U.S. patent application number 11/422263 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for dance footwear.
This patent application is currently assigned to POINTE NOIR PTY LTD.. Invention is credited to Felicia Leoncelli, David Wilkenfeld.
Application Number | 20060288609 11/422263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37565601 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060288609 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkenfeld; David ; et
al. |
December 28, 2006 |
DANCE FOOTWEAR
Abstract
A covering for a foot comprising a flexible body portion
configured to conform to and cup the foot of a wearer along two or
more of a front side zone, lateral side zone and medial side zone
of a foot, the cover including a distal securer comprising a
plurality of toe openings, each for encircling one or more toes,
the covering configured to provide an opening exposing a
substantial portion of the top of a wearer's forefoot. In some
embodiments the side zones may comprise specific materials to
provide desired functionality. For example, a side zone may be
formed of a mesh or elastic material to provide a more secure or
more comfortable fit, or better ventilation, for example.
Inventors: |
Wilkenfeld; David; (Sydney,
New South Wales, AU) ; Leoncelli; Felicia; (Sydney,
New South Wales, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GANZ LAW, P.C.
P O BOX 2200
HILLSBORO
OR
97123
US
|
Assignee: |
POINTE NOIR PTY LTD.
Jones Bay Wharf, Pirrama Road Suite 2, Wharf 19-21
Pyrmont
AU
|
Family ID: |
37565601 |
Appl. No.: |
11/422263 |
Filed: |
June 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11175599 |
Jul 5, 2005 |
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11422263 |
Jun 5, 2006 |
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29233219 |
Jun 28, 2005 |
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11422263 |
Jun 5, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
36/8.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/12 20130101; A43B
13/16 20130101; A43B 3/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
036/008.3 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/12 20060101
A43B005/12 |
Claims
1. A covering for compliably conforming to a foot of a wearer,
comprising a body portion that has a ground engaging side and foot
engaging side and configured to underlie a forefoot of a wearer,
the body portion having a three-dimensional configuration
comprising at least one distinct lateral or medial side zone
configured for a side portion of a foot, the lateral or medial side
zone having a material construction different from an adjacent zone
of material above or below the lateral or medial side zone; the
body portion configured to fit substantially between about the
metatarsal heads of a wearer's forefoot and a midfoot; and the
covering including a distal securer comprising a plurality of toe
openings.
2. The covering of claim 1 further comprising a proximal securer
oriented transversely to the foot of a wearer.
3. The covering of claim 1 wherein the covering has an opening for
exposing the top of a wearer's, the opening being defined at least
in part by one or more elastic top edges on lateral and medial side
extensions of the body portion.
4. The covering of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the body portion
consists substantially of a single ply ofcompliable material
providing outsole functionality.
5. The covering of claim 3 wherein the covering has a three
dimensional configuration for cupping the foot of a wearer at a
front side portion of a foot.
6. The covering of claim 5 wherein there is an opening for each toe
of a wearer.
7. The covering of claim 1 wherein toe opening has bottom and side
boundaries formed or cut into the body portion of the covering and
wherein the top boundaries are defined by an elastic element.
8. The covering of claim 1 wherein the lateral or medial zone
comprises an elastic material construction.
9. The covering of claim 1 wherein the lateral or medial zone
comprises a mesh material.
10. A thin, compliant covering for a wearer's foot that is
substantially free of bulky materials; the covering having a body
portion with a ground engaging side and a foot engaging side; the
covering having a distal securer that is adapted to follow a path
over the top of a wearer's foot defined by about at least three
metatarsal heads; a proximal securer that is adapted to follow a
path over the top of a foot along a line generally perpendicular to
the long axis of the foot and disposed between about the metatarsal
heads and the midfoot of a wearer's foot; and the covering leaving
a majority of the top of the forefoot between the distal and
proximal securer visibly exposed, the body portion having distinct
lateral or medial side zone configured for a side portion of a foot
and having a material construction different from an adjacent zone
of material above or below the lateral or medial side zone.
11. The covering of claim 10 wherein the lateral or medial side
zone extends from a bottom zone made of a wear-resistant material
for engaging the ground, the lateral or medial side zone configured
to extend along a side portion of wearer's forefoot.
12. The covering of claim 10 wherein the lateral or medial side
zone comprises a mesh material.
13. The covering of claim 10 wherein the lateral or medial side
zone comprises an elastic material.
14. The covering of claim 11 wherein the bottom zone comprises
natural or synthetic leather.
15. The covering of claim 11 wherein the bottom zone consists
substantially of a single ply of leather or synthetic material.
16. The covering of claim 11 wherein the body portion has a three
dimensional configuration for cupping the foot of a wearer along a
side portion of the front of a foot.
17. The covering of claim of 10 wherein there is an opening for
each toe of a wearer.
18. The covering of claim 10 wherein a lateral or medial side zone
tapers in a proximal to distal direction.
19. A covering for a foot comprising a flexible body portion
configured to conform to and cup the foot of a wearer along two or
more of a front side zone, lateral side zone and medial side zone
of a foot, the cover including a distal securer comprising a
plurality of toe openings, each for encircling one or more toes,
the covering configured to provide an opening exposing a
substantial portion of the top of a wearer's forefoot.
20. A method of manufacturing a covering for a foot comprising:
configuring a body portion to conform to and cup the foot of a
wearer along two or more of a front side zone, lateral side zone
and medial side zone of a foot, and configuring the body portion
with a distal securer comprising a plurality of toe openings, each
for encircling one or more toes, and configuring the covering to
have an opening exposing a substantial portion of the top of a
wearer's forefoot.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and is a
Continuation-In-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/175,599, filed Jul. 5,
2005, which claims the benefit of and priority to co-pending U.S.
Design Application No. 29/233,219, entitled DANCE FOOTWEAR, filed
on Jun. 28, 2005 (Attorney Docket No. BCH-2.006.DES.US) the entire
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if set
forth in their entirety, for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The inventive subject matter disclosed herein relates to an
item of protective footwear particularly suited for ballet and
modem dance, generally.
[0003] It has been suggested that dancing is the oldest of the art
forms. Certainly, it has been found in every culture and on every
continent in the world since time immemorial. In all instances, the
elements of rhythm, symmetry, repetition, exaggeration and grace
exhibit themselves in a visual spectacle that enlists attention and
instills a feeling of well-being, both in participants and the
audience. While, in the simplest forms of dance, these elements of
rhythm, symmetry, repetition, exaggeration and grace all are
incorporated in movement of the hands and feet, the torso also
tends to follow movement and to participate in the exercise. In
more developed forms of dance, such as the minuet, square dance and
dances of the Middle Ages generally, the torso is an active
participant in the dance, with its movement controlled in
orientation and position to complement the movement of the hands
and feet. In all of these forms of dance, however, dance movements
tend to be made with relatively natural and ordinary energy
expenditure, and tend to be derived from everyday, un-stressed
movements.
[0004] However, with the development of dance, and desire for a
greater range of artistic expression, dancers have catapulted from
the ordinary everyday movements to movements at the edge of human
endurance and athletic ability. Perhaps one of the more refined
forms of dance first to employ such movements was ballet.
[0005] In ballet, movements include dance steps inspired by
running, jumping, leaping and physical interaction between two or
more individuals. The end result is a remarkably punishing regimen
of movement being associated with virtually any ballet performance.
Not surprisingly, this punishing regimen, as well as the pursuit of
perfection in ballet, correlates with a high incidence of strain
and injury among dancers. Indeed, the problem is so serious that
few dancers are able to practice their profession into middle
age.
[0006] At the same time, the attempt in ballet to achieve extremes
in movement has spawned the development of footwear adapted to
enable such movements, including, as examples, the relatively
unnatural movements walking, rotating and even landing a jump on
toe tips. Such footwear, in addition to enabling such extreme
movements, also has the salutary effect of protecting the dancer,
e.g., by spreading the forces associated with such landing, walking
or rotating, from the toes to a wider area of the outside surface
of the foot, thus reducing the incidence of injury and strain.
However, such footwear may also have the effect of reducing control
under certain circumstances.
[0007] Traditional ballet slippers provide a visually stimulating
display, given their typical satiny silk charmeuse finish. However,
in many forms of dance, visibility of the footwear is regarded with
disfavor. In fact, in modern dance a barefoot-look is preferred, or
even required for many pieces.
[0008] Given that modern dance builds upon ballet and thus takes
from ballet dramatic movements at the edge of human endurance and
athletic ability, any such dancing without protective footwear
tends to significantly detriment the dancer. Nevertheless, with the
barefoot-look in ascendance, modern dancers tend to forego
protective footwear, subjecting their feet to the punishment of
unprotected impacts, pulls, twists, abrasions and the like. The
result is sore, inflamed skin or worse, e.g., cracked and even
bleeding soles.
[0009] The foregoing problems have been previously addressed by
footwear of U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,888 (the "'888 patent"), which is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. FIGS. 1, 3 and 5
of this document show footwear 1 according to the '888 patent. As
shown, that footwear has a number of interconnected straps for
securing the footwear to a foot. The arrangement of the straps
results in asymmetrically shaped openings, while the straps follow
divergent paths over the forefoot.
[0010] Footwear in accordance with the '888 patent has resulted in
significant improvement to the art. Even so, solutions to the
problems set forth above may be otherwise provided.
SUMMARY
[0011] Provided in this document is footwear directed to solve the
problems set forth above.
[0012] The footwear of this document preferably attaches securely
and comfortably to a dancer's feet. As such, the footwear tends to
have to constrain movement of the footwear relative to the foot and
otherwise protect the dancer. Moreover, the footwear tends to
enhance the dancer's performance of the dance.
[0013] The footwear of this document preferably has minimal
negative visual impact. As such, the footwear tends to have
enhanced visual effect (i.e., toward achieving one ideal of the
dancing aesthetic associated with footwear) and to constrain
movement of the footwear relative to the foot.
[0014] The footwear provided in this document preferably both
provides a stable platform for the dancer and withstands the forces
generated by the dance.
[0015] As an example embodiment, footwear provided in this document
includes: a foot covering for compliably conforming to a foot of a
wearer, the covering including a body portion that has a ground
engaging side and foot engaging side; the ground engaging side
having a distal-end boundary and a proximal-end boundary, the
proximal-end boundary is adapted to be disposed substantially
between about the metatarsal heads of a wearer's forefoot and a
midfoot; and the covering including a distal securer comprising a
plurality of toe openings, each adapted to receive and encircle a
single toe of a wearer.
[0016] Another example embodiment includes: a thin, compliant
covering for a wearer's foot that is substantially free of bulky
materials; the covering having a body portion with a ground
engaging side and a foot engaging side; the covering having a
distal securer that is adapted to follow a path over the top of a
wearer's foot defined by about at least three metatarsal heads; a
proximal securer that is adapted to follow a path over the top of a
foot along a line generally perpendicular to the long axis of the
foot and disposed between about the metatarsal heads and the
midfoot of a wearer's foot; and the covering leaving at a majority
of the top of the forefoot between the distal and proximal securer
visibly exposed.
[0017] Another example embodiment includes: a thin, compliant
covering for a wearer's foot that is substantially free of bulky
materials; the covering having a body portion with a ground
engaging side and a foot engaging side; the covering having a
distal securer that is adapted to follow a path, defined by about
at least three metatarsal heads, from the body portion and over the
top of a wearer's foot; a proximal securer that is adapted to
follow a path from the body portion and around the heel of a
wearer; and the covering leaving at a majority of the top of the
forefoot between the distal and proximal securer visibly
exposed.
[0018] Another example embodiment includes: a covering having a
body portion adapted to cup the foot of a wearer along a front
portion and at least one side portion of a foot, the distal securer
and the proximal securer are arranged on the body portion so as to
leave the rearfoot entirely uncovered and the top of the foot
uncovered, referencing proximally from the thin path of the distal
securer that follows generally the metatarsal heads, or
substantially uncovered if the thin path is included.
[0019] Another example embodiment includes: a covering having a
body portion adapted to cup the foot of a wearer along a front
portion and at least one side portion of a foot, the distal securer
and the proximal securer are arranged on the body portion so as to
leave the top of the foot uncovered (referencing proximally from
the thin path of the distal securer that follows generally the
metatarsal heads) and the rear foot uncovered (except for the thin
path of the proximal securer).
[0020] Another example embodiment includes: a covering for
compliably conforming to a foot of a wearer, the covering having a
body portion that has a ground engaging side and foot engaging side
and configured to underlie a forefoot of a wearer, the body portion
having a three-dimensional configuration comprising at least one
distinct lateral or medial side zone configured for a side portion
of a foot, the lateral or medial side zone having a material
construction different from an adjacent zone of material above or
below the lateral or medial side zone; the body portion configured
to fit substantially between about the metatarsal heads of a
wearer's forefoot and a midfoot; and the covering including a
distal securer comprising a plurality of toe openings.
[0021] Another example embodiment includes a thin, compliant
covering for a wearer's foot that is substantially free of bulky
materials; the covering having a body portion with a ground
engaging side and a foot engaging side; the covering having a
distal securer that is adapted to follow a path over the top of a
wearer's foot defined by about at least three metatarsal heads; a
proximal securer that is adapted to follow a path over the top of a
foot along a line generally perpendicular to the long axis of the
foot and disposed between about the metatarsal heads and the
midfoot of a wearer's foot; and the covering leaving a majority of
the top of the forefoot between the distal and proximal securer
visibly exposed, the body portion having distinct lateral or medial
side zone configured for a side portion of a foot and having a
material construction different from an adjacent zone of material
above or below the lateral or medial side zone.
[0022] Another example embodiment includes: a covering for a foot
comprising a flexible body portion configured to conform to and cup
the foot of a wearer along two or more of a front side zone,
lateral side zone and medial side zone of a foot, the cover
including a distal securer comprising a plurality of toe openings,
each for encircling one or more toes, the covering configured to
provide an opening exposing a substantial portion of the top of a
wearer's forefoot.
[0023] In one or more of the foregoing example embodiments, the
covering may further include a proximal securer oriented
transversely to the foot of a wearer. The covering may have a
proximal securer that defines an elastic opening for receiving a
top foot of a wearer. The covering may consist substantially of a
single ply of compliable material. The covering may have a three
dimensional configuration for cupping the foot of a wearer at a
front portion of the foot and at at least one side portion. The
covering may have toe openings that elastically receive the toes of
a wearer. There covering may have an opening for each toe of a
wearer. The covering may have an elastic element forms the top
boundary for one or more toe openings. The covering may have toe
opening with bottom and side boundaries formed or cut into the body
portion of the covering and wherein the top boundaries are defined
by an elastic element. The covering may include a lateral side-foot
extension and/or a medial side-foot extension. One or both side
extensions may slope downwardly in a proximal to distal direction.
The covering may a grip zone on the foot engaging side of the body
portion that provides enhanced engagement of the foot to the
covering relative to adjacent areas of foot contacting side of the
body portion. The covering may have a body portion comprising a
relatively inelastic material and at least one elastic securer. The
covering may have a securer that has an opening that extends from
the body portion and is adapted to elastically encircle the bottom
of a wearer's rearfoot and heel. The covering may have an elastic
strap that has opposite, first and second ends secured to body
portion, the first end is attached at a medial side of the body
portion and is adapted to cross over a lateral side of a foot, and
the second end is attached at a lateral side of the body portion
and is adapted to cross over a medial side of a wearer's foot. The
covering may have a proximal and distal securer that are arranged
on the body portion so as to leave the rearfoot entirely uncovered
or substantially uncovered (if the thin path of the proximal
securer is included) and the top of the foot uncovered, referencing
proximally from the thin path of the distal securer that follows
generally the metatarsal heads, or substantially uncovered if that
path is included.
[0024] The disclosures herein also contemplate manufacturing of
footwear in accordance with the disclosures, including by
assembling parts in order to achieve the articles disclosed.
[0025] The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of
embodiments and features of the inventive subject matter disclosed
herein. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating
other embodiments and features from the following detailed
description in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is front perspective view at the medial side of an
article of footwear according to the prior art.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view at the medial side of an
example embodiment of an article of footwear according to the
inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0028] FIG. 3 is the prior art footwear of FIG. 1 on a wearer's
foot.
[0029] FIG. 4 is the footwear of FIG. 2 on a wearer's foot.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view at the lateral side of
the prior art footwear of FIG. 1 on a wearer's foot.
[0031] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view at the lateral side of
the footwear of FIG. 2 on a wearer's foot.
[0032] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the footwear of FIG. 2 at
the medial side.
[0033] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the footwear of FIG. 2 at
the lateral side.
[0034] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the footwear of FIG.
2.
[0035] FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the footwear of FIG.
2.
[0036] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the footwear of FIG. 2.
[0037] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 2.
[0038] FIG. 13 is a front view of another example embodiment of
footwear on a wearer's foot.
[0039] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on a
wearer's foot.
[0040] FIG. 15 is a medial side view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on
a wearer's foot.
[0041] FIG. 16 is a lateral side view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on
a wearer's foot.
[0042] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on a
wearer's foot.
[0043] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on a
wearer's foot.
[0044] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view at the medial side of
another example embodiment of an article of footwear according to
the inventive concepts disclosed herein.
[0045] FIG. 20 is the footwear of FIG. 19 on a wearer's foot.
[0046] FIG. 21 is a front perspective view at the lateral side of
the footwear of FIG. 19 on a wearer's foot.
[0047] FIG. 22 is an elevational view of the footwear of FIG. 19 at
the medial side.
[0048] FIG. 23 is an elevational view of the footwear of FIG. 19 at
the lateral side.
[0049] FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the footwear of FIG.
19.
[0050] FIG. 25 is a rear elevational view of the footwear of FIG.
19.
[0051] FIG. 26 is a plan view of the footwear of FIG. 27.
[0052] FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 19.
[0053] (All figures show an article of footwear intended for a left
foot.)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] In FIGS. 2, 4, 6-27 (hereinafter the "FIGs."), the same or
similar features share common reference numerals. The FIGs. show
example embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may be
provided within the scope of the claims, such as by, e.g., varying
one or more of the features set out in the example embodiments. To
illustrate, such variations may be directed to one or more
dimensions and/or positions of one or more straps or to other body
contours, shapes and dimensions.
[0055] In footwear generally, foot anatomy is relevant. The
forefoot is composed of five toes and their connecting long bones
(metatarsals). Each toe (phalanx) is made up of small bones
(phalanges). The big toe (hallux) has two phalanges, two joints
(interphalangeal joints), and two tiny, round sesamoid bones that
enable it to move up and down. The other four toes each have three
bones and two joints. The phalanges are connected to the
metatarsals by five metatarsal phalangeal joints at the ball of the
foot. The forefoot normally bears half the body's weight and
balances pressure on the ball of the foot.
[0056] The midfoot has five irregularly shaped tarsal bones, forms
the foot's arch. The rearfoot is composed of three joints and links
the midfoot to the ankle (talus). The top of the talus is connected
to the two long bones of the lower leg (tibia and fibula), forming
a hinge that allows the foot to move up and down. The heel bone
(calcaneus) is the largest bone in the foot. It joins the talus to
form the subtalar joint, which enables the foot to rotate at the
ankle.
[0057] The FIGs. show example embodiments of footwear intended
primarily for a dancer. This footwear may be implemented to achieve
one or more of various purposes, including, as examples, to protect
a dancer's foot, to promote visibility of the foot, to securely
attach to the foot, to comfortably fit, and/or to facilitate dance
movements.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 6-12, covering 10 includes body
portion 11 for engaging a predetermined area of at least a wearer's
bottom forefoot. The body portion 11 typically is a thin,
preferably compliant and durable material. Typically, the body
portion 11 would be free of bulky midsole materials, such as EVA,
and significant outsole materials, such as rubber, and other
materials, such as stiff boards or shanks, common to other types of
shoes. However, in some applications, it might be desirable to
incorporate limited amounts or areas of such materials in strategic
areas to provide selected performance (durability and/or
cushioning, for example), as persons in the art will appreciate.
The body portion 11 has a ground facing or contacting side 12 and
foot facing or contacting side 14.
[0059] In this example embodiment, covering 10 extends from a
distal end boundary 16 of a forefoot to a proximal end boundary 18
of a forefoot. The distal end boundary 16 may run along a linear or
curvilinear line. The distal end boundary 16 may be generally
defined as the somewhat curved line defined by the metatarsal
heads. The proximal end boundary 18 may be linear or curvilinear
and runs exclusively or substantially within a forefoot and/or
midfoot portion. It preferably is at least proximal the ball of the
foot and transverse to the long axis of the foot. As shown in the
referenced FIGs., the proximal end boundary 18 extends across the
medial to lateral span of the forefoot. More generally, though, the
boundary is located between the heads of the metatarsals and the
midfoot. Preferably, the location is selected to protect
substantially or at least those regions of the forefoot where
substantial foot-ground contact occurs during dance.
[0060] The covering 10 may have a three-dimensional shape that
conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the bottom, for example,
at the front and/or one or both sides, of the foot. This shaping
tends to cup the foot and, thereby, improve one or more of fit,
comfort and/or protectiveness. The cupping can be variously
obtained; for example, it can be obtained by patterning a piece of
material (such as a sheet of leather) so that it conforms to a
foot.
[0061] In the example embodiment shown, the covering 10 includes
one or more extensions. An extension is a continuation of body
portion 11 of covering 10 up the side of the foot. An extension may
help secure the covering to the foot by creating a wrap or cupping.
An extension may also help protect areas of the foot that may be
subject to foot drag or push-off forces during dance.
[0062] The extensions may be variously implemented. As examples,
the extensions may be a continuation of the composition of body
portion 11 or they may be affixed as separate pieces to form a
single operational unit. (This principle generally applies to any
distinct regions or zones of the covering 10.) As shown in the
FIGs., in the example embodiment, covering 10 includes medial
side-foot extension 20, lateral side-foot extension 22, or both.
The height of the extension 20 or 22 tapers downwardly, moving
distally to proximally. This helps achieve the objective of foot
visibility while at the same time providing for better attachment
of the covering to the foot and protection in some basic areas.
[0063] In addition to the side-foot extensions, the body portion
may include a cup 24. As shown in the FIGs., the example embodiment
implements a cup 24 disposed at or adjacent the distal end boundary
16. Preferably, cup 24 is disposed around the padded area of the
front-side of a foot at about the joint of the phalanges and
metatarsal heads. Preferably, cup 24 is shaped and disposed to
enhance conformance to the anatomy, so as to promote fit and secure
attachment. It is understood that cup 24 may be omitted, or
otherwise implemented. The specific configuration and area of the
foot covered by body portion 11 can be varied by persons skilled in
the art, in view of this specification, so as to cover desired
forefoot zones proximally to distally or laterally to medially.
Moreover, the body portion 11, alone or in combination with other
features described herein, may extend into areas of the midfoot and
rearfoot. For example, the body portion 11 could correspond to just
the medial side of the ball of the foot, which is the contact point
for certain dance movements. Other variations could be based on
covering other contact points on the underside or sides of a foot,
or on better securing of the covering 10 to the foot in view of
contemplated forces or uses. In view of the foregoing, the end
boundaries 16 and 18 are not limited to the distal and proximal
positions or the medial-lateral routings shown; they may be linear,
complex curves, or set to follow any desired path, and to be more
or less spaced apart.
[0064] The covering 10 may be made of natural or synthetic
materials, as is known in the art. Selection of materials generally
will respond to various performance factors. As examples, materials
may be selected so that the covering 10 satisfies one or more of
the following: sufficiently compliant to conform or substantially
conform to the anatomy of a wearer's foot (e.g., to enhance
protection of the dancer); sufficiently durable so as to withstand
use for intended uses, e.g., specific types of dances or dance
movements; and/or sufficiently or substantially comfortable to the
dancer during the dance.
[0065] The body portion 11 may be formed of a single ply or
multiple plies or laminates, or of separate adjacent pieces, or
combinations of laminates or adjacent pieces, formed into a single
operational unit, using one or more materials or types of
materials. For example, the ground contacting side 12 could be made
of a more durable material, while the foot contacting side 14 could
be made of a more comfortable material.
[0066] There may be different areas or zones where specific
materials are incorporated. For example, the ball of the foot or
side foot extension might require more or less traction, depending
on use. Leather would facilitate spin moves, while a rubber layer
in predetermined areas could provide traction.
[0067] The covering 10 is secured to the foot by a securer. The
securer may be variously implemented, e.g., in operation, number,
location and/or shape. The securer, alone or in combination with
one or more other elements of covering 10 (e.g., body portion 11),
typically traverse the circumference of the foot. As shown in the
referenced FIGs, the covering is provided with a distal securer 26
and proximal securer 36. Securer 26 traverses the foot in
combination with the body portion 11. Securer 36 traverses the foot
alone. Securers 26, 36 operate via elastic properties, so as to
tension the covering 10 relative to the foot. Other embodiments may
be provided wherein the securer operates otherwise, including by
omitting elastic (e.g., by using adhesive) and/or do not traverse
the entire circumference of the foot (e.g., by gripping only the
sides of the foot, but not the top or at least the entire top, or
by employing an open cage-like structure which encloses the sides
of the foot and hooks over a portion of the top of the foot, or
otherwise, or by some combination).
[0068] When seeking to achieve a barefoot look, a securer may be
sought that, when implemented, minimizes the area of coverage of
covering 10, e.g., over the top of the forefoot and, thereby,
expose an enhanced amount of surface area of the foot,
unobstructed/uninterrupted by straps or other of the covering's
features. In the example embodiment shown in the referenced FIGs,
negative visual impact is minimized by aligning securers 26, 36 at
opposing distal and proximal edges of the covering 10. Moreover,
minimized coverage of the surface area over the foot can be
achieved by orienting the distal and proximal securer generally
perpendicularly to the long axis of the foot. Consequently, the
example embodiment of the referenced FIGs has a clean, more
symmetrical (generally rectangular) appearance, with a large area
of the top of the foot exposed without, or with minimal,
obstruction or interruption. Notably coverage is absent or
minimized over much of the midfoot and rearfoot.
[0069] In the embodiment shown, the distal securer 26 is formed of
a plurality of toe openings for receiving one or more toes of a
wearer for securing the covering 10 to the foot. The toe openings
tend to generally follow the contour of the distal end boundary 16
(e.g., straight or substantially straight lines, smoothly curved, a
curve comprising line segments), and may be considered to be
generally correlative in disposition (e.g., substantially parallel
lines or substantially equally displaced curves) to proximal
securer 36, in that a generally rectangular area of the top
forefoot is left exposed when the footwear is worn (see FIG. 4, for
example). The exposed area is not limited to rectangular areas, but
could also be ovoid or other open areas having symmetry that result
in enhanced foot visibility or improved aesthetics.
[0070] In the example embodiment shown in the referenced FIGs., the
covering 10 includes toe openings 26a-e, with one opening
corresponding to one of each toe of the wearer. The toe openings
26a-e may be cut or otherwise formed in the covering 10.
Alternatively, they may be stitched or otherwise attached to the
body portion 11 of the covering 10. For example, each toe opening
26a-e could be provided by one or more elastic elements 27 stitched
to body portion 11, with the stitched areas spaced at intervals
corresponding to desired toe widths and position. Similarly, a
single strap could span the width of covering 10 and have end
points and mid-points stitched down to form the toe openings
26a-e.
[0071] In the example embodiment, each toe opening 26a-e has bottom
boundaries 28a-e, side boundaries 30a-j and top boundaries 32a-e,
which define the openings. Preferably, one or more of the toe
openings 26a-e substantially or fully encircle each toe.
Preferably, one or more of the toe openings 26a-e provide a snug
and secure fit around toe(s) of the wearer. Preferably, the one or
more of the toe openings 26a-e provide an elastic fit around toe(s)
of the wearer. To do so, one or more of bottom, side, and top
boundaries of one or more toe openings 26a-e may be formed of, or
incorporate, elastic material. In the example embodiment shown, the
covering 10 may be a single ply of leather having pre-formed or cut
therein bottom boundaries 28a-e and side boundaries 30a-j. The
example embodiment may have top boundaries 32a-e formed by a single
elastic element 27, such as a strap, spanning across the u-shaped
openings defined by the bottom and side boundaries. The strap may
be stitched to the top of each piece forming the side boundaries.
Optionally, elastic element 27 may continue below the bottom
boundaries so a top edge of the strap is aligned at about the edge
formed by the bottom boundaries, thereby encircling the foot. This
optional continuation helps strengthen the toe openings 26a-e and
prevent tearing of the body portion 11 adjacent the toes. The use
of one or more elastic elements may also provide an elastic
engagement of the covering 10 around the entire foot for better fit
and attachment.
[0072] The toe openings 26a-e preferably work in conjunction with
proximal securer 36 to achieve desired visual effect, fit and foot
attachment. In the example embodiment shown, proximal securer 36 is
in the nature of a fastener that extends laterally and/or medially
from a proximal section of body portion 11. The fastener may be a
band, strap, string, elongate mechanism or any other element that
can be fitted over the top of the foot so that it creates an
opening that receives and engages the foot, thereby tensioning the
body portion 11 to the foot. As examples, the fastener may fit
around the foot by tying fastener ends together, or by buckling, or
by using hook and loop straps (e.g., Velcro), or by other coupling,
or combinations of any of these. Preferably, the proximal securer
36 is or incorporates elastic.
[0073] Although each toe opening 26a-e is shown in the referenced
FIGs as receiving a single toe, one or more openings could also be
sized and located too receive two or more toes.
[0074] In the example embodiment shown in the referenced FIGs,
proximal securer 36 preferably defines an elastic opening for
receiving and fitting around the top of a foot. Proximal securer 36
may be stitched along the bottom or foot-contact side of body
portion 11 along a margin of the body portion defined by proximal
end boundary 18 and a distal line thereto. Proximal securer 36 may
have its proximal edge entirely within the bounds of the covering
10 or it may extend some distance proximally therefrom, as is the
case for the example embodiment shown, as indicated by stitching 38
in FIG. 2. In the example embodiment shown, proximal securer 36
encircles a proximal portion of the forefoot and ends 37a-b come
together (FIG. 8).
[0075] In addition to fitting over the top of the foot, proximal
securer 36 may be configured alternatively to fit around the heel
or ankle, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,018,888, which has been
incorporated by reference. The use of an elastic fastener with
sufficient stretchability can give the wearer the option of wearing
the fastener over the top of the forefoot or around the heel or
ankle.
[0076] As an optional feature of the covering, a grip zone 40
(defined by dashed lines in some FIGs) may be provided to enhance
the engagement of the covering 10 to the foot and help prevent
movement between the covering and foot. The zone 40 preferably
includes a material providing enhanced (e.g., frictional)
engagement than surrounding or neighboring areas. The zone 40
preferably occupies a selected area or areas on foot contacting
side 14 of the covering. In the embodiment shown, the zone 40 is
disposed across the foot-contacting portion of proximal securer 36.
One possible material with which to implement zone 40 is a silicone
compound applied to the desired surface. The silicone can be
applied in a continuous fashion or in discrete areas, such as dots,
strips, etc. that generally populate the zone.
[0077] FIGS. 13-18 show another example embodiment of a covering
110 according to the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
This example embodiment is generally similar to the example
embodiment of FIGS. 2, 4, 6-12. (The portion of reference numbers
after the one-hundred place represent features that correspond to
the same or similar features associated with the same numbers used
above with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, 6-12.) This example embodiment
shows a routing of a proximal securer 136 that goes around a heel
of a wearer. The toe openings 126a-c in this embodiment are shown
to receive in a single toe or multiple toes. The toe openings
126a-c and proximal securer 136 may also be configured as described
for other embodiments.
[0078] FIG. 17 shows that the proximal securer 136 provides an
opening that encircles a wearer's heel, while covering a portion of
the bottom of the foot. Preferably, the proximal securer 136 has an
elastic construction for snugly and securely engaging a foot. The
encircling may be formed by, for example, an elastic strap that has
opposite ends 136a-b secured to a proximal boundary portion of body
portion 111. The first end 136a is attached at a medial side
towards a midline of the boundary portion and crosses over a
lateral side of a foot. A second end 136b is attached at a lateral
side towards the midline of the boundary portion and crosses over a
medial side of a wearer's foot. Accordingly, as can be seen, the
arrangement of the distal securer and proximal securer on the body
portion 111 leaves (a) the top of the foot entirely or
substantially uncovered (depending on whether the path of the
distal securer is considered) and (b) the rear foot substantially
uncovered (only the path of the proximal securer is covering and,
then, substantially only around a portion of the heel and some
portions of the sides of the rearfoot).
[0079] FIGS. 19-27 show yet another embodiment of a foot covering
210 within the scope of the present inventive concepts. This
embodiment is similar to other embodiments shown. However, this
embodiment includes a body portion 211 that is divided into two or
more zones of different material constructions. Each zone provides
specific functionality. For example, a bottom zone that underlies
at least the bottom of a wearer's foot provides outsole
functionality, as understood in the art, namely wear resistance,
durability, protectiveness, and/or traction. A more vertically
extending zone for the side or top of a wearer's foot may provide
one or more of ventilation or breathability, elasticity for fit,
transparency, comfort, wicking, or other design feature for dance
aesthetics. Further, any general zone of the covering may provide
subzones with different functions. For example, a zone comprising
the bottom side of the covering could provide a spin spot that
facilitates certain dance movements, while the remainder of the
bottom side provides normal traction.
[0080] Different zones may be formed of the same materials or
combinations of materials but with different material or mechanical
properties. For example, one zone could be substantially thicker
than another to create zones of varying flexibility or elasticity.
Or the same materials could be constructed differently, for
example, one zone having perforations to impart relative
flexibility, elasticity or ventilation. Accordingly, a zone of the
body portion that has different mechanical and/or physical
properties from another zone may are referred to herein as having
"different material constructions". Also when zones of such
materials are referred to as being "adjacent" to one another,
"adjacent" means that there is a linear arrangement of the zones,
as opposed to a laminate type arrangement of materals. (However,
this is not to say that there cannot be some overlap of zones at
boundaries of the zones.).
[0081] Looking specifically at the embodiment 210 of FIGS. 19-27,
body portion 211 includes a distinct medial zone 220 and a distinct
lateral zone 222 that correspond to a side portion of a wearer's
foot. As shown, these zones extend at least approximately half-way
to fully up a side portion of a wearer's forefoot. They also extend
along a substantial length of the forefoot. Accordingly, it should
be understood, that a lateral or medial side zone means an area of
coverage over the side of a foot that is more substantial than the
incidental and insubstantial coverage by a strap of the prior art
embodiment of FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, for example.
[0082] The zones 220, 222 shown in the FIGs. are adjacent and
extending vertically from a bottom (ground contacting) zone 212 of
the body 211. They are joined below a top edge of material, such as
an elastic band 246, 256 (as described above for the top boundaries
32 of a distal securer 26), and in front of a front edge of a
proximal securer 236 (as described above for proximal securer 36).
Zone 220 and zone 222 have material constructions that are
different from the adjacent zones or materials.
[0083] In the embodiment shown, the proximal securer 236, distal
securer 226 and top edges 246, 256 along the sides of the body
portions define a central opening 266 that exposes the top of the
foot, and preferably all these opening defining portions have
elasticity to provide a secure fit of the covering to a foot. The
fit is enhanced by the cupping of the three-dimensional covering to
the foot under the elastic tension. In contrast, prior art
coverings do not have a three-dimensional or contoured anatomical
fit with a tensioned opening.
[0084] As can be seen, the bottom zone 212D, which typically would
be formed of a protective ply of natural or synthetic leather, may
also extend part way to fully up the side of the foot (212A, B, C).
The extensions are indicated as medial extension 212A and lateral
extension 212B. These extensions are shown to slope upwardly going
from the proximal to distal end of the forefoot. The extensions
merge into an adjacent, vertically extending lateral or medial zone
220 or 222. A consideration in having the bottom side zone 212D
extend upwardly to zones 212A, B, or C is providing protective
coverage to areas of the side of the foot that may contact the
ground during dance moves. In the embodiment shown, the lateral
side, which typically has more chance for ground contact, has a
bottom zone extension 212B that wraps higher up the side of the
foot relative to the medial side extension 212A).
[0085] Moreover, the distal end of the bottom zone 212 of the body
portion underlies the toes and taperingly extends at the lateral
and medial sides 212A, B about the full height of the side of the
foot. The body portion 211 may also be cut or formed to extend
between the toes. Thereby a single ply of material for the body
portion may underlie the foot and define at least bottom and side
portions for encircling the toes.
[0086] The overall zone formed by extensions 220/212A and 222/212B
are very approximately rectangular zones with an approximately
diagonal division between the adjacent materials 220/212A or
222/212B. The material construction of zones 220 and 222 is
generally of a lighter weight material compared to the outsole
material of zones 212A and 212B. In combination zones 220/212A or
222/212B span a majority of the length of the forefoot (metatarsal
heads to midfoot) while extending approximately the height of the
side of the foot in that region.
[0087] The front of bottom zone 212 also may have an extension 212C
that wraps up a side portion of the front of a foot. The zones
212A-D combine to form a three-dimensional cup around the front and
both sides of a foot. The cup is vertically extended by medial and
lateral zones 220 and 222, which respectively extend from
extensions 212A and 212B.
[0088] The side zones 220, 222, 212A, 212B, and/or 212C help form
an overall three-dimensional, cupping configuration to the body
portion, as earlier described, wherein the body portion cups around
front, medial, and/or lateral sides of a foot. In some embodiments,
the covering exposes a substantial portion of the top of a wearer's
foot between a distal securer 226 and a proximal securer 236, which
are similarly arranged and constructed as the distal and proximal
securers 26, 36, described above.
[0089] The bottom portion 212 would typically be formed of a
durable material for ground contact, such as natural or synthetic
leather. For certain styles of dance a thin flexible bottom zone is
desired, which may be provided by a single ply of such
materials.
[0090] In comparison to the bottom zone 212, the side zones 220,
222 may be formed of a light-weight, stretchable mesh material.
Example materials include cotton, canvas, and synthetics. Such
materials enhance the fit, and comfort of the covering. Such
materials are also available with various degrees of transparency,
colors, patterns, and textures to address aesthetic needs of a
dancer.
[0091] Although two side zones are shown in covering 210, the
inventive concepts contemplate variations. For example just one of
the medial or lateral zones 220, 222 could be different from the
bottom zone 212. Or, or they could both be different from each
other and the bottom zone too.
[0092] From the foregoing embodiments it should be appreciated that
a covering can be constructed by stitching materials and elements
together to result in flat and generally straight or regular lines
that enhance fit and comfort. While the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein is preferably directed to coverings of
substantially single ply material (except, for example, where
elastic straps are joined to the body portion), other materials or
plies of materials may be added or otherwise used, e.g., to impart
desired properties, such as a thin board or sheet of material to
impart stiffening.
[0093] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many
modifications and variations are possible in the details,
materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have
been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of
this invention and that such modifications and variations do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims
contained herein.
* * * * *