Abstract:
Disclosed are weighted shoe assemblies that allows easy selection of different weights and the ability to accommodate a variety of foot or shoe sizes. This greatly reduces the cost of providing all sizes and shapes of individually fitted shoes. More specifically disclosed are weighted shoe assemblies having an upper attachment component to attach to a user&#39;s foot or shoe and a removable weight components to allow selection of desired weights and means to removably attach the components together.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/288,737, filed Jan. 29, 2016, the contents and disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Field of Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to weighted leg exercise structures for enhancing exercise and training. More particularly, the invention relates to structures that have removable, selectable weight component(s) for enhancing exercise and training. 
         [0004]    Background 
         [0005]    The benefits of ankle weights and weighted-shoes to enhance the exercise experience is well known. There are numerous weighted leg exercise structures commercially available, and the internet is replete with instructions on the various exercises that can be used with these weights. Most commercially available weighted-shoes consist of weights that can be that come already weighted. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a weighted-shoe assembly that allows for easy selection of different weights as well as the ability to accommodate a variety of foot or shoe sizes, which greatly reduces the cost of providing all sizes and shapes of individually fitted shoes. 
         [0007]    In broad scope, the invention is a weighted-shoe assembly with an upper attachment component that fastens to a user&#39;s foot or shoe and a removable weight component that allows for the selection of desired weights. In addition, the invention includes means to removably attach the components together. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the top attachment component of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the top attachment component of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an end view of the top attachment component of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an attachment mechanism component of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an attachment mechanism of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an attachment pin of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the bottom weight attachment component of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing how the components fit together. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an assembly of another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of top and bottom components of an embodiment of the invention with platforms in an unnested position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of front top and bottom components of an embodiment of the invention with platforms in a nested position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of components of intermediate platforms of an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 .  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate the top attachment component.  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate the weight component attachment mechanism, and  FIG. 6  shows the weight bottom component.  FIG. 7  illustrates the way in which the components fit together. 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 ,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the top attachment component,  100 . It comprises a base  104 , back heel support  102 , and a location on the rear,  112 , for attachment of the weight attachment mechanism  114  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ). This component has the approximate shape of the sole of a human shoe (or foot) with a heel end and toe end. The upper side of the top attachment component may also have cushioning or shock-absorbing pads disposed therein. Optionally, there are raised connecting slots  105 ,  107 ,  108 ,  109 , 110 , and  111 . Item  103  is an optional carabiner connection for hanging the shoe with a carabiner clip. The shoe has a slot,  114 , running from front to back to mate with a projection  212  in the weight component  200 . The slot is shown with a smaller outer opening and expanded upper opening, but other configurations, such as a slot with sloped sides, are within the scope of the invention. Other means of connecting the top component and bottom weight component may also be uses. The upper component may be attached to the lower component with straps or with a sheet of hook-and-loop connectors. One half of a hook-and-loop sheet would be attached to the underside of the upper component and the other half to the top side of the lower component. A recess in the bottom side of the top or top of the lower component with a matching recess in the other component could be used to orient the component being attached. Alternatively, the upper and lower components may be connected by snaps or by nuts and bolts. Alternatively there can be walls on the top side of the lower component or bottom side of the upper component that extend over the sides of the other component. The components could then be attached by snap, hook-and-loop straps, nuts and bolts in the inside of the wall and outside wall of the other component. 
         [0022]    The base,  104 , is preferably made of any suitable such as wood, metal, or polymer. Polymer material(s) such as polystyrene, PVC, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, dense, and flexible hydrogel or similar engineering polymers are suitable. Polyurethane is especially suitable as it is easily molded and tailored for hardness and durability. 
         [0023]    The back heel support  102  may be made of the same material as the base but also may be made of fabric or a flexible polymer sheet. In use, a user&#39;s foot or shoe will fit into the top attachment component and be secured by straps connected to the raised connecting slots  105 ,  107 , 108 ,  109 , 110 , and  111 . Flexible fabric or polymer straps may be used by inserting them into the raised connecting slots. Straps with a Velcro™ type hook and loop strap pieces are very suitable. Attachment of the foot or shoe may also be made with straps or cords attached directly to the sides of the base  104  and back heel support without the need for the raised connecting slots. The straps or cords may be made integral with or attached to the base and back heel support. Other means such as those used to attach skates to shoes and ski boots to skis may be adapted for use in attaching the upper component to user&#39;s shoes and are also suitable. A significant advantage of the present structure is that with only 3-4 sizes, the shoes will accommodate the entire range of user shoe (or foot) sizes, whereas a multiple number of shoe sizes are needed for other weighted shoes. 
         [0024]    A quick attach/release attachment mechanism to allow secure attachment of the top component to the bottom weight component is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5  and an attachment pin in  FIG. 6 . The mechanism has screw holes  115  through which screws are placed to secure the mechanism to the rear of the top attachment component at  112 . The mechanism  114  has an opening  116  through which a pin  122  ( FIG. 6 ) is placed. Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown the lockin pin  120  having a shaped body  121  and pin  122 . There is an opening,  122 , in the pin  120  for a coiled spring. The pin is placed in the attachment a mechanism  114  and a coiled spring in the opening  122 . When in place, this allows the pin to be pushed upward so as not to project beyond the lower face of the base  104  where the opening fits over pin  136  ( FIG. 8 ). When the weight component ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) is attached to the top component, the pin can be released and the spring forces it downward through the opening  205  in the bottom weight component. This locks the top and bottom weight components together. The bottom weight component has a projection  212  on the top side that is mated to the opening  114  on the bottom of the top attachment component. The component  201  provides the selectable, removable weight for the shoe assembly. The weight is varied by the nature and thickness of the material of the weight base  202 . Various sizes and weight of bottom weight component are provided. Additionally the weight component may have added weight(s) inserted in optional slots,  216  and  218  in the base. The slots or holes may be any suitable shape and will allow inserts (shaped and sized to fit inside the slots) that are of greater density than the base material of the weight component. For example, the weight component is preferably constructed of a polymer material (polyurethane preferred), and the inserts made of metal, such as steel or lead. Thus, there are many degrees of freedom in adjusting the weight of the bottom weight component. The component locking system is an example of an embodiment and not limiting. Other means of locking the components are considered within the scope of the invention. 
         [0025]    As shown, the weight component has a flat unpatterned bottom surface. However, it may be patterned with ridges, grooves, names, and logos. A patterned bottom will enhance the ability to walk in the shoe assembly and reduce the chance of sliding and slipping. 
         [0026]      FIG. 8  illustrates the way in which the components fit together for use. The attachment mechanism  112  is secured to the top attachment component  200  with screws  132  and  133 . The connecting pin system  120  is lifted and the weight component is slid into place with the projection of the weight component into the slot in the top component  114 . The pin system is released and the coiled spring forces the pin down into the opening  205  in the weight component. 
         [0027]    Another set of embodiments is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-12 . In broad aspect, the second set of embodiments is an assembly comprised of a top platform and bottom platform. The platforms attach together by an adjustable latch system that connects the platforms when stacked. Pressure from the mass of the top platform depresses the latch to connect with latch-receiving prongs in the bottom platform. Intermediate platforms, each having a similar latch system, may be stacked to add additional weight to the assembly. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , the assembly  300  consists, in one embodiment, of a top platform  302  and bottom platform  306 , and optional platform  304 . The top platform has a heel support  324  and an optional carabiner toe hook,  326  to hang the assembly when not in use. There are straps  318 ,  319 ,  320 , and  321  to strap the assembly to a user&#39;s foot. As shown, the straps may be connected (adjusted) by a hoop-and-loop strap connector such as Velcro™. The straps are illustrative and serve to secure a foot or shoe to the top platform while being easily releasable. Other means for so securing the platforms to a foot are within the scope of the invention. For example, the top platform may be fitted with a fabric structure like a fabric athletic shoe or a sandal. In one aspect, the top may be like an athletic shoe or a sandal with a top platform replacing the sole. It is also possible to simply attach an athletic shoe or a sandal to the top surface of the top platform and provide an opening for the latch sets. 
         [0029]    The platforms are tapered from top to bottom and have a lip around the top edge as shown in the  FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 , and the bottom platform has an opening,  332  (intermediate platform has similar opening  305 ) that is sized to mate with the tapered bottom of the top (or next above intermediate platform). This allows the platforms to be nested together as shown in  FIGS. 9, 10, 11, and 12 . The bottom side of the top platform (and intermediate platforms) has an L-shaped projection  330  to allow latching. In general, the platforms (top, bottom and intermediate) will weigh about 3-8 pounds, with 4-6 pounds being preferred. 
         [0030]    There are two latch sets, front,  310 ,  312 , and rear,  314 ,  316 , each set in the rectangular opening in the surface of the top and intermediate platforms. These are more clearly shown in  FIG. 11 . In general, the center of the front rectangular latch set opening will be about 15 to 35% of the length from the front end of the platform opening, and the rear latch set opening about 15 to 35% of the length from the rear end of the platform. A distance from both front and rear opening to the front and rear of the platform of about 25% is optimal. The latch is a structure angled approximately in half, with the top side,  310 , solid and the bent side,  343  slotted as shown. The bottom of two slots is angled inward to form a kind of tab. There is an upward projection,  342 , on the right side of the slotted bent section. There are springs (leaf or coil) inserted in openings  311  and  313  (and the similar opening in the rear latch sets). The latch is angled with an activation projection on the top side and slots that engage shaped prongs (or projections),  346 , on a recess, : 311 ,  313 , in the bottom platform,  306 , or intermediate platforms,  304 . The latch is configured so that when there is no pressure on the latch mechanism (as when there is not a foot or another platform resting on it), the spring pushes it into an up position, releasing the latch to the prongs in the platform below (as is shown in position in  FIG. 9 ). When the user stacks weight platforms, or places his/her toot or shoe on the top platform, it pushes down the projection,  342 , and causes the latches (coupling mechanism) of the weights below it to latch-projection,  346 . Conversely, when the top most platform is removed, the two platforms below it become decoupled. For example, when a user stands on the top platform,  302 , the coupling latch will be depressed, causing it to rotate underneath the retention lip of the platform below, thereby locking the two platforms together. When the user removes the foot straps and steps oft the platform, the coupling mechanism will spring out from underneath the overhang and the platforms will decouple. The configuration of the coupling latch is better shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0031]    Intermediate platforms ( 304  of  FIG. 12 ) that will be pa laced between the top and bottom platform to add additional weight, are configured like the top platform  302  without the heel support  324  or hanging carabiner,  326 . An immediate platform,  304  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 , with openings  305 ,  303 , to allow nesting with a platform above utilizing the latch mechanisms  352 , 354 , 364 ,  358 . The latching projections,  355 ,  359 , on the platform below are also shown. The spring openings  362 ,  363 ,  364 , and  365  are illustrated. This configuration allows the intermediate platform to be nested between the top and bottom platforms.  FIG. 9  shows an assembly with one intermediate platform  304  nested between top  302  and bottom  306  one or more intermediate platforms may be used as desired. 
         [0032]    The surface of the top platform may be coated with a protective material or may have a pad of flexible and/or elastomeric material for sanitation and protection. The pad may be permanently attached, removably attached (as with releasable adhesive), or loose. It will be shaped like the top side of the top platform but will have an opening to expose the latch opening of the top platform. 
         [0033]    The underside of the bottom platform may be coated with an elastomer or other protective material such as polyvinyl chloride (vinyl), polypropylene, polyurethane or poly-silicone. It may alternatively have a sleeve of similar material fitted around the underside. 
         [0034]    The top, immediate, and bottom platforms are desirably made from relatively heavy materials such as steel, cast iron, heavy polymers such as polyurethane. Cast iron is very acceptable. Polymer such as polyurethane may be made heavier by dispersing metal particle, or metal pellets in the polymer mix. 
         [0035]    The method of use of the shoes of the invention is similar to the use of other weighted-shoes or ankle weights. The shoe is used primarily for core exercises such as leg raises and other variations of having legs suspended in the air as well as abductor exercises. They will also be used for leg isolation exercises such as leg extensions and leg curls and will function as weights for pull ups. 
         [0036]    In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded as illustrative rather than as restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.