SAME

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a stabilization appliance or device and more particularly, the present invention relates to a device which can be worn about the foot or footwear of a user for providing stability during use of the footwear such as a skate, rollerskate, etc.

BACKGROUND

[0002] For skate training it may be helpful for the individual learning how to skate acquires a sense of balance that is learned by experience through skating. Typically, the individual’s ability to acquire this sense of balance depends upon iterative learning and usually results in falling. Skate training devices for children have been created; however, many may be cumbersome and difficult to scale to be suitable for both adults and children learning how to skate. For example, ice-skate training has previously been taught by making use of a walker type structure. These structures comprise hollow tubing and are fairly large and therefore may require a significant area for a user to train with such a device. Additionally, the structures encourage the individual learning to skate to use the structures to support their weight rather than developing the requisite balance to skate without support.

SUMMARY

[0003] An aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an improved device for effecting stability when applied to the foot or footwear of a user, such footwear comprising, for example, an ice-skate, a roller-skate, an in-line skate, etc.

[0004] A further aspect of one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an ice skate stabilizing device for stabilizing a skate and for encouraging the weight of a user towards the device when in use, the ice skate having a boot with: first and second longitudinal sides (which may be the left and rights sides of the boot when the boot is viewed in an operable position); a foot receiving portion and a sole. The device comprises: a first support member and a second support member, the second support member having a similar configuration to the first support member and configured for releasable engagement with the first support member. Each support member includes: a boot side retaining segment for abutment against one of the first and the second sides of the boot; a stabilizing segment having an intermediate portion extending outwardly and downwardly from the associated boot side retaining segment, the intermediate portion having a terminal end portion extending downwardly therefrom for contact with a slideable surface for providing lateral stability, the terminal end portion being disposed laterally outwardly of the boot side retaining segment; a base portion extending laterally inwardly from the intermediate portion defining a boot sole receiving area. The base portion has: a first arm having a proximal end extending laterally from the intermediate portion and a distal end having a first engagement end having an exterior surface profile; and a second arm having a proximal end extending laterally from the intermediate portion and a distal end having a second engagement end complimentary to the first engagement end of the other support member, the second engagement end defining a groove corresponding to an exterior surface profile of the first engagement end of the other support member for slidably engaging the first engagement end, the second arm having a reinforcement rib with a recessed first portion and a raised second portion. The respective first and second arms of the first support member and second support member are configured for manual tool-less releasable locking engagement of the first support member with the second support member. The device also comprises a sole spacer for releasable engagement with said sole receiving area for spacing said sole receiving area from the boot sole. The sole spacer includes: a first surface for engaging the boot sole; and a second surface defining a plurality of channels configured to releasably connect to each reinforcement rib of the first and second support members. The first surface of the sole spacer is at an angle greater than 4 degrees relative to the second surface of the sole spacer, the first surface configured for communication with the sole to encourage the weight of a user towards the device when the stabilizing device is in use.

[0005] In an embodiment, the first engagement end has a plurality of teeth configured to engage a plurality of slots defined by the groove of the second engagement end; whereby a lateral dimension of the sole receiving area is manually adjustable.

[0006] In an embodiment, the second arm defines a first opening for receiving the first arm, and a second opening configured to permit transit of a portion of the first arm. In a further embodiment, the reinforcement rib defines the second opening.

[0007] In an embodiment, the reinforcement rib includes a generally flat surface, wherein the generally flat surface is configured to be received within one of the channels defined by the second surface when the reinforcement rib is engaged with the second surface of the sole spacer, the generally flat surface defining a first plane approximately parallel to a second plane defined by the second surface of the sole spacer.

[0008] In an embodiment, the generally flat surface is on the raised second portion of the reinforcement rib.

[0009] In an embodiment, the raised second portion is at the distil end of the second arm.

[0010] In an embodiment, at least one of the first and second support members has a boot retaining segment including attachment means for attaching said device about the boot.

[0011] In an embodiment, the angle of the first surface of the sole spacer relative to the second surface of the sole spacer is between 4 and 20 degrees.

[0012] In another embodiment, the angle of the first surface of the sole spacer relative to the second surface of the sole spacer is between 4 and 10 degrees.

[0013] In another embodiment, the angle of the first surface of the sole spacer relative to the second surface of the sole spacer is between 6 and 14 degrees.

[0014] In another embodiment, the angle of the first surface of the sole spacer relative to the second surface of the sole spacer is approximately 10 degrees. [0015] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a kit for a stabilization device. According to an embodiment, the kit comprises elements of the stabilization device described above, namely the first support member, second support member, and the sole spacer member, as well as instructions for assembling the stabilization device.

[0016] In an embodiment, the instructions for assembling the stabilization device comprise instructions to engage the first support member with the second support member, and engage the sole spacer member within the sole receiving area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In the figures, which depict example embodiments:

[0018] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment a stabilization device of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a side view of the device as positioned about an ice skate;

[0020] Figure 3 is an end view of the device as positioned about an ice skate;

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one support member of a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 is a side view of the support member embodiment of Figure 4 as connected with a second identical support member and where combined in a working system provide an equal and opposite pair of two interconnected support members;

[0023] Figure 6 is a top view of the device shown in Figure 5;

[0024] Figure 6a is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of an embodiments of a second engagement arm and reinforcement rib according to an embodiment. Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of an another embodiment of the second engagement arm and reinforcement rib. [0025] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention; and

[0026] Figure 8a is a view of a sole spacing member isolation and Figure 8b is a side view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1 , shown is an embodiment of the stabilizing appliance, broadly denoted by numeral 10.

[0028] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , generally speaking, the stabilizing device 10 includes a foot retaining portion, globally denoted by numeral 12, to receive the foot and in particular the sole portion of foot wear of a user and a stabilizing portion, globally denoted by numeral 14, which provides for lateral stabilization of the foot of a user when the appliance is engaged about the foot or the footwear of the user (discussed herein after in greater detail).

[0029] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the device includes at least two body members 16 and 18, which body members are adapted for releasable engagement. Body members 16 and 18 generally define a sole receiving area for receiving footwear having a sole. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , sole spacer member 100 is releasably engaged with body members 16, 18 such that sole spacer member 100 may be separated from the body members 16, 18.

[0030] In greater detail, in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the device 10 provides a base 26 which is formed from base portions 28 and 30 of body member 16 and 18 when the same are connected together as in Figure 1. Each body member 16 and 18 includes a foot retaining segment 32 and 34, respectively. Each segment 32 and 34 may be at least partially arcuate to conform about the foot or footwear of a user.

[0031] Each of the foot retaining segments 32 and 34 may also include means for attaching the device 10 about the foot of a user. To this end, in the example, strap apertures 36 are provided on each of the body members 16 and 18. This arrangement is adapted to receive a strap 38, shown in position in Figure 2. This is an option; the body members 16 and 18 and in particular the foot retaining segments 32 and 34 may be sufficiently resilient to compressively engage the foot or footwear of a user and further, may simply employ the laces (not shown) of the footwear to act as an attachment. Any suitable further example for attaching the device to footwear is contemplated.

[0032] In the example, the body members 16 and 18 each include a downwardly and outwardly extending stabilizing segment 40 and 42, respectively. The latter are coextensive with the former. The stabilizing segment is downwardly and outwardly extending relative to the foot retaining segments 32. In this manner, each of the segments is in an angularly inclined plane relative to the plane of the foot retaining segments 32 and 34. In particular, each of the segments includes an intermediate portion 44 and 46, respectively which segment is exposed in the angularly inclined plane noted above. This feature provides not only a spaced relationship between the foot retaining portion 12, but also imparts strength to the stabilizing portions 40 and 42.

[0033] Each stabilizing segment 40 and 46 has a terminal end portion 48 and 50, respectively which portions have an arcuate configuration where the arc is directed upwardly towards the foot retaining portion 12. In the example shown, the terminal end portions 48 and 50 are convex, however, it will be understood that the portions 48 and 50 need not be convex, but rather may simply provide a slight upward inclination to reduce drag or friction. In furtherance of the reduction of drag and friction.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2, shown is an illustration of the device 10 as positioned about a skate 68. The skate 68 has a sole portion 70 and a blade 72. In the embodiment shown, the device 10 is secured about the boot portion 74 of skate 68 using strap 38 through the strap apertures 36.

[0035] Referring to Figure 3, shown is the disposition of the device 10 on the skate 68. As illustrated, the terminal end portions 48 and 50 contact the surface 5, which may be e.g. an ice surface, to provide lateral stability to the skate or skate boot of the user. The device 10, once positioned as shown in Figure 3 may provide lateral stability to retain the foot of the user in a proper attitude and therefore prevent any unbalance during use of the skate.

[0036] It has been found that the material of which the device 10 may be constructed can be any suitable material which provides at least limited flexibility. To this end, suitable examples are plastic, metal, composites and combinations thereof. In terms of the plastics, suitable examples include polycarbonate, polyethylene, polystyrene, nylon, polyvinyl fluoride, polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Other suitable examples will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 4, shown is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the device 10. In this embodiment, the device 10 includes a pair of body members 16, 16' and 18, 18' (shown in Figure 5) which members are interconnected by a support bridge member 82 extending between members 16 and 16'. It will be understood that body members 18 and 18' are also interconnected by such a bridge, however, this is best shown in Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of Figure 4 illustrating the body members 16 and 18 in mutual engagement. In this embodiment, each body member 16, 16’ comprises a slotted arm 84 having spaced apart slots 86 and spaced laterally therefrom a second arm 88 having a groove 90 therein.

[0039] In a similar manner, the body members 18 and 18' include similar structures for releasable cooperative engagement between corresponding parts. To this end, body member 18 includes arm 92 having grove 94 therein, body member 18' includes slotted arm 96 having slots 98 therein. This is best shown in Figure 6.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 5, arms 88, 92, have a proximal end 93 extending laterally from the intermediate portion 44, 46 and a distal end 95. As shown, the ends of arms 88, 92 have an opening 87 matching the ends of arms 96, 84 respectively and include groove 90, 94 matching the exterior surface profile of the arms 84, 96 such that arms 84, 96 may slidably engage the arms 88, 92. In an embodiment, slotted arms 84, 96 have a plurality of teeth configured to engage a plurality of slots defined by the grooves 90, 94 of arms 88, 92 respectively. As such, arm 88 may be placed in releasable locked engagement with arm 96 manually without requiring the use of any tool. Arm 92 may similarly be placed in locked engagement with arm 84.

[0041] In an embodiment, arms 88, 92 each define a first opening 87 for receiving arms 96, 84 respectively, and a second opening, i.e. groove 90, 94, which is configured to permit transit of a portion of arms 96, 84.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, arm 92 (and arm 88 which is not shown in Figure 5) have a reinforcement rib 99 generally defined as the portion of arms 88, 92 above the horizontal plane defined by the longitudinal axis B of arms 88, 92. Reinforcement rib 99 provides support to resist compressive forces imparted on device 10 by the weight of a user and/or torque imparted on the device 10 at body members 16, 18. Torque is applied to device 10 when a user shifts their weight about the center of device 10 causing terminal end portions 48 or 50 to engage surface 5. Reinforcement rib 99 may also include a recessed first portion 99a and a raised second portion 99b. A shown in Figure 5, raised second portion 99b is elevated above recessed first portion 99a.

[0043] In an embodiment, reinforcement rib 99 includes a generally flat support surface 91 which is configured to be received within one of the channels 118, 120 defined by the bottom surface 116 when the reinforcement rib 99 is engaged with the bottom surface 116 of the sole spacer member 100. The generally flat surface 91 defines a plane approximately parallel to a plane defined by the bottom surface 116 of the sole spacer 100. As shown in Figure 5, flat surface 91 is depicted on raised portion 99b. In an embodiment, recessed first portion 99a may include a generally flat surface defining a plane approximately parallel to a plane defined by the bottom surface 116 of the sole spacer 100, the flat surface of recessed first portion 99a being configured to be received within one of channels 118, 120.

[0044] Reinforcement rib 99 may also include protrusion 80. Protrusion 80 may extend laterally from support bridge member 82 of body members 16, 18 and may be unitary with proximal end 93 of arms 88, 92. Protrusion 80 provides structural support to resist the compressive and shearing forces forces at the juncture of body members 16, 18 and reinforcement rib 99.

[0045] As shown in Figures 6a and 6b, opening 87 corresponds to the shape of arms 84, 96 to allow passage of said arms through the opening. As illustrated, opening 87 has a generally oval cross section; however, other shapes may be acceptable to allow transit of arms 84, 96 thought opening 87. Arms 88, 92 may also include lower reinforcement rib 97 which extends below opening 87. As shown in FIG 6a. lower reinforcement rib 97 may have a semi-circular shaped cross section. In another embodiment, shown in FIG. 6b, lower reinforcement rib 97 may have a generally parabolic shaped cross section. Lower reinforcement rib 97 may provide structural support to resist flexure or breakage of arms 88, 92.

[0046] As will be appreciated, in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 through 6, the terminal end portions in this embodiment comprise terminal end sections 100 and 102. This is due to the fact that the body portions 16 and 16' as well as 18 and 18' are connected to provide continuous loops. As an option, the area within the loops may be filled in as shown with the diagonal lines in Figure 4. This would allow an area to provide additional support to resist flexure of body portions 16, 18 and intermediate portions 40, 46, as well as providing areas for indicia.

[0047] Figure 7, illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention where the device 10 includes a sole spacing member 104 which may be wedge shaped. The sole spacing member 104, more easily seen in Figures 8a and 8b, generally has a parallelogram shape, i.e. , either a square or a rectangular shape when viewed in plan view and a wedge, or triangular shape when viewed from the side. The sole spacing member 104 provides a top surface 106, a front surface 108, and a rear surface 110 and sides 112 and 114. The underside or bottom 116 includes spaced-apart grooves (also referred to as channels) 118 and 120. Each of the channels 118 and 120, when spacer member 104 is in position, is engaged with and cooperating members 84, 88 and 92, and 96 as best shown in FIG. 7. In this manner, sole spacing member 104 conveniently provides a tension and location for the device 10 when it is positioned about footwear.

[0048] When engaged with the device, bottom surface 116 of the sole spacer member 104 may be configured to be generally parallel to surface 5. The height y of the front wall 108 relative to the height Y of rear surface 100 may vary. In an embodiment, height y may be approximately 6.5 mm and height Y may be 16 mm. The angle a of top surface 106 relative to bottom surface 116 may also vary, e.g. from 4 to 20 degrees, or 4 to 10 degrees, or 6 to 14 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, angle a is approximately 10 degrees. As noted above, bottom surface 116 is configured to be generally parallel to surface 5 when device 10 is positioned about footwear.

[0049] Ice skates generally have a sole portion that is angled relative to an ice surface to encourage the weight of a user towards a toe of the ice skate when in use. Encouraging the weight of a user towards a toe of the ice skate may have the effect of causing the user to move forward which may unbalance a novice skater. Angle a may be configured such that a plane defined by top surface 106 is communicates with and is parallel to a plane defined by the sole portion 70 of skate 68 to form a generally continuous area of contact with sole portion 70. By configuring top surface 106 to have a gradiant at angle a such that top surface 106 communicates with (or is adjacent to), and has a contact area with, sole portion 70, the center of gravity C of the user may be aligned with device 10 when in use (as illustrated in Figure 2). Encouraging the center of gravity of the user to be aligned with device 10 may provide greater stability for the user as the skate is supported against lateral movement by body members 16, 18 and the weight of the user may be encouraged toward the center of the users foot. For example, when device 10 is positioned about an ice skate, typically in the middle of the skate relative to the forward direction of travel, the sole of the skate may rest on top surface 106 and be disposed on a plane generally parallel to top surface 106. . Top surface 106 will have a gradient at angle a such that the top surface 106 communicates with the sole of the skate to support the weigth of the user and encourage the user to shift their weight onto device 10 away from the toe of the skate. As the user shift their weight onto device 10, the device 10 may tilt until top surface 106 is approximately parallel surface 5 encouraging the user to rest their weight on device 10. This gradient will bias the center of gravity of the skater into aligment with device 10 such that a skater may maintain their balance and avoid placing their center of gravity on the toe or heel of the skate.

[0050] The device is, in the case of footwear and particularly an ice skate, positioned on the underside of the ice skate. In this manner, the sole spacing member not only locates the position of the footwear and device relative to the ground, but also ensures proper tensioning and spacing between the sole of the footwear and the device 10. In situations where the greater degree of tension is required, the arrangement may include one or more additional spacers which may be overlayed onto sole spacer member 100. The one or more additional spacers may have a consistent height profile along its length and width such that the top surface of the additional spacer is at the same angle a with respect to bottom 116 as top surface 106 when overlayed on top surface 106. When overlayed on top surface 106, top surface 106 communicates with the sole portion 70 of skate through the one or more additional spacers to encourage the user to shift their weight onto the device 10 as described above. Additionally, top wall 106 of sole spacer 104 may include apertures 122 to receive the additional spacer in overlying relation therewith. The additional overlying spacer is shown in dotted line in Figure 7 and could include connecting means 124 to cooperate with apertures 122. The additional overlying spacer, when in position and by virtue of its shape, may alter the position of the device relative to the footwear, i.e. , the angular disposition of the device.

[0051] It is to be noted that the material of which sole spacer member 104 could be made is any suitable polymer or rubber compound which not only provides a durability, but also a certain degree of resiliency to conform to irregular shapes, such as that which would be experienced with the sole of a skate. Suitable materials for the foam wedge could also further include open or closed cell foams, Sorbathane™, styrofoam, EPDM foam, inter alia.

[0052] The above noted components of stabilization device 10 may also form a kit, where each component may be assembled into stabilization device 10. In an example, the kit may include body members 16 and 18 (described above), sole spacer member 100, and instructions for assembling the stabilization device. The instructions may comprise instructions to connect body member 16 with body member 18, and engage the sole spacer member 100 with connected body members 16, 18.

[0053] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein.

[0054] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps

[0055] As can be understood, the detailed embodiments described above and illustrated are intended to be examples only. The invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0056] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means-plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively.