Illuminated articles

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of illuminated articles including, but not limited to, illuminated intimate apparel. In practicing an embodiment of the present invention, one may weave, embroider, or by other means attach optical fibers to lingerie to form geometric patterns that are aesthetically pleasing. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of one or more optical fibers are interwoven or connected by other means to an article of intimate apparel. A first end of the each fiber may be connected directly to an article and/or connected along an article and bent so as to emit light at selected points. The opposite end of each optical fiber is permanently or removably connected to a light emitting diode (“LED”) or other suitable light source to provide light energy through the optical fiber.

1 . An article of clothing, such as intimate apparel, comprising: 
 optical fiber through which light energy may be passed;    a light source;    the light source connected to the optical fiber to provide light energy through the optical fiber;    an optical coupler;    the optical coupler connected to the optical fiber at one or more predetermined locations along the fiber, or at the terminal end of the fiber, to increase the amount of light energy that may escape from the optical fiber.    
     
     
         2 . An article of clothing according to  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a gem or sequin connected to the optical coupler to enhance the decorative impression of the light energy emitted from the optical fiber.  
 
     
     
         3 . An article of clothing according to  claim 1  wherein: 
 the apparel is primarily comprised of optical fiber.  
 
     
     
         4 . An article of clothing according to  claim 2  wherein: 
 the apparel is primarily comprised of optical fiber.  
 
     
     
         5 . An article of clothing according to  claim 1  wherein: 
 the apparel is comprised of a combination of optical fiber and non-optical fiber clothing material such that the optical fiber is attached to or interwoven with the non-optical fiber clothing material.  
 
     
     
         6 . An article of clothing according to  claim 2  wherein: 
 the apparel is comprised of a combination of optical fiber and non-optical fiber clothing material such that the optical fiber is attached to or interwoven with the non-optical fiber clothing material.  
 
     
     
         7 . An article of clothing according to  claim 1  wherein: 
 the light source is a light emitting diode.  
 
     
     
         8 . An article of clothing according to  claim 2  wherein: 
 the light source is a light emitting diode.  
 
     
     
         9 . An article of clothing according to  claim 3  wherein: 
 the light source is a light emitting diode.  
 
     
     
         10 . An article of clothing according to  claim 4  wherein: 
 the light source is a light emitting diode.  
 
     
     
         11 . An article, of clothing according to  claim 5  wherein: 
 the light source is a light emitting diode.  
 
     
     
         12 . An article of clothing according to  claim 6  wherein: 
 the light source is a light emitting diode.  
 
     
     
         13 . An article of clothing according to  claim 1  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         14 . An article of clothing according to  claim 2  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         15 . An article of clothing according to  claim 3  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         16 . An article of clothing according to  claim 4  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         17 . An article of clothing according to  claim 5  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         18 . An article of clothing according to  claim 6  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         19 . An article of clothing according to  claim 7  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         20 . An article of clothing according to  claim 8  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         21 . An article of clothing according to  claim 9  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         22 . An article of clothing according to  claim 10  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         23 . An article of clothing according to  claim 11  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.  
 
     
     
         24 . An article of clothing according to  claim 12  further comprising: 
 an integrated circuit chip to control a random or predetermined pattern of light emitted from the light source.