US20140144050A1 - Internally Illuminated Footwear Component - Google Patents
Internally Illuminated Footwear Component Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140144050A1 US20140144050A1 US13/688,745 US201213688745A US2014144050A1 US 20140144050 A1 US20140144050 A1 US 20140144050A1 US 201213688745 A US201213688745 A US 201213688745A US 2014144050 A1 US2014144050 A1 US 2014144050A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- midsole
- outsole
- translucent
- design
- illumination
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A43B3/001—
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0027—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0027—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours
- A43B1/0036—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially from a material having special colours with fluorescent or phosphorescent parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
- A43B1/0072—Footwear characterised by the material made at least partially of transparent or translucent materials
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B13/00—Soles; Sole-and-heel integral units
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/0036—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design
- A43B3/0078—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use characterised by a special shape or design provided with logos, letters, signatures or the like decoration
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A43—FOOTWEAR
- A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
- A43B3/00—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
- A43B3/34—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements
- A43B3/36—Footwear characterised by the shape or the use with electrical or electronic arrangements with light sources
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a footwear component with an internal illumination system and means of displaying graphics and designs by selectively covering light from the internal illumination system.
- lights as an accessory to footwear is commonly employed and has been for some time. Shoes, sneakers or otherwise, have been given various arrangements of lighting systems to enhance visual appeal of the shoe, especially towards children. Often times the lights are external to the shoe, and serve as an accessory rather than an integral part of the shoe, simply lighting up the outside areas of the shoe. Generally, the lights do not internally illuminate the shoe, instead providing illumination external to the shoe.
- FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which embodies a singularly molded sole section.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which embodies a singularly molded sole section.
- FIG. 3 is a top internal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which embodies a singularly molded sole section.
- FIG. 4 is a side internal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which embodies a singularly molded sole section.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a side internal view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side internal view of another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an additional embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a top perspective view showing the illumination system of an additional embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a third blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a fourth blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a fifth blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a sixth blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a right foot skeleton midsole design of a first skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a bottom mounted illumination system.
- FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an outsole design of a first skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodies blackout method 5.
- FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a combined skeleton midsole and outsole of a first skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodies blackout method 5.
- FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a right foot skeleton midsole design of a second skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a bottom mounted illumination system and a midsole which embodies blackout method 1.
- FIG. 20 is a bottom view of an outsole design of a second skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodies blackout method 1.
- FIG. 21 is a bottom view of a combined skeleton midsole and outsole of a second skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodies blackout method 1.
- FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a right foot skeleton midsole design of a third skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a top mounted illumination system and a midsole which embodies blackout method 1.
- FIG. 23 is a bottom view of an outsole design of a third skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodies blackout method 1.
- FIG. 24 is a bottom view of a combined skeleton midsole and outsole of a third skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodies blackout method 1.
- FIG. 25 is a section view showing the interior of a skeleton embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 26 is a bottom view of a left foot showing a skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a bottom mounted illumination system.
- FIG. 27 is a split view from heel to toe showing a skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a bottom mounted illumination system.
- FIG. 28 is a top view of a right foot showing a skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a top mounted illumination system.
- FIG. 29 is a split view from heel to toe showing a skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a top mounted illumination system.
- FIG. 30 is a split view from heel to toe showing a partial skeleton midsole embodiment of the present invention.
- An internally illuminated footwear component comprises a sole section 1 , an illumination system 2 , and an illumination housing 3 , shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 , and FIG. 4 .
- the illumination housing 3 is located within the midsole area and is designed to receive the illumination system 2 . Since the illumination system 2 is placed within the midsole area, the resulting footwear component is internally illuminated.
- the sole section 1 further comprises a translucent midsole 11 and translucent outsole 12 , which themselves are respectively positioned in the midsole area and an outsole area.
- this sole section 1 is molded as a single translucent component, as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 .
- the translucent midsole 11 which includes the illumination housing 3 illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , is located above the translucent outsole 12 , which itself comprises a tread pattern along a bottom face.
- a welt 6 Atop the sole section 1 , positioned around the perimeter of the translucent midsole 11 , is a welt 6 that forms a wall around the translucent midsole 11 . Visible in FIG. 3 , this welt 6 is also known as a lip, and is common to many footwear designs.
- This sole section 1 is integral to the functioning of the present invention.
- the sole section 1 can be used in various types of footwear designs, providing both the required internal support and external hardiness needed for the common footwear.
- the translucent nature of the sole section 1 allows the sole section 1 to be internally illuminated by the illumination system 2 , which is installed in the illumination housing 3 located in the translucent midsole 11 . Due to the translucent properties of the sole section 1 , the light from the illumination system 2 travels throughout both the translucent midsole 11 and translucent outsole 12 , providing a visually appealing internally illuminated display.
- the preferred embodiment describes the present invention as being a singularly, solid molded component, that being the sole section 1
- the sole section 1 it is also possible to mold the sole section 1 as separate pieces.
- the translucent midsole 11 would be molded independently from the translucent outsole 12 .
- the two individual components would then be connected to form the whole sole section 1 .
- the sole section 1 is essentially identical to that of the preferred embodiment, with the only key difference being the assembly method.
- the illumination system 2 and illumination housing 3 are still located in the translucent midsole 11 , while the welt 6 remains atop and around the translucent midsole 11 .
- the bottom face of the translucent outsole 12 contains a tread pattern. Examples of this variation can be seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 .
- the sole section 1 comprises a translucent midsole 11 and an opaque outsole 13 .
- This embodiment shares many aspects with the preferred embodiment.
- an illumination housing 3 which itself contains an illumination system 2 .
- the translucent midsole 11 also includes a welt 6 , positioned around the top of the translucent midsole 11 .
- the opaque outsole 13 similar to the translucent outsole 12 of the preferred embodiment, includes a tread pattern along the bottom face. The differences in this other embodiment are related to the opaque outsole 13 .
- the opaque outsole 13 obstructs views of the internally illuminated translucent midsole 11 , preventing the translucent midsole 11 from being seen from the bottom face of the footwear; as a result, only the outer side surfaces of the translucent midsole 13 is illuminated.
- sections of the opaque outsole 13 can be removed, allowing corresponding sections of the translucent midsole 11 to be seen through the cut areas of the opaque outsole 13 .
- logos, designs, and other illustrations can be formed in the opaque outsole 13 . Since the internally illuminated translucent midsole 11 is visible through these areas, the logos, designs, and other illustrations appear to be illuminated. There are different ways of implementing these areas, discussed later as blackout methods.
- An example of an opaque outsole 13 is shown in FIG. 7 , where the outsole actually wraps around the side of the footwear and creates a design along the side of the translucent midsole 11 .
- the illustration in FIG. 7 depicts a sole section 1 where the translucent midsole 11 and opaque outsole 13 may be created from either a single multicolor mold or from separately molded components.
- the sole section 1 can be built from a single mold, or assembled from two molds. Since the translucent midsole 11 and opaque outsole 13 have different properties, a multicolor mold is needed if the sole section 1 is built from a single mold. Alternatively, if the translucent midsole 11 and opaque outsole 13 are molded individually, the two components can be connected to form the sole section 1 .
- the sole section 1 is integrated into the full shoe, commonly referred to as “jellies”. Jellies are a type of footwear that is created from a mold. With a jelly, the sole section 1 is often created as part of the same component as the full shoe, unlike other methods where the sole section 1 is created independently and later used as a base for other components, such as a shoe upper 5 .
- the jelly is molded from a translucent material that is internally illuminated by the illumination system 2 . As the jelly represents a footwear that is entirely translucent, the entire jelly footwear is internally illuminated.
- the illumination housing 3 and thus system, are located in the sole section 1 , the light from the illumination system 2 travels from the translucent midsole 11 and translucent outsole 12 to the translucent upper 5 . As a result, 100% of the jelly footwear, including the translucent midsole 11 , translucent outsole 12 , and upper 5 , is illuminated.
- the illumination housing 3 is cut into the top of the translucent midsole 11 , illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the illumination housing 3 comprises a power section 31 , a plurality of channels 32 , and a plurality of illumination sections 33 .
- the illumination housing 3 is aligned so that the illumination system 2 is parallel with the top of the translucent midsole 11 , as well as being positioned so that the top of the illumination system 2 touches or nearly touches the plane of the top surface of the translucent midsole 11 , as illustrated in FIG. 4 , FIG. 6 , and FIG. 7 .
- Each part of the illumination housing 3 is designed to contain a specific part of the illumination system 2 .
- the illumination system 2 is held in place by friction. Since the illumination housing 3 is cut into the top of the translucent midsole 11 , the illumination system 2 may be accessed even after a shoe is assembled. This is done by removing the footbed, insole, insert, or any other interfering components (which varies with the type of shoe) that may be between the shoe interior and the translucent midsole 11 .
- One such example of an additional interfering component is the lasting board.
- the lasting board serves as the main connection point between a separately built upper and the midsole, and is ubiquitous in shoe manufacturing.
- the separately built upper is often stitched or glued to the lasting board, while the lasting board itself is glued to the top of the midsole, thus connecting the shoe's separately built upper to the midsole. Since the lasting board covers the translucent midsole 11 , and thus the illumination housing 3 , a means of access must be provided if a manufacturer wants the illumination system 2 to be accessible. There are two variations of providing access through the lasting board.
- the access holes correspond in shape and size to the illumination housing 3 .
- the access holes in the lasting board would be slightly larger in size than the illumination housing 3 , thus allowing for easier alignment of the lasting board with the illumination housing 3 during the manufacturing process.
- the access holes can be cut from the lasting board after connecting the separately built upper to the lasting board. As with the first option, this will still result in access holes that expose the illumination housing 3 , visible after removing the footbed or insole.
- the illumination housing 3 could alternatively be cut into the bottom of the translucent midsole 11 , rather than the top. In this configuration, the illumination system 2 is held in place by friction as well as the outsole. Prior to connecting the outsole to the translucent midsole 11 , the illumination system 2 must be placed in the illumination housing 3 . After the outsole is connected to the translucent midsole 11 the illumination system 2 will no longer be accessible, unless the maker designs an outsole which is removable from the translucent midsole 11 . This is in contrast to the preferred embodiment, where the illumination system 2 may be accessed from the top by removing a shoe insert.
- the illumination system 2 comprises a power source 21 , a plurality of electrical wires 22 , and a plurality of illumination sources 23 , examples of which can be seen in FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , and FIG. 9 .
- the power source 21 is located in the power section 31 of the illumination housing 3 .
- the plurality of electrical wires 22 are placed in the plurality of channels 32 .
- the plurality of illumination sources 23 are located in the plurality of illumination sections 33 of the illumination housing 3 .
- the plurality of illumination sources 23 are provided power from the power source 21 by the plurality of electrical wires 22 , connecting the power source 21 to the plurality of illumination sources 23 .
- the illumination sources 23 are preferably light-emitting diodes (LEDs), oriented so that light travels parallel to the plane of the translucent midsole 11 .
- LEDs light-emitting diodes
- Light originating from the LEDs is affected as it approaches the edge of the translucent midsole 11 . Some of the light from the LEDs will continue through the edge of the translucent midsole 11 , perhaps refracting, but still leaving the translucent midsole 11 .
- the light that is not transmitted will be internally reflected at the barrier between the translucent midsole 11 and the outside area. This internally reflected light will continue travelling within the translucent midsole 11 until reaching another edge of the translucent midsole 11 , where the light will either be transmitted, refracted, or internally reflected again. Due to the internal reflection of the light, only a few LEDs need to be included to provide the desired internal illumination for the translucent midsole 11 or “jelly” type footwear.
- LEDs are available and can be used to achieve different effects as part of the illumination system 2 .
- LEDs can have different brightness values and viewing angles. LEDs with narrower viewing angles can be used to provide more intense beams of light, while larger viewing angles will provide a wider, more diffuse coverage of the translucent midsole 11 . LEDs with different colors and brightness can be used together to create colorful and interesting visual displays. A large amount of combinations are possible given the variety of LEDs in terms of color and other attributes.
- the blackout methods are ways of blocking light from the internally illuminated translucent midsole 11 (and translucent outsole 12 , when applicable). By strategically blocking light, it is possible to incorporate designs, logos, and other embellishments with the present invention.
- the outsole design sections 131 and design inserts 14 can take numerous forms, depending on the intended overall design. A common and simple design is a word across the sole of the footwear, such as the name of the product or brand. In this instance, the individual outsole design sections 131 and design inserts 14 are simply the letters that form the product name.
- the first blackout method utilizes the plurality of outsole design sections 131 and the plurality of design inserts 14 .
- the outsole design sections 131 are cut from the opaque outsole 13 , creating a plurality of cavities 132 . This results in parts of the translucent midsole 11 being exposed through the outsole design sections 131 cut from the opaque outsole 13 . Molded as part of the translucent midsole 11 and aligned with the outsole design sections 131 is the plurality of design inserts 14 .
- These design inserts 14 slightly protrude from the translucent midsole 11 , such that the design inserts 14 will traverse into the outsole design sections 131 when the opaque outsole 13 is connected to the translucent midsole 11 .
- the design e.g. product name
- FIG. 11 shows a second blackout method, in which the plurality of outsole design sections 131 are cut from the outsole, just as in the first blackout method.
- a plurality of filters 133 separate from both the translucent midsole 11 and the opaque outsole 13 , are connected to the translucent midsole 11 .
- These filters 133 are used when the plurality of outsole design sections 131 cannot fully replicate the intended design. For example, with letters and numbers such as “A”, “O”, “R”, “Q”, “9”, and “6”, there are center portions (e.g. the triangle in “A”) that cannot be cut from the outsole.
- the filters 133 are connected to the translucent midsole 11 , aligned with the centers of the outsole design sections 131 , in order to block the centers of the outsole design sections 131 .
- the triangle in the center section of the “A” will be opaque, helping to outline the entire “A” shape. This is in contrast to the first blackout method where the translucent midsole 11 is still visible in the center section of the “A”, causing the triangle to light up.
- the third blackout method cuts a plurality of outsole design sections 131 from the outsole to define a design or illustration as illustrated in FIG. 12 .
- the third blackout method utilizes a plurality of design inserts 14 .
- These design inserts 14 have the same shape and size as the outsole design sections 131 , and are positioned so that the design inserts 14 and outsole design sections 131 overlap when the opaque outsole 13 is connected to the translucent midsole 11 .
- the design inserts 14 are extended from the translucent midsole 11 .
- the depth of these design inserts 14 is equal to the depth of the cuts made into the opaque outsole 13 . In other words, their depth is equal to the thickness of the opaque outsole 13 .
- the design inserts 14 are flush with the bottom surface 135 of the opaque outsole 13 .
- a fourth blackout method is a slight variant of the third blackout method.
- a plurality of outsole design sections 131 are cut from the opaque outsole 13 , while a plurality of design inserts 14 are extended from the translucent midsole 11 .
- the difference between the third blackout method and the fourth blackout method is how far the design inserts 14 are extended.
- the design inserts 14 are extended past the opaque outsole 13 . That is, the design inserts 14 have a depth greater than the thickness of the opaque outsole 13 .
- the design inserts 14 extend past the bottom surface 135 of the opaque outsole 13 , similar to spikes.
- the fifth blackout method employs only a plurality of outsole design sections 131 .
- the opaque outsole 13 is molded so that a plurality of translucent sections 134 form the outsole design sections 131 ; these are made from a clear or translucent material rather than an opaque material like the rest of the opaque outsole 13 .
- This blackout method requires the use of a multicolor mold in order to create the plurality of translucent sections 134 in the opaque outsole 13 . This effectively allows light from the internally illuminated translucent midsole 11 to pass through the translucent sections 134 within the opaque outsole 13 , similar to the other blackout methods.
- the outsole is molded so that the outsole design sections 131 are opaque and the rest of the outsole is translucent. As a result, the outsole is internally illuminated, like the midsole, but the designs are defined by the opaque areas of the outsole.
- the sixth blackout method cuts the plurality of outsole design sections 131 from the opaque outsole 13 .
- the cuts are made in a stencil style, seen in FIG. 15 ; this is similar to the second blackout method, in that it aims to address the center areas of letters such as “A”.
- A the center areas of letters
- In stenciling, such areas are referred to as islands. Islands are spaces that are surrounded by pieces that need to be cut, like the triangle shape in the aforementioned “A”. Stencils solve this problem by adding bridges to the designs. These bridges connect islands to other parts of the stencil, allowing the stencil to remain as one piece while still having the design (“A”, in this case) show up.
- the various blackout methods can be applied anywhere along the sole section 1 . It is even possible to blackout illumination from the side of the translucent midsole 11 or sole section 1 , whether through a multicolor mold or by extending the opaque outsole 13 to cover parts or all of the side of the translucent midsole 11 . Resultantly, designs, logos, and other arrangements could be incorporated across the sides of the sole section 1 and translucent midsole 11 , an example of which can be seen in FIG. 7 .
- the translucent midsole 11 may not be solid, but instead built with a skeleton design, resulting in a skeleton midsole.
- the skeleton midsole has open interior sections 111 formed by internal and external walls 113 , which can be produced in various arrangements, such as those shown in FIG. 25 .
- the skeleton midsole will be a translucent midsole 11 .
- the corresponding areas of the mold, which form the interior walls of the skeleton midsole are electroplated. This eliminates most, if not all, of the reflection or refraction of light as it relates to the internal walls 112 of the midsole.
- the parts of the mold corresponding to the external walls 113 are non-electroplated.
- the internal walls 112 curve as they meet the internal base. Similar to electroplating, curving the internal walls 112 creates an easy pathway for light to travel and promotes internal reflection and full illumination of the skeleton midsole.
- the illumination system 2 When employing a skeleton midsole there are three variations in how the illumination system 2 , skeleton midsole, opaque outsole 13 , and outsole design sections 131 are combined and arranged.
- the illumination system 2 is installed in the bottom of the skeleton midsole, with the outsole design sections 131 being positioned to overlap with the plurality of illumination sources 23 .
- the illumination system 2 is also installed in the bottom of the skeleton midsole, but the outsole design sections 131 do not overlap the plurality of illumination sources 23 . Examples of a bottom mounted illumination system 2 are shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 .
- the illumination system 2 is installed in the top of the skeleton midsole, while the outsole design sections 131 can be positioned anywhere; this variation works the same whether or not the outsole design sections 131 overlap the illumination sources 23 . Examples of a top mounted illumination system 2 are seen in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 .
- the outsole ( FIG. 17 ) connects to the skeleton midsole ( FIG. 16 ), with the outsole design sections 131 overlapping a portion of the illumination system 2 and illumination sources 23 , as shown in FIG. 18 .
- blackout methods 1 through 4 and 6 would result in exposing the illumination housing 3 and illumination system 2
- blackout method 5 which uses multicolor molding for the outsole, will function properly in this variation.
- the outsole ( FIG. 20 ) is connected to the midsole ( FIG. 19 ) adjacent to the illumination system 2 .
- the outsole design sections 131 do not overlap with the illumination system 2 , as shown in FIG. 21 .
- cuts like used with many of the blackout methods, can be made into the opaque outsole 13 without exposing the illumination housing 3 and illumination system 2 .
- each discussed blackout method, 1-6 will function properly in this second variation.
- Even methods such as blackout method 1, where design inserts 14 are molded into the skeleton midsole, will work.
- the outsole ( FIG. 23 ), as always, is connected to the bottom of the midsole ( FIG. 22 ) to create the full sole section 1 ( FIG. 24 ).
- the illumination system 2 is installed in the top section of the skeleton midsole. As a result, the illumination system 2 will not interfere with the outsole design sections 131 , regardless of whether the outsole design section 131 overlaps the illumination system 2 or not. As with the second variation, this means that any of the blackout methods can be successfully applied to this third variation.
- the two concepts could be combined in a single design, such as in FIG. 30 .
- the front portion of the combined midsole is solid while the rear portion comprises a low profile skeleton.
- the illumination system 2 can be placed in the illumination housing 3 during the multicolor molding process, and permanently secured in place during an injection process.
- the outsole does not need to completely cover the translucent midsole 11 .
- Parts of the translucent midsole 11 could be incorporated as part of the sole, where sections of the translucent midsole 11 protrude from the rest of the midsole and form a flush bottom surface 135 with the outsole. Examples of this are visible in FIG. 16 , FIG. 18 , FIG. 22 , and FIG. 24 .
- the translucent midsole 11 could be hollowed out and designed to fill with water, providing an alternative visual experience. However, this would require sealing the translucent midsole 11 from the illumination housing 3 , as well as providing a way to fill the translucent midsole 11 with water.
- a simpler change is placing a dispersive prism facing the illumination source 23 , refracting the light and further enhancing the visual experience.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates generally to a footwear component with an internal illumination system and means of displaying graphics and designs by selectively covering light from the internal illumination system.
- Using light as an accessory to footwear is commonly employed and has been for some time. Shoes, sneakers or otherwise, have been given various arrangements of lighting systems to enhance visual appeal of the shoe, especially towards children. Often times the lights are external to the shoe, and serve as an accessory rather than an integral part of the shoe, simply lighting up the outside areas of the shoe. Generally, the lights do not internally illuminate the shoe, instead providing illumination external to the shoe.
- While there are examples of footwear with internal lighting systems, current methods of lighting a shoe can still use improvement. Some solutions simply place a few lighting elements inside the shoe, perhaps in a transparent compartment. While certainly internal to the shoe, these lighting elements don't really provide internal illumination. Some products hollow out sections of shoes, where lights are placed. Sometimes these hollowed sections have components inside, which are illuminated by the lights. Other times the sections are empty, showing light along the internal walls. These examples provide some measure of internal illumination, but leave much to be desired. Generally, only small portions of the shoe are illuminated, and even then, the shoe itself is not illuminated so much as are various components and internal surfaces which are located in the illuminated section.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an internally illuminated component for a shoe. It is a further object of the present invention, to provide a method of obstructing the internal illumination, to create visual designs along the external surface, of the internally illuminated component.
-
FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which embodies a singularly molded sole section. -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which embodies a singularly molded sole section. -
FIG. 3 is a top internal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which embodies a singularly molded sole section. -
FIG. 4 is a side internal view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which embodies a singularly molded sole section. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a side internal view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is a side internal view of another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of an additional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view showing the illumination system of an additional embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a third blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a fourth blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a fifth blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a sixth blackout method of one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a right foot skeleton midsole design of a first skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a bottom mounted illumination system. -
FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an outsole design of a first skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodiesblackout method 5. -
FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a combined skeleton midsole and outsole of a first skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodiesblackout method 5. -
FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a right foot skeleton midsole design of a second skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a bottom mounted illumination system and a midsole which embodiesblackout method 1. -
FIG. 20 is a bottom view of an outsole design of a second skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodiesblackout method 1. -
FIG. 21 is a bottom view of a combined skeleton midsole and outsole of a second skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodiesblackout method 1. -
FIG. 22 is a bottom view of a right foot skeleton midsole design of a third skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a top mounted illumination system and a midsole which embodiesblackout method 1. -
FIG. 23 is a bottom view of an outsole design of a third skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodiesblackout method 1. -
FIG. 24 is a bottom view of a combined skeleton midsole and outsole of a third skeleton embodiment of the present invention, which embodiesblackout method 1. -
FIG. 25 is a section view showing the interior of a skeleton embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 26 is a bottom view of a left foot showing a skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a bottom mounted illumination system. -
FIG. 27 is a split view from heel to toe showing a skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a bottom mounted illumination system. -
FIG. 28 is a top view of a right foot showing a skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a top mounted illumination system. -
FIG. 29 is a split view from heel to toe showing a skeleton embodiment of the present invention with a top mounted illumination system. -
FIG. 30 is a split view from heel to toe showing a partial skeleton midsole embodiment of the present invention. - All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
- An internally illuminated footwear component comprises a
sole section 1, anillumination system 2, and anillumination housing 3, shown inFIG. 1 ,FIG. 2 ,FIG. 3 , andFIG. 4 . Theillumination housing 3 is located within the midsole area and is designed to receive theillumination system 2. Since theillumination system 2 is placed within the midsole area, the resulting footwear component is internally illuminated. - The
sole section 1 further comprises atranslucent midsole 11 andtranslucent outsole 12, which themselves are respectively positioned in the midsole area and an outsole area. In the preferred embodiment, thissole section 1 is molded as a single translucent component, as depicted inFIG. 2 andFIG. 4 . Thetranslucent midsole 11, which includes theillumination housing 3 illustrated inFIG. 3 andFIG. 4 , is located above thetranslucent outsole 12, which itself comprises a tread pattern along a bottom face. Atop thesole section 1, positioned around the perimeter of thetranslucent midsole 11, is awelt 6 that forms a wall around thetranslucent midsole 11. Visible inFIG. 3 , thiswelt 6 is also known as a lip, and is common to many footwear designs. Thissole section 1 is integral to the functioning of the present invention. Thesole section 1 can be used in various types of footwear designs, providing both the required internal support and external hardiness needed for the common footwear. The translucent nature of thesole section 1 allows thesole section 1 to be internally illuminated by theillumination system 2, which is installed in theillumination housing 3 located in thetranslucent midsole 11. Due to the translucent properties of thesole section 1, the light from theillumination system 2 travels throughout both thetranslucent midsole 11 andtranslucent outsole 12, providing a visually appealing internally illuminated display. - Though the preferred embodiment describes the present invention as being a singularly, solid molded component, that being the
sole section 1, it is also possible to mold thesole section 1 as separate pieces. In such a variation, thetranslucent midsole 11 would be molded independently from thetranslucent outsole 12. The two individual components would then be connected to form the wholesole section 1. In this variation, thesole section 1 is essentially identical to that of the preferred embodiment, with the only key difference being the assembly method. Theillumination system 2 andillumination housing 3 are still located in thetranslucent midsole 11, while thewelt 6 remains atop and around thetranslucent midsole 11. Likewise, the bottom face of thetranslucent outsole 12 contains a tread pattern. Examples of this variation can be seen inFIG. 5 andFIG. 6 . - In another embodiment, the
sole section 1 comprises atranslucent midsole 11 and anopaque outsole 13. This embodiment shares many aspects with the preferred embodiment. Located in thetranslucent midsole 11 is anillumination housing 3, which itself contains anillumination system 2. Thetranslucent midsole 11 also includes awelt 6, positioned around the top of thetranslucent midsole 11. Theopaque outsole 13, similar to thetranslucent outsole 12 of the preferred embodiment, includes a tread pattern along the bottom face. The differences in this other embodiment are related to theopaque outsole 13. Theopaque outsole 13 obstructs views of the internally illuminatedtranslucent midsole 11, preventing thetranslucent midsole 11 from being seen from the bottom face of the footwear; as a result, only the outer side surfaces of thetranslucent midsole 13 is illuminated. To take advantage of this, sections of theopaque outsole 13 can be removed, allowing corresponding sections of thetranslucent midsole 11 to be seen through the cut areas of theopaque outsole 13. By removing specific areas, logos, designs, and other illustrations can be formed in theopaque outsole 13. Since the internally illuminatedtranslucent midsole 11 is visible through these areas, the logos, designs, and other illustrations appear to be illuminated. There are different ways of implementing these areas, discussed later as blackout methods. An example of anopaque outsole 13 is shown inFIG. 7 , where the outsole actually wraps around the side of the footwear and creates a design along the side of thetranslucent midsole 11. The illustration inFIG. 7 depicts asole section 1 where thetranslucent midsole 11 andopaque outsole 13 may be created from either a single multicolor mold or from separately molded components. - As mentioned in the above other embodiment, the
sole section 1 can be built from a single mold, or assembled from two molds. Since thetranslucent midsole 11 andopaque outsole 13 have different properties, a multicolor mold is needed if thesole section 1 is built from a single mold. Alternatively, if thetranslucent midsole 11 andopaque outsole 13 are molded individually, the two components can be connected to form thesole section 1. - In a third embodiment, seen in
FIG. 8 andFIG. 9 , thesole section 1 is integrated into the full shoe, commonly referred to as “jellies”. Jellies are a type of footwear that is created from a mold. With a jelly, thesole section 1 is often created as part of the same component as the full shoe, unlike other methods where thesole section 1 is created independently and later used as a base for other components, such as a shoe upper 5. In the present invention, the jelly is molded from a translucent material that is internally illuminated by theillumination system 2. As the jelly represents a footwear that is entirely translucent, the entire jelly footwear is internally illuminated. Since theillumination housing 3, and thus system, are located in thesole section 1, the light from theillumination system 2 travels from thetranslucent midsole 11 andtranslucent outsole 12 to the translucent upper 5. As a result, 100% of the jelly footwear, including thetranslucent midsole 11,translucent outsole 12, and upper 5, is illuminated. - In the preferred embodiment the
illumination housing 3 is cut into the top of thetranslucent midsole 11, illustrated inFIG. 3 . Theillumination housing 3 comprises apower section 31, a plurality ofchannels 32, and a plurality ofillumination sections 33. Theillumination housing 3 is aligned so that theillumination system 2 is parallel with the top of thetranslucent midsole 11, as well as being positioned so that the top of theillumination system 2 touches or nearly touches the plane of the top surface of thetranslucent midsole 11, as illustrated inFIG. 4 ,FIG. 6 , andFIG. 7 . Each part of theillumination housing 3 is designed to contain a specific part of theillumination system 2. Due to this, either a single channel or plurality ofchannels 32 run from thepower section 31 to the plurality ofillumination sections 33, as illustrated inFIG. 3 andFIG. 8 . In this preferred embodiment, theillumination system 2 is held in place by friction. Since theillumination housing 3 is cut into the top of thetranslucent midsole 11, theillumination system 2 may be accessed even after a shoe is assembled. This is done by removing the footbed, insole, insert, or any other interfering components (which varies with the type of shoe) that may be between the shoe interior and thetranslucent midsole 11. One such example of an additional interfering component is the lasting board. The lasting board serves as the main connection point between a separately built upper and the midsole, and is ubiquitous in shoe manufacturing. The separately built upper is often stitched or glued to the lasting board, while the lasting board itself is glued to the top of the midsole, thus connecting the shoe's separately built upper to the midsole. Since the lasting board covers thetranslucent midsole 11, and thus theillumination housing 3, a means of access must be provided if a manufacturer wants theillumination system 2 to be accessible. There are two variations of providing access through the lasting board. - One option is to cut access holes in the lasting board prior to connecting the separately built upper to the lasting board. The access holes correspond in shape and size to the
illumination housing 3. The access holes in the lasting board would be slightly larger in size than theillumination housing 3, thus allowing for easier alignment of the lasting board with theillumination housing 3 during the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the access holes can be cut from the lasting board after connecting the separately built upper to the lasting board. As with the first option, this will still result in access holes that expose theillumination housing 3, visible after removing the footbed or insole. - In other embodiments, where the
translucent midsole 11 is molded separate from the outsole, theillumination housing 3 could alternatively be cut into the bottom of thetranslucent midsole 11, rather than the top. In this configuration, theillumination system 2 is held in place by friction as well as the outsole. Prior to connecting the outsole to thetranslucent midsole 11, theillumination system 2 must be placed in theillumination housing 3. After the outsole is connected to thetranslucent midsole 11 theillumination system 2 will no longer be accessible, unless the maker designs an outsole which is removable from thetranslucent midsole 11. This is in contrast to the preferred embodiment, where theillumination system 2 may be accessed from the top by removing a shoe insert. - The
illumination system 2 comprises apower source 21, a plurality ofelectrical wires 22, and a plurality ofillumination sources 23, examples of which can be seen inFIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 , andFIG. 9 . As shown inFIG. 3 ,FIG. 4 ,FIG. 8 , andFIG. 9 , thepower source 21 is located in thepower section 31 of theillumination housing 3. The plurality ofelectrical wires 22 are placed in the plurality ofchannels 32. Likewise, the plurality ofillumination sources 23 are located in the plurality ofillumination sections 33 of theillumination housing 3. The plurality ofillumination sources 23 are provided power from thepower source 21 by the plurality ofelectrical wires 22, connecting thepower source 21 to the plurality of illumination sources 23. The illumination sources 23 are preferably light-emitting diodes (LEDs), oriented so that light travels parallel to the plane of thetranslucent midsole 11. Light originating from the LEDs is affected as it approaches the edge of thetranslucent midsole 11. Some of the light from the LEDs will continue through the edge of thetranslucent midsole 11, perhaps refracting, but still leaving thetranslucent midsole 11. The light that is not transmitted will be internally reflected at the barrier between thetranslucent midsole 11 and the outside area. This internally reflected light will continue travelling within thetranslucent midsole 11 until reaching another edge of thetranslucent midsole 11, where the light will either be transmitted, refracted, or internally reflected again. Due to the internal reflection of the light, only a few LEDs need to be included to provide the desired internal illumination for thetranslucent midsole 11 or “jelly” type footwear. - A wide variety of LEDs are available and can be used to achieve different effects as part of the
illumination system 2. In addition to being available in different colors, LEDs can have different brightness values and viewing angles. LEDs with narrower viewing angles can be used to provide more intense beams of light, while larger viewing angles will provide a wider, more diffuse coverage of thetranslucent midsole 11. LEDs with different colors and brightness can be used together to create colorful and intriguing visual displays. A large amount of combinations are possible given the variety of LEDs in terms of color and other attributes. - In all embodiments, a variety of “blackout” methods can be implemented. The blackout methods are ways of blocking light from the internally illuminated translucent midsole 11 (and
translucent outsole 12, when applicable). By strategically blocking light, it is possible to incorporate designs, logos, and other embellishments with the present invention. There are six different implementations of the blackout method. Each variation of the blackout method uses a plurality ofoutsole design sections 131, while some also require the use of a plurality of design inserts 14. Theoutsole design sections 131 and design inserts 14 can take numerous forms, depending on the intended overall design. A common and simple design is a word across the sole of the footwear, such as the name of the product or brand. In this instance, the individualoutsole design sections 131 and design inserts 14 are simply the letters that form the product name. - The first blackout method, shown in
FIG. 10 , utilizes the plurality ofoutsole design sections 131 and the plurality of design inserts 14. In this first blackout method, theoutsole design sections 131 are cut from theopaque outsole 13, creating a plurality ofcavities 132. This results in parts of thetranslucent midsole 11 being exposed through theoutsole design sections 131 cut from theopaque outsole 13. Molded as part of thetranslucent midsole 11 and aligned with theoutsole design sections 131 is the plurality of design inserts 14. These design inserts 14 slightly protrude from thetranslucent midsole 11, such that the design inserts 14 will traverse into theoutsole design sections 131 when theopaque outsole 13 is connected to thetranslucent midsole 11. As a result, when thesole section 1 is viewed from the bottom, the design (e.g. product name) is defined by theoutsole design sections 131. It essentially appears that the design is illuminated, even though only thetranslucent midsole 11 is illuminated. -
FIG. 11 shows a second blackout method, in which the plurality ofoutsole design sections 131 are cut from the outsole, just as in the first blackout method. However, in the second blackout method a plurality offilters 133, separate from both thetranslucent midsole 11 and theopaque outsole 13, are connected to thetranslucent midsole 11. Thesefilters 133 are used when the plurality ofoutsole design sections 131 cannot fully replicate the intended design. For example, with letters and numbers such as “A”, “O”, “R”, “Q”, “9”, and “6”, there are center portions (e.g. the triangle in “A”) that cannot be cut from the outsole. In this instance, thefilters 133 are connected to thetranslucent midsole 11, aligned with the centers of theoutsole design sections 131, in order to block the centers of theoutsole design sections 131. Using this blackout method, the triangle in the center section of the “A” will be opaque, helping to outline the entire “A” shape. This is in contrast to the first blackout method where thetranslucent midsole 11 is still visible in the center section of the “A”, causing the triangle to light up. - The third blackout method, similar to the first blackout method, cuts a plurality of
outsole design sections 131 from the outsole to define a design or illustration as illustrated inFIG. 12 . As with the first blackout method, the third blackout method utilizes a plurality of design inserts 14. These design inserts 14 have the same shape and size as theoutsole design sections 131, and are positioned so that the design inserts 14 andoutsole design sections 131 overlap when theopaque outsole 13 is connected to thetranslucent midsole 11. The design inserts 14 are extended from thetranslucent midsole 11. The depth of these design inserts 14 is equal to the depth of the cuts made into theopaque outsole 13. In other words, their depth is equal to the thickness of theopaque outsole 13. As a result, when theopaque outsole 13 is connected to thetranslucent midsole 11, the design inserts 14 are flush with thebottom surface 135 of theopaque outsole 13. - A fourth blackout method, depicted in
FIG. 13 , is a slight variant of the third blackout method. As with the third blackout method, a plurality ofoutsole design sections 131 are cut from theopaque outsole 13, while a plurality of design inserts 14 are extended from thetranslucent midsole 11. The difference between the third blackout method and the fourth blackout method is how far the design inserts 14 are extended. In the fourth blackout method, the design inserts 14 are extended past theopaque outsole 13. That is, the design inserts 14 have a depth greater than the thickness of theopaque outsole 13. As a result, when theopaque outsole 13 is connected to thetranslucent midsole 11, the design inserts 14 extend past thebottom surface 135 of theopaque outsole 13, similar to spikes. - Visible in
FIG. 14 , the fifth blackout method employs only a plurality ofoutsole design sections 131. However, rather than cutting theoutsole design sections 131 from theopaque outsole 13, theopaque outsole 13 is molded so that a plurality oftranslucent sections 134 form theoutsole design sections 131; these are made from a clear or translucent material rather than an opaque material like the rest of theopaque outsole 13. This blackout method requires the use of a multicolor mold in order to create the plurality oftranslucent sections 134 in theopaque outsole 13. This effectively allows light from the internally illuminatedtranslucent midsole 11 to pass through thetranslucent sections 134 within theopaque outsole 13, similar to the other blackout methods. Potentially, it is also possible to create “negative designs”, where the designs are defined by opaque sections, and the translucent portion of the outsole creates the negative space. It's conceptually similar to writing black letters on a white background instead of writing white letters on a black background. In this instance, the outsole is molded so that theoutsole design sections 131 are opaque and the rest of the outsole is translucent. As a result, the outsole is internally illuminated, like the midsole, but the designs are defined by the opaque areas of the outsole. - The sixth blackout method, similar to the first method, cuts the plurality of
outsole design sections 131 from theopaque outsole 13. In this blackout method, the cuts are made in a stencil style, seen inFIG. 15 ; this is similar to the second blackout method, in that it aims to address the center areas of letters such as “A”. In stenciling, such areas are referred to as islands. Islands are spaces that are surrounded by pieces that need to be cut, like the triangle shape in the aforementioned “A”. Stencils solve this problem by adding bridges to the designs. These bridges connect islands to other parts of the stencil, allowing the stencil to remain as one piece while still having the design (“A”, in this case) show up. - The various blackout methods can be applied anywhere along the
sole section 1. It is even possible to blackout illumination from the side of thetranslucent midsole 11 orsole section 1, whether through a multicolor mold or by extending theopaque outsole 13 to cover parts or all of the side of thetranslucent midsole 11. Resultantly, designs, logos, and other arrangements could be incorporated across the sides of thesole section 1 andtranslucent midsole 11, an example of which can be seen inFIG. 7 . - In other embodiments the
translucent midsole 11 may not be solid, but instead built with a skeleton design, resulting in a skeleton midsole. The skeleton midsole has openinterior sections 111 formed by internal andexternal walls 113, which can be produced in various arrangements, such as those shown inFIG. 25 . As with the preferred embodiment, the skeleton midsole will be atranslucent midsole 11. To enhance the internal passage of light within the translucent skeleton midsole the corresponding areas of the mold, which form the interior walls of the skeleton midsole, are electroplated. This eliminates most, if not all, of the reflection or refraction of light as it relates to theinternal walls 112 of the midsole. Electroplating these specific areas of the production mold, in which thetranslucent midsole 11 is produced, creates the smoothest and thus clearest surface possible thus enhancing the internal illumination of the midsole. In contrast with theinternal walls 112, the parts of the mold corresponding to theexternal walls 113 are non-electroplated. In addition, theinternal walls 112 curve as they meet the internal base. Similar to electroplating, curving theinternal walls 112 creates an easy pathway for light to travel and promotes internal reflection and full illumination of the skeleton midsole. - When employing a skeleton midsole there are three variations in how the
illumination system 2, skeleton midsole,opaque outsole 13, andoutsole design sections 131 are combined and arranged. In a first variation, theillumination system 2 is installed in the bottom of the skeleton midsole, with theoutsole design sections 131 being positioned to overlap with the plurality of illumination sources 23. In a second variation, theillumination system 2 is also installed in the bottom of the skeleton midsole, but theoutsole design sections 131 do not overlap the plurality of illumination sources 23. Examples of a bottom mountedillumination system 2 are shown inFIG. 26 andFIG. 27 . In a third variation, theillumination system 2 is installed in the top of the skeleton midsole, while theoutsole design sections 131 can be positioned anywhere; this variation works the same whether or not theoutsole design sections 131 overlap the illumination sources 23. Examples of a topmounted illumination system 2 are seen inFIG. 28 andFIG. 29 . - In the first variation, the outsole (
FIG. 17 ) connects to the skeleton midsole (FIG. 16 ), with theoutsole design sections 131 overlapping a portion of theillumination system 2 andillumination sources 23, as shown inFIG. 18 . Given thatblackout methods 1 through 4 and 6 would result in exposing theillumination housing 3 andillumination system 2,only blackout method 5, which uses multicolor molding for the outsole, will function properly in this variation. - In the second variation, as with the first variation, the outsole (
FIG. 20 ) is connected to the midsole (FIG. 19 ) adjacent to theillumination system 2. However, unlike the first variation, theoutsole design sections 131 do not overlap with theillumination system 2, as shown inFIG. 21 . As a result, cuts, like used with many of the blackout methods, can be made into theopaque outsole 13 without exposing theillumination housing 3 andillumination system 2. This means that each discussed blackout method, 1-6, will function properly in this second variation. Even methods such asblackout method 1, where design inserts 14 are molded into the skeleton midsole, will work. - In the third variation, the outsole (
FIG. 23 ), as always, is connected to the bottom of the midsole (FIG. 22 ) to create the full sole section 1 (FIG. 24 ). Theillumination system 2, on the other hand, is installed in the top section of the skeleton midsole. As a result, theillumination system 2 will not interfere with theoutsole design sections 131, regardless of whether theoutsole design section 131 overlaps theillumination system 2 or not. As with the second variation, this means that any of the blackout methods can be successfully applied to this third variation. - In addition to the mentioned embodiments there are a multitude of slight variations that could be made to the present invention. While a preferred solid midsole and a skeleton midsole have been described, the two concepts could be combined in a single design, such as in
FIG. 30 . In this combined midsole the front portion of the combined midsole is solid while the rear portion comprises a low profile skeleton. In this variation theillumination system 2 can be placed in theillumination housing 3 during the multicolor molding process, and permanently secured in place during an injection process. In another example, the outsole does not need to completely cover thetranslucent midsole 11. Parts of thetranslucent midsole 11 could be incorporated as part of the sole, where sections of thetranslucent midsole 11 protrude from the rest of the midsole and form aflush bottom surface 135 with the outsole. Examples of this are visible inFIG. 16 ,FIG. 18 ,FIG. 22 , andFIG. 24 . Potentially, thetranslucent midsole 11 could be hollowed out and designed to fill with water, providing an alternative visual experience. However, this would require sealing thetranslucent midsole 11 from theillumination housing 3, as well as providing a way to fill thetranslucent midsole 11 with water. A simpler change is placing a dispersive prism facing theillumination source 23, refracting the light and further enhancing the visual experience. - Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Claims (22)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/688,745 US8752310B1 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2012-11-29 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
US14/268,789 US9015965B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2014-05-02 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
US14/639,821 US9265299B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2015-03-05 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/688,745 US8752310B1 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2012-11-29 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/268,789 Division US9015965B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2014-05-02 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140144050A1 true US20140144050A1 (en) | 2014-05-29 |
US8752310B1 US8752310B1 (en) | 2014-06-17 |
Family
ID=50772022
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/688,745 Active US8752310B1 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2012-11-29 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
US14/268,789 Expired - Fee Related US9015965B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2014-05-02 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
US14/639,821 Expired - Fee Related US9265299B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2015-03-05 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/268,789 Expired - Fee Related US9015965B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2014-05-02 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
US14/639,821 Expired - Fee Related US9265299B2 (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2015-03-05 | Internally illuminated footwear component |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US8752310B1 (en) |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140173942A1 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2014-06-26 | Terry Electronics (S.Z) Co., Ltd. | Light-Emitting Shoe |
USD746562S1 (en) * | 2015-07-02 | 2016-01-05 | Jack Schwartz Shoes, Inc. | Shoe outsole |
US20160366972A1 (en) * | 2015-06-19 | 2016-12-22 | Nike, Inc. | Article Incorporating an Illumination Device |
USD796807S1 (en) * | 2016-06-13 | 2017-09-12 | Converse Inc. | Shoe outsole |
US20180235308A1 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2018-08-23 | William Dungey | Methods and consumer products for expressing support for a cause and disdain for a rival cause |
USD826526S1 (en) * | 2017-05-15 | 2018-08-28 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe outsole |
USD830682S1 (en) * | 2016-01-28 | 2018-10-16 | Mustafa Ahmed Syed | Shoe welt |
USD841954S1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2019-03-05 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe outsole |
US10306726B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2019-05-28 | Nike, Inc. | Method of illuminating an article |
USD854301S1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2019-07-23 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
US20200046072A1 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2020-02-13 | Acushnet Company | Golf shoe with outsole having flex channels and wave-like traction members |
USD878017S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-03-17 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD879432S1 (en) | 2018-08-03 | 2020-03-31 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD879431S1 (en) | 2018-08-03 | 2020-03-31 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD880123S1 (en) | 2018-08-03 | 2020-04-07 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD895950S1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2020-09-15 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD897090S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-09-29 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD898335S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-10-13 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
CN112118958A (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2020-12-22 | 健乐士股份公司 | Structure of luminous shoes and corresponding manufacturing method |
USD917146S1 (en) * | 2020-08-31 | 2021-04-27 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
US20210137207A1 (en) * | 2018-02-23 | 2021-05-13 | Szu Hsiang CHEN | Ball control skill training device for ice hockey |
USD932161S1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2021-10-05 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD932160S1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2021-10-05 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
US11267540B1 (en) * | 2021-07-12 | 2022-03-08 | Thomas Edward Appell | Surfboard rear foot pocket |
US11267541B1 (en) * | 2021-07-12 | 2022-03-08 | Thomas Edward Appell | Enhanced surfboard and surfboard traction pad |
US11745088B1 (en) * | 2022-09-21 | 2023-09-05 | Thomas Edward Appell | Traction pad system for skateboards and surfboards |
USD1018002S1 (en) * | 2023-04-17 | 2024-03-19 | Skechers U.S.A., Inc. Ii | Shoe outsole bottom |
Families Citing this family (32)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8931187B2 (en) | 2011-08-25 | 2015-01-13 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Wave technology |
USD742106S1 (en) * | 2012-09-26 | 2015-11-03 | Ecco Sko A/S | Sole |
USD787167S1 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2017-05-23 | Frampton E. Ellis | Footwear sole |
USD734007S1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-07-14 | Scott Osiol | Pair of footwear soles bearing an imprinted message |
USD732810S1 (en) | 2013-08-08 | 2015-06-30 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Footwear outsole |
US20150062875A1 (en) * | 2013-09-02 | 2015-03-05 | John Gou | Foaming Shoe with Built-In Luminous Component |
USD735983S1 (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2015-08-11 | Crocs, Inc. | Footwear sole |
USD739128S1 (en) * | 2013-12-16 | 2015-09-22 | Vcg Holdings Ltd. | Footwear outsole |
USD736507S1 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2015-08-18 | Under Armour, Inc. | Outsole for a shoe |
USD735453S1 (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2015-08-04 | Ariat International, Inc. | Footwear outsole |
USD739129S1 (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2015-09-22 | Crocs, Inc. | Footbed |
USD739132S1 (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2015-09-22 | Crocs, Inc. | Footwear sole |
USD739131S1 (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2015-09-22 | Crocs, Inc. | Footwear sole |
USD737032S1 (en) * | 2014-01-14 | 2015-08-25 | Aerogroup International Holdings Llc | Shoe sole |
USD759358S1 (en) * | 2014-05-06 | 2016-06-21 | Joseph Robert Cullen | Footwear outsole |
USD762958S1 (en) * | 2014-07-30 | 2016-08-09 | Ecco Sko A/S | Sole for footwear |
USD740528S1 (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2015-10-13 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD831319S1 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2018-10-23 | Vionic Group LLC | Outsole for footwear |
US10548365B2 (en) | 2016-12-14 | 2020-02-04 | Emily Jane Sackett | Enhanced pointe shoe for ballet and pointe shoe conversion kit |
WO2018128935A1 (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2018-07-12 | Keith Skinner | Impression device |
USD905411S1 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2020-12-22 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Footwear outsole |
USD905406S1 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2020-12-22 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Footwear outsole |
USD912954S1 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2021-03-16 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Footwear |
USD905408S1 (en) | 2018-08-01 | 2020-12-22 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Footwear outsole |
US11464276B2 (en) | 2019-03-01 | 2022-10-11 | Emily Jane Sackett | Pointe shoes and other footwear for dance performance and dance training |
USD888393S1 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2020-06-30 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD888394S1 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2020-06-30 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD889100S1 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2020-07-07 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD888392S1 (en) * | 2019-03-06 | 2020-06-30 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD889097S1 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2020-07-07 | Converse Inc. | Shoe |
US20230000205A1 (en) * | 2019-12-25 | 2023-01-05 | Asics Corporation | Shoe member and shoe |
USD996016S1 (en) * | 2021-04-08 | 2023-08-22 | Tbl Licensing Llc | Footwear |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4712314A (en) * | 1986-07-08 | 1987-12-15 | Sidney Rich Associates, Inc. | Footwear sole construction |
US5303485A (en) * | 1993-02-05 | 1994-04-19 | L.A. Gear, Inc. | Footwear with flashing lights |
US5860727A (en) * | 1994-04-12 | 1999-01-19 | Chien; Tseng-Lu | Shoe with an electro-luminescent lighting element |
US5865523A (en) * | 1994-04-12 | 1999-02-02 | Chien; Tseng-Lu | Shoe with an EL light strip |
US5822885A (en) * | 1997-02-10 | 1998-10-20 | Srl, Inc. | Shoe outsole assembly |
US6112437A (en) * | 1999-04-07 | 2000-09-05 | Lovitt; Bert | Article with animated display |
US6443590B1 (en) * | 1999-04-07 | 2002-09-03 | Lovitt Films, Inc. | Article with animated display |
US6443509B1 (en) * | 2000-03-21 | 2002-09-03 | Friendly Robotics Ltd. | Tactile sensor |
US7421806B2 (en) * | 2004-10-05 | 2008-09-09 | Ingenuity Express Corp. | Shoe with transparent panels |
US20080019119A1 (en) * | 2005-11-15 | 2008-01-24 | Jez Marston | Footwear Illumination Assembly |
US7841108B2 (en) * | 2007-05-29 | 2010-11-30 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with visible indicia |
US7937856B2 (en) * | 2007-12-21 | 2011-05-10 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear with illuminated chamber |
US8356430B2 (en) * | 2010-02-11 | 2013-01-22 | Nike, Inc. | Article of footwear incorporating an illuminable fluid-filled chamber |
US20120260532A1 (en) * | 2011-04-12 | 2012-10-18 | Arthur Joseph Catalano | Footwear with illuminating sole |
US9204680B2 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2015-12-08 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear having corresponding outsole and midsole shapes |
US8739639B2 (en) * | 2012-02-22 | 2014-06-03 | Nike, Inc. | Footwear having sensor system |
-
2012
- 2012-11-29 US US13/688,745 patent/US8752310B1/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-05-02 US US14/268,789 patent/US9015965B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2015
- 2015-03-05 US US14/639,821 patent/US9265299B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140173942A1 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2014-06-26 | Terry Electronics (S.Z) Co., Ltd. | Light-Emitting Shoe |
US20160366972A1 (en) * | 2015-06-19 | 2016-12-22 | Nike, Inc. | Article Incorporating an Illumination Device |
US10841993B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2020-11-17 | Nike, Inc. | Method of illuminating an article |
US10306726B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2019-05-28 | Nike, Inc. | Method of illuminating an article |
US11586164B2 (en) | 2015-06-19 | 2023-02-21 | Nike, Inc. | Method of illuminating an article |
USD746562S1 (en) * | 2015-07-02 | 2016-01-05 | Jack Schwartz Shoes, Inc. | Shoe outsole |
USD830682S1 (en) * | 2016-01-28 | 2018-10-16 | Mustafa Ahmed Syed | Shoe welt |
USD796807S1 (en) * | 2016-06-13 | 2017-09-12 | Converse Inc. | Shoe outsole |
US20180235308A1 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2018-08-23 | William Dungey | Methods and consumer products for expressing support for a cause and disdain for a rival cause |
USD826526S1 (en) * | 2017-05-15 | 2018-08-28 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe outsole |
USD956391S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2022-07-05 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD878017S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-03-17 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD897090S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-09-29 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD898335S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-10-13 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD881541S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-04-21 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD882232S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-04-28 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD882224S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-04-28 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD882225S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-04-28 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD882909S1 (en) | 2017-05-16 | 2020-05-05 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD841954S1 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2019-03-05 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe outsole |
US20210137207A1 (en) * | 2018-02-23 | 2021-05-13 | Szu Hsiang CHEN | Ball control skill training device for ice hockey |
USD895950S1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2020-09-15 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD854301S1 (en) | 2018-02-28 | 2019-07-23 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
CN112118958A (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2020-12-22 | 健乐士股份公司 | Structure of luminous shoes and corresponding manufacturing method |
USD880123S1 (en) | 2018-08-03 | 2020-04-07 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD879431S1 (en) | 2018-08-03 | 2020-03-31 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD879432S1 (en) | 2018-08-03 | 2020-03-31 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
US20200046072A1 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2020-02-13 | Acushnet Company | Golf shoe with outsole having flex channels and wave-like traction members |
US10856613B2 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2020-12-08 | Acushnet Company | Golf shoe with outsole having flex channels and wave-like traction members |
USD932161S1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2021-10-05 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD932160S1 (en) * | 2020-03-31 | 2021-10-05 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
USD917146S1 (en) * | 2020-08-31 | 2021-04-27 | Nike, Inc. | Shoe |
US11267540B1 (en) * | 2021-07-12 | 2022-03-08 | Thomas Edward Appell | Surfboard rear foot pocket |
US11267541B1 (en) * | 2021-07-12 | 2022-03-08 | Thomas Edward Appell | Enhanced surfboard and surfboard traction pad |
US11745088B1 (en) * | 2022-09-21 | 2023-09-05 | Thomas Edward Appell | Traction pad system for skateboards and surfboards |
WO2024064417A1 (en) * | 2022-09-21 | 2024-03-28 | Appell Thomas Edward | Interchangeable kick tails and traction system for skateboards and surfboards |
USD1018002S1 (en) * | 2023-04-17 | 2024-03-19 | Skechers U.S.A., Inc. Ii | Shoe outsole bottom |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20150181973A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 |
US9015965B2 (en) | 2015-04-28 |
US20150052780A1 (en) | 2015-02-26 |
US9265299B2 (en) | 2016-02-23 |
US8752310B1 (en) | 2014-06-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8752310B1 (en) | Internally illuminated footwear component | |
USD950217S1 (en) | Sole for footwear | |
USD552333S1 (en) | Outsole for a shoe | |
USD498041S1 (en) | Outsole for a shoe | |
USD500582S1 (en) | Footwear sole | |
US8992038B2 (en) | Internally illuminated light diffusing footwear | |
JP5753932B1 (en) | Light emitting structure for gaming machines | |
USD1014023S1 (en) | Shoe with heel and outsole patch | |
US20060262517A1 (en) | Shoe with improved light pattern | |
USD990850S1 (en) | Shoe outsole bottom | |
USD501294S1 (en) | Footwear sole | |
US7213354B1 (en) | Footwear with display element | |
JP2007185353A (en) | Shoes | |
USD534332S1 (en) | Outsole for a shoe | |
TWM455385U (en) | Light emitting shoe sole | |
USD536162S1 (en) | Outsole for a shoe | |
US20180184761A1 (en) | Footwear with spliced patches | |
US11406154B2 (en) | Sandal with detachable footcover | |
US20070094900A1 (en) | Sole element of a shoe with a plastic layer | |
USD574140S1 (en) | Footwear | |
JP2003024522A (en) | Game machine | |
USD1011716S1 (en) | Shoe outsole bottom | |
USD532187S1 (en) | Outsole for a shoe | |
US11723433B2 (en) | Injected footwear with internal complex graphic | |
KR100888663B1 (en) | Manufacturing methods of multi-clours heel and the multi-clours heel thereof |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2551) Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SHOES BY FIREBUG L.L.C., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SMITH, ROY ROBERT, III;REEL/FRAME:054688/0075 Effective date: 20201217 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |