GB2513401A

GB2513401A - Illuminated apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2513401A
Application number: GB1307562.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Mackinlay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-26
Filing date: 2013-04-26
Publication date: 2014-10-29
Also published as: GB201307562D0

Abstract

An illuminated glove or mitten 16 is provided comprising: a power source; a light source; a controller; and a switch 20; wherein, the operation of the light source is controlled by the controller dependent upon the operation of the switch, whereby the switch is located within the glove or mitten 16. The light source may comprise one or more LEDs, optical fibres, or electroluminescent wires. The controller may be a processer operable to select one or more operating modes of the light source. The switch may be an electrical switch having two or more conductive contact members 20a,20b,20c, the connection between which completes an electrical circuit. The conductive contact members may be located within the finger and thumb portions of the glove.

Description

tM:;: INTELLECTUAL .*.. PROPERTY OFFICE Application No. 0B1307562.7 RTM DateS August 2013 The following terms are registered trade_marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Bluetooth Covec Intellectual Properly Office is an operaling name of Ihe Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk Illuminated apparatus The present invention relates to an illuminated apparatus.

Hand garments with light sources thereon are known. Known hand garments with light sources thereon typically include hand-operated electronic switches and light sources.

While such known hand garments are useful for certain users, they are often bulky and difficult to use for, for example, cyclists, who seek to use such garments to increase their safety when cycling. The known hand garments also have limited functionality.

The inventor of the present invention has appreciated the short comings in such known apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an illuminated apparatus comprising: a hand garment; an electrical power source; a light source; a control device; and a switch device, wherein the electrical power source is operable to provide electrical power to the control device and the light source, and wherein the control device is operable to control the operation of the light source in dependence on the operation of the switch device, and wherein the switch device is located with the hand garment.

The hand garment may be a glove. Alternatively, the hand garment may be a mitten. In use, the hand garment is worn by a user of the illuminated apparatus.

The electrical power source may be a battery. The battery may be a re-chargeable battery. The battery may be a cell battery. The battery may be a universal serial bus (USB) charged battery. The battery may be a vibration powered battery. The battery may be a flexible battery. The electrical power source may include one or more batteries.

The electrical power source may be an inductively charged power source.

The electrical power source may be a photovoltaic solar cell.

The electrical power source may be located with the hand garment. The electrical power source may be located within the hand garment. The electrical power source may be detachably fastened to the hand garment.

The hand garment may include a compartment. The compartment may be closable. The compartment may be sealed to prevent the ingress of water therein. The compartment may be waterproof. The compartment may be located in the palm area of the hand garment. The compartment may be located in the back of the hand area of the hand garment.

The electrical power source may be located in the compartment.

The electrical power source may be located externally from the hand garment. The electrical power source may be located on the wearer of the hand garment. The electrical power source may be detachably fastenable to the wearer of the hand garment. The electrical power source may be located with an additional garment. The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the hand garment. The additional garment may be an upper body garment. The additional garment may be a lower body garment. The additional garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The electrical power source may be located with a bag. The bag may be a back pack, rucksack, or the like.

The illuminated apparatus may further comprise an additional garment.

The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the hand garment.

The additional garment may be an upper body garment. The additional garment may be a lower body garment. The additional garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The electrical power source may be located with the additional garment.

The light source may be an elongate flexible member.

The light source may be a light emitting diode (LED). The light source may include a plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs may be arranged linearly. The plurality of LEDs may be may be mounted to a flexible support member. The flexible support member may be an elongate member with the LEDs arranged linearly thereon. The light source may be an LED light strip.

The light source may include an LED and an optical fibre. The light source may include a plurality of optical fibres. The LED may be located at one end of the optical fibre. The light source may include one or more LEDs and one or more optical fibres. The optical fibre may be a side emitting optical fibre. The optical fibres may be side emitting optical fibres. The optical fibre may include a coloured polymer core.

The light source may be an electroluminescent wire. The light source may include a plurality of electroluminescent wires.

The light source may be located with the hand garment. The light source may be detachably fastenable to the hand garment. The light source may be detachably fastenable to a portion of an externally facing surface of the hand garment. The light source may extend between a cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment and a finger tip portion of the hand garment.

The light source may be fastened to the hand garment.

The light source may be at least partially located on the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment. The light source may extend around the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment.

The light source may be at least partially located on a side portion of the hand garment between the palm-side and back-side of the hand garment.

The light source may extend along the side portion of the hand garment substantially between the tip of the little finger of the hand garment and the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment. The light source may extend along the side portion of the hand garment between the tip of the little finger of the hand garment and the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment. In addition to this, the light source may extend around the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment. The light source may extend around an outer facing surface of the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment and/or an inner facing surface of the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment.

The light source may be located externally from the hand garment. The light source may be located on the wearer of the hand garment. The light source may be detachably fastenable to the wearer of the hand garment.

The light source may be located with an additional garment. The light source may be detachably fastenable to a portion of an externally facing surface of the additional garment. The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the hand garment. The additional garment may be an upper body garment. The additional garment may be a lower body garment.

The additional garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The light source may be located with a bag. The bag may be a back pack, rucksack, or the like.

The light source may be located with a helmet. The helmet may be worm by the wearer of the hand garment.

The light source may be located with the additional garment.

The control device may include a central processing unit (CPU) and a microprocessor.

The control device may be operable to select one or more operating modes of the light source. The one or more operating modes of the light source may include continuous operation, one or more flashing modes, length of operating time, colour of light and illumination brightness.

The control device may be located with the hand garment. The control device may be located within the hand garment. The control device may be detachably fastened to the hand garment.

The control device may be located in the compartment of the hand garment.

The control device may be located externally from the hand garment. The control device may be located on the wearer of the hand garment. The control device may be detachably fastenable to the wearer of the hand garment. The control device may be located with an additional garment.

The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the hand garment.

The garment may be an upper body garment. The garment may be a lower body garment. The garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The electrical power source may be located with a bag. The bag may be a back pack, rucksack, or the like.

The control device may be located with the additional garment.

The control device may be located adjacent the electrical power source.

The switch device may be an electrical switch, the operation of which completes an electrical circuit between the switch device, the control device, electrical power source and light source. The control device is operable to determine when the operation of the switch device results in the completion of the electrical circuit and to control the operation of the light source.

The switch device may include at least two electrically conductive contact members, the connection between which completes an electrical circuit.

The switch device may include three electrically conductive contact members, the connection between any two of which completes the electrical circuit. The switch device may include a plurality of electrically conductive contact members, the connection between any two of which completes the electrical circuit.

The electrically conductive contact members may be located within the hand garment.

The electrically conductive contact members may be located on the inner surface of the hand garment.

The electrically conductive contact members may be located within the hand garment such that at least a portion of each electrically conductive contact member may be externally exposed.

The hand garment may include one or more apertures and the electrically conductive contact members may be located within the hand garment such that at least a portion of each electrically conductive contact member may be exposed by each aperture.

The electrically conductive contact members may be located on the hand garment. The electrically conductive contact members may be attached to an external surface of the hand garment.

The hand garment may be a glove and the electrically conductive contact members may be located in the finger and/or thumb portions thereof.

Where the switch device includes two electrically conductive contact members, a first contact member may be located in the thumb portion of the glove and a second contact member may be located in a finger portion of the glove. In this arrangement, operation of the switch device occurs when the finger and thumb portions of the glove are brought into contact with each another. a

Where the switch device includes three electrically conductive contact members, a first contact member may be located in the thumb portion of the glove, a second contact member may be located in a first finger portion of the glove and a third contact member may be located in a second finger portion of the glove. In this arrangement, operation of the switch device occurs when the thumb portion of the glove is brought into contact with either first or second finger portions of the glove. Operation of the switch device may also occur when the first and second finger portions of the glove are brought into contact with each other.

The electrically conductive contact members may be made of a flexible material.

The electrically conductive contact members may include electrically conductive fibres or threads. The fibres may be synthetic fibres. The fibres may be natural fibres mixed with electrically conductive fibres.

The electrically conductive contact members may be made of an electrically conductive textile or fabric.

The electrically conductive contact members may be include a textile or fabric which includes one or more electrically conductive fibres or threads.

The electrically conductive contact members may be include a textile or fabric which includes a plurality of electrically conductive fibres or threads.

The electrically conductive contact members may be include a textile or fabric which includes one or more electrically conductive rubber components.

The electrically conductive contact members may be made of an electrically conductive rubber.

The electrically conductive contact members may be include a textile or fabric which includes one or more electrically conductive plastic components.

The electrically conductive contact members may be made of an electrically conductive plastic.

The electrically conductive contact members may be include a textile or fabric which includes one or more electrically conductive polymer components.

The electrically conductive contact members may be made of an electrically conductive polymer.

The electrically conductive contact members may include metal. The electrically conductive contact members may be planar members made of metal. The electrically conductive contact members may be disc-shaped members made of metal. The electrically conductive contact members may be metal popper fasteners.

The switch device may be electrically connected to the control device via a plurality of electrically conductive wires. The wires may be made of, or include, metal. The wires may be made of, or include, electrically conductive rubber. The wires may be made of, or include, electrically conductive plastic. The wires may be made of, or include, an electrically conductive polymer.

The switch device may be electrically connected to the control device via a plurality of electrically conductive threads. The threads may be made of, or include, electrically conductive fibres. The threads may be made of, or include, electrically conductive rubber. The threads may be made of, or include, electrically conductive plastic. The threads may be made of, or include, an electrically conductive polymer.

The plurality of electrically conductive wires may be fastened to the hand garment. The plurality of electrically conductive threads may be stitched to the hand garment.

The plurality of electrically conductive threads may be fastened to the hand garment. The plurality of electrically conductive threads may be stitched to the hand garment.

The switch device may be an accelerometer, the operation of which completes an electrical circuit between the switch device, the control device, electrical power source and light source. The control device is operable to determine when the operation of the switch device results in the completion of the electrical circuit and to control the operation of the light source.

The accelerometer may be located with the hand garment. The accelerometer may be located within the hand garment. The accelerometer may be detachably fastened to the hand garment.

The accelerometer may be located in the compartment.

The switch device may be a gyroscope, the operation of which completes an electrical circuit between the switch device, the control device, electrical power source and light source. The control device is operable to determine when the operation of the switch device results in the completion of the electrical circuit and to control the operation of the light source.

The gyroscope may be located with the hand garment. The gyroscope may be located within the hand garment. The gyroscope may be detachably fastened to the hand garment.

The gyroscope may be located in the compartment.

The electrical power source and the control device may be located together with the hand garment.

The electrical power source, control device and light source may be located together with the hand garment.

The illuminated apparatus may further comprise a housing, the housing being arranged to accommodate at least the control device therein. The housing may also be arranged to accommodate the control device and the electrical power source therein. The housing may also be arranged to accommodate the control device, electrical power source and at least part of the light source therein.

The housing may be located with the hand garment. The housing may be located within the compartment of the hand garment. The housing may be sealed to prevent the ingress of water therein. The housing may be waterproof. The housing may be a waterproof container.

The housing may include a power switch to operate the electrical power source. The power switch switches the electrical power source on" and "off".

The housing may include at least two electrically conductive contact members. The at least two electrically conductive contact members are configured to be in electrical contact with the control device inside the housing. The at least two electrically conductive contact members may be arranged such that they protrude through the housing. In this arrangement the at least two electrically conductive contact members are exposed on the outer surface of the housing.

The at least two electrically conductive contact members may be in the form of pads, or skids. The pads may be substantially planar members.

The skids may be substantially elongate members.

The at least two electrically conductive contact members may be made from one of the group consisting of metal, a conductive fabric, a conductive textile, a conductive polymer, a conductive rubber and a conductive plastic.

The at least two electrically conductive contact members may be arranged to be in electrical contact with the electrically conductive wires, or threads, of the switch device.

The electrically conductive wires, or threads, of the switch device may terminate at at least two further electrically conductive contact members.

The electrically conductive wires, or threads, of the switch device may be in electrical contact with the at least two further electrically conductive contact members.

The at least two further electrically conductive contact members of the electrically conductive wires, or threads may be made from one of the group consisting of metal, a conductive fabric, a conductive textile, a conductive polymer, a conductive rubber and a conductive plastic.

The at least two further electrically conductive contact members may be fastened to the hand garment. The at least two further electrically conductive contact members may be located with the compartment. The ends of the electrically conductive wires, or threads, of the switch device may be located within the compartment.

The at least two electrically conductive contact members of the housing may be arranged to be in electrical contact with the at least two further electrically conductive contact members of the electrically conductive wires, or threads.

The illuminated apparatus may further comprise one or more additional light sources and the control device may be operable to control the operation of the one or more additional light sources in dependence on the operation of the switch device.

The one or more additional light sources may be elongate flexible members.

The one or more additional light sources may be light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light sources may include a plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs may be arranged linearly. The plurality of LEDs may be may be mounted to a flexible support member. The flexible support member may be an elongate member with the LEDs arranged linearly thereon. The light source may be an LED light strip.

The one or more additional light sources may include an LED and an optical fibre. The one or more additional light sources may include a plurality of optical fibres. The LED may be located at one end of the optical fibre. The one or more additional light sources may include one or more LEDs and one or more optical fibres. The optical fibre may be a side emitting optical fibre. The optical fibres may be side emitting optical fibres.

The optical fibre may include a coloured polymer core.

The one or more additional light sources may be electroluminescent wires.

The light source may include a plurality of electroluminescent wires.

The one or more additional light sources may be located with the hand garment. The one or more additional light sources may be detachably fastenable to the hand garment. The one or more additional light sources may be detachably fastenable to a portion of an externally facing surface of the hand garment. The one or more additional light sources may be fastened to the hand garment.

The one or more additional light sources may be located externally from the hand garment. The one or more additional light sources may be located on the wearer of the hand garment. The one or more additional light sources may be detachably fastenable to the wearer of the hand garment. The one or more additional light sources may be located with an additional garment. The one or more additional light sources may be detachably fastenable to a portion of an externally facing surface of the additional garment. The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the hand garment. The additional garment may be an upper body garment. The additional garment may be a lower body garment. The additional garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The one or more additional light sources may be located with a bag. The bag may be a back pack, rucksack, or the like. The one or more additional light sources may be located with a helmet. The helmet may be worm by the wearer of the hand garment.

Where the additional garment is an upper body garment, the additional light source may be located on an external surface of the additional garment. The additional light source may extend along the arm portions and back portion of the additional garment. The additional light source may extend along both arm portions and back portion of the additional garment.

The control device may be electrically connected to the one or more additional light sources by electrically conductive wires, or threads. The wires, or threads, may be made of, or include metal. The wires, or threads, may be made of, or include electrically conductive rubber. The wires, or threads, may be made of, or include electrically conductive plastic. The wires, or threads, may be made of, or include an electrically conductive polymer.

The electrically conductive wires, or threads may be at least partially fastened to the hand garment and the additional garment.

The electrically conductive wires, or threads may include a first portion associated with the hand garment and a second portion associated with the additional garment. The first and second portions of the electrically conductive wires, or threads may be detachably connectable to one another.

The first portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads of the hand garment may terminate at at least two further electrically conductive contact members. The first portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads of the hand garment may be in electrical contact with the at least two further electrically conductive contact members.

The at least two further electrically conductive contact members may be located in the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment. The at least two further electrically conductive contact members may be fastened to the cuff, or wrist, portion of the hand garment.

The at least two further electrically conductive contact members of the first portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads of the hand garment may be made from one of the group consisting of metal, a conductive fabric, a conductive textile, a conductive polymer, a conductive rubber and a conductive plastic.

The second portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads of the additional garment may terminate at at least two further electrically conductive contact members. The second portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads of the additional garment may be in electrical contact with the at least two further electrically conductive contact members.

Where the additional garment is an upper body garment having arm portions, the at least two further electrically conductive contact members may be located in the cuff, or wrist, portion of the additional garment. The at least two further electrically conductive contact members may be fastened to the cuff, or wrist, portion of the additional garment.

The at least two further electrically conductive contact members of the second portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads, of the additional garment may be made from one of the group consisting of metal, a conductive fabric, a conductive textile, a conductive polymer, a conductive rubber and a conductive plastic.

The at least two further electrically conductive contact members of the first portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads, of the hand garment and the at least two further electrically conductive contact members of the second portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads of the additional garment are arranged such that, in use, when the garments are being worn by a user, the contact members are in electrical contact with one another.

The hand garment and/or the additional garment may include one or more fastening devices to retain the at least two further electrically conductive contact members of the first portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads, of the hand garment and the at least two further electrically conductive contact members of the second portion of the electrically conductive wires, or threads, of the additional garment in electrical contact with one another. The one or more fastening devices may include a hook and loop fastening device, a button, a popper button, or the like.

The control device may be connected to the light source by a wireless connection device. The wireless connection device may be a BluetoothTM wireless connection device. The wireless connection device may use BluetoothTM low energy wireless technology.

The control device may be connected to the one or more additional light source by a wireless connection device. The wireless connection device may be a BluetoothTM wireless connection device. The wireless connection device may use BluetoothTM low energy wireless technology.

The additional garment may comprise an additional electrical power source. The additional electrical power source may be located with the additional garment. The additional power source may be operable to provide electrical power to the one or more additional light sources. The control device may be operable to control the operation of the additional electrical power source and the one or more additional light sources in dependence on the operation of the switch device.

The illuminated apparatus may comprise two or more switch devices, wherein the operation of each switch device controls the operation of the light source, via the control device.

The illuminated apparatus may comprise a first switch device and a second switch device, the first switch device may comprise two electrical contact surfaces, as described above, and the second switch device may be an accelerometer, or a gyroscope, as described above.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment including an illuminated apparatus, the illuminated apparatus comprising: an electrical power source; a light source; a control device; and a switch device, wherein the electrical power source is operable to provide electrical power to the control device and the light source, and wherein the control device is operable to control the operation of the light source in dependence on the operation of the switch device, and wherein the switch device is located with the garment.

The garment may be a hand garment. The hand garment may be a glove or a mitten. The glove may be a cycling glove. The glove may be a safety glove. The glove may be a motorcycle glove.

The electrical power source may be an inductively charged power source.

The electrical power source may be a photovoltaic solar cell.

The electrical power source may be located with the garment. The electrical power source may be located within the garment. The electrical power source may be detachably fastened to the garment.

The garment may include a compartment. The compartment may be closable. The compartment may be sealed to prevent the ingress of water therein. The compartment may be waterproof.

The electrical power source may be located in the compartment.

The electrical power source may be located externally from the garment.

The electrical power source may be located on the wearer of the garment.

The electrical power source may be detachably fastenable to the wearer of the garment. The electrical power source may be located with an additional garment. The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the garment. The additional garment may be an upper body garment.

The additional garment may be a lower body garment. The additional garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The electrical power source may be located with a bag. The bag may be a back pack, rucksack, or the like.

The garment may further comprise an additional garment. The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the garment. The additional garment may be an upper body garment. The additional garment may be a lower body garment. The additional garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The electrical power source may be located with the additional garment.

The light source may be an elongate flexible member.

The light source may be located with the garment. The light source may be detachably fastenable to the garment. The light source may be detachably fastenable to a portion of an externally facing surface of the garment. The light source may be fastened to the garment.

The light source may be fastened to the hand garment.

The light source may be located externally from the garment. The light source may be located on the wearer of the garment. The light source may be detachably fastenable to the wearer of the garment. The light source may be located with an additional garment. The light source may be detachably fastenable to a portion of an externally facing surface of the additional garment. The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the garment. The additional garment may be an upper body garment.

The additional garment may be a lower body garment. The additional garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The light source may be located with a bag. The bag may be a back pack, rucksack, or the like. The light source may be located with a helmet. The helmet may be worm by the wearer of the garment.

The light source may be located with the additional garment.

The control device may be located with the garment. The control device may be located within the garment. The control device may be detachably fastened to the garment.

The control device may be located in the compartment of the garment.

The control device may be located in the compartment of the hand garment.

The control device may be located externally from the garment. The control device may be located on the wearer of the garment. The control device may be detachably fastenable to the wearer of the garment. The control device may be located with an additional garment. The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the garment. The garment may be an upper body garment. The garment may be a lower body garment. The garment may be one of the group consisting of a jacket, a jumper, a t-shirt, a hat, trouser, shorts and footwear. The electrical power source may be located with a bag. The bag may be a back pack, rucksack, or the like.

The additional garment may be worn by the wearer of the hand garment.

The light source may be located with the additional garment.

The control device may be located adjacent the electrical power source.

The electrically conductive contact members may be located within the garment.

Where the switch device includes two electrically conductive contact members, a first contact member may be located in the thumb portion of the glove and a second contact member may be located in a finger portion of the glove. In this arrangement, operation of the switch device occurs when the finger and thumb portions of the glove are brought into contact with each another.

The electrically conductive contact members may be made of a flexible material.

The accelerometer may be located in the compartment.

The gyroscope may be located in the compartment.

The housing may include a power switch to operate the electrical power source. The power switch switches the electrical power source "on" and "off'.

The skids may be substantially elongate members.

The one or more additional light sources may be elongate flexible members.

The one or more additional light sources may be light emitting diodes (LED5). The light sources may include a plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs may be arranged linearly. The plurality of LEDs may be may be mounted to a flexible support member. The flexible support member may be an elongate member with the LEDs arranged linearly thereon. The light source may be an LED light strip.

The one or more additional light sources may include an LED and an optical fibre. The one or more additional light sources may include a plurality of optical fibres. The LED may be located and one end of the optical fibre. The one or more additional light sources may include one or more LEDs and one or more optical fibres. The optical fibre may be a side emitting optical fibre. The optical fibres may be side emitting optical fibres.

The one or more additional light sources may be electroluminescent wires.

The light source may include a plurality of electroluminescent wires.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a bag including an illuminated apparatus, the illuminated apparatus comprising: an electrical power source; a light source; a control device; and a switch device, wherein the electrical power source is operable to provide electrical power to the control device and the light source, and wherein the control device is operable to control the operation of the light source in dependence on the operation of the switch device, and wherein the switch device is located with the bag.

The bag may be a rucksack, or a backpack. The bag may be capable of being worn over at least one shoulder of a wearer.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 a is a back-side view of the illuminated apparatus of the present invention; and Figure lb is a palm-side view of the illuminated apparatus of figure 1; Figure 2 is a further view of the illuminated apparatus of figure 1 a detailing the compartment and electrical contact members of the switch device; Figure 3a is a top view of the control device of the illuminated apparatus; Figure 3b is a side view of the control device of figure 3a; Figure 4a is a perspective view of the bottom side of a housing of the illuminated apparatus; Figure 4b is a perspective view of the top side of the housing of figure 4a; and Figure 5 is an additional garment of the illuminated apparatus.

With reference to figures 1 a to 4b, the illuminated apparatus 10 comprises a glove 12 (an example of a hand garment), an electrical power source 14, a light source 16, a control device 18 and a switch device 20.

The glove 12 is made from Covec TM However, it should be appreciated that the glove may be made from any other suitable material.

The electrical power source 14 is operable to provide electrical power to the control device 18 and the light source 16 and the control device 18 is operable to control the operation of the light source 16 in dependence on the operation of the switch device 20.

With reference to figures 4a and 4b, the illuminated apparatus 10 includes a housing 22. The housing 22 is a waterproof body which houses the electrical power source 14 and the control device 18. The housing 22 is constructed of plastic, or a rubber, which may be a silicone rubber, and includes a sliding cover 23, which allows access to the inside of the housing 22. The housing 22 also includes an "on/off' power switch 24, which switches the electrical power source 14 "on" and "off'.

With reference to figure 2, the glove 12 includes a waterproof compartment 26. The compartment 26 is located on the back-side of the glove 12. In the embodiment illustrated and described here the compartment 26 has a flap 26a which is used to close, or cover, the compartment 26. The flap 26a may include a waterproof zip (not illustrated), or the like to prevent the ingress of water into the compartment 26.

The housing 22 is accommodated within the compartment 26. In this arrangement the housing 22 is located with the glove 12. The housing 22 may be detachably fastenable to the compartment 26.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the electrical power source 14 is a re-chargeable battery. However, it should be appreciated that other types of batteries or electrical power sources could also be used, such as an inductively charged power source, or photovoltaic solar cell.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the light source 16 includes a light emitting diode (LED) 16a and a side emitting fibre optic 16b. The side emitting fibre optic 16b is a flexible elongate component.

As illustrated in figures 2 to 4b, the LED 16a is connected to the control device 18 (described below). The LED 16a and control device 18 are arranged such that, when the control device 18 is mounted in the housing 22, the LED 1 6a protrudes from the housing 22. The side emitting fibre optic 16b is then attached to the LED 16a. An end portion of the side emitting fibre optic 16b is attached to the LED 16a such that light from the LED 16a travels along the fibre optic in the known manner. Since the fibre optic is a side emitting fibre optic, light is emitted radially from the fibre optic along its entire length.

As illustrated best in figures la, lb and 2, the side emitting fibre optic 16b is attached to the outer surface 1 2a of the glove 12. The side emitting fibre optic 1 6b may be detachably attached to the glove 12. The side emitting fibre optic 16b extends from the compartment 26 on the inside of the glove 12, through an aperture (not illustrated), around a wrist portion 12b, and along a side of the portion 12c towards the tip of the little finger 12d of the glove 12. However, it should be appreciated that the side emitting fibre optic 1 6b may have any suitable configuration on the glove 12.

As described above, the control device 18 is mounted in the housing 22 with the electrical power source 14. The control device 18 includes a printed circuit board 18a to which a central processing unit (CPU) 28 and a microprocessor 30 are mounted. The LED 16a is attached to the printed circuit board 18a and is connected to the control device 18 and the electrical power source 14.

As described above, the control device 18 is operable to control the operation of the light source 16 in dependence on the operation of the switch device 20. As described below, the control device 18 is also operable to select one or more operating modes of the light source 16.

For example, the light source 16 may include a continuous operation mode, where the LED 16a is powered on for a set period, a flashing mode, where the LED 1 6a is pulsed a predetermined number of times, or for a predetermined period, etc. The switch device 20 is an electrical switch, the operation of which completes an electrical circuit between the switch device 20, the control device 18, the electrical power source 14 and the light source 16. The control device 18 operable to determine when the operation of the switch device 20 results in the completion of the electrical circuit and to control the operation of the light source 16.

With reference to figures 1 a to 2, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated and described here the switch device 20 includes three electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c, the connection between any two of which completes the electrical circuit. The electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c are formed integrally with the glove 12.

The electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c are attached to the thumb and finger portions of the glove 12. The electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c may, for example, be attached to the outer surface 1 2a of the glove 12, or be attached to the inner surface 1 2a' of the glove 12 and protrude through apertures 12b' located therein.

The electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c are made from an electrically conductive fabric material. The electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c are stitched to the glove 12.

The electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c are connected to the control device 18 via electrically conductive threads 32. The electrically conductive threads 32 are stitched into the inner surface 1 2a' oftheglovel2.

As illustrated in figure 4a, the housing 22 includes two electrically conductive contact members 22a, 22b. The two electrically conductive contact members 22a, 22b are located on the bottom surface 22' of the housing 22 and are electrically connected to the control device 18.

The two electrically conductive contact members 22a, 22b are made from electrically conductive rubber. However, it should be appreciated that the two electrically conductive contact members 22a, 22b may be made from other suitable conductive materials, such as electrically conductive plastic, or the like.

As illustrated in figure 2, the electrically conductive threads 32 of the switch device 20 terminate at two electrically conductive contact pads 20d, 20e (examples of at least two further electrically conductive contact members). The electrically conductive contact pads 20d, 20e are located in the compartment 26 and are stitched to the inner surface 1 2a' of the glove 12. The electrically conductive contact pads 20d, 20e are made from an electrically conductive fabric material.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here the electrically conductive contact member 20a (thumb) is connected via an electrically conductive thread 32 to electrically conductive contact pad 20d, and the electrically conductive contact members 20b and 20c (fingers) are connected via an electrically conductive thread 32 to electrically conductive pad 20e.

As described above, the housing 22 is located in the compartment 26.

When the housing 22 is located in the compartment 26 it is placed on top of the electrically conductive contact pads 20d, 20e. In this arrangement the two electrically conductive contact members 22a, 22b of the housing 22 are in electrical contact with the electrically conductive contact pads 20d, 20e of the switch device 20. The electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c of the switch device 20 are thus electrically connected to the control device 18 via the electrically conductive threads 32, the electrically conductive contact pads 20d, 20e and the electrically conductive contact members 22a, 22b.

In the arrangement described above, when the electrically conductive contact member 20a is brought into contact with either of the electrically conductive contact members 20b or 20c, the control device 18 determines that the electrical circuit is complete and operates the light source 16 in one of its predetermined modes.

In use, the wearer of the glove 12 operates the illuminated apparatus 10 by performing a pinching action between the thumb and fore finger, or the thumb and middle finger. This operates the switch device 20, which is detected by the control device 18. The control device 18 then controls the electrical power source 14 and light source 16 in a predetermined manner.

One example of the mode of operation of the light source 16 is for the light source 16 to flash "on" and "off'.

One example of the operation of the illuminated apparatus 10 is where the user is a cyclist or motorcyclist. The cyclist or motorcyclist would wear the glove 12 when riding and when they wish to, for example, turn a corner or change lanes, they would pinch their thumb and fore finger or middle finger together to activate the light source 16 and then hold out their arm to indicate their manoeuvre. The result of this is that the light source 16 flashes "on" and "off' to indicate the manoeuvre.

With reference to figures la and 5, the illuminated apparatus 10 may comprise one or more additional light sources 116, the control device 18 being operable to control the operation of the additional light source 116 in dependence on the operation of the switch device 20.

In the embodiment illustrated and described here, the additional light source 116 is attached to a jacket 34 (an example of an additional garment), and includes a light emitting diode (LED) (not illustrated) and a side emitting fibre optic 11 6b. The additional light source 116 may also include an additional electrical power source (not illustrated), which is mounted in a housing (not illustrated). The LED may be connected to the electrical power source and may protrude through the housing thereof to allow connection with the side emitting fibre optic 11Gb. The control device 18 is connected to the additional electrical power source to control the operation of the electrical power source and LED, as described below.

As illustrated in figure 5, the side emitting fibre optic 116b is attached to the outer surface of the jacket 34 and extends along the arm and back portions thereof. However, it should be appreciated that the side emitting fibre optic 11 6b may have any suitable configuration on the jacket 34.

The control device 18 is connected to the additional light source 116 (electrical power source and LED) via electrically conductive threads (not illustrated). The electrically conductive threads include a first portion associated with the glove 12 and a second portion associated with the jacket 34. As illustrated in figures 1 a and 1 b, the first portion of the threads of the glove 12 terminate at two contact pads 36a and 36b (examples of at least two further electrically conductive contact members).

The two contact pads 36a and 36b are electrically connected to the threads and fastened to the wrist portion 1 2b of the glove. As illustrated in figure 5, the second portion of the threads of the jacket 34 includes two contact pads 38a and 38b (examples of at least two further electrically conductive contact members). The two contact pads 38a and 38b are electrically connected to the threads and are fastened to the wrist, or cuff, 34a of the jacket 34.

The contact pads 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b are made from an electrically conductive fabric material. The contact pads 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b are designed such that, when the user of the apparatus is wearing both the glove 12 and the jacket 34, contact pads 36a and 38a and contact pads 36b and 38b are electrical connection with one another. This allows the control device 18 to operate the additional light source 116, as described above.

The glove 12 and/or jacket 34 may also include one or more fastening devices (not illustrated) to retain the contact pads 36a, 36b, 38a, 38b in contact with one another.

In use, the wearer of the glove 12 operates the illuminated apparatus 10 by performing a pinching action between the thumb and fore finger, or the thumb and middle finger. This operates the switch device 20, which is detected by the control device 18. The control device 18 then controls the electrical power source 14 and light source 16, 116 of the glove 12 and the jacket 34 in a predetermined manner. Although it should be appreciated that the control device 18 may be configurable to operate either the light source 16 of the glove 12 or the light source 116 of the jacket. One example of the mode of operation of the light source 16 is for the light source 16 to flash "on" and "off'.

As described above, the cyclist or motorcyclist would wear the glove 12 when riding and when they wish to, for example, turn a corner or change lanes, they would pinch their thumb and fore finger or middle finger together to activate the light sources 16 and 116 and then hold out their arm to indicate their manoeuvre. The result of this is that the light sources 16 and 116 flashes "on" and "off" to indicate the manoeuvre.

The illuminated apparatus 10 is particularly useful for cyclists and/or motorcyclists. The illuminated apparatus 10 has been designed to increase visibility for cyclists and motorcyclists. The illuminated apparatus 10 has the added function of providing indication of manoeuvres at junctions, roundabouts etc. The location of the light source 16 on the glove 12, as described above, offer a particular advantage in increasing the visibility of the light source 16 from a number of different riding configurations for both cyclists and motorcyclists. The ability of the control device 18 operate the light sources 16, 116 in a number of predetermined manners, as described above, provide the illuminated apparatus 10 with added functionality over previous apparatus.

However, it should be appreciated that the illuminated apparatus 10 may be used by a wide range of users. For example, given that the light sources 16, 116 may be located externally from the glove 12 and attached to another garment or object, the illuminated apparatus 10 may find uses as a safety device in the construction industry and other industries where signalling is required.

The illuminated apparatus 10 of the present invention improves the visibility of the wearer of the apparatus, particularly to wearers who are cyclists or motorcyclists. The illuminated apparatus 10 of the present invention also presents a less bulky and easier to use apparatus than is presently known.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the above without departing from the scope of present invention. For example, although the electrical power source 14, light source 16 and control device 18 have been illustrated and described above as being located with the glove 12, it should be appreciated that any, or all, of the electrical power source 14, light source 16 and control device 18 may be located externally from the glove 12. In this arrangement, the switch device 20 would still be located with the glove 12, but any of the electrical power source 14, light source 16 and control device 18 may be located on, for example, the wearer of the glove (e.g. on their body), or on an additional garment worn by the wearer of the glove 12, which may be a jacket, helmet, bag etc. Furthermore, although the light source 16 and the additional light source 116 have been illustrated and described above as an LED light source 16a with a flexible side emitting fibre optic 16b, 116b, it should be appreciated that other light sources could be used. For example, the light source may include a plurality of LEDs, electroluminescent wire(s), or photovoltaic ink.

When electroluminescent wires are used, the electrical power source 14 is operable to supply an electrical current thereto. The operation of the illuminated apparatus 10 is otherwise unchanged.

Also, although the electrically conductive contact members and pads 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 36a, 36b, 38a and 38b have been illustrated and described above as being made from electrically conductive fabric material, it should be appreciated that the electrically conductive contact members and pads 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e, 36a, 36b, 38a and 38b may be made from an electrically conductive textile, an electrically conductive rubber, an electrically conductive plastic, metal, or an electrically conductive polymer.

Furthermore, although the electrically conductive contact members 22a, 22b have been illustrated and described above as being made of electrically conductive rubber, it should be appreciated that the electrically conductive contact members 22a, 22b may be made from an electrically conductive plastic, an electrically conductive textile, an electrically conductive fabric, an electrically conductive polymer, or metal.

Also, although the switch device 20 has been illustrated and described above as including three electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c, it should be appreciated that the switch device 20 may include any suitable number of electrically conductive contact members without affecting the operation of the illuminated apparatus 10.

Furthermore, although the switch device 20 has been illustrated and described above as including three electrically conductive contact members 20a, 20b, 20c, it should be appreciated that the switch device 20 may be an accelerometer or a gyroscope. The operation of the accelerometer or a gyroscope completes the electrical circuit between the switch device 20, the control device 18, the electrical power source 14 and the light source 16. The control device 18 is again operable to determine when the operation of the switch device 20 results in the completion of the electrical circuit and to control the operation of the light source 16. The accelerometer or a gyroscope are operated by relative movement, as is known in the art. The accelerometer or a gyroscope may be located with the glove. The accelerometer or a gyroscope may be located externally from the glove.

Also, although the additional light source 116 has been illustrated and described above as being located with the jacket 34, it should be appreciated that the additional light source 116 may be located with another garment, or on the wearer of the glove 12. In this arrangement, the switch device 20 would still be located with the glove 12, but the additional light source 116 may be located on, for example, the wearer of the glove (e.g. on their body), or on an additional garment worn by the wearer of the glove 12, which may be a jacket, helmet, bag etc. Furthermore, although the control device 18 has been illustrated and described above as being electrically connected to the light source 16 and/or the additional light source 116 by electrically conductive threads 32, it should be appreciated that the control device 18 may be operate the light source 16 and/or the additional light source 116 by a wireless connection. The wireless connection may include a wireless connection device which operates via a BluetoothTM wireless connection device. The wireless connection device may use BluetoothTM low energy wireless technology.

Also, although the control device 18 has been illustrated and described above as being electrically connected to the switch device 20 by electrically conductive threads 32, it should be appreciated that the control device 18 may be connected to the switch device 20 by a wireless connection. The wireless connection may include a wireless connection device which operates via a BluetoothTM wireless connection device. The wireless connection device may use BluetoothTM low energy wireless technology. In this arrangement the switch device may also include a complimentary wireless connection device to facilitate operation between the switch device and the control device.

Also, although the illuminated apparatus 10 has been illustrated and described above as including a single switch device 20, it should be appreciated that the illuminated apparatus 10 may include two or more switch devices, one of which may be an accelerometer or a gyroscope.

Any of the switch devices would be used to operate the illuminated apparatus in the manner described above.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, when the light source 16 is located externally from the glove 12, that it may be fastened to, for example, an additional garment, bag or helmet, via a fastening device, such as a hook and loop fastening device.

Also, it should be appreciated that the control device 18 may select the operation of the light source in dependence on the number of electrical connections made with the switch device, or the duration of the electrical contact made by the switch device, or pattern of electrical connections made with the switch device, e.g. "double clicking" the switch etc. Each type of operation of the switch device may, for example, result in the selection of a predetermined mode of operation of the light source.

Furthermore, the glove 12 may further comprise one or more reflective components attached thereto. The one or more reflective components may include reflective yarn and/or thread.

Also, the glove 12 may also include one or more gel filled pads, which may be located on the palm-side of the glove 12 to provide support and comfort to the wearer of the glove 12.

Furthermore, although the compartment 26 has been illustrated and described above as being located on the back-side of the glove 12, i.e. on the back of the hand of the wearer of the glove 12, it should be appreciated that the compartment may be located at any other suitable location on the glove 12. For example, where the illuminated apparatus is used with a glove that is suitable for a motorcyclist, the glove may have an extended wrist, or cuff, portion which extends along the forearm of the wearer. In this arrangement, the compartment may be located in the portion of the glove which extends over the forearm of the wearer.

The electrical power source 14, LED 1 6a etc. would again be located in the compartment, as described above.

Also, although the illuminated apparatus 10 has been illustrated and described above as including a hand garment with the switch device located therein, it should be appreciated that the present invention may also comprise a garment including an illuminated apparatus, the illuminated apparatus comprising: an electrical power source; a light source; a control device; and a switch device, wherein the electrical power source is operable to provide electrical power to the control device and the light source, and wherein the control device is operable to control the operation of the light source in dependence on the operation of the switch device, and wherein the switch device is located with the garment, or a bag including an illuminated apparatus, the illuminated apparatus comprising: an electrical power source; a light source; a control device; and a switch device, wherein the electrical power source is operable to provide electrical power to the control device and the light source, and wherein the control device is operable to control the operation of the light source in dependence on the operation of the switch device, and wherein the switch device is located with the bag. In the above alternate embodiments of the present invention it should be appreciated that the illuminated apparatus may include all the features and/or additional features described above in relation to the specific description and illustrations of the illuminated apparatus 10.

Claims

Claims 1. An illuminated apparatus comprising: a hand garment; an electrical power source; a light source; a control device; and a switch device, wherein the electrical power source is operable to provide electrical power to the control device and the light source, and wherein the control device is operable to control the operation of the light source in dependence on the operation of the switch device, and wherein the switch device is located with the hand garment.
2. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes an elongate flexible member which extends along a side portion of the hand garment between a fingertip portion and a wrist portion thereof.
3. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the elongate flexible member of the light source additionally extends around the wrist portion of the hand garment.
4. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the elongate flexible member is a side emitting optical fibre.
5. The illuminated apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the switch device includes two electrically conductive contact members, the connection between which completes an electrical circuit between the switch device, the control device, the electrical power source and the light source.
6. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the hand garment is a glove and one of the two electrically conductive contact members is located in a thumb portion of the glove and the other of the two electrically conductive contact members is located in a finger portion of the glove.
7. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the electrically conductive contact members are made of an electrically conductive fabric material, textile material, plastic material or rubber material.
8. The illuminated apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the illuminated apparatus further comprises a housing, the housing being arranged to accommodate the electrical power source, the control device and at least a portion of the light source therein.
9. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the housing is made of a flexible rubber material and is sealed to prevent the ingress of water therein.
10. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the housing includes two electrically conductive contact members, the electrically conductive contact members being configured to be in electrical contact with the control device inside the housing, and the electrically conductive contact members being arranged such that they protrude through the housing.
11. The illuminated apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the hand garment includes a compartment, the compartment being sealed to prevent the ingress of water therein.
12. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 11, when dependent upon any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the housing is located within the compartment.
13. The illuminated apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 12, wherein the electrically conductive contact members of the switch device are connected to the control device via electrically conductive thread.
14. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the electrically conductive thread of the electrically conductive contact members of the switch device terminate at two further electrically conductive contact members in the compartment, and the electrically conductive contact members of the housing are arranged to be in electrical contact with the two further electrically conductive contact members of the switch device.
15. The illuminated apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the illuminated apparatus includes one or more additional light sources, the control device being operable to control the operation of the one or more additional light sources in dependence on the operation of the switch device.
16. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the one or more additional light sources includes an elongate flexible member.
17. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the elongate flexible member is a side emitting optical fibre.
18. The illuminated apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the illuminated apparatus further comprises an additional garment and the one or more additional light sources are located on the additional garment, the additional garment being wearable by the wearer of the hand garment.
19. The illuminated apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the control device is electrically connected to the one or more additional light sources by electrically conductive thread.
20. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the electrically conductive thread includes a first portion associated with the hand garment and a second portion associated with the additional garment, and wherein the first and second portions are detachably connectable to one another.
21. The illuminated apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the additional garment is an upper body garment and the first portion of the thread terminates at two further electrically conductive contact members located on the wrist portion of the hand garment, and the second portion of the thread terminates at two further electrically conductive contact members located on a cuff portion of the upper body garment, the electrically conductive contact members of the thread being electrically connectable with one another.
22. The illuminated apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the illuminated apparatus further comprises an additional electrical power source, wherein the additional power source is located with the additional garment and is operable to provide electrical power to the one or more additional light sources.
23. The illuminated apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the control device is connected to the light source and/or the switch device by a wireless connection device.
24. A bag including an illuminated apparatus, the illuminated apparatus comprising: an electrical power source; a light source; a control device; and a switch device, wherein the electrical power source is operable to provide electrical power to the control device and the light source, and wherein the control device is operable to control the operation of the light source in dependence on the operation of the switch device, and wherein the switch device is located with the bag.