U.S. patent application number 10/532650 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-27 for angled heel/shoes/low-friction coalescent dance shoes.
Invention is credited to G Paul JR. Nelson.
Application Number | 20060162184 10/532650 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32180695 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060162184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson; G Paul JR. |
July 27, 2006 |
Angled heel/shoes/low-friction coalescent dance shoes
Abstract
A heel for a shoe includes a first relatively flat surface for
contacting the ground when one is walking while wearing a shoe
having the heel and a second relatively flat surface for contacting
the ground when one is dancing and wearing a shoe having the heel.
A pair of shoes can have one or two such heels. Preferably, there
is a lower-friction portion on the second relatively flat surface.
The second relatively flat surface allows one to relatively easily
spin while dancing, as compared to dancing with shoes having normal
heels.
Inventors: |
Nelson; G Paul JR.;
(Metairie, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARVEY SMITH NEHRBASS & NORTH, LLC
LAKEWAY 3, SUITE 3290
3838 NORTH CAUSEWAY BLVD.
METAIRIE
LA
70002
US
|
Family ID: |
32180695 |
Appl. No.: |
10/532650 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
October 24, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US03/33619 |
371 Date: |
April 25, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60420829 |
Oct 24, 2002 |
|
|
|
60441084 |
Jan 17, 2003 |
|
|
|
60460049 |
Apr 3, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/8.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/37 20150115;
A43B 5/12 20130101; A43B 13/146 20130101; A43B 5/005 20130101; Y10T
24/3742 20150115; Y10T 24/3737 20150115; A43B 21/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/008.3 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/12 20060101
A43B005/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 23, 2003 |
US |
10/692,238 |
Claims
1. A method of lift spin couples dancing, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a pair of shoes for at least one dancer of the couple,
wherein at least one of the shoes of the pair has a heel with a
heel bottom surface and a rear beveled portion having an inclined
spinning surface that forms an angle with the bottom surface of
between about 30 and 60 degrees; b) supporting the weight of the
second dancer on the foot of the first dancer that has the shoe of
step "a"; c) the first dancer rotating upon the spinning surface
while supporting the entire weight of the second dancer with the
foot that is wearing the shoe of step "a".
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the spinning surface is a smooth
surface.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the spinning surface has a
projecting member and in step "c" the first dancer rotates upon the
projecting member of the spinning surface.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the second dancer stands upon the
foot of the first dancer in step "b".
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the second dancer lays upon the
foot of the first dancer in step "b".
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the second dancer stands upon the
foot of the first dancer in step "b" and the second dancer has at
least one shoe that has a heel with a forward edge that has a
bevel.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the projecting member is smaller
in area than the spinning surface.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the projecting member is rotatably
connected to the spinning surface.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of
projecting members attached to the spinning surface.
10. A dancing shoe, comprising; a) a shoe upper configured to fit
the foot of a dancer; b) a shoe lower that includes a sole and a
heel; c) the heel having a heel bottom surface and a rear beveled
portion that has an inclined spinning surface that forms an angle
of between 30 and 60 degrees with the heel bottom; d) a projecting
portion that is mounted to the heel on the spinning surface and
that projects away from the spinning surface.
11. The dancing shoe of claim 10 wherein the projecting portion is
rotatably attached to the heel.
12. The dancing shoe of claim 10 further comprising a layer of
compressible material attached to the heel at the spinning surface
next to the projecting portion.
13. The dancing shoe of claim 12 wherein the projecting portion and
layer of compressible material are of about the same thickness.
14. The dancing shoe of claim 10 wherein the layer of compressible
material surrounds the projecting portion.
15. The dancing shoe of claim 10 wherein the heel includes two
connectable sections, one section having the beveled portion.
16. The dancing shoe of claim 10 further comprising a second
projecting portion mounted on the sole of the shoe in front of the
heel.
17. The dancing shoe of claim 10 wherein there are a plurality of
projecting portions attached to the heel at the spinning
surface.
18. The dancing shoe of claim 10 wherein the plurality of
projecting portions are attached to the heel at spaced apart
positions.
19. The dancing shoe of claim 16 further comprising a layer of
compressible material attached to the sole in front of the heel and
next to the projecting portion.
20-63. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Priority of my U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/420,829, flied 24 Oct. 2002, incorporated herein by reference,
is hereby claimed.
[0002] Priority of my US Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/441,084, filed 17 Jan. 2003, incorporated herein by reference,
is hereby claimed.
[0003] Priority of my U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/460,049, filed 3 Apr. 2003, incorporated herein by reference, is
hereby claimed.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0004] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0005] Not applicable
BACKGROUND
[0006] 1. Field of the Invention
[0007] The present invention relates to footwear utilized in dance.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a specially
configured dance shoe arrangement that enables couples to execute
lift spin dance maneuvers more easily.
[0008] 2. General Background of the Invention
[0009] Athletic pursuits have long been a popular and pleasurable
pastime, favored by young and old alike as an integral part of a
healthy lifestyle. For the great majority of athletic activities,
the single most important piece of equipment is comprised of the
footwear.
[0010] Athletic footwear is currently available in a wide
assortment of styles, each specifically adapted for a particular
use and ranging from lightweight, high traction running shoes to
rigid, protective ski boots. More practical footwear is also
available in many choices, from comfortable shoes for walking over
extended periods of time to heavily insulated and reinforced work
boots. Some articles of footwear are designed to facilitate a
variety of activities such as running, walking, jumping and
skateboarding. Other articles of footwear are designed specifically
for a certain activity, such as dance shoes.
[0011] Dance shoes are designed to allow the wearer to execute
spinning, sliding or gliding maneuvers on or across the dance
floor. The soles and heels of dance shoes are made of materials
providing low coefficients of friction.
[0012] Various inventors have developed various devices to enable
one to engage in activity that enables the wearer to slide or spin.
One such device is built from a low friction material and attached
to the sole of the shoe in the arch region, thereby allowing the
user to slide across a smooth flat surface such as a dance floor.
The device may extend below the heel of the shoe and leaves the
forefoot area exposed so that the user may engage the floor with
the sole to be able to push off into a sliding maneuver. A device
of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,572,671.
[0013] Another shoe design that has been patented incorporates a
low friction region protruding centrally from the sole with high
friction areas surrounding this protuberance. Be user can thus
engage the supporting surface by tilting the foot to lower the high
friction areas of the sole and can slide by pushing off and balance
on the protruding area. U.S. Pat. No. 1,984,989 discloses a device
of this type.
[0014] These prior devices are designed for use on flat, smooth
surfaces by a single individual (the wearer). No known prior device
lends itself to the execution of two dancers spinning as a single
unit (hereinafter, refereed to as a coalescent-spinning or `lift
spin` dancing). Thus, although well adapted for their intended use
as dance footwear, these devices are of limited usefulness and are
not the ideal solution for persons desiring to engage in
coalescent-spinning activities.
[0015] Another shoe design that has been patented incorporates low
friction surfaces for sliding across a protruding feature on a
supporting surface and walking surfaces for other athletic
pursuits, and a method of making same. These shoes have
longitudinal grind plates built into the bottom and sides of the
shoe to allow the wearer to duplicate maneuvers done with
skateboards called grinding. U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,150 discloses an
item of this type. These shoes are not intended for dancing,
spinning or coalescent-spinning activities.
[0016] All of the U.S. Patents mentioned herein are incorporated
herein by reference.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0017] The apparatus of the present invention facilitates
performing the acrobatic maneuvers called coalescent-spinning or
lift spin dancing by enabling a person wearing the shoes to engage
an angled or inclined surface (or protruding member) on a
supporting surface and support the entire weight of their dance
partner while spinning. A unit of low friction surface formed on
the shoes can be provided in selected configurations. The low
friction spinning surfaces of the present invention can be formed
integral to the shoes or can be attached thereto as removable
spinning elements, and are equally adaptable to athletic, work, or
recreational footwear of all types and styles.
[0018] In one embodiment the spinning surfaces of the present
invention do not interfere with the traditional functions of
footwear and do not require the user to adjust her normal walking,
running or dance gait when wearing shoes equipped with such
spinning surfaces. Another embodiment includes the incorporation of
a liner (e.g., Sorbothane.RTM.) or other bruise-protection material
within the shoe to protect the wearer s feet from forces exerted by
their partner's weight. In another embodiment the apparatus of the
present invention adapts specialized equipment to traditional
footwear and thereby enlarges the usefulness of such footwear and
the enjoyment level of persons wearing it.
[0019] The present invention can also be implemented in a wide
range of aesthetic and practical choices for design and
manufacturing, and can be adapted to appeal to diverse markets and
consumers. The coalescent-spinning or lift spin dance apparatus of
the present invention can be characterized by a shoe having a heel
with a section angled upwardly (away from the floor) at the rear of
the heel. This angled section of the heel can be referred to as the
coalescent surface. The coalescent surface can be flat and sloped
for example between 30 and 60 degrees, more preferably between
about 35 and 45 degrees, and even more preferably between about 40
and 45 degrees, measured fro the bottom surface of the heel. The
coalescent surface can be covered by or comprised of the same low
coefficient of friction materials as that of the rest of the heel.
A shoe configured in this manner can be called a coalescent dance
shoe. The heel by itself is called a coalescent heel. Any make or
style of shoe can be made into a coalescent dance. Shoe by
replacing or installing a coalescent heel as described herein to
the bottom of the shoe. The coalescent dance shoe operates in the
same manner for either the left or right foot.
[0020] A pair of coalescent dance shoes offers a dance couple a
wide range of new spinning and acrobatic maneuvers. When a dancer
wants to use the coalescent-spinning feature of the coalescent
dance shoes, they lift the front of their foot until the coalescent
surface is in contact with the dance floor. The partner then leaps,
steps or leans on top of the dancer's foot with both spinning as a
single unit. This apparatus provides the capability to perform
coalescent-spinning maneuvers without hampering the user's ability
to perform other traditional dancing activities or individual
maneuvers.
[0021] Another embodiment of the aforementioned apparatus is one
containing a projection within the coalescent surface. A shoe with
this design is called a low-friction coalescent dance shoe. A heel
by itself and of this design can be called a low-friction
coalescent heel. The spinning point or projection can be comprised
of low coefficient of friction material that is slightly raised
above the surface of the heel's inclined surface or coalescent
surface. The raised point will reduce the effective surface area in
contact with the floor and increase spin speeds. The spinning point
can have many different shapes and designs providing a wide range
of handling characteristics.
[0022] The present invention includes a dance shoe, that is, a shoe
adapted in design and manufacture for activities involving all
forms and types of dance.
[0023] Because the design of some embodiments places all
coalescent-spinning elements outside of the shoe interior,
additional cushioning material may be placed over the insole to
increase the user's comfort and safety during coalescent-spinning
maneuvers.
[0024] In another embodiment the apparatus can be mounted onto any
type or model of dance shoe making the shoe a coalescent dance
shoe. The coalescent heel may be formed with different downward
facing configurations, and thus a coalescent heel adapted for dance
floors with higher coefficients of friction may feature a high
degree of angle and narrower coalescent surface, whereas a
coalescent heel for faster dance floors may feature a lower degree
of angle and wider coalescent surface. In addition, coalescent beef
may be manufactured in different colors that appeal to the fashion
sense of the user, and individual coalescent surface may be formed
with strata of different colors to indicate the degree of angle or
even the level of wear upon the coalescent surface.
[0025] The present invention is not limited to providing
coalescent-spinning elements that are permanently attached to
articles of footwear. Any method may be used to provide an article
of footwear with low friction coalescent-spinning surfaces, and may
include forming the spinning surfaces integral to the sole and/or
heel during the extrusion molding process, or alternatively may
consist of sintering low friction material into certain regions of
the sole and/or heel. The use of such permanent, non-removable
spinning surfaces is highly dependent upon the ready availability
of materials of sufficient durability to withstand repeated
coalescent-spinning activities on dance surfaces for the expected
lifetime of the article of footwear. In another embodiment the
present invention can also include removable coalescent-spinning
elements.
[0026] The present invention is not limited to providing
coalescent-spinning surfaces on the rear of the heel of an article
of footwear. Low friction coalescent-spinning surfaces may also be
formed on the sides of the heel or the corners of the heel.
[0027] In operation, when a user desires to participate in dancing
activities, he or she may put on the shoe and can dance in the
normal fashion. The coalescent surface can be sufficiently recessed
upwardly from the bottom surface of the heel to reduce contact with
the supporting surface. Thus, the present invention allows the sole
of the shoe to function along the supporting surface in the manner
typical to most footwear and does not force the user to change his
or her normal dance gait.
[0028] Because the normal dance gait of an upright human involves
first contacting the heel of the shoe and then rolling forwardly
onto the ball of the foot and then lifting the heel up, most of the
flex in the sole is localized in the forward and metatarsal area of
the foot with more rigidity being in the arch. During
coalescent-spinning activities, the bulk of the user's foot control
is shifted from the central arch section to the back heel section.
To facilitate this control, additional rigidity in the foot frame
may be required in the aft-foot section for certain types of dance
shoe.
[0029] The present invention is comprised of a dance shoe, that is,
a shoe adapted in design and manufacture for activities involving
all forms and types of dance. The low-friction coalescent dance
shoe is similar in all respects with the coalescent dance shoe
except it has an additional feature of a spinning point added to
the coalescent surface. The spinning point will have many different
shapes and designs providing a wide range of handling
characteristics. In addition, because the spinning points are
removable and relatively compact the user may conveniently carry
one or more of them in a bag or even in a coat or pant pocket and
interchange them as the coalescent-spinning conditions encountered
may warrant, thereby increasing the range of coalescent-spinning
options and opportunities.
[0030] Because the design of the present embodiment places all
coalescent-spinning elements outside of the shoe interior,
additional cushioning material may be placed over the insole to
increase the users comfort and safety during coalescent-spinning
maneuvers.
[0031] Although the embodiments described herein have been
described in terms of spinning surfaces or elements formed or
adapted to shoes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the apparatus of the present invention is equally
adaptable to any and all types of footwear. Coalescent-spinning
surfaces can thus be formed in elements adapted to, sandals, boots,
shoes, slippers and any other device or article of wear that is
meant to be attached to the human foot. This apparatus can be
mounted onto any type or model of dance shoe making the shoe a
coalescent dance shoe.
[0032] The low-friction coalescent heel may be formed with
different downward facing configurations. Thus a low-friction
coalescent heel adapted for dance floors with higher coefficients
of friction may feature a high degree of angle and narrower
coalescent surface and spinning point, whereas a low-friction
coalescent heel for faster dance floors may feature a lower degree
of angle and wider coalescent surface and spinning point. In
addition, a low-friction coalescent heel may be manufactured in
different colors, that appeal to the fashion sense of the user, and
individual coalescent Surface and spin points may be formed with
strata of different colors to indicate the degree of angle or even
the level of wear upon the coalescent Surface.
[0033] The low-friction coalescent heel may be attached to the sole
of any type shoe by any means of sufficient mechanical strength to
withstand the shear forces generated during coalescent-spinning
maneuvers, such as chemical bonding. Alternatively, the coalescent
surface may be configured with ribs or other protuberances that
reduce total spinning area and thus total frictional resistance.
And, the spin point may be formed from any low friction material
exhibiting sufficient stiffness and mechanical strength to be
directly attached to the low-friction coalescent heel
[0034] In operation, when a user desires to participate in dancing
activities, he or she may put on the shoe and can dance in the
normal fashion. The coalescent surface and spinning point are
sufficiently recessed upwardly from the bottom surface of the heel
to reduce contact with the supporting surface. Thus, the present
invention allows the sole of the shoe to function along the
supporting surface in the manner typical to most footwear and does
not force the user to change his or her normal dance gait.
[0035] Because the normal dance gait of an upright human involves
first contacting the heel of the shoe and then rolling forwardly
onto the ball of the foot and then lifting the heel up, most of the
flex in the sole is localized in the forward and metatarsal area of
the foot with more rigidity being in the arch. During
coalescent-spinning activities, the bulk of the user's foot control
is shifted from the central arch section to the back heel section.
To facilitate this control, additional rigidity in the foot frame
may be required in the aft-foot section for certain types of dance
shoe.
[0036] The spinning point can be constructed of a material selected
to afford the desired low coefficient of friction spinning
characteristic. In addition, the material selected must offer
substantial rigidity when cut, injection molded or shaped in the
dimensions specified to allow the user to maintain control while
engaged in coalescent-spinning maneuvers. A material known to
exhibit these desirable characteristics is Supertuf 801 Nylon
available from Dupont. Other materials that may be found to be
acceptable include other forms of nylon, such as Nylon 6, plastics
such as PTEX, ceramics, metals, polyethylene and composites.
[0037] The spinning point is selected and installed on or inserted
within the cavity of the low-friction coalescent heel, where it is
secured by threading a screw through the spinning point and into
the core heel material or an anchor made of brass, stainless steel
or other materials. The screw is conveniently provided with
engagement slots or sockets formed in the top surface of the beads
for engagement by a screwdriver or other tool for quick and easy
turning. Alternatively, or in addition, high strength adhesives
such as epoxy may be employed to fasten the spinning point to the
coalescent surface in a permanent configuration that sacrifices
spinning point interchangeability for a stronger, more secure bond.
The spinning point can be manufactured in a variety of styles to
fit a variety of uses, and the rapid replacement feature detailed
above enables quick swapping of spinning points to accommodate
varying conditions and surfaces. In this manner a user may choose,
for example, to install one type of spinning point on the right
shoe and a different type of spinning point on the left shoe.
[0038] As described earlier, spinning points may be formed in many
different materials, colors, sizes, and bottom configurations, and
the design of the present embodiment allows the user to quickly and
easily change spinning points at any time he or she may choose to
do so. As mentioned above, the fasteners are preferably
self-locking screws, thereby reducing the likelihood that the
vibrations and shocks experienced by the shoes during use will
loosen and eventually eject the screws.
[0039] The screw can be, for example, a Nylock self-locking screw
of 4 or 5 mm shaft diameter, approximately 12 mm bead diameter, and
varying length as dictated by the overall height of the spinning
point. Screws of various lengths and or materials such as
elastomers may be used to accommodate different spinning point
materials and thickness, giving the user the ability to adjust
performance characteristics of the spinning point to match the
requirements of different dancing surfaces.
[0040] The removable spinning points require some rudimentary
tools, whether a screwdriver, a knife, or a coin, to disengage the
respective fasteners and remove the spinning point. It is
foreseeable that the need may arise for a spinning point design
employing a fastening system that requires absolutely no tools for
removal and replacement, and is even quicker and easier to
operate.
[0041] When a couple executes a lift spin or coalescent spin, the
dancer having contact with the dance floor (first dancer) is
considered the spinner and the dancer with no contact with the
dance floor (second dancer) is considered the rider. The rider can
use any part of their body on that of the spinner's body to remove
contact with the dance floor.
[0042] A highly athletic activity involving, for instance, an
aggressive foot-on-foot coalescent-spinning maneuver wherein the
rider might step with some force onto the top surface of the
spinner's foot, the landing force of the rider may exceed the
weight of the athlete, e.g., 100 pound (45 kilogram) rider lands
with, e.g., 110 pounds (490 newtons) of force. Sufficient
structural integrity to withstand such impacts can be built into
the interior and exterior portions of the shoe (e.g.,
Sorbothane.RTM.) providing for cushioning of the top, sides and
heel portions of the spinner's foot thereby minimize bruising and
injury.
[0043] As the spinner maneuvers in a coalescent-spinning action, he
or she can maneuver the foot about to maintain control or execute
further acrobatic maneuvers. When the spinner elects to undertake a
maneuver requiring a crouch position, he or she may bend the knees
into a deep bend without losing contact with the coalescent
surface.
[0044] This apparatus can be mounted onto any type or model of
dance shoe making the shoe a coalescent dance shoe. The rear of the
heel comprise the coalescent surface and is attached and held
firmly to the main heel body through the use of a grooved channel
and two magnets. The magnetic force is exerted on two metal slots
recessed and adhesively bonded in to the main heel body. The
detachable portion of the heel allows the user to quickly change
the function of a shoe depending on which style of attachment is
used. In this way, a coalescent dance shoe can be converted into a
low-friction coalescent dance shoe or can even be made to look like
a generic model shoe.
[0045] A coalescent surface attachment can be inserted into a
groove at the rear of the heel and once attached and held firmly to
the shoe through use of rivets, screws, adhesive and/or any other
means of fastening.
[0046] A ball bearing mounted projection can be recessed into the
main heel body, but sufficiently exposed above the coalescent
surface to allow contact with the surface of the dance floor when
the user enters into a coalescent spin with their partner. The ball
bearings can be made of a low-friction polymer such as Teflon, but
can be made of just about any material depending on its usefulness,
availability, and non-deleterious effects on dance surfaces. Be
number of ball bearings used can vary from one to many.
[0047] A spinning disk can be recessed into the main heel body, but
the surface of the spinning disk is sufficiently exposed above the
coalescent surface to allow contact with the surface of the dance
floor when the user enters into a coalescent spin with their
partner. The surface of the spinning disk will be covered with the
same materials used on the coalescent surface, but any other
materials can also be used depending on the user's preferences. The
internal mechanism of the spinning disk utilizes an axle and roller
bearing configuration similar to those used in most bicycle wheels.
The size and configuration of the spinning disk used can vary.
[0048] A low-friction spinning point is fastened to the main heel
body and is surrounded by a compressible medium such as Sorbothane.
The thickness of the compressible medium has equal height
dimensions as that of the low-friction spinning point. The same
material used to cover the bottom of the heel (the portion in
normal contact with the dance floor) is also used to cover the
compressible medium. However, this covering material does not cover
or interfere with the top of the low-friction spinning point. The
durometer of the compressible medium will be such that the weight
of the wearer alone does not compress the medium enough to expose
the surface of the low-friction spinning point to the dance floor,
but the addition of their partner's weight (50 pound (222 newton)
minimal differential) will be sufficient enough weight to compress
the medium enough to expose the surface of the low-friction
spinning point to the dance floor.
[0049] The sole and heel are independent of each other. When this
type sole is mounted to the bottom of a dance shoe, it allows the
wear to execute spins on the low-friction spinning point by placing
all of their weight onto the ball of the foot, which compresses the
medium and exposes the low-friction spinning point. The durometer
of the compressible medium will be of sufficient hardness to allow
a dancer to perform normal dance activities without exposing the
low-friction spinning point, but of sufficient softness to allow
maximum compressibility when subjected to the full weight of the
dancer. While the dimensions and core materials of the sole are
different than the heel, a heel of this type design operates in the
exact same way as that of the sole outlined above.
[0050] When the wearer of a shoe rocks back to execute a spin with
their partner, their combined weight can be used to activate a
system where one or more low-friction spinning points are pushed
from the bottom of the heel to aid in maintaining balance. The
pressure system can be of various designs, but is anticipated to
use a non-compressible liquid medium housed in a rubber bladder.
The pressure system can also be located in various sections of the
shoe depending on the desired performance requirements.
[0051] When the wearer of a shoe with this style of heel rocks back
to execute a coalescent spin with their partner, the partner's
weight activates a system-where the front portion of the heel is
released from the shoe body and pivots down to make contact with
the dance floor automatically latching in that position. Once the
partner removes their weight, the latch is released allowing the
wearer to rock forward and automatically lock the heel in its
normal position. The activation system can be of various designs,
but is anticipated to use a battery-powered sensing and operating
mechanism housed within the upper portion of the shoe and heel
body.
[0052] The front bottom of the heel (portion facing the inner arch
of the foot) can be angled upwards away from the dance floor with
an angle of between about 10 and 80 degrees, but normally expected
to be about 45 degrees. Adhered to the face of the angled portion
of the heel can be a layer of absorbent material such as
Sorbothane. When the rider of a coalescent spinning couple steps
onto the spinner's foot, the absorbent material of the rider's beef
becomes one of the load bearing points. The absorbent material
prevents bruising of the spinner's foot. The durometer of the
absorbent material can be varied according to the dancer's
requirements, but is expected to normally be of 60 durometer.
[0053] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the features of the invention. While each of the
figures that accompany the disclosure depicts an article of
footwear being used on the right foot of a user, every embodiment
disclosed herein can be equally adaptable to use on the left foot
of a user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the
following detailed description, read in conjunction with the
attached drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like
elements.
[0055] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 2 is a view taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0057] FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of FIG. 1
showing a first dancer's shoe in a position immediately prior to a
spin;
[0058] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view illustrating an alternate
heel construction;
[0059] FIG. 5 is a view taken along lines 95 of FIG. 4;
[0060] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view illustrating an alternate
heel construction;
[0061] FIG. 7 is a view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0062] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevation side view illustrating an
alternate heel construction;
[0063] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view illustrating the heel
embodiment of FIG. 8, particularly the projecting member portion
thereof;
[0064] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view illustrating an alternate
heel construction;
[0065] FIG. 11 is a view taken along lines 1-1 of FIG. 1;
[0066] FIG. 12 is a side fragmentary elevation view illustrating an
alternate heel construction;
[0067] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary view illustrating the projecting
disk and bearing portion thereof for the heel of FIG. 12;
[0068] FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevation view showing an
alternate heel construction;
[0069] FIG. 15 is a fragmentary perspective exploded view
illustrating the heel construction of FIG. 14;
[0070] FIG. 16 is a fragmentary side elevation view showing an
alternate heel construction;
[0071] FIG. 17 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the insert
part of the heel construction of FIG. 16;
[0072] FIG. 18 is a side, elevation, partially cutaway view of an
alternate heel construction;
[0073] FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of the alternate
heel construction of FIG. 18;
[0074] FIG. 20 is a partial side elevation view of alternate heel
and sole construction;
[0075] FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of an alternative
embodiment illustrating a shoe to be wore by a second dancer when
couples dancing;
[0076] FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of a preferred embodiment
illustrating a shoe to be wore by a second dancer when couples
dancing;
[0077] FIG. 23 is a fragmentary view of the alternative heel
embodiment of FIG. 22;
[0078] FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred
embodiment of a method of the present invention and a preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention during
use;
[0079] FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred
embodiment of a method of the present invention and a preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention during
use;
[0080] FIG. 26 shows part of a shoe near the shoe lace holes;
[0081] FIG. 27 shows a plastic insert that can reinforce the area
of the shoe around the lace holes (it is indicated in dotted lines
on the left side of FIG. 26);
[0082] FIG. 28 shows a similar insert, but which only goes on one
side of the holes (as shown in dotted lines on the right side of
FIG. 26), instead of sounding the holes as does the insert of FIG.
27;
[0083] FIG. 29 is a side view of a shoe which has the special lace
holes of FIG. 26 and three inserts;
[0084] FIG. 30 is a plan view of an insert in the shoe shown in
FIG. 29;
[0085] FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the insert of FIG. 30;
[0086] FIG. 32 is a plan view of the shoe shown in FIG. 29;
[0087] FIG. 33 is a plan view of an insert in the shoe shown in
FIGS. 29 and 32; and
[0088] FIG. 34 is a sectional view of the insert of FIG. 33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0089] In FIGS. 24 and 25, a lift spin dancing apparatus 10 is
shown that includes shoes 11, 12 that are specially configured and
are worn respectively by a first dancer 83 and a second dancer
84.
[0090] When lift spin dancing, a first dancer 83 supports the full
weight of a second dancer 84 and then executes a spin maneuver. In
FIG. 24, the second dancer 84 is standing upon the foot of the
first dancer 83. The first dancer 83 is wearing a first shoe 11
such as shown and described with respect to the embodiments of
FIGS. 1-20. The second dancer 84 is wearing a second shoe 12 and
shown and described with respect to FIGS. 21-23.
[0091] As will be described more fully hereinafter, the first shoe
11 can have a heel 17 that can have an inclined surface 19 that
rests upon a supporting floor 87 and wherein the first dancer 83
simultaneously performs a spin as indicated by arrow 85. In FIG.
25, a different lift spin dancing movement is shown wherein the
second dancer 84 extends an arm 88 upwardly so that it is grasped
by the hand 89 of first dancer 83.
[0092] The second dancer 84 assumes a generally horizontal position
so that the body of the first dancer 84 rests upon the foot of the
second dancer 83 as shown in FIG. 25. Again, the first dancer 83
bas a first shoe 11 with a heel 17 having an inclined surface
19.
[0093] In FIG. 25, the inclined surface 19 engages a supporting
flat surface such as floor 87 and-spins as indicates schematically
by the arrow 86 in FIG. 25. Each of the dance moves illustrated in
FIGS. 24 and 25 is referred to generally as a lift spin move or
coalescent dancing move. The shoes 11, 12 that are used to perform
the moves illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25 can include the first shoe
11 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 or the alternate heel constructions for the
first shoe 11 that are shown in FIGS. 420.
[0094] The second shoe 12 that is worn by the second dancer 84 in
FIGS. 24 and 25 can be the second shoes that are shown and
described as shoes 12, 13 in FIGS. 21-23.
[0095] In FIG. 1, first shoe 11 can have an upper 14 and laces 15.
Shoe 11 has a sole 16 and a heel 17.
[0096] Heel 17 can have a heel bottom surface 18 and an inclined
surface 19 that forms an angle 20 between about 10 and 80 degrees
and preferably about 40-45 degrees. In FIG. 1, the angle 20 is
measured from reference line 21 to floor 22.
[0097] In FIG. 3, the first shoe 11 has been rotated to a position
that engages floor 22. In FIG. 3, the angle 20 is measured between
floor 22 and reference line 23 that basically tracks the heel
bottom surface 18 as shown in FIG. 3.
[0098] In FIG. 2, the rear seam 24 of the shoe 11 is shown with the
inclined surface 19 being basically centered upon the rear seam
24.
[0099] In FIGS. 4 and 5, inclined surface 27 can be on the side of
the heel 25, forming an obtuse angle with heel bottom surface
26.
[0100] In FIGS. 6 and 7, a heel 28 is shown that can be used with
shoe 11 that places inclined surface 30 at the rear and corner of
heel 28, again forming a obtuse angle between heel bottom surface
29 and inclined surface 30.
[0101] In FIGS. 8 and 9, a heel 17 is shown having bottom surface
18 and inclined surface 19. In FIGS. 8 and 9, a disk projecting
portion 31 is in the form of a donut or circular shaped body 32
having central opening 33 that receives fastener 34 such as a wood
screw or the like. The disk shaped projecting portion 31 defines a
spin point so that when the dancer 83 places shoe 11 in the
position of FIG. 3, just prior to spinning the shaped body 32
engages the underlying floor 22 as opposed to the floor 22 engaging
inclined surface 19.
[0102] In FIGS. 10 and 11, heel 17 has a plurality of
hemispherically shaped openings 36, each receptive of a spherical
projecting portion 35.
[0103] In FIGS. 12 and 13, a cylindrically shaped socket 37
receives rotary bearing 38. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the rotary
bearing 38 includes an inner ring 40, and outer ring 41, and a
plurality of ball bearings 42. The inner ring 40 has a central
opening 39 that is sized and shaped to form a tight fit with peg 44
of projecting portion 43. In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, the
projecting portion 43 engages floor 22 when the dancer 83 places
shoe 11 of FIG. 3 just before a spin and during spinning. The
projecting portion 43 can comprise the combination of disk 45 and
shaft 44.
[0104] In FIGS. 14 and 15, heel 46 includes a forward heel section
47 and a rear heel section 48. The forward heel section 46 has a
bottom surface 49. The rear heel section 48 removably connects to
the forward heel section 47 with a plurality of pegs 52. The pegs
52 engage correspondingly sized and shaped sockets 51 on forward
heel section 47 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The rear heel section
48 has an inclined surface 50 that forms an obtuse angle with the
bottom surface 49 of heel forward section 47. A rail 54 can be
provided on rear heel section 48 that fits a correspondingly sized
and shaped slot 53 or forward heel section 47.
[0105] In FIGS. 16 and 17, first shoe 11 can be provided with a
heel 55 that has a heel bottom surface 56 and an insert 57 that
removably connects to the heel 55 with peg 59. Peg 59 fits a socket
60 on heel 55 as shown in FIG. 16. The insert 57 includes an
inclined surface 58 that is a spin surface when the dancer 83
places show 11 in the position of FIG. 3. The insert 57 has a
curved surface 61 that is concave in shape and that corresponds to
the shape of convex curved surface 62 of heel 55.
[0106] In FIGS. 18 and 19, first shoe 11 has heel 63 with
compressible material (for example, Sorbothane.RTM.). The
compressible material 64 can be placed on the inclined surface 19
and surrounding disk projecting portion 31 or projecting portion of
43 of FIG. 13. The compressible material 64 helps grip the floor to
prevent falling yet does not hamper a spin when the shoe 11 is
placed in the position of FIG. 3. The compressible material 64
compressible enough so that a spin can be perfected by engaging an
underlying floor 22 with either the projecting portion 31 or the
projecting portion 43.
[0107] In FIG. 20, projecting portions 31 have been placed on heel
65 and on sole 16 as shown in FIG. 20. In FIG. 20, the compressible
material 64 can be placed upon either sole 16 or heel 65,
preferably surrounding either or both of tee projecting portions
31.
[0108] In FIGS. 21-23, second shoes 12, 13 are shown. The shoes
12,13 would typically be used by a second dancer 84 as shown in
FIGS. 24 and 25. Second shoe 12 can have an upper 66, laces 67 and
a sole 68. Heel 69 can have a heel bottom surface 70 that is
generally flat. In front of the heel 69 can-be provided an inclined
surface 71 that can be fitted with a cushion 72 (for example,
Sorbothane.RTM. bland cushioning material). A concavity or void
space 73 is defined in front of inclined surface 71 and to the rear
of a majority of sole 68. As shown in FIG. 21, the void space 73
can be registered upon the upper 14 of fist shoe 11 when executing
the dance move of FIG. 24.
[0109] The second shoes 12 and 13 in FIGS. 21 and 22 can also
include an abrasion and shock absorbing device 91 (shoe 12) and 92
(shoe 13) that protects the shins of dancer 83. This
shift-protecting device can comprise any suitable shock absorbing
material such as and is preferably located in the lower arch region
including the edges and interior portions of the heel and can
extend along the edges of the shoe as far forward as the toe
region. The shock absorbing material can be affixed to the external
portion of the shoe as an addition or be built into the shoe's
structure. The shock absorbing material can be covered by a layer
of leather or felt, but it is not required to be so covered.
[0110] In FIG. 22, a second shoe 13 to be worn by a second dancer
84 can include an upper 74, sole 75, and high heel 76. High heel 76
can provide a bottom surface 77 and inclined surface 78 that can be
fitted with a cushion 79 such as Sorbothane (see FIGS. 22-23). The
heel 76 can include a removable lower section 80 that is attached
with fastener 81. A concavity 82 is defined as an area first of
high heel 76 and to the rear of shoe 13 forefoot 89.
[0111] FIG. 22 illustrates the position of the first shoe 11 of
dancer 831 in FIG. 24 when the first shoe 11 and dancer 83 are
supporting the full weight of the second dancer 84.
[0112] Part of a shoe near the shoe lace holes 102-111 is shown in
FIG. 26. The shoe lace holes 102-111 are spaced differently from
normal shoes (on each side, two groups of two spaced close
together, and one at the bottom), and the shoes are laced
differently (one starts by putting each end of shoe string 94
through one of the holes 102, 103 at the top, instead of the
bottom, then threading the string as indicated by the arrows, then
tying with a normal knot 95 up at the top).
[0113] FIG. 27 shows a plastic insert 96 (which could be, for
example, the thickness of a standard credit card issued in the US)
that can reinforce the area of the shoe around the lace holes 102,
104, 106, 108,.delta. 10 (it is indicated in dotted lines on the
left side of FIG. 26). Insert 96 includes an opening 97 through
which shoe lace holes 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 are formed.
[0114] FIG. 28 shows an insert 98, similar to insert 96, but which
only goes on one side of the holes (as shown in dotted lines on the
right side of FIG. 26), instead of surrounding the holes as does
insert 96.
[0115] Inserts 96 and 98 could be about the length of the distance
from the top hole 102, 103 to the bottom hole 110, 111. Insert 96
is wider than the shoelace holes (for example, about twice or three
times as wide as the diameter of the shoe lace holes). Insert 98
can be about the width of the diameter of the holes up to about
twice as wide as the diameter of the holes. Inserts 96 and 98 are
shown in a singe shoe in FIG. 26, though normally a shoe containing
inserts would either contain two inserts 96 or two inserts 98.
Also, one could instead use inserts only adjacent the double holes
(e.g., just along holes 102 and 104, a second insert along holes
103 and 105, then a third insert along holes 106 and 108, and a
fourth insert along boles 107 and 109).
[0116] The present invention includes an interwoven shoe lacing
process for lacing shoes, for use with any shoe with a
2.times.2.times.1 lace-hole pattern (such as that shown in FIG. 26)
and any shoelace (such as shoelace 94). The process results in
shoelaces that follow a path that interweaves, resulting in reduced
friction and faster and easier tightening and loosening. This
process also results in a more controlled and tighter fitting
system when the fastening knot inadvertently loosens.
[0117] To fasten around the user's foot, the upper may be provided
with laces, Velcro, book and loop fasteners, or any other
convenient fastening devices. The upper may be mounted to the upper
surface of the sole by any workable method, including sewing the
upper to the sole with thread, bonding with glue or epoxy, directly
injecting, fusing, welding, molding the two pieces together, or any
combination thereof. Most materials typically used to manufacture
dance shoe soles are ideally suited to the present application
Leather, for instance, offers excellent wear ran, flexibility, has
a relatively low coefficient of friction, and places less demands
on the knowledge of current craftsmen.
[0118] Plastics share these same characteristics and can be cast in
almost any shape.
[0119] A process for lacing a shoe having a plurality of lace-holes
in two parallel rows with a 2.times.2.times.1 lace-hole pattern and
with a shoelace 94, in which the path followed by the shoelace that
interweaves, comprises the following steps:
[0120] initial insertion of one lace-end through the top lace-hole
102 in one of the rows of lace-holes, entering the under surface of
the lace-hole and emerging on the upper surface;
[0121] insertion of the other lace-end through the top lace-hole
103 in the other row of lace-holes, entering into the under surface
of the lace-hole and emerging on the upper surface;
[0122] pulling the lace-ends until there is no substantial slack in
the shoelace between the top pair of lace-holes 102, 103 and each
side of the unlaced shoelace 94 is of approximately equal
length;
[0123] sequentially, for each of the remaining pairs of lace-holes:
[0124] inserting the lace-end that emerges on the upper surface of
a lace-hole 102, 103, 106, 107 into the top surface of the next
lower lace-hole 104, 105, 108, 109, on the same side or inserting
the lace-end that emerges on the lower surface of a lace-hole 104,
105, 108, 109 into the lower surface of the next lower lace-hole
106, 107, 110, 111 on the same side, [0125] when both lace-ends
have been passed through the lowest pair of lace-holes 110, 111
desired to be laced, inserting the lace-end that emerges on the
upper surface of a lace-hole 110,111 in between the top surface of
the shoe and the shoelace segment on the opposite side that is the
nearest to the bottom lace-hole 110, 111, and [0126] this process
is repeated until shoelaces have been instead and pulled in a
crisscross pattern through all of the top shoelace segments;
[0127] pulling first on the two lace segments protruding from the
lowest lace-holes 110,111 and then both lace-ends until there is no
substantial slack in the shoelace and then tying both ends of the
lace using a standard bow knot, other knots, or any other means,
just as with the common lacing processes.
[0128] FIG. 26 resents an embodiment of the process of the present
invention with 5 pairs of lace-holes. The lace-hole pattern
comprises any number of lace-holes where a shorter space between
lace-holes precedes a longer space between lace-holes and then
repeats this pattern for any given number of lace-holes until a
single lace-hole remains at the bottom of the lacing area. While
this lacing process will work with any shoe and with the standard
lace-hole configuration, the 2.times.2.times.1 lace-hole pattern
increases this lacing process's efficiency.
[0129] To eliminate uncomfortable tight-spots inherent in the
common lacing processes, the lacing perimeter can be reinforced
using thin plastic supports 96, 98 as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.
These reinforcing strips 96, 98 can be made of any standard rigid
material, such as plastic or metal.
[0130] The shoelaces used in the process of the present invention
can be of the same length and type used with the common lacing
processes, and the tightened shoelaces can be secured by the
standard bow knot, other knots, or any other means, just as with
the common lacing processes. Just as a shoelace made of material
with a lower coefficient of friction can be tightened more easily
with the common lacing processes than a shoelace with higher
friction, different kinds of shoelaces also handle differently in
the same shoe when laced with the process of the present invention.
However, shoes laced by the process of the present invention will
invariably be easier to tighten and loosen than with the same
shoelace laced by other processes.
[0131] FIG. 29 is a side view of a shoe 99 which has the specially
spaced lace holes shown in FIG. 26 and three inserts 100, 101, two
as shown in FIGS. 30 (plan view) and 31 (sectional view) and one as
shown in FIGS. 33 and 34 (in the tongue of shoe 99, as seen in FIG.
32). Inserts 100 and 101 could be made of foam rubber, for
example.
[0132] Shoe 99 is shown in plan view in FIG. 32. Shoe 99 is similar
to the fast shoe 11 of dancer 83, but also incorporates abrasion
and shock absorbing devices 100, 101 in the left side, right side
and tongue portions of the shoe upper to protect the top of the
feet of dancer 83 from the pressure exerted by the weight of dancer
84. These protecting devices 100, 101 can comprise any shock
absorbing material such as Sorbothane.RTM. and can extend as far
forward as the toe region.
[0133] The shape and size of the left and right side devices 101
will change according to shoe size, but on average the size is
expected to be about 2''.times.1 5.times.0.10'' (about 5
cm.times.3.8 cm.times.0.25 cm) with a durometer hardness of 60
shore OO. The shape and size of the tongue device will change
according to shoe size, but on average the size is expected to be
about 2''.times.1''.times.0.10'' (about 5 cm.times.25 cm.times.0.25
cm) with a durometer of 60 shore OO. The shock absorbing material
can be affixed to the external portion of the shoe as a temporary
addition or be built into the shoe's structure. It is usually
covered by a layer of leather or felt, but is not required to be so
covered. These protection devices 100, 101 can also be
incorporated, either temporarily or permanently, into dancer's
clothes such as socks or pant legs.
[0134] While a particular embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, various modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and
all such modifications and equivalents are intended to be
covered.
[0135] Though herein the method of using the shoes of the present
invention is generally described with a second dancer standing on
the foot of a first dancer, also the second dancer could be carried
by the first dancer or could lean against the first dancer, without
contacting the shoe of the first dancer.
[0136] Though herein typically a first dance has shoes with an
angled surface on the back of the heel (see FIG. 1), and a second
dancer has shoes with an angled surface on the front of the heel
(see FIG. 21), one could make a shoe combining the features of both
shoes, such as for example by adding the angled surface of FIG. 1
to the heel of FIG. 21 (thus providing angle surfaces on the front
and back of the heels, which shoes could be used in tap dancing,
for example), to enable a dancer to be the first dancer or the
second dancer, as described herein.
[0137] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard
temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated
otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human
being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.
Parts List
[0138] The following is a list of suitable parts and materials for
the various elements of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Parts No. Description
[0139] 10 lift spin dancing apparatus [0140] 11 first so [0141] 12
second shoe [0142] 13 second shoe alternate [0143] 15 laces [0144]
16 sole [0145] 17 heel [0146] 18 heel bottom surface [0147] 19
inclined surface [0148] 20 angle [0149] 21 reference line [0150] 22
floor [0151] 23 reference line [0152] 24 rear seam [0153] 25 heel
[0154] 26 heel bottom surface [0155] 27 inclined surface [0156] 28
heel [0157] 29 heel bottom surface [0158] 30 inclined surface
[0159] 31 disk projecting portion [0160] 32 shaped body [0161] 33
central opening [0162] 34 fastener [0163] 35 spherical projecting
portion [0164] 36 hemispherical opening [0165] 37 cylindrical
socket [0166] 38 rotary bearing [0167] 39 central opening [0168] 40
inner ring [0169] 41 outer ring 20 [0170] 42 hull bearing [0171] 43
projecting portion [0172] 44 shaft [0173] 45 disk [0174] 46 heel
[0175] 47 forward hell section [0176] 48 rear heel section [0177]
49 bottom surface [0178] 50 inclined surface [0179] 51 socket
[0180] 52 peg [0181] 53 slot [0182] 54 rail [0183] 55 heel [0184]
56 heel bottom surface [0185] 57 insert [0186] 58 inclined surface
[0187] 59 peg [0188] 60 socket [0189] 61 curved surface [0190] 62
curved surface [0191] 63 heel [0192] 64 compressible material
[0193] 65 heel [0194] 66 upper [0195] 67 laces [0196] 68 sole
[0197] 69 heel [0198] 70 heel bottom surface [0199] 71 inclined
surface [0200] 72 cushion [0201] 73 concavity [0202] 74 upper
[0203] 75 sole [0204] 76 high heel [0205] 77 heel bottom surface
[0206] 78 inclined surface [0207] 79 cushion [0208] 80 removable
lower [0209] 81 fastener [0210] 82 concavity [0211] 83 first dancer
[0212] 84 second dancer [0213] 85 arrow [0214] 86 arrow [0215] 87
floor [0216] 88 forefoot [0217] 89 forefoot [0218] 91 insert [0219]
92 insert [0220] 94 shoe sting [0221] 95 knot of shoe string 94
[0222] 96 reinforcing insert (made of plastic, metal, etc) [0223]
97 opening in inert 96 [0224] 98 reinforcing insert (made of
plastic, metal, etc.) [0225] 99 shoe [0226] 100 insert [0227] 101
insert [0228] 102 shoelace hole [0229] 103 shoelace hole [0230] 104
shoe lace hole [0231] 105 shoe lace hole [0232] 106 shoe lace hole
[0233] 107 shoe lace hole [0234] 108 shoe lace hole [0235] 109 shoe
lace hole [0236] 110 shoe lace hole [0237] 111 shoe lace hole
[0238] The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example
only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by
the following claims.
* * * * *