Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
GLO-BLADES SKATES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention involves a device for illuminating the surface beneath
ice
skates as well as wheeled inline skates to selectively provide the effect of
skating on a
cloud of light. The device is readily attachable to an existing skate and can
thus convert a
standard skate to one having increased appeal as the surface upon which the
skate travels
is illuminated.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There have been teachings over time suggesting the benefit of associating a
light
source with foot wear. Certain athletic shoe manufacturers place a mercury
switch in the
heel of a shoe to provide a blinking light when pressure is applied to
activate the switch.
U.S. Patent No. 5,327,329 teaches a lighting attachment for inline and roller
skates in
which boxes housing lights are adhered to the sides of skates by means of
double sided
adhesive tape or by hook and loop fasteners. U.S. Patent No. 5,552,971 also
claims a
lighting system for inline skates that employs a spring that may lengthen or
shorten
automatically when the lighting system is attached to skates of different
sizes. U.S.
Patent No. 7,059,739 discloses an illumination device with flashing lights
adjustably
fixable to ice skates or inline skates in the form of LEDs visible inside of a
transparent
box installed in the hollow between the shoe portion and blade or wheels of
the skate.
In each instance the shoe or skate lights suggested by the patented literature
cited
above often employ complex assemblies which are not easily applied to the
skate or any
working parts thereof. Further, the lights tend to be flashing LEDs emanating
from the
side of the skates which have little or no halo effect upon the ice or skating
surface and
thus provide little or no visual impact. In addition, all such prior devices
require
activation and deactivation by requiring a user to bend over and access the
device beneath
his or her boot or shoe which can be difficult for some users and also can be
hazardous in
instances where a user might lose one's balance or stop to control the device
without
regard to other skaters in his or her immediate proximity.
-1-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
Prior art skates are limited to lights associated with one person. That is, a
person
controls the lights on his or her skates.
It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a device capable of
ready
attachment to a preexisting ice or inline skate devoid of the limitations of
other devices.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an illumination
device
for an ice or inline skate which can be releaseably attached to the skate and
remotely
controlled without the need for activating or deactivating the device at skate
level.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an illumination
device
which is capable of providing a halo effect or light cloud providing an
observer with the
sense that the user is skating on light thus dramatically enhancing the
skating experience.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an illumination
device
for a plurality of skates networked to one another such that the illumination
can be
controlled wirelessly and remotely.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to remotely and wirelessly
choreograph groups of skaters and the colors projected by their skates.
It is another object of the present invention to remotely and wirelessly
synchronize groups of skaters and the light colors from their skate under
control of the
skaters themselves or by a user remotely located.
Yet another object of the invention is to remotely control and synchronize the
colors of objects in addition to the lights projected from light projecting
skates.
It is a further object to use music to control the skates lights and pattern
of lights.
These and further objects will be more readily apparent when considering the
following disclosure and appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An illumination device for illuminating a surface being traversed by a skate.
The
skate is characterized as having a boot, a blade or inline wheels and multiple
ribs
attaching the boot to the blade or wheels. The device includes a light tube in
the form of
a plurality of lamps each in electrical contact with a power source. A switch
is provided
for selectively activating the lamps noting that the light tube is releaseably
appended to
-2-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
the boot proximate the ribs whereby the plurality of lamps extend on at least
one side of
the multiple ribs positioned to illuminate the surface beneath the skate.
Lighted skates are controlled remotely and wirelessly A controller or
programmed computer remotely controls the timing, color and sequence of lights
of a
plurality of skater's skates. This allows the colors and sequencing of skaters
to be
choreographically synchronized. Further, other items, such as clothes,
costumes, and
hockey pucks are provided with lights which are also controlled remotely along
with the
lights from the skaters' skates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Fig. 1 is a side plan view of a first embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a rear view of the embodiment shown in Fig. I.
Figs. 3 and 3a are side plan views of yet second and third embodiments of the
present invention.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a remote control device capable of being used
with
both embodiments of Figs. 1 and 2.
Fig. 5 is a side plan view of a typical inline wheel assembly extendable from
a
boot for supporting the present invention.
Fig. 6 is a rear view of the embodiment of Fig. 3.
Figs. 7, 8 and 9 are front, back and side views, respectively, of a further
embodiment of a glove used to remotely control the device.
Fig. 10 illustrates a two-way wireless digital communications system for
controlling illumination of lighted skates and other objects.
Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of switching circuit to turn individual lights
on
and off on the skaters' skates.
Fig. 12 is a block diagram illustrating how a remote controller controls the
lights
on individual skaters' skates.
Fig. 13 illustrates an address system for ten skaters.
Fig 14 illustrates how light colors of an individual skater can be remotely
controlled by more than one user.
-3-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
Fig. 15 illustrates how one skater can assume the position of the master and
other
skaters assume the position of slaves such that all of the slaves lighted
skates sync with
the master's.
Fig.16 illustrates various modes and protocols for achieving remote wireless
control of the colors skater's lighted skates and other objects.
Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing how music can control the illumination
patterns of skaters' lighted skates.
Fig. 18A, Fig. 18B and Fig. 18C illustrate how the position of a skater in a
rink or
the position of a skater relative to an object in the rink triggers an
illumination or change
in illumination of lighted skates or other objects.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization
and
method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will
be better
understood from the following description considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are
illustrated
by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the
drawings are for
illustration description only and are not intended as definitions of the
limits of the
invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention
are recited
with particularity in the claims.
There has been broadly outlined more important features of the invention in
the
summary above and in order that the detailed description which follows may be
better
understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be
appreciated.
There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be
described hereinafter
and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this
disclosure is based
readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures,
methods and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important
therefore, that claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as
they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
-4-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
Certain terminology and the derivations thereof may be used in the following
description for convenience and reference only, and will not be limiting. For
example,
words such as "upward," "downward," "left," and "right" refer to directions in
the
drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similar words
such as
"inward" and "outward" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively,
the
geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. Reference
in the
singular tense include the plural and vice versa, unless otherwise noted.
Turning to Fig. 1, the first embodiment of the present invention is depicted.
Specifically, an illumination device is provided for converting a standard
skate 10 into
one capable of creating a halo or cloud of light 11 on a surface supporting
the skate.
Fig. 1 depicts a typical ice skate having boot 12, blade 13 and multiple ribs
14 and 15
used to attach blade 13 to the bottom surface of boot 12.
Alternatively, the present invention could be employed with an inline skate,
the
bottom portion of which being shown in Fig. 5. Specifically, blade 13 would be
replaced
with assembly 50 housing multiple inline wheels 51 rotating about individual
axes 52 and
appended to a suitable boot via ribs or other supporting structures 53.
Turning back to Fig. 1, it is noted that, typically, skate 10 includes a
plurality of
ribs 14 and 15 attached to the bottom surface 19 of boot 10 in order to
support blade 13.
Skate 10 is converted to one embracing the present invention by mounting light
tube 16
comprising a plurality of lamps 17 each in electrical contact with a power
source; Fig. 1
depicting, as a preferred embodiment, power source 18, the details of which
will be
discussed in more detail below.
Light tube 16 is releaseably appended to boot 12 proximate ribs 14 and 15 such
that the plurality of lamps 17 extend on at least one side of the ribs and
positioned to
illuminate a surface creating the halo or cloud of light 11 as shown. In the
illustration of
Fig. 1, a strip of hook and loop fasteners 20 are adhered to sole portion 19
of boot 12 and
a complimentary strip of hook and loop fasteners connected to light tube 16
enabling
light tube 16 to be releaseably attached to sole 19 as desired.
It is noted that light tube 16 can be provided on one side of ribs 14 and 15,
perhaps best illustrated in Fig. 2. In doing so, the light cloud generated
thereby would
obviously be created only on a single side of the skate. However, it could be
readily
-5-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
apparent to anyone practicing the present invention that a second light tube
could be
installed on the opposite side of ribs 14 and 15 to illuminate the surface
upon which the
skate traverses on both sides of and, in fact, the light tube could be
completely wrapped
about the skate to present a substantially uniform cloud of light surrounding
the skate.
A second embodiment for illustrating the releaseable attachment of lamps below
a
skate is shown in Fig. 3 in which light tube 30 is appended between and around
ribs 31
and 32 by using cord 33 appended to ends of light tube 30. Through the use of
this
embodiment, any skate could be readily converted to one having the present
illumination
capabilities without any modification to the skate itself. As noted in Fig. 6,
light tube 30,
residing on one side of ribs 31 and 32 could be fitted with a companion light
tube 40
connected to one another via cord 33 to enable the skating surface to be
illuminated on
both sides of the skate shown graphically as blanket or cloud of light 35.
Cord 33 could
be of any suitable structure including stretch cord or wire to enhance the
frictional fit of
light tubes 30 and 40 about ribs 31 and 32. Ends of cord 33 could be snapped
together or,
ideally, be fitted with hook and loop fasteners to enhance selective
attachment.
As noted previously, and as further illustrated in Fig. 1, the illumination
device of
the present invention further comprises battery pack 18 as an external power
source for
light tube 16. Battery pack 18 can be appended to boot 12 shown in the
illustration as
being appended to the anlde portion of boot 12 through the use of securing
band 29,
ideally being a loop releaseably attachable through the use of hook and loop
fasteners.
Lamps 17 within light tube 16 can be powered by battery pack 18 by selectively
activating switch 28 thus eliminating the need for one to reach any lower than
the ankle
portion of the boot. Although not depicted, power source 18 can be located and
positioned elsewhere for the convenience of a user recognizing that, in doing
so,
umbilical 39 making electrical connection between battery 18 and light tube 16
must be
accounted for. As a preferred embodiment, battery pack 18 can also include
logic
circuitry for such features as fading and light sequencing. Battery pack 18
can also
contain RF circuitry and portal interfaces for recharging and computer
connectivity for
programming the logic circuitry.
Further, for the sake of convenience as well as safety, the present invention
contemplates, as a preferred embodiment, the use of remote control device 60.
This
-6-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
device can be located anywhere that is convenient for a user while being in
radio control
contact with light tube 30 and particularly control pack 61. Remote control
device 60 is
intended to include an internal power supply and one or more switches 65, the
activation
of which is indicated by lamp 64. Switches 65 can include something as simple
as an
on/off switch or more sophisticated signaling means providing for the
selective
application of certain lamps or the intermittent activation of lamps to
provide a degree of
variety to the light illuminated thereby.
Lamps 17 can be one of a variety of light sources including LEDs,
incandescents,
fluorescents, metal halides and non-burning lasers. As a preferred embodiment,
these
elements are retained within cover 70 to not only protect the lamps from
moisture and
debris but also, as a further embodiment, cause light blurring through
frosting or
refraction to enhance the uniform effect that the individual lamps have upon
the skating
surface. Cover 70 can also be colored to enhance a spectral output of the
light tube.
An important part of the present invention is the creation of cloud of light
11
distinguishing the present invention from prior devices which have LEDs or
other
discreet light sources emanating directly from the skate's substructure per
se. Ideally,
lamps 17 are to be directed substantially beneath and surrounding at least a
portion of the
skate as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. As further preferred embodiments, light
sources 17 can
include reflectors 7 to ensure that a substantial portion of the light
emanating from light
tube 16 is directed to the skating surface proximate blade 13 or inline skate
50.
As preferred embodiments, it is suggested that different lights 17 may point
in
different directions, or the same direction. The lights may be any types
capable of
creating the described effect. Some embodiments may include pivoting mounts
for the
lights, individually and in groups, which may be motorized and controlled via
the remote
control device 60. The pivoting functionality provides, for example, the
ability for the
skater to manage the pointing direction and/or automated motion sequences of
the light
and create patterns and/or random movements in the illumination effect.
Various colors
of lights are available. For example, the lights may be white, red, orange,
yellow, green,
blue, or purple. In some embodiments, the lights have different intensities;
in other
embodiments the lights all have the same intensity.
-7-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
As an additional embodiment, audio-reactive circuitry can be provided to
create
pulsing, dynamic effects as the lights' intensities are automatically adjusted
and changed
in synchronization with the changes in music and/or other audible sounds
around the
device.
An additional embodiment incorporates a fog and/or mist generation system
which produces a visible fog-like cloud, enhancing the lighting effects of the
device.
This system may produce a defmitive trail of plain or colored fog or smoke-
like
substance around and/or behind the skater. Similar to sky-writing by
airplanes, a
sufficiently visible trail might exist, the creation and cessation of which
may be
controlled via an on/off switching function, and also may be available to
control via the
remote control device. With the smoke-like generation system, a device for
emitting
sparks out the rear of the unit would be incorporated to provide for an
overall visual
effect of rocket propulsion and associated exhaust trailing the skater.
An additional feature and/or claim is the enhanced ability for skates to
"talk" to
each other, at least primitively in the sense that they can affect each other
when in close
proximity. As an example, a group of young friends are ice skating together in
a public
skate session (open skating). One skater's light pool is red while all his
friends are green.
Like the classic children's game of tag, the red skater is "it" and chases
after his green
friends on the ice. He eventually nears within a couple meters of a green
player and
suddenly that friend's skates change from green to red, while the former "it"
player
changes from red to green. The nearby friend is now "it" and proceeds, in
turn, to chase
the green players. When the new red player comes within a couple meters of a
green
player their skates will communicate with one another and a color handoff will
occur
automatically, completing another tag event. Immediately, both players get
"Twittered"
and/or emailed if Wi-Fi is present in the area in which they're skating.
In various embodiments there may exist a sound generation device, such as one
or more
speakers or noise generators capable of producing recorded music and/or
noises, for
example, beeps and sirens. An MP3 processor may be incorporated, either within
the
illumination device or the remote control device, along with a flash drive
port, to provide
digital music files available for play. The audio functionality may also be
fully controlled
by remote control device 60.
-8-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
Referring now to Fig. 10, a two-way wireless digital communication lights
control
system 100 is illustrated for controlling a light tube or light stick
comprising, for
example, a plurality of LED lights 16/30. Of course other types of lights may
be
employed but for purposes of the present invention LED lights are described.
Control
system 100 comprises a remote controller 102 which includes an encoding input
device
104 and a wireless digital transceiver 106. Control system 100 also includes a
LED
controller 108, which in turn includes a wireless digital transceiver 110 and
a LED driver
112.
Input device 104 detects input command signals from users and encodes the
input
command into digital data command signals 107 and then sends the data commands
to
the wireless digital transceiver 106. Encoding input device 104 can be a touch
sensitive
device such as glove 91. As explained in more detail later, input device can
be remotely
located such as a smartphone, DMX, computer, iPad or other device which is
linked
wirelessly to transceiver 106. Input device 104 detects input commands from
users.
As used herein "a user" can mean one or more of the skaters or a person who is
remotely situated who is controlling the lighted skates. Such a person might
be located,
for example, in a control booth at an ice skating arena and is either entering
manual
commands to, for example, a key board, or wireless commands from, for example,
a
smart phone. Further, the invention is not limited to real time manual inputs.
For
example, pre-programed scripts can be used.
The wireless digital transceiver 106 modulates the digital data command
signals
107 with radio frequencies and then sends the modulated signal to wireless
digital
transceiver 110. Examples of radio frequency protocols which can be used
include Wi-
Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth and Z-Wave or others. Wireless digital transceivers 106
and 110
can be off the shelf radios such as California Eastern Laboratories (CEL) Mesh
Connect
EM 357 Mini Modules. For applications such as an ice skating arena the Zigbee
protocol
can be used, at a frequency of 2.4 GHz , a transmit power of +8 dBm and a
sensitivity of
-100dBM. Such a Zigbee protocol can be used, for example, with a DMX light
console.
The wireless digital transceiver 108 demodulates the digital data command 107
and sends the demodulated signal to the LED driver 112. LED driver112
comprises an
array of electronic switches that are able to turn on or off single or
multiple LEDs. The
-9-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
LED driver 112 decodes the digital data command signals 107 and operate the
LEDs
according to the colors, patterns and sequence dictated by the digital data
command
signals 107. Fig 11 illustrates details of an array of switches 116 within LED
decoder
112 that turn on or off individual or multiple LEDs 118. When solid state
switch 116 is
turned on for a particular LED diode 118, the diode emits light.
The wireless digital transceivers 106 and 110 are paired with each other based
upon unique addresses in order to identify the different skaters. In one
embodiment each
skater carries one remote controller 102 and two or more LED controllers 108,
at least
one on each foot, as illustrated in Fig. 12.
The remote controller 102 has the capability of controlling individual LED
controllers 108, sub-groups of LED controllers, or the LED controllers of all
of the
skaters. This is illustrated in Fig. 13 showing how remote controller 102
interfaces with
up to n LED controllers. Each LED controller 108 has a unique address. Where
there are
ten skaters one user's remote controller 102 can control the illumination of
ten users'
skates to light individual skates, groups of skates or all the skates with the
same or
different colors. As explained the user controlling the other skates' lights
can be a skater
or can be someone who is not on the ice or rink, if indoors, or not a
participant skater if
outdoors.
As shown in Fig. 14 the LED controller 108 can be controlled by more than a
single remote controller 102. As an example four remote controllers 102 have
access to
and can control the LED controller 108 of one skater. This is achieved by
selecting the
address of the wireless digital transceiver 110 for that LED controller. Here
the skater
has the address 1001. Four other users with remote controllers 102 can change
user
number 1001 LED's color pattern by addressing the LED controller 102 with that
address.
Any user can assume the position of "master" of the other users thereby
allowing
the "master" to control the other "slave" users. This is illustrated in Fig.
15. For
example, remote controller 102 can force other LED controllers 108 so that
other user's
color bars 16/30 will synchronize with the master's color pattern, colors or
sequence of
colors at the same time automatically.
-10-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
Wireless remote control is achieved on a large scale and from places remote
from
the skaters such as a booth at a skating rink, as illustrated by Fig. 16. In
accordance with
the invention any wireless protocol can be used by transceivers 110. In Fig.
16, as an
example, transceiver 110 is provided with a 3G/4G network and Wi-F and Zigbee
protocols. As an example smart phone 120 and related devices can transmit
commands to
transceiver 110 via Wi-Fi and through a 3G/4G network either directly or
through the
"cloud" computer network 119, such as the internet. Zigbee format is used, as
another
example, to transmit commands from remote controller 102 and from a lighting
console
122 such as a DMX512. Computers, laptops, iPads, notepads and similar devices
can
communicate wirelessly through Wi-Fi or any other wireless protocol to
transceiver 110.
As illustrated in Fig. 17, the skaters' lights can be changed reflective of
music
being played to create unique and changing light patterns. Music is provided,
for
example, via a microphone 132 or an external audio jack 130. A remote source
of music
can also be utilized. If the microphone is used, it picks up background music
and
converts the music into an electronic signal. Based upon the frequency of the
background
music, the LED array shows different colors. For example, a lower pitch sound
could be
red and a higher pitch sound could be a blue color. The rhythm of the music
could be
represented by different patterns of color.
Figs. 18A, 18B and 18C illustrate another aspect of the present invention. The
position of a skater in the rink or the position of a skater relative to an
object in the rink
triggers an illumination or change in illumination of the lighted skates or
other objects.
In Fig. 18A when a skater moves from Zone A to Zone B, the lights on the
skates change,
for example, from red to green. Remote controller 102 senses the location
change either
by a proximity sensor, a GPS signal or wireless signal strength. Other
techniques can
also be used to sense the change of location.
Referring now to Fig. 18B, when a skater moves close to a target, in this case
a
goal, the remote controller 102 senses the location change and sends a message
to the
target which triggers an illumination event. For example the illumination
event can be
that the target, the goal, changes color or pattern to match the color of the
skater. In Fig.
18C as the skater approaches the goal an illumination event takes place with
respect to
the skater.
-11-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
The skater's position in the rink can trigger external events with integrated
objects, such as stage lights or sound such as DMX512 controlled objects. So
the
communication is two-way; skate lights being signaled for events, e.g.,
changing their
color and signaling back to trigger other systems (DMX) via their position in
the rink, or
entering a sensory triggered area or zone. This is two-way illumination event
triggering.
An important piece to this is the signal trigger back to the DMX from the
skater or
sensor, so an external event occurs. Not just the skater changing, but an
external event as
well based on the zone change or other position change.
The light control system described with respect to Figs 10-18 can be used to
control illumination of objects other than skates. For example, a hockey puck
and any
other related sporting gear can be provided with a lighting device so as to be
illuminated
and remotely controlled. Skaters' clothes are provided with lights so that the
light colors
thereon are synchronized with the colors of the skates. Other examples include
hockey
goals, lines and markings on a rink floor below the ice, hockey sticks and
props.
An additional feature and/or claim is the enhanced ability for skates to be
remotely controlled in groups by computer, perhaps choreographically
synchronized. As
an example, the team of figure skaters emerges in single file from the black
curtain at the
end of the rink, entering the ice as the music builds in anticipation. Their
skates colors are
varied, some blue, some green, others sporting pastels such as aqua and pink,
orange, and
violet. They circle the ice randomly for a few minutes as the music builds and
then
suddenly come together, poised in a choreographed stop at center ice- exactly
as their
skates all change in unison to bright red. Pausing briefly for applause, they
begin a
choreographed musical program as their light pools change together through
various
colors and timing suited to the piece. Collectively, their individual skates
sequence
together with the music, and then at times are purposely unsynchronized to
allow for
variations and greater creativity within the choreography. Many interesting
variations
occur, such as subgroups of skaters synchronized together with one color and
other
subgroups with different colors. A computer program controls the sequencing in
time
with the music so the skaters are not required to consciously think about the
lighting
effects. Their skates automatically follow them throughout the performance,
creating an
incredibly beautiful and memorable experience for the audience and skaters
alike.
-12-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
An additional feature and/or claim is the enhanced ability for the skate's
control
logic to be modified and/or programmed via an interface to a computer. Using
simple
software and a connecting cable to a port interfacing with the skate's logic
circuitry, the
end-user could play/create with various lighting sequences etc.
An additional feature and/or claim is the enhanced ability for the invention
to
project a logo outline or other shape on the skating surface, as opposed to,
or with pools
of light. As examples, a Nike "swish" logo symbol can be projected on the ice
or a
Chevrolet chevron can be so projected. During the Halloween holidays a jack-o-
lantern
shape can be projected, during spring a flower shape projected as well as a
skater's first
name.
In turning to the embodiment of Fig. 3a, the invention can include highly
miniaturized, self-contained illumination unit (light stick) 5 that requires
no external
battery pack or power supply cord and that mounts entirely under boot 55 other
than
associated remote control unit 60.
The light element 30 could include a shell that would house one or more
batteries
59, a slim circuit board 73, a plurality of lamps 9, preferably LEDs, various
electronic
components, one or more control button switches 81 and may contain a motion
switch 82.
This design could incorporate the same complex logic and functionality as the
external
battery pack design, compressed into a single streamline shell, including
transceiver logic
to utilize associated remote control device 60. It, too, could be easily
installed via
Velcro -type hook and loop fastener strips or other strips or straps or
lengths of material
33 such that mounting hardware is not required, offering extreme portability
and ease of
use.
Once the device is installed beneath boots 12 or 55, the skater activates
light tube
16 or light stick 30 either via button 28 on battery pack 18 or through remote
control 60.
A plurality of "teamed" colored lights, such as LEDs 17 or 9 mounted within
the light
stick or tube are controlled via the buttons in such a manner as to provide
constant light,
alternate colors, flash in sequence, or create other interesting lighting
effects. While in
operation, creating the effect of "skating on light" can be enhanced by
electronic logic
circuitry that teams up the same colored LEDs together, thus, for example,
providing a
light aura of blue, then changeable to green, then red, etc. Logic circuitry
can provide the
-13-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
ability for the light arrays to fade out as the next color fades in, providing
for interesting
secondary colors to exit briefly during the transition from primary colors.
The secondary
colors may also be maintained for a sustained period of time. Also, the logic
allows
combinations of different color LEDs, to be activated at the same time,
providing a
rainbow cloud effect. For example, a red LED could be active at the front of
the boot, a
yellow LED at the center, and a blue LED at the back. The logic circuitry may
also
provide an automated sequence of alternating lights through the available
colors
indefinitely. Furthermore, all colors can be activated at the same time,
creating a strong
white "wash-out" effect. Many variations, including variations of color and
sequence, are
available within the circuitry logic, as will be apparent to one of skill in
the art upon
reading this disclosure.
A primary embodiment of the remote control device is comprised of one or more
modified gloves 91 worn by the skater. This remote control design allows the
skater to
easily control the skate-mounted lights without devoting much conscious
thought and
attention to the task, a tremendous safety enhancement over non-remote
designs. This
glove design also does not interfere with the skater using his/her hands to
break a fall, a
further safety advantage over more traditional hand-held remote devices.
Each glove 91 incorporates transmitter and/or transceiver electronics as
explained
with respect to Figs. 10-12, with conductive areas at the fingertips, sides of
fingers,
and/or other locations to provide switching functionality when one or more
areas are
pressed together. One embodiment of the glove circuitry provides switching via
a
common power circuit to the conductive area of the thumb-tip, with ancillary
circuits to
the fmger-tip areas. Thumb-tip and finger-tip areas 94 in this case refer to
the anterior
areas commonly used for gathering finger and thumb prints. As such, all that
is required
to close a control circuit, thereby remotely controlling the lights is the
pressing together
of a fmger and thumb, as best illustrated in Fig. 9.
Referring additionally to Figs 10-12, glove 91 provides the input command from
skaters with lighted skates. Which in turn is converted to a digital data
command 107 as
explained above. One example of finger combinations that provide ten unique
user
commands is illustrated in the following table:
-14-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
Finger combinations Index Middle Ring fmger Pinky
finger finger
Thumb + 1 2 3 4
Thumb + Index finger x 5 6 7
Thumb + Middle finger x x 8 9
Thumb + Ring finger + x x x 10
Thumb + Index fmger x x x 11
+ Middle finger +
So for example if the thumb touches the middle finger a "2" command is given.
If
a thumb touches the middle finger and the ring finger a "6" command is given.
If the
thumb touches the index finger, the middle finger and the pinky, an "11"
command is
given. Each command is then converted by the remote controller 102 to order a
particular skate light command, such as a particular color for all the
skaters, a sub-group
of skaters or a single skater.
As illustrated in the embodiment in Fig. 8, the control electronics 92 are
mounted
on the back-hand, posterior area of the glove. Wires, traces, or other
conduits 93 provide
electrical connectivity to multiple conductive areas. The control electronics
92 are
covered or encased for protection. When the common power circuit is closed
with a
corresponding ancillary circuit one or more switching event(s) occur at the
remote
receiver control pack via wireless signal. Additional embodiments may utilize
standard
electronic switches instead of, or with, conductive areas for control of
switching events.
One advantage of this design over prior lighted skate designs is its
simplicity and
ease of use. Another advantage is in the use of remote control unit 60 with
full
functionality. Yet another advantage is that unlike U.S. Patent No. 7,059,739,
and similar
light skate patents, which incorporate complexity via mechanical mounting
approaches
and a large number of parts, many embodiments of the designs herein provide
for
extremely easy mounting to any model of skate, allowing for easy removal and
switching
between skates. This results in the reduced likelihood of problems (e.g.
mechanical
failure) due to its inherent simplicity. Additionally, the use of remote
control device 60
provides for greater safety, reducing the need to reach down to the skate area
to facilitate
control of the lighting effects. Another advantage is the relatively low cost
of
-15-
CA 02839283 2014-01-17
manufacturing, allowing the cost of production to remain low and within reach
of
younger consumers. The overall intent of this design is to provide a low cost,
extremely
easy way to add a "WOW!" factor to skates that is easily removable, safer to
operate
(especially for children), and stable in its simplicity and operation. This
self-contained
module design coupled with remote control and motion-activated operation
attains this
goal uniquely.
The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art
to
practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention
presently
contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and
complete
disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is not desired to
limit the
invention to the exact construction, dimensions, relationships, or operations
as described.
Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will
readily
occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed as suitable. Such
changes might
involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes,
shapes, forms,
functions, operational features or the like.
Therefore, the above description and illustration should not be considered as
limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.
-16-
