In addition to writing catchy pop-tunes and executing gravity-defying dance moves, the late Michael Jackson apparently had an inventive streak. It has come to light that the singer holds a patent on shoes that help create “an impressive visual effect” in one of his famous dance moves.
The patent on a “system for allowing a shoe wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity by virtue of wearing a specially designed pair of shoes” was granted in 1993. The effect in his music videos was created using cables, but the star wanted to recreate it for live shows. The shoes allow the wearer to connect to hitches in the stage in order to lean over. Prior art mentioned includes footwear worn by astronauts in zero gravity as well as on tools for removing rubber overshoes without having to bend over.
Intellectual Property Watch learned of this story from the Discovery Channel blog.