Light distribution/information display systems

• US 5,894,686 A
• Filed: 11/04/1993
• Issued: 04/20/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rambus Delaware LLC (Rambus Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Lumitex Incorporated
• Inventors: Parker, Jeffery R., Hopkins, Terrence P.
• Primary Examiner(s): KAVANAUGH, JOHN T
• Application Number:
  US08/147,961
• Time in Patent Office: 1,993 Days
• Field of Search: 36/137, 36/136, 362/103
• US Class Current: 36/137
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 1/0036 with fluorescent or phosphorescent parts
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 1/0072 made at least partially of transparent or translucent materials
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 23/00 Uppers; Boot legs; Stiffeners; Other single parts of footwear
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/34 with electrical or electronic arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/36 with light sources
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/44 with sensors, e.g. for detecting contact or position
• CPC Class Codes: A43B 3/50 with sound or music sources
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/001 the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/806 Ornamental or decorative
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/812 Signs

Abstract

Light distribution systems include a light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to the light emitting portion and a power source for the light source. A sealed holder or pocket may be provided for the light emitting portion. The light emitting portion may be located on an upper portion of a shoe and include a raised or relieved area from which light is emitted. The light distribution systems may include an additional light source which is directional so it can be seen at a greater distance than the light emitting portion. An information display system may also be provided, including a liquid crystal display located on an upper portion of a shoe, and a motion sensor for controlling operation of the display.

Claims

1. In combination, a shoe and a light distribution system for said shoe, said light distribution system comprising an area light emitting portion, a light source for supplying light to said area light emitting portion, a power source for said light source, and a holder for said area light emitting portion and said light source, said holder being located at an upper portion of said shoe and including a window through which light is emitted from said area light emitting portion.

2. The combination of claim 1 further comprising circuit means for controlled switching of said light source.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein said circuit means includes a motion sensor located in said holder for turning said light source on and off.

4. The combination of claim 2 wherein said circuit means includes means located in said holder for causing said light source to flash on and off at a predetermined rate.

5. The combination of claim 2 wherein said circuit means includes means located in said holder for causing said light source, to flash on and off at different rates to establish a cadence when said shoe is worn during jogging or running.

6. The combination of claim 1 further comprising a motion switch located in said holder for controlled switching of said light source.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said power source comprises a battery located in said holder, said holder having a closeable access opening which when opened permits removal and replacement of said battery.

8. The combination of claim 1 further comprising interactive switch means in a bottom portion of said shoe responsive to applied pressure to control operation of said light source.

9. The combination of claim 8 wherein said power source comprises a battery located in a bottom portion of said shoe.

10. The combination of claim 8 further comprising conductor means extending between an inner lining and an outer covering of said upper portion of said shoe for electrically coupling said switch means to said light source.

11. The combination of claim 10 wherein said conductor means comprises a flexible conductive trace.

12. The combination of claim 1 wherein said holder comprises a pocket formed between an inner lining and an outer covering of said upper portion of said shoe.

13. The combination of claim 1 wherein said holder is located at a side of said upper portion of said shoe, said window facing outwardly from said side.

14. The combination of claim 1 wherein said holder is located at a back of said upper portion of said shoe, said window facing rearwardly from said back.

15. The combination of claim 1 wherein said holder is located at an outwardly protruding tongue portion of said shoe, said window facing forwardly from said tongue portion.