U.S. patent application number 14/939558 was filed with the patent office on 2016-08-25 for footwear with led system.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEW START SHOES, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is NEW START SHOES, LLC. Invention is credited to Liu Heng, Sandro E. Sander, Song Alex Yang.
Application Number | 20160242490 14/939558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56690150 |
Filed Date | 2016-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160242490 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sander; Sandro E. ; et
al. |
August 25, 2016 |
Footwear With LED System
Abstract
A shoe sole including a first wall and a second wall, wherein
the second wall is opposite the first wall at a spaced distance
from the first wall, the first wall and second wall form a
continuous channel therebetween for receiving an LED belt, the LED
belt comprising a plurality of LED circuit boxes containing LED
lights; the channel further including a plurality of recessed
cavities for receiving the LED circuit boxes including the LED
lights and a plurality of arcuate grooves for receiving portions of
the LED belt that do not include the LED circuit boxes, wherein the
plurality of arcuate grooves are positioned in an alternating
pattern with the plurality of recessed cavities, the protrusions
further forming a generally "C" shape indentation proximate to a
perimeter along a first lateral side of the sole and a generally
reverse "C" shape indentation proximate to the perimeter along a
second lateral side of the sole.
Inventors: |
Sander; Sandro E.;
(Dongcheng, CN) ; Heng; Liu; (Shenzhen, CN)
; Yang; Song Alex; (Nancheng District, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEW START SHOES, LLC |
Dongguan |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
NEW START SHOES, LLC
Dongguan
CN
|
Family ID: |
56690150 |
Appl. No.: |
14/939558 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62049518 |
Sep 12, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 3/001 20130101;
A43B 13/12 20130101; A43B 1/0072 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A43B 3/00 20060101
A43B003/00; A43B 13/12 20060101 A43B013/12 |
Claims
1. A shoe sole with LED lights, the sole comprising: a first
lateral side and a second lateral side, wherein the second lateral
side is positioned opposite to the first lateral side; a first
layer positioned between the first lateral side and the second
lateral side, the first layer having a first top side, a first
bottom side, an anterior portion for supporting an anterior region
on a planter side of a foot and a posterior portion for supporting
a heel of a foot located at a posterior region on the planter side
of the foot; a second layer positioned between the first lateral
side and the second lateral side and beneath the first layer, the
second layer having a second top side and a second bottom side,
wherein the second bottom side is for contacting a surface; and a
first wall and a second wall within the first bottom side of the
first layer, wherein the second wall is opposite the first wall at
a spaced distance from the first wall, the first wall and second
wall forming a channel therebetween, whereby the channel extends
along the perimeter of the first layer of the sole.
2. The sole of claim 1, further including a main circuit board and
a power source.
3. The sole of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a plurality of
recessed cavities and a plurality of arcuate grooves.
4. The sole of claim 1, wherein an LED belt is secured within the
channel.
5. The sole of claim 1, wherein the channel includes a plurality of
arcuate grooves positioned in an alternating pattern with a
plurality of recessed cavities, the arcuate grooves further forming
a generally "C" shape indentation on the bottom side of the first
layer proximate to the perimeter along the first lateral side and a
generally reverse "C" shape indentation on the bottom side of the
first layer proximate to the perimeter along the second lateral
side.
6. The sole of claim 2, wherein the main circuit board is equipped
with a standard short-range wireless interconnection.
7. The sole of claim 2, wherein the main circuit board is equipped
with Bluetooth technology.
8. The sole of claim 3, wherein an LED circuit box is secured
within each of the plurality of recessed cavities within the
channel.
9. The sole of claim 4, wherein the LED belt includes a plurality
of LED circuit boxes, whereby each LED circuit box comprises an LED
light connected to a mini circuit board, and wherein the combined
LED light and mini circuit board are encased in a thermoplastic
enclosure.
10. The sole of claim 5, wherein a first section of the channel
positioned along an anterior portion of the bottom side of the
first layer proximate to the perimeter, includes a plurality of
recessed cavities and a plurality of arcuate grooves, and a second
section of the channel positioned along a posterior heel portion of
the bottom side of the first layer proximate to the perimeter, is
substantially U-shaped.
11. The sole of claim 9, wherein a portion of the LED belt is
retained within the plurality of arcuate grooves of the
channel.
12. The sole of claim 9, wherein soldering technology is utilized
to connect the combined LED light and mini circuit board unit to
wiring within the LED belt.
13. The sole of claim 11, wherein the portion of the LED belt
retained within the plurality of arcuate grooves of the channel
twists in the form of a loop in at least one of the plurality of
arcuate grooves.
14. The sole of claim 1, wherein the first lateral side and the
second lateral side each comprise a material that is at least semi
transparent.
15. The sole of claim 2, wherein the speed, color combination or
brightness of the LED lights is controlled by a computing device,
wherein the computing device is in communication with the main
circuit board of the shoe sole.
16. The sole of claim 15, wherein the speed, color, color
combination or brightness of the LED lights is further synchronized
to music.
17. The sole of claim 15, wherein the computing device is a smart
phone.
18. The sole of claim 2, wherein the channel includes a plurality
of recessed cavities and a plurality of arcuate grooves, positioned
in an alternating pattern, the arcuate grooves further forming a
generally "C" shape indentation on the bottom side of the first
layer proximate to the perimeter along the first lateral side and a
generally reverse "C" shape indentation on the bottom side of the
first layer proximate to the perimeter along the second lateral
side.
19. The sole of claim 18, wherein an LED belt is secured within the
channel.
20. The sole of claim 19, wherein the LED belt includes a plurality
of LED circuit boxes, whereby each LED circuit box comprises an LED
light connected to a mini circuit board, and wherein the combined
LED light and mini circuit board are encased in a thermoplastic
enclosure.
21. The sole of claim 20, wherein each of the plurality of LED
circuit boxes is secured within each of the plurality of recessed
cavities within the channel
22. The sole of claim 21, wherein a first section of the channel
positioned along an anterior portion of the bottom side of the
first layer proximate to the perimeter, includes a plurality of
recessed cavities and a plurality of arcuate grooves, and a second
section of the channel positioned along a posterior heel portion of
the bottom side of the first layer proximate to the perimeter, is
substantially U-shaped.
23. The sole of claim 22, wherein a portion of the LED belt is
retained within the plurality of arcuate grooves of the
channel.
24. The sole of claim 23, wherein the portion of the LED belt
retained within the plurality of arcuate grooves of the channel
twists in the form of a loop in at least one of the plurality of
arcuate grooves.
25. A system of synchronizing color, color combination, color
brightness and speed at which colors change of LED lights in
response to music, the system comprising: a shoe sole with LED
lights, the sole including a first lateral side and a second
lateral side, wherein the second lateral side is positioned
opposite to the first lateral side, a first layer positioned
between the first lateral side and the second lateral side, the
first layer having a first top side, a first bottom side, an
anterior portion for supporting an anterior region on a planter
side of a foot and a posterior portion for supporting a heel of a
foot located at a posterior region on the planter side of the foot,
a second layer positioned between the first lateral side and the
second lateral side and beneath the first layer, the second layer
having a second top side and a second bottom side, wherein the
second bottom side is for contacting a surface; and a first wall
and a second wall within the first bottom side of the first layer,
wherein the second wall is opposite the first wall at a spaced
distance from the first wall, the first wall and second wall
forming a channel therebetween, whereby the channel extends along
the perimeter of the first layer of the sole, a main circuit board
and a power source; and a wireless computing device in
communication with the main circuit board of the shoe sole for
controlling the speed, color, color combination or brightness of
the LED lights.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 62/049,518 filed on Sep. 12, 2014, the disclosure
of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. A
petition to restore the benefit of provisional application No.
62/049,518 under 37 CFR 1.78(b) is being filed herewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to footwear
including lighting means disposed in the sole of a shoe. More
particularly, the invention is directed to an improved shoe having
an outsole including an LED system comprising a plurality of LED
light sources individually encased within a resistant housing, the
plurality of LED light sources are connected using a flexible LED
belt to link the housing of each LED source. The system of the
present invention allows a user to control the brightness and color
or color combination of the LED light sources and allow a user to
synchronize the color of the LED light sources to music.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Footwear with lighting means incorporated therein is known
in the art. Footwear including lighting devices is fun and
fashionable. Additionally, footwear with lighting devices provides
a safety feature by allowing a user to have greater visibility. The
prior art teaches footwear having a light source, such as an LED, a
portable power supply and a manually operated power switch
connected as an electric circuit. The prior art further teaches
footwear having a light source wherein the power switch is not
manually operated, but rather includes a switching circuit
mechanism to switch the light source on or off in association with
a motion sensor or other sensing device, such as a sensor that is
activated on impact.
[0006] LED lights incorporated in footwear are often subjected to
flexing and pounding motion as the user walks or runs. Thus, it has
been found that LED lights in the sole of footwear known the prior
art are prone to breakage.
[0007] It is desirable to have footwear that includes LED light
sources in footwear that are resistant to breakage and also allow a
user to synchronize the color of the LED lights to stimuli, such as
music.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, footwear including
LED lights is disclosed. The present invention teaches that the LED
lights are controlled by a main electronic circuitry positioned
within the sole of a shoe, whereby the electronic circuitry is
equipped with a standard short-range wireless interconnection, such
as for example, Bluetooth technology. A user may thereby manipulate
and control the brightness of the LED lights, or change the color
or color combination by sending a signal via a computing device,
such as a smart phone or tablet. A program that synchronizes the
LED lights to alter color, color brightness or even the speed at
which the colors change, in response to music may also be included
in a software application within the computing device and linked
via wireless interconnection to the electronic circuitry embedded
within the sole of the shoe.
[0009] The footwear includes an LED belt or strip for retaining a
plurality of LED lights within the LED strip. It is noted herein
that the term LED belt and LED strip may be used interchangeably
throughout this disclosure. The LED belt includes a plurality of
LED lights secured therein. A segment of the LED strip includes LED
lights, wherein the LED lights are individually encased within a
resistant housing unit to protect against breakage of the LED
lights. Each individual LED light is connected to a mini circuit
board to form an LED unit, prior to being encased within the
resistant housing. Together, the combined LED light and mini
circuit board encased within the resistant housing form an LED
circuit box. Soldering technology is utilized to connect the
combined LED light and circuit board to wiring within the LED belt.
Thus, the LED belt comprises a plurality of LED circuit boxes.
[0010] Each LED circuit box is positioned within a recessed cavity
in the sole of the footwear, whereby the recessed cavity is
dimensioned to receive an LED circuit box within the cavity in a
comfortably snug fit. At least one recessed cavity for receiving at
least one LED circuit box is located along an area of the sole
proximate to a perimeter of the sole of the footwear. In a
preferred embodiment, recessed cavities for receiving the LED belt
including LED circuit boxes are positioned along a perimeter of an
anterior portion of the shoe or footwear. The LED belt includes
wiring that connects the LED circuit boxes. The LED belt is
positioned along the perimeter of the sole of the shoe. In a
preferred embodiment the LED belt links the LED lights of the LED
circuit boxes in series.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the sole of the footwear includes
opposing walls that form a channel therebetween. The channel
includes a series of arcuate grooves that project from an area of
the sole proximate to the perimeter in a direction towards a center
axis of the sole. The opposing walls of the channel alternately
form arcuate grooves and recessed cavities. The recessed cavities
of the channel are for retaining the LED circuit boxes of the LED
belt. The channel includes a plurality of alternating recessed
cavities and arcuate grooves that provide a groove for the LED belt
to snake through within the channel. Thus, the LED belt comprising
the LED circuit boxes weaves through the channel with an LED
circuit box secured within each of the recessed channels with
remaining portions of the LED belt secured within the arcuate
grooves of the channel. The flexibility of the LED belt allows the
LED belt to weave in and out of the arcuate grooves and to
generally adopt the shape of the grooves. This configuration
results in a more secure arrangement of the LED lights and helps
prevent breakage of the LED lights. In addition, the weaving of the
LED belt between the recessed cavities and arcuate grooves within
the channel, secures the LED belt and provides for absorption of
the impact that would ordinarily be borne by the LED lights as a
result of the flexing of the foot
[0012] In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the LED belt
secured within one or more arcuate grooves may be twisted or bent
over to form a spiral curve or loop. The configuration of a spiral
curve or loop within the arcuate groove, further twists the LED
belt into the groove within the sole in order to further protect
the LED belt, the LED circuit boxes and LED lights from
breaking.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, portions of the LED belt are
twisted or bent into a spiral curve or loop in at least four
sections of the LED belt. Each of the twisted loop portions of the
LED belt are secured within at least four arcuate grooves of the
sole, in particular, within two arcuate grooves on each side of the
sole, whereby the arcuate grooves are positioned in a region that
defines a flexing area of the sole, thus providing greater
protection for the LED belt and LED lights from breaking while the
wearer's foot is flexing.
[0014] The present invention includes the use of a power source
that is attached to a circuit board equipped with a standard
short-range wireless interconnection, such as for example,
Bluetooth technology. In a preferred embodiment, the power source
is a 3.7 volt battery, such as for example, the type used in
cellular telephones.
[0015] It is an object of the invention to provide footwear
including LED lights, wherein the LED lights are more resistant to
breakage.
[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide footwear
that allows a user to moderate and control the brightness of the
colors emanating from the LED lights.
[0017] It is yet another object of the invention to provide
footwear that is fun and fashionable and allows a user to
synchronize music to the color speed, color combination and/or the
color brightness of the LED lights.
[0018] It is yet another object of the invention to provide
footwear with LED lights that can provide an added safety feature
to pedestrians, workers in construction, snowboarders, as well as a
multitude of other activities.
[0019] It is another object of the invention to provide footwear
with LED lights that are resistant to damage resulting from flexing
the outsole while walking.
[0020] An advantage of the present invention is that it utilizes a
standard short-range wireless interconnection to allow a user to
control the color speed, color combination and/or the color
brightness of the LED lights using a computing device, such as for
example a smart phone.
[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that the power
source may be recharged using a double wire USB cable connected to
a cell phone charger via a charging connector.
[0022] These and other aspects and advantages of the present
disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the invention considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like drawings
represent like components. It is to be understood, however, that
the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and
not as a definition of the limits of the disclosure, for which
reference should be made to the appended claims. Moreover, the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless
otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually
illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe incorporating the sole of
the present invention and illustrating the LED belt as viewed from
a lateral side.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the underside of the sole
incorporating the LED belt within the channel and the battery and
main circuit board of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a top view of components of the present invention,
in particular the enclosure and LED unit, including an LED light
combined with a circuit board.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a top view of the LED circuit box of the present
invention connected to wiring within the LED belt, of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the LED circuit box of the
present invention connected to wiring within the LED belt, of the
present invention.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of the underside layer
of the sole of footwear illustrating the channel, recessed cavities
and arcuate grooves of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a top view of the wire connections emanating from
the main circuit board of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the underside layer of the sole of footwear
incorporating the LED belt within the channel of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 8A is a close up sectional view of the flexing area of
the sole of the footwear illustrating the twisted loop of the LED
belt secured within the arcuate grooves of the channel as shown in
FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-8A, there is shown a sole of a shoe
10, the sole 10 including a first layer 12, a second layer 14, a
first lateral side 16A and a second lateral side 16B, the first and
second lateral sides, 16A, 16B, located on either side of the sole
10.
[0033] The sole 10 further includes an anterior region 18 for
supporting an anterior region on the planter side of the foot, and
a posterior region 20 for supporting a heel located at a posterior
region on the planter side of the foot.
[0034] The first layer 12 includes a bottom 12B, the bottom 12B
further including a plurality of recessed cavities 22 for receiving
and retaining an LED circuit box 24 within each of the plurality of
recessed cavities 22. Each LED circuit box 24 includes a three
primary color LED light 26 connected to a mini circuit board 28 to
form an LED unit 30 which is further encased in a thermoplastic
enclosure 32. Each LED unit 30 within the LED circuit box 24 is
connected to an LED belt 34. The LED belt 34 comprises a plurality
of LED circuit boxes 24. The LED belt 34 must be soft and flexible
in order to accommodate the flexing movement of the foot while
walking or running. In a preferred embodiment, soldering technology
is utilized to connect the LED unit 30 to wiring 46 within the LED
belt 34. The wiring 46 comprises a triple wire 46A, 46B and 46C.
Once the LED unit 30 is connected to the LED belt 34, it is encased
within the thermoplastic enclosure 32, to form the LED circuit box
24.
[0035] Each LED unit 30 is connected to the LED belt 34 with a
triple wire 46A, 46B, 46C. The wires, 46A, 46B and 46C should be
soft and flexible and covered with a sleeve 45 in order to prevent
the color of the wires from being visible and interfering with the
LED lights 26.
[0036] The LED belt 34 is preferably composed of thermoplastic
material. The LED belt 34 is flexible and at least semi transparent
in order to allow the color of the LED light 26 to be perceived.
The LED belt 34 is integrated within the bottom side 12B of the
first layer 12. In particular, the LED belt 34 is secured within a
channel 36 formed along a perimeter 37 of the bottom side 12B of
the first layer 12.
[0037] The channel 36 of the bottom side 12B of the first layer 12
includes opposing walls 38A and 38B, wherein the opposing walls 38A
and 38B form a continuous channel along the entire perimeter 37. In
one embodiment, opposing walls 38A and 38B emerge at a
substantially ninety degree angle relative to a top side 12A of the
first layer 12. In a preferred embodiment opposing walls 38A and
38B, and lateral sides 16A and 16B are at least semi transparent so
that the LED lights 26 can be seen through lateral sides 16A and
16B.
[0038] Opposing walls 38A and 38B of the channel 36 along the
posterior portion 20 of the bottom side 12B form a generally
U-shaped channel at the posterior portion 20 of the bottom side
12B. It is noted that the channel 36 includes a width and height
sufficient to accommodate the LED belt 34 in a snug and comfortable
fit that secures the LED belt 34 and allows sufficient space so as
not to squeeze the LED belt 34 while the wearer is flexing his or
her foot thereby rendering the LED belt 34 and portions thereof
more susceptible to breakage. In a preferred embodiment, the LED
belt 34 is secured within the channel 34 with a plurality of
retaining straps 40.
[0039] In contrast to the channel 36 at the posterior portion 20,
the channel 36 at the anterior portion 18 of the first layer 12
includes a plurality of recessed cavities 22 for receiving and
retaining at least one LED circuit box 24 within each recessed
cavity 22 in a snug and comfortable fit, whereby the recessed
cavities 22 are of a shape and size sufficient to accommodate and
retain the at least one LED circuit box 24 within each recessed
cavity 22 such that there is sufficient space so as not to squeeze
the LED belt 34 thereby rendering the LED circuit box 24 within the
recessed cavity 22 susceptible to breakage while the wearer flexes
his or her foot. The channel 36 further forms a plurality of
twisting indentations or arcuate grooves 42 that project from the
perimeter 37 of the bottom side 12B of the first layer 12, most
proximate to lateral sides 16A and 16B, in a direction toward a
central axis 39 along a length of the sole 10.
[0040] The channel 36 alternately forms arcuate grooves 42 between
the recessed cavity cavities 22. Thus, the opposing walls 38A and
38B of the channel at the anterior portion 18 form an alternating
pattern of recessed cavities 22 for accommodating LED circuit boxes
24, and arcuate grooves 42 for receiving portions of the LED belt
34 that do not include LED circuit boxes 24.
[0041] Thus, since the LED belt 34 is retained in a curved
formation in arcuate grooves 42 within the anterior portion 18 of
the sole 10, and the LED circuit boxes 24 are secured in recessed
cavities 22, the tensile force will stay in the LED belt 34 while
the foot of the user is flexing, instead of going to a joint point
44 directly at an arcuate groove 42, thereby rendering the LED
lights 26 more resistant to breakage.
[0042] In one embodiment, a portion of the LED belt 34 is twisted
to form a loop or a spiral curve of increasing diameter 35 within
the arcuate groove 42 of the channel 36. The configuration of a
spiral curve or loop 35 within the arcuate groove 42, further
relieves the stress to the LED belt 34 within the channel 36 in
order to further protect the LED belt 34, the LED circuit boxes 24,
or a portion thereof from breaking.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, portions of the LED belt 34 are
twisted into four separate spiral curves 35, such that each of the
loops 35 of the LED belt 34 are individually secured within an
arcuate groove 42. Thus, two arcuate grooves 42 on the first
lateral side 16A and two arcuate grooves 42 on lateral side 16B
each include portions of the LED belt 34 configured in a curved
spiral or loop 35. The arcuate grooves 42 including the LED belt 34
twisted in spiral curve or loop 35 on either side 16A, 16B of the
sole 10 are positioned in an anterior region 18 that defines the
flexing area 41 of the sole 10 during walking, thus providing
greater protection for the LED belt 34 or any portion thereof, from
breakage while the wearer's foot is flexing.
[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the arcuate grooves 42 formed by
opposing walls 38A and 38B in channel 36 are generally curved in a
"C" shape 42A along the perimeter 37 most proximate to lateral side
16A. In contrast, the arcuate grooves 42 formed by opposing walls
38A and 38B in channel 36 are generally curved in the shape of a
reverse "C" groove 42B along the perimeter 37 most proximate the
lateral side 16B. Grooves 42A and 42B within the channel 36 are
dimensioned to receive and retain the LED belt 34 in a secure
position while allowing sufficient space so as not to squeeze the
LED belt 34 while a wearer's foot flexes, in order to prevent
breakage of the LED belt 34.
[0045] Thus, the joint mode and positioning of the LED belt 34
includes a plurality of LED circuit boxes 24 positioned within
recessed cavities in alternating fashion with the LED belt 34
conforming to the shape of a generally curved "C" in grooves 42A
and the shape of a generally curved reverse "C" in grooves 42B
results in an LED belt 34 having a unique flexing technology,
capable to absorbing the force of impact from walking or running,
thereby the LED lights 26 within the sole 10 are more resistant to
breakage and other damage.
[0046] A void space 48 for receiving a main circuit board 50 is
located in the bottom of the first layer 12B. In a preferred
embodiment, the void space is located at a relative midpoint 52 of
the anterior portion 18 of the bottom of the first layer 12B.
[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the main circuit board 50 is
equipped with a standard short-range wireless interconnection, for
example, Bluetooth technology for receiving commands remotely, from
a smart phone or other computing device. Thus, the brightness,
color combination and speed of the LED lights 26 may be controlled
by a software application installed on a smart phone or other
computing device that is enabled to communicate via short-range
wireless interconnection with the main circuit board 50. In a
preferred embodiment, the brightness, color combination and speed
of the LED lights 26 may also be synchronized to a music or song.
The main circuit board 50 may also serve to adjust and stabilize
the electronic power voltage.
[0048] An aperture 54 positioned in the posterior portion 20 of the
bottom of the first layer 12B accommodates a power source 56. The
power source 56 is connected to the main circuit board 50 and is
used to power the LED lights 26. In a preferred embodiment, the
power source 56 is a standard 3.7 volt cellular telephone
battery.
[0049] In an alternative embodiment, a double wire USB cable
connected to a battery charger 60 via a charging connector may be
used to recharge the battery 56.
[0050] Referring now in particular to the drawings, FIG. 1 is side
view of footwear, including a sole 10 incorporating the present
invention.
[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 there is shown the shoe sole 10
with LED lights 26, the shoe sole 10 comprising the first lateral
side 16A and the second lateral side 16B wherein the second lateral
side 16B is positioned opposite to the first lateral side 16A of
the sole 10 for accommodating a planter side of a foot.
[0052] The shoe sole 10 further includes first layer 12 having top
side 12A and a bottom 12B, the first layer 12 is disposed on top of
the second layer 14, the second layer 14 includes the top side 14A
and bottom side 14B wherein top side 14A is positioned below bottom
side 12B and the bottom side 14B is for contacting a surface while
in use.
[0053] First wall 38A and second wall 38B positioned along the
perimeter 37 on the first bottom side 12B of the first layer 12,
wherein the first wall 38A and second wall 38B form a channel 36
therebetween. The channel 36 further including a plurality of
recessed cavities 22 and a plurality of arcuate grooves 42, wherein
the plurality of arcuate grooves 42 are positioned in an
alternating pattern with the plurality of recessed cavities 22. The
arcuate grooves 42 form a generally "C" shape groove 42A along the
perimeter 37 proximate to the first lateral side 16A and a
generally reverse "C" shape groove 42B along the perimeter 37
proximate to the second lateral side 16B.
[0054] The sole 10 further includes a main circuit board 50 and the
power source 56. The main circuit board 50 is connected to the
power source 56, LED belt 34 and the charger 60 (shown in FIG. 1)
for charging the power source 56. In a preferred embodiment, the
main circuit board 50 is in electrical communication with the power
source 56, LED belt 34 and the charger 60 for charging the power
source 56 via electrical wiring.
[0055] FIG. 3 is a top view of components of the present invention,
in particular the enclosure 32 and LED unit 30 including an LED
light 26 combined with a mini circuit board 28. Thus, by connecting
each of the mini circuit boards 28 to each of the LED lights 26, it
is possible to display an individual or unique color, color
combination and brightness of each LED light 26 within each of the
LED units 30 of the LED belt 34. It is appreciated that the mini
circuit boards 28 are dimensioned to fit with an individual LED
light 26 within the LED unit 30 and LED belt 34. The LED circuit
box 24 includes a combined LED light 26 and mini circuit board 28
encased within the enclosure 32.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a top view of the LED circuit box 24 connected to
a triple wire 46A, 46B, 46C within the LED belt 34.
[0057] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the LED circuit box 24 connected
to a triple wire 46A, 46B, 46C within the LED belt 34.
[0058] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the underside layer of the sole
10 of the footwear illustrating the channel 36, including the
recessed cavities 22 and arcuate grooves 42. First wall 38A and
second wall 38B are positioned along the perimeter 37 on the first
bottom side 12B of the first layer 12, wherein the first wall 38A
and the second wall 38B form a channel 36 therebetween. The channel
36 further includes a plurality of recessed cavities 22 and a
plurality of arcuate grooves 42, wherein the plurality of arcuate
grooves 42 are positioned in an alternating pattern with the
plurality of recessed cavities 22. The arcuate grooves 42 further
form a generally "C" shape groove 42A along the perimeter 37
proximate to the first lateral side 16A and a generally reverse "C"
shape groove 42B along the perimeter 37 proximate to the second
lateral side 16B. The posterior 20 and anterior 18 portions of the
sole 10 support the planter side of the user's foot.
[0059] The aperture 54 positioned in the posterior portion 20 of
the bottom of the first layer 12B accommodates a power source 56
(shown in FIG. 2). A void space 48 for receiving a main circuit
board 50 (shown in FIG. 2) is located in the bottom side of the
first layer 12B. In a preferred embodiment, the void space is
located at a relative midpoint 52 of the anterior portion 18 of the
first layer 12B.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a top view of wire connections emanating from the
main circuit board 50 to the power source 56, the LED belt 34 and
the battery charger 60. The main circuit board 50 connects to the
LED belt 34 via a connection point 34', the battery 56 via a
connection at 56' and the charger 60 (shown in FIG. 1) via a
connection at 60'. Thus, the main circuit board 50 connects to the
battery charger 60 the LED belt 34 and battery 56 in order to
receive a signal from a wireless communication device, such as a
smart phone to control the LED lights 26, to synchronize with music
and/or modify the color, speed or brightness of the LED lights
26.
[0061] FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the bottom layer of the underside 12B of the sole 10.
In this embodiment portions of the LED belt 34 are twisted in a
curved spiral or loop 25 within each of four arcuate grooves 42
within the channel 36. The configuration of the twisted loop 35
within the arcuate groove 42, further relieves the stress to the
LED belt 34 in order to further protect the LED belt 34, the LED
lights 26 and LED circuit boxes 24, or a portion thereof from
breaking. Two arcuate grooves 42A on the first lateral side 16A and
two arcuate grooves 42B on lateral side 16B each include portions
of the LED belt 34 configured in a spiral curve or twisted loop 35.
The arcuate grooves 42A, 42B including the twisted loop 35 on
either side 16A, 16B of the sole 10 are positioned in the region
that defines the flexing area 41 of the sole 10, thus providing
greater protection for the LED belt 34 or any portion thereof, from
breakage while the wearer's foot is flexing. FIG. 8A is a close up
view of the spiral curve or twisted loops 35 within the arcuate
grooves 42A, 42B of the flexing area 41 of the sole 10 of the
footwear as shown in FIG. 8.
[0062] Thus, while there has been shown and described, fundamental
novel features of the disclosure as applied to various specific
embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions
and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the
apparatus illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the
disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all
combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform
substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to
achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention.
Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements
and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any
disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated
in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment
as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention,
therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
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