Illuminating system
Patent 5188447 Issued on February 23, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date: 
January 21, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
January 21, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesIlluminated shoe Novel uses of piezoelectric materials for creating optical effects Flashing footwear Strapped footwear with decorative lighting Patent #: 5052131 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 822742 filed on 01/21/1992US Classes:362/103, WITH WEARING APPAREL OR BODY SUPPORT36/137, Light-reflecting or illuminating means310/339, Voltage, spark or current generator362/800LIGHT EMITTING DIODEExaminersPrimary: Yeung, James C.Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassF21L 015/08AbstractA member made from a suitable material such as a polyurethane epoxy designed to withstand impact against an object is provided as a support member. For example, the member may constitute an insert disposed on or in the heel of a shoe but a wide variety of other applications are possible. A suitable member such as a piezoelectric member is disposed on the support member to produce a signal when the support member is impacted against the object or when the impact is released. This signal is amplified by an amplifier which is powered by a suitable source such as a battery. The amplified signals are introduced to a light emitting member such as a light emitting diode which provides an illuminated indication of the impact of the support member against the object. A member such as a resistance may be disposed in the circuit with the battery and the amplifier to limit the current flow through the amplifier during the times that the piezoelectric member is energized. | |
