DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TRAINING OR LEARNING HOW TO MARCH IN A GROUP

Abstract

A device for attachment to footwear to make sound when an individual completes a proper marching step is provided. The device includes a toe strike plate disposed a toe step surface and a heel strike plate disposed a heel step surface. The strike plates produce an identifiable sound when they contact the ground during a marching step. The produced sound is used to improve marching technique and to synchronize marching steps. Methods of training and learning how to march in a group using the device are also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to marching groups, and more particularly, relating to a footwear device and a method to train members of a marching group to synchronize their steps or improve their marching technique.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most people associate marching with marching bands and military parades, where members of the group step in a synchronized, steady, and rhythmic walk. Many marching groups, such as marching bands, not only perform in traditional style parades, but also perform competitive field shows. While marching, members of the group must maintain their alignment with other members in addition to marching with a uniform technique and time his or her steps and pace with the other members.

A roll step or glide step is a particular step style that is commonly used by marching bands to reduce unnecessary body movement that otherwise would negatively impact the visual appearance of the band's movement and musical instrument playing. The technical mechanics of performing a roll step are well known in the field, and thus only a basic description is necessary here. Essentially, a roll step is performed with a raised and slightly bent leg positioned such that at the heel is slightly off the ground with the toes pointed upward. As the individual walks forward, the heel contacts the ground, and the individual “rolls” his or her foot to the ground from heel to toe. Roll stepping is difficult to master individually and is even more difficult to master stepping in synch with other members.

A crab step is another particular step style that is commonly used by marching bands when moving sideways to reduce unnecessary body movement that otherwise would negatively impact the visual appearance of the band's movement and musical instrument playing. The technical mechanics of performing a crab step are well known in the field, and thus only a basic description is necessary here. Essentially, a crab step is performed when the leading foot crosses over the opposing leg to the side, resulting in sideways movement while the torso and instrument remain facing the audience.

Varied techniques exist and are commonly used for marching backwards while the torso and instrument remain facing the audience in order to reduce unnecessary body movement that would negatively impact the visual appearance of the band's movement and musical instrument playing. The technical mechanics of backwards marching are well known in the field, with individual styles containing nuances that do not alter the basic motion, and thus only a basic description is necessary here. Essentially, backwards marching is performed by the individual stepping directly behind his or her current position with the point of impact being either the point of the toe or the ball of the foot. Depending on the style, the individual may either roll the foot from the toe to the heel or remain on the balls of the feet throughout the technique.

Marking time and step-offs are commonly used techniques for marching in place. The technical mechanics of marking time and step-offs are well known in the field, and thus only a basic description is necessary here. Marking time consists of the individual raising his or her heel or entire foot a short distance from the ground and returning it to the same location. Marking time is generally used to increase marching precision and increase musical timing while performing. Marking time may also include a rehearsal technique known as a step-off in which the individual will mark time while rehearsing and then take the first one or two steps when a new marching formation begins in the music. The foot is then returned to its original position.

Heretofore, there has been no development in the field that allow members of a marching group to train to march in synchronization by listening to sound produced by one's own steps relative to the sound produced by the steps of other members. Accordingly, there exists a need, including a method, device, or both to create a distinct sound while marching for the purpose of training members of a marching group to synchronize their steps and/or hone their marching technique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for members of a marching group to train to step in synchronization and/or hone marching technique by listening to the sound produced by one's own steps relative to the sound produced by the steps of other members is provided.

In general, in one aspect, a device to be worn over an article of footwear for training members of a marching group to synchronize their steps and/or hone their marching technique is provided. The device includes a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portion connected to the toe portion and having a heel step surface, a toe strike plate disposed on the toe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed on the heel step surface.

In certain embodiments, the toe portion can be a toe cup and the heel portion can be a heel cup. The length of each of the first and second side straps can be adjustable. And, the toe strike plate and the heel strike plate can be removably attached to the toe portion and the heel portion.

In general, in another aspect, a method for training a marching group to synchronize their steps is provided. The method includes the steps of:

• • a). attaching to the footwear of one or more members of the marching group a device including a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toe strike plate disposed on said toe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed on said heel step surface;
  • b). instructing the one or more members to perform a sequence of marching steps; and
  • c). instructing the one or more members to adjust his or her marching steps to produce sound from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate in synch with the sound produced from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate of another member of the marching group.

In general, in another aspect, a method for learning to march in a group is provided. The method including the steps of:

• • a). attaching to one's footwear a device including a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toe strike plate disposed on said toe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed on said heel step surface;
  • b). performing a sequence of marching steps; and
  • c). adjusting one's marching steps to produce sound from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate in synch with sound produced from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate of another member of the marching group.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Numerous objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are included to provide further understanding of the invention for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a device to be worn over an article of footwear for training members of a marching group to synchronize their steps and/or hone their marching technique that is constructed in accordance with the principles of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back elevation view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a device to be worn over an article of footwear for training members of a marching group to synchronize their steps and/or hone their marching technique that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a back elevation view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the device of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of yet another alternative embodiment of a device to be worn over an article of footwear for training members of a marching group to synchronize their steps and/or hone their marching technique that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a back elevation view of the device of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of the device of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, there is representatively illustrated a new device 10 that is constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Device 10 is for use in connection with a method of training members of a marching group to synchronize their steps and/or hone their marching technique. It is to be understood that the terms step(s) and marching step(s), as used herein, includes roll stepping, crab stepping, marking time, step-offs, and the like maneuvers whether performed in place or not.

Broadly, device 10 is an over-shoe for the footwear of members of a marching group, which operates to generate an identifiable sound while stepping so that members are able to adjust their steps to produce the sound in synch with the sound produced from the steps other members of the marching group.

Device 10 includes a toe portion 12, a heel portion 14, first and second straps 16 and 18 that extend between and connect the toe portion and heel portion together, a toe strike plate 20, and a heel strike plate 22. Toe portion 12 is sized and shaped to be positioned over and to receive therein the toe 24 of footwear 26 (shown in broken line). Similarly, heel portion 14 is sized and shaped to be positioned over and to receive therein the heel 28 of footwear 26. In an aspect, the toe portion 12 and the heel portion 14 are generally cup-shaped and receive the toe and heel of the footwear, respectively, therein.

The toe portion 12 and heel portion 14 could be constructed from a plastic material, for example. And, if constructed from a plastic material, preferably the plastic material is a material that does not mark floor surfaces. However, it is contemplated that the toe portion 12 and the heel portion 14 could be constructed from other materials, such as, but not limited to elastomeric materials. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited by the material from which the toe portion 12 and the heel portion 14 are constructed from, because one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the toe portion and heel portion could be constructed from any number of materials while remaining within the scope of the invention.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, strap 16 is connected at a first end 30 to one lateral side of the toe portion 12 and is connected at a second end 32 to a corresponding lateral side of the heel portion 14. Similarly, strap 18 is connected at a first end 34 to the lateral side of the toe portion 12 that is opposite from strap 16 and is connected at a second end 36 to the lateral side of the heel portion 14 that is opposite from strap 16. In the illustrated embodiment, end 30 of strap 16 and end 34 of strap 18 are fixedly attached to the toe portion. And end 32 of strap 16 and end 36 of strap 18 are adjustably attached to heel portion 14.

Particularly, heel portion 14 includes barbs 38 and 40 that project outwardly from the opposite sides of the heel portion. End 32 of strap 16 and end 36 of strap 18 each include a series of holes 42, 44 that spaced along the length of the strap. Holes 42 and 44 are sized to removably receive barbs, 38 and 40, respectively, to securely attach the straps to the heel portion 14. To this end, the length of each strap 16 and 18, which extends between the toe portion 12 and the heel portion 14, can be adjusted by changing the hole 42, 44 that receives the barbs 38, 40.

It should be noted that this barb-in-hole attachment system could be replaced by another attachment system that permits adjusting the lengths of the straps. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited by the barb-in-hole attachment system, because one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that other attachment systems could be used while remaining within the scope of the invention.

Further, straps 16 and 18 can be made of an elastic material that permits pulling the toe portion 12 apart from the heel portion 14 by stretching the straps so that the toe portion and heel portion can be securely attached the user's footwear.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1-4, toe portion 12 includes a toe step surface 46 and the heel portion 14 includes a heel step surface 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the toe step surface 46 is a generally vertical surface of the toe portion 12. That is, when device 10 is attached to an article of footwear 26, the toe step surface 46 is oriented generally vertical relative to the sole of the footwear. Further, the toe step surface 46 is located on the toe portion 12 at a position that is forward of the toe box of the footwear. In other words, when the device 10 is attached to footwear 26, the toe step surface 46 is located at a position that is forward of the ball of the individual's foot and is generally vertically oriented relative to the sole of the footwear.

Similarly, in the illustrated embodiment, the heel step surface 48 is a generally vertical surface of the heel portion 14. That is, when device 10 is attached to an article of footwear 26, the heel step surface 48 is oriented generally vertical relative to the sole of the footwear. Further, the heel step surface 48 is located on the heel portion 14 at a position that is rearward of the heel cap of the footwear. In other words, when the device 10 is attached to footwear 26, the heel step surface 48 is located at a position that is rearward of the heel of the individual's foot and is generally vertically oriented relative to the sole of the footwear. at a position that is forward from the location of a tap 50 (representatively shown in broken line) of a tap shoe. Similarly, the heel step surface 48 is located on the heel portion 14 at a position that is rearward from the location of a tap 52 (representatively shown in broken line) of a tap shoe.

The toe strike plate 20 is attached to the toe portion 12 so that it is located or disposed on the toe step surface 46. And, the heel strike plate 22 is attached to the heel portion 14 so that it is located or disposed on the heel step surface 48. Importantly, the toe strike plate 20 is positioned such that it is located forward of the ball of an individual's foot, and the heel strike plate 22 is positioned rearward of the heel of an individual's foot. To this end, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 are positioned such that the strike plates each create a recognizable sound at the impact point of a marching step, but remain set-off from the weight-bearing portions of the foot.

Further, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 are positioned such that sound is produced or created from only the toe strike plate or the heel strike plate when a single marching step or maneuver is performed correctly. Thus, if an individual causes both the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 to create a sound during a single marching step or maneuver, the individual, hearing these sounds, knows the single marching step or maneuver was performed incorrectly.

Additionally, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 can be removably attached by one or more threaded fasteners or the like. Further, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 are representatively illustrated in the figures of the drawings and should not be limited to the particular shapes and configuration that are shown. Further, the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike plate 22 can be made of various materials and one skilled in the art is capable of selecting a material or combination of materials to achieve a desired sound or noise made by the strike plates.

With reference to FIGS. 5-8, there is illustrated a slightly different embodiment, where toe step surface 46′ is not oriented generally vertical relative to sole of the article footwear 26. Rather, the toe step surface 46′ may be oriented so that it is generally along the sole of the article footwear, but is still located at position that is forward of the ball of an individual's foot. This is best understood with particular reference to FIG. 8 where the general position of the ball of an individual's foot is indicated by broken-line 50. Additionally, the general position of the heel of an individual's foot is also shown and indicated by broken-line 52.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the toe strike plate 20 is located or disposed on the toe step surface 46′ and the heel strike plate 22 is located or disposed on the heel step surface 48. Thus, as is in the previously described embodiment, the toe strike plate 20 is positioned such that it is located forward of the ball of an individual's foot, and the heel strike plate 22 is positioned rearward of the heel of an individual's foot.

Consequently, in either of these embodiments, positioning the toe strike plate 20 and the heel strike 22 off of the load bearing surfaces (e.g., the ball and heel) of an individual's foots is an important distinction from a conventional tap shoe, which positions the taps over the foot's load bearing surfaces. Further, it is important to note and understand that a conventional tap shoe would not perform as desired because a tap shoe would create two sounds for each marching step, whether the step was performed correct or incorrectly. Whereas, the device of the present invention is intended to produce sound from only one strike plate for each marching step when that marching step is performed correctly, and could produce sound from both strike plates when that marching step is performed incorrectly.

In use, it can now be understood, that an individual attaches one device 10 his or her footwear by adjusting straps 16 and 18 to the footwear size and then by pulling the toe portion 12 apart from the heel portion 14 so as to position the footwear between the toe and heel portions. Then, as the individual practices a particular marching step, such as a roll step or backwards marching step, the toe strike plate 20 or heel strike plate 22 attached the footwear will make a recognizable sound as they contact the ground when the individual executes a proper marching step. The user will listen to the sound produced from the respective strike plates to practice completing a proper step.

Further, in a group setting, such as the members of a marching band training together, each member will be able to listen to the sound from his or her own steps relative to the sound made from at least one other member's steps as the marching band practices. Hearing the sound from one's own steps relative to the sound of at least one other's steps permits the members to better coordinate their stepping and achieve synchronization.

In a particular method, a method for training a marching group is provided. The method includes attaching to the footwear of one or more members of the marching group a device including a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toe strike plate disposed on or forward of the toe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed on or rearward of the heel step surface. Then, instructing the one or more members to perform a sequence of marching steps. And, instructing the one or more members to adjust his or her marching steps to produce sound from at least one of the toe strike plate and the heel strike plate in synch with the sound produced from at least one of the toe strike plate and the heel strike plate of another member of the marching group.

The method can include the one or more members adjust his or her marching steps to produce sound from only one of the toe strike plate and the heel strike plate while performing a marching step. The method can include the device being attached to only footwear of a left foot or right foot of the one or more members.

In another method, a method for learning to march in a group is provided. The method including attaching to one's footwear a device including a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toe strike plate disposed on or forward of the toe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed on or rearward of the heel step surface. Then, performing a sequence of marching steps. And, adjusting one's marching steps to produce sound from at least one of the toe strike plate and the heel strike plate in synch with noise produced from at least one of the toe strike plate and the heel strike plate of another member of the marching group.

The method can include adjusting step includes producing sound from only one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate while performing a marching step. The method can include attaching the device to only footwear of a left foot or footwear of a right foot.

While the above description has described in detail one embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention, other embodiments are possible. For example, in FIGS. 9-11 there is illustrated device 10′ having an alternative construction where side straps 16 and 18 are replaced by a cord 54. Cord 54 is threaded through the toe portion 12′ and the heel portion 14′ and then secured by a cord lock 56. For example, as illustrated the cord 54 is threaded through loops 58 of the toe portion 12′ and loops 60 of the heel portion 14′ such that the cord wraps around the toe portion and extends along both sides of device 10′ and a user's footwear, and is then secured by the cord lock 56 at the front of the footwear. Alternatively, slots, eyelets, hooks, etc. could be used in place of loops 58 and 60.

A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A device to be worn over an article of footwear for training members of a marching group, the device comprising:

a toe portion having a toe step surface;

a heel portion having a heel step surface;

said toe portion and said heel portion being connected together;

a toe strike plate disposed on said toe step surface; and

a heel strike plate disposed on said heel step surface.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein said toe portion is a toe cup and said heel portion is a heel cup.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

first and second side straps extending between and connecting said toe portion and said heel portion.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein a length of each of said first and second side straps is adjustable.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein said toe strike plate is removably attached to said toe portion and said heel strike plate is removably attached to said heel portion.

6. The device of claim 3, wherein each of said first and second side straps being stretchable such that said toe portion and said heel portion can be pulled apart to allow the insertion of the footwear between said toe portion and said heel portion with a toe of the footwear received by said toe portion and a heel of the footwear received by said heel portion.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a cord, said cording being threaded through said heel portion and said toe portion and connecting said toe portion and said heel portion.

8. A method for training a marching group, the method comprising:

attaching to the footwear of one or more members of the marching group a device including a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toe strike plate disposed on said toe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed on said heel step surface;

instructing the one or more members to perform a sequence of marching steps; and

instructing the one or more members to adjust his or her marching steps to produce sound from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate in synch with the sound produced from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate of another member of the marching group.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein said instruction step includes said one or more members adjusting his or her marching steps to produce sound from only one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate while performing a marching step.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein said attaching step includes said device being attached to only footwear of a left foot of said one or more members.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein said attaching step includes said device being attached to only footwear of a right foot of said one or more members.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein said attaching step further comprises said toe portion and said heel portion being connected together.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said attaching step further comprises said toe portion and said heel portion being connected together such that a distance between said toe portion and said heel portion is adjustable to one or more fixed distances.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein said attaching step further comprises said toe strike plate being removably attached to said toe portion and said heel strike plate being removably attached to said heel portion.

15. A method for learning to march in a group, the method comprising:

attaching to one's footwear a device including a toe portion having a toe step surface, a heel portion having a heel step surface, a toe strike plate disposed on said toe step surface, and a heel strike plate disposed on said heel step surface;

performing a sequence of marching steps; and

adjusting one's marching steps to produce sound from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate in synch with noise produced from at least one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate of another member of the marching group.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said adjusting step includes producing sound from only one of said toe strike plate and said heel strike plate while performing a marching step.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said attaching step includes said device being attached to only footwear of a left foot.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein said attaching step includes said device being attached to only footwear of a right foot.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein said attaching step further comprises said toe portion and said heel portion being connected together.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said attaching step further comprises said toe portion and said heel portion being connected together such that a distance between said toe portion and said heel portion is adjustable to one or more fixed distances.