U.S. patent application number 16/948481 was filed with the patent office on 2021-01-07 for shock-absorbing dance shoe assembly.
The applicant listed for this patent is Orzapro LLC. Invention is credited to Seth Orza.
Application Number | 20210000213 16/948481 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2021-01-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210000213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Orza; Seth |
January 7, 2021 |
SHOCK-ABSORBING DANCE SHOE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
Low-profile dance shoes and associated methods of manufacture
are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed
toward a dance shoe that includes an integrated heel member that
provides increased support, stability, and shock-absorption for the
dancer. The dance shoe can further include a support member
configured to provide lateral support to the foot and/or ankle, and
a shock-absorption member.
Inventors: |
Orza; Seth; (Seattle,
WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Orzapro LLC |
Seattle |
WA |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
16/948481 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14324793 |
Jul 7, 2014 |
10813404 |
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16948481 |
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61843844 |
Jul 8, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/12 20060101
A43B005/12; A43B 7/14 20060101 A43B007/14; A43B 13/18 20060101
A43B013/18; A43B 13/26 20060101 A43B013/26 |
Claims
1. A dance shoe assembly, comprising: an flexible shoe body
including a forefoot portion, a heel portion opposite the forefoot
portion, and a midfoot portion between the heel portion and the
forefoot portion; and an integrated heel member positioned at the
heel portion of the flexible shoe body, the heel member including--
a support member having-- a bottom region; a top region extending
upwardly from the bottom region, wherein the top region has-- a
rear wall defining a rear portion of the support member; and
lateral sidewalls extending forwardly the rear wall; and a
shock-absorbing member positioned on the bottom region of the
support member, wherein a top portion of the shock-absorbing member
is softer than a bottom portion of the shock-absorbing member.
2. The dance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer; and a second
shock-absorbing layer on the first shock-absorbing layer, wherein
the second shock absorbing layer is softer than the first
shock-absorbing layer.
3. The dance shoe assembly of claim 2, wherein the shock-absorbing
member further includes a third shock-absorbing layer on the second
shock-absorbing layer, wherein the third shock absorbing layer is
softer than the second shock-absorbing layer.
4. The dance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer having a first
thickness; and a second shock-absorbing layer having a second
thickness different than the first thickness, wherein the second
shock-absorbing layer is positioned on the first shock-absorbing
layer.
5. The dance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer having a first
thickness; a second shock-absorbing layer having a second thickness
different than the first thickness, wherein the second
shock-absorbing layer positioned on the first shock-absorbing
layer; and a third shock-absorbing layer having a third thickness
different than at least one of the first thickness and the second
thickness, wherein the third shock-absorbing layer is positioned on
the second shock-absorbing layer.
6. The dance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer having a first
indentation force deflection (IFD) value; and a second
shock-absorbing layer having a second IFD value different than the
first IFD value, wherein the second shock-absorbing layer is
positioned on the first shock-absorbing layer.
7. The dance shoe assembly of claim 1 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer having a first
indentation force deflection (IFD) value; a second shock-absorbing
layer having a second IFD value different than the first IFD value,
wherein the second shock-absorbing layer is positioned on the first
shock-absorbing layer; and a third shock-absorbing layer having a
third IFD value different than at least one of the first IFD value
and the second IFD value, wherein the third shock-absorbing layer
is positioned on the second shock-absorbing layer.
8. The dance shoe assembly of claim 1, further including a front
traction pad positioned at the forefoot portion of the flexible
shoe body.
9. The dance shoe assembly of claim 1, further comprising a front
traction pad positioned at the forefoot portion of the flexible
shoe body, wherein the front traction pad has a front section and a
rear section.
10. The dance shoe assembly of claim 1, further including a rear
traction pad positioned at the heel portion of the flexible shoe
body.
11. A heel member for use with a dance shoe, comprising: a support
member having-- a bottom region; a top region extending upwardly
from the bottom region, wherein the top region has-- a rear wall
defining a rear portion of the support member; and lateral
sidewalls extending forwardly the rear wall; and a shock-absorbing
member positioned on the bottom region of the support member,
wherein a top portion of the shock-absorbing member is softer than
a bottom portion of the shock-absorbing member.
12. The dance shoe assembly of claim 11 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer; and a second
shock-absorbing layer on the first shock-absorbing layer, wherein
the second shock absorbing layer is softer than the first
shock-absorbing layer.
13. The dance shoe assembly of claim 12, wherein the
shock-absorbing member further includes a third shock-absorbing
layer on the second shock-absorbing layer, wherein the third shock
absorbing layer is softer than the second shock-absorbing
layer.
14. The dance shoe assembly of claim 11 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer having a first
thickness; and a second shock-absorbing layer having a second
thickness different than the first thickness, wherein the second
shock-absorbing layer is positioned on the first shock-absorbing
layer.
15. The dance shoe assembly of claim 11 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer having a first
thickness; a second shock-absorbing layer having a second thickness
different than the first thickness, wherein the second
shock-absorbing layer positioned on the first shock-absorbing
layer; and a third shock-absorbing layer having a third thickness
different than at least one of the first thickness and the second
thickness, wherein the third shock-absorbing layer is positioned on
the second shock-absorbing layer.
16. The dance shoe assembly of claim 11 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer having a first
indentation force deflection (IFD) value; and a second
shock-absorbing layer having a second IFD value different than the
first IFD value, wherein the second shock-absorbing layer is
positioned on the first shock-absorbing layer.
17. The dance shoe assembly of claim 11 wherein the shock-absorbing
member includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer having a first
indentation force deflection (IFD) value; a second shock-absorbing
layer having a second IFD value different than the first IFD value,
wherein the second shock-absorbing layer is positioned on the first
shock-absorbing layer; and a third shock-absorbing layer having a
third IFD value different than at least one of the first IFD value
and the second IFD value, wherein the third shock-absorbing layer
is positioned on the second shock-absorbing layer.
18. A dance shoe assembly, comprising: an flexible shoe body
including a forefoot portion, a heel portion opposite the forefoot
portion, and a midfoot portion between the heel portion and the
forefoot portion; and a front traction pad positioned at the
forefoot portion of the flexible shoe body, wherein the front
traction pad has a front section and a rear section; a rear
traction pad positioned at the heel portion of the flexible shoe
body; and a metatarsal pad positioned at an interior portion of the
forefoot portion of the flexible shoe body and aligned with at
least one of the front section and/or rear section; an integrated
heel member positioned at the heel portion of the flexible shoe
body, the heel member including-- a support member having-- a
bottom region; a top region extending upwardly from the bottom
region, wherein the top region has-- a rear wall defining a rear
portion of the support member; and lateral sidewalls extending
forwardly the rear wall; and a shock-absorbing member positioned on
the bottom region of the support member, the shock-absorbing member
includes-- a first shock-absorbing layer; a second shock-absorbing
layer on the first shock-absorbing layer, wherein the second shock
absorbing layer is softer than the first shock-absorbing layer; and
a third shock-absorbing layer on the second shock-absorbing layer,
wherein the third shock absorbing layer is softer than the second
shock-absorbing layer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/324,793, filed on Jul. 7, 2014, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/843,844,
filed Jul. 8, 2013, both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to dance
shoes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Athletic shoes of all types are subject to great amounts of
stress through repeated, cyclical loading caused by walking,
running, and other activities. Dance shoes, however, are subject to
unique stress combinations due to the repetitive, high impact
levels associated with dancing. Male ballet dancers in particular
experience an incredible amount of high impact loads since a male
ballet dancer's routine involves a disproportionate amount of
jumping on a hard surface which can be taxing on the dancer's
body.
[0004] Many conventional dance shoes generally sacrifice support
and/or shock absorption to provide a low-weight, low-profile shoe.
For example, conventional dance shoes are made of a thin piece of
cloth with little or no absorptive potential. Accordingly, current
dance shoe materials generally cannot provide a range of response
characteristics to different levels of pressure and impact.
Conventional dance shoes may be aesthetically pleasing but are not
properly calibrated for higher-impact levels. Although a stiffer,
thicker shoe or insert may provide proper resiliency and
performance for running or other high-energy activities, such a
heavy (relatively), large-profile shoe is generally not well suited
for ballet dancing (e.g., does not accentuate the contour and
aesthetics of the foot, cumbersome, not-flexible enough, etc.).
Accordingly, there is a need for a dance shoe assembly that can
meet the needs of repetitious, high-intensity activities, such as
jumping, without sacrificing comfort or performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1A is an isometric elevation view of a dance shoe
configured in accordance with embodiments of the present
technology.
[0006] FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the dance shoe of FIG. 1A
configured in accordance with embodiments of the present
technology.
[0007] FIG. 1C is a side elevation view of the dance shoe of FIG.
1A configured in accordance with embodiments of the present
technology.
[0008] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a front
sole of the dance shoe of FIG. 1A configured in accordance with
embodiments of the present technology.
[0009] FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic illustrations of various
embodiments of a split front traction pad configured in accordance
with the present technology.
[0010] FIG. 3A is an isometric elevation view of the heel member of
the dance shoe shown in FIGS. 1A-1D configured in accordance with
the present technology.
[0011] FIG. 3B is an isometric elevation view of the
shock-absorbing member of the heel member shown in FIG. 3A
configured in accordance with the present technology.
[0012] FIG. 3C is an isometric elevation view of the support member
of the heel member shown in FIG. 3A configured in accordance with
the present technology.
[0013] FIG. 4A is an isometric elevation view of another embodiment
of a heel member configured in accordance with the present
technology.
[0014] FIG. 4B is a top view of the heel member of FIG. 4A
configured in accordance with the present technology.
[0015] FIG. 4C is a schematic illustration of the layers comprising
the heel member of FIG. 4A configured in accordance with the
present technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed generally
toward dance shoes. As disclosed herein, a dance shoe, such as a
ballet shoe, can include a flexible shoe body having a forefoot
portion, a heel portion opposite the forefoot portion, and a
midfoot portion between the heel portion and the forefoot portion.
The dance shoe further includes an integrated heel member securely
attached to the heel portion of the flexibly shoe body. The heel
member includes a support member configured to receive a
shock-absorbing member, and a top portion of the shock-absorbing
member is softer than a bottom portion of the shock-absorbing
member.
[0017] Various embodiments of the disclosure will now be described.
The following description provides specific details for a thorough
understanding and enabling description of these embodiments. One
skilled in the art will understand, however, that the disclosure
may be practiced without many of these details. Additionally, some
well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in
detail, so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant
description of the various embodiments.
[0018] The terminology used in the description presented below is
intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even
though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description
of certain specific embodiments of the disclosure. Certain terms
may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to
be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and
specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description
section.
[0019] References throughout the specification to "one embodiment"
or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment and
included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an
embodiment" in various places throughout the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a dance shoe 100 configured
in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.
FIGS. 1B and 1C are bottom and side views, respectively, of the
dance shoe 100 shown in FIG. 1A. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C together,
the dance shoe 100 includes a flexible shoe body 102 that wraps
fully underneath the foot. The flexible shoe body has a top portion
104 (FIGS. 1A and 1C) and a bottom portion 106 (FIG. 1B). The
flexible shoe body 102 can be made of canvas, leather, nylon,
cotton and/or other suitable materials. In some embodiments the
flexible shoe body 102 can be made of a single piece of material,
and in other embodiments the flexible shoe body 102 can be made of
multiple pieces of the same or different materials sewn together.
Additionally, in some embodiments the flexible shoe body 102 can be
a single layer of material, and in other embodiments the flexible
shoe body 102 can include two or more layers of material. For
example, in some embodiments the flexible shoe body 102 can
comprise an outer layer and an inner layer. The outer layer can
define the exterior surface of the dance shoe 100 while the inner
layer defines the inner surface of the dance shoe 100 that contacts
the dancer's foot. In some embodiments, the flexible shoe body 102
can have one or more portions having two or more layers and one or
more portions having a single layer.
[0021] The flexible shoe body 102 further includes a forefoot
portion 108 towards the front of the dance shoe 100, a heel portion
112 towards the rear of the dance shoe 100, and a midfoot portion
110 in between. In some embodiments, the midfoot portion 110 can
include a midfoot section 140 defined by a single piece of material
separate from the piece of material comprising the rest of the
flexible shoe body 102. The flexible shoe body 102 can connect to
the midfoot section 140 by a first seam 144a and a second seam
144b. The midfoot section 140 allows greater flexibility of the
dance shoe 100 between the forefoot portion 108 and the heel
portion 112, especially throughout the midfoot portion 110.
[0022] Referring still to FIG. 1A, the top portion 104 of the
flexible shoe body 102 can include a circular sleeve 114 that
defines an opening in the flexible shoe body 102 through which the
foot is received. One or more drawstrings, elastic cords, and/or
other suitable fastening devices 116 may pass through the sleeve
114 to secure the dance shoe 100 to the dancer's foot. In some
embodiments, the dance shoe 100 can additionally or alternatively
include one or more elastic straps 118 (shown in FIG. 1A in a
relaxed position) fixedly attached to the flexible shoe body 102
and configured to engage a dancer's leg, ankle and/or foot. At
least a portion of the circular sleeve 114 can include padding,
such as at the front and/or rear surface of the sleeve 114, to
provide increased comfort between the portion of the dancer's leg,
ankle and/or foot that is in contact with the flexible shoe body
102 at the sleeve 114.
[0023] As best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the forefoot portion 108
of the flexible shoe body 102 includes a toe portion 120 that
encases the dancer's toes and a vamp portion 122 that extends
rearwardly from a top region of the toe portion 120 to a front edge
of the circular sleeve 114. As best shown in FIG. 1B, the toe
portion 120 includes a bottom region 126 disposed below the toes of
the dancer. The flexible shoe body 102 can have one or more pleats
134 at the bottom region 126 of the toe portion 120. Pleats provide
the advantage of additional flexibility, which is especially
important in the forefoot portion 108.
[0024] The dance shoe 100 may further include one or more flexible
traction pads 128 disposed at the bottom portion 106 of the
flexible shoe body 102 to provide additional support and/or
cushioning to the dancer's foot, especially at high-intensity
impact points (e.g., the ball and heel of the foot). The traction
pad(s) 128 may individually comprise one or more layers. The
traction pad(s) 128 and/or traction pad layer(s) may be stitched,
glued or otherwise attached to a bottom surface of the flexible
shoe body 102. To provide better traction for the dancer, the
traction pad(s) 128 can be textured with one or more grooves and/or
protrusions along a bottom surface of the traction pad(s). The
traction pad(s) 128 can be made of canvas, leather, rubber,
neoprene and/or any other material that increases frictional forces
between the traction pad(s) 128 and the ground.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiments, the dance shoe 100 has a
front traction pad 130 and a rear traction pad 132 such that the
midfoot portion 110 of the dance shoe 100 is defined by the more
flexible material of the flexible shoe body 102. Having separate
front and rear traction pads 130, 132 allows the dance shoe 100 to
flex at the midfoot portion so as to facilitate maintaining close
proximity between a bottom region of the midfoot portion 110 and
the dancer's foot, particularly when the foot is flexed. In other
embodiments, the dance shoe 100 may have only a front traction pad
130, only a rear traction pad 132, or in some embodiments, the
dance shoe 100 may not include any traction pads. The front
traction pad 130 and rear traction pad 132 can be the same or
different shapes. The front and rear traction pads 130, 132 can
also provide increased cushioning and/or shock-absorption for the
dancer by selected traction pad thickness, layering, and/or
material composition. For example, the rear traction pad 132 can
have a thickness of generally between about 1 mm and 4 mm (e.g.,
about 2 mm, about 3 mm), while the front traction pad 130 can
generally have a thickness less than 1 mm. As such, when the dance
shoe 100 is on the dancer's foot but not under the weight of the
dancer, the bottom layer of the dance shoe 100 (e.g., the bottom
portion of the flexible shoe body 102 and/or the traction pad 128)
has a thickness of less than or equal to 4 mm (e.g., less than 3
mm, less than 2 mm, 0.5 mm, etc.).
[0026] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate various embodiments of a front
traction pad 130 having a split design (e.g., at least two separate
and distinct traction pads at the forefoot). A split design at the
front traction pad 130 is configured to define a flex groove
between two spaced apart sole portions that allows greater
flexibility along the ball of the foot during use without
sacrificing the support and cushioning provided by a traction pad.
Also, the split design facilitates bending of the traction pad so
that the traction pad and/or dance shoe remains in close proximity
to and follows the contours of the dancer's foot. In particular,
the split front traction pad allows the dancer's toes to grab the
front of the dance shoe 100 during a toe point and bend the front
traction pad to match the curvature of the foot. Because of the
thin profile of the dance shoe 100, an observer can aesthetically
appreciate the line created by the dancer's leg and bent foot. Such
aesthetic requirements are not considered in the design and/or
manufacture of conventional athletic shoes.
[0027] FIG. 2A shows one embodiment of a split front traction pad
300 that has a curved, "jelly-bean" shaped front section 302 and a
rear section 304. The front section 302 can be positioned along the
forefoot portion 108 such that, when worn, the front section 302
aligns with the dancer's toes. The rear section 304 can be spaced
apart from the front section 302 and positioned along the forefoot
portion 108, such that, when worn, the rear section 304 aligns with
the ball of the dancer's foot and at least a portion of the
dancer's midfoot. The rear section 304 can have a curved, tear-drop
shape that narrows toward a rear portion of the dance shoe 100.
FIG. 2B shows another embodiment of split front traction pad 310.
The front section 312 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B is
generally similar to the front section 302 shown in FIG. 2A.
However, the front traction pad 310 of FIG. 2B has a more circular
rear section 314 that is positioned to align more precisely with
the ball of the dancer's foot without having additional material
extending toward the midfoot. FIG. 2C shows yet another embodiment
of a split front traction pad 320. The front section 322 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2C is generally similar to the front
section 302 shown in FIG. 2A. However, the rear section 324 of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2C has more of a generally square shape
and is configured to cover the ball of the dancer's foot, as well
as a front portion of the dancer's midfoot. As shown in FIGS.
2A-2C, the front and/or rear sections can have a generally rounded
contour so that the edges of the sections are not uncomfortable for
the dancer when the dance shoe 100 is bent around the midfoot
portion 110.
[0028] Referring back to the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 1D,
the bottom portion 106 of the illustrated dance shoe 100 includes
one or more internal metatarsal pads 146 on the interior of the
dance shoe 100 that are aligned with one or more of the front
traction pads 130. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, the
metatarsal pad 146 is a split-pad design that includes a front pad
147 and a rear pad 149 that are aligned with the front section 302
and rear section 304, respectively, of the front traction pads 130
such that a portion of the bottom portion 106 of the flexible shoe
body 102 is sandwiched between the front and/or rear sections 302,
304 of the front traction pad 130 and the front and/or rear
metatarsal pads 147,179. In other embodiments, the metatarsal pad
146 can comprise a single pad regardless of the configuration of
the traction pad 128. For example, in such embodiments, the
metatarsal pad 146 can be aligned with the first traction pad, the
second traction pad, and/or cover both the first and second
traction pads. The metatarsal pads 146 are not visible while the
dancer is wearing the dance shoes and are configured to provide an
additional layer of cushioning and support within the shoe, under
the metatarsal region of the foot, while the dance shoe maintains a
sleek, contoured, fitted external profile on the dancer's foot. The
metatarsal pads 146 can be made of foam, neoprene or other suitable
shock-absorbing materials. In some embodiments, the metatarsal pads
146 can be stacked on or fixedly attached to one or more of the
front traction pad(s) 130. In such embodiments, the bottom portion
106 of the flexible shoe body 102 can have a hole, and the flexible
shoe body 102 is stitched around the periphery of the stacked front
traction pad(s) 130 and metatarsal pads 146.
[0029] FIG. 3A is an isolated, isometric elevation view of a heel
member 400 configured in accordance with the present technology.
The heel member 400 generally has a "cupped" shape and is fixedly
attached at the heel portion 112 of the dance shoe 100 to define a
close fitting heel cup that receives and engages the heel of the
dancer's foot. The heel member 400 is fixedly attached to the
flexible shoe body 102 and/or one or more layers of the flexible
shoe body 102 via stitching, adhesive, or other suitable fixation
methods and/or devices. In another embodiment, the heel member 400
may be removable from the dance shoe 100. The heel member 400 may
define an inner surface of the shoe at the heel portion 112, or in
some embodiments, the heel member 400 can be sandwiched between two
or more layers of the flexible shoe body 102 such that an inner
layer of the flexible shoe body 102 separates the dancer's foot
from the heel member 400.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the heel member 400 includes a
shock-absorbing member 404 and a relatively stiff support member
402 configured to receive the shock-absorbing member 404. The
shock-absorbing member 404 may be removable from the support member
402, or in some embodiments, the shock-absorbing member 404 may be
fixedly attached to the support member 402 via stitching, adhesive,
dip-coating, spray-on, molding, or other suitable fixation methods
and/or devices.
[0031] The support member 402 has a bottom region 406 and a top
region 408 extending upwardly from the periphery of the bottom
region 406, as shown in FIG. 3C. The bottom region 406 of the
support member 402 is generally flat and is configured to receive
the shock-absorbing member 404. The top region 408 can have a rear
wall 410 that provides rear support to the heel, and lateral walls
412a and 412b that provide lateral support and stability to the
foot and/or ankle of the dancer. The support member 402 can be made
from plastic, metal, fiberboard, or other suitable materials.
[0032] As best shown in FIG. 3B, the shock-absorbing member 404 has
a bottom region 414 configured to receive (directly or indirectly)
the bottom portion of the heel of the dancer's foot, and an
inclined heel wrap 416 that provides additional stability and
support to the dancer's foot. In other embodiments, the
shock-absorbing member 404 does not have a heel wrap 416. The heel
wrap 416 of the shock-absorbing member 404 can linearly,
exponentially or otherwise increase in height towards the periphery
of the shock-absorbing member 404. The heel wrap 416 can have a
rear wall 420 and lateral sidewalls 418a and 418b that provide
additional support and/or stability to the dancer's foot. The
shock-absorbing member 404 may be made from polyurethane, memory
foam, foam, slow recovery foam, poron, Spenco "A," gels, and other
suitable materials.
[0033] Different regions of the shock-absorbing member 404 can have
different indentation force deflection ("IFD") values. IFD values
correspond to the softness and/or firmness of the shock-absorbing
member 404 and/or regions of the shock-absorbing member 404. The
softer and/or less firm the region of the shock-absorbing member
404, the lower the IFD value. In some embodiments, the
shock-absorbing member 404 can have increasing IFD values as the
height H2 of the shock-absorbing member 404 decreases. In other
words, a top portion of the shock-absorbing member is softer and/or
less firm than a bottom portion of the shock-absorbing member 404.
Additionally, in some embodiments the bottom region 414 of the
shock-absorbing member 404 can be generally more firm (e.g., higher
IFD values) than the heel wrap 416. That way, the heel wrap 416
provides additional cushioning and/or shock-absorption, while the
bottom region 414 provides additional support and stability (but
also provides additional cushioning and/or shock-absorption).
[0034] FIG. 4A and 4B are isometric and top views, respectively, of
a heel member 500 having a multi-layered shock-absorbing member
504. FIG. 4C is a break-out illustration of a side view of the heel
member 500 shown in FIGS. 4A and 5B. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C
together, the shock-absorbing member 504 may comprise three
adjacent layers: a top layer 506 having a top layer thickness TT
and a top layer IFD value, an intermediate layer 508 having an
intermediate layer thickness IT and an intermediate layer IFD
value, and a bottom layer 510 having a bottom layer thickness BT
and a bottom layer IFD value. In other embodiments, the
shock-absorbing member 504 can have less than three layers (e.g.,
not layered, two layers, etc.) or more than three layers (e.g.,
four layers, five layers, etc.). As used herein, "thickness" refers
to the thickness of the layer when not subject to external forces,
such as the weight of the dancer.
[0035] In some embodiments, the layers may individually have
different and/or the same IFD values so that a top portion of the
shock-absorbing member 504 is softer and/or less firm than a bottom
portion of the shock-absorbing member 504. For example, the top
layer 506 can have a top layer IFD value that is less than an
intermediate layer IFD value, and the intermediate layer IFD value
can have a smaller IFD value than the bottom layer IFD value. In
another embodiment, the top layer 506 can have a top layer IFD
value that is the same as the intermediate layer IFD value, and the
intermediate layer IFD value can have a smaller IFD value than the
bottom layer IFD value. In particular embodiments, the top layer
506 can be made of memory foam, while the intermediate layer 508
and bottom layer 510 can be made of slow recovery foam of varying
thicknesses.
[0036] In some embodiments, the layers may individually have
different thicknesses. For example, the bottom layer thickness BT
can be greater than the intermediate layer thickness IT, and the
intermediate layer thickness IT can be greater than the top layer
thickness TT. In some embodiments, the layers may individually have
different widths and/or shapes. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A
and 4C, the intermediate layer 508 can be wider than the top layer
506 and also approximately the same width as the bottom layer
510.
[0037] The above-detailed embodiments of the disclosure are not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise
form disclosed above. Specific embodiments of, and examples for,
the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, but
those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various
equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the
disclosure. For example, the dance shoe 100 of the present
technology can include other dance shoes besides ballet shoes, such
as a jazz dance shoe or a ballet boot. The various aspects of
embodiments described herein can be combined and/or eliminated to
provide further embodiments. Although advantages associated with
certain embodiments of the disclosure have been described in the
context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit
such advantages. Additionally, not all embodiments need necessarily
exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the
disclosure.
[0038] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout
the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising,"
and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed
to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, i.e., in a sense of
"including, but not limited to." Additionally, the words "herein,"
"above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this
application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to
any particular portions of this application. Use of the word "or"
in reference to a list of items is intended to cover a) any of the
items in the list, b) all of the items in the list, and c) any
combination of the items in the list.
[0039] In general, the terms used in the following claims should
not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments
disclosed in the specification unless the above-detailed
description explicitly defines such terms. In addition, the
inventors contemplate various aspects of the disclosure in any
number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right
to add claims after filing the application to pursue such
additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.
* * * * *