U.S. patent application number 11/175599 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-11 for dance footwear.
Invention is credited to Felicia Leoncelli, David Wilkenfeld.
Application Number | 20070006486 11/175599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37617001 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070006486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkenfeld; David ; et
al. |
January 11, 2007 |
Dance footwear
Abstract
In example embodiments, a thin, compliant covering is provided
for engaging the bottom of a dancer's foot. The covering has a body
portion and a distal securer, which may comprise toe openings for
receiving and encircling toes of a wearer. In these example
embodiments, the body portion does not extend substantially
proximally of the midfoot. The covering includes a proximal securer
that follows a path over the top of a wearer's foot or around a
heel. The covering's securers are arranged to optimize the
visibility of the top and sides of the foot, while helping to
protect the foot. In certain embodiments the covering has a three
dimensional conformation for conforming to a wearer's foot.
Inventors: |
Wilkenfeld; David; (Sydney,
AU) ; Leoncelli; Felicia; (Sydney, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GANZ LAW, P.C.
P O BOX 2200
HILLSBORO
OR
97123
US
|
Family ID: |
37617001 |
Appl. No.: |
11/175599 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/8.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20130101; A43B
5/12 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, 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.
2. The covering of claim 1 further comprising a proximal securer
oriented transversely to the foot of a wearer.
3. The covering of claim 2 wherein the proximal securer defines an
elastic opening for receiving a top foot of a wearer.
4. The covering of claim 3 wherein the covering consists
substantially of a single ply of compliable material.
5. The covering of claim 3 wherein the covering has a three
dimensional configuration for cupping the foot of a wearer at a
front portion of the foot and at least one side portion.
6. The covering of claim 5 wherein the openings are defined by
boundaries that elastically receive the toes of a wearer.
7. The covering of claim 6 wherein there is an opening for each toe
of a wearer.
8. The covering of claim 7 wherein an elastic element forms the top
boundary for one or more toe openings.
9. The covering of claim 3 wherein each 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.
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.
11. The covering of claim 10 wherein the distal securer comprises a
plurality of openings for receiving and encircling toes of a
wearer.
12. The covering of claim 11 wherein the proximal securer comprises
an elastic proximal opening for encircling the foot at a position
between about the end of a forefoot to a midfoot.
13. The covering of claim 12 wherein the covering consists
substantially of a single ply of leather or synthetic material.
14. The covering of claim 12 wherein the covering has a three
dimensional configuration for cupping the foot of a wearer at a
front portion of the foot and at least one side portion.
15. The covering of claim 12 wherein the toe openings are adapted
to elastically receive the toes of a wearer.
16. The covering of claim of 11 wherein there is an opening for
each toe of a wearer.
17. The covering of claim 15 wherein the covering includes an
elastic element oriented transversely to the foot at about the
distal end boundary of the body portion, the elastic element
serving to tension the covering to the foot.
18. The covering of claim 1 wherein the covering includes a lateral
side-foot extension or a medial side-foot extension.
19. The covering of claim 10 wherein the covering includes a
lateral side-foot extension or a medial side-foot extension.
20. The covering of claim 1 wherein the covering includes lateral
and medial side-foot extensions.
21. The covering of claim 10 wherein the covering includes lateral
and medial side-foot extensions.
22. The covering of claim 20 wherein an extension slopes downwardly
in a proximal to distal direction.
23. The covering of claim 21 wherein an extension slopes downwardly
in a proximal to distal direction.
24. The covering of claim 1 further comprising 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.
25. The covering of claim 10 further comprising 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.
26. The covering of claim 2 wherein the body portion comprises a
relatively inelastic material and at least one securer is
elastic.
27. The covering of claim 10 wherein the body portion comprises a
relatively inelastic material and at least one securer is
elastic.
28. The covering of claim 27 wherein the relatively inelastic
material comprises leather.
29. A method of manufacturing a covering for compliably conforming
to the foot of a wearer, comprising: providing a body portion
having 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 about a midfoot; and disposing on the covering a
distal securer comprising a plurality of toe openings, each adapted
to receive and encircle a single toe of a wearer.
30. A method of manufacturing a thin, compliant covering for a
dancer's foot that is substantially free of bulky materials,
comprising: providing a body portion with a ground engaging side
and a foot engaging side; disposing on the body portion a distal
securer that is adapted to follow a path over the top of a foot
defined by about at least three metatarsal heads of a wearer's
foot; disposing on the body portion a proximal securer that is
adapted to follow a path over the top of a wearer's foot along a
line generally perpendicular to the long axis of the foot and
disposed between about the metatarsal heads and about the midfoot
of a wearer's foot; and arranging the body portion, and the distal
and proximal securer, so as to be capable of securing the covering
to a foot and leaving a majority of the top of the forefoot between
the distal and proximal securer visibly exposed.
31. 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.
32. The covering of claim 31 wherein the securer comprises an
opening that extends from the body portion and is adapted to
elastically encircle the bottom of a wearer's rearfoot and
heel.
33. The covering of claim 32 wherein the proximal securer comprises
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.
34. The covering of claim 32 wherein the covering has a three
dimensional configuration for cupping the foot of a wearer at a
front portion of the foot and at least one side portion.
35. A method of manufacturing a thin, compliant covering for a
wearer's foot that is substantially free of bulky material,
comprising; providing a body portion with a ground engaging side
and a foot engaging side; disposing on the body portion 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; disposing on
the body portion a proximal securer that is adapted to follow a
path from the body portion and around the heel of a wearer; and and
arranging the distal securer and the proximal securer so as to
leave a majority of the top of the forefoot between the distal and
proximal securer visibly exposed.
36. The covering of claim 1 further comprising a proximal securer
and wherein the proximal and distal securer are arranged on the
body portion so as to leave the rearfoot entirely or substantially
uncovered and the top of the foot entirely or substantially
uncovered.
37. A covering comprising 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 substantially uncovered.
38. A covering comprising 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 entirely or
substantially uncovered and the rear foot substantially uncovered.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This invention claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Design
Application No. ______, entitled DANCE FOOTWEAR, filed on Jun. 28,
2005 (Attorney Docket No. BCH-2.006.DES.US). the entire disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its
entirety, for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention 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 modem dance a barefoot-look is preferred, or
even required for many pieces.
[0008] Given that modem 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, modem 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] 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.
[0021] The disclosures herein also contemplate manufacturing of
footwear in accordance with the disclosures, including by
assembling parts in order to achieve the articles disclosed.
[0022] The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of
embodiments and features of the present invention. 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
[0023] FIG. 1 is front perspective view at the medial side of an
article of footwear according to the prior art.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view at the medial side of an
example embodiment of an article of footwear.
[0025] FIG. 3 is the prior art footwear of FIG. 1 on a wearer's
foot.
[0026] FIG. 4 is the footwear of FIG. 2 on a wearer's foot.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view at the lateral side of
the prior art footwear of FIG. 1 on a wearer's foot.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view at the lateral side of
the footwear of FIG. 2 on a wearer's foot.
[0029] FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the footwear of FIG. 2 at
the medial side.
[0030] FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the footwear of FIG. 2 at
the lateral side.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the footwear of FIG.
2.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the footwear of FIG.
2.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the footwear of FIG. 2.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a front view of another example embodiment of
footwear on a wearer's foot.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a rear view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on a
wearer's foot.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a medial side view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on
a wearer's foot.
[0038] FIG. 16 is a lateral side view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on
a wearer's foot.
[0039] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on a
wearer's foot.
[0040] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the footwear of FIG. 13 on a
wearer's foot.
[0041] (All figures show an article of footwear intended for a left
foot.)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] In FIGS. 2, 4, 6-18 (hereinafter the "Figures"), the same or
similar features share common reference numerals. The Figures 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] The Figures 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] 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 extensions 20, 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] 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.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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, securer is provided using 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.
Securer 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).
[0057] When seeking to achieve a barefoot look, securer may be
sought that, when implemented, minimize 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 securer 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. Conversely, 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.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] 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.
[0063] 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 16 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).
[0064] 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.
[0065] As an optional feature of the covering, a grip zone 40
(defined by dashed lines in some Figures) 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.
[0066] FIGS. 13-18 show another example embodiment of a covering 10
according to the present invention. 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.
[0067] 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).
[0068] From the foregoing embodiments it should be appreciated that
the covering 10 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 present
invention is primarily directed to coverings 10 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.
[0069] 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.
* * * * *