Footwear arrangement with battery and anti-theft protection

A footwear arrangement including a wireless interface device capable of sending input signals and receiving output signals to a first shoe having a primary controller. The primary controller sends signals to the second shoe, which has a slave controller that is controller that is controlled by signals from the primary controller.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a footwear arrangement and other clothing, apparel and accessories having anti-theft, alarm shoe locator and Amber Alert safety arrangement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the footwear industry there is a need to provide consumers with new accessories that allow a person to tailor their footwear to their own individual tastes of style. Additionally, there is also a need to make footwear more utilitarian and provide a user with added benefits or features. For example, shoes having flashing lights not only provide the user with stylistic benefits; the lights also provide a useful safety benefit when worn at night. Additionally the increased cost of shoes incorporating electronics also presents the need to prevent theft or misplacement of the shoes. In addition there is a need to provide emergency devices on clothing, including shoes that allows for tracking and protecting the person wearing the clothing or footwear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A footwear arrangement including a wireless interface device capable of sending input signals and receiving output signals. A first shoe and a second shoe each have a display panel flexibly connected thereon.

A primary controller is connected to the first shoe and controls two or more modes of operation for displaying personalized content on the display panel of the first shoe. The personalized content and the modes of operation can be changed or erased by the primary controller. A slave controller is connected the second shoe and controls the two or more modes of operation for displaying personalized content on the display panel of the second shoe. The personalized content and the modes of operation can be changed or erased on the slave controller.

The first shoe also includes a first shoe wireless communication bus with a first wireless controller contained within the first shoe. There is also a second shoe wireless communication bus with a second wireless controller contained in the second shoe. The first shoe wireless communication bus is capable of wireless communication between the first shoe wireless communication bus and the second shoe wireless communication bus or sending and receiving output signals or input signals between the first shoe wireless communication bus and the wireless interface device. The first wireless controller communicates with the primary controller and the second wireless controller and the second wireless controller communicates with the first wireless controller, using the first and second shoe wireless communications buses and the slave controller by a direct connection between the second wireless controller and the slave controller. The types of signals transmitted include signals related to input signals and output signals from the wireless interface device.

An accelerometer in the first shoe is capable of detecting movement within at least two axes. The accelerometer is connected to and capable of generating one or more motion signals to the primary controller and the primary controller will generate a hibernation mode signal so the slave controller and the primary controller will both operate in a hibernation mode when one or more motion signals are not received by the primary controller for a preset time period programmed on the primary controller.

A first shoe rechargeable battery located in the first shoe for provides power to said primary controller, display panel in the first shoe, first shoe wireless communication bus and the accelerometer in the first shoe. A second shoe rechargeable battery located in the second shoe provides power to the slave controller, the display panel in the second shoe, the second shoe wireless communication bus and the accelerometer in the second shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now toFIGS. 1-3 and 6, an embodiment of the present invention is shown being incorporated on a footwear arrangement10,10′ which is shown to be a single shoe, however, the present invention includes a pair of shoes which will be designated10,10′ for indicating a left side shoe or a right side shoe. The footwear arrangement10,10′ has an inner surface12, an outer surface14, and a window16. Each of the Figures displays a slight variation in that the invention is being used with various types of footwear. For example,FIG. 1depicts the invention incorporated on a boot;FIG. 2shows the invention on an athletic shoe,FIG. 3shoes the invention on a skate shoe which can include roller skates, inline skates, roller shoes, snowboard brackets, snow skis and ice skates.FIG. 6shows the invention on a sandal or dress shoe. Additionally other types of footwear can be used including slippers, golf shoes, etc. Each of the Figures are not intended to be limiting with respect to the particular type of footwear used for the present invention, but rather serve the purpose of illustrating the number of different configurations that can be used with virtually any type of footwear. The window16can be located anywhere on the outer surface14of the footwear arrangement10,10′.FIGS. 1 and 2show in phantom lines various alternate locations of the window16for placement of the programmable display22. For example the window16can be on the toe, buckles, straps, tongue, heel, and sides of the footwear arrangement10,10′. Additionally the shape of the programmable display22and the window16is not limited to a rectangular shape but can include any kind of shape.FIGS. 1 and 2show a circular and star shaped window16and programmable display.

The footwear arrangement10,10′ has an upper18including a heel19and a lower20, which includes the sole. However, the term lower is referring to the surface or a sole of the footwear arrangement10,10′ that is used for at least in part communicating with the surface under the footwear arrangement10,10′. For example, inFIG. 3the skate shoe embodiment of the footwear arrangement10,10′ has a lower20that would include the roller unit which is the part that communicates with the ground during use.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-6, all of the footwear arrangements10,10′ have a programmable display22incorporated with the footwear arrangements10,10′. The programmable display22has a display panel24with one or more buttons26that are operably configured with a controller28that is part of the circuitry of the programmable display22. It is within the scope of this invention for the programmable display22to not have one or more buttons26and be programmed wirelessly using a wireless device, which is shown and described hereafter. It is also within the scope of this invention for the controller28to be located separate from the programmable display, but connected to the programmable display that just includes a display panel24in a manner that will allow the controller to send signals and control the mode and content of the programmable display22. The controller28controls the projection of light from the display panel24and further controls the pattern of light that is emitted from the panel24. The controller28stores data such as text, numbers, logos, symbols, or other relevant information that can be projected from the display panel24.

The controller28also has one or more modes of operation that are activated by the one or more buttons26to cause information to be displayed on the panel24in a desired mode. For example, the controller28can have two or more modes of operation that include on, off, scrolling, flashing, exploding, hold, timed, random display, and combinations thereof. The scrolling mode of operation would cause the information to scroll across the panel24at a predetermined rate of speed or rates of speed. The information can move across the panel24horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in any other direction. The flashing mode would cause the information to be flashed on the panel24. The exploding mode would involve displaying the information and then having it break apart like it was exploding. The hold mode of operation would cause the information to be presented on the panel24and held there for a user determined amount of time. The timed mode of operation would cause various groupings of information to be placed on the panel24for a predetermined amount of time. The random display mode would cause the controller28to randomly display information on the display24in any of the aforementioned modes. The various modes of operation can be selected using the one or more buttons26on the programmable display22.

The kind of information that can be stored and displayed includes, but is not limited to information for conveying personal content such as pictures, photos, designs, drawings, different languages, patterns, text, graphics, slogans, colors, phrase, shapes, numbers, logos, brand markings including trademarks, messages and any combinations of the above.

The programmable display22can be preprogrammed with data that cannot be changed. The programmable display22can be blank and require the user to add their own personal content, or the programmable display22can be reprogrammable so it has information already stored but the information can be changed or erased at the user's discretion.

In order to change or upload information onto the controller28a data port30, which can be a USB link or other suitable port located on the surface of the programmable display22, can be used to input information to the controller28. The port30can also be used to charge a power source32of the programmable display22. The power source32of the programmable display22can be a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery or other suitable battery source. Other embodiments provide charging the battery using an electric outlet via a power port or USB connector, solar power, kinetic energy, or any other suitable source that is operably connected to the power source32. Additionally as shown inFIG. 2a power indicator38can be installed on any outside surface of the footwear arrangement10,10′ and it is also possible for the indicator to be a part of the panel24or anywhere else of the programmable display22. The power indicator38is a visual indicator of how much energy the power source32has available before needing to be recharged. The power indicator38can operate via a wireless signal from the programmable display22or a contact42, shown inFIGS. 4-5, allows for a wire40to connect with the programmable display22when placed into the carrier34. The wire40can be attached to the inside surface12, the outside surface14or embedded between the inside surface12and outside surface14of the footwear arrangement10,10′.

In another embodiment of the invention, the controller28of the programmable display22can have a counter mode that allows the controller28to collect and store data such as time, distance, or speed. The controller28of the programmable display22includes other electronics such as a global positioning system or pedometer that would allow the programmable display22to keep track of distance or speed. The information gathered by the counter can then be projected from the display panel24. This particular aspect of the invention would be helpful for keeping track of pace, distance, or speed during an event such as exercising or competitive running or walking instead of having to download or transmit the data to an external device such as an MP3 player.

Another alternate embodiment allows the counter to be used to keep track of time allowing the footwear arrangement10,10′ to be used as a continuous scrolling clock which projects time on the panel24. The controller28can also further include an alarm mechanism so that the footwear arrangement10,10′ would function in the place of an ordinary alarm clock or a stop watch. Additionally the programmable display22can have an internal digital thermometer that can display ambient temperature.

The programmable display22can be permanently attached or removeably connected to the footwear arrangement10,10′. When the programmable display22is connected the panel24is operably aligned with the window16so that information emitted on the panel24can be seen through the window16. The programmable display22is held in place by a carrier34which is a bracket type member operably connected to the inner surface12of the footwear arrangement10,10′. Alternatively, it is possible for the carrier34to be connected to the outer surface14of the footwear arrangement10,10′.

In another alternate embodiment shown inFIG. 6, there is a pocket36that is located on the outer surface14of the footwear arrangement10,10′. The programmable display unit22slides into the pocket36as opposed to using brackets for securing the programmable display unit22to the footwear arrangement10,10′.

WhileFIGS. 1-3 and 6depict the programmable display unit22being used with a footwear arrangement10,10′, it is possible to use the programmable display unit22with other types of objects or articles of clothing. For example,FIG. 7depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention where the programmable display unit22is integrated with a hat100. The invention still utilizes the use of a carrier or pocket with a window and a programmable display as described in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-3 and 6; however, the difference is that the object is now a hat100. It is also possible to use the invention having a programmable display and a carrier, with other types of clothing such as shirts, neckties, glove, helmets, pants, jackets, headbands, wristbands, belts, or undergarments. It is also possible to use the programmable display unit22with other non-clothing objects such as mugs, plates, key chains, jewelry, tire rims, etc.

The types of information from the display panel24are projected using a light source such as one or more inorganic light emitting diodes (LED). The light emitting diode or LED technology allows for information to be scrolled across the display panel24during the various modes of operation. Furthermore, the use of the one or more light emitting diodes allows for the information on the display panel24to appear to be moving or graphically animated in modes of operation that involve the scrolling, flashing, or exploding of information across the display panel24. In addition to an LED light source, the light source can also be any other suitable type of light source capable of allowing for the display of information on the programmable display unit22in a desired manner. For example, the LED display unit can also include liquid crystal display (LCD) technology as well as a plasma light source.

FIGS. 8-9show an alternate embodiment of a footwear arrangement200having a footwear arrangement202with a programmable display204. Just like the previous embodiments, the programmable display204can be located anywhere on the exterior surface of the footwear arrangement202. The programmable display204includes all of the features of the programmable display22described above and shown in theFIGS. 1-7. However, in this particular embodiment the programmable display204incorporates a flexible display that can be connected to the exterior of the footwear arrangement202without the need for a carrier or pocket. The programmable display204in the present embodiment utilizes technology known as organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology that provides a programmable display204that is much thinner than an inorganic LED. The OLED programmable display204has a flexible thin layered panel205that is connected to the exterior of the footwear arrangement202through the use of a fastening layer218which can be any suitable adhesive material. This allows the panel205to be adhered to and be flexible with the surface to which it is attached. In another aspect of the present embodiment of the invention, a window206is applied over the panel205of the OLED programmable display204; however, this is an optional addition. The use of the OLED programmable display204or a programmable display having an LED can include the features of a display that is water resistant, heat resistant, and stress resistant. This makes the OLED programmable display204more practical for use on clothing which can be exposed to stress, water, and heat. Additionally, if the window206is applied over the panel205the water, heat, and stress resistant properties are further enhanced.

The OLED programmable display also includes a power source214that can be positioned apart from the panel205or it can be part of the panel205. The power source214includes a battery storage or power generating device suitable for providing power for the operation of the OLED programmable display204. The power source214can be connected to a plug-in energy source212to receive and store power. The plug-in energy source212can be any type of a plug-in connector such as an electrical cord, cigarette lighter, adaptor, or other suitable connector.

Another aspect of the present embodiment is a controller208provided external to the footwear arrangement202. The controller208is in the form of a remote or wireless type of controller208that allows for communication between the controller208and the programmable display204. The programmable display22shown inFIGS. 1-7can also utilize a wireless controller in the same manner as shown inFIGS. 8-9. The controller208is configured to be connectable and interchangeable with one or more stylized housings209which can have various shapes or styles. The stylized housings209have an aperture211for receiving and holding the controller208. Additionally, the controller208can also have a clip213allowing it to be connected to an object as desired by the user.

The controller208also has a counter210much like the counter in the first embodiment of the invention described above. The counter210is capable of collecting and storing data to be transmitted to the programmable display204. The controller208has a control panel220where a user can program the controller to send signals regarding the various modes of operation and information to be displayed using the programmable display204. The programmable display204includes a sensor226which receives wireless signals222that are transmitted from the controller208. The programmable display22using an LED can also include the sensor226for communicating with a controller. The controller208can use several types of wireless signals which include blue-tooth type technology, infrared, sonic, or other light waves for communicating signals to the programmable display. The controller208can include a transmitter eye224for facilitating the transmission of the wireless signals222; however, this may or may not be a necessary feature depending on the type of wireless signals222being transmitted.

An additional feature of the footwear arrangement200includes a lock feature incorporated into the components to lock the information being displayed on the programmable displays22,204. The lock can be a switch located as one of the buttons on the controller208or it can be a switch located on the programmable display22,204.

The wireless signals222can be continuously transmitted between the controller208and the programmable display204where the controller208is tasked with storing and carrying out all the logic functions of the footwear arrangement200. Alternatively, the programmable display204can have logic circuitry built therein which can retrieve data via the wireless signals222from the controller208and control the information that is displayed on the programmable display204.

In another embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 10, the OLED programmable display204is connected to a jacket unit302as part of a jacket arrangement300. The use of the OLED programmable display204makes the present embodiment of the invention more versatile for use on other articles of clothing including shirts, hats, pants, etc. because of the thin flexible nature of the OLED and the elimination of the need to have a carrier member built into the article of clothing. With the present invention, the OLED programmable display204can be adhered to and flex with the article of clothing that it is connected to. The present invention is intended to be utilized with any type of clothing article.

In another embodiment of the present invention shown inFIG. 11, the OLED display204is connected to an OLED hat arrangement400. The use of the OLED programmable display204makes the present embodiment of the invention more versatile because the OLED programmable display204is bent in a circular fashion and connected to the hat402allowing for information on the OLED display panel204to be continuously scrolled around the hat402.

FIG. 12shows another embodiment of the present invention where the OLED programmable display204is connected to a purse unit412as part of a purse arrangement410. Once again, the OLED programmable display204can flex with the outer exterior of the purse unit412.FIG. 13depicts yet another embodiment of the invention where the OLED programmable display204is connected to a high heeled shoe412as part of a high heeled shoe arrangement414. The OLED unit204can flex to accommodate the contours of the outer surface of the high heeled shoe412.

Referring now toFIGS. 14-19a footwear arrangement500in accordance with the present invention is shows and described herein. The foot wear arrangement500may be used in connection with any of the above described footwear arrangements10,10′ shown and described inFIGS. 1-6, 8, 9 and 13wherein the displays are operated using the footwear arrangement500described in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention. The footwear arrangement includes a first shoe502and a second shoe504, which may be a left side or right side shoe respectively or vice-versa.

The footwear arrangement500includes a wireless interface device506capable of sending input signals503and receiving output signals503′ with the first shoe502or sending input signals501and receiving output signal501′ with the second shoe504. The wireless interface device506is a smart phone or tablet with a software app that will take user inputted information and generate input signals501,503and receive output signals501′,503′ to the user of the wireless interface device506. Alternatively the wireless interface device506is the remote208as shown inFIG. 8or the reprogrammable display22with buttons26as shown inFIG. 5. The wireless interface device506in the present invention communicates using radio frequency waves, including but not limited to Bluetooth® wireless communication.

The first shoe502and the second shoe504both have a display panel508,508′ flexibly connected on their outer surface, which functions in a manner similar to the display panels described in all of the embodiments above. The display panel508,508′ in accordance with one aspect of the present invention is a thin film display that consists of one of the following: Organic light emitting diode/device/display (OLED), active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED), flexible organic light emitting diode (FOLED), phosphorescent organic light emitting diode (PhOLED), polymer light emitting diode (PLED), passive matrix organic light emitting diode (PMOLED), polymer organic light emitting diode (POLED), resonant color organic light emitting diode (RCOLED), small molecule organic light emitting diode (SmOLED), stacked organic light emitting diode (SOLED), transparent organic light emitting diode (TOLED), and neon organic iodine diode (NOID), etc.

As indicated in the embodiments above the display panel508,508′ can be used to display messages, images or simply light up according to different patterns.

Referring now toFIG. 14andFIG. 15details of the components of the first shoe502are shown. There is a primary controller510connected to said first shoe502that controls two or more modes of operation for displaying personalized content on the display panel508of the first shoe502. The personalized content and modes of operation can be changed or erased by the primary controller510as programmed by input signals503transmitted by the wireless interface device506. The input signals503generated from said wireless interface device506include operational signals that direct the primary controller510, and slave controller512via signals from the primary controller510discussed below, to operate the display panel508,508′ on the first shoe502and second shoe504in one of two or more modes of operation and change or erase said personalized content.

FIG. 16shows the details of the components of the second shoe504. The second shoe504has a slave controller512that controls two or more modes of operation for displaying personalized content on said display panel of the second shoe. The personalized content and said modes of operation can be changed or erased on the slave controller512in response to signals received from the primary controller510.

In order to facilitate the wireless communication between the wireless interface device506, first shoe502and second shoe504a wireless radio frequency communication protocol is used. Such communication protocols include Bluetooth®, Zigbee, cellular or mobile phone systems and global positioning, satellite based systems. In order to allow wireless communication the first shoe502has a first shoe wireless communication bus514that includes a first wireless controller516. The second shoe504has a second shoe wireless communication bus518that includes a second wireless controller520contained in the second shoe504. The first shoe wireless communication bus518is capable of wireless communication between the first shoe wireless communication bus518and the second shoe wireless communication bus520or sending said output signals503′ or receiving said input signals503between the first shoe wireless communication bus514and the wireless interface device506. The first wireless controller takes signals received through the first shoe wireless communication bus514and communicates with the primary controller510. The second wireless controller520takes signals received by the second shoe wireless communication bus518and communicates with said slave controller512. The second wireless controller520also send signals to the first shoe wireless controller516through the second shoe wireless communication bus518to the first shoe wireless communication bus514. The signals sent from the first shoe wireless communication bus514to the second shoe wireless communication bus518are hereafter referred to as slave input signals519while signals sent in the opposite direction, that being from the second shoe wireless communication but 518 to the first shoe wireless communication bus514are referred to as slave output signals519′. The slave input signal519and slave output signal519′ are single or a plurality of signals that can take many different forms and be used to achieve different results as will be described throughout this specification.

The first shoe502and the second shoe504each have an accelerometer522,522′. While each shoe has an accelerometer it is within the scope of this invention for just one of the shoes to have an accelerometer. The accelerometer522,522′ is a three axis MEMS accelerometer capable of detecting movement of the respective first shoe502or second shoe504within at least two axes. The accelerometer522is connected to and capable of generating one or more motion signals to said primary controller510, while the accelerometer522′ is capable of generating one more motion signals to the slave controller512, which are then conveyed to the primary controller510as a type of slave output signal519′.

One feature of the present invention includes a hibernation mode that functions to save power usage of the footwear arrangement500by placing the primary controller510and slave controller512into a hibernating state. This can be accomplished by sending a specific type of input signal503from the wireless interface device506to the primary controller512. The primary controller512will send a type of slave input signal519to the slave controller512that is a hibernation signal and the slave controller512will send a specific type of slave output signal519′ that is a hibernation acknowledgement signal to the primary controller510. Both the primary controller510and slave controller512will hibernate.

During the hibernation mode the first wireless controller514and second wireless controller520both remain in an active mode when the primary controller510and slave controller512are both in said hibernation mode. In order to activate the primary controller510and slave controller512a different type of input signal503, which is an activation signal is generated from the wireless interface device506. The activation signal is received by the first wireless controller516and is transmitted to the primary controller510causing the primary controller512to operate in an activation mode and send a slave input signal519that is an activation signal, to the slave controller512. The slave controller512sends a slave output signal519′ that is an activation acknowledgement signal to the primary controller510.

Hibernation mode can also be implemented when the first shoe502and second shoe504are not in motion for a period of time, for example if the shoes are removed and stored, the primary controller510will generate a type of slave output signal519that is a hibernation mode signal through the first shoe wireless communication bus514to the second shoe wireless communication bus518.

Once the hibernation mode signal is received by the slave controller512a slave output signal519′ that is a hibernation mode acknowledgement signal is sent to the primary controller510and the slave controller512, and primary controller510will both power down and operate in a hibernation mode. In this particular aspect hibernation mode occurs when one or more motion signals from the accelerometer522is not received by the primary controller510for a preset time period programmed on the primary controller502. When a motion signal is generated by the accelerometer522the primary controller502begin operating in activation mode and will generate a slave input signal519that is a slave controller activation signal to the slave controller512and the primary controller502and slave controller512will begin operating normally. The slave controller512will respond by generating a slave output signal519′ that is an activation acknowledgement signal to the primary controller510.

When a motion signal is generated by the accelerometer522′ the slave controller512will activate and generate a slave output signal519′ that is a primary controller activation signal causing the primary controller510to activate. The primary controller will send a slave input signal519that is an activation acknowledgement signal to the slave controller512.

The first shoe502has a first shoe rechargeable battery524located in the first shoe502for providing power to the primary controller510, display panel508, first shoe wireless communication bus514and accelerometer522. The second shoe504has a second shoe rechargeable battery524′ located in the second shoe504for providing power to the slave controller512, display panel508′, second shoe wireless communication bus518and accelerometer522′ in the second shoe504. The rechargeable battery524,524′ is any suitable battery, including but not limited to nickel cadmium, lithium including a single cell lithium ion battery with a Buck Converter to charge the battery or other suitable rechargeable battery.

Referring now briefly toFIG. 17, the first shoe502and second shoe504each have a kinetic recharging mechanism600contained within the shoe. The kinetic recharging mechanism600allows for a person wearing the shoe to recharge the battery and electronics portion through the charge circuit526,526′ using the kinetic energy generated by the movement of the shoe502,504. In particular, the kinetic recharging mechanism600has a tube that can be copper, silver, gold, and be a solid tube or wrapped wire into a tube with a magnet604that is configured to slide through the tube602, which in turn generates an electric current that is received by the charge circuit526,526′ and recharges the battery portion of the invention. The shoe502,504can include several kinetic recharging mechanisms600that are positioned at different angles within the shoe502,504so that magnets604are sliding through tubes602when the shoe moves in any axial direction, thereby allowing kinetic energy to be collected by the movement of the shoe502,504in any direction.

FIG. 17also shows another anti-theft aspect of the shoe502,504having a lock controller610with an aperture608for receiving a key606. The key606is inserted into the aperture608and is turned to lock and unlock the shoe502,504. When the lock controller606is in the locked position a lock signal is sent to the controller510,512that causes the controller510,512to shut off and be inactive so several of the features of the shoe502,504, such as the display508,508and speaker538,538′ cannot be changed. The lock controller606does not disengage any of the anti-theft, and person locator features of the shoe, but instead makes stealing the shoe undesirable since several of the aspects of the shoe will be disengaged. In addition to inactivating portions of the controller510,512, the lock controller606also sends a signal, which can be an electronic signal or a mechanical connection between the lock controller610and a spike actuator605. The spike actuator605causes spikes603of varying length to extend from the bottom of the shoe to cause the shoe502,504to have an uneven bottom that makes walking in the shoe502,504difficult and deters theft of the shoe502,504.

In yet another alternate embodiment of the anti-theft aspect of the shoe502,504the lock controller610is a keypad with letters and or numbers for entering a password or passcode that will activate the lock signal and unlock signals, in the same manner as described above. This embodiment would eliminate the need to have a key606and aperture608.

The rechargeable battery524,524′ are recharged using direct charger ports30and connections212in the shoes as shown and described above with regard toFIGS. 5 and 8. AdditionallyFIG. 19depicts an alternate charging circuit for the footwear arrangement500.FIGS. 15, 16, 17 and 19show a charge circuit526,526′ in the first shoe502and second shoe504that connect the respective rechargeable battery524,524′. The respective charge circuits526,526′ in the first shoe502and second shoe504each have an electrical lead530,530′ for connecting to a charger. InFIG. 19the electrical lead530,530′ extends from an outside surface or a sole532of the first shoe502or second shoe504and electrically connects the charge port528,528′ to an external power source534to a charge pad536when the502first shoe or the second shoe504are placed on the charge pad536.

In another aspect of the present invention the footwear arrangement500is configured such that the components are packed into the sole of the shoe with potting material in order to waterproof or water resistant and capable of resisting water for up to thirty minutes. The potting material also protects the footwear arrangement500components from harm when the first shoe502, or second shoe504are vertically dropped by a distance of at least four feet. In another aspect of the invention, the footwear can resist extreme heat and cold such as temperatures of less than 0° Celsius and greater than 40° Celsius. One way of accomplishing the cold resistance is the installation of heat sinks537which is a heat conductive metal plate located near the foot of a user and extending to a region near the rechargeable battery524,524′ and primary controller510and slave controller514and other components in order to transfer heat from the foot of a user through the metal plate to the warm the components of the footwear arrangement500.

As an alternate embodiment, all the components of the shoe502,504are sealed within the sole and upper portion of the shoe so that there are no openings exposing the components to water. One possible way of accomplishing this is to encase the components of the shoe in polymer material, such as silicon or magnesium and then connect the encased components to the sold and upper of the shoe. In such embodiments the rechargeable battery can be recharged using kinetic motion of the shoes as described with reference toFIG. 17. A second alternate embodiment would have electrical leads530extend through the waterproof casing material to allow for recharging the shoe502,504using a charge pad as described with reference toFIG. 19.

In another aspect of the invention the footwear arrangement500includes an audio speaker538in the first shoe502connected to the primary controller510and powered by the rechargeable battery524. The wireless interface device506selectively sends input signal503which include an ON audio signal or an OFF audio signal to the primary controller510. The ON audio signal activates the audio speaker538in the first shoe502to generate sound. The OFF audio signal causes the primary controller510to deactivate the audio speaker538in the first shoe502to stop generating sound.

An audio speaker538′ in the second shoe504is connected to the slave controller512and powered by the rechargeable battery524′. The primary controller510sends a slave input signal519that is an ON audio signal to the slave controller512that activates the audio speaker538′ in said second shoe504to generate sound. The primary controller510sends a slave input signal519that is an OFF audio signal to the slave controller512which deactivates the audio speaker538′ in the second shoe504causing the audio speaker538′ to stop generating sound. Sound generated by the audio speaker538,538′ include sounds programmed on the primary controller510or the slave controller512respectively. The types of sounds can include pre-recorded musical, environmental, whistling, languages, human voices such as professional athletes or entertainers, car or motorcycle engine sounds, animal sounds or voices that are uploaded from the wireless interface device506to the primary controller510or slave controller512. One example of a typed of audio speaker is a piezoelectric speaker.

The audio speaker538,538′ and display panel508,508′ both can be activated for the purpose of providing the user with entertainment or they can be used in connection with several functions of the footwear arrangement500. These functions include a shoe locator feature, alarm or anti-theft feature and a missing person or amber alert feature, all of which may cause the audio speaker538,538′ or display panel508,508′ to be activated so that the shoes or the person wearing the shoes will be noticed by others.FIG. 18demonstrates these features including several ways of communication between the wireless interface device506and shoe arrangement500. As shown inFIG. 18a person539wearing the shoe could be a lost child or a shoe thief.FIG. 18also shoes how location feature works to locate the first shoe502or second shoe504if lost. In the shoe locator feature the display panel508,508′ can be configured to flash light or in addition or separate from the display panel, a set of mounted lights on the article, such as the base or sole of the footwear will flash when desired in order to activate or find the shoe or article in the dark. It is also within the scope of this invention for the wireless interface device506to cause the display panel508,508′ and hand held or mobile phone device to flash light faster when the user gets closer to the shoe or a directional indicator signal is achieved. Alternatively, wireless interface device506can cause the audio speakers538,538′ to make a sound that speeds up or slows down when the wireless interface device506comes closer to the shoe502,504. It is also within the scope of the invention for the lights on the shoe and the speaker on the shoe to also flash or make faster sounds when the wireless interface device comes closer to the shoe in order to further assist the user.

Activation of the various features of the invention, including activating the audio speaker538,538′ and display panel508,508′ involves sending input signals503and receiving output signals503′ between the first shoe wireless communication bus514and the wireless device506. This is accomplished by using radio frequency hardware540that is part of the first shoe wireless communication bus514installed in the first shoe502and connected to the primary controller510. The wireless interface device506also has radio frequency hardware540that will communicate with the first shoe wireless communication bus514. Additionally the second shoe504has radio frequency hardware542that is part of the second shoe wireless communication bus518that is connected to the slave controller512. This allows the electronics of the first shoe502and second shoe504to communicate using salve input signal519and slave output signal519′ which can be multiple signals of different types as described throughout this specification. An example of radio frequency hardware includes Bluetooth® hardware and other wireless protocols.

In addition to using radio frequency hardware to communicate between the wireless interface device506and the first shoe502, it is desirable to provide other ways of communicating over greater distances. Therefore in an additional embodiment of the invention the first shoe wireless communication bus514includes a cellular communication circuit544that allows the wireless interface device506(which is a cellular enabled device) to send input signals503and receive output signals503′ from a cellular network546. The cellular network546is used to provide location information of the first shoe502to the wireless interface device506. The wireless interface device506contains software that allows a user to see the location of the first shoe502. This is useful for locating lost or stolen shoes as well as lost persons. Additionally it is within the scope of this invention of the wireless interface device506to be programmed to share said information through an Amber Alert Network when used to locate lost persons.

A person using the wireless interface device506can also send an input signal503that is an alarm signal through the cellar network that will cause the audio speaker538,538′ and display panel508,508′ of the first shoe502and second shoe504to activate. This will result in the audio speaker538,538′ make sounds and display panel508,508′ to flash or light up. The audio speaker538′ and display panel508′ of the second shoe504will be activated by the slave input signals519from the primary controller510. For the amber alert feature this will draw attention to the missing person who could be in danger. For the shoe location feature this will assist in locating the lost shoes. For the anti-theft feature this will draw unwanted attention to the thief. The types of sounds and lights displayed can vary depending on the feature activated. For example if the Amber Alert feature is activated the light flashed might be an amber color, while the sound made can be a loud voice calling for “Help” and saying that the person is missing or a voice indicating that the “Shoe has been stolen”.

In addition to or in place of the cellular hardware544the first shoe wireless communication bus514of the footwear arrangement500also optionally includes global positioning system hardware548(GPS) in the first shoe502connected to the primary controller510; this allows the wireless interface device506(which is a GPS enabled device) to send input signals503, and receive output signals using a satellite550. This allows for all of the features including the shoe locator, amber alert, anti-theft and alarm features of the footwear arrangement500to be activated using the satellite550and not necessarily rely on using a cellular network546.

In both the first shoe502and the second shoe504communication is enhanced by the placing an antenna556in the heel of the shoe. The antenna556is part of the respective first shoe wireless communication bus514or the second shoe wireless communication bus518. The use of the antenna556improves communication between shoes as well as the communicating range of the first shoe502with the wireless interface device506.

In further regard to the anti-theft feature the footwear arrangement can additionally include motion sensors and pressure sensors that will trigger the audio speaker538,38′ to emit a loud sound if the first shoe502or second shoe504is picked up and carried or placed on the foot by someone else. A private alphanumeric number on the wireless interface device506or an alphanumeric manual control on the first shoe502or second shoe504can be used to activate and de-activate the anti-theft feature. Another aspect of the invention includes a key that is inserted into the first shoe502or second shoe504or article in order to activate or de-activate the anti-theft feature.

In the current embodiment of the invention the accelerometer522,522′ is used as a sensor to detect movement of the first shoe502or second shoe504. The wireless interface device506selectively sends input signals503that include a shoe alarm ON signal or a shoe alarm OFF signal to the primary controller510. The primary controller510operates in alarm mode and monitors the accelerometer522in the first shoe502to determine if the first shoe502is moving. The primary controller510activates the audio speaker538in the first shoe502to generate sound if the accelerometer522of the first shoe502sends a signal to the primary controller510indicating that the first shoe502is moving. If the shoe alarm OFF signal from said wireless interface device is sent this will cause the primary controller510to cease monitoring the accelerometer522of the first shoe502and deactivate the audio speaker538of the first shoe502.

The primary controller510sends a shoe alarm ON signal or a shoe alarm OFF signal to the slave controller512. The slave controller512operates in alarm mode and monitors the accelerometer522′ in the second shoe504to determine if the second shoe504is moving. The slave controller512activates the audio speaker538′ in the second shoe504to generate sound if the accelerometer522′ of the second shoe504sends a signal to the slave controller512indicating that the second shoe504is moving. If the primary controller510sends a shoe alarm OFF signal from the primary controller510this will cause the slave controller512to cease monitoring the accelerometer522′ of the second shoe504and deactivate the audio speaker538′ of the second shoe504. In addition to generating sound the primary controller510can cause the display panel508of the first shoe502to flash if the first shoe502is moved when the primary controller510is operating in the alarm mode. The slave controller512will activate and cause the display panel502′ of the second shoe504to flash if the second shoe504is moved when the slave controller512is operating in said alarm mode.

The footwear arrangement500described can be implemented in more than just footwear, but can be used in connection with multiple articles of clothing including hats, handbags, backpacks, mobile phone carriers, and coats as shown and described above. If just a single article of clothing is used then only a primary controller510with associated components will be used. The new arrangement for being connected to apparel articles that include a display panel for communicating or displaying messages and other content as selected by a user.

In another aspect of the present invention includes the display panel508,508′ is able to change the background color between red, orange, yellow, green, blue, etc.

In further regard to the Amber Alert feature the wireless interface device506can program the components of the first shoe502and second shoe504to continuously transmit location information to the wireless interface device506. The wireless interface device506can be set to sound the alarm feature, amber alert feature or simply display a notice on the wireless interface device506indicating that the first shoe502or second shoe504has moved beyond a preset distance from the wireless interface device506. The wireless interface device506in the present invention can be a mobile application either mounted on a controller or on a phone that can will alert a user of the remote that the proximity sensor or person wearing the article having the proximity sensors outside a set area. If, for example, the person wearing the footwear is found to be missing, the person having the remote control can activate an Amber Alert causing the display device on the article or footwear to emit an emergency signal such as flashing or playing sounds indicating that there is a lost person. Additionally, the Amber Alert technology can be web based so that alerts can be sent to other persons nearby and can even include a photograph of the individual wearing the article such as footwear or a phone number to contact the mobile device. In one aspect of the invention, the Amber Alert technology will allow parents or guardians of children to instantly send out messages to persons nearby if their child is missing and possibly in danger. Additionally, the Amber Alert technology has a GPS or locator tracking sensor that allows the person having the remote to locate the child. All the above described features of the present invention can be used in connection with footwear, all articles of clothing, backpacks, purses, bookbinders, wristbands, or other accessories.

Regarding activation and synchronization of the components of the footwear arrangement500, setup of the communication will be initiated using software programmed on the wireless interface device506. The user will initiate a pairing mode by holding a button552on the first shoe502and select a pair button or feature on the wireless interface device506. After pairing of the first shoe502, the user will be instructed by the wireless interface device506to hold down a button554on the second shoe504. The wireless interface device506will then setup wireless communication with the second shoe504and then setup direct communication between first shoe502and the second shoe504.