RU2798211C2 - Ballet point shoes - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: pointe shoes for ballet dances.

SUBSTANCE: ballet pointe shoe includes a monolithic support structure for the foot with a toe and the main part of the instep. The arch support insert and/or elastic loop is inserted and removed through the pointe foot compartment. The main part of the instep support has a channel for receiving the instep insert through an opening accessible through the foot compartment. The open opening is hidden with the possibility of revealing under the insole and providing access to it through the neck, through which the ballet dancer's foot passes into the foot compartment, and the foot compartment. An elastic loop is installed inside the foot compartment to apply elastic force between the ballet dancer's foot instep and the arch support body and apply compressive pressure to the ballet dancer's foot arch. The elastic loop extends under the arch support body and/or under the arch support liner portion extending from the channel opening, or between the arch support main body and the back arch support liner portion. The instep pad and/or elastic loop are selected from the instep pad and elastic loop sets.

EFFECT: present invention allows the installation, removal and replacement of the arch support insert and/or the optional elastic loop through the foot well at any time during the life of the pointe without requiring even partial deconstruction of the pointe.

11 cl, 25 dwg

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application is a continuation application and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §§ 119, 120, and 365, International Application No. PCT/US2019/058206, filed October 25, 2019, entitled Ballet Pointe Shoe, which identifies the US and at least one other country in addition to the US and in turn claims priority for each of the following US provisional patent applications for all items in each normally disclosed herein: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/751, 243 titled "Foot Support Structure and Including Ballet Pointe Shoe", filed October 26, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/754,105 titled "Foot Support Structure and Including Ballet Pointe Shoe", filed November 1, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/794,589 titled "Ballet Pointe Shoe", filed January 19, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/925729 titled "Ballet Pointe Shoe" filed October 24, 2019, all of which would normally belong to the present application.

Statement governing federally funded research or development

[0002] Not applicable.

Inclusion by reference

[0003] U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/751,243, filed October 26, 2018, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/754,105, filed November 1, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/794,589, filed January 19, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/925729 titled "Ballet Pointe Shoe", filed October 24, 2019, is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety to form a part of this disclosure.

The technical field to which the invention belongs

[0004] The invention relates to the field of pointe shoes for ballet dancing. More specifically, the invention relates to pointe shoes that may include a monolithic support structure for the foot, and in which the optional arch support liner and/or the optional elastic loop can be installed in some way in which they are installed, removed and replaced through the foot compartment in any time during the life of the pointe, without requiring even partial deconstruction of the pointe.

Prerequisites for the creation of the invention

[0005] The art of ballet dance is a synthesis of grace, balance and mobility of human movement. Its mastery requires not only disciplined training, but also consideration of physical strength, endurance and athleticism. Albert Einstein once called dancers "the athletes of God." The physical demands that ballet places on the performer make it imperative that pointe shoes fit the dancer very well and provide adequate foot support. Appropriate support is especially important in critical areas of the foot such as the toes, metatarsus and arch. A good fit and proper support not only provide better comfort, but also reduce fatigue and the risk of injury or other ailments that can result from malformation, muscle fatigue, muscle strain, falls or other ailments, all of which can be caused or aggravated by poor performance. seated or improperly supported pointe shoes. Diseases that commonly affect ballet dancers include sprained or torn muscles and ligaments, joint damage, sprains and conditions like tendonitis, subsequent pinching, tenosynovitis of the long flexor of the thumb (a/k/a "trigger finger"), posterior compression, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis. All this is painful and may require expensive medical treatment and/or temporary or permanent restriction or cessation of dancing or other physical activities. Some may even end their career as a ballet dancer.

[0006] In pointe shoes, the support of the forefoot provided by the toe of the pointe and the corresponding support of the arch area is always important, but this is especially important when the dancer enters and maintains specific positions or performs specific movements, such as eleve' or releve', in which the dancer supported on the stage or other dance floor on their toes, and the heel of the foot is elevated off the stage or dance floor. The height of the heel lift is further increased when the dancer is in semi pointe and furthermore when fully en pointe where the dancer is supported on the very tips of the toes. In such movements, the pointe toe can support essentially the entire weight of the dancer. The pointe shoe, and especially its toe, can also be subjected to impact forces or other dynamic forces, not only when the performer is in such extreme poses, but also in the process of assuming or moving out of such poses.

[0007] A conventional pointe shoe has a top having a toe platform at its front end, a heel adjacent to its rear end, a vamp, sides extending between the heel and the vamp, and a neckline extending between the vamp and the heel. The insole is usually located inside the upper at the bottom of the footwell and the sole is usually secured under the upper. The neck is the upper opening through which the ballet dancer's feet pass into the foot compartment blank when putting on the pointe shoe for use. At least a portion of the outer surface of a conventional pointe upper has an outer fabric, and some or all of the inner side of the upper may be lined with an inner lining. The neckline is sometimes surrounded by a sewn-on piping that is sewn to the outer fabric and the inner lining to form a channel within the piping through which a pair of protruding drawstring ends pass. To help secure the pointe shoe to the ballet dancer's leg, the free ends of the lace are hand pulled tight to secure the neck of the pointe shoe to the ballet dancer's leg. After it is pulled tight, the free ends of the lace are then tied together.

Brief Description of Specific Embodiments

[0008] Embodiments of ballet pointe shoes may have an upper that includes a toe and a channel having an opening. At least a portion of the channel may extend below the toe and the channel opening may be operably accessible by the foot compartment to allow the arch support liner to be releasably and replaceably installed via the mouth of the upper and the channel opening. In preferred embodiments, the monolithic foot support structure may include a toe box, and an arch support body that extends longitudinally rearward from the base of the toe box. The sock may have a peripheral wall which is adjacent to its base such that the peripheral wall and the base together form a cavity in front of the footwell. The toe peripheral wall may include a front wall having an outer surface that may be located behind the platform. The main part of the instep and the base of the toe lie down and support at least a portion of the sole of the ballet dancer's foot. In some embodiments, the sole of the ballet dancer's foot, including the heel of the foot, may be supported by an insole overlying the arch support body and the base of the toe.

[0009] Some preferred embodiments include an optional arch support insert installed in the pointe in a manually removable and replaceable manner. In order to accommodate the instep liner, at least a portion of the instep main body of the monolithic foot support structure may pass through a channel that extends in the longitudinal direction and has an open opening located on the instep main body.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments, the opening is accessible through the foot compartments to allow easy insertion, removal and/or replacement of the arch support insert at any time during the life of the pointe without the use of tools and/or even partial deconstruction of the pointe. In some embodiments, the arch support insert can be installed through the foot compartments by inserting at least a portion of the arch support insert into the channel through the channel opening. In some such embodiments, an arch support liner may be inserted into the channel opening through the neck of the pointe. Similarly, the arch support insert may be removed through the foot compartment in certain embodiments of the pointe shoe. In some embodiments, the arch support insert can be removed from the footwell through the neck. In some such embodiments, the arch support liner can be removed from the canal through the opening of the canal and can be removed from the pointe shoe through the collar of the top. Accordingly, the arch support insert to be installed is inserted, removed and/or removed and replaced with the same arch support insert or another arch support insert at any time during the life of the pointe without the use of tools and/or deconstruction of the pointe 20. Such embodiments not only provide ballerina with the ability to fine-tune the pointe's support and resilience characteristics at any time during the life of the shoe, but also potentially extend the life of the shoe by allowing an easy replacement of an old, worn or broken arch support liner with a new arch support liner, all without the use of tools or even partial deconstruction or repair of the pointe shoe .

[0011] In some embodiments, the channel opening is undetected under the insole and/or a ledge that is present on the arch support body and extends rearward from the channel opening. In some embodiments, the channel extends longitudinally forward from the opening through at least a portion of the arch support body. In some embodiments, the channel extends longitudinally forward from the opening not only through at least a portion of the arch support body, but also into the base of the toe. Thus, insertion, removal, and/or replacement of an arch liner can be used to fine-tune the support and resilience characteristics of the pointe at the base of the toe, as well as areas longitudinally posterior to the base of the toe.

[0012] In some embodiments, a pointe shoe may have an arch support insert selected from a set of arch support inserts that includes at least two arch support inserts whose respective flexural stiffness profiles differ in one or more aspects.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more arch support liners may be formed at least in part from a thermoplastic material that can soften with heat and semi-permanently reshape at the point of sale, point of use, or other desired location or time during the life of the pointe. to meet the needs of a particular use and/or the preferences of a particular ballet dancer. Reshaping the instep liner can be useful not only to change its shape, but can also change its flexural stiffness profile. The arch support insert may be an arch support insert that has been reshaped, for example, by heating at least a portion of the arch support insert to a temperature that is below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material, but is sufficient to cause at least a softened state of the aforementioned section of the arch support insert, applying a bending moment to the arch support liner, when at least this section of the arch support liner is in a softened state, to change the shape of the arch support liner from the previous shape to the changed shape and lower the temperature of at least the said section of the arch support liner to a lower temperature at which the changed shape is maintained permanently or semi-permanently even in the absence of a bending moment. The instep insert may be an instep insert that has been reshaped in one or more previous instances. For example, an arch support insert that has been reshaped from a previous shape to a reshaped shape can be changed to a subsequent reshaped shape, if desired, at any time.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least the toe portion of the monolithic foot support structure may be made of a thermoplastic material and may be changed at any time from a previous shape to a modified shape that is different from the previous shape. Changing the shape of the sock can be carried out, for example, by heating at least a section of the sock to a temperature that is below the melting point of the thermoplastic material, but is sufficient to cause a softened state of at least the aforementioned section of the sock, applying force to the toe when at least this section the sock is in a softened state, to change the shape of the sock from the previous shape to the changed shape, and lower the temperature of at least this area of the sock to a lower temperature at which the changed shape is maintained permanently or semi-permanently even in the absence of applied force. The shape of the inside of the sock and thus the fit of the pointe can thus be adjusted or customized to suit the needs or preferences of the particular ballet dancer. Moreover, such reshaping may be performed once or multiple times during the life of the pointe as the needs for a particular application and/or foot size, foot shape and/or individual preference of the ballet dancer may change from time to time.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pointe shoe may optionally include a removable and replaceable elastic loop installed on the upper to improve the retention of the pointe shoe on the ballet dancer's leg and/or provide enhanced support for the foot. In some embodiments, an elastic loop is removable and replaceable at the upper to continuously press the arch support body against the sole of the ballet dancer's foot by continuously applying elastic force between the ballet dancer's instep portion and the arch support body of the monolithic foot support structure. To this end, the elastic loop may have a lower portion which extends under the main portion of the arch support and an upper portion which lies on top of the instep portion of the ballet dancer. In some embodiments, the elastic loop also extends to continuously apply an elastic compressive force to the arch of the ballet dancer's foot.

[0016] In some embodiments, the arch liner may be longer than the channel present in the monolithic foot support structure such that the rear portion of the arch liner extends longitudinally rearward from the channel opening when the arch liner is installed in the toe shoe. The lower portion of the elastic loop may extend under the rear portion of the arch support liner. Such an arrangement continuously presses the instep insert against the sole of the ballet dancer's foot by continuously applying an elastic force between the instep portion of the ballet dancer's foot and the instep insert. In some embodiments, the arch support body may include a protrusion that extends longitudinally rearward beyond the channel opening and a lower portion of the elastic loop extends under the protrusion of the arch support body.

[0017] In some embodiments, the implementation of the elastic loop may pass between the main part of the arch support and the rear section of the arch support liner. In some such embodiments, the lower portion of the elastic loop may be releasably engaged between the protrusion of the arch support body and the rear portion of the arch support liner that extends rearward past the channel opening. In some such embodiments, the lower portion of the elastic loop may be releasably engaged between the protrusion and the rear portion of the arch support liner in some manner that allows the elastic loop to (i) reposition longitudinally, or (ii) be removed from the pointe, or (ii) removed from a pointe shoe and replacing it with another elastic loop.

[0018] In some embodiments, the elastic loop may be selected from a set of two or more elastic loops. At least one elastic loop in the set differs from at least one other elastic loop in the set with respect to one or more of the following: (i) undrawn width, (ii) undrawn inner circumference, (iii) undrawn thickness, and (iv) factor rigidity.

[0019] Some embodiments not only provide a pointe fit, but also make it possible to provide a snug fit pointe without the need to manufacture, transport, and/or inventory in many different sizes, widths, and/or shapes, as would otherwise be required to accommodate a series of different sizes. feet, foot width, foot shapes and individual needs and preferences presented among different groups of ballerinas. In some embodiments, the pointe toe and/or optional removable and replaceable arch support liner may be reshaped either once or multiple times at any time during the life of the pointe. In addition to fine-tuning the fit, support features, and/or elastic characteristics of a pointe shoe, this aspect of the invention can eliminate or at least reduce the need to manufacture, ship, and inventory pointe shoes in intermediate sizes, such as half sizes and/or specific pointe widths and/or a plurality of pointe shoes having different insoles made as a whole. In some embodiments, changing the shape of the toe and/or replacing the arch liner and/or replacing one arch liner with another arch liner having a different flexural stiffness profile may be performed once or repeatedly at any time and place after initial manufacture, including without restrictions store, service center or place of use.

[0020] These and other embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which like reference characters denote like elements. In the detailed description, reference is made to the drawings, which are briefly described below, with like reference numerals designating like elements. The drawings show non-limiting illustrations of some embodiments that may be practiced within the scope of the claims. It should be understood that other embodiments may be practiced and various design, manufacturing, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pointe shoe with an optional removable and replaceable elastic loop installed therein;

[0022] Figure 2 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1;

[0023] Figure 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2;

[0024] FIG. 4A is a first partial sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 with a ballet dancer's foot and an optional elastic loop shown in dotted lines;

[0025] Fig. 4B is a second partial sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2 with the ballet dancer's foot and the additional elastic loop shown in dotted lines;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the monolithic foot support structure included in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, 4A, and 4B along with an example of a removable and replaceable arch support liner shown with it, but not installed;

[0027] Figure 6 is a side view of the monolithic foot support structure and arch support liner shown in Figure 5;

[0028] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the monolithic foot support structure shown in FIGS. 5 and 6;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the monolithic foot support structure shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, but with the arch support insert in place;

[0030] Fig. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the monolithic foot support structure shown in Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8, but without the arch support insert;

[0031] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a monolithic foot support structure shown with an example set of arch support inserts;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a curve illustrating hypothetical examples of the flexural stiffness profiles of the arch support inserts shown in FIGS. 10, 12, 13, and 14;

[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a first arch support liner having a first flexural stiffness profile;

[0034] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second arch support liner having a second flexural stiffness profile;

[0035] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third arch support liner having a third flexural stiffness profile.

[0036] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a first set of reinforcing members of an instep liner;

[0037] Fig. 16 is a plan view of the first set of reinforcing elements of the instep liner shown in Fig. 15;

[0038] FIG. 17 is a side view of the first set of reinforcing members of the arch support liner shown in FIGS. 15 and 16;

[0039] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a second set of reinforcing elements of an alternative arch support liner;

[0040] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative arch support liner;

[0041] Fig. 20 is a side view of the alternative arch support liner shown in Fig. 19;

[0042] FIG. 21A is a schematic view of the application of a deflection bending moment to an arch support liner;

[0043] FIG. 21B is a perspective view showing the arch support liner of FIG. 21A after being changed into an altered shape;

[0044] FIG. 21C is a schematic view of the application of a negative bending moment to the arch support liner of FIG. 21B;

[0045] FIG. 2lD is a perspective view showing the arch support liner of FIG. 21C that has been changed into the following modified shape;

[0046] FIG. 22 is a schematic view of an example set of optional elastic loops;

[0047] FIG. 23 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 4B except showing the optional elastic loop installed by the first alternative method;

[0048] Fig. 24 is a partial sectional view similar to Fig. 4A except that the arch support insert is not mounted in the toe; And

[0049] FIG. 25 is a schematic view of the insertion and/or removal of an arch support liner.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0050] Figures 1, 2, 3, 4A and 4B show a non-limiting example of an embodiment of a pointe shoe 20. For convenience, certain aspects of the embodiment may be described herein with reference to an imaginary longitudinal axis 49 that may extend in the longitudinal direction 62 The imaginary longitudinal axis 49 may, but need not, be the axis of symmetry of the pointe 20.

[0051] A pointe shoe 20 may include a top 22 having an outer fabric 6 and an inner lining 7. The upper 22 has a platform 39 at its front end 25, a heel 26 adjacent its rear end 28, a vamp 24, and sides 30a and 30b extending longitudinally 62 between the vamp 24 and the heel 26. The upper 22 has an open neck 27 through which the ballet dancer's foot 41 passes into the foot compartment 5 of the pointe shoe 20. Some embodiments of the pointe shoe 20 include a sole 34 located under the upper. 22 on the lower surface 36 of the shoe 20, and the insole 32 located in the compartment 5 for the foot.

[0052] In some embodiments, the sides 30a and 30b of the top 22 may optionally include side seams 3la and 3lb. The outer fabric 6 and/or the inner lining 7 may optionally be joined at the heel seam 3lc, which in some embodiments may optionally include an outer piping tape 33 attached to the heel 26. In some embodiments, all or at least a portion of the upper 22 covered with an outer fabric 6, and the entire or at least a portion of the inner part of the top 22 is covered with an inner lining 7.

[0053] In some embodiments, the outer fabric 6 and the inner lining 7 may be joined together at a neck seam 29, which may extend around the periphery of the neck 27. In some embodiments, the neck seam 29 may optionally include an outer piping tape 35, which can be folded lengthwise and sewn to the outer fabric 6 and/or the inner lining 7 in a manner that forms a channel 40 within the piping tape 35. surrounding the neck 27. Figure 2 shows a portion of the edging tape 35 of the seam 29 of the neck, partially cut off in the vicinity of the heel 26 to open the lace 37. The lace 37 may have free ends 44 and 46 protruding from the channel 40 to allow the lace 37 to tighten and tie. or otherwise secured to each other for use. The free ends 44 and 46 of the lace 37 can be hand-tightened and tied together to tighten the neck of a pointe shoe on the leg 41 of a ballet dancer.

[0054] The outer fabric 6 and the inner lining 7 may be made from any one or more suitable natural and/or synthetic materials. The outer fabric 6 and the inner lining 7 may each have one or more layers. In some embodiments, the outer fabric 6 may be a silk satin and/or synthetic satin fabric, or a fabric having a satin outer surface. In some embodiments, the outer fabric 6 may be comprised of one or more layers of fabric, such as canvas or twill, or may include one or more layers of fabric, such as canvas or twill. The inner lining 7 in some embodiments, the implementation may consist of, or include, one or more layers of woven or non-woven material and/or natural or synthetic leather or suede.

[0055] The insole 32 may be made from one or more layers of any suitable material or materials. In some embodiments, the insole 34 may include or optionally be made entirely of more layers 11 of leather, suede, foam, fabric, or any one or more other suitable natural and/or synthetic materials or combinations of materials. The insole 32 may optionally include or be made entirely of one or more layers 10 of resilient foam and/or other cushioning material to provide increased comfort and cushion the ballet dancer's foot 41 against impact forces. In some embodiments, layer 11 may be the top layer of insole 32 and may be composed of or lined with natural or artificial leather or suede. The top layer 11 of some embodiments may be made from the same type of material as the inner liner 7, or from a material that substantially visually matches or complements the color and/or surface finish of the inner liner 7. In some embodiments, layer 10 of resilient foam and/or other cushioning materials may lie under the layer 10, and the layers 10 and 11 of the insole 32 may optionally be connected to each other.

[0056] The sole 34 may be made from one or more layers of any suitable material or materials. In some embodiments, sole 34 is made from one or more layers of natural or synthetic leather or suede. The sole 34 may be bonded to the upper 22 by adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, thermal fusion, ultrasonic welding, stitching, or any other method suitable for the materials used. The sole 34 in some embodiments may optionally have a sole of the type commonly referred to in the art as a "split sole" that has a forefoot portion and a heel portion that are not directly connected to each other.

[0057] As further shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, the upper 22 of the pointe shoe 20 may include a monolithic foot support structure 50. The monolithic foot support structure 50 includes a toe 53 having a base 57 and an arch support liner 58 that extends longitudinally 62b rearward from the base 57 of the toe 53. The toe 53 may also include a peripheral wall 56. The peripheral wall 56 may abut to the base 57, and the peripheral wall 56 and the base 57 may define a cavity 55 within which at least a portion of the forefoot 41 of a ballet dancer may be placed during use of the pointe shoe 20. In some embodiments, through the peripheral wall 56 of the toe 53 may optionally completely pass through one or more ventilation holes (not shown) to provide improved ventilation of body heat and moisture and faster evaporation of sweat. In some embodiments, the monolithic foot support structure 50 for the pointe shoe 20 may further include a pair of crotches 64 that may extend from each side of the toe 53 to an adjacent side of the arch support body 58. In some embodiments, optional crotches 64 may abut peripheral wall 56 of toe 53. Peripheral wall 56 of toe 53 may also include a suitable structurally supporting front wall 51 having an outer surface 52. In some embodiments, outer surface 52 may be substantially flat. , and the front wall 51 may be positioned behind the platform 39 to mechanically support the platform 39, as is the case in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A. Alternatively, front wall 51, in some embodiments, may itself form all or part of platform 39. In some embodiments, part or all of the top surface of the arch support body 85 may follow curve 182 as shown in FIG. In some embodiments, curve 182 may have a radius ranging from about seven inches (7 in.) to about fourteen inches (14 in.).

[0058] As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 4A, the monolithic foot support structure 50 in some embodiments may comprise one or more inner and/or outer cushioning layers 48 of foam, felt, or other cushioning material. In some embodiments, the cushion layer 48 may cover all or at least a substantial portion of the outer surface 52 of the front wall 51 of the toe 53 at a location located longitudinally between the portion of the outer fabric that covers the platform 39. In addition to damping impact forces during use pointe shoe 20, the shock absorber layer 48 at the location just described also functions as soundproofing, which helps to soften the sound of the platform 39 hitting the floor of a stage or dance studio. Instead of or in addition to the cushioning layer 48 just mentioned, some embodiments may include a second cushioning layer 48a at one or more locations between the inside wall 56 of the toe 53 of the cavity 55 and the toes and/or other portions of the ballet dancer's foot 41 to enhance comfort and shock absorption. In some embodiments, a third cushioning layer 48c may be located between the inner lining 7 and the inner side of the front wall 51 of the toe 53. In some embodiments, such cushioning layer 48c may be a continuation of the cushioning layer 48a and/or a continuation of the cushioning layer 1O of the insole 32. In embodiments, the cushion layers 48a, 48b, 48c and/or 10 may be located between the inner lining 7 and a significant portion of the inner cavity 55 of the toe 53 or the entire inner cavity 55 of the toe 53.

[0059] As used herein to describe a structure such as a monolithic foot support structure 50, the term "monolithic" refers to a structure made in one piece. As the term is used in this document, a "monolithic" structure may be homogeneous, but need not be homogeneous. A "monolithic" structure can be made from one material or more than one material. A structure that is formed by casting, injection molding, or other molding is "monolithic" even if it includes one or more integrally molded or molded parts that were separated prior to incorporation into the molded or cast structure. A "monolithic" structure may include, but need not include, one or more fillers, additives and/or reinforcing fillers or other materials.

[0060] In some embodiments, all or at least a portion of the monolithic foot support structure 50 may be made of a thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic material may be a thermoplastic elastomer such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend. Such a monolithic foot support structure 50 may be formed, for example, by injection molding the arch support body 58 and the toe including its peripheral wall 56, the base 57 and, if any, the crotch 64, as a single molded element. A non-limiting example of one of many suitable thermoplastic materials is thermoplastic polyurethane, which is commercially available under the product name Prismathane® HPU 780A, from Prisma Montelur Compostos Termoplastos Campo Bom, Brazil. In some embodiments, the lower portion of the arch support body 58 and/or toe 53 may optionally include one or more holes 70. The holes 70 may be through holes and/or blind holes and may serve to reduce the amount of material required to make a monolithic support. foot structure 50, reducing its weight and/or making it easier to manufacture using an injection molding process.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, the monolithic foot support structure 50 may include a longitudinal channel 61 within which an optional arch support insert 60 can be removed and replaced. In some embodiments, the implementation of the channel 61 extends in the longitudinal direction through at least a portion of the main part 58 of the arch support. In particular preferred embodiments, channel 61 extends longitudinally through the entire arch support body 58, or at least a portion of the arch support body 58 and into at least a portion of the base 57 of the toe 53, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4A and 4B. where the arch support liner 60 is shown installed in the channel 61. When the arch support liner 60 is in the installed position, at least the front portion 69 of the arch support liner 60 is removable and replaceable in the channel 60. In some embodiments and/or methods of use, the installed liner The arch support 60 longitudinally spans all or substantially all of the channel 60, including, without limitation, any portion of the channel 61 that extends to the base 57 of the toe 53. In some other embodiments and/or other uses, the arch support liner 60 may span only a portion of the longitudinal span. channel 61. It should be understood that even when installed, the arch support insert 60 is not itself part of the monolithic foot support structure 50. Pointe shoe 20 can be used with or without support insert 60 installed in it.

[0062] In preferred embodiments, the channel 61 has an opening 65 located on the main portion 58 of the arch support, and the opening 65 of the channel 61 is operably accessible through the foot compartment 5 to allow insertion and removal of the arch support insert 60 through the foot compartment 5 without the use of tools and /or even partial deconstruction of pointe 20.

[0063] The arch support liner 60 is removed in some embodiments from the pointe 20 by removing the arch support liner 60 from the channel 61 through the hole 65. In preferred embodiments, the arch support liner 60 can be removed longitudinally 62b rearward from the hole 65 of the channel 61. Arch support liner 60 can be installed or replaced with either the same arch support insert 60 or a different arch support insert by inserting the arch support insert 60 into channel 61 through opening 65. In preferred embodiments, arch support insert 60 can be installed or replaced by inserting it into the channel at longitudinal direction 62a forward from the opening 65 of the channel 61.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6, 8 and 9, an embodiment of a pointe shoe 20 is shown in which the arch support body 58 of the monolithic foot support structure 50 includes a channel 61 having an opening 65 that is accessible through the compartment 5 for foot support. feet. In some such embodiments, the implementation of the opening 65 of the channel 61 is located inside the inner lining 7, as can be seen, for example, in figv. In some embodiments, the arch support body 58 may include a protrusion 115 that extends longitudinally from the opening 65 of the channel 61, and the opening 65 of the channel 61 may be hidden at least partially by the protrusion 115 or under the protrusion 115. In such embodiments, functional access to opening 65 of channel 61 may be obtained by manually folding or rotating lug 115 upward and longitudinally forward to expose opening 65 of channel 61. In some such embodiments, lug 115 and any non-removable overlying insole 32, if such insole 32 available, are preferably flexible enough to allow such bending or rotation to be easily accomplished and/or can be articulated for this purpose. For example, in Fig.7 shows the hinge 54, available in the main part 58 of the arch support. Preferably, but not necessarily, the hinge 54 may be located at a longitudinal location that is adjacent to the longitudinal location of the opening 65 of the channel 61 or be longitudinally rearward from the opening 65 of the channel 61. In some embodiments, the implementation of the hinge 54 is a movable hinge.

[0065] In embodiments having an insole 32, the opening 65 of the channel 61 may be hidden under the insole 32 in an open manner. In some embodiments, including the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, at least a portion of the protrusion 115 of the arch support body 58 is located under the insole 32, and the opening 65 of the channel 61 is hidden with the possibility of disclosure by both the insole and the protrusion 115 of the main part 58 supinators. In some such embodiments, where the insole 32 is a removable insole that can be manually removed even without partial deconstruction of the pointe 20, the insole 32 can either be removed from the footwell 5 or at least raised enough to open and access the hole. 65 of the channel 61. In embodiments in which the insole 32 is present, but is not a removable insole, the insole 32 may be glued, sewn, or otherwise fixed, either permanently fixed, or permanently or detachable, on the ledge 115 of the arch support body 58 . However, at least the portion of insole 32 that extends longitudinally rearward from opening 65 is preferably not glued, sewn, or otherwise permanently attached to any structure that would prevent manual access to channel opening 65. In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of insole 32 and protrusion 115, if protrusion 115 is present, may be bent or rotated in the manner described above to open and access opening 65 of channel 61. In some embodiments, insole 32 may be hinged. connected in the same or similar manner as described above to facilitate such folding and/or turning. In some such embodiments, projection 115 may include a hinge (not shown) similar to hinge 54.

[0066] It should be understood that in the non-limiting example of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the arch support liner 60 shown installed in channel 61 is longer than channel 61, and the arch support liner 60 includes a rear portion 68 that extends longitudinally rearward from opening 65 channel 61.

[0067] The arch support liner 60 can be installed in the pointe 20 by inserting at least the front portion 69 of the arch support liner 60 into the channel 61 through the neck 27 of the top 22 and the hole 65 of the channel 61. The arch support liner 60 can be removed from the pointe 20 by removing it from channel 61 through opening 65 of channel 61 and neck 27 of top 22. In preferred embodiments, arch support insert 60 can be removed longitudinally 62b rearward from opening 65 of channel 61. Support insert 60 can be installed or replaced with either the same arch support insert 60 , or another arch support insert by inserting the arch support insert 60 into the channel 61 through the hole 65. In preferred embodiments, the arch support insert 60 can be installed or replaced by inserting it into the channel 60 in the longitudinal direction 62a forward from the hole 65 of the channel 61.

[0068] As further shown in FIGS. 10-15, some embodiments of the pointe shoe 20 may have a removable and replaceable arch support insert 60 selected from a set of arch support inserts 60 77, wherein one or more arch support inserts 60 in the set 77 have one or more mechanical elastic characteristics that differ from those of the instep liners of at least one of the other instep liners 60 in set 77. Of the instep liners 60 in set 77, one such as a distributor, salesperson, pointe fitter and/or ballerina may choose a particular arch support insert 60 whose length and elastic characteristics can best suit the needs of a particular use and/or preference of a particular ballet dancer. In some embodiments, one or more arch support inserts 60 from a given set 77 may have a higher flexural rigidity than one or more other arch support inserts 60 from the same set 77 and/or may have a lower flexural rigidity than others from of the same set 77. As used herein, the term "flexural stiffness" refers to the resistance provided by the arch support liner 60 when it is subjected to bending under an external load applied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 59 of the arch support liner 60.

[0069] In some embodiments, one or more arch support inserts 60 from a set 77 may have a flexural stiffness profile that is different from the flexural stiffness profile of one or more other arch support inserts 60 from the same set 77. As used herein, the term "flexural stiffness profile" refers to the bending stiffness as a function of the position along the length L of the instep liner 60 in the longitudinal direction 62.

[0070] In some embodiments, the set 77 of arch support inserts 60 may include two or more arch support inserts 60 whose flexural stiffness profiles are different from each other. In some embodiments, set 77 may include one or more arch support inserts 60 having a flexural stiffness profile that is substantially flat, that is, a profile in which the flexural stiffness is substantially constant along its longitudinal length L. B In some embodiments, set 77 includes at least two or more arch support inserts 60 whose respective flexural stiffnesses, while both are substantially constant, differ from each other in absolute value.

[0071] In some embodiments, the set 77 may include two or more arch support inserts 60 whose respective flexural stiffness profiles have the same maximum absolute flexural stiffness values. However, it is preferred that the set 77 alternatively or additionally include at least two, and most preferably more than two, arch support inserts 60 whose respective longitudinal bending stiffnesses have respective maximum values that differ from each other in absolute value. In particular embodiments, set 77 may include two or more arch support inserts 60 having corresponding flexural stiffness profiles in which the minimum absolute flexural stiffness value for these arch support inserts 60 is the same value, but it is preferred that set 77 alternatively or additionally, included at least two, and most preferably more than two, arch support inserts 60 whose respective minimum flexural stiffnesses differ from each other in absolute value. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the arch support inserts 60 of set 77 may have a flexural stiffness that varies with longitudinal position. For example, the flexural rigidity of a given arch support insert 60 at certain points or regions along its length in the longitudinal direction 62 may be greater or less than at other longitudinal points or regions.

[0072] As non-limiting hypothetical examples, FIG. 11 shows flexural stiffness profiles 81, 83, and 85 for each of the three instep inserts 60a, 60b, and 60c of set 77 shown in FIGS. 10, 12, 13, and 14, respectively. . Each of the inserts 60a, 60b and 60c of the instep in the example set 77 has an overall length L in the longitudinal direction 62. In the drawings, the positions in the longitudinal direction 62 are indicated for ease of illustration in relative terms as overlapping a range extending from zero percent (0%) up to one hundred percent (100%) of the total length L of the arch support insert 60. Similarly, the bending stiffness is also indicated for ease of illustration in FIG. 11 in relative terms, covering a range from zero percent (0%) to one hundred percent (100%) of the maximum absolute value present at any longitudinal position along the length L. insert 60 instep support. Specific embodiments may include a set of arch support inserts 77 that includes at least one, or preferably more than one arch support insert 66, whose maximum and minimum flexural stiffnesses are different from the maximum and minimum flexural stiffnesses of one or more other arch support inserts 60 from the same set of 77.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 10, 12, 13, and 14, the arch support inserts 60a, 60b, and 60c of the arch support insert set 77 for the pointe shoe 20 may include at least a first portion 88 and a second portion 91 that are mechanically positioned. in series with each other in the longitudinal direction 62. Preferably, the bending stiffness of the first part 88 is significantly greater than the bending stiffness of the second part 91. In some embodiments, the bending stiffness of the first part 88 may be at least five percent (5%) greater and , most preferably at least twenty-five percent (25%) more than the bending stiffness of the second part 91. In particular preferred embodiments, the bending stiffness of the second part 91 can be twenty-five to eighty-five percent (25-85%) less the flexural stiffness of the first part 88. In the non-limiting examples shown in FIGS. 10, 12, 13, and 14, the flexural stiffness of each second part 91 is about eighty percent (80%) less than the flexural stiffness of the first part 88. Thus, the first portion 88 of each instep liner 60a, 60b, 60c extends in the longitudinal direction 62 through a first longitudinal region 89 which is more resistant to bending than the second longitudinal region 92 through which its second portion 91 passes.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as embodiments having arch support inserts 60a, 60b, 60c as shown in FIGS. 88, the length and/or position in the longitudinal direction 62 of which differs from the longitudinal length and/or longitudinal position of the first part 88 of one or more other arch support liners 60 from this set 77. For example, the arch support insert 60b shown in Fig. 13 has a first part 88, the longitudinal length of which 89 is greater than the longitudinal length 89 of the first part 88 of the instep insert 60a shown in Fig.12, but less than the longitudinal length 89 of the first part 88 of the instep insert 60c in Fig.14. Although the three arch support inserts have been described as making up set 77 for illustration purposes only, it should be understood that set 77 of arch support inserts 60 may comprise any arbitrary number of arch support inserts 60 greater than or equal to two.

[0075] In some embodiments, one or more arch support liners 60 of set 77 may have a second portion 91 whose length 92 and/or longitudinal position 62 is different from the longitudinal length 92 and/or longitudinal position of the second portion 91 of one or more others. of the arch support liners 60 of this set 77. For example, the arch support insert 60b shown in FIG. 12 but longer than the longitudinal length 92 of the second portion 88 of the arch support insert 60c shown in FIG.

[0076] As shown as non-limiting examples in FIGS. 10 and 14, one or more arch support inserts 60 of set 77 may, in some embodiments, also include an intermediate portion 93 located longitudinally between first portion 88 and second portion 91 In some embodiments, intermediate portion 93 may have a flexural stiffness profile that varies with longitudinal position in some manner that provides a substantially smooth and continuous transition from the flexural stiffness profile of the first portion 88 to the flexural stiffness profile of the second portion 92. In some embodiments, the transition of the flexural stiffness profile is unchanged. In some embodiments, the flexural stiffness profile of the intermediate portion 93 may be substantially linear. In some embodiments, the flexural stiffness profile of the intermediate portion 93 of one or more of the arch support inserts 60 of the set 77 may include a substantially inverted sigmoidal shaped transition portion, such as that included in the intermediate portions of each of the stiffness profiles 81, 83, and 85 when bending, shown in Fig.11.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first portion 88 of the arch support liner 60 may be made of a first material, while the second portion 91 may be made of a second material with a stiffer coefficient greater than that of the first material. For example, the arch support liner 60 may be formed by an injection molding process in which the first portion 88 may be a thermoset material such as a phenolic or thermoset resin, or a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or another material. , which may be co-injected or co-molded with a second material that has a lower bending stiffness to form a second portion 90. In some embodiments, the second segment 90 may be made from a second material such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Alternatively, the first part 88 may be made of a composite material, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic material, which is mixed with one or more reinforcing materials, such as glass fiber, Kevlar®, carbon fiber, plant fiber, or other reinforcing filler in an amount sufficient to provide the first portion 88 of the arch support 60 with a desired greater degree of rigidity than its second portion 91. However, it is not a requirement that any arch support 60 be made from more than one material, it is not a requirement that the arch support 60 be divided into parts in any way or must not be the same in any way along the entire length or any part of its length.

[0078] Intermediate portion 93 in some embodiments may optionally be formed partly from the material from which the first part 88 is formed and partly from the material from which the second part 91 is formed. For example, the intermediate parts 93 in the arch support inserts 60c shown in FIG. .10 and 14, respectively, may optionally be formed from two or more layers 97, 98. Layer 97 may protrude from the first part 88 and may be formed from the same material as the first part 88. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the implementation the first portion 88 and the layer 97 of the intermediate portion 94 may be formed as a monolithic foot support structure. Layer 99 may extend longitudinally from second portion 91 and may be formed from the same material as second portion 91. Optionally, but preferably, second portion 91 and layer 99 of intermediate portion 93 may be formed by an injection molding process. In some embodiments, the first part 88, the layers 97 and 99 of the intermediate part 93, and the second part 91 may all be formed together as a single injection molded element. For example, such an element may be formed by co-injecting or co-molding a first material to form the first portion 88 and layer 97 of the intermediate portion 93 and a second material to form the second portion 91 and the layer 99 of the intermediate portion 93. In some embodiments, one or more inserts 60 The instep support may optionally be an instep insert 60d of the type to be described with reference to FIG. 15-22.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the arch support insert 60d may optionally include a reinforcing member 120. In some embodiments, the reinforcing member 120 may include a substrate 122 that may support one or more reinforcing ribs 124. The first reinforcing the rib 124a may be supported by one surface of the substrate 122 and the second reinforcing rib 124b may optionally be supported by a mutually opposite second surface of the substrate 122. Each reinforcing rib 124 may have a length in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction 62. For example, in Fig.15, 16 and 17 shows the first a set 127a of reinforcing members 120 that includes a plurality of reinforcing members 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, and 120f, each including a pair of reinforcing ribs 124a, 124b that have a corresponding length, which may be different from a reinforcing rib of one or more than other reinforcing elements 120 from the same set 127a. For example, in set 127a, reinforcement 120a is the shortest length, and each of the remaining reinforcements 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, and 120f is successively longer.

[0080] In some embodiments, the substrate 122 of a given reinforcement 120 may have a flexural stiffness that is substantially less than the total combined flexural stiffness of one or more reinforcing ribs 124 present on the same given reinforcement 120. The total aggregate the flexural stiffness of one or more reinforcing ribs 124 present on a reinforcement member 120 may be substantially greater than the flexural stiffness of a substrate 122 present in the same reinforcement member 120. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 120 may be formed from two or more different materials. using a process such as injection molding, casting, extrusion molding, and machining such that the longitudinal portion representing one or more reinforcing ribs 124 has a shape and/or cross-sectional area that provides the portion with substantially greater rigidity than the rest of the reinforcement 120. The reinforcing ribs 124 may be made from any suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs 124 may be made of filled or unfilled nylon® or other polyamide material, filled or unfilled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), filled or unfilled thermoset material such as phenolic or other thermoset resin. In some embodiments, one or more reinforcing ribs 124 may be made of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or another material. Alternatively, the first portion 88 may be made of a composite material, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic material, which may be blended with one or more reinforcing materials such as glass, fiberglass, Kevlar®, carbon fiber, plant fiber, or other reinforcing material in a amount sufficient to provide the desired degree of rigidity. In some embodiments, substrate 122 may be made from a thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the implementation of the thermoplastic material may contain or consist of a thermoplastic elastomer. In some such embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer may be a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a blend of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0081] In some embodiments, the arch support liner 60d may include a reinforcing member 120 having a backing 122. As a non-limiting example, the reinforcing member 120 may be formed by a process such as injection molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, and machining such such that the longitudinal portion of the reinforcement 120 that defines one or more reinforcing ribs 124 has a shape and/or cross-sectional area that provides that portion with substantially greater bending stiffness than the remainder of the same reinforcement 120.

[0082] FIG. 18 shows a second set 127b of reinforcing members 120 that includes a plurality of reinforcing members 120a', 120b', 120c', 120d', 120e', and 120f', each of which may include a reinforcing rib 124 that has a corresponding length, which may be different from the length of one or more other reinforcing elements 120 from the same set 127b. For example, in set 127b, reinforcement 120a' is the shortest length, and each of the remaining reinforcements 120b', 120c', 120d', 120e', and 120f' are successively longer. In the second set 127b, the reinforcing rib 124 of the reinforcing members 120a', 120b', 120c', 120d', 120e' and 120f' is formed by a portion of those reinforcing members which is made of the same material but thicker, and thus , more resistant to bending than the rest of the sections of these reinforcing elements. To eliminate or reduce stress concentrations, one or both ends of one or more reinforcing ribs 124 of reinforcing members 120 may optionally terminate in a conical or annular transition region 129. which is wholly or partly incorporated into the body of the arch support insert 60d.

[0083] Although in some embodiments, the arch support insert 60 may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional size and shape along its entire length L, this is not essential. It should be understood that the flexural stiffness profile of the arch support liner 60 is not determined solely by the material or materials from which it is made, but also depends on shape and dimensional factors. Thus, a desired flexural stiffness profile can be achieved, at least in part, by reshaping the arch support liner 60 at one or more longitudinal positions or regions along its length L.

[0084] In particular embodiments, the support features and/or fit of the pointe shoe 20 may be set or adjusted by reshaping one or more arch support inserts 60 from a previous shape to a reshaped shape, and/or by reshaping the toe 53 of the monolithic foot support structure 50 from the previous form to the modified form. By changing the shape of the wall 56, the effective size and shape of the inner cavity 55 can be effectively changed. The reshaping of the toe 53 of the monolithic foot support 50 can be performed while the monolithic foot support 50 remains in the shoe 20, and that even partial deconstruction of the shoe 20 is not required to change the shape of the toe 53.

[0085] In some embodiments, the implementation of the pointe 20 may include an instep liner 60, which has a modified form, different from the previous form of the same instep liner 60. In some embodiments, pointe 20 may include a removable and replaceable arch support 60 that has been heated and reshaped at any time after the arch support 60 was originally manufactured. In some embodiments, changing the shape of one or more arch support inserts 60 from a previous shape to a modified shape can be achieved by performing a method that includes the steps of (a) forming at least a portion of an arch support insert of a thermoplastic material, (b) softening the arch liner by applying heat, (c) applying a first bending moment to the arch liner 60 to change the arch liner 60 into a modified shape that differs from its previous shape, and (d) lowering the temperature of all or at least a portion of the arch liner 60 to temperature well below the softening temperature, to provide the property of non-permanent retention of the changed shape, i.e., retention even after the removal of the applied bending moment, until the thermoplastic material is successively heated to or above the softening temperature and changed by applying a second bending moment into the next modified form. On figa shows the insert 60 of the arch support of the previous form. FIG. 2IB shows the same arch support liner 60 in a modified form that differs from the previous form after the shape change has been effected. The modified shape of the arch support insert 60 differs from its previous shape.

[0086] The first bending moment may be a deflection bending moment, as shown in FIG. 21A, or a negative bending moment, as shown in FIG. 21C. The softening point may be a temperature or temperature range that is below the melting point of the thermoplastic. In some embodiments, step (b) above may be performed by heating all or at least a portion of the arch support liner 60 to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, the softening temperature being a temperature, or range of temperatures, that is below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, step (c) mentioned above may be performed by manually applying the first bending moment. In some embodiments, step (c) above can be performed by applying a first bending moment by forcing the arch support insert 60 into contact with a mold surface, the mold surface having a shape that defines the reshaped arch support insert 60. In some embodiments, the modified shape of the arch support liner 60 may be arcuate. In some embodiments, the modified shape of the arch support liner 60 may be curved. In some embodiments, the implementation of the subsequent modified form of the insert 60 of the arch support may have a second arcuate shape. In some embodiments, the subsequent modified shape of the arch support liner 60 may have a second curved shape.

[0087] Heat to soften the arch support liner 60 may be generated or applied to the arch support liner 60 by any suitable method, such as, for example, forced hot air heating using a hair dryer or industrial hair dryer, heating in a conventional oven, convection oven, microwave - heating, IR heating or immersion in hot water or other hot liquid. And the bending moment to reshape the arch support liner 60 may be applied in any suitable manner, either manually or otherwise. In some embodiments, a bending moment may be applied to the arch support insert 60 manually or by a mechanical device.

[0088] In some embodiments, the methods just described may optionally include the step of changing the shape of the arch support liner 60 to a subsequent changed shape after performing steps (a)-(d) just described. Such an optional step may, in some embodiments, include the sub-steps of (i) thermally plasticizing the arch support liner 60 by reheating all or at least a portion of the arch support liner 60 to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, (ii) applying a second bending moment to the support 60 instep to change the shape of the instep liner 60 into a subsequent reshaped shape, wherein the second bending moment is either a deflection bending moment or a negative bending moment, and (iii) lowering the temperature of all or at least a portion of the instep liner 60 to a temperature sufficiently below the softening point , to ensure semi-permanent retention of the arch support liner of the subsequent modified shape. The temperature lowering can be active and/or passive. In some embodiments, the optional step of reshaping the arch support 60 into a subsequent reshape may be repeated as many times or more arbitrary number of times as the needs or preferences of the dancer are determined by repeating sub-steps (i)-(iii) just described in this paragraph. In some embodiments, the optional step of reshaping the arch liner 60 into a subsequent reshape may be accomplished by applying a second bending moment by forcing the arch liner 60 into contact with a second mold surface, the second mold surface having a shape that defines the subsequent reshape. insert 60 instep support. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials from which all or at least a portion of the arch support 60 can be formed to facilitate selective heating and reshaping of the arch support 60 include, but are not limited to, polypropylene or a thermoplastic elastomer such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend.

[0089] On figa shows the first bending moment applied to the liner 60 of the arch support, which was heated to the softening temperature. In FIG. 21A, the first bending moment, as a non-limiting example, is the bending moment indicated by arrows S1, S2, and S3, but it should be understood that in some embodiments, a negative bending moment may be applied as an alternative first bending moment. FIG. 21B shows the arch support liner 60 of FIG. 21A in a modified form that remains semi-permanent after the temperature of the arch support 60 drops sufficiently below the softening temperature, even if the first bending moment is no longer applied.

[0090] FIG. 21C shows a second bending moment applied to the arch support liner 60 of FIG. 2lB after it has been reheated to softening temperature. In FIG. 21C, the second bending moment, as a non-limiting example, is the negative bending moment indicated by arrows H1, H2, and H3, but it should be understood that in some embodiments, a bending moment could be applied as an alternative first bending moment if it would be necessary to change the shape of the arch support liner 60 in FIG. 21C to a curved or arcuate shape sharper than the curved shape shown in FIG. 21C. FIG. 21D shows the arch support liner 60 of FIG. 21C in a subsequent modified form that remains semi-permanent after the temperature of the arch support liner 60 is sufficiently below the softening temperature, even if a bending moment is no longer applied. Although the subsequent modified shape shown in FIG. 21D happens to be a bent, kinked shape as a non-limiting example, it should be understood that if the second bending moment applied to the arch support liner 60 in FIG. 21C should be a bending moment instead of a negative bending moment, the arch support liner 60 would take a subsequent modified shape, different from that shown in Fig.21D.

[0091] By using an arch support insert 60 whose flexural stiffness profile may best suit the needs of different applications and/or the individual physical characteristics (e.g., third aspect, strength, etc.) of a particular ballet dancer and/or the individual preference of that dancer ballet, is selected from a set 77, which may include at least two instep inserts 60, the respective bending stiffness profiles of which differ from each other with respect to one or more parameters. Such parameters may include the size and/or shape and/or the longitudinal position at which the size and/or rate of resizing changes. The insert 60 of the arch support 60, selected from the set 77, is then inserted into the channel 61 in the main body 58 of the arch support. To replace one arch support insert 60 with another from set 77, the selected arch support insert 60 is inserted into channel 61 through hole 65 after removing any arch support insert 60 previously located in channel 61 from channel 61 through hole 65.

[0092] In one example of an alternative use, the pointe shoe 20 can be worn and used for ballet dancing or ballet training, either without an arch support insert 60 at all, or with an arch support insert 60 installed that is highly flexible throughout its working length. In such an alternative mode of use, a pointe shoe 20 may be used in place of what is commonly referred to in the art as a "semi pointe shoe". Thus, as used in the description and in the claims, the term "pointe" should not be construed as excluding semi-pointe.

[0093] In particular embodiments, the toe 53 or at least a portion of the peripheral wall 56 of the toe 53 may be formed from one or more thermoplastic materials of a type capable of being selectively heated and reshaped at any time after the initial manufacture of the pointe shoe 20 in which the monolithic support structure 50 for the foot. This can be achieved by performing the steps of (a) heating all or at least a portion of wall 56 to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, where the softening temperature is a temperature or temperature range that is below the melting temperature of the thermoplastic material, (b) applying an external force F to the softened material to change the shape of at least a portion of the internal cavity 55 of the toe 53 into a changed shape that differs from its previous shape, and (c) lowering the temperature of the thermoplastic material to a temperature that is well below the softening temperature to ensure semi-permanent retention of the changed shape, i.e., persist even after removal of the applied force F. The temperature lowering can be carried out actively and/or passively. One example of a suitable thermoplastic material from which all, or at least a portion of wall 56 of nose 53 can be formed to facilitate selective heating and reshaping of nose 53, is a thermoplastic elastomer such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0094] In some embodiments, the method for reshaping the sock 53 may optionally include the step of reshaping the sock 53 into a subsequent reshape after performing steps (a)-(c) described in the paragraph immediately above. Such an optional step may, in some embodiments, include the sub-steps of (i) reheating all or at least a portion of wall 56 to the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material, (ii) applying an external force F to the softened thermoplastic material to change the shape of at least portion of the interior cavity 55 of the toe 53 into the subsequent reshape; and (iii) lowering the temperature of the thermoplastic material to a temperature sufficiently below the softening temperature to allow the subsequent reshape to be maintained semi-permanently. The optional step of reshaping the sock 53 into a subsequent reshape may optionally be repeated one or more times, taking into account the needs and/or preferences of the ballet dancer by repeating sub-steps (i)-(iii) just described.

[0095] It should be understood that the entire wall 56 of toe 53 may be formed entirely of thermoplastic material in some embodiments. In other embodiments, only one or more portions of wall 56 where reshaping of toe 53 is desired may be made of thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, one or more regions of wall 56 may be formed from another suitable thermoplastic material to the exclusion of other regions of wall 56. In some embodiments, one or more regions of wall 56 where reshaping may not be desired may be formed entirely or partially. from a material other than thermoplastic material.

[0096] In some embodiments, an external force to effect reshaping of the sock 53 may be applied to the wall 56 of the sock 53 while it is in a thermally softened state at a given time when the foot 41 of a particular ballet dancer is in compartment 5 for the foot of a pointe shoe 20, which houses a monolithic foot support structure 50, so that the inner cavity 55 of the toe 53 can be changed into a modified shape that more closely matches the size and/or shape of the foot 41 of a particular ballet dancer and/or better suits the preferences of a particular ballet dancer. ballet dancer. The reshaping force F may be applied to the toe 53 in any suitable manner, either manually or otherwise. In some embodiments, an external force may be applied manually, such as by pressing or compressing at least a portion of the wall 56 of the toe 53. In some embodiments, an external force to effect reshaping of the interior cavity 55 may be applied to the wall 56 of the toe 53 , while it is in a softened state, at any point in time when a shaped punch of a given size and shape is in the shoe 20, in which the monolithic foot support structure 50 is placed, so that the inner cavity 55 of the toe can be changed into a changed shape , which more closely matches the size and/or shape of the shaped die. If desired, the shaped stamp may be inserted into the sock 53 manually and/or by mechanical means or using mechanical means. In some embodiments, the shaped die may be comprised of a shoe last or a front portion of a shoe last.

[0097] The heat to soften the thermoplastic material of the sock 53 may be generated and applied in any suitable manner, such as forced hot air heating using a hair dryer or industrial hair dryer, heating in a conventional oven, convection oven, microwave heating, IR heating. radiation or immersion in hot water or other hot liquid.

[0098] The reshaping of the inner cavity 55 of the toe 53 herein may be performed at any time or place after the original manufacture, such as at the point of sale or even at the point of use of the monolithic foot support structure 50 and/or the pointe shoe 20. Reshaping the inner cavity 55 of toe 53 not only provides a better fit and more comfortable pointe shoe 20, but also makes it possible to provide the correct fit of pointe shoe 20 for different dancers without having to manufacture, ship and/or inventory as many different sizes and/or shapes of pointe shoe 20 as would be required. otherwise. In addition, reshaping of the inner cavity 55 can be done at any time or place after initial manufacture, such as at the point of sale or even at the point of use for adjustment to tailor the pointe 20 to suit the needs or preferences of a particular dancer.

[0099] In addition, the reshaping of the wall 56 of the inner cavity 55 of the toe 53 as described herein may be repeated as many times as may be desired during the lifetime of the monolithic foot support structure 50 and/or pointe shoe 20 to meet needs or preferences. particular dancer at any given time. Such needs and preferences may change from time to time for a variety of reasons. For example, a young dancer's pointe shoe 20 may be reshaped one or more times to accommodate changes in foot size and/or shape due to the dancer's height. The reshaping of the inner cavity 55 of the sock 53 can also take into account temporary or permanent changes in the size and/or shape of the dancer's foot 41 due to swelling or injury. For example, a dancer whose foot may become swollen or blistered or in which another painful area appears may want to reshape the interior cavity 55 of the sock 53 to reduce pressure on the affected area. Conversely, by reshaping the interior cavity 55 of the toe 53 to provide increased pressure or support for the foot 41 in one or more areas within the cavity 55, a particular injury or condition of the dancer's foot 41 may be beneficial. Once the damage or condition of the foot has been repaired, the monolithic foot support structure 50 and/or the pointe shoe 20 in which the monolithic foot support structure 50 is included can optionally be altered again to restore the internal cavity 55 of the toe 53 to its previous shape or change it into a new subsequent modified form, which may differ from any previous form.

[0100] Some embodiments of the pointe shoe 20 may include an optional 101 elastic loop. The elastic loop 101 may be formed partly or entirely of an elastic band 99, and which may at least partially surround or overlap the portion of the dancer's foot 41 during use. In some embodiments, the implementation of the elastic loop 101 may be formed from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the elastic loop 101 may be formed from two or more pieces of material that may be joined together to form all or part of the elastic loop 101. The elastic loop 101 may be removable and replaceable at the arch or midfoot region. pointe shoe 20 in such a way that, in use, the loop 101 can continuously exert an elastic force that continuously pushes the arch support body 58 and the insole 32, if any, against the sole of the dancer's foot 41. In some embodiments, the midsole may comprise or include an arch support body 58 and/or an arch support liner 60. In some embodiments, the elastic loop 101 may be positioned within the upper 22 such that, during use, the upper portion 103 of the loop 101 may also overlap the instep portion of the foot 41 such that, in use, the upper portion 103 of the elastic loop 101 continuously applies an elastic compressive force between the dancer's foot instep area and the main part 58 of the arch support. This constantly causes the arch support body 58 and the insole 32, if any, to be strongly pressed against the sole of the foot, even when the dancer may be in the air. In some embodiments, the lower portions 105a, 105b of the elastic loop 101 may be located at a position in the longitudinal direction 62, which is preferably within the range of longitudinal positions, passing along at least a portion of the longitudinal span of the arch of the foot 41 of the dancer. The elastic loop 101 may include side portions 106, each of which may extend between the upper portion 103 and a respective one of the lower portions 105 and 105.

[0101] In some embodiments and/or uses, the elastic loop 101 may be installed by releasably engaging a portion of the elastic loop 101 between two structures under the insole 32. An example is depicted in FIG. 4B. There, the lower portion 105a of the elastic loop 101 extends under the arch support body 58, in this example under the protrusion 115 of the arch support body 58, while the upper portion 103 of the elastic loop 101 extends over the instep of the foot 41. In FIG. has a rear section 68, which extends in the longitudinal direction backward from the opening 65 of the channel 60, which houses the front section 69 of the insert 60 of the arch support. The lower portion 105a of the elastic loop 101 is releasably gripped between the protrusion 115 and the rear portion 68 of the instep liner 60. In use, the weight applied by the dancer's foot and the elastic force applied to the elastic loop 101 clamps the elastic loop 101 in place without the need for the elastic loop 101 to be glued, stitched, welded, stapled, riveted or otherwise permanently secured to the pointe shoe 20 in a particular longitudinal position. Elastic loop 101 can at any time easily change the position in the longitudinal direction relative to the main part 58 of the instep by removing the pointe from the foot 41 and manually adjusting its longitudinal position relative to the main part 58 of the instep. The elastic loop 101 is not only repositioned in the longitudinal direction, but also removed and/or replaced with another elastic loop 101.

[0102] Fig. 25 schematically shows a non-limiting example of a loop 101 and/or an optional arch support insert 60 being inserted and/or removed from a pointe shoe 20. the arch support portions 58 may be raised or rotated upwards as indicated by arrow 105 sufficient to open and provide functional access to the opening 65 of the channel 61 through the foot compartment 5 and the neck 27 to allow insertion and/or removal of the arch support insert 60 and/or to allow insertion , removal and/or longitudinal repositioning of the elastic loop 101. Instead of or in addition to lifting or rotating the lug 115 and/or the insole 32 and/or the insole 32 and the lug 115, the top 22 of the pointe shoe 20 may be folded down at the heel 26 to open and obtain functional access to the opening 65 of the channel 61 through the compartments 5 for the foot and the neck 27. One example of such a bend is shown in Fig.25. However, in addition to such a curve, FIG. 25 also shows, for better understanding, the rear portion of the neck 27 and the foot compartment 5 of the upper 22 in an inverted position, i.e. "inside out". It should be understood that full or partial eversion is acceptable to open the opening 65 of the channel 61 or gain functional access to the opening 65 of the channel 61 through the footwell 5 and the neck 27, but a full or partial eversion is not required.

[0103] In some preferred embodiments, the implementation of the elastic loop 101 can be installed in any of a variety of different ways. For example, if the use of FIG. 4B is desired, then the elastic loop 101 can be inserted or removed through the temporary gap 109 between the arch support liner and the protrusion 115 of the arch support body 58, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 25.

[0104] In some alternative embodiments and/or uses, an elastic loop 101 may be installed as shown in FIG. Here, the lower portion 105a of the elastic loop 101 extends under the arch support body 58 as well as under the portion of the arch support insert 60 installed. In FIG. 23, the arch support liner 60 is mounted and has a rear portion 68 that extends longitudinally 22 rearward from the opening 65 of the channel 61. In the example shown, at least a portion of the protrusion 115 of the arch support body 58 also extends rearward from the opening 25, and the opening 56 and the protrusion 115 of the arch support body are located inside the inner lining 7. The lower section 105a and/or 105b of the elastic loop 101 extends under the rear section 68 of the arch support liner, as well as under the protrusion 115 of the arch support body 58, and the upper section 103 of the elastic loop 101 extends over the instep foot 41. The elastic loop 101 can at any time easily change the position in the longitudinal direction relative to the main part 58 of the arch support by removing the pointe from the foot 41 and manually adjusting its longitudinal position relative to the rear section 68 of the insert 60 of the arch support. The elastic loop 101 thus installed not only changes position in the longitudinal direction, but is also removed and/or replaced with another elastic loop 101.

[0105] FIGS. 24A and 24B show some embodiments and/or methods of using a pointe shoe 20 in which an arch support insert 60 is not installed in the channel 61. As shown in FIG. 23B, the bottom portion 105a of the elastic loop 101 extends under the arch support body 58. In this example, the lower section 105a of the elastic loop 101 passes under the protrusion 115 of the main part 58 of the arch support, while the upper section 103 of the elastic loop 101 passes over the instep of the foot 41. The elastic loop 101 can easily change position in the longitudinal direction relative to the main part 101 at any time. part 58 of the arch support by removing the pointe 20 from the foot 41 and manually adjusting its longitudinal position relative to the protrusion 115 of the main part 58 of the arch support. The elastic loop 101 thus installed not only changes position in the longitudinal direction, but is also removed and/or replaced with another elastic loop 101.

[0106] FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of a pointe shoe with an insole 32 and an arch support body 58, the protrusion 115 of which is temporarily manually detached from the insole 32 to an extent sufficient to form a temporary gap 109 therebetween of sufficient size to allow the elastic loop 101 to be able to longitudinally change position along the arch support body 58 and/or be removed from the pointe shoe 20 and/or replaced with another elastic loop 101. If desired, the replaceable elastic loop 101 may be a loop whose opening width and/or size and/or thickness may differ from the width and /or the size of the opening and/or the thickness of the elastic loop 101 that it replaces. Alternatively, or in addition to any such size differences, the replaceable elastic loop 101 may optionally be a loop with a different stiffness factor than the elastic loop 101 it replaces. The elastic loop 101 may be selected from a set 110 of two or more elastic loops 101, wherein at least one elastic loop 101 from the set 110 differs from at least one other elastic loop 101 from the set 110 with respect to one or more of the following: (i ) the undrawn width W, (ii) the undrawn inner circumference, (iii) the undrawn thickness T, and (iv) the stiffness factor.

[0107] It should be understood that the elastic loop 101 may, but need not, be made entirely of material that is elastically stretchable, i.e., the material elastically elongates when a tensile force is applied, but returns to substantially its original length upon removal. tensile force. In some embodiments, elastic loop 101 may include one or more portions that are not resiliently stretchable material, provided that elastic loop 101 includes at least one portion that is elastically stretchable. In some embodiments, the implementation of the elastic loop 101 may be wholly or partially made of a material that consists of natural or synthetic rubber or includes it. In some embodiments, the elastic loop 101 may be formed wholly or partly from a woven material in which fibers of one or more natural or synthetic materials such as cotton, nylon and/or rayon may be interwoven with rubber strips. Although, in some embodiments, the optional elastic loop 101 may have a material that contains or consists of natural and/or synthetic rubber material, or a material that includes natural and/or synthetic rubber, the term "elastic" is used herein in the sense of elastic stretching. and should not be construed as requiring or being limited to rubber material, either natural or synthetic.

[0108] As further shown in FIG. 22, the elastic loop 101 may be selected from a set 110 that includes two or more elastic loops l0la, l0lb, l0lc-101n, which may differ from each other in any one with respect to any one or more options to be described. For example, one or more elastic loops 101 from a set 110 may differ from one or more other elastic loops 101 from the same set 110 with respect to its undrawn inner periphery. As can be seen in FIG. 21, for example, elastic loop l0lb may have a smaller non-stretched inner circumference and thus a smaller non-stretched foot opening than elastic loops l0la and/or l0lc, while elastic loop 101n may have a loose an inner periphery, a large non-stretched inner periphery of the elastic loops l0la and/or l0lc. Set 110 may include at least one elastic loop 101 having an undrawn inner periphery that may be larger or smaller than the undrawn inner periphery of at least one other elastic loop 101 from the same set 110. In some embodiments, set 110 may include at least one elastic loop 101 having an undrawn width Wl that may be wider than or narrower than the undrawn width W2 of at least one other elastic loop l0lc from the same set 110. One or more elastic loops 101 from the set 110 may differ from one or more other elastic loops 101 from the same set 110 with respect to their undrawn thickness T (ie, the undrawn thickness of the material from which the loop 101 is formed). Thus, the ballerina can choose any of the two or more 101 elastic loops from the 110 set, which she may find most comfortable or most suitable for a particular purpose or personal preference.

[0109] According to some embodiments, set 110 may include at least one elastic loop 101 having a stiffness factor (k) that is greater than or less than the stiffness factor of at least one other elastic loop 101 from the same set 110. The term "stiffness factor" as used herein refers to a unit change in elastic force per unit change in length of the elastic loop 101 as it is stretched. Thus, for a given length that the elastic loop 101 can stretch during use, one or more elastic loops 101 from a set 110 can apply more or less elastic force to a dancer's foot than one or more other elastic loops 101 from the same set. 110, thus allowing the dancer to select from set 101 any elastic loop 101 from set 110 that can apply a predetermined amount of elastic force.

[0110] In some embodiments, the lower portions 105a, 105b and the side portions 106a, 106b of the elastic loop 101 may be mounted within the upper 22 directly on the inner surface of the sides 30a and 30b in such a way that when using the dancer's foot 41, the dancer's foot 41 is constantly subjected to compressive elastic force, not only in the instep, where such a compressive force can be applied to the foot 41 by the upper portion 103 of the loop 101, but also a compressive force on both sides of the foot 41, where such a compressive force can be applied to both sides of the foot 41 due to the side sections 106a, 106b of the elastic loop 1O1. In particular embodiments, the elastic loop 101 may be positioned such that at least its lower portions 105a, 105b are positioned to continuously apply a compressive elastic force to at least the arch portion of the dancer's foot 41 during use. In preferred embodiments, at least one of the lower portions 105a of the elastic loop 101 is positioned to at least partially lie under the arch of the foot 41 during use as an aid to applying such compressive pressure. Conventional arch support of the type having a protruding arcuate support surface formed in the insole depends on the gravity and weight of the dancer to apply a supporting counterforce to the arch of the foot. However, the elastic loop 101 may provide and/or increase support on the arch and/or other portions of the sole of the dancer's foot 41 even at times when the dancer may be wholly or partly in the air or otherwise positioned such that little, if any, support will be provided. conventional support for the vault.

[0111] In some embodiments, the implementation of the elastic loop 101 may be a continuous loop, such as in the case of examples l0la, l0lb, l0lc ... 101n shown in Fig.22. Alternatively, elastic loop 101 may be discontinuous at one or more locations.

[0112] Although some embodiments of the pointe shoe 20 may be used during ballet performances and/or during ballet training with or without the elastic loop 101 installed, the pointe shoe 20 having the elastic loop 101 installed is particularly useful during ballet training because the pressure applied by the elastic loop 101 to the dancer's foot provides tactile feedback that can help the dancer feel that their foot 41 is properly placed in the center of the toe 53.

[0113] When interpreting the present disclosure and claims, references in the form of "A and/or B" cover any and every combination and subcombination of elements A and B, i.e., any or all of the following: (i.) A, (ii.) B, (iii.) A or B, and (iv.) A and B. References to "A, B and/or C" likewise include any and every combination and subcombination of elements A, B and C). When the present disclosure or any claim may contain one or the first component or its equivalent, such disclosure includes one or more such components and does not require or exclude two or more such components. Numerical or ordinal terms such as "first", "second", "third", etc., when used to designate components, are used solely to identify elements, and do not require or limit the number of such components, and do not specify, do not require or limit the particular position or order of such components, unless expressly and clearly stated otherwise.

[0114] Descriptions made with reference to "an embodiment", "embodiments", "certain embodiments", "an embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", "other embodiments", "alternative embodiments", "various embodiments" or the like means that the description is applicable to at least one embodiment of the invention, but not necessarily to all embodiments. The terms "comprising", "including", "having", and the like, as used in relation to one or more embodiments, are synonymous. In some instances, features, elements, or other entities are described herein as optional or using terms such as "optional" or "optional". However, the absence of such terms in connection with the description of any other feature, step, or other subject matter does not in any way mean or imply that such other feature, step, or other subject matter is required or optional.

[0115] As an aid to understanding, various acts, operations, or steps may sometimes be presented here or described here sequentially. However, the order of description or written presentation in this document should not be construed as meaning or implying that it must occur in the appropriate order or sequence, unless otherwise expressly and clearly indicated or is not logically significant. Some actions, operations or steps may be performed in an order or sequence different from the order in which they are described or written in this document, unless otherwise expressly and clearly indicated or is not logically significant. Unless otherwise expressly and clearly indicated or is not logically significant, the actions, operations or steps described in this document may be combined or separated. Unless otherwise expressly and clearly stated or not logically significant, any description in this document of any one or more actions, operations or steps does not exclude any one or more other previous, subsequent and / or intermediate actions, operations or steps, regardless of whether that such preceding, subsequent and / or intermediate actions, operations or steps are described or disclosed herein.

[0116] Unless otherwise expressly and clearly stated or is not logically significant, any illustration, description or reference in this document to any one or more components, structures or elements that are "connected", "interconnected", "combined", " attached", "attached to", "attached to", "attached to" or "attached to" any one or more of the other specified components, structures or elements, shall not be construed as excluding such connection, interconnection, association, attachment, installation or fixing, either indirectly by one or more other specified or unspecified components, structures or elements, or performed directly.

[0117] Unless otherwise expressly and clearly indicated or logically not significant, any illustration, description or reference herein to the "adjacency" of any one or more components, structures or elements to any one or more other specified components, structures or elements, are to be construed as allowing that they may adjoin either directly or indirectly. The term "adjoining" allows, but does not require, excludes the presence of components, structures or elements located between them, which describes as adjoining. Unless otherwise expressly and clearly indicated or is not logically significant, any illustration, description or reference in this document to any one or more components, structures or elements located "below", "below", "above", "behind", "in front of ", "between", "under", "above", "inside", "outside", "inside" any one or more of the other specified components, structures or elements and/or any other prepositions or prepositional phrases shall be construed in some way, which allows but does not require contact or immediacy, and any and all other prepositions and/or prepositional phrases should be construed in the same way.

[0118] As used herein, the term "material" includes, without limitation, pure materials having one component, mixed materials having two or more components, composite materials, homogeneous materials, and heterogeneous materials.

[0119] Although the invention has been described with reference to various preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes and equivalents are possible, replaced by elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the invention, and modifications are possible to adapt to a particular situation or application of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the invention includes all embodiments that fall within the scope of the claims, either literally or in accordance with the theory of equivalents.

Claims (15)

1. Ballet pointe shoe for use by a ballet dancer, wherein the ballet pointe shoe contains: (a) an insole; (b) a top having a footwell and a neck through which the ballet dancer's foot passes into the footwell, wherein the insole is located inside the top at the bottom of the footwell, the top includes a monolithic foot support structure, and the monolithic support structure for the foot includes (i) a toe having a base, (ii) a main part of the instep that extends longitudinally rearward from the base of the toe, and (iii) a channel that extends through the main part of the instep and extends in the longitudinal direction through the smaller at least a section of the main part of the arch support and at least a section of the base of the toe, and the channel has an open hole located on the main part of the arch support, and the open hole is hidden with the possibility of disclosure under the insole and provides access to it through the neck and the compartment for the foot; (c) a sole located under the top; And (d) an arch support insert, wherein at least a portion of the arch support insert is removably and replaceable in the channel when the arch support insert is installed in the channel, and the arch support insert is removable from the pointe by removing the arch support insert section from the channel through the open opening of the channel and the neck, when In this case, the instep liner is replaceable by inserting a portion of the instep liner into the channel through the neck of the top and the open hole of the channel. 2. The pointe ballet shoe according to claim 1, wherein the arch support body includes a protrusion which is located under the insole and which extends longitudinally rearward from the open channel opening, the open channel opening being hidden under the insole and the protrusion with the possibility of opening . 3. The ballet pointe shoe of claim 2, wherein the upper includes an inner lining and the protrusion protrudes into the foot compartment within the upper of the inner lining. 4. Ballet pointe shoe according to claim 3, in which the open hole of the channel is located inside the inner lining. 5. The ballet pointe shoe according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic loop, installed with the possibility of removal at the top, for constantly applying an elastic force between the instep of the ballet dancer's foot and the main part of the arch support for constantly pressing the main part of the arch support against the sole of the ballet dancer's foot during pointe use, wherein the elastic loop has an upper section which, during use, lies over the instep of the ballet dancer's foot, and the elastic loop has a lower section, which passes under the main part of the arch support. 6. The ballet pointe shoe of claim 5, wherein the arch support liner includes a back portion, the rear arch support liner projecting longitudinally rearward beyond the channel opening, and the elastic loop portion extending under the rear arch support liner. 7. The ballet pointe shoe of claim 5, wherein the main portion of the arch support includes a lip that extends longitudinally rearward past the open channel opening and a lower portion of the elastic loop extends under the lip. 8. The ballet pointe shoe according to claim 7, wherein the back portion of the instep insert extends longitudinally rearward from the open channel opening, and the lower portion of the elastic loop is releasably engaged between the protrusion and the rear portion of the instep insert. 9. The ballet pointe shoe of claim 1, wherein the arch support insert is selected from a set of at least two arch support inserts, wherein at least one of the arch support inserts in the set has a first flexural stiffness profile and at least one other of The instep inserts in the set have a second flexural stiffness profile that is different from the first flexural stiffness profile. 10. The ballet pointe shoe of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the arch support insert is made of a thermoplastic material and the arch support insert has a modified shape that differs from a previous arch support insert shape, wherein the arch support insert has been changed from the previous shape to the modified shape. by heating at least a portion of the arch support liner to a temperature at which at least a portion of the arch support liner is in a softened state, where the temperature is a temperature that is below the melting point of the thermoplastic material, applying a bending moment to the arch support liner when at least the portion of the arch support liner is in a softened state, to change the shape of the arch support liner from the previous shape to the changed shape, and lower the temperature of at least a portion of the arch support liner to a temperature at which the changed shape is maintained. 11. The ballet pointe shoe according to claim 1, wherein at least the toe portion is formed from a thermoplastic material, and the toe is capable of being converted into a modified shape that differs from the present shape of the toe by heating at least the toe portion to a temperature, wherein at least a portion of the toe is in a softened state, wherein the temperature is a temperature that is below the melting point of the thermoplastic material, the heating being effected by applying heat when the toe of the pointe is in the ballet pointe, applying force to the toe when at least the toe area is in a softened state, to change the shape of the toe from the previous shape to the changed shape, and lower the temperature of at least the toe area to a temperature at which the changed shape is maintained.

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