Apparatus and Methods to Assist in Proper Footwork and Training

Abstract

Devices and methods are provided for use in athletic training. The devices can be used to maintain appropriate distance between feet and or knees during athletic training. Additionally, the devices can be used in physical therapy for injury and surgery recovery; rehab as a result of stroke or other acute injury or illness; and/or geriatric usage for strengthening muscles, balance or coordination to improve mobility or balance and general health.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to devices used for athletic training. Specifically, one used to maintain appropriate distance between feet and or knees during athletic training. Additionally, devices according to the present invention can be used in physical therapy for injury and surgery recovery; rehab as a result of stroke or other acute injury or illness; and/or geriatric usage for strengthening muscles, balance or coordination to improve mobility or balance and general health.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At all skill levels and ages, many athletes are unable to maintain proper form while executing various athletic movements. They can lack the focus required to perfect the basic movements of the sport or lack the strength to continuously perform the movement at speed. Footwork is the cornerstone of athletic success. At the early stages of learning a sport, a substantial portion of training is focused on proper footwork—be it spacing, movement, sequence, etc. At every stage of development, athletes must build on these foundations to improve. As such, it is critical that all athletes continue to focus on footwork throughout their training. Excellence in footwork is a baseline for higher performance in sports. It is critical to maintain proper footwork technique while executing various athletic movements to prevent bad habits, injuries, poor muscular stability, and muscular endurance. However, it is often difficult to focus on footwork when trying to incorporate new skills.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The instant invention solves the problems caused by lack of focus on footwork while training.

By providing a barrier to prevent the feet or knees coming together the wearer can train on their own, or with guidance, without being to incorrectly execute the desired movement. They are instead able to train over and over with perfect form guaranteed.

Devices according to the invention are footwork training devices that are worn by an athlete during training. Devices according to the invention can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible devices that maintain a specified distance between the wearer's feet. The devices of the instant invention can be attached to the ankles, knees or hips, or any other possible configuration, that simultaneously provides resistance training to strengthen muscles and prevents improper technical execution with a barrier suspended between the attachment points. The barrier will prevent the wearer from bringing their ankles or knees too close or together, which would result in poor footwork technique. Further, embodiments of the present invention could prevent athletes from over-extending the spacing between their feet or knees. Additional embodiments of the present invention would prevent athletes from turning their bodies such that the preferred bodily alignment could be maintained.

This device will help athletes improve their conditioning, technique, and balance.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. In this figure, the barrier (100) has a continuous loop (150) that runs through it and which form the connectors (200).

FIG. 2. In this figure, the barrier (100) has connectors (200) that are attached (150).

FIG. 3. In this figure, the barrier (100) has connectors (200) that are attached via a linker (160).

FIG. 4. FIG. 4A depicts the inside of the barrier (100) where the barrier (100) is a system (110) that adjusts its length and/or width by telescoping. FIGS. 4B-4D should this system (110) that can be stabilized in many ways such as a clutch lock, spring button, snap lock, or the like to set the desired length.

FIG. 5. This figure depicts a cross section of barrier (100) with the continuous loop (150) with adjustable resistance with a pulley system (170).

FIG. 6. This figure depicts a person using such a device. In this specific example, the person is utilizing the device for fencing.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description and drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice it. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. For example, other embodiments may incorporate structural, chronological, electrical, process, and other changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others. The scope of the invention encompasses the appended claims and all available equivalents. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

In addition, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative mechanical configurations are possible.

The exemplary embodiments described herein provide a footwork training aid which teaches proper interaction between the lower body and the feet. Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there is shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 various aspects of the footwork training aid.

Devices and methods according to the present invention are applicable training for any physical activity that requires stabilizing joints in the leg and proper footwork or foot positioning. Applications of this invention are for footwork training, such as that needed in combat sports such as: Boxing, Fencing, Judo, MMA, Taekwondo; traditional sports such as basketball, football, and swimming where technique and form are trained outside of the sports main play area. Devices and methods according to the present invention are also applicable for cross training/general fitness where form is important. Other sports such as weightlifting, skiing, skating. Further, the present invention can also be used in physical therapy, rehabilitation, physical therapy for injury, surgery recovery, and the like. It can also be used for rehab as a result of stroke or other acute injury or illness, geriatric usage for strengthening muscles, balance or coordination to improve mobility or balance and general health.

Devices according to the present invention are generally configured to have a rigid or semi-rigid center or barrier (100) and one or more couplers (200) for attaching to the wearer.

The barrier (100) can be made from foam, plastic, metal or other somewhat rigid material that allows for give and flexion. It can be in a plurality of shapes, including cylindrical, round, elliptical, and the like. The areas of the barrier that may come in contact with a person during the invention's use should be created in such a way such that the user would not be injured by use of the device. This can be accomplished by using padding, making the barrier out of a material unlikely to injure the user, or the like. Such materials and modifications would be known to those in the art. Additionally, the inside the barrier (100) could be a system of pulleys that allows for adjusting the level of resistance of the connector (200). In other embodiments, the barrier (100) can be adjustable or expandable to fit multiple sizes of users. For example, a taller person would need a wider stance so they could expand the barrier (100) to fit their specific needs, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4D. As another example, some activities require a wider stance than others so it would be beneficial to allow the barrier (100) to adjust easily and quickly. As one representative example (FIGS. 4A-D), a barrier (100) with telescoping functionality would allow for these adjustments. A longer or shorter barrier (100) would increase the usage of the device to fit more activities and sizes of users. The barrier (100) could be easily opened to allow for cleaning, storage or adjustment of parts

The connector (200) is designed to attach the barrier (100) to the person. The exact types of connectors depend upon the attachment point needed to accomplish the requisite footwork distancing, depending on the use. Representative examples are depicted in FIG. 3. As one example, the connector (200) can hook around the ankles in a loop. The connector can be made of elastic bands, Velcro™, nylon, other types of fasteners, etc. As another example, the connector (200) can be an elastic, rubber or plastic resistance band. The connector (200) could also be made of a bungee cord or other stretchy and durable material that will last long enough as to not need frequent repair or remounting. The connector (200) could be a cable or metal strand to give extra strength.

The resistance offered in the barrier (100) or connector (200) could be adjusted to be stronger or weaker for higher level, intermediate or beginner level athletes. This could be done using different tensile strength bands as in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5 where a pulley system (170) is used to adjust tensile strength. The size of the barrier (100) could be adjusted for taller people that would require a larger stance, or to accommodate different exercises with specific goals of how far apart the feet might need to be. The length of the connectors (200) could be adjusted for different size users and could be made using a variety of connector types. In another embodiment, the connector (200) could be a band that could be switched to allow for different sizes or resistance levels to accommodate other users or activities. In another embodiment, the connector (200) could be removed entirely and replaced with a new one for repair or adjustment. In another embodiment, the barrier (100) could house a pulley or cable system in which the resistance would be adjustable by clicking or twisting a knob or setting tool. The connector (200) can be used on the feet and can be as simple as a loop that runs through the center of the barrier (100) where the user would need to step into the loop in order to attach to the device. The connector (200) could also be a cuff that is integral to the elastic or to be attached to the elastic with a system of hooks, also allowing the elastic to be changed out to a longer/shorter. The connector (200) could be a belt system that the wearer could attach that would have different points of connection for different parts of the body to offer more resistance or provide for a different style of movement.

The attachments (150) can be any device or method to attach the connector (200) to the barrier (100), such as screws, glue, loops through which the connector (200) can be put, etc. In one embodiment, the attachment (150) could be an adjustable velcro cuff with an attachment point to the elastic or cable. The advantages of this embodiment would allow for attaching the device to different parts of the body that have different sizes, like the knees or ankles. Also this would allow for larger users to wear it. Attachments (150) could be bought or sold separately for multiple wearers or even customized fitted ones. The attachment (150) could provide different attachment points such as the ankle, knee, thigh or hips. The attachment (150) could also be in the form of a belt that would help stabilize or offer resistance to the legs and barrier (100).

The linker (160) can be made of elastic, Velcro™, rope, chain, foam, or any other material that is between the barrier (100) or attachments (150) and the connector (200).

In one embodiment, the present invention can be attached at the ankles. In another embodiment, it can be attached at the knees. Other attachment points on the lower or upper body would be obvious to those of skill in the art after reading this disclosure.

Example 1—Fencing Apparatus

The devices of the present invention can be used in the field of fencing. FIG. 1 depicts one such example. In one fencing embodiment, the connector (200) is a loop that runs continuously through the center of the barrier (100) like a giant rubber band. The connector (200) could be a cuff, adjustable or not, for ease of use that the user will put on and attach to the elastic. There could be a cuff that the user wears and attaches the ankles, knees or other joint. Cuff would need to be long enough to secure to the body. In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the connector (200) could be directly attached to the barrier (100) using connectors (150). These connectors could be in any form known to a person of skill in the art and include, but are not limited to, screw, nails, staples, directly mounted, or the like.

Example 2—Weightlifting Apparatus

The devices of the present invention can be used in the field of weightlifting. FIG. 2 depicts one such example. In one weightlifting embodiment, the connector (200) is a rigid band that is attached with an attachment (150) to a rigid barrier (100). This would force the user to maintain proper spacing between the weight lifter's feet so as to ensure proper posture and/or prevent injury.

As another weightlifting embodiment, the barrier (100) can be telescopic to ensure proper foot spacing. Alternatively, it can be made of soft, semi-rigid, or rigid material.

Example 3—Strength Training

In another embodiment, the apparatus can be used for strength training. For example, the tensile strength of the apparatus can be adjusted such that the resistance level is high enough for strength training. The barrier (100) would prevent the user from moving their feet too close together so as to facilitate the movements outward. Alternatively, the barrier can be adjusted to help the user hold a stretched position.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A device for training any physical activity in a user that requires stabilizing joints in legs and proper footwork or foot positioning, comprising: a connector attached with an attachment to a barrier.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment is selected from screws, glue, or loops.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment is an adjustable cuff.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the connector is made of rigid, elastic, rubber or plastic resistance band.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the barrier is made of soft, semi-rigid, or rigid material.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the attachment is attached to ankles, knees, thighs or hips.

7. The device of claim 1, applicable for cross training/general fitness where form is important.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is being used in the field of fencing.

9. A method for training any physical activity in a user that requires stabilizing joints in legs and proper footwork or foot positioning, comprising: using a device comprising a connector attached with an attachment to a barrier,wherein the connector is designed to attach the barrier to the user, andwherein the barrier can be adjusted to help the user hold a stretched position.