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle. The pair of high top golf shoes further includes a left shoe including a left sole, a left mid-portion and a left upper portion, wherein the left upper portion includes first left material on a left inner side and a second left material on a left outer side. The first left material on the left inner side limits left ankle rotation in a third direction to less than a third angle and the second left material on the outer left side limits left ankle rotation in a forth direction to less than a forth angle, wherein the third angle is different than the forth angle.
In another embodiment, a high top golf shoe is provided. The high top golf shoe includes a sole, a mid-portion and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion includes first material on an inner side and a second material on an outer side. The first material on the inner side limits ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side limits ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.
In a further embodiment, a high top golf shoe includes a mid-portion and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion includes first material on an inner side and a second material on an outer side. The first material on the inner side limits ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side limits ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle allow a user to swing a golf club without ankle rotation limitation.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a front plan view of a person at a beginning of a golf club swing motion;

FIG. 1B depicts a front plan view of a person during a backswing of a golf club swing motion;

FIG. 1C depicts a front plan view of a person at a top of a golf club swing motion;

FIG. 1D depicts a front plan view of a person at a beginning of a downswing of a golf club swing motion;

FIG. 1E depicts a front plan view of a person at a follow through of a golf club swing motion;

FIG. 2A illustrate a front plan view of an ankle rotation relative to a foot;

FIG. 2B illustrate a front plan view of an ankle rotation relative to a foot;

FIG. 3A depicts a right-side profile view of an example right high top golf shoe;

FIG. 3B depicts a bottom plan view of an example right high top golf shoe sole;

FIG. 3C depicts a bottom, right-side, perspective view of an example right high top golf shoe;

FIG. 3D depicts a bottom plan view of an example right high top golf shoe sole;

FIG. 3E depicts a bottom plan view of an example right high top golf shoe sole;

FIG. 4 depicts a right-side, front, perspective view of another example right high top golf shoe;

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of an example left high top golf shoe;

FIG. 5B depicts a perspective view of an example left high top golf shoe;

FIG. 6A depicts a rear profile view of a replaceable upper portion for an example left high top golf shoe;

FIG. 6B depicts a rear profile view of a replaceable upper portion for an example right high top golf shoe;

FIG. 6C depicts a perspective view of an example left high top golf shoe;

FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of another example left high top golf shoe;

FIG. 8 depicts a left-side profile view of another example left high top golf shoe;

FIG. 9A depicts a top profile view of another right high top golf shoe;

FIG. 9B depicts a rear profile view of another right high top golf shoe;

FIG. 9C depicts a top, front, right-side perspective view of another right high top golf shoe;

FIG. 10A depicts a perspective view of a left high top golf shoe; and

FIG. 10B depicts a perspective view of a left high top golf shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or may only address one of the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features described below.
A pair of high top golf shoes is provided that may limit a person's ankle rotation relative to a respective foot without limiting her golf club swing motion. A right golf shoe may be provided that allows a person's right ankle to rotate with respect to her right foot and a left golf shoe may be provided that allows the person's left ankle to rotate with respect to her left foot differently than the person's right ankle rotates relative to her right foot throughout an associated golf club swing motion.
Turning to FIG. 1A, a front profile view of a person 125 a beginning a golf club 130 a swing motion 100 a is depicted. As will be illustrated with additional reference to FIGS. 1B-1D, the a right ankle of the person 125 a will rotate relative to a right foot 105 a by a first angle 115 a and a left ankle of the person 125 a will rotate relative to a left foot 110 a by a second angle 120 a through the golf club 130 a swing motion 100 a-100 d.
With reference to FIG. 1B, a front profile view of a person 125 b approximately half way through a golf club 130 b back swing motion 100 b is depicted. Relative to a position of the person 125 a, while the left ankle angle 120 b has not changed relative the left foot 110 b, the left foot angle 121 b has increased relative to the ground. The right ankle angle 115 b has not changed relative the right foot 105 b.
Turning to FIG. 1C, a front profile view of a person 125 c approximately at a top of a golf club 130 c swing motion 100 c is depicted. Relative to a position of the person 125 b, the left ankle angle 120 c has increased relative the left foot 110 c and the left foot angle 121 c has increased relative to the ground. The right ankle angle 115 c has not changed relative the right foot 105 c.
With reference to FIG. 1D, a front profile view of a person 125 c approximately half way through a golf club 130 c down swing motion 100 c is depicted. Relative to a position of the person 125 c, the left ankle angle 120 d has decreased relative the left foot 110 c and the left foot angle has decreased relative to the ground. The right ankle angle 115 d has increased relative the right foot 105 d.
Turning to FIG. 1E, a front profile view of a person 125 e beginning into a follow through portion of a golf club 130 e swing motion 100 e is depicted. Relative to a position of the person 125 d, the left ankle angle 120 e has increased relative the left foot 110 e and the left foot angle has not changed relative to the ground. The right ankle angle 115 e has increased relative the right foot 105 e and a right foot angle 116 e has increased relative to the ground.
With reference to FIG. 2A, a front profile view 200 a is depicted of a person's right foot within a right high top golf shoe 205 a. The profile view 200 a may illustrate an exploded view of a right foot similar to the right foot 105 a-105 e of FIGS. 1A-1E. The right high top golf shoe 205 a is depicted as being rotated at an ankle angle 215 a and a golf shoe angle 216 a with a side of the golf shoe 205 a off the ground by a distance 217 a.
Turning to FIG. 2B, a front profile view 200 b is depicted of a person's right foot within a right high top golf shoe 205 b. The profile view 200 b may illustrate an exploded view of a right foot similar to the right foot 105 a-105 e of FIGS. 1A-1E. The right golf shoe 205 b is depicted as being rotated at an ankle angle 215 b, 216 b.
While only a right high top golf shoe 205 a, 205 b is depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively, it should be understood that a left high top golf shoe may be paired with the right high top golf shoe to define a pair of high top golf shoes. The pair of high top golf shoes may include a right shoe including a right sole, a right mid-portion and a right upper portion, wherein the right upper portion may include first right material on a right inner side and a second right material on a right outer side. The first right material on the right inner side may limit right ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second right material on the outer right side may limit right ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle. The pair of high top golf shoes may further include a left shoe including a left sole, a left mid-portion and a left upper portion, wherein the left upper portion includes first left material on a left inner side and a second left material on a left outer side. The first left material on the left inner side may limit left ankle rotation in a third direction to less than a third angle and the second left material on the outer left side may limit left ankle rotation in a forth direction to less than a forth angle, wherein the third angle may be different than the forth angle. For example, at least one of a first right material, a second right material, a first left material or a second left material may flex when compressive forces are applied linearly along the respective material. Optionally, or additionally, at least one of a first right material, a second right material, a first left material or a second left material may substantially resist stretching when tensile forces are applied linearly along the respective material.
A sole, a mid portion and/or an upper portion may include leather. For example, leather may be processed and then added to the exterior of the shoe to create a stretch-free, tight-fitting waterproof shoe. Leather may be in a saddle for design to stabilize the surface of the shoe and may be breathable. Optionally, or additionally, a sole, a mid portion and/or an upper portion may include rubber, plastic, Goretex, a woven material, wool, nonporous polyester and/or any combination or sub-combination thereof.
With reference to FIG. 3A, a right-side profile view of a right high top golf shoe 300 a is depicted. The right high top golf shoe 300 a may include a right sole 310 a, a mid portion 305 a and an upper portion 315 a. The upper portion 315 a may define a rear golf shoe angle 306 a. The upper portion 315 a may include a first material on an inner side and a second material on an outer side. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
Turning to FIG. 3B, a bottom profile view 300 b is depicted of a right sole 310 b. The right sole 310 b may be incorporated within a right high top golf shoe (e.g., right high top golf shoe 300 a of FIG. 3A). The right sole 310 b may include vertical treads 311 b, horizontal treads 312 b and a logo 301 b. The vertical treads 311 b and horizontal treads 312 b may limit linear and/or angular movement of the right sole 310 b relative to an associated surface (e.g., the ground).
With reference to FIG. 3C, a bottom, right-side, perspective view of a right high top golf shoe 300 c is depicted. The right high top golf shoe 300 c may be similar to the right high top golf shoe 300 a of FIG. 3A. The right high top golf shoe 300 c may include a right sole 310 c, a mid portion 305 c and an upper portion 315 c. The right sole 310 c may include a logo 301 c, treads 311 c and spikes 313 c. The treads 311 c and the spikes 313 c may limit linear and/or angular movement of the right sole 310 c relative to an associated surface (e.g., the ground).
Turning to FIG. 3D, a bottom profile view 300 d is depicted of a right sole 310 d. The right sole 310 d may be incorporated within a right high top golf shoe (e.g., right high top golf shoe 300 a of FIG. 3A). The right sole 310 d may include a logo 301 d and spikes 313 d. The spikes 313 d may limit linear and/or angular movement of the right sole 310 d relative to an associated surface (e.g., the ground).
With reference to FIG. 3E, a bottom profile view 300 e is depicted of a right sole 310 e. The right sole 310 e may be incorporated within a right high top golf shoe (e.g., right high top golf shoe 300 a of FIG. 3A). The right sole 310 e may include first treads 311 e, second treads 312 e and a logo 301 e. The first treads 311 e and second treads 312 e may limit linear and/or angular movement of the right sole 310 e relative to an associated surface (e.g., the ground).
Turning to FIG. 4, a front, right-side, top, perspective view of a right high top golf shoe 400 is depicted. The right high top golf shoe 400 may include a right sole 410, a mid portion 405 and an upper portion 415. The right high top golf shoe 400 may further include laces 420 configured to secure the right high top golf shoe 400 to a person's right foot (e.g., right foot 105 a of FIG. 1A). The upper portion 415 may include a first material on an inner side and a second material on an outer side. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
With reference to FIG. 5A, a front, left-side, top, perspective view of a left high top golf shoe 500 a is depicted. The left high top golf shoe may include a left sole 510 a, a left mid portion 505 a and a left upper portion 515 a. The left mid portion 505 a may include a tong 506 a configured to secure the left high top golf shoe 500 a to a person's left foot (e.g., left foot 110 a of FIG. 1A). The left upper portion 515 a may include a first strap 516 a and a second strap 517 a configured to secure the upper portion 515 a to a person's lower leg above her ankle. The upper portion 515 a may include a first material on an inner side and a second material on an outer side. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
Turning to FIG. 5B, a front, left-side, top, perspective view of a left high top golf shoe 500 b is depicted. The left high top golf shoe may include a left sole 510 b, a left mid portion 505 b and a left upper portion 515 b. The left mid portion 505 b may include a tong 506 b configured to secure the left high top golf shoe 500 b to a person's left foot (e.g., left foot 110 a of FIG. 1A). The left upper portion 515 b may include a first strap 516 b and a second strap 517 b configured to secure the upper portion 515 b to a person's lower leg above her ankle.
With reference to FIG. 6A, a front, left-side, top, perspective view of a left high top golf shoe 600 a is depicted. The left high top golf shoe 600 a may include a left sole 610 a, a left mid portion 605 a and a removable left upper portion 615 a. The removable left upper portion 615 a may be removably secured to the left mid portion 605 a via laces 620 a and/or Velcro. The left mid portion 605 a may include laces 620 a configured to secure the left high top golf shoe 600 a to a person's left foot (e.g., left foot 110 a of FIG. 1A). The removable left upper portion 615 a may include a first strap 616 a and a second strap 617 a configured to secure the removable left upper portion 615 a to a person's lower leg above his ankle.
Turning to FIG. 6B, a rear profile view 600 b is depicted of a removable left upper portion 615 b. The removable left upper portion 615 b may include a first strap 616 b and a second strap 617 b configured to secure the removable left upper portion 615 b to a person's lower left leg above his ankle. The upper portion 615 b may include a first material on an inner side 616 b and a second material on an outer side 617 b. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
With reference to FIG. 6C, a rear profile view 600 c is depicted of a removable right upper portion 615 c. The removable left upper portion 615 c may include a first strap 616 c and a second strap 617 c configured to secure the removable right upper portion 615 c to a person's lower right leg above his ankle. The upper portion 615 c may include a first material on an inner side 617 c and a second material on an outer side 616 c. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
Turning to FIG. 7, a front, left-side, top, perspective view of a left high top golf shoe 700 is depicted. The left high top golf shoe 700 may include a left sole 710, a left mid portion 705 and a left upper portion 700. The mid portion 705 may include a tong 725. The left upper portion 700 may be secured to the left mid portion 705 via laces 720 and/or Velcro. The left mid portion 705 may include laces 720 configured to secure the left high top golf shoe 700 to a person's left foot (e.g., left foot 110 a of FIG. 1A). The left upper portion 715 may include a first strap 716 and a second strap 717 configured to secure the left upper portion 715 to a person's lower leg above his ankle.
With reference to FIG. 8, a left-side profile view of a left high top golf shoe 800 is depicted. The left high top golf shoe 800 may include a left sole 810, a left mid portion 805 and a left upper portion 800. The left upper portion 800 may be secured to the left mid portion 805 via laces and/or Velcro 818. The left mid portion 805 may include a flap 806 configured to secure the left high top golf shoe 800 to a person's left foot (e.g., left foot 110 a of FIG. 1A). The left upper portion 815 may include a first strap 816 and a Velcro connector 817 configured to secure the left upper portion 815 to a person's lower leg above his ankle.
Turning to FIG. 9A, a top profile view is depicted of a high top golf shoe 900 a. The high top golf shoe 900 a may include a mid portion 905 a, laces 920 a, a tong 925 a and an upper portion 915 a having a first strap 916 a and a second strap 917 a configured to secure the upper portion 915 a to a person's lower leg above his ankle. The upper portion 915 a may include a first material on an inner side 916 a and a second material on an outer side 917 a. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle may allow a user to swing a golf club without ankle rotation limitation.
With reference to FIG. 9B, a rear profile view is depicted of a high top golf shoe 900 b including a sole 910 b, a mid outer portion 905 b and a mid inner portion 907 b. The mid outer portion 905 b may include a first material and the mid inner portion 907 b may include a second material. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
Turning to FIG. 9C, a right-side, top, front perspective view is depicted of a high top golf shoe 900 c including a sole 910 c having spikes 911 c, a mid portion 905 c having laces 920 c and a tong 925 c, and an upper portion 915 c. The upper portion 915 c may include a first strap 916 c and a second strap 917 c configured to secure the upper portion 915 c to a person's lower leg above his ankle. The upper portion 915 c may include a first material on an inner side 917 c and a second material on an outer side 916 c. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
With reference to FIG. 10A, a left-side, top, front perspective view is depicted of a high top golf shoe 1000 a including a sole 1010 a having spikes 1011 a, a mid portion 1005 a having laces 1020 a, and an upper portion 1015 a. The upper portion 1015 a may include first removable inserts 1016 a and second removable inserts 1017 a configured to limit movement of the upper portion 1015 a relative to a person's lower leg above his ankle. The upper portion 1015 a may include a first material on an inner side 1018 a and a second material on an opposite outer side. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
Turning to FIG. 10B, a left-side, top, front perspective view is depicted of a high top golf shoe 1000 b including a sole 1010 b having spikes 1011 b, a mid portion 1005 b having laces 1020 b, and an upper portion 1015 b. The upper portion 1015 b may include a first removable insert 1016 b and strap 1017 b configured to limit movement of the upper portion 1015 b relative to a person's lower leg above his ankle. The upper portion 1015 b may include a first material on an outer side 1017 b and a second material on an opposite inner side. The first material on the inner side may limit ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle and the second material on the outer side may limit ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle may be different than the second angle.
This detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. A pair of high top golf shoes, comprising:

a right shoe including a right sole, a right mid-portion and a right upper portion, wherein the right upper portion includes first right material on a right inner side and a second right material on a right outer side;

the first right material on the right inner side limits right ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle; and

the second right material on the outer right side limits right ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle;

a left shoe including a left sole, a left mid-portion and a left upper portion, wherein the left upper portion includes first left material on a left inner side and a second left material on a left outer side;

the first left material on the left inner side limits left ankle rotation in a third direction to less than a third angle; and

the second left material on the outer left side limits left ankle rotation in a forth direction to less than a forth angle, wherein the third angle is different than the forth angle.

2. The pair of high top golf shoes of claim 1, wherein the first angle is different than the third angle.

3. The pair of high top golf shoes of claim 1, wherein the second angle is different than the forth angle.

4. The pair of high top golf shoes of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first right material, the second right material, the first left material or the second left material flexes when compressive forces are applied linearly along the respective material.

5. The pair of high top golf shoes of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first right material, the second right material, the first left material or the second left material substantially resists stretching when tensile forces are applied linearly along the respective material.

6. The pair of high top golf shoes of claim 1, wherein at least one of the right upper portion or the left upper portion further comprises a Velcro fastener to secure the respective upper portion around a respective lower leg of a user above a respective ankle.

7. The pair of high top golf shoes of claim 6, wherein at least one of the right mid portion or the left mid portion further comprises shoe string and lacing features to secure the respective mid portion to a respective foot of a user.

8. The pair of high top golf shoes of claim 1, wherein the right upper portion includes a different material than the right mid portion and the left upper portion includes a different material than the left mid portion.

9. A high top golf shoe, comprising:

a sole, a mid-portion and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion includes first material on an inner side and a second material on an outer side;

the first material on the inner side limits ankle rotation in a first direction to less than a first angle; and

the second material on the outer side limits ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle is different than the second angle.

10. The high top golf shoe of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first material or the second material flexes when compressive forces are applied linearly along the respective material.

11. The high top golf shoe of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first material or the second material substantially resists stretching when tensile forces are applied linearly along the respective material.

12. The high top golf shoe of claim 9, wherein the upper portion further comprises a Velcro fastener to secure the upper portion around a respective lower leg of a user above a respective ankle.

13. The high top golf shoe of claim 12, wherein the mid portion further comprises shoe string and lacing features to secure the mid portion to a respective foot of a user.

14. The high top golf shoe of claim 9, wherein the upper portion includes a different material than the mid portion.

15. A high top golf shoe, comprising:

a mid-portion and an upper portion, wherein the upper portion includes first material on an inner side and a second material on an outer side;

the second material on the outer side limits ankle rotation in a second direction to less than a second angle, wherein the first angle and the second angle allow a user to swing a golf club without ankle rotation limitation.

16. The high top golf shoe of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first material or the second material flexes when compressive forces are applied linearly along the respective material.

17. The high top golf shoe of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first material or the second material substantially resists stretching when tensile forces are applied linearly along the respective material.

18. The high top golf shoe of claim 15, wherein the upper portion further comprises a Velcro fastener to secure the upper portion around a respective lower leg of a user above a respective ankle.

19. The high top golf shoe of claim 18, wherein the mid portion further comprises shoe string and lacing features to secure the mid portion to a respective foot of a user.

20. The high top golf shoe of claim 15, wherein the upper portion includes a different material than the mid portion.