Patent Application
20240381971
The present invention relates generally to the field of footwear. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tracking shoe device comprised of a tracker that transmits the location of the shoe to a mobile application and an accelerometer that transmits exercise data to the mobile application. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.
Tracking one's fitness with modern tools like smartphones, wearable watches, or other advanced electronic devices has become increasingly popular and can offer an array of beneficial insights into one's health and activity patterns. These tools, equipped with a variety of sensors, can measure everything from the number of steps taken in a day to one's heart rate during intense workouts. However, there exists a potential for inaccurate tracking. For instance, these devices often rely on motion sensors to count steps. However, movements unrelated to walking or running, such as simply moving one's hands or engaging in other non-step-related activities, can be mistakenly registered. This can result in an inflated or skewed count of daily steps, leading to potential misinterpretations of one's activity level.
For individuals dedicated to their fitness routines, inaccurate readings can be more than just a minor annoyance. It can lead to feelings of frustration and disappointment, especially if they rely on these readings to gauge their progress toward specific fitness goals. The sense of achievement that comes from meeting daily step goals or tracking physical milestones can be dampened if one feels they cannot trust the accuracy of their tracking device.
In addition to fitness enthusiasts, caregivers often seek reliable monitoring solutions. For those caring for elderly or disabled adults or even young children, the need transcends just fitness tracking. They might be searching for devices that offer location tracking to ensure the safety and whereabouts of their loved ones. This becomes especially crucial in situations where the individual may be prone to wandering or getting lost, or if they have medical conditions that require close monitoring.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a wearable tracking device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a wearable tracking device that provides and tracks a plurality of different parameters. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tracking shoe device that tracks the GPS location of the user. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tracking shoe device that tracks other parameters associated with running, walking, and/or exercising.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a tracking shoe device. The device is comprised of a shoe comprised of a tracker. In another embodiment, the shoe may also be comprised of an accelerometer. The tracker and accelerometer may be in wireless communication with a mobile application. The tracker provides the current GPS location of the shoe to the mobile application, wherein the location can be viewed on a map interface. The accelerometer may also provide data related to walking, running, or exercising such as, but not limited to, total distance travel, speed, and time.
In this manner, the tracking shoe device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a wearable tracking device. More specifically, the device provides a shoe that when worn allows the GPS location of the user to be viewed by a second user via the mobile application. Further, the device tracks other parameters associated with running, walking, and/or exercising.
The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a tracking shoe device comprised of a shoe with at least one embedded tracker, a charging platform which charges the tracker, and a mobile application. The mobile application allows a user to view data recorded by the tracker such as, but not limited to, distance run, time, speed, etc. The mobile application also allows a user to view the GPS location of the shoes.
The tracker is preferably a GPS tracker comprised of at least one transmitter that places the tracker in wireless electrical communication with the mobile application. The GPS tracker records the real-time GPS location of the shoe and transmits said location and/or coordinates to the mobile application. The shoe may also be comprised of at least one accelerometer that measures the speed at which the shoe moves. The accelerometer is comprised of a transmitter which places the accelerometer in wireless electrical communication with the mobile application.
The mobile application has a plurality of features such as a map interface that displays the location of the shoe via the tracker to allow a user to see the location of an individual wearing the shoe, in the event that the wearer is a child and the user is a parent. The mobile application also allows a user to track the distance ran in the shoe, the total time the shoe was in motion while walking/running, and the speed a user walks/runs in the shoe, as recorded by the accelerometer.
The tracker and accelerometer are powered by at least one battery that is also stored in some area of the shoe. In another embodiment, the battery can be recharged via at least one charging platform comprised of at least one induction charging element that can charge the battery via contact and/or proximity to the element.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a shoe with at least one tracker with at least one transmitter, and at least one battery. Then, a user can put on the shoe and walk, run, or travel a distance wearing the shoe, wherein the shoe may record the total distance traveled, the speed during the distance traveled, the time spent traveling the distance, the amount of calories burned, and the GPS location of the shoe. Then, a user can use a mobile application to view the distance traveled, the speed, the time, and the GPS location.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a shoe with at least one tracker with at least one transmitter, at least one accelerometer with at least one transmitter, at least one battery, and a mobile application in wireless communication with both transmitters. Then, a user can put on the shoe and walk, run, or travel a distance wearing the shoe, wherein the shoe may record the total distance traveled, the speed of travel, the time spent traveling, and the precise GPS location of the shoe. Then, a user can use a mobile application to view the distance traveled, the speed during the distance traveled, the time spent traveling the distance, the amount of calories burned, and the GPS location of the shoe. Finally, a user can charge the battery via at least one charging port or by placing the shoe on at least one charging platform comprised of at least one induction charging element.
Accordingly, the tracking shoe device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a wearable tracking device. More specifically, the device provides a shoe that when worn allows the GPS location of the user to be viewed by a second user via the mobile application. Further, the device tracks other parameters associated with running, walking, and/or exercising. In this manner, the tracking shoe device overcomes the limitations of existing fitness and location tracking devices known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a wearable tracking device. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a wearable tracking device that provides and tracks a plurality of different parameters. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tracking shoe device that tracks the GPS location of the user. Further, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a tracking shoe device that tracks other parameters associated with running, walking, and/or exercising.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a tracking shoe device. The device is comprised of a shoe with at least one embedded tracker, a charging platform which charges the tracker, and a mobile application that allows a user to view data recorded by the tracker such as, but not limited to, distance run, time, speed, etc. The mobile application also allows a user to view the GPS location of the shoes.
The tracker is preferably a GPS tracker comprised of at least one transmitter that places the tracker in wireless electrical communication with the mobile application. The GPS tracker records the real-time GPS location of the shoe and transmits said location and/or coordinates to the mobile application. The shoe may also be comprised of at least one accelerometer. The accelerometer measures the speed at which the shoe moves. The accelerometer is comprised of a transmitter which places the accelerometer in wireless electrical communication with the mobile application.
The mobile application has a plurality of features such as a map interface. The interface displays the location of the shoe via the tracker to allow a user to see the location of an individual wearing the shoe, in the event that the wearer is a child and the user is a parent. The mobile application also allows a user to track the distance ran in the shoe, the total time the shoe was in motion while walking/running, and the speed a user walks/runs in the shoe, as recorded by the accelerometer.
The tracker and accelerometer are powered by at least one battery that is also stored in some area of the shoe. In another embodiment, the battery can be recharged via at least one charging platform comprised of at least one induction charging element that can charge the battery via contact and/or proximity to the element.
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a shoe with at least one tracker with at least one transmitter, and at least one battery. Then, a user can put on the shoe and walk, run, or travel a distance wearing the shoe, wherein the shoe may record the total distance traveled, the speed during the distance traveled, the time spent traveling the distance, the amount of calories burned, and the GPS location of the shoc. Then, a user can use a mobile application to view the distance traveled, the speed, the time, and the GPS location.
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of a shoe with at least one tracker with at least one transmitter, at least one accelerometer with at least one transmitter, at least one battery, and a mobile application in wireless communication with both transmitters. Then, a user can put on the shoe and walk, run, or travel a distance wearing the shoe, wherein the shoe may record the total distance traveled, the speed of travel, the time spent traveling, and the precise GPS location of the shoe. Then, a user can use a mobile application to view the distance traveled, the speed during the distance traveled, the time spent traveling the distance, the amount of calories burned, and the GPS location of the shoe. Finally, a user can charge the battery via at least one charging port or by placing the shoe on at least one charging platform comprised of at least one induction charging element.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The shoe 110 may be any style and configuration of the shoe. Said style may include, but is not limited to, a running shoe, a trail running shoe, a cross-trainer, a basketball shoe, a soccer cleat, a football cleat, a baseball cleat, a tennis shoe, a walking shoe, a golf shoe, a cycling shoe, a wrestling shoe, a climbing shoe, a boot, an ankle boot, a knee-high boot, a combat boot, a rain boot, a snow boot, a sandal, a flip-flop, a gladiator sandal, an espadrille, a heel, a stiletto, a wedge, a kitten heel, a loafer, a ballet flat, a moccasin, an oxford, a brogue, a slipper, a clog, or a mule. In one embodiment, the shoe 110 is a tennis shoe comprised of an upper 111, a tongue 112, a midsole 113, and a sole 114.
The tracker 120 is preferably a GPS tracker. The tracker 120 is comprised of at least one transmitter 122. The transmitter 122 places the tracker 120 in wireless electrical communication (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, etc.) with the mobile application 160, which can be installed on any smart device such as, but not limited to, a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, etc. The GPS tracker 120 records the real-time GPS location of the shoe 110 and transmits said location and/or coordinates to the mobile application 160.
The shoe 110 may also be comprised of at least one accelerometer 124. The accelerometer 124 measures the speed at which the shoe 110 moves. This feature is helpful for individuals wearing the shoe 110 for performance training, as the accelerometer allows the user to see their acceleration, top speed, average speed, etc. The accelerometer is comprised of a transmitter 126 which places the accelerometer 124 in wireless electrical communication (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular, etc.) with the mobile application 160.
The mobile application 160 has a plurality of features, as seen in
The tracker 120 and accelerometer 124 are powered by at least one battery 130 that is also stored in some area of the shoe 110. In one embodiment, the battery 130 is comprised of a removable battery that may be disposable or rechargeable. In another embodiment, the battery 130 may be non-removable. In this embodiment, the battery 130 may be recharged via at least one charging port 140 on the shoe 110. The charging port 140 may be any type known in the art, but is preferably, but not limited to, a USB port.
In another embodiment, the battery 130 can be recharged via at least one charging platform 150, as seen in
The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in
The present invention is also comprised of a second method of using 300 the device 100, as seen in
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “tracking shoe device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the tracking shoe device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the tracking shoe device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the tracking shoe device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the tracking shoe device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the tracking shoe device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the tracking shoe device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. 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.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/502,942, which was filed on May 18, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63502942 | May 2023 | US |
