Abstract:
A footwear unit having a pre-programmable, self-programmable and re-programmable display inorganic and organic LED with a panel that is operably aligned with a window located on the outside surface of the footwear unit and a sensor on said programmable display for receiving a program signal. The programmable display has two or more modes of operation for displaying information on the panel. Inside of the programmable display unit is a controller that controls the display of information on the panel as well as for wirelessly transmitting said program signal to said sensor wherein said program signal provides data that determines what information is displayed on said panel. The controller also stores information or data that later can be viewed on the panel.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to footwear, more specifically footwear units having a programmable display unit for conveying information. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    In the footwear industry there is a need to provide consumers with new accessories that allow a person to tailor their footwear to their own individual tastes of style. Additionally, there is also a need to make footwear more utilitarian and provide a user with added benefits or features. For example, shoes having flashing lights not only provide the user with stylistic benefits; the lights also provide a useful safety benefit when worn at night. Some shoes have also been developed where lights are used to illuminate a logo or sign. The general purpose of the various types of footwear described above is that they are used to convey information that is usually a predetermined pattern or array of lights. There exists a need to provide consumers with further options for conveying information using their footwear by providing greater versatility in the type of information that is conveyed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to a footwear arrangement having a footwear unit with a window. A programmable display is connectable to the footwear unit and has a panel operably aligned with the window. The programmable display has two or more modes of operation for displaying information on the panel. A controller is operably connected to the programmable display and controls the information that is displayed on the panel. 
         [0004]    The present invention also relates to footwear having a programmable display unit. Each footwear unit which represents a single shoe, sandal, boot, etc.; out of a pair, has a window on its surface. A programmable display unit with a display panel is operably aligned with the window of the footwear unit. The programmable display unit has two or more modes of operation for displaying information on the display panel. Inside of the programmable display unit is a controller that controls the display of information on the display panel. The controller also stores information or data that can later be selectively viewed on the display panel. 
         [0005]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective angled view of the invention integrated into a boot; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a perspective angled view of the invention integrated into a athletic shoe; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side plan view of the invention used in a skate shoe embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a partially sectioned plan overhead view of the present invention incorporated on a shoe; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a perspective front view of the programmable display device; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective side angled view of the invention incorporated on a sandal using an alternate attachment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention incorporated on a hat; 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention utilizing a controller for wirelessly programming the display panel; 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along the section lines  9 - 9  in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is an alternate embodiment of the invention where the display panel is incorporated on a different article of clothing such as a jacket; 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is an alternate embodiment of the invention where an OLED display panel is incorporated on a hat; 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is an alternate embodiment of the invention where the display panel is incorporated on a purse; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is an alternate embodiment of the invention where an OLED display panel is incorporated on a high heeled shoe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. 
         [0021]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3  and  6 , an embodiment of the present invention is shown being incorporated on a footwear unit  10  which represents one unit or shoe out of a pair of shoes. The footwear unit  10  has an inner surface  12 , an outer surface  14 , and a window  16 . Each of the Figures displays a slight variation in that the invention is being used with various types of footwear. For example,  FIG. 1  depicts the invention incorporated on a boot;  FIG. 2  shows the invention on an athletic shoe,  FIG. 3  shoes the invention on a skate shoe which can include roller skates, inline skates, roller shoes, snowboard brackets, snow skis and ice skates.  FIG. 6  shows the invention on a sandal or dress shoe. Additionally other types of footwear can be used including slippers, golf shoes, etc. Each of the Figures are not intended to be limiting with respect to the particular type of footwear used for the present invention, but rather serve the purpose of illustrating the number of different configurations that can be used with virtually any type of footwear. The window  16  can be located anywhere on the outer surface  14  of the footwear unit  10 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  show in phantom lines various alternate locations of the window  16  for placement of the programmable display  22 . For example the window  16  can be on the toe, buckles, straps, tongue, heel, and sides of the footwear unit  10 . Additionally the shape of the programmable display  22  and the window  16  is not limited to a rectangular shape but can include any kind of shape.  FIGS. 1 and 2  show a circular and star shaped window  16  and programmable display. 
         [0022]    The footwear unit  10  has an upper  18  and a lower  20 . However, the term lower is referring to the surface or a sole of the footwear unit  10  that is used for at least in part communicating with the surface under the footwear unit  10 . For example, in  FIG. 3  the skate shoe embodiment of the footwear unit  10  has a lower  20  that would include the roller unit which is the part that communicates with the ground during use. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1-6 , all of the footwear units  10  have a programmable display  22  incorporated with the footwear units  10 . The programmable display  22  has a panel  24  with one or more buttons  26  that are operably configured with a controller  28  that is part of the circuitry of the programmable display  22 . The controller  28  controls the projection of light from the panel  24  and further controls the pattern of light that is emitted from the panel  24 . The controller  28  stores data such as text, numbers, logos, symbols, or other relevant information that can be projected from the display panel  24 . 
         [0024]    The controller  28  also has one or more modes of operation that are activated by the one or more buttons  26  to cause information to be displayed on the panel  24  in a desired mode. For example, the controller  28  can have two or more modes of operation that include on, off, scrolling, flashing, exploding, hold, timed, random display, and combinations thereof. The scrolling mode of operation would cause the information to scroll across the panel  24  at a predetermined rate of speed or rates of speed. The information can move across the panel  24  horizontally, vertically, diagonally or in any other direction. The flashing mode would cause the information to be flashed on the panel  24 . The exploding mode would involve displaying the information and then having it break apart like it was exploding. The hold mode of operation would cause the information to be presented on the panel  24  and held there for a user determined amount of time. The timed mode of operation would cause various groupings of information to be placed on the panel  24  for a predetermined amount of time. The random display mode would cause the controller  28  to randomly display information on the display  24  in any of the aforementioned modes. The various modes of operation can be selected using the one or more buttons  26  on the programmable display  22 . 
         [0025]    The kind of information that can be stored and displayed includes, but is not limited to information for conveying personal content such as pictures, photos, designs, drawings, different languages, patterns, text, graphics, slogans, colors, phrase, shapes, numbers, logos, brand markings including trademarks, messages and any combinations of the above. 
         [0026]    The programmable display  22  can be preprogrammed with data that cannot be changed. The programmable display  22  can be blank and require the user to add their own personal content, or the programmable display  22  can be reprogrammable so it has information already stored but the information can be changed or erased at the user&#39;s discretion. 
         [0027]    In order to change or upload information onto the controller  28  a data port  30 , which can be a USB link or other suitable port located on the surface of the programmable display  22 , can be used to input information to the controller  28 . The port  30  can also be used to charge a power source  32  of the programmable display  22 . The power source  32  of the programmable display  22  can be a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium ion battery or other suitable battery source. Other embodiments provide charging the battery using an electric outlet via a power port or USB connector, solar power, kinetic energy, or any other suitable source that is operably connected to the power source  32 . Additionally as shown in  FIG. 2  a power indicator  38  can be installed on any outside surface of the footwear unit  10  and it is also possible for the indicator to be a part of the panel  24  or anywhere else of the programmable display  22 . The power indicator  38  is a visual indicator of how much energy the power source  32  has available before needing to be recharged. The power indicator  38  can operate via a wireless signal from the programmable display  22  or a contact  42 , shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , allows for a wire  40  to connect with the programmable display  22  when placed into the carrier  34 . The wire  40  can be attached to the inside surface  12 , the outside surface  14  or embedded between the inside surface  12  and outside surface  14  of the footwear unit  10 . 
         [0028]    In another embodiment of the invention, the controller  28  of the programmable display  22  can have a counter mode that allows the controller  28  to collect and store data such as time, distance, or speed. The controller  28  of the programmable display  22  includes other electronics such as a global positioning system or pedometer that would allow the programmable display  22  to keep track of distance or speed. The information gathered by the counter can then be projected from the display panel  24 . This particular aspect of the invention would be helpful for keeping track of pace, distance, or speed during an event such as exercising or competitive running or walking instead of having to download or transmit the data to an external device such as an MP3 player. 
         [0029]    Another alternate embodiment allows the counter to be used to keep track of time allowing the footwear unit  10  to be used as a continuous scrolling clock which projects time on the panel  24 . The controller  28  can also further include an alarm mechanism so that the footwear unit  10  would function in the place of an ordinary alarm clock or a stop watch. Additionally the programmable display  22  can have an internal digital thermometer that can display ambient temperature. 
         [0030]    The programmable display  22  can be permanently attached or removeably connected to the footwear unit  10 . When the programmable display  22  is connected the panel  24  is operably aligned with the window  16  so that information emitted on the panel  24  can be seen through the window  16 . The programmable display  22  is held in place by a carrier  34  which is a bracket type member operably connected to the inner surface  12  of the footwear unit  10 . Alternatively, it is possible for the carrier  34  to be connected to the outer surface  14  of the footwear unit  10 . 
         [0031]    In another alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 , there is a pocket  36  that is located on the outer surface  14  of the footwear unit  10 . The programmable display unit  22  slides into the pocket  36  as opposed to using brackets for securing the programmable display unit  22  to the footwear unit  10 . 
         [0032]    While  FIGS. 1-3  and  6  depict the programmable display unit  22  being used with a footwear unit  10 , it is possible to use the programmable display unit  22  with other types of objects. For example,  FIG. 7  depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention where the programmable display unit  22  is integrated with a hat  100 . The invention still utilizes the use of a carrier or pocket with a window and a programmable display as described in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  6 ; however, the difference is that the object is now a hat  100 . It is also possible to use the invention having a programmable display and a carrier, with other types of clothing such as shirts, neckties, glove, helmets, pants, jackets, headbands, wristbands, belts, or undergarments. It is also possible to use the programmable display unit  22  with other non-clothing objects such as mugs, plates, key chains, jewelry, tire rims, etc. 
         [0033]    The types of information that can be projected from the display  24  are projected using a light source such as one or more inorganic light emitting diodes (LED). The light emitting diode or LED technology allows for information to be scrolled across the display panel  24  during the various modes of operation. Furthermore, the use of the one or more light emitting diodes allows for the information on the display panel  24  to appear to be moving or graphically animated in modes of operation that involve the scrolling, flashing, or exploding of information across the display panel  24 . In addition to an LED light source, the light source can also be any other suitable type of light source capable of allowing for the display of information on the programmable display unit  22  in a desired manner. For example, the LED display unit can also include liquid crystal display (LCD) technology as well as a plasma light source. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 8-9  show an alternate embodiment of a footwear arrangement  200  having a footwear unit  202  with a programmable display  204 . Just like the previous embodiments, the programmable display  204  can be located anywhere on the exterior surface of the footwear unit  202 . The programmable display  204  includes all of the features of the programmable display  22  described above and shown in the  FIGS. 1-7 . However, in this particular embodiment the programmable display  204  incorporates a flexible display that can be connected to the exterior of the footwear unit  202  without the need for a carrier or pocket. The programmable display  204  in the present embodiment utilizes technology known as organic light emitting diode (OLED) technology that provides a programmable display  204  that is much thinner than an inorganic LED. The OLED programmable display  204  has a flexible thin layered panel  205  that is connected to the exterior of the footwear unit  202  through the use of a fastening layer  218  which can be any suitable adhesive material. This allows the panel  205  to be adhered to and be flexible with the surface to which it is attached. In another aspect of the present embodiment of the invention, a window  206  is applied over the panel  205  of the OLED programmable display  204 ; however, this is an optional addition. The use of the OLED programmable display  204  or a programmable display having an LED can include the features of a display that is water resistant, heat resistant, and stress resistant. This makes the OLED programmable display  204  more practical for use on clothing which can be exposed to stress, water, and heat. Additionally, if the window  206  is applied over the panel  205  the water, heat, and stress resistant properties are further enhanced. 
         [0035]    The OLED programmable display also includes a power source  214  that can be positioned apart from the panel  205  or it can be part of the panel  205 . The power source  214  includes a battery storage or power generating device suitable for providing power for the operation of the OLED programmable display  204 . The power source  214  can be connected to a plug-in energy source  212  to receive and store power. The plug-in energy source  212  can be any type of a plug-in connector such as an electrical cord, cigarette lighter, adaptor, or other suitable connector. 
         [0036]    Another aspect of the present embodiment is a controller  208  provided external to the footwear unit  202 . The controller  208  is in the form of a remote or wireless type of controller  208  that allows for communication between the controller  208  and the programmable display  204 . The programmable display  22  shown in  FIGS. 1-7  can also utilize a wireless controller in the same manner as shown in  FIGS. 8-9 . The controller  208  is configured to be connectable and interchangeable with one or more stylized housings  209  which can have various shapes or styles. The stylized housings  209  have an aperture  211  for receiving and holding the controller  208 . Additionally, the controller  208  can also have a clip  213  allowing it to be connected to an object as desired by the user. 
         [0037]    The controller  208  also has a counter  210  much like the counter in the first embodiment of the invention described above. The counter  210  is capable of collecting and storing data to be transmitted to the programmable display  204 . The controller  208  has a control panel  220  where a user can program the controller to send signals regarding the various modes of operation and information to be displayed using the programmable display  204 . The programmable display  204  includes a sensor  226  which receives wireless signals  222  that are transmitted from the controller  208 . The programmable display  22  using an LED can also include the sensor  226  for communicating with a controller. The controller  208  can use several types of wireless signals which include blue-tooth type technology, infrared, sonic, or other light waves for communicating signals to the programmable display. The controller  208  can include a transmitter eye  224  for facilitating the transmission of the wireless signals  222 ; however, this may or may not be a necessary feature depending on the type of wireless signals  222  being transmitted. 
         [0038]    An additional feature of the footwear arrangement  200  includes a lock feature incorporated into the components to lock in the information being displayed on the programmable displays  22 ,  204 . The lock can be a switch located as one of the buttons on the controller  208  or it can be a switch located on the programmable display  22 ,  204 . 
         [0039]    The wireless signals  222  can be continuously transmitted between the controller  208  and the programmable display  204  where the controller  208  is tasked with storing and carrying out all the logic functions of the footwear arrangement  200 . Alternatively, the programmable display  204  can have logic circuitry built therein which can retrieve data via the wireless signals  222  from the controller  208  and control the information that is displayed on the programmable display  204 . 
         [0040]    In another embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 10 , the OLED programmable display  204  is connected to a jacket unit  302  as part of a jacket arrangement  300 . The use of the OLED programmable display  204  makes the present embodiment of the invention more versatile for use on other articles of clothing including shirts, hats, pants, etc. because of the thin flexible nature of the OLED and the elimination of the need to have a carrier member built into the article of clothing. With the present invention, the OLED programmable display  204  can be adhered to and flex with the article of clothing that it is connected to. The present invention is intended to be utilized with any type of clothing article. 
         [0041]    In another embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 11 , the OLED display  204  is connected to an OLED hat arrangement  400 . The use of the OLED programmable display  204  makes the present embodiment of the invention more versatile because the OLED programmable display  204  is bent in a circular fashion and connected to the hat  402  allowing for information on the OLED display panel  204  to be continuously scrolled around the hat  402 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 12  shows another embodiment of the present invention where the OLED programmable display  204  is connected to a purse unit  502  as part of a purse arrangement  500 . Once again, the OLED programmable display  204  can flex with the outer exterior of the purse unit  502 .  FIG. 13  depicts yet another embodiment of the invention where the OLED programmable display  204  is connected to a high heeled shoe  602  as part of a high heeled shoe arrangement  600 . The OLED unit  204  can flex to accommodate the contours of the outer surface of the high heeled shoe  602 . 
         [0043]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and; thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.