Footwear device with scrolling light emitting diode display

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

p-0002The present invention is directed to footwear, more specifically footwear units having a programmable display unit for conveying information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

p-0003In 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

p-0004The 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.

p-0005The 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.

p-0006Further 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

p-0007The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

p-0008<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective angled view of the invention integrated into a boot;

p-0009<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective angled view of the invention integrated into a athletic shoe;

p-0010<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a side plan view of the invention used in a skate shoe embodiment;

p-0011<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a partially sectioned plan overhead view of the present invention incorporated on a shoe;

p-0012<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a perspective front view of the programmable display device;

p-0013<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a perspective side angled view of the invention incorporated on a sandal using an alternate attachment;

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention incorporated on a hat;

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention utilizing a controller for wirelessly programming the display panel;

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a cross-sectional view taken along the section lines <b>9</b>-<b>9</b> in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>;

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is an alternate embodiment of the invention where the display panel is incorporated on a different article of clothing such as a jacket;

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is an alternate embodiment of the invention where an OLED display panel is incorporated on a hat;

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an alternate embodiment of the invention where the display panel is incorporated on a purse; and

p-0020<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> 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

p-0021The 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.

p-0022Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and <b>6</b>, an embodiment of the present invention is shown being incorporated on a footwear unit <b>10</b> which represents one unit or shoe out of a pair of shoes. The footwear unit <b>10</b> has an inner surface <b>12</b>, an outer surface <b>14</b>, and a window <b>16</b>. Each of the Figures displays a slight variation in that the invention is being used with various types of footwear. For example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> depicts the invention incorporated on a boot; <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows the invention on an athletic shoe, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shoes the invention on a skate shoe which can include roller skates, inline skates, roller shoes, snowboard brackets, snow skis and ice skates. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> 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 <b>16</b> can be located anywhere on the outer surface <b>14</b> of the footwear unit <b>10</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> show in phantom lines various alternate locations of the window <b>16</b> for placement of the programmable display <b>22</b>. For example the window <b>16</b> can be on the toe, buckles, straps, tongue, heel, and sides of the footwear unit <b>10</b>. Additionally the shape of the programmable display <b>22</b> and the window <b>16</b> is not limited to a rectangular shape but can include any kind of shape. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> show a circular and star shaped window <b>16</b> and programmable display.

p-0023The footwear unit <b>10</b> has an upper <b>18</b> and a lower <b>20</b>. However, the term lower is referring to the surface or a sole of the footwear unit <b>10</b> that is used for at least in part communicating with the surface under the footwear unit <b>10</b>. For example, in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> the skate shoe embodiment of the footwear unit <b>10</b> has a lower <b>20</b> that would include the roller unit which is the part that communicates with the ground during use.

p-0024Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, all of the footwear units <b>10</b> have a programmable display <b>22</b> incorporated with the footwear units <b>10</b>. The programmable display <b>22</b> has a panel <b>24</b> with one or more buttons <b>26</b> that are operably configured with a controller <b>28</b> that is part of the circuitry of the programmable display <b>22</b>. The controller <b>28</b> controls the projection of light from the panel <b>24</b> and further controls the pattern of light that is emitted from the panel <b>24</b>. The controller <b>28</b> stores data such as text, numbers, logos, symbols, or other relevant information that can be projected from the display panel <b>24</b>.

p-0025The controller <b>28</b> also has one or more modes of operation that are activated by the one or more buttons <b>26</b> to cause information to be displayed on the panel <b>24</b> in a desired mode. For example, the controller <b>28</b> 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 <b>24</b> at a predetermined rate of speed or rates of speed. The information can move across the panel <b>24</b> horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in any other direction. The flashing mode would cause the information to be flashed on the panel <b>24</b>. 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 <b>24</b> 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 <b>24</b> for a predetermined amount of time. The random display mode would cause the controller <b>28</b> to randomly display information on the display <b>24</b> in any of the aforementioned modes. The various modes of operation can be selected using the one or more buttons <b>26</b> on the programmable display <b>22</b>.

p-0026The 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.

p-0027The programmable display <b>22</b> can be preprogrammed with data that cannot be changed. The programmable display <b>22</b> can be blank and require the user to add their own personal content, or the programmable display <b>22</b> can be reprogrammable so it has information already stored but the information can be changed or erased at the user's discretion.

p-0028In order to change or upload information onto the controller <b>28</b> a data port <b>30</b>, which can be a USB link or other suitable port located on the surface of the programmable display <b>22</b>, can be used to input information to the controller <b>28</b>. The port <b>30</b> can also be used to charge a power source <b>32</b> of the programmable display <b>22</b>. The power source <b>32</b> of the programmable display <b>22</b> 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 <b>32</b>. Additionally as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> a power indicator <b>38</b> can be installed on any outside surface of the footwear unit <b>10</b> and it is also possible for the indicator to be a part of the panel <b>24</b> or anywhere else of the programmable display <b>22</b>. The power indicator <b>38</b> is a visual indicator of how much energy the power source <b>32</b> has available before needing to be recharged. The power indicator <b>38</b> can operate via a wireless signal from the programmable display <b>22</b> or a contact <b>42</b>, shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 4-5</figref>, allows for a wire <b>40</b> to connect with the programmable display <b>22</b> when placed into the carrier <b>34</b>. The wire <b>40</b> can be attached to the inside surface <b>12</b>, the outside surface <b>14</b> or embedded between the inside surface <b>12</b> and outside surface <b>14</b> of the footwear unit <b>10</b>.

p-0029In another embodiment of the invention, the controller <b>28</b> of the programmable display <b>22</b> can have a counter mode that allows the controller <b>28</b> to collect and store data such as time, distance, or speed. The controller <b>28</b> of the programmable display <b>22</b> includes other electronics such as a global positioning system or pedometer that would allow the programmable display <b>22</b> to keep track of distance or speed. The information gathered by the counter can then be projected from the display panel <b>24</b>. 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.

p-0030Another alternate embodiment allows the counter to be used to keep track of time allowing the footwear unit <b>10</b> to be used as a continuous scrolling clock which projects time on the panel <b>24</b>. The controller <b>28</b> can also further include an alarm mechanism so that the footwear unit <b>10</b> would function in the place of an ordinary alarm clock or a stop watch. Additionally the programmable display <b>22</b> can have an internal digital thermometer that can display ambient temperature.

p-0031The programmable display <b>22</b> can be permanently attached or removeably connected to the footwear unit <b>10</b>. When the programmable display <b>22</b> is connected the panel <b>24</b> is operably aligned with the window <b>16</b> so that information emitted on the panel <b>24</b> can be seen through the window <b>16</b>. The programmable display <b>22</b> is held in place by a carrier <b>34</b> which is a bracket type member operably connected to the inner surface <b>12</b> of the footwear unit <b>10</b>. Alternatively, it is possible for the carrier <b>34</b> to be connected to the outer surface <b>14</b> of the footwear unit <b>10</b>.

p-0032In another alternate embodiment shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, there is a pocket <b>36</b> that is located on the outer surface <b>14</b> of the footwear unit <b>10</b>. The programmable display unit <b>22</b> slides into the pocket <b>36</b> as opposed to using brackets for securing the programmable display unit <b>22</b> to the footwear unit <b>10</b>.

p-0033While <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and <b>6</b> depict the programmable display unit <b>22</b> being used with a footwear unit <b>10</b>, it is possible to use the programmable display unit <b>22</b> with other types of objects. For example, <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention where the programmable display unit <b>22</b> is integrated with a hat <b>100</b>. 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 <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref> and <b>6</b>; however, the difference is that the object is now a hat <b>100</b>. 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 <b>22</b> with other non-clothing objects such as mugs, plates, key chains, jewelry, tire rims, etc.

p-0034The types of information that can be projected from the display <b>24</b> 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 <b>24</b> 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 <b>24</b> 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 <b>24</b>. 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 <b>22</b> 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.

p-0035<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-9</figref> show an alternate embodiment of a footwear arrangement <b>200</b> having a footwear unit <b>202</b> with a programmable display <b>204</b>. Just like the previous embodiments, the programmable display <b>204</b> can be located anywhere on the exterior surface of the footwear unit <b>202</b>. The programmable display <b>204</b> includes all of the features of the programmable display <b>22</b> described above and shown in the <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref>. However, in this particular embodiment the programmable display <b>204</b> incorporates a flexible display that can be connected to the exterior of the footwear unit <b>202</b> without the need for a carrier or pocket. The programmable display <b>204</b> in the present embodiment utilizes technology known as organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology that provides a programmable display <b>204</b> that is much thinner than an inorganic LED. The OLED programmable display <b>204</b> has a flexible thin layered panel <b>205</b> that is connected to the exterior of the footwear unit <b>202</b> through the use of a fastening layer <b>218</b> which can be any suitable adhesive material. This allows the panel <b>205</b> 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 <b>206</b> is applied over the panel <b>205</b> of the OLED programmable display <b>204</b>; however, this is an optional addition. The use of the OLED programmable display <b>204</b> 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 <b>204</b> more practical for use on clothing which can be exposed to stress, water, and heat. Additionally, if the window <b>206</b> is applied over the panel <b>205</b> the water, heat, and stress resistant properties are further enhanced.

p-0036The OLED programmable display also includes a power source <b>214</b> that can be positioned apart from the panel <b>205</b> or it can be part of the panel <b>205</b>. The power source <b>214</b> includes a battery storage or power generating device suitable for providing power for the operation of the OLED programmable display <b>204</b>. The power source <b>214</b> can be connected to a plug-in energy source <b>212</b> to receive and store power. The plug-in energy source <b>212</b> can be any type of a plug-in connector such as an electrical cord, cigarette lighter, adaptor, or other suitable connector.

p-0037Another aspect of the present embodiment is a controller <b>208</b> provided external to the footwear unit <b>202</b>. The controller <b>208</b> is in the form of a remote or wireless type of controller <b>208</b> that allows for communication between the controller <b>208</b> and the programmable display <b>204</b>. The programmable display <b>22</b> shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-7</figref> can also utilize a wireless controller in the same manner as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-9</figref>. The controller <b>208</b> is configured to be connectable and interchangeable with one or more stylized housings <b>209</b> which can have various shapes or styles. The stylized housings <b>209</b> have an aperture <b>211</b> for receiving and holding the controller <b>208</b>. Additionally, the controller <b>208</b> can also have a clip <b>213</b> allowing it to be connected to an object as desired by the user.

p-0038The controller <b>208</b> also has a counter <b>210</b> much like the counter in the first embodiment of the invention described above. The counter <b>210</b> is capable of collecting and storing data to be transmitted to the programmable display <b>204</b>. The controller <b>208</b> has a control panel <b>220</b> 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 <b>204</b>. The programmable display <b>204</b> includes a sensor <b>226</b> which receives wireless signals <b>222</b> that are transmitted from the controller <b>208</b>. The programmable display <b>22</b> using an LED can also include the sensor <b>226</b> for communicating with a controller. The controller <b>208</b> 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 <b>208</b> can include a transmitter eye <b>224</b> for facilitating the transmission of the wireless signals <b>222</b>; however, this may or may not be a necessary feature depending on the type of wireless signals <b>222</b> being transmitted.

p-0039An additional feature of the footwear arrangement <b>200</b> includes a lock feature incorporated into the components to lock in the information being displayed on the programmable displays <b>22</b>, <b>204</b>. The lock can be a switch located as one of the buttons on the controller <b>208</b> or it can be a switch located on the programmable display <b>22</b>, <b>204</b>.

p-0040The wireless signals <b>222</b> can be continuously transmitted between the controller <b>208</b> and the programmable display <b>204</b> where the controller <b>208</b> is tasked with storing and carrying out all the logic functions of the footwear arrangement <b>200</b>. Alternatively, the programmable display <b>204</b> can have logic circuitry built therein which can retrieve data via the wireless signals <b>222</b> from the controller <b>208</b> and control the information that is displayed on the programmable display <b>204</b>.

p-0041In another embodiment of the invention shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>, the OLED programmable display <b>204</b> is connected to a jacket unit <b>302</b> as part of a jacket arrangement <b>300</b>. The use of the OLED programmable display <b>204</b> 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 <b>204</b> 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.

p-0042In another embodiment of the present invention shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>, the OLED display <b>204</b> is connected to an OLED hat arrangement <b>400</b>. The use of the OLED programmable display <b>204</b> makes the present embodiment of the invention more versatile because the OLED programmable display <b>204</b> is bent in a circular fashion and connected to the hat <b>402</b> allowing for information on the OLED display panel <b>204</b> to be continuously scrolled around the hat <b>402</b>.

p-0043<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> shows another embodiment of the present invention where the OLED programmable display <b>204</b> is connected to a purse unit <b>502</b> as part of a purse arrangement <b>500</b>. Once again, the OLED programmable display <b>204</b> can flex with the outer exterior of the purse unit <b>502</b>. <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> depicts yet another embodiment of the invention where the OLED programmable display <b>204</b> is connected to a high heeled shoe <b>602</b> as part of a high heeled shoe arrangement <b>600</b>. The OLED unit <b>204</b> can flex to accommodate the contours of the outer surface of the high heeled shoe <b>602</b>.

p-0044The 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.