Patent Publication Number: US-9839244-B2

Title: Illuminated glove assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/435,578, filed on Feb. 17, 2017 and titled “Illuminated Glove Assembly,” which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/003,053, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,572,384, filed on Jan. 21, 2016 and titled, “Illuminated Glove Assembly” and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,007, filed on Jan. 23, 2015 and titled “Illuminated Running Gloves” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The preferred invention relates generally to illuminated gloves and, more particularly, to an illuminated gloves assembly that illuminates a wearer&#39;s path while worn when ambient light is minimal. The preferred illuminated gloves may be particularly adapted for runners, cyclists, athletes, outdoorsmen, survivalists, carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, tree trimmers, utility or maintenance workers, security or law enforcement officers, children, everyday use or for any situation where the user or wearer desires light projecting from their hands. The preferred glove assembly includes an illuminated data controller that provides illumination, sensors and wireless communication capabilities. 
     Gloves that provide a light source to allow a wearer to accomplish a variety of tasks are known. Generally, such gloves are configured to have a reflective strip or a light diffuser that makes the wearer more visible in conditions where ambient light is poor, but do not provide sufficient light to aid the wearer&#39;s vision. Alternately, other gloves are configured to house a light source which illuminates the area immediately in front of the wearer&#39;s hand or fingers to aid in performing tasks that require the use of each of the wearer&#39;s fingers and/or hands, but similarly do not provide sufficient light to illuminate a great enough area to enable a runner to see more than a very short distance in front of him or her while ambient light is low. These gloves also generally do not provide the ability to charge the lights while the user is wearing the gloves. Known gloves are also configured to display particular symbols, are relatively cumbersome and lack other features that are desired by users for illuminating a desired area or accommodating various additional accessories while providing a low profile, comfortable and efficient operation and appearance. Such prior art gloves also lack a convenient way to remove and replace the light for use of the gloves without the light and to readily replace the battery associated with the light. These prior art gloves further lack storage pockets or storage features for retaining the wearers items, such as keys, currency, communication devices, energy packs, the light and other relatively modest sized personal items of the user. 
     Runners, cyclists, skiers and outdoorsman often exercise or are otherwise outside early in the morning or late in the evening, such as before and after work (particularly in winter seasons or when days are short), when there is low light or it is dark. Reflective vests and brightly colored gear have been developed to improve safety for these individuals, but these items do not project light for the user&#39;s safety or as a warning of the location of the user to others. In addition, outdoorsman may desire light while moving in the dark, but also desire camouflage when remaining stationary to prevent scaring wildlife. 
     Alternative prior art illumination devices also include flashlights or headlamps that must be carried consistently by hand or require the user to turn their head to project the light in desired directions, respectively. The prior art flashlights, headlamps or other lights often shift during use, thereby projecting light in undesirable directions and requiring annoying readjustment by the user. These prior art flashlights, headlamps or other lights are also inconvenient or uncomfortable to carry, wear and project light in a desired direction, such as a headlamp squeezing the user&#39;s head and sliding on the user&#39;s head. Prior art vests may also incorporate lights or lights may be clipped onto a user&#39;s clothing, but such lights are also difficult to direct without awkward body movements and such light may be lost and misplaced. Further, flashlights or other handheld lights require occupation of one of the user&#39;s hands, thereby reducing the ability of the user to use their occupied hand to complete desired tasks. 
     It is therefore, desirable to design, develop, manufacture and distribute a glove that provides sufficient light in front of the wearer to enable him or her to see his or her path in conditions with minimal ambient light while simultaneously not restricting the wearer&#39;s hands and/or fingers and including adaptability for various accessories or carrying relatively small items and safety features (alarms, et al.). Illuminated gloves of the preferred invention replace clunky and uncomfortable head lamps, light-up vests, clip-on lights, and other handheld lights that limit the use of your hands. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly stated, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a digitally configured glove having light sources, preferably light-emitting diodes (“LED”), housed within a housing mounted to the back portion of the glove. The light sources are configured to illuminate a sufficient distance in front of the wearer to enable him or her to see a path or other running surface when ambient light is low. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to an illuminated glove assembly for providing illumination to a user. The illuminated glove assembly includes a glove having a hand portion with a first pocket and an illumination data controller for selective mounting in the first pocket. The hand portion includes a back portion, fingers, a wrist end and a palm portion. The back portion includes the first pocket, which has a first opening proximate the fingers and a first terminal end proximate the wrist end. The illumination data unit includes a housing with a front face, a top surface, a length, a width and a thickness. The front face includes a lens from which light emanates. The width of the illumination data controller is greater than the thickness. 
     In an additional preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to an illuminated glove assembly for providing illumination to a user. The illuminated glove assembly includes a glove having a hand portion with a back portion having a connection mechanism, fingers and a thumb and an illumination data controller configured for selective mounting to the glove via the connection mechanism. The hand portion also includes a wrist end and a palm portion. The illumination data controller has a housing with a front face, a top surface, a control button on the top surface, a length, a width and a thickness. The front face includes an arcuate lens from which light emanates. A plurality of light emitting diodes is positioned within the housing to project light out of the arcuate lens. 
     In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to an illuminated glove assembly having a glove and an illumination data controller. The glove has a body portion, a longitudinal glove axis, a pointer extension, a pinky extension, a wrist strap and a pocket portion. The wrist strap is positioned at a proximal end of the body portion. A securing mechanism is connected to the wrist strap and the pointer extension and pinky extension extend from a distal end of the body portion. The pointer extension is positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis and the pinky extension is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis. The pocket portion is secured to and defines a pocket with the body portion. An opening of the pocket is defined proximate the distal end of the body. The illumination data controller is configured for selective mounting in the pocket and includes a housing with a front face. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an illuminated right-handed glove in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the glove is positioned on a user&#39;s/runner&#39;s hand; 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the illuminated glove of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the illuminated glove of  FIG. 1 , but is a left-handed version of the preferred glove; 
         FIG. 4A  is a bottom plan view of an illumination data controller for the illuminated glove of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the illumination data controller of  FIG. 4A , taken on a plane parallel to the bottom plan view of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a first preferred lens of the illumination data controller of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of a second preferred lens of the illumination of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side perspective view of the lens of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a glove in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the glove of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a top plan view of a glove in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention that may be utilized with any of the preferred gloves of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10B  is a top perspective view of an illumination data controller in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom plan view of the glove of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a front perspective view of an illumination data controller in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention that may be utilized with the any of the preferred gloves of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13A  is a top plan view of an illumination data controller in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention that may be utilized with any of the preferred gloves of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13B  is a side elevational view of the illumination data controller of  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIG. 13C  is a top plan view of an illumination data controller in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention that may be utilized with any of the preferred gloves of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14A  is a top perspective view of an illuminated glove assembly in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, including a rower glove with the second preferred illumination data controller of  FIG. 13A  mounted therein; 
         FIG. 14B  is a side perspective view of the illuminated glove assembly of  FIG. 14A ; 
         FIG. 15  is a top perspective view of a glove for an illuminated glove assembly in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the glove is positioned on a user&#39;s hand; 
         FIG. 16  is top plan view of the glove of  FIG. 15 , wherein the glove is positioned on the user&#39;s hand and the second preferred illumination data controller of  FIG. 13A  is positioned for use with the fifth preferred glove of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is bottom plan view of the glove of  FIG. 15 , wherein the glove is positioned on the user&#39;s hand; 
         FIG. 18  is a top perspective view of a glove for an illuminated glove assembly in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is top plan view of the glove of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of the glove of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of a glove for an illuminated glove assembly in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan view of the glove of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a bottom plan view of the glove of  FIG. 21 ; 
         FIG. 24A  is a top perspective view of a liner glove in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention that may be utilized with the preferred glove assemblies described herein; 
         FIG. 24B  is a bottom plan view of the liner glove of  FIG. 24A ; and 
         FIG. 25  is a top plan view of a glove for an illuminated glove assembly in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the glove is expanded and removed from the user&#39;s hand 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The words “right”, “left”, “lower”, and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” or “distally” and “outwardly” or “proximally” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the device and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
     It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the invention, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally the same or similar, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , an illuminated glove  10  in accordance with a first preferred embodiment is used to illuminate a runner&#39;s path while the available ambient light is low. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the illuminated glove  10  is not limited to use while running, but is also useful for any activity wherein the wearer requires artificial lighting to supplement low ambient light. The illuminated glove  10  may be employed by any user who desires lighting while wearing the gloves  10 , such as cyclists, athletes, outdoorsmen, survivalists, everyday users and other similar users. The illuminated glove  10  preferably includes a hand portion  12 , which further includes a back portion  14  and a palm portion  16 . The back portion  14  preferably includes a housing  18  integrally mounted thereto. The housing  18  further preferably including at least two light sources  20 . The light sources  20  are preferably configured to cast light at least ten feet (10′), and more preferably at least thirty five feet (35′), in front of the wearer and are preferably comprised light emitting diodes (“LED”). The light sources  20  are not limited to being comprised of LEDs and may be comprised of nearly any lighting component that is able to take on the general size and shape of the light sources  20 , withstand the normal operating conditions of the light sources  20  and illuminate an area around the user during operation. The light sources  20  can also be configured to activate in a blinking or flashing pattern to improve the wearer&#39;s ability to be seen. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that the light sources  20  are not necessarily LEDs, but can be any device capable of producing sufficient light in front of the wearer to illuminate his or her path, such as incandescent, fluorescent, or halogen light bulbs, illuminating chemicals contained in a housing and the like. 
     The light sources  20  are not limited to being integrally mounted to the back portion  14  and may be mounted in other portions of the glove  10  or may be otherwise secured to the glove  10 . For example, the housing  18  may be comprised of a pocket into which the light sources  20  are mounted for use. The housing  18  and light sources  20  may comprise an illumination data controller that is, as described, separate from the glove  10  and may be removed from the glove  10  for washing, use of the glove  10  without the light sources  20 , replacement of the battery  36  or for other like reasons. In the first preferred embodiment, the housing  18  includes a removable door  31  that is selectively removably from the housing  18  to expose the battery  36 . The battery  36  is preferably, removably mountable proximate the removable door  31 , such as beneath the door  31  and the door  31  may be configured to urge the battery  36  into a mounted configuration to ensure electrical connection with the electronics components in the housing  18 . The door  31  may also be comprised of hinged door the is connected to the housing  18  and generally does not fall away from the housing  18 , but is retained on the housing  18  when the user opens the door  31  via the hinge mechanism. The hinged door  31  configuration is preferred in certain embodiments to prevent loss of the door  31  when the user removes the door to replace the battery  36  or otherwise removes or opens the door  31 . 
     The illuminated glove  10  of the first preferred embodiment is preferably constructed of any breathable, soft, and flexible material that provides sufficient durability for the wearer to machine wash the glove  10  numerous times after use, such as polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton, parachute fabric, any combination thereof or any related material that is able to take on the general size and shape of the glove  10  and withstand the normal operating conditions of the glove  10 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that the material of construction will not be limited to polyester, nylon, spandex, cotton, parachute fabric, or any combination thereof, but will also include any material suitable for withstanding the normal operating conditions of the illuminated glove  10 . The illuminated glove  10  is also preferably constructed of a material capable of being dyed to any number of colors, but is not limited to such dye-able materials. 
     The palm portion  16  of the illuminated glove  10  preferably includes a padded material, such as foam, but is not so limited. Such padded material should be suitable for improving a wearer&#39;s comfort and providing padding or gripping for the palm portion  16 . Some of the preferred embodiments of the glove  10  are constructed of the same material in the hand portion  12 , the back portion  14  and the palm portion  16  or these portions may be constructed of different materials adapted for the various portions of the preferred illuminated glove  10 . The hand portion  12  may be constructed of materials, such as, breathable polyester weave fabric, spandex dri-wicking fabrics, Neoprene, terry fabrics, suedes, faux suedes, quilting materials, Gore-Tex, fluoropolymer fabrics, vinyl, waterproof fabric, water resistant fabric, CarbonX fabrics, Nomex fabrics, fireproof or fire-resistant fabric, cotton, canvas, heavy canvas and related fabrics and materials that are able to take on or be assembled into the general size and shape of the glove  10  and withstand the normal operating conditions of the glove  10 . 
     The illuminated glove  10  preferably contains a reflective portion, such as a reflective strip  11 , to further aid in others&#39; visibility of the wearer, but is not so limited. For example, the reflective strip  11  may be comprised of a reflective portion that is attached to the glove  10 , such as by adhesive bonding or stitching, reflective materials incorporated into the materials of the glove  10 , such as reflective or glowing dyes, or reflective components that are adhered or otherwise attached to the glove  10 . In the first preferred embodiment, the reflective strip  11  is comprised of a reflective trim material that provides a border to the glove  10 . The reflective strip  11  may alternatively be positioned on the palm portion  16  or nearly anywhere on the glove  10  to enhance safety for the wearer. For example, the reflective strip  11  of the first preferred embodiment may be attached to a wrist end  12   a  of the hand portion  12  and to a rear end of the housing  18 . The reflective strip  11  is not limited to being connected to these listed portions of the glove  10  and may be connected or incorporated into nearly any portion of the glove  10  to provide reflection of light and added safety to a user or wearer. 
     The illuminated glove  10  also preferably includes finger portions  22  and a thumb portion  24 . The finger portions  22  can be of any length, capable of covering only a small portion of the wearer&#39;s fingers, such as is shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the wearer&#39;s fingers in their entirety, or any length in between. In the first preferred embodiment, the fingers  22  of the glove  10  extend approximately to the wearer&#39;s first knuckle or completely to the tip of the user&#39;s fingers, depending on user preferences. The thumb portions  24  can similarly be of any length. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the illuminated glove  10  can be constructed without the finger portions  22  and/or the thumb portion  24  that extend from the hand portion  12  without deviating from the inventive concept, such as by constructing the glove  10  as a mitten or constructing the glove  10  with holes to accommodate the user&#39;s fingers extending out of the glove  10 . The glove  10  of the first preferred embodiment does not completely cover the tips of the users or runners fingers such that the user has the ability to touch and feel materials and objects that are grasped and providing at least some exposure for cooling of the fingers. 
     In the first preferred embodiment, a middle finger of the fingers  22  includes an elongated portion  22   x . The elongated portion  22   x  is adapted for grasping by the user to facilitate removal of the glove  10  from the user&#39;s hand. The elongated portion  22   x  is shown extending from the back side of the glove  10  of the first preferred embodiment, but is not so limiting and may extend from the palm side of the glove  10  and may be associated with any of the fingers  22  or the glove  10  may include several elongated portions  22   x  on several of the fingers  22 . The glove  10  is not limited to inclusion of the elongated portion  22   x  on the middle finger and may include the elongate portion on any of the other fingers  22 , on the thumb  24  or may not include the elongated portion  22   x . In addition, in full-fingered versions of the glove  10  ( FIG. 2 ), the glove  10  preferably does not include the elongated portion  22   x.    
     The fingers  22  are preferably constructed of the same breathable, soft, and flexible materials as any other portion of the illuminated glove  10 , but are not so limited. Where the finger  22  are constructed of a sufficient length to cover the wearer&#39;s fingertips, the distal ends of the finger portions  22  are preferably also constructed of a conductive material  22   a  that enables the wearer to operate an electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or portable music player, while wearing the illuminated glove  10 , but are not so limited. The fingers  22  may be constructed of various materials, such as polar fleece, dri-wicking polyester blends, multiple knits, quilted fabrics or the like, but are not so limited and may be constructed of nearly any material that is able to be constructed into the general size and shape of the fingers  22  and can withstand the normal operating conditions of the glove  10 . 
     The thumb  24  of the illuminated glove  10  is preferably constructed of a cotton terrycloth blend that may be utilized by the user to wipe and absorb sweat from the user&#39;s forehead or other areas, but is not so limited. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the thumb  24  is not limited to a cotton terrycloth blend, but may also be constructed of any material suitable for withstanding the normal operating conditions of the invention, such as cotton, polyester, nylon, and the like. The thumb  24  may also be constructed of the same breathable, soft, and flexible material as any other portion of the illuminated glove  10  and various material combinations may be used for the thumb  24  and fingers  22  based on designer or user preferences. The thumb  24  may also include the conductive material  24   a  proximate its tip that enables the user to operate electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets or portable music players by interaction with a touch screen of these devices while wearing the illuminated glove  10 , but are not so limited. 
     The illuminated glove  10  also preferably includes a second pocket  26  mounted proximate the palm portion  16  of the illuminated glove  10 . The second pocket  26  is preferably configured to contain small items a runner or other user may find necessary to carry, such as a key, coins, energy packs, small food items, a battery recharging unit, a heat pack, or a replacement battery for the illuminated glove  10 . The second pocket  26  is preferably constructed from the same breathable, soft, and flexible material as other portions of the illuminated glove  10 , but can also be constructed of any material suitable for withstanding the normal operating conditions of the invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the illuminated glove  10  can be constructed without the second pocket  26  without deviating from the inventive concept. 
     The illuminated glove  10  preferably further includes a window  28  within the back portion  14 . The window  28  is preferably located proximate the wrist end  12   a  so that he or she may see through the illuminated glove  10  to view his or her wristwatch, fitness tracker, or other wrist-mounted device without removing or shifting the illuminated glove  10 . The window  28  is preferably plastic, polymeric material or vinyl, but can also be any transparent material suitable for withstanding the normal operating conditions of the illuminated glove  10 . The window  28  is also preferably constructed in conjunction with an adjustable wrist band or strap  32  so that the wearer may adjust the size of the wrist opening of the illuminated glove  10  while ensuring the illuminated glove  10  is securely affixed to the wearer&#39;s hand. The wrist band  32  is preferably an elastic material and is preferably adjustable via a hook and loop material or Velcro strap, but is not so limited. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the wrist band  32  and window  28  may be constructed separately, or one or both may be omitted from the illuminated glove  10  entirely, without deviating from the inventive concept. The window  28  is also not limited to being located proximate the wrist end  12   a  and may be positioned nearly anywhere on the glove  10  for mounting of a fitness tracker, clock, stopwatch or other component or accessory that a user may desire to view while wearing the glove  10 . 
     The housing  18  is preferably removable from the illuminated glove  10  for the purposes of laundering the illuminated glove  10 , replacing the batteries (not shown) that power the light sources  20 , and the like, but is not so limited. The housing  18  is preferably constructed of any weather-resistant material, such as a polymeric material, but is not so limited. The housing  18  may also be designed and configured to be fixed to the glove  10  so that the glove  10  is washable while the housing  18  is attached thereto. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , the light sources  20  are preferably mounted within or to the housing  18  and are preferably comprised of approximately five (5) ultra-bright LEDs. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the light sources  20  are not necessarily comprised of LEDs and could be comprised of more or less than five (5) LEDs without deviating from the inventive concept, such as ten (10) LEDs. The LEDs may be comprised of surface mounted display (“SMD”) variety LEDs or may be comprised of other varieties of LEDs or chip on board (“COB”) SMDs. 
     The light sources  20  are preferably actuated by a switch  30  on a top of the housing  18 , but are not so limited. For example, the light sources  20  may be associated with a sensor that senses ambient light and only illuminates the light sources  20  when the ambient light reaches a predetermined low level. In addition, the light sources  20  may be configured for illumination and/or powering only when the users/runners hands are heated to a predetermined temperature or otherwise reach to a predetermined parameter associated with the user or the user&#39;s environment. The switch  30  is preferably a pressure-sensitive button mounted on the housing  18  facing away from the glove  10  for access by the user. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the switch  30  can also be any type of switch suitable for actuating the light sources  20  and can also be mounted anywhere on the illuminated glove  10  suitable for withstanding the normal operating conditions of the preferred invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , the light sources  20  can be arranged in any number of configurations, such as in a parabolic arc ( FIGS. 4A and 4B ), extending from the housing ( FIG. 5 ), or in a compact line ( FIG. 6 ). One skilled in the art will appreciate that the light sources  20  are not limited to these arrangements and can be configured in many ways to achieve the desired objective. For example, the light sources  20  may have a similar shape to the knuckles of the wearer&#39;s hands to project light in nearly any direction in which the wearer directs their knuckles. The light sources  20  may also have an accordion-like shape that are adaptable by a user to direct the light emanating from the light sources  20  in a particular direction, to focus the light from the light sources  20  and/or to disburse the light emanating from the light sources  20 . The light sources  20  may be adaptable to changed orientation, intensity, focus and power based on the desires of the user and/or designer. For example, the light sources  20  may be individually or collectively manipulated to direct a light stream sideways from the glove  20 , generally outwardly and perpendicularly away from the glove  10 , toward the wearer&#39;s fingers, toward the wearers arm or in nearly any direction desired by the wearer and/or the designer. Further, the light sources  20  may be designed such that each individual light may direct its light in nearly any desired direction or the plurality of light sources  20  may be arranged such that manipulation of one of the lights impacts the direction, intensity, focus, dispersion and the like of each of the lights  20 . The lights  20  are also not limited to being comprised of lights and may be comprised of reflectors that reflect light that shines on the reflectors to alert others of the presence of the wearer of the glove  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the palm portion  16  of the illuminated glove  10  also preferably includes an anchoring strap  34  useful for securing a personal protectant device such as mace or pepper spray. The anchoring strap  34  is preferably arranged on the palm portion  16  such that the personal protectant device is easily accessible in the event that the wearer encounters danger while exercising. In the first preferred embodiment, the glove  10  includes two individual anchoring straps  34  mounted to the palm portion  16  that facilitate securing of the personal protectant device or nearly any relatively small item in the user&#39;s palm. The user is preferably able to place the small item, such as the personal protectant device between the anchoring straps  34  and the palm portion  16  so secure the small item in the user&#39;s palm during use. In the first preferred embodiment, the anchoring straps  34  are constructed of an elastic material, but are not so limited and may be constructed of nearly any material or mechanism that is adaptable to securing a small item to the palm portion  16  and is able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the illuminated glove  10 . 
     The preferred glove  10  may also include a controller (not shown) associated with the lights  20  that permits a user or automatically controls features of the lights, such as color, intensity, focus, blinking, sequenced illumination or like features. For example, the controller may permit a wearer to prompt intensity or blinking of the lights  20  or rapidly change colors of the lights  20  to draw attention in a perceived emergency situation, such as danger encountered on a remote running trail or on a night walk through a college campus. Such blinking or modification of the plurality of lights  20  provides a safety feature for the wearer to warn a potential attacker or safety personnel. Alternately, the controller may be operable to control an auditory alarm to draw attention by an audible siren or other audible warning. 
     The palm portion  16  of the first preferred glove  10  also preferably includes a third pocket  95  that may be utilized to receive an illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ as is described in greater detail below. The illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ can be selectively positioned in the third pocket  95  to illuminate the palm or inner portion of the user&#39;s fingers for low light illumination of this area and manipulation of items in the palm or with the user&#39;s fingers. 
     In addition, the controller may permit wireless communication with safety personnel as the result of the wearer activating transmission of a wireless signal from the controller to safety personnel. The strap  34  is not limited to affixing a personal protectant device, but may be used for storing any small item the wearer may wish to access while using the illuminated glove  10 . The strap  34  is preferably a hook and loop material or Velcro strap, but is not so limited and may be constructed of any material suitable for withstanding the operating conditions of the invention, such as elastic and the like. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the strap  34  is not limited to a particular location on the palm portion  16 , but may be arranged in any position on the illuminated glove  10  useful for affixing a small item without deviating from the inventive concept. In addition, the strap  34  may be comprised of a user actuatable pocket that is integrally formed with the glove  10  that may be actuated by the user when desired to perform a predetermined function, such as spraying mace, providing liquid hydration for the runner, providing an energy formula to the runner or for otherwise storing a material that may be accessed by the user during a desired situation. 
     The light sources  20  may be powered by any power source  36  suitable for powering the light sources  20 . In the first preferred embodiment, the power source  36  is preferably comprised of a small battery  36  such as a button cell or a lithium cell battery  36 , a  2032  coin cell battery, a lithium ion rechargeable battery or nearly any other variety of battery that is able to fit into the housing  18 , with stand the normal operating conditions of the glove  10  and perform the functions of the battery. The power source  36  is preferably stored in the housing  18 , but one skilled in the art will appreciate that the power source  36  may be arranged anywhere on the illuminated glove  10  without defeating the inventive concept. In an alternate embodiment, the power source  36  is a rechargeable battery linked to a solar cell (not shown) mounted on the illuminated glove  10  such that the solar cell is capable of recharging the power source  36 , potentially when the user is wearing the glove  10 . In addition, the power source  36  may be comprised of a conversion component or thermoelectric generator that converts heat generated by the wearer, such as the runner, into electrical power to illuminate the light sources  20  during use. The conversion component is not limited to converting heat generated by a runner and may use the heat generated by any wearer or user of the glove  10 . The power source  36  is no limited to being comprised of the battery  36  or conversion component, but may also be comprised of a piezoelectric power source, an alternative solar power source or nearly any other variety of power source  36  that is designed and configured to provide power to the plurality of light sources  20  to illuminate the light sources  20 . The power source  36  may also be comprised of multiple power sources, such as multiple batteries  36 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the power source  36  may be comprised of a piezoelectric device which provides power to the light sources  20  via the vibrations and stresses created by the wearer&#39;s use of the glove  10  in activities such as running, bicycling, hiking, walking, working and the like. When configured as a piezoelectric device, the power source  36  is additionally capable of providing addition feedback to the wearer, conveying such information as distance run, time worn, the speed of the wearer&#39;s movement, and the like, through such methods as changing the color of the light sources  20 , changing the blinking pattern of the light sources  20 , providing a vibratory sensation, providing a display associated with a controller to display various performance features or other mechanisms to alert the user to predetermined performance characteristics. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , a second preferred embodiment of the glove  110  includes similar features and construction when compared to the first preferred embodiment of the glove  10 . The same reference numerals are utilized to identify similar features of the second preferred embodiment when compared to the first preferred embodiment with a “1” prefix to distinguish the second preferred embodiment of the glove  110  from the first preferred embodiment of the glove  10 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8, 9, 12 and 13 , the glove  110  of the second preferred embodiment includes a crisscross pattern of straps  134  on the palm portion  116  for securing a small item in the user&#39;s palm. The small item may be a personal protection device, key, key fob, card, credit card, currency, energy packs or nearly any other relatively small item, some additional items which were described above, that is able to fit into the users palm and between the palm portion  116  and the straps  134 . The straps  134  may be constructed of or coated with a reflective material to act in a manner similar to the reflective strip  11 . The glove  110  of the second preferred embodiment is not limited to inclusion of the straps  134  and may be constructed and configured without the straps  134  or may be constructed with an alternative securing mechanism for small items, such as a clamp, clip, hook and loop material, fastener, adhesive material or other small item securing mechanisms. 
     The palm portion  116  of the second preferred embodiment also preferably includes padded portions  135 . The padded portions  135  provide padding in the palm portion  116  for user comfort and for gripping purposes. The palm portion  116  is not limited to inclusion of the padded portions  135  and may be constructed without the padded portions  135  or with padded portions  135  having a different size and configuration than the padded portions  135  shown in the second preferred embodiment. 
     In the second preferred embodiment, a wrist strap  137  is connected to the wrist end  112   a  of the glove  110 . The wrist strap  137  is preferably comprised of a strap with hook and loop material that connects to complementary hook and loop material at the wrist end  112   a  to fasten and secure the glove  110  to the user&#39;s hand. The glove  110  is not limited to inclusion of the wrist strap  137  or the wrist strap  137  including hook and loop material. For example, the wrist strap  137  may be comprised of an elastic material that tightens around the user&#39;s wrist or includes alternative mechanisms or systems that assist in securing the glove  110  to the user&#39;s hand. 
     The glove  110  of the second preferred embodiment also preferably includes the second pocket  126  beneath the straps  134 . The second pocket  126  preferably includes a second opening  126   a  proximate the thumb  124  and a second terminal end  126   b  proximate a side of the hand portion  112  opposite the thumb  124 . The second opening  126   a  is preferably secured in a closed configuration with hook and loop material at the second opening  126   a  to secure small items within the second pocket  126 . The second pocket  126  may include a battery recharging unit therein for recharging the battery of the light unit  18 . The second pocket  126  is not limited to inclusion of the hook and loop material at the second opening  126   a  and may be otherwise configured to secure the second opening  126   a  in a closed configuration, such as a zipper, button and hole, adhesive material, fastener, clip or other securing mechanism that generally selectively closes the second opening  126   a  to secure the item therein an a closed configuration and allows the user to open the second opening  126   a  for removal of the item. Alternatively, the second opening  126   a  may be consistently left open without a securing mechanism, such as, if the material of the palm portion  116  and the second pocket  126  are configured to at least loosely secure the item therein, such as with relatively elastic material constructions of the glove  110 . The second pocket  126  of the second preferred embodiment preferably extends to the terminal end  126   b  opposite the second opening  126   a  and, therefore, extends substantially across the palm portion  116 . The second pocket  126  is not limited to having the depicted size and/or shape and may be smaller or larger depending on user or designers preferences. 
     The glove  110  of the second preferred embodiment also includes a pair of anchoring straps  150  mounted to the back portion  114  with corresponding hooks  152 . The anchoring straps  150  are preferably fixed or secured at a first end  150   a  to the back portion  114  and form substantially endless loops that may be selectively connected to the hooks  152 . A secondary securing mechanism  154  is also preferably positioned on the back portion  114  between the anchoring straps  150 , but is not so limited and the glove  110  may function without inclusion of the secondary securing mechanism  154 . The anchoring straps  150  are preferably constructed of an elastic or partially elastic material that may be stretched to engage the hooks  152  to apply tension to the anchoring straps  150  for securing nearly any item between the straps  150  and the back portion  114 , such as keys, a key fob, personal protection device, writing instrument or nearly any other relatively small personal item. The secondary securing mechanism  154  is preferably a hook and loop material, but is not so limited and may be constructed of nearly any fastening or securing mechanism that is able to engage a light projecting mechanism, as is described in greater detail below. 
     In the second preferred embodiment, the anchoring straps  150  are particularly adapted for securing a preferred illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ to the glove  110 . The illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ is configured to operate in the same or a similar manner to the housing  18  and light sources  20  of the glove  10  of the first preferred embodiment. The illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ includes a housing  118 ,  118 ′,  118 ″,  118 ′″ with a front face  118   a ,  118   a ′,  118   a ″,  118   a ′″ a top surface  162 ,  162 ′,  162 ″,  162 ′″, a length L, L′, L″, L′″, a width W, W′, W″, W′″ and a thickness T, T′, T″, T′″. First and second preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′ are shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , with a prime symbol “′” being utilized to distinguish the illumination data controller  160  of the first preferred embodiment from the illumination data controller  160 ′ of the second preferred embodiment, a third preferred illumination data controller  160 ″ is shown in  FIG. 10B  with a double-prime symbol “′” utilized to distinguish the illumination data controller  160 ″ of the third preferred embodiment and a fourth preferred illumination data controller  160 ′″ is shown in  FIG. 13C  with a triple-prime symbol “′″” utilized to distinguish the illumination data controller  160 ′″ of the fourth preferred embodiment. The illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ′″,  160 ′″ are adapted for use with the preferred gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 , as is described herein and will be described in further detail below. The illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ are preferably self-contained such that they do not include or require wires extending therefrom to power or control the units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″. The user is, therefore, able to generally move about freely with the preferred illuminated glove assemblies, as is described herein such that the preferred gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701  are generally hands-free for the user. 
     The first and second preferred embodiments of the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′ preferably include a front face  164 ,  164 ′ from which light emanates from the light source  120 ,  120 ′. The light sources  120 ,  120 ′ are preferably comprised of LED&#39;s, but are not so limited and may be comprised of nearly any source of light that is able to project light from the front face  164 ,  164 ′ to illuminate an area in front of the front face  164 ,  164 ′. The front face  164 ,  164 ′ and the light source  120 ,  120 ′ may be configured to project light from the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′ over a variable angle, depending on user and designer preferences. For example, in the second preferred embodiment, the illumination data controller  160 ′ is configured to project light from the front face  164 ′ over an arc Δ′ of at least two hundred thirty-five degrees (235°), while the front face  164  of the first preferred embodiment of the illumination data controller  160  is configured to project light over an arc of slightly more than ninety degrees (90°). The arc Δ, Δ′ of lateral light projection from the front faces  164 ,  164 ′ is not limited to these described configurations and may be arranged and configured to laterally project light over alternative ranges, as desired by the user or designer and may also be configured to change the arc Δ, Δ′ dynamically via controls in or on the housing  18 ,  118 ,  118 ′ to widen, focus, alter or otherwise change the orientation of the light emanating from the light sources  120 ,  120 ′. The first preferred illumination data controller  160  includes four (4) light sources  120 , preferably LEDs, and the second preferred illumination data controller  160 ′ includes six (6) light sources  120 ′, preferably LEDs, but the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′ are not limited to the specifically shown number of lights sources  120 ,  120 ′ and may have alternate numbers of LEDs or may be otherwise configured with alternative lighting mechanisms. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 12-13B , both of the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′ of the first and second preferred embodiments are adapted for selective mounting to the back portion  114  of the glove  110  of the second preferred embodiment. The illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′ are preferably attached to the secondary securing mechanism  154  of the glove  110  through the lower securing mechanism  166 ′. The light anchoring straps  150 ,  150 ′ are wrapped over the top surface  162 ,  162 ′ of the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′ and the ends are secured to the hooks  152 . The illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′ are arranged with the front faces  164 ,  164 ′ positioned proximate the fingers  122  such that the light extends outwardly and away from the user knuckles during use. A middle finger  122  of the fingers preferably includes an elongated portion  122   x  extending away from the fingers  122  on the palm side of the glove  110 . The elongated portion  122   x  is preferably grasped by the user to assist in removing the glove  110  from the user&#39;s hand. The elongated portion  122   x  is not limited to being included on the middle finger  122  and may be included on any of the other fingers  122  or on multiple of the fingers  122 . The light is preferably activated by depressing a control button or switch  130 ,  130 ′ on the top surface  162 ,  162 ′. The illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′ is preferably, thereby held on the glove  110  during activity. 
     Following the activity or generally to remove the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′ from the glove  110 , the anchoring straps  150 ,  150 ′ are detached from the hooks  152  and the secondary securing mechanism  154  is removed from the lower securing mechanism  166 ′. A different illumination data controller may then be likewise mounted to the glove  110 , the battery  36  may be replaced, the glove  110  may be washed or other similar actions may be taken. 
     In the first preferred embodiment, the illumination data controller  160  includes a solar panel or solar cell  142  on its top surface  162 . The solar panel  142  is preferably able to collect solar energy for charging or re-charging the battery  136 . The solar panel  142  may be comprised of a crystalline solar panel  142  or nearly any solar panel or array that is able to collect solar energy and convert the solar energy to electrical energy to power the illumination data controller  160 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10A-11 , a third preferred embodiment of the glove  210  includes similar features and construction when compared to the first and second preferred embodiments of the glove  10 ,  110 . The same reference numerals are utilized to identify similar features of the third preferred embodiment when compared to the first and second preferred embodiments with a “2” prefix to distinguish the third preferred embodiment of the glove  210  from the first and second preferred embodiments of the glove  10 ,  110 . 
     The third preferred embodiment of the glove  210  is also adapted for use with a third preferred embodiment of the illumination data controller  160 ″, but may also be utilized with the first and second preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′. The third preferred embodiment of the illumination data controller  160 ″ includes similar features and construction when compared to the first and second preferred embodiments of the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′. The same reference numerals are utilized to identify similar features of the third preferred embodiment when compared to the first and second preferred embodiments with a double-prime “″” symbol utilized to distinguish the third preferred embodiment of the illumination data controller  160 ″ from the first and second preferred embodiments of the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′. 
     The glove  210  of the third preferred embodiment includes a first pocket  270  in the back portion  214 . The first pocket  270  includes a first opening  270   a  proximate the fingers  222  and a first terminal end  270   b  proximate the wrist end  212   a . The first pocket  270  is preferably formed between the first opening  270   a  and the first terminal end  270   b  between portions of fabric of the back portion  214 , but is not so limited and may be otherwise formed by separate material from the glove  210  or otherwise, as long as a first pocket  270  is formed and attached to the glove  210  for receipt of one of the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″. In addition, the first pocket  270  is not limited to being positioned on the back portion  214  and may be alternatively mounted on the palm portion  216  for receipt of the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ to project light onto the inner-fingertips of the user or wearer. Illuminating the fingertips of the user may be desirable for users performing relatively fine tasks proximate the fingertips, such as a fisherman threading fishing line into the eye of a fishing hook in dark or low light conditions. 
     The first opening  270   a  is preferably selectively opened and closed utilizing hook and loop material positioned along the internal edge of the first opening  270   a , but is not so limited. The first opening  270   a  may be otherwise selectively opened or closed using a zipper, clamp, button and hole, adhesive material or other selective fastening or securing device that is able to substantially secure the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ in the first pocket  270   a , as is described in further detail below. The first opening  270   a  is also not limited to inclusion of a securing device or mechanism and may be constructed of a constantly open first opening  270   a  with only the material of the glove  10  forming the first opening  270   a , preferably with the material having elasticity to hold the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ within the first pocket  270 . 
     In the preferred embodiments, the hook and loop material at the first opening  270   a  interacts with an engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″ on the top surfaces  162 ,  162 ′,  162 ″ and bottom surfaces  163 ′ of the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ to assist with securing the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ in the first pocket  270 . The bottom surfaces  163 ′ may be constructed of a resilient material or have a resilient material, such as silicone, coated thereon to improve comfort for the user. The rear portion of the housings  118 ,  118 ′,  118 ″ are preferably slid into the first pocket  270  at least until the engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″ contacts and is secured to the hook and loop material at the first opening  270   a  with the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ positioned outside of the first pocket  270 . This mounted configuration assists in securing the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ to the glove  210  and positions the lights sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ to direct light over the user&#39;s knuckles. The illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ are not limited to having the engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″, to hook and loop material or to the specific placement of the engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″, but the glove  210  preferably includes accommodation of some feature that orients the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″ relative to the glove  210  and secures the engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″ to the glove  210 . The engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″ is not limited to being comprised of hook and loop material and may be comprised of any connector that releasably secured the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ in the pockets  270 ,  403 ,  508 ,  608 ,  708 , some of which are described in greater detail below. The connector comprising the engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″ may include magnets, fasteners, clamps, adhesive or other mechanisms or methods that are able to releasably secure the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″ in the pockets  270 ,  403 ,  508 ,  608 ,  708 . 
     In the preferred embodiments, the length L, L′, L″, L′″ and width W, W′, W″, W′″ of the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ are measured at the maximum length and width of the preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″. The width W, W′, W″, W′″ of the preferred embodiments is greater than the length L, L′, L″, L′″, which is in turn greater than the thickness T, T′, T″, T′″. Such a design of the preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ results in a relatively compact, low-profile design and generally maximizes the front face  164 ,  164 ′,  164 ″,  164 ′″ for significant illumination across and beyond the user&#39;s knuckles. The illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ are not so limited and may be otherwise designed and configured based on user and designer desires or for particular varieties of design considerations. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10B , in the third preferred embodiment, the illumination data controller  160 ″ has a width W″ of approximately one and three-quarters (1¾″), a length of one and one-half inches (1½″) and a thickness of one-half inch (½″). The illumination data controller  160 ″ is not limited to these preferred dimensions and may be otherwise sized and configured for mounting to the gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 , for projecting a preferred amount of light from the front face  164 ,  164 ′,  164 ′ and for otherwise performing the preferred functions of the illumination data controller  160 ″. The other preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ′″ may be sized and configured similarly to or the same as the third preferred illumination data controller  160 ″. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , in the second preferred embodiment of the illumination data controller  160 ′, an electrical connection port  168 ′ is positioned at a rear of the housing  118 ′. The electrical connection port  168 ′ may be utilized for recharging the battery  36 , to load information into a processor for programming functions related to the illumination data controllers  120 ′, for collecting data sensed by sensors in the housing  118 ′ or for other connection purposes. The electrical connection port  168 ′ may be comprised of a universal serial bus (“USB”) port or other connection port for communication with the illumination data controller  160 ′ and its features and components. The illumination data controller  160 ′ of the second preferred embodiment is not limited to inclusion of the electrical connection port  168 ′ or to inclusion of only one electrical connection port  168 ′ and may include none or multiple electrical connection ports  168 ′. In addition, the first and third preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ″ may likewise include none or more than one electrical connection port  168 ′. 
     The preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ include a wireless transmitter  170 ,  170 ′,  170 ″,  170 ′″ mounted within the housing  118 ,  118 ′,  118 ″,  118 ′″ that is configured for communication with other wireless receivers and transmitters (not shown) to send and receive data. The preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ also preferably include alarms and safety features for the wearer or user. The wireless transmitters  170 ,  170 ′,  170 ″,  170 ′″ are preferably powered by the batteries  136 ,  136 ′,  136 ″,  136 ′″ and may transmit and receive various types and varieties of data to other wireless transmitters and receivers. For example, the wireless transmitter  170 ,  170 ′,  170 ″,  170 ′″ may send an emergency message and location information when prompted by the wearer to alert emergency personnel to enhance the user&#39;s safety. The wireless transmitter  170 ,  170 ′,  170 ″,  170 ′″ may also transmit location information and receive direction information for a runner that pre-determines a running route and the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may audibly or visually provide direction information to the wearer to follow the predetermined route. The wireless transmitter  170 ,  170 ′,  170 ″,  170 ′″ may also transmit information collected from sensors associated with the transmitter  170 ,  170 ′,  170 ″,  170 ′″ or glove  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701  related to physiological properties of the user for performance or health and safety purposes. 
     In the preferred embodiments, the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ include a circuit board  190 ,  190 ′,  190 ″,  190 ′″ and a microchip  191 ,  191 ′,  191 ″,  191 ′″ in communication with the light source  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″. The circuit board  190 ,  190 ′,  190 ″,  190 ′″ and the microchip  191 ,  191 ′,  191 ″,  191 ′″ are preferably configured to control operation of the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ such as to display a blinking or predetermined light show from the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″. The information for the predetermined light shows or other control related to the circuit board  190 ,  190 ′,  190 ″,  190 ′″ and the microchip  191 ,  191 ′,  191 ″,  191 ′″ may be pre-loaded into the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be sent via the wireless transmitters  170 ,  170 ′,  170 ″,  170 ′″ or may be otherwise communicated, such as through wired communication through the electrical connection port  168 ′. 
     In operation, the user may place the glove  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701  onto their hand with the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ already connected thereto or may engage the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ with the glove  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701  after placement on their hand. The preferred illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ is urged into the first pocket  270 ,  403 ,  507 ,  607 ,  707  through the first opening  270   a  at least until the engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″,  180 ′″ contacts and engages the hook and loop material or other securing mechanism at the first opening  270   a  or the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ is fully seated in the pocket  270 ,  403 ,  507 ,  607 ,  707 . The user may then actuate the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ by depressing the control button or switch  130 ,  130 ′,  130 ″. The user may also position relatively small items beneath the straps  234  and in the second pocket  226  on the palm portion  216 . The second pocket  226  may include a recharging unit therein that is able to recharge the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ by connecting a lead wire between the recharging unit and the light sources light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ or otherwise electrically connecting the recharging unit and the light sources light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ for recharging purposes. 
     The palm portion  216  of the third preferred glove  210  includes gripping dots  275  thereon to facilitate gripping or grasping of items that are positioned in the user&#39;s palm. The circuit board  190 ,  190 ′,  190 ″,  190 ′″ and the microchip  191 ,  191 ′,  191 ″,  191 ′″ may be comprised of a chip mounted on board-variety unit that is located in the housing  118 ,  118 ′,  118 ″,  118 ′″ below the control button  130 ,  130 ′,  130 ″. The control button  130 ,  130 ′,  130 ″ preferably includes a symbol  140  thereon comprised of three triangles pointing in a predetermined direction. A corresponding symbol may be located on the glove  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701  to indicate to the user the authenticity of the pairing of the glove  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701  and the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ or the expected direction for mounting the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ on the glove  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 . The symbol  140  may be illuminated for user convenience or to indicate the power level or charge of the power source or battery  36 ,  136 ,  136 ′,  136 ″,  136 ′″. The symbol  140  may further indicate a power level of the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ of the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ the provides high power for significant illumination and lower powers for lighter, more subtle light projection. The symbol  140  may also be comprised of a light channel for presenting notifications to the user or wearer. The battery  36 ,  136 ,  136 ′,  136 ″,  136 ′″ may also remain mounted or secured to the preferred gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  801 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13C , a fourth preferred embodiment of an illumination data controller  160 ′″ includes similar features and construction when compared to the first, second and third preferred embodiments of the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″. The same reference numerals are utilized to identify similar features of the fourth preferred embodiment of the illumination data controller  160 ′″ when compared to the first, second and third preferred embodiments with a triple-prime “′″” symbol utilized to distinguish the fourth preferred embodiment of the illumination data controller  160 ′″ from the first, second and third preferred embodiments of the illumination data controller  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″. For example, the illumination data controller  160 ′″ includes the housing  118 ′″ with the front face  118   a ′″, the light sources  120 ′″, the battery  136 ′″, the top surface  162 ′″, the front face  164 ′″, the electrical connection port  168 ′″, the wireless transmitter  170 ′″, the engagement mechanism  180 ′″, the circuit board  190 ′″, the microchip  191 ′″, the length L′″, the width W′″ and the light arc Δ′″. The fourth preferred illumination data controller  160 ′″ also includes seven (7) light sources  120 ′″ along its front face  164 ′″ to project light, but is not so limited and may include six (6) light sources  120 ′ similar to the second preferred embodiment, five (5) light sources  120 ″ similar to the third preferred embodiment, four (4) light sources  120  similar to the first preferred embodiment or more or less light sources, depending on user and designer preferences. 
     The fourth preferred illumination data controller  160 ′″ includes the light arc Δ′″ to project light from the front face  164 ′″ over at least two hundred thirty-five degrees (235°) such that the user has a relatively wide arc of light projection for illumination purposes. The light sources  120 ′″ of the fourth preferred illumination data controller  160 ′″ are actuated by first, second and third control buttons or switches  130   a ′″,  130   b ′″,  130   c ′″. The first, second and third control buttons or switches  130   a ′″,  130   b ′″,  130   c ′″ preferably actuate the circuit board  190 ′″ and the microchip  191 ′″ to control the light sources  120 ′″. In the fourth preferred embodiment, the first control button  130   a ′″ turns the light sources  120 ′″ off and on, the second control button  130   b ′″ controls the color of the light emanating from the light sources  120 ′″, such as white, green, red or blue, and/or the flashing or sequenced illumination of the light sources  120 ′″ and the third control button  130   c ′″ functions as an alarm to sound an audible alarm sound and/or to cause an alarming flashing of the light sources  120 ′″. For example, when the third control button  130   c ′″ is depressed, the circuit board  190 ′″ and the microchip  191 ′″ may prompt an audible alarm to sound and prompt the light sources  120 ′″ to flash through a sequence of red, white and blue colors or nearly any other flashing color combination, such as flashing red. The circuit board  190 ′″ and microchip  191 ′″ may also actuate the wireless transmitter  170 ′″ to send an alarm or warning signal to an authority, such as a “911” operator including the illumination light unit&#39;s  160 ′″ location. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , an illuminated glove assembly  400  in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a rower glove  402  and the illuminated light unit  160 ′ mounted therein. The fourth preferred illuminated glove assembly  400  is not limited to including the second preferred illuminated light unit  160 ′ mounted therein and may include any of the preferred illuminated light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ mounted thereto or other light units that are adapted for use with the preferred rower glove  402 . The preferred rower glove  402  includes a mitten portion  402   b  with a side hole  402   c  and a wrist portion  402   a.    
     The mitten portion  402   b  of the rower glove  402  is preferably constructed of a fleece or other insulating fabric material and the wrist portion  402   a  is preferably constructed of an elastic material. The rower glove  402  is open or hollow within the mitten portion  402   b  such that the user&#39;s fingers are free to move therein. The side hole  402   c  is preferably configured and sized to accept the end of an oar or paddle into the inner portion or hollow of the mitten portion  402   b  for grasping by the user. Insertion of the end of the oar or paddle through the side hole  402   c  provides warmth for the rower&#39;s hand, but direct contact of the rower&#39;s hand with the oar or paddle. The rower glove  402  is not limited to having only the side hole  402   c  positioned proximate the user&#39;s thumb and may include a second side hole (not shown) extending through an opposite side of the rower glove  402  near the pinky of the user&#39;s hand. The second side hole permits the handle of the oar or paddle to extend through the rower glove  402 , particularly on an inboard hand of the rower so that the rower can grasp the handle with both hands. Rowers often practice or compete in early morning hours in cold environments in or on the water and the rower glove  402  provides warmth for the rower&#39;s hand, but direct grasping of the end of the oar or paddle without material between the rower&#39;s hand and the oar or paddle. 
     The mitten portion  402   b  of the rower glove  402  also preferably includes a pocket portion  403  secured to a top of the mitten portion  402   b  or to a side of the mitten portion  402   b  opposite the user&#39;s palm when the rower glove  402  is on the user&#39;s hand. The pocket portion  403  of the fourth preferred embodiment is stitched to the mitten portion  402   b  along side edges and a rear edge of the pocket portion  403 . The pocket portion  403  includes a light unit opening  404  at a front side configured for receipt and mounting of any one of the preferred illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ therein in a manner similar to the above-described first pocket  270  of the glove  210  of the third preferred embodiment. The preferred illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be positioned in the pocket portion  403  with the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ exposed outside of the pocket portion  403  to provide light for the user, such as a rower. As described above, rowers often practice or compete in early morning or late night hours when natural light is limited and near bodies of water, such that the light from the illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ improve safety for the users and rowers when moving around in dark environments and when utilizing rowing equipment, such as paddles, boats, sculls and oars, in proximity to teammates and other rowers. The pocket portion  403  stitched to the mitten portion  402   b  is not limiting for securing the illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ to the rower glove  402  and light may be provided with the rower glove  402  or the illumination units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be engaged to the rower glove  402  in alternative manners, such as the features and methods of the above-described preferred gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701  or other alternative features or methods. 
     The pocket portion  403  of the fourth preferred embodiment includes a peripheral edge  403   a  proximate to which the pocket portion  403  is stitched to the mitten portion  402   b . A front and sides of the peripheral edge  403   a  include a reflective material mounted thereto that provides a reflective safety feature for the rower that reflects light. The rower glove  402  is not limited to including the reflective material at its peripheral edge  403   a  and may be constructed without the reflective material. The reflective material also assists the user in locating and identifying the light unit opening  404  for insertion of one of the illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ therein. The preferred rowers glove  402  does not include the reflective material at the peripheral edge  403   a  where the pocket portion  403  meets the wrist portion  402   a , but is not so limiting and may include reflective material along this portion of the peripheral edge  403   a  and may include reflective material along an entire connection of the wrist portion  402   a  with the mitten portion  402   b.    
     Referring to  FIGS. 15-17 , an illuminated glove assembly  500  in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment includes a low-profile glove  501  and may utilize any one of the preferred illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ or additional light units adapted for use with the illuminated glove assembly  500 . The fifth preferred glove assembly  500  is preferably configured for providing illumination to a user having a pointer finger  551  and a pinky  554 . The low-profile glove  501  of the fifth preferred embodiment includes a body portion  502 , a longitudinal glove axis  503 , a pointer extension  504 , a pinky extension  505 , a wrist strap  506  and a pocket portion  507 . The pocket portion  507  and the body portion  502  preferably define a pocket  508  into which the preferred illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be positioned in a working or mounted configuration with the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ exposed from the pocket  508  to project light, preferably over the top of the user&#39;s knuckles. 
     The body portion  502  of the illuminated glove assembly  500  of the fifth preferred embodiment has a body length L B , a distal body width W D  and a proximal body width W P . The body length L B  extends substantially between the wrist strap  506  to proximal ends  504   a ,  505   a  of the pointer extension  504  and the pinky extension  505 , respectively. The body length LB is measured substantially along the longitudinal axis  503  and the distal and proximal body widths W D , W P  are preferably measured relatively perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  503  at proximal and distal ends of the body portion  502 , respectively. The preferred body length L B  is approximately eight to fifteen centimeters (8-15 cm), the preferred proximal body width W P  is approximately three to six centimeters (3-6 cm) and the preferred distal body width W D  is approximately five to eleven centimeters (5-11 cm). The body portion  502  is preferably sized to cover a back of the user&#39;s hand between the knuckles and the wrist, but is not so limited and may be otherwise sized and shaped. The body portion  502  of the preferred embodiment has a generally frusta-triangular shape that generally covers a significant portion of the back of the user&#39;s hand to support the pocket portion  507  and the illuminated data controllers or illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ of the preferred embodiments. The body portion  502  preferably does not cover the entire hand of the user permitting exposure and cooling of the user&#39;s hand and light from the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″. The body portion  502  may alternatively be placed on the user&#39;s palm such that the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ project light toward the inside tips of the user&#39;s fingers  550 ,  551 ,  552 ,  553 ,  554  in the mounted configuration. This mounting configuration is preferred for performing tasks near the inside tips of the user&#39;s fingers,  550 ,  551 ,  552 ,  553 ,  554 , such as baiting fishing hooks, writing, eating, examining small items or other related tasks in low light conditions. The fifth preferred illuminated glove assembly  500  may be worn in this alternative mounting configuration over a user&#39;s base gloves or directly on the user&#39;s hand. 
     The body portion  502  of the preferred low-profile glove  501  is configured such that the distal body width W D  is approximately double the proximal body width W P  to accommodate the illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ with the wider front face  164  than the back or rear portion. The body portion  502  also covers a larger portion of the user&#39;s hand near the knuckles when compared to the narrower wrist. The body portion  501  is not so limited and may be otherwise configured to have a generally parallelepiped or curved shape for ornamental or functional purposes. The shape of the body portion  501  shown in  FIGS. 15-17  is, however, preferred to support the preferred illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ and provide stability for the light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ on the user&#39;s hand. 
     The glove  501  of the fifth preferred embodiment is preferably constructed at least partially of a breathable material, fluoropolymer fabric, vinyl, a waterproof fabric, a lightweight waterproof fabric, Gore-Tex, CarbonX, Nomex, a fireproof fabric, cotton, heavy canvas, Neoprene, synthetic rubber fabrics, or a combination of cotton and heavy canvas or other related materials. The glove  501  is not so limited and may be constructed of alternative materials and combinations of materials, such as the above-listed materials and reflective materials or other special performance materials for particular uses or based on designer or user preferences. 
     The pocket portion  507  of the low-profile glove  501  is preferably stitched to the body portion  502 , at least along side edges of the body portion  502  and the pocket portion  507  and is also preferably stitched to the wrist strap  506  at a proximal end. The pocket portion  507  is not limited to being stitched to the body portion  502  and the wrist strap  506  and may be adhesively bonded, tacked, integrally formed or otherwise secured to the body portion  502  and the wrist strap  506  to secure the pocket portion  507  to the body portion  502  and the wrist strap  506  and to form the pocket  508  between the pocket portion  507  and the body portion  502 . The pocket portion  507  is also not limited to being attached to the wrist strap  506  and may be engaged only to the body portion  502  to define the pocket  508 . The pocket portion  507  is preferably not stitched to the body portion  502  along a front or distal edge to provide a mouth or opening for the pocket  508  into which the illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ are inserted. 
     The wrist strap  506  of the low-profile glove  501  is positioned at a proximal end  501   a  of the glove  501  and the body portion  502  for engagement of the glove  501  with the user&#39;s wrist. The wrist strap  506  includes a first end  506   a  and a second end  506   b  that extend away from the body portion  502  and the pocket portion  507  for wrapping around the user&#39;s wrist. A wrist strap securing mechanism  509  is connected to wrist strap  506  to releasably secure the first end  506   a  to the second end  506   b  in a mounted configuration to secure the glove  501  to the user&#39;s wrist. In the preferred embodiment, the wrist strap securing mechanism  509  is comprised of hook and loop material that is attached to an outer surface of the first end  506   a  and an inner surface of the second end  506   b  for releasably engaging the first end  506   a  to the second end  506   b . The wrist strap securing mechanism  509  is not limited to being comprised of hook and loop material and may be comprised of nearly any fastening mechanism that releasably secures the first end  506   a  to the second end  506   b  around the user&#39;s wrist, such as buttons, zippers, adhesive bonding, ties, fasteners, clamps, binding, belt-type or other fastening mechanisms that permit engagement of the proximal end of the glove  501  to the user&#39;s wrist. 
     The pointer extension  504  and the pinky extension  505  of the low-profile glove  501  of the fifth preferred embodiment extend from a distal end of the body portion  502  substantially along or at a slight outward angle relative to a parallel to the longitudinal glove axis  503  with the pointer extension  504  and the pinky extension  505  angled away from the longitudinal glove axis  503  in the preferred embodiment. The pointer extension  504  is preferably positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis  503  or on a side associated with the user&#39;s pointer finger  551  and the pinky extension  505  is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis  503  or on a side associated with the user&#39;s pinky finger  554 . The pointer extension  504  preferably extends over the user&#39;s pointer knuckle and the pinky extension  505  preferably extends over the user&#39;s pinky knuckle in the mounted position. The pointer and pinky extensions  504 ,  505  are not so limited and may be configured to extend over the user&#39;s middle and ring finger knuckles or the user&#39;s thumb knuckle in alternative configurations. The glove  501  of the fifth preferred embodiment is not limited to including only the pointer and pinky extensions  504 ,  505  or to being mounted to the pointer and pinky fingers  551 ,  554  of the user and may be configured with extensions (not shown) that are selectively mountable to the user&#39;s thumb  550 , middle finger  552  or ring finger  553  or may be otherwise configured for attachment to the user&#39;s hand. 
     The glove  501  of the fifth preferred embodiment includes a pointer loop  504   b  on a distal end of the pointer extension  504  and the pinky extension  505  includes a pointer loop  505   b  on a distal end. The pointer loop  505   b  is configured to mount around a base of the user&#39;s pointer finger  551  and the pinky loop  504   b  is configured to mount around a base of the user&#39;s pinky finger  554  in the mounted configuration. The engagement of the pointer and pinky loops  504   a ,  505   a  with the user&#39;s pointer and pinky fingers  551 ,  554  and the wrist strap  506  with the user&#39;s wrist secures and mounts the glove  501  to the user&#39;s hand in the mounted configuration. The preferred pointer and pinky loops  504   a ,  505   a  are at least partially constructed of an elastic material or elastic band material that biases the pointer and pinky loops  504   a ,  505   a  to an initial pointer loop diameter and an initial pinky loop diameter. The initial pointer loop diameter and the initial pinky loop diameter are preferably slightly smaller than the base of the user&#39;s pointer and pinky fingers  551 ,  554 , respectively, such that the elastic stretches and snugly fits the pointer and pinky loops  504   a ,  505   a  to the fingers  551 ,  554  in the mounted configuration. The pointer and pinky loops  504   a ,  505   a  are not limited to being constructed at least partially of elastic material and may be integrally formed with the pointer and pinky extensions  504 ,  505  or may be otherwise configured for securing around the user&#39;s fingers, such as through the use of ties, snaps, adhesive bonding, hook and loop material, fasteners or other engagement mechanisms that secure the pointer and pinky extensions  504 ,  505  to the user&#39;s fingers. The pointer and pinky extensions  504 ,  505  are preferably constructed of the same material as the body portion  502 , but are not so limited and may be comprised of a different elastic material, a braided leather material or other material that extends between the body portion  502  and the pointer and pinky extensions  504 ,  505 , respectively, to separate the pointer and pinky loops  505   b ,  504   b  from the body portion  502 . 
     The pocket  508  of the glove  501  of the fifth preferred embodiment is preferably defined by the space between the pocket portion  507  and the body portion  502  and is bounded by the stitching at the sides of the pocket portion near the outer peripheral edge  507   a , the pocket opening  508   a  and rear stitching  508   b  extending across and defining a rear end of the pocket  508 . The pocket portion  507  may terminate at the rear stitching  508   b , but extends over the wrist strap  506  in the preferred embodiment for aesthetic purposes. 
     The preferred pocket portion  507  includes an outer peripheral edge  507   a  that is positioned proximate an outer edge of the body portion  502  in the assembled configuration. The pocket portion  507 , therefore, has a similar size and shape compared to the body portion  502  at least near the pocket  508  to form the pocket  508  for receipt of the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″. The pocket  508  and, therefore, the body portion  502  and the pocket portion  507  have a similarly tapering shape from the distal end to the proximal end, but are not so limited and may be otherwise shaped and configured. The preferred outer peripheral edge  507   a  of the pocket portion  507  includes a reflective material engaged thereto to provide a reflective safety feature for the glove  501 . 
     The pocket  508  preferably includes a pocket opening  508   a  proximate a distal end  502   b  of the body portion  502  and the pocket portion  507 . The pocket opening  508   a  is preferably formed between the body portion  502  and the pocket portion  507  by not stitching the front or distal end  502   b  to the pocket portion  507 . The pocket opening  508   a  may be held in a closed position ( FIG. 15 ) by a hook and loop material  510  attached to the inside surfaces of the body portion  502  and the pocket portion  507 . The hook and loop material  510  may also be used to assist in securing the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ in the pocket  508  in the mounted configuration by engaging the engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″,  180 ′″. The glove  501  is not limited to including the hook and loop material  510  and the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be otherwise secured in the pocket  508  and the pocket  508  may be secured in the closed position without the hook and loop material  510 , but the hook and loop material is preferred for this dual function. The hook and loop material  510  may alternatively be comprised of fasteners, clips, clamps, magnets, adhesive or other fastening mechanisms that are able to secure the pocket  508  in the closed position and engage the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ when they are inserted into the pocket  508 . The body portion  502  and pocket portion  507  may also be constructed of an elastic material such that the pocket  508  is able to expand and contract to engage the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ and move to the closed configuration without employing secondary engagement or fastening mechanisms, such as the hook and loop material  510 . 
     The fifth preferred glove  501  is adaptable for use with a liner glove  801 , which is described in greater detail below, as a base layer with the glove  502  mounted over the liner glove  801 . The fifth preferred glove  501  may also be mounted to the user&#39;s hand over a favorite pair of relatively low-profile gloves, such as running or cycling gloves, so that the user is able to use their preferred gloves and benefit from the lighting and other features of the preferred illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″. Accordingly, the fifth preferred glove  501  may be used in relatively cold climates and conditions with a base glove, such as the liner glove  801 , or may also be used in relatively warm or hot climates or conditions by mounting the fifth preferred glove  501  and preferred illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ directly to the user&#39;s hand. The fifth preferred gloves  501  are particularly favorable for runners or cyclists in warm climates that want to run or bike in cooler dark times of the day, thereby requiring light, but do not want to wear full gloves that overheat the user&#39;s hand. Accordingly, the glove  501  is particularly adaptable for both cold and warm climates, as well as climates that experience all four seasons. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-20 , a sixth preferred embodiment of an illuminated glove assembly includes a mitten glove  601  with a body  601   a  and a thumb  601   b . The mitten glove  601  includes a pocket portion  607  attached to the body  601   a  that has similar features and functions when compared to the pocket portion  507  of the fifth preferred embodiment and similar reference numbers are used to identify similar features with a “6” prefix to distinguish the features of the sixth preferred embodiment. The pocket portion  607  of the sixth preferred embodiment is preferably stitched to the body  601   a  proximate the sides of the outer peripheral edge  607   a  and along the rear stitching  608   b  to define the pocket  608  with the pocket opening  608   a  along the front of the pocket portion  607  wherein the pocket portion  607  is not stitched to the body  601   a . The hook and loop material  610  may be disengaged, thereby opening the pocket  608  for insertion of any one of the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″. In the working or mounted configuration, the front face  118   a ,  118   a ′,  118   a ″,  118   a ′″ of the housing  118 ,  118 ′,  118 ″,  118 ′″ is exposed from the pocket opening  608   a  such that the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ emanate light over the user&#39;s knuckles when the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ are turned on. 
     The mitten glove  601  also preferably includes a conductive tab  609  on a tip of the thumb  601   b  and may also include additional conductive tabs or portions (not shown) where a user&#39;s finger tips are positioned when the glove  601  is mounted to the user&#39;s hand. The conductive tab  609  is designed and configured to permit the user to operate touchscreens while wearing the glove  601 . The mitten glove  601  is not limited to inclusion of the conductive tab  609  on the tip of the thumb  601   b  and may forgo the conductive tab  609  or may include multiple conductive tabs  609  positioned at locations on the glove  601  that are convenient for a user to operate touchscreens with their fingers or thumb. The conductive tab  609  may also be adapted for use with any of the other preferred gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  802  described herein such that the user is able to operate a touchscreen while wearing the gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  802 , wherein the conductive tab  609  is preferably attached to the material of the gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  802 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14B and 20 , the rower glove  402  and the mitten glove  601  also preferably include an inner pocket  490 ,  690  (shown in dashed linetype) mounted or located on an inner surface of the palm portion of the rower glove  402  and the mitten glove  601 . The inner pocket  490 ,  690  preferably contains an opening  490   a ,  690   a  near the wrist portion  603  of the mitten glove  601 . A heating pouch can be inserted into the inner pocket  490 ,  690  through the openings  490   a ,  690   a  to warm a user&#39;s hand. The pocket  490 ,  690  is preferably constructed between insulating layers of the gloves  402 ,  601  such that the heating pouch is not in direct contact with the user&#39;s hand and is secured to the rover or mitten glove  402 ,  601  in a mounted configuration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 21-23 , a seventh preferred embodiment of an illuminated glove assembly includes a half glove  701  with a body portion  702  having half fingers and a palm portion. The half glove  701  includes a pocket portion  707  attached to the body  702  that has similar features and functions when compared to the pocket portions  507 ,  607  of the fifth and sixth preferred embodiments and similar reference numbers are used to identify similar features with a “7” prefix to distinguish the features of the seventh preferred embodiment. The pocket portion  707  of the seventh preferred embodiment is preferably stitched to the body portion  702  proximate the sides of the outer peripheral edge  707   a  and along the rear stitching  708   b  to define the pocket  708  with the pocket opening  708   a  along the front of the pocket portion  707 . The pocket portion  707  is preferably not stitched to the body portion  702  along the front edge, thereby forming the pocket opening  708   a . The illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be inserted into the pocket  708  during use. In this working or mounted configuration, the front face  118   a ,  118   a ′,  118   a ″,  118   a ′″ of the housing  118 ,  118 ′,  118 ″,  118 ′″ is exposed from the pocket opening  708   a  such that the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ emanate light over the user&#39;s knuckles when the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ are turned on. 
     The palm portion  716  of the seventh preferred glove  701  also has similar features when compared to the palm portion  116  of the glove  110  of the second preferred embodiment and similar reference numbers are used to describe the features of the palm portion  716  of the seventh preferred embodiment with a “7” prefix distinguishing the seventh preferred palm portion features. The palm portion  716  of the seventh preferred embodiment includes the second pocket  726  with the second opening  726   a  near the thumb  724  of the body portion  702  and the second terminal end  726   b . The palm portion  716  also includes a reflective strap  734  extending across the palm portion  716  and the second pocket  726  that is coated with or includes reflective material for safety. The user may insert items into the second pocket  726  for storage, such as keys or other relatively small items. 
     The seventh preferred glove  701  also includes half or partial fingers  722 , but is not so limited and may include full or no fingers. A pair of elongated portions  722   x  preferably extends from the middle and ring fingers on a palm side of the glove  701  that may be grasped by a user to assist in removing the glove  701  from the user&#39;s hand. The glove  701  is not limited to including the pair of elongated portions  722   x  and may include only a single elongated portion  722   x , may include elongated portions  722   x  on other fingers  722  or may be configured without the elongated portions  722   x , without significantly impacting the configuration and operation of the seventh preferred glove  701 . 
     The seventh preferred glove  701  also preferably includes finger pulls  740  located between two or more of the half or partial fingers  722 . The finger pulls  740  may be grasped by a user to assist in removing the glove  701  from the user&#39;s hand. The finger pulls  740  are preferably located between the index and middle finger of the glove  701  and between the middle and ring finger of the glove  701 , but may be configured in only one of these locations or may also be located between the ring and pinky finger of the glove  701  or the thumb and pointer fingers of the glove  701 . The finger pulls  740  are preferably constructed of an elastic fabric material, but are not so limited and may be constructed of any material suitable for their purpose. In use, the elastic fabric material preferably flexes so that the fingers are movable relative to each other and may expand to permit a user to insert there opposite finger(s) beneath the finger pulls  740  to assist in removing the glove  701  from the user&#39;s hand. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 24A and 24B , a liner glove  801  may be utilized in an assembly with any of the preferred gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  802 , described herein, or may be utilized separately, as will be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art based on a review of the present disclosure. The liner glove  801  is preferably constructed of a relatively flexible or elastic material and includes a wrist portion  801   a , a hand portion  801   b , four finger portions including a pinky finger  801   c , a ring finger  801   d , a middle finger  801   e  and a pointer finger  801   f  and a thumb hole  801   g . The flexible material of the liner glove  801  preferably fits the user&#39;s hand relatively tightly such that the material generally tracks or conforms to the surface of the user&#39;s skin. The wrist portion  801   a  is preferably constructed of an elastic or elasticized material and may be ribbed to engage the user&#39;s wrist in a mounted configuration. The thumb hole  801   g  is preferably configured to permit the user&#39;s thumb to extend out of the liner glove  801 . The liner glove  801  may be particularly useful or preferred in combination with the mitten glove  601  to provide additional coverage and warmth for the user&#39;s hand. The liner glove  801  may alternatively be utilized with the rower glove  402  and provide additional warmth for the user&#39;s hand, particularly in view of the side hole  402   c  that permits additional inflow of cold air when compared to a typical mitten. 
     The liner glove  801  is not limited to being utilized with the mitten glove  601  or the rower glove  402  and may be utilized with other preferred gloves described herein or nearly any glove or hand wrap, such as the low-profile glove  501 . The liner glove  401  is preferably utilized as a base layer that may be combined with other layers to keep a user&#39;s hands warm. When used with the rower glove  402 , the liner glove  801  may be used when the user is not rowing for warmth and may be removed when the user is rowing such that the user&#39;s hands directly contact the paddle or oar. 
     The liner glove  801  may also be used independently of any other glove, such as by being worn by a user in cool environments or by a runner who is creating their own body heat. The liner glove  801  may further be utilized with an outer glove and the outer glove may be removed as the user&#39;s hand becomes warm, such as by a runner who heats or becomes warmer during a run. The liner glove  801  preferably includes the four fingers  801   c ,  801   d ,  801   e ,  801   e  to cover and keep the user&#39;s fingers warm, but includes the thumb hole  801   g  such that the user&#39;s thumb is exposed from the liner glove  801  in the mounted configuration. The liner glove  801  is specifically designed to counteract Raynaud&#39;s disease, which is relatively prevalent in runners and other endurance athletes. A user&#39;s fingers feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures or stress when suffering from Raynaud&#39;s disease, as smaller arteries that supply blood to skin narrow at the extremities, resulting in limited blood circulation in the fingers. Arteries in the thumb are comparatively larger and, therefore, circulation in the thumb is marginally stronger. Accordingly, the liner glove  801  covers and warms the impacted fingers, but permits exposure of the thumb such that the user has more freedom of use of the thumb while wearing the liner glove  801 . The thumb hole  801   g  is preferably configured to wrap around the users hand near the knuckle of the thumb, but is not so limited and may be larger or smaller than the thumb hole  801   g  shown in  FIGS. 24A and 24B . The wrist portion  801   a  is preferably constructed of a material that is elastic, conforms to and engages the user&#39;s wrist to secure the liner glove  801  to the user&#39;s hand, but is not so limited and may be constructed of alternative, non-elastic materials and the liner glove  801  may be constructed without the wrist portion  801   a  without significantly impacting the function of the liner glove  801 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 25 , an illuminated glove assembly  500 ′ is shown in accordance with an eighth preferred embodiment that may utilize any one of the preferred illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″, or additional light units adapted for use with the glove assembly  500 ′. Similar to the fifth preferred embodiment of the glove assembly  500 , the eighth preferred glove assembly  500 ′ is preferably configured for providing illumination to a user having a pointer finger  551  and a pinky  554 . The same reference numerals are utilized to identify the same or similar features of the eighth preferred illuminated glove assembly  500 ′ with a prime symbol (“′”) utilized to distinguish the features of the eighth preferred glove assembly  500 ′ from the fifth preferred glove assembly  500 . The low-profile glove  501 ′ of the eighth preferred embodiment includes a body portion  502 ′, a longitudinal glove axis  503 ′, a pointer extension  504 ′, a pinky extension  505 ′, a wrist strap  506 ′ and a pocket portion  507 ′. The pocket portion  507 ′ and the body portion  502 ′ preferably define a pocket  508 ′ into which the preferred illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be positioned in a working or mounted configuration with the light sources  120 ,  120 ′,  120 ″,  120 ′″ exposed from the pocket  508 ′ to project light, preferably over the top of the user&#39;s knuckles, but is not so limited and may be worn to project light from the user&#39;s palm. 
     The glove  501 ′ of the eighth preferred embodiment is preferably constructed at least partially of a breathable material, fluoropolymer fabric, vinyl, a waterproof fabric, a lightweight waterproof fabric, Gore-Tex, CarbonX, Nomex, a fireproof fabric, cotton, heavy canvas, Neoprene, synthetic rubber fabrics, or a combination of cotton and heavy canvas or other related materials. The glove  501 ′ is not so limited and may be constructed of alternative materials and combinations of materials, such as the above-listed materials and reflective materials or other special performance materials for particular uses or based on designer or user preferences. 
     The pocket portion  507 ′ of the eighth preferred embodiment of the low-profile glove  501 ′ is preferably stitched to the body portion  502 ′ along side edges of the body portion  502 ′ and the pocket portion  507 ′, but is preferably open at the proximal end near the wrist strap  506 ′. The pocket portion  507 ′ is not limited to being stitched to the body portion  502 ′ and may be adhesively bonded, tacked, integrally formed or otherwise secured to the body portion  502 ′ to secure the pocket portion  507 ′ to the body portion  502 ′ and to form the pocket  508 ′ between the pocket portion  507 ′ and the body portion  502 ′. The pocket portion  507 ′ is also preferably not stitched to the body portion  502 ′ along a front or distal edge to provide a mouth or opening for the pocket  508 ′ into which the illumination light units  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ are inserted. 
     The wrist strap  506 ′ of the eighth preferred embodiment of the low-profile glove  501 ′ is positioned at a proximal end  501   a ′ of the glove  501 ′ and the body portion  502 ′ for engagement of the glove  501 ′ with the user&#39;s wrist. The wrist strap  506 ′ is preferably attached to the body portion  502 ′ by a flexible fabric portion  560 ′, but is not so limited and may be attached to the body portion  502 ′ by any suitable means. The wrist strap  506 ′ includes a first end  506   a ′ and a second end  506   b ′ that extend away from the body portion  502 ′ and the pocket portion  507 ′ for wrapping around the user&#39;s wrist. A wrist strap securing mechanism  509 ′ is connected to wrist strap  506 ′ to releasably secure the first end  506   a ′ to the second end  506   b ′ in a mounted configuration to secure the glove  501 ′ to the user&#39;s wrist. In the preferred embodiment, the wrist strap securing mechanism  509 ′ is comprised of hook and loop material that is attached to an outer surface of the first end  506   a ′ and an inner surface of the second end  506   b ′ for releasably engaging the first end  506   a ′ to the second end  506   b ′. The wrist strap securing mechanism  509 ′ is not limited to being comprised of hook and loop material and may be comprised of nearly any fastening mechanism that releasably secures the first end  506   a ′ to the second end  506   b ′ around the user&#39;s wrist, such as buttons, zippers, adhesive bonding, ties, fasteners, clamps, binding, belt-type or other fastening mechanisms that permit engagement of the proximal end of the glove  501 ′ to the user&#39;s wrist. The wrist strap  506 ′ has a strap length S L  preferably about ten inches (10″) and a strap width S W  preferably about one inch (1″), but is not so limited. 
     The pointer extension  504 ′ and the pinky extension  505 ′ of the low-profile glove  501 ′ of the eighth preferred embodiment extend from a distal end of the body portion  502 ′ substantially along or at a slight outward angle relative to a parallel to the longitudinal glove axis  503 ′ with the pointer extension  504 ′ and the pinky extension  505 ′ angled away from the longitudinal glove axis  503 ′ in the preferred embodiment. The pointer extension  504 ′ is preferably positioned on a first side of the longitudinal axis  503 ′ or on a side associated with the user&#39;s pointer finger  551  and the pinky extension  505 ′ is positioned on a second side of the longitudinal axis  503 ′ or on a side associated with the user&#39;s pinky finger  554 . The pointer extension  504 ′ preferably extends over the user&#39;s pointer knuckle and the pinky extension  505 ′ preferably extends over the user&#39;s pinky knuckle in the mounted position. The pointer and pinky extensions  504 ′,  505 ′ are not so limited and may be configured to extend over the user&#39;s middle and ring finger knuckles or the user&#39;s thumb knuckle in alternative configurations. The glove  501 ′ of the eighth preferred embodiment is not limited to including only the pointer and pinky extensions  504 ′,  505 ′ or to being mounted to the pointer and pinky fingers  551 ,  554  of the user and may be configured with extensions (not shown) that are selectively mountable to the user&#39;s thumb  550 , middle finger  552  or ring finger  553  or may be otherwise configured for attachment to the user&#39;s hand. 
     The glove  501 ′ of the eighth preferred embodiment includes a pointer loop  504   b ′ on a distal end of the pointer extension  504 ′ and the pinky extension  505 ′ includes a pointer loop  505   b ′ on a distal end. The pointer loop  505   b ′ is configured to mount around a base of the user&#39;s pointer finger  551  and the pinky loop  504   b ′ is configured to mount around a base of the user&#39;s pinky finger  554  in the mounted configuration. The engagement of the pointer and pinky loops  504   b ′,  505   b ′ with the user&#39;s pointer and pinky fingers  551 ,  554  and the wrist strap  506 ′ with the user&#39;s wrist secures and mounts the glove  501 ′ to the user&#39;s hand in the mounted configuration. The preferred pointer and pinky loops  504   b ′,  505   b ′ each preferably contain pointer and pinky loop securing mechanisms  559   b ′ for securing one end of each pointer and pinky loop  504   b ′,  505   b ′ to the other end. The securing mechanisms  559   b ′ are preferably comprised of a hook and loop material, but are not so limited and may be comprised of any releasable fastening material such that the pointer and pinky loops  504   b ′,  505   b ′ snugly fit the the fingers  551 ,  554  in the mounted configuration. The pointer and pinky loops  504   b ′,  505   b ′ have a loop width W L  of preferably approximately five-eighths of one inch (⅝″) and a loop length L L  of preferably approximately two and one-half to three inches (2.5-3″), but are not so limited. The pointer and pinky extensions  504 ′,  505 ′ are preferably constructed of the same material as the body portion  502 ′, but are not so limited and may be comprised of a different elastic material, a braided leather material or other material that extends between the body portion  502 ′ and the pointer and pinky extensions  504 ′,  505 ′, respectively, to separate the pointer and pinky loops  505   b ′,  504   b ′ from the body portion  502 ′. The pointer and pinky loops  505   b ′,  504   b ′ are also not limited to being connected to the user&#39;s pointing and pinky fingers and may be connected to other fingers, such as the pointer loop  505   b ′ being attached to the user&#39;s thumb in a mounted configuration. 
     The pocket  508 ′ of the glove  501 ′ of the eighth preferred embodiment is preferably defined by the space between the pocket portion  507 ′ and the body portion  502 ′ and is bounded by the stitching at the sides of the pocket portion near the outer peripheral edge  507   a ′, the front pocket opening  508   a ′ and the rear pocket opening  508   b ′. The preferred pocket portion  507 ′ includes an outer peripheral edge  507   a ′ that is positioned proximate an outer edge of the body portion  502 ′ in the assembled configuration. The pocket portion  507 ′, therefore, has a similar size and shape compared to the body portion  502 ′, at least near the pocket  508 ′, to form the pocket  508 ′ for receipt of the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″. The pocket  508 ′ and, therefore, the body portion  502 ′ and the pocket portion  507 ′ have a similarly tapering shape from the distal end to the proximal end, but are not so limited and may be otherwise shaped and configured. 
     The pocket  508 ′ preferably includes a front pocket opening  508   a ′ proximate a distal end  502   a ′ of the body portion  502 ′ and the pocket portion  507 ′. The pocket  508 ′ preferably further includes a rear pocket opening  508   b ′ proximate a proximal end  502   b ′ of the body portion  502 ′ and the pocket portion  507 ′. The front pocket opening  508   a  and rear pocket opening  508   b ′ are preferably formed between the body portion  502 ′ and the pocket portion  507 ′ by not stitching the front or distal end  502   a ′ or the rear or proximal end  502   b ′ to the pocket portion  507 ′. The rear pocket opening  508   b ′ is preferably located to provide access to any charging or data ports (not shown) that may be present on the rear of the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ in the pocket  508 ′. The front pocket opening  508   a ′ and/or rear pocket opening  508   b ′ may be held in a closed position (not shown) by a hook and loop material (not shown) attached to the inside surfaces of the body portion  502 ′ and the pocket portion  507 ′. The hook and loop material may also be used to assist in securing the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ in the pocket  508 ′ in the mounted configuration by engaging the engagement mechanism  180 ,  180 ′,  180 ″,  180 ′″. The glove  501 ′ is not limited to including the hook and loop material  510 ′ and the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be otherwise secured in the pocket  508 ′ and the pocket  508 ′ may be secured in the closed position without the hook and loop material, but the hook and loop material is preferred for this dual function. The hook and loop material may alternatively be comprised of fasteners, clips, clamps, adhesive or other fastening mechanisms that are able to secure the pocket  508 ′ in the closed position and engage the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ when they are inserted into the pocket  508 ′. The body portion  502 ′ and pocket portion  507 ′ may also be constructed of an elastic material such that the pocket  508 ′ is able to expand and contract to engage the illumination light units or data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ and move to the closed configuration without employing secondary engagement or fastening mechanisms, such as the hook and loop material. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, the various components and features of the first, second and third preferred embodiments of the glove  10  may be mixed and matched or incorporated together as desired by a user or designer. For example, the window  28  of the first preferred embodiment of the glove  10  may be incorporated into the gloves  110 ,  210  of the second and third preferred embodiments, the first pocket  270  may be includes in the first and second preferred gloves  10 ,  110 , the window  28  may be employed with the second and third preferred gloves  110 ,  210 , any of the preferred gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210  may include full or partial fingers  22 , the preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be mounted in the first preferred glove  10 , the arcuate front face  164 ′ of the second preferred embodiment of the illumination data controllers  160 ′,  160 ′″ may be utilized with the first and third preferred illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ″ and other mixing and matching of the features of the gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210  and illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ may be employed. The illuminated data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ and gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  802  may also be configured such that the data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ are mounted in different locations or are mountable in multiple locations on the gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  802  such as at the user&#39;s palm or on the back of the user&#39;s hand. The preferred gloves  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  402 ,  501 ,  601 ,  701 ,  802  fit relatively snuggly or close-fitting to the user&#39;s hand to reduce or eliminate bouncing or sliding of the glove and attached illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″ relative to the user&#39;s hand to provide significant control of the direction of illumination emanating from the illumination data controllers  160 ,  160 ′,  160 ″,  160 ′″. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the present disclosure.