The present invention refers to a sole for footwear comprising a signalling device that can. be activated/deactivated in a voluntary manner, and a method for activating/deactivating such a signalling device.

STATE OF THE ART

Shoes comprising signalling devices, mainly of the light type, are currently available on the market. Such devices, for example LEDs or similar, are positioned near to the outer perimeter of the sole, in particular near to the side and/or rear portion, for example at the heel.

In one very common embodiment, such light devices are supplied with power by a series of batteries enclosed inside the sole. Such light devices are activated by an inertia switch or by a movement sensor, which turns them on when, such a switch, perceives a movement of the footwear. With the activation of the light device a light of the fixed type and/or of the intermittent type is generated.

Such footwear has the drawback that the operation of the light device, i.e. the activation and/or deactivation, is exclusively controlled automatically, for example following a movement of the footwear or following an inclination thereof. As an example, in the case in which the footwear is accidentally rested in the inclined position, there could be the undesired actuation of the light device and, if the footwear is left in such a position for a long period of time, it could be that the duration of the batteries is reduced and/or that the batteries become completely exhausted.

Moreover, since the batteries that supply the light device are not rechargeable, if they become exhausted they cannot be recharged or replaced, because they are enclosed inside the sole. In order to carry out such a replacement, indeed, it would be necessary to damage the sole and, therefore, the footwear itself. In US patent US5947580 a light device is described that can be connected to the footwear and can be provided with power supply batteries. Such a device comprises a space for housing the batteries that is provided with a removable closure so as to allow the batteries themselves to be accessed and possibly replaced. However, such a device has the drawback of being able to become detached from the footwear during its normal use or, possibly, being carelessly left connected to a shoe other than the one worn, thus indeed not being used.

PURPOSES OF THE INVENTION

One purpose of the present invention is to improve the state of the art.

A further purpose of the present invention is to propose a sole for footwear that is provided with a signalling device that can be activated/deactivated in a voluntary manner.

A further purpose of the present' invention is to propose a sole for footwear that is provided with a signalling device that is capable of emitting a light radiation and/or a radio signal.

A further purpose of the present invention is to propose a sole for footwear comprising a signalling device that is capable of detecting the concentration of a predetermined gas and to send a warning message to a user wearing the footwear comprising a sole according to the present invention if such a concentration is greater or lower than predetermined values .

Moreover, one purpose of the present invention is to propose a sole for footwear comprising a signalling device the operation of which can be ensured for a period equivalent to the useful life of the footwear itself.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a sole for footwear is foreseen that is provided with a signalling device according to claim 1.

Moreover, a method is foreseen for activating/deactivating a signalling device comprised in a sole for footwear according to claim 16 in a voluntary manner.

The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention shall become clearer from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a sole for footwear provided with a signalling device, illustrated as an indication and not for limiting purposes in the attached drawing tables, in which:

figure 1 is a side view of the invention provided with an activated signalling device;

figure 2 is a view from below of a portion of the invention according to figure 1;

figure 3 is a rear view of the invention according to figure 1; figure 4 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention provided with an activated signalling device;

figure 5 is a side view of a further embodiment of a sole provided with a signalling device according to the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the embodiment shown in the figures, reference numeral 1 wholly indicates a sole for footwear comprising a signalling device 2.

In one version of the present invention, the signalling device 2 comprises at least one light element 11, 11', that is suitable for emitting a light radiation oriented along predetermined directions, as shall be described in more detail in the rest of the description.

In a further version of the present invention, the signalling device 2 comprises a gas sensor as shall be described in more detail in the rest of the description .

Again, in a further version of the present invention, the signalling device 2 comprises at least one light element 11, 11' and a gas sensor that are operatively connected to one another.

Figures 1 and 4, for the sake of greater clarity, show, in a broken line, the shape of the top portion - upper - of a shoe provided with such a sole 1.

The signalling device 2 with which the sole 1 is provided can be activated/deactivated, allowing the sole to pass from a non-operative configuration, in which the signalling device 2 is deactivated and does not emit any signal, to an operative condition, in which the signalling device 2 is activated and, therefore, emits a signal of the light and/or wireless and/or acoustic type as shall be better indicated in the rest of the description.

In the case in which the signalling device 2 comprises at least one light element 11, 11', the signal emitted corresponds to a light radiation.

The sole 1 further comprises power supply means 3 of -the- rechargeable- type that are- suitable for supplying power to the signalling device 2, a control circuit 4 that is suitable for managing the operation of the signalling device 2, electric conductor means 5 that are positioned inside the sole 1, suitable for connecting the power supply means 3 to the control circuit A .

In an embodiment, the power supply means 3 comprise capacitive means 7, like for example one or more supercapacitor , also called ultracapacitors, known to men skilled in the art.

In general, such supercapacitors have an electric capacity that is very high.

In one further embodiment the power supply means 3 can comprise one or more supercapacitors and at least one battery of the rechargeable type.

In another further embodiment the power supply means 3 can comprise at least one battery of the rechargeable type.

The power supply means 3 and/or the capacitive means 7 are suitable for providing electric energy for supplying the signalling device 2, for example so as to allow the emission of a light radiation through the light elements 11, 11' as shall be described in greater detail in the rest of the description.

The control circuit 4 manages the voltage with which the power supply means 3 supply power to the signalling device 2. In particular, if power is supplied through the capacitive means 7, the voltage decreases over time, as a function of the charge level of the capacitive means 7 themselves. Normally the electric devices are designed so as to be supplied with constant voltage.

The control circuit 4, through a known method like the PWM (Pulse width modulation) method, allows the 3 059891

8

power supply means 3 to supply the signalling device 2 with a substantially constant voltage.

In one version of the present invention, the sole 1 comprises switching means 6 for voluntarily activating and/or deactivating the signalling device 2 of the sole 1.

The switching means 6 comprise a Reed switch 8, also known as magnetic switch, and at least one magnetic element 9.

The Reed switch 8 is suitable for activating/deactivating the power supply of the signalling device 2, by closing/opening the electric contact between the power supply means 3 and the signalling device 2 itself.

As shown in the embodiment of figure 1, the at least one magnetic element 9 and the Reed switch 8 are respectively positioned in the front portion, near to the toe, and in the rear portion, near to the heel, of the sole 1.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the positions of the magnetic element 9 and of the Reed switch 8 can be reversed with respect to the positions that have been described previously.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the at least one magnetic element 9 and the Reed switch 8 can be positioned in any point of the sole 1.

Both the Reed switch 8 and the at least one magnetic element 9 can be enclosed in the sole 1 and/or positioned on the outer surface thereof.

The Reed switch 8 is suitable for switching between different operative configurations, for example between an open condition and a closed condition of the contacts, following the presence of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic element.

The signalling device 2, the power supply means 3, the control circuit 4 and/or the electric conductor means 5 are positioned inside the sole 1 in a hermetically isolated manner.

Such a hermetic isolation makes it possible to prevent that signalling means 2, the power supply means 3, the control circuit 4 and/or the electric conductor means 5 can come into contact with the outer surface of the sole 1 and/or with the foot of the user that is in contact with the inner surface of the sole 1 itself.

In particular, the upper portion of the sole 1 has seats 10 inside which the electric conductors 5 are positioned .

Such electric conductors 5 are of the known type and are isolated from the surrounding portions of the sole 1.

The seats 10 _r as shown in figure 3, are positioned along the substantially longitudinal and transversal directions of the sole 1, both for promoting a correct positioning and passage of the conductor means 5 inside the sole 1, and for ensuring that the sole 1 itself has, overall, good mechanical properties, like for example bending and/or twisting. The arrangement of the power supply means 3, of the control circuit 4, of the conductor means 5 and/or of the signalling device 2 inside the sole 1 is such as to ensure a high level of comfort to the user, who does not feel the presence of such elements.

Purely as an example, the power supply means 3 and the control circuit 4 can be positioned at the rear portion of the sole 1. In such a rear portion, normally, the material forming the sole has a thickness that is greater with respect to other portions, thus being suitable for housing the power supply means 3 and the control circuit 4 themselves. When wearing the shoes provided with the sole 1, the user can control the activation and/or the deactivation of the signalling device 2 in a voluntary manner through the switching means 6.

For example, in order to activate the signalling device 2, bringing it from a non-operative condition to an operative condition, it is sufficient to bring the front end of a shoe to the rear portion of the other shoe. In such a way, the magnetic element 9 determines the switching of the Reed switch 8.

In order to deactivate the signalling device 2, bringing it from an operative condition to a non- operative condition, a similar procedure is followed. In the embodiment in which the at least one magnetic element 9 and the at least one Reed switch 8 are positioned in any point of the sole 1, the activation/deactivation modalities are the same, in relation to the position thereof in the sole 1.

In particular, since the voluntary activation/deactivation of the signalling device 2 can be determined through simple movements of the foot, if the user has his hands full, he can in any case still activate and/or deactivate the signalling device 2 itself.

Moreover, in order to activate/deactivate the signalling device 2, the user can keep an erect position and, in general, can keep his balance well. Moreover, the arrangement of the Reed switch 8 and of the magnetic element 9 are such as to avoid possible accidental or undesired activation/deactivation of the signalling device 2 by a user.

In one version of the present invention, the sole 1 comprises a signalling device 2 that is provided with at least one light element 11, for example of the LED type, that is capable of emitting a light radiation that is oriented according to predetermined directions .

In a further version of the sole 1 according to the present invention, the signalling device 2 comprises at least one light element 11' of the laser type, i.e. suitable for emitting a coherent and collimated light radiation.

The light radiation emitted by the at least one light laser element 11' can be of any colour.

As an example but not or limiting purposes, the signalling device 2 can comprise two or more light laser elements 11' that are suitable, each, for emitting a light radiation with a predetermined frequency, so as to obtain two or more light radiation with different colours from one another. The use of at least one light laser element 11' is particularly advantageous in conditions of poor visibility, with reference for example to the use in environments in which there is smoke, fog, suspended dusts or the like.

In such conditions, as it is known, the radiation emitted by a light laser element 11' can be better perceived with respect to the radiation emitted by incandescent light sources or sources of the LED type.

In a further version of the sole 1 according to the present invention, the signalling device 2 comprises at least one light element 11 and at least one light laser element 11'.

With reference to the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the sole 1 comprises at least one transparent and/or semi-transparent portion of diffusive material.

The at least one light element 11, 11' is comprised inside the at least one portion of transparent and/or semi-transparent portion of diffusive material.

The aforementioned diffusive material makes it possible to diffuse the light radiation, produced by the at least one light element 11, 11', outwards with respect to the sole 1 thus making it possible to illuminate the environment surrounding the shoe and, simultaneously, making the person wearing such footwear provided with the sole 1 more visible to other people, vehicles, etcetera.

The at least one portion of diffusive material is positioned in at least one side portion 12 and/or in a lower portion 13 and/or a rear portion 14 of the sole according to the present invention.

When the signalling device 2 is positioned in an operative condition, the at least one light element 11, 11' emits a light radiation through the at least one portion of a diffusive material that is positioned in the at least one side portion 12, near to the front area surrounding the sole 1.

Furthermore, the at least one portion of a diffusive material positioned in the lower portion 13 makes it possible to diffuse the light radiation produced by the at least one light element 11, 11' from the lower area of the sole 1 near to the ground and illuminate possible obstacles that the user can encounter, for example, when walking, running or when going down stairs, in poor light conditions.

Furthermore, the at least one portion of a diffusive material positioned in the at least one side portion 12 makes it possible to increase the visibility of the footwear, and therefore of the user wearing it, in poor light and/or visibility conditions. If the signalling device 2 comprises in the rear portion 14 at least one light element 11, 11' the latter is capable of emitting a light radiation from the rear area of the footwear. In such a way, the user wearing the footwear provided with such soles 1, with the signalling device 2 positioned in the operative configuration, is more visible even to people, moving objects, vehicles, etcetera, which arrive from behind his back, thus avoiding potentially dangerous situations.

In one further version of the present invention, the signalling device 2 comprises a gas sensor 20.

The gas sensor 20 is capable of detecting the concentration of at least one type of predetermined gas that is present inside the environment in which the sole 1 is arranged.

The gas sensor 20 is operatively connected to the control circuit 4 of the signalling device 2.

In one version of the present invention, the gas sensor 20 is continuously in operation and carries out an automatic reading of the concentration of a predetermined gas at predetermined time intervals. If the gas sensor 20, in operative configurations, detects the concentration of a gas at a level that is higher or lower with respect to predetermined values, it provides for sending a signal to the control circuit 4 that in turn commands a light signal to be emitted by the at least one light element 11, 11'. In one further variant of the present invention, the signalling device 2 can comprise at least one light element 11, 11' and/or a gas sensor 20 and a

logic unit 30 that is suitable for emitting/receiving a wireless signal to/from a portable device such as a mobile phone, tablet, smart-watch, earphone, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the logic unit 30 is suitable for emitting/receiving a wireless signal according to the Bluetooth data transmission standard .

The logic unit 30 is operatively connected to the control circuit 4.

Therefore, if the gas sensor 20 detects a concentration of a predetermined gas at a level that is greater or lower than predetermined values, it sends a signal to the control circuit 4 so as to activate the at least one light element 11, 11' and/or send a wireless signal through the logic unit 30 to portable devices such as, for example, a mobile phone, a tablet, a smart-watch, a earphone etc.

In a further version of the present invention, the gas sensor 20 can be activated/deactivated through the switching means 6.

The power supply means 3 can be repeatedly recharged if they are exhausted.

Through the recharging of the power supply means 3 the correct operation of the signalling device 2 is maintained for a period of time that is substantially equal to the life of the footwear itself, thus overcoming the limitation present in the lighting devices for soles known in the state of the art.

In one further embodiment, it is foreseen for there to be an induction recharging device 15, with small dimensions, suitable for recharging the power supply means 3.

Such a recharging device 15 is external and separate from the sole 1.

The recharging device 15, in order to be able to recharge the power supply means 3, does not require a direct connection to the latter, for example an electrical contact. As it is known, since the recharging device 15 is of the induction type, in order to recharge the power supply means 3 it is sufficient to bring it to the sole 1 or to position the sole 1 above the recharging device 15.

Such a recharging device 15, thanks to its small dimensions, can be easily transported by putting it away, for example, in a bag and/or a pocket, etcetera .

Moreover, such a device 15 can be supplied with power by connecting it to a power mains and/or to a portable power supply device for example a device equipped with at least one photovoltaic panel and/or an accumulator, etcetera.

A further embodiment of the sole 100, according to the present invention, is illustrated in figure 4. For the sake of clarity, the components that have the same characteristics as the previous embodiment have been indicated with their reference numerals increased by one hundred.

The sole 100, as shown in figure 4, differs from the previous embodiment for the fact that it comprises switching means 106, for activating/deactivating in a voluntary manner the signalling device 102, of the mechanical type.

The switching means 106 comprise at least one mechanical switch 108.

The mechanical switch 108 is positioned in the front end of the sole 100 in, a front position or in any other position that is suitable for the purpose.

According to what has been described for the previous embodiment, also the switch 108 allows the user to T/IB2013/059891

19

activate/deactivate, in a voluntary manner, the operation of the signalling device 102 in a simple and effective manner.

The switch 108 can comprise an outer surface 118; the outer surface 118 can have an appearance that is substantially similar to the tread of the sole 100 itself, where foreseen.

For example, the outer surface 118 can be provided with protrusions and/or elements in relief, etcetera.

Such an outer surface 118 makes it possible to integrate in a functional and aesthetically pleasing manner the switch 108 in the sole 100.

In a further embodiment, illustrated in figure 5, the sole 200 comprises switching means 206 that can be activated through wireless signals (radio, infrared signals , etc . ) .

The components that have the same characteristics as the previous embodiment have been indicated with the same reference numerals increased by one hundred.

The switching means 206 comprise a logic unit 230 that is capable of receiving/sending wireless signals, for example from/to a portable device such as a mobile phone, a smart-watch, a tablet or other devices for sending/receiving wireless signals, that are not illustrated in the figures. Similarly to what has been described for the previous embodiments, the logic unit 230 is suitable for receiving/sending wireless signals according to the Bluetooth data transmission standard.

Through the reception of the wireless signal, the switching means 206 activate/deactivate the signalling device 202.

The logic unit 230 is operatively connected to the control circuit 204 which, in turn, is connected to electric power supply means 203.

Similarly to the previous embodiments, the signalling device 202 comprises a gas sensor 220 that is capable of detecting the concentration of at least one predetermined type of gas.

The gas sensor 220 is operatively connected to the control circuit 204 of the signalling device 202.

In one version of the present invention, the gas sensor 220 continuously operates and carries out an automatic reading of the concentration of a predetermined gas at predetermined time intervals. In a further version of the present invention, the gas sensor 220 can be activated/deactivated through devices for sending wireless signals, that are not illustrated in the figures, among which portable devices that are suitable for sending/receiving data according to the Bluetooth data transmission standard.

As an example and not for limiting purpose, such portable devices can belong to the group comprising mobile phones, smart-watches, tablets, portable computers, earphones or the like.

Following the reception of a predetermined wireless signal, sent for example through a portable device, the logic unit 230 switches, through the control circuit 204, the operation of the gas sensor 220 between an operative configuration and a non- operative configuration, and vice versa.

If the gas sensor 220, positioned in the operative configuration, detects the concentration of a gas at a level that is greater or lower with respect to predetermined values, it provides for sending a signal to the control circuit 204 that in turn controls the emission of a wireless signal by the logic unit 230 through external devices, such as a mobile phone, a smart-watch, a tablet, a earphone, etc., not illustrated in the figures.

In a further version of. the present invention the signalling device 202 can comprise, in addition to the gas sensor 220 and to the logic unit 230, at least one light element 211, 211' and/or acoustic signalling means, for example a speaker, not illustrated in the figures.

Therefore, the gas sensor 220, detecting a concentration of a predetermined gas at a level that is greater or lower with respect to predetermined values can send a signal to the control circuit 204 so as to activate the at least one light element 211, 211' thus determining the emission of a light radiation, for example of the fixed or intermittent type or according to predetermined modalities.

Moreover, the control circuit 204 can activate the signalling device 202 so as to emit a light radiation through the at least one light element 211, 211' and simultaneously send a wireless signal through the logic unit 230 to portable devices such as a mobile phone, a smart-watch, a tablet, a earphone, etc. for visualising a message or an acoustic signal.

The operation of the signalling device 2, 102, 202 can foresee, in addition to the non-operative and operative configuration, a further intermittent configuration, which can be activated through the switching means 6, 106, 206, and managed by the control circuit 4 , 104, 204. In such an intermittent configuration at least one of the light elements 11, 11', 211, 211', emits a light radiation of the intermittent type.

In a further embodiment of the sole 1, 100, 200 the operation of the light elements 11, 11', 211, 211' can be switched, through the switching means 6, 106, 206, and managed, through the control circuit 4, 104, 204, between different operative configurations. For example, the operation of the signalling device 2, 102, 202 can allow an intense or weak and/or intermittent light radiation to be emitted, etcetera. As previously indicated, the electrical components inside the sole 1, 100, 200 are hermetically isolated from the external environment.

Such a hermetic isolation allows the signalling device 2, 102, 202 of the sole 1, 100, 200 according to the present invention to operate correctly in humid environments and/or in the presence of liquids. Furthermore, the aforementioned hermetic isolation makes it possible to use footwear provided with a sole 1, 100, 200 according to the present invention also in environments in which there may be possible potentially explosive gases, since possible sparks or electric arcs due to the electrical devices inside the sole 1, 100, 200 are isolated from outside and therefore do not trigger such explosive gases present in the environment. The present invention refers, moreover, to a method for activating/deactivating the operation of a signalling device 2, 102, 202, comprised in a sole 1, 100, 200 for footwear comprising electric power supply means 3, 203, that are suitable for supplying the signalling device 2, 102, 202 a control circuit 4, 104, 204 for managing the power supply and the operation of the signalling device 2, 102, 202, switching means 6, 106, 116 of the signalling device 2, 102, 202.

The method comprises the steps of:

providing at least one first and second sole 1, 100, 200, provided with the signalling device 2, 102, 202; activating/deactivating the signalling device, 2, 102, 202, in a voluntary manner.

The step of activating the signalling device 2, 102, 202 comprises:

switching through the switching means 6, 106, 206 the signalling device 2, 102, 202 from a non-operative configuration, in which the signalling device 2, 102, 202 does not emit any signal to an operative configuration in which the signalling device 2, 102, 202 emits a light and/or wireless and/or acoustic signal;

controlling the supply voltage of the power supply means 3, 203 through the control circuit 4, 104, 204. The step of deactivating the signalling device 2, 102, 202 of the sole 1, 100, 20 comprises:

switching through the switching means 6, 106, 206 the signalling device 2, 102, 202 from an operative configuration, in which the signalling device 2, 102, 202 emits a light and/or wireless and/or acoustic signal to a non-operative configuration in which the signalling device 2, 102, 202 does not emit any signal .

With reference to the embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the method for activating/deactivating the signalling device 202 of the sole 200 comprises the step of sending a wireless signal to switching means 206 so as to switch the configuration of the -signalling device- 202 between an ^~ operative configuration and a non-operative configuration, and vice versa.

Said wireless signal can be sent through a portable device that is suitable for emitting/receiving a wireless signal, such as a mobile phone, a smart- watch, a tablet, a earphone or a similar device.

In particular, the step of sending/receiving a wireless signal foresees sending a wireless signal according to the Bluetooth data transmission standard .

The operation of the present invention relative to the embodiment illustrated in figures 1-3 is as follows .

A user wears a pair of shoes equipped with a first and a second sole 1.

Initially the signalling device 2 of the sole 1 is in the non-operative configuration.

The user, standing in the erect position, brings the front end of a first sole 1 near to the rear portion of a second sole 1. In such a way the user, through the switching means 6, places the second sole 1 in the operative configuration, activating the signalling device 2. The same is carried out for activating the signalling device 2 of the first sole 1. - ^{■ ·} · -

If it is desired to deactivate the signalling device 2 bringing the sole 1 back into a non-operative configuration, the same as what has been described above is carried out.

The invention thus described makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

The switching means 6, 106, 206 make it possible for a user, wearing the shoes provided with the sole 1, 100, 200, to activate/deactivate in a voluntary, simple and effective manner the operation of the signalling device 2, 102, 202.

The user wearing the shoes equipped with the sole 1, 100, 200 can activate the operation of the signalling device 2, 102, 202 when in the erect position and, in general, a safe condition of stable balance.

Moreover, the presence of a possible gas sensor 20, 220 makes it possible to detect the concentration of a predetermined gas in an environment, through the signalling device 2, 102, 202, so as to warn a user wearing the shoes provided with the sole 1, 100, 200 according to the present invention, of possible danger .

The induction recharging device 15 makes it possible for the power supply means 3, 203 to be recharged in a simple and functional manner. In order to recharge the power supply means 3, 203 it is sufficient to rest the sole 1 above the device 15, or place it near to it, and connect the device 15 itself to a power supply source.

Therefore, the duration of the operation of the signalling device 2, 102, 202 is ensured for the entire useful life of the footwear thus making it possible to optimise the design and production costs of the sole 1, 100, 200 itself. The invention thus conceived can undergo numerous modifications and variants all covered by the inventive concept.

Moreover, the characteristics described for one embodiment of the invention can also be present in other embodiments, without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Moreover, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes may be any according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.