Article with multi-color lighting

Abstract

An article includes a light emitting module that sequences multiple modes of operation for a light therein. The article is a toy that includes a generally transparent object having a molded part provided as a recess for a light emitting module. A fabric or skin covers the inflatable object and the light emitting module. In operation, the light emitting module projects light into the inflatable object and the light is emitted through the skin of the article generally about the entirety thereof. One operating mode provides steady illumination and a second mode provides flashing and/or multicolor effects. The article includes indicia, appendages or other distinctive features. The article is securable to footwear or other wearables.

1 . An article comprising:
 an object having a recess;   a light emitting module having a housing, the housing enclosing a lighting circuit, the lighting circuit including a contact switch providing an input to a controller, the controller providing outputs to selectively power at least one light emitting device connected thereto; and   wherein the light emitting module is disposed within the recess of the object, wherein actuation of the contact switch provides output of light by the light emitting module within the object, the light being viewable through the object.   
     
     
         2 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the contact switch includes a push button switch actuated by applying force to the article, the light emitting module operating in a first mode providing light of a single color and a second mode providing at least one of changing color and flashing of light by the light emitting module. 
     
     
         3 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the recess is formed as a molded part. 
     
     
         4 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the lighting circuit includes an ON/OFF switch and the contact switch senses vibration. 
     
     
         5 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the light emitting module has a generally cylindrical disc shape and the contact switch comprises a push button switch disposed on one side of the light emitting module. 
     
     
         6 . The article according to  claim 3 , wherein the article comprises a toy with support elements, and wherein the light emitting module is disposed in the recess between the support elements or adjacent one of the support elements, and wherein the light emitting module is oriented for actuation by a user applying downward force to the toy. 
     
     
         7 . The article according to  claim 1 , further comprising a cover configured to receive the object, wherein the cover comprises a fabric and the article is a toy, and wherein the light emitting module is configured for actuation by a user applying downward force to the toy, and wherein upon actuation of the light emitting module the light emitted passes through the object and the fabric to provide illumination of the toy. 
     
     
         8 . The article according to  claim 7 , wherein the light emitting module has a generally cylindrical disc shape and the contact switch comprises a push button switch disposed on one side of the light emitting module. 
     
     
         9 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the light emitting module has a generally cylindrical disc shape and the contact switch comprises a push button switch disposed on one side of the light emitting module. 
     
     
         10 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein the article includes indicia and appendages to define a character. 
     
     
         11 . An article comprising:
 an object having a recess formed as a molded part,   a light emitting module enclosing a lighting circuit, the lighting circuit including an ON/OFF switch and a controller providing outputs to power at least one light emitting device connected thereto, the light emitting module being disposed within the recess of the object,   wherein light that is output by the light emitting module within the object passes through the object for viewing from an exterior of the article.   
     
     
         12 . The article according to  claim 11 , wherein the light emitting module includes a contact switch for selecting different modes of operation and the light emitting module includes at least one light emitting diode for outputting light. 
     
     
         13 . The article according to  claim 11 , further comprising a flap with a hook and loop fastener for covering the light emitting module disposed in the recess. 
     
     
         14 . The article according to  claim 11 , wherein the article comprises an inflatable device with an air valve. 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . The article according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the article includes a skin receiving the object and the light emitting module provided in the recess, and wherein the contact switch is a motion sensing switch.   
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . An article comprising:
 a recess formed in the article and opening to the exterior of the article;   a light emitting module enclosing a lighting circuit, the lighting circuit including an ON/OFF switch and a controller providing outputs to power at least one light emitting device connected thereto, the light emitting module being disposed within the recess;   a cover configured to receive the light emitting module provided in the recess;   a contact switch for providing an input to the controller to power the at least one light emitting device, wherein the light emitting module is configured for actuation by a user applying downward force to the article and the light emitting module operates in a first mode providing light of a single color and a second mode providing at least one of changing color and flashing of light; and   wherein light that is output by the light emitting module within the object passes through the cover for viewing from an exterior of the article.   
     
     
         21 . The article according to  claim 20 , further comprising an inflatable device disposed within the cover and having an air valve, wherein the inflatable device is configured to receive the recess. 
     
     
         22 . The article according to  claim 20 , wherein the cover includes a flap configured to hide the light emitting module from view. 
     
     
         23 . The article according to  claim 20 , wherein the cover comprises a plush fabric, wherein light that is output by the light emitting module within the object passes through the plush fabric. 
     
     
         24 . The article according to  claim 11 , wherein the object having a recess is an essentially transparent object.