Patent Document

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/284,719, filed Apr. 18, 2001. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to costumes with lights and, in particular, costumes of the type worn by children at night on Halloween and has as its objective promoting visibility in an attractive manner while preserving cost efficiency. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable. 
   BACKGROUND 
   The shortened days of late fall are near their shortest by the time All Hallows Eve or “Halloween” comes around. Nevertheless, it is during this time that almost the entire population of children in the United States is put at risk on a single evening by reason of the ritual of “trick or treating” during the eve of All Hallows. On this evening, children wander from door-to-door, and house-to-house, dancing across streets and through streets at a time when there&#39;s a relatively large amount of traffic on account of such events and people driving back to their homes after working all day, and driving off to the grocery store to buy something for their evening meals. 
   The high concentration of children on the road, during such a busy part of the day presents a higher likelihood that children will be struck by unwary drivers. Indeed, not only is traffic quite high during the early evening, but this time of day is after many people have put in a hard full day of work and are more prone than they might be at other times to speeding, not paying attention, or simply fatigued and not at their best in reacting to dangerous situations. Anything which would promote the likelihood of a child being seen before it is too late to avoid an accident would be of real value. 
   One way of avoiding accidents is simply to use clothing which is visible, such as clothing which is bright in color. For example, policemen often wear vests in fluorescent orange, or the like. People are encouraged not to wear black clothing at night, when they are walking the dog, taking a stroll or the like. 
   Evolving from homemade get ups that reach back into our earliest history, commercially available Halloween costumes have been commonplace during the past half-century. The use of lights in children&#39;s Halloween costumes, as is proposed in accordance with the present invention, is believed to be a natural and reliably implemented solution to the problem of increasing the visibility of children on Halloween night. Nevertheless, it appears that the same is largely nonexistent in any form, despite the strong need for such a valuable system. 
   Clothing with light displaying members is, of course, well known and will improve the likelihood that a child will not be injured on Halloween night. Perhaps the most common expedient in this area is the use of retro reflecting materials, such as tape incorporating retroreflective beads. Retroreflection can also be promoted through the use of molded plastic members with flat interfaces and faceted backs, which promote total internal reflection of incoming light in a direction diametrically opposed to the direction of the incident light. The result is to produce a strong reflection in a direction aimed at the source of incident light. For example, if the light falling on a retroreflective device originated from the headlights of an automobile, light will be reflected in a column generally aimed at the source automobile headlight, and this, will generally be broad enough to include a substantial amount of reflected light reflected toward the eyes of the driver. 
   However, being merely reflective, retroreflective members will not work where lights are not being used, as in the case of a negligent driver, or the driver of a vehicle such as a bicycle, or the like. Moreover, motorcycles may not be effective to illuminate retroreflective members on children, because of the relatively poor nature of their road illumination systems. Even cars may not do a good job in this area if headlights are out of alignment or burned-out. 
   In response to the inadequacies of reflective members, light-emitting systems have evolved. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,755 to Rapisarda, which discloses wearing apparel incorporating a flexible light-transmitting assembly comprising a clear flexible polymer tape with a plurality of tooth shaped protrusions which provide reflecting points of light. However, such tape is relatively cumbersome and unsightly from an aesthetic standpoint. While a tape can be made more aesthetically acceptable by using it in a symmetrical fashion, for example as a pair of stripes on the arms of a person&#39;s jacket, as illustrated in Rapisarda, the end result is far from pleasing and will have an adverse impact on a highly decorated article of clothing such as a Halloween costume. While it has been suggested that flashing electrical light sources including light-emitting diodes can be applied to children&#39;s Halloween costumes to significantly enhance safety on Halloween evening, at least one device proposed, a flashing box-like device illustrated in U.S. Pat. No 5,149,190 of McKenzie, also fails to present a cost effective, aesthetic solution. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THIEF INVENTION 
   In accordance with the present invention, an illuminated costume promoting safety is provided. The inventive costume comprises a light distributing assembly, comprising a light source and a plurality of light outputting members optically coupled to the light source, each of the members having a light outputting surface. The light outputting members have first and second member ends. The first member ends are optically coupled to the light source. Each of the members has a light outputting surface on its second member end. The light outputting members may have various lengths. 
   In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention the light source is a light-emitting diode which is driven by either a battery which maintains the light emitting diode active emitting light at all times, or the light source may be driven by a battery powered transistorized power source which causes the lights to blink or follow any other pattern desired. The construction of such circuits is well-known in the art and forms no part of the invention. 
   The light outputting members are made of an optically transmissive material. The index of refraction of the optically transmissive material is selected to result in internal reflection between light traveling the length of the light outputting members on the inside of the light outputting members at the interface between the inside of the light outputting members and the space surrounding the light outputting members. Alternatively, hollow tubes with reflective insider may be used. The light outputting members have first and second member ends. The first member end is optically coupled to the light source. Each of the members have light outputting surface on its second member end. The light outputting members have a length. 
   A plurality of light outputting caps may also be provided. The outputting surface is defined on each respective light outputting cap. Each light outputting cap is associated with a respective light outputting member and secured to its respective second member end. 
   Each of the light outputting caps comprise a tapered member having a first end and a second end. The tapered member tapers along at least a portion of the tapered member to a smaller size from a relatively wide portion adjacent the second end. The first end is relatively pointed. The second end defines a surface shaped to bear against the first side of a fabric. A backing member has first and second surfaces. The first surface is configured to bear against the second side of the fabric. A hole is defined in the second surface of the backing member. The hole is configured and dimensioned to receive its respective second member end. A connection member is secured to the first surface of the backing member and the second end of the tapered member to define a space between the first surface of the backing member and the second end of the tapered member, the space being large enough to accommodate the fabric. 
   In accordance with another alternative embodiment of the invention, the light outputting members have a length defined between the first and second member ends and the second member end is configured to present a surface oriented with respect to light passing through the length to present an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle, whereby a relatively large proportion of light passing through the length is allowed to exit from the light outputting members. 
   In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the garment comprising fabric has an inside surface and an outside surface. The outside surface is exposed to view when the garment is worn by a person. The light outputting members are secured to the inside surface, and the second member ends extend through the fabric, visible to view when the garment is being worn on the outside surface of the fabric. The light outputting members may be secured by glue. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment of the invention, each of the members has a plurality of light outputting contours or discontinuities along its length. The discontinuities are positioned at a plurality of points along the length of the light outputting members. The discontinuities have at least one surface which is oriented at an angle with respect to radiation traveling inside of the light outputting members. The angle has a value which results in relatively high transmission to the space outside the member of radiation traveling inside the light outputting members, whereby the discontinuities serve as a plurality of output points for light input into the light outputting member with which the discontinuities are associated. 
   In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a light-emitting device is positioned within a transparent member. The transparent member has a surface area not performing the function of transmitting light into the plurality of light outputting members. The surface area not performing that function is coated with a reflective material to promote internal reflection of light produced. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     The advantages of the system and apparatus of the present invention will be understood from the following description taken together with the drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram showing the collection and channeling of light in cross-section taken along lines  2 — 2  of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration useful for showing the paths of various light rays in a section of a light conducting member in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a portion of an alternative light conducting member used in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a closeup illustration of a garment incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a closeup illustration of an alternative arrangement of a garment incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view along lines  8 — 8  of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of a cross-section along lines  9 — 9  of a finger element of the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a closeup illustration of a garment incorporating the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is an illustration of a sweatshirt incorporating the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram in cross-section of a light emitting optical end member for use with the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  is prospective view of an optical end member for use with the present invention; 
       FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a light carrying member; 
       FIG. 16  is a view of a light-emitting arm and is yet another embodiment of the invention; and 
       FIG. 17  is a view of a light-emitting arm and is still another embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a light distributing assembly  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Assembly  10  comprises a transparent light receiving and distributing block  12  having a top facet  14 , a side facet  16  and a bottom facet  18 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , facets  14 ,  16  and  18  are coated with a layer of reflective material such as aluminum or reflective paint. In particular, facet  14  is covered with a layer of aluminum  20 . Facet  16  is covered with aluminum layer  22 . Facet  18  is covered by reflective aluminum layer  24 . 
   Block  12  also has an output facet  26 . Output facet  26  does not include a reflective layer as its purpose is to output light from block  12  into the rest of assembly  10 . Output facet  26  is in contact with and optically coupled to the input of a tape member  28  which comprises a base portion  30  and a plurality of individual strips  32  defined between a plurality of cuts  34 . Each of the strips  32  has a raised volume or jewel  36  of triangular cross-section, which acts as a source of relatively high intensity light output, as will be described below. 
   In particular, each jewel  36  has a pair of triangular facets, including triangular facets  38  on one side and an identical triangular facet  40  on the other side. In addition, each jewel  36  has a rectangular window facet  42  which acts to output light. 
   Distributing block  12  and strips  32  may be made out of the same material, and even molded together in one piece. Suitable materials include any optically clear material, such as polyvinyl chloride or the like. In the case of strips  32 , flexibility is also desirable so that strips  32  will easily conform to natural movement of the fabric to which they are adhered, as will be described below. 
   In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated the light is fed into the system using a light source, such as a light-emitting diode or LED  44  embedded in block  12 . Light  46  output from LED  44  reflects against aluminum layers  20  through  24  until it exits as an output ray  48  into base portion  30 . Block  12  is shaped in a manner which results in outputting ray  48  in directions substantially parallel to facet  14 , thus resulting in the transmission of light at relatively shallow angles into base portion  30  and strips  32 . The result is that at points of reflection  50  substantially total internal reflection occurs and there is relative efficiency in the transmission of light through the system. 
   The result is that a light ray  48  is propagated the length of strips  32  as illustrated most clearly in FIG.  3 . However, when a light ray  52  encounters rectangular facet  42 , the angle of incidence  54  is greater than the critical angle and light ray  52  exits as an output ray  56 . Likewise, other rays with slightly different paths, such as light ray  58 , exit as output ray  60  because they meet the same optical condition as the angle of incidence being greater than the critical angle which results in totaled internal reflection, while some rays such as light rays  49 , continue through the length of strips  32 . 
   While, in principle, light is output all along the length of strips  32 , a far greater portion of light produced by LED  44  is output through window facets  42 . Thus, window facets  42  appear to be principal sources and strips  42  may be arranged to form a pattern on a costume, making the light attractive and yet enhancing safety by improving the visibility of a costume when it is being worn by a child. 
   As noted above, there is, in principle, some leakage of light along the length of the system. This can be a function of surface irregularity in the optical material, an insufficiently high index of refraction, and/or combinations of the same. This problem can be alleviated by coating the material with a reflective layer  62  (such as reflective paint) as illustrated in FIG.  4 . It is noted that the bottom surface of the strips is generally stitched facing against the fabric in accordance with the invention. Thus using a coating of reflective material  62  greatly increases the brightness of the system. 
   An addition, an additional measure of refinement may be achieved by applying a layer of reflective material  64 , such as a silver spray, to those portions of the top side of strips  32  where reflection should occur, thus assuring a maximum concentration of light exiting through facets  42 . Preferably, the spray is applied on strips  32  in the direction shown by arrow  67 , thus decreasing the potential for application of reflective material  64  to facets  42 . 
   In accordance of the present invention, the assembly illustrated in  FIG. 1  may be injection molded as a single piece with cuts  34  already included. Alternatively cuts  34  may be made with a knife as a simple ribbon of molded plastic light conductor. Implementation of the system merely involves insertion of an LED  44  (which may be molded integrally into the system by forming the system around the LED during injection molding). Then it is necessary for strips  32  to be secured in place and a source of power such as a battery or transistorized circuit attached to LED  44 . 
   As illustrated  FIG. 5 , it is contemplated that block  12  and base portion  30  will be located under a piece of plush fabric  66 . Plush fabric  66  includes a hole  68  through which strips  32  are passed allowing strips  32  to be sewn into place with jewels  36  exposed to view. Sewing may be done by hand using stitches  70  securing strips  32  to plush fabric  66  over plush hairs  72 . Alternatively, if the hairs  72 ′ are long enough and/or strip  32  thin enough, strips  32  may be buried within hairs  72 ′, as illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , an alternative embodiment of the lighting assembly  110  of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, a central light distributing block  112 , drives a plurality of light-emitting strips  132  which are integrally molded with block  112 . 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , block  112  and strips or fingers  132  are in optical communication with each other and are made of an optically transparent material so that they can conduct light in a manner similar to that of a fiber-optic fiber. Light is output by jewels  136  at the output of fingers  132 . Escape, from the system of light input into the system by a light-emitting diode  144  is prevented by reflective layers of aluminum  120  and  124 . 
   In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that fingers  132  will be of circular cross-section as illustrated in FIG.  9 . 
   The operation of the assembly  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8  is similar to the operation of the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 6 . In particular, light emitting diode  144  outputs light  146  which is reflected internally between aluminum wires  120  and  124  and then through fingers  132  until finally exiting jewels  136  as output light ray  156 . 
   In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that fingers  132  will be located under a piece of plush fabric  166  as illustrated in FIG.  10 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment the end of fingers  132  with its jewel  136  will poke through a hole  168  in plush fabric  166 . It is also contemplated that glue  170  will secure fingers  132  to the underside  174  of plush fabric  166 . In accordance with the invention, it is also contemplated that fingers  132  may be placed in fur  172  in the manner of FIG.  6 . 
   In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that is not necessary that all strips or fingers be of the same shape and size. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , fingers  232  in assembly  210  are of different lengths in order to accommodate placement to make a desired pattern. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, each of the fingers  232  is selected to be a size which results in relatively short lengths between block  212  and output jewels  236 . 
   Use of the assembly  210  of  FIG. 11  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 , where block  210 , illustrated in phantom lines because it is located under the sweatshirt  280  of a user such as child  282 . Likewise, fingers  232  are also illustrated as phantom lines because they are underneath sweatshirt  280 . As noted above, fingers  232  terminate in jewels  236  which poke out through holes in the sweatshirt  280  or other garment and in which they are incorporated. 
   In accordance with the preferred embodiment, it is also contemplated that jewels  236  may be pointed enough and sharp enough to be able to be pushed through plush fabric or other fabric without the necessity of cutting a separate hole. Also in accordance of the invention, it is contemplated that the same may be glued in position. 
   More particularly, as illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , ends of fingers  332  may be terminated in a hard plastic optical member  336  illustrated schematically in cross-section in FIG.  13 . In addition, the structure may include barb  384  which enables jewel  336  to be pushed through fabric  366  and retained therein without the use of glue. In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that fingers  332  will be made of a soft resilient material selected for its comfort and ability to be formed into a pattern. Such comfort is enhanced through the use of plush fabric  366 . The end of finger  332  is glued into a hole  388 . Alternatively, the inside of the hole may be textured and the end of finger  332  jam-fitted. The material of jewel  336 , on the other hand, is selected for its rigidness, even with a relatively thin diameter, thus allowing it to act as a needle and be easily pushed through a fabric. Finger  332  and jewel  336  may, alternatively, be constructed of a single piece of compromise material stiff enough to act as a needle and pliable enough to be bent and be comfortable. Knitted fabric is preferred for its ability to receive a needle point like the point  390  of jewel  336 . Point  390  should be somewhat rounded to avoid injury and discomfort. 
   Referring to  FIG. 15 , it accordance of the present invention it is also contemplated that fingers, such as fingers  442  may be made of two different materials with different indices of refraction with the core  492  having an index of refraction different from the index of refraction of sheath  494 . The relationship between the two indices of refraction is selected using the same principles used in the selection of the core and the sheath in conventional fiber-optic structures. The particular selection of indices of refraction are well known to those in the fiber-optic art and form no part of the instant invention. Upon selection of the typical relationship between indices of refraction, improved efficiency in the transmission of light is experienced. Alternatively, a reflective silvery material, such as aluminum, may be used in place of a sheath of different index of refraction. 
   Finally, fluorescent pigments  598  which when illuminated continue to glow after light falls on them may be used for a added measure of safety. They may be applied to the surface, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , or incorporated in the plastic melt. The same may also be done for a light distributing member without a cap as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , which includes pigment paint spots  598 . Pigment sold under the trademark Luminova is believed to yield superior results. 
   Referring to  FIG. 17 , yet another variation for the light-emitting end of a light-conducting finger is illustrated. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 17 , there is no cap. Rather, the shape of the cap is integrally molded into the end  699  of finger  632 . In this case, finger  632  is made of a material which is flexible enough to be formed into a desired shape, while at the same time being stiff enough to be able to be poked through a fabric. Such poking through the fabric may be facilitated through the use of a small amount of a suitable lubricant. 
   While an illustrative embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated, it is understood the various modifications will be obvious to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are within the scope of this patent which is limited and defined only by the appended claims.

Technology Category: f