Patent Publication Number: US-6663256-B1

Title: Jewelry having an indirect light source and methods of use thereof

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to jewelry articles providing indirect light in order to enhance the appearance of the subject wearing the jewelry. More specifically, this invention relates to jewelry articles having light and energy sources which illuminate the subject rather than the jewelry article itself. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Men and women have commonly used jewelry articles to enhance their appearance. Historically, there have been large markets for jewelry articles which are provided in many shapes and sizes. Since many of the jewelry articles offered historically have been manufactured of shiny or reflective surfaces, such as gold, silver, platinum, white gold, and hematite, a market was developed for jewelry articles having the ability to emit light. Jewelry articles which emit light have had commercial value because the light attracts the attention of admirers in a manner similar to that of the shiny or reflective surfaces historically used in jewelry. 
     A market does exist for the sale of jewelry articles that emit light. Up to this point the prior art provides jewelry articles in which the light is directed outwardly so that an admirer of the jewelry sees the light from the light source which illuminates, or highlights, the article of jewelry or portions thereof. Other uses of light emitting jewelry articles, wherein the light functions to illuminate a target other than the jewelry article, such as a part of the users body, have not been the subject of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for enhancing the aesthetic value of an individual. More specifically, the aesthetics of an individual are enhanced by the illumination of the clothing or body parts of the individual. The apparatus includes a blocking element, a light source, an energy source, and a mounting element, also known as an attachment element. In certain embodiments, the apparatus additionally includes a light switch and/or a light control dial. The method includes providing a jewelry piece, illuminating the light source, reflecting light emitted from the light source, attaching the jewelry piece to an individual, and illuminating the individual. In certain embodiments, the method includes the step of attaching the jewelry piece to the individual in a fixed position. Other embodiments include the step of attaching the jewelry piece to an individual so that the jewelry piece is capable of movement. In certain embodiments, the method additionally includes the step of turning off the surface illuminator, or adjusting the intensity of the light coming from the surface illuminator. 
     Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus used for enhancing the appearance of an individual. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus used to illuminate the clothing worn by an individual. The apparatus is capable of attaching to either articles of clothing, such as shirts, blouses, pants, dresses, socks, coats, sweaters, and belts, or a portion of the body. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method of illuminating the surface of an individual. An enhanced presentation of an individual is possible with the illumination of portions of the body, such as the toes, ankles, abdomen, chest, wrist, fingers, neck, face, and hair. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method of attracting attention to an individual. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a bracelet according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an electrical diagram of the energy source, light control, and light source of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation of a belly ring according to the present invention. Also shown is the open position and closed position of the mounting element. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a belly ring according to the present invention. Also shown is the open position and closed position of the mounting element. 
     FIG. 5 is a side elevation of a ring according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 is perspective view of a ring according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an electrical diagram of an embodiment of the surface illuminator according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevation of an earring showing attachment to a pierced ear lobe. 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevation of a necklace showing illumination of the neck. 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an electrical diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevation of a hair barrette according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a hair barrette showing the movement of the mounting element between an open position and a closed position, which is indicated by the dashed line. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an earring of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is a side elevation of an earring according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for illuminating the surface of an individual. The present invention will be described in detail by referring to the following figures and reference numbers. 
     As used herein, “blocking element” means a physical structure through which less than 50% of visible light is capable of passing. In certain embodiments, the blocking element may completely prohibit the passing of light. In other embodiments, the blocking element may have a reflective surface adapted to refract light. Examples of blocking elements include, but are not limited to, gold, silver, plastic, rubber, steel, non-transparent gemstones, artificial non-transparent gemstones, other forms of non-transparent metal, and leather. 
     As used herein “light source” means any apparatus capable of transforming electric energy into visible energy. 
     As used herein, “mounting element”, also known as an attachment element, means a structure used for attaching an item, such as a blocking element, to either any body part of a person or any articles of clothing or accessories attached thereto. Examples of a mounting elements include, but are not limited to, hooks, straps, pins, necklaces, anklets, bracelets, watch bands, support frame of eyeglasses, attachment studs for earrings, belly rings, nipple rings, and other enclosures through which a body part or apparel accessory may be inserted. 
     As used herein “jewelly piece” means any ornament used for decoration regardless of the preciousness, rarity, or value of the structure. Examples of jewelry pieces include, but are not limited to, the ornamental or aesthetically pleasing portion of accessories such as rings, watches, bracelets, anklets, earrings, belly rings, nipple rings, pins, broaches, and hair barrettes. 
     As used herein, “light shield” has the same meaning as “blocking element.” 
     FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention for a surface illuminator  10  comprising a blocking element  12 , a light source  14 , an energy source  16 , and a mounting element  18 , also known as an attachment element. This embodiment of the surface illuminator  10 , also called a back-lighting apparatus, provides light which is directed inwardly such that it illuminates the surface of the wearer. More specifically, the light source is directed toward and connected to the blocking element so that when the apparatus is attached to a subject, the blocking element directs light from the light source toward the surface of the subject wearing the apparatus. In another embodiment of the present invention, the surface illuminator  10  may surround a body part, such as a wrist or ankle. Accordingly, when this first embodiment of the present invention is worn as a bracelet, anklet, arm band or watch band, the surface of the wearer will be illuminated while visualization of the direct light is prohibited by the blocking element  12 . 
     As best shown in FIG. 1, the light source  14  is powered by the energy source  16 . The light source  14  is connected to the blocking element  12  and the energy source  16  is also connected to the blocking element  12 . FIG. 1 does not show the electrical connection between the light source  14  and the energy source  16 , whereby energy is supplied so that the light source is illuminated. 
     In certain embodiments of the present invention, the surface illuminator  10  has a light control  20  electrically connected to the energy source  16  so that the light source  14  may be turned on and off. The light control  20  allows the light source  14  to be turned on and off by a push button switch, a lever switch, or any other switching mechanism which interrupts the energy provided to the light source  14  in order to provide illumination thereof In certain embodiments of the present invention, in addition to controlling whether the light source  14  is on or off, the light control  20  further comprises a variable control electrically connected to the light source  14  so that the intensity of a light from the light source  14  may be varied from a maximum intensity to a minimum intensity. As best shown in FIG. 2, the light control  20  is electrically connected to the energy source  16  and electrically connected to the light source  14 . The electrical connections are not shown in any figures other than FIG.  2 . 
     As best shown in FIGS. 1,  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  9 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14 , the blocking element  12  may be a jewelry piece. Since the function of the blocking element  12 , also known as light shield, is to prohibit the direct visualization of the light source  14 , many commonly known jewelry pieces may serve that function. As shown in FIGS. 3,  4 ,  5  and  6 , a gemstone or other material in the shape of a gemstone may be the blocking element  12 . As shown in FIGS. 1,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 ,  13  and  14 , other ornamental structures may serve as the blocking element  12 . By way of illustration, and not limitation, structures such as aluminum, metal, plastic, rubber, leather, fabric, adhesives, gold, silver, platinum, or hematite may be used to form the blocking element  12 , also known as a light shield. Additional examples of materials which may be used as the blocking element  12 , also known as the light shield, include a pendant, the ornamental portion of a belly button ring, a belt buckle, a belt, the ornamental portion of a bracelet, the ornamental portion of an anklet, a pin, the ornamental portion of an earring, eyeglasses, a hair barrette, a necklace, the ornamental portion of a nipple ring, the ornamental portion of a ring, a tiara, the ornamental portion of a toe ring, and the face of a watch. In other embodiments, the surface illuminator  10 , or back-lighting apparatus, comprises a jewelry piece having a first side, a light source attached to the first side of the jewelry piece, so that the jewelry piece blocks direct visualization of light from the light source and redirects light to a surface of the subject, a battery, and an attachment element connected to the jewelry piece to allow attachment to an individual. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 1,  3 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12 , and  14 , in certain embodiments of the present invention, the blocking element  12 , also known as the light shield, has a first side  22  which is a light reflective surface. 
     The light source  14  is a component of the present invention which is capable of transforming electric energy into visible light. In certain embodiments, the light source is a light emitting diode (LED). In other embodiments of the present invention, the light source  14  is an incandescent light source. In still other embodiments of the present invention, the light source  14  is a fluorescent light source. In still other embodiments of the present invention, the light source  14  is a liquid crystal display (LCD). The light source  14  provides light such that the surface of the subject is illuminated for aesthetic purposes. The light source  14  does not generate sufficient heat, or produce any byproducts, chemical or otherwise, that are harmful to the surface of the subject. Accordingly, the surface illuminator  10  provides a source of illumination which is not harmful to skin, hair, or other fabrics or coverings which are commonly worn. 
     The surface illuminator  10  of the present invention provides an energy source  16  for the illumination of the light source  14 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, the energy source  16  is a removable battery. In other embodiments, the energy source  16  may be any energy source known by those of ordinary skill in the art which would provide sufficient power to illuminate the light source  14  in the manner described herein. In other embodiments, the energy source  16  is a non-removable battery. In still other embodiments of the present invention, the energy source  16  is a removable battery capable of being recharged. As shown in FIG. 7 and 10, in certain embodiments, the surface illuminator  10  includes a resistor  24 . The resistor  24  is used to match the electrical capabilities of the energy source  16  with the output ability of the light source  14 . 
     The present invention may be used to illuminate different portions of the surface of the wearer in order to enhance the aesthetic value of that surface. As shown in FIG. 1, the mounting element  18 , also known as the attachment element, of the present invention may be used to attach the surface illuminator  10  to a wrist or ankle. As shown in FIG. 3, the mounting element  18  allows attachment to a surface having a piercing of the wearer. In certain embodiments, the mounting element  18  allows attachment to a pierced belly button. In other embodiments, the mounting element  18  allows attachment to a pierced nipple. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mounting element  18 , also known as the attachment element, has an open position  26  and a closed position  28 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the mounting element  18 , also known as the attachment element, provides an enclosure such that a finger or toe may be inserted. As shown in FIGS. 8,  13 , and  14 , the mounting element  18  further comprises a post  30  and a backing  32  to allow attachment of the surface illuminator  10  to an ear  40 . As shown in FIG. 9, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the mounting element  18 , also known as the attachment element, attaches the surface illuminator  10  to a chain  34  so that the surface illuminator  10  may be suspended from the neck of the wearer. By allowing attachment of the surface illuminator  10  to the chain  34 , a wearer may desire to suspend the surface illuminator  10  in any manner which the wearer believes will allow illumination in a manner which will attract attention to, or enhance, the appearance of the individual. As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, in certain embodiments of the present invention, the mounting element  18 , also known as the attachment element, provides for attachment of the surface illuminator  10  to hair. In the embodiment in which the surface illuminator  10  is attached to hair, the mounting element  18  encloses a portion of the hair in a manner similar to a hair barrette or a hair clip. As shown in FIG. 12, the mounting element  18  has an open position  36  and a closed position  38 . 
     The present invention discloses a method of enhancing the appearance of a subject. The method requires providing a surface illuminator  10 , or a jewelry piece having a light source  14  and having a blocking element  12  that conceals the light source, illuminating the light source, reflecting light emitted from the light source by use of the blocking element, attaching the surface illuminator  10 , or jewelry piece described above, to a surface of a subject, and illuminating the surface of the subject with light reflected from the blocking element. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the surface illuminator  10 , or jewelry piece having a light source  14  and having a blocking element  12  that conceals the light source, is attached to the surface of an individual in a fixed position relative to the surface of the subject so that illumination of the surface of the subject is consistent. In other embodiments, the surface illuminator  10 , or jewelry piece having a light source  14  and having a blocking element  12  that conceals the light source, is attached to an individual so that it is capable of movement relative to the surface of the subject wherein illumination of the surface of the subject is variable. Since the present application includes a description of a surface illuminator  10 , such item may be provided based upon the information described herein. 
     The step of attaching the surface illuminator  10  to the surface of a subject is accomplished by manipulating or maneuvering the mounting element  18 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, the surface illuminator  10  is attached to a wrist or ankle by maneuvering the mounting element  18  beyond the hand or foot by stretching the mounting element  18  when it is composed of an elastic or stretching material. Such attachment may be either fixed or loose to provide the desired illumination effect. In certain embodiments, the surface illuminator  10  is attached to the wrist or ankle by unfastening and subsequently refastening the mounting element  18  around the wrist or ankle. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, in other embodiments, the surface illuminator  10  is attached to a pierced body part, for example an ear, abdomen, eyebrow or nipple, by maneuvering the mounting element  18  into the open position  26 , inserting a portion of the mounting element through the pierced tissue, and manipulating the mounting element  18  to the closed position  28 . Attachment may result in either a fixed positioning or a loose, dangling, position. The illumination effect will depend upon the type of attachment used. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the surface illuminator  10  is attached to a finger or toe of an individual by inserting the finger or toe into the opening provided by the mounting element  18  as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6. Such attachment will be in a fixed position. 
     In certain embodiments, the surface illuminator  10  is attached to pierced tissue, as seen in FIGS. 8,  13  and  14 , by separating the post  30  from the backing  32 , inserting the post  30  into the pierced tissue, and reattaching the post  30  to the backing  32 . In still another embodiment of the present invention, the surface illuminator  10 , also known as the back-lighting apparatus, attaches to the neck of an individual by inserting a chain  34  through the opening of the mounting element  18 , and placing the circular chain  34  around the neck  42  of an individual. Such attachment will result in a loose, dangling, attachment so that the illumination of the surface of the individual will vary upon the movement of the surface illuminator  10 . In other embodiments, the surface illuminator  10  is attached to hair, as best seen in FIG. 12, by placing the mounting element  18  in the open position  36 , gathering hair and placing it between the mounting element  18  which is in the open position  36  and the blocking element  12 , and manipulating the mounting element  18  into the closed position  38 , so that the hair is captured within the mounting element  18 , which is performing a function similar to a hair barrette or a hair clip. 
     In certain embodiments, the method of enhancing the appearance of a subject further includes turning off the surface illuminator  10 . The light source  14  of the present invention may be turned on or off by manipulating the light control  20 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, the light control  20  will allow the light source  14  to be turned or off by depressing a button, moving a lever, or manipulating a dial. In other embodiments of the present invention, the intensity of the light source  14  may be adjusted between a maximum intensity and a minimum intensity. The light control  20  of the surface illuminator  10  may be adjusted to modify the intensity of the light source by depressing a button, maneuvering a lever, or turning a dial. Preferably, the intensity of the light source  14  is modified by manipulating the light control  20 , which is in the form of a turning dial. Preferably, the source illuminator  10  is turned on and off by manipulating the light control  20 , which is in the form of a depressible button. 
     Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of new and useful Jewelry Having An Indirect Light Source And Methods Of Use Thereof, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.