US20090288317A1 - Footwear device with scrolling light emitting diode display - Google Patents

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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention is directed to footwear, more specifically footwear units having a programmable display unit for conveying information.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective angled view of the invention integrated into a boot;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective angled view of the invention integrated into a athletic shoe;
• FIG. 3 is a side plan view of the invention used in a skate shoe embodiment;
• FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned plan overhead view of the present invention incorporated on a shoe;
• FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the programmable display device;
• FIG. 6 is a perspective side angled view of the invention incorporated on a sandal using an alternate attachment;
• FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention incorporated on a hat;
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention utilizing a controller for wirelessly programming the display panel;
• FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the section lines9-9 inFIG. 8;
• 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;
• FIG. 11 is an alternate embodiment of the invention where an OLED display panel is incorporated on a hat;
• FIG. 12 is an alternate embodiment of the invention where the display panel is incorporated on a purse; and
• 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
• 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.
• Referring now toFIGS. 1-3 and6, an embodiment of the present invention is shown being incorporated on afootwear unit10 which represents one unit or shoe out of a pair of shoes. Thefootwear unit10 has an inner surface12, anouter surface14, and awindow16. 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. Thewindow16 can be located anywhere on theouter surface14 of thefootwear unit10.FIGS. 1 and 2 show in phantom lines various alternate locations of thewindow16 for placement of theprogrammable display22. For example thewindow16 can be on the toe, buckles, straps, tongue, heel, and sides of thefootwear unit10. Additionally the shape of theprogrammable display22 and thewindow16 is not limited to a rectangular shape but can include any kind of shape.FIGS. 1 and 2 show a circular and star shapedwindow16 and programmable display.
• Thefootwear unit10 has an upper18 and a lower20. However, the term lower is referring to the surface or a sole of thefootwear unit10 that is used for at least in part communicating with the surface under thefootwear unit10. For example, inFIG. 3 the skate shoe embodiment of thefootwear unit10 has a lower20 that would include the roller unit which is the part that communicates with the ground during use.
• Referring now toFIGS. 1-6, all of thefootwear units10 have aprogrammable display22 incorporated with thefootwear units10. Theprogrammable display22 has apanel24 with one or more buttons26 that are operably configured with acontroller28 that is part of the circuitry of theprogrammable display22. Thecontroller28 controls the projection of light from thepanel24 and further controls the pattern of light that is emitted from thepanel24. Thecontroller28 stores data such as text, numbers, logos, symbols, or other relevant information that can be projected from thedisplay panel24.
• Thecontroller28 also has one or more modes of operation that are activated by the one or more buttons26 to cause information to be displayed on thepanel24 in a desired mode. For example, thecontroller28 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 thepanel24 at a predetermined rate of speed or rates of speed. The information can move across thepanel24 horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in any other direction. The flashing mode would cause the information to be flashed on thepanel24. 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 thepanel24 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 thepanel24 for a predetermined amount of time. The random display mode would cause thecontroller28 to randomly display information on thedisplay24 in any of the aforementioned modes. The various modes of operation can be selected using the one or more buttons26 on theprogrammable display22.
• 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.
• Theprogrammable display22 can be preprogrammed with data that cannot be changed. Theprogrammable display22 can be blank and require the user to add their own personal content, or theprogrammable display22 can be reprogrammable so it has information already stored but the information can be changed or erased at the user's discretion.
• In order to change or upload information onto the controller28 adata port30, which can be a USB link or other suitable port located on the surface of theprogrammable display22, can be used to input information to thecontroller28. Theport30 can also be used to charge apower source32 of theprogrammable display22. Thepower source32 of theprogrammable display22 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 thepower source32. Additionally as shown inFIG. 2 apower indicator38 can be installed on any outside surface of thefootwear unit10 and it is also possible for the indicator to be a part of thepanel24 or anywhere else of theprogrammable display22. Thepower indicator38 is a visual indicator of how much energy thepower source32 has available before needing to be recharged. Thepower indicator38 can operate via a wireless signal from theprogrammable display22 or acontact42, shown inFIGS. 4-5, allows for awire40 to connect with theprogrammable display22 when placed into thecarrier34. Thewire40 can be attached to the inside surface12, theoutside surface14 or embedded between the inside surface12 and outsidesurface14 of thefootwear unit10.
• In another embodiment of the invention, thecontroller28 of theprogrammable display22 can have a counter mode that allows thecontroller28 to collect and store data such as time, distance, or speed. Thecontroller28 of theprogrammable display22 includes other electronics such as a global positioning system or pedometer that would allow theprogrammable display22 to keep track of distance or speed. The information gathered by the counter can then be projected from thedisplay panel24. 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.
• Another alternate embodiment allows the counter to be used to keep track of time allowing thefootwear unit10 to be used as a continuous scrolling clock which projects time on thepanel24. Thecontroller28 can also further include an alarm mechanism so that thefootwear unit10 would function in the place of an ordinary alarm clock or a stop watch. Additionally theprogrammable display22 can have an internal digital thermometer that can display ambient temperature.
• Theprogrammable display22 can be permanently attached or removeably connected to thefootwear unit10. When theprogrammable display22 is connected thepanel24 is operably aligned with thewindow16 so that information emitted on thepanel24 can be seen through thewindow16. Theprogrammable display22 is held in place by acarrier34 which is a bracket type member operably connected to the inner surface12 of thefootwear unit10. Alternatively, it is possible for thecarrier34 to be connected to theouter surface14 of thefootwear unit10.
• In another alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 6, there is apocket36 that is located on theouter surface14 of thefootwear unit10. Theprogrammable display unit22 slides into thepocket36 as opposed to using brackets for securing theprogrammable display unit22 to thefootwear unit10.
• WhileFIGS. 1-3 and6 depict theprogrammable display unit22 being used with afootwear unit10, it is possible to use theprogrammable display unit22 with other types of objects. For example,FIG. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention where theprogrammable display unit22 is integrated with ahat100. The invention still utilizes the use of a carrier or pocket with a window and a programmable display as described in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-3 and6; however, the difference is that the object is now ahat100. 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 theprogrammable display unit22 with other non-clothing objects such as mugs, plates, key chains, jewelry, tire rims, etc.
• The types of information that can be projected from thedisplay24 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 thedisplay panel24 during the various modes of operation. Furthermore, the use of the one or more light emitting diodes allows for the information on thedisplay panel24 to appear to be moving or graphically animated in modes of operation that involve the scrolling, flashing, or exploding of information across thedisplay panel24. 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 theprogrammable display unit22 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.
• FIGS. 8-9 show an alternate embodiment of afootwear arrangement200 having afootwear unit202 with aprogrammable display204. Just like the previous embodiments, theprogrammable display204 can be located anywhere on the exterior surface of thefootwear unit202. Theprogrammable display204 includes all of the features of theprogrammable display22 described above and shown in theFIGS. 1-7. However, in this particular embodiment theprogrammable display204 incorporates a flexible display that can be connected to the exterior of thefootwear unit202 without the need for a carrier or pocket. Theprogrammable display204 in the present embodiment utilizes technology known as organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology that provides aprogrammable display204 that is much thinner than an inorganic LED. The OLEDprogrammable display204 has a flexible thinlayered panel205 that is connected to the exterior of thefootwear unit202 through the use of afastening layer218 which can be any suitable adhesive material. This allows thepanel205 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, awindow206 is applied over thepanel205 of the OLEDprogrammable display204; however, this is an optional addition. The use of the OLEDprogrammable display204 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 OLEDprogrammable display204 more practical for use on clothing which can be exposed to stress, water, and heat. Additionally, if thewindow206 is applied over thepanel205 the water, heat, and stress resistant properties are further enhanced.
• The OLED programmable display also includes apower source214 that can be positioned apart from thepanel205 or it can be part of thepanel205. Thepower source214 includes a battery storage or power generating device suitable for providing power for the operation of the OLEDprogrammable display204. Thepower source214 can be connected to a plug-inenergy source212 to receive and store power. The plug-inenergy source212 can be any type of a plug-in connector such as an electrical cord, cigarette lighter, adaptor, or other suitable connector.
• Another aspect of the present embodiment is acontroller208 provided external to thefootwear unit202. Thecontroller208 is in the form of a remote or wireless type ofcontroller208 that allows for communication between thecontroller208 and theprogrammable display204. Theprogrammable display22 shown inFIGS. 1-7 can also utilize a wireless controller in the same manner as shown inFIGS. 8-9. Thecontroller208 is configured to be connectable and interchangeable with one or morestylized housings209 which can have various shapes or styles. Thestylized housings209 have anaperture211 for receiving and holding thecontroller208. Additionally, thecontroller208 can also have aclip213 allowing it to be connected to an object as desired by the user.
• Thecontroller208 also has acounter210 much like the counter in the first embodiment of the invention described above. Thecounter210 is capable of collecting and storing data to be transmitted to theprogrammable display204. Thecontroller208 has acontrol panel220 where a user can program the controller to send signals regarding the various modes of operation and information to be displayed using theprogrammable display204. Theprogrammable display204 includes asensor226 which receives wireless signals222 that are transmitted from thecontroller208. Theprogrammable display22 using an LED can also include thesensor226 for communicating with a controller. Thecontroller208 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. Thecontroller208 can include atransmitter eye224 for facilitating the transmission of the wireless signals222; however, this may or may not be a necessary feature depending on the type ofwireless signals222 being transmitted.
• An additional feature of thefootwear arrangement200 includes a lock feature incorporated into the components to lock in the information being displayed on theprogrammable displays22,204. The lock can be a switch located as one of the buttons on thecontroller208 or it can be a switch located on theprogrammable display22,204.
• The wireless signals222 can be continuously transmitted between thecontroller208 and theprogrammable display204 where thecontroller208 is tasked with storing and carrying out all the logic functions of thefootwear arrangement200. Alternatively, theprogrammable display204 can have logic circuitry built therein which can retrieve data via the wireless signals222 from thecontroller208 and control the information that is displayed on theprogrammable display204.
• In another embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 10, the OLEDprogrammable display204 is connected to ajacket unit302 as part of ajacket arrangement300. The use of the OLEDprogrammable display204 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 OLEDprogrammable display204 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.
• In another embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 11, theOLED display204 is connected to anOLED hat arrangement400. The use of the OLEDprogrammable display204 makes the present embodiment of the invention more versatile because the OLEDprogrammable display204 is bent in a circular fashion and connected to thehat402 allowing for information on theOLED display panel204 to be continuously scrolled around thehat402.
• FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention where the OLEDprogrammable display204 is connected to apurse unit502 as part of apurse arrangement500. Once again, the OLEDprogrammable display204 can flex with the outer exterior of thepurse unit502.FIG. 13 depicts yet another embodiment of the invention where the OLEDprogrammable display204 is connected to a highheeled shoe602 as part of a high heeledshoe arrangement600. TheOLED unit204 can flex to accommodate the contours of the outer surface of the highheeled shoe602.
• 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.

Claims (32)

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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 2 further comprising a stylized housing connected to said controller.

4. The footwear arrangement ofclaim 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 ofclaim 1, wherein said panel is an organic light emitting diode or inorganic light emitting diode.

6. The footwear arrangement ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 1, wherein said programmable display is configured to be recharged using a plug in energy source.

11. The footwear arrangement ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 13 further comprising a stylized housing connected to said controller.

15. The footwear arrangement ofclaim 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 ofclaim 12, wherein said panel is an organic light emitting diode or inorganic light emitting diode.

17. The footwear arrangement ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 12, wherein said programmable display is configured to be recharged using a plug in energy source.

22. The footwear arrangement ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 24 further comprising a stylized housing connected to said controller.

26. The footwear arrangement ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 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 ofclaim 23, wherein said programmable display is configured to be recharged using a plug in energy source.

32. The footwear arrangement ofclaim 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.

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