Michael Jackson patent on “Method and means for creating anti gravity illusions” while dancing

June 26th, 2009 —

Michael Jackson experimented with an innovative “anti-gravity lean” in his performances, for which he was granted US Patent No. 5,255,452. The patent describes the anti-gravity lean used in the music video for “Smooth Criminal”.

The new design for shoes which will allow his or her performing artist, by engaging the shoes onto an upstanding post positioned to project upwardly from a stage at a predetermined time, to lean forwardly to put his or her center of gravity beyond the front or rear of his shoes, thereby creating the desired gravity defying interesting visual effect.

MJ claimed his innovative idea on anti gravity lean with USPTO on June 29, 1992 and the patent rights were granted to him on October 26, 1993 which gave him the sole right to use the technique during dancing.