FOOTWEAR DEVICE FOR INCREASED LATERAL LEVERAGE AND METHODS OF THEIR MANUFACTURE

Abstract

A footwear device comprising protrusions which extend into a surface provide increased leverage when a force is required to be applied in a plane about perpendicular to the protrusions and about parallel to the surface. In particular, footwear devices can increase leverage in a sport requiring increased leverage to essentially maintain contact with the footwear and the ground, such as but not limited to golf.

Claims

1) A footwear device, comprising: a. a coupling element comprising: (i) one or more protrusions on a first side, (ii) a coupling surface on a second side opposite the first side, and b. a fastening element coupled to the coupling element, wherein the fastening element rotates in a predetermined manner with respect to the coupling element.

2) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein the fastening element comprises a foot receiving element which is configured to receive a shoe.

3) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein the number of protrusions is from one to twenty.

4) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein the coupling element defines a first plane and the one or more protrusions are about directed perpendicular to the first plane.

5) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein the fastening element rotates around an axis with respect to the coupling element.

6) The footwear device of claim 5, wherein the coupling element defines a first plane and the axis is about perpendicular to the plane.

7) The footwear device of claim 5, wherein the coupling device, the fastening element, or both comprise a stopping member to limit the extend of rotation by which the fastening element may rotate around the axis with respect to the coupling element.

8) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein the fastening element is coupled to the coupling element by two or more retention elements.

9) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein the fastening element is coupled to the coupling element by a retention means.

10) The footwear device of claim 2, wherein the foot receiving element comprises two foot retention elements.

11) The footwear device of claim 10, wherein the foot retention elements are connected by a securing component.

12) The footwear device of claim 11, wherein the securing component is a flexible band.

13) The footwear device of claim 12, wherein the flexible band comprises a woven textile component, a knitted textile component, a natural leather component, a synthetic leather component, a polymeric component (e.g., polyurethane, SBS, nylon).

14) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein the footwear device is configured to be part of the sole of a shoe.

15) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein section of the one or plurality of protrusions comprise a cross-sectional shape selected from a polygon, a circle, or oval.

16) The footwear device of claim 4, wherein the one or plurality of protrusions are configured to pierce the ground.

17) The footwear device of claim 1, wherein the coupling element comprises a female receiving element and the fastening element comprises a male inserting element, or the coupling element comprises a male inserting element and the fastening element comprises a female receiving element, and wherein the receiving element and the inserting element are configured to form a non-removable rotatable retention means.

18) A method of manufacturing a footwear device of claim 1, the method comprising: a. manufacturing the coupling element, b. manufacturing the fastening element, c. combining the coupling element and the fastening element in an abutting relationship, wherein the coupling element comprises a female receiving element and the fastening element comprises a male inserting element, or the coupling element comprises a male inserting element and the fastening element comprises a female receiving element, and wherein the receiving element and the inserting element are configured to form a non-removable rotatable retention means.

19) A method of hitting a golf ball using a footwear device farther than without using a footwear device, the method comprising: a. wearing a footwear device of any of claim 1, b. performing a golf swing using a golf club on a golf ball, c. hitting said golf ball a measured distance, wherein the measured distance is greater when a user is wearing the footwear device compared to when a golf ball is hit by a user without wearing the footwear device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the embodiments described herein. These embodiments may be better understood by reference to one or more of the following drawings in combination with the detailed description.

[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a fastening element 100 of a footwear device of this disclosure comprising a plurality of prongs 102a, 102b as the male inserting element. The fastening element further comprises a first fastening side 103 and a second fastening side 104.

[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a coupling element 200 of a footwear device of this disclosure comprising a plurality of prongs 201a, 201b as the female receiving element. The coupling element further comprises a first coupling side 203 and a second coupling side 204.

[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a fastening element 300 of a footwear device of this disclosure comprising a male inserting element in the shape of an outwardly curved frustum 302.

[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a coupling element 400 of a footwear device of this disclosure comprising an orifice 402 as the female receiving element.

[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a fastening element and a coupling element in a retention means. The prongs of the male inserting element engage with the prongs of the female receiving element to form a retention means. In some embodiments, the retention means can further comprise a plurality of ball bearings 502a, 502b to minimize friction as the prongs of the male inserting element rub against the prongs of the female receiving element while the user performs their golf swing and the fastening element rotates about an axis 501 relative to the coupling element.

[0017] FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of a fastening element and a coupling element in a retention means. The outward curving frustum of the male inserting element engage with the orifice of the female receiving element to form a retention means. In some embodiments, the retention means can further comprise a plurality of ball bearings positioned between the first side of a fastening element 602 and a first side of a coupling element 603. In some embodiments, the first side of a fastening element 602, the a first side of a coupling element 603, or both can comprise a channel which surrounds the axis 601 in which the ball bearing may fit (with a 5-20% tolerance with respect to the ball bearing diameter) to minimize friction as the surfaces rub against each other while the user performs their golf swing and the fastening element rotates about an axis 601 relative to the coupling element.

[0018] FIG. 6B depicts a perspective view of a fastening element and a coupling element in a retention means. The fastening element further comprises a connecting rod 610 which traverses the orifice 402 and connects with a retaining bolt 612. In some embodiments, the diameter of the retaining bolt 612 is wider than that of the orifice 402 such that the retaining bolt maintains the engagement of the fastening element and the coupling element. In some embodiments, the retaining bolt abuts the second surface of the coupling element. In some embodiments, the retaining bolt surface which abuts the second surface of the coupling element is coated with Teflon or a lubricant to minimize friction with the second surface of the coupling element when the retaining bolt rotates as the connecting rod rotates. The connecting rod is immovable with respect to the fastening element such that when the fastening element rotates (due the twist of the user's foot during a golf swing), the connecting rod also turns. The connecting rod is immovable with respect to the retaining bolt such that when the fastening element rotates, the connecting rod turns and the retaining bolt also rotates. In some embodiments, the retaining bolt top surface and/or the second surface of the coupling element which faces the retaining bolt top surface comprises a channel which comprises a plurality of ball bearings to minimize friction when the two surfaces rub against each other.

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of a fastening element including two foot retention elements 101a and 101b, a foot retention coupling element connector 701a and 701b, a securing component 107, and disposed opposite the view side a plurality of protrusions 206a, 206b, and 206c.

[0020] FIG. 8A depicts a top view of a foot inserted into a coupling element and retained by a foot retention element. The arrow represents the direction of the movement of the user's heel as he performs the golf swing.

[0021] FIG. 8B depicts a top view of a foot inserted into a coupling element at the end of the user's golf swing. In some embodiments, the heel may lift above the ground. In some embodiments, the extent of rotation of the coupling element with respect to the fastening element is limited by a stopping member (not shown).

[0022] FIG. 9A depicts a side view of one embodiment of a coupling element of the invention comprising a foot retention coupling element connector 701 and a plurality of protrusions 206a, 206b, and 206c, wherein the protrusions are of about the same length.

[0023] FIG. 9B depicts a side view of one embodiment of a coupling element of the invention comprising a protrusion which is a continuous wall 901 and further comprises a gripping edge 902.

[0024] FIG. 9C depicts a side view of one embodiment of a coupling element of the invention comprising a plurality of protrusions 206a, 206b, and 206c, wherein the protrusions are of different lengths.

[0025] FIG. 9D depicts a side view of one embodiment of a coupling element of the invention comprising a protrusion which is a continuous wall 903 wherein the wall successively increases in depth along the path of the wall.

[0026] FIG. 10A depicts a front view of the backswing and beginning of the golfer's swing. The relatively small arrow at the golfer's right foot represents the force magnitude and direction the foot pushes relative to the plane of the surface upon which the golfer is standing.

[0027] FIG. 10B depicts a front view of the golfer's swing upon contact with a golf ball. The large arrow at the golfer's right foot represents the force magnitude and direction the foot pushes relative to the plane of the surface upon which the golfer is standing.

[0028] FIG. 10C depicts a front view of the golfer's swing immediately after contact with the ball and during the carry portion of a golf swing. The large arrow at the golfer's right foot represents the force magnitude and direction the foot pushes relative to the plane of the surface upon which the golfer is standing.

[0029] FIG. 10D depicts a front view of a golfer on the follow-through of his swing. The curved arrow represents the foot movement relative to the foot position depicted in FIG. 10C, where the golfer's heel may rise off the ground.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as horizontal, vertical, up, down, top and bottom as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., horizontally, downwardly, upwardly, proximal, distal, lateral, medial, anterior, posterior, etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including inwardly versus outwardly, longitudinal versus lateral and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as connected and interconnected, refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term operatively connected is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

[0031] When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used. Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials and others in the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word about even though the term about may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention.

[0032] As used herein, the term rotate about an axis or rotational about an axis refers to its term understood in the art and includes moving in a circular motion about a common axis. The fastening element and the coupling element rotate about a common axis with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the fastening element and the coupling element rotate within a predetermined extent of rotation with respect to each other. The extent of rotation may be controlled by a stopping member on each element respect to each other to prevent over-rotation beyond the predetermined extent of rotation. In some embodiments, the rotation occurs by a rotating hinge. In some embodiments, the rotation occurs by a rotatable joint. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the rotating hinge and/or the rotatable joint are coated with Teflon or a lubricant to reduce friction during the rotation. In some embodiments, ball bearings are present between the mating surfaces of the rotatable joint or hinge to reduce friction between the mating surfaces when the joint or hinge rotates. The lubricant can be an oil (e.g., WD-40, silicone oil) or a powder (e.g., graphite, nanodiamond).

[0033] As used herein the term retention means refers to its meaning understood in the art and includes the means described herein to retain the coupling element and fastening element in an operably engaged configuration. In some instances, this retention means will include at least one male component engaging with a female component to form an engagement. Such male/female combinations can include or exclude prongs, curved walls, cones, frustums, and tracks. These terms are used herein (unless otherwise noted or clear from the context) such that a track includes at least one male member portion that extends into and engages at least one female portion provided in a corresponding channel. A track may constitute a structure akin to a train track or rail. A channel may constitute a recess or groove into which at least some portion of a track extends, and the track may be movably engaged with respect to the channel. Channels may extend partially and/or completely through the component in which they are formed and/or may be provided as a gap between two components into which the track is fit. Tracks and channels may form portions of tongue and groove joints, dovetail joints, T-joints, C-joints, and other types of slidable joints.

[0034] As used herein, the term rotate or variations thereof is used in this specification to describe relative motion of the noted footwear component parts (e.g., movement of the fastening element with respect to the coupling element). This term, as used herein, is intended to mean related motion that includes any one or more of sliding, tilting, and/or rotation.

[0035] The present disclosure is related to a footwear device comprising protrusions which extend into the ground and provide leverage to the user wearing the footwear device when applying a force about orthogonal to the direction of the protrusion (e.g., about parallel to the plane of a surface into which the protrusion crosses). This disclosure also discloses methods of designing and manufacturing such devices.

Methods of Increasing Lateral Leverage

[0036] In some embodiments, this disclosure provides for methods of increasing lateral leverage during a sports movement. In some embodiments, the sports movement is a golf swing. Increasing lateral leverage during a golf swing can increase the normal force applied to the driving foot before, during, and after contact with the golf ball during the cycle of a golf swing, resulting in a higher force applied to the ball from the golf club of a user of the footwear devices of this disclosure. The user of the footwear devices of this disclosure can therefore hit a golf ball farther and more accurately with the footwear devices of this disclosure.

[0037] The two-piece aspect of the footwear devices of this disclosure allows for the user to maintain the ball of the foot to be firmly planted to the ground during initial stance and throughout the golf swing while permitting somewhat easier and/or natural motion of the remainder of the foot. Much of the force applied by a user's foot during the stance and/or some phases of the golf swing is applied at the first metatarsal head area-at the forefoot, medial side of the sole. The footwear devices of this disclosure therefore provide a stable base and feel, particularly for the driving foot of the golfer during the downswing and ball contact phases of the golf swing (FIG. 10A-D). In some embodiments, this disclosure provides for a method of hitting a golf ball using a footwear device farther than without using a footwear device, the method comprising: wearing a footwear device of this disclosure, performing a golf swing using a golf club on a golf ball, hitting said golf ball a measured distance, where the measured distance is greater when a user is wearing the footwear device compared to when the user is not wearing the footwear device. Golf ball distances can be measured using an optical distance measurement device well-understood by golfers, or a measuring tape, or relative to a premeasured distance gauge (e.g., a practice range).

Footwear Devices

[0038] The footwear devices of this disclosure comprise a lateral side or edge and medial side or edge. The lateral side or edge of the footwear device is the side that corresponds with the outer area of the foot of the user. The medial side or edge of the footwear device is the side that corresponds with the inside area of the foot of the user. The regions, sides, and areas of the footwear device as described above are not intended to demarcate precise areas of the outsole. Rather, these regions, sides, and areas are intended to represent general areas of the footwear device. Each region, side, and area also may include anterior and posterior sections.

[0039] In some embodiments, the footwear devices of this disclosure can be integrated into a shoe as a golf shoe outsole, or connected to a golf shoe outsole in an abutting relationship.

[0040] In some embodiments, the fastening element and coupling element may be formed of flexible plastic material such as thermoplastic polyurethane, wear resistant polyurethane, a metal, an alloy, SBS polymer, HDPE, and the like.

[0041] In some embodiments, the protrusions are configured to be disposed on the lateral side of the user's foot. In some embodiments, the protrusions are configured to be disposed on the medial side of the user's foot. When the protrusions are disposed on the lateral side of a user's foot, the user can optionally, lift his heel while turning the rear foot during an extended golf swing. In some embodiments, additional secondary protrusions of a smaller length than the primary protrusions can be disposed throughout the second surface of the coupling element to provide additional stability of the user's foot with the ground during the golf swing.

[0042] In some embodiments, the foot receiving element can be a strap, a separate shoe, a sandal, or a surface upon which a user's toes are placed to integrate the user's foot with the first surface of the fastening element. The types of foot receiving elements described herein include sole structures, foot support systems, articles of footwear, and/or other foot-receiving devices may include any one or more structures, parts, features, properties, and/or combination(s) of structures, parts, features, and/or properties of the examples described herein.

[0043] In some embodiments, the footwear device comprises one or a plurality of stop members which may be limit slide or rotation of the coupling element with respect to the fastening element, e.g., to prevent dangerous over-rotation and/or complete separation of footwear device elements coupling element and fastening element to a predetermined rotational distance. Alternatively, the shape(s) of the coupling element and fastening element may function as a stop member.

Methods of Manufacture

[0044] Custom manufacturing the footwear device allows for improved accuracy in conforming the footwear device to an individual user's foot geometry. For example, the footwear devices described herein can be manufactured by additive manufacturing, or general size ranges (e.g., small, medium, and large) or per a user's foot size (e.g., US 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 in barleycorn units), and/or a user's foot width (e.g., AAA, AA, A, B, C, D, E, EE, EEE in brannock convention). In some embodiments, the footwear device can be made by casting, injection molding, or made in multiple parts which are then connected by melting, welding, gluing, Velcro adhesive, screws, rivets, etc. In some embodiments, when connecting the male inserting element into a female receiving element, the male inserting element can be made of conformable slices or other geometry to allow the male inserting element to fit into the female receiving element. In some embodiments, the female receiving element can comprise a heat-shrinkable tubing which can be shrunk after inserting the male inserting element to form a tight fit. In some embodiments, the male inserting element can comprise two or more components which are separate to allow for facile construction. For example, the coupling element can comprise an open orifice which traverse the longitudinal axis of the coupling element. The fastening element can comprise a control rod. The control rod can traverse through the open orifice on the coupling element. After traversing the control rode through the open orifice the end of the control rod can be irreversibly connected to a retaining bolt to keep the coupling element and fastening element operably engaged (as shown in FIG. 6B).

[0045] It will be understood that the foregoing description is of exemplary embodiments of this invention, and that the invention is not limited to the specific forms shown. Modifications may be made in the design and arrangement of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention.