Roller Skate Sensor Insert Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/711,210, which was filed on Oct. 24, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of roller skate sensor insert devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to roller skate inserts designed with pressure sensors that vibrate to let the skater know where to apply pressure. 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.

BACKGROUND

By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in roller skate sensor insert devices. Generally, when learning to roller skate, one of the most difficult tasks is performing different moves and developing muscle memory to perform those moves easily. Skaters may have trouble understanding where to put pressure on their feet to execute different moves. Without understanding pressure points, consistently performing moves may be difficult, frustrating, and nearly impossible. Further, improper balance and pressure can lead to dangerous falls and injuries.

Additionally, other athletes, including, but not limited to, golfers, football players, baseball players, and basketball players etc., may all have difficulty understanding where to put pressure on their feet when executing different moves. Thus, there's a need for a means to easily inform users where to apply pressure for different moves when playing sports or other activities.

Accordingly, there is a demand for an improved roller skate sensor insert device that vibrates to let a user know where to apply pressure. More particularly, there is a demand for a roller skate sensor insert device that functions like a guide to teach a user how to roller skate and develop muscle memory.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that provides users with roller skate inserts designed with pressure sensors that vibrate to let the skater know where to apply pressure. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that allows new skaters to easily identify where to apply pressure so they can perform different types of moves. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that pairs wirelessly with a smartphone app that collects data, allowing users to view their progress and track movements. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that functions like a guide to teach the user how to roller skate, develop muscle memory, and improve their skills. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that reduces falls and injuries associated with improper skating mechanics while performing techniques and moves. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that is available in different sizes.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a roller skate sensor insert device. The device is a training device for roller skaters. The roller skate sensor insert device comprises an insert component that is configured as a flexible sock-like structure which would fit inside a user's roller skate boot. The insert component is shaped to completely encase a user's foot, much like a sock would. The insert component comprises a plurality of sensors which would be positioned at different pressure points along a user's foot and ankle. Thus, when placed in a pair of roller skates, the user would feel vibration on a specific pressure point on their foot, instructing them on where to apply pressure for a designated move. Further, the sensors would be collecting data to inform the user where they are applying pressure. All data would be relayed to a mobile application on a paired smartphone. The mobile application would then allow a user to review their progress and track improvements. The device can be constructed with comfortable padded material and would be available in several different sizes.

In this manner, the roller skate sensor insert device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that serves as a guide to help a user learn how to roller skate correctly. The device can be used for other sports, such as golf, football, baseball, and basketball etc. The device communicates wirelessly with a smartphone app.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following presents a simplified summary in order 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 roller skate sensor insert device. The roller skate sensor insert device comprises an insert component that is configured as a flexible sock-like structure which would fit over a user's foot and inside a user's roller skate boot. The insert component comprises a plurality of sensors which would be positioned at different pressure points along a user's foot and ankle. Thus, when placed in a pair of roller skates, the user would feel vibration on a specific pressure point on their foot, instructing them on where to apply pressure for a designated move.

In one embodiment, the roller skate sensor insert device is a training device for roller skaters. The device functions like a guide to teach the user how to roller skate correctly and where the correct pressure points are in your roller skates. Thus, the roller skate sensor insert device allows new skaters to easily identify where to apply pressure so they can perform different types of moves. Accordingly, the device helps a user build muscle memory for certain movements and teaches correct balance.

In one embodiment, the roller skate sensor device comprises an insert component that is configured as a flexible sock-like structure which would fit inside a user's roller skate boot. The insert component is shaped to completely encase a user's foot, much like a sock would. The insert component would have a closed toe area, a top surface, a bottom surface, and opposing sidewalls which connect together to form an open interior cavity. The open interior cavity is accessed opposite the closed toe area, at an ankle area of the insert component. The ankle area is an opening that is sized and shaped to allow a user to slide their foot through and into the interior cavity. The interior cavity of the insert component is sized and shaped to accept a user's foot. Once inserted within the interior cavity, the user's foot is completely encased or covered by the insert component. Specifically, a user would wear the insert component like a sock. Once a user inserts their foot into the interior cavity (i.e., toes first), they would pull up the insert component over their heel, so that it completely covers their entire foot and extends up over a user's ankle. Typically, the insert component extends to a point just at the user's shin but can be manufactured in different sizes and lengths, depending on the size of the user's foot, as well as a user's wants and/or needs.

In one embodiment, the insert component comprises a plurality of sensors which would be positioned at different pressure points along a user's foot and ankle within the insert component. Any suitable number of sensors can be utilized as is known in the art and can be placed in various pressure points along a user's foot and ankle. The sensors are typically integrated into the insert component and sewn or glued in place. In other embodiments, the sensors are secured to an interior or an exterior of the insert component and held in place via sewing, gluing, or adhesives. The sensors can be any suitable sensors as is known in the art and act to detect changes in the environment. Typically, the sensors are pressure sensors which convert physical pressure into an electrical signal. The sensors would also comprise processors to be able to collect data and transfer the data to a paired smartphone. The sensors would be collecting data to inform the user where they are applying pressure at in the insert component, so users can determine if they are correctly applying pressure to the right areas or not when executing certain moves.

In one embodiment, the plurality of sensors each comprise a vibration mechanism. The vibration mechanism would be any suitable vibration mechanism as is known in the art, which generates vibrations via an unbalanced mass on a driveshaft. The vibration mechanism would also be activated in conjunction with the sensor it is attached to. Thus, when the sensor is activated, the vibration mechanism vibrates the specific pressure point it is secured to, in response. Thus, when placed in a pair of roller skates via the insert component, the user would feel vibration on a specific pressure point on their foot, instructing them on where to apply pressure for a designated move.

In one embodiment, the device would be paired with a smartphone containing a mobile application. Specifically, all data collected by the sensors would be relayed to the mobile application on the paired smartphone. The mobile application would then allow a user to review their progress and track improvements. Further, the mobile application would have a list of moves the user might want to try out, choosing a specific move would send signals to the plurality of sensors and combined vibration mechanisms to vibrate on specific pressure points in a specific order to execute the move correctly. Further, the device comprises a wireless communication module in communication with the smartphone. Specifically, the roller skate sensor insert device includes a wireless communications module and additional sensors which would allow the device to pair with the mobile application on the smartphone. Once paired, a user could remotely control the device via the mobile application.

In one embodiment, the device is powered by a battery. The battery may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery which is recharged using a USB port. Further, the insert component includes a power button for manually turning off and on the device.

In one embodiment, the device would be available in several different sizes and styles. The device would be manufactured in multiple sizes depending on the size of a user's foot. Further, the device can be manufactured in different styles to accommodate the shoe or boot of a variety of different sports, such as golf, football, baseball, and basketball etc. Here, the device would operate in much the same way as within a roller skate. The insert component would be inserted within the shoe of the user, and different pressure points would be vibrated, instructing a user on where to apply pressure to execute a specific movement.

In one embodiment, the roller skate sensor insert device is manufactured from comfortable, padded materials, such as cotton, polyester, high-density foam, fiber materials, synthetic materials, etc., or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials.

In yet another embodiment, the roller skate sensor insert device comprises a plurality of indicia.

In yet another embodiment, a method of instructing a user where to apply pressure when executing a specific athletic move is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a roller skate sensor insert device comprising an insert component with a plurality of sensors. The method also comprises turning on the device by pushing a power button. Further, the method comprises inserting a foot into the insert component. The method also comprises inserting the insert component and foot into a roller skate boot. The method comprises pairing a smartphone with the device to track data on a mobile application. Finally, the method comprises applying pressure to whatever area of their foot vibrates from the sensors, in order to execute designated moves correctly.

Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the roller skate sensor insert device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the roller skate sensor insert device of the present invention showing the device inserted into a roller skate boot in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the roller skate sensor insert device of the present invention showing the device paired with a smartphone in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the roller skate sensor insert device of the present invention showing the device in use in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the roller skate sensor insert device of the present invention showing different sizes and styles of the device in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of instructing a user where to apply pressure when executing a specific athletic move in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

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 in order 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 in order 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 is a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that provides users with roller skate inserts designed with pressure sensors that vibrate to let the skater know where to apply pressure. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that allows new skaters to easily identify where to apply pressure so they can perform different types of moves. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that pairs wirelessly with a smartphone app that collects data, allowing users to view their progress and track movements. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that functions like a guide to teach the user how to roller skate, develop muscle memory, and improve their skills. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that reduces falls and injuries associated with improper skating mechanics while performing techniques and moves. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a roller skate sensor insert device that is available in different sizes.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel roller skate sensor insert device. The roller skate sensor insert device comprises an insert component that is configured as a flexible sock-like structure which would fit inside a user's roller skate boot. The insert component is shaped to completely encase a user's foot, much like a sock would. The insert component comprises a plurality of sensors which would be positioned at different pressure points along a user's foot and ankle. Thus, when placed in a pair of roller skates, the user would feel vibration on a specific pressure point on their foot, instructing them on where to apply pressure for a designated move. Further, the sensors would be collecting data to inform the user where they are applying pressure. All data would be relayed to a mobile application on a paired smartphone. The mobile application would then allow a user to review their progress and track improvements. The device can be constructed with comfortable padded material and would be available in several different sizes. Further, the invention also discloses a novel method of instructing a user where to apply pressure when executing a specific athletic move. The method includes the steps of providing a roller skate sensor insert device comprising an insert component with a plurality of sensors. The method also comprises turning on the device by pushing a power button. Further, the method comprises inserting a foot into the insert component. The method also comprises inserting the insert component and foot into a roller skate boot. The method comprises pairing a smartphone with the device to track data on a mobile application. Finally, the method comprises applying pressure to whatever area of their foot vibrates from the sensors, in order to execute designated moves correctly.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the roller skate sensor insert device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 is an improved roller skate sensor insert device 100 that provides a user 108 with a training device for roller skates 106. Specifically, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 comprises an insert component 102 with a plurality of sensors 104 that fits over a user's foot and inside a user's roller skate boot 106. The plurality of sensors 104 would be positioned at different pressure points along a user's foot and ankle. In use, the user 108 would feel vibration on a specific pressure point on their foot, instructing them on where to apply pressure for a designated move.

Generally, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 is a training device for roller skaters. The device 100 functions like a guide to teach the user 108 how to roller skate correctly and where the correct pressure points are in your roller skates 106. Thus, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 allows new skaters to easily identify where to apply pressure so they can perform different types of moves. Accordingly, the device 100 helps a user build muscle memory for certain movements and teaches correct balance.

Further, the roller skate sensor device 100 comprises an insert component 102 that is configured as a flexible sock-like structure which would fit inside a user's roller skate boot 106. The insert component 102 is shaped to completely encase a user's foot, much like a sock would. The insert component 102 would have a closed toe area 110, a top surface 112, a bottom surface 114, and opposing sidewalls 116 which connect together to form an open interior cavity 118. The open interior cavity 118 is accessed opposite the closed toe area 110, at an ankle area 120 of the insert component 102. The ankle area 120 is an opening that is sized and shaped to allow a user 108 to slide their foot through and into the interior cavity 118. The interior cavity 118 of the insert component 102 is sized and shaped to accept a user's foot. Once inserted within the interior cavity 118, the user's foot is completely encased or covered by the insert component 102. Specifically, a user 108 would wear the insert component 102 like a sock. Once a user 108 inserts their foot into the interior cavity 118 (i.e., toes first), they would pull up the insert component 102 over their heel, so that it completely covers their entire foot and extends up over a user's ankle. Typically, the insert component 102 extends to a point just at the user's shin but can be manufactured in different sizes and lengths, depending on the size of the user's foot, as well as a user's wants and/or needs.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insert component 102 comprises a plurality of sensors 104 which would be positioned at different pressure points along a user's foot and ankle within the insert component 102. Any suitable number of sensors 104 can be utilized as is known in the art and can be placed in various pressure points along a user's foot and ankle. The sensors 104 are typically integrated into the insert component 102 and sewn or glued in place. In other embodiments, the sensors 104 are secured to an interior or an exterior of the insert component 102 and held in place via sewing, gluing, or adhesives. The sensors 104 can be any suitable sensors as is known in the art and act to detect changes in the environment. Typically, the sensors 104 are pressure sensors which convert physical pressure into an electrical signal. The sensors 104 would also comprise processors 200 to be able to collect data and transfer the data to a paired smartphone 202. The sensors 104 would be collecting data to inform the user 108 where they are applying pressure at in the insert component 102, so users 108 can determine if they are correctly applying pressure to the right areas or not when executing certain moves.

Further, the plurality of sensors 104 each comprise a vibration mechanism 204. The vibration mechanism 204 would be any suitable vibration mechanism as is known in the art, which generates vibrations via an unbalanced mass on a driveshaft. The vibration mechanism 204 would also be activated in conjunction with the sensor 104 it is attached to. Thus, when the sensor 104 is activated, the vibration mechanism 204 vibrates the specific pressure point it is secured to, in response. Thus, when placed in a pair of roller skates 106 via the insert component 102, the user 108 would feel vibration on a specific pressure point on their foot, instructing them on where to apply pressure for a designated move.

Additionally, the device 100 is powered by a battery 206. The battery 206 may be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery in the form of an alkaline, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride battery, etc., such as any 3V-12 volts DC battery or other conventional battery, such as A, AA, AAA, etc., that supplies power to the roller skate sensor insert device 100. Throughout this specification, the term “battery” may be used interchangeably to refer to one or more wet or dry cells or batteries of cells in which chemical energy is converted into electricity and used as a source of DC power. References to recharging or replacing the battery 206 may refer to recharging or replacing individual cells, individual batteries of cells, or a package of multiple battery cells, as is appropriate for any given battery technology that may be used. In addition, a rechargeable embodiment of the battery 206 may be recharged using a USB port 208, wherein the USB port 208 is a USB-A, USB-B, Micro-B, Micro-USB, Mini-USB, or USB-C port, etc. Further, the insert component 102 includes a power button 210 for manually turning off and on the device 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the device 100 would be paired with a smartphone 202 containing a mobile application 300. Specifically, all data collected by the sensors 104 would be relayed to the mobile application 300 on the paired smartphone 202. The mobile application 300 would then allow a user 108 to review their progress and track improvements. Further, the mobile application 300 would have a list of moves the user 108 might want to try out, choosing a specific move would send signals to the plurality of sensors 104 and combined vibration mechanisms 204 to vibrate on specific pressure points in a specific order to execute the move correctly. Further, the device 100 comprises a wireless communication module 302 in communication with the smartphone 202. Specifically, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 includes a wireless communications module 302 and additional sensors which would allow the device 100 to pair with the mobile application 300 on the smartphone 202. Once paired, a user 108 could remotely control the device 100 via the mobile application 300.

Further, the smartphone 202 may be a mobile telephone, a smart pad, a laptop, a remote control, or any other smart device that may have wireless communication capabilities and may be connected to the internet. The smartphone 202 may perform any type of wireless communication, including, but not limited to, WIFI, BLUETOOTH, RFID, NFC, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 is manufactured from comfortable, padded materials, such as cotton, polyester, high-density foam, fiber materials, synthetic materials, etc., or other suitable materials as is known in the art, or a combination of such materials. Generally, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or waterproof or comprises a coating that is water resistant or waterproof. Further, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 can be made of antibacterial or antimicrobial material or comprises a coating that is antibacterial or antimicrobial.

In yet another embodiment, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 400. The insert component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the insert component 102, or any other indicia 400 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 400 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be roller skate, pressure points, or brand related.

As shown in FIG. 5, the device 100 would be available in several different sizes and styles. The device 100 would be manufactured in multiple sizes depending on the size of a user's foot. Further, the device 100 can be manufactured in different styles to accommodate the shoe or boot of a variety of different sports, such as golf, football, baseball, and basketball etc. Here, the device 100 would operate in much the same way as within a roller skate 106. The insert component 102 would be inserted within the shoe of the user 108 and different pressure points would be vibrated, instructing a user 108 on where to apply pressure to execute a specific movement.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of instructing a user where to apply pressure when executing a specific athletic move. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a roller skate sensor insert device comprising an insert component with a plurality of sensors. The method also comprises at 602, turning on the device by pushing a power button. Further, the method comprises at 604, inserting a foot into the insert component. The method also comprises at 606, inserting the insert component and foot into a roller skate boot. The method comprises at 608, pairing a smartphone with the device to track data on a mobile application. Finally, the method comprises at 610, applying pressure to whatever area of their foot vibrates from the sensors, in order to execute designated moves correctly.

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 users 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, “roller skate sensor insert device”, “roller skate device”, “sensor insert device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the roller skate sensor insert device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the roller skate sensor insert device 100, as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the roller skate sensor insert device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the roller skate sensor insert device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the roller skate sensor insert device 100 may be of any size 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 of 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.