Title of Invention : Foot Covering for Fitness and Dance

Background

[0001] The inventive subject matter relates to an item of footwear in the nature of a thin, flexible foot covering that is particularly suited for fitness and dance activities. One example of such activity is barre fitness, which is a hybrid activity, combining elements of ballet and barre, yoga and Pilates. It is typically performed on wood or other hard floors, using wall-mounted bars for supporting feet or hands, with some elements possibly performed on mats. The inventive footwear could also be used in dance, exercise, or athletic applications.

[0002] Based on the variety of movements and positions held in hybrid fitness,

conflicting demands can be placed on footwear. Ballet and barre demand footwear that accommodates dynamics, such as spin moves. On the other hand, yoga and Pilates involve static positions that a user must hold. The footwear must avoid slippage. All fitness elements are enhanced by footwear that is

comfortable, lightweight, low-profile, protective, secure, and foot conforming.

Further, in many forms of dance and fitness shoe visibility is disfavored. In fact, in modern dance a barefoot-look is required for many pieces.

[0003] Some prior art foot coverings attempt to address the aforementioned needs.

For example, US Patent No. 6,018,888, which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes, discloses an article of footwear that has a number of

interconnected straps for securing the article to a foot. Other examples of foot coverings for dance movements are US D559.504; US D558.957; US

2007/0006486; US 2006/0288609; US D551.430; US 7,051 ,457, US 7,673,396 and US2008/0110045. Examples of foot coverings that provide a covering for the individual toes are described in US 5,774,898; US 5,906,007; and US 5,623,734. However, these foot coverings are unsuitable for performing dance movements. WO 2014016630 discloses a dance shoe that conforms to the shape of the foot through a range of foot flexations, particularly the flexations that occur when dancing en pointe. This is achieved in certain embodiments by configuring a proximal portion of the shoe to be elastically, longitudinally extendible relative to the distal portion. Unfortunately, the foregoing attempts do not provide a solution that is ideal for emerging forms of dance and workouts, such as barre, that have unique performance and fit requirements.

[0004] In some exercise applications, such as barre, pilates or yoga workouts, a

barefoot appearance allows the instructor to visually assess postures.

Additionally, in some activities where a barefoot approach has advantages, some practitioners may prefer to cover their feet, for example, as a matter of personal hygiene or for warmth. Pilates or yoga exercises may be performed on a smooth surface or on exercise equipment where it may be desirable to have grip and non-slip protection.

[0005] None of the existing footwear provides the optimal protective features

required for foot movement applications while concurrently addressing non-slip, comfort, lightweight, secure fit and aesthetic needs.

[0006] Accordingly, footwear is needed that offers a solution to one or more of the aforementioned problems.

Summary of Invention

[0007] The inventive subject matter addresses for the foregoing needs and problems.

In one possible embodiment, the inventive subject matter is generally directed to a foot covering for compliably conforming to a foot of a wearer, comprising: a body portion comprising an upper portion and a sole portion that in combination provide a rearfoot portion, a midfoot portion, and a forefoot portion for receiving an intended wearer's rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot; a plurality of toe openings optionally disposed in the forefoot portion, each adapted to receive a user's toe and to allow the toes to extend through the opening. The foot covering is longitudinally elastic over at least a midfoot portion through a forefoot portion.

[0008] The foregoing embodiment may be combined with one or more of the

following features in any number of permutations:

[0009] The foot covering may have progressive elasticity over the midfoot and

forefoot portions. The foot covering may become progressively more inelastic going from the proximal to distal direction. The elasticity may be based on the use of alternating elastic and relatively inelastic zones. The zones may be disposed in a sole portion and/or upper portion of the foot covering. The zones may comprise alternating bands of elastic and relatively inelastic material. The bands may extend transversely to the longitudinal axis of the foot covering at least across the width of the sole portion. The bands may be generally parallel. The alternating bands or zones may be disposed in the sole portion and in the upper portion. The foot covering may be latitudinally elastic, as well as

longitudinally elastic. The longitudinal elasticity of the foot covering may be generally different from the latitudinal elasticity. The foot covering may be generally more elastic longitudinally than latitudinally.

[0010] The sole portion of the foot covering may comprise a sheet of an elastic base material. The inelastic zones may be defined by an inelastic material deposited on the base material. The base material may comprise a sheet of natural or synthetic foamed rubber, silicone, or natural or synthetic stretch leather.

[0011] The rearfoot portion of the sole may comprise a ground-engaging surface that is relatively high friction for providing traction or grip, and the forefoot portion may comprise a ground-engaging surface that is relatively low in friction for facilitating spin or sliding movements. The ground-engaging surface for the rearfoot portion may comprise a rubbery material and the ground-engaging surface of the forefoot portion comprises plastic surface like TPU, natural rubber or any synthetic rubber.

[0012] A deposited inelastic material may be used to define the inelastic zones and to provide the forefoot ground-engaging surface alone or in combination with the underlying elastic base material.

[0013] The foot covering may include a fastener oriented transversely to the foot covering adapted to extend over the instep of the user's foot.

[0014] In the foot covering, the sole portion and upper portion may have unitary

construction. A foot covering with one or more of the toe openings may have toe sleeves extending therefrom.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the inventive subject matter contemplates a foot

covering having a plurality of toe openings formed in the foot covering, each opening having sidewalls defining the shape of the opening, and wherein at least a pair of adjacent toe openings in the foot covering are configured with a shape so that the foot covering material separating the openings is in the general form of a column, and wherein in relation to the closest points on the opposing sidewalls, the sidewalls do not substantially diverge away from each other moving upwardly and/or downwardly from the closest points.

[0016] The inventive subject matter contemplates full-length foot coverings and foot coverings that cover just forefoot to midfoot portion of an intended wearer's foot and do not extend into a rearfoot portion.

[0017] The inventive subject also contemplates methods of assembling the portions or parts identified herein, and depositing materials in the contemplated manners.

[0018] The foregoing is not intended to be an exhaustive list of embodiments and features of the inventive subject matter. Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

[0019] The following is a description of various lines under the inventive subject

matter. The appended claims, as originally filed in this document, or as subsequently amended, are hereby incorporated into this Summary section as if written directly in.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] The following figures show embodiments according to the inventive subject matter, unless noted as showing prior art.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a foot covering for a left foot (it being understood that the foot covering for a right foot is a mirror image).

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a rear elevational view of the foot covering and foot of FIG. 1.

[0023] FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the foot covering of FIG. 1.

[0024] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the foot covering of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 5 shows a right (medial) side elevational view of the foot covering of FIG.

1.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows a left (lateral) side elevational view of the foot covering of FIG. 1. [0027] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a forefoot section of a foot covering like the one in FIG. 1 with an alternative configuration of toe openings.

[0028] FIG. 8 schematically superimposes a pair of toe openings consistent with the principles of Fig. 7 on a pair of toe openings consistent with those of Fig. 1.

[0029] FIG. 9 shows a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a foot covering in the form of a half-shoe.

[0030] FIG. 10 shows a right (medial) side elevational view of the embodiment of FIG.

9.

Detailed Description

[0031] Representative embodiments according to the inventive subject matter are shown in Figs. 1-10.

[0032] The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a "foot covering," which refers to an item of footwear characterized by a thin, flexible foot-receiving compartment and associated non-bulky, outsole, with the overall foot compliably and closely conforming to an intended wearer's foot through a range of foot flexations. A foot covering typically extends along the full length of the intended wearer's foot. The foot covering is intended to securely and comfortably attach to a wearer's feet, while providing needed functionality in the rearfoot and forefoot portions of the shoe. In certain embodiments, the foot covering leaves one or more toe tips partly or fully extending outwardly exposed and/or separately encased in a full or partial toe sleeve. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, each toe of an intended wearer is capable of fully extending and exposed through its own opening. However, in other possible embodiments, two or more toes could be exposed via single opening (Fig. 7) or encased in a sleeve (not shown) configured for two or more toes. In other embodiments, all toes may be fully enclosed in a toe box.

[0033] Referring particularly to Fig. 2, the foot covering 2 includes a body portion 10 that consists of a rearfoot portion A, a midfoot portion B and forefoot portion C, which respectively correspond to the rearfoot, midfoot, and forefoot of a typical human foot. The body portion has a ground-facing side or sole 14, which consists of a rear sole portion 14a, a midfoot sole portion 14b, and a forefoot sole portion 14c, each of which corresponds generally to rearfoot portion A, midfoot portion B, and forefoot portion C.

[0034] The body portion 10 has an upper portion 16 associated with the sole portion 14 that extends up the sides of the wearer's feet and partially over the top of the wearer's foot. In this embodiment, the upper portion leaves a substantial portion of the top foot exposed through void 15. The upper portion consists of a rear upper portion 16a, a midfoot upper portion 16b, and a forefoot upper portion 16c, each of which corresponds generally to rearfoot portion A, midfoot portion B, and forefoot portion C.

[0035] The covering is stretchable along its longitudinal axis and optionally widthwise, as well. The foot covering 2, shown in Figs. 1-6, includes a plurality of toe openings 12a-12e and/or sleeves (not shown) formed in the body portion, each adapted to receive a single toe of the wearer to secure the distal end of the foot covering to the intended wearer's foot.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the upper and sole portions 14, 16, through each of the general rearfoot, midfoot, forefoot portions A, B, C, are made of a single ply of the same material or assembly of materials, excluding any sole pad layer attached or integrated with a sole portion.

[0037] In certain embodiments, forefoot sole portion 14c has an outer surface that has a relatively low coefficient of friction overall and facilitates sliding or spinning movements. A rearfoot sole portion 14a of the sole of the covering has an outer surface that has a relatively high coefficient of friction overall and resists sliding or spinning movements, providing grip or traction.

[0038] According to the inventive subject matter, the foot covering may have tuned elasticity. By having portions or zones of varying number, thickness, width, material properties, and/or structural properties, the foot covering can be tuned to specifically desired elastic properties across some or all of the forefoot, midfoot, and/or rearfoot portions 14a-c and/or upper portions 16a-c.

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the sole has a plurality of alternating bands 18a and 18b. The wider bands 18a represent zones of relative elasticity. The narrower bands 18b represent zones of relative inelasticity. Providing an underlying base material for body portion 10, which has a relatively elastic construction, can create a foundation for this arrangement. Depositing a coating of material that is relatively inelastic in desired zones on top of the body portion base material can create inelastic zones such as bands 18b. In addition to or instead of creating zones of inelastic material on the sole portion 14, zones of relatively inelastic material may be created for the upper portion 16. In the example shown, zones of elastic material 18a alternate with zones of inelastic material 18b. (For clarity of the drawings, not all such zones depicted are labeled with reference numbers.)

[0040] In certain embodiments, the sole portion 14 and/or upper portion 16 of the foot covering becomes progressively less elastic going from at least the proximal end of the midfoot portion to the distal end of the forefoot portion. (As used herein, "proximal" means a position closest to the heel and "distal" means a position closest to the toes.) The progression can be based on a plurality of discrete steps along the length of the sole or a smooth transition. As seen in the Figures, bands 18b become progressively wider going towards the distal end of the forefoot portion 16c. As the surface area of the inelastic material increases on the sole portion 14, the inelasticity of the sole portion naturally increases, as well.

Conversely, as the width of the alternating bands progressively increases, so does the inelasticity. Other arrangements or patterns of inelastic material on a base material can also result in variation of elasticity. For example, the inelastic material could be provided as a plurality of pixel elements in desired zones, and the size, shape and/or density of the pixel elements could be varied to tune the elasticity of the sole and/or upper.

[0041] The zoning can also be based on layering or lamination of different materials or of the same materials but with different material or structural properties. In the example shown in the Figures, a plastic or other polymer may be deposited on a base material for the body portion 10. As used herein "deposited" means any form of monolithic coating. For example, any technique of screen-printing, ink jetting, 3D printing, sputtering, spraying, extruding, pasting, thermal bonding, etc., could deposit material as a monolithic coating in a desired shape. Suitable materials include thermoplastics and thermoset plastics. Examples of thermoplastics include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), nylons (polyamides), polytetrofluoro ethylene (PTFE or Teflon), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polybutylene (PB), and

combinations of any of the foregoing. Examples of thermoset plastics include phenolic resins, amino resins, polyester resins, silicon resins, epoxy resins, and polyurethanes. These materials generally have relatively low coefficients of friction. Thermoplastic elastomers and thermoset elastomers may also be used. Examples include natural rubber, polyurethanes, polybutadiene,

polycholorophene, silicone, and combinations of any of the foregoing. These materials generally have relatively high coefficients of friction.

[0042] In addition to deposited inelastic materials on a base material, the varied

elasticity in the body portion can be based a unitary textile that has different zones of stretchability woven or knitted in. For example, weft threads in a woven structure may be varied from zone to zone so that the body portion becomes progressively more elastic or inelastic in a chosen direction.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the successive bands of the inelastic material decrease in width going from the midfoot portion into the forefoot portion. As more elastic material of the body portion is exposed, or conversely as less area of the body portion is covered by the deposited, inelastic material, the foot covering becomes progressively more stretchable. By using a sheet construction for the main sole body portion with a deposited layer of inelastic material, the sole may be maintained as essentially a single ply of material with tuned elasticity and/or wear resistance. Thereby, the sole is thin and lightweight and conforms exceptionally well to the user's foot through a dynamic range of movement.

[0044] The sheet construction for some or all of body portion 10 may comprise a sheet in the form of a single or multiple layer construction, e.g., one or more plies of woven knit, or non-woven material, mats, webs, polymers. The sheet construction may be laminates or similar structures for any of the foregoing.

Examples of suitable elastic, polymer sheet materials include silicone, polychloroprene (neoprene or CR) rubber, natural rubber foams, synthetic rubber foams and polyurethane, polyether and polyester foams neoprene, vinyl nitrile, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), polyethylene (PE), ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene propylene terpolymer (EPT), EPT/PE/butyl rubber, neoprene/EPT/SBR, epichlorohydrin (ECH), and nitrile (NBR) or combinations of any of the foregoing. In addition, suede, other soft flexible leathers, and other synthetic materials can be used as sheet materials. Such sheet of material can be thin and still protect the wearer's sole or relatively thick to provide a desired degree of cushioning or padding. The thickness of the body portion 10 may be varied to provide desired functions where anatomically needed. For durability, comfort and/or aesthetics, face fabric can be attached to one or both sides of a non-woven sheet material. Example face fabrics can be textiles constructed of yarns, filaments, or fibers of elastane, polyester, nylon, silk, wool, cotton, or blends of any of the foregoing. Face fabrics may be bonded to a non-woven (or woven) by any of various known means, such as gluing, thermal bonding, stitching, etc. Melt-spun polymer, non- woven textile are also contemplated for use in sheet materials.

[0045] In the example shown, the base material for body portion 10 extends up the sides of the foot, and over top portions of the foot, along some or all the perimeter of the foot sole. The extending portions can be joined to the sole portion by stitching or they can be part of a unitary, i.e., seamless construction of base material. The extending portions generally define a perimeter that receives the user's foot. The extending portions may also be a sheet construction, which may optionally have a deposited material to provide for tuned elasticity and/or wear resistance. Thereby, the extending portions define an upper that is thin, and lightweight, and conforms exceptionally well to the user's foot through a dynamic range of motion.

[0046] In some embodiments, a progressive change in elasticity can begin in the rearfoot portion A or midfoot portion B and extend to the forefoot portion C. It can begin or end at the extreme of any such portion or at intermediate points in any of such portions. The progressive stretch may be based strictly in the sole portion 14 or it may also be present in the upper portion 16 of the foot covering, as well. For example, if the upper is, in whole or part, at least as elastic as the sole's least elastic zone, the sole will determine the overall elasticity of the foot covering, and elastic zoning in the upper may not be needed. [0047] One advantage of providing for progressive elasticity of the sole for at least the midfoot and forefoot portions is the foot covering can more resiliently adapt to changes in foot curvature resulting from foot flexation. Foot flexation can be dramatic in en pointe movements. But too much elasticity in the ground contacting areas of the foot covering could cause the foot covering to shift across the user's foot during spin, sliding or pushing movements. Any such shifting is undesirable because it could result in the user's foot coming out of the foot covering or otherwise to lose fit or traction. The inventive subject matter's progressive elasticity overcomes the conflicting needs of providing elasticity to accommodate flexation and providing a secure fit through spin, slide or push movement.

[0048] The shoe may be anisotropically elastic over longitude (length) and latitude (width), i.e., elasticity is different for each dimension. In the example shown, the spaced-apart bands of relatively inelastic material 18b, which are over a base material for body portion 10, are continuous, unbroken bands that extend from the medial edge of the sole all the way to at least the lateral edge of the sole.

[0049] As previously noted, the upper portion 16 extending from the sole portion 14 may also have a plurality of spaced apart bands of relatively inelastic material over a sheet construction of relatively elastic material. The upper bands may be an extension of those on the sole. Alternatively, they may be discrete bands that may or may not align with the bands on the sole portion. Because the bands on the upper portion 16 extend continuously widthwise on the sole portion and/or upper portion, the elasticity of the bands 18b will control the stretchability of the width of the foot covering, not the elasticity of the underlying base material exposed in bands 18a. However, along the longitudinal line of the foot covering, the elastic bands 18a and inelastic bands 18b are generally parallel. In this arrangement, the longitudinal elasticity is a function of the elastic bands 18a, not strictly 18b. If bands 18b have sufficient elasticity, the longitudinal elasticity of the sole portion is a function of the elasticity of both bands 18a and 18b: initially on stretching, the more elastic bands 18a preferentially stretch, but as their elastic limit is reached, the relatively inelastic material for bands 18b may also begin to stretch. Of course, the overall elasticity of the sole portion and/or upper portion will depend on the elastic properties of each band type 18a, 18b. The foregoing assumes sufficient tensile strength of elastic bands 18a so they do not break as elastic limits are reached, allowing relatively inelastic bands 18b to stretch as bands 18b to reach their elastic limit.

[0050] In one possible embodiment, the sole portion 14 is more elastic longitudinally than latitudinally to accommodate dynamic foot movement that is along a longitudinal line. The sole portion 14 is less stretchable or even non-stretchable widthwise given that there is little change in foot width along the latitudinal line of the foot during dance and fitness activities. However, some stretch ability is nonetheless desirable to provide for a snug, secure fit of the foot covering on the user's feet.

[0051] Figs. 1-7 show a foot covering 2 that includes a plurality of openings 12a-12e, one for each toe of an intended wearer's foot. Toe coverings (not shown) may optionally extend from one or more of the openings for one or more of digits one to five. The coverings may be sleeve or sleeve-like structures that may have varying lengths, but cover at least the creases at the base of the corresponding toes. Individual openings for each toe in the upper body portion may allow a wearer to find equal weight distribution throughout the foot and to flex, pointe, and use full range, without compromising any tightness or resistance of the foot covering.

[0052] The foot covering may further have a protective or cushiony structured

material at the ground-facing side of sole portion 14. The structure is referred to herein as a "sole pad" or, more particularly, a "heel pad" when referring to a pad located in the heel area. In some embodiments, the pad construction used may be adapted to enhance grip of the covering to a work surface. For example, the pad may be constructed to provide cushion or grip against a bar, mat, or the surface of exercise equipment.

[0053] In the exemplary foot covering shown in the Figures, a heel pad 19 (e.g., a protective, traction, and/or cushion structure) is disposed over a rearfoot portion of the sole. The heel pad or other sole pad may be a discrete element affixed to the foot covering. Or it may be a deposited layer of material. The heel pad 19 may optionally extend up the back and/or sides of the wearer's heel, as shown. In doing so, the pad advantageously helps provide grip and protects the heel against contact with the bar in barre activities. The heel pad may be formed of an elastic material to provide elasticity in the rearfoot portion A. The elasticity may be tuned to contribute to the progressive elasticity discussed above. In some embodiments, sole pad material may extend underneath some or all the forefoot portion of the foot covering.

[0054] For barre activities, it may be desirable to make the rearfoot portion A of anti- slip material to help provide traction or anti-slip properties. A natural or synthetic rubber or a silicone, such as those described earlier may be used. Other areas of the sole portion may also have a pad to provide cushion, traction, protection, durability, high or low friction surfaces. Alternatively, the base material for body portion 10 may provide desired properties, alone or in combination with a sole pad. As noted earlier, for barre activities, it is desirable to select a low friction material in the forefoot to enhance spin movements. Accordingly, a forefoot pad may have an outer surface having a relatively low coefficient of friction to provide freedom for sliding or spinning movements. A low friction material such as leather, suede, imitation leather or suede, durable textile, or plastic, such as TPU or PVC may be used for a low friction sole pad. By way of example and not limitation, a suitable forefoot pad may have a thickness of 0.8 to 2.0 mm, or thereabout.

[0055] With respect to the embodiment shown in the Figures, a relatively high-friction, rubbery material in rearfoot portion A and a set of low-friction inelastic bands 18b in the forefoot portion C serve such purposes. In other words, with respect to the embodiment shown in the Figures, the deposited material defining bands 18b in the forefoot portion C may collectively be considered a sole pad given their substantial ground contacting surface area in the forefoot.

[0056] If the heel pad 19 or other sole pad is a discrete element, it may be joined to the body portion 10, by gluing, thermal bonding, and/or stitching the pad to the underlying material.

[0057] By way of example and not limitation, a suitable heel pad may have a

thickness of 2 mm to 10 mm, or thereabout. [0058] The heel pad or other sole pad may have multiple durometers, densities and/or materials. For example, higher durometer material (e.g., for durability or traction) could be used on a ground-facing portion and a lower durometer material (e.g., for cushioning) could be placed between the ground facing portion and the wearer's foot. Such constructions could be based on molding of different materials to form unitary parts or it could be based on bonding together or other coupling of discrete elements. For example, a lower durometer material may an insert in a higher durometer material to form an overall heel pad or other sole pad.

[0059] In some embodiments, a sole pad may be added below the ball of the foot, in the transition zone below the ball of the foot and the toes, and/or below the big toe.

[0060] The foot covering 2 may include a fastener, such as elastic fastener 20, that holds the foot covering in place at an instep or midfoot of a wearer's foot. For example, foot covering 2 may be held in place with a fastener 20 extending from opposing sides of the upper and over the instep of the foot. In some

embodiments, the elastic fastener may be an elastic band.

[0061] Optionally, elastic fastener 20 may be provided with a strip or other area of a slip-resistant material at the foot facing side of the fastener. Similarly, other portions of the upper in contact with the user's foot may be provided with an area of rubbery material, such as silicone. Another area of usefulness is on the inner surface of the heel cupping area of the foot covering. Some or all of this area may be treated with a rubbery layer to help maintain the foot covering on the heel area. The rubbery layer may also be applied around some or the entire perimeter of the foot-receiving opening of the foot covering. A rubber layer such as a silicone layer helps keep the foot covering in place even if it becomes moist, e.g. , as the dancer sweats.

[0062] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a forefoot section of a foot covering like the one in Fig. 1 with an alternative configuration of three toe openings 112a- 1 12c. In this embodiment, less than five openings are provided in the foot covering so that multiple toes share a single opening, with each opening being configured with a size and/or elasticity for doing so. The toe openings have a generally rectilinear form of four sides. [0063] In Fig. 7, the toe openings are defined by top wall 122, bottom wall 124 and sidewalls 126. Adjacent openings have sidewalls that are generally parallel to one another. In the example shown, top walls 122 are shorter than bottom walls 126, and the sidewalls are about the same length for each opening. For the small toe, the opening 112a is squarish in form. The other openings 112b, 1 12c are generally rectangular. Foot covering material between the openings is therefore in the form of a column 128a-128b having a generally uniform width. In other words, the space between adjacent sidewalls 126 in different openings has a squarish or rectangular form. When toes are placed in the openings, the columns are received in the spaces between adjacent toes. By configuring the toe openings in this manner, the amount of material that fits between the toes is minimized, enhancing fit and comfort for the wearer. This is in contrast to the embodiment of Figs. 1-6, which have circular openings. The separation between the opposing, adjacent sidewalls of the circles varies: it is closest along an imaginary line that bisects the centers of both adjacent circles. The distance between the circular sidewalls increases moving upwardly or downwardly from the closest points. This means that the foot covering material that fits between the wearer's toes flares out above and below the midline of the openings is unnecessarily bulky in comparison to the embodiment of Fig. 7 where the material has a constant width that can be the same as the opposing points on the side walls of adjacent circular openings that are closest together. The foregoing differences are illustrated in Fig. 8, which is discussed below. Accordingly, the inventive subject matter contemplates a foot covering with openings having adjacent sidewalls wherein in relation to the closest points on the opposing sidewalls, the sidewalls do not substantially diverge away from each other moving upwardly and/or downwardly from the closest points, thereby minimizing the bulk material that fits between a wearer's toes. As in the case of other embodiments, a foot covering may have one or more pairs of adjacent toe openings configured to minimize the amount of bulk material between toes. The covering may have 2, 3, 4, or 5 openings configured to pair in such manner.

[0064] Fig. 8 schematically superimposes a pair of rectilinear toe openings consistent with the principles of Fig. 7 on a pair of circular toe openings consistent with those of Fig. 1. As can be seen, the sidewalls of each pair of superimposed square and circular openings have tangent points. At the tangent points that are adjacent each other for the different openings, the spacing between the sidewalls of the adjacent circular opening type is closest, which also matches the

separation between the adjacent sidewalls for the square openings. However, the area between the sidewalls of the circular opening has a generally hour-glass shape based on the sidewalls of the circles diverging away from each other above and below the closest points of sidewall separation. The darkened areas in Fig. 8 indicate the hourglass shape defined by adjacent circular openings. In contrast, the adjacent sidewalls of the adjacent rectilinear openings in the superimposition define a column 328 with a uniform separation D between the sidewalls, which excludes the darkened areas. Accordingly, the darkened areas represent unnecessarily bulky material present in a foot covering with circular openings and avoided in a foot covering with more squared openings.

[0065] Figs. 9-10 show an alternative embodiment in the nature of a half shoe 200.

This foot covering is intended to cover a forefoot portion of an intended wearer's foot or a forefoot-midfoot portion. It has a sole portion 214 and an upper portion 216. The upper portions may be made of a thin pliable material. The material may be an elastic material so that the foot covering conforms securely to the foot. The sole portion may also be a thin pliable material. It may include a durability or traction layer, such as leather or rubber. It has five openings 212a-212e corresponding to each toe. The openings are rectilinear like the ones seen in Fig.7. They too reduce the amount of bulk material between adjacent toes. As seen, columns 228a-228d have a squarish to rectangular form, like columns 128a, 128b in Fig. 7. The foot covering may include an elastic band 230 at a proximal end to help secure the foot covering to the foot. The half-shoe foot covering may be implemented with different number of toe openings. For example, the set of three toe openings of Fig. 7 maybe implemented in a half shoe. The half shoe may also be implemented in the form of a shoe contemplated under Figs. 1-6, namely with tuned elasticity, but with the rearfoot to midfoot portions excluded.

[0066] The inventive subject matter disclosed herein also contemplates

manufacturing of the foot covering by assembling parts in the manners disclosed. The inventive subject matter further contemplates a method for making such foot covering and a method for using such foot covering.

[0067] Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the inventive subject matter, and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein.

[0068] All patent and non-patent literature cited herein is hereby incorporated by references in its entirety for all purposes.