Article of footwear and display system for article of footwear

Abstract

A display system for an article of footwear includes a display device having an optoelectronic display, a control module configured to communicate with the display device, and a power source. The display device is configured to be removably received within a container formed in the article of footwear such that the optoelectronic display is visible from outside the article of footwear when the display device is received within the container.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 394330, filed August 2, 2022, entitled “ARTICLEOF FOOTWEAR HAVING A DISPLAY SYSTEM”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Reference for federally funded research or development

[0004] not applicable.

[0005] sequence list

[0006] not applicable. Technical Field

[0007] This disclosure generally relates to a footwear article having a display system, and more specifically, to a footwear article having a display system including an optoelectronic display. Background Technology

[0008] Many traditional shoes or other footwear products typically consist of an upper and a sole attached to the underside of the upper. Traditional shoes also include an internal space, or cavity, formed by the inner surfaces of the upper and sole, which accommodates the user's foot and subsequently secures the shoe to the foot. The sole is attached to the underside or boundary of the upper and lies between the upper and the ground. Therefore, when a shoe is worn, the sole typically provides stability and cushioning for the user. In some cases, the sole may include multiple components, such as an outsole, midsole, and insole. The outsole provides adhesion friction to the bottom surface of the sole, while the midsole may connect to the inner surface of the outsole and provide cushioning or added stability to the sole. For example, the sole may include specific foam materials that can increase stability along one or more desired locations on the sole, or reduce pressure or impact energy on the foot or leg when the user is running, walking, or engaging in other activities. The sole may also include additional components embedded in the sole, such as plates, to increase the overall rigidity of the sole and reduce energy loss during use.

[0009] The upper typically extends upwards from the sole and defines a cavity that fully or partially encloses the foot. In most cases, the upper extends across the instep and toe area, traversing the inner and outer sides of this area. Many footwear products may also include a tongue that extends across the instep area to bridge the gap between the inner and outer edges of the upper, defining an opening into the cavity. The tongue may also be positioned below the lacing system and between the inner and outer sides of the upper to allow adjustment of the shoe's tightness. The tongue can also be manipulated by the user to allow the foot to enter and exit the internal space or cavity. Furthermore, the lacing system allows users to adjust certain dimensions of the upper or sole, enabling the upper to accommodate various foot shapes and sizes.

[0010] The upper of many shoes can include a variety of materials, which are used to form the upper and selected based on one or more intended uses of the shoe. The upper can also consist of multiple sections with different materials for specific areas. For example, increased stability may be needed in the forefoot or heel area of ​​the upper to provide a higher level of resistance or rigidity. Conversely, other parts of the shoe may include soft textiles to provide areas with tensile strength, flexibility, breathability, or sweat-wicking properties.

[0011] However, in many cases, footwear items are configured with materials for visual communication and aesthetic purposes. For example, footwear items may include reflective materials to improve user visibility. Therefore, there is a continued need for footwear items with materials used for visual communication and aesthetic purposes. Utility Model Content

[0012] As described in this article, footwear can have various configurations. For example, footwear can have an upper and a sole structure attached to the upper.

[0013] In some aspects, this disclosure provides a display system for footwear articles. The display system includes a display device, a control module, and a power supply. The display device includes an opto-display, and the control module is configured to communicate with the display device. The display device is configured to be removably housed within a container formed in the footwear article such that the opto-display is visible from the outside of the footwear article when the display device is housed within the container.

[0014] In some embodiments, the container includes a window integrally formed in the upper, such that the photoelectric display is visible through the window when the display device is housed in the container. In some embodiments, the container includes an opening configured to receive the display device, and the container is movable relative to the window between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the display device can be inserted into or removed through the opening. In the closed position, the display device is fixed within the container adjacent to the window. In some such embodiments, when the container is in the open position, the display device can be inserted into the cavity of the footwear along the inner surface of the upper and into the opening of the container. In other such embodiments, when the container is in the open position, the display device can be inserted into the opening of the container along the outer surface of the upper.

[0015] In some embodiments, the container includes at least one electrical contact to which the display device is electrically connected when it is housed within the container. In some such embodiments, a power supply is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of the container.

[0016] In some embodiments, the optoelectronic display is an electronic paper display.

[0017] In some aspects, this disclosure provides a footwear article including a sole attached to an upper and a display system. The display system includes a display device, a control module, and a battery. The display device includes a photoelectric display, and the control module is configured to communicate with the display device. The display device is also configured to be removably housed within a container formed in the footwear article, such that the photoelectric display is visible from the outside of the footwear article. The container includes at least one electrical contact electrically connected to the control module, such that when the display device is housed within the container, the display device is electrically connected to the at least one electrical contact.

[0018] In some embodiments, the upper includes a window integrally formed on the outer surface of the upper, allowing the photoelectric display to be seen through the window when the display device is housed within a container. In some such embodiments, the window is located on the outer side of the upper.

[0019] In some embodiments, the control module is disposed within the midsole of the shoe sole.

[0020] In some embodiments, the container is integrally formed in the upper.

[0021] In some aspects, this disclosure provides a display system for footwear articles. The display system includes a display device, a control module, and a battery. The display device includes an electronic paper display, and the control module is configured to communicate with the display device. The display device is arranged within a container formed in the footwear article such that the electronic paper display is visible from the outside of the shoe.

[0022] In some embodiments, the container includes at least one electrical contact to which the display device is electrically connected when it is housed within the container.

[0023] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to provide a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal to the display device. The display device is configured such that the first electrical signal causes the electronic paper display to be in a first configuration, and the second electrical signal causes the electronic paper display to be in a second configuration different from the first configuration.

[0024] In some embodiments, the control module is configured to receive user input, and in response to receiving user input, the control module is further configured to change the electronic paper display between a first configuration and a second configuration different from the first configuration. In some such embodiments, the display device further includes an electronic device configured to wirelessly couple to a wireless communication module of the control module, and the electronic device is further configured to receive user input on the display screen of the electronic device, allowing the user to change the electronic paper display between the first and second configurations via the display screen of the electronic device. In some such embodiments, the display system is configured to allow the user to customize at least one of the first and second configurations of the electronic paper display via the display screen of the electronic device. In other such embodiments, the display screen of the electronic device provides battery power.

[0025] Other aspects of footwear articles, including their features and advantages, will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the accompanying drawings and the detailed description herein. Therefore, all such aspects of footwear articles are intended to be included within the specific embodiments and the content of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the bottom and inner side of a footwear article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the footwear article being constructed as a left shoe including an upper and a sole structure;

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the footwear products;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top-down view of footwear, in which the upper has been removed and the user's skeletal foot structure is covered on top;

[0029] Figure 4 This is an exterior view of a footwear article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is configured as a left shoe having a display system;

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the display device of the display system for footwear products;

[0031] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A sectional view taken from line 6-6;

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A detailed view of one of the multiple microcapsules in cross-section;

[0033] Figure 8 It is along Figure 4 A partial sectional view of a footwear product taken from line 8-8, with the container in a closed position;

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A partial sectional view showing the container in the open position;

[0035] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view showing the display device housed within a container, with the container in a closed position;

[0036] Figure 11 and Figure 12 yes Figure 4 The window display shows a detailed view of the footwear products, and the display device displays the first display screen and the second display screen respectively;

[0037] Figure 13 This is an exterior view of a footwear article configured as a left shoe having a display system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 A partial sectional view of a footwear product taken from line 14-14, with the container in a closed position;

[0039] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A partial sectional view showing the container in the open position;

[0040] Figure 16 yes Figure 14 A partial sectional view showing the display device housed within a container, with the container in a closed position; and

[0041] Figure 17 yes Figure 14 A partial sectional view, having Figure 13 Another embodiment of a container for a display system for footwear products. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following discussion and accompanying figures disclose various embodiments or constructions of footwear articles and shoes. While the embodiments of shoes are disclosed with reference to athletic footwear such as running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes, etc., the concepts associated with the embodiments of shoes can be applied to a wide range of footwear and footwear styles, including, for example, cross-training shoes, rugby shoes, golf shoes, hiking boots, ski and snowboard boots, soccer shoes and soccer cleats, walking shoes and track and field cleats. The concepts of shoes can also be applied to footwear articles considered non-athletic, including dress shoes, sandals, casual shoes, slippers, and high heels. In addition to footwear, the specific concepts described herein can also be applied to and incorporated into other types of clothing or other sporting equipment, including helmets, padding or protective pads, shin guards, and gloves. Furthermore, the specific concepts described herein can be incorporated into cushioning pads, backpack straps, golf clubs, or other consumer or industrial products. Therefore, the concepts described herein can be used in a wide variety of products.

[0043] As used herein, the term "about" refers to numerical variations that may occur after considering factors such as typical measurement and manufacturing procedures for footwear articles or other articles that may include aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein; omissions or errors in such procedures; differences in the raw materials, sources, or purity used to manufacture the composition or mixture; and differences in the methods of implementation, etc. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to a range of ±5% of the numerical value following the term.

[0044] Furthermore, as used herein, unless otherwise defined or limited, directional terms are used for convenience of discussion with reference to a particular drawing or example. For example, references to “downward” or other directions, or “lower” or other locations, may be used to discuss aspects of a particular example or drawing, but do not necessarily require similar orientations or geometries in all installations or constructions. The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the example construction, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0045] This disclosure relates to several aspects of a footwear article and / or specific components of such footwear article, such as the upper and / or sole or sole structure. The upper may include knitted components, woven fabrics, and / or nonwoven fabrics. Knitted components may be made from knitted yarns, woven fabrics from braided yarns, and nonwoven fabrics from integral nonwoven webs. Knitted textiles include textiles formed by warp knitting, weft knitting, plain knitting, circular knitting, and / or other suitable knitting operations. For example, knitted fabrics may have plain knit structures, mesh knit structures, and / or rib knit structures. Woven fabrics include, but are not limited to, textiles formed by any of a variety of knitting methods, such as plain weave, twill weave, satin weave, dobbin weave, jacquard weave, double weave, and / or double-layer fabric weave. Nonwoven fabrics include, for example, textiles made by air-laid and / or spun web methods. The upper may include a variety of materials that may have different properties or different visual characteristics, such as first yarns, second yarns, and / or third yarns.

[0046] The following description and accompanying figures Figures 1 to 17 Different embodiments and constructions of footwear articles are disclosed. Footwear articles can be configured as a pair of shoes, including a first shoe or left shoe and a second shoe or right shoe. The left and right shoes are similar in all materials, except that their sizes and shapes accommodate the user's left and right feet respectively. For ease of disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure will be described with reference to a single shoe or footwear article. In some figures, the footwear article is depicted as a right shoe, while in other figures, it is depicted as a left shoe. The following disclosure regarding footwear articles applies to both left and right shoes. In some embodiments, there may be differences between the left and right shoes, except for the left / right configuration. In some embodiments, the left shoe may include a frame, while the right shoe may not include a frame, and vice versa. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the left shoe may include one or more additional elements not included in the right shoe, and vice versa.

[0047] refer to Figures 1 to 3 An exemplary embodiment of a footwear article 100 including an upper 102 and a sole structure 104 is shown. The upper 102 is connected to the sole structure 104, and together they define an inner cavity 106 (see [link to illustration]). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The user's foot can be inserted into this cavity. Footwear 100 defines a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3(For reference only). The forefoot region 108 generally corresponds to multiple portions of the footwear 100 that enclose multiple portions of the foot, including the toes, the ball of the foot, and the joints connecting the metatarsals to the toes or phalanges. The midfoot region 110 is adjacent to and adjacent to the forefoot region 108, and generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encloses the arch and instep. The heel region 112 is adjacent to and adjacent to the midfoot region 110, and generally corresponds to the portion of the footwear 100 that encloses the rear of the foot, including the heel or calcaneus, ankle, and / or Achilles tendon.

[0048] Many traditional shoe uppers are formed from a variety of elements, such as textiles, polymer foams, polymer sheets, leather, and synthetic leather, which are joined together by bonding or sewing at seams. In some embodiments, the upper 102 of the footwear article 100 is formed from a knitted structure or knitted component. In many embodiments, the knitted component may incorporate various types of yarns that can provide different properties for the upper. For example, one area of ​​the upper 102 may be formed from a first type of yarn that imparts a first set of properties, while another area of ​​the upper 102 may be formed from a second type of yarn that imparts a second set of properties. Using this configuration, the properties of the upper 102 can vary across the entire upper 102 by selecting specific yarns for different areas of the upper 102.

[0049] Regarding the materials (one or more) constituting the upper 102, specific types of yarn will impart specific characteristics to the knitted components, which may depend at least in part on the materials of the various filaments and fibers forming the yarn. For example, cotton can provide a soft effect, biodegradability, or natural aesthetics to the knitted material. Elastic fibers and stretched polyesters can each provide the required elasticity and resilience to the knitted components. Synthetic fibers can provide a high-gloss and moisture-wicking material, wool can provide a material with enhanced moisture wicking, nylon can be a durable and abrasion-resistant material, and polyester can provide a durable and hydrophobic material.

[0050] Other aspects of the knitted component can also be varied to influence its properties and provide desired attributes. For example, the yarn forming the knitted component may include monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn, or the yarn may include filaments each made of two or more different materials. Furthermore, the knitted component can be formed using specific knitting processes to impart region-specific properties to the knitted component. Therefore, the material forming the yarn and other aspects of the yarn can be selected simultaneously to impart multiple properties to specific areas of the upper 102.

[0051] In some embodiments, the elasticity of the knitted structure can be measured by comparing the width or length of the knitted structure in a non-stretched first state with the width or length of the knitted structure in a stretched second state after a force has been applied to the knitted structure laterally. In another embodiment, the upper 102 may also include additional structural elements. For example, in some embodiments, a heel plate or cover (not shown) may be provided on the heel region 112 to provide additional support to the user's heel. In some cases, other elements, such as plastic materials, logos, trademarks, etc., may also be applied and fixed to the outer surface using adhesive or thermoforming processes. In some embodiments, characteristics associated with the upper 102, such as stitch type, yarn type, or characteristics associated with different stitch types or yarn types, such as elasticity, aesthetics, thickness, breathability, or abrasion resistance, may vary.

[0052] Refer again Figure 1 The sole structure 104 is connected or secured to the upper 102, and extends between the user's foot and the ground when the footwear 100 is worn by the user. The sole structure 104 may include one or more components, including an outsole, midsole, heel, vamp, and / or insole. In some embodiments, the sole structure may include an outsole providing structural integrity and traction for the user, a midsole providing a cushioning system, and an insole providing arch support for the user. Furthermore, the insole may be a strobel plate, forefoot board, gusset plate, or a combination thereof, and the insole may be disposed between the upper 102 and the sole structure 104, or the insole may be part of the upper 102.

[0053] Furthermore, the insole may be positioned within the internal cavity 106 of the upper 102, allowing it to directly contact the user's foot when the footwear 100 is worn. Additionally, the upper 102 may include a lining (not shown), which may increase comfort, for example, by reducing friction between the user's foot and the upper 102, sole 104, insole, etc., and / or by providing moisture-wicking properties. The lining may line the entire internal cavity 106 or only a portion thereof. In some embodiments, binding (not shown) may surround an opening in the internal cavity 106 to secure the lining to the upper 102 and / or provide an aesthetic element to the footwear 100.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 and 3The footwear article 100 further defines an outer side 116 and an inner side 118. When a user wears the shoe, the outer side 116 corresponds to the outward-facing portion of the footwear article 100, while the inner side 118 corresponds to the inward-facing portion of the footwear article 100. Thus, the footwear article 100 has opposing outer sides 116 and inner sides 118. The inner side 118 and the outer side 116 are adjacent to each other along a longitudinal center plane or axis 120 of the footwear article 100, which is perpendicular to... Figure 1 The longitudinal axis L is coplanar. As will be discussed further herein, the longitudinal central plane or axis 120 can divide the central axis between the inner side 118 and the outer side 116 of the footwear article 100. In other words, the longitudinal plane or axis 120 can extend between the rear proximal end 122 and the front distal end 124 of the footwear article 100, and can continuously define the center of the insole 126, the sole structure 104 and / or the upper 102 of the footwear article 100, that is, the longitudinal plane or axis 120 is a straight axis extending through the rear proximal end 122 of the heel region 112 to the front distal end 124 of the forefoot region 108.

[0055] Unless otherwise stated, see reference. Figure 2 and 3 Footwear article 100 may be defined by a forefoot region 108, a midfoot region 110, and a heel region 112. The forefoot region 108 may generally correspond to multiple portions of footwear article 100 that surround multiple portions of foot 128, including the toes or phalanges 130 of foot 128, the ball of the foot 132, and one or more joints 134 connecting the metatarsals 136 of foot 128 to the toes or phalanges 130. The midfoot region 110 is adjacent to and adjacent to the forefoot region 108. The midfoot region 110 generally corresponds to multiple portions of footwear article 100 surrounding the arch and instep of foot 128. The heel region 112 is adjacent to and adjacent to the midfoot region 110. The heel region 112 generally corresponds to multiple portions of the rear portion of the footwear 100 surrounding the foot 128 (including the heel or calcaneus 138, ankle (not shown), and / or Achilles tendon (not shown)).

[0056] Still refer to Figure 2 and 3The forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, lateral side 116, and medial side 118 are intended to define the boundaries or areas of the footwear article 100. For this purpose, the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, lateral side 116, and medial side 118 generally characterize multiple segments of the footwear article 100. Certain aspects of this disclosure may refer to portions or elements that extend together with one or more of the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, lateral side 116, and / or medial side 118. Furthermore, both the upper 102 and the sole structure 104 may be characterized by having portions located within the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, and / or heel region 112, and / or along the lateral side 116 and / or medial side 118. Therefore, the upper 102 and sole structure 104, and / or multiple individual portions of the upper 102 and sole structure 104 may include portions disposed within the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and / or the heel region 112, and / or along the outer side 116 and / or the inner side 118.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figure 2 and 3 The diagram details the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, lateral side 116, and medial side 118. The forefoot region 108 extends from the toe tip 140 of the footwear 100 to its widest portion 142. The widest portion 142 is defined or measured along a first line 144 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 120, which extends from the distal portion of the toe tip 140 to the distal portion of the heel tip 146 opposite to the toe tip 140. The midfoot region 110 extends from the widest portion 142 of the footwear 100 to its narrowest portion 148. The narrowest portion 148 of the footwear 100 is defined as the narrowest portion of the footwear 100 measured through a second line 150 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 120. The heel region 112 extends from the narrowest portion 148 of the footwear 100 to the heel tip 146.

[0058] It should be understood that, given the foregoing description, many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and individual components can be incorporated into many footwear articles. Therefore, various aspects of footwear article 100 and its various components can be described with reference to a general area or portion of footwear article 100, and it is understood that the boundaries of the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, lateral 116, and / or medial 118 as described herein may differ between footwear articles. Furthermore, various aspects of footwear article 100 and its individual components can also be described with reference to specific areas or portions of footwear article 100, and the scope of the appended claims can be combined with the definitions associated with these boundaries of the forefoot region 108, midfoot region 110, heel region 112, lateral 116, and / or medial 118 discussed herein.

[0059] Still refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The medial side 118 begins at the distal toe 140 and curves outward along the medial side of the footwear 100 along the forefoot region 108 toward the midfoot region 110. The medial side 118 reaches the first line 144, at which point it curves inward toward the central longitudinal axis 120. The medial side 118 extends from the first line 144 (i.e., the widest portion 142) toward the second line 150 (i.e., the narrowest portion 148), at which point, upon crossing the first line 144, the medial side 118 enters the midfoot region 110. Once reaching the second line 150, the medial side 118 curves outward away from the longitudinal central axis 120, at which point, upon crossing the second line 150, the medial side 118 extends to the heel region 112. Subsequently, the medial side 118 curves outward, then inward toward the heel end 146, and terminates at the point where the medial side 118 intersects the longitudinal central axis 120.

[0060] The lateral side 116 also begins at the distal toe 140 and curves outward along the forefoot region 108 towards the midfoot region 110 along the lateral side of the footwear 100. The lateral side 116 reaches the first line 144, at which point it curves inward toward the longitudinal central axis 120. From the first line 144 (i.e., the widest portion 142), the lateral side 116 extends toward the second line 150 (i.e., the narrowest portion 148), at which point, upon crossing the first line 144, the lateral side 116 enters the midfoot region 110. Once reaching the second line 150, the lateral side 116 curves outward away from the longitudinal central axis 120, at which point, upon crossing the second line 150, the lateral side 116 extends into the heel region 112. Subsequently, the lateral side 116 curves outward, then inward toward the heel end 146, terminating at the point where the lateral side 116 intersects the longitudinal central axis 120.

[0061] Still refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the upper 102 extends along the outer side 116 and the inner side 118, and passes through the forefoot region 108, the midfoot region 110, and the heel region 112 to accommodate and surround the user's foot. When fully assembled, the upper 102 also includes an inner surface 152 and an outer surface 154. The inner surface 152 faces inward and generally defines an internal cavity 106, while the outer surface 154 of the upper 102 faces outward and generally defines the outer periphery or boundary of the upper 102. The upper 102 also includes an opening 156 located at least partially in the heel region 112 of the footwear article 100, providing an entrance to the internal cavity 106 through which the foot can be inserted and removed. In some embodiments, the upper 102 may also include an instep region 158 extending from the opening 156 in the heel region 112 across a region corresponding to the instep of the foot to a region adjacent to the forefoot region 108. The instep area 158 may include a shoe tongue 160 similar to that in this embodiment (see...). Figure 2 In some embodiments, the upper 102 does not include the tongue 160, that is, the upper 102 has no tongue.

[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the sole structure 104 includes a midsole 162 and an outsole 164. The outsole 164 may define a bottom end or bottom surface 166 of the sole structure 104, spanning one or more of the heel region 112, midfoot region 110, and / or forefoot region 108. Furthermore, the outsole 164 may be a ground-adhesive portion or a ground-adhesive surface including the sole structure 104, and may be opposite to its insole. Figure 1 As shown, the bottom surface 166 of the outsole 164 may include a sole pattern 168, which may include various shapes and constructions. The outsole 164 may be formed of one or more materials to impart durability, abrasion resistance, wear resistance, or friction to the sole structure 104. In some embodiments, the outsole 164 may be formed of any kind of elastomeric material, such as rubber, including thermosetting elastomers or thermoplastic elastomers, or thermoplastic materials, such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). In some embodiments, the outsole 164 may be defined with a Shore A hardness of up to 95. Furthermore, the outsole 164 may be manufactured by processes including injection molding, vulcanization, layer-by-layer printing (i.e., additive manufacturing systems or methods, etc.).

[0063] Still refer to Figure 1The midsole 162 may be composed solely of a thermoplastic material, such as polyurethane (PU), for example, and / or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), copolymers thereof, or similar materials. In other embodiments, the midsole 162 may be an EVA solid foam (“ESS”) material, EVA foam (e.g., PUMA® ProFoam Lite™, IGNITE Foam), polyurethane, polyether, olefin block copolymer, organic sheet, thermoplastic material (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polyolefin, etc.), or supercritical foam. The midsole 162 may be a single polymeric material or a mixture of multiple materials, such as EVA copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyether block amide (PEBA) copolymers, and / or olefin block copolymers. An example of PEBA material is PEBAX®. In some embodiments, the midsole 162 is manufactured by processes involving injection molding, vulcanization, layer-by-layer printing (i.e., additive manufacturing systems or methods).

[0064] In embodiments where the midsole 162 is manufactured using a supercritical foaming process, the supercritical foam may comprise microporous or particulate foams, such as TPU, EVA, PEBAX®, or mixtures thereof, manufactured using a process performed in an autoclave, injection molding apparatus, or any sufficiently heated / pressurized container capable of handling the mixing of a supercritical fluid (e.g., CO2, N2, or mixtures thereof) with a preferably molten material (e.g., TPU, EVA, polyolefin elastomer, or mixtures thereof). In an exemplary process, a solution of the supercritical fluid and molten material may be pumped into a pressurized container, after which the pressure within the container is released, causing the molecules of the supercritical fluid to rapidly convert into gas to form small cavities within the material and cause the material to expand into a foam. In other embodiments, the midsole 162 may be molded using alternative methods known in the art, including the use of an expansion press, injection molding machine, particulate expansion process, cold foaming process, compression molding technology, die cutting, or any combination thereof. For example, the midsole 162 may be molded using a process that includes an initial foaming step in which supercritical gas is used to foam the material, followed by compression molding or die cutting into a specific shape.

[0065] In some embodiments, footwear article 100 may include one or more visual display systems disposed on one or more components of footwear article 100, such as upper 102. Examples of such visual display systems or technologies may be optoelectronic displays, including but not limited to: electrochemical transistor-based visual display technologies, liquid crystal display (LCD) panel technologies, light-emitting diode (LED) screen technologies, fiber optic technologies, electrochromic materials (including photonic lattices or crystals), electronic paper technologies (including electrophoretic ink technologies, electrowetting technologies, or electrofluid technologies), electroluminescent strip technologies, and other visual display technologies. In some embodiments, the visual display portion of the display system of the footwear article may be associated with electronic paper technology utilizing electrophoretic ink. Several examples of this technology are disclosed in any of the following documents, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent No. 7,535,624; U.S. Patent No. 7,528,822; U.S. Patent No. 7,420,549; U.S. Patent No. 7,167,155; U.S. Patent No. 7,201,952; U.S. Patent No. 6,987,603; U.S. Patent No. 6,922,276; U.S. Patent No. 6,864,875; and U.S. Patent No. 6,639,578.

[0066] In some embodiments, the visual display portion of a display system for footwear articles may be associated with flexible electronic paper technology using electrophoretic ink, which can maintain the visual display after the applied power is removed. Several examples of such technology are disclosed in any of the following documents, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,502,788; 7,944,597; 7,675,672; 7,195,170; and 6,936,190. In some embodiments, the visual display portion of a display system for footwear articles may be associated with an electronically controllable visual dynamic textile or flexible substrate that can be formed part of the footwear article. An example of such technology is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2003 / 0224155, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0067] Go to Figure 4 An exemplary footwear article 200 is shown, which includes an upper 202 attached to a sole structure 204 and a display system 270. Footwear article 200 is similar to the preceding embodiments, with similar elements indicated by similar reference numerals under the “2xx” series of reference numerals. For example, the sole structure 204 of footwear article 200 includes a midsole 262 and an outsole 264, just as the sole structure 104 of footwear article 100 includes a midsole 162 and an outsole 164 (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0068] The display system 270 of the footwear product 200 includes a display device 272 having a display screen 274, the display screen 274 being configured such that it is normally visible from the outside of the footwear product 200. The display system 270 also includes a control module 276 configured to communicate with the display device 272, a power supply or battery 278 configured to power the control module 276, and a container 280 having a window 282, the container 280 being configured to removably house the display device 272. The window 282 of the container 280 is disposed within a container opening 284 of the upper 202 and is configured such that when the display device 272 is housed within the container 280, the display screen 274 of the display device 272 is visible from the outside of the shoe 200 through the window 282. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 280 is formed on the outer side 216 of the upper 202, so that when the display device 272 is housed within the container 280, the display screen 274 is visible from the outside of the shoe 200 along the outer side 216 of the upper 202. Furthermore, also in the illustrated embodiment, the container 280 is arranged along the inner surface 252 of the upper 202, such that the display device 272 can be inserted into the inner cavity 206 of the upper 202 first through the opening 256 of the upper 202, and then inserted into the container 280.

[0069] In some embodiments, the container 280 may be configured such that the display device 272 can be inserted into and / or removed from the outer side of the shoe 200, for example, along the outer surface 254 of the upper 202. In some embodiments, the container 280 and its window 282 may be formed on other portions of the upper 202, such as the inner side 218 or the instep region 258, or on other parts of the footwear article 200, such as the midsole 262 of the sole structure 204. In some embodiments, the footwear article 200 may include a plurality of containers 280 configured to accommodate a plurality of display devices 272 of the display system 270. In some embodiments, a single container 280 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of display devices 272 of the display system 270. In some embodiments, the window 282 may be formed at least partially by the display device 272. For example, in such embodiments, the display screen 274 may be integrally formed with the upper 202 instead of the window 282, and the display device 272 may be configured to be connected to the display screen 274 when the display device 272 is housed within the container 280. In some embodiments, the window 282 may comprise a translucent material. In some embodiments, the window 282 may be formed of a material having properties similar to those of the material comprising at least the outer surface 254 of the upper 202, such as color, pattern, texture, etc.

[0070] Still referencing Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, both the control module 276 and the battery 278 are disposed within the midsole 262 of the sole structure 204 of the shoe 200. More specifically, the battery 278 is disposed in the heel region 212 of the sole structure 204 toward the rear or proximal end 222 of the shoe 200, and the control module 276 is disposed in the forefoot region 208 of the sole structure 204 toward the front or distal end 224 of the shoe 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery 278 is electrically connected to the control module 276 via a first circuit or wire 286a extending within the midsole 262 in the forefoot region 208 of the sole structure 204. In some embodiments, both the control module 276 and the battery 278 are disposed in the heel region 212 or the midfoot region 210 of the sole structure 204. In some embodiments, at least the control module 276 may be disposed on other portions of the shoe 200, for example, along the proximal end 222 of the upper 202. In some embodiments, the control module 276 includes a battery 278. In some embodiments, the battery 278 may be configured to be wirelessly charged from within the sole structure 204, for example, via a wireless charging coil included in the battery 278. In some embodiments, the battery 278 is configured to be charged via a kinetic energy converter, such as a piezoelectric transducer, which may be disposed on the shoe 200 and electrically connected to the battery 278. In some such embodiments, the battery 278 may include a kinetic energy converter. In some embodiments, the shoe 200 may be configured such that the battery 278 is accessible or removable by a user from the sole structure 204, for example, to charge or replace the battery 278.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, when the display device 272 is housed in the container 280, the control module 276 can be electrically connected to the display device 272 via a second circuit or wire 286b. More specifically, the second wire 286b is electrically connected to the electrical input terminal 286c of the container 280. Therefore, as discussed in more detail below, when the display device 272 is inside the container 280, the display device 272 can be housed and electrically coupled to the electrical input 286c via the second wire 286b, and the control module 276 can communicate electrically with the display device 272. Similarly, when the display device 272 is housed in the container 280, the battery 278 can be electrically connected to the display device 272 via the first and second wires 286a and 286b, for example, to power the display screen 274.

[0072] In embodiments where the control module 276 includes the battery 278, both the control module 276 and the battery 278 can be electrically connected to the display device 272 solely via the second electrical wire 286a when the display device 272 is housed in the container 280. In other embodiments, the battery 278 can be electrically connected to the control module 276 solely, for example, supplying power only to the control module 276 that provides electrical signals to the display device 272. In some embodiments, the second electrical wire 286b can extend from the sole structure 204 and through the upper 202, for example, between the inner surface 252 and the outer surface 254 of the upper 202, or between the first or inner layer and the second or outer layer (not shown) of the upper 202, to the electrical input terminal 286c of the container 280. In some embodiments, the second electrical wire 286b can extend from the sole structure 204 along the inner surface 252 of the upper 202 to the electrical input terminal 286c of the container 280.

[0073] Now for reference Figures 5 to 7 The display device 272 of the display system 270 is shown in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 272 is configured such that the display screen 274 is an electronic paper display, i.e., an optoelectronic display utilizing electrophoretic ink technology. More specifically, the display device 272 includes a housing 288 having a first wall or rear wall 290 and a second wall or front wall 292 opposite to the rear wall 290. See below for details. Figure 6 Multiple microcapsules 294 are arranged between the rear wall 290 and the front wall 292 to form a monolayer of multiple microcapsules 294, such that each microcapsule 294 simultaneously contacts the rear wall 290 and the front wall 292.

[0074] Specific reference Figure 7 A detailed cross-sectional view of one of the plurality of microcapsules 294 of the display device 272 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, each microcapsule 294 has a generally transparent shell and is filled with a transparent fluid 296 and a plurality of first particles 298 and a plurality of second particles 300 suspended in the fluid 296. The display device 272 is configured such that the relative positions of the plurality of first particles 298 and the plurality of second particles 300 in each of the plurality of microcapsules 294 can be controlled by one or more electrical signals received from a control module 276. Specifically, the plurality of first particles 298 are charged to have a first polarity, such as negative polarity, and the plurality of second particles 300 are charged to have a second polarity, such as positive polarity. Thus, as discussed in more detail below, the control module 276 can cause the plurality of first particles 298 to accumulate toward one side of the microcapsule 294, while causing the plurality of second particles 300 to accumulate toward the other side of the microcapsule 294 opposite to the plurality of first particles 298 (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (As shown).

[0075] In addition to having different polarities, the plurality of first particles 298 may have one or more other characteristics, such as color, that are different from the plurality of second particles 300. For example, in some embodiments, the plurality of first particles 298 may be a first color, and the plurality of second particles 300 may be a second color different from the first color. In some embodiments, at least the plurality of first particles 298 may include a first portion of particles having a first color and a second portion of particles having a second color. In some embodiments, the plurality of first particles 298 and the plurality of second particles 300 in one or more of the plurality of microcapsules 294 may be different from the plurality of first particles 298 and the plurality of second particles 300 in other microcapsules 294. For example, in some embodiments, one of the plurality of microcapsules 294 may have a plurality of first particles 298 with a first color, and another of the plurality of microcapsules 294 may have a plurality of first particles 298 with a second color different from the first color.

[0076] Refer again Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall 292 is configured as a first electrode or front electrode, and the rear wall 290 is configured as a second electrode or rear electrode. More specifically, the front wall 292 is configured as a transparent electrode, so that one of the plurality of first particles 298 and the plurality of second particles 300 in the plurality of microcapsules 294 can be seen through the front wall 292, depending on the relative positions of the plurality of first particles 298 and the plurality of second particles 300 within their respective microcapsules 294. Furthermore, as discussed in more detail below, the rear wall 290 is configured as a conductive portion or electrical contact of the display device 272, such that the respective positions of the plurality of particles 298, 300 within their respective microcapsules can be controlled by the control module 276. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the transparent front wall 292 of the display device 272 corresponds to the display screen 274, and each of the plurality of microcapsules 294 corresponds to a respective segment or pixel of the display screen 274.

[0077] In some embodiments, the rear wall 290 may include a plurality of conductive portions, each conductive portion contacting one or more of a plurality of microcapsules 294. For example, in such embodiments, one or more microcapsules 294 contacting one conductive portion may be controlled independently of other microcapsules 294 contacting another conductive portion, for example, by providing different electrical signals from control module 276 to each of the plurality of conductive portions. In some embodiments, the rear wall 290 may include a plurality of first conductive portions 290a and a plurality of second conductive portions 290b. For example, in such embodiments, the plurality of first conductive portions 290a and the plurality of second conductive portions 290b may respectively include a plurality of first electrical leads and a plurality of second electrical leads (not shown), or respectively include a plurality of first thin-film transistors and a plurality of second thin-film transistors (not shown). In such embodiments, the plurality of first conductive portions 290a of the rear wall 290 may contact one or more of the plurality of microcapsules 294, and the plurality of second conductive portions 290b of the rear wall 290 may contact at least a portion of the remaining plurality of microcapsules 294. In such embodiments, a plurality of first conductive portions 290a may be configured to contact a first portion of each of the plurality of microcapsules 294, and a plurality of second conductive portions 290b may be configured to contact a second portion of each of the plurality of microcapsules 294.

[0078] Now for reference Figure 8 and 9 The illustrated embodiment shows a container 280 of the footwear article 200 in more detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 280 is formed in the upper 202 of the shoe 200. More specifically, a container opening 284 extends through the outer surface 252 and inner surface 254 of the upper 202 and leads to a cavity 206 of the upper 202. A window 282 of the container 280 is integrally formed with the outer surface 254 of the upper 202 and covers the outer end of the container opening 284. A container housing 302 is disposed within the container opening 284, adjacent to the window 282 and the inner surface 252 of the upper 202. The container housing 302 includes a first portion or frame portion 304 fixedly connected to the periphery of the container opening 284 to the upper 202, a second portion or base portion 306 pivotally movable relative to the frame portion 304, and an internal compartment 310 jointly defined by each of the window 282, the inner surface of the frame portion 304, and the outer surface 312 of the base portion 306. In the illustrated embodiment, the container housing 302 is configured to be in a closed position (e.g., Figure 8 (as shown) and opening position (as shown) Figure 9The base portion 306 pivots between the frame portion 304 and the inner surface 252 of the upper 202, as shown. In the closed position, the inner surface 314 of the base portion 306 is parallel to the inner surface 252 of the upper 202, causing the container opening 316 of the internal compartment 310 to close. In the open position, the base portion 306 is set at an angle relative to the frame portion 304 and the inner surface 252 of the upper 202, causing the container opening 316 of the internal compartment 310 to open.

[0079] Continue to refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the container housing 302 includes a retaining mechanism 318 configured to releasably hold the container housing 302 in a closed position, for example, by preventing movement of the base portion 306 relative to the frame portion 304. Relatedly, in some embodiments, the container 280 may also include a biasing mechanism configured to bias the container housing 302 toward an open position when the retaining mechanism 318 is released. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the container 280 includes a biasing spring 322 arranged along the frame portion 304, configured to be compressed (e.g., when the container housing 302 is moved by the retaining mechanism 318 and secured in the closed position). Figure 8 and 10 (as shown), and is released when the retaining mechanism 318 is released to bias the container housing 302 to the open position (as shown). Figure 9 (As shown). In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism 318 may include a button, knob, or some other known structure, which may be configured such that the fixing mechanism 318 releases the base portion 306 relative to the frame portion 304 and allows the bias spring 322 to move the container housing 302 from a closed position to an open position. For example, in some embodiments, the fixing mechanism 318 may include a button disposed on the inner surface 252 and / or the outer surface 254 of the upper 202, which a user can press to move the container housing 302 to the open position. In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism 318 may be in electrical communication with the control module 276 of the display system 270. In such embodiments, the control module 276 may be configured such that the fixing mechanism 318 releases the container housing 302 to the open position.

[0080] Still refer to Figure 8 and 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the container 280 further includes a plate 320 disposed on the outer surface 312 of the base portion 306 of the container housing 302, such that the plate 320 partially defines the internal compartment 310 of the container 280. In the illustrated embodiment, the plate 320 is a conductive plate or electrical contact of the container 280, configured such that when the container 280 is in a closed position (e.g., ...), ... Figure 8As shown), board 320 is electrically coupled to electrical input terminal 286c, and when container 280 is in the open position (e.g.) Figure 9 As shown, plate 320 is electrically isolated from electrical input terminal 286c. In some embodiments, container 280 may be configured such that plate 320 is electrically coupled to electrical input terminal 286c in each of the open and closed positions of container 280. In some embodiments, container 280 may include a plurality of plates 320 arranged along the outer surface 312 of the base portion 306 of container housing 302. In such embodiments, some of the plurality of plates 320 may also be arranged along one or more inner surfaces of the frame portion 304 of container housing 302. In some embodiments, plate 320 comprises a metal or metal alloy material, such as aluminum, to exhibit conductive properties. In some embodiments, the entire base portion 306 may be plate 320.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 10 The display device 272 of the display system 270 is shown inserted into the container 280 of the footwear product 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 272 is configured to be inserted into and removably accommodated within the internal compartment 310 of the container housing 302 when the container 280 is in the open position (see [reference needed]). Figure 9 More specifically, the display device 272 can first be inserted into the inner cavity 206 of the shoe upper 202 through the opening 256, that is, when the footwear 200 is not being worn by the user, and then inserted into the container opening 316. With the display device 272 housed within the internal compartment 310 of the container housing 302, the container 280 can be moved to a closed position (e.g., Figure 8 and 10 (As shown) the display device 272 is fixed inside the container 280. Figure 10 As shown, when the display device 272 is housed within the container 280, the rear wall 290 of the display device 272, i.e., the electrical contacts of the display device 272, contacts the plate 320 of the container housing 302, i.e., the electrical contacts of the container 280. Thus, the display device 272 communicates with the control module 276 (see...) via the second electrical wire 286b, the electrical input terminal 286c of the container 280, and the plate 320 of the container housing 302. Figure 4 Electrical connection. In some embodiments, container 280 may be configured to provide a seal to the internal compartment 310 when the container is in the closed position, such as a dust seal, a waterproof seal, etc.

[0082] It is conceivable that at least the display screen of the display device may have a different shape than the portion of the display device housed within the internal compartment of the container. For example, in some embodiments, the outer periphery of the display screen 274 may have a first shape, and at least a portion of the outer periphery of the housing 288 of the display device 272 may have a second shape different from the first shape. In such embodiments, the outer periphery of the display screen 274 may have a circular or round shape, while the outer periphery of the housing 288 may have a non-circular or non-round shape, such as a rectangular or triangular shape. In such embodiments, the window 282 of the upper 202 of the footwear article 200 may have a shape similar to the outer periphery of the display screen 274, while the container opening 284 of the upper 202 may have a shape similar to the outer periphery of the housing 288. Similarly, in such embodiments, the container housing 302 may be configured such that the inner surface of the frame portion 304 of the container housing 302 includes a first portion or inner portion (not shown) and a second portion or outer portion (not shown). The first part or the internal part together forms a first shape similar to the outer periphery of the housing 288 of the display device 272, and the second part or the external part together forms a second shape similar to the outer periphery of the display screen 274 of the display device 272.

[0083] Now for reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the illustrated embodiment, the display system 270 is configured to display one or more display images 330 on the display screen 274 of the display device 272. These display images 330 are visible from the outer side 216 of the footwear 200 through a window 282. The one or more display images 330 can be various visual forms, such as colors, images, symbols, text, animations, videos, etc. Specifically, refer again... Figure 7When a positive or negative electric field is applied to one or more portions (i.e., electrical contacts) of the rear wall 290 of the display device 272, the display image 330 is displayed on the display screen 274 (i.e., the transparent front wall 292) of the display device 272. When a positive or negative electric field is applied to the rear wall 290, one of the plurality of first particles 298 or the plurality of second particles 300 suspended in each of the plurality of microcapsules 294 moves toward the front wall 292, while the plurality of other particles 298, 300 within the same microcapsule 294 simultaneously move toward the rear wall 290. For example, when a negative electric field is applied to the first portion of the rear wall 290 of the display device 272, the plurality of positively charged first particles 298 suspended in each of the plurality of microcapsules 294 and in contact with the first portion of the rear wall 290 will move toward the rear wall 290, while the plurality of negatively charged second particles 300 will move toward the front wall 292, and thus become visible through the transparent front wall 292. Therefore, by selectively applying a positive or negative electric field to a corresponding portion of the rear wall 290 of the display device 272, a display image 330 can be displayed on the display screen 274, making a plurality of first particles 298 or a plurality of second particles 300 visible as portions or pixels of the display screen 274.

[0084] Refer again Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the control module 276 (see...) Figure 4 The control module 276 is configured to selectively provide one or more electrical signals to apply a positive or negative electric field to the rear wall 290 of the display device 272 via the plate 320 through the electrical input terminal 286c. Thus, the control module 276 can be configured to cause the display device 272 to display one or more display screens 330 via one or more electrical signals, the one or more display screens 330 corresponding to one or more configurations of a plurality of first particles 298 and a plurality of second particles 300 in each of the plurality of microcapsules 294. For example, the control module 276 can be configured to cause a first display screen 330a (e.g., ...) by providing a first electrical signal. Figure 11 As shown in the diagram, the first electrical signal causes multiple first particles 298 and multiple second particles 300 of multiple microcapsules 294 to move to a first configuration corresponding to the first display screen 330a, that is, a specific arrangement of one of the multiple particles 298, 300 within each microcapsule 294 is displayed through the front wall 292 forming the first display screen 330a. In other words, the first electrical signal provided by the control module 276 causes a specific arrangement of multiple first particles 298 or multiple second particles 300 within each microcapsule 294 to be visible through the front wall 292, and these particles together form the first display screen 330a. From the first configuration, the control module 276 can be further configured to make a second display screen 330b (as shown in the diagram) visible through the front wall 292 by providing a second electrical signal. Figure 12As shown in the diagram, displayed on the display screen 274, the second electrical signal causes a plurality of first particles 298 and a plurality of second particles 300 of a plurality of microcapsules 294 to move to a second configuration corresponding to the second display screen 330b. In some embodiments, in addition to or instead of Figure 11 and 12 The symbols or text shown may vary, and the first and second display screens 330a and 330b may have different features, such as different colors, color shades, etc.

[0085] It should be understood that the display device 272, having a display screen 274 configured as an electronic paper display, is particularly beneficial to the user of the shoe 200. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the display screen 274 of the display device 272 can be configured such that only a relatively short electrical signal provided by the control module 276 is required to move the plurality of particles 298, 300 of the display device 272 to a configuration that results in the display of a specific display image 330. Furthermore, once the plurality of particles 298, 300 of the display device 272 are moved to a specific configuration, the plurality of particles 298, 300 will remain in that configuration until another electrical signal is provided by the control module 276, unless a continuous electrical signal is supplied from the control module 276. Therefore, the display device 272 can be understood as a passively controlled display, such that the display device 272 does not need to continuously draw power to maintain a static image or color, and only draws power when changing the image or color or when displaying an animation. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the display system 270 with display device 272 requires minimal or no power consumption from battery 278 when displaying display screen 330, and only requires minimal power consumption from battery 278 to change display screen 330, which reduces the charging frequency of battery 278, especially compared to other optoelectronic displays (e.g., LED displays).

[0086] It is conceivable that the display system 270 can be configured based on at least one input device 334 from the display system 270 (see...). Figure 4 The received user input signal is used to display a specific image on the display screen 274. For example, refer again... Figure 4 , Figure 11 and Figure 12The control module 276 can be configured to, in response to receiving a user input signal from the input device 334, cause the display device 272 to display one of two or more different display screens 330 on the display screen 274, cycle between the two or more different display screens 330 at predetermined or set time intervals, change one or more features of a display screen 330, etc. The at least one input device 334 can be any suitable type of sensor or actuator for communicating with the control module 276 to selectively or automatically control the display device 272. For example, in some embodiments, at least one input device 334 can be arranged on the shoe 200 and communicate with the control module 276, for example, via an electrical or mechanical connection, and can be configured to be physically manipulated by the user, such as a button, knob, sliding panel, or other known user-activated feature, allowing the user to physically engage at least one input device 334 to provide a user input signal to the control module 276. In some embodiments, the input device 334 can be a touch-activated sensor configured to sense a user's finger sliding or tapping the outer surface of the input device 334 to control the display device 272. Various types of touch-activated sensors are conceivable, including capacitive touch swipe sensors, capacitive touch tap sensors, resistive touch swipe sensors, or resistive touch tap sensors. In some embodiments, the input device 334 may be a microphone, enabling the detection of sound waves of various frequencies to control the display device 272. For example, in such embodiments, the input device 334 may be voice-activated, by which a user's voice can instruct "on" or "off" to control the display device 272. In the illustrated example, at least one input device 334 is disposed on the midsole 262 of the sole structure 204 of the shoe 200. In some examples, at least one input device 334 may be disposed on the upper 202 of the shoe 200, for example, along the tongue (not shown) of the upper 202, or as part of a window 282 or other part of a container 280.

[0087] In some embodiments, at least one input device 334 of the display system 270 (see Figure 4Externally to the footwear article 200, alternatively, at least one input device 334 is included in a mobile electronic device (not shown), such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch, wearable electronic device, dedicated computer, or device. For example, a user can access a mobile application via a smartphone to communicate with the control module 276 via a wireless communication network. In such embodiments, the control module 276 includes a wireless communication module or wireless transceiver operating via a short-range wireless communication network, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, RFID, or NFC connectivity, and the user can control the display device 272 of the shoe 200 via a mobile application or widget on the display screen (not shown) of the mobile electronic device. Thus, in such embodiments, the user can customize or change one or more display screens 330 of the display device 272 via one or more user inputs on the display screen of the mobile electronic device, which causes the control module 276 to adjust one or more configurations of a plurality of first particles 298 and a plurality of second particles 300 of each microcapsule 294 of the display device 272 via electronic signals provided by the control module 276. In such embodiments, when the mobile electronic device is wirelessly coupled to the control module 276, the display screen of the electronic device may provide the user with operating information of the display system 270, such as the battery level of the battery 278.

[0088] It is also conceivable that the display system 270 may be configured to display a specific display screen on the display screen 274 corresponding to one or more dynamic characteristics of the footwear 200. For example, in some embodiments, the control module 276 may be configured to display a specific display screen on the display screen 274 based on signals received from at least one sensor (not shown) of the display system 270. The at least one sensor may be any suitable type of sensor capable of measuring or sensing one or more dynamic characteristics of the shoe 200 when worn by a user, such as acceleration, direction, the user's gait cycle, the user's total distance or number of steps over a specific time period, specific activities performed by the user, etc.

[0089] It is also conceivable that the display system 270 could be configured such that one of a plurality of display devices 272 with different constructions or features could operate within the display system 270 once inserted into the container 280 of the footwear product 200. For example, in Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, a user can remove a first display device from container 280 and insert a second display device into container 280, the second display device having one or more configurations or features different from the first display device. In some embodiments, display system 270 can be configured such that a user can select display device 272 from a plurality of display devices and thus customize the visual characteristics of display system 270 according to the selected display device 272. In such embodiments, one or more display images 330 can be pre-programmed for a corresponding display device 272. For example, in such embodiments, a display device for a particular footwear product may have at least one pre-programmed display image, which may be unique to the particular footwear product, i.e., the pre-programmed display image is not programmed for other display devices for other footwear products or is not programmable for other display devices. In other embodiments, display device 272 can be configured such that one or more configurations or features of display device 272 can be adjusted by a user, as described above.

[0090] It is also conceivable that the display screen 274 of the display device 272 can be configured as a variety of optoelectronic displays compatible with the display system 270. For example, in some embodiments, the first display device may have a first display screen configured as an optoelectronic display, which is different from the optoelectronic display of the second display screen of the second display device, and each of the first and second display devices may be housed within the container 280. In some embodiments, a single display device 272 may include a plurality of display screens 274, each of which may be configured as the same or different optoelectronic displays. For example, in some embodiments, the first display screen may be arranged on a first portion of the display device 272, and the second display screen may be arranged on a second portion of the display device 272. In such embodiments, the first display screen of the first portion of the display device 272 may be the first optoelectronic display, and the second display screen of the second portion of the display device 272 may be a second optoelectronic display different from the first optoelectronic display. In some such embodiments, the first portion of the display device 272 may be a rear wall 290, and the second portion of the display device 272 may be a front wall 292. In such embodiments, each of the rear wall 290 and front wall 292 of the display device 272 may be transparent and is also configured to be electrically coupled to the plate 320 of the container 280, depending on which of the first or second displays is arranged adjacent to the window 282.

[0091] refer to Figures 4 to 12Various components of the example footwear article 200, including one or more components or structures of the display system 270, can be formed by additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing. For this purpose, various 3D printing techniques can be implemented to form the shoe 200 having the display system 270, such as vat photopolymerization, material jetting, binder jetting, powder bed melting, fused deposition modeling, directional energy deposition, and / or sheet lamination. In some embodiments, the upper 202 having an integrally formed window 282 can be 3D printed as a single monolithic piece. In some embodiments, the upper 202 and at least the container shell 302 of the container 280 can be 3D printed as a single monolithic piece. In other embodiments, the container 280 can be 3D printed separately from the upper 202 and subsequently attached to the upper 202. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the container 280 can be 3D printed using a first material, and other portions of the container 280 can be 3D printed using a second material. For example, the frame portion 304 of the container shell 302 can be 3D printed from a first material with flexible properties, while the base portion 306 of the container shell 302 can be 3D printed from a second material with less flexible properties than the first material.

[0092] It is also conceivable that footwear with a display system could be configured such that the display device can be inserted into or removed from the container of the footwear from its outer surface, i.e., when the footwear is worn by the user. Now refer to Figures 13 to 16 This describes another exemplary embodiment of a footwear article 400 having a display system 270. The footwear article 400 includes an upper 402 attached to a sole structure 404, the sole structure 404 including a midsole 462 and an outsole 464. The footwear article 400 is similar to footwear article 200, with similar elements indicated by similar reference numerals under the “4xx” and “5xx” series of reference numerals. For example, the shoe 400 includes a container 480 having a window 482 configured to... Figures 4 to 12 The display device 272 of the display system 270 is removably housed in a similar manner to the shoe 200, which has a container 280 with a window 282. While the shoe 400 is similar to the shoe 200, there are some differences. Specifically, in the shoe 400, the window 482 is integrally formed with the container housing 502 of the container 480, and the container 480 is configured such that when the container 480 is in the open position (e.g., when...), the display device 272 of the display system 270 is removably housed. Figure 13 and 15 As shown), the display device 272 of the display system 270 can be positioned along the outer surface 454 of the upper 402 of the shoe 400 (see figure). Figure 13 Insert it into the container opening 516.

[0093] For details, please refer to the following: Figures 14 to 16In the illustrated embodiment, the upper 402 includes a container bag 484. The container bag 484 is disposed on the outer surface 454 of the outer side 416 of the upper 402. Specifically, the container bag 484 extends into the upper 402 at a distance away from the inner surface 452 of the upper 402. A container housing 502 having an integrally formed window 482 is disposed within the container bag 484, such that the container housing 502 is pivotally movable relative to the container bag 484. More specifically, the container housing 502 is configured to be in a closed position (e.g., Figure 14 and 16 (as shown) and opening position (as shown) Figure 13 and 15 The container 480 is pivotally movable between the two sides (shown). In the closed position, window 482 is parallel to the outer surface 454 of the upper 402, the inner surface 514 of the container housing 502 contacts the bottom surface of the container bag 484, and the container opening 516 is closed. In the open position, window 482 of container 480 is angled relative to the outer surface 454 of the upper 402, such that the container opening 516 is open. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the display device 272 of display system 270 can only be inserted into or removed from the internal compartment 510 of container 480 through container opening 516 when container 480 is in the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, container opening 516 is arranged and accessible along the top or upper side of container 480 toward the instep area 458 of upper 402. In some embodiments, container 480 may be configured such that container opening 516 is arranged along the bottom or lower side, first side or proximal side, or second side or distal side of container 480.

[0094] In some embodiments, the container 480 of the shoe 400 may include a securing mechanism and a biasing mechanism. The securing mechanism is configured to secure the container in a closed position, and the biasing mechanism is configured to bias the container 480 toward an open position when the securing mechanism is released. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the container 480 includes a securing mechanism 518 configured to releasably hold the container 480 in a closed position and a biasing spring 522 arranged along the bottom surface of the container bag 484. The biasing spring 522 is configured to be compressed (e.g., when the container 480 is moved by the securing mechanism 518 and secured in the closed position) when the container 480 is in the closed position. Figure 14 and 16 (as shown), and is decompressed when the retaining mechanism 518 is released to bias the container 480 to the open position (as shown). Figure 15 (As shown). In some embodiments, the securing mechanism 518 may include a release mechanism (not shown) that can be actuated by a user to release the container from a closed position. In some such embodiments, the release mechanism may be arranged along the outer surface 454 of the upper 402 (see...). Figure 13For example, adjacent window 482, and configured as a physical device operated by the user, such as a button, latch, etc. In some embodiments, the release mechanism may be electrically communicated with control module 276 and may be configured to be actuated by a signal received via control module 276 (see...). Figure 13 ).

[0095] Specific reference Figure 16 The electrical input 286c of the display system is arranged inside the container 480, such that when the container 480 is in the closed position, the control module 276 is electrically connected to the plate 520 arranged on the surface 512 of the container housing 502 via the second electrical wire 286b. Therefore, when the display device is housed in the internal compartment 510 of the container 480 and the container 480 is in the closed position, the control module 276 is electrically connected to the display device 272. Furthermore, when the display device is housed in the container 480, the display screen 274 of the display device 272 is visible from the outside 416 of the footwear 400 through the integrally formed window 482 of the container 480.

[0096] It is conceivable that footwear with a display system could be configured such that the container can be removably attached to the footwear. Now refer to... Figure 17 An alternative embodiment of a container 480a for footwear article 400 is depicted. Container 480 includes a display system 270. Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the display device 272 of the display system 270 is arranged in the internal compartment 510 of the container housing 502 of the container 480a, adjacent to the window 482, and the container 480a is configured to be removably housed in the container bag 484 of the upper 402 of the shoe 400.

[0097] Continue to refer to Figure 17 The entire container 480a can be inserted into or contained within the container bag 484 and is removably secured within the container bag 484 by a securing mechanism 518. In the illustrated embodiment, an electrical input 286c is configured as a first electrical contact, and the container bag 484 also includes a second electrical contact 286d. The second electrical contact 286d is electrically connected to the control module 276 via a second electrical wire 286b. The second electrical contact 286d is configured such that when the container 480a is contained within the container bag 484, the first electrical contact or the electrical input 286c contacts the second electrical contact 286d, thereby providing electrical communication between the control module 276 and the display device 272 via the plate 520, the electrical contacts 286c, 286d, and the electrical wire 286b. In some embodiments, the electrical contacts 286c, 286d may be configured to be waterproof or impermeable. For example, in some embodiments, the first electrical contact 286c may be a protrusion with a washer, and the second electrical contact 286d may be a recess configured to receive the protrusion of the first electrical contact 286c and the washer.

[0098] Therefore, having Figure 17 The footwear article 400 of the illustrated display system 270 can provide a replaceable display device 272 with increased durability, making it easier for a user to transport the replaceable display device 272 housed within a container 480a. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one of the plurality of replaceable containers 480a may have an opaque surface instead of the window 482, which resembles the outer surface 454 of the upper 402, thus reducing the visibility of the container bag 484 from the outside of the shoe 400 when the display device 272 is not needed. In some embodiments, the container 480a may be configured to be inserted into the container bag 484 in a first orientation, in which the window 482 is visible from the outside 416 of the shoe 400, and in a second orientation, in which the inner surface 514 of the container 480a is visible from the outside 416 of the shoe 400, and the window 482 contacts the inner surface of the container bag 484. In some embodiments, the container 480a may be configured such that the display device 272 can be removed from the container 480a, for example, via the window 482.

[0099] In some embodiments, the footwear article 400 having the display system 270 may be configured such that the container 480a can be secured or adhered along one or more portions of the upper 402. For example, in such embodiments, the display system 270 may include a plurality of second electrical contacts 286d, each in communication with one or more second electrical wires 286b, and may be distributed around one or more portions of the upper 402 such that an electrical input 286c can be electrically communicated with the control module 276 via one or more of the second electrical contacts 286d at different locations along one or more portions of the upper 402. In some embodiments, the second electrical contacts 286d may be one or more portions of the upper 402, including conductive fibers or yarns forming electrical contact pads or contact areas on the outer surface 454 of the upper 402, and behind the electrical contact pads or contact areas is a layer of non-conductive fibers or material extending to the inner surface 452 of the upper 402. In such embodiments, the display device 272 may be electrically connected to the contact area or contact pad and fixed within the container 480a, between the window 482 and the outer surface 454 of the shoe upper 402.

[0100] In some embodiments, the container 480a and display device 272 may be configured to bend or fold in one or more directions. In such embodiments, the container 480a may include a washer or peripheral channel. This washer or peripheral channel is configured to allow the display device 272 and / or the container 480a to deform as the upper 402 deforms due to normal use, for example, throughout the user's gait cycle, particularly during the toe-off phase of the gait cycle. In such embodiments, the container 480a, including the window 482, may include a resilient material.

[0101] In other embodiments, other configurations are possible. For example, certain features and combinations of features presented with respect to specific embodiments in the above discussion may be used in other embodiments and other combinations where appropriate. Furthermore, any embodiment described herein can be modified to include any structure or method disclosed in conjunction with other embodiments. Moreover, this disclosure is not limited to footwear articles of the specific types shown. Furthermore, aspects of footwear articles of any embodiment disclosed herein can be modified to work with any type of footwear, apparel, or other sporting equipment.

[0102] As for the foregoing, those skilled in the art will understand that while this disclosure has been described above with reference to specific embodiments and examples, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and deviations from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be covered by the appended claims. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, just as each such patent or publication is individually incorporated by reference. Various features and advantages of this disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

[0103] Industrial applicability

[0104] Given the foregoing description, many modifications to this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description should be construed as illustrative only and is presented to enable those skilled in the art to make and use this disclosure. Exclusive rights to all modifications within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.

Claims

1. A display system for footwear products, the display system comprising: Display devices, including photoelectric displays; The control module is configured to communicate with the display device; power supply; and A container configured to be received within a container opening of the footwear article, the container including a window and a container shell; The display device is configured to be removably housed within an opening formed in the container housing, such that when the display device is housed within the container, the photoelectric display is visible from the outside of the footwear through the window. Specifically, at least the container shell is movable relative to the shoe between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the display device can be inserted into or removed through the opening. In the closed position, the display device and the photoelectric display can be fixed inside the container near the window.

2. The display system according to claim 1, wherein, The window is integrally formed in the upper of the footwear, allowing the container housing to move relative to the window formed in the upper within the container opening.

3. The display system according to claim 1, wherein, The photoelectric display is a first photoelectric display, and the display device further includes a second photoelectric display that is different from the first photoelectric display.

4. The display system according to claim 2, wherein, When the container shell is in the open position, the display device can be inserted into the shoe cavity along the inner surface of the shoe upper and into the opening of the container.

5. The display system according to claim 1, wherein, When the container housing is in the open position, the display device can be inserted into the opening of the container along the outer surface of the shoe.

6. The display system according to claim 1, wherein, The container includes at least one electrical contact, and the display device is electrically connected to the electrical contact when it is housed in the container.

7. The display system according to claim 6, wherein, The power source is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of the container.

8. The display system according to claim 1, wherein, The optoelectronic display is an electronic paper display.

9. A footwear product, comprising: The sole connects to the upper; as well as The display system includes: The display device includes an optoelectronic display. as well as A control module, configured to communicate with the display device, includes a battery. The display device is configured to be removably housed within a container formed in the footwear, such that when the display device is housed within the container, the photoelectric display is visible from the outside of the footwear. The container includes at least one electrical contact electrically connected to the control module, such that when the display device is housed within the container, the display device is electrically connected to the at least one electrical contact.

10. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein, The upper includes a window integrally formed on the outer surface of the upper, such that the photoelectric display is visible through the window when the display device is housed in the container.

11. The footwear article according to claim 10, wherein, The window is located on the outside of the shoe upper.

12. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein, The control module is located inside the midsole of the shoe sole.

13. The footwear article according to claim 9, wherein, The container is integrally formed in the upper of the shoe.

14. A display system for footwear products, the display system comprising: The display device includes an electronic paper display. A control module configured to communicate with the display device; A battery that powers the control module; and A container configured to be attached to a shoe, the container including an opening and a window, the opening being configured to receive the display device. The display device is configured to be movably housed within the container, such that when the electronic paper display is housed within the container, the electronic paper display is visible from the outside of the footwear through the window. The container is movable relative to the shoe between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the display device can be inserted or removed through the opening. In the closed position, the display device and the electronic paper display are fixed inside the container near the window.

15. The display system of claim 14, wherein the container includes at least one electrical contact, and the display device is electrically connected to the at least one electrical contact when the display device is housed in the container.

16. The display system of claim 14, wherein the control module is configured to provide a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal to the display device, and The display device is configured such that the first electrical signal causes the electronic paper display to be in a first configuration, and the second electrical signal causes the electronic paper display to be in a second configuration, which is different from the first configuration.

17. The display system of claim 14, wherein the control module is configured to receive user input, and in, The control module is also configured to, in response to receiving the user input, cause the electronic paper display to change between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the second configuration is different from the first configuration.

18. The display system of claim 17, further comprising an electronic device configured to wirelessly couple with a wireless communication module of the control module. The electronic device is configured to receive user input on the display screen of the electronic device, enabling the user to switch the electronic paper display between a first configuration and a second configuration via the display screen of the electronic device.

19. The display system according to claim 18, wherein, The display system is configured to allow a user to customize at least one of the first and second configurations of the electronic paper display via the display screen of the electronic device.

20. The display system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The display screen of the electronic device provides battery power.

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