Abstract:
Light redirection systems and methods including an optical fiber having first and second ends, an optical element mounted to each of the first and second ends to direct light into and out of the optical fiber, respectively, and a mounting element to mount the optical fiber to an article of apparel such that the optical fiber is invisible to an outside of the article, and the optical elements are visible to the outside from opposing sides of the article, respectively.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present general inventive concept relates generally to a light redirection system to create an optical illusion, and more particularly, to a light redirection system capable of redirecting light around articles of apparel or other articles to create an optical illusion of light passing through the article, and methods of forming the same. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Many different kinds of special effects devices have been developed to create optical illusions. Optical illusions generally result in a false or deceptive visual impression that can be created by manipulation of light to create an image that appears to have an effect that it does not really have or something that appears different than it actually is. Some of the known devices include highly sophisticated apparatus, such as mirrors, polarizing devices, and lenses, to manipulate light to create an optical illusion. For example, a lenticular type of device in which a pattern of lenses is employed to create a motion or depth effect is known, including semicylindrical lenses and semispherical lenses. 
     In the field of wearing apparel, garments have been developed in various styles, patterns and colors, typically with the intent to produce a desired visual effect. That effect has sometimes been one of form flattering or form altering attire, such as fitted shirts and corsets, or of body hiding such as camouflage. Other effects have been related to expressions of interests or points of view such as in the use of words or artistic patterns or to novelty such as in costumes. 
     For example, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal line and stripe patterns have been used, as have been geometric shapes, plaids, and checkerboard shapes. Patterns in the shapes of animate and inanimate objects as well as abstract art and symbols have been used to create specific impacts. Contrasts from the darkest darks to the lightest lights and patterns mixing black, white and colors have been employed for the purpose of creating various optical design results. 
     However, a concept that has yet to be developed is that of providing an optical redirection system capable of being installed or incorporated into various articles of apparel such as gloves, hats, clothing, or any other type of article for specific purposes of redirecting light around the article to create an optical illusion of light passing directly through the article, which can result in a special effect visual impression of holes being present through the wearer of the articles. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present general inventive concept provides systems and methods capable of being installed or incorporated into various articles of apparel for specific purposes of redirecting light around the article to create an optical illusion of light passing through the article, resulting in a special effect visual impression that can create a bodily appearance modification exhibiting the presence of holes through the wearer of the articles. 
     Additional features and embodiments of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept. 
     Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept can be achieved by providing a light redirection system including an optical fiber having first and second ends, an optical element mounted to each of the first and second ends to direct light into and out of the optical fiber, respectively, and a mounting element to mount the optical fiber to an article of apparel such that the optical fiber is invisible to an outside of the article, and the optical elements are visible to the outside from opposing sides of the article, respectively. 
     The optical fiber can wrap around a periphery of the article and can extend between the opposing sides to direct light from one side to the other. 
     The first and second ends of the optical fiber can be bent at predetermined angles with respect to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. 
     The light redirection system can further include an elastomeric layer formed on the optical fiber to facilitate bending of the optical fiber, to enhance optical efficiency of the optical fiber, and to chemically insulate the optical fiber. The elastomeric layer may be configured such that it does not contact the bends of the first and second ends. 
     The mounting element can be mended to the article using a chemical mending process, or by sewing or other attachment means. 
     The optical elements can be formed of aqua gems, and the aqua gems can be glued to the ends of the optical fiber such that the aqua gems expand to a predetermined size. 
     Example embodiments of the present general inventive concept can also be achieved by providing a method of forming a light redirection system, including providing an optical fiber having first and second ends, bending the first and second ends such that the ends are positioned at predetermined angles with respect to the longitudinal axis of the optical fiber, installing first and second optical elements to the first and second ends, respectively, to direct ambient light into and out of the optical fiber, and mounting the optical fiber to an article of apparel such that the optical fiber is invisible to an outside of the article, and the optical elements are visible to the outside from opposing sides of the article, respectively. 
     The operation of installing first and second optical elements can include gluing the first and second optical elements to the first and second ends, respectively, such that the first and second optical elements expand in size upon being exposed to the glue. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features of the present general inventive concept will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an application of an exemplary light redirection system implemented in an article of apparel, namely a glove, according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 2  is a frontal view of the exemplary light redirection system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an assembly view of an exemplary light redirection system constructed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary light redirection system incorporated into a mounting element according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of an application of an exemplary light redirection system implemented in an article of apparel, namely a mask, according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear view of the exemplary light redirection system of  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of an application of an exemplary light redirection system implemented in an article of apparel, namely a shirt, according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made to various embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The following description of the various example embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present general inventive concept, its application, or uses. The example embodiments are merely described below in order to explain the general inventive concept by referring to the figures. 
     The following detailed description and claims may recite various descriptive terms such as front, back, horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, upward, downward, left, right, etc., when referring to the exemplary figures, but the present general inventive concept is not limited to any such terms or physical orientations. Such terms are used for convenience of description only, and could be reversed, modified, or interchanged without departing from the broader scope and spirit of the present general inventive concept. 
     The present general inventive concept provides systems and methods capable of being installed or incorporated into various articles of apparel for specific purposes of redirecting light around the article to create an optical illusion of light passing through the article. For example, in some embodiments, the present general inventive concept can provide a light redirection system that can create a bodily appearance modification exhibiting the presence of holes through various locations of the wearer of the articles. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an application of an exemplary light redirection system implemented in an article of apparel, such as a glove  20 , according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the exemplary light direction system functions to direct light rays, such as ambient light, from an incident position on one side of the glove  20 , such as the back side of glove  20  in  FIG. 1 , around the perimeter of the glove  20 , to a front side of the glove  20  where the light can then be emitted from the other end of the system, to provide an optical illusion of light passing directly through the article when viewed from the front of the glove  20 , for example as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  is a frontal view of the exemplary light redirection system of  FIG. 1 . Note that example embodiments of the present general inventive concept may be illustrated and described for use with a particular article of apparel, such as glove  20 , but the present general inventive concept is not limited to any particular article of apparel, nor is it limited to articles being worn by a person or any particular type of article. For example, the present general inventive concept is not limited to application with Halloween costumes and articles, but may be used in connection with any number of articles and objects where redirection of light around the article is desired to achieve an optical illusion of light passing directly through the object, for example to provide an illusion that holes exist in the object when viewed from one side of the object. 
       FIG. 3  is an assembly view of an exemplary light redirection system constructed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the light redirection system includes an optical conduit, or optical fiber  12 , and a pair of optical elements  14  mounted on each end  15  of the optical fiber  12 . The optical fiber  12  may take the form of a thin, flexible, transparent fiber that acts as a waveguide, or light pipe, to transmit light between the two ends  15  of the fiber. Due to the flexibility of the optical fiber  12 , the ends  15  can be configured in shape and size, as suited, to form a shape as depicted in the examples of  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Many different sizes of optical fibers may be used. By way of example, but not by way of limitation, the optical fiber  12  may be in the range of 0.25 to 3 mm in diameter. 
     The optical elements  14  may take the form of a suitably sized optical crystal, lens, or other optical element having a spherical shape element, although the present general inventive concept is not limited to any particular shape or material for the optical element. For example, it is possible to configure the optical elements using aqua-gems formed of a polymer material that absorbs, stores, and releases water. It is also possible to configure the optical elements using other types of crystal gems, glass, and/or polymers. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the optical elements  14  can be mounted to the ends  15  of the optical fiber  12  by way of heating or gluing the optical elements  14  to the ends of the optical fiber  15 , although the present general inventive concept is not limited to any particular means of attaching the optical elements  14  to the ends of the optical fiber  12 . In one embodiment, it is possible to use an amount of liquid fusion material, such as a clear urethane glue, to glue the optical elements  14  to the ends  15  of the optical fiber  15 . In the case where aqua gems are used as the optical elements  14 , it is possible that the chemical make-up and liquidity of the fusion glue material can cause the aqua gems to expand over time to create a larger refraction surface area for the optical elements  14  as the liquid fusion material sets, enabling the optical elements  14  to throw-off, or emit, more light. Other types of glue can also be used, such as clear gel tacky glue, although the present general inventive concept is not limited to any particular type of glue material. 
     In some embodiments, the clear transparent nature of urethane glue can function to create an optical bridge between the optical element  14  and fiber  12 , improving transmission efficiency of the light redirection system. It is also possible to place a coating of liquid fusion material over the optical elements  14  such that once the liquid fusion material sets, an optical shell structure is provided to cover the outer surface of the optical elements, adding to the refraction rate of the optical elements and improving performance of the light redirection system. It is also possible to sand/polish the end surfaces of the optical fiber to ensure a clean fit between the optical elements  14  and the optical fiber  12  for maximum light transmission and to provide optimum optical coupling therebetween. 
     The orientation of the optical elements  14  with respect to the ends  15  of the optical fiber  12 , i.e., the angular and circumferential relationship between the optical elements  14  and the ends  15  of the optical fiber  12 , can be adjusted during the time the glue material is setting and while the aqua gems are expanding, to control the angles of refraction and to maximize the amount of light, and direction thereof, being emitted from the optical elements  14 . It has been found that an elastomeric layer (not illustrated) may be provided over the length of the optical fiber  12  to protect the optical fiber from chemical exposure, and can facilitate shape memory qualities of the optical fiber when the optical fiber is bent. The elastomeric layer can be provided over the entire length of the optical fiber  12 , except for the bend portions  15 , to enhance transmission efficiency of light through the optical fiber with respect to light directed into one end of the optical fiber via a respective optical element  14  and emitted from the other end of the optical fiber  12  via the other respective optical element  14 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary light redirection system incorporated into a mounting element according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , it is possible to attach the optical fiber  12  to a mounting element  16 , such as a piece of cloth or other suitable material, which can be attached to an article of apparel by way of sewing, gluing, mending, or other suitable means. The mounting element  16  can include a securing element  18  to secure the optical fiber  12  to the mounting element  16  in an orientation to direct the optical elements  14  in a substantially upright position relative to the mounting element  16 . In one embodiment, the securing element  18  may take the form of twist ties to secure and support the optical fiber  12  and elements  14  relative to the mounting element  16 . The mounting element  16 /optical fiber  12  assembly can then be attached to an article of apparel, such as a glove, hat, coat, mask, costume, or other article to conform or wrap the optical fiber  12  around a peripheral surface of the article such that one of the optical elements  14  is located at a back surface of the article, and the other optical element  14  is located at an opposing (e.g., front) surface of the article. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of an application of an exemplary light redirection system implemented in an article of apparel, namely a mask, according to an example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. 
       FIG. 6  is a rear view of the exemplary light redirection system of  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the mounting element  16 /optical fiber  12  assembly, which is flexible, can be mounted to the mask such that one end of the can be mounted to a mask such that one end of the assembly is located at a front surface  50   a  of the mask, and the other end is located at an opposing back surface  50   b  of the mask. In this way, when ambient or directed light is directed toward the back surface  50   b  of the mask, the light can be directed into a respective optical element  14  mounted on the back surface of the mask  50   b , as indicated by the direction arrows of  FIG. 6 . The incident light can then be directed around the peripheral surface of the mask via the optical fiber  12  wrapped therearound, with results being that the light can be emitted by the optical element  14  positioned on the front surface of the mask  50   a , as indicated by the emitted rays of  FIG. 5 . 
     By directing the light around the periphery of the mask, in a passive manner without external power, it is possible to achieve an optical illusion of light passing directly through the object to a viewer positioned looking toward the front of the mask, providing an illusion that holes exist in the object even though no such holes exist. 
     The articles of apparel used for mounting the light redirection system can be part of a larger costume assembly. For example, the glove  20  and mask  50   a ,  50   b  can be configured as an undergarment, and a larger garment article, having openings designed to correspond to the optical elements  14 , can be provided as an over-garment to conceal any evidence that the undergarment, and associated optical fiber  12  and mounting element  16 , exist. 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of an application of an exemplary light redirection system implemented in an article of apparel, namely a shirt  70 , according to another example embodiment of the present general inventive concept. 
     In some embodiments, it is possible to mount multiple optical elements  14  together, e.g. one on top of the other, to achieve desired refractive and directional effects. For example, it is possible to place a drop of resin glue on one tip of the optical fiber, after an optical element has been mounted on another end of the optical fiber, and then place an optical element  14  on the glued tip and manipulate the optical element  14  as the glue sets, all the while light is being directed into the optical element at the other end, which manipulation can achieve maximum transmission efficiency based on the size and shape of the respective elements. In this way, it is also possible to repeat this process for subsequent gems so as to stack one gem on top of another using glue, and to then manipulate the gems as the glue is setting and as the gems are expanding, to achieve a desired effect. The assemblies can be configured in any length to meet the peripheral requirements of a particular application, and the flexible nature of the optical fiber enables the assembly to wrap around a variety of articles for different applications. 
     While the present general inventive concept has been illustrated by description of example embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described by referring to the drawings, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to the illustrative examples. It is noted that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of the present general inventive concept. The present general inventive concept in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples illustrated and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.