US 11,071,346 B2 · Taps and tap attachment mechanisms for tap shoes

Abstract

Examples of the disclosure are directed to a tap apparatus for attachment to a tap shoe. In some examples, the tap apparatus can include an upper tap portion that can be attached to the tap shoe, and a lower tap portion that covers and protects the fasteners used to attach the upper tap portion to the tap shoe. In some examples, the lower tap portion may slide onto the upper tap portion using a dovetail-like attachment mechanism. Screws or locking tabs may then be used to hold the lower tap portion in place. In some examples, the lower tap portion may be affixed to the upper tap portion using a threaded fastener, plug, or floating screw. In some examples, a tab in the upper tap portion can be retained in an aperture in the tap portion, and the lower tap portion can be pivotably engaged with the upper tap portion.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A tap apparatus for attachment to a shoe, comprising:

an upper tap portion configured to attach to a soundboard or a sole of the shoe, the upper tap portion including one or more second apertures;
a lower tap portion including one or more third apertures aligned with the one or more second apertures in the upper tap portion;
and
a tab formed with the upper tap portion inserted into and retained within a first aperture formed in the lower tap portion;
wherein the upper and lower tap portions are coupled together at the one or more second apertures and the one or more third apertures using one or more first fasteners;
wherein the lower tap portion pivots with respect to the upper tap portion about a pivot point centered at the one or more first fasteners.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Taps and tap attachment mechanisms for tap shoes

Life of this patent

Taps and tap attachment mechanisms for tap shoes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12