Footwear with electroluminescent wire
US5955957A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 6, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 6, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA43B3/34
- WIPO fieldOther consumer goods
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
This invention comprises footwear having a power source and switching mechanism mounted in the heel under padding and an electroluminescent wire mounted in a predetermined position on the footwear to provide illumination. The electroluminescent wire comprises a thin linear light source wherein light is produced by activating an electroluminescent phosphor with high alternating electric current. The phosphor is located between two electrically conductive wires, one in the core or center of the phosphor layer and one on the outside of the phosphor layer with spirals about the wire. The electroluminescent wire is connected to a control circuit for converting the battery power to alternating current. When an individual applies force to the bottom of the footwear or motion, a vibration sensitive switch activates the circuit causing the electroluminescent phosphor to become lighted. The wire may be positioned along the out sole inside and outside or along the tongue or other position on the footwear.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.