POSTURE CORRECTIVE EXERCISE SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments are generally related to posture correction. Embodiments are further related to the field of exercise and exercise equipment. Embodiments are further related to methods, systems, and apparatuses for adjusting weight distribution during lower or upper body movement patterns.

BACKGROUND

Plyometric exercises, body weight exercises and weightlifting are all essential to maintaining health and fitness. Correct posture is critical when performing movement patterns, both to maximize benefits and to avoid injury.

For example, exercises engaging the gluteus muscle group are often performed with poor form. In order to perform gluteus exercises such as squats and lunges, weight distribution is key. Often too much pressure is imparted on the ball of the foot. This shifts the muscle engagement to the quadriceps and away from the gluteus muscles. Putting too much pressure on the front of the foot can lead to injuries. For example, putting too much pressure on the front of the foot while lunging can force the hips forward, causing potential knee and lower back injuries.

Athletic trainers, orthopedic experts, and physical therapists go to great lengths to encourage athletes and patients to shift the weight away from the ball of the foot in order to avoid improper form, improve results, and avoid injury. However, coaching alone is often insufficient to correct improper weight distribution. Indeed, most people are more comfortable engaging their quadriceps and therefore are naturally biased to a forward weight distribution. Corrective guidance and coaching can only be effective once the trainee understands how to shift to the correct posture.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for systems and methods designed to correct weight distribution during exercise as illustrated in the embodiments disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide an exercise device.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide a posture corrective device.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide systems and methods for shifting weight backward, to the heel of the foot during certain lower and/or upper body exercise movement patterns.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide an adjustable wearable exercise aid to correct exercise posture and weight distribution.

It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for a front of foot elevation device and platform configured to fit on the bottom and front of a shoe, elevating the front of the foot and redirecting the pressure to the heel of the foot in order to maximize gluteus muscle engagement, and prevent knee and lower back pain.

It will be appreciated that the methods and systems can be achieved according to the embodiments disclosed herein.

It is another aspect of disclosed embodiments to provide systems and methods for causing the participant not to swing their body while performing upper body exercises such as, but not limited to curls, by rocking by shifting their weight back and forth from the ball of the foot to the heel, thus causing a rocking motion that can cause lower back injury as well as a less effective exercise result.

It is another aspect of disclosed embodiments to provide systems and methods for causing the participant to feel more stable and confidant because of the “solid and stable” feeling the user experiences when using the system.

It is another aspect of disclosed embodiments to provide systems and methods for causing the participant to benefit from a physical therapy standpoint. Many exercises such as, but not limited to squats need to be performed during physical therapy in order to gain strength as well as facilitating necessary neuromuscular connections for rehabilitation. Without proper form, squats and other movements can cause further injury and pain, resulting in injury, or loss of confidence in the ability to safely and effectively complete the movement. The disclosed embodiments shift the weight from the ball of the foot to the heel, thus resulting in correct form and posture, and causing the weight and stress of the movement to be felt in the thighs and glutes as opposed to knees and lower back.

For example, in an embodiment, a weight distribution system comprises a platform, at least one strap affixed to the platform, the at least one strap configured to connect the platform to a foot or shoe, and a front of foot elevation device connected to the bottom of the platform. In an embodiment, the platform further comprises: an upper substrate and a lower substrate, the upper substrate and lower substrate being affixed to one another. In an embodiment, the at least one strap further comprises a loop, wherein a portion of the loop is sandwiched between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. In an embodiment, the loop comprises an elastic loop. In an embodiment, the weight distribution system further comprises a plurality of studs configured on the platform. In an embodiment, the plurality of studs are configured in spaced relation along the perimeter of the platform. In an embodiment, the front of foot elevation device further comprises a half cylinder with a flat side of the half cylinder affixed to the platform and a curved portion of the cylinder facing away from the platform.

In another embodiment, a system comprises a unibody shell, the unibody shell further comprising a foot pad, at least one strap, and a front of foot elevation device. In an embodiment, the unibody shell comprises a single molded structure. In an embodiment, the system further comprises at least one toe strap. In an embodiment, the unibody shell is silicone. In an embodiment, the front of foot elevation device further comprises a half cylinder with a flat side of the half cylinder affixed to the foot pad and a curved portion of the cylinder facing away from the platform. In an embodiment, the at least one strap comprises a strap connected the foot pad with a first loose end, a second strap connected to the foot pad with a second loose end, and a buckle configured to attach the first loose end and the second loose end. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a friction pad on the foot pad. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a friction increasing layer on a lower surface of the unibody shell.

In another embodiment, a weight distribution system comprises a platform, at least one strap affixed to the platform, the at least one strap configured to connect the platform to a foot or shoe, and at least one modular front of foot elevation device connected to the bottom of the platform. In an embodiment, the platform further comprises an upper substrate and a lower substrate, the upper substrate and lower substrate being affixed to one another. In an embodiment, the at least one modular front of foot elevation device comprises a first modular front of foot elevation device configured to connect to a second modular front of foot elevation device. In an embodiment, the first modular front of foot elevation device and the second front of foot elevation device are different sizes. In an embodiment, the weight distribution system further comprises a micro controller operably connected to a pressure sensor formed in the modular front of foot elevation device, at least one loudspeaker operably connected to the micro controller, and at least one light operably connected to the micro controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1A depicts a weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 1B depicts aspects of the weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 1C depicts additional aspects of the weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2A depicts aspects of a front of foot elevation device associated with a weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2B depicts aspects of another front of foot elevation device associated with a weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2C depicts aspects of another front of foot elevation device associated with a weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2D depicts aspects of another front of foot elevation device associated with a weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2E depicts aspects of another front of foot elevation device associated with a weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 depicts another view of a weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 4 depicts a weight adjustment system mounted to a shoe, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 5 depicts the functional mechanism of a weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 6 depicts steps in a method for shifting weight distribution during lower body exercise, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 7 depicts a weight adjustment system integrated in a shoe, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 8A depicts a standalone weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 8B depicts another embodiment of a standalone weight adjustment system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9A depicts a weight adjustment system with an adjustable front of foot elevation device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9B depicts another embodiment of a weight adjustment system with an adjustable front of foot elevation device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9C depicts another embodiment of a weight adjustment system with an adjustable front of foot elevation device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9D depicts another embodiment of a weight adjustment system with an adjustable front of foot elevation device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9E depicts another embodiment of a weight adjustment system with an adjustable front of foot elevation device, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 9F depicts another embodiment of a weight adjustment system with a sensing apparatus, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 10A depicts another embodiment of a weight adjustment system with unibody shell, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 10B depicts another view of a weight adjustment system with unibody shell, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 10C depicts another view of a weight adjustment system with unibody shell, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 11A depicts another embodiment of a posture corrective exercise system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 11B depicts another view of a posture corrective exercise system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; and

FIG. 11C depicts another view of a posture corrective exercise system, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The particular values and configurations discussed in the following non-limiting examples can be varied, and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

Example embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments are shown. The embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied in many 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 embodiments to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates a weight adjustment system 100 which generally includes a front of foot elevation device 105 configured on a platform 110 which can be mounted to the bottom and front of a shoe. The front of foot elevation device 105 is configured to raise, lift, raise up/aloft, buoy up, upraise, bear aloft, hoist, hike up, haul up, heft up, boost, and/or jack up the front of the foot for the purpose of shifting weight from the front of the foot to the back of the foot, during exercises.

The system 100 is configured to elevate the front of the foot, thereby redirecting the pressure to the heel of the foot for maximum gluteus focus, and for relief of knee and lower back pain. The system 100 is useful for numerous lower body exercises including but not limited to squats, lunges, hip thrusters, dead lifts, curls, etc. For example, during a lunge movement pattern, many people naturally rotate their hips forward, putting stress on the thigh and knee. The disclosed embodiments are configured to redirect the pressure to the heel of the foot, and naturally encourages the hip to move backward, maximizing gluteus activation and reducing injury risk.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the weight adjustment system 100 includes a platform 110. The platform 110 can be formed of hard plastic, hard or soft rubber, foam, metal, metal, or plastic surrounded by rubber, or hard plastic or foam not surrounded by rubber, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the platform 110 comprises an upper substrate 112 and a lower substrate 114. The upper substrate 112 and lower substrate 114 can be bound to one another with adhesive, rivets, via threaded connectors, or the like.

The upper substrate 112 comprises an upward facing platform with a top surface 120. The top surface 120 of the platform 110 is configured to be engaged to the bottom of a user's shoe or bare foot. A series of studs 115 can be formed on the top of the upward facing platform's top surface 120. In certain embodiments, the studs 115 can comprise conical protrusions generally spaced along the perimeter 125, and/or interior 130, of the upward facing platform 110. In certain embodiments, the studs 115 can also be strategically located at other positions on the top surface 120 of the platform 110 to promote friction and prevent the system 100 from sliding on the shoe or foot during use. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a grouping of toe studs 305 on a toe end 135 and another grouping of back end studs 310 on the back end 140, configured to hold the front and rear of the system 100 in place.

In other embodiments, the studs 115 can be dome shaped, pyramidal, rounded, squared or in other such shapes that promote friction with a shoe or foot. In certain embodiments, the studs 115 can comprise dimples, ridges, textures, or can otherwise be configured to promote friction between the top surface 120 of the platform 110 and a shoe or foot. In still other embodiments, the studs 115 can be soft so that the system 100 is comfortable to use with or without shoes. In certain embodiment, the studs 115 can comprise pointy studs made out of plastic, rubber, metal, or foam, or can be configured with flat rubber, or rubber with a tread pattern or plastic, rubber, metal, or foam protrusions with the purpose of gripping the bottom of user's shoe or foot to prevent or limit movement of the system 100 in relation to the user's shoe or foot.

The system 100 can further comprise one or more retention bands 145. The retention bands 145 serve to hold the system 100 in place on a shoe/foot as exercises are performed. The retention bands 145 act in concert with the studs 115 to prevent the system 100 from shifting or sliding on the shoe or foot during use. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A two retention bands 145 are shown. However, in other embodiments, more of fewer retention bands 145 can be used without departing from the scope disclosed herein.

The retention bands 145 can comprise an elastic band in a closed loop. A portion of the loop can be sandwiched between the upper substrate 112 and lower substrate 114. Additional adhesive or binding means can be used to secure the loop in place, in certain embodiments. The elasticity of the band allows the upper loose section of the elastic band to extend over a shoe or foot, and then retract onto the shoe or foot to hold the system in place. As illustrated, two such bands can be used, but additional or fewer elastic bands can be used in alternative embodiments.

In certain embodiments the retention bands 145 can also comprise straps. The straps can be adjustable in length. In certain embodiments, each retention band 145 can comprise two straps configured at a generally parallel position or in a crisscrossed pattern on opposing sides of the platform 110. The ends of the straps 145 and can be connected via hook and loop fasteners, buckles, tying, clips, elastic bands, or other such means.

In other embodiments, the retention bands 145 can also be configured as a sleeve that fits over the bare foot or shoe. In certain embodiments the system can also be configured so that it wraps/attaches around the entire shoe or bare foot. In other embodiments, a side gripping mechanism can be used. In such embodiments, a vise mechanism which can be tightened via cranking can be used as the retention band 145. In other embodiments, a spring biased mechanism can be configured on the sides, and/or top and bottom, of the platform 110 and used to secure a shoe or foot in the system 100.

The system 100 further includes a front of foot elevation device 105 formed on the bottom of the lower facing platform 114, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The front of foot elevation device 105 can comprise nominally a half cylinder 150 with the flat side 155 affixed to the bottom of the lower facing platform 114, and the rounded side 160 facing downward. The position of the front of foot elevation device 105 with respect to the platform can be selected to maximize gluteus engagement and minimize injury. In certain embodiments, the front of foot elevation device 105 can be selected to be generally under the front of the foot, or ball of the foot. In other embodiments, the front of foot elevation device 105 can be biased to be slightly nearer to the toe end 135 of the platform or heal end 140 of the platform. FIG. 1C illustrates the front of foot elevation device 105 configured on a platform 110 nearer to the toe end 135 in accordance with such an embodiment.

While an exemplary shape for the front of foot elevation device 105 is illustrated in FIG. 1A, in other embodiments, other shapes can be used. The shape can be selected for example, to be square, rectangular, triangular, or other such shapes. The key is that the front of foot elevation device 105 forces the weight distribution backward toward the heel of the foot facilitating proper form during exercise.

In other embodiments, the front of foot elevation device 105 can be selected to have other characteristics. For example, in certain embodiments, the front of foot elevation device 105 can comprise a half dome or ball shape 205 as shown in FIG. 2A. This configuration allows the user to move their foot in multiple directions to redistribute weight if desired.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2B the front of foot elevation device can comprise a triangular wedge 210 configured to provide a gentler weight distribution slant.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2C (shown upside for clarity), the front of foot elevation device 105 can comprise one or more cylindrical half bubble shaped pieces 215.

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2D (shown upside down for clarity), the front of foot elevation device 105 can comprise one or more adjacent rectangular shaped pieces 220.

In another embodiment, the front of foot elevation device 105 can comprise a single rectangular bar 225 as illustrated in FIG. 2E. Various shapes for the front of foot elevation device can be selected to correspond with certain movement patterns, user preferences, body types, skill levels, and the like.

FIG. 4 illustrates a weight distribution system 100 mounted to a user's shoe 405 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The straps 145 are extended to connect the platform 110 to the bottom of the shoe 405. It should be appreciated that the system 100 disclosed herein can be configured for use while wearing a shoe, or for use bare foot. In embodiments intended to be used bare foot, material selections for the platform 110 and/or studs 115 can be selected to be generally softer to promote user comfort.

FIG. 5 illustrates the functional mechanism of the disclosed weight distribution system 100 and associated method in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The weight distribution system 100 can be mounted to the user's shoe or foot. As the user 505 executes a squat (or other such exercise movement pattern), the weight distribution system 100 forces the distal end of the foot/shoe 510 up and increases the distribution of weight toward the heel as shown by arrow 515. Functionally, this forces engagement of the gluteus muscles 520 as illustrated by the force arrow 525. This movement pattern reduces stress on the knee joint and lower back and increases engagement of the gluteus muscle group.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of steps associated with a method 600 that elevates the front of the foot, redirecting the pressure to the heel of the foot for maximum glute focus, and knee and lower back pain relief. The method starts at 605

First, at step 610 the weight distribution system can be configured for application on a shoe or foot. This can include selecting the appropriately sized platform, location of the front of foot elevation device, and connection of the necessary straps. Next, at step 615 the system can be connected to a shoe or foot. In certain embodiments, the system can be connected to one foot or a system can be connected to both feet. The straps can be adjusted on the foot/shoe to ensure a proper fit and to reduce slipping.

With the weight distribution system properly on the shoe/foot, at step 620 a lower body exercise can begin. In certain embodiments, such exercises can include but are not limited to lunges, squats, deadlifts, good mornings, and/or hip thrusters. Weight distribution is forced rearward along the shoe or foot toward the heel as shown at 625. The associated posture is at step 630, corrected by this weight distribution so that, as the movement pattern is performed, the gluteus muscle group is engaged, and pressure is reduced in the knee joints and lower back. The method ends when the exercise is completed at step 635.

It should be appreciated that various other embodiments of the disclosed systems and associated methods are possible. For example, in an embodiment, a front of foot elevation device can be integrated into a shoe as illustrated by system 700 illustrated in FIG. 7. In such embodiments, the front of foot elevation device 705 can be molded into the sole 710 of the shoe 715. It should be appreciated that the shape and material of the front of foot elevation device 705 can be configured to take the shape of any of those detailed in association with other embodiments disclosed herein, including those illustrated herein. Likewise, the shoe 715 can comprise an athletic shoe, walking shoe, tennis shoe, sneaker, running shoe, flip flop style sandal, strapped sandal, or the like.

In still other embodiments, the system can comprise a stand-alone riser configured to rest on the floor as illustrated in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. In such an embodiment, the system 800 can have a generally flat lower surface 805 to rest flush on the underlying surface, with a generally rectangular 810 or cylindrical upper profile 815 (or other shape as illustrated herein). The system 800 is configured for the purposes of transferring weight from ball of foot to the heel during exercise.

FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate various modifications to the disclosed systems, and in particular, adjustment and measurement features associated with the front of foot elevation device. It should be appreciated that any or all of these features or aspects can be incorporated in other embodiments.

FIG. 9A illustrates a system 900 including an adjustable front of foot elevation device 905 that can be used to adjust the relative height of the front of the foot as compared to the heel of the foot in order to create a custom height for a user (shown upside down for clarity). The front of foot elevation device 905 can be lowered or raised by stacking or unstacking interlocking pieces 910. In FIG. 9A three such pieces 910 are illustrated but more or fewer pieces can be used in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The pieces can be mounted to the platform 915, with pegs 920 configured to fit in peg shaped indentions (not shown) on the pieces 910.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B (shown upside down for clarity) the pieces can also be connected with snaps 925 or hook and loop connectors 930. As illustrated in FIG. 9C (shown upside down for clarity) a ratchet system 935 can be used to attach one piece to the next. In still other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 9D (shown upside down for clarity), a set of sizers 940 can be provided with each sizer 940 having a different height, such that larger or smaller sizers 940 can replace one another.

In certain embodiments, the front of foot elevation device 900 can also be configured to be adjusted along the length 945 of the foot or axially as illustrated in FIG. 9E (shown upside down for clarity) with a hook and loop surface 950 formed on the platform 915. Adjusting the location and or orientation of the front of foot elevation device 905, along with its relative height allows the system 900 to be customized for the user.

FIG. 9F illustrates another embodiment (shown upside down for clarity) of a system 900 where the front of foot elevation device 905 further incorporates a sensor 955. In certain embodiments, a pressure sensor 955 can be configured in the front of foot elevation device 905 (or other part of the system). The pressure sensor 955 can be connected to a power source such as a battery 960. The pressure sensor 955 can further be operably connected to a light source 965 such as an LED light, which is preferably configured in a location that is visible to the user, and/or a loudspeaker 970.

A microcontroller 975 (e.g., a computer processor, Arduino®, or other such processor/memory/control device) can be used to interface with the pressure sensor 955 and control the light 965 and/or loudspeaker 970. Specifically, the pressure sensor 955 can be configured to provide auditory feedback and/or light up with correct/incorrect or varying degrees of pressure exerted on device. The microcontroller 975 can be operably connected to a computer 980 such as a smart phone or other such computer, via a wired or wireless connection 985, including but not limited to a Bluetooth connection, WIFI connection, etc.

In practice, the computer 980 and/or microcontroller 975 can be used to set input parameters, such as a user height, weight, age, gender, etc. The microcontroller 975 can then use the pressure sensor 955 to monitor the pressure imparted on the device 900. The microcontroller 975 can provide auditory feedback via the loudspeaker 970, such as voice queues, beeps, or the like to give user detailed feedback on their weight distribution and proper form throughout the movement pattern. The system 900 can further count the number of repetitions of each movement pattern, and can provide a quality score as to the pressure distribution of each repetition.

Real time feedback can also be provided including for example, one auditory signal for proper form, and a different signal for poor form. The light 965 can also, for example, blink once for proper form or twice for improper form. The light 965 can further be green when proper form is used, and red when improper form is used. The system 900 can further provide a queue when the desired number of repetitions of each exercise is completed. A timer internal to the microcontroller 975 or computer 980, can further be used to monitor active time and rest time and provide auditory or visual notifications accordingly.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a weight adjustment system 1000 in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. In such an embodiment, the system 1000 includes a unibody shell 1005. In this embodiment, some or all of the aspects of the system 1000 are molded as a single piece 1005, including the foot pad 1010, straps 1015, toe straps 1020, and front of foot elevation device 1025. The unibody shell 1005 can be configured of silicone in an exemplary embodiment, but in other cases, other materials as detailed herein, can also be used.

The unibody shell 1005 generally comprises a foot pad 1010 configured with a front of foot elevation device 1025. The front of foot elevation devices 1025 is illustrated in FIG. 10A as a generally sloped shaped protrusion molded into the unibody shell 1005, but it should be appreciated that, in other embodiments, other front of foot elevation shapes, sizes, and configurations, as disclosed in other embodiments, can also be used.

The unibody shell 1005 further includes an integrated toe strap 1020 configured toward the front of the foot pad 1010. The unibody shell 1005 also includes two lose end straps 1015 toward the rear of the foot pad 1010. The tag ends of the loose end straps 1015 can be configured with an adjustable buckle closure 1030. In other embodiments, other mechanisms of connecting the loose end straps 1015 can also be used, as described herein.

The foot pad 1010 can also be covered with a friction pad 1035. The friction pad 1035 can comprise a non-slip surface configured to ensure that the system 1000 does not slide during use. The friction pad 1035 can include grooves, ridges, patterns, knobs, raised points, or other such means for increasing friction. A selection of such patterns, including pattern 1041, pattern 1042, and pattern 1043 associated with the friction pad 1035 are illustrated in FIG. 10B.

FIG. 10C illustrates the floor facing side 1045, or bottom of the unibody shell 1005. The lower surface 1045 of the unibody shell 1005 can be textured with a friction increasing layer 1050 to prevent the system 1000 from sliding on the surface below. The friction increasing layer 1050 can include grooves, ridges, patterns, knobs, raised points, or other such means for increasing friction. A selection of such patterns associated with the friction increasing layer 1050 are illustrated as pattern 1051, pattern 1052, and pattern 1053 on the bottom of the unibody shell 1005 are illustrated in FIG. 10C.

FIG. 11A illustrates an embodiment of a posture corrective exercise system 1100. The posture corrective system 1100 comprises a body 1105. The body 1105 can comprise a foot panel 1110. The top surface 1115 of the foot panel 1110 is configured to accept a foot or shoe. The bottom portion 1120 of the foot panel 1110 is configured with a sloped profile 1125 such that the toe end 1130 of the foot panel is elevated in relation to the back or heal end 1135 of the foot panel 1110, as illustrated in FIG. 11B.

The foot panel 1110 can be configured with a toe strap 1140 and a rear strap 1145 as illustrated in FIG. 11C. The toe strap 1140 and rear strap 1145 can be configured to be elastic or rubber straps integrated or molded into the body 1105. The toe strap 1140 can comprise a first side strap 1141 and a second side strap 1142. One end of the first side strap 1141 can be molded in, or connected to the body 1105. Likewise, one end of the second side strap 1142 can be molded in, or connected to the other side of the body 1105. The opposing ends of the first side strap 1141 and the second side strap 1142 can be configured to be joined by fastener 1143. The fastener 1143 can comprise hook and loop fasteners, buckles, buttons, or other such connecting means. A pull release tab 1144 can be configured on the end of the toe strap 1140.

In addition, the rear strap 1145 can comprise a first side strap 1146 and a second side strap 1147. One end of the first side strap 1146 can be molded in, or connected to the body 1105. Likewise, one end of the second side strap 1147 can be molded in, or connected to the other side of the body 1105. The opposing ends of the first side strap 1146 and the second side strap 1147 can be configured to be joined by fastener 1148. The fastener 1148 can comprise hook and loop fasteners, buckles, buttons, or other such connecting means. A pull release tab 1149 can be configured on the end of the toe strap 1145.

The bottom portion 1120 of the foot panel 1110 can be configured with a selected shape to further improve posture during exercise. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11C, the bottom portion 1120 can be configured to be wider at the toe end 1130 and can narrow toward the back end 1135 such that the bottom portion 1120 resembles a tear drop shape. The nose 1150 of the bottom portion can extend forward and come to a slight point. The bottom portion 1120 can have an outer surface grip pattern 1155.

Based on the foregoing, it can be appreciated that a number of embodiments, preferred and alternative, are disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment a weight distribution system comprises a platform, at least one strap affixed to the platform, the at least one strap configured to connect the platform to a foot or shoe, and a front of foot elevation device connected to the bottom of the platform. In an embodiment, the platform further comprises: an upper substrate and a lower substrate, the upper substrate and lower substrate being affixed to one another. In an embodiment, the at least one strap further comprises a loop, wherein a portion of the loop is sandwiched between the upper substrate and the lower substrate. In an embodiment, the loop comprises an elastic loop.

In an embodiment, the weight distribution system further comprises a plurality of studs configured on the platform. In an embodiment, the plurality of studs are configured in spaced relation along the perimeter of the platform.

In an embodiment, the front of foot elevation device further comprises a half cylinder with a flat side of the half cylinder affixed to the platform and a curved portion of the cylinder facing away from the platform.

In an embodiment, the front of foot elevation device further comprises a half cylinder with a flat side of the half cylinder affixed to the foot pad and a curved portion of the cylinder facing away from the platform.

In an embodiment, the at least one strap comprises a strap connected the foot pad with a first loose end, a second strap connected to the foot pad with a second loose end, and a buckle configured to attach the first loose end and the second loose end.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a friction pad on the foot pad. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a friction increasing layer on a lower surface of the unibody shell.

In an embodiment, the platform further comprises an upper substrate and a lower substrate, the upper substrate and lower substrate being affixed to one another.

In an embodiment, the at least one modular front of foot elevation device comprises a first modular front of foot elevation device configured to connect to a second modular front of foot elevation device. In an embodiment, the first modular front of foot elevation device and the second front of foot elevation device are different sizes.

In an embodiment, the weight distribution system further comprises a micro controller operably connected to a pressure sensor formed in the modular front of foot elevation device, at least one loudspeaker operably connected to the micro controller, and at least one light operably connected to the micro controller.

It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, it should be appreciated that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

POSTURE CORRECTIVE EXERCISE SYSTEM

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Provisional Applications (1)