Patent Publication Number: US-10314928-B2

Title: Ultraviolet illuminator for footwear treatment

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/853,036, filed 14 Sep. 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,687,577, which claims the benefit of: U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,126, filed on 13 Sep. 2014; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,127, filed on 13 Sep. 2014; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,322, filed on 15 Sep. 2014. Each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference. Aspects of the invention described herein are related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,266, filed on 5 Sep. 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,550,004 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/630,692, filed on 25 Feb. 2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to footwear treatment, and more particularly, to using ultraviolet (UV) radiation for purposes of disinfection, sterilization, and/or sanitization of an article of footwear and medical treatment to a foot of a wearer of the footwear. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     The environment inside articles of footwear such as, for example, shoes, provides favorable conditions for the growth of infectious biological microorganisms, allowing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other associated odors to proliferate. For example, foot perspiration within shoes promotes warmth and dampness. The excessive levels of harmful microorganisms sustained in enclosed shoes may cause or promote various foot maladies. It is well known that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light of certain wavelengths, intensities, and durations can destroy or inhibit growth of surface pathogens. One approach to treating a shoe includes disinfecting the shoe with UV light generated from UV light emitting diodes (LEDs) that are mounted over an inside of a hollow shoe tree that is inserted into the toe of the shoe. UV LEDs that emit light within a germicidal range can be used to destroy microorganisms residing in the shoe. Another approach includes using an alternative light source such as a UV germicidal bulb in place of the UV LEDs. A third approach includes using visible light LEDs or a visible light source, both of which are less expensive and easier to acquire than a UV germicidal light source. Visible light LEDs or visible light bulbs can be used because light within the visible spectrum inhibits or prevents further growth of microorganisms as opposed to actually killing them. Another approach which is suitable for commercial purposes, relies on using an enclosure to contain UV light emanating from a bulb inserted inside a shoe without the support of a shoe tree. 
     All of the aforementioned approaches can be implemented with safeguards to contain the UV radiation exposure within a region of interest. For example, an opaque or a translucent barrier can be placed between the propagation path of the UV radiation and any openings in the shoe. One type of a barrier is a seal set around the spine or heel of a shoe tree that is placed in the shoe. Another barrier includes a light restrictor or caps incorporated in the forepart of a shoe tree that are placed over any openings in the shoe. Another approach of preventing unwanted UV exposure entails activating the UV light source only if a threshold level of ambient light is not detected. Ambient light detected inside a shoe indicates a light leak, which could allow UV radiation to escape. A light leak could be the result of improper insertion of the UV light source into the shoe. Disabling the UV light source when a threshold level of ambient light is detected by a light sensor, such as a photodiode or a phototransistor, prevents unwanted UV exposure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Aspects of the present invention provide a solution for footwear treatment of an article of footwear with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides an ultraviolet (UV) footwear illuminator. The UV footwear illuminator comprises: an insert adapted for placement in an article of footwear; at least one UV radiation source located in the insert configured to emit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparent window region formed in the insert; a control unit configured to control at least one of a plurality of predetermined UV radiation characteristics associated with the radiation emitted from each UV radiation source; and a power supply configured to power each UV radiation source and the control unit. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a UV footwear treatment system. The UV footwear treatment system comprises: an insert adapted for placement in an article of footwear; at least one UV radiation source enclosed in the insert configured to emit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparent window region formed in the insert; and a wave guiding structure configured to distribute the UV radiation generated from each UV radiation source throughout the footwear. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides an article of footwear. The article of footwear comprises an insole insert having at least one UV radiation source located therein configured to emit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparent window region; a wave guiding structure configured to distribute the UV radiation generation from each UV radiation source throughout the footwear; at least one footwear condition sensor located in the insert, each sensor configured to generate a footwear condition signal representative of an operational condition; and a control unit configured to control operation of the at least one UV radiation source and the at least one footwear condition sensor. 
     The illustrative aspects of the present invention are designed to solve one or more of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problems not discussed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of the disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of the various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that depict various aspects of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  show an ultraviolet (UV) footwear illuminator according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-2B  show an UV footwear illuminator according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  shows an alternative insert for use with a UV footwear illuminator according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a wave guiding structure having a multilayer structure that is suitable for use with any of the various embodiments described herein; 
         FIG. 5  shows a more detailed view of a portion of a UV radiation source that can be configured with a UV footwear illuminator described herein to form a UV footwear treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a graph comparing the transmission properties of various UV transparent fluoropolymer materials that can be used in components described in the various embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  shows a UV orthotic illuminator according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 8A-8B  show an article of footwear such as a toe shoe having a UV illuminator according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows a UV footwear illuminator that can provide an uniform illumination of UV radiation according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  shows a UV footwear illuminator that can have diffusive elements and toe protrusions according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  shows a shoe tree according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  shows a shoe tree according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  shows a shoe tree according to still another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  shows an illustrative environment according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the present invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As indicated above, aspects of the present invention are directed to a solution for footwear treatment of an article of footwear with ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The solution for footwear treatment can include any now known or later developed approach that incorporates the concepts of the various embodiments described herein. As used herein, footwear treatment can entail sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing an article of footwear. Sanitizing generally means reducing the number of bacterial contaminants to a predetermined safe level. Disinfecting generally means destroying pathogenic and other types of microorganisms, while sterilizing is more extensive in that kills all microbial forms. Articles of footwear of which the various embodiments of the present invention can be applied for use therewith can include a wide variety of footwear. Examples include, but are not limited to, sneakers, shoes, boots, high heels, slippers, sandals, flip-flops, cleats, and medical walking boots and braces. 
     UV radiation, which can be used interchangeably with UV light, means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 10 nanometers (nm) to approximately 400 nm. Within this range, there is ultraviolet-A (UV-A) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 315 nm to approximately 400 nm, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 280 nm to approximately 315 nm, and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 100 nm to approximately 280 nm. 
     As used herein, a layer is transparent when it allows at least ten percent of radiation having a target wavelength, which is radiated at a normal incidence to an interface of the layer, to pass there through. A layer is highly transparent when the layer allows at least thirty percent of the radiation to pass there through, and a layer is substantially transparent when the layer allows at least eighty percent of the radiation to pass there through. Furthermore, as used herein, a layer is a reflective layer when the layer reflects at least ten percent of radiation having a target wavelength, which is radiated at a normal incidence to an interface of the layer and is highly reflective when the layer reflects at least eighty percent of the radiation. It is understood that a layer can be both transparent and reflective. The target wavelength of the radiation can correspond to a wavelength of radiation emitted or sensed (e.g., peak wavelength+/−five nanometers) by an active region of an optoelectronic device during operation thereof. For a given layer, the wavelength can be measured in a material of consideration and can depend on a refractive index of the material. 
     Turning to the drawings,  FIGS. 1A-1B  show a UV footwear illuminator  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 1A  shows the UV footwear illuminator  10  in use with an article of footwear illustrated as a shoe  12 , such as a sneaker. The UV footwear illuminator  10  includes an insert  14  adapted for placement in the shoe  12 . The insert  14  can take the form of an insole, a footbed enclosure, and/or the like that is adapted for insertion into the interior of the shoe  12 . In one embodiment the insert  14  can be permanently affixed or integrated with the shoe  12 . In another embodiment, the insert  14  can be used in place of an insole that is provided with the shoe, and removed and inserted as desired. For example, the insert  14  in this embodiment could take the form of a removable insole, footbed enclosure, foot cushion, orthotic and/or the like. 
       FIG. 1B  shows a more detailed view of the UV footwear illuminator  10  and the insert  14 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , at least one UV radiation source  16  is located in the insert  14 . The set of UV radiation sources  16  illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1B  can be located on the top and/or the bottom surfaces of the insert  14 . For example, since the embodiment of  FIGS. 1A-1B  is directed to footwear such as a shoe, the set of UV radiation sources  16  can be located on any of the surfaces of the insert  14 . 
     Each UV radiation source  16  is configured to emit UV radiation in the shoe  12  when placed therein. The set of UV radiation sources  16  shown in  FIG. 1  can comprise any combination of one or more UV radiation emitters. Examples of UV radiation emitters can include, but are not limited to, high intensity UV lamps (e.g., high intensity mercury lamps), discharge lamps, UV light emitting diodes (LEDs), super luminescent LEDs, laser diodes, and/or the like. In one embodiment, the set of UV radiation sources  16  can include a set of LEDs manufactured with one or more layers of materials selected from the group-III nitride material system (e.g., Al x In y Ga 1-X-Y N, where 0≤x, y≤1, and x+y≤1 and/or alloys thereof). 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 1B , the UV radiation sources  16  can include a transparent window region through which the UV radiation emitted from the radiation sources passes towards a surface of the insert  14 . This transparent window region can be formed of any UV transparent material, such as a UV transparent fluoropolymer, such as fluorinated ethylene propylene co-polymer (EFEP), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene vinylidene fluoride co-polymer (THV), low density polyethylene (LDPE), perfluoro methyl alkoxy (MFA), and/or the like. While primarily described in conjunction with fluoropolymers, it is understood that other comparable materials can be utilized for the transparent window region. Illustrative materials include polylactide (PLA), fused silica, sapphire, THE, and/or the like.  FIG. 6  shows a graph comparing the transmission properties of some of the above-listed UV transparent fluoropolymer materials. 
     In operation, the set of UV radiation sources  16  can function in a coordinated manner. For example, the UV radiation sources  16  can operate at the same wavelengths and intensities for the same duration, or the sources can operate at different wavelengths and intensity for varying durations. In one embodiment, a first set of UV radiation sources  16  can operate at a target wavelength and intensity that is designed for the disinfection of bacteria and/or viruses within the shoe  12 , while a second set of UV radiation sources can operate at a different target wavelength and intensity that is designed for the medical treatment of the skin of a foot that is to be placed in the shoe. 
       FIG. 1B  further shows that the UV footwear illuminator  10  can include a wave guiding structure  18  in the insert  16  that is configured to direct and/or deliver UV radiation that is emitted from the UV radiation sources  16  to a particular location/area within the shoe  12 , in a particular direction and pattern. Examples of a wave guiding structure can include, but are not limited to, a waveguide, UV fibers each terminating at an opening, a diffuser, and/or the like. An approach for forming waveguides using UV transparent fluoropolymers is described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,126. Further details of the wave guiding structure  18  used herein are described below. 
       FIGS. 2A-2B  show a UV footwear illuminator  20  according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 2A  shows the UV footwear illuminator  20  in use with an article of footwear illustrated as a sandal  22 . The UV footwear illuminator  20  includes an insert  14  adapted for placement with the sandal  22 . The insert  14  can take the form of an insole, a footbed enclosure, and/or the like that is inserted into the interior of the sandal  22 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the UV footwear illuminator  20  includes at least one UV radiation source  16 . The set of UV radiation sources  16  illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2B  can be located on the top and/or the bottom surfaces of the insert  14 . Since the article of footwear in this embodiment is a sandal, the set of UV radiation sources  16  can be placed primarily on the bottom surface of the insert  14 . Although the insert  14  of the UV footwear illuminator  20  shown in  FIGS. 2A-2B  does not include a wave guiding structure  18 , those skilled in the art will appreciate that one like that shown in  FIG. 1B  can be deployed with footwear such as the sandal  22 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an insert  24  for use with a UV footwear illuminator that is applicable with an article of footwear according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the insert  24  can include at least one UV radiation source  16  located on a top surface  26  of the insert and at least one UV radiation source  16  located on a side surface  28  of the insert  24 . Although a bottom surface of the insert  24  is not shown, it is understood that the set of UV radiation sources  14  can also be located on this surface. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , each of the UV radiation sources  16  can be embedded within a domain  30  of the insert  24 . For clarity,  FIG. 3  only shows one domain  30 , however, it is understood that each UV radiation source can have a domain  30  with the following elements. A top surface  32  of the domain can include a transparent window region through which the UV radiation emitted from a UV radiation emitter  34  passes there through. This transparent window region can be formed of any UV transparent material such as those materials described with respect to the transparent window region. An interior surface  36  of the domain  30  can be formed of a UV reflective material, such as a reflective fluoropolymer, such as PTFE, and/or the like, a UV reflective film using aluminum, a highly ultraviolet reflective expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane (e.g., GORE® Diffuse Reflector Material), and/or the like. 
     The set of UV radiation sources  16  deployed with insert  24  can be configured in any desired pattern on the various surfaces of the insert that is deemed to provide optimal treatment of the article of footwear in which the insert is placed. In one embodiment, the set of UV radiation sources  16  can be located in clusters along the top surface  26  where a person&#39;s foot has the most contact to the interior of the footwear. For example, the set of UV radiation sources  16  can be disposed on the front and back portions of the insert  24 . 
     The insert  24  of  FIG. 3  can further include at least one footwear condition sensor  38  located therein. Each sensor  38  is configured to generate a condition signal representative of an operational parameter of the insert  24  and/or the article of footwear in which the insert is placed. Examples of sensors that can be deployed as footwear condition sensors  38  include, but are not limited to, a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, a humidity sensor, a bacterial fluorescence sensor, a temperature sensor, a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, a proximity sensor, and/or the like. The insert  24  is not limited to any one particular type of these sensors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the insert  24  can have footwear condition sensors  38  that include one type of sensor or various combinations of these sensors. Furthermore, the footwear condition sensors  38  can be deployed along with the UV radiation sources  16  in any desired configuration. For example, the footwear condition sensors  38  can be configured together or separate from the UV radiation sources  16 .  FIG. 3  shows one embodiment in which the footwear condition sensors  38  can be interspersed with the UV radiation sources  16 . 
     The condition signal generated from the sensors  38  that is representative of an operational parameter of the insert  24  or the footwear that the insert is place therein will depend on the particular sensor that is deployed. For example, a pressure sensor can measure the foot pressure experienced by the insert  24  and/or the footwear. A humidity sensor and/or a moisture sensor can measure the humidity/moisture in the insert  24  and/or the footwear. A chemical sensor can detect a level of a particular chemical and/or an odor of that chemical that resides with the insert  24  and/or the footwear. A radiation sensor can detect a level of radiation (e.g., UV, visible, infrared, and/or the like) that is present in the insert  24  and/or the footwear. A proximity sensor can determine the proximity of the foot surface of the wearer of the footwear to the insert  24 . 
       FIG. 3  shows that the insert  24  can further include at least one footwear treatment source  40 . As used herein, a footwear treatment source  40  is any source that can provide a modality for effectuating footwear treatment to an article of footwear. The footwear treatment source  40  can include, but is not limited to, a visible source (e.g., a LED), an infrared source, a heating source (e.g., an electrical heating pad), a vibrational source, a medical treatment source (e.g., ultrasound source, electrical pulse stimulation source), and a chemical treatment source. In one embodiment, the visible source, infrared source, and/or heating source can be used to work in conjunction with the UV radiation sources  16  to provide footwear treatment (e.g., sanitization, disinfection, and sterilization for removing the presence of bacteria and viruses), while the vibrational source and the medical treatment source can provide a medical treatment for a foot placed on the insert  24  such as a massage, pulse stimulation and/or the like, and the chemical treatment source can release certain antibacterial chemicals to treat the insert, footwear and/or a foot placed therein. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the insert  24  can include only one type of footwear treatment source  40  or more than one type of the footwear treatment sources or various combinations of these treatment sources. Furthermore, the footwear treatment sources  40  can be deployed along with the UV radiation sources  16  and the footwear condition sensors  38  in any desired configuration. For example, the footwear treatment sources  40  can be configured together or separate from the UV radiation sources  16  and the footwear condition sensors  38 .  FIG. 3  shows one embodiment in which the footwear treatment sources  40  can be interspersed with the UV radiation sources  16  and the footwear condition sensors  38 . 
       FIG. 3  shows that the insert  24  can further include a wave guiding structure  18  that is configured to direct and/or deliver UV radiation that is emitted from the UV radiation sources  16  to a particular location/area, along the insert  24 , and in a particular direction and pattern that effectuates footwear treatment of the insert, the article of footwear that the insert is placed in, and foot of the wear of the footwear. As shown in  FIG. 3 , a set of diffusive elements  42  can be used in conjunction with the wave guiding structure  18  to distribute the UV radiation along the insert  24 , article of footwear and a foot that is placed on the insert. The set of diffusive elements  42  can be configured to distribute the UV radiation in a uniform pattern and/or in a non-uniform pattern. As used herein, diffusive elements are any structure that facilitates scattering and dispersal of the UV radiation that is emitted from a UV radiation source  16 . The diffusive elements  42  in  FIG. 3  are illustrated in the form of small cylindrical-shaped knobs, however, other shapes and sizes are within the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the diffusive elements  42  can be formed from material that includes an ultraviolet transparent material, such as a fluoropolymer material, fused silica, and/or the like. Other examples of materials of diffusive elements  42  that are suitable for use in  FIG. 3  can include, but are not limited to, an ultraviolet reflective expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane (e.g., GORE® Diffuse Reflector Material), and/or the like. Although it is not shown in  FIG. 3 , the set of diffusive elements  24  can be separated from the interior of the article of footwear by a UV transparent film, such as a fluoropolymer film. 
       FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of a wave guiding structure  18  that may be used with any of the various embodiments described herein. In  FIG. 4 , the wave guiding structure  18  is illustrated as a multilayer structure  44 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the multilayer structure  44  can include a radiation guiding layer  46 . In one embodiment, the radiation guiding layer  46  can include a UV transparent fluid. In this case, the fluid has a transparency at least similar (e.g., within ten percent) to the transparency of purified water for light wavelengths in the range of 240 nanometers to 360 nanometers. In an embodiment, the liquid in the layer  46  is purified water as defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Examples of other materials that can act as the radiation guiding layer  46  include but are not limited to ultraviolet transparent materials such as potable water, anodized aluminum oxide, and/or the like. Methods of forming radiation guiding layers are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,126 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/050,127. 
     The radiation guiding layer  46  of  FIG. 4  is disposed between refractory layers  48 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the refractory layers  48  can include pillars, however, it is possible to have a refractory layer including no pillars. In one embodiment, the refractory layers  48  can include low refractory materials such as, but not limited to, a gas (e.g., ambient air), and/or the like. As used herein, low refractory materials means any material having a refractive index at most ninety percent of the refractive index of the material forming adjacent layer(s) in a structure. For example, the material can have a refractive index in a range of 1 to 1.2. 
     Refractory layers  48  can include diffusive protrusions  50  to direct UV radiation  52  emitted from a UV radiation source  16  that is coupled to the multilayer structure  44 . Note that the amount of diffusive protrusions  50  per refractory segment and/or layer can vary depending on the direction and pattern of the UV radiation that is desired, as well as the size and length of the segments and/or layers. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the top refractory layer  48  is configured with diffusive protrusions  50 , with more protrusions in the segments that are closer to the UV radiation source  16 , and less the further away the segments are from the radiation source. 
     An encapsulation layer  54  encapsulates the radiation guiding layer  46  and the refractory layers  48 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the encapsulation layer  54  can separate the radiation guiding layer  46  from the refractory layers  48 . The encapsulation layer  54  can also form pillars present in the refractory layers  48 .  FIG. 4  shows that the encapsulation layer  54  can be shaped with diffusive protrusions  50  to facilitate the desired direction and pattern of the UV radiation  52  emitted from the UV radiation source  16  via the radiation guiding layer  46 . The encapsulation layer  54  can include any of the aforementioned UV transparent materials, such as a fluoropolymer-based material. 
       FIG. 4  shows that in one embodiment the UV radiation source  16  can be coupled to the encapsulation layer  54  of the multilayer structure  44 . In one embodiment, the UV radiation source  16  can be secured to the encapsulation layer  54  by placing the source in a highly adhesive UV transparent material  56  such as such as EFEP, a similar fluoropolymer, and/or the like, and fused to the encapsulation layer  54 . In one embodiment, the fusion of the UV radiation source  16  to the encapsulation layer  54  can be performed at temperatures on the order of approximately 180 to approximately 200 degrees Celsius. The various embodiments of present invention are not meant to be limited to fusing a UV radiation source  16  to the radiation guiding layer and those skilled in the art will appreciate that other approaches that can optically couple these elements exist. 
       FIG. 5  shows a more detailed view of a portion of a UV radiation source  16  that can be configured with a UV footwear illuminator described herein to form a UV footwear treatment system  58  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the UV footwear treatment system  58  can include a set of UV radiation sources  16 A,  16 B located adjacent to a respective UV transparent window region  60 A, and  60 B. In operation, the UV radiation source  16 A emits UV radiation  52 A through UV transparent window region  60 A, while UV radiation source  16 B emits UV radiation  52 B through UV transparent window region  60 B. Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , UV radiation  52 A and  52 B can be directed from UV transparent window region  60 A and  60 B, respectively, through a surface of the insert and towards a specific portion thereof, and/or a specific portion of the article of footwear, and/or a foot placed inside the footwear via a wave guiding structure and/or diffusive elements if utilized. Any one of the aforementioned examples of UV radiation sources can be used for UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B. Likewise, any one of the aforementioned UV transparent materials can be used for UV transparent window regions  60 A and  60 B. 
     The UV footwear treatment system  58  of  FIG. 5  can further include a control unit  66  to manage operation of the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B. In one embodiment, the control unit  66  can control at least one of a plurality of predetermined UV radiation characteristics associated with the UV radiation  52 A and  52 B emitted from the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B. The predetermined UV radiation characteristics that can be controlled by the control unit  66  can include wavelengths, intensities, and durations and/or the like. In one embodiment, the control unit  66  can control the wavelength of UV radiation and intensity spatially over an insert and/or the article of footwear in which the UV footwear treatment system  58  can be used. As an example, control unit  66  can control UV radiation source  16 A to operate at a target wavelength and intensity for a duration that is designed for the disinfection of bacteria and/or viruses within an article of footwear. During this time, the control unit  66  can control UV radiation source  16 B to operate at a different target wavelength and intensity for a specified duration that is designed for the medical treatment of the skin of a foot that is to be placed in the footwear. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are many possibilities in how the control unit  66  can control the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B. 
     Control unit  66  can also receive condition signals representative of certain operational parameters of the insert and/or the article of footwear in which the insert is placed from a footwear condition sensor  38  located at each end of the structure. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the footwear condition sensors  38  can be placed proximate the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B and the UV transparent window regions  60 A and  60 B. In one embodiment, the footwear condition sensors  38  can be placed between the respective UV radiation sources and UV transparent window regions. Any one of the aforementioned footwear condition sensors  38  is suitable for use with the UV footwear treatment system  58  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In operation, the control unit  66  can receive the condition signals from the footwear condition sensors  38  and turn on or off the UV radiation sources dependent upon the detected conditions via an actuator  68 . Likewise, the control unit  66  can adjust one or more of the UV radiation characteristics based on the detected conditions. In one embodiment, a footwear condition sensor  38  can detect a motion condition signal, which the control unit  66  uses as an input, and turn on or off the set of UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B. Similarly, the control unit  66  can use the motion condition signal to adjust the intensity, the wavelength, the duration and or the pattern of the UV radiation  52 A and  52 B emitted from the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B, respectively. 
     As an example, the motion sensed at the footwear condition sensors  38  can indicate the pressure of a foot, vibration during walking, and/or the like, which is provided to the control unit  66  in the form of a condition signal which it uses to control the UV radiation sources. It is understood that although the above examples describe a motion sensed by the footwear condition sensors  38 , motion is not necessary for the control unit to manage the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B. For example, in another embodiment, a capacitive touch footwear condition sensor  38  that does not rely on motion can be used to provide a signal to the control unit  66  to turn on or off the set of UV radiation sources. In another example, where a footwear condition sensor  38  takes the form of a pressure sensor, the control unit  66  can use a detected pressure signal for determining the presence of a foot. In this manner, the control unit  66  can cause the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B to switch from radiating in the UV-C range, which is optimal for germicidal (e.g., disinfection) purposes, to radiating in the UV-B range, which is optimal for the medical treatment of the foot. 
     Although not shown in  FIG. 5 , the control unit  66  can receive the condition signals from the footwear condition sensors  38  to control the operation of any footwear treatment sources  40  that may be deployed by the UV footwear treatment system  58 . As mentioned before, the footwear treatment source  40  can include, but is not limited to, visible sources, infrared sources, heating sources, vibrational sources, medical treatment sources, and chemical treatment sources. 
     The control unit  66  can include a timer  70  with switches and/or the like to manage the duration that the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B are on for a particular treatment. For example, the control unit  66  operating in conjunction with the timer  70  can manage the amount of time that the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B radiate in the UV-C range versus the UV-B range. Similarly, the control unit  66  and the timer  70  can be used to control the duration of the operation of a footwear treatment source. The duration and frequency treatment that the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B and/or footwear treatment sources are utilized can depend on detected condition signals as well as any other predetermined footwear treatment factors such as the length that a particular article of footwear has been worn, following a set predefined treatment schedule. 
     The control unit  66  can also include a wireless transmitter and receiver  72  that is configured to communicate with a remote location via WiFi, BLUETOOTH, and/or the like. As used herein, a remote location is a location that is apart from the UV footwear treatment system  58 , the insert and the footwear used therewith. For example, a remote computer can be used to transmit operational instructions to the wireless transmitter and receiver  72 . The operational instruction can be used to program functions performed and managed by the control unit  66 . In another embodiment, the wireless transmitter and receiver  72  can transmit footwear treatment results, data from the various footwear condition sensors to the remote computer, to facilitate maintenance and diagnostic operations on the UV footwear treatment system  58 , etc. 
     The UV footwear treatment system  58  of  FIG. 5 , can further include a power source  74  that is configured to power each of the UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B, the control unit  66  and the footwear condition sensors  38 . In one embodiment, the power source  74  can take the form of one or more batteries. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a threading  76  can be used to provide access to the power source  74 . In particular, the threading  76  allows an end of the UV footwear treatment system  58  to be removed. The threading  76  can provide a watertight seal between that particular end and the remaining portion of the UV footwear treatment system  58 . Although  FIG. 5  shows threading  76  for removably securing an end of the UV footwear treatment system  58 , it is understood that any form of connection that forms a watertight seal, such as a gasket, and/or the like, can be utilized to secure the end to the remaining portion of the UV footwear treatment system  58 . Furthermore, although a threading  76  is not shown at the opposite end, it is understood that a similar connection can be provided at this particular region of the UV footwear treatment system  58 . 
     In addition to access and removal of the power source  74  the threading  76  allows for insertion and removal of one or more other components located in the UV footwear treatment system  58 . For example, in one embodiment, the end coupled to threading  76  can be removed to replace the set of batteries used for powering the set of UV radiation sources  16 A and  16 B, the control unit  66 , the footwear condition sensors  38 , and any other components within the UV footwear treatment system  58 . Although the power source  74  shown in  FIG. 5  takes the form of batteries, it is understood that the UV footwear treatment system  58  can include other power supply components. For example, the power supply  74  can include a vibration power generator  62 , which can generate power based on magnetic inducted oscillations or stresses developed on a piezoelectric crystal  64 . In another embodiment, the power source  74  can include a super capacitor that is rechargeable. Other power components that are suitable for use as the power source  74  for the UV footwear treatment system  58  include a mechanical energy to electrical energy converter such as a piezoelectric crystal. The various embodiments of the present invention are not limited to using only one particular power supply modality. For example, a vibration power generator  62  can be used to generate power while a set of batteries  74  can be used to store the power generated from the vibration power generator  62 . 
     In another embodiment, the power source  74  can be a rechargeable device. For example, a vibration power generator can be configured with rechargeable componentry. In another example, a wireless charging system can be used to charge the vibration power generator  62  from an electromagnetic signal. In yet another example, a charge can be provided by the use of a piezoelectric crystal that functions according to mechanical pressure. The type of power supply and the particular footwear treatment that is performed are factors that can determine how often a recharging operation is needed. For example, a typical LED, operating at 20 mill amperes (mA), with a coin battery rated 225 milli-ampere hour (mAH), can operate in a continuous mode for about 10 hours. For a typical LED, operating at 20 mA, with a coin battery rated 225 mAH, the LED can operate in a continuous mode for about 10 hours. A typical disinfection treatment session may last on the order of 10 minutes, thus resulting in approximately 60 disinfection sessions for the UV footwear treatment system  58  before the battery would need to be recharged or changed. For an extended life in this scenario, two or more coin batteries can be employed within the UV footwear treatment system  58 . 
     The UV footwear treatment system  58  of  FIG. 5  is shown having a prolate spheroid shape (e.g., football) with ends connected by elongated sides. In one embodiment, the UV footwear treatment system  58  with the prolate spheroid shape can have at most a volume of approximately 75 cm 3 . Although the UV footwear treatment system  58  is shown as a prolate spheroid shape, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the prolate spheroid shape is only illustrative and that the UV footwear treatment system  58  can take the form of any shape. 
       FIG. 7  shows a UV footwear illuminator used as an orthotic for placement into an article of footwear that can alleviate various foot ailments such as arch pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and the like. In particular,  FIG. 7  shows a UV orthotic illuminator  78  according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the UV orthotic illuminator  78  can include UV radiation sources  16 , footwear condition sensors  38  and footwear treatment sources  40 . In  FIG. 7 , the UV radiation sources  16 , the footwear condition sensor  38  and the footwear treatment sources  40  are interspersed with each other in a heel portion  80  of the UV orthotic illuminator  78 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other patterns of placement of the UV radiation sources  16 , the footwear condition sensors  38  and the footwear treatment sources  40  in the UV orthotic illuminator  78  are possible. For example, the UV radiation sources  16 , the footwear condition sensors  38  and the footwear treatment sources  40  can be placed in a metatarsal pad section  82  of the UV orthotic illuminator  78 . Furthermore, it may be desirable to have the UV radiation sources  16 , the footwear condition sensors  38  and the footwear treatment sources  40  separate and not interspersed with each other. 
     Also, the UV orthotic illuminator  78  can utilize different combinations of the sources. For example, the heel portion  80  may only use footwear treatment sources  40  that treat certain foot ailments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate many combinations are possible. Although the UV orthotic illuminator  78  illustrated in  FIG. 7  does not disclose the use of a wave guiding structure  18  it may be configured for use with the UV radiation sources  16 . Furthermore, the UV orthotic illuminator  78  may also be configured as a UV footwear treatment system to include a control unit  66  and various other components (e.g., electronics and power supply) described with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8B  show an article of footwear such as a toe shoe  84  having a toe shoe UV illuminator  86  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The toe shoe UV illuminator  86  can include UV radiation sources  16  located in different portions of the toe shoe  84 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the toe shoe UV illuminator  86  can have UV radiation sources  16  located in a toe portion  88  of the toe shoe  84  including at the toes and the top portion of the toe portion  88 .  FIG. 8B  shows that the toe shoe UV illuminator  86  can also include a wave guiding structure  18  that directs UV radiation to the toe portion  88  of the toe shoe  84 . In one embodiment, the wave guiding structure can take the form of a multi-layer structure having a radiation guiding layer  46  like that illustrated in  FIG. 4 . In this manner, UV radiation can be guided to each toe of the toe portion  88  by the radiation guiding layer  46  of the wave guiding structure  18 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the toe shoe UV illuminator  86  can be configured in a different manner than the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 . For example, the toe shoe UV illuminator  86  can be implemented with footwear condition sensors  38  and/or footwear treatment sources  40 . Furthermore, the toe shoe UV illuminator  86  may be configured as a UV footwear treatment system to include a control unit  66  with the other components (e.g., electronics and power supply) described with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a UV footwear illuminator  90  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The UV footwear illuminator  90  of  FIG. 9  includes an insert  92  having a toe region  94  that is configured to provide a uniform illumination of UV radiation. In one embodiment, the toe region  94  can include partially transparent, partially reflective layers, wave guiding layers, reflective layers, and/or diffusive elements that are arranged to uniformly distribute the UV radiation from UV radiation sources. Further details of these layers are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,266, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,550,004. In this embodiment, while not shown for clarity, ultraviolet sources can be configured such that ultraviolet illumination enters the toe region  94 . For example, ultraviolet sources can be placed in proximity to the region  94 , with a light guiding structure described herein used to guide and emit diffusive ultraviolet radiation within the toe region  94 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the other configurations for UV footwear illuminator  90  are possible. For example, the UV footwear illuminator  90  can be implemented with footwear condition sensors  38  and/or footwear treatment sources  40 . Furthermore, the UV footwear illuminator  90  may be configured as a UV footwear treatment system to include a control unit  66  with the other components (e.g., electronics and power supply) described with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a UV footwear illuminator  96  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The UV footwear illuminator  96  of  FIG. 10  includes an insert  92  having a toe region  94  and a main body  98  encompassing an arch portion and a heel portion of the footwear. As shown in  FIG. 10 , both the toe region  94  and the main body  98  of the insert  92  can have diffusive elements  42  positioned along different sections of each to direct and pattern UV radiation emitted from UV radiation sources, which can be located anywhere along the main body  98 . In particular, the diffusive elements  42  can distribute the UV radiation along the insert  92 , the article of footwear that the UV footwear illuminator  96  is deployed with and/or at a foot of a wearer that is placed on the insert. The set of diffusive elements  42  can be configured in various arrangements along the main body  98  and/or the toe region  94  to distribute the UV radiation in a uniform pattern and/or in a non-uniform pattern. As discussed with regard to  FIG. 3 , the diffusive elements  42  can be formed from the any of the aforementioned materials and take the form of various shapes and sizes in order to facilitate scattering and dispersal of the UV radiation in a desired arrangement. 
     The UV footwear illuminator  96  can further include toe protrusions  100  (e.g.,  100 A,  1006 ,  100 C and  100 D) to facilitate footwear treatment of the toe region  94 . In one embodiment, the toe protrusions  100 A- 100 D can be affixed to a periphery portion of the toe region  94  to apply a disinfection treatment thereof. The toe protrusions  100 A- 100 D can include any combination of one or more: ultraviolet sources, light guiding structures, diffusive elements, and/or the like, as described herein. In one embodiment, the toe protrusions  100 A- 100 D can perform a disinfection treatment of the toe region  94  by illuminating a corresponding portion of a shoe with ultraviolet light as described herein. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the UV footwear illuminator  96  can be configured in a different manner than the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 . For example, the UV footwear illuminator  96  can be implemented with footwear condition sensors  38  and/or footwear treatment sources  40 . Furthermore, the UV footwear illuminator  96  may be configured as a UV footwear treatment system to include a control unit  66  with the other components (e.g., electronics and power supply) described with reference to  FIG. 5 . Although the UV footwear illuminator  96  is shown in  FIG. 10  with only four toe protrusions  100 A- 100 D, it is understood that this is only illustrative and that the UV footwear illuminator  96  can include at least one protrusion or up to five protrusions. 
     The various embodiments of the present invention described herein are also suitable for use as shoe inserts or shoe trees that approximate the shape of a foot that is placed inside an article of footwear such as a shoe to preserve its shape, stop it from developing creases and thereby extend the life of the shoe.  FIG. 11  shows a shoe tree  102  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shoe tree  102  of  FIG. 11  includes shoe insert bodies  104  (e.g.,  104 A and  104 B) coupled together by springs  106 . Each shoe insert body  104 A and  104 B can include UV radiation sources  16  and/or footwear treatment sources  40  for facilitating a footwear treatment of an article of footwear that the shoe tree  102  is placed in. The springs  106  are compressible and stretchable to enable the shoe insert body  104 A to be vertically displaced with respect to the shoe insert body  1046 . Although  FIG. 11  shows three springs in use it is not meant to be limit the scope of this embodiment. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the shoe tree  102  may be deployed with other compressive mechanisms. 
     Once the shoe body  104  (i.e.,  104 A and  104 B) is placed in an article of footwear, then one can separate the shoe body  104 A from the shoe body  1046  an amount that is sufficient to allow the shoe tree  102  to take the shape of the footwear. The desired tightness of incorporation of the shoe tree  102  in the footwear is user dependent. Once the shoe tree  102  is placed inside the article of footwear, an actuator  108  such as a switch and/or the like can be engaged to enable the shoe tree  102  to perform a footwear treatment. At least one of the shoe insert bodies  104 A and  1046  can include an operation indicator  110  to include the status of the footwear treatment. For example, the operation indicator  110  can indicate whether a footwear treatment is currently in process, whether the treatment is finished, whether there was an issue associated with the treatment, etc. Once the footwear treatment is over, then the actuator  108  can be disengaged manually or automatically upon completion of the treatment or an issue therewith. 
     Although the shoe bodies  104 A and  1046  of shoe tree  102  are shown in  FIG. 11  shown with UV radiation sources  16  and footwear treatment sources  40 , this arrangement is not intended to be limited to such a configuration. For example, the footwear condition sensors  38  can be arranged with the UV radiation sources  16  and the footwear treatment sources  40 . Also, the wave guiding structures  18  can be used in conjunction with the UV radiation sources  16  to distribute UV radiation to the footwear that the shoe tree  102  is placed in. Diffusive elements  42  can also be deployed with the shoe bodies  104 A and  1046  to facilitate scattering and dispersal of the emitted UV radiation. The shoe bodies  104 A and  1046  can also include a control unit  66  and other components (e.g., electronics and power supply) as described with reference to  FIG. 5  to facilitate the footwear treatment operations performed by the shoe tree  102  and enable it to function as a UV footwear treatment system. 
     Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the shoe bodies  104 A and  1046  can have only UV radiation sources  16  or only footwear treatment sources  40 . Also, one shoe body  104  can have only UV radiation sources  16  while the other shoe body can have only footwear treatment sources  40 . Similarly, the UV radiation sources  16  and the footwear treatment sources  40  can be arranged with each other on the shoe bodies in any direction and pattern as desired to effectuate a suitable treatment. 
       FIG. 12  shows a shoe tree  112  according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the shoe tree  112  is inflatable to take the shape of the footwear that it is placed. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the shoe tree  112  can include an inflatable main body  114  that is configured to take the shape of an article of footwear. The inflatable main body  114  includes a valve  116  that enables one to pump the main body so that the body inflates to take the shape of the footwear. The valve  116  enables the user to inflate the shoe tree  112  with enough air to obtain the desired tightness within the footwear. The shoe tree  112  of  FIG. 12  further includes UV radiation sources  16  arranged along the main body  114 . 
     Once the shoe tree  112  is placed inside the article of footwear, an actuator  108  such as a switch and/or the like located on the main body  114  can be engaged to enable the shoe tree  112  to perform a footwear treatment. The main body  114  of the shoe tree  112  can further include an operation indicator  110  to include the status of the footwear treatment. The operation indicator  110  can indicate items of information including, but not limited to, whether a footwear treatment is currently in process, whether the treatment is finished, whether there was an issue associated with the treatment, etc. Once the footwear treatment is over, then the actuator  108  can be disengaged manually or automatically upon completion of the treatment or an issue therewith. 
       FIG. 13  shows a shoe tree  118  according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the shoe tree  118  is also inflatable to take the shape of the footwear that it is placed like the shoe tree  112  of  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment, the main body  114  of the shoe tree  118  of  FIG. 13  includes a wave guiding structure  18  that can have a radiation guiding layer as described herein and a set of diffusive elements  42  arranged along an upper portion  120  of the main body  114 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the shoes trees of  FIGS. 12-13  can be arranged with many of the aforementioned components in one of a number of different combinations. For example, the UV radiation sources  16 , the footwear treatment sources  40 , the waveguide structure  18  and the diffusive elements can be configured with the shoe trees of  FIGS. 12-13  all together, separate, or combinations thereof to obtain a desired direction and pattern of UV radiation that effectuates a footwear treatment. Similarly, it may be desirable to utilize one or more footwear condition sensors  38  with the shoe trees of  FIGS. 12-13 . Furthermore, the shoes trees of  FIGS. 12-13  can also include a control unit  66  and electronics and power supply as described with reference to  FIG. 5  to facilitate the footwear treatment operations performed by the shoe trees, and enable them to function as UV footwear treatment systems. 
     The various UV footwear illuminators, UV footwear treatment systems, articles of footwear and shoe trees described herein can employ materials that further facilitate the footwear and medical treatments. For example, the materials used for the various foot inserts of the UV footwear illuminators, the articles of footwear and the main bodies of the shoe trees can include photocatalytic layers, such as a titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) photocatalytic layer, a copper photocatalytic layer, a silver photocatalytic layer and/or the like, to improve the efficiency of a footwear treatment such as a disinfection operation. In one embodiment, a UV-TiO 2  photocatalytic layer is non-toxic and has a broad spectrum sterilizing ability, making it suitable for use with any one of the various embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the materials used for the various UV footwear illuminators, UV footwear treatment systems, articles of footwear and shoe trees described herein can include materials that are waterproof, water resistant, and tear resistant, such as one or more of the materials described herein. 
     It is understood, that during some footwear treatment operations it may be desirable for a user of any of the various embodiments of the present invention to avoid the UV radiation. For example, during a disinfection cycle where UV radiation sources are operating in a UV-C range, the footwear illuminators, footwear treatment systems, articles of footwear and shoe trees should probably be isolated from the user to avoid irradiating him or her with any UV light. One approach can include placing the footwear illuminators, footwear treatment systems, articles of footwear and shoe trees in a UV absorbing box. Once inside the box, then one of the footwear illuminators, footwear treatment systems, articles of footwear and shoe trees can be activated by switch after closing the UV absorbing box. A cover of such a UV absorbing box can have a visible indicator to provide status information on any footwear treatment operations being performed. 
       FIG. 14  shows an illustrative system  1000  for implementing a UV footwear illuminator and a UV footwear treatment system described herein according to one embodiment. The system  1000  of  FIG. 14  includes a monitoring and/or control system  1010 , which is implemented as a computer system  1020  including an analysis program  1030 , which makes the computer system  1020  operable to manage UV radiation sources  16 , footwear condition sensors  38  and footwear treatment sources  40  by performing a process described herein. Portions of the system  1000  can be located within the UV footwear illuminators and UV footwear treatment systems as discussed herein. In particular, the analysis program  1030  can enable the computer system  1020  to operate the UV radiation sources  16  to generate and direct UV radiation through a UV transparent window and process data corresponding to one or more conditions of an article of footwear detected by one or more of the footwear conditions sensors  38  which is acquired by an input unit  1035 . Similarly, the analysis program  1030  can enable the computer system  1020  to operate the footwear treatment sources  40  to perform one of the operations and process data corresponding to one or more conditions of the article of footwear detected by one or more of the footwear conditions sensors  38 . 
     The computer system  1020  is shown including a processing component  1022  (e.g., one or more processors), a storage component  1024  (e.g., a storage hierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component  1026  (e.g., one or more I/O interfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway  1028 . In general, the processing component  1022  executes program code, such as the analysis program  1030 , which is at least partially fixed in storage component  1024 . While executing program code, the processing component  1022  can process data, which can result in reading and/or writing transformed data from/to the storage component  1024  and/or the I/O component  1026  for further processing. The pathway  1028  provides a communications link between each of the components in the computer system  1020 . The I/O component  1026  can comprise one or more human I/O devices, which enable a human user  1040  to interact with the computer system  1020  and/or one or more communications devices to enable a system user  1040  to communicate with the computer system  1020  using any type of communications link via an external interface  1033 . To this extent, the analysis program  1030  can manage a set of interfaces (e.g., graphical user interface(s), application program interface, and/or the like) that enable human and/or system users  1040  to interact with the analysis program  1030 . Furthermore, the analysis program  1030  can manage (e.g., store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize, present, etc.) the data, such as analysis data  1040 , using any solution. 
     In any event, the computer system  1020  can comprise one or more general purpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices) capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program  1030 , installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code” means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation, that cause a computing device having an information processing capability to perform a particular action either directly or after any combination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, code or notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c) decompression. To this extent, the analysis program  1030  can be embodied as any combination of system software and/or application software. 
     Furthermore, the analysis program  1030  can be implemented using a set of modules  1032 . In this case, a module  1032  can enable the computer system  1020  to perform a set of tasks used by the analysis program  1030 , and can be separately developed and/or implemented apart from other portions of the analysis program  1030 . As used herein, the term “component” means any configuration of hardware, with or without software, which implements the functionality described in conjunction therewith using any solution, while the term “module” means program code that enables a computer system  1020  to implement the actions described in conjunction therewith using any solution. When fixed in a storage component  1024  of a computer system  1020  that includes a processing component  1022 , a module is a substantial portion of a component that implements the actions. Regardless, it is understood that two or more components, modules, and/or systems may share some/all of their respective hardware and/or software. Furthermore, it is understood that some of the functionality discussed herein may not be implemented or additional functionality may be included as part of the computer system  1020 . 
     When the computer system  1020  comprises multiple computing devices, each computing device can have only a portion of the analysis program  1030  fixed thereon (e.g., one or more modules  1032 ). However, it is understood that the computer system  1020  and the analysis program  1030  are only representative of various possible equivalent computer systems that may perform a process described herein. To this extent, in other embodiments, the functionality provided by the computer system  1020  and the analysis program  1030  can be at least partially implemented by one or more computing devices that include any combination of general and/or specific purpose hardware with or without program code. In each embodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, can be created using standard engineering and programming techniques, respectively. 
     Regardless, when the computer system  1020  includes multiple computing devices, the computing devices can communicate over any type of communications link. Furthermore, while performing a process described herein, the computer system  1020  can communicate with one or more other computer systems using any type of communications link. In either case, the communications link can comprise any combination of various types of optical fiber, wired, and/or wireless links; comprise any combination of one or more types of networks; and/or utilize any combination of various types of transmission techniques and protocols. Furthermore, the computer system  1020  can be programmed via WiFi. In this embodiment, the computer system  1020  can provide reports to the user  1040  or one or more other computer systems via WiFi regarding any aspect to the illustrative environment  1000 , including, but not limited to UV illumination of articles of footwear for footwear treatment. Similarly, the computer system  1020  can generate footwear treatment operation status information via a status indicator  1037 . 
     While shown and described herein as a method and system for UV illumination of articles of footwear for footwear treatment, it is understood that aspects of the present invention further provide various alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the various embodiments of the present invention provide a computer program fixed in at least one computer-readable medium, which when executed, enables a computer system to disinfect an area using UV radiation. To this extent, the computer-readable medium includes program code, such as the analysis program  1030  ( FIG. 14 ), which enables a computer system to implement some or all of a process described herein. It is understood that the term “computer-readable medium” comprises one or more of any type of tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which a copy of the program code can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated by a computing device. For example, the computer-readable medium can comprise: one or more portable storage articles of manufacture; one or more memory/storage components of a computing device; paper; and/or the like. 
     In another embodiment, the various embodiments of the present invention provide a method of providing a copy of program code, such as the analysis program  1030  ( FIG. 14 ), which enables a computer system to implement some or all of a process described herein. In this case, a computer system can process a copy of the program code to generate and transmit, for reception at a second, distinct location, a set of data signals that has one or more of its characteristics set and/or changed in such a manner as to encode a copy of the program code in the set of data signals. Similarly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method of acquiring a copy of the program code, which includes a computer system receiving the set of data signals described herein, and translating the set of data signals into a copy of the computer program fixed in at least one computer-readable medium. In either case, the set of data signals can be transmitted/received using any type of communications link. 
     In still another embodiment, the various embodiments of the present invention provide a method for UV illumination of articles of footwear for footwear treatment. In this case, the generating can include configuring a computer system, such as the computer system  1020  ( FIG. 14 ), to implement the method for UV illumination of articles of footwear for footwear treatment. The configuring can include obtaining (e.g., creating, maintaining, purchasing, modifying, using, making available, etc.) one or more hardware components, with or without one or more software modules, and setting up the components and/or modules to implement a process described herein. To this extent, the configuring can include deploying one or more components to the computer system, which can comprise one or more of: (1) installing program code on a computing device; (2) adding one or more computing and/or I/O devices to the computer system; (3) incorporating and/or modifying the computer system to enable it to perform a process described herein; and/or the like. 
     The foregoing description of the various aspects of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the various embodiments of the present invention to the precise form disclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations are possible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to an individual in the art are considered to fall within the scope of the various embodiments of the present invention.