MICROWEIGHT TRAINING DEVICE

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority from Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/542,597 filed on Oct. 5, 2023, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject application is directed to athletic training devices, apparel and fabrication techniques. More particularly, the subject application is directed to a microweight system and device, and a method for using, installing, and making such systems and devices.

Microweight training or microloading involves the addition of small amounts of weights to articles of clothing. The athlete then trains wearing the loaded article of clothing, removing such loads prior to competition. The particular benefits to the athlete from microloading includes allowing the athlete to train for sport or activity-specific movements, with minor to no impact on natural form, movement or speed. Various devices available for such training require specific articles of clothing fabricated to allow attachment of weights. This requires an athlete to train with articles of clothing that would not be used in competition. The microweight device of the present disclosure can be used in many applications and environments, such as by athletes, runners, weightlifters, nurses, medical personnel, the elderly, etc.

Thus, there is a need for a microweight training device that overcomes the above mentioned deficiencies and others while providing better overall results.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a microweight training device, has a threaded shaft member, a first threaded weight member threadedly secured to a first end of the threaded shaft member, and a second threaded weight member threadedly secured to a second end of said threaded shaft member opposite the first end.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a microweight training device, has an elongated shaft member, and a pair of weight members removably secured to the elongated shaft member. The microweight training device is configured to be removably secured to shoe.

Still other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It is noted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of discussion.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of a threaded weight member in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a side elevated view of a threaded weight member in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a sleeve member of the microweight training device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a threaded shaft member of the microweight training device in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device in accordance with a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device in accordance with a third embodiment.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the microweight training device of FIG. 6 with threaded holes in weight members.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device in accordance with a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device in accordance with a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 8B isa side elevational view of a threaded weight member used in the fifth embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device in accordance with a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a side elevational view of a threaded weight member used in the sixth embodiment of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the assembled microweight training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of first and second threaded weight members and threaded shaft member of the microweight training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of first and second threaded weight members, a sleeve member, and a threaded shaft member of the microweight training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a first threaded weight member attached to the threaded shaft member.

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of installation of the first, second, and third embodiments of the microweight training device of FIGS. 1, 5, and 6 on an associated athletic shoe.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a microweight training device in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a microweight training device in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16B is another perspective view of the microweight training device of FIG. 16A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

The term “about” can be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, “about” also discloses the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g., “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” The term “about” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a microweight training device 100 in accordance with a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the microweight training device 100 includes a first threaded weight member 102 and a second threaded weight member 104. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first and second threaded weight members 102 and 104 are substantially spherical in shape. Other shapes are contemplated herein, including, for example and without limitation, conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, hexagonal, octagonal, cubical, etc., and the illustration in FIG. 1 is intended solely as a first, nonlimiting, example embodiments.

The microweight training device 100 of FIG. 1 further comprises a threaded shaft member 106 removably coupled to the first and second threaded weight members 102-104. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the threaded shaft member 106 includes a first threaded portion 110, a second threaded portion 112 located opposite the first threaded portion 110, and a substantially smooth center portion 114 positioned between the first and second threaded portions 110-112. In accordance with some embodiments, the first and second threaded portions 110-112 are configured to engage corresponding receiving threads of respective threaded weight members 102-104, as illustrated in greater detail below.

The microweight training device 100 of FIG. 1 further includes a sleeve member 108. In accordance with some embodiments, the sleeve member 108 corresponds to a hollow, generally cylindrical component, that slidably engages the threaded shaft member 106 between the first and second threaded weight members 102-104, as shown in FIG. 1. The various components 102-108 of the microweight training device 100 are discussed in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 2A-4.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a side view and front views of a threaded weight member 102, 104 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A, the threaded weight member 102 includes a threaded hole 116 extending from a surface of the threaded weight member 102 inwards to towards the center thereof. The length of the threaded hole 116 may be selected in accordance with a size of the threaded weight member 102 or 104, the length of the sleeve member 108, the length of the threaded shaft member 106, or any suitable combination thereof. In accordance with some embodiments, the threaded hole 116 has a diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the threaded shaft component 106, as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan FIG. 2B provides a front view of the threaded weight member 102, illustrating the position of the threaded hole 116 thereon.

It will be appreciated that the threaded weight members 102 and 104 may be constructed of any suitable materials. In accordance with some embodiments, the threaded weight members 102 and 104 are constructed of metal or metal alloys. Further, as will be understood, each of the threaded weight members 102 and 104 are of equal mass, so as to equally distribute the microweight to an associated article of clothing, e.g., shoe, glove, wristband, ankle wrap, etc. In such embodiments, the total weight of the first and second threaded weight members 102-104 may comprise, for example and without limitation, 0.5 oz., 1 oz., 2 oz., 3 oz., 4 oz., etc. In such embodiments, the individual weight of the threaded weight members 102 or 104 would be one-half the total weight of the microweight training device 100. For example, and without limitation, when the total weight is 1 oz., each threaded weight member 102 and 104 would be 0.5 oz, when the total weight is 2 oz., each member 102 and 104 would be 1 oz, and so forth.

Preferred weights would range from 0.5 oz (per weight) to 2.25 oz (per weight) However, other weights are contemplated by the disclosure.

It will further be understood that the diameter of the threaded weight members 102 and 104 may be determined in accordance with the weight (mass) associated therewith. For example, when a metal, e.g., stainless steel, is used, the diameter of each member 102 and 104 for a 2 oz. device 100 may be 2 cm, for a 1 oz. device 100, the diameter may be 1˜1.5cm, for a 3 oz. device 100, the diameter may be 2.5˜3 cm. Variations of the foregoing are contemplated herein, and the particular dimensions disclosed herein are intended merely as nonlimiting example implementations.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown a side view of a sleeve member 108 of the microweight training device 100 in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted in FIG. 3, the sleeve member 108 may comprise a generally cylindrical shape. In some embodiments disclosed herein, the sleeve member 108 may be implemented in a variety of lengths to accommodate attachment to an article of clothing, e.g., sleeve member length 118 may vary in the range of about 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm. Further, the sleeve member 108 may be implemented with an outer diameter 120 in the range of about 0.4 to 0.7 cm, and an inner diameter 122 in the range of about 0.3 to 0.6 cm. It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the length 118 and diameters 120-122 of the sleeve member 108 may be implemented to accommodate attachment of the device 100 to an article of clothing, e.g., allowing for laces of varying thicknesses, clothing loops, tongue size (shoe), etc., as discussed in greater detail below.

As indicated above, the microweight training device 100 also includes a threaded shaft member 106, removably coupled to the first threaded weight member 102 and the second threaded weight member 104. FIG. 4 provides a side view of the threaded shaft member 106 of the microweight training device 100 in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the threaded shaft member 106 includes a first threaded portion 110 and a second threaded portion 112. As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second threaded portions 110-112 are substantially equivalent in length. Separating the first and second threaded portions 110-112 is a smooth center portion 114. In accordance with some embodiments, the first and second threaded portions 110-112 are substantially equivalent in length. In other embodiments, the first threaded portion length 126 and the second threaded portion length 130 are of equal length to the smooth center portion length 128.

In accordance with one example embodiment, the threaded shaft member 106 may have an overall length 132 of “x”, where the each of the portions 126-130 have respective lengths of x/3. Thus, when the threaded shaft member length 132 is 3 cm, the first threaded portion length 126, smooth center portion length 128, and the second threaded portion length 130 each have a length of 1 cm. As shown in FIG. 4, the threaded shaft member 106 further includes a diameter 134, which may be implemented to be less than the internal diameter 122 of the sleeve member 108, and implemented to allow mating of one of the threaded portions 110-112 with a respective threaded weight member 102-104. It will be appreciated that variations of the foregoing are contemplated herein, and the various measurements described above are intended merely as nonlimiting examples of dimensions associated with the microweight training device 100.

Turning now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device 200 in accordance with a second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the microweight training device 200 includes a first threaded weight member 202 and a second threaded weight member 204. As with the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first threaded weight member 202 and the second threaded weight member 204 are substantially spherical, although other three-dimensional shapes may also be used. The microweight training device 200 of FIG. 5 further comprises the threaded shaft member 106 removably coupled to the first and second threaded weight members 202-204. In accordance with some embodiments, the first and second threaded portions 110-112 are configured to engage corresponding receiving threads of respective threaded weight members 202-204, as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. It will be appreciated that the size of the threaded weight members 202-204 depicted in FIG. 5 are smaller than those shown in FIGS. 1-2B. Accordingly, the corresponding weight of the members 202-204 is less than the threaded weight members 102-104 of FIG. 1.

Similarly, FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device 300 in accordance with a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the microweight training device 300 includes a first threaded weight member 302 and a second threaded weight member 304, along with the threaded shaft member 106 removably coupled to the first and second threaded weight members 302-304. In accordance with some embodiments, the first and second threaded portions 110-112 removably engage corresponding receiving threads of respective threaded weight members 302-304, as discussed in greater detail above with respect to FIGS. 1-4. It will be appreciated that the size of the threaded weight members 302-304 depicted in FIG. 6 are larger than those shown in FIGS. 1-2B and 5. Accordingly, the corresponding weight of the members 302-304 is greater than the threaded weight members 102-104 of FIG. 1 and threaded weight members 202-204 of FIGURE

FIG. 6A shows the microweight training device of FIG. 6 with threaded holes 310,312 formed in weight members 302 and 304.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a microweight training device 400 in accordance with a fourth embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the first and second threaded weight members 102 and 104 are encapsulated or coated in a non-metallic material 402. In some embodiments, the non-metallic material 402 corresponds to silicon sleeves or jackets into which the weighted members 102 and 104 are inserted. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the non-metallic material 402 may correspond to the size and shape of the weighted members 102 and 104. In other embodiments, the non-metallic material 402 is formed on the threaded weight members 102-104, e.g., dip molding, sprayed, epoxy, etc. It will be understood that the non-metallic material 402 may comprise any suitable material known in the art, be implemented in any desired color or with designs (images, pictures, alpha-numeric characters, and the like). Further, the skilled artisan will appreciate that, although not shown, a similar non-metallic material may be formed on the sleeve member 108.

Turning now to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, there are shown a cross-sectional view and a side view, respectively, of a microweight training device 500 in accordance with a fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the threaded weight members 502 and 504 are implemented with a side profile of a hexagon, as shown in FIG. 8B. That is, rather than the substantially spherical shapes of FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8B includes six rectangular sides perpendicular to the hexagonal faces. As shown in FIG. 8B, at least one side of the threaded weight member 502, 504 includes a threaded hole 506 into which the threaded portion 110, 112 may engage to attach the threaded weight member 502, 504 to the threaded shaft member 106.

Referring now to FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B, there are shown a cross-sectional view and a side view, respectively, of a microweight training device 600 in accordance with a sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9B, the threaded weight members 602 and 604 are implemented with a side profile of a octagon. Accordingly, in contrast to the first-third embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6, the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A-9B includes eight rectangular sides perpendicular to the octagonal faces. As shown in FIG. 9B, at least one side of the threaded weight member 602,604 includes a threaded hole 606 into which the threaded portion 110, 112 may engage to attach the threaded weight member 602, 604 to the threaded shaft member 106.

Turning now to FIGS. 10-14, there are shown various views illustrating the microweight training device 100 in various configurations and use. Thus, FIG. 10 provides an illustration of the assembled microweight training device 100 with both substantially spherical threaded weight members 102 and 104 removably coupled to the threaded shaft member 106, with the sleeve member 108 positioned between the threaded weight members 102-104 on the shaft member 106. FIG. 11 provides a view illustrating the first and second threaded weight members 102-104 and the threaded shaft member 106 decoupled. FIG. 12 provides a view illustrating the first and second threaded weight members 102, sleeve member 106, and the threaded shaft member 106 of the microweight training device 100 separated from each other. FIG. 13 provides a view showing the first threaded weight member 102 attached to the threaded shaft member 106, with the second threaded weight member 104 decoupled or unattached to the threaded shaft member 106.

FIG. 14 provides a view illustrating installation of the first embodiment microweight device 100, the second embodiment microweight device 200, and third embodiment microweight device 300 on an associated athletic shoe. As shown in FIG. 14, various attachment points of the athletic shoe are used to removably affix the various microweight training devices 100, 200, 300 thereupon. It will be appreciated that the illustration in FIG. 14 is intended solely as one example of attachment of the devices 100,200,300, and other attachment points of the athletic shoe may be used. As shown in FIG. 14, the microweight device 100, utilizing the sleeve member 108, is attached to the shoe lace, such that the shoe lace from each side of the shoe runs through the sleeve member 108 adjacent to the threaded shaft member 106, with each threaded weight member 102 and 104 removably coupled to respective ends of the threaded shaft member 106. The microweight device 200 is illustrated as attached to the tongue guide located on the tongue of the athletic shoe. At this attachment point, the threaded shaft member 106 extends through the tongue guide, with threaded weight members 202 and 204 secured at respective ends of the threaded shaft member 106. It will be appreciated that in this attachment embodiment, the sleeve member 108 may or may not be used, depending on the size of the tongue guide. Lastly, attached to the lace guide at the bottom of the tongue is the microweight device 300. In the illustration of FIG. 14, the threaded weight members 302 and 304 are removably coupled to the threaded shaft member 106 that is positioned within the lace guide. It will be appreciated that the sleeve member 108 may or may not be utilized when this attachment point is used, depending upon the size of the lace guide.

FIG. 15 illustrates a seventh embodiment of the disclosure. A microweight device 700 has two intersecting sleeves or shafts 702 and 704 which connect together in the center of the shafts at an angle corresponding to the laces of the shoe which may be less or greater than 90 degrees. Shaft 702 has an opening 706 extending completely therethrough, while shaft 704 has an opening 708 extending therethrough. Additional openings 710, 712 are formed in walls of the shafts 702, 704 and can have an oval or elliptical shape in the wall. Shoelaces are inserted into openings 706, 708 and are pulled through openings 710, 712 and are then tied to secure the weight to the shoe. Generally speaking the weight performs the same function as the other embodiments described above.

FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate an eighth embodiment of the disclosure. A microweight device 800 has two weight members 802, 804 which are connected together by magnets 806, 808 which may be secured to the weight members by a suitable fastening means such as threads, etc. A strip 810 such as a hook and loop fastening strip is secured to the shoe and extends between the magnets to secure the device 800 to the shoe. Variations of the magnet configurations are contemplated by the disclosure.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.