Percussive devices for footwear

Abstract

Devices are disclosed that are attachable to or are integral with an existing shoe such that an audible percussive sound is heard upon impact of the shoe against a surface. Furthermore, the devices are composed of materials that minimize or avoid damage to flooring. The devices described act as substitute for conventional metallic taps or heavy wood performance shoes.

1 . A device for producing audible sound when attached to a portion of a footwear, the device comprising: 
 a substantially planar surface connectable to a bottom surface of footwear and including material that produces an audible percussive sound upon contact of the bottom of the footwear against a flooring; and    wherein the planar surface does not produce visible damage to the flooring upon contact during exercise.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is non-metallic.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is a multi-component resin.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is a polyurethane resin.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is an epoxy resin.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is a thermal plastic.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the material is a polycarbonate.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material contains glass and/or carbon fiber additives.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the planar surface is attachable to a heel portion or a toe portion of the footwear.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the material is colorable.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the planar surface is made by casting or injection molding.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the planar surface is connectable to the shoe using a fastening device that does not damage the flooring.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , wherein the fastening device includes one or more screws.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the planar surface is connected to the shoe such that the surface can receive a tap cover.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the footwear comprises a tap shoe.  
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the footwear comprises a sports shoe.  
     
     
         17 . A device comprising: 
 a non-metallic tap connectable to a bottom surface of footwear and composed of a material that produces an audible percussive sound upon contact of the bottom of the footwear against a flooring; and    wherein the non-metallic tap does not produce visible damage to the flooring upon contact.    
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the tap is attachable to a heel portion or a toe portion of the footwear.  
     
     
         19 . A tap device for a tap shoe, the tap device comprising: 
 a non-metallic tap connectable to a bottom surface of a tap shoe and composed of a material that produces a percussive sound upon contact of the bottom of the tap shoe against a flooring; and    wherein the tap does not produce visible damage to the flooring upon contact during routine tap dancing.    
     
     
         20 . The tap device of  claim 20 , wherein the flooring is hardwood.