Patent Publication Number: US-11026474-B2

Title: Ballet pointe shoe

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     A ballet pointe shoe is a type of shoe worn by ballet dancers when performing pointe work (i.e. dancing “en pointe”). “En pointe” means “on the tip” and is part of a classical ballet technique in which dancers perform on the tips of their toes. Ballet pointe shoes developed from the desire for dancers to appear weightless and sylph-like. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment of the disclosure, a ballet pointe shoe is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a toebox, a platform at a front end of the toebox, a shank, an upper, a heel, and a single continuous sole. The single continuous sole comprises a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole. The waist is positioned at more than about 65 percent of the length of the single continuous sole from the front end of the single continuous sole. A ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is at least about 42 percent. 
     In another embodiment of the disclosure, a ballet pointe shoe is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a toebox, a platform at a front end of the toebox, a shank, an upper, a heel, and a single continuous sole. The single continuous sole comprises a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole. The waist is positioned at more than about 69 percent of the length of the ballet pointe shoe from the platform to the back end of the single continuous sole. A ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is at least about 42 percent. 
     In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a ballet pointe shoe is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a toebox, a platform at a front end of the toebox, a shank, an upper, a heel, and a single continuous sole. The single continuous heel comprises a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole. The waist is positioned at more than at least about 64 percent of the length of the single continuous sole from a toe transition point to a heel transition point. A ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the single continuous sole closest to the back end is less than about 85 percent. 
     In a further embodiment of the disclosure, a ballet pointe shoe is disclosed. The ballet pointe shoe comprises a toebox, a shank, an upper, a heel, and a platform at a front end of the toebox. At least a portion of the platform comprises a concave surface. 
     These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a ballet pointe shoe according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom of a ballet pointe shoe according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a bottom of a ballet pointe shoe according to another embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a front of ballet pointe shoe according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It should be understood at the outset that although illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. The disclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 
     Ballet pointe shoes comprise a sole on the bottom of ballet pointe shoe. The waist of the sole is defined as the narrowest part of the sole. The pending disclosure teaches a ballet pointe shoe that comprises a high-waisted, single continuous sole. In particular, the waist of the single continuous sole for the disclosed ballet pointe shoe has been moved closer to the heel. This positioning of the waist of the sole closer to the heel has several advantages. For example, the high-waisted sole elevates and lifts the dancer, allowing her to “break” the shoe in the correct place to fit her arch, thereby gaining more control of her foot movement. Additionally, since the high-waisted sole enables the dance to “break” the shoe in the correct place, the life of the ballet pointe shoe is extended. 
     Other ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the same manufacturer of the disclosed high-waisted ballet pointe shoe (hereinafter referred to as “classic ballet pointe shoe”) have a sole that comprises a waist positioned lower (i.e., closer to the toe) than the sole of the disclosed high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. The pending disclosure qualitatively and quantitatively articulates the positioning of the waist in three different ways looking at three different ratios in comparison to traditional ballet pointe shoes, although the differences could be articulated in other ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. In a first embodiment, the pending disclosure looks at the ratio of the waist of the sole from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole. In the first embodiment, the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the classic ballet pointe shoe may be about 56 percent whereas the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 67 percent to about 70 percent depending on shoe size. 
     In a second embodiment, the pending disclosure looks at the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole. In the second embodiment, the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole for the classic ballet pointe shoe may be about 60 percent whereas the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 70 percent to about 73 percent depending on shoe size. 
     In a third embodiment, the pending disclosure looks at the ratio of a toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to a heel transition point. In the third embodiment, the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to the heel transition point for the classic ballet pointe shoe may range from about 49 percent to about 54 percent depending on shoe size whereas the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to the heel transition point for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 71 percent to about 78 percent depending on shoe size. 
     Similar to the classic ballet pointe shoe discussed above, other ballet pointe shoes manufactured by different manufacturers have a sole that comprises a waist positioned lower (i.e., closer to the toe) than the sole of the disclosed high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. However, ballet pointe shoes from different manufacturers are not necessarily directly comparable to the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the manufacturer of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe because the ballet pointe shoes from the different manufacturers have alternative characteristics seeking presumably other benefits and therefore look different (e.g., come in different shapes, a back end portion of the sole closest to the heel may be shorter, soles may be shorter, a back end portion of the sole closest to the heel may be narrower, etc.). Thus, a direct comparison using the ratios discussed above becomes a bit more challenging and the need to distinguish some of the ballet pointe shoes from the different manufacturers in other ways arises. 
     For example, with respect to the first embodiment discussed above looking at the ratio of the waist of the sole from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole, the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers may range from about 48 percent to about 64 percent depending on shoe size. In contrast, as discussed above, the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 67 about to about 70 percent depending on shoe size. One of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one of the different manufacturers has a significantly shorter back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, which changes the relevance of the ratio of the waist from the front end of the total length of sole to the total length of the sole. For example, for that ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole may be less than 42 percent. In contrast, for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole may range from about 43 percent to 48 percent depending on shoe size. 
     Thus, at least the ballet pointe shoe manufactured by one of the different manufacturers having a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole not being at least 42 percent is excluded from coverage. Stated differently in terms of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe disclosed herein, the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may comprise a single continuous sole comprising a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole, wherein the waist is positioned at more than about 65 percent of the length of the single continuous sole from the front end of the single continuous sole, and wherein a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is at least about 42 percent. In some embodiments, the waist is positioned at between 67 percent and 73 percent the length of the single continuous sole from the front end of the single continuous sole and the ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is between 42 percent and 80 percent. 
     In another example, with respect to the second embodiment discussed above looking at the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole, the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers may range from about 54 percent to about 68 percent depending on shoe size. In contrast, as discussed above, the ratio of the waist from the front end of the sole to the total length of the sole for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 70 percent to about 73 percent depending on shoe size. One of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one of the different manufacturers has a significantly shorter back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, which changes the relevance of the ratio of the waist from the platform to the length of the shoe from the platform to the back end of the sole. For example, as discussed above, for that ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole may be less than 42 percent whereas for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole may range from about 43 percent to about 48 percent depending on shoe size. 
     Thus, at least the ballet pointe shoe manufactured by one of the different manufacturers having a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole not being at least 42 percent is excluded from coverage. Stated differently in terms of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe disclosed herein, the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may comprise a single continuous sole comprising a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole, wherein the waist is positioned at more than about 69 percent of the length of the ballet pointe shoe from the platform to the back end of the single continuous sole, and wherein a ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is at least about 42 percent. In some embodiments, the waist is positioned at between 69 percent and 75 percent the length of the ballet pointe shoe from the platform to the back end of the single continuous sole and the ratio of (i) the waist to the back end of the single continuous sole to (ii) the waist to the front end of the single continuous sole is between 42 percent and 80 percent. 
     In another example, with respect to the third embodiment discussed above looking at the ratio of a toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to a heel transition point, the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to the heel transition point for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers may be range from about 43 percent to about 63 percent depending on shoe size. In contrast, as discussed above, the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to the heel transition point for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe may range from about 71 percent to about 78 percent depending on shoe size. Some of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one or more of the different manufacturers have a significantly narrower, more uniform back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, which changes the relevant the ratio of the toe transition point to the waist to the toe transition point to a heel transition. For example, for those ballet pointe shoes, a ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of a back end closest to the heel may be greater than 88 percent whereas for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, a ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the sole closest to the back end may range from about 68 percent to about 70 percent depending on shoe size. 
     Thus, at least the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one or more of the different manufacturers having a ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the single continuous sole closest to the back end not being less than about 85 percent are excluded from coverage. Stated differently in terms of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe disclosed herein, the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe comprises a single continuous sole comprising a front end closest to the toebox, a back end closest to the heel, and a waist defined as a narrowest part of the single continuous sole, wherein the waist is positioned at more than at least about 64 percent of the length of the single continuous sole from a toe transition point to a heel transition point, and wherein a ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the single continuous sole closest to the back end is less than about 85 percent. In some embodiments, the waist is positioned at between 64 percent and 80 percent the length of the single continuous sole from a toe transition point to a heel transition point and the ratio of (i) a width of the waist to (ii) a width of a widest part of the single continuous sole closest to the back end is between 30 percent and 85 percent. The above different embodiments with respect to the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe, the classic ballet pointe shoe, and the other ballet pointe shoes manufactured by different manufacturers and their corresponding percentages will be discussed in more detail below with respect to the figures and examples. 
     The pending disclosure also teaches a ballet pointe shoe that comprises a platform having a concave surface. Having at least a portion of the platform comprise a concave surface may allow more stability and balance for the dancer while the dancer is in “en pointe” stance. In some embodiments, the ballet pointe shoe that comprises a platform having a concave surface also comprises a high-waisted, single continuous sole as discussed above. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  having a toebox  102 , a platform  104 , a heel  106 , a sole  108 , a shank  110 , and an upper  112 . The toebox  102  is located in the front end of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  and is a hard enclosure that encases and supports a dancer&#39;s toes. The front end of the toebox  102  is flattened so as to form the platform  104 . The high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  compresses the dancer&#39;s foot and the platform  104  functions as a contact surface to the floor, on which a dancer balances when in “en pointe” stance. The heel  106  of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  is located at the back of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 , opposite the platform  104 , and does not typically offer any structural support to the dancer. The sole  108  is the bottom part of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 , which in most ballet pointe shoes, is constructed from a single piece of leather attached to the shoe with adhesive reinforced by stitching along its edges. The shank  110  is a piece of rigid material that serves to stiffen the sole  108  to provide support for the arch of a dancer&#39;s foot when in “en pointe” stance. Shanks are typically made from leather, plastic, cardstock, or layers of glue-hardened burlap and are generally designed with a sufficient rigidity to support the body weight of a dancer, while still offering enough flexibility for a dancer to move her foot as necessary within the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 . The shank  110  is often covered by a thin fabric, which directly contacts the bottom of the dancer&#39;s foot. The upper  112 , typically made of satin or canvas, covers the exterior of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 , concealing the box and other internal structural elements, lending an aesthetically pleasing look to the shoe, as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in an embodiment, a back portion of the shank  110  extends towards the heel  106  beyond a back end of the sole  108 . For example, the back portion of the shank  110  may extend at least 0.5 centimeters towards the heel  106  beyond the back end of the sole  108 . In an embodiment, the back portion of the shank  110  extends about 1 centimeter towards the heel  106  beyond the back end of the sole  108 . In another embodiment, the back portion of the shank  110  extends between 0.25 centimeters and 1.25 centimeters towards the heel  106  beyond the back end of the sole  108 . In yet another embodiment, the back portion of the shank  110  extends between 0.5 centimeters and 1 centimeter towards the heel  106  beyond the back end of the sole  108 . Since the waist in the disclosed high-waited ballet pointe shoe  100  is closer to the heel  106 , extending the shank  110  towards the heel  106  beyond a back end of the sole  108  may ensure that heel fabric properly forms to the dancer&#39;s heel. 
     While not shown in  FIG. 1  since the upper  112  covers the exterior of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 , at least a portion of the platform  104  may comprise a concave surface. The concave surface may be created during the manufacturing of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  or post manufacture of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 . In an embodiment, the concave surface is created with a plurality of indentations in the platform  104 . Having at least a portion of the platform  104  comprise a concave surface may allow more stability and balance for the dancer while the dancer is in “en pointe” stance. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a bottom of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 . The bottom of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  comprises a front end  202  of the sole  108  closest to the toebox  102 , a back end  204  of the sole  108  closest to the heel  106 , and a waist  206  defined as the narrowest part of the sole  108 . The bottom of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  may also comprise at least one tack  208  through the shank to the sole  108 . In an embodiment, the bottom of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  comprises two or more tacks through the shank to the sole  108 . The at least one tack  208  through the shank to the sole  108  may be positioned at or below the waist  206 . In an embodiment, the at least one tack  208  is positioned between the waist  206  and 1 centimeter below the waist  206 . In another embodiment, the at least one tack  208  may be positioned between the waist  206  and 0.5 centimeters below the waist  206 . Positioning of the at least one tack  208  at or below the waist  206  may add structural support to the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 . 
     The bottom of the ballet pointe shoe  100  may also comprise linear joinders  210 ,  212 . In an embodiment, two or more pieces of fabric are joined with each linear joinder  210 ,  212 . The linear joinders  210 ,  212  may intersect the sole  108  at the waist  206 . In an embodiment, the linear joinders  210 ,  212  intersect the sole  108  within 0.5 centimeters of the waist  206 . In an embodiment, the linear joinders  210 ,  212  interest the sole  108  within 0.2 centimeters of the waist  206 . The linear joinders  210 ,  212  may comprise stitching two pieces of fabric together. 
     Also illustrated in  FIG. 2  are numerous measurements A-E. Measurement A is the length from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108 . Measurement B is the length from the front end  202  of the sole  108  to the back end  204  of the sole  108 . Measurement C is the length from the platform  104  to the waist  206 . Measurement D is the length from the front end  202  of the sole  108  to the waist  206 . Measurement E is the length from the platform  104  to the front end  202  of the sole  108 . Each of the measurements A-E will be discussed in more detail below with respect to the examples. Measurements A-E are relevant to the first embodiment discussed above and further below looking at the ratio of the waist  206  of the sole  108  from the front end  202  of the sole  108  to the total length of the sole  108  and the second embodiment discussed above and further below looking at the ratio of the waist  206  from the platform  104  to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment of a bottom of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100 . The bottom of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  illustrated in  FIG. 3  is substantially similar to the bottom of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  discussed above in  FIG. 2  (for example regarding the toebox  102 , the platform  104 , the heel  106 , the sole  108 , the front end  202  of the sole  108 , the back end  204  of the sole  108 , the waist  206 , the at least one tack  208 , and the linear joinders  210 ,  212 ) except that the bottom of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe  100  illustrated in  FIG. 3  comprises a toe transition point  302  and a heel transition point  304  as well as different measurements F-L. 
     Measurement F is the width of a widest part of the sole  108  closest to the front end  202  of the sole  108 . Measurement G is a point, called herein the toe transition point  302 , at which there is a 5 percent change from the widest part of the sole  108  closest to the front end  202  of the sole  108  toward the waist  206 . Measurement H is the width of a widest part of the sole  108  closest to the back end  204  of the sole  108 . Measurement I is a point, called herein the heel transition point  304 , at which there is a 5 percent change from a widest part of the sole  108  closest to the back end  204  of the sole  108  toward the waist  206 . Measurement J is the length from the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206 . Measurement K is the length from the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition point  304 . Measurement L is the width of the waist  206 . Each of measurements F-I and L are perpendicular to a center line of the sole  108 . Each of the measurements F-L will be discussed in more detail below with respect to the examples. Measurements F-L are relevant to the third embodiment discussed above and further below looking the ratio of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  to the toe transition point  302  to a heel transition point  304 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a front of a ballet pointe shoe  400 . In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates a platform  402 . The front end of a toebox (not illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) is flattened so as to form the platform  402 . The platform  402  functions as a contact surface to the floor, on which a dancer balances when in “en pointe” stance. At least a portion of the platform  402  may comprise a concave surface  404 . While illustrated as an oval shape in  FIG. 4 , the concave surface  404  could be a different shape without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, the concave surface  404  could be a circular shape, a diamond shape, a square shape, a rectangular shape, a heptagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, or another shape. The concave surface  404  may be created during the manufacturing of the ballet pointe shoe  400  or post manufacture of ballet pointe shoe  400 . In an embodiment, the concave surface  404  is created with a plurality of indentations in the platform  402 . In some embodiments, the ballet pointe shoe  400  that comprises the platform  402  having the concave surface  404  also comprises a high-waisted, single continuous sole as discussed above in  FIGS. 1-3 . Having at least a portion of the platform  402  comprise the concave surface  404  may allow more stability and balance for the dancer while the dancer is in “en pointe” stance. 
     While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is not to be limited to the details given herein. For example, the various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system or certain features may be omitted or not implemented. 
     Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, or methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through some interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The disclosure having been generally described, the following examples are given as particular embodiments of the disclosure and to demonstrate the practice and advantages thereof. It is understood that the examples are given by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the specification or the claims in any manner. 
     Example 1 
     Classic Ballet Pointe Shoe 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
                 E 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Classic 
                 7½ 
                 6 15/16 
                 4½ 
                 3 15/16 
                 ½ 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                 Classic 
                 8½ 
                 7¾ 
                 5⅛ 
                 4⅜ 
                 ⅝ 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                 Classic 
                 6 11/16 
                 6 
                 4 1/16 
                 3⅜ 
                  9/16 
               
               
                      
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 1 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2  of three different sizes (i.e., U.S. size 7, U.S. size 10, and U.S. size 4) of the classic ballet pointe shoe. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Waist from 
                 Ratio of Waist from the 
               
               
                   
                 Front End of Sole to 
                 Platform to Length of Shoe from 
               
               
                   
                 Total Length of Sole 
                 Platform to Back End of Sole 
               
               
                   
                 (D/B) 
                 (C/A) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Classic 
                 0.5676 
                 0.6 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                 Classic 
                 0.5645 
                 0.6029 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                 Classic 
                 0.5625 
                 0.6075 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 2 provides the ratios of the waist  206  from the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement D) to the total length of the sole  108  (measurement B) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoe. In particular, the ratio of the waist  206  from the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement D) to the total length of the sole  108  (measurement B) is about 56 percent. Table 2 also provides the ratios of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoe. Specifically, the ratio of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) for the classic ballet pointe shoe is about 60 percent. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Waist to 
                 Ratio of Waist to End of Sole to 
               
               
                   
                 End of Sole (B − D) 
                 Waist to Front of Sole ((B − D/D) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Classic 
                 3 
                 0.7819 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                 Classic 
                 3.375 
                 0.7714 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                 Classic 
                 2.625 
                 0.7778 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 3 provides the length of the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus measurement D) and the ratios of (i) the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  to (ii) the waist  206  to the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoes. Specifically, the ratios of (i) the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  to (ii) the waist  206  to the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoes are at least 77 percent. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 F 
                 G 
                 H 
                 I 
                 J 
                 K 
                 L 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Classic 
                 1.9412 
                 1.8441 
                 1.4639 
                 1.3907 
                 1.9731 
                 3.6597 
                 1.0599 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                 Classic 
                 2.1108 
                 2.0052 
                 1.5752 
                 1.4964 
                 1.9533 
                 3.8435 
                 1.1341 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                 Classic 
                 1.7383 
                 1.6514 
                 1.3178 
                 1.2519 
                 1.5140 
                 3.0561 
                 0.8972 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 4 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3  of three different sizes (i.e., U.S. size 7, U.S. size 10, and U.S. size 4) of the classic ballet pointe shoe. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                 Waist to Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                 Heel Transition Point (J/K) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Classic 
                 0.5391 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                   
                 Classic 
                 0.5082 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                   
                 Classic 
                 0.4954 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 5 provides the ratio of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  (measurement J) to the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition point  304  (measurement K). Specifically, the ratio of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  (measurement J) to the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition point  304  (measurement K) ranges from about 49 percent to about 54 percent depending on shoe size. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Width of Waist to 
               
               
                   
                 Width of Widest Part of Sole 
               
               
                   
                 Closest to Back End (L/H) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Classic 
                 0.7240 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                   
                 Classic 
                 0.7200 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                   
                 Classic 
                 0.7659 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 6 provides the ratios of (i) the width of the waist  206  (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole  108  closest to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement H) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoe. Specifically, the ratios of (i) the width of the waist  206  (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole  108  closest to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement H) for the three different sizes of the classic ballet pointe shoes are less than 77 percent. 
     Example 2 
     High-Waisted Ballet Pointe Shoe 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 7 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
                 E 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 High-    
                 7⅝ 
                 6⅞ 
                 5⅜ 
                 4⅝ 
                 ⅝ 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                 High-    
                 8½ 
                 7 11/16 
                 6⅛ 
                 5¼ 
                  11/16 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                 High-    
                 6 9/16 
                 6 
                 4¾ 
                 4 3/16 
                 ⅜ 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 7 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2  of three different sizes (i.e., U.S. size 7, U.S. size 10, and U.S. size 4) of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 8 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Waist from 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Front End of 
                 Ratio of Waist from the 
               
               
                   
                 Sole to Total 
                 Platform to Length of Shoe from 
               
               
                   
                 Length of Sole 
                 Platform to Back End of Sole 
               
               
                   
                 (D/B) 
                 (C/A) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
                   
               
               
                 High-    
                 0.6727 
                 0.7049 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                 High-    
                 0.6829 
                 0.7206 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                 High-    
                 0.6979 
                 0.7238 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 8 provides the ratios of the waist  206  from the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement D) to the total length of the sole  108  (measurement B) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. In particular, the ratio of the waist  206  from the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement D) to the total length of the sole  108  (measurement B) for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe ranges from about 67 percent to about 70 percent depending on shoe size. Table 8 also provides the ratios of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. Specifically, the ratio of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) for the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe ranges from about 70 percent to about 73 percent depending on shoe size. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 9 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Waist to End 
                 Ratio of Waist to End of Sole to 
               
               
                   
                 of Sole (B − D) 
                 Waist to Front of Sole ((B − D)/D) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
                   
               
               
                 High-    
                 2.25 
                 0.4865 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                 High-    
                 2.4375 
                 0.4643 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                 High-    
                 1.8125 
                 0.4328 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 9 provides the length of the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus measurement D) and the ratios of (i) the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  to (ii) the waist  206  to the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoes. Specifically, the ratio of (i) the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  to (ii) the waist  206  to the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoes is at least 43 percent. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 10 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 F 
                 G 
                 H 
                 I 
                 J 
                 K 
                 L 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 U.S. 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Size 
               
               
                 7 
               
               
                 High- 
                 1.9416 
                 1.8445 
                 1.5278 
                 1.4514 
                 2.6100 
                 3.6285 
                 1.0407 
               
               
                 
                   
                 
               
               
                 U.S. 
               
               
                 Size 
               
               
                 10 
               
               
                 High- 
                 2.1601 
                 2.0521 
                 1.6519 
                 1.5692 
                 3.1131 
                 3.9708 
                 1.1436 
               
               
                 
                   
                 
               
               
                 U.S. 
               
               
                 Size 
               
               
                 4 
               
               
                 High- 
                 1.7383 
                 1.6514 
                 1.3178 
                 1.2519 
                 2.2430 
                 3.0561 
                 1.0093 
               
               
                 
                   
                 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 10 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3  of three different sizes (i.e., U.S. size 7, U.S. size 10, and U.S. size 4) of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 11 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                 Waist to Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                 Heel Transition Point (J/K) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
               
               
                   
                 High-    
                 0.7193 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                   
                 High-    
                 0.7840 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                   
                 High-    
                 0.7339 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 11 provides the ratio of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  (measurement J) to the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition point  304  (measurement K). Specifically, the ratio of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  (measurement J) to the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition point  304  (measurement K) ranges from about 71 percent to about 78 percent depending on shoe size. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 12 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Width of Waist to 
               
               
                   
                 Width of Widest Part of Sole 
               
               
                   
                 Closest to Back End (L/H) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 7 
                   
               
               
                   
                 High-    
                 0.6812 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 10 
               
               
                   
                 High-    
                 0.6923 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 4 
               
               
                   
                 High-    
                 0.6808 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 12 provides the ratios of (i) the width of the waist  206  (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole  108  closest to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement H) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe. Specifically, the ratios of (i) the width of the waist  206  (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole  108  closest to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement H) for the three different sizes of the high-waisted ballet pointe shoes are less than about 69 percent. 
     Example 3 
     Ballet Pointe Shoes Manufactured by Others 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 13 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
                 E 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Competitor 
                 7½ 
                 6 9/16 
                 4⅝ 
                 3 11/16 
                 ¾ 
               
               
                 Shoe #1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 7 3/16 
                 6 7/16 
                 4 13/16 
                 4⅛ 
                 ⅝ 
               
               
                 Shoe #2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 6 15/16 
                 6 
                 4¾ 
                 3¾ 
                  15/16 
               
               
                 Shoe #3 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 7 9/16 
                 6 9/16 
                 4 11/16 
                 3¾ 
                  13/16 
               
               
                 Shoe #4 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 6¾ 
                 5⅞ 
                 4¼ 
                 3⅜ 
                  11/16 
               
               
                 Shoe #5 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 7½ 
                 6 11/16 
                 4½ 
                 3¾ 
                 ⅝ 
               
               
                 Shoe #6 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 7 13/16 
                 6⅞ 
                 4⅞ 
                 3⅞ 
                  13/16 
               
               
                 Shoe #7 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 7¾ 
                 6¾ 
                 5 
                 4 
                 ⅞ 
               
               
                 Shoe #8 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 7⅛ 
                 6 3/16 
                 3⅞ 
                 3 
                 ¾ 
               
               
                 Shoe #9 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 13 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2  of nine different manufacturer&#39;s U.S. size 7 ballet pointe shoes. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 14 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 10 
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
                 E 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 8 9/16 
                 7 7/16 
                 5⅞ 
                 4 5/16 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 8½ 
                 7¾ 
                 5⅛ 
                 4⅜ 
                 ⅝ 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 7 7/16 
                 6 5/16 
                 5 1/16 
                 3 15/16 
                 1 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #3 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 8 5/16 
                 7 7/16 
                 5 3/16 
                 4 5/16 
                 ¾ 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #4 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 7¾ 
                 6 13/16 
                 4¾ 
                 3⅞ 
                  13/16 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #5 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 8 7/16 
                 7½ 
                 5 5/16 
                 4⅜ 
                  13/16 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #6 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 7 9/16 
                 6 15/16 
                 4¾ 
                 4 3/16 
                  7/16 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #7 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 7½ 
                 6½ 
                 4⅞ 
                 3⅞ 
                  13/16 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #8 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 14 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2  of eight different manufacturer&#39;s U.S. size 10 ballet pointe shoes. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 15 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 4 
                 A 
                 B 
                 C 
                 D 
                 E 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 6 3/16 
                 5 9/16 
                 3 13/16 
                 3 
                 ⅝ 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #1 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 6 
                 5¼ 
                 3⅞ 
                 3⅛ 
                 ⅝ 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #2 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 6¼ 
                 5 5/16 
                 4 11/16 
                 3¾ 
                 ¾ 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #3 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 6⅝ 
                 5 13/16 
                 3 15/16 
                 3 3/16 
                 ⅝ 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #4 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Competitor 
                 6 13/16 
                 5¾ 
                 4 5/16 
                 3¼ 
                 ⅞ 
               
               
                   
                 Shoe #5 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 15 provides the measurements A-E (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2  of five different manufacturer&#39;s U.S. size 4 ballet pointe shoes. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 16 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Waist from the 
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Waist from 
                 Platform to Length 
               
               
                   
                 Front End of Sole 
                 of Shoe from Platform 
               
               
                   
                 to Total Length of Sole 
                 to Back End of Sole 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                 (D/B) 
                 (C/A) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.5619 
                 0.6167 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.6408 
                 0.6696 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.625 
                 0.6847 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.5714 
                 0.6198 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.5745 
                 0.6296 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #6 
                 0.5607 
                 0.6 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #7 
                 0.5636 
                 0.624 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #8 
                 0.5926 
                 0.6452 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #9 
                 0.4848 
                 0.5439 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 17 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Waist from the 
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Waist from 
                 Platform to Length 
               
               
                   
                 Front End of Sole 
                 of Shoe from Platform 
               
               
                   
                 to Total Length of Sole 
                 to Back End of Sole 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
                 (D/B) 
                 (C/A) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.5798 
                 0.6861 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.5645 
                 0.6029 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.6238 
                 0.6807 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.5798 
                 0.6241 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.5688 
                 0.6129 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #6 
                 0.5833 
                 0.6296 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #7 
                 0.6036 
                 0.6281 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #8 
                 0.5962 
                 0.65 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 18 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Waist from the 
               
               
                   
                 Ratio of Waist from 
                 Platform to Length 
               
               
                   
                 Front End of Sole 
                 of Shoe from Platform 
               
               
                   
                 to Total Length of Sole 
                 to Back End of Sole 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
                 (D/B) 
                 (C/A) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.5393 
                 0.6162 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.5952 
                 0.6458 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.7059 
                 0.75 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.5484 
                 0.5943 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.5652 
                 0.6330 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Tables 16-18 provide the ratios of the waist  206  from the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement D) to the total length of the sole  108  (measurement B) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer&#39;s ballet pointe shoes. In particular, the ratio of the waist  206  from the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement D) to the total length of the sole  108  (measurement B) for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers ranges from about 48 percent to about 64 percent depending on shoe size. Tables 16-18 also provide the ratios of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer&#39;s ballet pointe shoes. Specifically, the ratio of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers ranges from about 54 percent to about 68 percent depending on shoe size. 
     One of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one of the different manufacturers (i.e., U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #3) has a significantly shorter back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe as illustrated in Table 21 below, which changes the relevance of the ratio of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) and the relevance of the ratio of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A). 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 19 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Waist to End of 
               
               
                   
                 Waist to End of Sole 
                 Sole to Waist to 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                 (B − D) 
                 Front of Sole ((B − D)/D) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 2.875 
                 0.7797 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 2.3125 
                 0.5606 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 2.25 
                 0.6 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 2.8125 
                 0.75 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 2.5 
                 0.7407 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #6 
                 2.9375 
                 0.7833 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #7 
                 3 
                 0.7742 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #8 
                 2.75 
                 0.6875 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #9 
                 3.1875 
                 1.0625 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 20 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Waist to End of 
               
               
                   
                 Waist to End of Sole 
                 Sole to Waist to 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
                 (B − D) 
                 Front of Sole ((B − D)/D) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 3.125 
                 0.7246 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 3.375 
                 0.7714 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 2.375 
                 0.6032 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 3.125 
                 0.7246 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 2.9375 
                 0.7581 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #6 
                 3.125 
                 0.7143 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #7 
                 2.75 
                 0.6567 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #8 
                 2.625 
                 0.6774 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 21 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Waist to End of 
               
               
                   
                 Waist to End of Sole 
                 Sole to Waist to 
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
                 (B − D) 
                 Front of Sole ((B − D)/D) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 2.5625 
                 0.8542 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 2.125 
                 0.68 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 1.5625 
                 0.4167 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 2.625 
                 0.8235 
               
               
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 2.5 
                 0.7692 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Tables 19-21 provide the length of the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus measurement D) and the ratios of (i) the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  to (ii) the waist  206  to the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer&#39;s ballet pointe shoes. As illustrated in Table 21, for the ballet pointe shoe with the ratio of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) higher than 65 percent and the ratio of the waist  206  from the platform  104  (measurement C) to the length of the shoe from the platform  104  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement A) higher than 69 percent (i.e., U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #3), the ratio of (i) the waist  206  to the back end  204  of the sole  108  to (ii) the waist  206  to the front end  202  of the sole  108  (measurement B minus D divided by measurement D) is less than 42 percent. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 22 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Size 7 
                 F 
                 G 
                 H 
                 I 
                 J 
                 K 
                 L 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.125 
                 2.0188 
                 1.5 
                 1.2079 
                 1.9375 
                 3.5625 
                 1.0625 
               
               
                 Shoe #1 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.9759 
                 1.8771 
                 1.3385 
                 1.2716 
                 1.7847 
                 2.2946 
                 1.2110 
               
               
                 Shoe #2 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.6634 
                 1.5802 
                 1.1881 
                 1.1287 
                 1.3663 
                 2.1980 
                 1.0990 
               
               
                 Shoe #3 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.9375 
                 1.8406 
                 1.4375 
                 1.3656 
                 1.9375 
                 3.4375 
                 0.9375 
               
               
                 Shoe #4 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.7112 
                 1.6256 
                 1.4260 
                 1.3547 
                 1.9393 
                 3.1942 
                 1.0267 
               
               
                 Shoe #5 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.9972 
                 1.8973 
                 1.8156 
                 1.7248 
                 1.7854 
                 3.4194 
                 0.9683 
               
               
                 Shoe #6 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.1007 
                 1.9957 
                 1.5278 
                 1.4514 
                 2.3553 
                 3.7558 
                 1.0822 
               
               
                 Shoe #7 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.007 
                 1.9064 
                 1.4595 
                 1.3865 
                 1.7331 
                 3.1926 
                 1.0946 
               
               
                 Shoe #8 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.9375 
                 1.8406 
                 1.4375 
                 1.3656 
                 1.625 
                 3.5312 
                 0.4375 
               
               
                 Shoe #9 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 22 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3  of nine different manufacturer&#39;s U.S. size 7 ballet pointe shoes. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 23 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Size 10 
                 F 
                 G 
                 H 
                 I 
                 J 
                 K 
                 L 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.3737 
                 2.2550 
                 1.7090 
                 1.6236 
                 2.2471 
                 3.8928 
                 1.2027 
               
               
                 Shoe #1 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.2478 
                 2.1354 
                 1.4762 
                 1.4024 
                 2.0130 
                 2.8853 
                 1.3084 
               
               
                 Shoe #2 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.7953 
                 1.7055 
                 1.2741 
                 1.2014 
                 1.7374 
                 3.0404 
                 1.1003 
               
               
                 Shoe #3 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.2453 
                 2.1330 
                 1.7541 
                 1.6664 
                 2.1751 
                 3.8591 
                 1.0525 
               
               
                 Shoe #4 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.0293 
                 1.9278 
                 1.5944 
                 1.5147 
                 2.0293 
                 3.6237 
                 1.1016 
               
               
                 Shoe #5 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.0424 
                 1.9403 
                 1.5737 
                 1.4950 
                 2.0424 
                 3.8839 
                 1.0379 
               
               
                 Shoe #6 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.9905 
                 1.8910 
                 1.5514 
                 1.4739 
                 2.0491 
                 3.8054 
                 1.0245 
               
               
                 Shoe #7 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 2.0787 
                 1.9747 
                 1.3579 
                 1.3165 
                 1.7487 
                 2.8706 
                 1.0558 
               
               
                 Shoe #8 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 23 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3  of eight different manufacturer&#39;s U.S. size 10 ballet pointe shoes. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 24 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Size 4 
                 F 
                 G 
                 H 
                 I 
                 J 
                 K 
                 L 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.7293 
                 1.6428 
                 1.2681 
                 1.2047 
                 1.4411 
                 2.6516 
                 0.9222 
               
               
                 Shoe #1 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.6875 
                 1.6031 
                 1.1518 
                 1.0942 
                 1.3125 
                 1.9286 
                 1.0714 
               
               
                 Shoe #2 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.7418 
                 1.6547 
                 1.1902 
                 1.1307 
                 1.4515 
                 2.0321 
                 1.1031 
               
               
                 Shoe #3 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.7690 
                 1.6806 
                 1.3759 
                 1.3071 
                 1.5163 
                 2.9484 
                 0.7862 
               
               
                 Shoe #4 
               
               
                 Competitor 
                 1.7424 
                 1.6553 
                 1.2197 
                 1.1587 
                 1.9167 
                 3.3106 
                 0.9874 
               
               
                 Shoe #5 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Table 24 provides the measurements F-L (in inches) discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3  of five different manufacturer&#39;s U.S. size 4 ballet pointe shoes. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 25 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Waist to Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 7 
                 Heel Transition Point (J/K) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.5439 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.7778 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.6216 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.5636 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.6071 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #6 
                 0.5221 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #7 
                 0.6271 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #8 
                 0.5421 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #9 
                 0.4301 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 26 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Waist to Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 10 
                 Heel Transition Point (J/K) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.5772 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.6977 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.5714 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.5636 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.5600 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #6 
                 0.5259 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #7 
                 0.5385 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #8 
                 0.6092 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 27 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Waist to Toe Transition Point to 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 4 
                 Heel Transition Point (J/K) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.5435 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.6805 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.7143 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.5143 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.5790 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Tables 25-27 provide the ratios of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  (measurement J) to the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition point  304  (measurement K) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer&#39;s ballet pointe shoes. In particular, the ratio of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  (measurement J) to the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition point  304  (measurement K) for the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by the different manufacturers ranges from about 43 percent to about 63 percent depending on shoe size. 
     Some of the ballet pointe shoes manufactured by one or more of the different manufacturers (i.e., U.S. Size 7 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 10 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #3) have a significantly narrower, more uniform back end portion of the sole closest to the heel than the high-waisted ballet pointe shoe as illustrated in Tables 28-30 below, which changes the relevance of the ratio of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  to the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition  304 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 28 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Width of Waist to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Width of Widest Part of Sole 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 7 
                 Closest to Back End (L/H) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.7083 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.9047 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.9250 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.6522 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.7200 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #6 
                 0.5333 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #7 
                 0.7083 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #8 
                 0.7500 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #9 
                 0.3043 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 29 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Width of Waist to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Width of Widest Part of Sole 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 10 
                 Closest to Back End (L/H) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.7037 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.8863 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.8636 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.6000 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.6909 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #6 
                 0.6595 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #7 
                 0.6604 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #8 
                 0.7775 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 30 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                 Ratio of Width of Waist to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Width of Widest Part of Sole 
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Size 4 
                 Closest to Back End (L/H) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #1 
                 0.7272 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #2 
                 0.9325 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #3 
                 0.9268 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #4 
                 0.5714 
               
               
                   
                 Competitor Shoe #5 
                 0.8095 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Tables 28-30 provide the ratios of (i) the width of the waist  206  (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole  108  closest to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement H) for the three different sizes of different manufacturer&#39;s ballet pointe shoes. As illustrated in Table 28-30, for the ballet pointe shoes with the ratio of the toe transition point  302  to the waist  206  to the toe transition point  302  to the heel transition  304  higher than 63 percent (i.e., U.S. Size 7 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 10 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #2, U.S. Size 4 Competitor Shoe #3), the ratio of (i) the width of the waist  206  (measurement L) to (ii) the width of the widest part of the sole  108  closest to the back end  204  of the sole  108  (measurement H) is greater than 88 percent.