Illuminated glove having an inner and an outer glove

Illuminated clothing accessories are disclosed. A glove includes a glove, light emitting elements disposed proximate finger tips of the glove, a controller coupled to the light emitting elements to control illumination thereof, a power supply coupled to the controller, and light reflecting elements disposed on a top surface of the glove. A headpiece includes a front panel on a top portion of the headpiece. The headpiece includes a top portion having a plurality of light emitting elements arranged thereon. A rim is connected to a bottom end of the top portion. A controller is coupled to the light emitting elements to control illumination thereof. A power supply is coupled to the controller and the plurality of light reflecting elements are disposed on the top portion and the rim of the headpiece.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to a clothing accessory and, more particularly, to gloves and hats with one or more lighting elements associated therewith.

2. Description of the Background

Novelty items and party supplies come in a wide variety to suite any type of theme, special occasion, or seasonal event. One category of novelty item includes items that glow or otherwise emit light. Such glow or light emitting items include light sticks, fiber optic wands, light emitting diode (“LED”) ice cubes, flashing jewelry, and glow or illuminated necklaces, bracelets, sunglasses, and other forms of apparel.

In one example, gloves, hats or other clothing accessories with one or more lighting emitting elements are generally known and available to the public. However, the purchasing public is constantly attracted to new and unique novelty items and party supplies.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one example, an illuminated glove includes a glove, light emitting elements disposed proximate finger tips of the glove, a controller coupled to the light emitting elements to control illumination thereof, a power supply coupled to the controller, and light reflecting elements disposed on a top surface of the glove.

According to another example, an illuminated glove includes an inner glove disposed within an outer glove and light emitting elements disposed proximate each fingertip between the inner and outer gloves. Each light emitting element includes three light emitting diodes that each emits light in a different color. The glove further includes a controller coupled to the light emitting elements to control illumination thereof, a power supply coupled to the controller, and light reflecting elements disposed on a top surface of the outer glove. In still another embodiment, light emitting units and light reflecting units are aligned on or in a headpiece or a hat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the present disclosure is susceptible of implementation in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described one or more examples with the understanding that the present disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific examples illustrated and discussed.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is directed to a glove10, among other items, that includes a top surface12and a bottom surface14. The glove10further includes fingers16and an opening18that allows a user to insert a hand therein. Still further, the glove10includes a plurality of light reflecting elements20disposed on a surface thereof. In the present example, the light reflecting elements20include a plurality of sequins spaced apart and disposed on the top surface12. In other examples, the light reflecting elements20can include other known reflective, glittery, or mirror-like elements and can be disposed on the top and/or bottom surfaces12,14. Further, the glove10is configured to accommodate a left hand or a right hand and is made from any material suitable for wearing on a hand including, but not limited to cotton or polyester cloth. In one example, the glove10is made from a white cloth, which along with the light reflective elements20, improves the visual effect of the glove when it is illuminated in a dark room, for example.

With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the glove10further includes an inner glove30disposed within an outer glove32. The inner glove30includes a top surface34and a bottom surface (not shown), with the bottom surface of the inner glove30being in contact with the hand of the user. The outer glove32includes the top surface12and the bottom surface14with the bottom surface14of the outer glove32being in contact with the top surface34of the inner glove30. In one example, the outer glove32is made from a semitransparent material. In another embodiment, the top surface34of the inner glove30is coated with a reflective material. In yet another embodiment, the top surface12of the outer glove32is comprised of a material which focuses or diffracts the light emitted from the plurality of light emitting elements36.

The glove10also includes a controller38coupled to each of the light emitting elements36, with the controller38including a power supply40, a user input unit42and a signal control unit44. In the present embodiment, the light emitting elements36and the controller38are disposed between the inner and outer gloves30,32and may be attached to one or both of the inner and outer gloves30,32.

In one example, the light emitting elements36are on the proximate distal tips of the fingers16of the glove between the inner glove30and outer glove32. In another example, the light emitting elements36are arranged between the inner glove30and the outer glove32along a central axis of each finger. In another example, the light emitting elements36are arranged across the entire top surface34of inner glove30. In another example, the light emitting elements36may be arranged such that some light emitting elements36are positioned between the inner glove30and outer glove32while other light emitting elements36are positioned on the top surface12or bottom surface14of the outer glove32. In another example, the light emitting elements36are arranged such that the illuminations of specific light emitting elements36form a shape or a letter. In yet another example, the light emitting elements36are light emitting diodes (“LED's”). In another example, the light emitting elements36are grouped together based on color. In another example, the light emitting elements36are grouped into groups of three light emitting elements with each group including at least one blue light emitting element36, at least one red light emitting element36and at least one green light emitting element36. In another embodiment, the light emitting elements36in each group are arranged according to the color of each light emitting element36.

Consistent with the present embodiment, the controller38is affixed to the top surface34of the inner glove30or to the bottom surface16of the outer glove32. This arrangement provides a secure and comfortable configuration for the various components of the glove10. In one embodiment, the controller38may be sealed by a covering to prevent water and contaminants from making contact with the controller38. The controller38may be sealed using plastic, epoxy or any other material capable of creating a barrier that prevents contaminants from contacting the controller38. In one example, the controller38is electrically coupled to the light emitting elements36by a plurality of conductors such as, but not limited to, wires to control illumination of each light emitting element36. In another example, the controller is coupled to the light emitting elements36by a plurality of light conductors such as, but not limited to, a fiber optic cable.

The glove10may further include an attachment unit which secures the inner glove30to the outer glove32. In one example, the attachment unit is positioned at the end of the glove furthest from the distal ends of the fingers. In one example, the attachment unit includes opposing hook and loop type fasteners44disposed on the inner and outer gloves30,32. In another example, the attachment unit includes other elements such as, but not limited to, an adhesive, a sewn thread, or any other material or apparatus capable of attaching the inner glove30to the outer glove34. In another example, the attachment unit creates an airtight seal between the inner glove30and the outer glove34. Consistent with this example, the inner glove30and outer glove32are fabricated from a material which prevents fluid, such as air or water, from entering or exiting the glove such as, but not limited to rubber.

FIG. 6Adepicts one example of the controller38that controls the operation of the light emitting elements36. The controller38includes the power supply unit40, the user input unit42and the signal control unit44. The signal control unit44is electrically coupled to a plurality of light emitting elements36. In one example, the signal control unit44is electrically coupled to each light emitting device36individually. In another example, the signal control unit44is electrically coupled to groups of light emitting device36. In another example, the light emitting elements36in each group are wired in series with the control unit44. In another example, each group of light emitting elements36is wired in parallel to each other. In one example, the user input switch42is a push button toggle switch. In one example, the power supply unit comprises at least one battery. Consistent with this embodiment, the battery has an operating voltage of, for example, 3 volts, 9 volts or 12 volts.

The signal control unit44is configured to receive a power signal from the power supply unit40and a mode changing signal from the user input device42. The signal control unit44is further configured to adjust output signals sent to each light emitting device36based on the mode changing signal received from the user input device42. For example,FIG. 1illustrates one mode of operation where signal control unit transmits an output signal causing each of the light emitting elements36to turn off andFIG. 5illustrates another mode of operation where signal control unit transmits an output signal causing each of the light emitting elements36to turn on. In one illustrative example, when the light emitting elements36are in an “ON” mode, a wearer of the glove can create a mesmerizing light show in a dark room, wherein the light reflecting elements20enhance the effect by reflecting light from the elements36and the surrounding environment.

In another mode of operation, the user input device42sends a fast multi-flashing mode signal to the signal control unit44. In the fast multi-flashing mode, the signal control unit44sends timed output signals to predefined light emitting elements36causing the light emitting elements36to alternately illuminate in relation to one another. In another mode of operation, the user input device42sends an “all on” signal to the signal control unit44and the signal control unit44transmits a signal to each light emitting element36to fully illuminate. In another example, the signal control unit44may vary one component of the output signal transmitted to the light emitting elements36such that the level of illumination of each light emitting element36modulates between full illumination and the lowest possible level of illumination over a predetermined time period.

In one example, the signal control unit44varies the voltage of the output signal over a period of time from a beginning voltage to an end voltage to control the illumination level of each light emitting element36. In another example, the signal control unit44may provide an electrical signal to groups of light emitting elements36over a variable period of time. In another example, the signal control unit44may send an output signal to the light emitting elements36in a first group for a first time period before sending a separate output signal to a second group of light emitting elements36for a second period of time. In one embodiment, the signal control unit44sequentially sends output signals to each group of light emitting elements36.

As an illustrative example, the signal control unit44sends an output signal to each red light emitting element36causing each red light emitting element36to emit a low level of red light. The signal control unit44then increases the output signal to the red light emitting elements36over a first predetermined time until the red light emitting elements36reach a maximum illumination level. Once the maximum illumination output is transmitted, the signal control unit44reduces the output signal transmitted to the red light emitting elements36over a second predetermined time until the output signal reaches the off level for the red light emitting elements36. Just before the red light emitting elements36reach the off level, the signal control unit44transmits a low illumination output signal to the blue light emitting elements36and the process continues in the same manner for the blue light emitting elements36.

FIG. 6Bdepicts a schematic representation of one embodiment of the operation of the controller. At block50, the glove10is in the off mode and the signal control unit66does not send any output signals to the light emitting devices36. In block52, the user input device42transmits a first change of mode signal to the controller38which illuminates the light emitting elements36in a first mode of operation. The fast multiple light flashing mode continues until the signal control unit44receives a second change of mode signal from the user input device42.

Upon receipt of a second change of mode signal from the user input device42, the signal control unit44sends an output signal to a plurality of light emitting elements36, or groups of light emitting elements36, that have the same color causing a plurality of light emitting elements36of the same color to simultaneously illuminate, as shown in block54. In yet another embodiment, the signal control unit44varies the intensity of the output signal such that the light emitting elements36receiving the signal appear to fade in and out as a new output signal is generated by the signal control unit44.

Upon receipt of a third change of mode signal from the user input device42, the signal control unit44transmits an output signal to a plurality of light emitting elements36, or group of light emitting elements36, which cause at least two light emitting elements36of different colors to display on the glove10simultaneously, as shown in block56. Upon receipt of a fourth change of mode signal from the user input device42, the signal control unit44transmits a signal to a plurality of light emitting elements42of the same color such that the light emitting elements36flash in unison, as shown in block58. In another embodiment, the signal control unit44transmits a signal which causes a plurality of light emitting elements36of the same color to flash in a predetermined pattern.

Upon receipt of the fifth change of mode signal, the signal control unit44transmits a signal to a plurality of light emitting elements42of a same color, but a different color than the color illuminated under the fourth change of mode signal, such that the light emitting elements36flash in unison, as shown in block60. In another embodiment, the signal control unit44transmits a signal which causes the light emitting elements36of the same color to flash in a predetermined pattern,

Upon receipt of a sixth change of mode signal from the user input device42, the signal control unit44transmits a signal to a plurality of light emitting elements42of the same color, but a color different than the color illuminated by the fourth and fifth change of mode signals, such that the light emitting elements36flash in unison, as shown in block62. In another embodiment, the signal control unit44transmits a signal which causes the light emitting elements36of the same color to flash in a predetermined pattern. Upon receipt of the seventh change of mode signal from the user input device42, the signal control unit44turns off all of the light emitting elements.

FIG. 7Adepicts one embodiment of a headpiece70, or hat, that is consistent with the present invention. The headpiece70includes a top piece72, a bottom opening74, a rim76, and a front panel78. The front panel78extends from the bottom opening74to the upper portion of the top piece72. In one example, the front panel78extends around the entire top piece72. In another example, the front panel78covers a front facing portion of the headpiece70. In another example, the rim76extends around the entire circumference of the bottom opening74.

FIG. 7Bdepicts one embodiment of the front panel78of the headpiece70. The front panel78includes an inner layer80having a top surface82and a bottom surface84and an outer layer86having a top surface88and a bottom surface90. In one example, the plurality of light emitting elements36are secured to the top surface82of the inner layer80or the bottom surface84of the outer layer86. Consistent with this embodiment, the outer layer86is made from a material which partially transmits light from the light emitting elements36. In one embodiment, the top surface82of the inner layer80is comprised of a material that reflects, or at least partially reflects, light. In another example, the outer layer86is formed from a plurality of lenses capable of redirecting light from the light emitting elements36. In another embodiment, the light emitting elements36are secured to the top surface of the outer layer86. In yet another embodiment, the material of the outer layer86over each of the light emitting elements36is removed to expose the light emitting elements36. In still another embodiment the opening created by removing the material over the light emitting elements36is coated with a light reflective material.

FIG. 7Cdepicts one embodiment of the rim76of a headpiece70. The rim76includes an inner layer92having a top surface94and a bottom surface96and an outer layer98having a top surface100and a bottom surface102. In one example, the plurality of light emitting elements36are secured to the top surface94of the inner layer92or the bottom surface102of the outer layer98. Consistent with this embodiment, the outer layer98is made from a material which partially transmits light from the light emitting elements36. In one embodiment, the top surface94of the inner layer92is fabricated from a material that reflects, or at least partially reflects, light. In another example, the outer layer98if formed of a material which focuses or diffracts the light emitted from the light emitting elements36.

A controller38is positioned on the headpiece70to control the operation of the light emitting elements36in the same manner as previously discussed. In one example, the controller38is positioned between the inner layer80and outer layer86of the front panel. In another example, the controller is positioned between the inner layer92and outer layer98of the rim76.

In one example, the light emitting elements36are arranged on the front panel78such that words or images, or a plurality of words or images, are displayed when specific light emitting elements36are illuminated. In one embodiment, lights emitting elements36of different colors form different shapes on the headpiece70. As with the glove10ofFIGS. 1-5, the headpiece70may also include sequins or another light reflecting material on the top piece or rim, or around the bottom opening, of the headpiece70or hat. In addition, the light emitting elements on the headpiece70can be controlled in the same, or similar, manner as the light emitting elements36on the glove10.

In another embodiment, the headpiece70is any one of a baseball or trucker style hat, a fedora hat, a bowler hat, western style hat such as a cowboy hat, a skull cap, a pirate hat, a jester hat, an elf hat, a top hat, a dragon shaped hat, a wizard hat or any other shape of headpiece which can be worn on a person's head. In other embodiments, other modes or even fewer modes in any sequence may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Other embodiments include all of the various combinations of individual features of each of the embodiments described herein.