Abstract:
A plurality of pairs of skates, where each skate has a blade or inline wheels and has a light bar for illuminating a skating surface, are wireless and remotely controlled. A remote controller, which includes an input device, determines the desired illumination characteristics of the pairs of skates and transmits wireless signals indicative of the desired illumination characteristics. Light controllers responsive to the wireless signals cause the desired illumination from the light bars of the skates.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Ser. No. 12/723,955 filed Mar. 15, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,563, which relies on provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 61/161,771 filed on Mar. 20, 2009. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention involves a device for illuminating the surface beneath ice skates as well as wheeled inline skates to selectively provide the effect of skating on a cloud of light. The device is readily attachable to an existing skate and can thus convert a standard skate to one having increased appeal as the surface upon which the skate travels is illuminated. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There have been teachings over time suggesting the benefit of associating a light source with foot wear. Certain athletic shoe manufacturers place a mercury switch in the heel of a shoe to provide a blinking light when pressure is applied to activate the switch. U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,329 teaches a lighting attachment for inline and roller skates in which boxes housing lights are adhered to the sides of skates by means of double sided adhesive tape or by hook and loop fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,971 also claims a lighting system for inline skates that employs a spring that may lengthen or shorten automatically when the lighting system is attached to skates of different sizes. U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,739 discloses an illumination device with flashing lights adjustably fixable to ice skates or inline skates in the form of LEDs visible inside of a transparent box installed in the hollow between the shoe portion and blade or wheels of the skate. 
     In each instance the shoe or skate lights suggested by the patented literature cited above often employ complex assemblies which are not easily applied to the skate or any working parts thereof. Further, the lights tend to be flashing LEDs emanating from the side of the skates which have little or no halo effect upon the ice or skating surface and thus provide little or no visual impact. In addition, all such prior devices require activation and deactivation by requiring a user to bend over and access the device beneath his or her boot or shoe which can be difficult for some users and also can be hazardous in instances where a user might lose one&#39;s balance or stop to control the device without regard to other skaters in his or her immediate proximity. 
     Prior art skates are limited to lights associated with one person. That is, a person controls the lights on his or her skates. 
     It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a device capable of ready attachment to a preexisting ice or inline skate devoid of the limitations of other devices. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an illumination device for an ice or inline skate which can be releaseably attached to the skate and remotely controlled without the need for activating or deactivating the device at skate level. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an illumination device which is capable of providing a halo effect or light cloud providing an observer with the sense that the user is skating on light thus dramatically enhancing the skating experience. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an illumination device for a plurality of skates networked to one another such that the illumination can be controlled wirelessly and remotely. 
     It is yet a further object of the present invention to remotely and wirelessly choreograph groups of skaters and the colors projected by their skates. 
     It is another object of the present invention to remotely and wirelessly synchronize groups of skaters and the light colors from their skate under control of the skaters themselves or by a user remotely located. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to remotely control and synchronize the colors of objects in addition to the lights projected from light projecting skates. 
     It is a further object to use music to control the skates lights and pattern of lights. 
     These and further objects will be more readily apparent when considering the following disclosure and appended claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An illumination device for illuminating a surface being traversed by a skate. The skate is characterized as having a boot, a blade or inline wheels and multiple ribs attaching the boot to the blade or wheels. The device includes a light tube in the form of a plurality of lamps each in electrical contact with a power source. A switch is provided for selectively activating the lamps noting that the light tube is releaseably appended to the boot proximate the ribs whereby the plurality of lamps extend on at least one side of the multiple ribs positioned to illuminate the surface beneath the skate. 
     Lighted skates are controlled remotely and wirelessly A controller or programmed computer remotely controls the timing, color and sequence of lights of a plurality of skater&#39;s skates. This allows the colors and sequencing of skaters to be choreographically synchronized. Further, other items, such as clothes, costumes, and hockey pucks are provided with lights which are also controlled remotely along with the lights from the skaters&#39; skates. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a side plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 3 and 3   a  are side plan views of yet second and third embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a remote control device capable of being used with both embodiments of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side plan view of a typical inline wheel assembly extendable from a boot for supporting the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIGS. 7 ,  8  and  9  are front, back and side views, respectively, of a further embodiment of a glove used to remotely control the device. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a two-way wireless digital communications system for controlling illumination of lighted skates and other objects. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of switching circuit to turn individual lights on and off on the skaters&#39; skates. 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram illustrating how a remote controller controls the lights on individual skaters&#39; skates. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates an address system for ten skaters 
         FIG. 14  illustrates how light colors of an individual skater can be remotely controlled by more than one user. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates how one skater can assume the position of the master and other skaters assume the position of slaves such that all of the slaves lighted skates sync with the master&#39;s. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates various modes and protocols for achieving remote wireless control of the colors skater&#39;s lighted skates and other objects. 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram showing how music can control the illumination patterns of skaters&#39; lighted skates. 
         FIG. 18A ,  FIG. 18B  and  FIG. 18C  illustrates how the position of a skater in a rink or the position of a skater relative to an object in the rink triggers an illumination or change in illumination of lighted skates or other objects. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration description only and are not intended as definitions of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are recited with particularity in the claims. 
     There has been broadly outlined more important features of the invention in the summary above and in order that the detailed description which follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important therefore, that claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Certain terminology and the derivations thereof may be used in the following description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, words such as “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similar words such as “inward” and “outward” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. Reference in the singular tense include the plural and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. 
     Turning to  FIG. 1 , the first embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Specifically, an illumination device is provided for converting a standard skate  10  into one capable of creating a halo or cloud of light  11  on a surface supporting the skate.  FIG. 1  depicts a typical ice skate having boot  12 , blade  13  and multiple ribs  14  and  15  used to attach blade  13  to the bottom surface of boot  12 . 
     Alternatively, the present invention could be employed with an inline skate, the bottom portion of which being shown in  FIG. 5 . Specifically, blade  13  would be replaced with assembly  50  housing multiple inline wheels  51  rotating about individual axes  52  and appended to a suitable boot via ribs or other supporting structures  53 . 
     Turning back to  FIG. 1 , it is noted that, typically, skate  10  includes a plurality of ribs  14  and  15  attached to the bottom surface  19  of boot  10  in order to support blade  13 . Skate  10  is converted to one embracing the present invention by mounting light tube  16  comprising a plurality of lamps  17  each in electrical contact with a power source;  FIG. 1  depicting, as a preferred embodiment, power source  18 , the details of which will be discussed in more detail below. 
     Light tube  16  is releaseably appended to boot  12  proximate ribs  14  and  15  such that the plurality of lamps  17  extend on at least one side of the ribs and positioned to illuminate a surface creating the halo or cloud of light  11  as shown. In the illustration of  FIG. 1 , a strip of hook and loop fasteners  20  are adhered to sole portion  19  of boot  12  and a complimentary strip of hook and loop fasteners connected to light tube  16  enabling light tube  16  to be releaseably attached to sole  19  as desired. 
     It is noted that light tube  16  can be provided on one side of ribs  14  and  15 , perhaps best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . In doing so, the light cloud generated thereby would obviously be created only on a single side of the skate. However, it could be readily apparent to anyone practicing the present invention that a second light tube could be installed on the opposite side of ribs  14  and  15  to illuminate the surface upon which the skate traverses on both sides of and, in fact, the light tube could be completely wrapped about the skate to present a substantially uniform cloud of light surrounding the skate. 
     A second embodiment for illustrating the releaseable attachment of lamps below a skate is shown in  FIG. 3  in which light tube  30  is appended between and around ribs  31  and  32  by using cord  33  appended to ends of light tube  30 . Through the use of this embodiment, any skate could be readily converted to one having the present illumination capabilities without any modification to the skate itself. As noted in  FIG. 6 , light tube  30 , residing on one side of ribs  31  and  32  could be fitted with a companion light tube  40  connected to one another via cord  33  to enable the skating surface to be illuminated on both sides of the skate shown graphically as blanket or cloud of light  35 . Cord  33  could be of any suitable structure including stretch cord or wire to enhance the frictional fit of light tubes  30  and  40  about ribs  31  and  32 . Ends of cord  33  could be snapped together or, ideally, be fitted with hook and loop fasteners to enhance selective attachment. 
     As noted previously, and as further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the illumination device of the present invention further comprises battery pack  18  as an external power source for light tube  16 . Battery pack  18  can be appended to boot  12  shown in the illustration as being appended to the ankle portion of boot  12  through the use of securing band  29 , ideally being a loop releaseably attachable through the use of hook and loop fasteners. Lamps  17  within light tube  16  can be powered by battery pack  18  by selectively activating switch  28  thus eliminating the need for one to reach any lower than the ankle portion of the boot. Although not depicted, power source  18  can be located and positioned elsewhere for the convenience of a user recognizing that, in doing so, umbilical  39  making electrical connection between battery  18  and light tube  16  must be accounted for. As a preferred embodiment, battery pack  18  can also include logic circuitry for such features as fading and light sequencing. Battery pack  18  can also contain RF circuitry and portal interfaces for recharging and computer connectivity for programming the logic circuitry. 
     Further, for the sake of convenience as well as safety, the present invention contemplates, as a preferred embodiment, the use of remote control device  60 . This device can be located anywhere that is convenient for a user while being in radio control contact with light tube  30  and particularly control pack  61 . Remote control device  60  is intended to include an internal power supply and one or more switches  65 , the activation of which is indicated by lamp  64 . Switches  65  can include something as simple as an on/off switch or more sophisticated signaling means providing for the selective application of certain lamps or the intermittent activation of lamps to provide a degree of variety to the light illuminated thereby. 
     Lamps  17  can be one of a variety of light sources including LEDs, incandescents, fluorescents, metal halides and non-burning lasers. As a preferred embodiment, these elements are retained within cover  70  to not only protect the lamps from moisture and debris but also, as a further embodiment, cause light blurring through frosting or refraction to enhance the uniform effect that the individual lamps have upon the skating surface. Cover  70  can also be colored to enhance a spectral output of the light tube. 
     An important part of the present invention is the creation of cloud of light  11  distinguishing the present invention from prior devices which have LEDs or other discreet light sources emanating directly from the skate&#39;s substructure per se. Ideally, lamps  17  are to be directed substantially beneath and surrounding at least a portion of the skate as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . As further preferred embodiments, light sources  17  can include reflectors  7  to ensure that a substantial portion of the light emanating from light tube  16  is directed to the skating surface proximate blade  13  or inline skate  50 . 
     As preferred embodiments, it is suggested that different lights  17  may point in different directions, or the same direction. The lights may be any types capable of creating the described effect. Some embodiments may include pivoting mounts for the lights, individually and in groups, which may be motorized and controlled via the remote control device  60 . The pivoting functionality provides, for example, the ability for the skater to manage the pointing direction and/or automated motion sequences of the light and create patterns and/or random movements in the illumination effect. Various colors of lights are available. For example, the lights may be white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple. In some embodiments, the lights have different intensities; in other embodiments the lights all have the same intensity. 
     As an additional embodiment, audio-reactive circuitry can be provided to create pulsing, dynamic effects as the lights&#39; intensities are automatically adjusted and changed in synchronization with the changes in music and/or other audible sounds around the device. 
     An additional embodiment incorporates a fog and/or mist generation system which produces a visible fog-like cloud, enhancing the lighting effects of the device. This system may produce a definitive trail of plain or colored fog or smoke-like substance around and/or behind the skater. Similar to sky-writing by airplanes, a sufficiently visible trail might exist, the creation and cessation of which may be controlled via an on/off switching function, and also may be available to control via the remote control device. With the smoke-like generation system, a device for emitting sparks out the rear of the unit would be incorporated to provide for an overall visual effect of rocket propulsion and associated exhaust trailing the skater. 
     An additional feature and/or claim is the enhanced ability for skates to “talk” to each other, at least primitively in the sense that they can affect each other when in close proximity. As an example, a group of young friends are ice skating together in a public skate session (open skating). One skater&#39;s light pool is red while all his friends are green. Like the classic children&#39;s game of tag, the red skater is “it” and chases after his green friends on the ice. He eventually nears within a couple meters of a green player and suddenly that friend&#39;s skates change from green to red, while the former “it” player changes from red to green. The nearby friend is now “it” and proceeds, in turn, to chase the green players. When the new red player comes within a couple meters of a green player their skates will communicate with one another and a color handoff will occur automatically, completing another tag event. Immediately, both players get “Twittered” and/or emailed if Wi-Fi is present in the area in which they&#39;re skating. 
     In various embodiments there may exist a sound generation device, such as one or more speakers or noise generators capable of producing recorded music and/or noises, for example, beeps and sirens. An MP3 processor may be incorporated, either within the illumination device or the remote control device, along with a flash drive port, to provide digital music files available for play. The audio functionality may also be fully controlled by remote control device  60 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a two-way wireless digital communication lights control system  100  is illustrated for controlling a light tube or light stick comprising, for example, a plurality of LED lights  16 / 30 . Of course other types of lights may be employed but for purposes of the present invention LED lights are described. Control system  100  comprises a remote controller  102  which includes an encoding input device  104  and a wireless digital transceiver  106 . Control system  100  also includes a LED controller  108 , which in turn includes a wireless digital transceiver  110  and a LED driver  112 . 
     Input device  104  detects input command signals from users and encodes the input command into digital data command signals  107  and then sends the data commands to the wireless digital transceiver  106 . Encoding input device  104  can be a touch sensitive device such as glove  91 . As explained in more detail later, input device can be remotely located such as a smartphone, DMX, computer, iPad or other device which is linked wirelessly to transceiver  106 . Input device  104  detects input commands from users. 
     As used herein “a user” can mean one or more of the skaters or a person who is remotely situated who is controlling the lighted skates. Such a person might be located, for example, in a control booth at an ice skating arena and is either entering manual commands to, for example, a key board, or wireless commands from, for example, a smart phone. Further, the invention is not limited to real time manual inputs. For example, pre-programed scripts can be used. 
     The wireless digital transceiver  106  modulates the digital data command signals  107  with radio frequencies and then sends the modulated signal to wireless digital transceiver  110 . Examples of radio frequency protocols which can be used include Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth and Z-Wave or others. Wireless digital transceivers  106  and  110  can be off the shelf radios such as California Eastern Laboratories (CEL) Mesh Connect EM 357 Mini Modules. For applications such as an ice skating arena the Zigbee protocol can be used, at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, a transmit power of +8 dBm and a sensitivity of −100 dBM. Such a Zigbee protocol can be used, for example, with a DMX light console. 
     The wireless digital transceiver  108  demodulates the digital data command  107  and sends the demodulated signal to the LED driver  112 . LED driver  112  comprises an array of electronic switches that are able to turn on or off single or multiple LEDs. The LED driver  112  decodes the digital data command signals  107  and operate the LEDs according to the colors, patterns and sequence dictated by the digital data command signals  107 .  FIG. 11  illustrates details of an array of switches  116  within LED decoder  112  that turn on or off individual or multiple LEDs  118 . When solid state switch  116  is turned on for a particular LED diode  118 , the diode emits light. 
     The wireless digital transceivers  106  and  110  are paired with each other based upon unique addresses in order to identify the different skaters. In one embodiment each skater carries one remote controller  102  and two or more LED controllers  108 , at least one on each foot, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
     The remote controller  102  has the capability of controlling individual LED controllers  108 , sub-groups of LED controllers, or the LED controllers of all of the skaters. This is illustrated in  FIG. 13  showing how remote controller  102  interfaces with up to n LED controllers. Each LED controller  108  has a unique address. Where there are ten skaters one user&#39;s remote controller  102  can control the illumination of ten users&#39; skates to light individual skates, groups of skates or all the skates with the same or different colors. As explained the user controlling the other skates&#39; lights can be a skater or can be someone who is not on the ice or rink, if indoors, or not a participant skater if outdoors. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14  the LED controller  108  can be controlled by more than a single remote controller  102 . As an example four remote controllers  102  have access to and can control the LED controller  108  of one skater. This is achieved by selecting the address of the wireless digital transceiver  110  for that LED controller. Here the skater has the address  1001 . Four other users with remote controllers  102  can change user number  1001  LED&#39;s color pattern by addressing the LED controller  102  with that address. 
     Any user can assume the position of “master” of the other users thereby allowing the “master” to control the other “slave” users. This is illustrated in  FIG. 15 . For example, remote controller  102  can force other LED controllers  108  so that other user&#39;s color bars  16 / 30  will synchronize with the master&#39;s color pattern, colors or sequence of colors at the same time automatically. 
     Wireless remote control is achieved on a large scale and from places remote from the skaters such as a booth at a skating rink, as illustrated by  FIG. 16 . In accordance with the invention any wireless protocol can be used by transceivers  110 . In  FIG. 16 , as an example, transceiver  110  is provided with a 3G/4G network and Wi-F and Zigbee protocols. As an example smart phone  120  and related devices can transmit commands to transceiver  110  via Wi-Fi and through a 3G/4G network either directly or through the “cloud” computer network  119 , such as the internet. Zigbee format is used, as another example, to transmit commands from remote controller  102  and from a lighting console  122  such as a DMX512. Computers, laptops, iPads, notepads and similar devices can communicate wirelessly through Wi-Fi or any other wireless protocol to transceiver  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the skaters&#39; lights can be changed reflective of music being played to create unique and changing light patterns. Music is provided, for example, via a microphone  132  or an external audio jack  130 . A remote source of music can also be utilized. If the microphone is used, it picks up background music and converts the music into an electronic signal. Based upon the frequency of the background music, the LED array shows different colors. For example, a lower pitch sound could be red and a higher pitch sound could be a blue color. The rhythm of the music could be represented by different patterns of color. 
       FIGS. 18A ,  18 B and  18 C illustrate another aspect of the present invention. The position of a skater in the rink or the position of a skater relative to an object in the rink triggers an illumination or change in illumination of the lighted skates or other objects. In  FIG. 18A  when a skater moves from Zone A to Zone B, the lights on the skates change, for example, from red to green. Remote controller  102  senses the location change either by a proximity sensor, a GPS signal or wireless signal strength. Other techniques can also be used to sense the change of location. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 18B , when a skater moves close to a target, in this case a goal, the remote controller  102  senses the location change and sends a message to the target which triggers an illumination event. For example the illumination event can be that the target, the goal, changes color or pattern to match the color of the skater. In  FIG. 18C  as the skater approaches the goal an illumination event takes place with respect to the skater. 
     The skater&#39;s position in the rink can trigger external events with integrated objects, such as stage lights or sound such as DMX512 controlled objects. So the communication is two-way; skate lights being signaled for events, e.g., changing their color and signaling back to trigger other systems (DMX) via their position in the rink, or entering a sensory triggered area or zone. This is two-way illumination event triggering. An important piece to this is the signal trigger back to the DMX from the skater or sensor, so an external event occurs. Not just the skater changing, but an external event as well based on the zone change or other position change. 
     The light control system described with respect to  FIGS. 10-18  can be used to control illumination of objects other than skates. For example, a hockey puck and any other related sporting gear can be provided with a lighting device so as to be illuminated and remotely controlled. Skaters&#39; clothes are provided with lights so that the light colors thereon are synchronized with the colors of the skates. Other examples include hockey goals, lines and markings on a rink floor below the ice, hockey sticks and props. 
     An additional feature and/or claim is the enhanced ability for skates to be remotely controlled in groups by computer, perhaps choreographically synchronized. As an example, the team of figure skaters emerges in single file from the black curtain at the end of the rink, entering the ice as the music builds in anticipation. Their skates colors are varied, some blue, some green, others sporting pastels such as aqua and pink, orange, and violet. They circle the ice randomly for a few minutes as the music builds and then suddenly come together, poised in a choreographed stop at center ice—exactly as their skates all change in unison to bright red. Pausing briefly for applause, they begin a choreographed musical program as their light pools change together through various colors and timing suited to the piece. Collectively, their individual skates sequence together with the music, and then at times are purposely unsynchronized to allow for variations and greater creativity within the choreography. Many interesting variations occur, such as subgroups of skaters synchronized together with one color and other subgroups with different colors. A computer program controls the sequencing in time with the music so the skaters are not required to consciously think about the lighting effects. Their skates automatically follow them throughout the performance, creating an incredibly beautiful and memorable experience for the audience and skaters alike. 
     An additional feature and/or claim is the enhanced ability for the skate&#39;s control logic to be modified and/or programmed via an interface to a computer. Using simple software and a connecting cable to a port interfacing with the skate&#39;s logic circuitry, the end-user could play/create with various lighting sequences etc. 
     An additional feature and/or claim is the enhanced ability for the invention to project a logo outline or other shape on the skating surface, as opposed to, or with pools of light. As examples, a Nike® “swish” logo symbol can be projected on the ice or a Chevrolet chevron can be so projected. During the Halloween holidays a jack-o-lantern shape can be projected, during spring a flower shape projected as well as a skater&#39;s first name. 
     In turning to the embodiment of  FIG. 3   a , the invention can include highly miniaturized, self-contained illumination unit (light stick)  5  that requires no external battery pack or power supply cord and that mounts entirely under boot  55  other than associated remote control unit  60 . 
     The light element  30  could include a shell that would house one or more batteries  59 , a slim circuit board  73 , a plurality of lamps  9 , preferably LEDs, various electronic components, one or more control button switches  81  and may contain a motion switch  82 . This design could incorporate the same complex logic and functionality as the external battery pack design, compressed into a single streamline shell, including transceiver logic to utilize associated remote control device  60 . It, too, could be easily installed via Velcro®-type hook and loop fastener strips or other strips or straps or lengths of material  33  such that mounting hardware is not required, offering extreme portability and ease of use. 
     Once the device is installed beneath boots  12  or  55 , the skater activates light tube  16  or light stick  30  either via button  28  on battery pack  18  or through remote control  60 . A plurality of “teamed” colored lights, such as LEDs  17  or  9  mounted within the light stick or tube are controlled via the buttons in such a manner as to provide constant light, alternate colors, flash in sequence, or create other interesting lighting effects. While in operation, creating the effect of “skating on light” can be enhanced by electronic logic circuitry that teams up the same colored LEDs together, thus, for example, providing a light aura of blue, then changeable to green, then red, etc. Logic circuitry can provide the ability for the light arrays to fade out as the next color fades in, providing for interesting secondary colors to exit briefly during the transition from primary colors. The secondary colors may also be maintained for a sustained period of time. Also, the logic allows combinations of different color LEDs, to be activated at the same time, providing a rainbow cloud effect. For example, a red LED could be active at the front of the boot, a yellow LED at the center, and a blue LED at the back. The logic circuitry may also provide an automated sequence of alternating lights through the available colors indefinitely. Furthermore, all colors can be activated at the same time, creating a strong white “wash-out” effect. Many variations, including variations of color and sequence, are available within the circuitry logic, as will be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
     A primary embodiment of the remote control device is comprised of one or more modified gloves  91  worn by the skater. This remote control design allows the skater to easily control the skate-mounted lights without devoting much conscious thought and attention to the task, a tremendous safety enhancement over non-remote designs. This glove design also does not interfere with the skater using his/her hands to break a fall, a further safety advantage over more traditional hand-held remote devices. 
     Each glove  91  incorporates transmitter and/or transceiver electronics as explained with respect to  FIGS. 10-12 , with conductive areas at the fingertips, sides of fingers, and/or other locations to provide switching functionality when one or more areas are pressed together. One embodiment of the glove circuitry provides switching via a common power circuit to the conductive area of the thumb-tip, with ancillary circuits to the finger-tip areas. Thumb-tip and finger-tip areas  94  in this case refer to the anterior areas commonly used for gathering finger and thumb prints. As such, all that is required to close a control circuit, thereby remotely controlling the lights is the pressing together of a finger and thumb, as best illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS. 10-12 , glove  91  provides the input command from skaters with lighted skates. Which in turn is converted to a digital data command  107  as explained above. One example of finger combinations that provide ten unique user commands is illustrated in the following table: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Index 
                 Middle 
                   
                   
               
               
                 Finger combinations 
                 finger 
                 finger 
                 Ring finger 
                 Pinky 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Thumb + 
                 1 
                 2 
                 3 
                 4 
               
               
                 Thumb + Index  
                 x 
                 5 
                 6 
                 7 
               
               
                 finger + 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Thumb + Middle 
                 x 
                 x 
                 8 
                 9 
               
               
                 finger + 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Thumb + Ring finger + 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 10 
               
               
                 Thumb + Index finger + 
                 x 
                 x 
                 x 
                 11 
               
               
                 Middle finger + 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     So for example if the thumb touches the middle finger a “2” command is given. If a thumb touches the middle finger and the ring finger a “6” command is given. If the thumb touches the index finger, the middle finger and the pinky, an “11” command is given. Each command is then converted by the remote controller  102  to order a particular skate light command, such as a particular color for all the skaters, a sub-group of skaters or a single skater. 
     As illustrated in the embodiment in  FIG. 8 , the control electronics  92  are mounted on the back-hand, posterior area of the glove. Wires, traces, or other conduits  93  provide electrical connectivity to multiple conductive areas. The control electronics  92  are covered or encased for protection. When the common power circuit is closed with a corresponding ancillary circuit one or more switching event(s) occur at the remote receiver control pack via wireless signal. Additional embodiments may utilize standard electronic switches instead of, or with, conductive areas for control of switching events. 
     One advantage of this design over prior lighted skate designs is its simplicity and ease of use. Another advantage is in the use of remote control unit  60  with full functionality. Yet another advantage is that unlike U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,739, and similar light skate patents, which incorporate complexity via mechanical mounting approaches and a large number of parts, many embodiments of the designs herein provide for extremely easy mounting to any model of skate, allowing for easy removal and switching between skates. This results in the reduced likelihood of problems (e.g. mechanical failure) due to its inherent simplicity. Additionally, the use of remote control device  60  provides for greater safety, reducing the need to reach down to the skate area to facilitate control of the lighting effects. Another advantage is the relatively low cost of manufacturing, allowing the cost of production to remain low and within reach of younger consumers. The overall intent of this design is to provide a low cost, extremely easy way to add a “WOW!” factor to skates that is easily removable, safer to operate (especially for children), and stable in its simplicity and operation. This self-contained module design coupled with remote control and motion-activated operation attains this goal uniquely. 
     The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensions, relationships, or operations as described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed as suitable without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. 
     Therefore, the above description and illustration should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.