Abstract:
Removable shoe weights applicable for use with any laced shoe to provide increased resistance wherein the user can increase muscle toning and caloric expenditure. The invention more particularly relates to an aesthetically pleasing, removable shoe weight having a flexible weighted mass secured by at least three attachment points to shoe laces. As such, the user can variably position the weights to be selectively worn throughout many alternative and sustained activities.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This U.S. non-provisional patent application is based upon and claims the filing date of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/320,191, filed May 18, 2003.  
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     None.  
       REFERENCE TO A MICRO-FICHE APPENDIX  
       [0003]     None.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     The present invention relates to removable shoe weights to be used with any laced shoe to provide increased resistance to the user to enhance muscle toning and caloric expenditure. The invention more particularly relates to a removable shoe weight having a flexible weighted mass secured by at least three attachment points to the laced shoe laces wherein the user can variably position the weights to be selectively worn throughout many alternative and sustained daily activities.  
         [0006]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0007]     A search of the prior art located the following United States patents which are believed to be representative of the present state of the prior art: U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,498 B1, issued Jun. 4, 2002, U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,223, issued Apr. 13, 1999, U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,709, issued May 27, 1997, U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,927, issued Dec. 7, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,776, issued Aug. 3, 1993, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,183, issued Mar. 5, 1991.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,498 B1, issued Jun. 4, 2002, discloses sports shoes for physical strength training with layered soles in which metal tubes are inserted.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,223, issued Apr. 13, 1999, discloses removable stretch fabric footwear garments with pockets containing weights. The garments overlay various portions of the perimeter of the shoe and the garments and weights contained therein are contoured to match the shape of that portion of the shoe they overlay and are secured using VELCRO®.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,709, issued May 27, 1997, features removable polished metal shoe weights which slip under the shoelaces perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shoe.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,927, issued Dec. 7, 1993, discloses an exercise shoe comprising nested weight modules along the shoe bottom.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,231,776, issued Aug. 3, 1993, discloses a weighted athletic shoe with the weight elements being small metal spheres arranged in a lattice grid matrix molded to the shoe sole and sandwiched between the inner and outer shoe soles.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,183, issued Mar. 5, 1991, discloses an ankle weight device.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention relates to removable shoe weights to be used with any laced shoe to provide increased resistance to the user to enhance muscle toning and caloric expenditure. The invention more particularly relates to a removable shoe weight having a flexible weighted mass secured by at least three attachment points to the laced shoe laces wherein the user can wear the weights throughout many varied and sustained daily activities.  
         [0015]     The apparatus of the present invention is formed of a packet made from resilient, flexible material and includes an internal volume to completely enclose and secure a predetermined weighted mass. The packet includes a securing VELCRO® type closure centered along the packet longitudinal axis which communicates with laced shoelaces to secure the packet bottom. The packet top provides a stitched, flattened portion with eyelets to communicate with shoelace ends and which serve to secure the packet to the shoe lace-box once the laces are tied.  
         [0016]     The weighted mass of the present invention is similarly flexible and can include steel shot which due to its density and uniformly small particle size readily conforms to the packet configuration on the lace-box of the user&#39;s shoe.  
         [0017]     The packet also provides a hidden and secure pocket on the packet bottom side to allow the user to insert a key or money while using the shoe weights. When the shoe weights are securely attached to the laced shoes, the storage pockets are undetectable. The pocket is also secured using a VELCRO® type closure at its top.  
         [0018]     It is an object of the present invention to provide removable shoe weights which easily can be secured to any pair of laced shoes, or alternately with at least one weight on one shoe only, and worn while the user either performs a wide range predetermined exercise regimens or routine activities to increase strength and muscle tone and burn additional calories.  
         [0019]     It is another object of the present invention to provide removable shoe weights which fit snugly to the lace-box of laced shoes without movement during use.  
         [0020]     It is still another object of the present invention to provide removable shoe weights which conform to the individual user&#39;s foot arch characteristics.  
         [0021]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide removable shoe weights which offer weight resistance without undue stress on body tissue, joints, or structure.  
         [0022]     It is still further an object of the present invention to provide removable shoe weights which increase the user&#39;s caloric consumption during use.  
         [0023]     Other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0024]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a back perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is a right side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1  taken along the longitudinal centerline.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a back perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing insertion of personal property into a pocket which is hidden when the embodiment is worn, and wherein the pocket securely closes using a VELCRO® closure.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of a prior art shoe with an embodiment of the present invention showing means to secure the bottom of the shoe weight.  
         [0030]      FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a prior art shoe with an embodiment of the present invention showing fitting means to secure the bottom of the shoe weight to tied laces at the bottom of the shoe lace-box.  
         [0031]      FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a prior art shoe with an embodiment of the present invention showing fitting means to secure the top of the shoe weight to untied laces at the top of the shoe lace-box.  
         [0032]      FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a prior art shoe with an embodiment of the present invention showing fitting means to secure the top of the shoe weight tied to laces at the top of the shoe lace-box and secured under the tied lace bow. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0033]     With reference to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1-9 , the present invention for a removable shoe weight for use in combination with a laced shoe having an axis defined by a longitudinal centerline comprises a flexible packet  10  having a longitudinal centerline aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shoe, a predetermined weighted mass  35 , a method for variably positioning and securing the flexible packet means to at least three separate securing points on the shoelace of the shoe allowing adjustable positioning of the packet  10  comprising the weighted mass  35  along the shoelace once the shoelace is tied securely, and a secure, hidden pocket for hidden storage of small personal property items.  
         [0034]     The flexible packet  10  of the present invention further comprises a stitched top side  20 , a stitched bottom side  30 , a rounded stitched bottom  40 , a flattened rectangle stitched top  50 , and uniformly parallel stitched sides  60 ,  FIGS. 1-3 . The packet parallel stitched sides  60 , rounded stitched bottom, and stitched top and bottom sides are sewn together to define a predetermined volume sufficient to completely enclose means for a predetermined weighted mass  35 ,  FIG. 4 .  
         [0035]     The removable shoe weight of the present invention further comprises a method for securing the flexible packet  10  to at least three separate securing points on the lace-box of the shoe. This method and apparatus for securing the packet  10  allows adjustable positioning of flexible packet and weighted mass along the shoe lace-box,  FIGS. 6-8 , and secured positioning of flexible packet  10  and weighted mass  35  once the shoelace is tied securely,  FIG. 9 . This method and apparatus for variably positioning and securing the flexible packet  10  to at least three separate securing points on the shoe lace-box of the shoe of the present invention further comprises shoelace attachment at the packet rounded bottom  40  and shoelace attachment at the packet flattened rectangle top  50 .  
         [0036]     Shoelace attachment at the packet rounded bottom  40  further comprises a loop  70  of predetermined length having two ends, wherein one loop end  72  is fixedly attached to the packet bottom side at a point on the packet longitudinal centerline such that the length of the loop extends around the packet rounded bottom under a predetermined tied shoelace and securely attaches the other loop end  74  to a point on the packet top side longitudinal centerline,  FIGS. 1-3 , and  6 - 9 .  
         [0037]     Shoelace attachment at the packet flattened rectangle top  50  of the present invention further comprises a stitched boundary and an unbounded edge and two reinforced eyelets  52 ,  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Each eyelet  52  is spaced an equal distance from the stitched boundary and an unbounded edge and the packet longitudinal centerline, wherein each eyelet is positioned to receive a shoelace end directed from the packet bottom side  30  towards the packet top side  20  through each eyelet  52 ,  FIGS. 8 and 9 . This shoe lace positioned through the eyelets  52  allows the shoelace to be securely tied in a finished bowknot at the packet top side  20 ,  FIG. 9 . Once the bowknot is tied the packet bottom  30  is securely positioned and contoured against the tied shoelaces of the shoe lace-box along the top of the user&#39;s foot arch,  FIG. 9 .  
         [0038]     The predetermined weighted mass  35  of the present invention further comprises spheres,  FIG. 4 . The spheres can be made from ceramic or metal. The preferred embodiment of the present invention use steel pellets or steel shot as a predetermined weighted mass. The diameter of the steel pellets of the preferred embodiment of the present invention are uniformly 2-3 cm. Use of steel pellets or steel shot is critical to the flexibility of the apparatus as the packet element of the shoe weight is conformed and secured to the lace-box of the shoe and the user&#39;s foot arch,  FIGS. 6-9 . The density and uniformly small particle size of the pellets or shot make them more suitable than other mass means, such as sand. The predetermined weighted mass can be any weight suitable for the spirit and scope of the present invention. Typically, the weighted mass is less than one pound to one pound per each removable shoe weight. Embodiments of the present invention using weighted mass packets ranging from one-half pound to five pounds in half-pound increments can be practiced as necessary for the exercise requirements of the user. The preferred embodiment of the present invention uses one pound of weight mass per shoe weight.  
         [0039]     The secure and hidden storage of small personal property items by the present invention is achieved by a pocket  80  having a single open top end  82  and three closed sides  84 ,  FIGS. 2 and 5 . The pocket closed sides are sewn to the packet back side and the pocket open top is directionally aligned towards and parallel to the packet stitched boundary and an unbounded edge of the flattened rectangle top side defining a predetermined volume sufficient to receive small personal property items,  FIG. 5 . The pocket open top end securely closes to house material placed within the pocket.  
         [0040]     The loop side which securely attaches one loop end to a point on the packet top side longitudinal centerline, the attaching point on the packet top side, and the secure closure of the pocket open top end of the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprise attaching members with hook and loop self-gripping fastening devices of the type sold under the registered mark VELCRO®.  
         [0041]     The flexible packet  10  material consists of heavy nylon, heavy cotton, heavy poly-vinyl, canvas, durable nylon canvas, neoprene, and durable, heavy synthetic fabric. Any of these materials may be treated to be water resistant or water repellant. The packet material of the present invention further comprises any solid colors of the art including, but not limited to, royal blue, red, yellow, navy, fuchsia, and black. The packet materials can also comprise a plurality of multi-color combinations according to user preference. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a solid colored, flexible packet made from a durable nylon canvas.  
         [0042]     As depicted in  FIGS. 1-9 , the preferred embodiment of the present invention for removable shoe weight for use in combination with a laced shoe comprises a flexible packet  10  with a longitudinal centerline aligned with the longitudinal axis of the shoe, a top stitched boundary side, a bottom side, a rounded bottom, a flattened rectangle top, and uniformly parallel sides. The packet uniformly parallel sides, rounded bottom, and top stitched boundary side are sewn together to define a predetermined volume sufficient to completely enclose a one pound weighted mass of solid steel pellets of uniform diameter of approximately 2-3 cm. Similarly, the stitching assembly of the present invention can be employed for any of the flexible and durable packet materials described herein.  
         [0043]     The packet rounded bottom  40  further comprises a loop  70  of predetermined length having two sides and two ends,  72  and  74 . One loop end  72  is fixedly attached to the packet bottom side  30  at a point on the packet longitudinal centerline such that the length of the loop extends around the packet rounded bottom  40  and under a predetermined tied shoelace,  FIG. 7 . The other loop end  74  is securely attached to a point on the packet top side  20  longitudinal centerline using hook and loop self-gripping fastening devices on the loop side joining the packet top side of the type sold under the registered mark VELCRO®,  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The loop  70  side not comprising VELCRO fastening devices may comprise reflective material known in the art.  
         [0044]     The packet flattened rectangle top  50  further comprises two reinforced eyelets  52 , each eyelet  52  spaced an equal distance between the stitched boundary and an unbounded edge of the flattened rectangle top  50  and from the packet longitudinal centerline. Each eyelet  52  receives a shoelace end directed from the packet bottom side  30  towards the packet top side  20  through the eyelet  52  allowing for the shoelace to be securely tied in a finished bowknot at the packet top side  20 . Once the bowknot is tied the packet bottom side  30  is securely positioned against the tied shoelaces and contoured against the tied shoelaces along the top of the lace-box of the shoe which, when tied, conforms to the user&#39;s foot arch. In this manner, each user is assured a secure fit customized to the user&#39;s unique foot arch dimensions.  
         [0045]     The packet bottom side  30  further comprises a pocket  80  having a single open top end  82  and three closed sides  84 . The pocket closed sides are sewn to the packet bottom side  30  wherein the pocket open top  82  is directionally aligned towards and parallel to the stitched boundary and an unbounded edge of the flattened rectangle top  50  defining a predetermined volume sufficient to receive small personal property items,  FIGS. 1-3 ,  5 . This pocket further comprises a sewn VELCRO® closure comprising hook and loop self-gripping fastening devices of the type sold under the registered mark to securely close the pocket open top end  82 . In this manner, the user can secure a key, money, or other small necessities undetectably in the shoe weights during exercise. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, this pocket has an approximate 2 inch length and an approximate 2.5 inch width.  
         [0046]     The removable shoe weights of the present invention can be formed in various sizes and weights. For maximum use and enjoyment, the preferred embodiment has outside dimensions of approximately 4 inches in longitudinal length, approximately 2.5 inches in width, an approximate filled thickness of 1-1⅛ inches, and a one pound weight per packet.  
         [0047]     The present invention can be used by wearing even weight on each shoe, or by wearing uneven weights, or only one weight, depending on the user&#39;s specific training or exercise needs.  
         [0048]     For shoe lace-boxes with extended lacing, more than one shoe weight of the present invention can be secured on the lace box consistent with the three point securing means as may be necessary to achieve the user&#39;s specific training or exercise needs. In such fashion, the eyelets  52  of any weights not secured at the top of the lace box become extensions of the lace-box eyelets or lace guides, and the laces are fed through the eyelets  52  and continue through the lace guides of the lace-box to the top where they are secured by a finished bowknot.  
         [0049]     The accessability to the shoe-box and shoe laces provided by the present invention permits the user to combine lace held pedometers or lighting devices known in the art with the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention designed for the youth market include accessories for motion or impact initiated or generated audible frequencies or a light having a visible wavelength known in the art.  
         [0050]     A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be considered broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.