Goods & Services

Footwear; Footwear for men; Footwear for women; Footwear not for sports; Athletic footwear; Beach footwear; Flip flops; Waterproof footwear

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• A43B 23/00 - UppersBoot legsStiffenersOther single parts of footwear
• A43B 21/28 - Pneumatic heels
• A43B 3/00 - Footwear characterised by the shape or the use
• A43B 1/00 - Footwear characterised by the material

Abstract

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

IPC Classes  ?

• A43B 23/00 - UppersBoot legsStiffenersOther single parts of footwear