Basketball Shooting Form Feedback Training Shoe Device

Abstract

A basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device is provided. The device can be worn as a teaching aid to improve basketball shooting form by providing real-time visual feedback. More specifically, the shoe comprises a midsole made from transparent or semi-transparent materials that house embedded lights and various sensors, which may include pressure sensors, gyroscopic sensors, and accelerometers. These sensors measure critical variables such as weight distribution, foot orientation, balance and acceleration before, during, and after a jump shot. Data from these sensors is processed by a microprocessor, which compares the user's performance to predefined shooting criteria. Based on the analysis, embedded lights illuminate green for proper form and red for improper form, providing immediate visual feedback. The system is powered by a battery, which may be rechargeable and accessed via a charging port.

Claims

1. A basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device comprising: an upper comprised of a fastening system; a midsole comprised of a light and a battery; a sole; a sensor; an accelerometer; a microprocessor; and a button.

2. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 1, wherein the midsole is comprised of a transparent or a semi-transparent material.

3. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 1, wherein the fastening system is comprised of a lace or a hook and loop strap.

4. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 1, wherein the light illuminates a first color and a second color.

5. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 4, wherein the microprocessor illuminates the light the first color or the second color based on a data gathered by the sensor and a data gathered by the accelerometer.

6. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 4, wherein the first color is comprised of a green.

7. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 4, wherein the first color is comprised of a red.

8. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 1, wherein the sensor is comprised of a pressure sensor or a gyroscopic sensor.

9. A basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device comprising: an upper comprised of a fastening system; a midsole comprised of a light and a battery; a sole; a sensor; an accelerometer; a charging port; a microprocessor; and a button.

10. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 9, wherein the sensor is comprised of a pressure sensor or a gyroscopic sensor.

11. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 9, wherein the sensor is positioned in the sole or the midsole.

12. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 9, wherein the midsole is comprised of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a rubber, an ethylene vinyl acetate blend, a polyurethane, a silicone rubber, a polyvinyl chloride, a polycarbonate, or a gel-based material.

13. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 9, wherein the midsole is comprised of a transparent or a semi-transparent material.

14. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 9, wherein the fastening system is comprised of a lace or a hook and loop strap.

15. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 9, wherein the light illuminates a first color and a second color.

16. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 15, wherein the microprocessor illuminates the light the first color or the second color based on a data gathered by the sensor and a data gathered by the accelerometer.

17. The basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 9, wherein the upper is comprised of a tongue.

18. A method of using a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device, the method comprising the following steps: providing a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device comprised of an upper, a midsole comprised of a light and a battery, a sole, a sensor, an accelerometer, and a microprocessor; securing the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device to a foot of a user a fastening system; turning on a battery of the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device via a power button; performing a basketball jump shot by the user; and providing a feedback on a form of the basketball jump shot via the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device.

19. The method of using a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 18, wherein the feedback is provided by a first colored light.

20. The method of using a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of claim 18, wherein the feedback is provided by a second colored light.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] 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 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 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 are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and 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.

[0021] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved basketball training aid. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device that can be used to provide feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device that can be used to provide instant, visible feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution.

[0022] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device. The device is comprised of a basketball shoe and may be comprised of a features commonly found on a basketball shoe, such as but not limited to an upper made from any material and in any configuration, a tongue, a fastening system (ex. laces and/or hook and loop straps, etc.), etc.

[0023] More specifically, the device is comprised of a midsole preferably made from a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows light to exit the midsole. Further, at least one light is embedded within the midsole and/or sole in any location/position, wherein the light can preferably illuminate at least one color but preferably illuminates green when proper shooting form is detected by the device and red when improper shooting form is detected by the device.

[0024] The midsole and/or sole may be comprised of a plurality of components that measure variables that relate to a user's shooting form. More specifically, one of the said components may include at least one sensor which may be a pressure sensor that may be positioned anywhere within the midsole and/or sole and that detects the distribution of the user's weight and the pressure exerted at various points on the sole when performing a jump shot, wherein the sensor monitors how evenly the player's weight is balanced across the sole and whether the user's foot is planted correctly.

[0025] In another embodiment, the sensor may be comprised of a gyroscopic sensor that measures the angular velocity and orientation of the user's foot during a jump shot and also measures the movement and tilt of the foot during the shot, ensuring that the user's foot remains in the proper position and angle throughout the shooting motion. In a further embodiment, the midsole and/or sole may be comprised of at least one accelerometer that measures the acceleration of the user's foot in different directions and tracks the speed and direction of movement, which is critical for analyzing the dynamics of the jump shot, including the takeoff and landing phases. This helps determine whether the player is executing a smooth, controlled jump and landing, both of which are important for effective shooting mechanics.

[0026] The sensor and accelerometer are in electrical communication with at least one microprocessor that processes the data collected by the sensors and accelerometer and runs algorithms designed to evaluate variables such as but not limited to a user's balance, foot positioning, and overall shooting mechanics that occur before, during, and/or after a jump shot. The microprocessor then compares the collected data against pre-programmed criteria/data benchmarks that correspond to proper shooting form. The light is controlled by the microprocessor such that the light illuminates in real-time to provide instant visual feedback based on the analysis performed by the microprocessor by illuminating green to indicate proper balance and shooting technique or illuminating red to signal that the player used improper form and needs to adjust their form. This immediate feedback allows the player to correct mistakes as they happen in real time, reinforcing proper form and discouraging poor form.

[0027] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of an upper, a midsole comprised of at least one light and at least one battery, a sole, a sensor, an accelerometer, and a microprocessor. Then, a user can place the device and secure the device on their foot via a fastening system of the device. Next, the battery can be turned on via a power button. Then, a user can perform a basketball jump shot, wherein a user can determine if the form used during the shot was proper or improper depending upon a first color or a second color that the light illuminates.

[0028] Accordingly, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved basketball training aid. More specifically, the device can be used to provide feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. While doing so, the device provides instant, visible feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. In this manner, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device provides a novel means for training proper jump shot form.

[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is comprised of a basketball shoe. The shoe may be comprised of a features commonly found on a basketball shoe, such as but not limited to an upper 110 made from any material and in any configuration, a tongue 112, a fastening system 114 (ex. laces and/or hook and loop straps, etc.), etc.

[0030] More specifically, the device 100 is comprised of a midsole 120. The midsole 120 is preferably made from a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows light to exit the midsole 120. Said material includes but is not limited to a thermoplastic polyurethane, a rubber, an ethylene vinyl acetate blend, a polyurethane, a silicone rubber, a polyvinyl chloride, a polycarbonate, or a gel-based material. More specifically, at least one light 122 is embedded within the midsole 120 and/or sole 130 in any location/position. The light 122 can preferably illuminate at least one color. In the preferred embodiment, the light 122 can illuminate green when proper shooting form is detected by the device 100 (as will be described more fully below) and red when improper shooting form is detected by the device 100 (as will be described more fully below).

[0031] The midsole 120 and/or sole 130 may be comprised of a plurality of components that measure variables that relate to a user's shooting form. More specifically, one of said components may include at least one sensor 132. In one embodiment, the sensor 132 is a pressure sensor that may be positioned anywhere within the midsole 120 and/or sole 130 area such as but not limited to the heel area, ball of the foot area, and toe area. The sensor 132 detects the distribution of the user's weight and the pressure exerted at various points on the sole 130 when performing a jump shot, wherein the sensor 132 monitors how evenly the player's weight is balanced across the sole 130 and whether the user's foot is planted correctly.

[0032] In another embodiment, the sensor 132 may be comprised of a gyroscopic sensor. The sensor 132 measures the angular velocity and orientation of the user's foot during a jump shot and also measures the movement and tilt of the foot during the shot, ensuring that the user's foot remains in the proper position and angle throughout the shooting motion. In a further embodiment, the midsole 120 and/or sole 130 may be comprised of at least one accelerometer 134. The accelerometer 134 measures the acceleration of the user's foot in different directions and tracks the speed and direction of movement, which is critical for analyzing the dynamics of the jump shot, including the takeoff and landing phases. This helps determine whether the player is executing a smooth, controlled jump and landing, both of which are important for effective shooting mechanics.

[0033] The sensor 132 and accelerometer 134 are in electrical communication with at least one microprocessor 136. The microprocessor 136 processes the data collected by the sensors 132 and accelerometer 134 and runs algorithms designed to evaluate variables such as but not limited to a user's balance, foot positioning, and overall shooting mechanics that occur before, during, and/or after a jump shot. The microprocessor 136 then compares the collected data against pre-programmed criteria/data benchmarks that correspond to proper shooting form. The light 122 is controlled by the microprocessor 136 such that the light 122 illuminates in real-time to provide instant visual feedback based on the analysis performed by the microprocessor 136. More specifically, the microprocessor 136 causes the light 122 to illuminate green to indicate proper balance and shooting technique, while the light 122 illuminates red to signal that the player used improper form and needs to adjust their form. This immediate feedback allows the player to correct mistakes as they happen in real time, reinforcing proper form and discouraging poor form.

[0034] The light 122, sensor 132, accelerometer 134, and microprocessor 136 are powered by at least one battery 124. In one embodiment, the battery 124 is removable or non-removable. In another embodiment, the battery 124 is rechargeable or non-rechargeable. In a non-removable and rechargeable embodiment, the battery 124 can be recharged via at least one charging port 126 located anywhere on the device 100. The charging port 126 may be any type of charging port such as but not limited to USB. The battery 124 of the device 100 may be turned on/off via at least one power button 140.

[0035] The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 2. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of an upper 110, a midsole 120 comprised of at least one light 122 and at least one battery 124, a sole 130, a sensor 132, an accelerometer 134, and a microprocessor 136 [Step 202]. Then, a user can place the device 100 and secure the device 100 on their foot via a fastening system 114 of the device 100 [Step 204]. Next, the battery 124 can be turned on via a power button 140 [Step 206]. Then, a user can perform a basketball jump shot, wherein a user can determine if the form used during the shot was proper or improper depending upon a first color or a second color that the light 122 illuminates [Step 208].

[0036] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device and device are interchangeable and refer to the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device 100 of the present invention.

[0037] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0038] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0039] 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.