Shoe pivot reduction device

Abstract

A gripping device is provided for increasing traction in a shoe. In one embodiment, the gripping device includes a first arcuate surface having an inner row of teeth extending generally in a first direction, wherein the arcuate surface is configured to generally extend along an outer contour of the shoe. The gripping device further includes a second arcuate surface having an outer row of teeth extending outward from the first arcuate surface, the inner row of teeth and the outer row of teeth forming a generally V-shaped channel therebetween having an acute angle. The gripping device also includes a plurality of attachment tabs on the first arcuate surface and extending generally in a second direction opposite the first direction.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A gripping device for increasing traction in a shoe the gripping device comprising:
 a first arcuate surface having an inner row of teeth extending generally in a first direction, wherein the arcuate surface is configured to generally extend along an outer contour of the shoe;   a second arcuate surface having an outer row of teeth extending outward from the first arcuate surface, the inner row of teeth and the outer row of teeth forming a generally V-shaped channel therebetween having an acute angle; and
 a plurality of attachment tabs on the first arcuate surface and extending generally in a second direction opposite the first direction. 
   
     
     
         2 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of attachment tabs has an opening configured to receive an attachment mechanism for securing the gripping device to the shoe. 
     
     
         3 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner row of teeth are substantially triangular. 
     
     
         4 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , wherein the inner row of teeth are angled toward a rear end of the gripping device. 
     
     
         5 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , further comprising a pivot on a rear end of the gripping device. 
     
     
         6 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , wherein the gripping device comprises acetal plastic. 
     
     
         7 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , wherein each tooth of the inner row of teeth substantially overlaps with a tooth of the outer row of teeth. 
     
     
         8 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , wherein the first arcuate surface is flexible. 
     
     
         9 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , further comprising notches formed between the attachment tabs, wherein the inner row of teeth and the outer row of teeth substantially overlap with the notches. 
     
     
         10 . The gripping device of  claim 1 , wherein the opening in each of the attachment tabs are elongated slots. 
     
     
         11 . A shoe assembly configured to reduce pivot comprising:
 a shoe having a sole; and   a gripping device on the shoe, the gripping device comprising:
 a first arcuate surface having an inner row of teeth extending generally in a first direction and protruding past the sole; and 
 a second arcuate surface having an outer row of teeth, the second arcuate surface extending outward from the first arcuate surface, the outer row of teeth protruding past the sole. 
   
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a plurality of attachment tabs on the first arcuate surface and extending generally in a second direction opposite the first direction; and   an attachment mechanism connecting the gripping device to the shoe.   
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment mechanism securing the gripping device to the shoe comprises a strap. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment mechanism securing the gripping device to the shoe comprises a plurality of fasteners. 
     
     
         15 . The assembly of  claim 12 , wherein the attachment mechanism securing the gripping device to the shoe comprises a bonding agent.