Michael Jackson’s Anti-Gravity Shoes: The Secret Behind the “Smooth Criminal” Lean
When Michael Jackson leaned forward
at an impossible angle in his “Smooth Criminal” music video, fans around the world were left
speechless. Was it magic? CGI? Dance wizardry? The truth is far more
fascinating and it's protected by U.S. Patent No. 5,255,452.
Yes, you read that right. Michael
Jackson wasn't just a pop music legend; he was also an inventor. Alongside two
collaborators, he patented a groundbreaking footwear design
that allowed him to perform gravity-defying moves live on stage. Let’s dive
into the story behind the patented anti-gravity shoes and how they
changed the game for live performances.
The Smooth Move That Made History
In the 1988 short film and later
stage performances of “Smooth Criminal,” Michael performs a forward lean of nearly 45
degrees without bending his knees. While the effect was enhanced with cables in
the video, Jackson wanted to replicate the move during live concerts without
special effects.
The result? An ingenious invention
that bridged entertainment and engineering.
What Is Michael Jackson’s
Anti-Gravity Shoe Patent?
- Patent Number: US5255452A
- Title: Method and means for creating
anti-gravity illusion
- Inventors: Michael J. Jackson, Michael L.
Bush, Dennis Tompkins
- Filing Date: October 26, 1992
- Publication Date: October 26, 1993
Technology:
The patented design includes a special shoe with a
slot in the heel that connects with a protruding peg on stage. When the peg
rises from the floor and inserts into the heel slot, it creates an anchoring
system. This allows the performer to lean forward beyond their natural center
of gravity without falling.
The shoes are designed to be:
- Durable
enough to support body weight
- Discreet,
blending in with stage costumes
- Easily
detachable, allowing performers to move freely after the lean
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Why Is This Patent So Iconic?
Michael Jackson’s anti-gravity
shoes symbolize more than just a dance trick. They reflect:
- Artistic
innovation – turning imagination into reality
- Physical
illusion – fooling the eye through precise engineering
- Creative
genius – merging choreography with patented technology
This patent is a rare case of a performing
artist inventing technology not for mass production, but to elevate the
stagecraft of live music.
Legacy of the Invention
Michael Jackson’s live performances
often pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. The anti-gravity
shoes allowed him to bring cinematic magic to real-time performances, setting a
new standard for concert theatrics.
The patent expired in 2005, but its legacy
lives on. Even decades later, performers and fans are still amazed by the
iconic lean, and the shoes remain a symbol of innovation in entertainment.
Stay Ahead with the Latest in
Intellectual Property!
Stay informed with valuable
insights, updates, and tips on safeguarding your IP assets and ensuring
compliance. Join our WhatsApp Channel Info Hub 2112 today and keep your business
ahead of the curve. Join us now
Summary:
Michael Jackson’s patented anti-gravity footwear isn’t just a
fun footnote in music history it’s a testament to how art and science can come
together to create something magical. The King of Pop wasn't content with
dazzling vocals and legendary dance moves he also patented the tools that made his
performances unforgettable.
So, the next time you watch the “Smooth Criminal” lean, remember: behind that iconic move was a patented piece of engineering brilliance.
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