WO2006067434A1

WO2006067434A1 - Footwear and accessories therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2006067434A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/004966
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Neil Brodie; Tariq Mirza; Noel James Akers
Original assignee: Powered Triangle Limited
Priority date: 2004-12-21
Filing date: 2005-12-21
Publication date: 2006-06-29
Also published as: GB2421416A; AU2005317858A1; CA2631527A1; JP2008523940A; EP1850688A1; GB0427938D0

Abstract

An item of footwear (2) comprises a transmitter assembly, the transmitter assembly (28) comprising an array of sensors (12, 16, 20), each sensor being capable of being activated by a foot located within the item of footwear to thereby generate a signal, the transmitter assembly further comprising a transmitter (28) for receiving a signal from the array of sensors and transmitting a signal in response to the same to a remote receiver (32) assembly. A kit comprises an item of footwear with the aforementioned transmitter assembly, in combination with one or more remote receiver assemblies.

Description

FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES THEREFOR

The present invention relates to footwear, in particular shoes, and accessories therefore. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to an insole for use with the shoe.

In the present specification, references to a "shoe" or "shoes" are not to be taken as being limited to a single type of footwear, but are to be interpreted as embracing all forms of footwear, including but not limited to shoes, training shoes, sports shoes, such as running shoes and soccer boots, sandals, boots, plimsolls, slippers and the like. Other items of footwear are also embraced by this term, including roller skates, ice skates, ski and snowboard boots, other sporting footwear, and the like. The terms "shoe" and "shoes" are used herein to refer to this generic group of items, unless otherwise specified.

It is known to provide certain designs of shoes, in particular training shoes and certain sports shoes, with certain light emitting means. Generally, such light emitting means are located in the sole of the shoe, more specifically in or adjacent the heel portion of the sole. In one known structure, the sole of the shoe is provided with a pressure- activated energy source, such as a piezo electric unit, generating a sufficient electrical power to emit light by means of a light emitting diode or the like. This arrangement is encased within the plastic sole of the training shoe and is activated by the motion of the foot of the wearer when the wearer is walking or running. The sole of the shoe is provided with at least a portion comprising a sufficiently transparent material for the light to be visible from the exterior of the shoe when being worn by the wearer. While such light emitting shoe designs have proven popular, there is no scope for the purchaser or wearer to modify or vary the light emitting properties of the shoe.

US Patent No. 5,813,148 discloses an item of footwear, such as a shoe, with optical fiber illuminating display areas and a control module for the same. The shoe comprises a display panel on a portion of the shoe illuminated by light emitted from optical fibres extending from a light emitting device located in the sole of the shoe. A control module is located in the sole of the shoe, in particular the heel, and comprises the light emitting device, together with control components, a power source, such as a battery, and a switch, such as a pressure switch or a motion sensor. The device of US 5,813,148 provides a means of generating a display on the upper of a shoe. However, the arrangement is an integral part of the shoe and leaves the purchaser of the shoe with a single design of display. In addition, should the control device malfunction or the battery become exhausted, the display elements of the shoe are rendered inoperative. This could be well before the show is worn out and in need of replacement.

A similar illuminated shoe is disclosed in WO 94/15494, in which the pressure of a foot in the shoe activates a switch connected to a power source and a light display, illustrated in WO 94/1594 as being in the sole of the shoe.

A lighted slipper is described in US 5,821,858, in which a pressure activated control switch located under the heel of the wearer's foot is used to activate a logic circuit and a power source to provide an illuminated display on the exterior of the slipper.

Other arrangements employing the pressure of a shoe wearers foot to activate devices are also known. WO 02/13644 discloses a system for measuring the correct size of shoe for a person's foot. The system comprises a sensor located at each of the heel and toe portion of the shoe, such that the sensors are both activated when the shoe is properly fitted to a foot. The correct fitting is indicated by a light emitting diode in the heel of the shoe connected to each of the sensors.

A system for continuously measuring the pressure applied by a foot is disclosed in US 5,323,650. The system comprises an array of pressure activated sensors in the sole of a shoe, connected by a cable to an electronic circuit module removably attached to the outside of the shoe. In use, the module will indicate the pressure being applied to the foot and will warn the user when a predetermined pressure has been exceeded. The device is for use in assisting with the recovery of injuries to feet and legs that require the limb to be rested.

WO 88/04768 discloses an improved pedometer for use in a shoe comprising two pressure activated pads connected by a cable to a display module located on the exterior of the shoe.

Perhaps the most complex device is disclosed in GB 2,352,551. This document discloses a shoe having a receiver/alarm circuit built into it. The shoe comprises a motion sensor or other means for detecting movement of the shoe. The motion of the shoe is used to control an audio or light display housed within the shoe. A key component of the system of GB 2,352,551 is a transmitter/controller, that is a hand held device that is remote from the shoe and is used to transmit signals to the receiver in the shoe to control the mode of operation of the system in the shoe, for example to select the particular sound emitted in use or to activate the alarm mode.

A wide range of systems and devices for shoes are known that employ signals generated by the foot of the wearer for a variety of reasons, in particular to count the steps taken by the wearer (in the case of a pedometer, for example), or, most commonly, to activate and control a display mounted in or on the shoe itself.

It has now been found that the action of a foot within a shoe as the wearer carries an activity, such as running, walking, cycling or dancing, can be used to control a range of other devices external to the shoe.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an item of footwear comprising a transmitter assembly, the transmitter assembly comprising an array of sensors, each sensor being capable of being activated by a foot located within the item of footwear to thereby generate a signal, the transmitter assembly further comprising a transmitter for receiving a signal from the array of sensors and transmitting a signal in response to the same to a remote receiver.

For the purposes of this specification, the term 'remote' is a reference to two or more devices that interact with one another, but are not physically connected by means of a cable, wire or the like.

The array of sensors may comprise a single sensor in its simplest form. However, in a preferred embodiment, the array comprises a plurality of sensors. In this way, more complex and sophisticated signal patterns may be generated by the array, which is particularly advantageous, as will be described in more detail hereafter.

The array of sensors may comprise one or more sensors disposed to contact one or more toes of the foot of the item when being worn. In addition, or alternatively, the array may comprise one or more sensors disposed to contact other parts of the foot, in particular one or more of the heel, the arch or the ball of the foot, when the item is being worn.

The array of sensors provides the interface between the user or wearer of the item of footwear and the system, allowing the user to control the system and its performance. Accordingly, in one preferred embodiment, the array of sensors comprises a plurality of array portions, each portion comprising one or more sensors and disposed to be contacted by a different part of the foot of the wearer. In particular, the array may comprise a plurality of array portions comprising one or more sensors to be contacted by a respective toe of the wearer. In this way, the wearer, by simply moving his or her foot within the item of footwear or applying pressure to different parts of the foot, for example by walking, running, dancing, jumping, hopping, stamping or the like, may generate a great variety of signal patterns.

The array of sensors may comprise any suitable sensor capable of being activated by the foot of the user so as to generate a signal, most typically an electrical signal. Suitable sensors include simple switches that close a circuit to provide an electrical current, as well as other devices such as piezo electric devices that generate a voltage under the application of pressure. Suitable sensors are known in the art and readily available to the skilled person.

The array of sensors is connected to a transmitter by any suitable means, for example a cable. In this way, electric signals may be passed from the sensors to the transmitter. In its simplest embodiment, the item of footwear comprises a transmitter to produce and transmit a signal in response to the signals received from the sensors.

In one preferred embodiment, the transmitter assembly comprises a control module, the function of which is to process the signals received from each sensor and provide instructions to the transmitter for generating the signal. The control module may process the signals received from the sensors according to a set of control routines programmed into the control module. Most preferably, the control module comprises a memory for storing the control routines. These may be recorded in the memory at the time of manufacture of the components, for example using read-only memory or RAM. Alternatively, it may be preferred to have the control module programmable from an external source using a programming device to provide the control routines. In such a case, the transmitter assembly is further provided with an interface for receiving input for the control module from the programming device. The interface may comprise any suitable interface components, for example allowing the external programming device to be connected to the control module by means of a cable. Alternatively, the external programming device may be a remote device, able to transmit a signal, such as a radio wave signal or infrared signal, to programme the control module. The programming device may be a dedicated device specifically provided for the duty of programming the control module. Alternatively, the programming device may be a computer, such as a personal computer or laptop computer, or a mobile telephone or other device for retrieving, storing and transmitting control routines to the control module.

The transmitter operates in response to the signals received from the or each sensor in the array of sensors and, if utilised, the control module to generate and transmit a signal to a remote receiving device. The signal generated by the transmitter may be any suitable form of signal, for example a radio wave signal or infrared signal. A short range signal, such as a short range radio signal is preferred. In this way, minimal interference with neighbouring electrical devices will occur. In particular, there will be limited opportunities for similar footwear being worn by another person in the vicinity to interfere with the interaction between the transmitter and receiver. However, it should be understood that the strength of the signal generated by the transmitter should be sufficient for the receiver to perform the desired function (details of which are given hereinafter).

The item of footwear may be any form of footwear, in particular shoes (as that term is hereinbefore defined), or other item that can be worn on a person's foot. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the item of footwear is an insole assembly that may be inserted into an existing shoe. This has the advantage that insoles are inexpensive and simple to manufacture. Further, it allows a pair of shoes to be modified to accept the system of the present invention, but yet easily returned to their original form.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising an item of footwear as hereinbefore described, in combination with a remote receiver assembly comprising a receiver capable of receiving signals transmitted by the transmitter assembly. The remote receiver assembly may be connected to or comprise any device capable of utilising the signals received from the transmitter in the item of footwear. In one preferred embodiment, the remote receiver assembly is connected to or comprises a display module capable of emitting a display in response to instructions received from the receiver. The display module comprises a display means for producing a visual and/or audio display of light and/or sound.

In its simplest embodiment, the receiver simply acts to generate signals for the display module directly in response to signals received from the transmitter in the item of footwear. The receiver assembly may further comprise a control module, to process the signals received from the transmitter and provide instructions to the control module in accordance with a set of control routines. In this respect, the control module may operate to control the display module in a similar manner to that described above in connection with the control module in the item of footwear. Accordingly, reference is made to the discussion set out above of features and their function relating to the control module.

Each item of footwear may operate with a single receiver assembly, thereby, for example, allowing the wearer to control a separate display with each foot. Alternatively, a pair of items may operate with a single receiver, for example allowing the user to generate and control a single display using both feet. However, each item of footwear or pair of items may be used with a plurality of receivers. In this way, a large number of individual displays may be generated and controlled, either individually or in an array.

One application for the present invention is to provide a display of light and/or sound as an ornament or adornment of clothing. Accordingly, for this purpose, the display module is preferably provided with some means to mount and secure the module to an item of clothing. The module may be secured, for example, to a hat or other item of clothing, including the exterior of the shoes being worn by the user. Alternatively, the display module may be attached to an item being carried by the user, for example a handbag, rucksack or the like. In this way, a great variety of different displays may be provided, to suit any style of clothing or dress. The display module may also form an item of jewellery, for example to be worn around the users neck or wrist, in place of or in addition to other items of jewellery. A further application for the present invention is in the field of personal safety. It is known to provide people active at night or at times of poor visibility with lights. An example is the flashing lights provided to cyclists. The overall system of the present invention can perform a similar role, but to greater effect. The item of footwear and display may cooperate to provide a warning display of light and/or sound. The present invention allows the display to be moved and placed in the position of greatest visibility, so as to enhance the visibility of the person carrying out the activity. For example, a jogger or cyclist may place the display on a hat or around their neck, to provide a warning light that is significantly more visible than a simple light flashing at ground level.

The use of one or more control modules in the system provides for a great level of flexibility in the nature and duration of the display being generated. In particular, the display may be caused to continue for a predetermined period of time after the last activation of the sensors in the footwear item. In this way, a person jogging at night, for example, remains visible while they stand still to rest or cross a road.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a receiver as hereinbefore described dedicated to receive signals from an item of footwear as hereinbefore described.

In still a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing a display comprising:

activating a sensor located in the sole portion of an item of footwear by applying a force on the sensor by a portion of the foot of a wearer of the item of footwear to generate a signal;

transmitting a signal in response to the signal generated by the sensor to a remote receiver; and

generating a display in response to the signals received by the remote receiver.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an item of footwear and a receiver according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, the system of the present invention is shown in an insole as the item of footwear. The insole, generally indicated as 2, comprises a sole assembly 4, having a toe portion 6, an instep portion 8 and a heel portion 10. The insole 4 comprises a first sensor array portion 12 located in the toe portion 6 and comprising a plurality of sensors 14a to 14c. Each of the sensors 14a to 14c are arranged so as to be contacted by respective toes on the foot of the user when the insole 2 is in position in a shoe being worn. A second sensor array portion 16 is disposed in the region of the insole 2 contacted by the ball of the foot of the user and comprises a single sensor 18. A third sensor array portion 20 is provided in the heel portion 10 of the insole 2 and comprises four sensors 22a to 22d. Other sensors may be provided in other array portions, for example to contact the instep or arch of the foot of the user.

Each sensor is connected by a bus 24 to a control module 26. A transmitter 28 is provided in the heel portion of the insole, as shown in Figure 1. It will be understood that components such as the control module 26 and the transmitter 28 may be located in any suitable position in the item of footwear.

The transmitter 28 generates a radio signal represented by the lines 30. The signal 30 is received by a receiver module 32. The receiver module 32 may be located in any suitable position within range of the transmitter. The receiver module 32 is shown attached to a baseball cap 34 in Figure 1, by way of example only.

The features and operation of the control module, transmitter and receiver are discussed in more detail below, with reference to Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic diagram of the components of one embodiment of the complete system of the present invention. The components located in the item of footwear are shown contained within the box 202. The components remote from the item of footwear are shown within the box 204. A signal 206 is transmitted from the item of footwear to the remote components.

The components in the item of footwear comprise an array of sensors 208, comprising a plurality of individual sensors 210. Each sensor 210 is connected by a wire to a bus 212. Signals generated by activation of the sensors 210 are passed via the bus 212 to a control module 214. A power source 216 provides electrical power to the control module 214. The power source 216 is conveniently a battery. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the battery of power source 216 is rechargeable and a charging interface 218 is provided to allow the user to recharge the battery.

The control module 214 comprises a memory in which are stored various control routines. The control routines are used by a processor within the control module 214 to process the signals received from the sensors. The processed data is passed from the control module 214 to a transmitter 218, which generates and transmits a short range radio signal 206 in response to instructions from the processor. The radio signal 206 will contain information necessary for generating a display in response to the signals generated by the activation of the sensors 210.

An interface 220 is provided, by means of which the routines programmed into the control module 214 may be modified or changed. The interface 220 may be a suitable connector for allowing a hard wire connection with an external programming device, such as a computer, mobile telephone, Bluetooth device or the like. Alternatively, the interface 220 may be a receiver able to receive programming data from a remote programming device. The interface 220 and the control module 214 may be configured to receive programming information from a dedicated programming device.

The signal 206 generated in the items of footwear 202 is received and used by the remote components 204. A receiver 230 receives the signal 206 transmitted from the item of footwear 202, which is passed to a display control module 232. A power source 234 provides electrical power to the display control module 232. The power source 234 is conveniently a battery. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the battery of the power source 234 is rechargeable and a charging interface 236 is provided to allow the user to recharge the battery. The display control module 232 comprises a memory in which are stored various control routines. The control routines are used by a processor within the display control module 232 to process the data received from the receiver. The processed data is passed from the display control module 232 to a display module 238.

An interface 240 is provided, by means of which the routines programmed into the display control module 232 may be modified or changed. The interface 240 may be a suitable connector for allowing a hard wire connection with an external programming device, such as a computer, mobile telephone, Bluetooth device or the like. Alternatively, the interface 240 may be a receiver able to receive programming data from a remote programming device. The interface 240 and the control module 232 may be configured to receive programming information from a dedicated programming device.

The display module 238 generates a display in response to instructions received from the display control module 232. The display module 238 shown in Figure 2 comprises a screen 242 for producing a visual display. In addition, the display module 238 comprises a speaker 244 for producing an audio display. If required, a suitable amplifier may be incorporated into the display module, in order to produce an audio display of sufficient volume.

The display module may generate any form of visual display. For example, a simple visual display would consist of one or more flashing lights, in particular one or more LEDs. A more complex display can be generated using a matrix of LEDs, by means of which a great variety of patterns and designs can be generated, including words and slogans. Alternative displays include liquid crystal displays and holographic images.

While the individual components of the complete system have been represented as separate components in the accompanying figures, it will be understood that the functions of the components in the item of footwear and the functions of the remote components may be combined into single units. For example, the item of footwear may be provided with a single unit containing the necessary components for control, transmission, power and an interface. Most conveniently, the remote components are combined into a single unit which may be placed anywhere within range of the signal transmitted from the item of footwear to produce a visual or audio display. References to the individual components and modules of the system of this invention are to be construed accordingly.

The system shown in Figure 2 consists of a single transmitter unit and a single display unit. However, it will be understood that a single transmitter unit may be used to control a plurality of remote display units. Equally, an individual display unit may receive and process signals from a plurality of transmitter units.

As noted hereinbefore, one application for the system of the present invention is to provide a display, be it for safety reasons or for decoration, on the person of the wearer of the item of footwear. However, the use of the system extends to having the remote display units located in a fixed position and activated only when a person wearing an item of footwear with an appropriate transmitter unit comes within range.

Claims

1. An item of footwear comprising a transmitter assembly, the transmitter assembly comprising an array of sensors, each sensor being capable of being activated by a foot located within the item of footwear to thereby generate a signal, the transmitter assembly further comprising a transmitter for receiving a signal from the array of sensors and transmitting a signal in response to the same to a remote receiver.

2. An item of footwear according to claim 1, wherein the array of sensors comprises a plurality of sensors.

3. An item of footwear according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the array of sensors comprises a sensor disposed so as to be contacted by a toe of the wearer when the item is being worn.

4. An item of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the array of sensors comprises a sensor disposed so as to be contacted by a heel of the wearer when the item is being worn.

5. An item of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the array of sensors comprises a sensor disposed so as to be contacted by the arch of a foot of the wearer when the item is being worn.

6. An item of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the array of sensors comprises a sensor disposed so as to be contacted by the ball of a foot of the wearer when the item is being worn.

7. An item of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the array of sensors comprises a plurality of array portions, each array portion disposed so as to be contacted by a different part of the foot of the wearer.

8. An item of footwear according to claim 7, wherein the array of sensors comprises a plurality of array portions, each of the array portions to be contacted by a respective toe of the wearer.

9. An item of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitter assembly comprises a control module, the control module capable of processing the signals received from each sensor according to a set of control routines and instructing the transmitter.

10. An item of footwear according to claim 9, wherein the control module comprises a memory to store a predetermined set of control routines.

1 1. An item of footwear according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the control module comprises an interface for receiving instructions from a programming device.

12. An item of footwear according to claim 1 1, wherein the interface comprises a connector for receiving a cable to connect to the programming device.

13. An item of footwear according to claim U or 12, wherein the interface comprises a receiver for receiving signals from a remote programming device.

14. An item of footwear according to any of claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the interface is adapted to receive instructions from a computer, mobile telephone, or a dedicated programming device.

15. An item of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmitter is adapted to transmit a short range signal.

16. An item of footwear according to any preceding claim, wherein the item is an insole for installing in a shoe.

17. A kit comprising an item of footwear as defined in any of claims 1 to 16, and a remote receiver assembly.

18. A kit according to claim 17, wherein the receiver assembly comprises a display module capable of emitting a display in response to instructions received from the receiver.

19. A kit according to claim 18, wherein the display module is capable of displaying light, sound or a combination of light and sound.

20. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the receiver assembly comprises a control module, the control module capable of processing the signals received by the receiver according to a set of control routines and instructing the display module.

21. A kit according to claim 20, wherein the control module comprises a memory for storing the predetermined set of control routines.

22. A kit according to either of claims 20 or 21, wherein the control module comprises an interface for receiving instructions from a programming device.

23. A kit according to claim 22, wherein the interface comprises a connector for receiving a cable to connect to the programming device.

24. A kit according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the interface comprises a receiver for receiving signals from a remote programming device.

25. A kit according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the interface is adapted to receive instructions from a computer, mobile telephone, or a dedicated programming device.

26. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 25, further comprising a mount for securing the display module.

27. A kit according to claim 26, wherein the mount is adapted to secure the display module to an item of clothing.

28. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 27, further comprising a remote programming device for programming one or both of a control module in the item of footwear and a control module in the receiver.

29. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 28 comprising a plurality of receivers.

30. A kit according to any of claims 17 to 29 further comprising a storage medium on which is stored software for programming the or each control module.

31. A receiver as defined in any of claims 17 to 30, dedicated to receive signals from an item of footwear as defined in any of claims 1 to 16.

32. A method of producing a display comprising:

33. An item of footwear substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying figures.

34. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying figures.

35. A receiver substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying figures.

36. A method for producing a display substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying figures.