Athletic footwear and sole for facilitating specific hand holds and grips

Abstract

An article of footwear with an improved sole that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear is provided. The sole comprises at least one convex shaped bulge extending outwardly from the bottom surface. The at least one convex shaped bulge is configured to facilitate specific hand holds and grips on the at least one convex shaped bulge and receipt of the at least one convex shaped bulge in the center of the palm of the hand of a supporter during a performance. The improved sole facilitates the proper specific grips necessary for the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual with maximum safety, support, control, and precision during a performance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application depends from and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/547,172 filed on Aug. 18, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Sports and entertainment involving the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual continue to increase in popularity. In such sports and entertainment, including cheerleading, acrobats, stunts, Cirque De Soleil, etc., the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual during the performance necessarily involves a hand to foot situation in which at least one athlete or performer uses their hand(s) to catch/hold the foot of at least one other athlete or performer. During such performances, these hand to foot situations often involve at least one athlete or performer using the palm of their hand(s) to catch/hold a specific section of the foot of at least one other athlete or performer, so that a part of the shoe rests in the palm of their hand. Importantly, there is a difference between simply catching/holding a foot during the performance and catching/holding the foot with a specific grip. Catching/holding a foot with proper specific grips during a performance results in increased safety and support to the person being caught/held on their foot. Furthermore, catching/holding a foot with a specific grip during the performance of such sports and entertainment results in an increased level of detail, control, and precision by the athletes and entertainers. However, the structure of the sole of available athletic and performance shoes does not facilitate the proper specific grips necessary for the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual during the performance with maximum safety, support, control, and precision.

A previous solution specifically concerned with the holding of a cheerleader shoe and improved comfort of the cheerleader helper/holder was set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,449 ('449). The '449 shoe is designed and described predominantly for coed cheerleading. As such, the '449 shoe is primarily directed to improving shoulder stands in which a cheerleader is supported on the shoulders of the helper, and not for improving hand to foot support. To improve shoulder stands, the '449 shoe includes a concave portion of the instep area of the shoe to facilitate the receiving of the instep of the shoe on the shoulder of the cheerleader helper/holder. Furthermore, the '449 shoe includes finger-receiving tapered grooves or relatively deep indentations throughout various portions of the shoe sole to better facilitate the holding of the shoe by a helper. However, the '449 shoe was designed when specific grips for the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual during the performance of cheerleading, acrobats, stunts, Cirque De Soleil, etc. were practically non-existent. For example, the '449 shoe does not include all-girl and multi-support grips for multi-support style stunting, which is the vast majority of today's cheer industry. As such, the structure of the sole of the '449 shoe is not conducive to facilitating the proper specific grips necessary for the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual during such performances with maximum safety, support, control, and precision.

As such, there is a need for athletic footwear with an improved sole which facilitates proper specific holds and grips necessary for the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual with maximum safety, support, control, and precision during a performance. Such an improved sole should allow for an athlete or performer using the palm of their hand(s) to more comfortably and accurately catch/hold a specific section of the foot of at least one other athlete or performer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, athletic footwear with an improved sole that facilitates the proper specific grips necessary for the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual with maximum safety, support, control, and precision during a performance is provided. The improved sole allows for an athlete or performer using the palm of their hand(s) to more comfortably and accurately catch/hold a specific section of the foot of at least one other athlete or performer.

One embodiment is directed to an article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear. The footwear comprises an upper and a sole secured to the upper. The sole includes a front portion, an instep portion, and a heel portion, and the sole comprises an outsole. The outsole has a bottom surface and a top surface, with the top surface being disposed between the upper and the bottom surface. The outsole comprises at least one convex shaped bulge extending outwardly from the bottom surface. The at least one convex shaped bulge is configured to facilitate specific hand holds and grips on the at least one convex shaped bulge and receipt of the at least one convex shaped bulge in the center of the palm of the hand of a supporter during a performance.

Another embodiment is directed to a sole for an article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear. The sole includes a front portion, an instep portion, and a heel portion. The sole comprises an outsole, with the outsole having a bottom surface and a top surface. The outsole comprises at least one convex shaped bulge extending outwardly from the bottom surface. The at least one convex shaped bulge configured to facilitate specific hand holds on the at least one convex shaped bulge and in order for the at least one convex shaped bulge to be received in the center of the palm of the hand of a supporter during a performance.

These and additional aspects and features of the instant invention will be clarified by reference to the figures and detailed description set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 4B shows perspective views of a particular illustrative embodiment of the footwear for an article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 5B shows perspective views of a particular embodiment of the sole for an article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear having at least one selectively removable convex shaped bulge for attachment to the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of the footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear having at least one selectively removable convex shaped bulge for attachment to the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of a sole of the footwear that includes a cavity surrounding at least one selectively removable convex shaped bulge attached to the sole of the footwear.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of an article of footwear including a selectively removable sole and at least one convex shaped bulge coupled to the sole.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular details of various embodiments of the invention are set forth to illustrate certain aspects and not to limit the scope of the invention. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the embodiments defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of embodiments of the present invention may be identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently-disclosed subject matter belongs.

With reference to FIGS. 1A-4B, in some embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter, an article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear is disclosed. More specifically, the article of footwear may increase the grip stability of a supporter (a person holding the shoe in his or her hand to support the weight of the wearer of the shoe) while holding a wearer of the shoe (herein referred to as a “top person” or “user” of the shoe). The article of footwear described herein includes one or more features for increasing the stability and endurance of the supporter's grip. With reference to FIGS. 5A-B, in some embodiments of the presently-disclosed subject matter, a sole for an article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds is disclosed. It will be understood that the article of footwear illustrated in FIGS. 1A-4B is an athletic shoe for the left foot, while the sole for an article of footwear illustrated in FIGS. 5A-B is a sole for the left foot. Shoes and soles for both the right and left foot are provided with the invention and accordingly only the left shoe will be described.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-4B, in some embodiments of the instantly-disclosed article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear, the footwear (1) comprises an upper (2) and a sole (4) secured to the upper (2). The upper (2) is generally conventional for athletic footwear and forms no part of the invention and need not be described further. The sole (4) extends the full length of the footwear (1), and the sole (4) may include multiple zones. For example, the sole (4) shown in FIG. 1A includes three zones: a front portion (6); an instep portion (8); and a heel portion (10). Other embodiments including more or fewer zones are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the sole (4) may include one, two, four, or more zones. Each zone may correspond with one or more convex shaped bulges (20) as will be described in greater detail herein. In shoes having zones, the size of each of the zones may increase in relation to the size of the other zones and to the shoe generally. For example, one or more of the front portion (6), the instep portion (8), and the heel portion (10) may increase in size based on an increase in size of the shoe as a whole.

In some embodiments, the sole (4) comprises an outsole (4a). In some embodiments, the outsole (4a) has a bottom surface (4b) and a top surface (4c), with the top surface (4c) being disposed between an upper portion (2) and the bottom surface (4b). The bottom surface (4b) and other portions of the outsole (4a) are subject to engagement with the ground, e.g., an underlying support surface. In some embodiments, the outsole (4a) is an elongated, thin member of one-piece molded construction, and can be made of a highly flexible highly-wear resistant material, such as a rubber. In other embodiments, the sole (4) comprises an outsole (4a) and a midsole (4d), which may be integrally molded with the sole (4). In such embodiments, the outsole (4a) has a bottom surface (4b) and a top surface (4c), with the top surface (4c) being disposed between the midsole (4d) and the bottom surface (4b).

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a detachable sole (14) that can be selectively attached to an article of footwear. The sole (14) facilitates specific hand holds on the sole (14). The sole (14) extends the full length of an article of footwear for which the sole (14) can be attached. In embodiments, the sole (14) includes a front portion (16), an instep portion (18), and a heel portion (110). In some embodiments, the sole (14) comprises an outsole (14a). In some embodiments, the outsole (14a) has a bottom surface (14b) and a top surface (14c), with the top surface (14c) being disposed between an article of footwear that can be attached to the sole (14), e.g., the bottom surface of an article of footwear that the sole (14) can be attached. The bottom surface (14b) of the outsole (14a) is subject to engagement with the ground, e.g., an underlying support surface. In some embodiments, the outsole (14a) is an elongated, thin member of one-piece molded construction, and can be made of a highly flexible highly-wear resistant material, such as a rubber. In other embodiments, the sole (14) comprises an outsole (14a) and a midsole (14d) which may be integrally molded. In such embodiments, the outsole (14a) has a bottom surface (14b) and a top surface (14c), with the top surface (14c) being disposed between the midsole (14d) and the bottom surface (14b). It should be understood that the instantly-disclosed sole can be attached to a preexisting article of footwear, e.g. an athletic shoe.

The instantly-disclosed soles can be attached to any existing article of footwear by various means known in the art. For example, and not by way of limitation, with reference to FIG. 7, the sole (14) may be selectively attachable, detachable, and reattachable to and from an external article of footwear (1). The sole (14) may be selectively attachable to the article of footwear (1) via various attachment means, non-limiting examples including: adhesives such as glue or epoxy; mechanical attachments such as threaded attachments, brackets, and slotted attachments; and other attachment surfaces such as hook-and-loop fasteners. Accordingly, the sole (14) may selectively attach to the external article of footwear (1). This may allow a top person who is wearing one particular article footwear (1) to change soles (14), and a corresponding grip configuration on the bottom of the sole (14) quickly, without the need for removing and replacing an entire shoe. Instead, the top person may simply remove the sole (14) from the article of footwear (1) and replace it with a second sole with different pattern in the convex shaped bulges (20). Accordingly, the configuration of convex shaped bulges (20) can be removed and replaced quickly for different supporters and for different grips of different supporters and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the sole (14) may include one or more sole alignment pegs (44) that ensure the proper alignment of the sole (14) with the bottom surface (la) of an article of footwear (1). The alignment pegs (44) may fit within one or more alignment holes (46) in the bottom surface (la) of the article of footwear (1). The alignment pegs (44) and the alignment holes (46) could be swapped between the sole (14) and the article of footwear (1) such that one or more alignment pegs (44) are on the article of footwear (1) and one or more alignment holes (46) are on the sole (14) or some combination of the two.

Referring again to FIGS. 5A-5B, as another non-limiting example, the sole (14) may include at least one shoe mount strap assembly (22), as is known in the art. The at least one shoe mount strap assembly (22) is provided as a means of retaining an attached existing article of footwear (not shown) to the sole (14). The at least one shoe mount strap assembly (22) can be provided as an integrated portion of the sole (14) that engages the peripheral surface of the attached existing article of footwear. The at least one shoe mount strap assembly (22) comprises a shoe mount strap (24) and at least two strap guides (26). The shoe mount strap (24) is provided as the portion of the shoe mount strap assembly (22) that wraps around the peripheral surface of an existing article of footwear. The shoe mount strap (24) is able to accomplish this through the use of a detachable engagement mechanism. The detachable engagement mechanism is provided by the complementary engagement of a first strap end (28) and a second strap end (30) of the shoe mount strap (24). The first strap end (28) and the second strap end (30) are provided as oppositely positioned sections of the shoe mount strap (24). The at least two strap guides (26) are provided as the attachment means to secure the shoe mount strap (24) to the interior surface 4 of the shoe mount 1. The at least two strap guides (26) are coupled to the interior surface (not shown) of the sole (14). The at least two strap guides (26) are arranged on the interior surface of the sole (14) in order to provide an alignment that permits them to function as a channel for the shoe mount strap (24). The at least two strap guides (26) are traversed by either the first strap end (28) or the second strap end (30) until both the first strap end (28) and the second strap end (30) are positioned in a manner that enables their complementary engagement.

Now referring to FIGS. 1A-5B, in some embodiments of the instantly disclosed article of footwear (1) the outsole (4a) of the article of footwear (1) comprises at least one convex shaped bulge (20) extending downwardly and outwardly from the bottom surface (4b) of the outsole (4a). Similarly, the sole (14) for an article or footwear, the outsole (14a) of the sole (14) comprises at least one convex shaped bulge (20) extending downwardly and outwardly from the bottom surface (14b) of the outsole (14a). In some embodiments, each convex shaped bulge (20) is molded into the outsole (4a) of the article of footwear (1) or into the outsole (14a) of the sole (14) for an article of footwear. The at least one convex shaped bulge (20) is configured to facilitate specific hand holds and grips on the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) as well as facilitate the receipt of the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) in the center of the palm of the hand of a supporter during a performance. In some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) extends outwardly form the bottom surface of the outsole by about 0.1 to about 2.0 inches, including any value or range in between. In certain embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) extends outwardly from the bottom surface (4b or 14b) of the outsole (4a or 14a) by about 0.5 to about 1.0 inches, including any value or range in between. For example and not by way of limitation, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) extending outwardly from the bottom surface (4b or 14b) of the outsole (4a or 14a) of either the article or footwear (1) or sole (14) for an article of footwear can facilitate specific hand holds or grips on the sole of the shoe of a top person by a supporter in a cheerleading performance, a tumbling performance, an acrobatic performance, or a stunting performance. A supporter is a person or persons responsible for, by way of example and not limitation, lifting, holding, tossing, receiving, or catching another athlete or performer, such as, for example, a top person. A top person is a person or persons being lifted, held, tossed, received, or caught by the supporter. Therefore, by holding or gripping the convex shaped bulge (20) on the outsole of the sole of the article of footwear of the top person and receiving the convex shaped bulge (20) in the center of the palm of the hand, a supporter can easily achieve the proper specific grips necessary for the tossing, throwing, catching, lifting, setting, transitioning, and supporting the weight of another individual with maximum safety, support, control, and precision during a performance or practice.

In embodiments of the instantly disclosed article of footwear (1) or the sole (14) for an article or footwear, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) is configured so that it may be easily held or gripped by the supporter and received in the center of the palm of the hand of the supporter. In some embodiments, the size of the convex shaped bulge (20) is related to the size of the supporter's hand. That is, one or more of the convex shaped bulges (20) may be custom fit for the size and shape of a supporters hand and then removably installed on the article of footwear (1) as described herein. In some embodiments, one or more of the zones described herein are modular for a given article of footwear (1) such that the zones can be removed and replaced for a given article of footwear (1) based on the hand of the supporter and the particular type of movement conducted by the top person. That is, a first movement may require a particular type (e.g., shape, size, formability, etc.) of convex shaped bulge (20) and a second movement may require a different type (e.g., shape, size, formability, etc.) of convex shaped bulge (20). Accordingly, the top person may change from a first module including a first type of convex shaped bulge (20) to a second type of convex shaped bulge (20).

The at least one convex shaped bulge (20) comprises a volume. In some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) is formed from the same material as the rest of the outsole, such as a highly flexible, highly wear-resistant material, such as rubber. In other embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) is formed from a different material as the rest of the outsole (4a or 14a). In some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) and/or the rest of the outsole (4a or 14a) is formed from a pliant yet substantially fully resilient material. Non-limiting examples of pliant yet substantially fully resilient material used to form the at least one convex shaped bulge of the instant invention may include silicone, rubber, various plastics, polyurethane, vinyl polymers, or some other pliant yet substantially fully resilient material. Additional non-limiting examples include air, saline, water, closed cell foam, or gel filled cushions with an outer surface made of silicone, rubber, various plastics, polyurethane, or vinyl polymers that function as a pliant yet substantially fully resilient material.

In some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) comprises a dome. In other embodiments, the arch of the dome ranges from substantially hemispherical to substantially planar. In some embodiments, the dome can have a base shape of a circle, an oval, or an ellipse. Other geometries for the convex shaped bulge (20) are also feasible. In some embodiments, one or more of the at least one convex shaped bulge, including bulges that comprise a dome, can vary in size, shape, the distance the convex shaped bulge extends outwardly form the bottom surface of the outsole, resiliency, rigidity, or other characteristics from the remainder of the convex shaped bulges. The shape of the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) may depend on the specific portion of the sole (4) to which the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) is attached (e.g., the front portion (6), the instep portion (8), etc.). For example, the convex shaped bulge (20) that is configured to attach to the front portion (6) may be shaped to correspond to the shape and structure of the front portion (6). Similarly, the convex shaped bulge (20) that is configured to attach to the instep portion (8) may be shaped according to the shape or structure of the instep portion (8).

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) may be selectively removable and replaceable on the sole (4) of the footwear (1). The first convex shaped bulge (20a) shown in FIG. 6A can be selectively coupled with any of the pads (36) shown on the sole (4) of the footwear (1). For example, the first convex shaped bulge (20a) may be selectively coupled with the first pad (36a), the second pad (36b), and the third pad (36c). In some embodiments, the particular ones of the convex shaped bulges (20) may be shaped to correspond to particular ones of the pads (36). For example, to indicate that a particular convex shaped bulge (20) should be applied to a particular pad (20), the sizes (i.e., areas) and shapes of corresponding convex shaped bulges (20) and pads (36) may be similar or equivalent indicating a correspondence between the two to a user of the footwear (1). In some embodiments, one or more of the convex shaped bulges (20) and the pads (36) include a fastening mechanism for fastening the convex shaped bulges (20) to the pads (36). Still referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the convex shaped bulge (20a) may include a fastening surface (34) and the pad (36a) may include a fastening surface (38). The fastening surface (34) and the fastening surface (38) may fasten to one another inhibiting relative motion between the two. As one non-limiting example, the fastening surface (34) may be a sheet of male hook-and-loop fastener and the fastening surface (38) may be a female sheet of hook-and-loop fastener such that the convex shaped bulge (20a) is selectively coupled to the fastening surface (38) when the two are joined. Other forms of coupling the fastening surface (34) to the fastening surface (38) are considered. For example, the surfaces could be covered in an adhesive, an epoxy, or other adherent chemical for keeping the two surfaces joined. In some embodiments, the two surfaces may be selectively coupled with a pin, a tack, a snap fixture, a clasp, or the like.

Referring to FIG. 6A, in some embodiments, the convex shaped bulge (20) may include one or more features for maintaining alignment with the corresponding pad (36). The convex shaped bulge (20c) includes an exemplary alignment pin (39) that fits in a corresponding alignment aperture (40) for aligning the convex shaped bulge (20c) with the pad (36c). The alignment pin (39) fits in the alignment aperture (40) and inhibits the convex shaped bulge (20c) from moving with respect to the pad (36c) while a holder is gripping the footwear (1) supporting a wearer of the footwear (1).

With reference to FIG. 6B, the convex shaped bulge (20) may extend substantially across each portion of the footwear (1). In some embodiments, the pad (36) may extend equivalently such that the length of the fastening surface (34) on the convex shaped bulge (20) corresponds to the length of the pad (36) on the sole (4).

Still referring to FIG. 6B, some embodiments of the convex shaped bulge (20) may include scallops (32) that increase the friction between a user's grip and the convex shaped bulge (20) to increase a given user's grip on the convex shaped bulge (20). The scallops (32) may be ergonomic grips that provide a space for a user's fingers when the user is holding the footwear (1). In some embodiments, the convex shaped bulge (20) may be formed from a substance that holds a shape based on a particular user's hand, for example, a high density memory foam or high density, moldable plastic. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the scallops (32) may form during use as the user continues to hold the convex shaped bulge (20).

Still referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in embodiments in which the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) is configured to be removable from the bottom surface (4b) of the outsole, other various fastening means can be used to removably secure the at least one convex shaped bulge to the outsole, including but not limited to threaded attachments, brackets, and slotted attachments. In other embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) may be coupled to the outsole using a standard adhesives, for example glue or epoxy. In some embodiments, adhesives may be combined with one or more other means for fastening the convex shaped bulge (20) to the outsole. For example, a threaded attachment, bracket, or slotted attachment may be coupled to the outsole using a standard adhesive, for example glue or epoxy. Convex shaped bulges (20) that are coupled to the outsole may be permanently or temporarily coupled to the outsole.

Briefly referring to FIG. 6C, in some embodiments, the bottom surface (4b) of the outsole can comprise a cavity or cavities (41) into which the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) is configured to fit. As described previously, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) can be secured within a cavity (41) located within the bottom surface (4b or 14b) of the outsole (4a or 14a) by various means, including but not limited to threaded attachments, brackets, and slotted attachments. In certain embodiments, a cavity (41) for receiving a convex shaped bulge (20) can have a volume that is greater than the volume of the at least one convex shaped bulge (20). This allows for an area within the cavity (41) for the received convex shaped bulge (20) to expand when pressure is applied to the bulge, such as when the wearer of the instantly-disclosed article of footwear (1) or sole (14) puts downward pressure on the convex shaped bulge (20), e.g., when walking or running. In some embodiments, the outsole (4a or 14a), including the bottom surface (4b or 14b), and the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) can include graphics, symbols, or other printed material that assist in properly aligning the at least one convex shaped bulge (20).

In some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20a) is located in the front portion (6 or 16) of the sole (4 or 14). In some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20b) is located in the heel portion (10 or 110) of the sole (4 or 14). Such convex shaped bulges (20a) located in the front portion (6 or 16) and/or convex shaped bulge (20b) located in the heel portion (10 or 110) of the sole (4 or 14) can facilitate better grip by the supporter and stabilization of a top person, by way of example and not by limitation, during multiple leg lifts for supporters. In other embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20c) is located in the instep portion (8 or 18) of the sole (4 or 14). Such a convex shaped bulge (20c) located in the instep portion (8 or 18) can facilitate better grip by the supporter and stabilization of a top person, by way of example and not be limitation, during a single leg lift. In certain embodiments, a first convex shaped bulge (20a) is located in the front portion (6 or 16), a second convex shaped bulge (20c) is located in the instep portion (8 or 18), and a third convex shaped bulge (20b) is located in the heel portion (10 or 110) of the sole (4 or 14). It should be understood that any combination of these convex shaped bulges (20), (located in the front portion (6), instep portion (8), and/or heel portion (10) of the sole) is within the scope of the instant invention for both the instantly disclosed article of footwear (1) or the sole (14) for an article of footwear.

In some embodiments, the least one convex shaped bulge (20d) is located along the length of the instep portion (8) to the heel portion (10) of the sole (4). In some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20e) is located along the length of the instep portion (8) to the front portion (6) of the sole. In even further embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20f) is located along the length of the heel portion (10) to the front portion (6). Although not shown for the sole (14) for an article of footwear, it should be understood that any these convex shaped bulges ((20d), (20e), and (20f)) is within the scope of the instant invention for both the instantly disclosed article of footwear (1) and the sole (14) for an article of footwear.

In some embodiments, the at least one convex shaped bulge (20) can be colored or include printing material (including braille-like dots) to distinguish one convex shaped bulge from another convex shaped bulge. For example and not by way of limitation, each of three convex shaped bulges (20a, 20b, 20c), (located in the front portion (6), instep portion (8), and heel portion (10) of the sole, respectively) can be of a different color or have other distinguishing printed material (such as a different braille-like pattern). This assists the supporter(s) in finding the proper convex shaped bulge(s) to achieve the proper specific grips or hand holds, while also serving as a teaching tool to allow for increased level of coaching, directing, and instructing.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modification and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear comprising:

an upper; and

a sole secured to the upper, the sole including a front portion, an instep portion, and a heel portion, the sole comprising: an outsole, the outsole having a bottom surface and a top surface, the top surface being disposed between the upper and the bottom surface, the outsole comprising: at least one convex shaped bulge extending outwardly from the bottom surface, the at least one convex shaped bulge configured to facilitate specific hand holds on the at least one convex shaped bulge and receipt of the at least one convex shaped bulge in the palm of the hand of a supporter during a performance.

2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located in the front portion.

3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located in the instep portion.

4. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located in the heel portion.

5. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein a first convex shaped bulge is located in the front portion, a second convex shaped bulge is located in the instep portion, and an third convex shaped bulge is located in the heel portion.

6. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the least one convex shaped bulge is located along the length of the instep portion to the heel portion.

7. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located along the length of the instep portion to the front portion.

8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located along the length of the heel portion to the front portion.

9. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge comprises a dome.

10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the arch of the dome ranges from substantially hemispherical to substantially planar.

11. The article of claim 5, wherein the first, second, and third at least one convex shaped bulge comprise a dome.

12. The article of footwear of claim 11 wherein the arch of the dome of the first, second, and third at least one convex shaped bulge ranges from substantially hemispherical to substantially planar.

13. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is formed from a pliant yet substantially fully resilient material.

14. The article of footwear according claim 11, wherein the first, second, and third at least one convex shaped bulge is formed from a pliant yet substantially fully resilient material.

15. A sole for an article of footwear that facilitates specific hand holds on the sole of the footwear, the sole comprising:

an outsole, the outsole having a bottom surface and a top surface, the outsole comprising: at least one convex shaped bulge extending outwardly from the bottom surface, the at least one convex shaped bulge configured to facilitate specific hand holds on the at least one convex shaped bulge and receipt of the at least one convex shaped bulge in the palm of the hand of a supporter during a performance

wherein the sole includes a front portion, an instep portion, and a heel portion.

16. The sole of claim 15, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located in the front portion.

17. The sole of claim 15, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located in the instep portion.

18. The sole of claim 15, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located in the heel portion.

19. The sole of claim 15, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge comprises three separate bulges, wherein a first convex shaped bulge is located in the front portion, a second convex shaped bulge is located in the instep portion, and a third convex shaped bulge is located in the heel portion.

20. The sole of claim 15, wherein the least one convex shaped bulge is located along the length of the instep portion and the heel portion.

21. The sole of claim 15, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located along the length of the instep portion to the front portion.

22. The sole of claim 15, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is located along the length of the heel portion to the front portion.

23. The sole of claim 15, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge comprises a dome.

24. The sole of claim 23, wherein the arch of the dome ranges from substantially hemispherical to substantially planar.

25. The sole of claim 19, wherein the first, second, and third convex shaped bulges each comprise a dome.

26. The sole of claim 25, wherein the arch of the dome of the first, second, and third convex shaped bulge each range from substantially hemispherical to substantially planar.

27. The sole of claim 15, wherein the at least one convex shaped bulge is formed from a pliant yet substantially fully resilient material.

28. The sole of claim 25, wherein each of the first, second, and third convex shaped bulge is formed from a pliant yet substantially fully resilient material.