[0002] This application claims the benefit of the following U. S. Provisional Patent Application : Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/450, 963, titled"Shoe Tap Protectors,"filed on February 28, 2003. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/450, 963 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This application claims the benefit of the following U. S. Provisional Patent Application : Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/466, 136, titled"Shoe Taps, " filed on April 24,2003. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/466,136 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field of Invention [0004] This invention relates to tap shoe accessories.

Summary of the Invention [0005] In one embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus that includes a shoe having a tap; a tap cover adapted to be removably mounted to the tap, where the tap cover includes a first attachment mechanism, and where the tap includes a second attachment mechanism adapted to releasably connect to the first attachment mechanism.

[0006] In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus that includes a shoe having a tap; a spacer mounted between the tap and the shoe; a tap cover adapted to be removably mounted to the spacer, where the tap cover includes a first attachment mechanism, and where the spacer includes a second attachment mechanism adapted to releasably connect to the first attachment mechanism.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0007] Figure 1 is a side view of a shoe cover applied to a dancing shoe; [0008] Figure 2 is a side view showing a shoe cover being applied to a dancing shoe; [0009] Figure 3 is an exploded view showing a shoe cover; [00010] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a spacer plate of a shoe cover; [00011] Figure 5 is an exploded view showing a shoe cover; [00012) Figure 6 is a side view of a shoe cover applied to a dancing shoe ; [00013] Figure 7 is a view showing a frame for a shoe cover ; [00014] Figure 8 is a view of a spacer ; [0001 Sl Figure 9 is a view of a shoe cover ; [00016] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a shoe-cover apparatus ; [00017] Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a shoe-cover; [00018] Figure 12 is a view of a frame; [00019] Figure 13 is a view of a frame; [00020] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a shoe-cover apparatus ; (00021) Figure 15 is a view of a dancing shoe having a front tap and a rear tap ; Figure 16 is a view of a tap attached to the toe of a shoe ; 23l Figure 17 is a view of a second attachment mechanism with movable parts ; [00024] Figure 18 is a view of a tap attached to the toe of a shoe ; [00026] Figure 19 is a view of a cross-section of a tap including a body portion; and [000261 Figure 20 is a view of a cross-section of a tap including a body portion.

Detailed Description of the Drawings [0010] U. S. Patent No. 754, 673 discloses an attachment for athletic shoes. U. S. Patent No. 754,673 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0011] U. S. Patent No. 1,557, 393 discloses an emergency sole. U. S. Patent No.

1,557, 393 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0012] U. S. Patent No. 2,205, 344 discloses a tap dancing heel and toe attachment for shoes. U. S. Patent No. 2,205, 344 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0013] U. S. Patent No. 3,007, 260 discloses dancing shoes, and sound-producing devices associated with such shoes, known as taps. U. S. Patent No. 3,007, 260 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0014] U. S. Patent No. 4,351, 120 discloses a ski boot that is constructed with a relatively rigid bottom foot enclosure adapted to couple with a bottom traction component comprised of heel and sole portions. U. S. Patent No. 4,351, 120 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0015] U. S. Patent No. 4,463, 505 discloses a sole for footwear comprising an insole unit having an axially extending surface and a peripheral rib projecting downwardly from the surface for stitching the insole to the upper of the footwear, a midsole attached to the insole, the insole and midsole defining the top and bottom surfaces of a cavity, the cavity being bounded about its periphery by the rib, and an outsole attached to the midsole, and an orthotic element mounted in the cavity, the orthotic element comprising an axially extending flexible support layer. U. S. Patent No. 4,463, 505 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0016] U. S. Patent No. 4, 587, 746 discloses a metal shoe tap provided with a top thin flat horizontal member, a thin lip peripherally secured to said member and extending vertically downward to a bottom essentially horizontal edge, and a plurality of thin horizontally elongated plates, which are either parallel or perpendicular to each other. U. S. Patent No.

4, 587, 746 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0017] U. S. Patent No. 4,660, 305 discloses a tap for attachment to a tap dancing shoe.

U. S. Patent No. 4,660, 305 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0018] U. S. Patent No. 5,001, 852 discloses a pair of tap shoes each having toe and heel taps. U. S. Patent No. 5,001, 852 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0019] U. S. Patent No. 5, 007, 185 discloses a cleat cover for use on a bicycle shoe equipped with a pair of bicycle pedal engaging shoe cleats. U. S. Patent No. 5, 007, 185 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0020] U. S. Patent No. 5, 459, 946 discloses a tap dance shoe and method for attaching a tap to a dance shoe, which includes securing a single T-nut in a fiberboard and then installing the combined T-nut and fiberboard assembly on the sole of the shoe. U. S. Patent No. 5, 459, 946 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0021] U. S. Patent No. 5, 878, 440 discloses a tap dance sound producing apparatus, which utilizes an attachment member and sound-producing members. U. S. Patent No.

5,878, 440 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0022] U. S. Patent No. 5,996, 251 discloses a dance shoe usable for both jazz dancing as well as tap and character dancing combining the flexibility of a jazz dancing shoe and the support strength of a shoe used for character/tap dancing. U. S. Patent No. 5,996, 251 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0023] U. S. Patent No. 6,092, 306 discloses a tap shoe taps cover system for covering the tap of a tap-shoe to permit a wearer of tap shoes to walk more quietly. U. S. Patent No.

6,092, 306 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0024] U. S. Patent No. 6,151, 800 discloses a stretch-on elastic removable cover for a tap dance shoe, which enables the shoe to be decoratively transformed in appearance. U. S.

Patent No. 6,151, 800 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0025] U. S. Patent No. 6,598, 317 discloses a tap shoe cover. U. S. Patent No.

6, 598, 317 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0026] In one embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus including a shoe having taps on the toe and heel of said shoe, tap covers removably mounted on said taps, optional spacers mounted between said taps and said shoe, where the tap covers are removably connected to said taps, or optionally to said spacer. In another embodiment, said tap covers are formed with means to releasably attach said tap covers to said taps, or optionally to said spacers.

[0027] In another embodiment, there is disclosed removable tap covers which can quickly and easily be applied to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating in the taps when the dancer is walking about.

[0028] In another embodiment, there is disclosed removable tap covers, which can preclude the taps from scratching a floor when the dancer is walking about.

[0029] In another embodiment, there is disclosed removable tap covers, which can quickly and easily be removed to allow the full effect of the taps during dancing.

[0030] In another embodiment, there is disclosed removable tap covers for dancing shoes which can quickly and easily be placed on the taps to prevent accumulation of dirt and grime in the taps, yet which can quickly and easily be removed to allow the full effect of the taps for dancing.

[0031) In another embodiment, there is disclosed removable tap covers which can quickly and easily be attached to prevent a dancer from slipping when walking about, and/or to provide slip resistance.

[0032] In another embodiment, there is disclosed removable tap covers which can quickly and easily be attached to prevent a dancer from making excessive noise, for instance advanced performance, when walking about.

[0033] In another embodiment, there is disclosed a removable tap and removable tap covers to cover the removable tap, both of which can be quickly and easily attached and removed from a shoe.

[0034] In another embodiment, there is disclosed a permanently affixed tap and removable tap covers to cover the permanently affixed tap, where the tap covers can be quickly and easily attached and removed from the permanently affixed tap.

[0035] Section 1: [0036] Referring now to Figure 1, dancing shoe 10 is shown having front and rear taps 12 and 36 mounted on toe 16 and heel 18 of shoe 10. Optional spacer 20 is inserted between tap 12 and sole 22 of shoe 10, and may be slightly smaller in area than tap 12 so as to provide spaces 26 and 28 adjacent to the edges of tap 12. Tap cover 24 may be composed of two or more layers; first layer 24, and optional additional layers 38 and 40, first layer 24 is formed with inwardly turned edges 30 and 32, and may be releasably attached by inserting edges 30 and 32 into spaces 26 and 28. Tap cover inner layer 24 is formed of a polymer, for example a resilient plastic, so that it can flex to allow edges 30 and 32 to pass about tap 12 and to snap into spaces 26 and 28 to attach tap cover 24 to tap 12. Optional exterior layer 38 may be formed of a suitable polymer, for example rubber, which will not slip on smooth floors, but will provide a firm grip to prevent a dancer from sliding.

[0037] Tap cover 34 is releasably attachable to heel tap 36, in a similar manner as described for toe tap cover 24. If desired, additional layers 138 and 140 of material may be applied interior to and exterior to tap cover first layer 32.

[0038] Exterior layer 33 and/or exterior layer 133 may be formed of rubber or a relatively high friction polymer, for example, a rubber-polypropylene blend, to provide greater traction for tap covers 24 and 34, when the dancer is walking about. Interior layer 40 and interior layer 140 may be formed of a hard polymer, which will provide a strong sharp tapping sound when the dancer is dancing with tap covers 24 and 34 attached.

[0039l In use, a dancer places tap cover 24 on toe tap 12 and presses the center of tap cover 24 inwardly. This causes the edges of tap cover 24 to spread, whereupon the dancer grasps edges 30 and 32 of tap cover 24 and pulls them about tap 12 until edges 30 and 32 can be inserted into spaces 26 and 28 between tap 12 and spacer plate 20. The dancer then releases tap cover 24, which resiliently springs into place and releasably attaches tap cover 24 to tap 12. Heel tap cover 34 may be attached to heel tap 36 in a similar manner.

Thereafter, the dancer can walk about freely without concern for scratching the floor or getting dirt or grime into tap 12.

[0040] When the dancer is ready to dance, dancer simply presses the center of tap cover 24 inwardly, causing tap cover 24 to spread until the dancer can grasp edges 30 and 32 of tap cover 24 to remove tap cover 24. Thereafter, the dancer can dance and obtain the full effect of tap 12. Heel tap cover 34 can be removed in a similar manner.

[0041] Referring now to Figure 2, a close-up cross-sectional view of tap cover 24 is shown being attached to shoe 10. Tap 12 and spacer 20 are releasably attached to shoe with screw 202. Although only one screw (202) is shown, tap 12 and spacer 20 may be attached with a plurality of screws, for example, three. Screw 202 is received into threaded housing 204. Front edge 30 of tap cover 24 is shown inserted into space 26 at toe 16 of shoe 10. Tap cover 24 is shown with first layer 210, optional interior layer 40, interior to first layer 210; and exterior layer 38 exterior to first layer 210. Sole 22 of shoe 10 is shown attached to toe 16 by connectors 206, for example, nails or rivets. Rear edge 32 is adapted to be inserted into space 28 to attach cover 24 to shoe 10.

[0042] In another embodiment, Figure 3 shows spacer plate 320 formed with first tab 42 at one end and second tab 44 mounted on resilient arm 340 connected to lever 46, adjacent the other end. Tap cover 24 is formed with notch 48 at one end and loop member 50 projecting from tap cover 24, adjacent the opposite end. Heel tap cover (not shown) and heel spacer (not shown) can be similarly configured.

[0043] In use, the dancer inserts first tab 42 of spacer 20 into notch 48 of tap cover 24.

Next the dancer presses inwardly on lever 46 to drive resilient arm 340 inward and places loop member 50 over second tab 44. Finally, the dancer releases lever 46, which allows second tab 44 to enter loop member 50, and to releasably attach tap cover 24 to tap shoe 10. The dancer can then wall< about freely without concern about scratching the floor or fouling tap 12. To remove tap cover 24, the dancer simply presses inwardly on lever 46 to drive second tab 44 out of engagement with loop member 50 and removes tap cover 24.

[0044] Referring now to Figure 4, another embodiment of spacer 20 is illustrated.

Spacer 20 has first tab 42 at one end and second tab 44 adjacent another end. First hole 410 and second hole 412 are also illustrated. There may be provided additional holes to correspond with the number of screws used to attach the tap to the shoe, and/or to accommodate a locating pin on rear side of tap.

[0045] In another embodiment, Figure 5 shows spacer 20 and tap cover 24. Spacer 20 is formed with tab 52 projecting from one end thereof, and has recess 54 formed in another end. Tap cover 24 is formed with notch 56 adjacent one end, and is provided with one or more resilient latch members 58, on the opposite end. In use, the dancer inserts tab 52 into notch 56 and snaps latch members 58 into recess 54 of spacer 20 to releasably attach tap cover 24 to spacer 20. To remove tap cover 24, the dancer lifts on latch members 58 to cause them to withdraw from recess 54 and slips tab 52 out of notch 56; tap cover 24 is then separated from tap shoe 10.

[0046] In another embodiment, Figure 6 shows tap cover 24 having handle or button 58 attached to the exterior surface of tap cover 24 to facilitate applying and removing cover 24.

[0047] In another embodiment, Figure 7 shows the inner structure of tap cover 24 having framework 62 formed of rigid material, such as metal or plastic, extending across the interior of tap cover 24. Framework 62 is formed with a plurality of openings 64 which receive material 804 of tap cover 24 during the manufacturing process and serve to provide a stronger structure for tap cover 24.

[0048] In one embodiment, walls 802, clips 58, and notch 56 are connected to and a part of framework 62.

[0049] In another embodiment, Figure 8 shows spacer 920. Spacer 920 includes tab 952 and recess 954. Holes 956 and 958 are shown, which are adapted to receive a screw to attach a tap to a shoe, or to receive a post on a tap for aligning the tap with the shoe.

Additional holes can be provided in spacer 920 for additional screws or additional posts to orient tap. Optional openings 960 are shown in spacer 920, which may serve to conserve material, and/or to improve sound quality while dancing. A solid spacer could muffle and/or absorb dancing sounds.

[0050] In another embodiment, Figure 9 shows tap cover 1024, having flat bottom portion 1080 and wall portion 1082. Flat portion 1080 may be at an angle a 1084 from wall portion 1082 between about 60° to about 120°, or between about 75° and about 105°, or about 90°. Tap cover 1024 includes notch 1056 adapted to receive tab 952. Tap cover 1024 includes clips 1058, which are adapted to receive recess 954. Notch 1056 and clips 1058 are adapted to connect tap cover 1024 to spacer 920. Tap cover 1024 includes clip extension 1060 which is connected to clips 1058, and when depressed serves to move clips 1058 outwardly to attach or detach tap cover 1024 to spacer 920. Tap cover 1024 also includes frame 1090 made of a first material, for example, a hard polymer or a metal, where the remainder of tap cover 1024 is made of a second material, for example, a softer polymer.

In one embodiment, frame 1090 also includes walls 1082, notch 1056, clips 1058, and clip extension 1060. On the opposite side of tap cover 1024 from that shown in Figure 9, may be formed a pattern in softer second material to achieve traction.

[0051] In another embodiment, Figure 10 shows shoe 1100 having sole 1102, spacer <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 1104, tap 1106, and tap cover 1108. Tap 1106 and spacer 1104, are attached to sI e 1 02 by screw 1120, which is received into threaded housing 1122. Additional screws (not shown) and screw housings (not shown) may be provided to attach tap 1106 and spacer 1104 to sole 1102. Spacer 1104 is provided with first connector 1110 and third connector 1112. Tap cover 1108 is provided with second connector 1114 and fourth connector 1116.

First connector 1110 of spacer 1104 is adapted to connect to second connector 1114 of cover 1108, and third connector 1112 of spacer 1104 is adapted to connect to fourth connector 1116 of cover 1108. First connector 1110, third connector 1112, second connector 1114, and fourth connector 1116, may be tabs, notches, buttons, clips, magnets, pins, nails, screws, nuts, holes, ridges, loops, hooks, rivets, springs, and other non- permanent means of attachment.

[0052] In use, first connector 1110 engages second connector 1114, and third connector 1112 engages fourth connector 1116 to removably attach cover 1108 to spacer 1104.

Connection between first connector 1110 and second connector 1114 can be released, and connection between third connector 1112 and fourth connector 1116 can be released to remove cover 1108 from shoe 1100.

[0053] In one embodiment, shoe 1100 defines an interior of an apparatus, with sole 1102 exterior to shoe 1100; spacer 1104 exterior to sole 1102 and shoe 1100; tap 1106 exterior to spacer 1104, sole 1102, and shoe 1100; and cover 1108 exterior to tap 1106, spacer 1104, sole 1102, and shoe 1100.

[0054] In anther embodiment, tap 1106 is made of a first material having a first hardness. Suitable first materials include metals, ceramics, composites, and polymers. In another embodiment, cover 1108 is made of a second material, or a composite structure of a second and a third material.

[0055] Referring now to Figure 11, a partial view of cover 1108 is shown. Cover 1108 includes frame 1202, exterior layer 1204 exterior to frame 1202, and interior layer 1208 interior to frame 1202. Pattern 1206 is formed in exterior layer 1204 to provide improved friction between cover 1108 and a walking surface (not shown). Pattern 1206 may be, for example, a tread, etc.

In one embodiment, frame 1202 is made of a second material, for example, a metal, a polymer, a ceramic, or a composite. Exterior layer 1204 and pattern 1206 are made of a third material, for example, a polymer, a mixture of polymers, or a composite. Interior layer 1208 is made of a fourth material, for example, a metal, a polymer, a ceramic, or a composite.

[0057] In one embodiment, second material is polypropylene and third material is synthetic rubber.

In one embodiment, tap 1106 is made of a first material, which is harder than the third material used to make exterior layer 1204 and pattern 1206. Hardness may be measured, for example, by Durometer hardness, Mohs scale, Brinell hardness, Rockwell hardness, diamond pyramid hardness, Knoop hardness, and scleroscope hardness.

[00591 In another embodiment, first material is harder than fourth material, which is harder than second material, which is harder than third material.

[0060] In another embodiment, spacer 1104 may be made of a fifth material, for example, a metal, a polymer, a ceramic, or a composite.

[0061] In another embodiment, first material is harder than fourth material, which is harder than fifth material, which is harder than second material, which is harder than third material. In another embodiment, second and fifth materials have about the same hardness.

In another embodiment, first and fourth materials have about the same hardness. In another embodiment, third and fourth materials have about the same hardness. In another embodiment, first material is harder than second material, which is harder than third material.

[0062] In one embodiment, suitable metals for first through fifth materials include ferrous materials, aluminum and its alloys, titanium and its alloys, copper and its alloys, tin and its alloys, zinc and its alloys, and magnesium and its alloys.

10063l In another embodiment, suitable polymers for first through fifth materials include natural and synthetic polymers. Suitable polymers include thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, including elastomers, synthetic rubbers, homopolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, and olefins, and copolymers of these materials; neoprene, styrene- butadiene copolymer, nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and other polymers as recited in Maeno, et al., U. S. Patent No. 4,971, 726, or Lu et al., U. S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/002 1981, filed January 9,2001, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. (U. S. Patent No. 4,971, 726 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.) [0064] In anther embodiment, other suitable materials for first through fifth materials include composite materials, for instance a fibrous material in a polymer matrix ; or ceramic materials.

(0065) In anther embodiment, suitable materials for first through fifth materials are disclosed in the Appendix attached to Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 60/450, 963, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0066] In another embodiment, Figure 12 shows frame 1220 for a tap cover (not shown).

Frame 1220 includes notch 1256, and includes clips 1258, to attach frame 1220 to a tap or a spacer (not shown). Frame 1220 also includes walls 1282, solid portions 1270, and holes 1260. Frame 1220 may be covered with a softer resilient material to form a tap cover.

[0067] In another embodiment, Figure 13 shows frame 1320 for a tap cover (not shown).

Frame 1320 includes notch 1356, and includes clips 1358, to attach frame 1320 to a tap or a spacer (not shown). Frame 1320 also includes walls 1382, solid portions 1370, and holes 1360. Frame 1320 may be covered with a softer resilient material to form a tap cover.

[0068] In another embodiment, Figure 14 shows shoe 1400 having sole 1402, tap 1406, and tap cover 1408. Tap 1406 is attached to sole 1402 by screw 1420, which is received into threaded housing 1422. Additional screws (not shown) and screw housings (not shown) may be provided to attach tap 1406 to sole 1402. Tap 1406 is provided with first connector 1410 and third connector 1412. Tap cover 1408 is provided with second connector 1414 and fourth connector 1416. First connector 1410 of tap 1406 is adapted to connect to second connector 1414 of cover 1408, and third connector 1412 of tap 1406 is adapted to connect to fourth connector 1416 of cover 1408. First connector 1410, third connector 1412, second connector 1414, and fourth connector 1416, may be tabs, notches, buttons, clips, magnets, pins, nails, screws, nuts, holes, ridges, loops, hooks, rivets, springs, and other non-permanent means of attachment.

[0069] Section 2: [0070] In another embodiment, Figure 15 shows front tap 1512 and rear tap 1536 which may be mounted on toe 1516 and heel 1518 of shoe 1510. Optional spacer (not shown) may be inserted between tap 1512 and sole of shoe 1510. In another embodiment, taps 1512 and 1536 may be formed of a hard polymer which will provide a strong sharp tapping sound when the dancer is dancing with taps 1512 and 1536 attached to shoe 1510.

[0071] Front tap 1512 may be attached to shoe 1510 by engaging first attachment mechanism 1502 with second attachment mechanism 1504. First attachment mechanism 1502 is an integral part of front tap 1512, and second attachment mechanism 1504 is an integral part of shoe 1510. Similarly, rear tap 1536 may be attached to shoe 1510 by engaging third attachment mechanism 1506 with fourth attachment mechanism 1508. In one embodiment, first attachment mechanism 1502 and third attachment mechanism 1506 may be a male-threaded connection, and second attachment mechanism 1504 and fourth attachment mechanism 1508 may be a female-threaded connection.

[0072] In another embodiment, front tap 1512 and rear tap 1536 can be attached to shoe 1510 for dancing, and when the dancing is complete, the dancer can remove front tap 1512 and rear lap 1536, and wal [e in shoes without front tap 1512 and rear tap 1536 attached.

[0073] In another embodiment, Figure 16 shows tap 1612 attached to toe 1616 of shoe 1610. Tap 1612 includes first attachment mechanism 1602 which has a groove or notches 1620 in a portion thereof. Toe 1616 of shoe 1610 has second attachment mechanism 1604 with displaceable first member 1622 and second member 1624 adapted to engage with notch or groove 1620 in tap 1612. This enables tap 1612 to be releasably secured to toe 1616 of shoe 1610, so that tap 1612 can be attached or removed from shoe 1610.

[0074] Tap 1612 may be attached to shoe 1610, by disengaging second attachment mechanism 1604, by displacing first member 1622 and second member 1624 outwardly, then inserting first attachment mechanism 1602 and engaging second attachment mechanism 1604. At this point, tap 1612 is secured to shoe 1610 by the engagement of first attachment mechanism 1602 with second attachment mechanism 1604. Tap 1612 can be removed by reversing the process.

[0075] In one embodiment, in use, the dancer inserts tap 1612 into shoe 1610 and then dances. At the completion of the dancing session, tap 1612 can be removed from shoe 1610 by disengaging second attachment mechanism 1604 from first attachment mechanism 1602 and removing tap 1612. At this point, dancer can then walk in shoe 1610 without scratching the floor or fouling tap 1612.

[0076] In another embodiment, Figure 17 illustrates second attachment mechanism 1704 which has first arm 1722 attached to pivot 1734 and spring 1732, adapted to bias arm 1722 inwards. Arm 1722 is attached to handle 1726 which can be used to force arm 1722 outwards against the biasing force of spring 1732. Similarly, second arm 1724 is attached to second pivot 1736 and second spring 1730 adapted to bias second arm 1724 inwards.

Second arm 1724 is attached to second handle 1728 which may be used to force second arm 1724 outwards against the biasing force of second spring 1730.

[0077] In use, first handle 1726 and second handle 1728 may be used to force first arm 1722 and second arm 1724 outwards so that a tap (not shown) having a first attachment mechanism (not shown) may be inserted into second attachment mechanism 1704. Handles 1726 and 1728 are then released, so that first arm 1722 and second arm 1724 of second attachment mechanism 1704 engage with a first attachment mechanism (not shown) of the tap (not shown). The dancer can then tap dance. At the completion of the dancing session, the dancer can force first handle 1726 and second handle 1728 outwards to disengage first arm 1722 and second arm 1724 of second attachment mechanism from a first attachment mechanism (not shown) of the tap (not shown) so that the tap (not shown) can be removed from the shoe.

[0078] In another embodiment, Figure 18 shows tap 1812 attached to toe 1816 of shoe <BR> <BR> <BR> 1810. Tap 1812 includes first attachment mechanism 1802 with first notch or groove 1818, second notch or groove 1819, and third notch or groove 1820. More or fewer notches or 10 grooves can be a part of first attachment mechanism 1802, as appropriate. First attachment mechanism 1802 is shown engaged with second attachment mechanism 1804 that is a part of toe 1816 of shoe 1810. Second attachment mechanism 1804 includes first set of ball bearings 1822 which are biased inwardly towards first attachment mechanism by first set of springs 1826. First set of ball bearings 1822 are biased inwardly in the direction shown by arrow 1827. Second attahhment mechanis 804 also includes second set of ball bearings 1824 biased inwardly towards first attachment mechanism by second set of springs 1828.

Second set of ball bearings 1824 are biased inwardly in the direction of arrow 1829. Optional spacer 1830 is disposed between tap 1812 and toe 1816, which spacer 1830 has a smaller diameter than tap 1812 which leaves exposed first area 1832 and exposed second area 1834.

(0079] In one embodiment, in use, tap 1812 may be forced into toe 1816 of shoe 1810 by exerting a force in the direction of arrow 1850. In one embodiment, this can be done by stepping on shoe. Then, tap 1812 is attached to toe 1816 of shoe 1810 by engagement of first attachment mechanism 1802 and second attachment mechanism 1804. The first and second set of ball bearings 1822 and 1824 (forced by their springs 1826 and 1828) engage with notches or grooves 1818,1819, and 1820, to keep tap 1812 from falling out of shoe 1816 when shoe 1810 is lifted off the ground.

[0080] When the dancer has completed dancing, dancer can grasp exposed areas 1832 and 1834 and exert a force in the direction shown by arrow 1860 to force first and second sets of ball bearings 1822 and 1824 outwards against their respective springs 1826 and 1828 so that first attachment mechanism 1802 can be disengaged from second attachment mechanism 1804.

[0081] Although only first set 1822 and second set 1824 of ball bearings are shown, and only first set 1826 and second set 1828 of springs are shown, additional sets of ball bearings and springs can be provided in alternate locations about the circumference of second attachment mechanism 1804, as appropriate.

[0082] In another embodiment, instead of providing spacer 1830, tap 1812 can be fabricated with a first exposed area 1832 and second exposed area 1834 providing enough room for fingers to grasp first exposed area 1832 and second exposed area 1834 and exert a force and direction shown by arrow 1860 to remove tap 1812 from shoe 1810. This could be accomplished by removing the outer corners of tap 1812 marked at 1832 and 1834.

[0083] In another embodiment, Figure 19 shows a cross-section of tap 1912 including body portion 1901 and first attachment mechanism 1902. In this embodiment, tap 1912 is formed of a single rigid material, such as metal or plastic. Suitable rigid materials such as metals and plastics will be described below.

[00841 In another embodiment, Figure 20 shows tap 2012 with body portion 2001 and first attachment mechanism 2002. In this embodiment, first attachment mechanism 2002 is formed of a first rigid material, such as metal, and body portion 2001 is formed of a second rigid material, such as a polymer. First attachment mechanism 2002 is provided with first protrusion 2006 and second protrusion 2008 to increase the bonding between body portion 2001 and first attachment mechanism 2002. First and second protrusions 2006 and 2008 may be, for example, a mesh, a disk, rebar, etc. In one embodiment, first attachment mechanism 2002 may be formed of a first material, for example, a hard polymer or a metal, where the body of tap 2012 is made of a second material, for example a polymer or a softer metal. In one embodiment, first attachment mechanism 2002 is metal, and body portion 2001 is a different metal or a polymer. In another embodiment, first attachment mechanism 2002 is a hard polymer, and body portion 2001 is a softer polymer.

[0085] Referring again to Figure 15, first connector 1502, second connector 1504, third connector 1506, and/or fourth connector 1508 may be threaded connections, tabs, notches, buttons, clips, magnets, pins, nails, screws, nuts, holes, ridges, loops, hooks, rivets, springs, and other suitable non-permanent means of attachment. In another embodiment, first connector 1502 is adapted to releasably connect to second connector 1504. In another embodiment, third connector 1506 is adapted to releasably connect to fourth connector 1508. In another embodiment, first connector 1502 is adapted to releasably connect to fourth connector 1508, so that front tap 1512 is interchangeable with rear tap 1536.

[0086] In another embodiment, third connector 1506 is adapted to connect to second connector 1504, so that rear tap 1536 is interchangeable with front tap 1512.

[0087] In anther embodiment, first connector 1502 is made of a first material having a first hardness. Suitable first materials include metals, ceramics, composites, and polymers.

In another embodiment, body 1501 is made of a second material, or a composite structure of a second and a third material. In one embodiment, body 1501 comprises polypropylene.

10088l In one embodiment, first connector 1502,1602, 1802,1902, and/or 2002 is made of a first material which is harder than the second material used to make the tap body, for example 1901 and/or 2001. Hardness may be measured, for example, by Durometer hardness, Mohs scale, Brinell hardness, Rockwell hardness, diamond pyramid hardness, Knoop hardness, and scleroscope hardness.

[0089] In another embodiment, spacer 1830 may be made of a third material, for example, a metal, a polymer, a ceramic, or a composite.

[0090] In one embodiment, suitable metals for first through third materials include ferrous materials, aluminum and its alloys, titanium and its alloys, copper and its alloys, tin and its alloys, zinc and its alloys, and magnesium and its alloys.

[0091] In another embodiment, suitable polymers for first through third materials include natural and synthetic polymers. Suitable polymers include thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, including elastomers, synthetic rubbers, homopolymers of ethylene, propylene, butadiene, styrene, and olefins, and copolymers of these materials ; neoprene, styrene- butadiene copolymer, nylon, polyester, polyvinyl chloride, and other polymers as recited in Maeno, et al., L. Patent No. 4, 971, 726 (U. S. Patent No. 4, 971, 726 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.), or Lu et al., U. S. Patent Application No. 2003/002 1981, filed January 9, 2001. (U. S. Patent Application No. 2003/0021981 is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.) [0092] First through third materials may also include additives known in the art or disclosed in Lu and Maeno, for example, pigments or dyes, carbon black, fillers, slip agents, and others.

[0093] In anther embodiment, other suitable materials for first through third materials include composite materials, for instance a fibrous material in a polymer matrix; or ceramic materials.

[0094] Section 3: [0095] In one embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus including a dancing shoe comprising a tap; a spacer mounted between said tap and said shoe; a tap cover adapted to be removably mounted to said spacer; wherein said tap cover comprises a first attachment mechanism; and wherein said spacer comprises a second attachment mechanism adapted to releasably connect to the first attachment mechanism. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein the tap comprises a first material having a first hardness; and said tap cover comprises a second material having a second hardness; wherein said first hardness is greater than said second hardness. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein the first attachment mechanism comprises a latch member resiliently mounted on a tap cover. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said spacer has a tab projecting from one end thereof, and said tap cover is formed with a U-shaped member releasably engageable with said tab to releasably attach said tap cover to said shoe.

[0096] In one embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus including a tap on at least one of a toe and a heel of said shoe; a spacer plate mounted between said tap and said shoe; a tap cover adapted to be removably mounted to said spacer; wherein said spacer comprises a resilient arm having a tab member attached thereto, and said tap cover comprises a receiving member adapted to releasably receive said tab member to releasably attach said tap cover to said spacer. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said tap covers are formed with an additional layer applied to the exterior surface of said tap cover formed of a relatively high friction material. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said tap covers are formed with an additional layer applied to the inner surface of said tap cover formed of a hard, rigid material.

In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said tap covers are formed with a frame extending across the interior of said tap covers. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said frame comprises a metal. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said frame is formed with a plurality of openings to allow a polymer to flow into said openings during manufacture of said tap cover. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus including a spacer mounted between said tap and said shoe, said spacer being slightly smaller than said tap to provide a space about the periphery of the spacer between said tap and said shoe, and said tap covers are formed with a connection mechanism insertable into said space to releasably attach said tap cover to said shoe. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said tap cover comprises a resilient plastic. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said spacer has a stud projecting from one end thereof, and said tap cover is formed with a U-shaped member releasably engageable with said stud to releasably attach said tap cover to said shoe. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said spacer plate has a tab projecting from one end thereof, and said tap cover is formed with a loop member releasably engageable with said tab to releasably attach said tap cover to said shoe. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus including a spacer plate mounted between said tap and said shoe, said spacer plate being slightly smaller than said tap to provide spaces about the periphery of the plate between said tap and said shoe, said tap cover is formed with means insertable into said spaces to releasably attach said tap cover to said tap, said spacer is formed with a resilient arm having a tab and lever member attached thereto, and said tap cover is formed with a U-shaped member releasably engageable with the tab by said arm to releasably attach said tap cover to said shoe. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said tap cover is formed with an additional layer applied to the inner surface of said tap cover and comprises a hard, rigid material. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said tap cover is formed with an additional layer applied to the exterior surface of said tap cover and formed of a soft material. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said tap cover is formed with a rigid framework extending across the interior of said tap cover. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said framework comprises a hard polymer, for example a polypropylene. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein said framework is formed with a plurality of openings to allow a soft polymer to flow into said openings during manufacture of said tap cover.

71 In one embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus including a dancing shoe comprising an interior of the apparatus; a sole exterior to the shoe; a spacer exterior to the sole, wherein the spacer comprises a first attachment mechanism; a tap exterior to the spacer; and a tap cover exterior to the tap, wherein the tap cover comprises a second attachment mechanism, and wherein the second attachment mechanism is adapted to releasably connect to the first attachment mechanism, so that the tap cover is releasably connected to the spacer. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein the tap comprises a first material having a first hardness, and the tap cover comprises a second material having a second hardness, wherein the first hardness is greater and/or harder than the second hardness. In another embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus wherein the tap cover further comprises a frame, where the frame comprises a third material, further wherein the third material has a third hardness, wherein the first hardness and the third hardness are greater and/or harder than the second hardness, and/or wherein the first hardness is greater and/or harder than the third hardness.

[0098] In one embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus including a dancing shoe; a tap adapted to be removably mounted to said shoe; wherein said tap comprises a first attachment mechanism; and wherein said shoe comprises a second attachment mechanism adapted to releasably connect to said first attachment mechanism. In another embodiment, said tap comprises a body comprising a first material having a first hardness; and said attachment mechanism comprises a second material having a second hardness; wherein said second hardness is greater than said first hardness. In another embodiment, said first attachment mechanism comprises a male threaded connector resiliently mounted to said tap. In another embodiment, said second attachment mechanism comprises a female threaded connection releasably engageable with said first attachment mechanism to releasably attach said tap to said shoe.

[0099] In one embodiment, there is disclosed a tap dancing shoe including a tap removably mounted to at least one of a toe and a heel of said shoe, wherein said tap comprises a first attachment member attached thereto, and said shoe comprises a receiving member adapted to releasably receive said first attachment member to releasably attach said tap to said shoe. In another embodiment, said receiving member comprises a plurality of arms or ball bearings. In another embodiment, said arms or ball bearings are each biased inwards by at least one spring. In another embodiment, said first attachment mechanism is formed with a frame extending across the interior of said tap body. In another embodiment, said frame comprises a metal. In another embodiment, said frame is formed with a plurality of openings to allow a metal or a polymer of said body to flow into said openings during manufacture of said tap, for example by molding said body. In another embodiment, said tap comprises a resilient plastic. In another embodiment, said first attachment mechanism is formed of a hard material, and said tap body is formed with a softer material. In another embodiment, said first attachment mechanism is formed with a rigid framework extending across the interior of said tap body. In another embodiment, said framework comprises a hard polymer, for example a polypropylene. In another embodiment, said framework is formed with a plurality of openings to allow a softer polymer to flow into said openings during manufacture of said tap body, for example by molding said tap body. <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>[00, In one embodiment, there is disclos@a an apparatus including a aancing shoe comprising an interior of the apparatus ; a sole exterior to the shoe, wherein the sole comprises a second attachment mechanism ; an optional spacer exterior to the sole ; a tap exterior to the spacer, wherein the tap comprises a first attachment mechanism ; and wherein the second attachment mechanism is adapted to releasably connect to the first attachment mechanism, so that the tap is releasably connected to the sole and the shoe. In another embodiment, the first attachment mechanism comprises a first material having a first hardness, and the tap body comprises a second material having a second hardness, wherein the first hardness is greater and/or harder than the second hardness. In another embodiment, the first attachment mechanism further comprises a frame.

[00101] Obviously, numerous other variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be clearly understood that the forms of the present invention described above and shown in the figures of the accompanying drawing are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.