Abstract: A lighting unit is removably inserted into a pocket to create a light effect through use of a light effect material. The lighting unit has a PCB with a first side to which one or more LEDs and a battery are mounted. A clear potting material encloses the PCB, LEDs, and the battery and creates a transparent space proximate an inner surface of the light effect material which maintains the light effect material at a preselected distance from the LEDs so that light emitted from each light emitting die is dispersed by a plurality of dispersive elements in the light effect materials to create the light material viewing effect.

Abstract: Lighted footwear having a sole member; an illumination system positioned in the sole; and, an upper member providing an illumination path for receiving the light from the illumination system to illuminate at least a first portion of the upper.

Abstract: A light effect material is used to create a viewing effect visible to a viewer on the opposite side of the light effect material than one or more LEDs which emit light which is dispersed by dispersive elements on the outer surface of the light effect material. A transparent space is used to space the LEDs apart from the dispersive elements of the light effect material and light emitting dies of the LEDs are substantially parallel to the light effect material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.

Abstract: A docking system for the interchangeable attachment of personal devices such as lights, electronic devices, popular survival and safety equipment and the like, to the outer face of an article of clothing. It has a pair of discs held in a parallel, spaced arrangement by a pair of opposing stanchions so that a slot is created between the disks and the stanchions. Into this slot may be inserted an engageable tab connected normally to an arm that is affixed to, or extends from a personal device, such as an emergency light. The emergency light has a plethora of lighting modes that regulate which of the numerous disposed LEDs will be illuminated and in what pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a direct-type backlight module and a display apparatus. The direct-type backlight module may comprise: a backplane; a plurality of LED lamps distributed in an array which are positioned on the backplane; a diffusion plate above the plurality of LED lamps; and multiple optical fibers connecting two adjacent LED lamps of the plurality of LED lamps, each optical fiber being provided with a plurality of light transmission openings distributed at intervals towards the diffusion plate along its extension direction. Wherein part of light emitted from each LED lamp can be propagated along the optical fiber and transmitted to the diffusion plate via the light transmission openings. The direct-type backlight module directs part of the light emitted from the LED lamps through the plurality of light transmission openings to the diffusion plate using the optical fibers, which changes the LED lamps in the form of point light sources into area light sources.

Abstract: A lighting shoe includes a power generating device. When a user steps on or presses the lighting shoe, the power generating device bears an external force and generates an inducted current or charge by electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric characteristic to supply the LED to light. To be suitable for the thickness, the electrical requirement, or the cost of the lighting shoe, various similar power generating devices are disclosed to match the shoes in the present invention. The lighting shoe of the invention can increase the identification rate in the night, and improve the traffic safety of the user.

Abstract: A tensioning system for articles of footwear and articles of apparel is disclosed. The tensioning system includes a tensioning member that is tightened or loosened using a motorized tensioning device for winding and unwinding the tensioning member on a spool. The tensioning system may be used with various sensors to determine how the motorized tensioning device should be controlled.

Abstract: An illumination system is housed in a footwear, the footwear including a sole and an upper. An interfacing layer and a liner form inner interior layers connected to the upper. A plurality of illumination sources are electrically connected to a power source and positioned adjacent to the liner. The illumination sources are positioned between the liner and upper. The upper has a light diffusing section. The light emitted from the plurality of illumination sources is diffused as it passes through the light diffusing section of the upper. Aesthetic designs can be creating, either through the arrangement of the plurality of illumination sources or the provision of a light impermeable section on the upper. The light impermeable section, in combination with the light diffusion section, can be used to form or outline an aesthetic design. The result is an internally illuminated footwear with diffused light.

Abstract: A locator assembly is provided. The locator assembly includes an article of wear and a location sending device embedded in the article of wear. A bio-related electric generator is connected to the location sending device for providing power for the location sending device. A system for locating a person and a locating method are also provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.

Abstract: The sole section of a shoe includes a midsole and an outsole, with the midsole being made from a translucent material. An illumination system is located inside the translucent midsole, causing the translucent midsole to be internally illuminated when the illumination system is active. Due to the translucent nature of the midsole light from the illumination system reflects internally throughout the midsole, increasing illumination. The light will also illuminate adjacent translucent components, such as the outsole if it is also made from a translucent material. Light from the illumination system can be blocked, such as by an opaque outsole or colored mold injection, and used to form an illuminated design or logo. By blacking out or covering sections of the translucent midsole, shapes and letters of visible light can be created in the negative space of the obstruction sections. This allows illuminated designs to easily be incorporated into footwear.

Abstract: A shoe ornament structure, comprises: a base layer, a sub-base layer, a ground color layer, a ornamental layer, a blocking wall and a transparent layer. The ground color layer has a predetermined thickness and is formed on the sub-base layer. The ornamental layer is formed with different grains or color or materials and located on the ground color layer. The blocking wall of a height 0.5-0.7 mm is formed on ornamental layer, and the transparent layer is formed in the area defined by the blocking wall.

Abstract: An illumination system is housed in a footwear, the footwear including a sole and an upper. A structure and a liner form inner layers connected to the upper. A plurality of illumination sources are electrically connected to a power source and positioned adjacent to the liner. The illumination sources are positioned between the liner and upper. A batting is designed to be light diffusing, while the upper has a light diffusing section. The light emitted from the plurality of illumination sources is diffused as it passes through the batting and light diffusing section. Aesthetic designs can be creating, either through the arrangement of the plurality of illumination sources or the provision of a light impermeable section on the upper. The light impermeable section, in combination with the light diffusion section, can be used to form or outline an aesthetic design. The result is an internally illuminated footwear with diffused light.

Abstract: A system for advertising on footwear by displaying promotional content on an electronic display of the footwear and wherein the promotional content being displayed occupies 25% to 100% of the outer surface of the footwear. Additionally, the content can be displayed according to a plurality of conditions including time of day, rate of motion of the footwear and environmental lighting conditional around the footwear.

Abstract: The present application relates to an insulation pack in a wearable article, such as a footwear article. In one example embodiment, the insulation pack includes a perforated air retention and communication layer, an insulating compressible layer, and a reflective layer. In a compressed state, when the wearable article is worn by a wearer, the perforated air retention and communication layer and the insulating compressible layer maintain a lofted air space which is in air communication with an inner body space of the wearable article and acts as an insulating layer. Further, the reflective layer reflects radiated body heat. Thus, the insulation pack may provide a heat retention and insulation system for the wearable article by reducing body heat lost via radiation and conduction.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and footwear systems include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of footwear for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and footwear are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for the module for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.

Abstract: Footwear 9, e.g. a Trainer, comprises an Upper 1 and a Sole 2a, serves as a mounting means for a Control Panel with Touchscreen capability 3, and Qwerty Keyboard 4, with a Controller 3b under control panel 3, located in Upper 1, and an L.C.D., L.E.D., or O.L.E.D. Display Screen 2b, located in Cavity 2c, cut out of 2a to allow screen depth that is flexible and goes completely round the Sole 2a, 2b is supported by 2c and Sole 2a, displaying moving text and graphics in optional settings. The Display screen 2b is controlled by Screen 3 or 4, and has solar power capability 6, as does screen 12. A USB Port 7, in upper 1, recharges built in Battery 11, and also a battery light indicator 8. A battery 11, a controller 13, and an extra display screen 12, which can be controlled by 2d, 13, 3, 4.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices may include an authentication or activation system for providing power or otherwise determining the connection of a sensor in the article of footwear.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes at least one illuminable strand located to be visible from an exterior of the article of footwear. In some configurations, the upper includes a power source at least partially embedded within the upper and electrically-coupled to the illuminable strand. In another configuration, the upper includes a foundation layer and a cover layer that are secured to each other, and the illuminable strand is located between the foundation layer and the cover layer.

Abstract: A footwear covering system includes a piece of footwear having a sole with a perimeter boundary material and a footwear cover attached to the piece of footwear. The footwear cover includes an attachment device, a sheath attached to the resilient clamp and forming an elongate arcuate cover and indicia on the sheath portraying the face of a character. The attachment device may include a snap-fit connector and/or a resilient clamp with an inner surface with grippers, the resilient clamp being shaped to conform with the perimeter boundary material of the sole of the piece of footwear. The footwear cover may include a battery compartment housing a battery, and in some embodiments the snap-fit connector comprises conductors that establish an electrical connection when the snap-fit connector is mated with a complementary connector on the piece of footwear.

Abstract: The sole section of a shoe includes a midsole and an outsole, with the midsole being made from a translucent material. An illumination system is located inside the translucent midsole, causing the translucent midsole to be internally illuminated when the illumination system is active. Due to the translucent nature of the midsole light from the illumination system reflects internally throughout the midsole, increasing illumination. The light will also illuminate adjacent translucent components, such as the outsole if it is also made from a translucent material. Light from the illumination system can be blocked, such as by an opaque outsole or colored mold injection, and used to form an illuminated design or logo. By blacking out or covering sections of the translucent midsole, shapes and letters of visible light can be created in the negative space of the obstruction sections. This allows illuminated designs to easily be incorporated into footwear.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the Illuminated Shoe incorporates an Illumination Apparatus System. The base comprises a peripheral housing member and a sole. The PCB film upon which a plurality of individual LED lights are affixed and through which a battery is in communication. The PCB can also be used to assemble the LED lights for positioning on the sides of the shoes in a similar fashion as the soles. The peripheral housing member encases the sole. It should be noted that the illuminated shoe can be fabricated in a panoply of different styles such as high-top basketball shoes, or low-rise tennis shoes.

Abstract: The sole section of a shoe includes a midsole and an outsole, with the midsole being made from a translucent material. An illumination system is located inside the translucent midsole, causing the translucent midsole to be internally illuminated when the illumination system is active. Due to the translucent nature of the midsole light from the illumination system reflects internally throughout the midsole, increasing illumination. The light will also illuminate adjacent translucent components, such as the outsole if it is also made from a translucent material. Light from the illumination system can be blocked, such as by an opaque outsole or colored mold injection, and used to form an illuminated design or logo. By blacking out or covering sections of the translucent midsole, shapes and letters of visible light can be created in the negative space of the obstruction sections. This allows illuminated designs to easily be incorporated into footwear.

Abstract: The present invention features a path lighting system integrated with a slipper for wearing a foot of a user. The system features a slipper. A slipper sole is located on a slipper sole plane. The system features a rechargeable power supply located in the slipper sole close to a slipper anterior end. A charging port is located on a slipper sole side edge. The system features a power switch. The system features a light located on a slipper top close to the slipper anterior end. The light is located on a light plane and projects a light beam on the light plane. The light plane is parallel to the slipper sole plane. The light is located in a light housing that is integrated into and contiguous with the slipper top.

Abstract: A sandal includes a footwear body, one affixing strap and an illumination arrangement. The footwear body has top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of light cavities formed on the top surface of the footwear body. The affixing strap has a plurality of light admissible end portions and a body portion extended between the light admissible end portions, wherein the light admissible end portions are mounted in the light cavities respectively. The illumination arrangement is provided in the footwear body, and includes a plurality of illumination units mounted in the light cavities of the footwear body to generate illumination toward the light admissible end portions of the affixing strap respectively for illuminating the sandal in a predetermined illumination pattern.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.

Abstract: An indicator for a heated article of footwear that includes an outer shell and a removable inner liner is described. The inner liner includes a heating system with an indicator disposed on a forefoot region of the inner liner. The heating system is integrated within the inner liner and is removable with the inner liner from the outer shell. A viewing window is disposed on the outer shell at a location corresponding to the indicator located on the inner liner. With this arrangement, the status condition of the heating system on the inner liner may be communicated to a wearer of the article through the viewing window from within the interior of the article.

Abstract: A display apparatus for lighted footwear, having a spring switch, a battery-powered integrated circuit sealingly encapsulated, a plurality of illuminators, and a wiring harness connecting the illuminators to points of the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit being configured for activating the illuminators in a sequential pattern that can include repeated activation cycles when the spring switch is subjected to an effective acceleration. The display apparatus preferably includes the battery being sealingly encapsulated together with the spring switch and the integrated circuit; an ON/OFF switch can be included for selectively producing a deep sleep state of the integrated circuit that is unresponsive to the spring switch. Also disclosed is footwear incorporating the display apparatus, wherein the encapsulated enclosure is located within a sole heel portion of the shoe, and the illuminators are distributed on the footwear for external view.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes at least one illuminable strand located to be visible from an exterior of the article of footwear. In some configurations, the upper includes a power source at least partially embedded within the upper and electrically-coupled to the illuminable strand. In another configuration, the upper includes a foundation layer and a cover layer that are secured to each other, and the illuminable strand is located between the foundation layer and the cover layer.

Abstract: A piece of footwear includes ornamental protrusions made to resemble toes. The toe-shaped protrusions stick out beyond the user's toes and may include toenails or other designs. Decorations on the surface of the toes, such as lights or removable ornaments, augment the toes' design. The decorations may take the form of lights within the protrusions that activate selectively in response to the wearer's movement. The lights may be visible within recesses in the protrusions or through transparent or translucent coverings over the protrusions. The decorations may also take the form of self-adhesive ornaments such as stickers or gems that are provided to the user, allowing the user to customize the look of the toe protrusions through selection and positioning of the ornaments thereon. Ornaments may also include symbols which can be arranged to convey a message selected by the user. Ornaments may be removed and replaced or interchanged as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, and shoe comprising an electronic chip. In order to provide a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with an electronic chip in a more cost efficient way compared to the prior art, wherein the chip can easily be replaced or removed in case of failure or for recycling, the invention provides an insole, in particular for a sports shoe, wherein the insole comprises an electronic chip. The insole may be fitted into any kinds of shoes and may be readily replaced or removed, as is not an inherent part of the shoe.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.

Abstract: A sandal includes a footwear body, one affixing strap and an illumination arrangement. The footwear body has top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of light cavities formed on the top surface of the footwear body. The affixing strap has a plurality of light admissible end portions and a body portion extended between the light admissible end portions, wherein the light admissible end portions are mounted in the light cavities respectively. The illumination arrangement is provided in the footwear body, and includes a plurality of illumination units mounted in the light cavities of the footwear body to generate illumination toward the light admissible end portions of the affixing strap respectively for illuminating the sandal in a predetermined illumination pattern.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a lighting system is disclosed. The lighting system includes three lighting devices disposed on the article of footwear. The lighting system is also associated with an automatic fastening system. The lighting system is configured to control a lighting device based on information received from the automatic fastening system.

Abstract: Shoe comprises an upper part and a sole. One or more of the upper part and the sole comprise one or more lights that display an indication of a lifespan of the shoe.

Abstract: Articles of footwear and other devices include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the footwear or other devices. Such devices include: (a) a housing, optionally an asymmetrical housing, for receiving an electronic module; (b) release mechanisms for removably mounting the module in the housing; and/or (c) activation/authentication systems for selectively activating the module. Additionally, methods of making articles of footwear or other structures that include such housings, electronic modules, release systems, activation systems, authentication systems, etc. are described. Performance sensing systems and methods of using the above devices for sensing performance characteristics also are described.

Abstract: A lighting shoe includes a power generating device. When a user steps on or presses the lighting shoe, the power generating device bears an external force and generates an inducted current or charge by electromagnetic induction or piezoelectric characteristic to supply the LED to light. To be suitable for the thickness, the electrical requirement, or the cost of the lighting shoe, various similar power generating devices are disclosed to match the shoes in the present invention. The lighting shoe of the invention can increase the identification rate in the night, and improve the traffic safety of the user.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having an array of light sources and a loudspeaker wherein the light sources are illuminated in a flashing pattern in response to activation of a motion switch, and in another mode of operation triggered by operation of a manual switch both the light sources and loudspeaker cycle through a series of discrete sequences of flashes and beeps culminating with only one light source remaining illuminated.

Abstract: A shoe device comprising a shoe component; at least one electronic display disposed on a portion of the shoe component, the electronic display is constructed from at least three layers including a center layer constructed from a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display for providing active color and graphics, a waterproof outer layer, and a fabric inner layer, the outer layer and inner layer sandwich the center layer; a universal serial bus (USB) port; a microprocessor operatively connected to the flexible OLED display and USB port, the microprocessor is configured to send output commands to the flexible OLED display to cause the flexible OLED display to display graphic data; and one or more control buttons for manipulating the microprocessor and flexible OLED display.

Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes at least one illuminable strand located to be visible from an exterior of the article of footwear. In some configurations, the upper includes a power source at least partially embedded within the upper and electrically-coupled to the illuminable strand. In another configuration, the upper includes a foundation layer and a cover layer that are secured to each other, and the illuminable strand is located between the foundation layer and the cover layer.

Abstract: A bottomless rainproof shoe cover assembly includes a shoe cover and a fixture. The shoe cover is formed into one body by injection molding. One side of the shoe cover is provided with a lateral opening. Fastening tapes are provided on both sides of the lateral opening. The lower periphery of the shoe cover is provided with protrusions. The top surface of the shoe cover is provided with protrusions to form a fixing trough. Both sides of the fixing trough are provided with a positioning hole. The fixture is positioned in the fixing trough for keeping the shoe cover in shape. The present invention provides a greater degree of coverage and convenience in use. Further, the manufacturing process, the amount of materials and the cost are reduced.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing the look of footwear. The footwear of the system includes a display that can show high resolution images and covers a large portion of the footwear surface. A user can create and transfer designs to be displayed. Designs can be bought or shared over the Internet. The system also allows the user to use a handheld device to detect the color of another object and then display substantially the same color in pixels of the display.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting communication data of a fixed line phone include acquiring the communication data of the fixed line phone, writing the communication data into a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. The system and method further include establishing a communication between the fixed line phone and a handheld device using the RFID tag and a RFID reader of the handheld device, and transmitting the communication data in the RFID tag to the RFID reader.

Abstract: A footwear capable of presenting visual information includes: a footwear body including a sole portion, and an upper portion that is connected to the sole portion, that defines a receiving space for receiving a foot, and that has an outer surface; a display device including a display unit that is disposed on the outer surface of the upper portion, and a light-transmissive protection layer that is disposed to cover the display unit; a control device including a control unit that is connected electrically to the display unit for controlling operation of the display unit to display visual information on the display unit; and a power supply that is connected electrically to the display device and the control device and that is operable for powering the control device and the display device.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure includes a chamber and at least one illuminable element. The chamber is formed from an at least partially transparent polymer material that encloses a fluid, and a portion of an exterior surface of the chamber is exposed to form a portion of an exterior surface of the footwear. The illuminable element is located within the sole structure and adjacent to the exterior surface the chamber. Light from the illuminable element may pass out of the sole structure by passing through the chamber, thereby imparting the configuration of an illuminable fluid-filled chamber.

Abstract: Articles of clothing or pieces of athletic equipment include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the clothing or athletic equipment or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of clothing or piece of athletic equipment for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and clothing or piece of athletic equipment are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.

Abstract: The invention describes a safety replaceable heel mechanism that is used to adjust the height of women's shoes. The mechanism comprises a shoe sole, a removable heel comprising a heel connector and an interchangeable heel, and a locking key to securely connect the removable heel to the shoe sole. The heel is detached and the shoe can be worn without the heel, providing a pair of shoes suitable for different occasions. The invention is provides a stable structure avoiding unwanted movement of the removable heel for adjusting the comfort of a particular pair of shoes during the course of a day.

Abstract: An internally illuminated footwear has a light source shining into a translucent component. Boundary sections are created in the translucent component and are arranged to create various visuals, such as designs and logos. The boundary sections are formed by cavities which cut into the translucent component. Abrasive surfaces may be added to the cavities, or replace the cavities and be added to the surface of the translucent component. The cavities may be filled with a boundary material. Bubbles can be formed within the boundary sections and the translucent component. Light waves originate at the light source and travel through the translucent component. Due to different refractive indices, a light wave will be refracted as it encounters cavities in the boundary sections. The refracting light wave will then appear to originate at the cavities. In this manner, the cavities will appear to have their own individual illuminating source.