US20100126042A1 - Shoe - Google Patents
Shoe Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100126042A1 US20100126042A1 US12/296,104 US29610407A US2010126042A1 US 20100126042 A1 US20100126042 A1 US 20100126042A1 US 29610407 A US29610407 A US 29610407A US 2010126042 A1 US2010126042 A1 US 2010126042A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shoe
- toe box
- shank
- shank portion
- toe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
- A43B13/14—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units characterised by the constructive form
- A43B13/16—Pieced soles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/08—Heel stiffeners; Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/081—Toe stiffeners
- A43B23/086—Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like
- A43B23/087—Toe stiffeners made of impregnated fabrics, plastics or the like made of plastics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/22—Supports for the shank or arch of the uppers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B5/00—Footwear for sporting purposes
- A43B5/12—Dancing shoes
Definitions
- the invention relates to a shoe and in particular but not exclusively a dance or performing arts shoe, especially, which provides a wearer with enhanced levels of comfort, durability, stability and shock absorption, and to methods for constructing said shoe.
- Pointe ballet shoes (or toe shoes) have a blocked toe which is generally constructed by hand using layers of fabrics, cardboard, paper or leather saturated with glue as a laminant to form a reinforced toe box joined to a leather or cardboard shank.
- a reinforced stiffener is generally also included in the shank and the outer sole is constructed from leather.
- An outer layer of fabric or “upper” is sewn to the sole and usually gathered in pleats under the toe.
- Conventional ballet shoes have a number of drawbacks, for example, the toe box compresses the side of the feet and may exacerbate injuries associated with the hopping and leaping en palate required by ballet choreography.
- ballet shoes are noisy which results from the sound caused by the toe box striking the floor which can often detract from the illusion of effortless grace which a ballet dancer strives.
- a ballet dancer will often attempt to compensate for the noise by softening the impact on the floor which may detract from the performance or cause injury.
- a shoe comprising a shank portion which is engageable with a separate toe box portion and wherein, in use, the shank portion and toe box portion form a unitary part.
- references herein to shoe include all shoes but particularly those which are used for dance or performing arts.
- the shoe is a ballet shoe.
- a shank portion configured to be engageable with a corresponding separate toe box portion.
- a toe box portion configured to be engageable with a corresponding separate shank portion.
- the advantage of providing separate toe box and shank portions is that a ballet dancer may select from a number of separate toe boxes with differing widths and supports which may correspondingly be engaged with one of a number of shanks providing differing levels of support.
- Such an arrangement provides the advantage that a ballet dancer is able to customise any given shoe for either foot. For example, in the event that the left foot differs in size or shape from the right foot, differing toe box and shank portions may be selected to account for such differences.
- engageable refers to any means of connection between the shank and toe box portions.
- the shank portion may be detachably engageable with a separate toe box portion.
- ‘detachably engageable’ refers to any means of releasable connection between the shank and toe box portions, which enables both a strong connection when the shoe is in use and a simple disconnection when the shoe is being dismantled.
- the releasable connection means may comprise co-operable components on the shank and toe box portions (e.g. co-operable male and female components).
- the toe box portion may comprise a cavity (female component) on its base adapted to receive a protruded section (male component) on the end distal from the heel of the shank portion.
- Other embodiments may provide the cavity on the shank portion and the protruded section on the toe box portion. Indeed, some embodiments may provide both a cavity and a protruded section on both shank and toe box portions.
- releasable connection means may comprise a snap-fit locking arrangement.
- engagement may be provided by an adhesive (e.g. glue, paste, mastic or the like) or a weld joint (e.g. an ultrasonic weld joint) between the shank portion and the toe box portion once a user has selected an appropriate toe box and shank portion.
- an adhesive e.g. glue, paste, mastic or the like
- a weld joint e.g. an ultrasonic weld joint
- the shank and/or toe box portions are moulded from a thermoplastic polymeric material.
- the thermoplastic material has a softening point of between roughly 49° C. (120° F.) and 104° C. (220° F.).
- the polymer may be selected from the following: an Monomer resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) and a polyurethane (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane; TPU).
- shank and/or toe box portions may be constructed from a nylon material (e.g. nylon-6, -11 or -12).
- nylon-6, -11 or -12 e.g. nylon-6, -11 or -12.
- the properties of the shank and/or toe box portions may be modified by varying the composition of the shank and/or toe box portions.
- the composition of the shank portion may be varied in order to create a range of shank portions, wherein each portion comprises a different rigidity. This provides the advantage of allowing the user to customise the support of the shoe according to their personal preference.
- the rigidity of the shank may vary along its length. In another embodiment, the rigidity of the shank decreases along its length towards the heel. This provides the advantage of support where required whilst en pointe (mid-foot) and also allows correct anatomical positioning whilst en pointe and a better pointe when non-weight bearing.
- the shank may be constructed from a combination of more than one thermoplastic polymeric materials to provide a variation in rigidity.
- the more than one thermoplastic polymeric materials may be selected from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
- the shank may be constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) varying in grades from 60D to 90A towards the heel.
- the too box portion comprises a toe housing portion.
- the toe-housing portion may comprise a first shock absorbing portion attached or moulded to the exterior surface of the toe housing portion and/or a toe moulding portion attached or moulded to the interior surface of the toe housing portion. It is advantageous to provide the first shock absorbing portion and/or the toe moulding portion in order to increase the comfort of the shoe.
- the toe housing portion is moulded from a thermoplastic polymeric material having greater rigidity than the shank portion, for example, having a higher softening point.
- the toe housing portion is moulded from a nylon material (e.g. nylon-11 or 12 having a hardness of approximately 55D) and overlaid with a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEW) block copolymer (e.g. SEBS 35 C).
- SEW styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene
- the first shock absorbing portion is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam or gel like substance.
- the first shock absorbing portion has the advantage of providing quiet contact between the shoe and the floor so that a ballet dancer can achieve graceful movement.
- the toe moulding portion is constructed from a heat responsive polymer, for example, the viscosity of the polymer increases with application of heat.
- the toe moulding portion is constructed from a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer (e.g. SEBS 25 C).
- SEBS styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene
- the shank has a second shock absorbing portion attached or moulded to the heel region thereof.
- the second shock absorbing portion is constructed from a foam comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, a neoprene rubber or an open celled polyurethane foam or gel like substance.
- the second shock absorbing portion is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam. The second shock absorbing portion may be provided above or below the heel region.
- all surfaces of the shoe which are in contact with the users foot are lined with a soft, resilient coating selected from a foam comprising a polyurethane, a cross-linked polyethylene, a polyvinylchloride and nitrile rubber blend or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.
- a soft, resilient coating selected from a foam comprising a polyurethane, a cross-linked polyethylene, a polyvinylchloride and nitrile rubber blend or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.
- EVA ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer
- the soft resilient coating additionally comprises odour controlling means.
- the odour controlling means may be incorporated within the outer covering (e.g. by application of odour controlling agents) or the odour controlling means may be separately applied to the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot (e.g. by the presence of a detachable insole) by any of the attachment means mentioned herein.
- the odour controlling means comprise a separate insole separately attached to the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot by way of a releasable or permanent attachment, e.g. VelcroTM, an adhesive (either permanent or temporary) or any other means of attachment.
- a shoe comprising a toe box portion and a shank portion, each of said toe box portion and said shank portion being either integrally moulded or engageable, wherein at least a portion of the shank portion comprises flexing means which, in use, is configured to:
- the ‘downward movement’ of the shank portion corresponds to the bending of the shank portion in the direction away from the roof of the toe box.
- the ‘upward movement’ is a bending movement of the shank portion in an opposite direction to the downward movement, i.e. towards the roof of the toe box.
- references to shank portion in the ‘extended state’ refer to the shank portion when it is substantially flat.
- the flexing means of this aspect of the invention provide the advantage of substantial strength, rigidity and therefore support to the user's foot in a downward direction while simultaneously allowing flexibility in the upward (i.e. opposed) direction for comfort, for example when “going en pointe”.
- the flexing means also prevent a ballet dancer from having to spend significant time “breaking-in” the shoe.
- the flexing means comprise a first part, which comprises a plurality of interconnected first elements, and a second part, which comprises a plurality of interconnected second elements. It will be appreciated for the second part that a first side surface of a second element and a second side surface of an adjacent second element form an interspace. Said first part is connected or connectable to said second part when the first elements are received in the interspaces formed between the side surfaces of the second elements.
- one or more second elements comprise at least one (e.g. 2) stopping surface.
- the stopping surface is a side surface of a second element and is angled or curved towards an adjacent second element.
- both the opposing side surfaces of the interspace are stopping surfaces, i.e. the first side surface of a second element and the second side surface of an adjacent second element are angled or curved towards each other.
- the at least one stopping surface forms a trapezoid shaped interspace between adjacent second elements, such that the interspace comprises a narrow end and a wide end.
- the stopping surfaces at the narrow end of the interspace are arranged to contact or partly contact the first element received in the interspace, when the shank portion is in the extended state.
- the stopping surfaces may be arranged on the second part such that, in use, downward movement of the shank portion from the extended state causes the narrow end of the interspace to contract. This leads to the at least one stopping surface colliding with the first element and prevents further contraction. Thus the arrangement of the at least one stopping surface offers resistance to downward movement from the extended state.
- the stopping surfaces may also be arranged on the second part such that, in use, upward movement of the shank portion from the extended state to the curved state causes the wide end of the interspace to contract.
- the stopping surfaces at the wide end of the interspace do not collide with the first element.
- the arrangement allows upward movement of the shank portion without resistance.
- width of the narrow end and wide end of the interspace may be modified to vary the rigidity and support in the downward direction and the flexibility in the upward direction.
- the flexing means are present at the position where the shank portion engages with the toe box portion.
- the first part comprising the plurality of first elements
- the second part comprising the plurality of second elements, present on the toe box portion.
- the first part may be present on the end distal from the heel of the shank portion and the second part may be present on the base of the toe box portion.
- first and second elements may have differing numbers, size and shape. This will provide the advantage of creating a variety of shoes that may comprise differing levels of rigidity and support in the downward direction and/or differing levels of flexibility in the upward direction. It will be appreciated, however, that the number, size and shape of the first elements will correspond to the number, size and shape of the second elements, such that the first part may be connected to the second part.
- first elements such as 4 to 8 (e.g. 4, 5 or 6) may increase the strength, rigidity and therefore support to the user's foot in the downward direction while simultaneously allowing increased flexibility in the upward direction.
- a smaller number of elements such as 1 to 4 (e.g. 3) may be used to decrease the strength, rigidity and therefore support to the user's foot in the downward direction while simultaneously allowing decreased flexibility in the upward direction.
- first elements may be used to extend the area of support further towards the heel end. This may be important when the ball of the user's foot is positioned further from the toe box portion than normal. This arrangement provides the advantage of accommodating differing toe lengths.
- the flexing means are constructed from a nylon material (e.g. nylon-6, -11 or -12).
- flexing means suitable for use in the shoe of this aspect of the invention will be apparent from WO 2005/065789 (Hussenoder), the flexing arrangement of which is herein incorporated by reference.
- a detachable outer covering configured to engage with and cover both the toe box and shank portions as hereinbefore defined.
- a shoe comprising a toe box and shank portion provides the advantage of allowing the outer cover to engage and cover the shoe before the toe box and shank portions engage each other to form a unitary part, which makes it easier to attach the outer cover to the shoe.
- the detachable outer covering may be arranged also to engage with and cover the toe box and shank portions after the toe box and shank portions have engaged with each other to form a unitary part. It will also be appreciated that in embodiments where the toe box and shank portions are detachably engageable, the outer covering may be removed before or after disconnection of the toe box and shank portions.
- An advantage of having a separate “inner” and “outer” shoe is to allow a wearer, such as a ballet dancer, to remove the outer covering which can be washed and reattached to the shank and toe box portions. The outer covering may also be replaced when damaged without the need to discard the entire shoe.
- a further advantage is that differing outer coverings can be tailored to differing costumes by applying patterns or by dyeing, etc.
- the outer covering is constructed from a man-made wick like material which retains a satin like appearance (e.g. canvas). This has the advantage of drawing perspiration away from the foot.
- the outer covering is constructed from a microfibre material which provides the benefit of allowing the foot of a user to breathe. The microfibre material has a further advantage of providing a greater degree of flexibility or stretching in one direction when compared with a perpendicular direction.
- the outer covering comprises one or more attachment means which allow engagement of the outer covering with a toe box portion and a shank portion of a shoe.
- the attachment means comprise an elasticized portion. This has the advantage of providing a stretch fit over the shank and toe box portions and the foot of the ballet dancer. This arrangement will allow the outer covering to hug the foot of the wearer, such as a ballet dancer, when in a pointed position and allow the foot to expand in length when weight bearing.
- the attachment means comprise an integral pocket feature at the base of the outer covering configured to accommodate the shank portion. This feature provides the advantage of simultaneously allowing the outer covering to slide into the shank portion while fitting the front part of the outer covering to the toe box portion of the ballet shoe.
- the attachment means comprise at least one portion of VelcroTM or like material.
- VelcroTM or like material is present on the underside of the shank portion of the shoe and the flat end part of the toe box portion of the shoe which will engage with corresponding pieces of VelcroTM or like material on the inner surface of the outer covering.
- VelcroTM or like attachment provides the advantage of simultaneously allowing firm attachment while also facilitating simple replacement of the outer cover.
- the outer covering comprises a slip-resistant portion. This has the advantage of providing additional grip for the ballet dancer to prevent slips and falls and therefore minimise the chances of injury.
- kits comprising at least one of a toe box portion, a shank portion and optionally, a detachable outer covering.
- kit is advantageous because it can provide a wearer with a complete shoe.
- a method of manufacturing a shoe as defined herein which comprises the steps of:
- the method comprises the additional step of:
- the method may comprise the additional step of:
- the thermoplastic material has a softening point of between 49° C. (120° F.) and 104° C. (220° F.).
- the material may be selected from an ionomer resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer and a polyurethane (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane; TPU).
- the toe box portion is moulded from a thermoplastic polymeric material having greater rigidity than the shank portion.
- the method additionally comprises the steps of:
- step (b) applying a first shock absorbing portion to the exterior surface of the toe box portion or integrally moulding said first shock absorbing portion to the toe box portion, perhaps in step (b); and/or applying a toe moulding portion to the interior surface of the toe box portion or integrally moulding said toe moulding portion to the toe box portion, perhaps in step (b).
- the first shock absorbing portion is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam or gel like substance.
- the toe moulding portion is constructed from a heat responsive polymer.
- the method additionally comprises the step of:
- step (a) applying a second shock absorbing portion to the heel region of the shank portion or integrally moulding said second shock absorbing portion to the shank portion, perhaps in step (a).
- the second shock absorbing portion is constructed from a foam comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, a neoprene rubber or an open celled polyurethane foam or gel like substance. In a further embodiment, the second shock absorbing portion is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam.
- EVA ethylene vinyl acetate
- the method additionally comprises the step of:
- step (a) applying a soft, resilient coating to the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot, perhaps in step (a).
- the soft, resilient coating is an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.
- the soft resilient coating additionally comprises odour controlling means as hereinbefore defined.
- the method additionally comprises the step of:
- the outer covering is detachable and as hereinbefore defined.
- the method additionally comprises the step of
- FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the components of a shoe of the invention
- FIG. 2 shows an assembled view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 show a plan view of the first part of the flexing means of the invention.
- FIG. 4 show a plan view of the second part of the flexing means of the invention.
- FIGS. 5 to 8 show a plan view of the flexing means of the invention.
- a shoe shown generally as 1 , comprises a shank portion 2 and a toe box portion 3 .
- the toe box portion 3 additionally comprises a toe housing portion 4 , a toe moulding portion 5 which fits inside the toe housing portion 4 and a first shock absorbing portion 6 which attaches to the outer surface of the toe housing portion 4 .
- the shank portion 2 comprises a protruding male component 7 on the end distal to the heel, which is engageable with a female cavity component 8 on the base of the toe moulding portion 5 of the toe box portion 3 .
- Both the shank portion 2 and the toe box portion 3 are constructed from a thermoplastic polymeric material such that the shank portion 2 has a lower softening point than the toe box portion.
- the outer surface of the toe moulding portion 5 is constructed from a thermoplastic polymeric material and has an inner layer of heat responsive polymer.
- the first shock absorbing portion 6 is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam.
- the shank portion 2 has a soft, resilient coating of foam (not shown) on the upper surface which is in contact with the user's foot which additionally comprises odour control agents.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 show one embodiment of the flexing means according to the invention.
- FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which the first part 11 comprises a plurality of interconnected first elements 11 a - 11 e . It will be appreciated that the number of first elements may vary. In this embodiment, the size of the first elements increases incrementally from 11 a to 11 e.
- FIG. 4 correspondingly shows an embodiment in which the second part 10 comprises a plurality of interconnected second elements 10 a - 10 f and in which two stopping surfaces 12 are formed between each of the second elements 10 e - 10 f . It will be appreciated that the number of second elements and stopping surfaces may vary.
- the arrows in each of FIGS. 3 and 4 show the intended side of interaction of the first part 11 with the second part 10 .
- FIG. 5 shows a plurality of interconnected first elements 11 a - 11 d present on the shank portion 2 at the point of the shank portion 2 which engages with the toe box portion 3 and a plurality of interconnected second elements 10 a - 10 e which are present on the toe box portion 3 at the point of the toe box portion 3 which engages with the shank portion 2 .
- FIGS. 6 to 8 show the interconnection of the plurality of first elements 11 (five first elements in FIG. 6 and six first elements in FIGS. 7 and 8 ) with the plurality of second elements 10 (six second elements in FIG. 6 and seven second elements in FIGS. 7 and 8 ) when the shank portion 2 engages with the toe box portion 3 . It will be appreciated that the subsequent use of adhesive or welding will enable a stronger association between the toe box portion and shank portion.
- a ballet dancer will connect the shank portion 2 to the toe box portion 3 which results in a constructed shoe.
- the resultant shoe will then be moulded to the user's foot by application of heat to the toe moulding portion 5 which simply adjusts the shoe to the contours of the user's foot to enhance comfort.
- the dancer will be comfortable with the shoe because it will have easily been moulded to the contours of their feet.
- the discomfort associated with “going en pointe” will be minimised by virtue of the presence of the first shock absorbing portion 6 which not only softens the impact on the toes but also ensures that noise is minimised when the toe box portion 3 strikes the floor.
- the plurality of first elements 11 and second elements 10 are configured to allow the shank portion 2 to be flexible only in one direction (as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7 ).
- stopping surfaces 12 are formed between at least two of said second elements 10 . This flexibility is required most when “going en point”, but flexibility is limited to one direction so that simultaneous support is provided to the foot of the user.
- shank portion 2 , toe box portion 3 and detachable outer covering will comprise separate items of commerce which may be purchased by a ballet dancer or their employer separately. Therefore, once any part of the shoe has been worn out then it may simply be replaced without the need for entire replacement of the shoe.
- this interchangeability has the advantage that a dancer may retain the same toe moulding portion 5 which has been perfectly adapted to their feet and insert it into the toe housing portion 4 of a separate shoe.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a shoe, and in particular but not exclusively a dance or performing arts shoe, comprising a separate shank portion (2) which engages with a separate toe box portion (3) to form a unitary part. The invention also relates to methods of construction of said shoe.
Description
- The invention relates to a shoe and in particular but not exclusively a dance or performing arts shoe, especially, which provides a wearer with enhanced levels of comfort, durability, stability and shock absorption, and to methods for constructing said shoe.
- It is convenient to refer to the field of ballet dancing to set the background for the invention but aspects of the background discussion apply equally to other fields, such as shoes and sports shoes in general.
- During training and performances, ballet dancers are often required to dance upon their toes which is a technique known as “going en pointe” (or “sur les pointes”). Pointe ballet shoes (or toe shoes) have a blocked toe which is generally constructed by hand using layers of fabrics, cardboard, paper or leather saturated with glue as a laminant to form a reinforced toe box joined to a leather or cardboard shank. A reinforced stiffener is generally also included in the shank and the outer sole is constructed from leather. An outer layer of fabric or “upper” is sewn to the sole and usually gathered in pleats under the toe. This design and manner of construction is labour intensive and expensive to produce. Although some improvements to the construction have been proposed, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,996 (Ballet Makers Inc), the design of pointe ballet shoes has generally been unchanged since conception.
- Traditional ballet shoes require extensive breaking-in before they are comfortable for use, which typically requires manual flexing, application of force, steaming or soaking in water or alcohol. Once the shoe has been broken-in, it will have a short lifespan and a ballet dancer may use 2-3 pairs of ballet shoes each week. This short lifespan is due to the deterioration of the toe box and or shank caused by the rapid breakdown of the glue used to form the laminates of the toe box. The breakdown can be accelerated by perspiration during energetic dancing. Once the shank and/or toe box have deteriorated, the shoe is useless because there will be no support for the ballet dancer.
- Conventional ballet shoes have a number of drawbacks, for example, the toe box compresses the side of the feet and may exacerbate injuries associated with the hopping and leaping en palate required by ballet choreography. In addition, ballet shoes are noisy which results from the sound caused by the toe box striking the floor which can often detract from the illusion of effortless grace which a ballet dancer strives. A ballet dancer will often attempt to compensate for the noise by softening the impact on the floor which may detract from the performance or cause injury.
- Thus, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a shoe comprising a shank portion which is engageable with a separate toe box portion and wherein, in use, the shank portion and toe box portion form a unitary part.
- It will be appreciated that references herein to shoe include all shoes but particularly those which are used for dance or performing arts. In one embodiment the shoe is a ballet shoe.
- According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a shank portion configured to be engageable with a corresponding separate toe box portion.
- According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a toe box portion configured to be engageable with a corresponding separate shank portion.
- The advantage of providing separate toe box and shank portions is that a ballet dancer may select from a number of separate toe boxes with differing widths and supports which may correspondingly be engaged with one of a number of shanks providing differing levels of support. Such an arrangement provides the advantage that a ballet dancer is able to customise any given shoe for either foot. For example, in the event that the left foot differs in size or shape from the right foot, differing toe box and shank portions may be selected to account for such differences.
- It will be appreciated that ‘engageable’ refers to any means of connection between the shank and toe box portions.
- In one embodiment, the shank portion may be detachably engageable with a separate toe box portion. It will be appreciated that ‘detachably engageable’ refers to any means of releasable connection between the shank and toe box portions, which enables both a strong connection when the shoe is in use and a simple disconnection when the shoe is being dismantled.
- In one embodiment, the releasable connection means may comprise co-operable components on the shank and toe box portions (e.g. co-operable male and female components). For example, the toe box portion may comprise a cavity (female component) on its base adapted to receive a protruded section (male component) on the end distal from the heel of the shank portion. Other embodiments may provide the cavity on the shank portion and the protruded section on the toe box portion. Indeed, some embodiments may provide both a cavity and a protruded section on both shank and toe box portions. In a further embodiment, releasable connection means may comprise a snap-fit locking arrangement.
- Additionally, or alternatively, engagement may be provided by an adhesive (e.g. glue, paste, mastic or the like) or a weld joint (e.g. an ultrasonic weld joint) between the shank portion and the toe box portion once a user has selected an appropriate toe box and shank portion. This enables a stronger association between the toe box and the shank portion.
- In one embodiment of the invention, the shank and/or toe box portions are moulded from a thermoplastic polymeric material. In a further embodiment, the thermoplastic material has a softening point of between roughly 49° C. (120° F.) and 104° C. (220° F.). Further, the polymer may be selected from the following: an Monomer resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC) and a polyurethane (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane; TPU). In a further embodiment, the shank and/or toe box portions may be constructed from a nylon material (e.g. nylon-6, -11 or -12). The advantage of providing the shank and/or toe box portions from these materials is the life of the portions should be increased, perhaps greatly, when compared to traditional fabrication techniques.
- It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the properties of the shank and/or toe box portions may be modified by varying the composition of the shank and/or toe box portions. For example, the composition of the shank portion may be varied in order to create a range of shank portions, wherein each portion comprises a different rigidity. This provides the advantage of allowing the user to customise the support of the shoe according to their personal preference.
- In one embodiment, the rigidity of the shank may vary along its length. In another embodiment, the rigidity of the shank decreases along its length towards the heel. This provides the advantage of support where required whilst en pointe (mid-foot) and also allows correct anatomical positioning whilst en pointe and a better pointe when non-weight bearing.
- In one embodiment, the shank may be constructed from a combination of more than one thermoplastic polymeric materials to provide a variation in rigidity. In a further embodiment, the more than one thermoplastic polymeric materials may be selected from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In a yet further embodiment, the shank may be constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) varying in grades from 60D to 90A towards the heel.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the too box portion comprises a toe housing portion. The toe-housing portion may comprise a first shock absorbing portion attached or moulded to the exterior surface of the toe housing portion and/or a toe moulding portion attached or moulded to the interior surface of the toe housing portion. It is advantageous to provide the first shock absorbing portion and/or the toe moulding portion in order to increase the comfort of the shoe.
- In one embodiment, the toe housing portion is moulded from a thermoplastic polymeric material having greater rigidity than the shank portion, for example, having a higher softening point. In a further embodiment, the toe housing portion is moulded from a nylon material (e.g. nylon-11 or 12 having a hardness of approximately 55D) and overlaid with a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEW) block copolymer (e.g. SEBS 35 C).
- In one embodiment, the first shock absorbing portion is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam or gel like substance. The first shock absorbing portion has the advantage of providing quiet contact between the shoe and the floor so that a ballet dancer can achieve graceful movement.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the toe moulding portion is constructed from a heat responsive polymer, for example, the viscosity of the polymer increases with application of heat. In a yet further embodiment, the toe moulding portion is constructed from a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer (e.g. SEBS 25 C). This embodiment has the advantage of allowing the toe moulding portion to be easily moulded to the ballet dancer's foot. For example, moulding may occur by simple application of heat from a hair dryer or hot water.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the shank has a second shock absorbing portion attached or moulded to the heel region thereof. In a yet further embodiment, the second shock absorbing portion is constructed from a foam comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, a neoprene rubber or an open celled polyurethane foam or gel like substance. In a yet further embodiment, the second shock absorbing portion is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam. The second shock absorbing portion may be provided above or below the heel region.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, all surfaces of the shoe which are in contact with the users foot are lined with a soft, resilient coating selected from a foam comprising a polyurethane, a cross-linked polyethylene, a polyvinylchloride and nitrile rubber blend or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. In a yet further embodiment, the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot is lined with a soft, resilient coating. In a yet further embodiment, the soft, resilient coating is an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.
- In a yet further embodiment, the soft resilient coating additionally comprises odour controlling means. In this embodiment, the odour controlling means may be incorporated within the outer covering (e.g. by application of odour controlling agents) or the odour controlling means may be separately applied to the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot (e.g. by the presence of a detachable insole) by any of the attachment means mentioned herein. In one embodiment, the odour controlling means comprise a separate insole separately attached to the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot by way of a releasable or permanent attachment, e.g. Velcro™, an adhesive (either permanent or temporary) or any other means of attachment.
- According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a shoe comprising a toe box portion and a shank portion, each of said toe box portion and said shank portion being either integrally moulded or engageable, wherein at least a portion of the shank portion comprises flexing means which, in use, is configured to:
- (a) allow the shank portion to bend from a substantially extended state to a substantially curved state during an upward movement;
(b) allow the shank portion to unbend from a substantially curved state to a substantially extended state during a downward movement; and
(c) limit downward movement of the shank portion from a substantially extended state. - It will be appreciated that the ‘downward movement’ of the shank portion corresponds to the bending of the shank portion in the direction away from the roof of the toe box. The ‘upward movement’ is a bending movement of the shank portion in an opposite direction to the downward movement, i.e. towards the roof of the toe box.
- It will also be appreciated that references to shank portion in the ‘extended state’ refer to the shank portion when it is substantially flat.
- The flexing means of this aspect of the invention provide the advantage of substantial strength, rigidity and therefore support to the user's foot in a downward direction while simultaneously allowing flexibility in the upward (i.e. opposed) direction for comfort, for example when “going en pointe”. The flexing means also prevent a ballet dancer from having to spend significant time “breaking-in” the shoe.
- In one embodiment the flexing means comprise a first part, which comprises a plurality of interconnected first elements, and a second part, which comprises a plurality of interconnected second elements. It will be appreciated for the second part that a first side surface of a second element and a second side surface of an adjacent second element form an interspace. Said first part is connected or connectable to said second part when the first elements are received in the interspaces formed between the side surfaces of the second elements.
- In one embodiment, one or more second elements comprise at least one (e.g. 2) stopping surface. In one embodiment, the stopping surface is a side surface of a second element and is angled or curved towards an adjacent second element. In one embodiment, both the opposing side surfaces of the interspace are stopping surfaces, i.e. the first side surface of a second element and the second side surface of an adjacent second element are angled or curved towards each other.
- Thus, the at least one stopping surface forms a trapezoid shaped interspace between adjacent second elements, such that the interspace comprises a narrow end and a wide end. In one embodiment, the stopping surfaces at the narrow end of the interspace are arranged to contact or partly contact the first element received in the interspace, when the shank portion is in the extended state.
- The stopping surfaces may be arranged on the second part such that, in use, downward movement of the shank portion from the extended state causes the narrow end of the interspace to contract. This leads to the at least one stopping surface colliding with the first element and prevents further contraction. Thus the arrangement of the at least one stopping surface offers resistance to downward movement from the extended state.
- The stopping surfaces may also be arranged on the second part such that, in use, upward movement of the shank portion from the extended state to the curved state causes the wide end of the interspace to contract. However, unlike the narrow end of the interspace, the stopping surfaces at the wide end of the interspace do not collide with the first element. Thus, the arrangement allows upward movement of the shank portion without resistance.
- It will be apparent to the skilled person that the width of the narrow end and wide end of the interspace may be modified to vary the rigidity and support in the downward direction and the flexibility in the upward direction.
- In a further embodiment, the flexing means are present at the position where the shank portion engages with the toe box portion. For example, the first part, comprising the plurality of first elements, may be present on the shank portion and interconnect with the second part, comprising the plurality of second elements, present on the toe box portion. In one embodiment, the first part may be present on the end distal from the heel of the shank portion and the second part may be present on the base of the toe box portion.
- In a further embodiment, the first and second elements may have differing numbers, size and shape. This will provide the advantage of creating a variety of shoes that may comprise differing levels of rigidity and support in the downward direction and/or differing levels of flexibility in the upward direction. It will be appreciated, however, that the number, size and shape of the first elements will correspond to the number, size and shape of the second elements, such that the first part may be connected to the second part.
- For example, a greater number of first elements, such as 4 to 8 (e.g. 4, 5 or 6) may increase the strength, rigidity and therefore support to the user's foot in the downward direction while simultaneously allowing increased flexibility in the upward direction. Conversely a smaller number of elements, such as 1 to 4 (e.g. 3) may be used to decrease the strength, rigidity and therefore support to the user's foot in the downward direction while simultaneously allowing decreased flexibility in the upward direction.
- Furthermore, a greater number of first elements may be used to extend the area of support further towards the heel end. This may be important when the ball of the user's foot is positioned further from the toe box portion than normal. This arrangement provides the advantage of accommodating differing toe lengths.
- In a further embodiment the flexing means are constructed from a nylon material (e.g. nylon-6, -11 or -12).
- Examples of flexing means suitable for use in the shoe of this aspect of the invention will be apparent from WO 2005/065789 (Hussenoder), the flexing arrangement of which is herein incorporated by reference.
- In one embodiment, there is provided a detachable outer covering configured to engage with and cover both the toe box and shank portions as hereinbefore defined.
- A shoe comprising a toe box and shank portion provides the advantage of allowing the outer cover to engage and cover the shoe before the toe box and shank portions engage each other to form a unitary part, which makes it easier to attach the outer cover to the shoe.
- It will be appreciated that the detachable outer covering may be arranged also to engage with and cover the toe box and shank portions after the toe box and shank portions have engaged with each other to form a unitary part. It will also be appreciated that in embodiments where the toe box and shank portions are detachably engageable, the outer covering may be removed before or after disconnection of the toe box and shank portions.
- An advantage of having a separate “inner” and “outer” shoe is to allow a wearer, such as a ballet dancer, to remove the outer covering which can be washed and reattached to the shank and toe box portions. The outer covering may also be replaced when damaged without the need to discard the entire shoe. A further advantage is that differing outer coverings can be tailored to differing costumes by applying patterns or by dyeing, etc.
- In one embodiment, the outer covering is constructed from a man-made wick like material which retains a satin like appearance (e.g. canvas). This has the advantage of drawing perspiration away from the foot. In a further embodiment, the outer covering is constructed from a microfibre material which provides the benefit of allowing the foot of a user to breathe. The microfibre material has a further advantage of providing a greater degree of flexibility or stretching in one direction when compared with a perpendicular direction.
- In one embodiment, the outer covering comprises one or more attachment means which allow engagement of the outer covering with a toe box portion and a shank portion of a shoe. In one embodiment, the attachment means comprise an elasticized portion. This has the advantage of providing a stretch fit over the shank and toe box portions and the foot of the ballet dancer. This arrangement will allow the outer covering to hug the foot of the wearer, such as a ballet dancer, when in a pointed position and allow the foot to expand in length when weight bearing.
- In a further embodiment, the attachment means comprise an integral pocket feature at the base of the outer covering configured to accommodate the shank portion. This feature provides the advantage of simultaneously allowing the outer covering to slide into the shank portion while fitting the front part of the outer covering to the toe box portion of the ballet shoe.
- In a yet further embodiment, the attachment means comprise at least one portion of Velcro™ or like material. In such an embodiment, it is envisaged that a portion of Velcro™ or like material is present on the underside of the shank portion of the shoe and the flat end part of the toe box portion of the shoe which will engage with corresponding pieces of Velcro™ or like material on the inner surface of the outer covering. Velcro™ or like attachment provides the advantage of simultaneously allowing firm attachment while also facilitating simple replacement of the outer cover.
- In one embodiment, the outer covering comprises a slip-resistant portion. This has the advantage of providing additional grip for the ballet dancer to prevent slips and falls and therefore minimise the chances of injury.
- According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising at least one of a toe box portion, a shank portion and optionally, a detachable outer covering.
- Such a kit is advantageous because it can provide a wearer with a complete shoe.
- It may be advantageous to provide either a plurality of toe box portions and/or a plurality of shank portions such that a wearer is provided with a flexible kit such that the shoe provided thereby can be used in a variety of situations.
- According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a shoe as defined herein which comprises the steps of:
- (a) moulding a shank portion from a thermoplastic polymeric material; and
(b) moulding a separate toe box portion from a thermoplastic polymeric material;
such that said shank portion and toe box portion are configured to be engageable. - In a further embodiment, the method comprises the additional step of:
- (c) engaging the shank portion and toe box portion to form a unitary part.
- In a yet further embodiment, the method may comprise the additional step of:
- (d) bonding the shank portion to the toe box portion with an adhesive or weld joint.
- In one embodiment, the thermoplastic material has a softening point of between 49° C. (120° F.) and 104° C. (220° F.). The material may be selected from an ionomer resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer and a polyurethane (e.g. thermoplastic polyurethane; TPU).
- In one embodiment, the toe box portion is moulded from a thermoplastic polymeric material having greater rigidity than the shank portion.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the method additionally comprises the steps of:
- applying a first shock absorbing portion to the exterior surface of the toe box portion or integrally moulding said first shock absorbing portion to the toe box portion, perhaps in step (b); and/or
applying a toe moulding portion to the interior surface of the toe box portion or integrally moulding said toe moulding portion to the toe box portion, perhaps in step (b). - In one embodiment, the first shock absorbing portion is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam or gel like substance.
- In one embodiment, the toe moulding portion is constructed from a heat responsive polymer.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the method additionally comprises the step of:
- applying a second shock absorbing portion to the heel region of the shank portion or integrally moulding said second shock absorbing portion to the shank portion, perhaps in step (a).
- In one embodiment, the second shock absorbing portion is constructed from a foam comprising an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, a neoprene rubber or an open celled polyurethane foam or gel like substance. In a further embodiment, the second shock absorbing portion is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the method additionally comprises the step of:
- applying a soft, resilient coating to the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot, perhaps in step (a).
- In one embodiment, the soft, resilient coating is an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. In a further embodiment, the soft resilient coating additionally comprises odour controlling means as hereinbefore defined.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the method additionally comprises the step of:
- applying an outer covering to the shank and toe box portions. This may be done before or after step (c).
- In one embodiment, the outer covering is detachable and as hereinbefore defined.
- In a further embodiment of the invention, the method additionally comprises the step of
- applying a slip-resistant portion to the outer covering.
- It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the above method steps can be carried out in, any desired sequence.
- The invention will now be described, by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
-
FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of the components of a shoe of the invention; -
FIG. 2 shows an assembled view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 3 show a plan view of the first part of the flexing means of the invention. -
FIG. 4 show a plan view of the second part of the flexing means of the invention. -
FIGS. 5 to 8 show a plan view of the flexing means of the invention. - Referring first to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a shoe, shown generally as 1, comprises ashank portion 2 and atoe box portion 3. In this embodiment, the shoe is drawn as a ballet shoe, although the invention finds wider applicability in a variety of other footwear. Thetoe box portion 3 additionally comprises atoe housing portion 4, atoe moulding portion 5 which fits inside thetoe housing portion 4 and a firstshock absorbing portion 6 which attaches to the outer surface of thetoe housing portion 4. Theshank portion 2 comprises a protrudingmale component 7 on the end distal to the heel, which is engageable with afemale cavity component 8 on the base of thetoe moulding portion 5 of thetoe box portion 3. Both theshank portion 2 and thetoe box portion 3 are constructed from a thermoplastic polymeric material such that theshank portion 2 has a lower softening point than the toe box portion. The outer surface of thetoe moulding portion 5 is constructed from a thermoplastic polymeric material and has an inner layer of heat responsive polymer. The firstshock absorbing portion 6 is constructed from an open celled polyurethane foam. Theshank portion 2 has a soft, resilient coating of foam (not shown) on the upper surface which is in contact with the user's foot which additionally comprises odour control agents. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 show one embodiment of the flexing means according to the invention.FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which thefirst part 11 comprises a plurality of interconnectedfirst elements 11 a-11 e. It will be appreciated that the number of first elements may vary. In this embodiment, the size of the first elements increases incrementally from 11 a to 11 e. -
FIG. 4 correspondingly shows an embodiment in which thesecond part 10 comprises a plurality of interconnectedsecond elements 10 a-10 f and in which two stoppingsurfaces 12 are formed between each of thesecond elements 10 e-10 f. It will be appreciated that the number of second elements and stopping surfaces may vary. The arrows in each ofFIGS. 3 and 4 show the intended side of interaction of thefirst part 11 with thesecond part 10. -
FIG. 5 shows a plurality of interconnectedfirst elements 11 a-11 d present on theshank portion 2 at the point of theshank portion 2 which engages with thetoe box portion 3 and a plurality of interconnectedsecond elements 10 a-10 e which are present on thetoe box portion 3 at the point of thetoe box portion 3 which engages with theshank portion 2. -
FIGS. 6 to 8 show the interconnection of the plurality of first elements 11 (five first elements inFIG. 6 and six first elements inFIGS. 7 and 8 ) with the plurality of second elements 10 (six second elements inFIG. 6 and seven second elements inFIGS. 7 and 8 ) when theshank portion 2 engages with thetoe box portion 3. It will be appreciated that the subsequent use of adhesive or welding will enable a stronger association between the toe box portion and shank portion. - In use, a ballet dancer will connect the
shank portion 2 to thetoe box portion 3 which results in a constructed shoe. The resultant shoe will then be moulded to the user's foot by application of heat to thetoe moulding portion 5 which simply adjusts the shoe to the contours of the user's foot to enhance comfort. During a performance, the dancer will be comfortable with the shoe because it will have easily been moulded to the contours of their feet. Furthermore, the discomfort associated with “going en pointe” will be minimised by virtue of the presence of the firstshock absorbing portion 6 which not only softens the impact on the toes but also ensures that noise is minimised when thetoe box portion 3 strikes the floor. - During a performance, comfort is further enhanced by the presence of the flexing means shown in
FIGS. 3 to 8 . For enhanced flexibility, the plurality offirst elements 11 andsecond elements 10 are configured to allow theshank portion 2 to be flexible only in one direction (as shown by the arrow inFIG. 7 ). For example, stoppingsurfaces 12 are formed between at least two of saidsecond elements 10. This flexibility is required most when “going en point”, but flexibility is limited to one direction so that simultaneous support is provided to the foot of the user. - It is intended that the
shank portion 2,toe box portion 3 and detachable outer covering will comprise separate items of commerce which may be purchased by a ballet dancer or their employer separately. Therefore, once any part of the shoe has been worn out then it may simply be replaced without the need for entire replacement of the shoe. - Furthermore, this interchangeability has the advantage that a dancer may retain the same
toe moulding portion 5 which has been perfectly adapted to their feet and insert it into thetoe housing portion 4 of a separate shoe.
Claims (32)
1. A shoe comprising a shank portion which is engageable with a separate toe box portion and wherein, in use, the shank portion and toe box portion form a unitary part, characterised in that the shoe additionally comprises flexing means which comprise a first part and a second part, which is connected or connectable to said first part.
2. A shoe as defined in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the shank portion comprises flexing means which, in use, is configured to:
(a) allow the shank portion to bend from a substantially extended state to a substantially curved state during an upward movement;
(b) allow the shank portion to unbend from a substantially curved state to a substantially extended state during a downward movement; and
(c) limit downward movement of the shank portion from a substantially extended state.
3. A shoe as defined in claim 1 wherein the first part comprises a plurality of interconnected first elements, and the second part comprises a plurality of interconnected second elements.
4. A shoe as defined in claim 3 wherein a first side surface of said second element and a second side surface of an adjacent second element form an interspace such that said first part is connected or connectable to said second part when the first elements are received in the interspaces formed between the side surfaces of the second elements.
5. A shoe as defined in claim 1 wherein the second part comprises at least one stopping surface.
6. A shoe as defined in claim 5 wherein the stopping surface is a side surface of a second element and is angled or curved towards an adjacent second element.
7. A shoe as defined in claim 5 wherein the stopping surface is a trapezoid shaped interspace formed between adjacent second elements, such that the interspace comprises a narrow end and a wide end.
8. A shoe as defined in claim 1 wherein the flexing means are present at the position where the shank portion engages with the toe box portion.
9. A shoe as defined in claim 3 wherein the first part, comprising the plurality of first elements, is present on the shank portion and interconnect with the second part, comprising the plurality of second elements, present on the toe box portion.
10. A shoe as defined in claim 1 , wherein the flexing means are constructed from a nylon material.
11. A shoe as defined in claim 1 , wherein the shank portion is detachably engageable with the toe box portion.
12. A shoe as defined in claim 1 , wherein the rigidity of the shank decreases along its length towards the heel.
13. A shoe as defined in claim 1 , wherein the toe box portion comprises a toe housing portion and a first shock absorbing portion attached or moulded to the exterior surface thereof and said toe housing portion comprises a toe moulding portion attached or moulded to the interior surface thereof.
14. A shoe as defined in claim 1 , wherein the shank has a second shock absorbing portion attached or moulded to a heel region.
15. A shoe as defined in claim 1 , wherein the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot is lined with a soft, resilient coating selected from one of the group consisting of a foam comprising a polyurethane, a cross-linked polyethylene, a polyvinylchloride and nitrile rubber blend or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.
16. A shoe as defined in claim 15 , wherein the soft, resilient coating additionally comprises odour controlling means.
17. A shoe as defined in claim 1 , which comprises a detachable outer covering configured to engage with and cover both the toe box portion and the shank portion.
18. A shoe as defined in claim 17 , wherein the outer covering is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of a man-made wick like material or microfibre material which retains a satin like appearance.
19. A shoe as defined in claim 17 , wherein the outer covering comprises one or more attachment means which allow engagement of the outer covering with a toe box portion and a shank portion of a shoe either before or after engaging the shank portion and toe box portion to form a unitary part.
20. A shoe as defined in claim 19 , wherein the attachment means comprise an elasticized portion, an integral pocket feature at the base of the outer covering configured to accommodate the shank portion or at least one portion of Velcro™ or like material.
21. A shoe as defined in claim 17 , wherein the outer covering comprises a slip-resistant portion.
22. A method of manufacturing a shoe as defined in claim 1 , which comprises the steps of:
(a) moulding a shank portion from a thermoplastic polymeric material; and
(b) moulding a separate toe box portion from a thermoplastic polymeric material;
(c) engaging the shank portion and toe box portion to form a unitary part; and optionally thereafter;
(d) bonding the shank portion to the toe box portion with an adhesive or weld joint,
such that said shank portion and toe box portion are configured to be engageable and characterised in that the shoe additionally comprises flexing means which comprise a first part and a second part, which is connected or connectable to said first part.
23. A method as defined in claim 22 , wherein said thermoplastic material is selected from one of the group consisting of an ionomer resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer and a polyurethane.
24. A method as defined in claim 22 , wherein said thermoplastic material has a softening point of between roughly 49° C. (120° F.) and 104° C. (220° F.).
25. A method as defined in claim 22 , wherein said toe box portion is moulded from a thermoplastic polymeric material having greater rigidity than the shank portion.
26. A method as defined in claim 22 , which additionally comprises the step of:
applying a soft, resilient coating to the surface of the shank portion in contact with the user's foot.
27. A method as defined in claim 26 , wherein the soft, resilient coating is an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer.
28. A method as defined in claim 22 , which additionally comprises the step of:
applying an outer covering to the shank and toe box portions either before or after engaging the shank portion and toe box portion to form a unitary part.
29. A shank portion as defined in claim 1 configured to be engageable with the corresponding separate toe box portion.
30. A toe box portion as defined in claim 1 , configured to be engageable with the corresponding separate shank portion.
31. An detachable outer covering as defined in claim 1 , configured to be engageable with the shoe either before or after engaging the shank portion and toe box portion to form a unitary part.
32. A kit comprising at least one toe box portion, at least one shank portion and optionally at least one detachable outer covering.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0606836.5 | 2006-04-05 | ||
GBGB0606836.5A GB0606836D0 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2006-04-05 | Shoe |
PCT/GB2007/001307 WO2007113588A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2007-04-05 | Shoe |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100126042A1 true US20100126042A1 (en) | 2010-05-27 |
Family
ID=36539357
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/296,104 Abandoned US20100126042A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 | 2007-04-05 | Shoe |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100126042A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2001316A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0606836D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007113588A1 (en) |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080209761A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-09-04 | Michael Thoraval | Ballet pointe shoes |
US20120011742A1 (en) * | 2010-07-14 | 2012-01-19 | Hsin-Chih Yang | Combination structure for shoe shell |
US20140331518A1 (en) * | 2011-08-03 | 2014-11-13 | Helmut Mayer | Sole chassis for shoes |
US20150342293A1 (en) * | 2012-07-21 | 2015-12-03 | Jozette Hazzouri | Dance shoe |
US9314068B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2016-04-19 | Kelly Susan Schmutte | Self-customized, moldable, weight-distributing insert for ballet pointe shoes |
US20170267847A1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2017-09-21 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
WO2019229043A1 (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2019-12-05 | Lindner Sophia | Dancing shoe, sole/toe unit, upper shoe, and kit consisting of a sole or a sole/toe unit and an upper shoe |
CN110845820A (en) * | 2019-12-16 | 2020-02-28 | 泉州师范学院 | Preparation method of light high-resilience SEBS foamed sole |
WO2020087034A1 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2020-04-30 | Ransan Lisias | Ballet pointe shoe |
US10834995B2 (en) | 2019-02-07 | 2020-11-17 | Pointe Noir Pty Ltd. | Foot covering with divided sole |
USD903990S1 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2020-12-08 | Lisias Ransan | Footwear component |
USD912375S1 (en) | 2018-11-01 | 2021-03-09 | Lisias Ransan | Footwear component |
USD920642S1 (en) | 2019-12-03 | 2021-06-01 | Lisias Ransan | Ballet pointe shoe |
US11278080B2 (en) | 2019-01-19 | 2022-03-22 | Lisias Ransan | Ballet pointe shoe having toe platform with malleable bumper |
US11439198B2 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2022-09-13 | Nike, Inc. | Two part sole structures and uses thereof |
US11523655B2 (en) | 2018-12-03 | 2022-12-13 | Nike, Inc. | High energy return foam compositions having improved abrasion resistance and uses thereof |
US11889886B2 (en) | 2017-08-08 | 2024-02-06 | Fox Investments Limited | Tuned sole shank component for dance footwear |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2921236B1 (en) * | 2007-09-26 | 2010-04-02 | Repetto Sa | FOOTWEAR SUITABLE FOR CLASSICAL DANCE PRACTICE. |
FR2957756B1 (en) | 2010-03-26 | 2012-07-06 | Decathlon Sa | PROTECTIVE ELEMENT FOR FOOTWEAR, ESPECIALLY DANCING SHOES |
GB2515788A (en) * | 2013-07-04 | 2015-01-07 | Inspire Future Of Dance Ltd | Foot Support Structure and Shoe Assembly |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4178925A (en) * | 1978-03-07 | 1979-12-18 | Hirt Paul R | Adjustable post-surgical shoe |
US4453996A (en) * | 1981-07-10 | 1984-06-12 | Ballet Makers, Inc. | Process of making a ballet toe shoe |
US4901453A (en) * | 1988-03-18 | 1990-02-20 | Gaynor Elizabeth H | Ballet slipper and method of manufacturing a ballet slipper |
US5339544A (en) * | 1990-10-04 | 1994-08-23 | Lotto S.P.A. | Footgear structure |
US6050004A (en) * | 1997-05-16 | 2000-04-18 | Salomon S.A. | Multiple-size sports boot |
US6237255B1 (en) * | 1996-08-13 | 2001-05-29 | Mod′8 | Device for adjusting the dimensions of a shoe, in particular a child's shoe and shoe equipped with same |
US20040093761A1 (en) * | 2002-11-19 | 2004-05-20 | Nye William S. | Toe shoe |
US7137635B2 (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2006-11-21 | K-2 Corporation | Expandable in-line skate |
US7690133B2 (en) * | 2005-07-06 | 2010-04-06 | Kellismere Llc | Shoe, in particular for a child |
US7900375B2 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2011-03-08 | Michael Thoraval | Ballet pointe shoes |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2337517A2 (en) * | 1976-01-09 | 1977-08-05 | Angelakov Dimitri | Mfr. of dance or ballet shoes - includes forming sole and upper on lase and machine sewing |
GB2156652B (en) * | 1984-04-06 | 1987-04-23 | Rodney Lester Freed | Ballet shoe |
FR2758950B1 (en) * | 1997-01-14 | 1999-04-30 | Patrick Valdivia | DANCE SLIPPER |
DE10361434B3 (en) | 2003-12-23 | 2005-09-15 | Hußenöder, Helmut | Stiffening device for a glove, in particular goalkeeper glove |
-
2006
- 2006-04-05 GB GBGB0606836.5A patent/GB0606836D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2007
- 2007-04-05 GB GB0817232A patent/GB2449821B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2007-04-05 EP EP07732351A patent/EP2001316A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-04-05 US US12/296,104 patent/US20100126042A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-04-05 WO PCT/GB2007/001307 patent/WO2007113588A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4178925A (en) * | 1978-03-07 | 1979-12-18 | Hirt Paul R | Adjustable post-surgical shoe |
US4453996A (en) * | 1981-07-10 | 1984-06-12 | Ballet Makers, Inc. | Process of making a ballet toe shoe |
US4901453A (en) * | 1988-03-18 | 1990-02-20 | Gaynor Elizabeth H | Ballet slipper and method of manufacturing a ballet slipper |
US5339544A (en) * | 1990-10-04 | 1994-08-23 | Lotto S.P.A. | Footgear structure |
US6237255B1 (en) * | 1996-08-13 | 2001-05-29 | Mod′8 | Device for adjusting the dimensions of a shoe, in particular a child's shoe and shoe equipped with same |
US6050004A (en) * | 1997-05-16 | 2000-04-18 | Salomon S.A. | Multiple-size sports boot |
US7137635B2 (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2006-11-21 | K-2 Corporation | Expandable in-line skate |
US20040093761A1 (en) * | 2002-11-19 | 2004-05-20 | Nye William S. | Toe shoe |
US6895694B2 (en) * | 2002-11-19 | 2005-05-24 | William S. Nye | Toe shoe |
US7690133B2 (en) * | 2005-07-06 | 2010-04-06 | Kellismere Llc | Shoe, in particular for a child |
US7900375B2 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2011-03-08 | Michael Thoraval | Ballet pointe shoes |
Cited By (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080209761A1 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2008-09-04 | Michael Thoraval | Ballet pointe shoes |
US7900375B2 (en) * | 2007-01-30 | 2011-03-08 | Michael Thoraval | Ballet pointe shoes |
US9314068B2 (en) | 2010-04-30 | 2016-04-19 | Kelly Susan Schmutte | Self-customized, moldable, weight-distributing insert for ballet pointe shoes |
US20120011742A1 (en) * | 2010-07-14 | 2012-01-19 | Hsin-Chih Yang | Combination structure for shoe shell |
US8453350B2 (en) * | 2010-07-14 | 2013-06-04 | Sakurai Sports Mfg. Co., Ltd. | Combination structure for shoe shell |
US20140331518A1 (en) * | 2011-08-03 | 2014-11-13 | Helmut Mayer | Sole chassis for shoes |
US20150342293A1 (en) * | 2012-07-21 | 2015-12-03 | Jozette Hazzouri | Dance shoe |
US10927242B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2021-02-23 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
US10947372B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2021-03-16 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
US11643535B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2023-05-09 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
US11149138B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2021-10-19 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
US11739201B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2023-08-29 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
US11780997B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2023-10-10 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
US10344150B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2019-07-09 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
US20170267847A1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2017-09-21 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
US10947371B2 (en) | 2016-03-15 | 2021-03-16 | Nike, Inc. | Foam compositions and uses thereof |
USD903990S1 (en) | 2016-11-01 | 2020-12-08 | Lisias Ransan | Footwear component |
US11889886B2 (en) | 2017-08-08 | 2024-02-06 | Fox Investments Limited | Tuned sole shank component for dance footwear |
US11696616B2 (en) | 2018-05-30 | 2023-07-11 | Sophia LINDNER | Dancing shoe, sole/toe unit, upper shoe, and kit consisting of a sole or a sole/toe unit and an upper shoe |
WO2019229043A1 (en) * | 2018-05-30 | 2019-12-05 | Lindner Sophia | Dancing shoe, sole/toe unit, upper shoe, and kit consisting of a sole or a sole/toe unit and an upper shoe |
US11439198B2 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2022-09-13 | Nike, Inc. | Two part sole structures and uses thereof |
WO2020087034A1 (en) * | 2018-10-26 | 2020-04-30 | Ransan Lisias | Ballet pointe shoe |
USD912375S1 (en) | 2018-11-01 | 2021-03-09 | Lisias Ransan | Footwear component |
US11523655B2 (en) | 2018-12-03 | 2022-12-13 | Nike, Inc. | High energy return foam compositions having improved abrasion resistance and uses thereof |
US11278080B2 (en) | 2019-01-19 | 2022-03-22 | Lisias Ransan | Ballet pointe shoe having toe platform with malleable bumper |
US11432614B2 (en) | 2019-02-07 | 2022-09-06 | Pointe Noir Pty Ltd. | Foot covering with divided sole |
US10834995B2 (en) | 2019-02-07 | 2020-11-17 | Pointe Noir Pty Ltd. | Foot covering with divided sole |
USD920642S1 (en) | 2019-12-03 | 2021-06-01 | Lisias Ransan | Ballet pointe shoe |
CN110845820A (en) * | 2019-12-16 | 2020-02-28 | 泉州师范学院 | Preparation method of light high-resilience SEBS foamed sole |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2449821A (en) | 2008-12-03 |
WO2007113588A1 (en) | 2007-10-11 |
GB2449821B (en) | 2010-11-24 |
GB0817232D0 (en) | 2008-10-29 |
EP2001316A1 (en) | 2008-12-17 |
GB0606836D0 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100126042A1 (en) | Shoe | |
JP6679363B2 (en) | Soles and shoes | |
EP2549898B1 (en) | Dance shoes with improved heel and arch sections | |
US5035069A (en) | Ballet slipper and method of manufacturing a ballet slipper | |
US4901453A (en) | Ballet slipper and method of manufacturing a ballet slipper | |
US8732982B2 (en) | Footwear | |
US20190281923A1 (en) | Sliding-shoe sole | |
AU2007200801B2 (en) | Dance shoe with moldable foot compartment | |
EP1802211B1 (en) | Article of footwear with upper support assembly | |
US20180153257A1 (en) | Rigid Three-Dimensional Sock-Shoe | |
US20150007454A1 (en) | Foot support structure and shoe assembly | |
US8844164B2 (en) | Foldable protective overshoe and method of manufacturing | |
EP2040574A2 (en) | Dance shoe | |
US20130239445A1 (en) | Pointe Shoe for Practising Classical Dance | |
US20180084862A1 (en) | Golf shoe with an outsole having a skeletal frame | |
WO2016154308A1 (en) | Ballet shoe | |
WO2014190073A1 (en) | Hybrid boots | |
KR20190003004U (en) | Shoe bottom structure | |
US20030131499A1 (en) | Footwear having a flexible outsole | |
JP4647322B2 (en) | Shoe sole and shoes equipped with the sole | |
JP2009511108A (en) | Footwear as matte socks | |
JP2021525568A (en) | Adaptive footwear for football competitions | |
CN106455754B (en) | Footwear upper with selectively positioned inserts | |
JP2009153990A (en) | Sole and footwear equipped with the same | |
GB2461015A (en) | Dance shoe |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THE UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WYON, MATTHEW ALEXANDER;REEL/FRAME:021736/0889 Effective date: 20080929 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |