Materials for Providing Aesthetic Percussive Sound Which Minimize Damage to Flooring During Dancing, Exercise, or Performance

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 - 20 . (canceled)  
     
     
         21 . A material for producing audible percussive sound when attached to a portion of a footwear comprising: 
 at least one material chosen from a multi-component resin, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, polycarbonate, glass, or carbon fiber additives,    wherein said material does not produce visible damage to flooring upon contact.    
     
     
         22 . The material according to  claim 21 , wherein said material is a multi-component resin.  
     
     
         23 . The material according to  claim 21 , wherein said material is a polyurethane resin.  
     
     
         24 . The material according to  claim 21 , wherein said material is an epoxy resin.  
     
     
         25 . The material according to  claim 21 , wherein said material is a polycarbonate.  
     
     
         26 . The material according to  claim 21 , wherein said material contains glass and/or carbon fiber additives.  
     
     
         27 . The material according to  claim 21 , wherein said material is capable of attaching to a heel portion or a toe portion of footwear.  
     
     
         28 . The material according to  claim 21 , wherein said material is colorable.  
     
     
         29 . The material according to  claim 21 , wherein said material is capable of casting or injection molding.  
     
     
         30 . A material for producing audible percussive sound when attached to a portion of a footwear comprising: 
 a tap connectable to a bottom surface of footwear;    wherein said tap comprises at least one of a multi-component resin, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, polycarbonate, glass, or carbon fiber additives; and    wherein said tap does not produce visible damage to flooring upon contact.    
     
     
         31 . The material according to  claim 30 , wherein said tap is attachable to a heel portion or a toe portion of said footwear.  
     
     
         32 . The material according to  claim 30 , wherein said footwear comprises a tap shoe.  
     
     
         33 . The material according to  claim 30 , wherein said footwear comprises a sports shoe.  
     
     
         34 . The material according to  claim 30 , wherein said flooring is hardwood.  
     
     
         35 . The material according to  claim 30 , wherein said tap comprises a planar surface connectable to said footwear using means for fastening that does not damage flooring upon contact.  
     
     
         36 . The material according to  claim 35 , wherein said means for fastening includes one or more screws.  
     
     
         37 . The material according to  claim 35 , wherein said planar surface is connectable to footwear such that the surface can receive a tap cover.