Stability Training Shoes

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A balance training device comprising: a shoe comprising an upper and a sole attached to the upper, the sole comprising a heel portion, a midsole portion, and a front sole portion; a pivot component extending out of a portion of the sole; and wherein the pivot component is configured to train a user to balance on the pivot component.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. A balance training device comprising: a shoe comprising an upper and a sole attached to the upper, the sole comprising a heel portion, a midsole portion, and a front sole portion comprising a pivot component attachment area; a pivot component extending out of a portion of the sole, the pivot component comprising a protrusion portion and a sole attachment portion; and wherein the pivot component is configured to train a user to balance on the pivot component.

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

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

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

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

19. A balance training device for use with a shoe, the balance training device comprising: a sole cover; a pivot component extending out of a bottom of the sole cover, and wherein the sole cover is configured to slip over a bottom of the shoe; and wherein the pivot component is configured to train a user to balance on the pivot component.

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

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates an end perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates an end perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0023] FIG. 3A illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0024] FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a pivot component detached from a shoe of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0028] FIG. 7A illustrates a pivot component of one potential embodiment of the balance training device in a round configuration of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0029] FIG. 7B illustrates a pivot component of one potential embodiment of the balance training device in an ovoid configuration of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture

[0030] FIG. 7C illustrates a pivot component of one potential embodiment of the balance training device in a rectangular configuration of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture

[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0032] FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a pivot component of one potential embodiment of the balance training device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0034] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, relates to shoes or footwear that have an inverted balance ball positioned along the bottom. The shoes force the wearer to balance themselves, thereby engaging muscles in the process of exercise or everyday life. This special training shoe has a semi-circular or curved profile extending from the bottom of the runner. This profile is typically semi-spherical, or close to semi-spherical. The center of the spherical shape is approximately located under the ball of the user's foot. The intent of the profile is to raise the user's foot above the ground, requiring them to balance on the raised profile. Users will find that keeping their heels of the ground requires balance and strength, creating a great workout while just standing in one place.

[0035] Referring initially to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7C illustrate a balance training device 100. The balance training device 100 is configured for improving balance, stability, and fitness through low impact training. The balance training device 100 is designed to elevate a front portion of the users foot away from the heel. The balance training device 100 allows the user to work on balance anywhere with low risk of injury by raising the user's foot above the ground, requiring them to balance on the raised profile off of their heels.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, the balance training device 100 comprises a shoe 110 and a pivot component 140. The shoe 110 comprises an upper 112 and a sole 120. The shoe 110 further comprises a toe portion 112 and a rear or heel portion 116. The shoe 110 is typically an athletic-type shoe, such as a tennis or running type shoe, however, this is not meant as a limitation as the shoe could be any time of footwear. The upper 112 is the foot receiving portion and is attached to the sole 120. The sole 120 comprises a heel portion 124, a midsole portion 126, and a front sole portion 128.

[0037] The pivot component 140 comprises a protrusion portion 142 that extends or protrudes out of a portion of an exterior surface 122 of the sole 120. The pivot component 140 is configured to train a user to balance on the pivot component 140. The protrusion portion 142 is located to prevent a user from standing flat footed. As illustrated in FIGS. 7A-C, the protrusion portion 142 may be a generally convex, bubble, ovoid, semi-spherical, or dome shaped. However, this is not meant as a limitation as the shape may be half-dome, rectangular, square, or any other shape that would elevate a portion of the shoe 110. The pivot component 140 is designed to create a balance point when in contact with the ground. The pivot component 140 may be integrated directly into the sole 120. Alternatively, the pivot component 140 may be adhered directly to the sole 120. Additionally, the pivot component 140 may be different sized to accommodate different levels of ability.

[0038] The pivot component 140 may be positioned to extend out or the front sole portion 128 the mid sole portion 126, or a combination thereof. This positioning allows the user to balance on a ball of the foot and off of the heel. The ball of the foot is elevated forcing the user to use muscles to balance on the ball of the foot improving balance and leg and core strength. The pivot component 140 is flexible or pliable to allow for low impact exercise. The pivot component 140 may be air filled, gel filled, or may be solid in construction and may be denser or less dense than the sole 120 depending on the desired characteristics. The pivot component 140 or the sole 120 may also be weighted to enhance the exercise experience alleviating the need for ankle weights.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the pivot component 140 may be inflatable and collapsible. A valve 150 in the protrusion portion 142 may be used in inflate and deflate the pivot component 140. This allows the user to customize the workout intensity and to use the balance training device 100 as regular footwear when desired. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the protrusion portion 142 may comprise a textured outer or gripping surface 144. The textured outer or gripping surface 144 is configured to improve contact with the ground to improve stability. The pivot component may be integrated directly into or adhered directly to the sole via an adhesive.

[0040] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pivot component 140 may be completely detachable from the shoe 110. The pivot component 140 may also be adjustable in position on the sole 120. The front sole portion 128 of the sole 120 may comprises a pivot component attachment area 130. The pivot component 140 may further comprise a sole attachment portion 146. An attachment element 148 of the sole attachment portion 146 of the pivot component 140 is attachable to an attachment element 132 of the pivot component attachment area 130 of the front sole portion 128 of the sole 120. The attachment elements 132 and 148 may be a mechanical fastening system, such as hook and loop fasteners. This would allow the user to change sizes and shapes of the pivot component 140 as desired. The protrusion portion 142 may comprise the textured outer or gripping surface 144 configured to improve contact with the ground to improve stability.

[0041] In an additional embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the subject matter disclosed and claimed herein comprises a balance training device 200. The balance training device 200 is configured for use with a shoe 10. The balance training device 200 is configured as a slip-on cover configured to fit over a sole 12 of a shoe 10.

[0042] The balance training device 200 comprises a sole cover 250 and a pivot component 260. The pivot component 260 is a protrusion or bubble, similar to pivot component 140 that extends out of a bottom 252 of the sole cover 250. The sole cover 250 is flexible and elastic in construction and is configured to frictionally engage a bottom and sole 12 of the shoe 10.

[0043] The protrusion 260 is configured to train a user to balance on the protrusion 260. The protrusion 260 is configured to prevent a user from standing flat footed. The protrusion 260 may be a generally convex, bubble, ovoid, or dome shape creating a balance point when in contact with the ground, similar to pivot component 140. The protrusion 260 is positioned under a ball of a user's foot when the balance training device 200 is attached to the shoe 10. The protrusion 260 may comprise the textured outer or gripping surface 144 configured to improve contact with the ground to improve stability. The protrusion 260 is flexible or pliable to allow for low impact exercise. The protrusion 260 is typically gel filled or solid in construction.

[0044] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the balance training devices 100 and 200 can be any suitable size, shape, and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the shape and size of the balance training devices 100 and 200 and their various components, as show in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other shapes and sizes of the balance training devices 100 and 200 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although dimensions of the balance training devices 100 and 200 and their components (i.e., length, width, and height) are important design parameters for good performance, the balance training devices 100 and 200 and their various components may be any shape or size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits user need and/or preference. As such, the balance training devices 100 and 200 may be comprised of sizing/shaping that is appropriate and specific in regard to whatever the balance training devices 100 and 200 are designed to be applied.

[0045] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.