Article of footwear having a display system

Abstract

A display system for an article of footwear includes a display device that has an optoelectronic display, a control module that is configured to communicate with the display device, and a power source. The display device is connected to a cable fastening system. The cable fastening system is configured to provide an electrical signal to the display device. The cable fastening system is configured to tighten the article of footwear.

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,   wherein the display device is connected to a cable fastening system,   wherein the cable fastening system is configured to provide an electrical signal to the display device,   wherein the cable fastening system is configured to tighten the article of footwear,   wherein an upper is joined to a sole structure along a boundary, and   wherein a portion of the boundary functions as an electrical contact.   
     
     
         2 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the cable fastening system includes at least one cable having a conductive material. 
     
     
         3 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein a visual characteristic of the display device is configured to change by actuation of the cable fastening system to tighten the footwear. 
     
     
         4 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the display device at least partially conceals an exterior layer of an upper. 
     
     
         5 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the power source is electrically connected to a charging port that is selectively covered by a tab located at a heel end of the footwear. 
     
     
         6 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the cable fastening system extends between a wrap and a sole of the article of footwear along a lateral side of the article of footwear. 
     
     
         7 . The display system of  claim 1 , wherein the cable fastening system includes a second display device comprising a second optoelectronic display. 
     
     
         8 . An article of footwear, comprising:
 an upper attached to a sole structure along a periphery; and   a first display device disposed on the upper within a forefoot region of the footwear and a second display device disposed on the upper within a heel region of the footwear,   wherein the first display device and the second display device include an optoelectronic display,   wherein the first display device is electrically coupled to a first electrical contact and the second display device is electrically coupled to a second electrical contact, and   wherein the first electrical contact is disposed along the periphery in the forefoot region and the second electrical contact is disposed along the periphery within the heel region.   
     
     
         9 . The article of footwear of  claim 8 , wherein the first display device defines a first surface area and the second display device defines a second surface area. 
     
     
         10 . The article of footwear of  claim 9 , wherein the first surface area of the first display device is greater than the second surface area of the second display device. 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . The article of footwear of  claim 8 , wherein the optoelectronic display includes electrophoretic ink. 
     
     
         14 . The article of footwear of  claim 8 , wherein the article of footwear further includes a circuit comprising a power source, a control unit, and conductive leads. 
     
     
         15 . A display system for an article of footwear, comprising:
 a display device that is visible from an exterior of the article of footwear;   a power source that is configured to be removably attached to the article of footwear; and   a control unit that is configured to be operable from the exterior of the article of footwear,   wherein the display device is electrically connected to the control unit,   wherein the display device includes electrophoretic ink, and   wherein the display device includes an electrical contact disposed along a periphery of an upper.   
     
     
         16 . The display system of  claim 15 , wherein a visual characteristic of the display device is configured to change by actuation of a cable fastening system to tighten the footwear. 
     
     
         17 . The display system of  claim 15 , wherein the display device at least partially conceals an exterior layer of an upper. 
     
     
         18 . The display system of  claim 15 , wherein the power source is electrically connected to a charging port that is selectively covered by a tab located at a heel end of the footwear. 
     
     
         19 . The display system of  claim 15 , wherein the display device includes a substrate having a thin film transistor (TFT). 
     
     
         20 . The display system of  claim 15 , wherein the display device is passively operated.