FOOT WEIGHTS

Abstract

A foot weight is provided that includes an outer shell of an elastic fabric shaped as a band and encapsulating a pliable weight. A top surface upper edge of the outer shell has an arch shape. The outer shell is shaped to slide over a portion of a human foot. The arch may be shaped to conform substantially to the curvature of the heads of the five metatarsals bones of the foot. The middle portion of the top surface edge may be convexly curved and at least one lateral portion of the top surface edge may be concavely curved.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/910,622, filed on Apr. 6, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to foot weights, and more particularly to foot weights that fit over a metatarsal area of the foot of a person for exercise and rehabilitation.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Manufacturers currently offer ankle weights for exercising and rehabilitation. In an conventional ankle weight, a weight such as sand or metal filings is included in a substantially rectangular material that is wrapped around an individual's ankle. Ends of the material are secured together using a Velcro strap. An ankle weight is typically used to exercise upper portions of the leg, such as the calf muscles. However, an ankle weight is not as effective at isolating muscle groups or ligaments of the ankle or the lower (e.g., around the metatarsal area) foot for exercise and rehabilitation.

Thus, there exists a need for a foot weight that can be securely fitted to a lower portion of the foot for exercising muscle groups and/or ligaments of the ankle and the foot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a foot weight. The foot weight includes an outer shell of an elastic fabric shaped as a band and encapsulating a pliable weight. A top surface upper edge of the outer shell has an arch shape. The outer shell is shaped to slide over a portion of a human foot.

The arch may be shaped to conform substantially to the curvature of the heads of the five metatarsals bones of the foot. The middle portion of the top surface edge may be convexly curved and at least one lateral portion of the top surface edge may be concavely curved.

A first distance between a bottom surface upper edge and a bottom surface upper edge of the outer shell may be less than a second distance between a highest point of the top surface upper edge and a top surface lower edge of the outer shell. The second distance may range from being about 25 to about 50 percent longer than the first distance. The bottom surface upper and lower edges may be substantially straight.

The pliable weight may be disposed in the top surface of the outer shell between the top surface upper and lower edges. The pliable weight may be encapsulated by an elastic pouch that includes a plurality of substantially longitudinal stitches forming corresponding creases in the pouch. The substantially longitudinal stitches may not extend entirely from an upper edge to a lower edge of the pouch. The foot weight may include a pair of rubber grips attached to opposing edges of the outer shell.

The foot weight may include one of a draw string, a Velcro strap, or a strap with an adjustable buckle that extends substantially horizontally around the outer shell. The elastic fabric may include one of neoprene or nylon. The elastic fabric may include a plurality of holes.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a foot band. The foot band includes an outer shell of an elastic fabric shaped as a band. The shell may encapsulate a layer of padding. A top surface of the outer shell includes a weight securing structure for securing an external weight to the top surface of the outer shell. The top surface upper edge of the outer shell is arch shaped. The outer shell is shaped to fit around a lower portion of a human foot.

The weight securing structure may include a pocket sewn into the fabric. The pocket may include one of a zipper, a button, a Velcro strap, or a drawstring for sealing the external weight into the pocket.

The arch may be shaped to conform substantially to the curvature of the heads of the five metatarsals bones of the foot. The middle portion of the top surface edge may be convexly curved and at least one lateral portion of the top surface edge may be concavely curved.

A first distance between a bottom surface upper edge and a bottom surface upper edge of the outer shell may be less than a second distance between a highest point of the top surface upper edge and a top surface lower edge of the outer shell. The foot band may include one of a draw string, a Velcro strap, or strap with an adjustable buckle that extends substantially horizontally around the outer shell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention can be understood in more detail from the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates weighted foot bands according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a weighted foot band according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the weighted foot band of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the weighted foot band of FIG. 2A; and

FIG. 2D illustrates a weight that may be inserted into the weighted foot band of FIG. 2A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pair of foot weights (10) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The foot weights (10) include a left foot weight (Lw) and a right foot weight (Rw). The foot weights (10) can be used as exercise or rehabilitation devices that can be slipped onto a respective foot of an individual for purposes of, e.g., ankle rehabilitation, isolated strengthening of the ankle joint, and surrounding muscles and ligaments, etc.

The foot weights (10) can be donned in a way that allows a free range of motion to readily perform a variety of exercises. The foot weights (10) are preferably made using a strong lightweight outer shell material (11) having a elastic quality that allows the shell to conform to the foot's natural curvature, such as nylon, neoprene or any elastic material that allows comfort and breathe ability, and which material qualities also provide the ability to conform to a variety of foot shapes and sizes.

The shell material (11) can encapsulate a weight (12) or the shell material (11) and the weight (12) can be an integrally formed unit. The shell material (11) may include a layer of padding that encapsulates the weight (12) for added comfort. The weight (12) may be a material such as, sand, metal filings, a gel like substance, etc. The weight of the weight (12) may be adjusted by varying the type of the material or the amount of the material encapsulated by the shell material (11).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the weight (12) may be disposed on the outside of the shell material (11). The weight (12) may be attached to the outside of the shell material (11) using a suitable attachment means for readily attaching and removing the weights (12). For example, a pocket may be sewn into the top of the shell material (11) for receiving the weight (12). The pocket may be sealed using a Velcro strap, a zipper, a button, or other similar fastening mechanisms. The weight (12) may also be attached directly (e.g., sewn) to the outside of the shell material (11).

The foot weights (10) can be formed in various sizes, such as small, medium, and large or in sizes to match every possible shoe size, thus fitting a multitude of foot sizes.

The foot weights (10) are shaped as continuous bands or rings so they can be slipped on over the toes. Preferably the top surface edge of the foot weights (10) is arch shaped to fit securely over a lower portion of the foot. The bottom edge of the top surface may be substantially straight or include a slight arch. For added stability, a fastener mechanism (13) such as Velcro straps, a draw string, a strap with an adjustable buckle, or other types of adjustable straps can be included for fine adjustment of various foot sizes. In this way, the foot weight (10) can be tightened (e.g., cinched) around a portion of the foot to prevent the weight from sliding out of place. The straps or draw string are preferably positioned horizontally between the top and bottom edges of each foot weight. The straps or draw string may be centered between the top and bottom edges. The straps may be sewn to the top surface of the shell material (11). The draw string can be threaded around through the shell material (11).

FIG. 2A illustrates a top view of a foot weight according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2A, the top surface upper edge (201) is arch shaped. The width of the top surface upper edge (201) is preferably sized to bridge across the width of the five metatarsal bones of a human foot. Each foot weight may fit over both a left or a right foot. However, the curvature of the top surface upper edge (201) can be modified to more closely follow the curvature of just the left or just the right foot. For example, although not shown in FIG. 2A, the curvature of the arch may be shaped to substantially correspond to the curvature of the heads of the five metatarsal bones of a left or a right human foot. For example, the arch may be shaped to match a curve drawn through each of the heads of the five metatarsal bones. The top surface upper edge (201) may be convexly curved in a middle portion thereof and concavely curved in at least one (e.g., 2) lateral portion thereof.

The bottom surface lower edge (202) is preferably shaped to be substantially straight or to be somewhat less arched shape as compared to the top surface upper edge (201). When both top surface edges (201 and 202) are arch shaped, the arches may be substantially symmetric (e.g., the curvatures may have substantially the same orientation) or be parallel to one another.

The foot weight includes an outer shell (200) that is made of an elastic fabric such as neoprene or nylon. The outer shell (200) may have a plurality of holes (203) to enable the foot to breathe.

FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view of the foot weight. Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the foot weight may include a Velcro elastic strap (205) to tighten (e.g., cinch) the outer shell around a foot. The foot weight may include other tightening mechanisms, such as a strap with an adjustable buckle or a drawstring.

The bottom surface upper edge (206) and bottom surface lower edge (207) may be substantially straight. Further, a first distance between the bottom surface edges (206 and 207) is preferably less than a second distance between a highest point of the top surface upper edge (201) and the top surface lower edge (202). The second distance is preferably between about 25% to about 50% longer than the first distance.

A binding (204) may be used to secure ends of the outer shell (200) together so that the foot weight is formed substantially into a band or a ring. The binding (204) may include a first perimeter of stitching that seals the outer shell (200) at the top surface upper edge (201) and the bottom surface upper edge (206). The binding (204) may include second perimeter of stitching that seals the outer shell (200) at the top surface lower edge (202) and the bottom surface lower edge (207). In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, ends of the outer shell (200) are removably secured together using a Velcro strap or a strap with an adjustable buckle.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of the foot weight and FIG. 2D illustrates a weighted pouch that is configured to be fitted into a pocket (208) or opening in the top surface of the outer shell between the top surface upper edge (201) and the top surface lower edge (202) of the foot weight. Referring to FIG. FIG. 2D, the weighted pouch includes an elastic fabric (209) that encapsulates a pliable weighted material, such as a metallic sand or a gel-like substance. The gel-like substance may include metal weights (e.g., iron, lead) dispersed though-out to add additional weight to the substance. The weighted pouch includes a binding (210) that is disposed around the perimeter of the pouch. Preferably, the weighted pouch includes a plurality (e.g., 2) of longitudinal stitches (211) to form creases in the pouch. When the stitches (211) do not extend entirely from a lower edge to an upper edge of the weighted pouch, movement of a portion of the weighted material between the creases is allowed. The stitches (211) and the binding (210) hold the weighted material in place and retain the shape of the pouch, yet retain the pliable characteristics of the weighted material. The weighted pouch may come in a variety of shapes (e.g., circular, oval, rectangular, cylindrical, etc.) and sizes.

Embodiments of the present invention have many practical applications to exercise and rehabilitation. The ankle, foot, and lower portions of the foot are often overlooked during exercise. Further, falls are one of the leading causes of death or injury amongst the elderly. At least one embodiment of the present invention may be used for rebuilding strength and balance to the ankle. Consequently, it is believed that embodiments of the present invention may be used to reduce the likelihood of a fall. Further, ankle injuries are some of the most common of athletic as well as daily living injuries. The benefits of ankle and/or lower foot strengthening are numerous since athletes of every sport may benefit from using embodiments of the present invention. For example, sports ranging from table tennis to basketball to the martial arts may benefit from ankle strengthening. The variety of different weights and sizes of the embodiments can also meet the different needs of various consumers.

Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be affected therein by one of ordinary skill in the related art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A foot weight comprising:

an outer shell of an elastic fabric shaped as a band and encapsulating a pliable weight,

wherein a top surface upper edge of the outer shell has an arch shape, and

wherein the outer shell is shaped to slide over a portion of a human foot.

2. The foot weight of claim 1, wherein the arch is shaped to conform substantially to the curvature of the heads of the five metatarsals bones of the foot.

3. The foot weight of claim 2, wherein the middle portion of the top surface edge is convexly curved and at least one lateral portion of the top surface edge is concavely curved.

4. The foot weight of claim 1, wherein a first distance between a bottom surface upper edge and a bottom surface upper edge of the outer shell is less than a second distance between a highest point of the top surface upper edge and a top surface lower edge of the outer shell.

5. The foot weight of claim 4, wherein the second distance ranges from being about 25 to about 50 percent longer than the first distance.

6. The foot weight of claim 3, wherein the bottom surface upper and lower edges are substantially straight.

7. The foot weight of claim 1, wherein the pliable weight is disposed in the top surface of the outer shell between the top surface upper and lower edges.

8. The foot weight of claim 7, the pliable weight is encapsulated by an elastic pouch that includes a plurality of substantially longitudinal stitches forming corresponding creases in the pouch.

9. The foot weight of claim 8, wherein the substantially longitudinal stitches do not extend entirely from an upper edge to a lower edge of the pouch.

10. The foot weight of claim 1, further comprising a pair of rubber grips attached to opposing edges of the outer shell.

11. The foot weight of claim 1, further comprising one of a draw string, a Velcro strap, or strap with an adjustable buckle that extends substantially horizontally around the outer shell.

12. The foot weight of claim 1, wherein the elastic fabric comprises one of neoprene or nylon.

13. The weighted foot band of claim 1, wherein the elastic fabric includes a plurality of holes.

14. A foot band comprising:

an outer shell of an elastic fabric shaped as a band,

wherein a top surface of the outer shell includes a weight securing structure for securing an external weight to the top surface of the outer shell,

wherein a top surface upper edge of the outer shell is arch shaped, and

wherein the outer shell is shaped to fit around a lower portion of a human foot.

15. The foot band of claim 14, wherein the weight securing structure comprises a pocket sewn into the fabric.

16. The foot band of claim 15, wherein the pocket includes one of a zipper, a button, a Velcro strap, or a drawstring for sealing the external weight into the pocket.

17. The foot band of claim 14, wherein the arch is shaped to conform substantially to the curvature of the heads of the five metatarsals bones of the foot.

18. The foot band of claim 17, wherein the middle portion of the top surface edge is convexly curved and at least one lateral portion of the top surface edge is concavely curved.

19. The foot band of claim 14, wherein a first distance between a bottom surface upper edge and a bottom surface upper edge of the outer shell is less than a second distance between a highest point of the top surface upper edge and a top surface lower edge of the outer shell.

20. The foot band of claim 1, further comprising one of a draw string, a Velcro strap, or strap with an adjustable buckle that extends substantially horizontally around the outer shell.