Module to provide intermittent light with movement

Details Module to provide intermittent light with movement Module to provide intermittent light with movement

1997-12-19

2001-06-12

Quach, Y. (Department: 2875)

Illumination

Self powered lamp

Disposable lamp or flexible material casing

C362S103000, C362S201000, C362S200000, C036S137000

Reissue Patent

active

RE037220

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of the invention is footwear, and the invention relates more particularly to footwear with molded shoes of the type generally referred to as “gym shoes” and furthermore, of the type of “gym shoe” that has a light in the sole thereof.
Gym shoes, or more specifically basketball, jogging, and tennis shoes, have become a large selling product particularly to the youth. Since many such shoes are often worn at night, ways are needed to improve visibility for safety. Various designs have been devised for providing a bright light in the sole of a shoe. Applicant's co-pending application, Ser. No. 07/806,925 filed Dec. 11, 1991, shows a design of intermittently lighted shoe which utilizes the weight of the wearer to move down a conductor of a light-emitting diode into contact with a wafer battery. While this design is very satisfactory for most uses, a design which does not require the wearer to depress and deform the lighted module, would be useful. Furthermore, more of an on and off flashing action to the light-emitting diode would provide a somewhat more flashy appearance which is beneficial from a marketing as well as a safety standpoint, by providing a more visible signal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a gym shoe which has the ability to emit light as the shoe is moved during walking and running.
The present invention is for an improved module for use in the sole of a shoe which has a light-emitting diode and a wafer battery held in a case. A light-emitting diode is supported in the case and has an upper conductor and a lower conductor. The lower conductor is in continual contact with one of the terminals of a wafer battery and the second conductor of the LED is positioned just above the other terminal of the wafer battery. A weight member is positioned above the upper terminal of the LED and when at rest, is not heavy enough to move the conductor downwardly into contact with the terminal of the wafer battery. However, when the shoe is moved downwardly and stopped, the inertia of the weight member has sufficient force to complete the contact and turn on the LED. The effect is a flashing light which flashes on as the shoe is being moved but remains off when the shoe is at rest. Preferably the weight member is a hinged weight member.


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