Solar Powered Jewelry, Adornment and Fashion Accessory

Abstract

The present invention relates to an illumination article designed to illuminate using solar light or any other captured light. The article can be designed in form of an adornment, jewelry, fashion accessory or other item. More specifically, the article has a solar rope string with a plurality of photocells for capturing light and converting it into electric energy, a plurality of LEDs supported by the string for illuminating at least a portion of the article, a plurality of beads or crystals and a sun catcher for creating a sparkling effect using natural light impinging on article and light illuminated by LEDs. The LEDs can illuminate in a uniform manner, intermittent, running or in a blinking manner.

Claims

1. An illumination article comprising: a transparent or translucent hollow cord having a first end and a second end; an illumination source disposed within the hollow cord; a solar collector in electrical communication with the illumination source; and a clasp for connecting the first and second ends, wherein the clasp comprises a sensor for activating the illumination source.

2. The illumination article as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination source does not require a chemical illumination.

3. The illumination article as recited in claim 1 further comprising a battery, wherein the illumination source is an LED.

4. The illumination article as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination source is a plurality of LEDs.

5. The illumination article as recited in claim 4, wherein the plurality of LEDs are provided in a single color or a plurality of colors.

6. The illumination article as recited in claim 1 further comprising a timer and a controller in communication with the illumination source.

7. The illumination article as recited in claim 6, wherein the controller operates the illumination source in one of a continuous mode, a sequential mode, a blinking mode or a running mode.

8. The illumination article as recited in claim 3 further comprising a charge meter in electrical communication with the battery.

9. The illumination article as recited in claim 1 further comprising an illumination control connected to the illumination source.

10. The illumination article as recited in claim 1, wherein the illumination article is one of a necklace, a bracelet, a wristband, a charm, a belt, a strap, a pendant, a broach, a ring, an earring, a helix piercing ring, a loop and a pin.

11. The illumination article as recited in claim 1, wherein the hollow cord has a diameter ranging between 1/32 and 2 inches.

12. The illumination article as recited in claim 1, wherein the hollow cord has a diameter ranging between ¼ and 1 inch.

13. The illumination article as recited in claim 1, wherein the hollow cord comprises a cavity having a diameter ranging between 1/32 and ¼ of an inch.

14. A fashion accessory comprising: a hollow cord having a cavity; a string of LED lights disposed within the cavity, wherein the string of LED lights are operable in at least one of a continuous mode, an intermittent mode, a blinking mode and a running mode; a photocell connected to the hollow cord, wherein the photocell powers the string of LED lights; and a conductive circuit connected to each of the string of LED lights.

15. The fashion accessory as recited in claim 14 further comprising a battery connected to the photocell for storing an energy collected by the photocell and a charge meter to determine an energy level of the battery.

16. The fashion accessory as recited in claim 14 further comprising a timer and a controller for operating the sting of LED lights and illumination cycle.

17. The fashion accessory as recited in claim 14 further comprising an illumination controller for controlling a mode of operation of the string of LED lights.

18. The fashion accessory as recited in claim 14 further comprising a clasp sensor connected to a first end or a second end of the hollow tube and for completing the conductive circuit.

19. A kit for producing an illumination item, the comprising: a package configured for one of a retail or an on-line sale; at least one decorative element provided in the package for personalizing the illumination item; a hollow cord having a cavity for containing at least one LED; and a photocell for collecting a solar energy and storing it in the battery.

20. The kit for producing an illumination item as recited in claim 19 further comprising a battery for powering the at least one LED and an extension tube having an LED light.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the solar powered glowing article of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up perspective view of one potential embodiment of the solar rope string used in the glowing accessory of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram showing the connections for providing electric power for illumination of the solar powered accessory of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another potential embodiment of the solar powered glowing accessory of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing yet another potential embodiment of the solar powered glowing article of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of yet another potential embodiment of the solar powered glowing article of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagrammatic view of one potential embodiment of a kit that may be used for making a solar powered and glowing accessory in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0032] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a glowing jewelry, adornment, fashion accessory, or the like, that is designed to be reusable without taking away from the functionality of disposable illumination items. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a glowing item that does not use any chemical substances for illumination. Additionally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved glowing wearable accessory item that is safe to wear by a user. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for glowing accessory that comes in various forms including necklaces, bracelets, wristbands, charms, pendants, broaches, rings, earrings, helix piercing rings, loops and pins, combinations, and other similar items. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved jewelry that can illuminate for longer periods and has a longer life than disposable items. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for an improved illumination accessory item that is cost-effective, multipurpose and uses a free source of energy, such as solar energy, for providing power for illumination of the accessory.

[0033] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel illumination article. The illumination article comprises a light source for illuminating at least a portion of the article, and a battery for providing power to the light source. The battery is positioned in a clasp or other closure of the jewelry, and a plurality of photocells that are positioned in at least a portion of the jewelry for converting solar energy into electrical energy. The electrical energy is used by the light source for illumination. The article further comprises a plurality of crystals, design elements or beads and a sun catcher for creating a sparkling effect using the natural light impinging on the jewelry, as well as the artificial light provided by the light source.

[0034] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the solar powered glowing illumination accessory 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. The glowing accessory 100 of the present embodiment is in the form of a necklace that has a transparent or translucent nylon cord 102 having magnetic clasps or closure ends 104, 106. The magnetic clasp or closure ends 104, 106 are configured to make a closed loop of the cord 102. It should be noted that the cord 102 may have hook, loop or any other fastening or closing mechanism for making a closed loop. The closing of the rope or cord may also complete the circuit to enable the illumination feature to commence the illumination cycle.

[0035] The nylon cord 102 is hollow and has a cavity 108, having a diameter ranging from 1/32″ to about 2″, running through length of the cord 102 for accommodating a solar rope string 110. The solar rope string 110 runs from the first clasp end 104 to the opposite clasp end 106. The solar rope string 110 is configured to have continuous photocells (shown in FIG. 2) along the length for capturing solar light. The solar rope string 110 also has LEDs 112 disposed thereon that illuminate using the captured solar light. The solar rope string 110 can be easily accommodated in the nylon cord 102 and enables the necklace 100 to glow at night, in low illumination, or dark areas. The photocells may be interspersed with the LEDs in equal instances, or the photocells may be provided in groups or sets at a different portion of the rope and the LEDs provided at other areas or in the same areas as the photocells.

[0036] The illumination article such as a necklace 100 has a pendant 114 that is fixedly attached to, or hangs from, the nylon cord 102. The pendant 114 can have any shape and size and has a solar powered illuminating element 116. The solar powered illuminating element 116 provides illumination in the pendant and uses solar energy for power.

[0037] The illumination article, such as a necklace 100, has transparent beads, other design/decorative elements and crystals 118 that reflect or enhance the light illuminated by solar rope string 110 for creating a glowing effect. The beads, decorative elements or crystals 118 can also be in a specific color for providing glow in a specific or multicolor.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the solar rope string 110 used in glowing necklace 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed specification. As illustrated, the solar rope string 110 has a plurality of photocells 202 for capturing solar energy. The photocells 202 are disposed in the string 110 and are designed to capture enough solar energy in an hour to allow illumination of the LEDs 112 for more than six hours.

[0039] More specifically, the LEDs 112 are adhered or integrated along the surface of the string 110 and provide illumination, in a continuous, intermittent, flashing, running or circling effect or any other desired illumination effects. The string 110 has an associated button battery 204 that is configured to store electric power produced by the photocells 202. The button battery 204 is preferably positioned inside one of clasps or closures of the necklace or fashion accessory 100 and provides power to the LEDs 112. The nylon rope or cord 102 is configured to protect the solar rope string 110 from weather elements and further the solar rope string 110 is designed as a weatherproof structure.

[0040] It should be noted that the string 110 functions as an electrical conductor that provides power to LEDs 112 and stores power in the button battery 204. In the preferred embodiment of the necklace 100, electrical power is automatically drawn from the battery 204 when the clasps 104 106 are snapped or connected together (using a sensor as described in FIG. 3) allowing the necklace 100 (solar string 110) to glow. Alternatively, in other embodiments, one of the clasps or connectors 104, 106 may have a button to manually activate glowing of the necklace.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a functional block diagram showing connection for providing electric power for illumination of necklace 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the disclosed specification. As illustrated, a clasp or closure sensor 302 positioned on the clasps of the necklace automatically senses closure, or snapping of the clasps, and activates the button battery 204 to discharge current through conductive circuit 304 of the solar rope string 110. The conductive circuit 304 is made of an electrically conductive material and is configured to carry electric current.

[0042] The electric power stored in the button battery 204, after conversion of captured solar energy, is accordingly provided to LEDs 112 and illuminating element(s) 116 of the illumination article. The LEDs can be single colored or multicolored and further can produce a uniform illumination, sequential operation, running effect, or alternatively can be blinking LEDs. The lighting effects are controlled by a timer and/or controller 305, which may also include a battery or energy saver mode where the LEDs are turned off when there is no movement. The battery 204 is connected to a solar collector or photocell 303 which may have a power or charge meter 307 for determining the charge level of the battery. The illumination element 116 may be connected to an illumination control 311 to change the intensity of the LED and allow the user to select high, medium and low intensities.

[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the solar powered glowing fashion accessory, adornment, jewelry, illumination article or other item of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the illumination article 400 has a solar string equipped cord 402 that can also be in the form of a chain, rope or tube and has a horse shaped pendant 404. Both the cord 402 and the pendant 404 are configured to glow in dark and low light areas using solar energy captured by the solar string. The clasps or closures 408, 410 are used for securing the necklace 400 and for making a closed loop. Further, the clasps or closures 408, 410 also include a miniature battery for providing power to the illuminating LEDs and illuminating elements in a manner similar to the manner described in other embodiments of the present invention. The article 400 has a number of design elements 406 to further accessorize the article 400.

[0044] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view showing yet another embodiment of the glowing illumination article of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. In the present embodiment, the illumination article is in the form of a bracelet 500 that has a solar rope string equipped cord 502 having a sun catcher 504 at one end and a hook 506 at the opposite end. The cord 502 has a plurality of multicolored beads, crystals, or other design/decorative elements 508 for providing aesthetic appeal to the article. A power module 510 is disposed adjacent to the sun catcher 504 that includes a button battery 512 for storing electric power transformed by the solar rope string of the cord 502.

[0045] The sun catcher 504, along with the crystals 508, help facilitate or create a sparkling effect. Further, the crystals 508 can be of multiple colors as per desire of the wearer. The cord 502 can also be made from any malleable and ductile metal such as gold or silver.

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of glowing illumination article of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed specification. As illustrated, the article, here depicted as a bracelet 600, has a glowing arm cover 602 that has photocells and an illuminating source disposed therein. The glowing arm cover 602 has a magnetic battery housing 604, 606 wherein a first housing 604 stores a positive electrode of battery and a second housing 606 stores a negative electrode of battery.

[0047] A connecting chain 612, having connectors 608, 610, is used for making a closed loop allowing a user to wear the bracelet 600. The connectors 608, 610 are also configured to allow electric charge to flow from the battery to said illuminating source for illuminating the glowing arm cover 602.

[0048] FIG. 7 provides a kit for making an illumination article. The kit includes a package 700 that contains a number of different elements allowing an individual to personalize their illumination item. The package is configured for one of retail or online sales. The kit includes several beads, charms, crystals, or other design/decorative elements 702, 704 and 706 which may be of the same color or different colors. A battery 708 is included with the kit as well as a photocell 710 to attach to the illumination article at a desired location. A hollow cord, rope, or string 712 having a clasp or closure 714, and the cord includes at least one LED 716 but in a preferred embodiment has multiple LED lights and they may be provided in different colors 718. The kit includes other types of an illumination article 720 which may also contain design elements 722. The kit further includes extension ropes 723 which may have different colored LEDs 724 allowing a user to create larger accessories such as a belt or strap, jump rope or the like.

[0049] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features, or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “glowing illumination article”, “jewelry, adornment, accessory”, “solar powered glowing article”, and “glowing item” are interchangeable and refer to the solar powered reusable glowing article 100 of the present invention. Additionally, the terms “connected” or “attached” may also mean in electrical communication therewith.

[0050] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the solar powered reusable glowing illumination article 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the solar powered reusable glowing article 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the solar powered reusable glowing article 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the solar powered reusable glowing article 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the solar powered reusable glowing item 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0051] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0052] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.