Role-playing shoes with sound and light

Abstract

A role-playing shoe comprising a shoe body having a heel portion. A switch is mounted on the heel portion and a light and a speaker are included in the shoe body. An integrated circuit housed within the shoe body and electrically coupled to the switch, the light, and the speaker, lights the light and sounds the speaker upon actuation of the switch.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and right of priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/452,666 filed Mar. 6, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates generally to interactive role-playing toys and, more specifically, to electronic shoes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Conventional role-playing toys include items of clothing that allow a child to dress up as any of a number of characters and imagine themselves in any of a number of roles. Included among these items of clothing are dresses, shoes, and hats that, along with other props or accoutrements, are worn by a child to play a role. Additionally, typical electronic shoes include lights that are activated or flash when a wearer walks or runs in them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An electronic shoe that employs light, sound, and other visual thematic features would aid a child's imagination in playing a role and would be welcomed by users of such shoes. According to the present invention, a pair of dress-up electronic role-play shoes include a sound feature and a light feature built therein. The child wearer can selectively activate the sound feature to accompany the light feature when the child stands, walks, or runs while wearing the shoes. For example, the invention provides children's footwear that talk and play music relating to the role-playing theme of the shoe. The sound feature of a “bride” role-playing shoe may play one or more bride-related songs or sounds, such as “Here Comes the Bride.” The same feature for a “cheerleader” role-playing shoe may play a cheer or music that is typical for a cheerleader environment.

[0005] In particular, this invention includes a shoe comprising a shoe body having a heel portion. A switch is coupled to the heel portion and a light and a speaker are coupled to the shoe body. An integrated circuit housed within the shoe body and electrically coupled to the switch, the light, and the speaker, lights the light and sounds the speaker upon actuation of the switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention, comprising a shoe having a “bride” theme;

[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0008] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 5 is an opposite side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4;

[0011] FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0012] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 8 is a top exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 9 is a bottom exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1

[0015] FIG. 10 is a wiring diagram of the interior electric circuitry of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a first and second resilient push switch wired to a power source, an integrated circuit, a speaker and a light source;

[0016] FIG. 11 is a wiring diagram of the interior electric circuitry of a second shoe to be paired with the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a first and second resilient push switch wired to a power source, an integrated circuit, and a light source;

[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention, comprising a shoe having a “ballerina” theme;

[0018] FIG. 13 is a top exploded view of the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12;

[0019] FIG. 14 is a bottom exploded view of the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12;

[0020] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention, comprising a shoe having a “princess” theme;

[0021] FIG. 16 is a top exploded view of the third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15;

[0022] FIG. 17 is a bottom exploded view of the third: embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 15;

[0023] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, comprising a shoe having a “pop star” theme; and

[0024] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, comprising a shoe having a “cheerleader” theme.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a children's role-playing shoe including a sound feature and a light feature, the shoe being indicated generally by reference numeral 10. Although only one shoe 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-9, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the shoe 10 could be paired with a second shoe, and that the individual shoes comprising each pair may include different and/or unique features from one another. For example, FIGS. 1-9 illustrate a shoe to be worn on a child's right foot. As mentioned, the shoe 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 includes both a sound feature and a light feature. However, a left shoe to be paired with the shoe 10 of FIGS. 1-9 would not need to be identical to the right shoe 10 and could include some, all, or none of the features of the right shoe 10.

[0026] As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the shoe 10 includes an upper portion 12, a middle portion 14 and a lower portion 16. The lower portion 16 includes a heel portion 18 and a sole portion 20. The upper portion 12 is made of a flexible membrane, whereas the middle portion 14 and the lower portion 16 are made of molded plastic material. However, the upper portion 12 may also be made of a molded plastic material. The upper portion 12 is provided with a plurality of flexible straps 21 with each strap 21 including an aperture 23 to allow insertion of a series of projections 25 (FIG. 9) provided along the underside of the middle portion 14. Cap members (not shown) are provided to permanently secure each strap 21 to its respective projection 25. The middle portion 14 and the lower portion 16 are removably attached by a plurality of screws 22 (see FIG. 3). However, it is known that portions 12, 14 and 16 can be attached by any one of a number of methods known to one of ordinary skill, such as stapling, gluing, molding, snap-fitting, and so forth.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 8, middle portion 14 and lower portion 16 are shaped to define a hollow cavity 24. Located within the hollow cavity 24 is a speaker 26 (see FIG. 10) providing the music feature, multiple lights 28 providing the light feature, and a first integrated circuit 30 (FIG. 10). While some of the wiring and circuitry discussed is not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, one of ordinary skill in the art viewing the schematic illustration of the circuitry provided in FIG. 10 will readily understand how to incorporate the circuitry into the hollow cavity 24 of the shoe 10.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 10, the first integrated circuit 30 is electrically connected with a power source 29, the speaker 26, and the lights 28, such that the integrated circuit 30 controls operation of the speaker 26 and the lights 28. A battery, such as a cadmium battery, may be employed as the power source 29 to provide voltage to the speaker 26 and lights 28. However, other sources of power, such as a solar cell and/or a kinetic device may also be employed as the power source 29. Also, a singular power source 29 is utilized to power both the speaker 26 and the lights 28. However, multiple power sources 29 may be employed to power the speaker 26 and lights 28 separately. The lights 28 (see also FIGS. 8 and 9) are configured as light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) mounted in respective translucent protective enclosures 31 (FIGS. 8 and 9). The enclosures 31 protect the lights 28 from debris surrounding the shoe 10 in addition to protecting the lights 28 from being scratched, damaged, or otherwise broken while the shoe 10 is being worn by a child. However, where appropriate, other suitable lights 28 than LEDs may be employed.

[0029] As explained in more detail below, the speaker 26 is included in the shoe 10 for providing music, voices, and/or other miscellaneous sounds. In the shoe 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, the speaker 26 is circular and located in a preformed circular well 35 (FIG. 8) in the hollow cavity 24 of the shoe 10. A series of openings or slits 36 (FIGS. 3 and 9) are provided at the bottom of the circular well 35 along the sole portion 20, allowing sound generated by the speaker 26 to be audible to the child wearing the shoes 10 or bystanders in the vicinity of the child wearing the shoes 10.

[0030] Generally, buttons 32a, 32b are located on respective sides of the heel portion 18 of the shoe 10. As shown in FIG. 2, button 32a is positioned on the inside of heel portion 18, as oriented on the right-footed shoe 10 illustrated in FIG. 2, while button 32b is positioned on the outside of heel portion 18. In the shoe 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, actuation of the buttons 32a, 32b operates both the speaker 26 and the lights 28, such that the speaker 26 generates music, voices, and/or other miscellaneous sounds for a predetermined time and the lights 28 blink or flash on and off for a period of time. Such actuation of buttons 32a, 32b occurs, for example, when a child wearing the shoes 10 clicks together the heel portions 18 of the shoes 10. Of course, other modes of actuating buttons 32a, 32b will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The speaker 26 and lights 28 may be set to operate for predetermined times between about three to about five seconds, or if desired, shorter or longer periods of time. Further, the speaker 26 and lights 28 may be configured to operate only while buttons 32a, 32b are being actuated. The individual shoes comprising a pair may also be configured such that actuation of buttons 32a, 32b of a right shoe, for example, may operate both the speaker 26 and the lights 28, while actuation of the buttons 32a, 32b of a left shoe may only operate the lights 28. This configuration allows only one of the shoes in a pair to generate music, voices, and/or other miscellaneous sounds, thus preventing the generation of near-simultaneous or competing sounds by both shoes in the pair. However, if desired, both shoes of a pair could generate sounds.

[0031] The shoe 10 illustrated and described in FIGS. 1-9 is configured as a “bride” role-playing shoe 10. Accordingly, the buttons 32a, 32b are shaped to resemble wedding bells. This shape, however, may vary to coordinate with the selected decorative or roll-playing theme. Other configurations of the role-playing shoe may incorporate other designs and/or themes on the buttons 32a, 32b, and other parts of the shoe. For example, the shoe may be designed to evoke a ballerina theme (see FIGS. 12-14), a princess theme (see FIGS. 15-17), a pop-star theme (see FIG. 18), and a cheerleader theme (see FIG. 19).

[0032] Returning to FIGS. 1-9 and the shoe 10, a pair of apertures (not shown) are provided through opposite walls of the heel portion 18. The apertures allow insertion of the buttons 32a, 32b through the opposite side walls of the heel portion 18. The buttons 32a, 32b selectively engage momentary switches 42a, 42b (see FIG. 10), respectively, upon actuation of the buttons 32a, 32b. The switches 42a, 42b each include a flexible membrane (not shown), which is shaped to engage or abut the interior portion of the respective buttons 32a, 32b, thereby providing buttons 32a, 32b with resiliency after actuation. The momentary switches 42a, 42b are electrically connected to the first integrated circuit 30. Upon actuation of button 32a, for example, the first integrated circuit 30 may provide an output to both the speaker 26 and the lights 28. The integrated circuit 30 provides a first audio output to the speaker 26, while an intermittent voltage output is provided to the lights 28, causing the lights 28 to blink or flash. However, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the integrated circuit 30 can be structured to produce any of a number of desired outputs to the speaker 26 and lights 28 upon actuation of the switches 42a and 42b. The integrated circuit can be “programmed” in any of a number of ways to generate various sound and light outputs according to various themes as discussed above.

[0033] Further, referring to FIG. 11, a shoe may be configured with only lights 28. In the circuit diagram illustrated in FIG. 11, those parts that are the same as parts illustrated in FIG. 10 are numbered with like reference numerals. In the circuit of FIG. 11, switch 42a or 42b is triggered closed upon actuation of the respective buttons 32a or 32b, thus causing a second integrated circuit 44 to provide an output to the lights 28. The second integrated circuit 44 may provide an intermittent voltage output to the lights 28, causing the lights 28 to blink or flash. As mentioned, the circuit illustrated in FIG. 11 includes only lights and does not include a speaker like that included in FIG. 10. The circuit illustrated in FIG. 11 may be used, for example, in a left-footed shoe (not shown) to be paired with the right-footed shoe 10 shown in FIGS. 1-9. In this way, the right shoe would include both a light and a sound feature and the left shoe to be paired with it would only include a light feature. If desired, both shoes of a pair of shoes could contain both light and sound. Also, only one shoe of the pair could contain the light and sound and the other shoe would contain neither feature.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3, 8, and 9, another button 34 is provided on the bottom of the heel portion 18 of the shoe 10. The button 34 is actuated, for example, when a child wearing the shoe 10 walks or runs. In the shoe 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, actuation of the button 34 operates the lights 28 to blink or flash on and off for a period of time. The lights 28 may be configured to operate for a predetermined time between about three to about five seconds, or for shorter or longer periods of time. Also, the lights 28 may be configured to operate only while button 34 is being actuated. The shoe 10 may also be configured such that actuation of the button 34 operates both the speaker 26 and the lights 28. In such instance, the speaker 26 can generate music, voices, and/or other miscellaneous sounds for a predetermined period of time and the lights 28 can blink or flash on and off for the same or another predetermined period of time.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 9, an aperture 45 is provided through the bottom of heel portion 18 of the shoe 10. The aperture 45 allows insertion of the button 34 through the bottom of the heel portion 18 of the shoe 10. When actuated, the button 34 selectively engages a momentary switch 46 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The switch 46 includes a flexible membrane (not shown), which is shaped to engage or abut the interior portion of button 34, thereby providing button 34 with resilient actuation during operation. Referring to FIG. 10, the switch 46 is electrically connected to the first integrated circuit 30. Upon actuation of button 34, for example, switch 46 is triggered closed, thus causing the first integrated circuit 30 to provide an output to the lights 28. The integrated circuit 30 provides, for example, an intermittent voltage output to the lights 28, causing the lights 28 to blink or flash. However, upon actuation of button 34, switch 46 may trigger the first integrated circuit 30 to provide an output to both the speaker 26 and the lights 28. The integrated circuit 30 may provide an audio output to the speaker 26, while an intermittent voltage output may be provided to the lights 28, causing the lights 28 to blink or flash. Similarly, referring to FIG. 11, a second switch 46 in a shoe to be paired with the shoe 10 may trigger the second integrated circuit 44 to blink or flash lights 28 electrically connected to it.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 9, a second hollow cavity 48 is provided along the sole portion 20 of the shoe 10 for placement of the power source 29 (see FIG. 10, e.g., a singular battery, multiple batteries, a kinetic device, etc.). The power source 29 is secured within the second hollow cavity 48 by a cover 50, which is removably fastened to the sole portion 20 of the shoe 10 by a screw 52 (see FIG. 3). The toe end of the sole portion 20 of the shoe 10 is further provided with tread elements 54 to provide traction and minimize slips and falls. In addition to the tread elements 54, the toe end of the sole portion 20 may also employ buttons (not shown) which engage and trigger switches (not shown) to operate the speaker 26 and/or the lights 28 in the shoe 10.

[0037] Located adjacent the button 34 and within the hollow cavity 24 (above the button, as shown in FIG. 8) is a support structure generally referred to with the numeral 58. The support structure 58 supports that portion of the weight of the child wearing the shoe 10 that bears on the heel portion 18 of the shoe 10. Also, the support structure 58 supports the switches 42a, 42b so that they are aligned and may be engageable by the buttons 32a, 32b, respectively, upon actuation of the buttons 32a, 32b. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the support structure 58 includes a receiving member 60 and a coupling member 62. The receiving member 60 is generally rectangular in shape, and includes a pair of channels or grooves 66 at opposite ends for slidably receiving the switches 42a, 42b therein.

[0038] The coupling member 62 is generally semi-elliptical in shape and includes a mounting surface 68 (FIG. 9) to which the switch 46 (see FIG. 10) is fixed. Preferably, the mounting surface 68 includes multiple projections (not shown) to snap-fit the switch 46 thereon.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 8, another molded projection 69 is provided along the opposite surface of the coupling member 62 for supporting receiving member 60. The coupling member 62 is removably attached to the interior of the heel portion 18 of the shoe 10 by a pair of screws (not shown), and the receiving member 60 is secured to the coupling member 62 by a single screw (not shown) threaded into the projection 69.

[0040] Because shoes are typically purchased in pairs, some components disclosed herein may only be included in one of the shoes in the pair. For example, the speaker 26 need only be included in one of the shoes; but, where desired, speakers 26 may be employed in both shoes in the pair. The shoe 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9 includes both the speaker 26 and lights 28; therefore, the shoe to be paired with the shoe 10 may include only the lights 28. For example, as discussed, the circuit diagram of FIG. 11 is configured only to operate a light feature and may be used in a shoe to be paired with the shoe 10 employing the circuit of FIG. 10.

[0041] In operation, the child wearing the shoes 10 can touch or actuate the buttons 32a, 32b on the shoe 10 by such actions as clicking together the heel portions a pair of the shoes. Upon such an action, the shoe 10 including the speaker 26 generates music, voices, and/or other miscellaneous sounds, while the lights 28 blink or flash for a period of time, usually between about three to about five seconds. Also, the shoe paired with the shoe 10 does not necessarily include the speaker 26, but may blink or flash its lights 28 for a period of time, usually between about three to about five seconds. However, the lights 28 in each individual shoe may blink or flash for different periods of time. As previously stated, since the buttons 32a, 32b are located at the sides of the heel portions 18, the child wearing the shoes 10 may click the heel portions 18 together such that button 32a on one of the shoes contacts button 32a on the other of the shoes, thereby triggering operation of the speaker 26 and/or the lights 28.

[0042] In further operation, the button 34 is actuated as the child wearing the shoes 10 stands, walks, or runs. As a result, the switch 46 is triggered to cause the lights 28 to blink or flash for a period of time. The button 34 is continually actuated with each step, thereby causing the lights 28 to continually blink or flash as long as the child continues to step, walk, or run.

[0043] Each embodiment of the present invention has a role-playing theme or design. Another feature of the invention is that the music, voices, and/or other miscellaneous sounds generated by the speaker 26 are related to the role-playing theme of the particular pair of shoes. For example, the music generated by the “bride” role-playing shoe 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-9, may play one or more bride-related songs, such as “Here Comes the Bride.” Likewise, the sound generated by the “cheerleader” role-playing shoe, as shown in FIG. 19, may be music or sounds resembling a cheer that is typical of a cheerleader or may be a school fight song. The shoe could relate to any of a number of other themes that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the shoe could relate to an animal theme and generate animal sounds, etc.

[0044] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another embodiment of the invention, described as the “ballerina” role-playing shoe 100. All of the features comprising the shoe 100 correspond to features discussed above in the “bride” role-playing shoe 10 of FIGS. 1-9, and have been labeled with the same reference numeral, except preceded by the numeral “1”. As an example, with reference to FIG. 13, the shoe 100 includes an upper portion 112, a middle portion 114 and a lower portion 116. Likewise, the “ballerina” role-playing shoe 100 may include buttons 132 shaped to resemble roses.

[0045] FIGS. 15-17 illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention, described as the “princess” role-playing shoe 200. All of the features comprising the shoe 200 correspond to features discussed above in the “bride” role-playing shoe 10 of FIGS. 1-9, and have been labeled with the same reference numeral, except preceded by the numeral “2”. As an example, with reference to FIG. 16, the shoe 200 includes an upper portion 212, a middle portion 214 and a lower portion 216. Likewise, the “princess” role-playing shoe 200 may include buttons 232a, 232b configured to resemble hearts.

[0046] FIG. 18 illustrates still another embodiment of the invention, described as the “pop-star” role-playing shoe 300. All of the features comprising the shoe 300 correspond to features discussed above in the “bride” role-playing shoe 10 of FIGS. 1-9, and have been labeled with the same reference numeral, except preceded by the numeral “3”. As an example, with reference to FIG. 18, the “pop-star” role-playing shoe 300 may include buttons 332 shaped to resemble jewels.

[0047] FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of the invention, described as the “cheerleader” role-playing shoe 400. All of the features comprising the shoe 400 correspond to features discussed above in the “bride” role-playing shoe 10 of FIGS. 1-9, and have been labeled with the same reference numeral, except preceded by the numeral “4”. As an example, with reference to FIG. 19, the “cheerleader” role-playing shoe 400 may include buttons 432 configured to resemble bullhorns.

[0048] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A pair of shoes, comprising:

a first shoe and a second shoe;

a first electrical circuit mounted in the first shoe, the first circuit including a first power supply, a light, and a first switch that is mounted appropriately for a person wearing the shoes to actuate by contact with the second shoe for turning the light on; and

a second electrical circuit mounted in the second shoe, the second circuit including a second power supply, a speaker and a second switch that is mounted appropriately for a person wearing the shoes to actuate by contact with the first shoe for broadcasting sound through the speaker.

2. The shoes of claim 1 in which the first and second switches actuate each other when the shoes are placed side-by side and pressed together.

3. The shoes of claim 1 in which each of the shoes includes a heel portion, and each of the first and second switches is located on one of the heel portions.

4. The shoes of claim 3 in which the first and second switches actuate each other when the heel portions are pressed together.

5. The shoes of claim 1 in which actuating the first switch causes the light to flash.

6. The shoes of claim 5 in which actuating the first switch causes the light to flash for a predetermined time and then stop flashing.

7. The shoes of claim 1 in which actuating the second switch causes the speaker to broadcast a voice or music.

8. The shoes of claim 7 in which actuating the second switch causes the speaker to broadcast the voice or the music for a predetermined time and then stop broadcasting.

9. The shoes of claim 7 in which the voice or the music is related to a theme.

10. The shoes of claim 9, wherein the first and second shoes are decorated in accordance with the theme.

11. A pair of shoes, comprising:

a first shoe and a second shoe, each of the shoes including a heel portion and a sole portion;

first and second heel portion switches, at least one of the heel portion switches mounted appropriately on each of the heel portions for a person wearing the shoes to actuate a pair of the heel portion switches by pressing the heel portions against each other;

first and second sole portion switches, one of the sole portion switches mounted appropriately on each of the sole portions for the person to actuate the sole portion switches, respectively, by walking in the shoes;

a first light attached to the first shoe and activated by the first sole switch;

a second light attached to the second shoe and activated by second sole switch; and

a speaker attached to the second shoe and activated by the second heel portion switch.

12. The shoes of claim 11 in which actuating the first sole portion switch causes the first light to flash and actuating the second sole portion switch causes the second light to flash.

13. The shoes of claim 12 in which actuating the first sole portion switch causes the first light to flash for a predetermined time and then stop flashing.

14. The shoes of claim 12 in which actuating the first heel portion switch causes the first light to flash and actuating the second heel portion switch causes the second light to flash and the speaker to broadcast a voice or music.

15. The shoes of claim 14 in which actuating the second heel portion switch causes the speaker to broadcast voices or music for a predetermined time and then stop broadcasting.

16. The shoes of claim 14, wherein the first and second shoes are decorated in a role-playing theme and the voice or the music is related to the theme.

17. The shoes of claim 11 in which a first electrical circuit is mounted in the first shoe and is connected to the first light, the first sole portion switch, and a first power supply.

18. The shoes of claim 11 in which a second electrical circuit is mounted in the second shoe and is connected to the second light, the second sole portion switch, the second heel portion switch, the speaker, and a second power supply.

19. The shoes of claim 11 in which the speaker is activated exclusively by the second heel portion switch.

20. A shoe comprising:

a shoe body having a heel portion;

a switch mounted on the heel portion;

at least one light mounted on the shoe body;

a speaker mounted on the shoe body; and

an integrated circuit housed within the shoe body and electrically connected to the switch, the light, and the speaker, the integrated circuit controlling the light and speaker upon actuation of the switch.

21. The shoe of claim 20, wherein the shoe body includes a sole portion, and a second switch is mounted on the sole portion, the second switch being electrically connected to the integrated circuit and controlling the operation of the light.

22. The shoe of claim 20, further comprising a second light mounted on the shoe body, such light being controlled by the switch.

23. The shoe of claim 22, wherein the first and second lights are activated at the same time.

24. The shoe of claim 20, wherein the speaker sounds a musical tune that relates to a theme and the shoe body is decorated in the theme.

25. The shoe of claim 20, wherein the speaker makes sounds related to a theme and the shoe body is decorated in the theme.

26. The shoe of claim 20, wherein the heel portion includes an inside face and an outside face and a switch is mounted on the inside face.

27. The shoe of claim 20, wherein the switch mounted on the inside face is adapted to be activated by contact with the inside face of a second shoe.