US20180110299A1 - Wearable devices with sports implements - Google Patents
Wearable devices with sports implements Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180110299A1 US20180110299A1 US15/789,350 US201715789350A US2018110299A1 US 20180110299 A1 US20180110299 A1 US 20180110299A1 US 201715789350 A US201715789350 A US 201715789350A US 2018110299 A1 US2018110299 A1 US 2018110299A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- footwear
- wearable device
- sports
- sports implement
- base
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C19/00—Attachments for footwear, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A41—WEARING APPAREL
- A41B—SHIRTS; UNDERWEAR; BABY LINEN; HANDKERCHIEFS
- A41B11/00—Hosiery; Panti-hose
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/02—Uppers; Boot legs
- A43B23/0245—Uppers; Boot legs characterised by the constructive form
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/02—Boots covering the lower leg
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/10—Low shoes, e.g. comprising only a front strap; Slippers
- A43B3/101—Slippers, e.g. flip-flops or thong sandals
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/001—Golf shoes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/10—Tennis shoes
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43C—FASTENINGS OR ATTACHMENTS OF FOOTWEAR; LACES IN GENERAL
- A43C11/00—Other fastenings specially adapted for shoes
- A43C11/14—Clamp fastenings, e.g. strap fastenings; Clamp-buckle fastenings; Fastenings with toggle levers
- A43C11/1493—Strap fastenings having hook and loop-type fastening elements
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B49/00—Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/70—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00 with bent or angled lower parts for hitting a ball on the ground, on an ice-covered surface, or in the air, e.g. for hockey or hurling
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B63/00—Targets or goals for ball games
- A63B63/004—Goals of the type used for football, handball, hockey or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/26—Roller skates; Skate-boards with special auxiliary arrangements, e.g. illuminating, marking, or push-off devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/0031—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use provided with a pocket, e.g. for keys or a card
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/16—Overshoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/16—Overshoes
- A43B3/163—Overshoes specially adapted for health or hygienic purposes, e.g. comprising electrically conductive material allowing the discharge of electrostatic charges
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/16—Overshoes
- A43B3/18—Devices for holding overshoes in position
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/16—Overshoes
- A43B3/20—Heel-less overshoes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
- A43B3/36—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with light sources
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/18—Attachable overshoes for sporting purposes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/04—Badminton
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/16—Table tennis
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/18—Baseball, rounders or similar games
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
- A63B2209/08—Characteristics of used materials magnetic
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
- A63B2209/10—Characteristics of used materials with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/74—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with powered illuminating means, e.g. lights
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/06—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts enabling conversion into another device
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/14—Lighting means
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to wearable devices with sports implements.
- Boards or paddles affixable to footwear are generally known. Children enjoy playing games with such gear, especially those who like to jump and move around with their feet.
- these devices typically include board-mounting frames that are bulky and difficult to install to the shoe. It is thus desirable to provide improved sports implement-equipped wearable devices that are intuitive to configure and use.
- wearable footwear devices can be constructed, for example, as a shoe, slipper, sock, boot, sneaker, skate-based footwear, roller-based footwear, or other sturdy device.
- Embodiments of the wearable device can be constructed to be worn directly on any suitable part of a user's body, such as the foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, or worn or mounted as an accessory or article over and/or around a device (e.g., shoe) already worn on the user.
- a wearable device can be permanently affixed to a sports implement such that the sports implement is not detachable from the wearable device.
- a wearable device can be adaptable with a detachable sports implement.
- the wearable device can, for example, be adaptable with a sports implement selectable from a set of interchangeable sports implements.
- the interchangeability can, for example, be provided by a coupling mechanism that is configured to interconnect the wearable device with the sports implement.
- a wearable device can include a device body, at least one mechanism [e.g., foot and/or ankle band(s)] configured to secure the device body to a user, and a receiver base disposed on the device body.
- the receiver base can be disposed on a front and/or side portion of the device body, and configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of one of a set of interchangeable sports implements, such as a hockey stick.
- the wearable devices described herein can be constructed as a one size fits all device, suitable, for example, for children three years of age and up. Additionally, the wearable devices can be chiral or achiral (e.g., worn on either the left or right foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, as desired), and can be suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
- the present invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and embodies features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts adapted to effect such steps, all as exemplified in the detailed disclosure hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism including a receiver base and an accessory base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 3A-4C are various views of sports implements configured to detachably couple to a wearable device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a wearable device including a receiver platform configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a footwear coupled to a sports implement via the wearable device shown in FIG. 7A ;
- FIG. 7C is perspective view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown in FIG. 7A ;
- FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, illustrating the sports implement in different orientations and an ankle band of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the sports implement shown in FIG. 9A ;
- FIG. 10A is a top view of a wearable device including a backing, and a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 10B is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown in FIG. 10A ;
- FIGS. 10C and 10D are various views of an alternate backing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 10E and 10F are top views of the wearable device shown in FIG. 10A coupled to the backing shown in FIGS. 10C and 10D , and illustrating a band or strap of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 10G and 10H are various views of an alternate backing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10J is a perspective view of the wearable device shown in FIG. 10A coupled to the backing shown in FIGS. 10G and 10H ;
- FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a wearable device having an upper, topline portion including a zipper mechanism at its rear side, and a sole area coupled to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 11B is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown in FIG. 11A ;
- FIGS. 11C and 11D are partial views of longer and shorter versions of an upper, topline portion of a wearable device, such as the wearable device shown in FIG. 11A , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
- FIG. 11E is a perspective view of pull-on type wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11F is a perspective view of a wearable device having an upper, topline portion including a zipper mechanism at its front side, and a sole area coupled to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 11G is a side view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement, and including a strap or band mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 12A and 12B are top views of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, illustrating bands of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 12C is a side view of the wearable device of FIGS. 12A and 12B ;
- FIG. 12D is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device of FIGS. 12A and 12B ;
- FIGS. 13A-13D are various views of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, and one or more wheels disposed on the underside of the wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 13E is a perspective view of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13F is a perspective view of the wearable device shown in FIGS. 13A-13D detachably coupled to the sports implement shown in FIG. 13E , illustrating the direction in which the one of more wheels of the wearable device can be installed;
- FIG. 13G are front views of the wearable device shown in FIGS. 13A-13D , illustrating the sports implement shown in FIG. 13E in coupled and uncoupled positions;
- FIG. 14 is a front view of a wearable device similar to the wearable device shown in FIGS. 13A-13D , but with one or more receiver bases disposed on a side portion of the wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 15A is a top view of a pair of wearable devices each including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to a sports implement;
- FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a bottom side of one of the wearable devices shown in FIG. 15A , illustrating a bearing assembly disposed on the bottom underside of the wearable device;
- FIGS. 15C and 15D are various views of a ball bearing unit of the bearing assembly shown in FIG. 15B ;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bottom side of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 17-20 are depictions of exemplary sports for which various wearable device embodiments of the present invention can be adapted.
- FIGS. 21-25B are various views of alternate wearable devices configured with a sports implement, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
- a wearable device can be adapted with a sports implement (e.g., a hockey stick, a golf club, a tennis racket, or the like).
- a sports implement e.g., a hockey stick, a golf club, a tennis racket, or the like.
- a wearable device and more particularly a footwear
- the coupling mechanism can include a receiver base and an accessory base.
- the receiver base can be configured to detachably receive the accessory base, and can be integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, the footwear, preferably at an upper surface of a front, toe box area or forepart of the footwear (see, e.g., toe box area 152 of footwear 150 in FIG. 2 ).
- the accessory base can be integrated with (e.g., composed as part of), or otherwise coupled to, an end portion of a sports implement.
- 3A-3C show one or more demarcation lines representative of the coupling of an accessory base to respective end portions 171 b, 172 b, and 173 b of a hockey stick 171 , a tennis racket 172 (which can be vertically oriented, i.e., FIG. 3B ; or horizontally oriented to allow “volley-ing”, i.e., FIG. 3C ), and a golf club 173 .
- FIG. 3D shows a golf club 173 having an end portion 173 b coupled to an accessory base.
- FIGS. 4A-4C Other variations of sports implements in which an accessory base can be included, or to which an accessory based can be coupled, are shown in FIGS. 4A-4C .
- the accessory base and the receiver base can each be composed of any suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic, rubber, or the like), and can be complementary components—e.g., the accessory base can be a male component and the receiver base can be a female component. It should be appreciated, however, that these components can be reversed, such that the accessory base is a female component and the receiver base is a male component.
- suitable material e.g., metal, plastic, rubber, or the like
- complementary components e.g., the accessory base can be a male component and the receiver base can be a female component. It should be appreciated, however, that these components can be reversed, such that the accessory base is a female component and the receiver base is a male component.
- an exemplary receiver base 110 can have an opening 110 n defined to receive a complementary accessory base 120 in the direction of the arrows labeled Receiver base 110 can also include a channel 110 c configured to guide a release button 122 of accessory base 120 through receiver base 110 , and a hole 110 h defined to accommodate and couple to release button 122 when the accessory base is received.
- Release button 122 can be implemented as a press-and-release mechanism via one or more springs or elastic elements such that (at least partial) depression of release button 122 into the body of accessory base 120 can allow the accessory base to be inserted into opening 110 n and channel 110 c.
- release button 122 can retract (“pop up”) to its natural, extended state, into hole 110 h. This provides an insert-and-lock feature that prevents receiver base 110 and accessory base 120 from separating during use, but that is quickly releasable via depression of release button 122 .
- the coupling mechanism for various embodiments of the wearable device and sports implement can have alternate constructions.
- coupling mechanisms 200 and 300 can each include a receiver base similar to receiver base 110 , and an accessory base similar to accessory base 120 , but with a different construction, for example, of the locking mechanism which secures the two components together.
- receiver base 210 can include slots 212 configured to accommodate and couple to bendable (or flexible) clips 222 of a release mechanism when the accessory base is fully inserted into the receiver base.
- the release mechanism can be quickly released by simultaneously pressing the sides of the two clips 222 towards one another.
- receiver base 310 can include two plates 310 p that define a slot 310 s therebetween for receiving accessory base 320 .
- Each plate 310 p can include a notch or groove 310 g configured to accommodate a portion of a retractable bar 320 b of accessory base 320 .
- Bar 320 b can be coupled to one or more springs 320 s or other elastic elements, and can be disposed in an opening 320 n in accessory base 320 sized to allow the bar to retract against the spring when pressed.
- Each plate 310 p can also include a hole 310 h defined therein that can align with a hole 320 h of accessory base 320 when the accessory base is received.
- Accessory base 320 can be secured to receiver base 310 by first aligning portions of bar 320 b with grooves 310 g, and inserting accessory base 320 into slot 310 s, during which bar 320 b enters and rests against grooves 310 g. This can prevent accessory base 320 from rotating about receiver base 310 . Continued insertion of accessory base 320 into slot 310 s can cause the bar to retract in opening 320 n, and holes 310 h to align with hole 320 h. A pin 314 can then be inserted through these holes to secure accessory base 320 to receiver base 310 .
- a wearable device 750 can include a foot band 701 integrated with a receiver platform 709 .
- Receiver platform 709 can be permanently affixed to (e.g., molded onto) foot band 701 , and can support a receiver base 710 similar to receiver base 110 .
- An accessory base 720 (which can be similar to accessory base 120 ) can be adapted to be received in and to interconnect with receiver base 710 .
- the sport foot-band can be positioned about a toe box area of a user's foot, or a toe box area of a footwear (e.g., a sneaker, shoe, or the like) such that at least a portion of the inner surface of foot band 701 contacts the sole of the footwear (see, e.g., FIG. 7B ).
- Foot band 701 can be constructed of any type of material or fabric, preferably a strong, durable, material (e.g., rubber or the like) suitable for skid and/or non-skid (or anti-skid) surfaces and that enables the foot band to remain wrapped about the footwear during use.
- a “sport wrist-band,” similar to the sport foot-band, can be provided to be worn on a user's arm or wrist.
- a wearable device and more particularly a footwear 850
- a coupling mechanism 800 can be coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism 800 (e.g., which can be the same as or similar to coupling mechanism 300 described above with respect to FIG. 6 ) that allows the sports implement to occupy multiple positions.
- Coupling mechanism 800 can include a receiver base 810 configured to detachably receive an accessory base 820 of a sports implement 870 .
- Receiver base 810 can be pivotably integrated to a top portion of footwear 850 , and rotatable to allow sports implement 870 to occupy upright (e.g., rest) and locked (e.g., play) positions.
- Receiver base 810 can be locked in play position via any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like.
- a Velcro-based mechanism such as, for example, a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like.
- Footwear 850 can have a boot-like configuration, and can be composed of any suitable material.
- Footwear 850 can include a front sole 850 s, a rear sole 850 r, one or more ankle bands 850 a, and one or more foot bands 850 f for securing the footwear to a user's lower calf area and foot.
- Footwear 850 can also include corresponding ears 850 e as well as tunnels 850 t in front sole 850 s through which foot bands 850 f can pass.
- Ankle bands 850 a and foot bands 850 f can employ any suitable mechanism for securing the footwear to a user, such as, for example, a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. Additionally, the bands can be configured to wrap over the footwear in either direction—e.g., from left to right or from right to left. Footwear 850 can also include a handle 850 h at an upper rear portion, which can be used for transporting, or otherwise handling, the footwear (e.g., via one or more fingers of a user).
- FIGS. 8A and 8B depict one version of footwear 850 having two ankle bands 850 a. It should be appreciated, however, that other versions of the footwear can have any other suitable number of ankle bands, such as a single band, three bands, etc.
- a wearable device can resemble a shoe, but lack sole and heel portions.
- Footwear 950 can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory over a shoe (or the like), and can be secured to a user's lower calf area and foot/shoe via one or more ankle and foot bands 950 a and 950 f similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- footwear 950 can be achiral, and thus can be worn either on the right or left foot/shoe, depending on the user's preference—e.g., righty or lefty striker.
- a sports implement 970 can be built into footwear 950 (i.e., as a stationary component, or in other words, as a component that is permanently affixed to footwear 950 and undetachable therefrom), particularly at the toe box area of footwear 950 .
- sports implement 970 can detachably couple to footwear 950 .
- sports implement 970 can be coupled to footwear 950 via an opening 970 n (which can receive one or more of foot bands 950 f ) and held to the toe box area of footwear 950 when the foot band is fastened and/or tightened.
- Sports implement 970 can also include a curved portion 970 c shaped and sized to accommodate a corresponding curved portion at the toe box area of footwear 950 .
- a wearable device and more particularly a footwear 1050 , can include a receiver base 1010 configured to detachably receive an accessory base of a sports implement.
- Footwear 1050 can be composed of any suitable material, and can include a sole 1050 s, one or more foot bands 1050 f, and corresponding ears 1050 e similar to those described above with respect to other embodiments.
- foot bands 1050 f can pass through ears 1050 e, and couple to one another via any suitable mechanism, such as a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like.
- a Velcro-based mechanism such as a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like.
- one of the foot bands can be stationary, whereas the other can be disposed through the one or more ears 1050 e to interconnect with the stationary band.
- Footwear 1050 can also include a slit 1050 i defined to allow upper flap portions of the footwear to move toward one another when foot bands 1050 f are coupled to one another so as to provide a tighter fit on a user's foot.
- Footwear 1050 can include a backing 1050 b that additionally, or alternatively, secures the footwear to a user's foot.
- the backing can be an elastic backing 1050 b ′ configured to grip onto the ankle area of the user when worn, so as to prevent the footwear from coming off during use.
- backing 1050 b ′ can include an elongated curve 1050 c ′ that provides a comfortable fit at the back of the ankle area.
- the backing can be a buckle-type backing 1050 b ′′ that may be adjustable in length so as to suit the user's foot size.
- the backing can be coupled, at its ends (e.g., ends 1050 d ′ or 1050 d ′′), to the toe box area of footwear 1050 in any suitable manner (e.g., sewn, stitched, glued, zippered, or the like).
- a wearable device can include an upper, topline portion 1150 u and a sole area 1150 s.
- Upper portion can be composed of any suitable material that is flexible yet comfortable to a user (e.g., Styrofoam or the like).
- Sole area 1150 s can be composed of material different from that of upper portion, preferably of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material.
- footwear 1150 can be integrated with a toe box area 1152 (e.g., as a single component), and the upper, topline portion and the toe box area can, for example, be composed of a common or uniform, flexible material.
- footwear 1150 can detachably couple to toe box area 1152 (e.g., via a zipper or other like mechanism).
- footwear 1150 can also include a sports implement either permanently affixed (e.g., molded) thereto, or coupled thereto, such as via a coupling mechanism similar to those described above with respect to other embodiments (or other suitable coupling mechanism).
- a sports implement either permanently affixed (e.g., molded) thereto, or coupled thereto, such as via a coupling mechanism similar to those described above with respect to other embodiments (or other suitable coupling mechanism).
- different sports implements can be adapted to footwear 1150 by either interchanging a different toe box area to which an alternate sports implement is affixed, or by interchanging another sports implement via a coupling mechanism.
- Footwear 1150 can be provided in various sizes (see, e.g., FIGS. 11C and 11D for partial views of longer and shorter versions of the footwear), and can be configured to secure to a user's foot in any suitable manner. Footwear 1150 can be a pull-on type that grips tightly to a user's foot/lower calf area when worn, without the need for any additional securing mechanisms (e.g., FIG. 11E ). Alternatively, footwear 1150 can include a zipper mechanism 1150 z disposed at the front or the rear of the footwear (e.g., FIGS. 11A and 11F ).
- footwear can be additionally secured to a user's foot via one or more strap or band mechanisms (e.g., a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like). See, e.g., FIG. 11G .
- strap or band mechanisms e.g., a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. See, e.g., FIG. 11G .
- a wearable device can be similar to footwear 950 and/or 1050 in that it can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory over a shoe (or the like), either on the right or left foot/shoe depending on the user's preference.
- Footwear 1250 can include an outer, bottom sole 1250 s, an inner sole 1250 i onto which a user's foot (e.g., toe and ball section) or shoe can rest, and a side panel 1250 p.
- Inner sole 1250 i can be composed of any suitable material that is comfortable to a user (e.g., Styrofoam or the like).
- Outer sole 1250 s can be composed of material different from that of inner sole 1250 i, preferably of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material.
- Side panel 1250 p can also be composed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, rubber, or the like). Outer sole 1250 s and side panel 1250 p can be joined, or otherwise integrated as a uniform piece, with the upper portion of footwear 1250 at a seam 1250 m.
- Footwear 1250 can include a receiver base 1210 similar to one or more of the other receiver bases described above, and disposed at a toe box area 1252 of the footwear.
- Toe box area 1252 can be integrated (e.g., composed as a single mold or piece) with a tongue 1250 t .
- Tongue 1250 t can, for example, be lifted for insertion of a user's foot into footwear 1250 , and rest on the toe box and bridge area of the foot.
- Footwear 1250 can also include foot bands 1250 f that can be similar to one or more of the foot bands described above with respect to other embodiments.
- foot bands 1250 f can be wrapped about user's foot in the directions labeled ‘w’ to secure the footwear thereto—for example, the left foot band can fold over and at least partially cover a portion of tongue 1250 t, and the right foot band can then be folded over the left foot band and coupled thereto. Foot bands 1250 f can meet at the bridge of tongue 1250 t when secured.
- a wearable device and more particularly a footwear 1350 (e.g., in the form of a boot), can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above.
- footwear 1350 can be provided as a pair.
- FIG. 13B is a front view of a right version of footwear 1350 .
- FIGS. 13C and 13D are side views of left and right versions of footwear 1350 .
- Footwear 1350 can include a receiver base integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, a toe box area of footwear 1350 , and configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement. Any of the receiver bases, accessory bases, and sports implements described above can be employed in footwear 1350 . In various embodiments, footwear 1350 can be configured to detachably couple to a sports implement 1370 . See, e.g., FIGS. 13C, 13E , and 13 G.
- footwear 1350 can include a sole.
- footwear 1350 can lack a sole.
- footwear 1350 preferably includes a wheel assembly 1390 having one or more wheels 1390 w disposed in a wheel compartment 1388 defined in an underside of the footwear. Any suitable number of wheels can be included (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, etc.) so long as the assembly can allow a user to maneuver the device (e.g., such as by rolling or skating around) when worn.
- Wheel compartment 1388 can include one or more concave-like depressions or recesses configured to store the wheels, and one or more components configured to removably couple to the wheels.
- wheel compartment 1388 can include one or more lock-and-release mechanisms that allow easy installation and removal of the wheels. See FIGS. 13D and 13F .
- footwear 1350 can be provided such that only one of the pair of footwear devices includes a wheel assembly.
- a sports object e.g., ball, puck, etc.
- only the right footwear device may include a wheel assembly.
- the “striker” footwear device can function as a typical footwear, allowing for movement without use of wheels, while the other, right footwear device can be maneuvered as desired via the wheels.
- the scenario can be reversed for a righty, such that the right foot can be the “striker” foot, and the left footwear device can maneuvered via the wheels.
- each version (left and right) of footwear 1350 can include a wheel compartment, and a single set of detachable wheels can be provided for the pair, allowing the wheels to be detachably coupled to the left or right footwear devices, depending on the user's preference.
- the wheel assembly can be configured to provide a deceleration mode that allows the user to slow down during play.
- sports implement 1370 can include a curved end so as to avoid contact with the floor or ground during play. This can be the case regardless of whether footwear 1350 includes a wheel assembly.
- the front portion thereof can be thicker (“raised”), height-wise, which can help balance the footwear and the user when wheels are installed.
- the thickness of the front sole portion can be provided via one or more overlays of durable material (e.g., rubber or the like). The thicker front sole portion can also enhance comfort of the footwear when the wheels are removed.
- Footwear 1350 can include a plurality of features configured to secure the footwear to a user's foot/leg, such as, for example, one or more of Velcro-based banding, zipper(s), button(s), and lace(s). Footwear 1350 preferably includes one or more of a protective tongue 1350 t, ankle padding support(s) 1350 a, and heel cap 1350 c. Footwear 1350 can also feature a logo area 1350 g. See, e.g., FIG. 13A .
- sports implement 1370 can include, as an integrated unit, an accessory base 1320 and left and right bumper panels 1370 b.
- the bumper panels can be shaped and sized to assist with retrieval of a sports object (e.g., puck, ball, or the like), and can rest on one or more supporting surfaces of footwear 1350 when sports implement 1370 is coupled to the footwear.
- Sports implement 1370 preferably includes one or more illuminating units (e.g., lights, such as LEDs or the like) that output light, for example, upon contact of the sports implement with a sports object.
- the illuminating unit(s) can be disposed on any suitable portion of the sports implement, such as, for example, on the front or sides thereof, so long as the unit(s) are visible during use of the sports implement.
- the sports implement can include a power source (e.g., one or more batteries), an electrical circuit or controller coupled to the power source, and one or more sensors (e.g., shock sensors or the like) coupled to the electrical circuit or controller that detect contact and/or shocks directed at the implement.
- the electrical circuit or controller can control lighting of the one or more illuminating units based on such detected contact and/or shocks.
- illuminating units can be included in any of the sports implement embodiments described herein.
- any of the sports implement embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-4C can include one or more illuminating units and associated electrical/electronic components.
- the various drawing figures illustrate the wheel assembly being disposed proximate a bottom rear portion of footwear 1350 , it should be appreciated that the wheel assembly can alternatively be disposed proximate the bottom center portion or the bottom front portion of the footwear.
- the additional layering of the sole portion described above can be variably distributed to provide balance and support as well as user comfort.
- a wearable device can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above.
- footwear 1450 can be similar to footwear 1350 .
- Footwear 1450 can include one or more receiver bases configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implements. Any of the receiver bases, accessory bases, and sports implements described above can be employed in footwear 1450 .
- footwear 1450 can include receiver base 110 configured to detachably couple to accessory base 120 of a sports implement, such as sports implements 171 or 172 .
- the receiver base can be integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, one or both sides of a toe box area of the footwear. When constructed to include two receiver bases, for example, users can advantageously choose the side in which to position the sports implement for play.
- a wearable device and more particularly a footwear 1550
- footwear 1550 can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above.
- footwear 1550 can be similar to footwear 1350 , but configured as a sneaker rather than a boot.
- various embodiments of footwear 1550 can be provided as a pair.
- Footwear 1550 can include a sole.
- footwear 1550 can lack a sole.
- footwear 1550 preferably includes a ball bearing assembly 1590 having one or more ball bearing units 1590 b disposed in a ball bearing compartment 1588 defined in the underside of the footwear.
- the ball bearing units can be stud mounted ball transfer units. Any suitable number of ball bearings units can be included (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, etc.) so long as the assembly can allow a user to maneuver the device (e.g., such as by rolling or skating around) when worn.
- Ball bearing compartment 1588 can be configured as a recess for storing the ball bearing units.
- the ball bearing units can be removable.
- ball bearing compartment 1588 can include one or more locks and/or release mechanisms that allow easy installation and removal of the ball bearing units.
- the ball bearing units can include fasteners 1590 f (e.g., screws or the like) configured to couple to corresponding fastener receivers of footwear 1550 .
- FIGS. 15C and 15D are various views of ball bearing unit 1590 b. As shown in FIG. 15D , ball bearing unit 1590 b can include a bearing housing 1590 h configured to store a larger, central ball bearing 1592 disposed within and on smaller, peripheral ball bearings 1594 .
- Bearing housing 1590 h and ball bearings 1592 and 1594 can each be composed of any suitable material.
- each of these components is at least partially composed of carbon steel, which can help reduce friction.
- the user can, e.g., lift the user's leg/ankle and pivot on the ball of the user's foot for smooth control and momentum of the footwear, which can allow for easy retrieval of a sports object (e.g., ball, puck, etc.).
- Ball bearings 1594 for example, can be configured to tolerate impact, allowing for the footwear to move or spin about smoothly when worn.
- the ball bearing assembly can alternatively be disposed proximate the bottom center portion or the bottom rear portion of the footwear.
- footwear 1550 can be provided to accommodate varying user preferences (e.g., both devices of the pair can include ball bearing assemblies, only the striker device can include the ball bearing assembly, only the non-striker device can include the ball bearing assembly, etc.).
- footwear 1550 can be configured with a thicker (“raised”) rear sole portion, which can help balance the footwear and user when ball bearing units are installed.
- additional layering of the sole portion can be variably distributed to provide balance and support as well as user comfort.
- a wearable device and more particularly a footwear 1650 can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above.
- footwear 1650 can be similar to footwear 1550 , but can lack a ball bearing assembly.
- footwear 1650 can include a thick heel, ankle, and sole area, which can provide comfort and proportional balance when a sports implement is installed.
- footwear 1650 can include a bottom sole composed of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material (e.g., composed of rubber or the like).
- the to bottom sole of footwear 1650 can be thick (“raised”), height-wise, which can further enhance user balance.
- the upper front sole area can be thicker than the remainder of the sole, so as to ensure that the sports implement makes little or no contact with the floor or ground during play.
- wheel and bearing assemblies described with respect to footwear 1350 and 1550 can be employed in any other wearable device embodiment.
- the bearing assembly can alternatively be provided in footwear 1350 (in lieu of the wheel assembly), and the wheel assembly can alternatively be provided in footwear 1550 (in lieu of the bearing assembly).
- any roller-based or skate-based mechanism similar to wheels and bearings can be employed in any of the above-described wearable device embodiments.
- any of the wearable devices described herein can be constructed as a one-size-fits all device, suitable, for example, for children three years of age and up or. Any of the wearable device embodiments described herein can alternatively be provided in whole sizes. Additionally, any of the above-described wearable devices can be chiral or achiral (e.g., worn on either the left or right foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, as desired). Furthermore, any of the wearable devices can be provided in pairs (e.g., a pair of boots, sneakers, shoes, etc.).
- wearable device embodiments described herein can be used to play any suitable sport that requires a sports implement, including, but not limited to golf, tennis, racquetball, hockey, badminton, ping pong, and baseball (see, e.g., FIGS. 17-20 ).
- any sports implement can be adapted to any of the wearable device embodiments described herein.
- a sports implement need not be detachable from a wearable device. That is, any of the wearable device embodiments described herein can be permanently affixed to a sports implement (e.g., as a single, integrated unit), rather than be adapted to detachably couple to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism.
- a wearable device and more particularly a footwear 2550
- Footwear 2550 can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory (e.g., cuff) over a shoe (or the like) via one or more foot bands or straps 2550 a (see, e.g., dotted image 2550 z ).
- Bands or straps 2550 a can be adjustable and tightened as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B .
- bands or straps 2550 a can be the same as or similar to those described above with respect to FIGS.
- the bands or straps can be secured via a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like.
- footwear 2550 can be achiral, and thus can be worn either on the right or left foot/shoe, depending on the user's preference—e.g., righty or lefty striker.
- a sports implement 2570 can be built into footwear 2550 (i.e., as a stationary component, or in other words, as a component that is permanently affixed to footwear 2550 and undetachable therefrom), particularly at the toe box area or forepart of footwear 2550 .
- sports implement 2570 can detachably couple to footwear 2550 .
- various sports implement embodiments can include one or more illuminating units that output light upon contact with an object (e.g., ball, puck, etc.). It should be appreciated that similar illuminating units can additionally, or alternatively, be incorporated, for example, in the wearable device itself, the receiver base, or the accessory base.
- one or more magnetic elements can be incorporated into any of the wearable device, sports implement, and sports object embodiments described herein.
- one or more magnetic elements e.g., composed of iron, nickel, magnetite, or the like
- one or more complementary attractive magnetic elements can be similarly incorporated in or on one or more sports objects, such as a ball, puck, etc.
- the complementary nature of these magnetic elements can advantageously allow for easy “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object during use or play.
- the attractive force(s) between the magnetic elements in the footwear/sports implement and the magnetic elements in the sports object can be predefined so as to allow for “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object without making it difficult for the user to release and/or propel the sports object during use or play.
- the footwear/sports implement can include one or more magnetic elements and the sports object can include one or more ferromagnetic elements, and vice versa.
- the ferromagnetic elements can become attracted to the magnetic elements when the sports object is located proximate to the footwear/sports implement, allowing for easy “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object during use or play.
- novel wearable devices e.g., footwear
- any of a set of interchangeable sports implements for example, by means of one or more coupling mechanisms configured to interconnect the two.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/510,904, filed on May 25, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/496,482, filed on Oct. 20, 2016, the disclosures of both of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The present invention generally relates to wearable devices with sports implements.
- Boards or paddles affixable to footwear are generally known. Children enjoy playing games with such gear, especially those who like to jump and move around with their feet. However, these devices typically include board-mounting frames that are bulky and difficult to install to the shoe. It is thus desirable to provide improved sports implement-equipped wearable devices that are intuitive to configure and use.
- Generally speaking, it is an object of the present invention to provide embodiments of a new wearable device equipped with a sports implement (e.g., hockey stick, tennis racket, golf club, paddle, etc.). Wearable footwear devices can be constructed, for example, as a shoe, slipper, sock, boot, sneaker, skate-based footwear, roller-based footwear, or other sturdy device. Embodiments of the wearable device can be constructed to be worn directly on any suitable part of a user's body, such as the foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, or worn or mounted as an accessory or article over and/or around a device (e.g., shoe) already worn on the user.
- In some embodiments, a wearable device can be permanently affixed to a sports implement such that the sports implement is not detachable from the wearable device. In alternate embodiments, a wearable device can be adaptable with a detachable sports implement. In such embodiments, the wearable device can, for example, be adaptable with a sports implement selectable from a set of interchangeable sports implements. The interchangeability can, for example, be provided by a coupling mechanism that is configured to interconnect the wearable device with the sports implement.
- According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a wearable device can include a device body, at least one mechanism [e.g., foot and/or ankle band(s)] configured to secure the device body to a user, and a receiver base disposed on the device body. The receiver base can be disposed on a front and/or side portion of the device body, and configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of one of a set of interchangeable sports implements, such as a hockey stick.
- Various embodiments of the wearable devices described herein can be constructed as a one size fits all device, suitable, for example, for children three years of age and up. Additionally, the wearable devices can be chiral or achiral (e.g., worn on either the left or right foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, as desired), and can be suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
- Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the disclosure.
- The present invention accordingly comprises the several steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to each of the others, and embodies features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts adapted to effect such steps, all as exemplified in the detailed disclosure hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.
- The present invention is discussed in greater detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism including a receiver base and an accessory base, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 3A-4C are various views of sports implements configured to detachably couple to a wearable device, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a wearable device including a receiver platform configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a footwear coupled to a sports implement via the wearable device shown inFIG. 7A ; -
FIG. 7C is perspective view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown inFIG. 7A ; -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, illustrating the sports implement in different orientations and an ankle band of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the sports implement shown inFIG. 9A ; -
FIG. 10A is a top view of a wearable device including a backing, and a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10B is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown inFIG. 10A ; -
FIGS. 10C and 10D are various views of an alternate backing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 10E and 10F are top views of the wearable device shown inFIG. 10A coupled to the backing shown inFIGS. 10C and 10D , and illustrating a band or strap of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 10G and 10H are various views of an alternate backing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10J is a perspective view of the wearable device shown inFIG. 10A coupled to the backing shown inFIGS. 10G and 10H ; -
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a wearable device having an upper, topline portion including a zipper mechanism at its rear side, and a sole area coupled to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11B is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device shown inFIG. 11A ; -
FIGS. 11C and 11D are partial views of longer and shorter versions of an upper, topline portion of a wearable device, such as the wearable device shown inFIG. 11A , in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; -
FIG. 11E is a perspective view of pull-on type wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11F is a perspective view of a wearable device having an upper, topline portion including a zipper mechanism at its front side, and a sole area coupled to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11G is a side view of a wearable device coupled to a sports implement, and including a strap or band mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 12A and 12B are top views of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, illustrating bands of the wearable device in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12C is a side view of the wearable device ofFIGS. 12A and 12B ; -
FIG. 12D is a view of a bottom side of the wearable device ofFIGS. 12A and 12B ; -
FIGS. 13A-13D are various views of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement, and one or more wheels disposed on the underside of the wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13E is a perspective view of a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13F . is a perspective view of the wearable device shown inFIGS. 13A-13D detachably coupled to the sports implement shown inFIG. 13E , illustrating the direction in which the one of more wheels of the wearable device can be installed; -
FIG. 13G are front views of the wearable device shown inFIGS. 13A-13D , illustrating the sports implement shown inFIG. 13E in coupled and uncoupled positions; -
FIG. 14 is a front view of a wearable device similar to the wearable device shown inFIGS. 13A-13D , but with one or more receiver bases disposed on a side portion of the wearable device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15A is a top view of a pair of wearable devices each including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to a sports implement; -
FIG. 15B is a perspective view of a bottom side of one of the wearable devices shown inFIG. 15A , illustrating a bearing assembly disposed on the bottom underside of the wearable device; -
FIGS. 15C and 15D are various views of a ball bearing unit of the bearing assembly shown inFIG. 15B ; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bottom side of a wearable device including a receiver base configured to detachably couple to a sports implement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 17-20 are depictions of exemplary sports for which various wearable device embodiments of the present invention can be adapted; and -
FIGS. 21-25B are various views of alternate wearable devices configured with a sports implement, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. - As variously illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures, a wearable device, according to embodiments of the present invention, can be adapted with a sports implement (e.g., a hockey stick, a golf club, a tennis racket, or the like).
- Referring to
FIGS. 1, 2, 3A-3D, and 4A-4C , a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear, can be adapted with a sports implement via a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism can include a receiver base and an accessory base. The receiver base can be configured to detachably receive the accessory base, and can be integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, the footwear, preferably at an upper surface of a front, toe box area or forepart of the footwear (see, e.g.,toe box area 152 offootwear 150 inFIG. 2 ). The accessory base can be integrated with (e.g., composed as part of), or otherwise coupled to, an end portion of a sports implement.FIGS. 3A-3C , for example, show one or more demarcation lines representative of the coupling of an accessory base torespective end portions hockey stick 171, a tennis racket 172 (which can be vertically oriented, i.e.,FIG. 3B ; or horizontally oriented to allow “volley-ing”, i.e.,FIG. 3C ), and agolf club 173.FIG. 3D shows agolf club 173 having anend portion 173 b coupled to an accessory base. Other variations of sports implements in which an accessory base can be included, or to which an accessory based can be coupled, are shown inFIGS. 4A-4C . - The accessory base and the receiver base can each be composed of any suitable material (e.g., metal, plastic, rubber, or the like), and can be complementary components—e.g., the accessory base can be a male component and the receiver base can be a female component. It should be appreciated, however, that these components can be reversed, such that the accessory base is a female component and the receiver base is a male component.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , anexemplary receiver base 110 can have anopening 110 n defined to receive acomplementary accessory base 120 in the direction of the arrows labeledReceiver base 110 can also include achannel 110 c configured to guide arelease button 122 ofaccessory base 120 throughreceiver base 110, and ahole 110 h defined to accommodate and couple to releasebutton 122 when the accessory base is received.Release button 122 can be implemented as a press-and-release mechanism via one or more springs or elastic elements such that (at least partial) depression ofrelease button 122 into the body ofaccessory base 120 can allow the accessory base to be inserted intoopening 110 n andchannel 110 c. Whenaccessory base 120 is fully inserted,release button 122 can retract (“pop up”) to its natural, extended state, intohole 110 h. This provides an insert-and-lock feature that preventsreceiver base 110 andaccessory base 120 from separating during use, but that is quickly releasable via depression ofrelease button 122. - The coupling mechanism for various embodiments of the wearable device and sports implement can have alternate constructions.
- Referring to
FIGS. 5 and 6 ,coupling mechanisms receiver base 110, and an accessory base similar toaccessory base 120, but with a different construction, for example, of the locking mechanism which secures the two components together. - As shown in
FIG. 5 ,receiver base 210 can includeslots 212 configured to accommodate and couple to bendable (or flexible) clips 222 of a release mechanism when the accessory base is fully inserted into the receiver base. The release mechanism can be quickly released by simultaneously pressing the sides of the twoclips 222 towards one another. - As shown in
FIG. 6 ,receiver base 310 can include twoplates 310 p that define aslot 310 s therebetween for receivingaccessory base 320. Eachplate 310 p can include a notch or groove 310 g configured to accommodate a portion of aretractable bar 320 b ofaccessory base 320. Bar 320 b can be coupled to one ormore springs 320 s or other elastic elements, and can be disposed in anopening 320 n inaccessory base 320 sized to allow the bar to retract against the spring when pressed. Eachplate 310 p can also include ahole 310 h defined therein that can align with ahole 320 h ofaccessory base 320 when the accessory base is received.Accessory base 320 can be secured toreceiver base 310 by first aligning portions ofbar 320 b withgrooves 310 g, and insertingaccessory base 320 intoslot 310 s, during which bar 320 b enters and rests againstgrooves 310 g. This can preventaccessory base 320 from rotating aboutreceiver base 310. Continued insertion ofaccessory base 320 intoslot 310 s can cause the bar to retract inopening 320 n, and holes 310 h to align withhole 320 h. Apin 314 can then be inserted through these holes to secureaccessory base 320 toreceiver base 310. - It should be appreciated that other suitable coupling mechanisms can be employed for the wearable devices described herein, including, for example, those based on turnkey coupling, cylindrical insert-and-lock coupling, magnetic coupling, screw-on coupling, and the like.
- Referring to
FIGS. 7A-7C , a wearable device 750 (a “sport foot-band”) can include afoot band 701 integrated with areceiver platform 709.Receiver platform 709 can be permanently affixed to (e.g., molded onto)foot band 701, and can support areceiver base 710 similar toreceiver base 110. An accessory base 720 (which can be similar to accessory base 120) can be adapted to be received in and to interconnect withreceiver base 710. The sport foot-band can be positioned about a toe box area of a user's foot, or a toe box area of a footwear (e.g., a sneaker, shoe, or the like) such that at least a portion of the inner surface offoot band 701 contacts the sole of the footwear (see, e.g.,FIG. 7B ).Foot band 701 can be constructed of any type of material or fabric, preferably a strong, durable, material (e.g., rubber or the like) suitable for skid and/or non-skid (or anti-skid) surfaces and that enables the foot band to remain wrapped about the footwear during use. - According to various embodiments, a “sport wrist-band,” similar to the sport foot-band, can be provided to be worn on a user's arm or wrist.
- Referring to
FIGS. 8A and 8B , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 850, can be coupled to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism 800 (e.g., which can be the same as or similar tocoupling mechanism 300 described above with respect toFIG. 6 ) that allows the sports implement to occupy multiple positions.Coupling mechanism 800 can include areceiver base 810 configured to detachably receive anaccessory base 820 of a sports implement 870.Receiver base 810 can be pivotably integrated to a top portion offootwear 850, and rotatable to allow sports implement 870 to occupy upright (e.g., rest) and locked (e.g., play) positions.Receiver base 810 can be locked in play position via any suitable mechanism, such as, for example, a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. -
Footwear 850 can have a boot-like configuration, and can be composed of any suitable material.Footwear 850 can include a front sole 850 s, a rear sole 850 r, one ormore ankle bands 850 a, and one ormore foot bands 850 f for securing the footwear to a user's lower calf area and foot.Footwear 850 can also includecorresponding ears 850 e as well astunnels 850 t in front sole 850 s through whichfoot bands 850 f can pass.Ankle bands 850 a andfoot bands 850 f can employ any suitable mechanism for securing the footwear to a user, such as, for example, a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. Additionally, the bands can be configured to wrap over the footwear in either direction—e.g., from left to right or from right to left.Footwear 850 can also include ahandle 850 h at an upper rear portion, which can be used for transporting, or otherwise handling, the footwear (e.g., via one or more fingers of a user). -
FIGS. 8A and 8B depict one version offootwear 850 having twoankle bands 850 a. It should be appreciated, however, that other versions of the footwear can have any other suitable number of ankle bands, such as a single band, three bands, etc. - Referring to
FIGS. 9A and 9B , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 950, can resemble a shoe, but lack sole and heel portions.Footwear 950 can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory over a shoe (or the like), and can be secured to a user's lower calf area and foot/shoe via one or more ankle andfoot bands FIGS. 8A and 8B . In various embodiments,footwear 950 can be achiral, and thus can be worn either on the right or left foot/shoe, depending on the user's preference—e.g., righty or lefty striker. In some embodiments, a sports implement 970 can be built into footwear 950 (i.e., as a stationary component, or in other words, as a component that is permanently affixed tofootwear 950 and undetachable therefrom), particularly at the toe box area offootwear 950. In other embodiments, sports implement 970 can detachably couple tofootwear 950. In certain embodiments, sports implement 970 can be coupled tofootwear 950 via anopening 970 n (which can receive one or more offoot bands 950 f) and held to the toe box area offootwear 950 when the foot band is fastened and/or tightened. Sports implement 970 can also include acurved portion 970 c shaped and sized to accommodate a corresponding curved portion at the toe box area offootwear 950. - Referring to
FIGS. 10A-10J , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 1050, can include areceiver base 1010 configured to detachably receive an accessory base of a sports implement.Footwear 1050 can be composed of any suitable material, and can include a sole 1050 s, one ormore foot bands 1050 f, andcorresponding ears 1050 e similar to those described above with respect to other embodiments. Preferably,foot bands 1050 f can pass throughears 1050 e, and couple to one another via any suitable mechanism, such as a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. For example, one of the foot bands can be stationary, whereas the other can be disposed through the one ormore ears 1050 e to interconnect with the stationary band.Footwear 1050 can also include aslit 1050 i defined to allow upper flap portions of the footwear to move toward one another whenfoot bands 1050 f are coupled to one another so as to provide a tighter fit on a user's foot. -
Footwear 1050 can include abacking 1050 b that additionally, or alternatively, secures the footwear to a user's foot. In some embodiments, the backing can be anelastic backing 1050 b′ configured to grip onto the ankle area of the user when worn, so as to prevent the footwear from coming off during use. In these embodiments, backing 1050 b′ can include anelongated curve 1050 c′ that provides a comfortable fit at the back of the ankle area. In other embodiments, the backing can be a buckle-type backing 1050 b″ that may be adjustable in length so as to suit the user's foot size. It should be appreciated that other types of backings, such as a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like, can alternatively be used withfootwear 1050. In any case, the backing can be coupled, at its ends (e.g., ends 1050 d′ or 1050 d″), to the toe box area offootwear 1050 in any suitable manner (e.g., sewn, stitched, glued, zippered, or the like). - Referring to
FIGS. 11A-11G , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 1150, can include an upper,topline portion 1150 u and asole area 1150 s. Upper portion can be composed of any suitable material that is flexible yet comfortable to a user (e.g., Styrofoam or the like).Sole area 1150 s can be composed of material different from that of upper portion, preferably of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material. In some embodiments,footwear 1150 can be integrated with a toe box area 1152 (e.g., as a single component), and the upper, topline portion and the toe box area can, for example, be composed of a common or uniform, flexible material. In other embodiments,footwear 1150 can detachably couple to toe box area 1152 (e.g., via a zipper or other like mechanism). In either case,footwear 1150 can also include a sports implement either permanently affixed (e.g., molded) thereto, or coupled thereto, such as via a coupling mechanism similar to those described above with respect to other embodiments (or other suitable coupling mechanism). It should thus be appreciated that, in certain embodiments, different sports implements can be adapted tofootwear 1150 by either interchanging a different toe box area to which an alternate sports implement is affixed, or by interchanging another sports implement via a coupling mechanism. -
Footwear 1150 can be provided in various sizes (see, e.g.,FIGS. 11C and 11D for partial views of longer and shorter versions of the footwear), and can be configured to secure to a user's foot in any suitable manner.Footwear 1150 can be a pull-on type that grips tightly to a user's foot/lower calf area when worn, without the need for any additional securing mechanisms (e.g.,FIG. 11E ). Alternatively,footwear 1150 can include azipper mechanism 1150 z disposed at the front or the rear of the footwear (e.g.,FIGS. 11A and 11F ). In either case, footwear can be additionally secured to a user's foot via one or more strap or band mechanisms (e.g., a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like). See, e.g.,FIG. 11G . - Referring to
FIGS. 12A-12D , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 1250, can be similar tofootwear 950 and/or 1050 in that it can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory over a shoe (or the like), either on the right or left foot/shoe depending on the user's preference.Footwear 1250 can include an outer, bottom sole 1250 s, an inner sole 1250 i onto which a user's foot (e.g., toe and ball section) or shoe can rest, and aside panel 1250 p. Inner sole 1250 i can be composed of any suitable material that is comfortable to a user (e.g., Styrofoam or the like). Outer sole 1250 s can be composed of material different from that of inner sole 1250 i, preferably of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material.Side panel 1250 p can also be composed of any suitable material (e.g., plastic, rubber, or the like). Outer sole 1250 s andside panel 1250 p can be joined, or otherwise integrated as a uniform piece, with the upper portion offootwear 1250 at aseam 1250 m. -
Footwear 1250 can include areceiver base 1210 similar to one or more of the other receiver bases described above, and disposed at atoe box area 1252 of the footwear.Toe box area 1252 can be integrated (e.g., composed as a single mold or piece) with atongue 1250 t.Tongue 1250 t can, for example, be lifted for insertion of a user's foot intofootwear 1250, and rest on the toe box and bridge area of the foot.Footwear 1250 can also includefoot bands 1250 f that can be similar to one or more of the foot bands described above with respect to other embodiments. In various embodiments,foot bands 1250 f can be wrapped about user's foot in the directions labeled ‘w’ to secure the footwear thereto—for example, the left foot band can fold over and at least partially cover a portion oftongue 1250 t, and the right foot band can then be folded over the left foot band and coupled thereto.Foot bands 1250 f can meet at the bridge oftongue 1250 t when secured. - Referring to
FIG. 13A , a wearable device, and more particularly a footwear 1350 (e.g., in the form of a boot), can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above. In an exemplary embodiment,footwear 1350 can be provided as a pair.FIG. 13B is a front view of a right version offootwear 1350.FIGS. 13C and 13D are side views of left and right versions offootwear 1350. -
Footwear 1350 can include a receiver base integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, a toe box area offootwear 1350, and configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implement. Any of the receiver bases, accessory bases, and sports implements described above can be employed infootwear 1350. In various embodiments,footwear 1350 can be configured to detachably couple to a sports implement 1370. See, e.g.,FIGS. 13C, 13E , and 13G. - In certain embodiments,
footwear 1350 can include a sole. Alternatively,footwear 1350 can lack a sole. In either case,footwear 1350 preferably includes awheel assembly 1390 having one ormore wheels 1390 w disposed in awheel compartment 1388 defined in an underside of the footwear. Any suitable number of wheels can be included (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, etc.) so long as the assembly can allow a user to maneuver the device (e.g., such as by rolling or skating around) when worn.Wheel compartment 1388 can include one or more concave-like depressions or recesses configured to store the wheels, and one or more components configured to removably couple to the wheels. In preferred embodiments,wheel compartment 1388 can include one or more lock-and-release mechanisms that allow easy installation and removal of the wheels. SeeFIGS. 13D and 13F . - In some embodiments,
footwear 1350 can be provided such that only one of the pair of footwear devices includes a wheel assembly. For example, if a user is a lefty and prefers to strike (or contact) a sports object (e.g., ball, puck, etc.) with the sports implement using the left foot, only the right footwear device may include a wheel assembly. In this way, the “striker” footwear device can function as a typical footwear, allowing for movement without use of wheels, while the other, right footwear device can be maneuvered as desired via the wheels. The scenario can be reversed for a righty, such that the right foot can be the “striker” foot, and the left footwear device can maneuvered via the wheels. Alternatively, the “striker” footwear device can be equipped with wheels, whereas the other device of the pair may not. In certain embodiments, each version (left and right) offootwear 1350 can include a wheel compartment, and a single set of detachable wheels can be provided for the pair, allowing the wheels to be detachably coupled to the left or right footwear devices, depending on the user's preference. - In some embodiments, the wheel assembly can be configured to provide a deceleration mode that allows the user to slow down during play.
- As shown in
FIG. 13C , sports implement 1370 can include a curved end so as to avoid contact with the floor or ground during play. This can be the case regardless of whetherfootwear 1350 includes a wheel assembly. - In embodiments of
footwear 1350 that include a sole portion, the front portion thereof can be thicker (“raised”), height-wise, which can help balance the footwear and the user when wheels are installed. The thickness of the front sole portion can be provided via one or more overlays of durable material (e.g., rubber or the like). The thicker front sole portion can also enhance comfort of the footwear when the wheels are removed. -
Footwear 1350 can include a plurality of features configured to secure the footwear to a user's foot/leg, such as, for example, one or more of Velcro-based banding, zipper(s), button(s), and lace(s).Footwear 1350 preferably includes one or more of aprotective tongue 1350 t, ankle padding support(s) 1350 a, andheel cap 1350 c.Footwear 1350 can also feature alogo area 1350 g. See, e.g.,FIG. 13A . - As shown in
FIG. 13E , sports implement 1370 can include, as an integrated unit, anaccessory base 1320 and left andright bumper panels 1370 b. The bumper panels can be shaped and sized to assist with retrieval of a sports object (e.g., puck, ball, or the like), and can rest on one or more supporting surfaces offootwear 1350 when sports implement 1370 is coupled to the footwear. Sports implement 1370 preferably includes one or more illuminating units (e.g., lights, such as LEDs or the like) that output light, for example, upon contact of the sports implement with a sports object. The illuminating unit(s) can be disposed on any suitable portion of the sports implement, such as, for example, on the front or sides thereof, so long as the unit(s) are visible during use of the sports implement. The sports implement can include a power source (e.g., one or more batteries), an electrical circuit or controller coupled to the power source, and one or more sensors (e.g., shock sensors or the like) coupled to the electrical circuit or controller that detect contact and/or shocks directed at the implement. The electrical circuit or controller can control lighting of the one or more illuminating units based on such detected contact and/or shocks. - It should be appreciated that illuminating units can be included in any of the sports implement embodiments described herein. For example, any of the sports implement embodiments shown in
FIGS. 3A-4C can include one or more illuminating units and associated electrical/electronic components. - Although the various drawing figures illustrate the wheel assembly being disposed proximate a bottom rear portion of
footwear 1350, it should be appreciated that the wheel assembly can alternatively be disposed proximate the bottom center portion or the bottom front portion of the footwear. The additional layering of the sole portion described above can be variably distributed to provide balance and support as well as user comfort. - Referring to
FIG. 14 , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 1450, can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above. For example,footwear 1450 can be similar tofootwear 1350.Footwear 1450 can include one or more receiver bases configured to detachably couple to an accessory base of a sports implements. Any of the receiver bases, accessory bases, and sports implements described above can be employed infootwear 1450. For example,footwear 1450 can includereceiver base 110 configured to detachably couple toaccessory base 120 of a sports implement, such as sports implements 171 or 172. As shown inFIG. 14 , the receiver base can be integrated with, or otherwise coupled to, one or both sides of a toe box area of the footwear. When constructed to include two receiver bases, for example, users can advantageously choose the side in which to position the sports implement for play. - Referring to
FIGS. 15A and 15B , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 1550, can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above. For example,footwear 1550 can be similar tofootwear 1350, but configured as a sneaker rather than a boot. As with certain embodiments offootwear 1350, various embodiments offootwear 1550 can be provided as a pair. -
Footwear 1550 can include a sole. Alternatively,footwear 1550 can lack a sole. In either case,footwear 1550 preferably includes aball bearing assembly 1590 having one or moreball bearing units 1590 b disposed in aball bearing compartment 1588 defined in the underside of the footwear. The ball bearing units can be stud mounted ball transfer units. Any suitable number of ball bearings units can be included (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, etc.) so long as the assembly can allow a user to maneuver the device (e.g., such as by rolling or skating around) when worn. -
Ball bearing compartment 1588 can be configured as a recess for storing the ball bearing units. In some embodiments, the ball bearing units can be removable. For example,ball bearing compartment 1588 can include one or more locks and/or release mechanisms that allow easy installation and removal of the ball bearing units. In preferred embodiments, the ball bearing units can includefasteners 1590 f (e.g., screws or the like) configured to couple to corresponding fastener receivers offootwear 1550.FIGS. 15C and 15D are various views ofball bearing unit 1590 b. As shown inFIG. 15D ,ball bearing unit 1590 b can include a bearinghousing 1590 h configured to store a larger,central ball bearing 1592 disposed within and on smaller,peripheral ball bearings 1594.Bearing housing 1590 h andball bearings footwear 1550 is worn, the user can, e.g., lift the user's leg/ankle and pivot on the ball of the user's foot for smooth control and momentum of the footwear, which can allow for easy retrieval of a sports object (e.g., ball, puck, etc.).Ball bearings 1594, for example, can be configured to tolerate impact, allowing for the footwear to move or spin about smoothly when worn. - Although the various drawing figures illustrate the ball bearing assembly being disposed proximate a bottom front portion of
footwear 1550, it should be appreciated that the ball bearing assembly can alternatively be disposed proximate the bottom center portion or the bottom rear portion of the footwear. - Similar to
footwear 1350, various embodiments offootwear 1550 can be provided to accommodate varying user preferences (e.g., both devices of the pair can include ball bearing assemblies, only the striker device can include the ball bearing assembly, only the non-striker device can include the ball bearing assembly, etc.). - Also, similar to
footwear 1350, certain embodiments offootwear 1550 can be configured with a thicker (“raised”) rear sole portion, which can help balance the footwear and user when ball bearing units are installed. In various embodiments, additional layering of the sole portion can be variably distributed to provide balance and support as well as user comfort. - Referring to
FIG. 16 , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 1650 can be similar to one or more of the footwear embodiments described above. For example,footwear 1650 can be similar tofootwear 1550, but can lack a ball bearing assembly. In various embodiments,footwear 1650 can include a thick heel, ankle, and sole area, which can provide comfort and proportional balance when a sports implement is installed. As with various wearable device embodiments described above,footwear 1650 can include a bottom sole composed of suitable non-skid (or anti-skid) material (e.g., composed of rubber or the like). The to bottom sole offootwear 1650 can be thick (“raised”), height-wise, which can further enhance user balance. In some embodiments, the upper front sole area can be thicker than the remainder of the sole, so as to ensure that the sports implement makes little or no contact with the floor or ground during play. - It should be appreciated that the wheel and bearing assemblies described with respect to
footwear - For example, the bearing assembly can alternatively be provided in footwear 1350 (in lieu of the wheel assembly), and the wheel assembly can alternatively be provided in footwear 1550 (in lieu of the bearing assembly). Furthermore, any roller-based or skate-based mechanism similar to wheels and bearings can be employed in any of the above-described wearable device embodiments.
- It should also be appreciated that any of the wearable devices described herein can be constructed as a one-size-fits all device, suitable, for example, for children three years of age and up or. Any of the wearable device embodiments described herein can alternatively be provided in whole sizes. Additionally, any of the above-described wearable devices can be chiral or achiral (e.g., worn on either the left or right foot, leg, arm, hand, or wrist, as desired). Furthermore, any of the wearable devices can be provided in pairs (e.g., a pair of boots, sneakers, shoes, etc.).
- It should further be appreciated that the wearable device embodiments described herein can be used to play any suitable sport that requires a sports implement, including, but not limited to golf, tennis, racquetball, hockey, badminton, ping pong, and baseball (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 17-20 ). Thus any sports implement can be adapted to any of the wearable device embodiments described herein. - It should further still be appreciated that a variety of wearable device designs can be provided that employ any of the above-described coupling mechanism embodiments (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 21-24B ). - It should additionally be appreciated that a sports implement need not be detachable from a wearable device. That is, any of the wearable device embodiments described herein can be permanently affixed to a sports implement (e.g., as a single, integrated unit), rather than be adapted to detachably couple to a sports implement via a coupling mechanism.
- Referring to
FIGS. 25A and 25B , a wearable device, and more particularly afootwear 2550, can resemble a shoe, but lack sole and heel portions (e.g., similar to footwear 950).Footwear 2550 can be worn directly on a user's foot or worn or mounted as an accessory (e.g., cuff) over a shoe (or the like) via one or more foot bands orstraps 2550 a (see, e.g., dottedimage 2550 z). Bands orstraps 2550 a can be adjustable and tightened as shown inFIGS. 25A and 25B . In some embodiments, bands orstraps 2550 a can be the same as or similar to those described above with respect toFIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9A . For example, the bands or straps can be secured via a Velcro-based mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, a snap-and-lock mechanism, a click-and-lock mechanism, a zipper mechanism, a belt-and-buckle mechanism, a button mechanism, or the like. In various embodiments,footwear 2550 can be achiral, and thus can be worn either on the right or left foot/shoe, depending on the user's preference—e.g., righty or lefty striker. In some embodiments, a sports implement 2570 can be built into footwear 2550 (i.e., as a stationary component, or in other words, as a component that is permanently affixed tofootwear 2550 and undetachable therefrom), particularly at the toe box area or forepart offootwear 2550. In other embodiments, sports implement 2570 can detachably couple tofootwear 2550. - As described above, various sports implement embodiments can include one or more illuminating units that output light upon contact with an object (e.g., ball, puck, etc.). It should be appreciated that similar illuminating units can additionally, or alternatively, be incorporated, for example, in the wearable device itself, the receiver base, or the accessory base.
- Furthermore, one or more magnetic elements can be incorporated into any of the wearable device, sports implement, and sports object embodiments described herein. For example, one or more magnetic elements (e.g., composed of iron, nickel, magnetite, or the like) can be incorporated (e.g., embedded) in or on the wearable device (e.g., in or on the device body of the footwear and/or the associated sports implement), and one or more complementary attractive magnetic elements can be similarly incorporated in or on one or more sports objects, such as a ball, puck, etc. The complementary nature of these magnetic elements can advantageously allow for easy “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object during use or play. In various embodiments, the attractive force(s) between the magnetic elements in the footwear/sports implement and the magnetic elements in the sports object can be predefined so as to allow for “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object without making it difficult for the user to release and/or propel the sports object during use or play.
- It should be appreciated that other suitable elements can be used in addition to, or in lieu of, magnetic ones. For example, the footwear/sports implement can include one or more magnetic elements and the sports object can include one or more ferromagnetic elements, and vice versa. The ferromagnetic elements can become attracted to the magnetic elements when the sports object is located proximate to the footwear/sports implement, allowing for easy “catch” and/or “retrieval” of the sports object during use or play.
- Accordingly, novel wearable devices (e.g., footwear) can be adapted with any of a set of interchangeable sports implements, for example, by means of one or more coupling mechanisms configured to interconnect the two.
- It is to be appreciated that any dimensions, expressed or implied, in the drawings are disclosed for exemplary purposes, and thus some embodiments within the scope of the drawings and this disclosure can exhibit such exemplary dimensions and some may not. While the drawings are not necessarily made to scale, various embodiments within the scope of the drawings and this disclosure can be made with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings.
- It will thus be seen that the aspects, features and advantages made apparent from the foregoing are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained herein shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
- It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
Claims (19)
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Cited By (2)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US11344766B1 (en) * | 2020-03-03 | 2022-05-31 | Adx Sport, Llc | Training device for soccer and the like |
US11471746B2 (en) * | 2019-02-21 | 2022-10-18 | Guy St. Vincent | Finger guard for goalie hockey stick |
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US5080371A (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1992-01-14 | Karczewski Robert A | Foot attachable apparatus for tossing and receiving a ball |
US5301442A (en) * | 1992-12-16 | 1994-04-12 | Williams H Richard | Square-toe attachment for golf shoes |
US20090265960A1 (en) * | 2008-04-23 | 2009-10-29 | Parrott Lawrence B | Protective Cover Device for a Skate Boot |
US20090320329A1 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2009-12-31 | Darco International, Inc. | Medical shoe system |
US20130072317A1 (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2013-03-21 | Nicholas D. Manou | Golf Club Shoe Device |
US20160295952A1 (en) * | 2015-04-07 | 2016-10-13 | Sung Won PYO | Shoe of bilaterally same shape |
-
2017
- 2017-10-20 US US15/789,350 patent/US20180110299A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5080371A (en) * | 1991-04-11 | 1992-01-14 | Karczewski Robert A | Foot attachable apparatus for tossing and receiving a ball |
US5301442A (en) * | 1992-12-16 | 1994-04-12 | Williams H Richard | Square-toe attachment for golf shoes |
US20090265960A1 (en) * | 2008-04-23 | 2009-10-29 | Parrott Lawrence B | Protective Cover Device for a Skate Boot |
US20090320329A1 (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2009-12-31 | Darco International, Inc. | Medical shoe system |
US20130072317A1 (en) * | 2011-09-16 | 2013-03-21 | Nicholas D. Manou | Golf Club Shoe Device |
US20160295952A1 (en) * | 2015-04-07 | 2016-10-13 | Sung Won PYO | Shoe of bilaterally same shape |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11471746B2 (en) * | 2019-02-21 | 2022-10-18 | Guy St. Vincent | Finger guard for goalie hockey stick |
US11344766B1 (en) * | 2020-03-03 | 2022-05-31 | Adx Sport, Llc | Training device for soccer and the like |
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