LED illuminated necklace

An illuminated novelty device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). An elongated light bar can be mounted to each of the LEDs. The light bars have a light receiving end and a light emitting end and are mounted to respective LEDs at the light receiving end. The light bars are formed from a light transmissive material. Conductors extend between and connect the LEDs. The LEDs are spaced from one another along the length of the conductors. The LEDs, the elongated light bars and the conductors define an LED assembly. A power source is operably connected to the LED assembly and a switch is operably connected between the power source and the LED assembly. The power source and switch are maintained in a housing. A light transmissive sheath has the LED assembly fitted, at least in part, within it. The sheath has a first end mounted to the housing and a second free end. The LEDs are illuminated by actuation of the switch, and light from the LEDs is transmitted by the LEDs and by the light bars and is visible through the sheath.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a novelty device. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a LED illuminated necklace novelty device.

Novelty devices come in all manner, shape and size. Illuminated devices are typically more interesting and attraction-grabbing in that one's eyes are, by instinct, drawn to a lighted object. This is even more so when the lights (illumination) is colored and/or on and off in, for example, a blinking fashion.

Unfortunately, in order to create the greatest and most pleasing attraction, more and brighter lights, different colors, and blinking arrangements are needed. The power requirements of known incandescent lights is quite high. As such, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have come into favor for use in many light required areas, including use in novelty items. However, LEDs can be costly, particularly when the LEDs are manufactured in certain colors.

Another characteristic upon which the cost of an LED is based is the intensity of the LED. That is, high intensity LEDs are typically more expensive than lower intensity LEDs.

In that novelty items are often purchased in bulk or are impulse purchase items, it is important to keep the cost to consumers low. As such, the manufacturing costs must be kept commensurately low, without a loss of quality or aesthetic appeal.

Accordingly, there is a need for a high visual quality LED novelty device. Desirably, such a device is configured to permit long-term use, and provides a high output (highly visible) LED light.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An illuminated novelty provides a high visual quality LED novelty device. The device includes a plurality of LEDs and optionally an elongated light bar mounted to each of the LEDs, each light bar having a light receiving end and a light emitting end. The light receiving end is mounted to the LEDs. The optional light bars are formed from a light transmissive material.

A plurality of conductors, such as wires, connects the LEDs. The LEDs are spaced from one another along the length of the conductors. The LEDs, the elongated light bars and the conductors defining an LED assembly.

A power source is operably connected to the LED assembly and a switch operably connects the power source to the LED assembly. A housing houses the power source and the switch.

The LED assembly is fitted, at least in part, in a light transmissive sheath. The sheath has a first end mounted to the housing and a second free end. The LEDs are illuminated by actuation of the switch, and light from the LEDs is transmitted by the diodes (and into the optional) light bars and is visible through the sheath. A connector connects the second end of the sheath to the connector.

The device includes circuitry for illuminating the light emitting diodes at certain predetermined times and intervals. The circuitry is carried on a circuit board. Preferably, the circuit board is disposed in the sheath. To effect a desired aesthetic, the LEDs are formed of at least three different colors. The circuitry can be configured such that the LEDs illuminate in a one-directional sequential flashing scheme, e.g., flashing in a circular pattern, in a two-directional sequential flashing scheme, e.g., flashing in a circular pattern in one direction and “bouncing” back, or with the LEDs flashing concurrently.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures, and in particular toFIG. 1, there is shown an LED (light emitting diode) illuminated necklace10in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The necklace10includes an LED assembly12, a power source14, a switch16, and a circuit board18for control of the LED assembly12.

The LED assembly12is an elongated element having multiple LEDs20a-f(collectively,20) connected to one another both electrically and physically by conductors22. The power source14and switch16are mounted in a housing24(that also functions to complete the necklace loop L). The circuit board18is disposed between the switch16and power source14and the LED assembly12.

The LED assembly12and the circuit board18are disposed in a section of an elongated translucent tube or sheath26. In a present embodiment the tube26is transparent, formed from a material such as TYGON® or like flexible, resilient and strong transparent material; however, it will be appreciated that the tube26can be translucent and/or ornamented or the like. The tube26is configured so that the LED assembly12is fitted within the tube26and is protected as it resides within the tube26.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that typical LEDs are formed having a diode that is short or squat, often having a domed head and conductors extending from a rear portion. Although this type/shape of LED does in fact provide considerable illumination, the light emitted from it spreads fairly rapidly in that the light is emitted in all directions from the domed head.

The present LED assembly12includes a plurality of LEDs20a-f. Optionally, each LED20a-fhas a light transmissive material in the form of an elongated light bar or light pipe28a-f(collectively,28) that is affixed to a respective LED20. The optional light pipes28are formed from a light transmissive material, such as a translucent or transparent polymeric material such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) or the like. The light pipe28has a light receiving end30(the end that is mounted or affixed to its LED20) and a light emitting end32opposite of the LED20. Light is also visible though the light pipe28so that the light appears to be emitted from along the length L28of the pipe28. Preferably, the light pipes28are also formed from a flexible material so that the entirety of the necklace10is sufficiently flexible so that it can be bent into a loop L to, for example, be fit around a user's neck.

As set forth above, the housing24houses the switch16and the power source(s)14. In a present embodiment, three 1.5 volt batteries are carried by the housing24in a biased (spring34-held) arrangement. The spring34arrangement holds the batteries14in the housing24in a substantially secure manner while at the same permitting ready access to the batteries for replacement.

To facilitate manufacture and assembly, the LED assembly12is constructed so that the conductors22and the LEDs20are provided (fabricated) arranged in a linear (but flexible or bendable) manner as is seen inFIG. 2, in which the assembly12is bent into the loop L shape. That is, the assembly12is wired so that the circuit is formed in a linear assembly. In this manner, the assembly12can be inserted into36an end of the tube26and connected (wired) to the housing24. This forms a linear lighted assembly12. A connector38is fitted onto a free end40of the tube26, and is fitted into the housing24to form the loop L.

In a present necklace10, the assembly12includes six LEDs20a-f, preferably of at least a number of different colors. The assembly12is configured (by the electronics on the circuit board18) to provide a number of different lighting schemes. For example, the assembly12is configured to provide a one-direction sequential flashing scheme (lights appearing to move around in a circle), a two-direction sequential flashing scheme (lights appear to move one way and then “bounce” back the opposite way), and a concurrent flashing scheme (all LEDs20a-fflashing at once) in a long duration flashing scenario and in a short duration flashing scenario.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the various uses for which such an LED assembly12can be made. For example, the assembly can be used in a looped configuration for a bracelet or anklet. Alternately, the assembly can be used as a linear novelty device, for example, incorporated into signs, banners and the like.

All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the text of this disclosure.

From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the disclosed, exemplary embodiment.