Patent Grant
11026474
A ballet pointe shoe is a type of shoe worn by ballet dancers when performing pointe work (i.e. dancing “en pointe”). “En pointe” means “on the tip” and is part of a classical ballet technique in which dancers perform on the tips of their toes. Ballet pointe shoes developed from the desire for dancers to appear weightless and sylph-like.
In one embodiment of the disclosure, a ballet pointe shoe is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a toebox, a platform at a front end of the toebox, a shank, an upper, a heel, and a single continuous sole. The single continuous sole comprises a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole. The waist is positioned at more than about 65 percent of the length of the single continuous sole from the front end of the single continuous sole. A ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is at least about 42 percent.
In another embodiment of the disclosure, a ballet pointe shoe is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a toebox, a platform at a front end of the toebox, a shank, an upper, a heel, and a single continuous sole. The single continuous sole comprises a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole. The waist is positioned at more than about 69 percent of the length of the ballet pointe shoe from the platform to the back end of the single continuous sole. A ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is at least about 42 percent.
In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a ballet pointe shoe is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a toebox, a platform at a front end of the toebox, a shank, an upper, a heel, and a single continuous sole. The single continuous heel comprises a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole. The waist is positioned at more than at least about 64 percent of the length of the single continuous sole from a toe transition point to a heel transition point. A ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the single continuous sole closest to the back end is less than about 85 percent.
In a further embodiment of the disclosure, a ballet pointe shoe is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a toebox, a shank, an upper, a heel, and a platform at a front end of the toebox. At least a portion of the platform comprises a concave surface.
These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.
For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts.
It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.
Ballet pointe shoes comprise a sole on the bottom of ballet pointe shoe. The waist of the sole is defined as the narrowest part of the sole. The pending disclosure teaches a ballet pointe shoe that comprises a high-waisted, single continuous sole. In particular, the waist of the single continuous sole for the disclosed ballet pointe shoe has been moved closer to the heel. This positioning of the waist of the sole closer to the heel has several advantages. For example, the high-waisted sole elevates and lifts the dancer, allowing her to “break” the shoe in the correct place to fit her arch, thereby gaining more control of her foot movement. Additionally, since the high-waisted sole enables the dance to “break” the shoe in the correct place, the life of the ballet pointe shoe is extended.
Other ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the same manufacturer of the disclosed high-waisted ballet pointe shoe (hereinafter referred to as “classic ballet pointe shoe”) have a sole that comprises a waist positioned lower (i.e., closer to the toe) than the sole of the disclosed high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. The pending disclosure qualitatively and quantitatively articulates the positioning of the waist in three different ways looking at three different ratios in comparison to traditional ballet pointe shoes, although the differences could be articulated in other ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. In a first embodiment, the pending disclosure looks at the ratio of the waist of the sole from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole. In the first embodiment, the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the classic ballet pointe shoe may be about 56 percent whereas the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 67 percent to about 70 percent depending on shoe size.
In a second embodiment, the pending disclosure looks at the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole. In the second embodiment, the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole for the classic ballet pointe shoe may be about 60 percent whereas the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 70 percent to about 73 percent depending on shoe size.
In a third embodiment, the pending disclosure looks at the ratio of a toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to a heel transition point. In the third embodiment, the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to the heel transition point for the classic ballet pointe shoe may range from about 49 percent to about 54 percent depending on shoe size whereas the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to the heel transition point for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 71 percent to about 78 percent depending on shoe size.
Similar to the classic ballet pointe shoe discussed above, other ballet pointe shoes manufactured by different manufacturers have a sole that comprises a waist positioned lower (i.e., closer to the toe) than the sole of the disclosed high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. However, ballet pointe shoes from different manufacturers are not necessarily directly comparable to the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the manufacturer of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe because the ballet pointe shoes from the different manufacturers have alternative characteristics seeking presumably other benefits and therefore look different (e.g., come in different shapes, a back end portion of the sole closest to the heel may be shorter, soles may be shorter, a back end portion of the sole closest to the heel may be narrower, etc.). Thus, a direct comparison using the ratios discussed above becomes a bit more challenging and the need to distinguish some of the ballet pointe shoes from the different manufacturers in other ways arises.
For example, with respect to the first embodiment discussed above looking at the ratio of the waist of the sole from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole, the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers may range from about 48 percent to about 64 percent depending on shoe size. In contrast, as discussed above, the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 67 about to about 70 percent depending on shoe size. One of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one of the different manufacturers has a significantly shorter back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, which changes the relevance of the ratio of the waist from the front end of the total length of sole to the total length of the sole. For example, for that ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole may be less than 42 percent. In contrast, for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole may range from about 43 percent to 48 percent depending on shoe size.
Thus, at least the ballet pointe shoe manufactured by one of the different manufacturers having a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole not being at least 42 percent is excluded from coverage. Stated differently in terms of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe disclosed herein, the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may comprise a single continuous sole comprising a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole, wherein the waist is positioned at more than about 65 percent of the length of the single continuous sole from the front end of the single continuous sole, and wherein a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is at least about 42 percent. In some embodiments, the waist is positioned at between 67 percent and 73 percent the length of the single continuous sole from the front end of the single continuous sole and the ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is between 42 percent and 80 percent.
In another example, with respect to the second embodiment discussed above looking at the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole, the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers may range from about 54 percent to about 68 percent depending on shoe size. In contrast, as discussed above, the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 70 percent to about 73 percent depending on shoe size. One of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one of the different manufacturers has a significantly shorter back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, which changes the relevance of the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole. For example, as discussed above, for that ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole may be less than 42 percent whereas for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole may range from about 43 percent to about 48 percent depending on shoe size.
Thus, at least the ballet pointe shoe manufactured by one of the different manufacturers having a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole not being at least 42 percent is excluded from coverage. Stated differently in terms of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe disclosed herein, the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may comprise a single continuous sole comprising a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole, wherein the waist is positioned at more than about 69 percent of the length of the ballet pointe shoe from the platform to the back end of the single continuous sole, and wherein a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is at least about 42 percent. In some embodiments, the waist is positioned at between 69 percent and 75 percent the length of the ballet pointe shoe from the platform to the back end of the single continuous sole and the ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is between 42 percent and 80 percent.
In another example, with respect to the third embodiment discussed above looking at the ratio of a toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to a heel transition point, the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to the heel transition point for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers may be range from about 43 percent to about 63 percent depending on shoe size. In contrast, as discussed above, the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to the heel transition point for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 71 percent to about 78 percent depending on shoe size. Some of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one or more of the different manufacturers have a significantly narrower, more uniform back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, which changes the relevant the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to a heel transition. For example, for those ballet pointe shoes, a ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of a back end closest to the heel may be greater than 88 percent whereas for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the sole closest to the back end may range from about 68 percent to about 70 percent depending on shoe size.
Thus, at least the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one or more of the different manufacturers having a ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the single continuous sole closest to the back end not being less than about 85 percent are excluded from coverage. Stated differently in terms of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe disclosed herein, the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe comprises a single continuous sole comprising a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole, wherein the waist is positioned at more than at least about 64 percent of the length of the single continuous sole from a toe transition point to a heel transition point, and wherein a ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the single continuous sole closest to the back end is less than about 85 percent. In some embodiments, the waist is positioned at between 64 percent and 80 percent the length of the single continuous sole from a toe transition point to a heel transition point and the ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the single continuous sole closest to the back end is between 30 percent and 85 percent. The above different embodiments with respect to the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, the classic ballet pointe shoe, and the other ballet pointe shoes manufactured by different manufacturers and their corresponding percentages will be discussed in more detail below with respect to the figures and examples.
The pending disclosure also teaches a ballet pointe shoe that comprises a platform having a concave surface. Having at least a portion of the platform comprise a concave surface may allow more stability and balance for the dancer while the dancer is in “en pointe” stance. In some embodiments, the ballet pointe shoe that comprises a platform having a concave surface also comprises a high-waisted, single continuous sole as discussed above.
Turning now to
As illustrated in
While not shown in
Turning to
The bottom of the ballet pointe shoe 100 may also comprise linear joinders 210, 212. In an embodiment, two or more pieces of fabric are joined with each linear joinder 210, 212. The linear joinders 210, 212 may intersect the sole 108 at the waist 206. In an embodiment, the linear joinders 210, 212 intersect the sole 108 within 0.5 centimeters of the waist 206. In an embodiment, the linear joinders 210, 212 interest the sole 108 within 0.2 centimeters of the waist 206. The linear joinders 210, 212 may comprise stitching two pieces of fabric together.
Also illustrated in
Turning to
Measurement F is the width of a widest part of the sole 108 closest to the front end 202 of the sole 108. Measurement G is a point, called herein the toe transition point 302, at which there is a 5 percent change from the widest part of the sole 108 closest to the front end 202 of the sole 108 toward the waist 206. Measurement H is the width of a widest part of the sole 108 closest to the back end 204 of the sole 108. Measurement I is a point, called herein the heel transition point 304, at which there is a 5 percent change from a widest part of the sole 108 closest to the back end 204 of the sole 108 toward the waist 206. Measurement J is the length from the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206. Measurement K is the length from the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition point 304. Measurement L is the width of the waist 206. Each of measurements F-I and L are perpendicular to a center line of the sole 108. Each of the measurements F-L will be discussed in more detail below with respect to the examples. Measurements F-L are relevant to the third embodiment discussed above and further below looking the ratio of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 to the toe transition point 302 to a heel transition point 304.
Turning to
While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.
Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.
The disclosure having been generally described, the following examples are given as particular embodiments of the disclosure and to demonstrate the practice and advantages thereof. It is understood that the examples are given by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the specification or the claims in any manner.
Table 1 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Table 2 provides the ratios of the waist 206 from the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement D) to the total length of the sole 108 (measurement B) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoe. In particular, the ratio of the waist 206 from the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement D) to the total length of the sole 108 (measurement B) is about 56 percent. Table 2 also provides the ratios of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoe. Specifically, the ratio of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) for the classic ballet pointe shoe is about 60 percent.
Table 3 provides the length of the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus measurement D) and the ratios of (i) the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 to (ii) the waist 206 to the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoes. Specifically, the ratios of (i) the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 to (ii) the waist 206 to the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoes are at least 77 percent.
Table 4 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Table 5 provides the ratio of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 (measurement J) to the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition point 304 (measurement K). Specifically, the ratio of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 (measurement J) to the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition point 304 (measurement K) ranges from about 49 percent to about 54 percent depending on shoe size.
Table 6 provides the ratios of (i) the width of the waist 206 (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole 108 closest to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement H) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoe. Specifically, the ratios of (i) the width of the waist 206 (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole 108 closest to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement H) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoes are less than 77 percent.
Table 7 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Table 8 provides the ratios of the waist 206 from the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement D) to the total length of the sole 108 (measurement B) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. In particular, the ratio of the waist 206 from the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement D) to the total length of the sole 108 (measurement B) for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe ranges from about 67 percent to about 70 percent depending on shoe size. Table 8 also provides the ratios of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. Specifically, the ratio of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe ranges from about 70 percent to about 73 percent depending on shoe size.
Table 9 provides the length of the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus measurement D) and the ratios of (i) the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 to (ii) the waist 206 to the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoes. Specifically, the ratio of (i) the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 to (ii) the waist 206 to the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoes is at least 43 percent.
Table 10 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Table 11 provides the ratio of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 (measurement J) to the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition point 304 (measurement K). Specifically, the ratio of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 (measurement J) to the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition point 304 (measurement K) ranges from about 71 percent to about 78 percent depending on shoe size.
Table 12 provides the ratios of (i) the width of the waist 206 (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole 108 closest to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement H) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. Specifically, the ratios of (i) the width of the waist 206 (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole 108 closest to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement H) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoes are less than about 69 percent.
Table 13 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Table 14 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Table 15 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Tables 16-18 provide the ratios of the waist 206 from the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement D) to the total length of the sole 108 (measurement B) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer's ballet pointe shoes. In particular, the ratio of the waist 206 from the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement D) to the total length of the sole 108 (measurement B) for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers ranges from about 48 percent to about 64 percent depending on shoe size. Tables 16-18 also provide the ratios of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer's ballet pointe shoes. Specifically, the ratio of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers ranges from about 54 percent to about 68 percent depending on shoe size.
One of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one of the different manufacturers (i.e., U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #3) has a significantly shorter back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe as illustrated in Table 21 below, which changes the relevance of the ratio of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) and the relevance of the ratio of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A).
Tables 19-21 provide the length of the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus measurement D) and the ratios of (i) the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 to (ii) the waist 206 to the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer's ballet pointe shoes. As illustrated in Table 21, for the ballet pointe shoe with the ratio of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) higher than 65 percent and the ratio of the waist 206 from the platform 104 (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform 104 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement A) higher than 69 percent (i.e., U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #3), the ratio of (i) the waist 206 to the back end 204 of the sole 108 to (ii) the waist 206 to the front end 202 of the sole 108 (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) is less than 42 percent.
Table 22 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Table 23 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Table 24 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to
Tables 25-27 provide the ratios of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 (measurement J) to the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition point 304 (measurement K) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer's ballet pointe shoes. In particular, the ratio of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 (measurement J) to the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition point 304 (measurement K) for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers ranges from about 43 percent to about 63 percent depending on shoe size.
Some of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one or more of the different manufacturers (i.e., U.S. Size 7 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 10 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #3) have a significantly narrower, more uniform back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe as illustrated in Tables 28-30 below, which changes the relevance of the ratio of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 to the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition 304.
Tables 28-30 provide the ratios of (i) the width of the waist 206 (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole 108 closest to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement H) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer's ballet pointe shoes. As illustrated in Table 28-30, for the ballet pointe shoes with the ratio of the toe transition point 302 to the waist 206 to the toe transition point 302 to the heel transition 304 higher than 63 percent (i.e., U.S. Size 7 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 10 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #3), the ratio of (i) the width of the waist 206 (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole 108 closest to the back end 204 of the sole 108 (measurement H) is greater than 88 percent.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1525848 | Bonaventure | Feb 1925 | A |
| 1937218 | Di Rienzo | Nov 1933 | A |
| 2118835 | Capezio | May 1938 | A |
| 4333472 | Tager et al. | Jun 1982 | A |
| 5035069 | Minden | Jul 1991 | A |
| 5129165 | Woodle | Jul 1992 | A |
| 5191726 | Vallee | Mar 1993 | A |
| 5469641 | Subotic | Nov 1995 | A |
| 6092314 | Rothbart | Jul 2000 | A |
| 6238359 | Anderson | May 2001 | B1 |
| D499958 | Crane | Dec 2004 | S |
| 7036244 | Finch | May 2006 | B1 |
| 9491981 | Suffolk | Nov 2016 | B2 |
| 20040093761 | Nye | May 2004 | A1 |
| 20050022421 | Bruckner | Feb 2005 | A1 |
| 20070000149 | Juniman | Jan 2007 | A1 |
| 20070199208 | Wilkenfeld | Aug 2007 | A1 |
| 20080209761 | Thoraval | Sep 2008 | A1 |
| 20090151200 | Niedermeyer et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
| 20100263231 | Smirman | Oct 2010 | A1 |
| 20110010963 | Webb | Jan 2011 | A1 |
| 20110265348 | Schmutte | Nov 2011 | A1 |
| 20120055045 | Wang | Mar 2012 | A1 |
| 20180055139 | Whiteside | Mar 2018 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| WO2004107895 | Dec 2004 | WO |
| WO2007029964 | Mar 2007 | WO |
| WO2010132364 | Nov 2010 | WO |
| WO2013101967 | Jul 2013 | WO |
| Entry |
|---|
| FAIPP Pre-Interview Communication dated Nov. 10, 2015, U.S. Appl. No. 14/373,993, filed Jul. 23, 2014. |
| Final Office Action dated May 27, 2016, U.S. Appl. No. 14/373,993, filed Jul. 23, 2014. |
| Advisory Action dated Jul. 13, 2016, U.S. Appl. No. 14/373,993, filed Jul. 23, 2014. |
| Office Action dated Aug. 22, 2016, U.S. Appl. No. 14/373,993, filed Jul. 23, 2014. |
| Notice of Allowance dated Oct. 3, 2016, U.S. Appl. No. 14/373,993, filed Jul. 23, 2014. |
| Foreign Communication from a Related Counterpart—International Search Report and Written Opinion, dated Apr. 26, 2013, Application No. PCT/US2012/071888, filed Dec. 28, 2012. |
| Foreign Communication from a Related Counterpart—International Preliminary Report on Patentability, dated Jul. 10, 2014, Application No. PCT/US20121071888, filed Dec. 28, 2012. |
| Suffolk, Mark, et al., “Toe Wedge for a Ballet Pointe Shoe,” filed Dec. 29, 2011, U.S. Appl. No. 61/581,373. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20190365025 A1 | Dec 2019 | US |
