Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
FOOTWEAR ARTICLE FOR USE WITH RESISTANCE EXERCISE SYSTEM
BACKGROUND
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and, more
particularly, to a total body sports performance enhancement system that
allows the
user to build strength at a faster rate through resistance training while
keeping
his/her hands free. The invention further pertains to improved footwear and
belt
configurations for use in such systems.
STATE OF THE ART
Sports performance enhancement systems can improve accuracy, endurance,
precision, strength and efficiency, as well as several other key athletic and
fitness
attributes. Being an athlete and/or staying in shape requires considerable
time and
effort. Athletes must train their entire bodies in order to achieve total body
fitness,
which is a prerequisite in order to excel as a top tier athlete and to obtain
an optimal
body condition. The rewards of such an achievement are immense, yet the
journey
towards these pinnacles requires a great deal of time consuming dedication and
exertion.
The problem is that, normally, the aspiring athlete and/or fitness
enthusiast would have to work out a vast array of different body parts, such
as the
upper and lower body, limbs hands, feet, etc. Then, he or she must maintain
his/her
cardio fitness by running and or jogging. Then, in the case of the athletes,
they
must practice movements in their particular sports to improve and sharpen the
skill
sets required for those sports. Therefore, there is a need for a versatile
total body
exercise system that can save time yet not compromise on the rigorous training
that
serious competitors and fitness enthusiasts need to reach their goals while
effectively activating multiple muscles simultaneously.
Most devices and systems that attempt to create a total body workout system
fall short because they either do not cover the entire spectrum of an
effective
complete body workout, or are ineffective due to poor design, or are either
unsafe or
uncomfortable to use. In other words, there is no safe and effective full body
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workout system that encompasses the foundation of free weight resistance. The
two free weight exercises that represent the most strength or power are bench
presses and leg presses (or leg squats). Each represents or addresses upper
and
lower body strength. Other exercises that represent the next best strength
enhancement in free weights are arm and leg curls, as well as arm and leg
extensions. This is the cornerstone of free weight exercise. For years these
strength enhancements have provided adequate strength and performance
enhancement exercise for millions of people. However, the problem remains that
these strength enhancement exercises are very time consuming, and most devices
that attempt to provide the full body workout are usually stationary exercises
machines.
The exercises mentioned above provide good workouts because the focus of
resistance force is underneath the finger tips and inside the palm of the hand
(in the
case of upper-body workouts), or near the ankles (in the case of lower-body
workouts). These upper and lower body exercise actions are revolutionary
because
they incorporate two parts of the human body that make humans unique compared
to any other species. The first part is the soles of the feet, which allow
humans to
walk upright. The second part is the fingers and palms of the hands that allow
humans to build and create objects with their hands. The best way to improve
the
human body from the athlete's standpoint is to stay true to these focus areas
while
exercising. It is also to be noted and reiterated that the inside of the hand
and the
bottom of the feet, particularly the balls of the feet, are the main points of
focus for
resistance force. Most athletes are limited to performing one workout regimen
in
intervals, thus consuming a lot of time and also incorporating multiple body
parts,
but losing the core points of focus in doing so. Since each workout is
individually
performed, each workout requires a specific amount of time. To become a great
athlete is one of the most challenging tasks to accomplish. Top athletes
perform
many full body workouts for many years at an aggressive level.
Resistance band training is an excellent alternative exercise tool that is not
as
stationary as other techniques and provides an effective workout with more
creative
capabilities. Early prior art resistance band workout equipment, whether it
includes a
2
bow or has twisting functions, or is adapted to hang from a door, share a
common
oversight. These products require use of the hands of the athlete, resulting
in
restricted use of the equipment. That is, these products are intended to
provide
resistance by use of some sort of handle, but these products have limited
usage for
aspiring athletes due to the confined parameters in which they were designed.
Different athletes require different skill sets. For example, in the game of
basketball, certain players may have a better low post game while others have
better
shooting abilities. Often, the athlete with the better low post game may want
to
improve his or her shooting skills; however, most of the commercially
available
products are too general and not specific enough to improve shooting skills.
Most of
these products occupy the hands of the athlete during the exercise process,
and
since the hands are needed for practicing many skills, there is a disconnect
between
the exercising process and the skill practice.
More recently there have been attempts to provide resistance band exercise
systems that free the user's hands. Examples can be found in the following
patent
documents: US 5186701 (Wilkinson), US 5720042 (Wilkinson), US 5993362
(Ghobadi)
and US 6099446 (Johnson et al). The systems disclosed in these patents have
various
disadvantages, but the most noticeable, and the one common to all, is the
failure to
recognize the importance of the foot as opposed to the ankle. More
specifically, prior
art systems ignore the importance of both plantar flexion and dorsiflexion
training.
Plantar flexion is the movement which increases the angle between the front
part of
the foot and the shin; that is, it applies to the movement of the foot about
the ankle
joint such that the toes are moved away from the shin. Dorsiflexion is the
opposite
movement; it is the movement which decreases the angle between the dorsum (i.
e.,
the superior surface) of the foot and the leg, so that the toes are brought
closer to
the shin. Plantar flexion and dorsiflexion are critical to running, jumping
and similar
athletic activities; yet the stretching and strengthening of these muscles is
largely
ignored in these prior systems. A major reason for these failings is the
improper
directivity and application location of the tension forces applied through the
resistance bands to the user's foot.
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If not applied evenly or uniformly, such forces can be ineffective and, more
importantly, can cause injury such as sprained or broken ankles.
Also ignored in prior systems is the need for providing the user with the
capability of selectively adapting the system so as to exercise the foot and
leg
muscles in different manners for training in different sports and athletic
performances.
It is desirable, therefore, to provide a resistance band training and exercise
system which, in use, frees the user's hands to engage in skill training and
permits a
user to freely move about and perform a variety of exercise and training
activities. It is
further desirable to provide such a system which permits the user to
selectively adapt the
system to safely and efficiently exercise the muscles that control movement of
the user's
foot and leg. It would also be desirable to provide components of such a
system which
assure that the tension forces are applied by the resistance bands to the
optimum
locations of the user's body parts such as the feet, and in the proper
directions, to assure
safe and effective exercising routines.
SUMMARY
The present invention allows an athlete to combine the exercising
process and the skill practice for any given sport or activity; that is, the
present
invention allows athletes to exercise with traditional resistance bands while
keeping
their hands free to practice the specific sport skills. One aspect of the
present
invention is keeping the focus of resistance force uniformly underneath the
finger tips,
in the center of the hand just as a handle would, and uniformly underneath the
foot,
the sole of the foot. In so doing the invention allows perfect balance to the
athlete's
exercise. In addition, the present invention is designed such that the
proximal ends
of resistance bands are positionally stabilized on the user's body, as opposed
to an
external support or structure, thereby permitting the user to move about
freely and
engage in a wide variety of exercise regimens.
In accordance with the present invention a resistant band mechanism
provides the same benefits as traditional resistant bands but allows freedom
to the
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athlete's hands so that the athlete can add the present invention to his/her
existing
practice routine. Although the invention as originally conceived was intended
to
improve and develop skills such as shooting for use in playing basketball, the
invention can be used for developing and improving skills a vast array of
sports. For
example, the invention can be used for football to improve the skills of a
receiver
attempting to catch a football, or the skills of a passer attempting to throw
a football,
or the skills of linemen in moving and maneuvering an opponent. Likewise, a
tennis
player can use the invention to practice serving, forehand strokes and
backhand
strokes; a soccer player can use the invention to practice dribbling and
shooting;
etc., the list is unlimited. Thus, the invention allows athletes to practice a
wide range
of movements and efforts specific to their sports while they exercise against
the force
of resistance bands. The
present invention contrasts with many traditional
resistance band technology because the present invention applies resistance
band
tension forces evenly to the user's body, particularly to the foot.
Specifically, the
forces are directed to either the sole or both sides of the foot, thereby
assuring
optimally effective and safe force application. Additionally, the present
invention not
only saves time but concurrently activates multiple full body muscle groups
without
compromising the key points of resistance force in the defined special areas.
There are usually two to three key areas, such as weight resistance,
cardio, and practice in a particular sport, that athletes and fitness
enthusiasts must
work out to excel in their respected discipline. Therefore, it is an object of
the present
invention to provide the user with benefits of all three areas to maximize
each
workout while minimizing time. For weight resistance the present invention
uses
resistance bands in specialized areas, previously not available with most
prior
products and systems. For cardio exercise the present invention uses constant
resistance as a method to cover the area for cardio. For practice in a
particular sport,
the present invention can be worn during the entire practice session. The
present
invention incorporates all three areas simultaneously, thus not only saving
time, but
maximizing the effectiveness of time spent training to the fullest potential.
In another important aspect of the invention, improved footwear, either
an improved training shoe structure, a foot bed insert for a conventional
shoe, a
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modified ankle brace, or a modified sock, is provided for use in a resistance
band
exercise system of the type described. The shoe, for example, includes at
least a
first strap extending over the forward portion of a shoe upper between two
first strap
attachment locations at the junction of the shoe upper and outsole on opposite
sides
of the shoe upper. The strap is provided with slack so as to be loosely spaced
above shoe upper. A first connection ring is circumscribes and is freely
movable
along the strap, and the ring and strap are configured and constructed to be
connected via the ring to a resistance band such that, when the ring is pulled
by an
applied force, the ring is free to both traverse the strap and pull it in the
direction of
the force. The slack is sufficient to permit the ring to be pulled
transversely
outwardly of the shoe periphery.
In another aspect of the invention the strap may be a continuous loop
extending between the insole and outsole of the shoe. In addition, the strap
is
secured by stitching to the shoe upper immediately adjacent the junction
between
the shoe upper and outsole. A rear connection ring can be secured at a
proximal
end or heel of the shoe and configured to be connected to another elastic
resistance
band. Preferably, plural spaced straps, each with a movable connection ring,
are
provided in spaced relation so that a resistance band can be alternatively
connected
to any of the connection rings to provide selective plantar flexion and/or
dorsiflexion
exercise and to accommodate user comfort.
The above and still further features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following
definitions,
descriptions and descriptive figures of specific embodiments thereof wherein
like
reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like
components.
While these descriptions go into specific details of the invention, it should
be
understood that variations may and do exist and would be apparent to those
skilled
in the art based on the descriptions herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a front view in perspective of a vest that is worn in one aspect of
the
present invention.
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Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of a frame portion of the vest of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a front view in perspective of first embodiment of a glove that can
be
worn in connection with the present invention.
Fig. 4 is a front view in perspective of a second embodiment of a glove that
can be worn in connection with the present invention.
Fig. 5 is a rear view in perspective of a third embodiment of a glove that can
be worn in connection with the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a front view in perspective of the glove in Fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is a front view in perspective of a fourth embodiment of a glove that
can
be worn in connection with the present invention
Fig. 8 is a rear view in perspective of the glove in Fig. 8
Fig. 9 is a side view in perspective of a shoe that can be worn in connection
with the present invention.
Fig. 10 is a rear view of the shoe of Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 is a view in perspective of a resistance band employed in the present
invention.
Fig. 12 is a rear view in perspective of a first embodiment of a belt that can
be
worn in connection with the present invention.
Fig. 13 is another rear view in perspective of the belt in Fig. 12 further
illustrating the belt fastener.
Fig. 14 is a front view of the belt in Figs. 12 and 13,
Fig. 15 is rear view in perspective of an attachment member for the belt of
Figs. 12 ¨ 14.
Fig. 16 is a front view in perspective of the attachment member in Fig. 15.
Fig. 17 is a front view in perspective of a first embodiment of the system of
the
present invention being worn by a user.
Fig. 18 is a front view in elevation of the system of Fig. 17.
Fig. 19 is a rear view in elevation of the system of Fig. 17.
Fig. 20 is a view in perspective of a shoe bed insert that can be used in
connection with the present invention.
Fig. 21 is a view in section of a shoe with the shoe bed insert of Fig. 20
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inserted therein.
Fig. 22 is a view in perspective of a second embodiment of a shoe that can be
worn in connection with the present invention.
Fig. 23A is a front view in perspective of a second embodiment of a belt that
can be worn in connection with the present invention showing a first
attachment
arrangement of resistance bands to a shoe or shoe bed insert.
Fig. 23B is a front view in perspective of a second embodiment of a belt that
can be worn in connection with the present invention showing a second
attachment
arrangement of resistance bands to a shoe or shoe bed insert.
Fig. 24 is a front view of a second embodiment of the system of the present
invention being worn by a user.
Fig. 25 is a front view of the system of Fig. 24 with the addition of a band
stabilizing member.
Fig. 26 is a side view in perspective of an ankle brace that can be worn in
connection with the present invention.
Fig. 27 is rear view of the ankle brace in Fig. 26.
Fig. 28 is a side view of a sock adapted to be worn over a cleated shoe in
accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 29 is side view of the sock of Fig. 28 as worn over a cleated shoe.
Fig. 30 is a side view in perspective showing a protective and positional
stabilization pad attached to the belts of the present invention.
Fig. 31 is a view in elevation of the pad of Fig. 30.
Fig. 32 is a side view in perspective of another shoe that can be worn in
connection with the present invention.
Fig. 33A is a front view on elevation of the shoe of Fig. 32 showing a strap
and connection ring in a force-neutral position.
Fig. 33B is a front view on elevation of the shoe of Fig. 32 showing a strap
and connection ring in two of the possible applied force positions.
Fig. 34 is a view in perspective showing two of the shoe of Fig. 32 and a belt
according to the invention connected via elastic resistance bands.
Fig. 35A is a view in perspective of the belt of Fig. 34 diagrammatically
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illustrating the manner of attaching a protective pad and a rear connection
ring to the
belt.
Fig 35B is a view in perspective of the belt of Fig. 34 illustrating the
protective
pad and the rear connection ring attached to the belt.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The following detailed descriptions and explanations of the drawings of the d
embodiments reveal the methods and apparatus of the present invention. All
illustrations in the drawings are intended to aid in the descriptions herein
and are
not, of themselves, intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention.
Referring initially to the system illustrated in Figs. 17, 18 and 19, the
present
invention comprises a left glove 1, a right glove 2, a vest 3, a belt 4, a
left shoe 5, a
right shoe 6, and a plurality of resistance bands 7. The gloves 1 and 2 are
attached
to the vest 3 by the plurality of resistance bands 7, and the shoes 5 and 6
are
attached to the to the belt 4 by one of the plurality of resistance bands 7.
The
resistance bands 7 may be provided in several different tensions, allowing for
users
of different strengths to use resistance bands 7 that are appropriate for to
their levels
of strength and the intensity of workout desired. The variety of resistance
band 7
tensions also allows the user to progress up through levels of tension as
his/her
muscles develop greater strength through use of the system.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, vest 3 comprises a strap frame 31, a plurality of
vest adjustable straps 32, a plurality of vest rings 33, and an inner vest
frame 34.
The vest 3 is worn on the user's torso, positioned around the upper body, and
is
secured to the user around the chest area and back area. The inner vest frame
34 is
connected to the strap frame 31 from the inside surface of the strap frame.
The inner
vest frame 34 is made from low density viscoelastic polyurethane foam, or any
other
similar or related materials. Since the inner vest frame 34 is pressed against
the
user's body, the inner vest frame 34 deforms according the shape of the user's
body;
i.e., the frame substantially conforms to the user's body. The strap frame 31
is made
from a plurality of straps and has a shape of a human upper body. The
plurality of
straps comprises a plurality (e.g., three in the illustrated example) of
flexible or collapsible
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girth (i.e., horizontal) straps and a plurality (e.g., six in the illustrated
example) of
flexible or collapsible elongated (i.e., vertical) straps. The plurality of
flexible girth
straps is positioned perpendicular to the plurality of flexible elongated
straps. Strap
frame 31 is made from nylon straps or any other related materials similar to
nylon so
that the strap frame 31 is able to absorb multi-direction movement forces and
deform
according to the user's body shape (i.e., the frame remains conformed to the
user's
body as the user moves in exercise routines). The plurality of vest adjustable
straps
32 is connected to the strap frame 31 around the strap frame left side, right
side, and
shoulder areas. Once the user puts on the strap frame 31, the strap frame 31
can be
tightened to the user's upper torso by the plurality of vest adjustable straps
32.
In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of vest rings 33 is movably
connected to the strap frame 31 by a respective plurality of fastenings. The
plurality
of fastenings allows the plurality of vest rings 33 to freely move so that
movement of
the plurality of vest rings 33 is not entirely limited. The plurality of
fastenings can be
loops of material stitched, glued, riveted or any combination thereof. The
plurality of
vest rings 33 is positioned on the back side and the front side of the strap
frame 31.
Additionally, 360 degree rotatable or swivel rings can be used as the
plurality of vest
rings 33.
With reference to FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, the belt 4, adapted to be worn about
a user's middle or lower torso (i.e., the waist), comprises a belt adjustment
strap 41,
a double D-ring belt buckle 42, a plurality of vertically oriented rings 43
(i.e., rings
pivotable about respective vertical axes), a plurality of horizontally
oriented rings 44
(i.e., rings pivotable about respective horizontal axes), an inside belt loop
fastener
45, an outside belt loop fastener 47, a belt hook fastener 46, and a back
attachment
48. The double D-ring belt buckle 42 is connected to the belt 4 at a first
belt end,
and the belt adjustment strap 41 is connected to the belt 4 at a second and
opposite
belt end. The belt can be adjusted to fit by the user's waist by means of
Velcro (i.e.,
hook and loop fastener material), whereby the outside surface of belt
adjustment
strap 41 comprises partially or entirely loop fastener material 47, and the
outside
surface of the belt fastener 46 comprises partially or entirely of hook
fastener
material. The inside surface 45 of strap 41 consists partially or entirely
loop fastener
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material 45. To tighten the belt the user inserts strap 41 through the double
D-ring belt
buckle 42 and then between the double D-ring belt buckle 42. The hook fastener
material 46 also attaches to the loop fastener material on the outside surface
of strap
41 to provide additional securing of the belt 4. Since the belt adjustment
strap 41
allows the user to adjust the belt 4 according to the user's girth
circumference (i.e.,
waist size), the belt 4 can be fitted to different body structures. The
plurality of
horizontal rings 44 and the plurality of vertical rings 43 are movably
connected to be
selectively positioned along the belt 4 by the plurality of fastenings. The
horizontal
rings 44 and vertical rings 43 can be either D-rings or 0-rings. Each
horizontal ring
44 is secured to be pivotably movable at least about an axis parallel to the
belt 4,
and each vertical ring 43 is secured to be pivotably movable at least about an
axis
perpendicular to the belt 4.
In reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the back attachment 48 comprises a top flap
481, a middle flap 482, a bottom flap 483, at least one back ring 484, and a
back
hook material fastener 485. The top flap 481 and bottom flap 483 are
respectively
connected to the middle flap 482 top end and the middle flap 482 bottom end.
The
back ring 484 is connected to the middle flap 482 front surface. In the
illustrated
embodiment, an 0-ring is used as back ring 484, but the back ring 484 is not
limited
to the 0-ring configuration and can be any type of ring, such as a D-ring or
triangle
ring. The back hook material fastener 485 is connected to top flap 481, middle
flap
482, and bottom flap 483 opposite back ring 484. With reference to FIGS. 12
and
19, the back hook fastener material 485 in the middle flap 482 of back
attachment 48
attaches to the outside belt loop fastener material 47, and the back hook
fastener
material 485 in the top flap 481 and the bottom flap 483 attach to the inside
belt loop
fastener material 45.
An alternative belt configuration for the system includes cushioning pads or
inserts 601 as illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31 of the accompanying drawings.
The
cushioning (e.g., plastic foam) inserts are located at one or more locations
along the
belt 510 and inserted either between the inner and outer sections of the belt
behind
the inner part of the belt, or in front of the outer section of the belt. The
foam inserts
can be inserted in the front, rear, and/or sides of the belt, and are used to
provide
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additional cushioning, comfort and spacing between the user's body and the
resistance bands as the bands extend down to the lower connection points. The
inserts can be made from any cushioning material and in any shape or density
to
provide the best and most suitable option for the user's comfort. As shown in
FIG.
30, cushioning insert 601 may be stitched to the belt to assure a reliable
connection.
As best shown in FIG. 31, a tab may be provided at the bottom of the
cushioning
pad and includes a Velcro "hook" or rough surface material permitting it to
engage
the soft "loop" or smooth surface material comprising the back side of the
belt at the
pad location. If the cushioning pad were not properly secured to the belt, the
pad
may move during a workout by the user. Providing the tab with a rough hook
surface will stop the piece from moving.
Still another alternative embodiment of the belt is illustrated in FIGS. 35A
and
35B to which reference is now made. The structure of belt 510 is substantially
similar to belt 4 with some additional features. There are three front band
connections rings secured to belt 510 in a manner such that the rings are
supported
above the top edge of the belt. Specifically, a center ring 715 is supported
by
support member 714 at the center of the front of the belt. Left and right side
rings
717 are spaced on either side of center ring 715 and supported by respective
support members 716. Support members 714 and 716 may be strips of material
that are secured to the outer surface of the belt and extend across the belt
width to a
height slightly above the upper belt edge. Alternatively, for an even stronger
attachment to the belt, the support members may be stitched or otherwise
secured
in place between the inner and outer layer of the belt. The upper ends of the
support members are looped to surround the straight sides of respective D-
rings
715, 717 so that the rings are free to pivot in the loop about their own axes
which
are oriented horizontally when the belt is worn. This location of the rings
above belt
510 serves to position resistance bands, when they are connected to the rings,
away from the user's body.
To space the bands even further from the user's body, particularly the user's
groin area, a protective pad 710 may be selectively attachable to the belt in
front of
and below center connection ring 715. Pad 710 is made from a plastic foam or
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other cushioning material and has two spaced top connecting straps 711, 712
secured to and extending proximally from opposite ends of the upper edge of
the
proximal side of pad 710. A bottom connecting strap 713 extends proximally
from
the center of the lower edge of the proximal side of the pad. The inner
surfaces of
straps 711, 712 and 713 are provided with hook attachment material suitable to
engage the loop attachment material that is disposed on the inner surface of
belt
510. The spacing between the two top connecting straps 711 and 712 is wider
than
the width of support member 714 and its supported connection ring 715 so that
straps 711, 712 do not interfere with ring 714 and any resistance band
connected to
or passing through that ring. When straps 711, 712 and 713 are engaged with
the
inner belt surface, pad 710 projects forwardly of the front center of belt
below
connection ring 715 to project the resistance band forward from the belt and
the
user's body. The thickness of the pad is typically approximately two inches
but can
be anywhere in the range of about one to three inches as needed to effect the
desired forward projection of the resistance band. Although illustrated such
that the
pad, when attached to the belt, has its upper surface substantially coplanar
with the
upper edge of the belt, for some embodiments it may be desirable to extend the
upper surface of the pad above the belt upper edge to achieve even greater
spacing
of the resistance bands from the user's body.
The back ring 701 for belt 510 is secured to a removable and positionally
adjustable attachment panel unit 700. Panel 700 includes three sections
(upper,
middle and lower) that are mutually foldable onto one another and has an
interior
surface provided with hook attachment material suitable to engage the loop
attachment material that is disposed on the inner surface of belt 510. The
outer
surface of at least the lower panel is provided with loop attachment material
suitable
to engage the hook attachment material that is disposed on the inner surface
of the
upper section when it is folded over onto the lower section with the belt 510
disposed between the lower and middle sections. Back connection ring 701
projects
from the outside surface of panel unit 700 at the fold juncture between the
middle
and lower panel sections. The back connection ring is preferably a D-ring and
is
engaged by unit 700 to be pivotable about the axis of its straight leg which
is
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oriented horizontally when the unit is secured to the belt. In this position
the back
connection ring 701 projects downwardly from the belt. The removable and
adjustably positionable panel unit 700 permits the user of the belt, after the
belt is
tightened or loosened to accommodate the user's waist size, to install the
back ring
at the center of his/her back, irrespective of the user's waist size.
With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is illustrated a shoe which may be
either of the shoes 5 or 6 illustrated in FIG. 17. The shoe may be any
athletic-type
shoe appropriate for the desired conditioning activity including, but not
limited to, a
general cross-training shoe, or an athletic shoe, including a cleated shoe,
made
specifically for any particular sport. The shoe comprises an upper section 61,
a sole
62, a plurality of shoe straps 63, a plurality of connection 0-rings 64, a
rear ring 65,
and a ring attachment member 66. The upper 61 includes a heel opening 611
through which a user can insert his/her foot so that the shoe can be attached
to (i.e.,
worn on) the foot. The shoe straps 63 may be ballistic nylon or similarly
strong and
inelastic material and are positioned in spaced relation in front of the heel
opening
611 and rearwardly of the front tip of the shoe above the user's instep. In
this
embodiment each of the straps 63 is a single continuous loop which is
positioned
around and connected to the upper section 61, by stitching, adhesive, or the
like,
proximate (i.e., immediately above) the junction between the shoe upper 61 and
sole
62. Each shoe strap 63 is stitched to the upper section 61 left side and right
side in
the illustrated embodiment, but may alternatively be secured to the sole or
secured
between an insole and outsole comprising sole 62. Connection rings 64 are
positioned to encircle respective shoe straps 63. The straps 63 are provided
with
sufficient slack to leave enough space between the strap and the shoe upper 61
to
enable connection rings 64 to freely move along the straps 63 between the
stitched
ends of the straps on the left and right side of upper 61. The ring attachment
member
66 is positioned behind the heel opening 611, preferably on the outer rear
surface of
the shoe, and perpendicularly positioned relative to the plurality of straps
63. The ring
attachment 66 bottom end is connected to the upper section 61 back side and
bottom side, and the rear ring 65 is pivotably connected to the ring
attachment
member 66 top end. The sole 62 is connected to the bottom side of the upper
section
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61 along a junction line. The sole 62 provides additional support to the
plurality of
straps 63 and the ring attachment member 66 so that the plurality of shoe
straps 63
and the ring attachment member 66 are secured within the shoe.
Additionally, the plurality of straps 63 can also be attached to the shoes 5
and
6 by implementing a male/female strap clip system. The male/female strap clip
system allows the plurality of shoe straps 63 to attach with the shoe, and the
plurality
of shoe straps 63 would not be in the form of a continuous loop. If the shoe
has the
male/female strap clip system, male strap clips connect with the each of
straps 63,
and a plurality of female strap clips connect with shoe. The user can simply
insert the
male strap clips into the plurality of female strap clips, securing the
plurality of shoe
straps 63 to the shoe 6. The male/female strap clip system also allows the
user to
adjust the lengths of the straps 63.
Additionally, the plurality of shoe straps 63 can be attached to the left shoe
5
and the right shoe 6 by a plurality of channel connectors. The plurality of
channel
connectors is positioned between the upper section 61 and the sole 62. Each of
the
plurality of channel connectors comprises an inside channel, an outside
channel, and
a connector segment. The inside and outside channels are perpendicularly
connected to the connector segment, and only at the connector segment
positions
under the upper section 61. Each of the plurality of shoe straps 63 is
adjustably
attached with the inside channel and the outside channel, allowing users to
interchange the plurality of shoe straps 63 according to different exercises.
Referring to FIGS. 32, 33A and 33B, another embodiment of the shoe 5 or 6
is illustrated. The shoe may be any athletic-type shoe appropriate for the
desired
conditioning activity. The shoe comprises a shoe body having a forward portion
and
a rearward portion, an upper section 61 and a sole including conventional
insole 62a
and outsole 62b joined to the shoe upper along a junction 620 between them. A
plurality of straps 63 is provided, each strap extending over the forward
portion of
the shoe between two locations on junction 620 on opposite sides of the shoe
upper
61. The straps are essentially parallel to and spaced rearwardly from
one another
along said shoe body. The straps are made of a strong material such as
ballistic
nylon or similar material and have sufficient slack so as to be loosely spaced
above
CA 2965316 2017-04-27
the shoe upper. A corresponding plurality of connection rings 64 is disposed
about
and freely movable along respective straps 63. Each ring 64 and the strap 63
it
surrounds are configured and constructed to be connected, via the ring, to an
elastic
resistance band 513 (FIG. 34) such that, when the connected ring is pulled by
a
force applied through the elastic resistance band, the ring is free to both
traverse the
strap 63 and pull the strap in the direction of band. The slack in strap 63 is
sufficient
to permit the ring to be pulled with the second strap transversely outwardly
of the
shoe beyond the junction between the shoe upper 61 and the sole 621, 62b.
In the illustrated embodiment each strap 63 is a continuous loop extending
beneath the insole 62a and the outsole 62b and above the shoe upper 61.
However,
the strap need not be continuous, the important feature being its transversely
spaced connections 622 to opposite sides of upper 61 at or immediately above
the
junction 620 by stitching, adhesive or other means. These transversely spaced
connections 622 permit the band to be pulled transversely outwardly of the
shoe as
described above and illustrated in FIG. 33B. Thus, each strap can have a
finite
length, terminating at junction 620, and still function as described.
Whether or not the straps are continuous, because of the spaced connection
locations 622 on opposite sides of the shoe, the strap directs the tension
force in the
resistance band in a balanced manner to both sides of the foot, uniformly
distributing
the force and avoiding torque that is produced in prior art systems where the
force is
applied in an unbalanced manner, primarily to one side of the foot. Such
torque
tends to turn the user's foot in a roll direction which can cause serious
injury. In
addition, uneven force distribution results in inefficient transmission of the
tension
force and requires more tension to accomplish a given exercise.
The stitching of the straps 63 to upper section 61 at connections 622 is
advantageously of the Box X type which is known to have particular strength,
but
other strong stitching may be utilized.
Another important feature of the shoe of FIG. 32 is the provision of plural
straps 63 at different locations lengthwise of the shoe and the user's foot,
thereby
providing the user with options as to which strap and ring to use for a
particular
exercise. In this regard, at least the forwardmost strap is located forward of
the arch
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portion of the shoe sole and the user's foot, approximately at the balls of
the user's
foot. Resistance band tension applied at this location is ideal for training
for straight
ahead running and similar activities. The rearwardmost strap is located
slightly
forward of the shoe opening 611 corresponding to a location above the rearward
part of the user's instep. Resistance band tension applied at this location is
ideal
for training for lateral movement and sudden directional changes. Two or more
additional straps are located over the instep intermediate the forward and
rearward
straps and can be selected for combined training and/or user comfort at
various
exercise sessions.
As illustrated if FIG. 34, each shoe may also include a rear tab 650 extending
upward along the back of the shoe to a location above heel opening 611. Tab
650
retains a rear ring 651 at its upper end, which is adapted to engage another
resistance band 651.
FIG. 34 also illustrates a system embodiment of the present invention without
a vest, wherein the only item or garment worn on the user's torso is belt 510.
The
arrangement, as shown, permits exercise of the user's feet and legs. A front
resistance band 513 extends between a selected connecting ring 64 on the left
shoe
and a selected connecting ring 64 on the right shoe through the front center
belt ring
514 extending upwardly from the belt. A rear resistance band 651 extends
between
the rear ring 651 on each shoe through the back centered ring 701 projecting
downwardly from the belt. The user can connect the ends of front band 513 to
any
of the plural connection rings 64 on either shoe, depending on the particular
intended exercise and the user's subjective "feel" or comfort.
In reference to FIG. 3, left glove 1 and right glove 2 in the first embodiment
each comprises a glove support structure 21, a wrist opening 22, a wristband
23, a
glove D-ring 24, and a plurality of finger openings 25. The wristband 23 is
connected
to glove support structure 21 from one end, and the plurality of finger
openings 25 is
connected to the glove support structure 21 opposite the wristband 23. The
glove
support structure 21 is made from many individual straps and comprises the
shape of
a human hand. The wrist opening 22 is positioned within the wristband 23. When
a
user inserts his hand through the wrist opening 22 into the glove support
structure
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21, the user's fingers extend through the plurality of finger openings 25. The
wristband 23 allows the user to adjust the comfort fit of the glove. The
wristband 23
comprises a first end 231, a second end 232, an adjustable wrist strap 233,
glove
loop fastener material 234, and glove hook fastener material 235. The
adjustable
wrist strap 233 is connected to wristband 23 from the first end 231 and
positioned on
the outside surface of the wristband 23. The glove hook fastener material 235
is
connected to the second end 232 from the outside surface of the wristband 23.
The
glove loop fastener material 234 is positioned between adjustable wrist strap
233 and
glove hook fastener material 235, and glove loop fastener material 234 is
connected
to adjustable wrist strap 233. Since the first end 231 and second end 232 are
attached together by glove hook fastener material 235 and glove loop fastener
234,
users can adjust the circumference of the wristband 23 by means of the
adjustable
wrist strap 233. The glove D-ring 24 is movably connected to the glove support
structure 21. The glove D-ring 24 is positioned adjacent the plurality of
finger
openings 25 and positioned on the glove support structure 21 top side, wherein
the
top side is positioned adjacent the hand knuckles and the wrist.
In reference to FIG. 4, the left glove 1 and right glove 2 in the second
embodiment each comprises the glove support structure 21, wrist opening 22,
wristband 23, glove D-ring 24, and the plurality of finger openings 25. The
wristband
23 is connected to glove support structure 21 from one end, and the plurality
of
finger openings 25 is connected to glove support structure 21 opposite the
wristband
23. The glove support structure 21 is made from many individual straps and
comprises the shape of a human hand. The wrist opening 22 is positioned within
the
wristband 23. When a user inserts a hand through wrist opening 22 into glove
support structure 21, the user's fingers extend through the plurality of
finger openings
25. The wristband 23 allows the user to adjust the comfort fit of the glove.
The
wristband 23 comprises the first end 231, the second end 232, adjustable wrist
strap
233, glove loop fastener 234, and glove hook fastener 235. The adjustable
wrist
strap 233 is connected to wristband 23 from the first end 231 and positioned
on the
outside surface of the wristband 23. The glove hook fastener 235 is connected
to
the second end 232 from the outside surface of the wristband 23. The glove
loop
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fastener material 234 is positioned between the adjustable wrist strap 233 and
the
glove hook fastener material 235, and the glove loop fastener material 234 is
connected to the adjustable wrist strap 233. Since the first end 231 and the
second
end 232 are attached together by the glove hook fastener 235 and the glove
loop
fastener 234, users can adjust the circumference of the wristband 23 by the
adjustable wrist strap 233. The glove D-ring 24 is pivotably connected to the
glove
support structure 21. The glove D-ring 24 is positioned adjacent the wristband
23
and positioned on the glove support structure 21 top side, wherein the top
side is
positioned adjacent the hand knuckles and the wrist.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, left glove 1 and right glove 2 in the third
embodiment each comprises an inner glove 26, a plurality of fingertip
connectors 28,
a plurality of glove D-rings 29, and a fingertip connector cover 30. The inner
glove 26
comprises the wrist opening 22, a plurality of finger sleeves 27, and
wristband 23.
The wristband 23 is connected to inner glove 26 from one end, and the
plurality of
finger sleeves 27 is positioned with inner glove 26 opposite from wristband
23. The
inner glove 26 is made out of high strength stretchable fabric, and comprises
the
shape of a human hand. The wrist opening 22 is positioned within the wristband
23.
When a user inserts a hand through the wrist opening 22 into the inner glove
26, the
user's fingers traverse into the plurality of finger sleeves 27. The wristband
23 allows
the user to adjust the comfort fit of the glove. The wristband 23 comprises
first end
231, second end 232, adjustable wrist strap 233, glove loop fastener material
234,
and glove hook fastener material 235. The adjustable wrist strap 233 is
connected to
the wristband 23 from the first end 231 and positioned on the outside surface
of
wristband 23. The glove hook fastener material 235 is connected to second end
232
from the outside surface of wristband 23. The glove loop fastener material 234
is
positioned between adjustable wrist strap 233 and glove hook fastener material
235,
and glove loop fastener material 234 is connected to adjustable wrist strap
233.
Since the first end 231 and the second end 232 are attached together by glove
hook
fastener material 235 and glove loop fastener material 234, users can adjust
the
circumference of the wristband 23 by means of adjustable wrist strap 233. The
plurality of fingertip connectors 28 is firmly connected with the plurality of
finger
19
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sleeves 27 around the fingernails, and each of the plurality of glove D-rings
29 is
pivotably connected with the plurality of fingertip connectors 28 from the
free end. In
the third embodiment, the plurality of glove D-rings 29 is positioned adjacent
the
fingernails of the user. The fingertip connector cover 30 is positioned over
the
plurality of fingertip connectors 28 and connected to the inner glove 26.
In reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, left glove 1 and the right glove 2 in the
fourth
embodiment each comprises the inner glove 26, the plurality of fingertip
connectors
28, the plurality of glove D-rings 29, and the fingertip connector cover 30.
The inner
glove 26 comprises wrist opening 22, the plurality of finger sleeves 27, and
wristband
23. The wristband 23 is connected to inner glove 26 from one end, and the
plurality
of finger sleeves 27 is positioned with inner glove 26 opposite wristband 23.
The
inner glove 26 is made out of high strength stretchable fabric, and comprises
the
shape of a human hand. The wrist opening 22 is positioned within the wristband
23.
When a user inserts a hand through wrist opening 22 into inner glove 26, the
user's
fingers traverse into the plurality of finger sleeves 27. The wristband 23
allows the
user to adjust the comfort fit of the glove. The wristband 23 comprises the
first end
231, the second end 232, adjustable wrist strap 233, glove loop fastener
material
234, and glove hook fastener material 235. The adjustable wrist strap 233 is
connected to wristband 23 from first end 231 and positioned on the outside
surface
of the wristband 23. The glove hook fastener material 235 is connected to the
second end 232 from the outside surface of the wristband 23. The glove loop
fastener material 234 is positioned between adjustable wrist strap 233 and
glove
hook fastener material 235, and glove loop fastener material 234 is connected
to
adjustable wrist strap 233. Since the first end 231 and second end 232 are
attached
together by the glove hook fastener material 235 and the glove loop fastener
material 234, the user can adjust the circumference of the wristband 23 by
means of
adjustable wrist strap 233. The plurality of fingertip connectors 28 is firmly
connected
with the plurality of finger sleeves 27 around the finger nails, but extends
toward the
wrist of the user, and the plurality of glove D-rings 29 is pivotably
connected with the
plurality of fingertip connectors 28 from the free end. In the fourth
embodiment, the
plurality of glove D-rings 29 is positioned adjacent the wrist of the user.
The fingertip
CA 2965316 2017-04-27
connector cover 30 is positioned over the plurality of fingertip connectors 28
and
connected to the inner glove 26. Since fingertip connector cover 30 is not
connected
to the plurality of fingertip connectors 28, the plurality of fingertip
connectors 28
easily moves inside the connector cover while keeping the plurality of
fingertip
.. connectors 28 inline.
Referring to FIG. 11, each of the plurality of resistance bands 7 comprises a
first a second attachment clips 71 and 72. The first attachment clip 71 is
connected
to each of the plurality of resistance bands 7 from one end, and the second
attachment clip 72 is connected to the each of the plurality of resistance
bands 7
from the opposite end. The connections between the resistance bands 7 and
their
attachment clips 71, 72 may be a 3600 rotatable swivel attachment or fixed
attachments. The resistance bands 7 are made from elastically expandable
materials
such as rubber or a similarly elastic polymer. The band material and
configuration are
chosen such that the band is able to stretch to approximately three times its
quiescent
(i.e., unstressed) length. The clips 71, 72 are made from lightweight and high
strength
metal or plastic materials. Attachment clips 71 and 72 have a movable (e.g.,
pivotable)
rod, preferably biased to a closed position, which can be controlled by the
user so
that the plurality of resistance bands 7 can be attached to other system
components,
such as the glove 1, 2, belt 4, vest 3, left shoe 5, and right shoe 6.
In the illustrated embodiment described above, the gloves 1, 2 are attached
to the vest 3 by the plurality of resistance bands 7. The first attachment
clips 71 are
attached to the glove D-ring 24 in the first and second embodiments or to the
plurality of glove D-rings 29 in the third and fourth embodiments, and the
second
attachment clips 72 are attached to the plurality of vest rings 33.
Additionally, the
second attachment clips 72 can be attached to the plurality of vertical rings
43, the
plurality of horizontal rings 44, the plurality of 0-rings 64, and shoe D-ring
65. In the
illustrated embodiment, shoes 5 and 6 are attached to the belt 4 by the
plurality of
resistance bands 7. The first attachment clips 71 are attached to the
plurality of 0-
rings 64 and the shoe D-ring 65, and the second attachment clips 72 are
respectively
.. attached to the plurality of vertical rings 43 and the plurality of
horizontal rings 44.
Additionally, the second attachment clips 72 can be attached to the vest rings
33 and
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the glove D-ring 24 or the glove D-rings 29. Additionally, vest 3 can be
attached to
belt 4 by the plurality of resistance bands. The first attachment clips 71 are
attached
to the plurality of vest rings 33, and the second attachment clips 72 are
attached to
the vertical rings 43 and/or to the horizontal rings 44.
Since the attachment between the gloves 1, 2, belt 4, vest 3, left shoe 5, and
right shoe 6 are implemented from the plurality of resistance bands 7, users
can
perform a variety of exercises while keeping their hands free from the
tensioned
system components of the present invention. The resistance level between each
component attachment may be changed by the plurality of resistance bands 7.
The
plurality of resistance bands 7 may comprise different resistance level bands
such
as, soft bands, moderate bands, or hard bands, each providing a different
degree of
tension. Since more than one resistance band can be attached between the
components, users can also attached multiple resistance bands in parallel for
additional resistance.
Referring again to FIGS. 9, 11, 14 and 15 and the related description thereof,
the attachment clips 71 and 72 of the resistance bands 7 may attach to the
plurality
of vertical rings 43 and the plurality of horizontal rings 44 on the front of
the belt 4,
the plurality of 0-rings 64 and the shoe D-ring 65 through one of the
following
manners:
One resistance band 7 can be connected with attachment clip 71 to the
plurality of 0-rings 64 on the left shoe, and then run up and through the
plurality of
vertical rings 43 and back down to the right shoe, attaching with the second
attachment clip 72 to one of the plurality of 0-rings 64.
Alternatively, one resistance band 7 may attach to the plurality of vertical
rings 43 with the clips 71 and the other end of the same resistance band 7 may
attach to the right shoe using the second attachments 72 on one of the
plurality of 0-
rings 64. Another resistance band 7 of the same length would then attach to
the
plurality of vertical rings 43 with the first attachment clips 71 and the
other end of the
same resistance band 7 would attach to the left shoe using the second
attachments
72 on one of the plurality of 0-rings 64.
As yet another alternative, one resistance band 7 may attach to the horizontal
22
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rings 44 on the right side with the first attachment clips 71 and the other
end of the
same resistance band 7 would attach to the right shoe using the second
attachments 72 on one of the plurality of 0-rings 64. Another resistance band
7 of
the same length would attach to the horizontal rings 44 on the left side with
the first
attachment clips 71 and the other end of the same resistance band 7 would
attach to
the left shoe using the second attachments 72 on one of the plurality of 0-
rings 64.
The resistance bands 7 may attach with the attachment clips 71 and 72 to the
plurality of horizontal rings on the back of the belt 4 or to the plurality of
vertical rings
48 on the back of the belt, and the shoe D-ring 65 through one of the
following
manners:
One resistance band 7 may be connected with the first attachment clip 71 to
the shoe D-ring 65 on the left shoe, and then running up and through plurality
of
vertical rings 48 and back down to the right shoe, attaching with the second
attachment clip 72 to the shoe D-ring.
Alternatively, one resistance band 7 may attach to the plurality of vertical
rings 48 with the first attachment clips 71 and the other end of the same
resistance
band 7 would attach to the left shoe using the second attachments 72 on the
shoe
D-ring 65, and another resistance band 7 of the same length would attach to
the
plurality of vertical rings 48 with the first attachment clips 71 and the
other end of the
same resistance band 7 would attach to the right shoe using the second
attachments 72 on the shoe D-ring 65.
As a further alternative, one resistance band 7 may attach to the horizontal
rings on the right-rear side of the belt 4 with the first attachment clips 71
and the
other end of the same resistance band 7 attaches to the right shoe using the
second
attachments 72 on the shoe D-ring 65. Another resistance band 7 of the same
length attaches to the horizontal rings on the left-rear side of the belt 4
with the first
attachment clips 71 and the other end of the same resistance band 7 attaches
to the
left shoe using the second attachments 72 on the shoe D-ring 65.
Examples of multiple band attachments may be seen in FIGS. 24 and 25 of
the accompanying drawings.
The inverted "V" shape created by the single front and back band
23
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configuration described above provides two unique advantages:
1. The single band inverted "V" configuration meets approximately at the
navel position on the front and in the center of the lower back on the back,
and
attaches in the middle of the upper foot on the front and the middle of the
rear of the
shoe on the back. The shape of the band in this configuration closely mimics
the
lower-body's natural physiology. Therefore, when this system is being used,
the
user's natural body movements are not inhibited by the bands.
2. Because the top of the inverted "V" configuration on the front is located
approximately at the navel and then the resistance bands extend down to
approximately the center of the foot, the resistance bands remain inwardly
disposed
along the user's legs and knees during use. This is an important element of
the
system because it allows the user's legs to move freely in any direction, even
at top
speed, without the bands inhibiting movement by contacting the knee or
crossing
over to the outside of the knee. Without this unique feature, natural and full
speed
movement would be disrupted.
As noted, the resistance bands 7, for use in both front and back in the
system, may be provided in at least three different lengths at each resistance
tension, depending on the user's height. Having three lengths of bands at each
tension level accommodates short, medium and tall users of the device. In this
regard, it is important that users have different lengths to choose from. If
there were
only one length, which for example, was made for a person of average height,
then
the system would work optimally for an average height person, but not for a
short or
tall person. For a short person there would be too much slack in the bands,
reducing the amount of resistance throughout the full range of motion,
limiting the
effectiveness of the system. The additional slack could also prove troublesome
if
the extra slack caused the bands to interfere with the natural motion of the
legs. For
a tall person, there would be too much tension in the bands in a stationary
position,
as well as throughout the full range of motion. This situation could cause
excessive
resistance, especially at full extension, limiting the user's full range of
motion and
adversely affecting proper technique. Since the bands should not be stretched
more
than three times their original length without the risk of breaking, a single
band
24
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length increases the risk of band breakage in taller people. When sold to
consumers
the product may be provided with a single band of a respective specified
length for
short, tall or average size persons; alternatively, it may be sold in a kit
with different
lengths bands.
In addition to multiple band lengths for people of different heights, there
may
also be different band lengths for the front and rear sides side of the
system, as
indicated in the following table.
TABLE 1
HEIGHT RANGE OF FRONT BAND REAR BAND
USER 1 LENGTH LENGTH
(+/- 15%) (+/- 15 %)
5' to 5.5' 20 inches 26
inches
5.5' to 6' 24 inches 30inches
6' to 6.5' 38 inches 34
inches
6.6' to 7' 32 inches 38 inches
The front and rear bands have different lengths for several reasons, but
primarily the because during running strides or other leg extension exercises
the
maximum distance between the rear belt ring and the rear shoe connection ring
is
greater that the distance between the front belt connection ring and the front
shoe
connection rings. Thus, the rear bands should be slightly longer than the
front
bands. The bands are provided in a set of front and rear bands for the end
user
based on his/her height.
Instead of the specially designed shoe illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, a foot
bed insert of the type illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 permits the system of
the
invention to be utilized with substantially any conventional shoe.
Specifically
referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a shoe-bed insert 501 comprises any number of
types
of removable shoe beds or sole inserts which may be inserted into a shoe
either on
the existing shoe insole or in place of the insole. The shoe bed insert 501
may be
provided in multiple sizes to, respectively, fit all shoe sizes, or in a more
limited
number of sizes such that the insert can be cut down by the end user to the
CA 2965316 2017-04-27
appropriate desired size. Attached to the shoe bed is one or more transversely
extending front straps 502 with attachment points on the side of or beneath
the shoe
bed unit. As described above in connection with the straps on the shoes, the
straps
502 may be continuous loops embedded in the insert 501. Encircling each front
strap 502 is a respective ring 503 through which the front straps extend. The
rings
503 may be connected to the strap to merely wobble freely from side to side at
one
location on their respective straps 2, but preferably are free to traverse the
straps
along substantially the entire width of the user's foot in the same manner
described
above for rings 64 and straps 63 a shoe. On the heel of the shoe bed insert
there is
attached a rear strap 504 which extends upward along the center of the back of
the
insert 501 to approximately the top of the shoe opening into which the foot
bed is
inserted. Attached to rear strap 504, preferably at the distal end of the
strap, is a
rear ring 505. In this configuration the shoe bed 502, front straps 502, rings
503,
rear strap 504 and rear ring 505 are inserted into the shoe with the tongue of
the
shoe positioned above the shoe bed and below the front straps, allowing the
shoe
bed insert to rest appropriately inside the shoe. The front straps 502 and
rings 503
are located between the shoelaces and extend above the shoe and rear strap
504,
whereby ring 505 protrudes out from the top of the back of the shoe.
The foot bed insert with straps and rings allows the user to take advantage of
the system using his/her own shoes as opposed to the specially configured shoe
of
FIG. 9. The strap and ring configurations remain similar to those on the shoes
and
provide the same benefits. Those benefits include, but are not limited to:
Engagement of the foot in the system - By attaching the resistance bands to
the foot, the foot joints and muscles, crucial components of any sport-
specific
movements, speed and agility, are incorporated into the resistance workout.
By having an attachment point over the longitudinal center line of the foot,
as
opposed to on the interior or exterior of the foot, the insert keeps the
resistance
bands/straps from unnaturally pulling the foot to the inside or outside,
respectively.
Instead, the center attachment point allows resistance to be provided in an
anatomically correct manner, allowing the user to maintain proper technique
during
workouts.
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By allowing the rings to move freely from side to side over the straps, the
user
may move freely and naturally without disproportionate resistance being
applied to
the foot. The freely moving rings allow uniform and directionally natural
resistance
to be applied to the foot throughout a full range of movement, maximizing the
effectiveness of sport-specific neuromuscular conditioning.
As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, resilient resistance straps can be attached
between respective shoes or inserts and the system belt, either at a common
ring
centered on the belt or at respective rings on each side of center. Referring
specifically to FIG. 23A, there is illustrated a belt 510 similar in structure
and
function to belt 4 described in relation to the system of FIG. 18 and more
specifically
in relation to FIGS. 13 and 14. Belt 504 has attached thereto a center ring
514
disposed at the front of the belt and two side rings 511 disposed on opposite
sides
of ring 514. Each of rings 511 and 514 is preferably a D-ring mounted on the
belt so
as to be feely pivotable about respective horizontal axes (i.e., axes parallel
to the
belt length). A pair of longitudinally elastic resistance bands 513 is shown
in FIG
23A secured between respective side rings 511 and a selected ring 503 on a
respective shoe or foot bed insert 506. The attachment means 512 at the ends
of
the resistance bands may be any conventional means such as clips 71, 72
described in relation to FIG. 11. Alternatively, and referring to FIG. 23B,
the bands
513 may both be attached to the center ring 514. As a further alternative, it
is to be
understood that the side rings 511 may be positioned very close to or at the
center
of the belt so that the resistance bands can extend from the belt center but
from
separated rings.
There are further advantages to the foot bed insert. By attaching the front
straps to a foot bed insert positioned underneath the foot (as opposed to an
attachment which is not secured to an element underneath the foot), the
integration
of the foot into the resistance system is maximized, providing for a very
efficient
workout. By connecting the straps to an element underneath the foot, the foot
and
leg muscles are subjected to resistance, both when the foot is lifted off the
ground
and when the foot is placed back down on the ground, in a most efficient
manner
because constant pressure is being applied beneath the foot.
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Referring to FIG. 24, the belt 510 in FIG 23B is shown incorporated into the
system of the invention whereby resistance bands 513 extend between the center
ring 514 on the belt to selected rings on either a shoe or a foot bed insert
531, 532,
as desired by the user. The side rings 511 are connected by respective
resistance
bands 533, 536 to respective gloves 534, 537 which may take the form of any of
the
glove embodiments described and illustrated herein. The belt thusly serves as
the
anchor for resistance bands connected to each of the hands and feet of the
user.
This is in addition, of course, to the anchoring function served by vest 539
which, as
illustrated in FIG. 24, is connected at various levels of the vest to the
gloves 534,
537 via several additional resistance bands 540, 541, etc.
In the embodiments described above, the rings on the front straps of the
shoes or foot bed inserts may not be affixed to the straps; that is, the rings
may slide
loosely along the straps. This allows for excellent resistance, assuring that
the
resistance bands self-adjust positionally with the direction of the tension
force
applied through the resistance band, and are properly positioned and engaged
during the entire exercise session. However, it is also possible to secure the
straps
to the rings to preclude relative movement therebetween and still provide for
advantageous resistance effects. Specifically, and referring to FIG. 22 of the
accompanying drawings, the rings 521 can be fixed to any one or more points of
each strap 522 by stitching, industrial strength glue, etc. In addition, or
alternatively, the front portion of the shoes may have one or more tabs 523
affixed
thereto with one or more rings 521 secured to the tabs. This provides for
improved
force concentration on the front part of the shoe. When an athlete trains with
this
configuration he/she will have resistance concentrated on the front part of
his/her
feet. When running at full speed, orientation of the front portion of the foot
at ground
contact is important, and this embodiment provides a more specific way to
train for
this type of action. It should be understood that this affixed ring embodiment
applies
to all types of footwear described herein, including but not limited to shoes
with
straps, ankle brace with straps, foot bed inserts, and the over the shoe sock
with
mesh bottom.
Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27 of the accompanying drawings, an ankle
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brace/sock unit 561 has front and rear openings and comprises: front straps
564,
rings 565, rear strap 566 and a top opening of ankle brace/sock 567. The ankle
brace or sock 1 can be made from any type of removable material which would be
placed over the ankle. This ankle brace or sock 561 has a top opening as well
as
the front and rear openings. This allows for easy placement of the unit over
the
user's ankle such that the ankle and the rest of the leg protrude from the top
opening
of the unit, the user's heel protrudes from the rear opening, and the ball of
user's
foot protrude from the front opening. Attached to the unit 561 are one or more
front
straps 564 with attachment points on the side of or beneath the unit. Attached
to
each front strap are one or more rings 565 through which the front straps
extend
such that the rings can move freely from side to side along the straps. On the
heel
side of the unit is attached a rear strap 566 which extends up along the
center of the
back of the unit to approximately the top of the unit. Attached to the rear
strap 566
are one or more rings 567. In the configuration described above, the unit 561
is
placed around the ankle and the user then puts on his/her own shoe. The front
straps 564 and rings 565 then reside between the shoe's laces and extend above
the shoe, and the rear strap 566 and ring 567 protrude out from the top of the
back
of the shoe.
The ankle brace insert with straps and rings allows the user to take
advantage of the system using his/her own shoes as opposed to shoes specially
constructed for use with the system. The strap and ring configurations remain
similar to those on the shoes described above and provide the same benefits
which
include, but are not limited to:
Engagement of the foot in the system - By attaching the resistance bands to
the foot, the foot joints and muscles, crucial components of any sport-
specific
movements, speed and agility, are incorporated into the resistance workout.
By having an attachment point over the center of the foot, as opposed to on
the interior or exterior of the foot, keeps the resistance from unnaturally
pulling the
foot to the inside or outside, respectfully. Instead, the center attachment
point allows
resistance to be provided in an anatomically correct manner, allowing the user
to
maintain proper technique during workouts.
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By allowing the rings to move freely from side to side over the straps, the
user
may move freely and naturally without disproportionate resistance being
applied to
the foot. The freely moving rings allow uniform and directionally natural
resistance
to be applied to the foot throughout a full range of movement, maximizing the
effectiveness of sport-specific neuromuscular conditioning.
An over the-shoe sock 571 with mesh bottom is illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29
to which reference is now made. The sock has a mesh bottom 572, one or more
front straps 573, one rear strap 578, one or more front secure straps 575, a
rear
secure strap 576, one or more securing mechanisms such as Velcro, buckles,
buttons, etc., one or more rings 574, and a rear ring 577. This unit is
designed to
be worn and fit over any cleated shoe such as used for football, soccer,
lacrosse,
etc. Unit 571 is constructed in a way that the mesh bottom 572 has interstices
at
spaced locations that allow the cleats to protrude through. The entire system
is
secured by one or more securing mechanisms such as Velcro, buckles, buttons,
etc., which can be at the front and/or the rear of the unit. The unit also has
one or
more front straps 575 and one rear strap 578. Each of the front straps is
encircled
by a respective ring 574; the rear strap is encircled by ring 577. The front
rings 574
are not affixed to their respective rings and are, therefore, free to slide
from side to
side. This allows the user to have the resistance move in a lateral fashion
with
him/her during workouts. Rings 574, 577 can be configured in any shape to
provide
the best connection configuration for the entire system. In this regard, all
of the
connection rings used in the system may be constructed in any shape suitable
for
their described function; these include but are not limited to; 0-rings, D-
rings, regular
or irregular polygonal rings, etc. Alternatively, some or all of the rings may
be
replaced by manually actuable clips.
The advantages of the over the-shoe sock with mesh bottom include allowing
the user to take advantage of the system using his/her own cleated shoes as
opposed to the having a special cleated shoe designed for the system. The mesh
bottom allows the user's cleats to protrude through the unit 571. The strap
and ring
configurations remain similar to those on the shoes disclosed in application
above.
The system includes the capability for attaching each and every component in
CA 2965316 2017-04-27
the system (i.e., the gloves, hand straps, shoes, over-the shoe-sock with mesh
bottom, foot bed insert, ankle brace, etc.) to any connection point on any of
the
components of the system, as the user sees fit. The connections are by means
of
the resistance bands, and each connection can be effected by one or more
resistance bands. If a user wants to connect the gloves with the belt via
resistance
bands, and bypass the vest, the user can do so. Thus, one of the unique
advantages of the system is that it is customizable. If the user wants to
connect the
gloves to the shoes via resistance bands, the user can do so; if the user
wants to
connect only one glove with one shoe, the user can do so. If the user wants to
connect just one shoe, over-the-shoe with mesh bottom, ankle brace with
straps, or
foot bed insert with straps to just the belt, perhaps in a rehabilitation
setting, the user
can do so.
The system as described and illustrated may be used with both vest and its
attachments to the limbs and extremities of the user, or with the vest and its
attachments alone, or with the belt and its attachments alone. How the system
is
used will depend on the exercise regimen desired by the user.
With regard to the fasteners that are used in the system, when the band and
or bands form a V shape in the center connection point on the belt, it is
important to
ensure that the bands supply equal resistance to each foot. Plastic fasteners
or
other means, including direct attachment of the ring to the belt, may be used
in this
way. When the user places the resistance band and or bands through the center
connection point on the belt, the user will measure each end of the band so
that one
end is not extended further than the other end of the band and or bands as
they lay
centered on the middle connection point of the belt during set up. At this
point the
bands are not engaged or connected to the lower connection points in the shoe
or
ankle brace, etc. It is important to make sure the band and or bands are equal
when
suspended vertically from the center belt connection point. The bands are
secured
so that once they become engaged and connected to any of the lower connection
point options, they will not shift unevenly; thus, during the entire time of
usage each
foot will experience equal resistance. These fasteners can be used for the
front or
rear bands on the belt and can be made of plastic, metal, any sort of fabric,
etc.
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Referring to FIG. 10 of the accompanying drawings, the shoes, shoe inserts,
and ankle brace can be provided with the capability of having affixed
resistance
bands permanently attached to them, and the belt may be constructed to
accommodate this permanent attachment. Likewise, the vest may have one or more
connection points placed in the best and most suitable positions for optimal
performance.
It is to be understood that particular ring configurations (e.g., 0-rings, D-
rings,
triangle rings, etc., are described and illustrated herein to accomplish
various
functions pertaining to engagement of straps and bands. It is to be understood
that
such configurations are not to be construed on limiting the scope of the
invention in
the sense that any type of ring, as well as any type of ring attachment means,
that
performs the stated function may be utilized within the scope of the
invention.
Regarding ring attachment means, it is contemplated that in certain instances
rings
may be attached directly to a shoe or belt or pad without the need for a strap
or
other structure described and illustrated herein, and such direction is to be
construed
as residing within the scope of the invention as claimed.
Having described several embodiments of new and improved sports
performance enhancement system, it is believed that other modifications,
variations
and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the
teachings set
forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations,
modifications
and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as
defined
by the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are
used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of
limitation.
Thus, it is also to be understood that the present invention covers the
modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of
the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, it is to be understood
that
terms such as "left", "right" "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "side",
"height", "length",
"width", "upper", "lower", "interior", "exterior", "inner", "outer',
"horizontal", "vertical",
and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference for
various
orientations of elements and do not limit the present invention to any
particular
orientation or configuration.
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