BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/049,518 filed on September 12, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. A petition to restore the benefit of provisional application No. 62/049,518 under 37 CFR 1.78(b) is being filed herewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to footwear including lighting means disposed in the sole of a shoe. More particularly, the invention is directed to an improved shoe having an outsole including an LED system comprising a plurality of LED light sources individually encased within a resistant housing, the plurality of LED light sources are connected using a flexible LED belt to link the housing of each LED source. The system of the present invention allows a user to control the brightness and color or color combination of the LED light sources and allow a user to synchronize the color of the LED light sources to music.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Footwear with lighting means incorporated therein is known in the art. Footwear including lighting devices is fun and fashionable. Additionally, footwear with lighting devices provides a safety feature by allowing a user to have greater visibility. The prior art teaches footwear having a light source, such as an LED, a portable power supply and a manually operated power switch connected as an electric circuit. The prior art further teaches footwear having a light source wherein the power switch is not manually operated, but rather includes a switching circuit mechanism to switch the light source on or off in association with a motion sensor or other sensing device, such as a sensor that is activated on impact.

[0006] LED lights incorporated in footwear are often subjected to flexing and pounding motion as the user walks or runs. Thus, it has been found that LED lights in the sole of footwear known the prior art are prone to breakage.

[0007] It is desirable to have footwear that includes LED light sources in footwear that are resistant to breakage and also allow a user to synchronize the color of the LED lights to stimuli, such as music.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, footwear including LED lights is disclosed. The present invention teaches that the LED lights are controlled by a main electronic circuitry positioned within the sole of a shoe, whereby the electronic circuitry is equipped with a standard short-range wireless interconnection, such as for example, Bluetooth technology. A user may thereby manipulate and control the brightness of the LED lights, or change the color or color combination by sending a signal via a computing device, such as a smart phone or tablet. A program that synchronizes the LED lights to alter color, color brightness or even the speed at which the colors change, in response to music may also be included in a software application within the computing device and linked via wireless interconnection to the electronic circuitry embedded within the sole of the shoe.

[0009] The footwear includes an LED belt or strip for retaining a plurality of LED lights within the LED strip. It is noted herein that the term LED belt and LED strip may be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure. The LED belt includes a plurality of LED lights secured therein. A segment of the LED strip includes LED lights, wherein the LED lights are individually encased within a resistant housing unit to protect against breakage of the LED lights. Each individual LED light is connected to a mini circuit board to form an LED unit, prior to being encased within the resistant housing. Together, the combined LED light and mini circuit board encased within the resistant housing form an LED circuit box. Soldering technology is utilized to connect the combined LED light and circuit board to wiring within the LED belt. Thus, the LED belt comprises a plurality of LED circuit boxes.

[0010] Each LED circuit box is positioned within a recessed cavity in the sole of the footwear, whereby the recessed cavity is dimensioned to receive an LED circuit box within the cavity in a comfortably snug fit. At least one recessed cavity for receiving at least one LED circuit box is located along an area of the sole proximate to a perimeter of the sole of the footwear. In a preferred embodiment, recessed cavities for receiving the LED belt including LED circuit boxes are positioned along a perimeter of an anterior portion of the shoe or footwear. The LED belt includes wiring that connects the LED circuit boxes. The LED belt is positioned along the perimeter of the sole of the shoe. In a preferred embodiment the LED belt links the LED lights of the LED circuit boxes in series.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the sole of the footwear includes opposing walls that form a channel therebetween. The channel includes a series of arcuate grooves that project from an area of the sole proximate to the perimeter in a direction towards a center axis of the sole. The opposing walls of the channel alternately form arcuate grooves and recessed cavities. The recessed cavities of the channel are for retaining the LED circuit boxes of the LED belt. The channel includes a plurality of alternating recessed cavities and arcuate grooves that provide a groove for the LED belt to snake through within the channel. Thus, the LED belt comprising the LED circuit boxes weaves through the channel with an LED circuit box secured within each of the recessed channels with remaining portions of the LED belt secured within the arcuate grooves of the channel. The flexibility of the LED belt allows the LED belt to weave in and out of the arcuate grooves and to generally adopt the shape of the grooves. This configuration results in a more secure arrangement of the LED lights and helps prevent breakage of the LED lights. In addition, the weaving of the LED belt between the recessed cavities and arcuate grooves within the channel, secures the LED belt and provides for absorption of the impact that would ordinarily be borne by the LED lights as a result of the flexing of the foot

[0012] In an alternative embodiment, a portion of the LED belt secured within one or more arcuate grooves may be twisted or bent over to form a spiral curve or loop. The

configuration of a spiral curve or loop within the arcuate groove, further twists the LED belt into the groove within the sole in order to further protect the LED belt, the LED circuit boxes and LED lights from breaking.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, portions of the LED belt are twisted or bent into a spiral curve or loop in at least four sections of the LED belt. Each of the twisted loop portions of the LED belt are secured within at least four arcuate grooves of the sole, in particular, within two arcuate grooves on each side of the sole, whereby the arcuate grooves are positioned in a region that defines a flexing area of the sole, thus providing greater protection for the LED belt and LED lights from breaking while the wearer's foot is flexing.

[0014] The present invention includes the use of a power source that is attached to a circuit board equipped with a standard short-range wireless interconnection, such as for example, Bluetooth technology. In a preferred embodiment, the power source is a 3.7 volt battery, such as for example, the type used in cellular telephones. [0015] It is an object of the invention to provide footwear including LED lights, wherein the LED lights are more resistant to breakage.

[0016] It is another object of the invention to provide footwear that allows a user to moderate and control the brightness of the colors emanating from the LED lights.

[0017] It is yet another object of the invention to provide footwear that is fun and fashionable and allows a user to synchronize music to the color speed, color combination and/or the color brightness of the LED lights.

[0018] It is yet another object of the invention to provide footwear with LED lights that can provide an added safety feature to pedestrians, workers in construction, snowboarders, as well as a multitude of other activities.

[0019] It is another object of the invention to provide footwear with LED lights that are resistant to damage resulting from flexing the outsole while walking.

[0020] An advantage of the present invention is that it utilizes a standard short-range wireless interconnection to allow a user to control the color speed, color combination and/or the color brightness of the LED lights using a computing device, such as for example a smart phone.

[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that the power source may be recharged using a double wire USB cable connected to a cell phone charger via a charging connector.

[0022] These and other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like drawings represent like components. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the disclosure, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the structures and procedures described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of a shoe incorporating the sole of the present invention and illustrating the LED belt as viewed from a lateral side.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the underside of the sole incorporating the LED belt within the channel and the battery and main circuit board of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a top view of components of the present invention, in particular the enclosure and LED unit, including an LED light combined with a circuit board.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a top view of the LED circuit box of the present invention connected to wiring within the LED belt, of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the LED circuit box of the present invention connected to wiring within the LED belt, of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective bottom view of the underside layer of the sole of footwear illustrating the channel, recessed cavities and arcuate grooves of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a top view of the wire connections emanating from the main circuit board of the present invention. [0030] FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the underside layer of the sole of footwear incorporating the LED belt within the channel of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 8 A is a close up sectional view of the flexing area of the sole of the footwear illustrating the twisted loop of the LED belt secured within the arcuate grooves of the channel as shown in Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1-8A, there is shown a sole of a shoe 10, the sole 10 including a first layer 12, a second layer 14, a first lateral side 16A and a second lateral sidel6B, the first and second lateral sides, 16A, 16B, located on either side of the sole 10.

[0033] The sole 10 further includes an anterior region 18 for supporting an anterior region on the planter side of the foot, and a posterior region 20 for supporting a heel located at a posterior region on the planter side of the foot.

[0034] The first layer 12 includes a bottom 12B, the bottom 12B further including a plurality of recessed cavities 22 for receiving and retaining an LED circuit box 24 within each of the plurality of recessed cavities 22. Each LED circuit box 24 includes a three primary color LED light 26 connected to a mini circuit board 28 to form an LED unit 30 which is further encased in a thermoplastic enclosure 32. Each LED unit 30 within the LED circuit box 24 is connected to an LED belt 34. The LED belt 34 comprises a plurality of LED circuit boxes 24. The LED belt 34 must be soft and flexible in order to accommodate the flexing movement of the foot while walking or running. In a preferred embodiment, soldering technology is utilized to connect the LED unit 30 to wiring 46 within the LED belt 34. The wiring 46 comprises a triple wire 46A, 46B and 46C. Once the LED unit 30 is connected to the LED belt 34, it is encased within the thermoplastic enclosure 32, to form the LED circuit box 24.

[0035] Each LED unit 30 is connected to the LED belt 34 with a triple wire 46A, 46B,

46C. The wires, 46A, 46B and 46C should be soft and flexible and covered with a sleeve 45 in order to prevent the color of the wires from being visible and interfering with the LED lights 26.

[0036] The LED belt 34 is preferably composed of thermoplastic material. The LED belt

34 is flexible and at least semi transparent in order to allow the color of the LED light 26 to be perceived. The LED belt 34 is integrated within the bottom side 12B of the first layer 12. In particular, the LED belt 34 is secured within a channel 36 formed along a perimeter 37 of the bottom side 12B of the first layer 12.

[0037] The channel 36 of the bottom side 12B of the first layer 12 includes opposing walls 38A and 38B, wherein the opposing walls 38A and 38B form a continuous channel along the entire perimeter 37. In one embodiment, opposing walls 38A and 38B emerge at a substantially ninety degree angle relative to a top side 12A of the first layer 12. In a preferred embodiment opposing walls 38A and 38B, and lateral sides 16A and 16B are at least semi transparent so that the LED lights 26 can be seen through lateral sides 16A and 16B.

[0038] Opposing walls 38A and 38B of the channel 36 along the posterior portion 20 of the bottom side 12B form a generally U-shaped channel at the posterior portion 20 of the bottom side 12B. It is noted that the channel 36 includes a width and height sufficient to accommodate the LED belt 34 in a snug and comfortable fit that secures the LED belt 34 and allows sufficient space so as not to squeeze the LED belt 34 while the wearer is flexing his or her foot thereby rendering the LED belt 34 and portions thereof more susceptible to breakage. In a preferred embodiment, the LED belt 34 is secured within the channel 34 with a plurality of retaining straps 40.

[0039] In contrast to the channel 36 at the posterior portion 20, the channel 36 at the anterior portion 18 of the first layer 12 includes a plurality of recessed cavities 22 for receiving and retaining at least one LED circuit box 24 within each recessed cavity 22 in a snug and comfortable fit, whereby the recessed cavities 22 are of a shape and size sufficient to

accommodate and retain the at least one LED circuit box 24 within each recessed cavity 22 such that there is sufficient space so as not to squeeze the LED belt 34 thereby rendering the LED circuit box 24 within the recessed cavity 22 susceptible to breakage while the wearer flexes his or her foot. The channel 36 further forms a plurality of twisting indentations or arcuate grooves 42 that project from the perimeter 37 of the bottom side 12B of the first layer 12, most proximate to lateral sides 16A and 16B, in a direction toward a central axis 39 along a length of the sole 10.

[0040] The channel 36 alternately forms arcuate grooves 42 between the recessed cavity cavities 22. Thus, the opposing walls 38A and 38B of the channel at the anterior portion 18 form an alternating pattern of recessed cavities 22 for accommodating LED circuit boxes 24, and arcuate grooves 42 for receiving portions of the LED belt 34 that do not include LED circuit boxes 24.

[0041] Thus, since the LED belt 34 is retained in a curved formation in arcuate grooves

42 within the anterior portion 18 of the sole 10, and the LED circuit boxes 24 are secured in recessed cavities 22, the tensile force will stay in the LED belt 34 while the foot of the user is flexing, instead of going to a joint point 44 directly at an arcuate groove 42, thereby rendering the LED lights 26 more resistant to breakage. [0042] In one embodiment, a portion of the LED belt 34 is twisted to form a loop or a spiral curve of increasing diameter 35 within the arcuate groove 42 of the channel 36. The configuration of a spiral curve or loop 35 within the arcuate groove 42, further relieves the stress to the LED belt 34 within the channel 36 in order to further protect the LED belt 34, the LED circuit boxes 24, or a portion thereof from breaking.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, portions of the LED belt 34 are twisted into four separate spiral curves 35, such that each of the loops 35 of the LED belt 34 are individually secured within an arcuate groove 42. Thus, two arcuate grooves 42 on the first lateral side 16A and two arcuate grooves 42 on lateral side 16B each include portions of the LED belt 34 configured in a curved spiral or loop 35. The arcuate grooves 42 including the LED belt 34 twisted in spiral curve or loop 35 on either side 16 A, 16B of the sole 10 are positioned in an anterior region 18 that defines the flexing area 41 of the sole 10 during walking, thus providing greater protection for the LED belt 34 or any portion thereof, from breakage while the wearer's foot is flexing.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the arcuate grooves 42 formed by opposing walls 38A and 38B in channel 36 are generally curved in a "C" shape 42A along the perimeter 37 most proximate to lateral side 16 A. In contrast, the arcuate grooves 42 formed by opposing walls 38A and 38B in channel 36 are generally curved in the shape of a reverse "C" groove 42B along the perimeter 37 most proximate the lateral side 16B. Grooves 42 A and 42B within the channel 36 are dimensioned to receive and retain the LED belt 34 in a secure position while allowing sufficient space so as not to squeeze the LED belt 34 while a wearer's foot flexes, in order to prevent breakage of the LED belt 34. [0045] Thus, the joint mode and positioning of the LED belt 34 includes a plurality of

LED circuit boxes 24 positioned within recessed cavities in alternating fashion with the LED belt 34 conforming to the shape of a generally curved "C" in grooves 42A and the shape of a generally curved reverse "C" in grooves 42B results in an LED belt 34 having a unique flexing technology, capable to absorbing the force of impact from walking or running, thereby the LED lights 26 within the sole 10 are more resistant to breakage and other damage.

[0046] A void space 48 for receiving a main circuit board 50 is located in the bottom of the first layer 12B. In a preferred embodiment, the void space is located at a relative midpoint 52 of the anterior portion 18 of the bottom of the first layer 12B.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the main circuit board 50 is equipped with a standard short-range wireless interconnection, for example, Bluetooth technology for receiving commands remotely, from a smart phone or other computing device. Thus, the brightness, color combination and speed of the LED lights 26 may be controlled by a software application installed on a smart phone or other computing device that is enabled to communicate via short- range wireless interconnection with the main circuit board 50. In a preferred embodiment, the brightness, color combination and speed of the LED lights 26 may also be synchronized to a music or song. The main circuit board 50 may also serve to adjust and stabilize the electronic power voltage.

[0048] An aperture 54 positioned in the posterior portion 20 of the bottom of the first layer 12B accommodates a power source 56. The power source 56 is connected to the main circuit board 50 and is used to power the LED lights 26. In a preferred embodiment, the power source 56 is a standard 3.7 volt cellular telephone battery. [0049] In an alternative embodiment, a double wire USB cable connected to a battery charger 60 via a charging connector may be used to recharge the battery 56.

[0050] Referring now in particular to the drawings, FIG. 1 is side view of footwear, including a sole 10 incorporating the present invention.

[0051] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 there is shown the shoe sole 10 with LED lights 26, the shoe sole 10 comprising the first lateral side 16A and the second lateral side 16B wherein the second lateral side 16B is positioned opposite to the first lateral side 16A of the sole 10 for accommodating a planter side of a foot.

[0052] The shoe sole 10 further includes first layer 12 having top side 12A and a bottom

12B, the first layer 12 is disposed on top of the second layer 14, the second layer 14 includes the top side 14A and bottom side 14B wherein top side 14A is positioned below bottom side 12B and the bottom side 14B is for contacting a surface while in use.

[0053] First wall 38A and second wall 38B positioned along the perimeter 37 on the first bottom side 12B of the first layer 12, wherein the first wall 38A and second wall 38B form a channel 36 therebetween. The channel 36 further including a plurality of recessed cavities 22 and a plurality of arcuate grooves 42, wherein the plurality of arcuate grooves 42 are positioned in an alternating pattern with the plurality of recessed cavities 22. The arcuate grooves 42 form a generally "C" shape groove 42A along the perimeter 37 proximate to the first lateral side 16A and a generally reverse "C" shape groove 42B along the perimeter 37 proximate to the second lateral side 16B.

[0054] The sole 10 further includes a main circuit board 50 and the power source 56. The main circuit board 50 is connected to the power source 56, LED belt 34 and the charger 60 (shown in Fig.l) for charging the power source 56. In a preferred embodiment, the main circuit board 50 is in electrical communication with the power source 56, LED belt 34 and the charger 60 for charging the power source 56 via electrical wiring.

[0055] Fig. 3 is a top view of components of the present invention, in particular the enclosure 32 and LED unit 30 including an LED light 26 combined with a mini circuit board 28. Thus, by connecting each of the mini circuit boards 28 to each of the LED lights 26, it is possible to display an individual or unique color, color combination and brightness of each LED light 26 within each of the LED units 30 of the LED belt 34. It is appreciated that the mini circuit boards 28 are dimensioned to fit with an individual LED light 26 within the LED unit 30 and LED belt 34. The LED circuit box 24 includes a combined LED light 26 and mini circuit board 28 encased within the enclosure 32.

[0056] Fig. 4 is a top view of the LED circuit box 24 connected to a triple wire 46A,

46B, 46C within the LED belt 34.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the LED circuit box 24 connected to a triple wire 46A,

46B, 46C within the LED belt 34.

[0058] Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the underside layer of the sole 10 of the footwear illustrating the channel 36, including the recessed cavities 22 and arcuate grooves 42. First wall 38A and second wall 38B are positioned along the perimeter 37 on the first bottom side 12B of the first layer 12, wherein the first wall 38A and the second wall 38B form a channel 36 therebetween. The channel 36 further includes a plurality of recessed cavities 22 and a plurality of arcuate grooves 42, wherein the plurality of arcuate grooves 42 are positioned in an alternating pattern with the plurality of recessed cavities 22. The arcuate grooves 42 further form a generally "C" shape groove 42A along the perimeter 37 proximate to the first lateral side 16A and a generally reverse "C" shape groove 42B along the perimeter 37 proximate to the second lateral side 16B. The posterior 20 and anterior 18 portions of the sole 10 support the planter side of the user's foot.

[0059] The aperture 54 positioned in the posterior portion 20 of the bottom of the first layer 12B accommodates a power source 56 (shown in Fig. 2). A void space 48 for receiving a main circuit board 50 (shown in Fig. 2) is located in the bottom side of the first layer 12B. In a preferred embodiment, the void space is located at a relative midpoint 52 of the anterior portion 18 of the first layer 12B.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a top view of wire connections emanating from the main circuit board 50 to the power source 56, the LED belt 34 and the battery charger 60. The main circuit board 50 connects to the LED belt 34 via a connection point 34', the battery 56 via a connection at 56' and the charger 60 (shown in Fig. 1) via a connection at 60'. Thus, the main circuit board 50 connects to the battery charger 60 the LED belt 34 and battery 56 in order to receive a signal from a wireless communication device, such as a smart phone to control the LED lights 26, to synchronize with music and/or modify the color, speed or brightness of the LED lights 26.

[0061] FIG. 8 is a bottom view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the bottom layer of the underside 12B of the sole 10. In this embodiment portions of the LED belt 34 are twisted in a curved spiral or loop 25 within each of four arcuate grooves 42 within the channel 36. The configuration of the twisted loop 35 within the arcuate groove 42, further relieves the stress to the LED belt 34 in order to further protect the LED belt 34, the LED lights 26 and LED circuit boxes 24, or a portion thereof from breaking. Two arcuate grooves 42A on the first lateral side 16A and two arcuate grooves 42B on lateral side 16B each include portions of the LED belt 34 configured in a spiral curve or twisted loop 35. The arcuate grooves 42 A, 42B including the twisted loop 35 on either side 16 A, 16B of the sole 10 are positioned in the region that defines the flexing area 41 of the sole 10, thus providing greater protection for the LED belt 34 or any portion thereof, from breakage while the wearer's foot is flexing. FIG. 8A is a close up view of the spiral curve or twisted loops 35 within the arcuate grooves 42 A, 42B of the flexing area 41 of the sole 10 of the footwear as shown in Figure 8.

[0062] Thus, while there has been shown and described, fundamental novel features of the disclosure as applied to various specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the apparatus illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way, to achieve the same results, are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.