Abstract: Lighted footwear has a light disposed at a top portion of an upper of the footwear. The light is disposed to shine downward, ahead of a toe of the footwear. In one embodiment, lighted wading boots have one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), emitting light of one or more frequencies, colors or intensities. The LED(s) are disposed in a waterproof light housing molded into a top portion of the upper of the wading boot. The LED(s) are disposed to shine downward, ahead of a toe of the boot. A waterproof battery compartment is molded into the top portion of the upper of the wading boot. A battery therein is operatively coupled to power the LED(s). A switch is disposed in a waterproof switch housing molded into a top portion of the upper of the wading boot to operatively coupled the battery and the LED(s) to control LED operation.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method that includes the steps of: incorporating at least one light source in an upper part of a shoe, wherein the at least one light source that comprises at least a light emitting source that is capable of illuminating, wherein the shoe comprises: 1) the upper part, 2) at least one bonding strip, and 3) a shoe bottom sole part, assembling at least the upper part with the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form an assembled unit; and c) applying sufficient heat to vulcanize the assembled unit so as to result in securing the upper part to the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form the shoe having the at least one light source that is capable of illuminating.

Abstract: An illuminant shoe has a body, an outsole and an illuminating device. The body has a putting segment, a lifting cover and an insole. The putting segment has a heel lining and a through hole. The lifting cover is connected to the heel lining. The insole is mounted in the putting segment. The outsole is mounted on the putting segment and has a mounting chamber. The illuminating device is mounted in the mounting chamber and has an illuminating module, a controlling module and a switch. The illuminating module has first wires, multiple illuminating elements and a first electrical element. The controlling module is connected to the illuminating module and has two second electrical elements, multiple second wires, a controlling unit, a battery and a protecting casing. The switch is mounted in the putting segment, is connected to the controlling module and has a third wire and a third electrical element.

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: A shoe which emits a high intensity narrow spectrum light out the bottom of the sole and sanitizes the floor directly underneath from staph bacteria.

Abstract: A piece of footwear has a sole and a heel mount on the sole suitable for mounting and displaying one of a plurality of interchangeable collectible heels. Collectible heels may be mounted to the heel mount. Each of the collectible heels adorned with collectible markings, such as the name of an athlete, the emblem of a sports team, a real or fictitious character, a national flag, or collegiate marking or other marks, drawings designs or the like suitable, for collecting. Optionally, multiple heels may be mounted on a display board, and thus housed and display together.

Abstract: Active-response golf shoes are disclosed. The golf shoes include a plurality of sensors, a controller, and at least one active-response element. The sensor and controller operate to rapidly determine if a golfer is walking or swinging a golf club. Once this determination is made the controller and active-response element rapidly change the shoe's characteristics. If the controller determines that the golfer is walking, the shoe provides a soft and flexible walking platform. If the controller determines that the golfer is swinging, the shoe morphs or changes automatically to provide a stable hitting platform. The controller senses various predetermined conditions such as pressure of the user's foot to determine whether the golfer is walking or swinging. The active-response element is a lateral adjuster having an upper bracket located in the laces area and a lower bracket affixed to the side of the sole, brackets supporting a plurality of electrostrictive polymer bands.

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: A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.

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: An article of footwear is provided having a decorative lighting arrangement wherein one or more LEDs are mounted within the interior of one or more sleeves, having the appearance of a shoelace, which are located in the toe portion of the shoe.

Abstract: A combined footwear and associated fastening accessory for use therewith may include footwear with a tongue, a plurality of apertures, and a fastening accessory removably coupled to the footwear. The accessory may include a housing removably seated directly on the tongue. A plurality of deformably resilient elastic arms may be coupled to the housing and radially extended from the housing. The arms may include fasteners terminating at corresponding apertures and removably connected thereto, such that the housing may remain centrally aligned on the tongue and prohibited from becoming disengaged. Also, a mechanism may be included for selectively adjusting tension in each of the arms by rotating the housing along clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, while maintaining the fasteners directly connected to the apertures. Further, a mechanism for illuminating the housing when the top cap is in a raised position may be included and may illuminate the housing during walking conditions.

Abstract: An article of footwear and a footwear housing is disclosed. The footwear housing includes a charging station that can be used to charge a battery in the footwear housing.

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.

Abstract: A lighted panel in combination with an article of footwear wherein the lighted panel includes a translucent display panel, a foam sheet, at least one primary light diffuser, and a reflective sheet that together act to illuminate, and distribute light uniformly throughout, the translucent display panel without any concentrated points of light.

Abstract: A protective boot is provided for firefighters and other emergency workers. The protective boot includes a sole, and an upper having a multi-layer construction to surround a foot of a wearer. The multi-layer upper includes an outershell, at least one radiant energy reflective layer located within the outershell, and at least one thermal insulative layer located within the at least one radiant energy reflective layer.

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: 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: The invention provides a compactly contained multiple-component sensing device for detecting toe-walking and other physical conditions and providing repetitive positive reinforcement stimuli to correct the same. A comprehensive software system enables therapeutic management of the sensing and stimulus device and easy changes in therapy, stimulus content, stimulus frequency and other factors. A variety of circuit and housing arrangements allow adaptability to manufacture, user, and treatment professional demands.

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 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: 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: An embodiment of the present invention is a method that includes the steps of: incorporating at least one light source in an upper part of a shoe, wherein the at least one light source that comprises at least a light emitting source that is capable of illuminating, wherein the shoe comprises: 1) the upper part, 2) at least one bonding strip, and 3) a shoe bottom sole part, assembling at least the upper part with the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form an assembled unit; and c) applying sufficient heat to vulcanize the assembled unit so as to result in securing the upper part to the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form the shoe having the at least one light source that is capable of illuminating.

Abstract: Shoe having at least one pressure sensor provided in the shoe cushioning element, as well as system components for emitting, receiving and evaluating the signals of the sensor.

Abstract: An article of footwear comprising a sole and at least one strap connected to the sole, a mounting base permanently affixed to the strap and a modular light unit removably mounted to the base. The modular light unit contains a light, a power source and a switch between the power source and light operable to energize and denergize the light.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a shoe includes a sole and an upper attached to the sole. The upper has a first transparent window formed therein, with the first window being completely contained within the upper such that material that forms the upper completely surrounds the first window. The first window permits an interior of the shoe to be visible.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has at least one fluid-filled chamber capable of transmitting light and a recess. A light source is positioned in the recess, and an outsole is secured to a lower surface of the sole assembly.

Abstract: An article of security footwear includes electronic devices that protect the wearer and those about him by sounding an alarm, emitting an electronic signal, or activating a light source in the event the shoe contains an unauthorized or dangerous article. The shoe is of use when passing through a security pass point. The security shoe can also be provided with electronic communicating and or electronic locator devices with their attendant accessories i.e. power, activating devices, transmitter, antenna, etc. which can be activated by the user or a remote third party.

Abstract: An insole (102) for a shoe is provided, having a display surface (116), preferably disposed on an insert, for the display of information when the insole is in place in a shoe. A shoe (10), for example a sports shoe, is also provided having a receiver disposed on its external surface. The receiver retains an insert having a display surface, visible when the shoe is being worn and adapted for the display of information. The display surface may carry a brand or other design and/or emit light or sound by means of a suitable emission device. An accessory for a shoe comprises a mount for securing to a shoe, the mount having a display surface adapted to be visible when the shoe is being worn. The mount preferably holds an insert of the kind mentioned above.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method that includes the steps of: incorporating at least one light source, having a light emitting source that is capable of illuminating, in an upper part of a shoe that includes: 1) the upper part, 2) at least one bonding strip, and 3) a shoe bottom sole part; assembling at least the upper part with the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form an assembled unit; and c) applying sufficient heat to vulcanize the assembled unit so as to result in securing the upper part to the at least one bonding strip and the shoe bottom sole part to form the shoe having the at least one light source that is capable of illuminating.

Abstract: A footwear unit having a pre-programmable, self-programmable and reprogrammable display with a panel that is operably aligned with a window located on the outside surface of the footwear unit. 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. The controller also stores information or data that later be viewed on the panel.

Abstract: A shoe incorporates reflexology and acupressure as applied to a foot when wearing the shoe. The shoe has a sole with a battery powered vibration unit that mechanically vibrates a spiked gel insole located near the underside of a foot. The rounded spikes of the insole stimulate the acupressure points of the foot for its relaxation and pleasant feelings in a person. The sole of the shoe has a port for battery charging, a switch to control the vibration, and a charge indicator light at the sole's edge. The sole has a latch to remove the battery from a compartment in the heel area. The vibrating shoe operates while bearing the weight of a person or not. A transmitter remotely activates the vibration unit as a person is standing.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a reflective outsole is disclosed. The article of footwear has an outsole including a reflective device that covers one or several portions of the outsole. The reflective device is composed of a thin and flexible material that does interfere with the natural flexibility of the outsole. The reflective device may extend over a substantial majority of a lower surface of the outsole, including a portion of the outer periphery of the outsole.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for incorporating a resilient source of high-visibility illumination into an article of footwear. A biomechanically-sound and hermetically-sealed electronics module contains a microprocessor, power source, and at least one light source, such as a light emitting diode, or LED. The LEDs are not externally visible, but rather illuminate a diffusive substrate that is incorporated into the construction of the footwear, allowing for visibility from substantially every angle above the bottom of the sole. A control panel enables the wearer to turn the power on and off, change colors, rotate through transition effects, and the like. A charging pad allows for the wireless and contact-less recharging of the onboard power source.

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: Children's footwear configured to have the appearance of a motor vehicle. The footwear has a light emitting device, a sound emitting device, and a remote transmitter for controlling the light emitting device and the sound emitting device. The footwear may come in a variety of motor vehicle appearances.

Abstract: The banding device for application to a segment of footwear, whether it be to the heel, sole, around the vamp portion of the shoe, in any combination thereof, which due to its elasticity allows for its stretching into position to be secured either as an endless or continuous loop, or a segment of a length of elastic device, for application to these components of the shoe to vary the coloration, design, indicia, trademark, or other aesthetics for the footwear.

Abstract: A shoe apparatus includes a shoe sole and a shoe upper atop the shoe sole. The shoe apparatus includes at least one sensor for determining when at least a portion of the shoe sole is compressed and includes at least one speaker. A processor is in data communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one speaker, the processor having programming to actuate the at least one speaker to output sound when the at least one sensor detects the compression. The processor may also be in communication with at least one light, the processor having programming to actuate the light when the sensor detects that a wearer has taken a step. At least one battery is in electrical communication with the at least one speaker and the processor.

Abstract: A decorative object connectable to a connected object includes a connecting member connected to the connected object, a stylish decorative member fixed to an end of the connecting member, and a light emitting device installed in the stylish decorative member. Another end of the connecting member has a positioning portion, and the positioning portion includes a passage with an opening on both ends. The stylish decorative member has a top surface and a bottom surface, and the bottom surface is used for connecting the connecting member. A corresponding internal side of the top surface of the stylish decorative member has a contact portion. The light emitting device has a power switch installed corresponding to the contact portion, such that when an external force is exerted onto the stylish decorative member, the contact portion is in contact with the power switch to turn on the power of the light emitting device.

Abstract: A system and method for securing accessories to shoes and other articles of clothing is described. One illustrative embodiment is a system for attaching a decorative accessory to a shoe, the system comprising a shaft having first and second ends; a first shoulder secured to the first end of the shaft, the first shoulder being configured for insertion through an expandable hole in an upper portion of the shoe and configured to engage an inner surface of the upper portion of the shoe; a second shoulder secured to the second end of the shaft, the second shoulder being configured to engage the shoe; and a third shoulder adjacent to the second shoulder, the third shoulder comprising the decorative accessory.

Abstract: An article of footwear is provided having a decorative lighting arrangement wherein one or more LEDs are mounted within the interior of one or more sleeves, having the appearance of a shoelace, which are located in the toe portion of the shoe.

Abstract: An exemplary shoe includes a upper, a sole, an LED (light-emitting diode) and a power supply device. The upper is disposed on the sole. The sole includes a receiving space. The LED is installed on an outside surface of the sole. The power supply module is for providing electric power to the light emitting diode. The power supply module further includes a piezoelectric member coupled to the sole and a electric power storing device. The piezoelectric member is disposed between the upper and the sole. The electric power storing device is received in the receiving space of the sole and electrically coupled between the piezoelectric member and the light emitting diode.

Abstract: In one embodiment, footwear is provided that includes a sole having a light source disposed therein. A foot sensor, disposed in the sole, detects the presence or absence of a foot in the footwear. A light sensor is adapted to detect the amount of ambient light adjacent the footwear. The footwear may also include an energy storage element for powering the light source and maintaining the light source in the ON state for a period of time after the foot is removed. A selector may be provided for selecting a mode of operation, such as OFF, Auto ON and ON. In another embodiment, footwear is provided that includes a tag that is removably coupled to the footwear by a hook and loop fastener.

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.

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 motion activated light circuit is comprised of a motion activatable switch which effects switch closures upon displacement thereof for connecting a supply voltage to a pulse generator circuit which generates a predetermined pulse length to provide a control signal at an output thereof. An oscillator circuit is coupled to the control signal of the pulse generator circuit to produce light actuating pulses to feed one of two or more independent light circuits through a light source selection switch. The light source selection switch is conditioned by a sensor which senses ambient light intensity whereby the light actuating pulses are directed to a selected one of the two or more independent light circuits to cause the selected light circuit to generate light pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for incorporating a resilient source of high-visibility illumination into an article of footwear. A biomechanically-sound and hermetically-sealed electronics module contains a microprocessor, power source, and at least one light source, such as a light emitting diode, or LED. The LEDs are not externally visible, but rather illuminate a diffusive substrate that is incorporated into the construction of the footwear, allowing for visibility from substantially every angle above the bottom of the sole. A control panel enables the wearer to turn the power on and off, change colors, rotate through transition effects, and the like. A charging pad allows for the wireless and contact-less recharging of the onboard power source.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has at least one fluid-filled chamber capable of transmitting light and a recess. A light source is positioned in the recess, and an outsole is secured to a lower surface of the sole assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a contactlessly-chargeable light-up shoe, which comprises: a shoe, at least one rechargeable battery, and at least one light-emitting element, wherein the shoe sole has a secondary coil, a magnetic core for the secondary coil, a regulator circuit, and a switch. The secondary coil terminals are sequentially connected with the regulator circuit, the rechargeable battery, the switch and then the light-emitting elements via wires, and the abovementioned elements are airtightly encapsulated with a plastic material. The present invention has the advantages of airtightly encapsulating all the electronic elements inside a plastic material and contactlessly recharging the battery. Thereby, the present invention realizes a waterproof, dustproof and rustproof contactlessly-chargeable light-up shoe, which can flicker or emit light continuously.

Abstract: Footwear is provided that includes a sole having a front and a back. A light source is disposed in the front of the sole. A foot sensor, disposed in the sole, detects the presence or absence of a foot in the footwear. A light sensor, disposed in the sole, is adapted to detect the amount of ambient light adjacent the footwear. The sole may also include a delay circuit for maintaining the light source in the ON state for a predetermined period of time after the foot is removed.