Abstract:
A clogging shoe tap device having a first plate for attachment to a shoe, and a second plate pivotally attached to the first plate along a transverse line of attachment, the second plate also having a transverse balance axis, wherein the transverse line of attachment is offset from the transverse balance axis, causing the tapping edge to hang downwardly when in the rest position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to attachment devices for shoes, to enable the shoes to produce an audible clicking or tapping sound when desired by the wearer. The device is particularly adaptable to a clogging shoe, which is used in a style of country dancing commonly referred to as “clogging.” In this dance, the wearer performs a dance step while tapping out a rhythm with the clogging shoes, by raising and lowering the feet to contact the floor. Typically, each clogging shoe is fitted with two devices, one sized to fit over the toe of the shoe and a second device sized to fit over the heel of the shoe, where each device performs a similar function when contacting the floor. 
     An example of a clogging shoe fitted with devices of the general type described herein can be found with reference to U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,436. The present invention is an improvement over the device described in the patent, as will be found with reference to the drawings, specification and claims contained herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The clogging device of the present invention is constructed of a top plate and a bottom plate, and a pair of fasteners which loosely hold the plates together so as to permit relative pivotal movement to occur between the plates. The top plate is affixed to a shoe and the bottom plate is pivotally affixed to the top plate along a line which is offset from the center of gravity of the bottom plate, so that one end of the bottom plate, which is referred to herein as the “tapping end,” normally hangs away from contact with the top plate, until the shoe is brought into contact with the floor. 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a clogging shoe which produces a uniform sound when brought into contact with the floor, always requiring a uniform force, to provide the sound. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a clogging device which can be affixed to the bottom of a shoe and contacted against a floor without causing scratches or damage to the floor. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a clogging device for attachment to a shoe which does not have any protruding edges which could injure or trip the wearer. 
    
    
     Other and further objects will become apparent from the following specification and claims, and with reference to the appended drawings. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a top view of the invention in assembled form; 
     FIG. 2A shows a rear view of the invention with both the top and bottom plates brought into close contact with each other; 
     FIG. 2B shows a front view of the invention with both the top and bottom plates brought into close contact with each other; 
     FIG. 3 shows a side view of the invention in the operable position, wherein the bottom plate is separated from the top plate at the tapping end; and 
     FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring first to FIG. 1, the invention is shown in top view. A top plate  10  is adapted for affixing to the bottom of a shoe by means of fasteners passing through the holes  12 - 15 , and anchoring the top plate against the bottom of the shoe. The top plate  10  has upwardly curving tabs  21 - 24  arranged around the perimeter of the plate, and positioned so as to at least partially embed tabs  21 - 24  into a shoe sole portion when the top plate  10  is fastened to the shoe. These tabs provide a means for properly securing the top plate against the shoe bottom, and for preventing any lateral movement of the top plate relative to the shoe. The top plate  10  also has a front tab  25  which is upwardly curved for at least partially wrapping around the forward edge of the shoe, for preventing the plate from catching against an external object, such as a floor irregularity. 
     A bottom plate  20  is attached to plate  10  by two fasteners  31  and  32 , preferably rivets which have been loosely fastened between the two plates. The rivets  31  and  32  are fastened through holes aligned along the dotted line  50 , which is offset from the center of balance line  40 . There preferably is sufficient space between the two plates  10  and  20  to permit separation of the plates while still attached via the rivets, so that the plate  20 , which is mounted below the plate  10  in the operational position, pivots downwardly at its end having a front tab  40 . This spacing occurs because of the offset of the pivot line  50  rearward from the center of balance line  40 . 
     FIG. 2A shows a rear view of the assembled plates  10  and  20 , and FIG. 2B shows a front view of the plates. The front tab  40  of the plate  20  preferably curves upwardly about the front tab  25  of plate  10 , making contact with the tab  25  when the plate  20  is pivoted into a striking position. This contact also prevents any excessive rearward shear force against the rivets  31  and  32 . The plate  20  has a transverse radius of curvature so that the initial and primary contact with a floor is made along the curved portion of the plate, which prevents catching the plate against any projecting floor object. 
     FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the assembled plates  10  and  20 , illustration how the plate  20  is shaped about its perimeter to provide access from below to the holes  12 - 15 , so that fasteners such as nails can be affixed through the holes and into a shoe without disassembling the plates  10  and  20 . Each of the holes  12 - 15  is preferably positioned inwardly adjacent one of said tabs  21 - 24 . FIG. 3 shows the plates in a relative operational position, with the front tab portion  40  of plate  20  being spaced away from the front tab portion  25  of plate  10 , by pivoting on the rivets  31  and  32 . The amount of space between the two plates is determined by the relative fit of the rivets in the plates, and by the rear edge of plate  20  contacting plate  10 . At the time the rivets are applied to fasten the plates, they are attached sufficiently loosely to allow for the amount of space shown in FIG.  3 . The rivets can be applied according to any known process which achieves the desired spacing. Rivet tools are available which permit adjustment of the crimping distance along the rivet. 
     In operation, the plates  10  and  20 , assembled as shown in the figures are preferably nailed to the bottom toe surface of a dancing shoe. A similar pair of assembled plates are affixed proximate the bottom heel surface of the dancing shoe. Of course, the heel plates are shaped and sized to conform with the shape of the shoe heel area, and the toe plates are shaped and sized to conform with the shape of the shoe toe area. When attached, the front tab portion of plate  20  will drop away from contact with the corresponding tab of the plate  10 , until the wearer brings the taps into contact with a floor while executing a dance step. Each time contact with the floor is made, a pleasing tap sound is made which can be used to provide a rhythm beat to match the dance step. 
     The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. The true scope of the invention is to be understood and limited by the claims herein, variations in particular details of the invention being entirely possible within the overall scope of the invention as claimed.