US20130219754A1

US20130219754A1 - Shoe

Info

Publication number: US20130219754A1
Application number: US13/408,345
Authority: US
Inventors: Russell J. Nowak; Donald L. Nudi
Original assignee: Indicators LLC
Current assignee: Indicators LLC
Priority date: 2012-02-29
Filing date: 2012-02-29
Publication date: 2013-08-29

Abstract

Shoe comprises an upper part and a sole. One or more of the upper part and the sole comprise one or more lights that display an indication of a lifespan of the shoe.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features of exemplary implementations of the invention will become apparent from the description, the claims, and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a representation of a side view of an implementation of a shoe that comprises an upper part and a sole and illustrates partially in cutaway a portion of the upper part and the sole.

FIG. 2 is a representation of an exploded view of the portion illustrated partially in cutaway in FIG. 1 of the upper part and the sole of an implementation of the shoe.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the upper part and the sole of an implementation of the shoe and further illustrates a plurality of lights of an implementation of the shoe of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is similar to FIG. 3 and illustrates a top light lighted, and further illustrates a third party.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 3 and illustrates a bottom light lighted, and further illustrates a wearer of an implementation of the shoe and a surface that supports the sole of an implementation of the shoe.

FIG. 6 is a representation of a circuit of an implementation of the shoe of FIG. 1 that comprises one or more lights, a computing unit, a sensor, and an energy source.

FIG. 7 is a representation of an exploded view of the portion illustrated partially in cutaway in FIG. 1 of the upper part and the sole for reference with another implementation of the shoe in which one or more parts of the shoe are selectively accessible and/or replaceable.

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7 and illustrates a plurality of parts of the shoe as a movable unit extended from the sole to allow access to one or more interior parts of the movable unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to FIG. 1, an implementation of a shoe 100 comprises upper part 102 and sole 104. Shoe 100 in an example comprises one or more of a product worn on a foot of wearer 502 (FIG. 5), an athletic shoe, a walking shoe, a casual shoe, a sneaker, a boot, a deck shoe, a golf shoe, a tennis shoe, a running shoe, a cross-training shoe, a baseball cleat, a soccer cleat, a football cleat, a product that protects a foot from an environment, a product that enhances a performance of wearer 502 who wears shoe 100 on a foot, an article of footwear, and/or an article of closed footwear.
Performance in an example comprises an athletic performance, a physical exertion or activity, a workout routine, a training exercise, a time trial, a formal competition, an informal workout, and/or playing by wearer 502 (FIG. 5) of shoe 100. Wearer 502 in an example comprises one or more of a human, a man, a woman, an adult, a young adult, an amateur athlete, a professional athlete, a runner, a walker, a hiker, a youth, a child, an elderly person, an activity participant, a recreational enthusiast, and/or a sports enthusiast.
Upper part 102 in an example helps to hold shoe 100 onto a foot of wearer 502 (FIG. 5). Upper part 102 in an example comprises heel 106 that comprises outside face 108. One or more lights 302 (FIG. 3) in an example are located at outside face 108. A plurality of lights 302 in an example are located at outside face 108.
Sole 104 in an example comprises a bottom of shoe 100. Sole 104 in an example serves as an interface between shoe 100 and surface 504 (FIG. 5). Surface 504 in an example comprises ground, asphalt, crushed material, artificial playing field, rock, dirt, cement, rubbish, mud, grass, sticks, track, chips, and/or shoreline. Surface 504 in an example serves to support sole 104.
Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3 and 6, shoe 100 in an example comprises circuit 602. Circuit 602 in an example comprises one or more lights 302, computing unit 202, sensor 204, and energy source 206. Circuit 602 in an example is integrated into shoe 100. For example, shoe 100 is constructed with incorporation of circuit 602. Circuit 602 in an example comprises one or more interconnections, for example, one or more of electrical, signal, power, and/or communication links. In a further example, one or more parts of circuit 602 are selectively accessible and/or replaceable. Additional description is presented herein with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.
Referring to FIG. 2, circuit board 208 of shoe 100 in an example serves to support and/or couple computing unit 202, sensor 204, and energy source 206. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, energy source 206 in an example comprises one or more batteries.
Turning to FIG. 3, upper part 102 and/or sole 104 in an example comprise one or more lights 302. Lights 302 in an example display an indication of a lifespan of shoe 100.
Lights 302 in an example comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Lights 302 in an example serve to display one or more colors of light. Lights 302 in an example comprise one or more colors. Lights 302 in an example serve to display one or more of red, amber, and/or green light. Lights 302 in an example comprise one or more of one or more red lights 304, one or more amber lights 306, and/or one or more green lights 308. Red light 304 in an example comprises a red LED. Amber light 306 in an example comprises an amber LED. Green light 308 in an example comprises a green LED.
An arrangement and/or coloration of lights 302 in an example upon lighting of lights 302 serve to display a determination of remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100. Lights 302 in an example comprise red light 304, amber light 306, and green light 308. Lights 302 in an example comprise a vertical arrangement of: green light 308, above amber light 306, above red light 304. Lights 302 in an example comprise red light 304, amber light 306, and upper and lower green lights 308. Lights 302 in an example comprise a vertical arrangement of: green upper light 308, above green lower light 308, above amber light 306, above red light 304. Lights 302 in an example comprise red light 304, amber light 306, and upper, middle, and lower green lights 308. Lights 302 in an example comprise a vertical arrangement of: green upper light 308, above green middle light 308, above green lower light 308, above amber light 306, above red light 304.
Lights 302 upon lighting during nighttime wear of shoe 100 by wearer 502 in an example serve to promote safety for wearer 502. For example, lights 302 comprise one or more of brightness, persistence, and/or color contrast sufficient during nighttime to gain notice of a third party in an operative distance of wearer of 502. Lights 302 during nighttime in an example serve to gain one or more of acknowledgment, recognition, and/or notice of third party 402 (FIG. 4) approaching or leaving wearer 502. Third party 402 in an example comprises one or more of a driver or passenger in a motorized vehicle or a non-motorized vehicle, a biker, a runner, a competitor, a teammate, an emergency responder, a rescuer, a relative, a friend, an agent, and/or a search party. Lights 302 in an example provide continuous lighting while power is supplied by energy source 306.
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, one or more lights 302 in an example display one or more red lights 304 as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 is worn out in the lifespan of shoe 100. Lights 302 in an example display one or more red lights 304 as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 has relatively short remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100. Additional description is presented herein.
One or more lights 302 in an example display one or more green lights 308 as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 is in good shape in the lifespan of shoe 100. Lights 302 in an example display one or more green lights 308 as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 has relatively long remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100. Additional description is presented herein.
One or more lights 302 in an example display one or more amber lights 306 as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 is in modest shape in the lifespan of shoe 100. Lights 302 in an example display one or more amber lights 306 as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 has relatively modest remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100. Additional description is presented herein.
Referring to FIG. 2, sensor 204 in an example is located on upper part 102 and/or sole 104. Sensor 204 in an example obtains an indication of a use of the shoe 100. Sensor 204 in an example obtains an indication of one or more forces felt by shoe 100 as an indication of a use of shoe 100. For example, sensor 204 obtains an indication of wear of the shoe 100. Sensor 204 in an example creates a signal that is employable as an indication of a use of shoe 100. The one or more lights 302 in an example are operably coupled with sensor 204 with respect to the indication of the lifespan of shoe 100. For example, lights 302 are operably coupled with sensor 204 for lights 302 to display an indication of the lifespan of shoe 100.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, sensor 204 and computing unit 202 in an example cooperate to record how many times sole 104 hits the ground as surface 504. Sensor 204 and computing unit 202 in an example cooperate to record the pressure from the impact of sole 104 on the ground as surface 504. Computing unit 202 in an example employs input from sensor 204 to make a determination of progression along the lifespan of shoe 100. Computing unit 202 in an example comprises an algorithm and employs input from sensor 204 to make a determination of progression along the lifespan of shoe 100.
Computing unit 202 in an example employs input from sensor 204 along with characteristics of shoe 100 to make a determination of progression along the lifespan of shoe 100. Computing unit 202 in an example employs input from sensor 204 along with characteristics of shoe 100 and characteristics of wearer 502 to make a determination of progression along the lifespan of shoe 100. Computing unit 202 in an example employs materials and/or age as characteristics of shoe 100 along with input from sensor 204 to make a determination of progression along the lifespan of shoe 100. Computing unit 202 in an example employs weight and/or shape of the body as characteristics of wearer 502 along with input from sensor 204 to make a determination of progression along the lifespan of shoe 100. Computing unit 202 in an example employs materials and/or age as characteristics of shoe 100, weight and/or shape of the body as characteristics of wearer 502, and input from sensor 204 to make a determination of progression along the lifespan of shoe 100.
Computing unit 202 in an example comprises logic unit 604 and memory 606. Logic unit 604 in an example comprises a controller and/or a processor. Computing unit 202 in an example is located on upper part 102 and/or sole 104. Computing unit 202 in an example receives from sensor 204 an indication of a use of shoe 100. The one or more lights 302 in an example are operably coupled with computing unit 202 with respect to the indication of the lifespan of shoe 100. For example, lights 302 are operably coupled with computing unit 202 for lights 302 to display an indication of the lifespan of shoe 100.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, one or more lights 302 in an example display one or more red lights 304 as an indication of a determination by computing unit 202 from input by sensor 204 that shoe 100 is worn out in the lifespan of shoe 100. Computing unit 202 in an example receives input from sensor 204, makes a determination that shoe 100 is worn out in the lifespan of shoe 100, and causes one or more red lights 304 to light. Computing unit 202 in an example causes one or more red lights 304 to light as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 has relatively short remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100. A relatively short remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100 in an example comprises five (5) hours remaining for recommended, desirable, and/or selected use of shoe 100. A relatively short remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100 in an example comprises five (5) percent of the lifespan remains in recommended, desirable, and/or selected use of shoe 100.
One or more lights 302 in an example display one or more green lights 308 as an indication of a determination by computing unit 202 from input by sensor 204 that shoe 100 is in good shape in the lifespan of shoe 100. Computing unit 202 in an example receives input from sensor 204, makes a determination that shoe 100 is in good shape in the lifespan of shoe 100, and causes one or more green lights 308 to light. Computing unit 202 in an example causes one or more green lights 308 to light as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 has relatively long remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100. A relatively long remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100 in an example comprises two thousand (2,000) hours remaining for recommended, desirable, and/or selected use of shoe 100. A relatively long remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100 in an example comprises ninety-five (95) percent of the lifespan remains in recommended, desirable, and/or selected use of shoe 100.
One or more lights 302 in an example display one or more amber lights 306 as an indication of a determination by computing unit 202 from input by sensor 204 that shoe 100 is in modest shape in the lifespan of shoe 100. Computing unit 202 in an example receives input from sensor 204, makes a determination that shoe 100 is in modest shape in the lifespan of shoe 100, and causes one or more amber lights 306 to light. Computing unit 202 in an example causes one or more amber lights 306 to light as an indication of a determination that shoe 100 has relatively modest remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100. A relatively modest remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100 in an example comprises one thousand (1,000) hours remaining for recommended, desirable, and/or selected use of shoe 100. A relatively modest remaining wearable time in the lifespan of shoe 100 in an example comprises forty (40) to fifty (50) percent of the lifespan remains in recommended, desirable, and/or selected use of shoe 100.
Turning to FIGS. 7 and 8, one or more parts of shoe 100 in an example are selectively accessible and/or replaceable. One or more of computing unit 202, sensor 204, energy source 206, and/or circuit board 208 in an example are removable and restorable as a movable unit 702. Movable unit 702 in an example comprises movable structural support 704, for example, end 706 and shell 708. Wearer 502 and/or third party 402 such as at request of wearer 502 in an example pull end 704 to slide the movable unit 702 away from the sole 104 for access to one or more interior parts of the movable unit 702. For example, wearer 502 replaces a battery as the energy source 206 by opening the movable unit 702. Wearer 502 in an example returns movable unit 702 into sole 104 for active use of shoe 100. Sole 104 in an example comprises complementary structure 802 to allow selectable removal and reinsertion of movable unit 702. Complementary structure 802 in an example comprises one or more of a receptacle, chamber, recess, and/or opening. Upon removal and restoration of movable unit 702, shoe 100 is ready to resume active and/or operable use for wearer 502.
An illustrative description of an exemplary operation of an implementation of shoe 100 is presented, for explanatory purposes.
An implementation of shoe 100 may comprise a plurality of components such as one or more of electronic components, chemical components, organic components, mechanical components, hardware components, and/or optical components. A number of such components may be combined or divided in an implementation of shoe 100. One or more components of an implementation of shoe 100 and/or one or more parts thereof may serve to allow selection, employment, channeling, processing, analysis, communication, and/or transformation of electrical signals and/or between and/or among physical, logical, transitional, transitory, persistent, and/or electrical signals, inputs, outputs, measurements, and/or representations.
In one or more exemplary implementations, a plurality of instances of a particular component may be present in shoe 100. In one or more exemplary implementations, one or more features described herein in connection with one or more components and/or one or more parts thereof may be applicable and/or extendible analogously to one or more other instances of the particular component and/or other components in shoe 100. In one or more exemplary implementations, one or more features described herein in connection with one or more components and/or one or more parts thereof may be omitted from or modified in one or more other instances of the particular component and/or other components in shoe 100. An exemplary technical effect is one or more exemplary and/or desirable functions, approaches, and/or procedures.
An implementation of shoe 100 may comprise any (e.g., horizontal, oblique, angled, or vertical) orientation, with the description and figures herein illustrating an exemplary orientation of an exemplary implementation of shoe 100, for explanatory purposes. One or more components of an implementation of shoe 100 and/or one or more parts thereof may occupy a number of locations of shoe 100.
The steps or operations described herein are examples. There may be variations to these steps or operations without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the steps may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted, or modified.
Although exemplary implementation of the invention has been depicted and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. Shoe, comprising:

an upper part; and

a sole;

wherein one or more of the upper part and the sole comprise one or more lights that display an indication of a lifespan of the shoe.

2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein one or more of the upper part and the sole comprise a sensor that obtains an indication of a use of the shoe, wherein the one or more lights are operably coupled with the sensor with respect to the indication of the lifespan of the shoe.

3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the sensor obtains an indication of one or more forces felt by the shoe as the indication of the use of the shoe.

4. The shoe of claim 2, wherein one or more of the upper part and the sole comprise a computing unit that receives from the sensor the indication of the use of the shoe, wherein the one or more lights are operably coupled with the computing unit with respect to the indication of the lifespan of the shoe.

5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein one or more of the upper part and the sole comprise a sensor that creates a signal that is employable as an indication of a use of the shoe, wherein the one or more lights are operably coupled with the sensor with respect to the indication of the lifespan of the shoe.

6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein one or more of the upper part and the sole comprise a sensor and a computing unit that are operably coupled with the one or more lights with respect to the indication of the lifespan of the shoe.

7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the upper part comprises a heel that comprises an outside face, wherein the one or more lights are located at the outside face of the heel.

8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the upper part comprises a heel that comprises an outside face, wherein the one or more lights comprise a plurality of lights that are located at the outside face of the heel.

9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights display one or more red lights as an indication of a determination that the shoe is worn out in the lifespan of the shoe.

10. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights display one or more red lights as an indication of a determination that the shoe has relatively short remaining wearable time in the lifespan of the shoe.

11. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights display one or more green lights as an indication of a determination that the shoe has relatively long remaining wearable time in the lifespan of the shoe.

12. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights display one or more green lights as an indication of a determination that the shoe is in good shape in the lifespan of the shoe.

13. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights display:

one or more green lights as an indication of a determination that the shoe is in good shape in the lifespan of the shoe;

one or more amber lights as an indication of a determination that the shoe has modest wearable time remaining in the lifespan of the shoe; and

one or more red lights as an indication of a determination that the shoe is worn out in the lifespan of the shoe.

14. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

15. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the one or more lights upon lighting during nighttime wear of the shoe by a wearer serve to promote safety for the wearer.

16. An article of footwear, the article comprising:

a green light-emitting diode (LED) that lights as an indication of a determination that the article of footwear has relatively long remaining wearable time in a lifespan of the article of footwear;

an amber LED that lights as an indication of a determination that the article of footwear has relatively modest remaining wearable time in the lifespan of the article of footwear; and

a red LED that lights as an indication of a determination that the article of footwear has relatively short remaining wearable time in the lifespan of the article of footwear.

17. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein the green LED comprises a green upper LED, the article of footwear further comprising:

a green lower LED;

wherein in a vertical arrangement the green upper LED is above the green lower LED above the amber LED above the red LED;

wherein in the lifespan of the article of footwear the green upper LED upon lighting indicates a determination that the article of footwear has relatively longer remaining wearable time in the lifespan of the article of footwear than would be indicated by the green lower LED upon lighting;

wherein in the lifespan of the article of footwear the green lower LED upon lighting indicates a determination that the article of footwear has relatively shorter remaining wearable time in the lifespan of the article of footwear than would be indicated by the green upper LED upon lighting;

wherein in the lifespan of the article of footwear the amber LED upon lighting indicates a determination that the article of footwear has relatively shorter remaining wearable time in the lifespan of the article of footwear than would be indicated by the green lower LED upon lighting;

wherein in the lifespan of the article of footwear the red LED upon lighting indicates a determination that the article of footwear has relatively shorter remaining wearable time in the lifespan of the article of footwear than would be indicated by the amber LED upon lighting.

18. The article of footwear of claim 16, wherein one or more the green LED, the amber LED, and/or the red LED upon lighting during nighttime wear by a wearer of the article of footwear serve to promote safety for the wearer.

19. A method, comprising the step of:

displaying by one or more lights on a shoe an indication of a lifespan of the shoe.

20. The method of claim 19, where the step of displaying by the one or more lights on the shoe the indication of the lifespan of the shoe, comprises the step of:

promoting safety during nighttime wear of the shoe by a wearer through lighting of the one or more lights.