Patent Abstract:
A plumbing fixture or bathroom accessory includes a source of visible light, providing a pleasing aesthetic effect. Separate portions of faucet handles and/or spouts can be illuminated individually or as a group. A faucet spout and/or handle can include translucent or transparent material that captures and redirects light from the base, and may have opaque areas that provide other interesting patterns. The faucet light or lights can also serve as a nightlight for a bathroom or kitchen, saving the space that a separate nightlight would require. In another embodiment a light is provided in a faucet spout, which can illuminate a sink for a pleasing effect, and can also serve as a nightlight. The spout can be translucent, carrying light as well as water from its base. Lighted bathroom accessories can include towel bars or rings, toilet paper holders, paper towel holders, robe hooks, soap holders or grab bars.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/745,142, filed Dec. 22, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,008,073, which is incorporated by reference herein. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present application relates to lighting and plumbing fixtures, such as faucets and lamps. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Nightlights are sometimes used in bedrooms or bathrooms to faintly illuminate the rooms at night. Often such lights are not built into a house, however, because of the limited space for light fixtures, and are instead provided by plugging a lamp into a power outlet. 
   The beauty of light playing with water is well known, as are lighted fountains and showers. Toward this end, U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,290 to Veigel discloses a water draining fixture having a centrally disposed light distributor that is surrounded by water jets, so that the light shines through the water for a pleasing effect. Veigel states that an advantage of this configuration is that a light distributor can be removed and cleaned of calcium deposits, as opposed to a prior patent (WO 95/29300) that veigel states has light fed through a transparent window into the water flowing through the fixture head. 
   While these patents offer fixtures that illuminate flowing water, neither is optimized for providing lighting or decoration whether the water is flowing or not. 
   SUMMARY 
   In one embodiment a plumbing fixture for supplying water to a basin is disclosed that has a spout containing a water conduit, and a handle connected to a valve to control water flow through the water conduit, wherein at least one of the handle and the spout has a base region to hold the fixture adjacent to the basin, the base region containing a lamp, the lamp emitting visible light. For example, the plumbing fixture may be a faucet that is attached to a sink or countertop at a base that also serves as a source of visible light, providing a pleasing aesthetic effect. Separate bases for faucet handles and a faucet spout can be illuminated individually or as a group. A faucet spout and/or handle trim can be made of translucent or transparent material (e.g., acrylic, glass, crystal, etc.) that captures and redirects light from the base. The faucet light or lights can also serve as a nightlight for a bathroom, kitchen, laundry or bar, saving the space that a separate nightlight would require. In another embodiment a light is provided in a faucet spout, which can illuminate a sink for a pleasing effect, and can also serve as a nightlight. The spout can be translucent, carrying light as well as water from its base. In another embodiment a light is provided in a bathroom accessory such as a towel bar or ring, a toilet paper holder, a paper towel holder, a robe hook, a soap holder, a tissue holder, or a toothbrush holder. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sink with a faucet spout and handles attached at a base that includes a lamp. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of one of the handles of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a faucet handle having a metal ring disposed at the base, with light emitted from an upper surface of a lamp. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a faucet handle having a metal ring disposed at the base, with light emitted from an outer surface of a lamp. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a faucet handle having a metal ring disposed at the base, with light emitted from an outer surface of a lamp that fits within the ring. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a lamp that fits near a base of a faucet spout, the lamp including a plurality of light sources embedded in a translucent block. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a lamp including a plurality of light sources attached to a substrate encircled by a translucent block. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a lamp including a plurality of light sources attached to a substrate that fits beneath a translucent block near a base of a faucet spout. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a faucet having a substantially unitary body with a lamp disposed near an aerator of a spout. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the spout of  FIG. 9  with the lamp and aerator attached. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the lamp and aerator of  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a translucent faucet spout with a lamp disposed near the base to illuminate the spout. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a faucet spout with a translucent shroud disposed near the base to provide illumination. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a faucet spout with a shroud disposed near the base to illuminate the base. 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a plumbing fixture having a handle attached to a shroud with a rectangular shape that transmits light. 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a plumbing fixture having a spout attached to a shroud with a rectangular shape that transmits light. 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a plumbing fixture having a vase shaped shroud that transmits light in substantially the same direction as water flows in an inlet conduit. 
       FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of a plumbing fixture that is mounting on a support with a shroud that is separated from the support by a gap so that the light from a light source is transmitted through the gap. 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a plumbing fixture having a handle integrated with a shroud that terminates adjacent to a support when assembled, with a gap separating the shroud and the support so that light is transmitted from the light source through the gap. 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a part of a plumbing fixture that has a metal body drilled with holes into which LEDs. 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a part of a plumbing fixture that includes a metal body that supports a plurality of translucent regions. 
       FIG. 22  is a top view of the plumbing fixture part shown in  FIG. 21 , including an integrated light source and light transmitter. 
       FIG. 23  is a top view of a plumbing fixture part similar to that shown in  FIG. 22 , except that LEDs are embedded within translucent regions. 
       FIG. 24  is an exploded perspective view of the plumbing fixture part shown in  FIG. 23  adjacent the base  308  of the translucent spout  300  depicted in  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of a part of a plumbing fixture that includes a metal body  81  that supports one or more translucent regions so that a light source is integrated with a light transmitter. 
       FIG. 26  is a top cross-sectional view of the plumbing fixture part shown in  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 27  is a side cross-sectional view of the plumbing fixture part shown in  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 28  is an exploded perspective view of a lighted plumbing fixture similar to that shown in  FIG. 9  including a plurality of translucent portions. 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a lighted bathroom accessory such as a toilet paper holder or towel bar that is mounted on a support surface such as a wall. 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a bracket that can be used to attach the lighted bathroom accessory of  FIG. 29  or  FIG. 31  to a support such as a wall. 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a lighted bathroom accessory such as a towel ring that is mounted on a support surface such as a wall. 
       FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a bracket that can be used to attach the lighted bathroom accessory of  FIG. 29  or  FIG. 31  to a support such as a wall. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1  shows a plumbing fixture such as a faucet  20  for supplying water to a basin such as a sink  25 , the faucet attached to a countertop  22  and the sink. The faucet includes a spout  27 , a right handle  30  and a left handle  33 . The spout  27  has a base  35  that is attached to the countertop  22 , and the handles  30  and  33  each have a base  31  and  32  that are attached to the countertop. The handles  30  and  33  also each have a shroud or body  38  and  39  that is disposed adjacent to the respective bases  31  and  32 . A stop  40  is positioned at the bottom of the sink  25  to control water flow out of the sink. Although difficult to represent in this drawing, bases  31 ,  32  and  35  are each illuminated, providing a pleasing aesthetic effect. 
     FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the left handle  33  as it is being attached to the countertop  22  or sink  25  through an aperture  42 . The handle  33  may be shaped in many different styles, only one of which is shown. A light source such as a lamp  44  includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)  46  that are affixed to an annular substrate such as a circuit board. A lead wire  45  provides electricity for the LEDs  46  through a plurality of wires that are attached to the substrate  44 . The base  32  in this embodiment is made of a translucent material such as acrylic, plastic, glass, crystal, etc., and may act as a lamp shade, lens or surface. As with other embodiments, the translucent material may be transparent, frosted, colored, patterned, etc. Also, the base may have opaque as well as translucent areas, and may be perforated, filigreed, laser etched or otherwise patterned. 
   A hot water inlet conduit  48  and a hot water outlet conduit  50  protrude through the lamp  44  and aperture  42 , with fluid communication between the conduits  48  and  50  controlled by a valve that is connected to the handle  33  within the body  39 , as is conventional. A threaded fitting  52  provides an attachment for a nut, not shown, to clamp the body  39  to the countertop  22 , thereby fastening the plumbing fixture  20  to the sink area. The base  32  may be pressed directly against the countertop with sealant such as silicone rubber in this embodiment, although a waterproof gasket may also be interposed between the base  32  and the countertop or the substrate may also serve as such a gasket. Instead of mounting on a countertop or sink, the fixture can be mounted on a basin, tub, shower, etc. 
   In  FIG. 3  a metal ring  55  is clamped between the translucent ring  32  and the countertop  22 , with the light emitting from an upper surface of the translucent ring  32 . Instead of the ring  55  being made of metal, the ring  55  may be made of other materials such glass, acrylic, plastic, etc. 
     FIG. 4  shows an example in which the metal ring  55  is clamped between the translucent ring  32  and the countertop  22 , with light emitting from a side surface of the translucent ring  32 . Instead of the ring  55  being made of metal, the ring  55  may be made of other materials such glass, acrylic, plastic, etc. 
   In  FIG. 5  the translucent ring  32  fits within and protrudes above the metal ring  55 . The metal ring  55  is clamped between the translucent ring  32  and the countertop  22 , with the light emitting from a side surface of the translucent ring  32 . Instead of the ring  55  being made of metal, the ring  55  may be made of other materials such glass, acrylic, plastic, etc. 
   Although depicted in  FIG. 1-FIG .  5  as having a smooth surface to facilitate illustration, the translucent ring  32  can have an etched, grooved, corrugated or otherwise uneven surface that refracts light in various patterns. Such an uneven surface can also be formed on an inner surface of the translucent ring  32 , for example as a pattern of V-shaped grooves. Such grooves can act as a prism that separates white light into different colors. Also possible is a translucent ring that has metal strips, flakes or other patterns spaced about its periphery. 
     FIG. 6  shows a lamp  100  including a translucent substrate  101  that includes at least one light source embedded in the substrate, the substrate  101  designed to fit near a base for a faucet spout. The lamp  100  is turned upside-down from its normal operating orientation to display the integration of the light source into the substrate  101 . The substrate  101  is generally ring-shaped and has a pear-shaped aperture  103  near its center to allow a water conduit and rod for a sink stop to pass through, neither of which is shown in this figure. Other shapes for the substrate  101  and aperture are alternatively possible. An insulated electrical lead  105 , a cutaway portion of which is shown, connects the light source with a power source, not shown. A plurality of LEDs  110  are disposed in holes in the substrate  101  and are connected to the lead  105  with wires fitting in grooves  112  in the substrate. Light is emitted from the lamp  100  along outer and bottom surfaces of the substrate  101  (in operation from outer and upper surfaces), depending upon which of those surfaces are exposed. 
   The LEDs  110  may be white or colored, and typically the electricity supplied by the lead  105  is both low voltage and low current, for low power consumption and low risk of shock. For example, the lead  105  may provide direct current of 0.05 to 0.15 amperes at a voltage of between about 2 and 5 volts. A transformer may be provided, not shown, that converts alternating household current of 120 volts to that needed for the LEDs  110 . The transformer may be connected to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet to further reduce risks. 
   In  FIG. 7  a lamp  120  is shown including a translucent ring  121  that surrounds a substrate  122  holding at least one light source, the ring and substrate fitting near a base for a faucet spout or handle. The substrate  122  has an aperture to allow a water conduit and rod for a sink stop to pass through, or to allow a pair of water conduits to pass through. An insulated electrical lead  125 , a cutaway portion of which is shown, connects the light source with a power source, not shown. A plurality of LEDs  130  are affixed to the substrate  122  and are connected to the lead  125  with wires attached to the substrate. Light is emitted from the lamp  120  along outer and upper surfaces of the ring  121 , depending upon which of those surfaces are exposed. For example,  FIG. 5  illustrates a situation in which primarily the outer surface of translucent ring  32  emits light. 
     FIG. 8  shows a faucet lamp  150  in which a translucent block  151  is disposed adjacent a substrate  155  holding a plurality of light sources  152 , the block and substrate designed to fit near a base for a faucet spout or handle. The lamp  150  is turned upside-down from its normal operating orientation to display the light sources  152  and substrate  155  that shine light up through the block during operation. The block  151  has a pear-shaped aperture  153  near its center to allow a water conduit and rod for a sink stop to pass through, neither of which is shown in this figure. An insulated electrical lead  156 , a cutaway portion of which is shown, and a plurality of wires  158  connect the light sources  152  with a power source, not shown. The light sources  152  may be LEDs, the base of which is shown, with the wires depicted in exaggerated fashion to facilitate illustration. Light is emitted from the lamp  150  along outer and upper surfaces of the block  151 , depending upon which of those surfaces are exposed. For example,  FIG. 2  illustrates a situation in which primarily the upper surface of translucent ring  32  emits light that is visible outside the faucet. Note also that each of the embodiments discussed so far is generally removed from contact with water so that calcium deposits or other water stains are not a problem. 
     FIG. 9  shows a faucet  200  having a substantially unitary body  201  that includes a spout as well as handles  205 , one of which is hidden from view. A lift rod  208  for a sink stop is also partly hidden from view by the spout  202 . An aerator  211  is attached to the spout  202  with a light-emitting block  212  fitted around the aerator and within the spout  202 . A base  220  for the faucet  200  may also act as a lamp, much as described before. 
   As shown in  FIG. 10 , block  212  is a translucent ring that is seated atop light source  215 . Referring also to  FIG. 11 , translucent ring  212  is attached to the aerator  211 , which has a threaded portion  222  for attachment to spout  202 . The spout  202  is formed of an exterior wall  218 , and has a water conduit  228  into which the threaded portion  215  is screwed. Alternatively, the block  212  may be affixed or threaded to the faucet and the aerator  211  screwed or attached to the block. In another embodiment, the block  212  and/or aerator  211  may be affixed to the faucet by a twist and lock mechanism that may be employed sometimes for commercial applications. Light source  215  may be a ring-shaped substrate holding at least one LED as described above, with an electrical lead  225  providing power to the light source  215 . The light-emitting block  212  provides illumination to a sink or other basin that the block faces, accentuating the basin, which can appear to glow. Although a unitary faucet is shown, a separate spout can also hold a light source near the aerator. Note also that this embodiment may contact water, but the light-emitting block  212  can be easily removed for cleaning. 
     FIG. 12  shows a faucet spout  300  including a body  303  that is made entirely of translucent material, such as acrylic, plastic, glass, crystal, etc., which may be clear, frosted or colored. The body  303  encircles a water conduit  305  that provides fluid communication between a base  308  of the spout and an aerator  310 . The base  308  is attached to a threaded portion  311  that fits through a hole in a sink top or countertop, not shown in this figure. A light source  313  fits around the threaded portion  311  and beneath the base  308  to illuminate the spout  300 . The light source includes a substrate  315  that holds a number of LEDs  320 , each of which is connected to an electrical lead  318 . 
   The body  303  has an index of refraction that is greater than that of the air, and so some of the light from the light source  313  flows through the gently curving body to exit near the aerator  310 . Stated differently, the body  303  forms a conduit for both water and light. When water flows through the water conduit  305  light may also flow through the water to exit at the aerator  310 , which may also be translucent, as an illuminated stream of water. An outer surface of the body may be frosted or may include patterns that reflect or transmit the light. For example, the outer surface may include a plurality of ridges that spiral in helical fashion between the base and the aerator, the ridges transmitting relatively more light so that the helical pattern is accentuated. Alternatively, the outer surface can be encased in metal, plastic or any other hygienically approved material so that the light exits the spout in a ring around the aerator, and also from the aerator for the situation in which the aerator is translucent. 
   The plumbing light fixtures discussed above can be controlled in various ways. LEDs use little power and can be left on all the time, with the light sources providing beauty and interest to a sink, shower or bathtub area at all times, and also providing a night light for the bathroom for safety and convenience. Alternatively, a faucet lamp can be connected to a switch that is controlled by a light sensor, so that the lamp turns on automatically at night when other bathroom lights are off. As another example, a manually operated switch can be provided, and the switch can be located near other light switches for the room containing the faucet. The plumbing light fixtures can be provided with new construction or remodeling, and can also retrofit existing basins, fixtures and/or faucetry. 
   The LEDs can emit specific colors or essentially white light. For example, lights for faucet handles can be red for the hot water handle and blue for the cold water handle. Alternatively, the lights can be selected to match or contrast other colors in a room. Translucent blocks through which the light passes are helpful in dispersing light from an individual LED to avoid glare. Such blocks can be transparent or frosted, and can be colored separately from the light sources. Refractive and diffractive effects can also be employed to split multicolored or white light into various colors. The LEDs can be waterproof, and are also disposed within a sealed compartment such as a faucet base or spout. 
     FIG. 13  shows a faucet spout  400  with a translucent shroud  410  disposed near a base  412  of the spout for illumination. The shroud  410 , which may sometimes be called a bell or escutcheon, may be made of crystal, glass, acrylic or other materials. The shroud  410  is located in the base region of the spout because it is closer to the base  412  than to a tip  404  of the spout. A light source such as a plurality of LEDs disposed on a ring  414  shines light on an inner surface of the shroud  410 , which transmits the light through its outer surface. Such a light emitting shroud may also or alternatively be located on faucet handle, not shown. 
     FIG. 14  shows a faucet spout  500  with an opaque shroud  510  disposed near a base  512  of the spout. The shroud  510  has a skirt  515  that transmits light downward onto the base  512  to illuminate the base. 
     FIG. 15  shows a partially assembled view of a plumbing fixture for mounting on a support  21  adjacent an aperture  42 , the plumbing fixture having a handle  33  connected to a conventional valve that controls water flow through water inlet conduit  48  and outlet conduit  50 . The plumbing fixture includes a light source  44  that emits visible light, the light source having an electrical lead  43  that extends through the aperture  42 . The plumbing fixture also includes a light transmitter  61  having translucent regions  62  for transmitting light from the light source  44 . The light transmitter  61  has a void in which at least a part of the valve or the water inlet conduit  48  is disposed. When the fixture is assembled by threading a nut onto threaded fitting  52 , LEDs  46  on light source  44  can emit light that passes through the void for transmission by the light transmitter  61 . 
   The support  21  can take various forms, including as appropriate a countertop, a rim of a basin, a rim of a bathtub, a bathtub enclosure, a shower enclosure or a building wall, such as an interior wall for an old-style kitchen sink, or an exterior wall for a garden faucet. 
     FIG. 16  shows another partially assembled view of a plumbing fixture for mounting on a support  21  adjacent an aperture  42 , the plumbing fixture having a spout  63  through which water can flow via water inlet conduits  48  and  50 . The plumbing fixture includes a light source  44  that emits visible light, the light source having an electrical lead  43  that extends through the aperture  42 . The plumbing fixture also includes a light transmitter  61  having translucent regions  62  for transmitting light from the light source  44 . The light transmitter  61  surrounds a void within which a base region  66  of the spout  63  is disposed. When the fixture is assembled by threading a nut onto threaded fitting  52 , LEDs  46  on light source  44  can emit light that passes through the void for transmission by the light transmitter  61 . 
     FIG. 17  shows a partially assembled view of a plumbing fixture for mounting on a support  21  adjacent an aperture  42 , the plumbing fixture having a handle  33  connected to a conventional valve that controls water flow through water inlet conduit  48  and outlet conduit  50 . The plumbing fixture includes a light source  44  that emits visible light, the light source having an electrical lead  43  that extends through the aperture  42 . The plumbing fixture also includes a light transmitter  61  for transmitting light from the light source  44 . The light transmitter  61  has a void in which at least a part of the valve or the water inlet conduit  48  is disposed. When the fixture is assembled by threading a nut onto threaded fitting  52 , LEDs  46  on light source  44  can emit light from a void in the light transmitter  61 , as shown by arrow  64 . In this case, light  64  from the transmitter  61  is directed away from the support  21  in substantially the same direction as water flows in the inlet conduit  48 . The transmitter  61  in this case may be shaped similar to a vase or flower for artistic effect, and may open sideways or downward or have holes that allow water to escape from the vase. In another embodiment, not shown, a base region of a spout is disposed within the void of light transmitter  61 . 
     FIG. 18  shows a cross-sectional view of a plumbing fixture that is mounting on a support  21  adjacent an aperture  42 , the plumbing fixture having a handle  33  connected to a conventional valve  70  that controls water flow through water inlet conduit  48  and outlet conduit  50 . The plumbing fixture includes a light source  44  that emits visible light, the light source having an electrical lead  43  that extends through the aperture  42 . A shroud  61  that partly encloses the light source  44  is separated from the support  21  by a gap  67 , so that the light is transmitted by the shroud through the gap. 
   A nut  72  is threaded onto threaded fitting  52 , holding a washer  74  or gasket that clamps the fixture to support  21 . LEDs on light source  44  can emit light from within the shroud  61 , as shown by arrow  64 , which is redirected to emerge as shown by arrow  65  from a gap  67  between the transmitter  61  and the support  21 . Although the washer  74  can clamp the fixture without damaging the lead  43 , the washer  74  can optionally have a small milled region that provides space for the lead. Alternatively, such a gasket  74  or washer can have a gap rather than a recess for the lead  43 . For example, a lock washer can be clipped or bent to provide a gap for the lead between its ends. 
     FIG. 19  shows a partially assembled view of a plumbing fixture for mounting on a support  21  adjacent an aperture  42 , the plumbing fixture having a handle  60  connected to a conventional valve that controls water flow through water inlet conduit  48  and outlet conduit  50 . The plumbing fixture includes a light source  44  that emits visible light, the light source having an electrical lead  43  that extends through the aperture  42 . In this case, the handle is integrated with a shroud that terminates adjacent the support  21  when assembled, with a gap separating the handle and the support so that light is transmitted from the light source  44  through the gap. Although shown as a substantially unitary piece  60 , the handle and a shroud can be coupled such that the shroud rotates with the handle. When the fixture is mounted by threading a nut onto threaded fitting  52 , LEDs  46  on light source  44  can emit light from a void in the light transmitter  61 . 
     FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of a part of a plumbing fixture that may be used with various handles or spouts such as those previously described. In this case a light transmitter  80  includes a metal body  81  that supports a plurality of translucent regions  82 . The light source includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)  84  that are disposed within the metal body  81  adjacent the translucent regions  82 , so that the light source is integrated with the light transmitter. Leads  86  and  87  provide power to the LEDs  84 . The LEDs  84  fit within holes that that are sized for the LEDs, and the holes may be drilled to form translucent regions  82 , which may optionally be filled with translucent material. Alternatively, a translucent sheath can surround the body  81  and regions  82 . 
     FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of a part of a plumbing fixture that may be used with various handles or spouts such as those previously described. In this case a light transmitter  80  includes a metal body  81  that supports a plurality of translucent regions  82 . The light source includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)  84  that are disposed within the metal body  81  adjacent the translucent regions  82 , so that the light source is integrated with the light transmitter. Leads  86  and  87  provide power to the LEDs  84 . 
     FIG. 22  shows a top view of the plumbing fixture part shown in  FIG. 21 , including an integrated light source and light transmitter. The LEDs in this case may be attached to an interior wall of the light transmitter  80  adjacent to the translucent regions  82 . 
     FIG. 23  shows a top view of a plumbing fixture part similar to that shown in  FIG. 22 , except that LEDs  84  are embedded within translucent regions  82 . The translucent regions  82  shown in  FIGS. 21-24  can be made, for example, by epoxy or plastic that is formed in openings made, for instance, by milling the metal body  81 . 
     FIG. 24  is an exploded perspective view of the plumbing fixture part shown in  FIG. 23  adjacent the base  308  of the translucent spout  300  depicted in  FIG. 12 . The threaded portion  311  of the spout passes through the light transmitter  80  to clamp the transmitter between the base and a support, not shown. The embedded LEDs  84  can then shine through the spout, with the metal portion  81  providing support for the translucent regions  82 . 
     FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of a part of a plumbing fixture that may be used with various handles or spouts such as those previously described. In this case a light transmitter  80  includes a metal body  81  that supports one or more translucent regions  82 . The light source includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), not shown in this figure, that are disposed within the metal body  81  adjacent the translucent regions  82 , so that the light source is integrated with the light transmitter. Leads  86  and  87  provide power to the LEDs  84 . 
     FIG. 26  is a top cross-sectional view of the plumbing fixture part shown in  FIG. 25 , and  FIG. 27  is a side cross-sectional view of the plumbing fixture part shown in  FIG. 25 . To make the part shown in  FIGS. 25-27 , the metal body may be milled out in the translucent regions, and holes  88  drilled into which LEDs  84  can be fitted. The translucent regions  82  may be filled with translucent material or left empty. The LEDs  84  may be attached to an interior wall of the light transmitter  80  adjacent to the translucent regions  82 , fitted snuggly in the holes  88 , attached to the translucent material or embedded in the translucent material. 
     FIG. 28  is an exploded perspective view of a lighted plumbing fixture similar to that shown in  FIG. 9 . Faucet  75  has a substantially unitary body that includes a spout  76  as well as handles  79 , one of which is hidden from view. Faucet  75  has translucent portions  78  on the spout  76  and body adjacent shoulders  77 . A handle  79  is connected to a conventional valve that controls water flow through the spout  76 . A light source  90  such as a printed circuit board has LEDs  46  that emit visible light for transmission through translucent portions  78 , the light source having an electrical lead  45  that is adapted to extend through one of several apertures  71  of the board  90  and through one of several apertures  73  of a gasket  92  and through one of several apertures in a support such as a sink or countertop, not shown in this figure. 
     FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a lighted bathroom accessory  600  such as a toilet paper holder or towel bar for mounting on a support surface  602 , the bathroom accessory including a base  606  that is adapted to attach to the support surface  602 . The bathroom accessory  600  includes an article holder  604  attached to the base by a pair of arms  608 , the article holder adapted to removably hold an article such as a towel or toilet paper that is removed from the article holder for use in the bathroom. The base  606  includes an opaque portion  605  and a translucent portion  610  in this example, or the arm  608 , which may be considered an extension of the base, may be translucent. 
     FIG. 30  is a perspective view of a bracket  620  that can be used to attach the base  606  to the surface  602 , with a light source  624  contained in the base, the light source having a plurality of LEDs  626  that emit visible light that is transmitted out of the base. The bracket  620  has a plurality of holes  622 , two of which can be used for attachment and the third for threading a lead  628  through the surface  602 . Alternatively, a conventional battery can be contained in the base or arm for powering the light source. The bracket  620  has a central shaft  630  that projects away from the support surface, not shown in this figure, with a notch  633  adapted for receiving a set screw that is threaded in the arm  608  to hold the bathroom accessory to the surface. 
     FIG. 31  is a perspective view of a lighted bathroom accessory  700  such as a towel ring for mounting on a support surface  702 , the bathroom accessory including a base  706  that includes an arm  708  and is adapted to attach to the support surface  702 . The bathroom accessory  700  includes an article holder  704  attached to the base, the article holder adapted to removably hold an article such as a towel that is removed from the article holder for use in the bathroom. The base  706  includes opaque portions  705  and  710 , and translucent portion  708  in this example. 
     FIG. 32  is a perspective view of a bracket  720  that can be used to attach the base  706  to the surface  702 , with a light source  724  contained in the base, the light source having a plurality of LEDs  726  that emit visible light that is transmitted out of the base. The bracket  720  has a plurality of holes  722 , two of which can be used for attachment and the third for threading a lead  728  through the surface  702 . Alternatively, a conventional battery can be contained in the base or arm for powering the light source. The bracket  720  is adapted for receiving a set screw that is threaded in portions  705  or  710  to hold the bathroom accessory to the surface. 
   Instead of a towel or toilet paper holders, such a lighted bathroom accessory can be a paper towel holder, a robe hook, a soap holder, a tissue holder, or a toothbrush holder, for example. As another example, a grab bar or handrail for a bathroom can have a lighted base much as described and depicted above, which may be advantageous especially for handicapped individuals in finding and utilizing such a support and safety feature. 
   Although the present disclosure has focused on teaching the preferred embodiments, other embodiments and modifications of this invention may be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings. For example, although LEDs are used in a preferred embodiment other light sources can alternatively be employed, such as fluorescent, incandescent, fiber optic, etc. Therefore, this invention is to be limited only by the following claims, which include all such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specification and accompanying drawings.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5