US2168303A

US2168303A - Dancing tap

Info

Publication number: US2168303A
Application number: US224422A
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert L Sothen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1938-08-12
Filing date: 1938-08-12
Publication date: 1939-08-01
Anticipated expiration: 1956-08-01

Description

A. L. soTHEN 2,168,303

DANCING TAP l Filed Aug. l2, 1938 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 @f5 /0 nu@ 2*/ lieve/fa?" A.` L. soTHEN 2,168,303

DANCING TAP Filed Aug. 12, 1953 s sheets-sheet 2 @ye/afar A. l.. soTHEN 2,168,303

DANCING TAP Filed Aug. 12, 193e s sheets-sheet 3 warg @am /l [04 Q21 n /zfffwy Patented Aug. 1, 1939 i* UNITED STAT ES PATE NT O FFIC E 2,168,303 DANCING TAP Albert L. Sothen, Chicago, Ill. y Application August 12, 1938, Serial No.' 224,422

17 Claims.

.This invention relates to novel and improved dancing taps. The known dancing taps of this type, such as 'are plate-like in form and are provided with a sound amplifying chamber, have no soundV creating elements or only weak ones in said chamber, and furthermore have the sound-outlet positioned under the `bottom of the shoe, whereby said-outlet becomes restricted by the overhanging shoe bottom, so that the sound emitted from the chamber is-obliged` to pass between the sole or the bottoml of the shoe and the floor, which tends to muflle and-deaden the metallic sound created in the chamber. It is one of the'main objects and purposes of my invention, in its various forms, to lprovide an improved dancingtap comprising a specially arranged sound chamber containing means for creating -a positive and strong `metallic or ringing sound, and further to provide special ports or channel means for emitting a clear and strong metallic sound directly outwardly of and lbeyond the confines of the shoe bottom.

Another objectof this invention is to provide tap devicesadapted for use for a varietyr of purposes, whereby t o produce jingling, tapping, turning and spinning effects. A further object of thisvinventio-n yis to provide a dancing tap-Which is constructed to meet vthe ever changing turning, tapping `and spinning routines of the dancer, and to assist the dancer in performing these various exhibitions with ease and grace and with a minimum of expended energy.

Another object of this invention is to provide la dancing tap adapted to produce a strong and distinct sound eifect, which is preferably accomplished by providing a sound chamber having a distinct recess or pocket wherein sound producing means is seated so as to be positively moved therein when the tap touches the oor. A further object of this invention is to provide Vparticular sound outlet ports on such tap, in order to clearly and eiciently discharge the sound from such sound chamber and recess beyond the bottom of the shoe. Y

Another object of this invention is to provide such dancing taps with upper reinforcing ridges having a sound chamber and recess therebetween and which ridges are scalloped or indented on the inward edges, adapted to produce variations in the tapping and jingling sounds.

Another object of this invention is to provide such a dancing tap comprising outer ridge means on its upper face, and also upstanding ribs adjacent an intermediate sound recess, adapted to engage under the bottom of the shoe and prevent the latter from being depressed into the sound chamber and recess or to deaden the created sound. l5

Another object of this invention is to provide such Idancing taps Ecomprising La crowned or domed lower face curved upward toward the front and the rear and vthe side edges, and wherein the openings for the fastening elements are placed close to the sloping edges, soas to v prevent any fastening element from engaging or marring the oor. c h

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel dancing tap provided with means, which '15 may also include la ballrace, to facilitate easy and graceful turning and spinning of the dancer in either direction; and furthermore to arrange the spinning means of such dancing taps Vwith means on the lower face to preventskidding and 20 slipping overthe floor thereby.

Another object of this invention is to provide such an improved` dancing tap construction which may be embodied in either a toe tapor a ball tap or a heel tap, for attachment to the bottom of the shoe.

A further object of this invention is to produce a tap construction for the toe part, and likewise for the .ball part of the foot, having a crowned lower face so as to readily strike the oor with the central crown -portion of the tap, and thusrto guide the dancer to a center balance .or balance on the central part of the tap, and to produce very loud tappingv and jingling sounds.v

A more particular object of this invention is to provide a toe tap which is equipped with two :or three rearwardly extending ears or wings which will serve as supporting means for the lsole and the foot of the dancer, especiallyl when .engaged-in toe stands. Y

A further Iobject is to provide a tap equipped with three long ears or lwings which extend a considerable distance rearwardly, for the particular purpose of effecting a ,triple or compound yrippling sound when passing over the floor, especially in wing-stepdancing.

` Another object of this invention is to provide the tap in the form of `a heel plate which com.- prises means, lpreferably including a sound recess and means movable therein, for creating a variety of jingling sounds and an amplifying thereohand Which means is instantly responsive to the least movement of the foot; and to furthermore provide such heel tap adapted for embodiment of my invention in the form of a dancing tap attached to the toe part of a dancing shoe.

Fig. 2 is a side view thereof, showing a sectional view of the tap, taken on line 2 2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of said form of danc-" ing tap.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectionalview thereof, taken Von line Y4 4 of Fig. 3.v c Y Fig. 5 isan inverted planview of the upper disk or sounding member which is attached to the sole of the shoe.

Figs. 6 and 6a villustrate respectively, in top plan and in elevation, the lower disk or sounding member which is housed and movable in the tap plate.

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a slightly modified form of tap including an upstanding supporting flange on its front edge. v

Fig. 8 is a side view thereof, withv said flange shown in section. 1

Fig. 9 is an inverted plan view of another modied form of dancing tap which includes three rear wings.

Fig. 10 is a top plan view of said form. c

Fig. 11 is a vertical sectional view of this form attached to the shoe, withthe tap andits disk .members shown in section.V

Figs. l2 and 12a illustrate the upper disk, in

plan and in elevation, respectively.

Figs. 13 and 13a illustrate the lower disk member in elevation and in inverted plan View, respectively. c

Fig. 14 is an upper plan view of a further modii'ied form of dancing tap, provided with an upstanding iiange en its front edge.

Fig. 15 is a side elevational View of this form, with said flange shown in section.

Fig. 16 is an inverted plan View of another modii'led form of tap, in the shape of a ball tap, being shown mounted under the ball part of the shoe.

Fig. 17 is a top plan view of this ball tap.

Fig. 18 is an end view of this ball tap.

Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional view of this ball tap, taken on line I9-I9 of Fig. 16.

Fig. -20 is a cross-sectional, View of my improved dancing tap, which is shown provided with ballbearing means in the disk members for effecting an easy turning and spinning therewith.

Figs. 21 and 21ashow the upper disk member thereof in plan and in side elevation, respectively.

Fig. 22 is a top plan view of the lower disk member with the ballrace therein.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken on line 23-23 of Fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is an inverted plan View of said lower disk member.

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view showing my improved tap adapted to utilize cymbals in its sound recess.

Fig. 26 is-a plan view of vthe cymbal.

Fig. 27 is an inverted plan view of a further modified form of dancing tap, in the shape of a heel plate shown attached to the heel of a dancing shoe.

Fig. 28 is a sectional view thereof, taken on line 28-28 of Fig. 27, showing the attached shoe part in elevation. l

Fig. 29 is a top plan view of said heel tap.

Fig. 30 is a vertical cross-sectional view thereof, taken on line 30-36 of Fig.29.

Fig. 31 is a side View of this tap.'

Fig. 32 is an inverted plan view of another form of heel tap.

Fig. 33 is a top plan view of this heel tap.

Fig. 34 is a sectional view thereof, taken on line 34-34 of Fig. 33, showing the upper disk secured to the heel, and its curved lower face engageable by the lower disk member to turn thereon.

Figs. 35 and 35a. show said lower disk member in elevation and in bottom plan view, respectively. Figs. 36 and 36a show saidvtop disk in elevation and in bottom plan view, respectively.r

In the drawings I have illustrated this invention in a few of its-various forms of construction. In Figs. 1 to 15 inclusive, the several formsof dancing taps conform to the forward part or toe part of the shoe sole and are arranged to be firmly secured thereunder; while in Flgs.'l6 to 19 inclusive, the invention is shown in the form of a ball tap Varrangedto be. secured under the ball part .of the' shoe; and in Figs. 27 to 34 inclusive, the Ainventionis shown in the Vform of a heel tap or heel plate arranged to bevsecured under the heel of the shoe.

These taps are generallyY made of light-Weight, rust-resisting metal, vsuch as aluminum or an aluminum alloy or the like.

In Figs. 1 toV 6 inclusive, I have shown lthe invention in the particular form of a toe tap. It Acomprises a body or plate portion I0 having a convex lower face I I which is curved upwardsY toward the front and the rear and the side edges, providing an intermediate crowned or domed part I2 thereon, which is positioned under the toe portion I3 of the sole I4 of the shoe. The beveled edges .of the taphave openings I 5 provided therein, to receive fastening elements IB for securing the tap to the` shoe sole I4, said openings being countersunk and the elements placed deep therein to prevent any digging or scraping of said elements into the iioor.

In this form Vof tap the body I0-has two outer rearwardly extending wings Il thereon with a recess I8 therebetween, said wings extending a substantial distance rearwardly almost to the bendingpart of the shoe, so as to provide ample support-and stiffness to the forward part of the shoe sole.

Reinforcing means or ridge means I9 is provided on the upper face of the tap, extending along the marginal side and front part thereof, and being provided with dents or scallops 20 ,on the inner edge. A sound chamber 2| is thus formed between said scalloped ridge means, having a sound outlet openingV or port Y22 at the rear.

These scallops are effective in producing a variety Aof jingling and tapping sounds.

A pocket or recess 23, which issubstantially circular, is further provided within the upper face Vportion of 'the tap, substantially in the intermediate part of chamber 2|, and arcuate rib means 24is further provided at the rearward part of said recess, whereby to positively retain the sound producing disk means in position in the recess. Said rib means 24 greatly aids the ridge means I9 hereby t'o bear under thebottom of the sole |4, andthereby prevents the sole from being depressed into chamber 2| or its outlet 22, or into recess 23, which would diminish or deaden the sound produced therein. A rear port 25 is provided between said rib means 24, to emit sound from the recess into the chamber.

Special outlet ports 25 are also provided in ridge means |9, and are preferably extended laterally therein for directing the sound created in the recess 23 and the chamber 2| laterally, and emitting the sound beyond the tap and the connes .of the shoe bottom, so as to produce a clear and distinct metallic tone thereby.

In this form of tap the companion sounding means comprises an upper disk member 27 and a lower disk member 28, the lower member being seated in recess 23 having a guide stem 29 depending therefrom and protruding thru an aperture 30 which extends from said recess 23 thru the dome part I2 of the tap. The construction is arranged so that there'is a space between the upper member 2l and the lower member 28, and as the tap contacts the floor during dancing the bottom end of the stem 29 also engages the floor, thru the slightest movement of the foot on the floor, whereby the member 2S is forced upward and strikes member 21, thereby producing a ringing sound. This provides a very clear and distinct ringing sound, which is greatly and delinitely amplified, chieiiy in View of the recess 23 with its companion sounding means, in conjunction with chamber 2| and the sound outlet ports 25 extending therefrom thru the ridge means |55 to the outer edge of the tap and the shoe bottom, which is aided by the sound emitted from the rear outlet 22.

Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate such a tap l0' in a slightly modified form. It comprises an upstanding flange 3| at the forward part ofthe tap, which extends along the toe part of the shoe sole, and for substantially the height of the sole, so as to clasp the forward edge thereof and protect the same, and so that during tap dancing this flanged toe part of the tap will engage the floor and produce the proper metallic sound. :This tap otherwise includes, like the preceding form, the upper ridges |9' with the scallops 20', also the sound chamber 2|, therebetween with its apertured recess 23' therein and the ribs y24' thereon, as well as the sound outlet ports 22', 25' and 26.

In Figs. 9, 10 and 11 is illustrated a further modified form of tap 35 which is provided with three rearwardly extending wings, including a central wing 35 and two side Wings 31, similar to the side wings in the above described form. These triple wings have a great advantage in producing extra rippling vibrations when passing over the floor and especially in wing-step dancing, and provides the dancer a better center Vsupport in toe stand exhibitions. The extra, center wing also serves to stiffen the central body part of the tap. This form otherwise is similar to the preceding form and includes the ridge means 35 along the marginal upper edge part of the tap, with its scallops 40 on the inner edge thereof, also the sound chamber 4| therebetween'with the sound outlet channel or port 42 at the rear. This form alsov includes the pocket or recess `43 in the upper face portion of the tap having arcuate rib means 44 on the rearward edge provided with an outlet port 45 therein, and a pair of outlet ports 46 extending laterally thru ridge means 39. Said ports 45 and 45 along with rear port 42 provide complete and efficient sound outlet means forthe emitting of sound from recess 43 in conjunction with chamber 4|, as in the preceding form.

The disk means shown in connection with this form of tap comprises an upper disk member 4l and a lower disk member 48, said lower member includinglan vupper disk portion seated in recess 43, and having a lower body or guiding stem portion 45 depending therefrom and protruding thru an aperture 50 extending from recess 43 thru the dome part of the tap. The upper disk member 41 is adapted to be secured under the shoe sole and itis preferably provided with a rounded lower face 4l' so that a readily'turning motion is provided between said rounded face and the upper face of the lower member 48. This body or stem portion r49 is heavier than the guide stem 29 in the preceding form, and is thus especially adapted for making turns thereon. It has its bottom face 49 substantially crown-shaped and provided with suction grooves, adapted to afford traction on the floor and avoid skiddng of the lower face thereon, especially while mak-ing turns or spinning. As the grooved face 45 engages the iioor, the lower member 48 rises in aperture 50, so that its top face engages under the rounded bottom face 41 of the upper member 4l, and thus provides for an easy turni-ng and spinning of the dancer on his toe portion of the shoe; but this construction also permits tap dancing and gliding over the floor smoothly and evenly without marring or digging into the floor.

Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate such a tap 35 in a slightly modified form. It comprises an upstanding flange arising from the front part of the tap,-so as to extend along the toe part of the sole and for substantially the lheight thereof, adapted to protect the same, and so that the flanged front part -of the tap will engage the floor and produce the proper metallic sound during tap dancing. This tap is otherwise like'the preceding form and includes the three wings 35' and 3l' and the upper ridge means 39' with its scallops 45', also the chamber 4| having the recess 43 therein and the rib means 44 thereon, alsothe outlet ports 45', 45 and 42 for properly and efficiently emitting the sound from said recess and chamber asin the precedng form.

In Figs. 16 to 19 inclusive I have illustrated this invention as applied to a ball tap 52 which is particularly adapted to be secured under the ball part 53 of the shoe sole, and it extends substantially across the width of the sole, as indicated in Fig. 16 of the drawings. This tap also has a curved er crowned lower face including a crowning center portion 52', and it has openings 'near its edges for receiving securing elements Evil-therein to secure the tap under the ball part of the shoe. A recess 55 is provided in the intermediate part of the upper face of said tap, and outlet channels or ports 55 extend laterally outward therefrom to the sides of the tap 52 and the ball 53, for emitting the created sound beyond the confines of the-shoe bottom.

The disk means shown in conjunction with this form of tap is similar to that shown in Figs. 12 and 13 of the preceding form and comprises an upper disk member 57 and a companion lower disk member 58, the upper member being secured under the ball part 53 of the shoe sole and being provided with a'lower rounded face 5l', and the lower member 58 being provided with a body portion 59 which extends thru an aperture 55 extending from recess 55 thru the dome part of the tap. The lower face 59' of said portion 55 is substantially crown-s`naped andis provided with grooves therein, adapted to prevent skidding of said lower face on the floor while making turns with this tap. The shoe with the attached upper memberr5'i with its rounded lower face 51 is adapted to turn freely and easily upon the top of the lower member 58 which has its face 59' resting on the floor, thus adapting this form of construction particularly for easy and graceful spinning and turning exhibitions, for either right or left turns therewith.

Figs. 20 to 24 inclusive illustrate how my improved type of tap is especially adapted to use pa pair of disk members provided with ball-bearing means. ThisV tap 64 is provided with the recess 65 therein for receiving the disk means, and wherefrom channel means or port means 68 extend for emitting the sound. Said vdisk means comprises an upper member 61 and a lower member 68 provided with a depending body or guide stem portion 69 protruding thru an aperture 10 which extends from recess 65 thru the lower crowning portion S4 of the tap. A ballrace is provided on the upper face of member 88 having balls 12 movable therein, while the upper member 6'! rests upon balls 'I2 and is held rotatably thereon by a central screw or pivot element 13, so that member 61 with the shoe is readily turnable or rotary upon the lower member 68. Grooves 69 are preferably also provided in the lower face of body portion 69 to afford traction on the iloor. Y

This ball-bearing form of disk means provides an exceptionally easy operating and fast spinning device, whereby the dancer can make a very speedy spinning exhibition and a substantially unlimited number of turns.

Figs. 25 and 26 furtherllustrate how this form of tap is also adapted to utilize a pair of cymbals 14 in the recess 65 of tap 84', the sound being adapted to emanate from the lower aperture 'l0' as well as from the other sound channels or ports, such as those shown at 5B.

In Figs. 27 to 31 inclusive, a further modied form of tap is shown, illustrating how this invention is adapted to be applied to the heel of a shoe. This form comprises the heel tap or heel plate 'l5 provided with a convex lower face 15' sloping to the rounded side edges thereof, similar to the forms described above, and being provided with openings T5 near the edges to receive fastening elements 'i6' therein for securing the tap to the heel of the shoe, said openings being suflciently counter-sunk to prevent the securing elements from projecting and marring the floor. The tap has forwardly extending wings and has ridge means T8 extending along the edge part of its upper face, said ridge means being provided with scallops 19 on the inner edge including an indentation at the rear. A sound chamber 8| is located within the ridge means and is provided with an outlet channel or port 82 at the front. A pocket or recess 83 is provided in the upper face portion of the tap, substantially centrally of the sound chamber 8|, while rib means 84 is preferably provided on the forward edge of they recess and has an outlet port 85 in the front part thereof. A pair of outlet ports 86 are also provided in ridge means '|8, extending laterally from chamber 8| to the outer edge of the tap and heel, and said

ports

85 and 86, along with the front port 82, provide proper and efficient outlet means for emitting the sound fully from recess 83 and chamber 8|.

The disk means shown in conjunction with this form of tap comprises an upper disk member 81 and a lower disk member 88, the lower member being seated in recess 83 and having a lower body or stem portion 89 which protrudes thru an aperture 98 extending from recess 83 thru the crown part of the tap. The upper member 8l is secured under the heel, while the lower member 88 is preferably provided with a grooved and crowned lower face 89', as explained above. v `Figs. 32 to 34 illustrate a further modified form of tap adapted for the heel of the shoe. This form of tap 92 does not have the pronounced wings shown in the preceding form of tap 75, otherwise it similarly includes the ridge means 93 on the upper face having scallops on the inner edge and providing a sound chamber 95 therebetween having a front outlet channel or port 96 thereon. A pocket or recess 91 is provided in the upper face of the tap, within sound chamber 95, and rib means 98 provided with a front port 89 arises from the forward edge of said recess. A pair of outlet ports |00 also extend thru the ridge means 93, to the side edge of the heel, said ports |00 and S9 along with the front port 98 serving for properly and completely emitting the amplied sound from the recess Sl and the sound chamber 95.

The disk means illustrated in conjunction with this form of tap comprises an upper disk member |02 including a crowned or domed lower face |02',

and a lower disk member |03, the lower member being seated in the recess 91 and having a lower body portion |04 protruding thru an aperture 05 which extends from recess 9'! thru the lower crown portion S2' of the tap. The lower face |04 of said body portion |04 may also be grooved, in the Amanner and for the purpose explained in the preceding forms.

It is apparent from the above disclosure that this invention is adapted for various dancing taps including a toe tap, a ball tap and a heel tap; and that in the several forms of taps the ballbearing disk means, and also the cymbal means, may be readily substituted or used for the other disclosed forms of disk means of two companion members, and vice versa.

I claim:

l. A tap comprising a plate-like metallic body adapted for attachment to a bottom part of a dancing shoe, said body containing a crowning portion centrally of its lower face and a recessed seat centrally in its upper face portion provided with an aperture extending down therefrom thru said crowning portion, sound channels provided in said upper face portion to extend to the side edges of said shoe part and emit the sound from said recessed seat in various directions and directly beyond the bottom of the shoe, and metallic sound providing means` including means mounted movably in said seat, whereby to produce a strong and clear sound effect.

2. A dancing tap comprising a metallic body having a well defined crowning portion centrally on its bottom face for guiding the dancer to a center balance and containing a sound chamber in its upper face provided with sound outlet ports thereon, a recess provided in said chamber and having an aperture extending therefrom thru the crowning portion, and sound effecting means mounted in said recess and including means depending thru the aperture adapted to engage the floor, to have free movement in said aperture and recess, whereby to positively produce a distinct and strong sound effect.

3. A dancing tap comprising a metallic body having a well dened crowning Vportion on its 75 bottom face sloping towards the` edges and containing a sound chamber in its upper face provided with aV sound outlet at one end and also lateral outlet ports, a recess insaid lchamberhaving an aperture extending therefrom thru` the crowning portion, arcuate rib means arising from a substantial part of the edge of said recess provided with sound outlet means thereon, said rib means along with the edge part of the body being adapted to engage the shoe bottom and prevent it from sagging into the recess and chamber, and metallic means mounted in said recess and including means depending thru the aperture adapted to engage the floor, for readily prcducing a distinct and strong sound.

4. A dancing tapi comprising a metallic body provided with upper reinforcing ridge means thereon including scalloped inner edge means provided With a sound chamber therebetween having outlet ports thereon, an aperture extending downward from the chamber thru the body, and sound effecting means in said chamber including means extending downward thru the aperture, said ridge means being adapted to bear against the shoe bottom and said scalloped means aiding in providing a variety of tapping and jingling effects with this tap.

5. A dancing tap comprising a metallic body containing a crowning portion on its lower face and ridge means around the edge portion of the upper face including scalloped inner edge means, providing a sound chamber therebetween having a sound outlet at one end between the ends of the ridge means, also having sound outlet ports extending laterally thru the ridge means, a recess in said chamber provided with an aperture extending therefrom thru the crowning portion, rib means in said chamber arising from said recess, adapted to have the shoe bottom bear thereon as well as on the ridge means, and a companion pair of metal sound members mounted in said recess, one thereof being provided with means depending thru said aperture and being freely movable vertically therein, whereby to produce a clear and distinct jingling sound.

6. A dancing tap comprising a metallic body containing a crowning portion centrally on its lower face and ridge means on the upper edge portion adapted to bear under a part of the shoe and having a sound chamber therebetween provided with sound outlet ports thereon, a recess in the intermediate part of said chamber provided with an aperture extending thru the crowning portion, and a companion pair of metal sounding members including an `upper one bearing against said shoe part, also a lower one movable in said recess and having a body part depending thru said aperture and movable freely therein adapted to engage the floor and produce a strong jingling eect with said upper member, the lower end of said body part including grooved means to provide traction and prevent sliidding on the floor.

7. A dancing tap comprising a plate-like metallic body containing a crowning portion centrally on its lower face and ridge means on the upper edge portion adapted to bear under the shoe and having a sound chamber therebetween provided with sound outlet ports, a recess in said chamber provided with an aperture extending thru the crowning portion, a companion pair of sounding members including an upper one in the form of a disk bearing against the shoe also a lower one movable in said recess 4and including a body part depending thru the aperture to move freely therein and having grooved means on its bottom to provide traction on the floor, and ballbearing means between the two members to provide easy turning and spinning thereon.

8; A dancing tap comprising a metallic body containing a crowning portion centrally on its lower face and sloping upwardly therefrom toward the upperedge portion adapted to be secured under a part of the shoe, and provided with a sound chamber in its upper` face having sound outlet ports thereon, a recess in the chamber provided with an aperture extending therefrom thru the crowning portion, and a companion pair of disk-like members in said recess, including an upper memberA to be secured under said shoe part and a lower member having a part depending thru said aperture adapted to Vengage the floor, one of said pair of members having a crowned bearing face to facilitate turning on the adjoining face of the other member, and the lower member having means on its lower face to provide traction on the floor, whereby the dancer is enabled to readilymake a continuous number of turns in either directio-n.A l,

9. A tap conforming to the toe partof a dancing shoe, vcomprising a metal plate-like body having a crowned lower face and three long rearwardly extending wings, to stifen the shoe sole for supporting the foot, a sound chamber in the upper face of the body including a recess provided with an aperture extending therefrom thru said crowned face, there being outlet openings provided laterally as well as rearwardly from said chamber for emitting the sound in various directions and clearly therefrom, and companion metallic sound effecting members in said recess, whereby to produce a strong and clear sound effect.

10. A dancing tap as set forth in claim 9, wherein said companion` members comprise an upper disk engaging the toe part of the shoe sole and including a crowned lower face, and a lower disk member having va body part depending thru said aperture and provided on its lower face with means to avoid skidding on the floor, to facilitate convenient turning thereon as well as tap dancing.

l1. A dancing tap as set forth in claim 9, wherein the toe part of the tap is provided with an upstanding flange, closely fitting the front part of the shoe sole and extending substantially the height of the sole in front and tapering down shoe and assuring a metallic contact and sound during tap dancing.

12. A dancing tap conforming to and adapted to extend across the ball part of a dancing shoe, said tap having a central crowning portion on its lower face and a sound recess centrally in its upper face provided with an aperture extending therefrom thru the crowning portion, sound chan* nels extending from said recess outwardly of the tap to emit the sound in various directions, and metallic companion sound effecting members in said recess, the lower onehaving means extending thru said aperture adapted to engage the oor, whereby to positively produce a strong sound effect.

vtoward the rear, for protecting the toe part of the shoe and including a crownedlower face, and a lower member having a part depending thru said aperture and having means on the lower face to prevent skidding on the floor, adapted to movevertically in said aperture and to turn on said crowned face, enabling thev dancer to turns easily on the ball part of the foot.

14. A ball tap comprising a metal plate'adapted to extend across the ball part of a dancing shoe, having a crowning portion centrally of its lower face and sloping upwardly therefrom toward the edges, a recess in the form of a seat located centrally in its upper faceprovided with an aperture extending therefrom thru the crowning prtion,`sound channels extending from said recess laterally on said upper face, to said edges, and companion metal sound effecting members mounted superposed in Ysaid recess, at least the lower one of which is movable freely in said recess, for producing a strong and clear metallic sound well distributed by said channels.

15. A dancingmtap comprising a metallic body containing a crowning portion on its lower face and ridge means on the curved edge portion of the upperface adapted to be secured under the heel of the dancing shoe, a sound chamber between said ridge means having an outlet opening at the front thereof andv outlet ports extending thru the ridge means, a recess Vin the'intermediate part of said chamber provided with an aperture extending therefrom thru said crowning portion; and a companion pair of sounding elementsin said recess, including an upper one to engage' the heel anda lower one having a part extending thru and freely movable in said aperturetoengage the oor, whereby to produce a strong and clear sound effect. 16. A dancing tap as set forth in claim 15,` wherein said companion members include an upper disk member secured under the heel and a lower disk-like member movable in said aperture and recess to engage the upper one, and having anti-skid means on its lower face,V whereby the dancer is enabled to easily make a great number of turns in either direction. I

17. A'dancing tap as set forth in claiml 15, wherein rib means arise at the edge of the recess to bear under the heel and to aid the ridge means in supporting the heel and ypreventit from sagging into said recess and chamber, port means is provided in said rib means, and the inner edge of the ridge means is scalloped, whereby to produce a variety of tapping and jingling sounds.

ALBERT L. SOTHEN.