US20220111286A1

US20220111286A1 - Shoe with integrated lateral roller

Info

Publication number: US20220111286A1
Application number: US17/066,837
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Walsh
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-09
Filing date: 2020-10-09
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Also published as: CA3096068A1

Abstract

An athletic shoe configured for use in sports such as but not limited to floor hockey wherein the shoe of the present invention is operable to provide a rolling lateral movement for the wearer. The shoe of the present invention includes an upper bound to the sole wherein the sole includes sidewalls and a bottom surface. Formed in the bottom surface of the sole is the roller assembly. The roller assembly includes a cavity being defined by four walls. The cavity has a wheel member mounted therein on an axle that is mounted between the front wall and rear wall of the cavity. The mounting of the axle provides the lateral rolling motion. The wheel member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position a portion of the wheel member extends beyond the bottom surface of the sole.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear, more specifically but not by way of limitation, an athletic shoe that is designed to provide improved lateral movements for users wearing the shoe that are engaged in sports such as but not limited to floor hockey.

BACKGROUND

Most sports often require both specialized fields or courts, equipment and a certain number of players so as to engage and/or execute a game. Sporting game types range from field sports such as but not limited to soccer and football to court style sports such as but not limited to volleyball and basketball. One popular sport in North America is ice hockey that is played on an ice rink. Another popular version of this sport is known as floor hockey. Floor hockey is very similar to ice hockey with the exception that the players will play on a court and where athletic shoes to participate instead of ice skates on an ice rink. Floor hockey has the same amount of players playing during a game and these players play similar positions to those in ice hockey. The players will traverse across the court in pursuit of the puck for either defensive or offensive objectives.
During the playing process one position in particular has many demands placed thereon. As with ice hockey, the goalie is responsible for defending the goal and attempting an opponent's puck from entering thereinto. The individuals wearing all of the gear that is typically associated with the goalie position must often make quick movements. It is common for a goalie to have to make a rapid lateral movement in order to inhibit a puck from entering the goal. As the goalie wears a typical athletic court shoe making a rapid lateral movement often requires an extreme agility so as to execute movement of the feet and successfully execute a lateral movement so as to be properly positioned in order to block the puck. These movements can only be successfully executed by those in exceptional physical condition and many goalies cannot execute this desired movement sufficiently.
Accordingly, there is a need for an athletic shoe that is configured to provide an ability for a wearer to execute a rapid lateral movement in order to more routinely be in position to successfully block an oncoming puck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an athletic shoe that is configured to enhance a wearers ability to execute a rapid lateral movement wherein the athletic shoe includes an upper and a sole.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an athletic court shoe configured for a goalie in sporting games such as but not limited to floor hockey, street hockey or similar sports played on a hard surface requiring rapid lateral movements wherein the sole includes a roller assembly integrally formed therein.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an athletic shoe that is configured to enhance a wearers ability to execute a rapid lateral movement wherein the roller assembly is positioned centrally between the heel and toe area of the sole of the shoe.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an athletic court shoe configured for a goalie in field hockey or other sport requiring rapid lateral movements wherein the roller assembly includes a roller cavity and roller disposed therein wherein the roller is oriented in a longitudinal manner.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide an athletic court shoe configured for a goalie in field hockey or other sport requiring rapid lateral movements wherein the roller assembly is placed in a position that is proximate the outer edge of the sole.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide an athletic court shoe configured for a goalie in field hockey or other sport requiring rapid lateral movements wherein the roller of the roller assembly can be transitioned intermediate a deployed position or a stored position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an athletic court shoe configured for a goalie in field hockey or other sport requiring rapid lateral movements wherein the roller assembly can be operated from a lever that is operably coupled thereto and accessible on the outer side surface of the sole.
An alternate object of the present invention is to provide an athletic court shoe configured for a goalie in field hockey or other sport requiring rapid lateral movements wherein the roller length provides the ability for a wearer to engage either the heel or toe area of the sole with the court surface when the roller is in the deployed position.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a shoe with integrated lateral roller 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
Referring in particular to the Figures submitted as a part hereof, the a shoe with integrated lateral roller 100 includes an upper portion 10 that is integrally formed with a sole 20. The upper portion 10 illustrated herein is exemplary in style and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the upper portion 10 of the present invention is similar to that of a conventional court athletic shoe. The upper portion 10 is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to leather and is secured utilizing lace members 15. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the shoe with integrated lateral roller 100 is provided in a plurality of alternate sizes and colors.
The upper portion 10 is secured to the sole 20 utilizing suitable durable techniques such as but not limited to chemical adhesion and/or mechanical fasteners. The sole 20 is manufactured from rubber material and includes a bottom surface 22 illustrated in FIG. 1. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the tread pattern illustrated on the bottom surface 22 is exemplary only. The sole 20 includes an inner perimeter edge 25 and an outer perimeter edge 30. The inner perimeter edge 25 is proximate the inside of a wearers foot while the outer perimeter edge 30 is proximate the outside of a wearers' foot ensuing a wearer donning the shoe with integrated lateral roller 100.
A roller assembly 40 is formed in the sole 20 of the shoe with integrated lateral roller 100. The roller assembly 40 includes a cavity 42 defined by walls 44 wherein the roller assembly 40 has an interior volume. In a preferred embodiment the cavity 42 is rectangular in shape but it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the cavity 42 could be formed in alternate shapes and sizes. The cavity 42 has disposed therein a wheel member 50. The wheel member 50 is rotatably mounted to axle 60 wherein the axle 60 is secured intermediate the front wall 48 and rear wall 49 of the cavity 42. The aforementioned orientation of the axle 60 provides a wheel member 50 mounting that enables the lateral rolling capability of the a shoe with integrated lateral roller 100 as is discussed herein.
The wheel member 50 is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to plastic. The wheel member 50 is movable intermediate a first position and a second position. In the first position the wheel member 50 is stored within the interior volume of the cavity 42 wherein no portion thereof extends beyond the bottom surface 22. In its second position, the wheel member 50 is extended outward from the cavity 42 so as to have a portion thereof extend beyond the bottom surface 22. In its second position the wheel member 50 provides an ability for a wearer of the shoe with integrated lateral roller 100 to make a rapid lateral movement without the need to move their feet as the wheel member 50 facilitates a lateral rolling motion. The roller assembly 40 is positioned centrally proximate the outer perimeter edge 30 so as to be ideally located for the rolling lateral movement. Furthermore, the roller assembly 40 is generally centrally located on the bottom surface so as to allow a wearer of the present invention to engage either the front area of the bottom surface 22 or the rear heel area of the bottom surface 22 so as to quickly stop the lateral rolling movement being provided by the roller assembly.
The wheel member 50 is deployed intermediate its first position and second position utilizing lever 70. Lever 70 is located in the sidewall 18 of the sole 20 wherein the lever 70 is located in recess 75. The lever 70 is operably coupled to the axle 60 and is slidable within the recess and functions to provide a user interface to move the wheel member 50 intermediate its first position and second position. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the wheel member 50 could be moved between its first position and second position utilizing alternate elements either in place of and/or in conjunction with the lever 70.
While the roller assembly 40 is illustrated herein as having one wheel member 50, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the roller assembly 40 could have a plurality of wheel members 50 disposed therein.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A shoe configured to provide a wearer a rapid lateral movement wherein the shoe comprises:

an upper, said upper being configured to surroundably mount a wearers foot;

a sole, said sole being secured to said upper, said sole having a bottom surface, said sole having a sidewall, said sole having an outer perimeter edge and an inner perimeter edge;

a roller assembly, said roller assembly having at least one wheel member, said roller assembly being located proximate the outer perimeter edge of the sole, said at least one wheel member being mounted on an axle, said axle being oriented between a front wall and a rear wall of the roller assembly.

2. The shoe configured to provide a wearer a rapid lateral movement as recited in claim 1, wherein the roller assembly includes a cavity, said cavity being defined by a plurality of walls and further having an interior volume operable to receive the at least one wheel member therein.

3. The shoe configured to provide a wearer a rapid lateral movement as recited in claim 2, and further including a lever, said lever being mounted in said sidewall of said sole, said lever operably coupled to the at least one wheel member, said lever configured to move the at least one wheel member between a first position and a second position.

4. The shoe configured to provide a wearer a rapid lateral movement as recited in claim 3, wherein in the first position the at least one wheel member is retracted into said cavity.

5. The shoe configured to provide a wearer a rapid lateral movement as recited in claim 4, wherein in the second position the at least one wheel member has a portion that extends beyond the bottom surface of the sole.

6. A shoe that is configured to facilitate a lateral movement for the wearer thereof wherein the shoe compromises:

an upper, said upper being configured to surroundably mount a wearers foot;

a sole, said sole having a front end and a rear end, said sole being secured to said upper, said sole having a bottom surface, said sole having a sidewall, said sole having an outer perimeter edge and an inner perimeter edge;

a roller assembly, said roller assembly having a cavity, said cavity being defined by four walls and further having an interior volume operable to receive a wheel member therein, said roller assembly being located proximate the outer perimeter edge of the sole, said wheel member being mounted on an axle, said axle being oriented between a front wall and a rear wall of the cavity of the roller assembly so as to facilitate a movement of the wheel that is perpendicular to the sole; and

wherein the wheel member is movable between a first position and a second position.

7. The shoe as recited in claim 6, wherein the roller assembly is position halfway between said front end and said rear end of said sole.

8. The shoe as recited in claim 7, and further including a lever, said lever being mounted in said sidewall of said sole, said lever operably coupled to the wheel member.

9. The shoe as recited in claim 8, wherein in the first position the at least one wheel member is retracted into said cavity.

10. The shoe as recited in claim 9, wherein in the second position the wheel member has a portion that extends beyond the bottom surface of the sole.

11. The shoe as recited in claim 10, wherein the roller assembly includes an axle, said axle being operably coupled to said wheel member, said axle extending intermediate a front wall and a rear wall of the cavity.