Basketball Shooting Form Feedback Training Shoe Device

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/632,164, which was filed on Apr. 10, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to the field of athletic shoes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a basketball shoe with embedded sensors and lights that provide real-time feedback on shooting form by analyzing data on weight distribution, foot orientation, and acceleration, wherein a microprocessor processes the data, causing the lights to illuminate green for correct form and red for incorrect form, enabling immediate visual user feedback. 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.

When playing basketball, understanding and mastering proper mechanics is crucial for effective skill development and overall performance on the court. One of the key aspects of these mechanics is foot positioning and balance, particularly when executing jump shots. Proper foot alignment, combined with balanced weight distribution, can significantly influence the accuracy, consistency, and power of a player's shot. Maintaining proper balance is essential for ensuring that the energy generated during a jump shot is effectively transferred from the legs to the upper body, leading to a more controlled and accurate release.

However, without the guidance of a coach or expert, athletes may be unaware that they are using incorrect mechanics, especially in terms of their footwork and balance during a jump shot. Over time, repeatedly practicing with these improper techniques can result in the formation of bad habits that become deeply ingrained and challenging to correct. Poor foot balance not only affects shooting mechanics but can also lead to instability, making it difficult to react quickly and effectively on the court. This imbalance can hinder a player's performance and increase the risk of injury, particularly to the ankles and knees.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for an improved basketball training aid. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device that can be used to provide feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device that can be used to provide instant, visible feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device. The device can be worn as a teaching aid to improve basketball shooting form by providing real-time visual feedback. More specifically, the shoe comprises a midsole made from transparent or semi-transparent materials that house embedded lights and various sensors, which may include pressure sensors, gyroscopic sensors, and accelerometers. These sensors measure critical variables such as weight distribution, foot orientation, balance and acceleration before, during, and after a jump shot. Data from these sensors is processed by a microprocessor, which compares the user's performance to predefined shooting criteria. Based on the analysis, embedded lights illuminate green for proper form and red for improper form, providing immediate visual feedback. The system is powered by a battery, which may be rechargeable and accessed via a charging port.

In this manner, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides an improved basketball training aid. More specifically, the device can be used to provide feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. While doing so, the device provides instant, visible feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution.

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 basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device. The device is comprised of a basketball shoe and may be comprised of features commonly found on a basketball shoe, such as but not limited to an upper made from any material and in any configuration, a tongue, a fastening system (ex. laces and/or hook and loop straps, etc.), etc.

More specifically, the device is comprised of a midsole preferably made from a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows light to exit the midsole. Further, at least one light is embedded within the midsole and/or sole in any location/position. The light can preferably illuminate at least one color, but preferably illuminates green when proper shooting form is detected by the device and red when improper shooting form is detected by the device.

The midsole and/or sole may be comprised of a plurality of components that measure variables that relate to a user's shooting form. More specifically, one of the said components may include at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor that may be positioned anywhere within the midsole and/or sole and that detects the distribution of the user's weight and the pressure exerted at various points on the sole when performing a jump shot, wherein the sensor monitors how evenly the player's weight is balanced across the sole and whether the user's foot is planted correctly.

In another embodiment, the sensor may be comprised of a gyroscopic sensor that measures the angular velocity and orientation of the user's foot during a jump shot and also measures the movement and tilt of the foot during the shot, ensuring that the user's foot remains in the proper position and angle throughout the shooting motion. In a further embodiment, the midsole and/or sole may be comprised of at least one accelerometer that measures the acceleration of the user's foot in different directions and tracks the speed and direction of movement, which is critical for analyzing the dynamics of the jump shot, including the takeoff and landing phases. This helps determine whether the player is executing a smooth, controlled jump and landing, both of which are important for effective shooting mechanics.

The sensor and accelerometer are in electrical communication with at least one microprocessor that processes the data collected by the sensors and accelerometer and runs algorithms designed to evaluate variables such as but not limited to a user's balance, foot positioning, and overall shooting mechanics that occur before, during, and/or after a jump shot. The microprocessor then compares the collected data against pre-programmed criteria/data benchmarks that correspond to proper shooting form. The light is controlled by the microprocessor such that the light illuminates in real-time to provide instant visual feedback based on the analysis performed by the microprocessor by illuminating green to indicate proper balance and shooting technique or illuminating red to signal that the player used improper form and needs to adjust their form. This immediate feedback allows the player to correct mistakes as they happen in real time, reinforcing proper form and discouraging poor form.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of an upper, a midsole comprised of at least one light and at least one battery, a sole, a sensor, an accelerometer, and a microprocessor. Then, a user can place the device and secure the device on their foot via a fastening system of the device. Next, the battery can be turned on via a power button. Then, a user can perform a basketball jump shot, wherein a user can determine if the form used during the shot was proper or improper depending upon a first color or a second color that the light illuminates.

Accordingly, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved basketball training aid. More specifically, the device can be used to provide feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. While doing so, the device provides instant, visible feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. In this manner, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device provides a novel means for training proper jump shot form.

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 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 an improved basketball training aid. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device that can be used to provide feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. In addition, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device that can be used to provide instant, visible feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device. The device is comprised of a basketball shoe and may be comprised of a features commonly found on a basketball shoe, such as but not limited to an upper made from any material and in any configuration, a tongue, a fastening system (ex. laces and/or hook and loop straps, etc.), etc.

More specifically, the device is comprised of a midsole preferably made from a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows light to exit the midsole. Further, at least one light is embedded within the midsole and/or sole in any location/position, wherein the light can preferably illuminate at least one color but preferably illuminates green when proper shooting form is detected by the device and red when improper shooting form is detected by the device.

The midsole and/or sole may be comprised of a plurality of components that measure variables that relate to a user's shooting form. More specifically, one of the said components may include at least one sensor which may be a pressure sensor that may be positioned anywhere within the midsole and/or sole and that detects the distribution of the user's weight and the pressure exerted at various points on the sole when performing a jump shot, wherein the sensor monitors how evenly the player's weight is balanced across the sole and whether the user's foot is planted correctly.

In another embodiment, the sensor may be comprised of a gyroscopic sensor that measures the angular velocity and orientation of the user's foot during a jump shot and also measures the movement and tilt of the foot during the shot, ensuring that the user's foot remains in the proper position and angle throughout the shooting motion. In a further embodiment, the midsole and/or sole may be comprised of at least one accelerometer that measures the acceleration of the user's foot in different directions and tracks the speed and direction of movement, which is critical for analyzing the dynamics of the jump shot, including the takeoff and landing phases. This helps determine whether the player is executing a smooth, controlled jump and landing, both of which are important for effective shooting mechanics.

The sensor and accelerometer are in electrical communication with at least one microprocessor that processes the data collected by the sensors and accelerometer and runs algorithms designed to evaluate variables such as but not limited to a user's balance, foot positioning, and overall shooting mechanics that occur before, during, and/or after a jump shot. The microprocessor then compares the collected data against pre-programmed criteria/data benchmarks that correspond to proper shooting form. The light is controlled by the microprocessor such that the light illuminates in real-time to provide instant visual feedback based on the analysis performed by the microprocessor by illuminating green to indicate proper balance and shooting technique or illuminating red to signal that the player used improper form and needs to adjust their form. This immediate feedback allows the player to correct mistakes as they happen in real time, reinforcing proper form and discouraging poor form.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using the device. First, a device is provided comprised of an upper, a midsole comprised of at least one light and at least one battery, a sole, a sensor, an accelerometer, and a microprocessor. Then, a user can place the device and secure the device on their foot via a fastening system of the device. Next, the battery can be turned on via a power button. Then, a user can perform a basketball jump shot, wherein a user can determine if the form used during the shot was proper or improper depending upon a first color or a second color that the light illuminates.

Accordingly, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides an improved basketball training aid. More specifically, the device can be used to provide feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. While doing so, the device provides instant, visible feedback on whether a user is using proper foot positioning and weight distribution. In this manner, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device provides a novel means for training proper jump shot form.

Referring initially to the drawings,illustrates a side view of one potential embodiment of a basketball shooting form feedback training shoe deviceof the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The deviceis comprised of a basketball shoe. The shoe may be comprised of a features commonly found on a basketball shoe, such as but not limited to an uppermade from any material and in any configuration, a tongue, a fastening system(ex. laces and/or hook and loop straps, etc.), etc.

More specifically, the deviceis comprised of a midsole. The midsoleis preferably made from a transparent or semi-transparent material that allows light to exit the midsole. Said material includes but is not limited to a thermoplastic polyurethane, a rubber, an ethylene vinyl acetate blend, a polyurethane, a silicone rubber, a polyvinyl chloride, a polycarbonate, or a gel-based material. More specifically, at least one lightis embedded within the midsoleand/or solein any location/position. The lightcan preferably illuminate at least one color. In the preferred embodiment, the lightcan illuminate green when proper shooting form is detected by the device(as will be described more fully below) and red when improper shooting form is detected by the device(as will be described more fully below).

The midsoleand/or solemay be comprised of a plurality of components that measure variables that relate to a user's shooting form. More specifically, one of said components may include at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the sensoris a pressure sensor that may be positioned anywhere within the midsoleand/or solearea such as but not limited to the heel area, ball of the foot area, and toe area. The sensordetects the distribution of the user's weight and the pressure exerted at various points on the solewhen performing a jump shot, wherein the sensormonitors how evenly the player's weight is balanced across the soleand whether the user's foot is planted correctly.

In another embodiment, the sensormay be comprised of a gyroscopic sensor. The sensormeasures the angular velocity and orientation of the user's foot during a jump shot and also measures the movement and tilt of the foot during the shot, ensuring that the user's foot remains in the proper position and angle throughout the shooting motion. In a further embodiment, the midsoleand/or solemay be comprised of at least one accelerometer. The accelerometermeasures the acceleration of the user's foot in different directions and tracks the speed and direction of movement, which is critical for analyzing the dynamics of the jump shot, including the takeoff and landing phases. This helps determine whether the player is executing a smooth, controlled jump and landing, both of which are important for effective shooting mechanics.

The sensorand accelerometerare in electrical communication with at least one microprocessor. The microprocessorprocesses the data collected by the sensorsand accelerometerand runs algorithms designed to evaluate variables such as but not limited to a user's balance, foot positioning, and overall shooting mechanics that occur before, during, and/or after a jump shot. The microprocessorthen compares the collected data against pre-programmed criteria/data benchmarks that correspond to proper shooting form. The lightis controlled by the microprocessorsuch that the lightilluminates in real-time to provide instant visual feedback based on the analysis performed by the microprocessor. More specifically, the microprocessorcauses the lightto illuminate green to indicate proper balance and shooting technique, while the lightilluminates red to signal that the player used improper form and needs to adjust their form. This immediate feedback allows the player to correct mistakes as they happen in real time, reinforcing proper form and discouraging poor form.

The light, sensor, accelerometer, and microprocessorare powered by at least one battery. In one embodiment, the batteryis removable or non-removable. In another embodiment, the batteryis rechargeable or non-rechargeable. In a non-removable and rechargeable embodiment, the batterycan be recharged via at least one charging portlocated anywhere on the device. The charging portmay be any type of charging port such as but not limited to USB. The batteryof the devicemay be turned on/off via at least one power button.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of usingthe device, as seen in. First, a deviceis provided comprised of an upper, a midsolecomprised of at least one lightand at least one battery, a sole, a sensor, an accelerometer, and a microprocessor[Step]. Then, a user can place the deviceand secure the deviceon their foot via a fastening systemof the device[Step]. Next, the batterycan be turned on via a power button[Step]. Then, a user can perform a basketball jump shot, wherein a user can determine if the form used during the shot was proper or improper depending upon a first color or a second color that the lightilluminates [Step].

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 “basketball shooting form feedback training shoe device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe deviceof the present invention.

Notwithstanding the forgoing, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe deviceof 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 basketball shooting form feedback training shoe deviceas shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe deviceare well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe deviceare important design parameters for user convenience, the basketball shooting form feedback training shoe devicemay 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.