Article of footwear having a display system powered by motion

Abstract

A display system for an article of footwear includes a display device, a control module, and a power source. The display device includes an optoelectronic display. The control module is configured to communicate with the display device. The power source is embedded within a plate of the article of footwear. The plate includes carbon fiber and conductive filaments embedded within a substrate.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A display system for an article of footwear, the display system comprising:
 a display device that includes an optoelectronic display;   a control module that is configured to communicate with the display device; and   a power source that is embedded within a plate of an article of footwear,   wherein the plate includes carbon fiber and conductive leads embedded within a substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source includes a piezoelectric transducer. 
     
     
         3 . The display system of  claim 2 , wherein the power source includes a storage cell that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric transducer. 
     
     
         4 . The display system of  claim 3 , wherein the storage cell is provided within a heel region of the plate. 
     
     
         5 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source is selectively electrically connected to the display device. 
     
     
         6 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source is selectively electrically connected to the display device by a switch. 
     
     
         7 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the optoelectronic display comprises electrophoretic ink. 
     
     
         8 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the display device is located in a portion of an upper of the article of footwear. 
     
     
         9 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the display device comprises a plurality of panels configured to change color when a sufficient electrical charge is applied. 
     
     
         10 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the control module is further configured to receive input from a user. 
     
     
         11 . A method of using a display for an article of footwear, the method comprising:
 providing an optoelectronic display on an upper of an article of footwear;   providing a circuit within a sole structure attached to the upper, wherein the circuit includes a storage cell, a control module, and conductive leads, and wherein a plurality of piezoelectric transducers are embedded within a plate disposed in the sole structure;   actuating the optoelectronic display to display a first color in a first portion of the upper; and   actuating the optoelectronic display to display a second color in a second portion of the upper, wherein the second portion is different from the first portion, and wherein the first color is different from the second color.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the optoelectronic display comprises electrophoretic ink. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of piezoelectric transducers comprises a first transducer, a second transducer, and a third transducer, wherein the second transducer is positioned between the first transducer and the third transducer. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first transducer is located in a forefoot region and disposed along a lateral side of a plate, and wherein the third transducer is located in the forefoot region and disposed along a medial side of the plate. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the plate comprises carbon fiber. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the storage cell includes a capacitor that is operatively connected to the plurality of piezoelectric transducers. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the control module is operatively connected to the plurality of piezoelectric transducers. 
     
     
         18 . An article of footwear, comprising:
 an energy harvesting device located in a portion of a sole structure;   an electrophoretic display located in a portion of an upper;   a power module in communication with the energy harvesting device and the electrophoretic display; and   a control module that is configured to selectively direct an output from the energy harvesting device to the power module or the electrophoretic display based on an input signal.   
     
     
         19 . The article of footwear of  claim 18 , wherein the energy harvesting device includes a plurality of piezoelectric transducers disposed in two or more of a forefoot region, a midfoot region, or a heel region of the sole structure. 
     
     
         20 . The article of footwear of  claim 19 , wherein the control module is configured to receive an input from a user device. 
     
     
         21 . The article of footwear of  claim 20 , wherein the control module is configured for RFID or NFC communication with the user device. 
     
     
         22 . The article of footwear of  claim 18 , wherein the energy harvesting device includes at least one of a plurality of piezoelectric transducers, an electromagnetism system, or a solar cell.