CA2132957A1 - Footwear with flashing lights - Google Patents
Footwear with flashing lightsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2132957A1 CA2132957A1 CA002132957A CA2132957A CA2132957A1 CA 2132957 A1 CA2132957 A1 CA 2132957A1 CA 002132957 A CA002132957 A CA 002132957A CA 2132957 A CA2132957 A CA 2132957A CA 2132957 A1 CA2132957 A1 CA 2132957A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- footwear
- switch
- wearer
- foot
- light source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B23/00—Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
- A43B23/24—Ornamental buckles; Other ornaments for shoes without fastening function
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F19/00—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0027—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours
- A43B1/0036—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours with fluorescent or phosphorescent parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0072—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of transparent or translucent materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
- A43B3/36—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with light sources
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
- A43B3/38—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with power sources
- A43B3/40—Batteries
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B5/00—Visible signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems, remote indication of seats occupied
- G08B5/004—Reflective safety signalling devices attached on persons
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S362/00—Illumination
- Y10S362/80—Light emitting diode
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S362/00—Illumination
- Y10S362/802—Position or condition responsive switch
Abstract
2132957 9417684 PCTABS00033 Footwear (1) adapted to enhance the visibility of the wearer contains a light source (12), a power source (14), circuitry means (15, 16, 17) to connect the power source (14) to the light source (12), and a pressure switch (18) disposed in the sole (5) of the footwear (1) between the wearer's foot and the ground and adapted to turn the light source (12) off when the wearer's foot is on the ground, and hence static, thereby conserving the power source (14), and to switch the light source (12) on when the wearer's foot is off the ground, and usually moving, thereby providing enhanced visibility of the footwear (1) and its wearer.
Description
,_~wo 94/176~4 213 2 9 5 7 PCTluss3llol3 F~TVVEARVVlTH FLASl~lNG LIG~ITS
BACKGROUND
S 1. Field of the Invention This inven~don per~ins to footwear in gene~l, and in pardcular, to footwear with lights that flash to enhance ~e visibility of ~e wearer.
BACKGROUND
S 1. Field of the Invention This inven~don per~ins to footwear in gene~l, and in pardcular, to footwear with lights that flash to enhance ~e visibility of ~e wearer.
2. Descrip~ion of the Related Art It has long been known in the field of footwear t~ incorpora~
lighting devices1 usually electrical in nature, into shoes, boots, sandals and the ~ .
like for ~rarious reasons, e.g., to permit the wearer to see or be seen in : reduced lig~ situations, or to provide ~pecial effects during certain entertainment events.
15 ~ A~ simple Implementati~n of this type of footwear typically includes a light:source,~;e.g., an incandescent bulb,~a neon tube, or a light emitting diode (~Llil)n)~ a P!e power supply, such as a battery, a manually operated: on-off switch, and an electrical :circuit CoMe~ting the threein se~s, all located~in the ~ootwear, typically:wi~in ~e sole and/or heel 20 ~ s~ tu~es. 13xamples of these in the pa~ent art may be found in ~e sandal ofB.~A~ias ~t al. in U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,893,in the high heel shoe of A.
:McCor~cl; in~U.S~. Pat. No. 4,253,253, aIld in the dress shoe~ heel described byW.Pahde in Gennan ~Patent Application 3343-897-A. : ~
; More complex lighted footwear effons h~ve b~en directed to 25~ : -swit~dng the: ligh~ng circuit on and off in associahon with ~e p~esen~ orabsence of ~e ~ arer's foot in the shoe, or by the conta~t of the wearer's ~: foot widl ~e ground, e.g., during walking or running. Bxamples of ~e former in w~lich ~e lighting circuit is switched on when the wearer's foot is inserted into the shoe include the houseshoe in U. S. Pat. No. 3,008~038to M.
30 Dickens et al.,and the high heel described in Dutch Patent Appiication No.
8,005,050by J. de Nijs., et al. The latter reference also indudes ;means for ~:
automatically deactiva~ng the lighting circuit under conditions of high ~: ambient light.
WO 94/17684 PCI/~JS93/10131 ~3~9 ~ -2-Examples of footwear ligh~ng circuits activated by a swi~ch disposed in the sole of the shoe and actuated by pressure exerted on it by the underside of the wearer's foot in contac~ng the ground may be found in:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,800,133 to H. Duval; U. S. Pat. No. 4,014,115 to R. Reichert;
S U.S.Pat.No.5,052,131 toP. Rondini; andBelgianPatent-Application No.
570,614 to E. Abramovitch et al. A more elaborate example involving a pneumatically actuated switch is described in European Patent Application No. 335,467A by A. Heister, et al.
Examples of footwear lighting circuits activated by a switch dispos~d in the sole of the shoe and actuated by pressure exerted on it by the ground when the shoe contacts the ground may be found in: U. S. Pat. No.
1,933,243to J. De Merolis et al.; U. S. Pat. No. 3,070,907to J. Rocco; U. S.
Pat. No. 4,128,861 to A. Pelengaris, U. S. Pat. No. 4,130,9Sl to A. Powell; and B~itish ~Patent No. 444,392 to J. Jordan.
is ~ amples of fo~twear containing lighting circuits activated by the angular position of ~e footwear include those found in U. S. Pat. ~os.
lighting devices1 usually electrical in nature, into shoes, boots, sandals and the ~ .
like for ~rarious reasons, e.g., to permit the wearer to see or be seen in : reduced lig~ situations, or to provide ~pecial effects during certain entertainment events.
15 ~ A~ simple Implementati~n of this type of footwear typically includes a light:source,~;e.g., an incandescent bulb,~a neon tube, or a light emitting diode (~Llil)n)~ a P!e power supply, such as a battery, a manually operated: on-off switch, and an electrical :circuit CoMe~ting the threein se~s, all located~in the ~ootwear, typically:wi~in ~e sole and/or heel 20 ~ s~ tu~es. 13xamples of these in the pa~ent art may be found in ~e sandal ofB.~A~ias ~t al. in U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,893,in the high heel shoe of A.
:McCor~cl; in~U.S~. Pat. No. 4,253,253, aIld in the dress shoe~ heel described byW.Pahde in Gennan ~Patent Application 3343-897-A. : ~
; More complex lighted footwear effons h~ve b~en directed to 25~ : -swit~dng the: ligh~ng circuit on and off in associahon with ~e p~esen~ orabsence of ~e ~ arer's foot in the shoe, or by the conta~t of the wearer's ~: foot widl ~e ground, e.g., during walking or running. Bxamples of ~e former in w~lich ~e lighting circuit is switched on when the wearer's foot is inserted into the shoe include the houseshoe in U. S. Pat. No. 3,008~038to M.
30 Dickens et al.,and the high heel described in Dutch Patent Appiication No.
8,005,050by J. de Nijs., et al. The latter reference also indudes ;means for ~:
automatically deactiva~ng the lighting circuit under conditions of high ~: ambient light.
WO 94/17684 PCI/~JS93/10131 ~3~9 ~ -2-Examples of footwear ligh~ng circuits activated by a swi~ch disposed in the sole of the shoe and actuated by pressure exerted on it by the underside of the wearer's foot in contac~ng the ground may be found in:
U.S. Pat. No. 3,800,133 to H. Duval; U. S. Pat. No. 4,014,115 to R. Reichert;
S U.S.Pat.No.5,052,131 toP. Rondini; andBelgianPatent-Application No.
570,614 to E. Abramovitch et al. A more elaborate example involving a pneumatically actuated switch is described in European Patent Application No. 335,467A by A. Heister, et al.
Examples of footwear lighting circuits activated by a switch dispos~d in the sole of the shoe and actuated by pressure exerted on it by the ground when the shoe contacts the ground may be found in: U. S. Pat. No.
1,933,243to J. De Merolis et al.; U. S. Pat. No. 3,070,907to J. Rocco; U. S.
Pat. No. 4,128,861 to A. Pelengaris, U. S. Pat. No. 4,130,9Sl to A. Powell; and B~itish ~Patent No. 444,392 to J. Jordan.
is ~ amples of fo~twear containing lighting circuits activated by the angular position of ~e footwear include those found in U. S. Pat. ~os.
3,893,2~7and 4,158,922, both to A. Dana~ m, and U. S. Pat. No. 4,848,009to N. Rodgers. ~ ~
Each of the three examples in ~e latter group involves a "tilt 2~ ~ switch",i.e., a mercu~y switch, to sense the angular position of the shoe with respoct ~to the gravity gradient and to activate the circuit at a particular attitudo. ~In the first~two ~of these, ~e liglits~ on~ so long as the shoe is in a given~at~tude, and offin a second affitude, and bodl references require a master switch to d~ctivate their respective circuits unconditionally of the footwear's angular; position. The last reference incorporates an electronic timing and "latching" circuit ~at turns the lighting circuit off a predeterminedperil of time after ~e switch is closed, and maintains it in the off state until the switch is first opened, then closed again. Thus, in each of these latter examples, the on-off condition of the light circuit is a function of the angularposition of the footwear, and in particular, that of the tilt switch, relative to the gravity gradient, and is independent of any translational movement of the ~WO g4/17684 2 1 3 2 9 5 7 PCT/US93/10131 footwear or its posi~don relative to the ground surface.
Each of ~e above-described examples of ehe relevant art is subject to cer~ain shortcomings. Those that are "on" condnuously tend to exhaust eheir battenes more quickly ehan those that are on only inte~nitten~dy.
S Those that are "on"only when the ~oot isin contact with the ground or in a certain angular posieion and otherwise "of~' are not as effective as they might be for ewo reasons. First, the fooewear is m~re likely to be obscured~ by, e.g., grass or uneven eerrain when ~ç foo~ is at ground level ~an when it is above ehe ground, and generally, the higher the light is above the ground, the further away it can be seen.
Secondly, in normal walking or running activities, the footwear, and hence, the light ~sources, are typically static, or unmoving, when the footwear ~is on the groundl and moving only :when the footwear is above the ground. Two psychophysical phenomena act to ensure that d~e moving lights `15~ willbemorereadily~seen~anthestaticones: First,inasta~field,a moving object is~more easily detected by the eye ~an a static one. Second, under appropnate lighting conditions, a moving point source OI light is perceived, due~ to~the~p~omenon of "persistence", by the human eye ~and some~camer~ a large, elongated streak of light "painted" on the retina of 20~ e eye by ~e~ point~ source, lather than as a small, moving point of light.
` ~ l~ ;present invention overcomes the~limitations of ~e art described~ above and~en}lances~ visibDityof~e wearer~by~e pro~visiorl of a~sirnple,~economic~l~ and reli~ible design for footwear contaimng ~a ligh~ng stem that is ~-off" when ~e ~earer's f~t is in contact ~with the ground, and 25 ~ unmoving, thereby conserving battery life, and "on" when the wearer's foot is off the ground,~ and usually moving, ~ereby enhancing the wearer's visibility for ~e leasons~ given above.
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"-:~"::::: : ~ :
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:
Each of the three examples in ~e latter group involves a "tilt 2~ ~ switch",i.e., a mercu~y switch, to sense the angular position of the shoe with respoct ~to the gravity gradient and to activate the circuit at a particular attitudo. ~In the first~two ~of these, ~e liglits~ on~ so long as the shoe is in a given~at~tude, and offin a second affitude, and bodl references require a master switch to d~ctivate their respective circuits unconditionally of the footwear's angular; position. The last reference incorporates an electronic timing and "latching" circuit ~at turns the lighting circuit off a predeterminedperil of time after ~e switch is closed, and maintains it in the off state until the switch is first opened, then closed again. Thus, in each of these latter examples, the on-off condition of the light circuit is a function of the angularposition of the footwear, and in particular, that of the tilt switch, relative to the gravity gradient, and is independent of any translational movement of the ~WO g4/17684 2 1 3 2 9 5 7 PCT/US93/10131 footwear or its posi~don relative to the ground surface.
Each of ~e above-described examples of ehe relevant art is subject to cer~ain shortcomings. Those that are "on" condnuously tend to exhaust eheir battenes more quickly ehan those that are on only inte~nitten~dy.
S Those that are "on"only when the ~oot isin contact with the ground or in a certain angular posieion and otherwise "of~' are not as effective as they might be for ewo reasons. First, the fooewear is m~re likely to be obscured~ by, e.g., grass or uneven eerrain when ~ç foo~ is at ground level ~an when it is above ehe ground, and generally, the higher the light is above the ground, the further away it can be seen.
Secondly, in normal walking or running activities, the footwear, and hence, the light ~sources, are typically static, or unmoving, when the footwear ~is on the groundl and moving only :when the footwear is above the ground. Two psychophysical phenomena act to ensure that d~e moving lights `15~ willbemorereadily~seen~anthestaticones: First,inasta~field,a moving object is~more easily detected by the eye ~an a static one. Second, under appropnate lighting conditions, a moving point source OI light is perceived, due~ to~the~p~omenon of "persistence", by the human eye ~and some~camer~ a large, elongated streak of light "painted" on the retina of 20~ e eye by ~e~ point~ source, lather than as a small, moving point of light.
` ~ l~ ;present invention overcomes the~limitations of ~e art described~ above and~en}lances~ visibDityof~e wearer~by~e pro~visiorl of a~sirnple,~economic~l~ and reli~ible design for footwear contaimng ~a ligh~ng stem that is ~-off" when ~e ~earer's f~t is in contact ~with the ground, and 25 ~ unmoving, thereby conserving battery life, and "on" when the wearer's foot is off the ground,~ and usually moving, ~ereby enhancing the wearer's visibility for ~e leasons~ given above.
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4 PCTIUS93/10131 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The novel footwear of ~is invention compnses a light source, preferably an LED, mounted in the footwear such ~a~ light emitted from the S source is visible exteriorly of ~e footwear, and a power source, e.g., a battery, disposed in the footwear for energizing the light source. An elecbical circuit connects the power source to the light source~
A pressure- or force-sensing switch, which is normally in a closed state, but which opens when pressure or force of a predetermined l~vel 10 is applied to it, and which returns to the closed s~te when the pressure or force is reduced ~below that level, is mounted in the sole, preferably in the heel region, of the footwear between the ground and the wearer's foot. The ;~ switch is interconnected within the circuit to connect and disconnect the power sour~e to and from the light source when closed and open, respectively~
.
so th~t the light source is off when the wearer's weight bears on the ground through the sole, and on when- ~e wearer li~ts the footwear from the ground.
In a preferred embodiment, ~e footwear includes a switch msderator that permils the level ~ force exerted on the switeh by the wearer's foot to be adjusted OT tuned to a desira~le level during manufacture.
~ In another alternative p~eferred embodiment, one particularly ; suited to ~e mounting of a phlrality of light sources in the sidewall of the footwear's sole,~a light source mounting and cor~ector ass~mbly can be pro~lided wbich convenielitly serves bo~ to mount and hold ~e light sources in a predet~min~d position relative to ~e sole portion sid~wall margin, and to electrically connect the light sources to the balance of ~he lighting circuit.
In yet another alternative preferred embodiment, the battery can be made plug-in replaceable from ~e outside o$ t~e shoe for convenient maintenance, and, where the light sources are "unidirectional", i.e.,responsive - to a~plied voltage of only one polarity, such as in the case of LED's, this plug-in feature can also serve as a convenient lighting circuit "defeat switch",or means for the wearer to deactivate the lighting circuit when not in use, by ~.
;' .~~0 94/17684 PCT/US93/10131 ` ~1329~7 the simple expedient of removing the battery and plugging it back in with its polarity r~versed.
A better understanding of the footwear of the present inven~don and a g~eater a~preciation of its attendant advantages may be had from a S consideration of the following detailed description of its prèferred embodiments, particularly if ~e descrip~ion is considered in conjunction wi~
the accompanying drawings. A brief description of these drawings now ~ollows.
~RIEF DESCRIPIION OF THE DRAW~GS
.
FIGURE 1 is a rear perspective view of footwear, an atbletic shoe, ~hat incorpo~ates the novel lighting system of the present invesl~ion;
FIG. 2 is a partially-schematic diagram of the lighting circuit 1$ contained in ~e shoe illustra~ in PIG. l;
;: PIG. 3 is a~partial cross sec~onal view loo~ng into tlle h~el region of ~e shoe in FIG. 1, as r~vealed by a longitudinal s~don tak~n ough ~e shoe at about its midline, and showing ~e wearer's heel exerting a force oll ~e switch in ~e; direcdon of ~e arrow shown to actu~te the switch to an OFF condi~on;
FIG. 4 ;s:similar to -FIG. 3, except ~at the wearer's heel is shown removing force~om ~e s~ntch in the direcdon of ~e-alTow to return the swi~ch to a normally ON conditi~n; and ~: FIG. 5 is an cnlarged, par~al, rear perspective view of the shoe 2$ shown in FIG. l, which is par~ y cut away and exploded to show ~he details of ~e lighting parts of ~e present invention.
. ~ ; :
~ETAILli~D Dli$CRlPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIME~TS
Figure 1 illus~ates a type vf footwear to which the present invention is readily adapted, namely, an athletic shoe 1. In recent years, sueh WO 94/17684 . P(~TIUS~3/10131 ,~"
footwear has seen an enormous growth in sales, and it is favored by wearers of all ages, not only for athletic activities involving waL~dng, running and jumping, such as basketball, football, soccer, baseball, tennis, etc., but also for casual wear at work, in the home, and on the streets.
The athletic shoe l shown in ~e figures is e~emplary of such footwear, and ~lly includes an upper portion 2 ~at surrounds and encloses the upper surfaces of the wearer's foot, includin~g the toes, instep, ;~ ~ sides, anlde and upper heel. It may include a tongue that overlies the instep surface o~ the foot, as well as the mechanical features used to fasten the sho~elO to the wearer's foot, such as laces 3, straps or other such mechanisms.
The upper portion 2 is typically made of a soft, thin, flexible, yet strong~ sheet material,~ such as leather, cloth or man-made materials, or combinations ~cof, and is usually sewn together and formed up on a last prior~ to its assembly ~with the balance of the shoe components. To facilitate 15 this latter opa~on, ~e upper portion 2 may incorp~rate a las~ng board or liner~4 (see Fig. 5) ~at~spans the length and width of the underside of the upQer and~acts as a closure to its lower margin.
Attached;;to the underside of the upper por~on 2 is a sole por~ion S that underlies the lower surface of the wearer's foot and supports it 20~ ~ against~the ground ~and the shocks and impacts of walking, running and jumping ac~es. In ~m~ern athledc shoes, the sole portion frequently inclu~ a midsole portiosl 6, which is typical1y molded of a resitient, shock-; abso ~ing, foamed~ materi~l such as polyurethane (~PUn) or ethylene vinylacctate ("EVA"), and~which may extend through only a part of, or throughout, 25 the entire structure of the sole porhon.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sole portion S involves -a so called "cup so1e" type of construction, which means that the upper surface 7 of the midsole 6 is formed to include an upwardly-facing cup into which the :
upper por~ion 2 is received during attachment of the two portions, and the .
30 sidewalls 8 of`thc midsole cup may be extended upwardly to lap, and be - ~ adhered to, the upper portion for added lateral support of the foot and to , .
i~ WO 94tl7684 213 2 9 ~ 7 PCT/US93/10131 provide enhaneed adhesion with the upper.
Ihe upper surface 7 of the midsole thus defines a "footbed" for supporting the wearer's foot through the agencies of the lasting board or liner 4, and optionally, a sock liner (not illustrated) made of a padded material thatS carried loosely at ~e bottom of the upper portion above ~e lasting liner 4 and below the foot.
Because typical midsole materials tend to wear relatively poorly, the mldsole portion 6 is usually provided with an outsole layer 9 attached to its lower surface that bears directly against the ground to resist the scuffing~~10 and wear incident to most athletic activities, as well as to provide enhanced traction. Typical outsole matenals include many types of rubbers, both natural and man-made, as well as certain PU's.
Thus, in the typlcal exemplary athletic shoe 1 shown in the figures, the buildup of structures that is disposed between the underside of 15~ ~ ~ wearer'sfootand ~eground compnses, indescending order, asockliner (not shown), a lasting board or hna 4, the midsole portion 6, wi~h its footbed-def:ming upper surface 7, and the outsole layer 9.
Shown in e~oded detail in Fig. 5 in the context of the above-déscribed a~letic shoe ~l ls an exemplary preferrcd embodiment of the 20 ~ lighting~ system 10 that~ is the subject of this invention. The system 10 ` comprises~ at l~t one~ ht source ~12 disposed ~ ~e~ shoe- 1 such ~at light emi~d from ~e source ~is visible ex~eriorb~ of ~e ~ shoe.
e embodiment shown, a:plurali~, viz.,three of such light sourtes 12 are ~ shown disposed in the sole por~on 5 of the shoe immediately 25 ~ ~ adjacent to a lateral~ sidewall thereofg and, as shown, are disposed in a spaced, la~eral array about the heel of the shoe such that light radiating from them through the sidewall of the sole ~ on may be seen through the entire arc extending from the medial side of the shoe, ~rough its rear aspect, and to the lateral side of the shoe.
30 ~ Where the matenal of the sidewall is opaque, it is necessary to fo~n openings through it ~at are coincident with the light sources 12 so that : ~ ~
: :
.
WO 94/17684 ~ ,~ PCTlUS93/1~1131 ~
~3?.9 3 their light can be seen through the sidewall. However, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, this is unnecessary, because the sidewall of the sole portion has been formed to include an pwardly-lapping extension of a segment of the outsole layer 9, which~segment is made of a transparent or S ~ranslucent material so that the light sourees can be seen ~rough it. It has been found that, in this form of construction, the light radia~dng from any one of the sources is less intense than that from a source ~at is not so obscured, because of the diffusion of the light in the outsole layer. However, this effectis not necessaIily undesi~able, because the light that is diffused tends to diffuse throughout the~entire layer, giving the entire layer the appearance of being illun~inated.
Although the light sources 12 are shown disposed in the sole por~on S of the exemplary footwear illustrated, it will be recogniæd that these may located ~elsewhere on the shoe to g~ effect, e.g.,on the upper portion 2. ~ ; ~
In the exemplary embodiment, light emitting diodes ("LED's") are~ own as the prefe ed fonn of light sou~ces 12. However, sl~lled ctitioners will re~uze that other light sources may also be used to good effect, e.g.,încandescent bulbs or gas~ischarge tubes. LED's are 20 ~ advantageous ;because ~they are small, inexpensive, simple to implemen~, and tend~ to ~nsume ~iess power for ~e amount ~ of light ~at they producel relative to o~er t~s~ of light;~sources. Of course, ~ey ~also have some- limitations.
One includes the~ fact ~at, ~at ~is time, they can pr~duce only certain colors of light, e.g.,red, green,~or yellow, and cau~not produce white light. Ano~her relates to ~eir "unidirec~onal" character, i.e.,they require vol~ of a given ' polarity across~ their leads t~ func~on, and if reverse-biased, ~will not ~ght.
However, ~is latter limi~tation may be turned to good advantage to achi~ve a "master switch" or~"deactivation switch" function in a manner described in ~; ~ more detail hereinbelow.
Shown in Fig. 2~ is a pa~al schematic dia~ram of the lighting system 10 detailed in Fig. 5. As seen in the schematic, the system further ' ~
684 ~ g 3 7 PCT/US93/10131 comprises a power source 14, e.g., a battery, for energi~ing the light sources 12, circuit means 15, 16, and 17 ~or electrically connecting the power source to the light sources, and switch means 18 for selectably connecting the power source to and from tbe light sources in the desired fashion.
S In~the preferred embodiment of this invention, the switch means 18 are chosen to be op3atively responsive to open when the wearer's foot is applied to the ground, and to :close and remain closed when the wearer's foot i s removed from the ground, for the reasons given hereinabove. More particularly, the switch means~ i8 are operatively responsive to open when ~he wearer's weight is applied to the grounà through the agency of the sole portion 5 of the shoe,~and to open when the wearer's weight is lifted from the ~: ground through~ such agency.
To achleve ~his effect, a force- or pressure-sensing switch 18 is chosen: as the switchmg: means, and ~is switch Is disposed in the sole portion
The novel footwear of ~is invention compnses a light source, preferably an LED, mounted in the footwear such ~a~ light emitted from the S source is visible exteriorly of ~e footwear, and a power source, e.g., a battery, disposed in the footwear for energizing the light source. An elecbical circuit connects the power source to the light source~
A pressure- or force-sensing switch, which is normally in a closed state, but which opens when pressure or force of a predetermined l~vel 10 is applied to it, and which returns to the closed s~te when the pressure or force is reduced ~below that level, is mounted in the sole, preferably in the heel region, of the footwear between the ground and the wearer's foot. The ;~ switch is interconnected within the circuit to connect and disconnect the power sour~e to and from the light source when closed and open, respectively~
.
so th~t the light source is off when the wearer's weight bears on the ground through the sole, and on when- ~e wearer li~ts the footwear from the ground.
In a preferred embodiment, ~e footwear includes a switch msderator that permils the level ~ force exerted on the switeh by the wearer's foot to be adjusted OT tuned to a desira~le level during manufacture.
~ In another alternative p~eferred embodiment, one particularly ; suited to ~e mounting of a phlrality of light sources in the sidewall of the footwear's sole,~a light source mounting and cor~ector ass~mbly can be pro~lided wbich convenielitly serves bo~ to mount and hold ~e light sources in a predet~min~d position relative to ~e sole portion sid~wall margin, and to electrically connect the light sources to the balance of ~he lighting circuit.
In yet another alternative preferred embodiment, the battery can be made plug-in replaceable from ~e outside o$ t~e shoe for convenient maintenance, and, where the light sources are "unidirectional", i.e.,responsive - to a~plied voltage of only one polarity, such as in the case of LED's, this plug-in feature can also serve as a convenient lighting circuit "defeat switch",or means for the wearer to deactivate the lighting circuit when not in use, by ~.
;' .~~0 94/17684 PCT/US93/10131 ` ~1329~7 the simple expedient of removing the battery and plugging it back in with its polarity r~versed.
A better understanding of the footwear of the present inven~don and a g~eater a~preciation of its attendant advantages may be had from a S consideration of the following detailed description of its prèferred embodiments, particularly if ~e descrip~ion is considered in conjunction wi~
the accompanying drawings. A brief description of these drawings now ~ollows.
~RIEF DESCRIPIION OF THE DRAW~GS
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FIGURE 1 is a rear perspective view of footwear, an atbletic shoe, ~hat incorpo~ates the novel lighting system of the present invesl~ion;
FIG. 2 is a partially-schematic diagram of the lighting circuit 1$ contained in ~e shoe illustra~ in PIG. l;
;: PIG. 3 is a~partial cross sec~onal view loo~ng into tlle h~el region of ~e shoe in FIG. 1, as r~vealed by a longitudinal s~don tak~n ough ~e shoe at about its midline, and showing ~e wearer's heel exerting a force oll ~e switch in ~e; direcdon of ~e arrow shown to actu~te the switch to an OFF condi~on;
FIG. 4 ;s:similar to -FIG. 3, except ~at the wearer's heel is shown removing force~om ~e s~ntch in the direcdon of ~e-alTow to return the swi~ch to a normally ON conditi~n; and ~: FIG. 5 is an cnlarged, par~al, rear perspective view of the shoe 2$ shown in FIG. l, which is par~ y cut away and exploded to show ~he details of ~e lighting parts of ~e present invention.
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~ETAILli~D Dli$CRlPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIME~TS
Figure 1 illus~ates a type vf footwear to which the present invention is readily adapted, namely, an athletic shoe 1. In recent years, sueh WO 94/17684 . P(~TIUS~3/10131 ,~"
footwear has seen an enormous growth in sales, and it is favored by wearers of all ages, not only for athletic activities involving waL~dng, running and jumping, such as basketball, football, soccer, baseball, tennis, etc., but also for casual wear at work, in the home, and on the streets.
The athletic shoe l shown in ~e figures is e~emplary of such footwear, and ~lly includes an upper portion 2 ~at surrounds and encloses the upper surfaces of the wearer's foot, includin~g the toes, instep, ;~ ~ sides, anlde and upper heel. It may include a tongue that overlies the instep surface o~ the foot, as well as the mechanical features used to fasten the sho~elO to the wearer's foot, such as laces 3, straps or other such mechanisms.
The upper portion 2 is typically made of a soft, thin, flexible, yet strong~ sheet material,~ such as leather, cloth or man-made materials, or combinations ~cof, and is usually sewn together and formed up on a last prior~ to its assembly ~with the balance of the shoe components. To facilitate 15 this latter opa~on, ~e upper portion 2 may incorp~rate a las~ng board or liner~4 (see Fig. 5) ~at~spans the length and width of the underside of the upQer and~acts as a closure to its lower margin.
Attached;;to the underside of the upper por~on 2 is a sole por~ion S that underlies the lower surface of the wearer's foot and supports it 20~ ~ against~the ground ~and the shocks and impacts of walking, running and jumping ac~es. In ~m~ern athledc shoes, the sole portion frequently inclu~ a midsole portiosl 6, which is typical1y molded of a resitient, shock-; abso ~ing, foamed~ materi~l such as polyurethane (~PUn) or ethylene vinylacctate ("EVA"), and~which may extend through only a part of, or throughout, 25 the entire structure of the sole porhon.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sole portion S involves -a so called "cup so1e" type of construction, which means that the upper surface 7 of the midsole 6 is formed to include an upwardly-facing cup into which the :
upper por~ion 2 is received during attachment of the two portions, and the .
30 sidewalls 8 of`thc midsole cup may be extended upwardly to lap, and be - ~ adhered to, the upper portion for added lateral support of the foot and to , .
i~ WO 94tl7684 213 2 9 ~ 7 PCT/US93/10131 provide enhaneed adhesion with the upper.
Ihe upper surface 7 of the midsole thus defines a "footbed" for supporting the wearer's foot through the agencies of the lasting board or liner 4, and optionally, a sock liner (not illustrated) made of a padded material thatS carried loosely at ~e bottom of the upper portion above ~e lasting liner 4 and below the foot.
Because typical midsole materials tend to wear relatively poorly, the mldsole portion 6 is usually provided with an outsole layer 9 attached to its lower surface that bears directly against the ground to resist the scuffing~~10 and wear incident to most athletic activities, as well as to provide enhanced traction. Typical outsole matenals include many types of rubbers, both natural and man-made, as well as certain PU's.
Thus, in the typlcal exemplary athletic shoe 1 shown in the figures, the buildup of structures that is disposed between the underside of 15~ ~ ~ wearer'sfootand ~eground compnses, indescending order, asockliner (not shown), a lasting board or hna 4, the midsole portion 6, wi~h its footbed-def:ming upper surface 7, and the outsole layer 9.
Shown in e~oded detail in Fig. 5 in the context of the above-déscribed a~letic shoe ~l ls an exemplary preferrcd embodiment of the 20 ~ lighting~ system 10 that~ is the subject of this invention. The system 10 ` comprises~ at l~t one~ ht source ~12 disposed ~ ~e~ shoe- 1 such ~at light emi~d from ~e source ~is visible ex~eriorb~ of ~e ~ shoe.
e embodiment shown, a:plurali~, viz.,three of such light sourtes 12 are ~ shown disposed in the sole por~on 5 of the shoe immediately 25 ~ ~ adjacent to a lateral~ sidewall thereofg and, as shown, are disposed in a spaced, la~eral array about the heel of the shoe such that light radiating from them through the sidewall of the sole ~ on may be seen through the entire arc extending from the medial side of the shoe, ~rough its rear aspect, and to the lateral side of the shoe.
30 ~ Where the matenal of the sidewall is opaque, it is necessary to fo~n openings through it ~at are coincident with the light sources 12 so that : ~ ~
: :
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WO 94/17684 ~ ,~ PCTlUS93/1~1131 ~
~3?.9 3 their light can be seen through the sidewall. However, in the preferred embodiment illustrated, this is unnecessary, because the sidewall of the sole portion has been formed to include an pwardly-lapping extension of a segment of the outsole layer 9, which~segment is made of a transparent or S ~ranslucent material so that the light sourees can be seen ~rough it. It has been found that, in this form of construction, the light radia~dng from any one of the sources is less intense than that from a source ~at is not so obscured, because of the diffusion of the light in the outsole layer. However, this effectis not necessaIily undesi~able, because the light that is diffused tends to diffuse throughout the~entire layer, giving the entire layer the appearance of being illun~inated.
Although the light sources 12 are shown disposed in the sole por~on S of the exemplary footwear illustrated, it will be recogniæd that these may located ~elsewhere on the shoe to g~ effect, e.g.,on the upper portion 2. ~ ; ~
In the exemplary embodiment, light emitting diodes ("LED's") are~ own as the prefe ed fonn of light sou~ces 12. However, sl~lled ctitioners will re~uze that other light sources may also be used to good effect, e.g.,încandescent bulbs or gas~ischarge tubes. LED's are 20 ~ advantageous ;because ~they are small, inexpensive, simple to implemen~, and tend~ to ~nsume ~iess power for ~e amount ~ of light ~at they producel relative to o~er t~s~ of light;~sources. Of course, ~ey ~also have some- limitations.
One includes the~ fact ~at, ~at ~is time, they can pr~duce only certain colors of light, e.g.,red, green,~or yellow, and cau~not produce white light. Ano~her relates to ~eir "unidirec~onal" character, i.e.,they require vol~ of a given ' polarity across~ their leads t~ func~on, and if reverse-biased, ~will not ~ght.
However, ~is latter limi~tation may be turned to good advantage to achi~ve a "master switch" or~"deactivation switch" function in a manner described in ~; ~ more detail hereinbelow.
Shown in Fig. 2~ is a pa~al schematic dia~ram of the lighting system 10 detailed in Fig. 5. As seen in the schematic, the system further ' ~
684 ~ g 3 7 PCT/US93/10131 comprises a power source 14, e.g., a battery, for energi~ing the light sources 12, circuit means 15, 16, and 17 ~or electrically connecting the power source to the light sources, and switch means 18 for selectably connecting the power source to and from tbe light sources in the desired fashion.
S In~the preferred embodiment of this invention, the switch means 18 are chosen to be op3atively responsive to open when the wearer's foot is applied to the ground, and to :close and remain closed when the wearer's foot i s removed from the ground, for the reasons given hereinabove. More particularly, the switch means~ i8 are operatively responsive to open when ~he wearer's weight is applied to the grounà through the agency of the sole portion 5 of the shoe,~and to open when the wearer's weight is lifted from the ~: ground through~ such agency.
To achleve ~his effect, a force- or pressure-sensing switch 18 is chosen: as the switchmg: means, and ~is switch Is disposed in the sole portion
5~ 5~of~e f~ear between; ~e wearer's foot and ~e ground, and preferably, in~the heel region of the sole porlion direc~y below the calcaneus, or la~ge ;~ heel bone, of ~the~ wear~r to sense the differen~ in pressure, or force, ~xerted on~the switch between~ ~e~ f~t and ~e ground: as the wearer's weight bears on and: off the~ ground ;through the sole por~ion, as during walking, running or;20 ~ jumping. ; :~
the footwear is eqoipped with a midsole portion 6, as in the case~Qf ~e p e~ embodiment illustra~ it is preferable to mount the switch 18 in :a~ca~/ity 20 in the:midsole ~:porlion,~ which cavi~ opens upwardlyto~the upper surface, or footbed 7, of ~e midsole portion, and~ hence, to the 25~ iow~r surface of thé foot of the wearer. ~It is, of course, possible to mount the switch 18 in the sole ponion 5 just above~its bottom surface to achieve the same switching:funcdon,; but this positioning of the switch means is not considered as convenient from a manufactming s~dpoint, since the footbed of the midsole is open and accessible for insertion of components during the f~otwear assembly procedure, up to the point at which the upper portion 2 is ` finally assembled to the sole por~on 5.
WO 94/t7684 ~ PcT/us93llol3l r In the exemplary embodiment, the force- or pressure-s~nsitive switch 18 shown is a simple, normally-closed, mechanical switch of a type that can be purchased off-the-shelf from many electrical components supply houses. Such switches typically include metallic contacts that are biased, 5 either toget}ler ~normally closed), or apart (normally ope~t, by a spring or other resilient means. Such switches may include a pin ar button actuator 22, and in the case of the normally-closed switch of this invention, the exertion ofa force or pressure on the actuator in excess of a predetennined level, which level is equal to the~ force~exert:d by the contact-biasing means, is requir~d~ to 10 move the actuator relative to the body of the switch, causing it to trip, or ;~ ~ open the switch. ;Removal of this force, of course, returns the actuator to its normal position relative to the switch body and the switch to the normally closed state or condition. ~
Skill~id practitioners should recognize that the vertical position 15 ~ ~ of :the~ switch means~l8 ~within the sole portion 5 of the footwear relative to the~lowcr~surfa~ of the~ foot is~relativ,ely critical. This isbecause ~e displacemer~t of the ~s~ ac~ator 22 is a function of its initial~ position relàtive~ ot: the foot. Thus,~ if the switch l8 is mounted too high ~within the cavity 20, it is possible ~at the mere act of lacing ~e footwear tightly to the 20 ~ wearer's foot will be sufficient to open the switch, tun~ing the light source off, ve of ~r~ ~e wearer's foot is in contact with ~}e ground or not.
Lil~wise,~ if ~the switch~is mounted too low in -~e cavity, it is possible that the switch~willremain~non",~orclosed,andthelightscon~nuouslyon,regardless of the ~vearer's~ wdght~or the force with which~the wearer's foot strikes ~he It has been found ~at this problem can be largely reduced by the inteIposition ~ of a "switch moderator" 24 between the switch 18 ~nd the wearer's foot. ;The switch moderator is simply a layer of resilient material, the thichless ~and~ durometer of which can be closely controlled and adjusted 3 0 to control and "tune" ~e relative pressure sensitivity of the switch for different mounting heights, as well as different wearer weights. The switch : :
~ s4tl76s4 2 1 3 2 ~ ~ 7 PC~T/US93~10131 moderator fits within the cavity 20 above the switch and below ~e wearer's foot, and can be die cut from resilient polymeric cellular m~terials, such as polyure~ane foam.
: In Figs. 2-5 the switch means 18 are shown connected by tlie S switch legs lS, 16 to another feature of the preferred em~diment of this invention, a light source: mounting and connector assembly 26. The mounting and connector assembly 26 includes a base 28 of a rigid, non-conductive ; mate:rial, such as an epoxy-fiberglass composite, a polycarbonate, or an injection-molded thermoplastic,~ such as an acetyl resin. Each of a pair of 10 electrically separate, conductive layers 30a, 30b, preferably copper plating, is disposed on spaced, opposite surfaces of the base 28.
`: : : : :
Each of the :conductive layers has a ~emale half 32a, 32b of a ~: pair of~complementary electrical connectors ~ttached to it for connecting respec~e ones of the conduetive surfaces to the balance of the circuit means ~15 ~ 15, 16,17 by way of a mating pair of male connector halves 34a, 34b that plug into the female halves ~and ~en lead into ~e upper portion 2. Female conn~tor h~lf 32a is electrically isolated from ~e upper conductive layer 30a and is electrical1y connected ~o one of ~e legs lS of the switch l8. The other leg~l6;~ofthe switch;iselectrically connected to ehe upper layer 30a and 20 ~ returns:swi hed power:~to it. This plug-in capability on ~e mounting and connector assembly 26 makes it possible to assemble por~ons of the lighting system` lO sepaTately ~in ~the upper portion - 2~and~ the sole poltion S, then easily ;nlllalry~ the s~parate electrical por~ions to ther at the point at which the up~er and sole~portions are attached to one~ano~er.
If the light sources 12 have lead paLrs, as do the LEl:~'s shown in the preferred embodiment illus~rated, respecdve ones of the leads can be ~ .
easily soldered to re~tive ones of ~e conductive layers 30a, 30b in the manner shown such that the light sources are both meehanically supported by .
the moun~g assembly 26 and electrically connected to the balance of the circuit means 15, 1:6, 17 through the conduciive layers.
In this fashion, the moun~ing and connector assembly 26 can '~ :
wo 94/17684 ~ PCrlUSg3/10131 r ~,~31~
also serve as a convenient "jig" for fixturing the light sources 12 prior to their assembly into the shoe. Further, if the assembly 26 is appropriately contoured along its length to conform to a segment of the sidewall of the sole portion 5 adjacent to which it is to be mounted, the light sources can then be easily installed into a confirming recess in the sole portion and ~nformably positioned and held in place along the sidewall segment at ~e desired intervals with ease.
Another novel feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is its means for incorporating the power source 14 into the lighting system 10. In this regard, the preferred power source is a small, direct-current, dry cell battery 14. The type preferred are the disk- or button-shaped cells that are about 0.50- l.OOinches in diameter and of varying thicla~esses, but typicaily less than about 0.2S inches. They typically provide a voltage of 3 volts d.c., may be lithium, zinc or nickel-cadmium based, and are able to provide seve~ milliwatt-hours of power for the light sources before t~y r~ire replacement. ~ They are readily obtained from a wide valiety of sources available to~ the average wearer.
It is desirable~ to provide easy means for replacing the power source when it is e~hauseed. ~In the preferred embodiment, this is ~ accompiished by making~the battery 14 plug-in replaceable from ~he outside of the~footwe~ 1. To achieve this, a p~ of spaced-apart, conductive metal ba~ ~contacts 36a,~36b are plovid~i, each of which is adapted to receive one of the two side~ edges of the battery in slide-in fashion and to contact espective ones of ~e; battery's poles. The contacts are formed as extensions 25; of the male coMe~ halves 34a,~34b that extend upwardly into the upper portion 2, as described above. The male connector halves 34a, 34b may be ~; held in the appropnate spacect reladonsh~p and mounted to ~e upper by means of a plastic spacer plate 35 ~at attac~les to the underside of ~ie lastingboard 4.
The battery contacts 36a, 36b extend upwardly into a recess 38 formed in a "battery pack" or brace 40 ~hat is attached to the outer surface of :; .
,. .~yvo 94/17~84 213 2 ~3 ~ 7 PCT/US93/10131 the upper portion 2 at the heel counter. The battery pack 40 may be molded from a variety of fairly rigid plastic materials, including polyester resins, polyamide resins, or some styrenics. The molded battery recess 38 ~pens upwardly at the rear of the shoe to receive the battery 14, as well as a plastie5 battery protector cap 42, in slide-in fashion, the battery being received in ~e battery contacts 36a, 36b to complete the electrical ci~cwt.
The easy plug-in battery feature described above lends itself well to the provision of another desirable function in the present invention, namely, ~at of a master switch or deactivation switch. As will be understood, 10 the light source 12 of the llghting system 10 is illuminated whenever the wearer's weight is not bearing down on the ground through the sole portion 5.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a convenient means for deactivating the system when the ~wearer desires that the lighting feature not function, as during daylight; conditions, or when the footwear is not being worn.
. ~ ~
~ One means for accomplishing this is by the provision of a simple, manually actr~ted on-off switch ~thin the circuit that can be selectably switchéd ~by the wearcr. However, if LED7s are used as the light sources, the pro~,qsion ~ of this additional component, and its expense, can be avoided by~the simple expedient of removing ~e battery and reversing its 20 ~ polarity within the circuit. 'Ihis has the effect of back-biasing the LED's and ;uming~ ~em off unconditionaUy. Of course, ~he ,same result may be achieved b~ simply removing ~the ~battery 14 from ~e circuh, but ~is soludon is considered l~,s-p~sacti~l oecause it p~ovidQs an oppo~tuni~ for the battery to become separated~ from~ the shoe, and possibly, lost.
25 ~ ` Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the operation o f ~e lighting system 10. In these Flgures, the sock liner, lasting board 4, and switch moderator 24 ave been om~t~ `for cla~ity. In Fig. 3, the system 10 is shown in the "of~' condition, occasion~ by the pressure of t~e wearer's f~t beanng on the ~ . ~
ac~aator 22 of ~e switch 18 in tbe direction of the arrow shown. 'Th,is 30 condition obtains when the wearer's weight is applied to the ground through - ~ the agency of the sole portion 5, an,d continuously when the wearer is . ~
,~
WO 94/17684 ~ PCT/US93/10131 ,..
standing, or periodically when the wearer is walking or running and the footwear is in contact with the ground.
In Fig. 4, the footwear is shown in the "on" condition, occasioned by the pressure exerted on the switch actuator by the wearer'~ foot S having fallen below ~e predetermined level necessary t~-~eturn the switch 18 to its normally ~losed condition. This condition obtains whenever the wearer's weight, and hence, the footwear, is removed from the ground, and ; ~ ~ continuously for the period of time during which the wearer's foot is off the ground, and usually, moving.
:: :
lûSkilled practitioners will recognize that many modifications of the lighting system 10 can be made in terms of its materials, components and implementation within the footwear, depending on the particular problem at hand.
For example, those skilled in the electronics arts may recognize 15~ ~that the functions~ of the purely mechanical pressure switch described hereina~ve, i.e., pressure~ sensing and switching, might be implemented in an electr~mechanical, ~or solW state elætronics fashion. Thus, if a simple membrane switch~were intcrposed in the sole for the pressure switching function, and, say, a~normally~losed relay, or a reverse:-biased zener diode, 20~ transistor or silicon~controlled switch ("SCS")were appropriately substituted for~e mechnical` ~contacts, a~more sophistica~d (and expensive) equivalent might be achieved. ~
anotller~ va~iation, a simple oscillator chip can be interposed ; wi~bin the lighting~ circuit that would ~use the light sour~e to periodically 25 ~ flash or blink on and off during the periods when the ~ircuit is on. Otber variations might include the provision of fiber optic strands to carry Iight from ; ~ the sole po~tion~ into various loca~dons on the surface of ~e shoe, either on the sole portions, or~ even on the upper portion.
Accordinglyj the scope of the instant invention should not be 30 measured in terms of tbe scope of the exemplary prefelTed embodiments described hereinabove, ~ut rather, by that OI the claims appended hereinafter.
~ ' :
the footwear is eqoipped with a midsole portion 6, as in the case~Qf ~e p e~ embodiment illustra~ it is preferable to mount the switch 18 in :a~ca~/ity 20 in the:midsole ~:porlion,~ which cavi~ opens upwardlyto~the upper surface, or footbed 7, of ~e midsole portion, and~ hence, to the 25~ iow~r surface of thé foot of the wearer. ~It is, of course, possible to mount the switch 18 in the sole ponion 5 just above~its bottom surface to achieve the same switching:funcdon,; but this positioning of the switch means is not considered as convenient from a manufactming s~dpoint, since the footbed of the midsole is open and accessible for insertion of components during the f~otwear assembly procedure, up to the point at which the upper portion 2 is ` finally assembled to the sole por~on 5.
WO 94/t7684 ~ PcT/us93llol3l r In the exemplary embodiment, the force- or pressure-s~nsitive switch 18 shown is a simple, normally-closed, mechanical switch of a type that can be purchased off-the-shelf from many electrical components supply houses. Such switches typically include metallic contacts that are biased, 5 either toget}ler ~normally closed), or apart (normally ope~t, by a spring or other resilient means. Such switches may include a pin ar button actuator 22, and in the case of the normally-closed switch of this invention, the exertion ofa force or pressure on the actuator in excess of a predetennined level, which level is equal to the~ force~exert:d by the contact-biasing means, is requir~d~ to 10 move the actuator relative to the body of the switch, causing it to trip, or ;~ ~ open the switch. ;Removal of this force, of course, returns the actuator to its normal position relative to the switch body and the switch to the normally closed state or condition. ~
Skill~id practitioners should recognize that the vertical position 15 ~ ~ of :the~ switch means~l8 ~within the sole portion 5 of the footwear relative to the~lowcr~surfa~ of the~ foot is~relativ,ely critical. This isbecause ~e displacemer~t of the ~s~ ac~ator 22 is a function of its initial~ position relàtive~ ot: the foot. Thus,~ if the switch l8 is mounted too high ~within the cavity 20, it is possible ~at the mere act of lacing ~e footwear tightly to the 20 ~ wearer's foot will be sufficient to open the switch, tun~ing the light source off, ve of ~r~ ~e wearer's foot is in contact with ~}e ground or not.
Lil~wise,~ if ~the switch~is mounted too low in -~e cavity, it is possible that the switch~willremain~non",~orclosed,andthelightscon~nuouslyon,regardless of the ~vearer's~ wdght~or the force with which~the wearer's foot strikes ~he It has been found ~at this problem can be largely reduced by the inteIposition ~ of a "switch moderator" 24 between the switch 18 ~nd the wearer's foot. ;The switch moderator is simply a layer of resilient material, the thichless ~and~ durometer of which can be closely controlled and adjusted 3 0 to control and "tune" ~e relative pressure sensitivity of the switch for different mounting heights, as well as different wearer weights. The switch : :
~ s4tl76s4 2 1 3 2 ~ ~ 7 PC~T/US93~10131 moderator fits within the cavity 20 above the switch and below ~e wearer's foot, and can be die cut from resilient polymeric cellular m~terials, such as polyure~ane foam.
: In Figs. 2-5 the switch means 18 are shown connected by tlie S switch legs lS, 16 to another feature of the preferred em~diment of this invention, a light source: mounting and connector assembly 26. The mounting and connector assembly 26 includes a base 28 of a rigid, non-conductive ; mate:rial, such as an epoxy-fiberglass composite, a polycarbonate, or an injection-molded thermoplastic,~ such as an acetyl resin. Each of a pair of 10 electrically separate, conductive layers 30a, 30b, preferably copper plating, is disposed on spaced, opposite surfaces of the base 28.
`: : : : :
Each of the :conductive layers has a ~emale half 32a, 32b of a ~: pair of~complementary electrical connectors ~ttached to it for connecting respec~e ones of the conduetive surfaces to the balance of the circuit means ~15 ~ 15, 16,17 by way of a mating pair of male connector halves 34a, 34b that plug into the female halves ~and ~en lead into ~e upper portion 2. Female conn~tor h~lf 32a is electrically isolated from ~e upper conductive layer 30a and is electrical1y connected ~o one of ~e legs lS of the switch l8. The other leg~l6;~ofthe switch;iselectrically connected to ehe upper layer 30a and 20 ~ returns:swi hed power:~to it. This plug-in capability on ~e mounting and connector assembly 26 makes it possible to assemble por~ons of the lighting system` lO sepaTately ~in ~the upper portion - 2~and~ the sole poltion S, then easily ;nlllalry~ the s~parate electrical por~ions to ther at the point at which the up~er and sole~portions are attached to one~ano~er.
If the light sources 12 have lead paLrs, as do the LEl:~'s shown in the preferred embodiment illus~rated, respecdve ones of the leads can be ~ .
easily soldered to re~tive ones of ~e conductive layers 30a, 30b in the manner shown such that the light sources are both meehanically supported by .
the moun~g assembly 26 and electrically connected to the balance of the circuit means 15, 1:6, 17 through the conduciive layers.
In this fashion, the moun~ing and connector assembly 26 can '~ :
wo 94/17684 ~ PCrlUSg3/10131 r ~,~31~
also serve as a convenient "jig" for fixturing the light sources 12 prior to their assembly into the shoe. Further, if the assembly 26 is appropriately contoured along its length to conform to a segment of the sidewall of the sole portion 5 adjacent to which it is to be mounted, the light sources can then be easily installed into a confirming recess in the sole portion and ~nformably positioned and held in place along the sidewall segment at ~e desired intervals with ease.
Another novel feature of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is its means for incorporating the power source 14 into the lighting system 10. In this regard, the preferred power source is a small, direct-current, dry cell battery 14. The type preferred are the disk- or button-shaped cells that are about 0.50- l.OOinches in diameter and of varying thicla~esses, but typicaily less than about 0.2S inches. They typically provide a voltage of 3 volts d.c., may be lithium, zinc or nickel-cadmium based, and are able to provide seve~ milliwatt-hours of power for the light sources before t~y r~ire replacement. ~ They are readily obtained from a wide valiety of sources available to~ the average wearer.
It is desirable~ to provide easy means for replacing the power source when it is e~hauseed. ~In the preferred embodiment, this is ~ accompiished by making~the battery 14 plug-in replaceable from ~he outside of the~footwe~ 1. To achieve this, a p~ of spaced-apart, conductive metal ba~ ~contacts 36a,~36b are plovid~i, each of which is adapted to receive one of the two side~ edges of the battery in slide-in fashion and to contact espective ones of ~e; battery's poles. The contacts are formed as extensions 25; of the male coMe~ halves 34a,~34b that extend upwardly into the upper portion 2, as described above. The male connector halves 34a, 34b may be ~; held in the appropnate spacect reladonsh~p and mounted to ~e upper by means of a plastic spacer plate 35 ~at attac~les to the underside of ~ie lastingboard 4.
The battery contacts 36a, 36b extend upwardly into a recess 38 formed in a "battery pack" or brace 40 ~hat is attached to the outer surface of :; .
,. .~yvo 94/17~84 213 2 ~3 ~ 7 PCT/US93/10131 the upper portion 2 at the heel counter. The battery pack 40 may be molded from a variety of fairly rigid plastic materials, including polyester resins, polyamide resins, or some styrenics. The molded battery recess 38 ~pens upwardly at the rear of the shoe to receive the battery 14, as well as a plastie5 battery protector cap 42, in slide-in fashion, the battery being received in ~e battery contacts 36a, 36b to complete the electrical ci~cwt.
The easy plug-in battery feature described above lends itself well to the provision of another desirable function in the present invention, namely, ~at of a master switch or deactivation switch. As will be understood, 10 the light source 12 of the llghting system 10 is illuminated whenever the wearer's weight is not bearing down on the ground through the sole portion 5.
Therefore, it is desirable to provide a convenient means for deactivating the system when the ~wearer desires that the lighting feature not function, as during daylight; conditions, or when the footwear is not being worn.
. ~ ~
~ One means for accomplishing this is by the provision of a simple, manually actr~ted on-off switch ~thin the circuit that can be selectably switchéd ~by the wearcr. However, if LED7s are used as the light sources, the pro~,qsion ~ of this additional component, and its expense, can be avoided by~the simple expedient of removing ~e battery and reversing its 20 ~ polarity within the circuit. 'Ihis has the effect of back-biasing the LED's and ;uming~ ~em off unconditionaUy. Of course, ~he ,same result may be achieved b~ simply removing ~the ~battery 14 from ~e circuh, but ~is soludon is considered l~,s-p~sacti~l oecause it p~ovidQs an oppo~tuni~ for the battery to become separated~ from~ the shoe, and possibly, lost.
25 ~ ` Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the operation o f ~e lighting system 10. In these Flgures, the sock liner, lasting board 4, and switch moderator 24 ave been om~t~ `for cla~ity. In Fig. 3, the system 10 is shown in the "of~' condition, occasion~ by the pressure of t~e wearer's f~t beanng on the ~ . ~
ac~aator 22 of ~e switch 18 in tbe direction of the arrow shown. 'Th,is 30 condition obtains when the wearer's weight is applied to the ground through - ~ the agency of the sole portion 5, an,d continuously when the wearer is . ~
,~
WO 94/17684 ~ PCT/US93/10131 ,..
standing, or periodically when the wearer is walking or running and the footwear is in contact with the ground.
In Fig. 4, the footwear is shown in the "on" condition, occasioned by the pressure exerted on the switch actuator by the wearer'~ foot S having fallen below ~e predetermined level necessary t~-~eturn the switch 18 to its normally ~losed condition. This condition obtains whenever the wearer's weight, and hence, the footwear, is removed from the ground, and ; ~ ~ continuously for the period of time during which the wearer's foot is off the ground, and usually, moving.
:: :
lûSkilled practitioners will recognize that many modifications of the lighting system 10 can be made in terms of its materials, components and implementation within the footwear, depending on the particular problem at hand.
For example, those skilled in the electronics arts may recognize 15~ ~that the functions~ of the purely mechanical pressure switch described hereina~ve, i.e., pressure~ sensing and switching, might be implemented in an electr~mechanical, ~or solW state elætronics fashion. Thus, if a simple membrane switch~were intcrposed in the sole for the pressure switching function, and, say, a~normally~losed relay, or a reverse:-biased zener diode, 20~ transistor or silicon~controlled switch ("SCS")were appropriately substituted for~e mechnical` ~contacts, a~more sophistica~d (and expensive) equivalent might be achieved. ~
anotller~ va~iation, a simple oscillator chip can be interposed ; wi~bin the lighting~ circuit that would ~use the light sour~e to periodically 25 ~ flash or blink on and off during the periods when the ~ircuit is on. Otber variations might include the provision of fiber optic strands to carry Iight from ; ~ the sole po~tion~ into various loca~dons on the surface of ~e shoe, either on the sole portions, or~ even on the upper portion.
Accordinglyj the scope of the instant invention should not be 30 measured in terms of tbe scope of the exemplary prefelTed embodiments described hereinabove, ~ut rather, by that OI the claims appended hereinafter.
~ ' :
Claims (20)
1. Footwear for improving visibility of a wearer thereof, said footwear including an upper portion contacting an upper surface of a wearer's foot and a sole portion that underlies a lower surface of the wearer's foot and supports the wearer's foot against the ground, the improvement comprising:
a light source mounted in said footwear such that light emitted from said source is visible exteriorly of said footwear;
a power source disposed in said footwear for energizing said light source;
circuit means disposed in said footwear for connecting said power source to said light source; and, switch means disposed in said footwear and operatively responsive to close when the wearer's foot is removed from the ground for selectably connecting said power source to said light source to cause illumination of said light source, said switch means being operatively responsive to open when wearer's foot is applied to the ground, thereby extinguishing the illumination of said light.
a light source mounted in said footwear such that light emitted from said source is visible exteriorly of said footwear;
a power source disposed in said footwear for energizing said light source;
circuit means disposed in said footwear for connecting said power source to said light source; and, switch means disposed in said footwear and operatively responsive to close when the wearer's foot is removed from the ground for selectably connecting said power source to said light source to cause illumination of said light source, said switch means being operatively responsive to open when wearer's foot is applied to the ground, thereby extinguishing the illumination of said light.
2. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said switch means includes means, responsive to pressure from a wearer's weight applied to the ground through the agency of said sole portion, for opening said switch means and for closing said switch means when pressure from the wearer's weight is removed from the ground.
3. The footwear of claim 2, wherein said switch means includes:
an on-off switch that is in a normally closed condition, said switch having an actuator for opening said switch in response to a force exerted on said actuator and being disposed in said sole portion between the wearer's foot and the ground, with said actuator in facing communication with the ground such that, when the wearer's weight is applied to the ground through the agency of said sole portion, the ground exerts an upward force on said actuator, thereby opening said switch, and when the wearer's weight is removed from the ground through said sole portion, the force exerted on said actuator is removed, thereby returning said switch to said normally closed condition.
an on-off switch that is in a normally closed condition, said switch having an actuator for opening said switch in response to a force exerted on said actuator and being disposed in said sole portion between the wearer's foot and the ground, with said actuator in facing communication with the ground such that, when the wearer's weight is applied to the ground through the agency of said sole portion, the ground exerts an upward force on said actuator, thereby opening said switch, and when the wearer's weight is removed from the ground through said sole portion, the force exerted on said actuator is removed, thereby returning said switch to said normally closed condition.
4. The footwear of claim 2, wherein said switch means includes:
an on-off switch that is in a normally closed condition, said switch having an actuator for opening said switch in response to a force exerted on said actuator and being disposed in said sole portion between the wearer's foot and the ground, with said actuator in facing communication with the lower surface of the wearer's foot such that, when the wearer's weight is applied to the ground through the agency of said sole portion, the lower surface of the wearer's foot exerts a downward force on said actuator, thereby opening said switch, and when the wearer's weight is removed from the ground through said sole portion, the force exerted on said actuator is removed, thereby returning said switch to said normally closed condition.
an on-off switch that is in a normally closed condition, said switch having an actuator for opening said switch in response to a force exerted on said actuator and being disposed in said sole portion between the wearer's foot and the ground, with said actuator in facing communication with the lower surface of the wearer's foot such that, when the wearer's weight is applied to the ground through the agency of said sole portion, the lower surface of the wearer's foot exerts a downward force on said actuator, thereby opening said switch, and when the wearer's weight is removed from the ground through said sole portion, the force exerted on said actuator is removed, thereby returning said switch to said normally closed condition.
5. The footwear of claim 4, further comprising:
switch moderator means for controlling the amount of force applied to said actuator by the wearer's foot said switch moderator means including a thickness of resilient material disposed between said switch actuator and the lower surface of the wearer's foot.
switch moderator means for controlling the amount of force applied to said actuator by the wearer's foot said switch moderator means including a thickness of resilient material disposed between said switch actuator and the lower surface of the wearer's foot.
6. The footwear of claim 1, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.
7. The footwear of claim 6, wherein said circuit means includes:
a light emitting diode mounting and connector assembly, including a rigid, non-conductive base having a pair of distinct, conductive layers disposed on spaced, opposite surfaces thereof, each one of said conductive surfaces having a respective one of a pair of complementary electrical connectors attached thereto for connecting respective ones of said conductive surfaces to the balance of said circuit means;
said light emitting diode having a pair of leads, respective ones of which are electrically and mechanically connected to respective ones of said conductive surfaces such that said diode is both mechanically supported by said assembly and is electrically connected to the balance of said circuit means through said conductive layers; and wherein said diode mounting and connector assembly is mounted in said sole portion of said footwear adjacent to a lateral sidewall thereof such that light emitted from said diode is visible exteriorly of said footwear through said lateral sidewall of said sole portion.
a light emitting diode mounting and connector assembly, including a rigid, non-conductive base having a pair of distinct, conductive layers disposed on spaced, opposite surfaces thereof, each one of said conductive surfaces having a respective one of a pair of complementary electrical connectors attached thereto for connecting respective ones of said conductive surfaces to the balance of said circuit means;
said light emitting diode having a pair of leads, respective ones of which are electrically and mechanically connected to respective ones of said conductive surfaces such that said diode is both mechanically supported by said assembly and is electrically connected to the balance of said circuit means through said conductive layers; and wherein said diode mounting and connector assembly is mounted in said sole portion of said footwear adjacent to a lateral sidewall thereof such that light emitted from said diode is visible exteriorly of said footwear through said lateral sidewall of said sole portion.
8. The footwear of claim 7, further comprising:
master switch means disposed in said footwear for deactivating said circuit means.
master switch means disposed in said footwear for deactivating said circuit means.
9. The footwear of claim 8, wherein said power source comprises:
a battery disposed within said circuit means, said battery having a given polarity therein necessary to light said diode, and wherein said master switch means further comprises:
means for reversing said given polarity of said battery within said circuit means.
a battery disposed within said circuit means, said battery having a given polarity therein necessary to light said diode, and wherein said master switch means further comprises:
means for reversing said given polarity of said battery within said circuit means.
10. The footwear of claim 9, wherein said battery and said polarity of said battery within said circuit means are plug-in replaceable and reversible, respectively, from outside of said footwear.
11. The footwear of claim 1, further comprising:
means for causing said light source to blink on and off when said switch means are closed.
means for causing said light source to blink on and off when said switch means are closed.
12. Footwear with means for increasing visibility of a wearer thereof, comprising:
a flexible upper for enclosing an upper portion of a wearer's foot;
a sole portion for underlying a lower surface of the wearer's foot and supporting the wearer's foot against the ground, said sole portion being attached to said upper portion and having an upper surface defining a footbed for supporting the lower surface of the wearer's foot, and an outsole surface for contacting the ground;
an electric light source mounted in said footwear such that light emitted from said source is visible exteriorly of said footwear;
a battery disposed in said footwear for energizing said light source;
an electrical circuit disposed in said footwear for connecting said battery to said light source; and a pressure switch, disposed in said sole portion of said footwear between said footbed and said outsole surface for selectably connecting and disconnecting said light source to and from said battery, said pressure switch being in a normally dosed state such that said light source is connected to said battery, said pressure switch including means, operatively responsive to pressure of a predetermined level, for changing said pressure switch from said normally closed state to an open state, and for returning said pressure switch to the closed state when said pressure is reduced below said predetermined level.
a flexible upper for enclosing an upper portion of a wearer's foot;
a sole portion for underlying a lower surface of the wearer's foot and supporting the wearer's foot against the ground, said sole portion being attached to said upper portion and having an upper surface defining a footbed for supporting the lower surface of the wearer's foot, and an outsole surface for contacting the ground;
an electric light source mounted in said footwear such that light emitted from said source is visible exteriorly of said footwear;
a battery disposed in said footwear for energizing said light source;
an electrical circuit disposed in said footwear for connecting said battery to said light source; and a pressure switch, disposed in said sole portion of said footwear between said footbed and said outsole surface for selectably connecting and disconnecting said light source to and from said battery, said pressure switch being in a normally dosed state such that said light source is connected to said battery, said pressure switch including means, operatively responsive to pressure of a predetermined level, for changing said pressure switch from said normally closed state to an open state, and for returning said pressure switch to the closed state when said pressure is reduced below said predetermined level.
13. The footwear of claim 12, wherein said sole portion comprises:
a resilient midsole portion disposed between said upper portion and said outsole surface of said sole portion, said midsole portion having an upper surface and a cavity formed therein that opens to said midsole upper surface and the lower surface of the wearer's foot, and wherein said pressure switch is disposed within said cavity.
a resilient midsole portion disposed between said upper portion and said outsole surface of said sole portion, said midsole portion having an upper surface and a cavity formed therein that opens to said midsole upper surface and the lower surface of the wearer's foot, and wherein said pressure switch is disposed within said cavity.
14. The footwear of claim 13, further comprising:
a layer of resilient material disposed above said cavity between said pressure switch and the lower surface of the wearer's foot for moderating and controlling the amount of pressure applied to said switch by the wearer's foot and the ground.
a layer of resilient material disposed above said cavity between said pressure switch and the lower surface of the wearer's foot for moderating and controlling the amount of pressure applied to said switch by the wearer's foot and the ground.
15. The footwear of claim 12, further comprising:
deactivation switch means disposed in said footwear and within said circuit for selectably disconnecting said battery from said light source independently of the state of said pressure switch.
deactivation switch means disposed in said footwear and within said circuit for selectably disconnecting said battery from said light source independently of the state of said pressure switch.
16. The footwear of claim 15, wherein:
said light source is a light emitting diode, whereby said battery requires a given polarity within said circuit in order to light said diode, and wherein said deactivation switch means includes:
means for reversing said polarity of said battery within said circuit.
said light source is a light emitting diode, whereby said battery requires a given polarity within said circuit in order to light said diode, and wherein said deactivation switch means includes:
means for reversing said polarity of said battery within said circuit.
17. The footwear of claim 16, wherein:
said battery and said polarity of said battery within said circuit are plug-in replaceable and reversible, respectively, from outside of said footwear.
said battery and said polarity of said battery within said circuit are plug-in replaceable and reversible, respectively, from outside of said footwear.
18. The footwear of claim 12, further comprising:
a light source mounting and connector assembly, including a base of a rigid, non-conductive material, said base having a length and a pair of separate, conductive layers disposed on spaced, opposite surfaces thereof, each one of said conductive surfaces having a respective one of a pair of complementary electrical connectors attached thereto for connecting respective ones of said conductive surfaces to the balance of said electrical circuit;
said light source having a pair of leads, respective ones of which are electrically and mechanically connected to respective ones of said conductive surfaces such that said light source is both mechanically supported by said assembly and is electrically connected to the balance of said circuit means through said conductive layers; and wherein said assembly is mounted in said sole portion of said footwear adjacent to a lateral sidewall thereof such that light emitted from said light source is visible exteriorly of said footwear through said lateral sidewall.
a light source mounting and connector assembly, including a base of a rigid, non-conductive material, said base having a length and a pair of separate, conductive layers disposed on spaced, opposite surfaces thereof, each one of said conductive surfaces having a respective one of a pair of complementary electrical connectors attached thereto for connecting respective ones of said conductive surfaces to the balance of said electrical circuit;
said light source having a pair of leads, respective ones of which are electrically and mechanically connected to respective ones of said conductive surfaces such that said light source is both mechanically supported by said assembly and is electrically connected to the balance of said circuit means through said conductive layers; and wherein said assembly is mounted in said sole portion of said footwear adjacent to a lateral sidewall thereof such that light emitted from said light source is visible exteriorly of said footwear through said lateral sidewall.
19. The footwear of claim 18, wherein:
said conductive layers each comprises a layer of cooper;
said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes, each of said diodes having a pair of leads, with respective ones of said leads being connected to respective ones of said copper layers such that said diodes are electrically connected in a parallel within said circuit and mechanically supported at intervals along the length of said base with said diodes facing away from said base; and wherein said assembly is shaped to conform to a segment of said sidewall of said sole portion such that said diodes are conformably positioned and supported along said sidewall segment.
said conductive layers each comprises a layer of cooper;
said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes, each of said diodes having a pair of leads, with respective ones of said leads being connected to respective ones of said copper layers such that said diodes are electrically connected in a parallel within said circuit and mechanically supported at intervals along the length of said base with said diodes facing away from said base; and wherein said assembly is shaped to conform to a segment of said sidewall of said sole portion such that said diodes are conformably positioned and supported along said sidewall segment.
20. The footwear of claim 12, further comprising:
oscillator circuit means disposed in said circuit for causing light source to flash periodically when said pressure switch is in said closed state.
oscillator circuit means disposed in said circuit for causing light source to flash periodically when said pressure switch is in said closed state.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/013,839 | 1993-02-05 | ||
| US08/013,839 US5303485A (en) | 1993-02-05 | 1993-02-05 | Footwear with flashing lights |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2132957A1 true CA2132957A1 (en) | 1994-08-18 |
Family
ID=21762044
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002132957A Abandoned CA2132957A1 (en) | 1993-02-05 | 1993-10-22 | Footwear with flashing lights |
Country Status (15)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (3) | US5303485A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0686006B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2649288B2 (en) |
| KR (2) | KR0137313B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1093247A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE174768T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU662853B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9305763A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2132957A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE9315315U1 (en) |
| IL (1) | IL107473A (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9307684A (en) |
| SG (1) | SG48067A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994017684A1 (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA938382B (en) |
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- 1993-02-05 US US08/013,839 patent/US5303485A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-10-11 DE DE9315315U patent/DE9315315U1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-10-22 JP JP6517999A patent/JP2649288B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-10-22 AU AU54477/94A patent/AU662853B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1993-10-22 SG SG1996006825A patent/SG48067A1/en unknown
- 1993-10-22 WO PCT/US1993/010131 patent/WO1994017684A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1993-10-22 CA CA002132957A patent/CA2132957A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-10-22 EP EP93924996A patent/EP0686006B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-10-22 AT AT93924996T patent/ATE174768T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-10-22 BR BR9305763A patent/BR9305763A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1993-10-22 DE DE69322792T patent/DE69322792D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-11-02 IL IL107473A patent/IL107473A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-11-10 ZA ZA938382A patent/ZA938382B/en unknown
- 1993-12-01 CN CN93120087A patent/CN1093247A/en active Pending
- 1993-12-06 MX MX9307684A patent/MX9307684A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1993-12-09 US US08/165,128 patent/US6017128A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-12-10 US US08/164,902 patent/US5546681A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1994
- 1994-09-13 KR KR94703204A patent/KR0137313B1/en active
- 1994-09-13 KR KR1019940703204A patent/KR950700694A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
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|---|---|
| AU5447794A (en) | 1994-08-29 |
| ATE174768T1 (en) | 1999-01-15 |
| US5546681A (en) | 1996-08-20 |
| CN1093247A (en) | 1994-10-12 |
| WO1994017684A1 (en) | 1994-08-18 |
| DE69322792D1 (en) | 1999-02-04 |
| AU662853B2 (en) | 1995-09-14 |
| IL107473A0 (en) | 1994-02-27 |
| IL107473A (en) | 1998-03-10 |
| US6017128A (en) | 2000-01-25 |
| EP0686006A1 (en) | 1995-12-13 |
| BR9305763A (en) | 1997-01-28 |
| MX9307684A (en) | 1994-08-31 |
| DE9315315U1 (en) | 1994-02-10 |
| JPH07504602A (en) | 1995-05-25 |
| SG48067A1 (en) | 1998-04-17 |
| JP2649288B2 (en) | 1997-09-03 |
| ZA938382B (en) | 1994-06-13 |
| KR0137313B1 (en) | 1998-04-25 |
| EP0686006B1 (en) | 1998-12-23 |
| US5303485A (en) | 1994-04-19 |
| KR950700694A (en) | 1995-02-20 |
| EP0686006A4 (en) | 1997-02-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |