U.S. patent application number 12/126196 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-26 for footwear device with scrolling light emitting diode display.
Invention is credited to Brandon F. Forbes.
Application Number | 20090288317 12/126196 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41341037 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090288317 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forbes; Brandon F. |
November 26, 2009 |
FOOTWEAR DEVICE WITH SCROLLING LIGHT EMITTING DIODE DISPLAY
Abstract
A footwear unit having a pre-programmable, self-programmable and
re-programmable display inorganic and organic LED with a panel that
is operably aligned with a window located on the outside surface of
the footwear unit and a sensor on said programmable display for
receiving a program signal. The programmable display has two or
more modes of operation for displaying information on the panel.
Inside of the programmable display unit is a controller that
controls the display of information on the panel as well as for
wirelessly transmitting said program signal to said sensor wherein
said program signal provides data that determines what information
is displayed on said panel. The controller also stores information
or data that later can be viewed on the panel.
Inventors: |
Forbes; Brandon F.; (Grand
Ledge, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WARN, HOFFMANN, MILLER & LALONE, .P.C
PO BOX 70098
ROCHESTER HILLS
MI
48307
US
|
Family ID: |
41341037 |
Appl. No.: |
12/126196 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/136 ; 40/463;
40/544 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20130101; A43B
3/0078 20130101; A43B 3/0005 20130101; A43B 23/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/136 ; 40/463;
40/544 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20060101
A43B003/00 |
Claims
1. A footwear arrangement comprising: a footwear unit; a
programmable display connectable to said footwear unit and having a
panel, wherein said programmable display has two or more modes of
operation for displaying information on said panel; a controller
operably connected to said programmable display for controlling the
display of information on said panel and storing information on
said controller.
2. The footwear arrangement of claim 1, wherein said controller
external to said footwear unit and said programmable display and
wirelessly communicates with said programmable display causing said
programmable display to display information on said panel.
3. The footwear arrangement of claim 2 further comprising a
stylized housing connected to said controller.
4. The footwear arrangement of claim 3 further comprising two or
more stylized housing each of said two or more stylized housings
being connectable and interchangeable with said controller.
5. The footwear arrangement of claim 1, wherein said panel is an
organic light emitting diode or inorganic light emitting diode.
6. The footwear arrangement of claim 1, wherein said footwear unit
is one selected from the group comprising a skate shoe, a sandal, a
golf shoe, an athletic shoe, a boot, a slipper, a high top athletic
shoe, or a dress shoe.
7. The footwear arrangement of claim 1, wherein said two or more
modes of operation include at least two of the following, on, off,
scrolling, flashing, exploding, hold, timed, random display, and
combinations thereof.
8. The footwear arrangement of claim 1, wherein said programmable
display further comprises a counter located within said controller,
wherein said counter can operate to collect data such as time,
distance, or speed and display said data on said panel of said
programmable display.
9. The footwear arrangement of claim 1 further comprising a control
panel in said controller for inputting data or changing data on
said programmable display, and thus altering the information
displayed on said panel.
10. The footwear arrangement of claim 1, wherein said programmable
display is configured to be recharged using a plug in energy
source.
11. The footwear arrangement of claim 1, wherein said programmable
display further comprises: a power source which is one selected
from the group comprising electrical power from a power port or USB
connector, solar power, kinetic energy, or electric power from a
battery; a power indicator displayed on said footwear unit, said
power indicator being connectable with said power source to provide
information relating to how much energy is stored in the power
source.
12. A footwear arrangement comprising: a footwear unit; a
programmable display having a panel with two or more modes of
operation for displaying information on said panel; a sensor on
said programmable display for receiving a program signal; and a
controller for wirelessly transmitting said program signal to said
sensor, wherein said program signal provides data that determines
what information is displayed on said panel.
13. The footwear arrangement of claim 12, wherein said controller
external to said footwear unit and said programmable display and
wirelessly communicates with said programmable display causing said
programmable display to display information on said panel.
14. The footwear arrangement of claim 13 further comprising a
stylized housing connected to said controller.
15. The footwear arrangement of claim 13 further comprising two or
more stylized housing each of said two or more stylized housings
being connectable and interchangeable with said controller.
16. The footwear arrangement of claim 12, wherein said panel is an
organic light emitting diode or inorganic light emitting diode.
17. The footwear arrangement of claim 12, wherein said footwear
unit is one selected from the group comprising a skate shoe, a
sandal, a golf shoe, an athletic shoe, a boot, a slipper, a high
top athletic shoe, or a dress shoe.
18. The footwear arrangement of claim 12, wherein said two or more
modes of operation include at least two of the following, on, off,
scrolling, flashing, exploding, hold, timed, random display, and
combinations thereof.
19. The footwear arrangement of claim 12, wherein said programmable
display further comprises a counter located within said controller,
wherein said counter can operate to collect data such as time,
distance, or speed and display said data on said panel of said
programmable display.
20. The footwear arrangement of claim 12 further comprising a
control panel in said controller for inputting data or changing
data on said programmable display, and thus altering the
information displayed on said panel.
21. The footwear arrangement of claim 12, wherein said programmable
display is configured to be recharged using a plug in energy
source.
22. The footwear arrangement of claim 12, wherein said programmable
display further comprises: a power source which is one selected
from the group comprising electrical power from a power port or USB
connector, solar power, kinetic energy, or electric power from a
battery; a power indicator displayed on said footwear unit, said
power indicator being connectable with said power source to provide
information relating to how much energy is stored in the power
source.
23. A footwear arrangement comprising: a footwear unit having an
exterior surface; an organic light emitting diode display panel
attached to said external surface and having two or more modes of
operation for displaying information; an energy source operably
connected to said organic light emitting diode; and a controller
operably connected to said organic light emitting diode display
panel for controlling the display of information on said organic
light emitting diode display panel.
24. The footwear arrangement of claim 23, wherein said controller
external to said footwear unit and said programmable display and
wirelessly communicates with said programmable display causing said
programmable display to display information on said panel.
25. The footwear arrangement of claim 24 further comprising a
stylized housing connected to said controller.
26. The footwear arrangement of claim 24 further comprising two or
more stylized housing each of said two or more stylized housings
being connectable and interchangeable with said controller.
27. The footwear arrangement of claim 23, wherein said footwear
unit is one selected from the group comprising a skate shoe, a
sandal, a golf shoe, an athletic shoe, a boot, a slipper, a high
top athletic shoe, or a dress shoe.
28. The footwear arrangement of claim 23, wherein said two or more
modes of operation include at least two of the following, on, off,
scrolling, flashing, exploding, hold, timed, random display, and
combinations thereof.
29. The footwear arrangement of claim 23, wherein said programmable
display further comprises a counter located within said controller,
wherein said counter can operate to collect data such as time,
distance, or speed and display said data on said panel of said
programmable display.
30. The footwear arrangement of claim 23 further comprising a
control panel in said controller for inputting data or changing
data on said programmable display, and thus altering the
information displayed on said panel.
31. The footwear arrangement of claim 23, wherein said programmable
display is configured to be recharged using a plug in energy
source.
32. The footwear arrangement of claim 23, wherein said programmable
display further comprises: a power source which is one selected
from the group comprising electrical power from a power port or USB
connector, solar power, kinetic energy, or electric power from a
battery; a power indicator displayed on said footwear unit, said
power indicator being connectable with said power source to provide
information relating to how much energy is stored in the power
source.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to footwear, more
specifically footwear units having a programmable display unit for
conveying information.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the footwear industry there is a need to provide
consumers with new accessories that allow a person to tailor their
footwear to their own individual tastes of style. Additionally,
there is also a need to make footwear more utilitarian and provide
a user with added benefits or features. For example, shoes having
flashing lights not only provide the user with stylistic benefits;
the lights also provide a useful safety benefit when worn at night.
Some shoes have also been developed where lights are used to
illuminate a logo or sign. The general purpose of the various types
of footwear described above is that they are used to convey
information that is usually a predetermined pattern or array of
lights. There exists a need to provide consumers with further
options for conveying information using their footwear by providing
greater versatility in the type of information that is
conveyed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a footwear arrangement
having a footwear unit with a window. A programmable display is
connectable to the footwear unit and has a panel operably aligned
with the window. The programmable display has two or more modes of
operation for displaying information on the panel. A controller is
operably connected to the programmable display and controls the
information that is displayed on the panel.
[0004] The present invention also relates to footwear having a
programmable display unit. Each footwear unit which represents a
single shoe, sandal, boot, etc.; out of a pair, has a window on its
surface. A programmable display unit with a display panel is
operably aligned with the window of the footwear unit. The
programmable display unit has two or more modes of operation for
displaying information on the display panel. Inside of the
programmable display unit is a controller that controls the display
of information on the display panel. The controller also stores
information or data that can later be selectively viewed on the
display panel.
[0005] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective angled view of the invention
integrated into a boot;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective angled view of the invention
integrated into a athletic shoe;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the invention used in a skate
shoe embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned plan overhead view of the
present invention incorporated on a shoe;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the programmable
display device;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective side angled view of the invention
incorporated on a sandal using an alternate attachment;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment
of the invention incorporated on a hat;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the invention utilizing a controller for wirelessly programming the
display panel;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section
lines 9-9 in FIG. 8;
[0016] FIG. 10 is an alternate embodiment of the invention where
the display panel is incorporated on a different article of
clothing such as a jacket;
[0017] FIG. 11 is an alternate embodiment of the invention where an
OLED display panel is incorporated on a hat;
[0018] FIG. 12 is an alternate embodiment of the invention where
the display panel is incorporated on a purse; and
[0019] FIG. 13 is an alternate embodiment of the invention where an
OLED display panel is incorporated on a high heeled shoe.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, an embodiment of the
present invention is shown being incorporated on a footwear unit 10
which represents one unit or shoe out of a pair of shoes. The
footwear unit 10 has an inner surface 12, an outer surface 14, and
a window 16. Each of the Figures displays a slight variation in
that the invention is being used with various types of footwear.
For example, FIG. 1 depicts the invention incorporated on a boot;
FIG. 2 shows the invention on an athletic shoe, FIG. 3 shoes the
invention on a skate shoe which can include roller skates, inline
skates, roller shoes, snowboard brackets, snow skis and ice skates.
FIG. 6 shows the invention on a sandal or dress shoe. Additionally
other types of footwear can be used including slippers, golf shoes,
etc. Each of the Figures are not intended to be limiting with
respect to the particular type of footwear used for the present
invention, but rather serve the purpose of illustrating the number
of different configurations that can be used with virtually any
type of footwear. The window 16 can be located anywhere on the
outer surface 14 of the footwear unit 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 show in
phantom lines various alternate locations of the window 16 for
placement of the programmable display 22. For example the window 16
can be on the toe, buckles, straps, tongue, heel, and sides of the
footwear unit 10. Additionally the shape of the programmable
display 22 and the window 16 is not limited to a rectangular shape
but can include any kind of shape. FIGS. 1 and 2 show a circular
and star shaped window 16 and programmable display.
[0022] The footwear unit 10 has an upper 18 and a lower 20.
However, the term lower is referring to the surface or a sole of
the footwear unit 10 that is used for at least in part
communicating with the surface under the footwear unit 10. For
example, in FIG. 3 the skate shoe embodiment of the footwear unit
10 has a lower 20 that would include the roller unit which is the
part that communicates with the ground during use.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, all of the footwear units 10
have a programmable display 22 incorporated with the footwear units
10. The programmable display 22 has a panel 24 with one or more
buttons 26 that are operably configured with a controller 28 that
is part of the circuitry of the programmable display 22. The
controller 28 controls the projection of light from the panel 24
and further controls the pattern of light that is emitted from the
panel 24. The controller 28 stores data such as text, numbers,
logos, symbols, or other relevant information that can be projected
from the display panel 24.
[0024] The controller 28 also has one or more modes of operation
that are activated by the one or more buttons 26 to cause
information to be displayed on the panel 24 in a desired mode. For
example, the controller 28 can have two or more modes of operation
that include on, off, scrolling, flashing, exploding, hold, timed,
random display, and combinations thereof. The scrolling mode of
operation would cause the information to scroll across the panel 24
at a predetermined rate of speed or rates of speed. The information
can move across the panel 24 horizontally, vertically, diagonally
or in any other direction. The flashing mode would cause the
information to be flashed on the panel 24. The exploding mode would
involve displaying the information and then having it break apart
like it was exploding. The hold mode of operation would cause the
information to be presented on the panel 24 and held there for a
user determined amount of time. The timed mode of operation would
cause various groupings of information to be placed on the panel 24
for a predetermined amount of time. The random display mode would
cause the controller 28 to randomly display information on the
display 24 in any of the aforementioned modes. The various modes of
operation can be selected using the one or more buttons 26 on the
programmable display 22.
[0025] The kind of information that can be stored and displayed
includes, but is not limited to information for conveying personal
content such as pictures, photos, designs, drawings, different
languages, patterns, text, graphics, slogans, colors, phrase,
shapes, numbers, logos, brand markings including trademarks,
messages and any combinations of the above.
[0026] The programmable display 22 can be preprogrammed with data
that cannot be changed. The programmable display 22 can be blank
and require the user to add their own personal content, or the
programmable display 22 can be reprogrammable so it has information
already stored but the information can be changed or erased at the
user's discretion.
[0027] In order to change or upload information onto the controller
28 a data port 30, which can be a USB link or other suitable port
located on the surface of the programmable display 22, can be used
to input information to the controller 28. The port 30 can also be
used to charge a power source 32 of the programmable display 22.
The power source 32 of the programmable display 22 can be a
rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery or other
suitable battery source. Other embodiments provide charging the
battery using an electric outlet via a power port or USB connector,
solar power, kinetic energy, or any other suitable source that is
operably connected to the power source 32. Additionally as shown in
FIG. 2 a power indicator 38 can be installed on any outside surface
of the footwear unit 10 and it is also possible for the indicator
to be a part of the panel 24 or anywhere else of the programmable
display 22. The power indicator 38 is a visual indicator of how
much energy the power source 32 has available before needing to be
recharged. The power indicator 38 can operate via a wireless signal
from the programmable display 22 or a contact 42, shown in FIGS.
4-5, allows for a wire 40 to connect with the programmable display
22 when placed into the carrier 34. The wire 40 can be attached to
the inside surface 12, the outside surface 14 or embedded between
the inside surface 12 and outside surface 14 of the footwear unit
10.
[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, the controller 28 of
the programmable display 22 can have a counter mode that allows the
controller 28 to collect and store data such as time, distance, or
speed. The controller 28 of the programmable display 22 includes
other electronics such as a global positioning system or pedometer
that would allow the programmable display 22 to keep track of
distance or speed. The information gathered by the counter can then
be projected from the display panel 24. This particular aspect of
the invention would be helpful for keeping track of pace, distance,
or speed during an event such as exercising or competitive running
or walking instead of having to download or transmit the data to an
external device such as an MP3 player.
[0029] Another alternate embodiment allows the counter to be used
to keep track of time allowing the footwear unit 10 to be used as a
continuous scrolling clock which projects time on the panel 24. The
controller 28 can also further include an alarm mechanism so that
the footwear unit 10 would function in the place of an ordinary
alarm clock or a stop watch. Additionally the programmable display
22 can have an internal digital thermometer that can display
ambient temperature.
[0030] The programmable display 22 can be permanently attached or
removeably connected to the footwear unit 10. When the programmable
display 22 is connected the panel 24 is operably aligned with the
window 16 so that information emitted on the panel 24 can be seen
through the window 16. The programmable display 22 is held in place
by a carrier 34 which is a bracket type member operably connected
to the inner surface 12 of the footwear unit 10. Alternatively, it
is possible for the carrier 34 to be connected to the outer surface
14 of the footwear unit 10.
[0031] In another alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 6, there is a
pocket 36 that is located on the outer surface 14 of the footwear
unit 10. The programmable display unit 22 slides into the pocket 36
as opposed to using brackets for securing the programmable display
unit 22 to the footwear unit 10.
[0032] While FIGS. 1-3 and 6 depict the programmable display unit
22 being used with a footwear unit 10, it is possible to use the
programmable display unit 22 with other types of objects. For
example, FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention
where the programmable display unit 22 is integrated with a hat
100. The invention still utilizes the use of a carrier or pocket
with a window and a programmable display as described in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6; however, the difference is
that the object is now a hat 100. It is also possible to use the
invention having a programmable display and a carrier, with other
types of clothing such as shirts, neckties, glove, helmets, pants,
jackets, headbands, wristbands, belts, or undergarments. It is also
possible to use the programmable display unit 22 with other
non-clothing objects such as mugs, plates, key chains, jewelry,
tire rims, etc.
[0033] The types of information that can be projected from the
display 24 are projected using a light source such as one or more
inorganic light emitting diodes (LED). The light emitting diode or
LED technology allows for information to be scrolled across the
display panel 24 during the various modes of operation.
Furthermore, the use of the one or more light emitting diodes
allows for the information on the display panel 24 to appear to be
moving or graphically animated in modes of operation that involve
the scrolling, flashing, or exploding of information across the
display panel 24. In addition to an LED light source, the light
source can also be any other suitable type of light source capable
of allowing for the display of information on the programmable
display unit 22 in a desired manner. For example, the LED display
unit can also include liquid crystal display (LCD) technology as
well as a plasma light source.
[0034] FIGS. 8-9 show an alternate embodiment of a footwear
arrangement 200 having a footwear unit 202 with a programmable
display 204. Just like the previous embodiments, the programmable
display 204 can be located anywhere on the exterior surface of the
footwear unit 202. The programmable display 204 includes all of the
features of the programmable display 22 described above and shown
in the FIGS. 1-7. However, in this particular embodiment the
programmable display 204 incorporates a flexible display that can
be connected to the exterior of the footwear unit 202 without the
need for a carrier or pocket. The programmable display 204 in the
present embodiment utilizes technology known as organic light
emitting diode (OLED) technology that provides a programmable
display 204 that is much thinner than an inorganic LED. The OLED
programmable display 204 has a flexible thin layered panel 205 that
is connected to the exterior of the footwear unit 202 through the
use of a fastening layer 218 which can be any suitable adhesive
material. This allows the panel 205 to be adhered to and be
flexible with the surface to which it is attached. In another
aspect of the present embodiment of the invention, a window 206 is
applied over the panel 205 of the OLED programmable display 204;
however, this is an optional addition. The use of the OLED
programmable display 204 or a programmable display having an LED
can include the features of a display that is water resistant, heat
resistant, and stress resistant. This makes the OLED programmable
display 204 more practical for use on clothing which can be exposed
to stress, water, and heat. Additionally, if the window 206 is
applied over the panel 205 the water, heat, and stress resistant
properties are further enhanced.
[0035] The OLED programmable display also includes a power source
214 that can be positioned apart from the panel 205 or it can be
part of the panel 205. The power source 214 includes a battery
storage or power generating device suitable for providing power for
the operation of the OLED programmable display 204. The power
source 214 can be connected to a plug-in energy source 212 to
receive and store power. The plug-in energy source 212 can be any
type of a plug-in connector such as an electrical cord, cigarette
lighter, adaptor, or other suitable connector.
[0036] Another aspect of the present embodiment is a controller 208
provided external to the footwear unit 202. The controller 208 is
in the form of a remote or wireless type of controller 208 that
allows for communication between the controller 208 and the
programmable display 204. The programmable display 22 shown in
FIGS. 1-7 can also utilize a wireless controller in the same manner
as shown in FIGS. 8-9. The controller 208 is configured to be
connectable and interchangeable with one or more stylized housings
209 which can have various shapes or styles. The stylized housings
209 have an aperture 211 for receiving and holding the controller
208. Additionally, the controller 208 can also have a clip 213
allowing it to be connected to an object as desired by the
user.
[0037] The controller 208 also has a counter 210 much like the
counter in the first embodiment of the invention described above.
The counter 210 is capable of collecting and storing data to be
transmitted to the programmable display 204. The controller 208 has
a control panel 220 where a user can program the controller to send
signals regarding the various modes of operation and information to
be displayed using the programmable display 204. The programmable
display 204 includes a sensor 226 which receives wireless signals
222 that are transmitted from the controller 208. The programmable
display 22 using an LED can also include the sensor 226 for
communicating with a controller. The controller 208 can use several
types of wireless signals which include blue-tooth type technology,
infrared, sonic, or other light waves for communicating signals to
the programmable display. The controller 208 can include a
transmitter eye 224 for facilitating the transmission of the
wireless signals 222; however, this may or may not be a necessary
feature depending on the type of wireless signals 222 being
transmitted.
[0038] An additional feature of the footwear arrangement 200
includes a lock feature incorporated into the components to lock in
the information being displayed on the programmable displays 22,
204. The lock can be a switch located as one of the buttons on the
controller 208 or it can be a switch located on the programmable
display 22, 204.
[0039] The wireless signals 222 can be continuously transmitted
between the controller 208 and the programmable display 204 where
the controller 208 is tasked with storing and carrying out all the
logic functions of the footwear arrangement 200. Alternatively, the
programmable display 204 can have logic circuitry built therein
which can retrieve data via the wireless signals 222 from the
controller 208 and control the information that is displayed on the
programmable display 204.
[0040] In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 10, the
OLED programmable display 204 is connected to a jacket unit 302 as
part of a jacket arrangement 300. The use of the OLED programmable
display 204 makes the present embodiment of the invention more
versatile for use on other articles of clothing including shirts,
hats, pants, etc. because of the thin flexible nature of the OLED
and the elimination of the need to have a carrier member built into
the article of clothing. With the present invention, the OLED
programmable display 204 can be adhered to and flex with the
article of clothing that it is connected to. The present invention
is intended to be utilized with any type of clothing article.
[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.
11, the OLED display 204 is connected to an OLED hat arrangement
400. The use of the OLED programmable display 204 makes the present
embodiment of the invention more versatile because the OLED
programmable display 204 is bent in a circular fashion and
connected to the hat 402 allowing for information on the OLED
display panel 204 to be continuously scrolled around the hat
402.
[0042] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention
where the OLED programmable display 204 is connected to a purse
unit 502 as part of a purse arrangement 500. Once again, the OLED
programmable display 204 can flex with the outer exterior of the
purse unit 502. FIG. 13 depicts yet another embodiment of the
invention where the OLED programmable display 204 is connected to a
high heeled shoe 602 as part of a high heeled shoe arrangement 600.
The OLED unit 204 can flex to accommodate the contours of the outer
surface of the high heeled shoe 602.
[0043] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and; thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *