Dance Tights and Other Garments with Integrated, Apertured Foot Coverings

The inventive subject matter is directed to tights and like garments with integrated foot coverings.

Conventional tights may come in a range of styles, from ones with no foot coverings, to partial foot coverings, to full foot coverings. Dancers require specific footwear that provides both flexibility and stability for optimal performance. It may also be desirable to keep one or more toes of a user free of material, and unencumbered, to open up range of movement and flexibility of the toes.

Unfortunately, conventional tights have shortcomings that do not adequately address such needs.

The bare foot naturally provides three support and foot traction areas that benefit stability, balance, and performance, namely, the heel, ball of the foot, and toes. Often, the dancer or other wearer has thick or calloused skin in these areas that is more resistant to abrasion than the arch or midfoot area. Therefore, a completely barefoot may need protection under the midfoot and other areas against abrasion.

Conventional dance tights and footwear often lack sufficient freedom of movement for the toes, heels, and balls of the feet, limiting the dancer's ability to execute movements with precision and ease. In some variants, tights have a full foot covering, which has the advantage of providing a thin layer of protective material under the wearer's foot. Unfortunately, extending the thin, smooth material of a typical tight under a dancer's full foot results in a ground-contacting surface on the dancer's foot that can slip and slide, affecting stability, balance, and performance. The full covering may also encumber foot flexibility.

Some conventional tights include a stirrup strap that wraps under a wearer's midfoot and leaves the heel and forefoot, including the ball of the foot, exposed. The stirrup design provides retention of the tight on the user's legs and some protection against abrasion but just under the arch or midfoot.

Other variants of conventional tights have a covering that surrounds the entire top and bottom of a wearer's foot except for an aperture under the wearer's midfoot or ball of the foot. This design does not improve much on a full-foot design, and the smooth, thin nature of tights material over the toes and heel can still impede foot flexibility.

Accordingly, a need exists for tights with an integrated foot covering that provides for selective covering and exposure of foot anatomy so there is covering where needed and foot exposure where needed.

The inventive subject matter relates to a garment featuring an integrated foot covering (which may be referred to herein as a “sock”) that has a set of selectively placed openings for exposing one or more toes, the heel, and the ball of the foot of a wearer. This selective arrangement allows for full contact of exposed areas of the foot with the floor, ground, or the interior of the wearer's shoes at all three support areas of the foot and allows for full foot mobility and flexion.

The garment may be constructed with a thong-style element or toe apertures at the toe area to securely hold the sock in place on the foot during movement.

In one possible embodiment, the inventive subject matter is directed to tights or another garment type for dancers that includes a pair of leg portions each having an integrated sock. The sock has an open toe area allowing for exposure and mobility of one or more toes; an open heel area allowing for full exposure and mobility of the heel; an open ball of the foot area allowing for full exposure and mobility of the ball of the foot. The garment is distinguished from the prior art by featuring all three areas (toes, heel, and ball of the foot) simultaneously open to afford maximum flexibility and contact with the ground during dance movements.

The integrated sock may be configured as a thong-style construction with a toe-post element, e.g., a vertically oriented flexible strap or band that spans the front opening at the toe area to fit between adjacent toes to help secure the sock in place during movement.

The thong-style construction at the toe area may be a toe-post elementthat fits between the toes of the user. For example, it can be a thin strip of fabric extending between the first and second toes to securely hold the garment in place.

In other embodiments, the front of the sock may comprise one or more openings, each configured for receiving and exposing one or more toes of a wearer.

The flexible fabric may be nylon or spandex (elastane) or a fabric that such fabrics.

In some possible embodiments, the garment is in the form of tights. In some possible embodiments, the garment is in the form of leggings.

In some embodiments, the sock may include reinforced stitching around the open toe, heel, and ball of the foot areas to ensure durability and longevity of the garment.

The following is a description of various inventive lines under the inventive subject matter. Other embodiments are contemplated in the Detailed Description below and in the appended Figures, and in the claims, as originally written or amended, and the claims as such being incorporated by reference into this Summary.

Representative embodiments according to the inventive subject matter are shown in, wherein the same or generally similar features share common reference numerals.

The inventive subject matter is generally directed to tights having integrated, apertured foot coverings for dancing and other fitness and athletic activities. The tights are designed to cover the foot and ankle region while leaving toes, heel, and ball of the foot areas exposed.

Applicant reserves the right to claim design patent protection for the full tight shown or the sock portion to the ankle area and the remainder of the tights being environment.

As used herein, a “user” or “wearer” is the person for whom a garment is sized and shaped to fit. For example, a medium or US size 8 pants is intended for someone who fits that size. Likewise with respect to the sock portion, if the sock portion is a standard US size 8, it is intended for someone with a size US 8 foot and shoe of size 8. Anatomical references to areas of the garment or sock are intended to generally correspond to or mimic areas of the intended user's anatomy. For example, a forefoot region or portion of the sock maps to the forefoot area of the intended user's foot; an arch region or portion maps to the arch of the intended user's foot; a thigh region or portion maps to a thigh area of the intended wearer's thigh; a pelvis or buttocks region or portion maps to a pelvic or buttocks area of the intended wearer's pelvis or buttocks and so forth.

As is generally known, tights are made of a flexible, typically elastic fabric, such as nylon or spandex, that closely conforms to the intended user's body. As used herein, tights means not only traditional tights but also yoga and Barre pants. Tights, as used herein, also includes leggings that extend the knees of the intended user. Tights and similar garments typically have an uninterrupted, continuous front and rear pelvic area, i.e., they are flyless or otherwise free of openings and associated closure systems. A general description of dance tights is as follows:

Dance tights or leotards are specialized garments worn by dancers to provide coverage, support, and flexibility during dance performances and rehearsals. They are typically made from stretchy materials to allow for a full range of motion while maintaining a close fit to the body. Dance tights are designed to cover specific anatomical areas to provide support and enhance the aesthetics of dance movements. Anatomical areas covered by dance tights typically include:

The following description and accompanying figures disclose a garmenthaving a representative configuration of a pair of stretch tights for dance that substantially conform to, or follow the body contours of, an intended user. The principles of the inventive subject matter may apply to other garments, including the following:

These garments share similarities with dance tights in terms of their close fit, stretchy materials, and coverage of the legs, but they may have specific design features tailored to different activities and purposes. However, it is noted that the only practical difference between some such garments may be in name only, and the different garments may be made in the same way and using the same materials.

Accordingly, the inventive subject matter may be applied to a wide range of garment styles or configurations that are used for both athletic and non-athletic activities.

To illustrate the principles of the inventive subject matter, the following discussion will present an embodiment of dance tights. However, this is a non-limiting example, and other embodiments may vary from what is discussed and shown and still fall under the inventive subject matter.

Looking at, garmentgenerally includes a pelvic region or portionand a pair of right and left leg regions or portions. (As used herein, the terms “region” or “portion are used interchangeably unless context indicates otherwise.) Pelvic regionhas a configuration that substantially extends around and covers the front, side and back pelvic area of an individual, i.e., it is a body-encircling portion. Pelvic regionmay include a waist encircling region or portionwith a waistband systemthat defines an upper opening out of which a torso area of a user extends. Typically, the waistband system is based on an elastic structure such as a band. However, it may be based on inelastic structures such as drawstrings or belts.

An integrated sockextends downwardly from each leg portionforming a partial foot-covering region or portion of garment. The sockshave selectively configured and arranged apertures,,.

Apertureis arranged at a heel area and configured to receive and expose a user's heel. Opening sizes in square centimeters can range from 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, or 100 or any range in between the upper and lower limits.

Apertureis arranged under a user's forefoot area and configured to receive and expose some or all of a user's ball of the foot, as generally shown. The ball of the foot is responsible for bearing weight and providing balance.

The ball of the foot refers to the padded portion of the forefoot located just behind the toes. It is a crucial weight-bearing area during activities like standing, walking, and running. The bones, connective tissue, and boundaries of the ball of the foot include:

Distal Boundary: The distal boundary of the ball of the foot is marked by the heads of the metatarsal bones. These are the rounded ends of the metatarsal bones that articulate with the bases of the proximal phalanges of the toes. This boundary extends to the region just proximal to the heads of the metatarsal bones, but not including the tips of the toes.

Proximal Boundary: The proximal boundary of the ball of the foot is the region where the metatarsal bones articulate with the midfoot bones. Specifically, this boundary extends from the bases of the metatarsal bones to their heads. It includes the articulations between the metatarsal heads and the cuneiform bones proximally, and the articulations with the midfoot bones such as the cuboid bone distally.

Medial-Lateral Boundaries: are the width of the foot from the distal to medial boundaries.

Aperturegenerally is configured in a sock to correspond to and be coextensive with at least a substantial portion of the ball of the foot of the user. In the embodiment shown, apertureis generally centered around at least a majority (i.e., at least 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% of length metatarsal bone(s) of the average user of a given foot size) of the 2nd-4th metatarsals of the foot. In other embodiments, openingcould be centered on at least a majority of all five metatarsals or any permutation of metatarsals. Instead of one opening, there could be two, three, four or five openings to achieve such permutations. Opening sizes in square centimeters can range from 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, or 100 or any range in between the upper and lower limits. Opening sizes will vary depending on sock size, number of metatarsals covered with generally a majority to all of each of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 metatarsals being covered.

Apertureis arranged at a toe area and configured to receive and expose all or a selected number of a user's toes. The exposed portion may be at least the distal phalanges. In other embodiments, openingcould be centered on just the hallux or at least a majority of all five toes or any permutation of toes. Instead of one opening, there could be two, three, four or five openings to achieve such permutations. For example, the Figures show that the front opening is defined but two openings: openingexposes first to fourth toes and openingexposes the fifth toe (hallux).

Opening sizes in square centimeters can range from 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, or 100 or any range in between the upper and lower limits.

It is to be understood that the tights and integrated sock shown in the Figures is a representative embodiment, and the size and shape of the openings may vary. For example, the openings shown need not be rounded but could have polygonal or other geometric shapes while still serving to expose relevant areas of foot anatomy and covering other areas.

Referring to, encircled areashows the portion of an anatomy generally exposed through aperture; encircled areashows the portion of an anatomy (at the plantar side) generally exposed through aperture; and encircled areashows the portion of an anatomy generally exposed through aperture.

The integrated sock can be same or different material as other portions of garment, and it can be in a unitary construction, e.g., a seamless, continuous knit or woven structure with leg portionsor a discrete structure attached to the leg portions. It can have different zones, e.g., stretch zone an inelastic zone, cushion, or comfort zone, a durability zone, a breathable zone, etc. For example, the underfoot side could have natural or artificial leather, or a rubbery or other rubbery polymer for traction, protection, and durability. Top and sides of the sock could be elastic to conform to the foot and for comfort. The top and sides could include inelastic materials or structures for support or durability, etc. For example, one or more vertical bands that are disposed along a side of the sock and spanning from the height of the side could help support a foot. A horizontal band or cuff could span the sides and rear ankle area above the top of openingfor support.

To provide certain functional or aesthetic attributes to the integrated socks or other area of the tights, a thermoplastic elastomeric material optionally may be heat fused or otherwise applied to selected areas of the base fabric for the sock or other portion of the garment. It may be applied to the inside and/or outside of the garment. For example, it may be applied in a continuous coating or pattern (e.g., a pattern of spaced-apart elements like dots) to a bottom (underfoot) side of the sock (sole portion) to provide outsole functions. On the foot-facing and foot-contacting surface of the sole portion, the elastomeric material may be provided in a pattern and locations that provide anti-slip functions for the foot so that the sock does not shift on the foot during activities. Side(s) portions of the sock may also be coated or patterned with elastomeric material to provide grip (e.g., for Barre or yoga), structural reinforcement, and/or aesthetic effects. The foot-facing side of the upper portion may also have a pattern of elastomeric material that is grippy and anti-slip so the upper does not shift on the user's foot.

The elastomeric material may be applied in thin layers that allow the sock compartment to remain flexible and follow the contours of the foot. The material may be applied in a liquid or solid phase. Example thermoplastic polymer materials include polyurethane, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, neoprene, and polyolefin. Liquid silicone rubbers although they may not technically be a thermoplastic elastomer may be considered as such for purposes of the inventive subject matter. The material may adhere to the surface of base sock fabric or other material and/or infuse into the base fabric or other base sock material.

Patterns and shapes of the elastomeric material may be defined in molds with defined patterns or shapes on sheet materials, which are die cut, laser cut, manually cut, etc. The processing of liquid materials into a pattern or shape may be by direct application to a base textile or by first forming the pattern or shape and then applying the part to the base material. Various techniques are known for fusing thermoplastic materials to textiles, including and heat sealing, high frequency welding, injection molding, heat/pressure molding, laser welding, impulse welding, and ultrasonic welding.

Turning now to the leg portionswith which the socksintegrate, the right and left leg regions or portions may be discrete elements assembled to the socks and body-encircling portionor a continuation of the fabric used to form the socks and/or the body-encircling portion. The legsmay be generally tubular to receive the user's legs.

The right and left sides of the body-encircling portionmay be connected together at a front center seamand is representative of one or more seams used to connect a plurality of patterned pieces assembled to form garment.

As commonly known, there is an anterior or front pelvic region and a posterior or back pelvic region. Leg regionsextend downward from opposite sides of pelvic regionand have a configuration that substantially extends around and covers upper leg areas of individual. Garmentmay also be defined by multiple zones or panel portions.

The front pelvic regiontypically but optionally has a flush finish. In this example, the front region has a waistband portionthat extends across the front pelvic region. The front pelvic region may be free of zippers, laces, gussets, buttons or other fly or waist closures that bulge and cause a non-flush surface with the general, front pelvic region (not counting any pockets that may be provided at the sides of the pelvic region). Although not shown, in other embodiments, all regions may be formed in a unitary, seamless construction. Consistent with a flyless embodiment, the waistband panel or zone may be a continuous, uninterrupted, flush structure that does not disengage or separate from itself, as would be the case with a conventional waistband having a waistband closure structure. (e.g., snaps or buttons) associated with a fly structure.

Garmenthas a main body, which generally defines each of regionsand, that may be formed from one or more textile elements. If the body is formed of multiple elements, the elements may be joined through, for example, stitching, adhesives, bonding, and/or thermobonding. Some or all the body of garmentmay be a unitary, seamless construction based on known weaving and knitting techniques for producing three-dimensional configurations.