Open Upper Dance Shoe with C-Strap Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dance footwear lacks adequate ventilation and comfortable fastening systems, often causing irritation and restricting movement due to elastic tension across the instep and sole.
Innovation Solution
A dance shoe design featuring an open upper with a breathable mesh portion, a C-shaped fastening system comprising medial and lateral straps, and a ribbon for secure fitting, allowing for ventilation and comfort while covering the foot entirely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic tightening system extends from instep to sole, then footwear is secured to foot, but elastic causes irritation and restricts movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic material from direct contact with the foot by extracting it from the instep area. Instead, elastic bands are positioned on the external sides of the footwear, connecting the tongue to the heel counter, thereby eliminating the harmful irritation while preserving the securing function through a different structural arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces side rails as intermediary structural elements that transmit the securing force from the elastic bands to the foot indirectly. The elastic bands connect to the side rails rather than directly to the instep, allowing the foot to be secured without direct elastic contact, thus mediating between the need for security and the need to avoid irritation.
2Reliability
If traditional closed upper is used, then foot is covered and supported, but ventilation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mesh material for the upper portion of the footwear that allows air circulation and ventilation while still providing coverage. The mesh structure creates a porous barrier that maintains foot coverage and support functionality while enabling thermal regulation through improved airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the upper structure into segmented components including side rails, tongue, and mesh panels that can independently perform their functions. This segmentation allows the ventilation openings to be integrated into the side rails and tongue structure, providing both coverage and airflow pathways simultaneously.
3Reliability
If elastic extends over majority of upper, then footwear secures to foot, but tension imposes restrictions on movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the elastic securing system into separate bands positioned on opposite sides of the footwear rather than a continuous elastic covering the entire upper. This segmentation localizes the elastic tension to specific external regions, preventing widespread tension across the instep and sole that would restrict movement, while still achieving secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the elastic bands from the horizontal plane across the instep to the vertical/diagonal dimension along the sides of the footwear, connecting the tongue to the heel counter. This dimensional change allows the elastic to secure the foot effectively without creating tension across the top of the foot that would restrict movement during dance activities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An article of footwear intended for use as a dance shoe is disclosed. The article of footwear includes an upper. The upper includes an opening with a periphery configured to expose the top of the instep of a foot, while covering the medial and lateral sides of the foot. In addition, the article of footwear includes a fastening system, comprising a first and second strap, configured to expand during insertion of the foot into the article of footwear and fasten the article of footwear to the foot.