WO2014204438A1

WO2014204438A1 - Illuminated sports apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014204438A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/046249
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Loftus TUNNICLIFFE; Richard Winston HUMPHREYS; Steven Gary GOLDSTEIN
Original assignee: Tunnicliffe William Loftus; Humphreys Richard Winston; Goldstein Steven Gary
Priority date: 2013-06-18
Filing date: 2013-06-18
Publication date: 2014-12-24

Abstract

A clear, frosted, or colored, transparent and/or translucent, plastic, or composite, sports apparatus, protective and/or decorative accessory, and/or helmet body of material, that is illuminated with battery powered light emitting diodes within an inexpensive, drop-in, modular housing inside the material, providing a light engine transmitting light through the interior of the material itself, illuminating light altering elements embedded inside the material and/or etched, or printed, on the material surface. The reflected and refracted light creates a diffused glow, obscuring and/or hiding the point source of light for glare free illumination around the user, increasing visibility and creating artistic light patterns, flashing sequences, and glowing designs throughout the interior and exterior of the material. The body of material forms a skateboard, scooter platform, or helmet.

Description

TITLE

ILLUMINATED SPORTS APPARATUS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation- in- part of US patent application 12890655 filed 25 September 2010 which claims the benefit of provisional patent application filed by William L Tunnicliffe, application number 612461 16, filing date 26 September 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an illuminated sports apparatus utilizing a battery or self-powered internal light source that is transmitted through the clear interior of the apparatus in order to illuminate the apparatus and any light altering elements contained in, or applied to a surface of the apparatus.

This nonprovisional utility patent application claims the benefit of a prior provisional patent application filed by William L Tunnicliffe, application number 61/246,116, filing date 09/26/2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to illuminated sports apparatuses, skateboards, scooters, helmets, and accessories to wheeled and non-wheeled means of conveyance. The present invention also pertains, more specifically, to using compact and powerful LED lights to illuminate clear and/or translucent skateboards and project light out from the skateboards.

Previous illuminated skateboards apply, affix, insert, or attach light bulbs to existing wooden skateboards in order to project light out from discrete and isolated areas within the board or to project light from discrete and isolated areas attached to the outer surface of the board and/or the truck and wheel assemblies attached to the skateboard. These lights are connected by wire to separate battery power and electrical component compartments that are externally affixed or attached to the sports board and are not easily replaced.

Some examples of illuminated skateboards that affix light bulbs or light strips or light panels to solid, non-clear composite and/or wooden skateboards are seen in the following U.S. patents:

Bailey, U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,636 shows a solid wooden skateboard that has LED lights affixed to a plurality of recesses on the side of the board. Light shines out only from these discrete areas and the board itself is not illuminated. The LED lights are not easily replaceable and the battery compartment is externally attached to the board.

Wood, U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,196 shows a wooden skateboard with a groove around the periphery within which a string of LED lights are permanently embedded and affixed. Skid bars with LED lights mounted in them are also shown with wires that attach to an externally mounted power and battery compartment. These external mountings are bulky and interfere with the normal and traditional operation and riding of the skateboard. If these lights fail due to the normal wear and tear of riding a skateboard, they are not easily replaced. The skateboard itself is not illuminated, the LED lights only project light out from the edge, or surface, of the board.

Seifert, U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,284 shows a wooden skateboard with a peripheral groove and a hollow central slit which hold embedded and affixed LED light strings. These light strings are attached by wires to electrical power components contained within a protective housing mounted between one of the trucks and the bottom surface of the skateboard deck. These electrical connections cannot be replaced by the skateboard user and they add additional weight and bulk to the skateboard.

Seifert, U.S. Pat. No. 6,431 ,733 shows an electro-luminescent sheet attached to the top surface of the skateboard and covered with a permanent layer of resin for protection. This light source cannot be replaced by the user, and it only serves to project light out from the surface of the solid wooden skateboard.

These inventions only project light out from the LED light source and they do not illuminate the board material itself. These inventions have bulky external power compartments that alter the weight, appearance, and performance of the skateboards as compared to traditional, non- illuminated skateboards. Additionally, the LED light sources are not easily replaced by the user in the event the LED bulbs break, wear out, or fail to operate properly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a unique new style of illuminated sports apparatus, skateboard, scooter, helmet and/or riding accessory, which utilizes a self- powered internal light source that transmits light through a clear and/or translucent board, plate, or shaped material in order to project light out of the board, plate, or shaped material and to also project light throughout the interior of the board, plate, or shaped material in order to illuminate frosted, colored or translucent graphic elements that are embedded inside the material and/or applied, etched, frosted, or printed on an outer surface of the board, plate, or shaped material.

Another object of the invention is to provide a self-contained, compact, modular lighting compartment that holds all the LED lights, power, and electronic control components that are needed to illuminate a sports apparatus, skateboard, scooter, helmet and/or riding accessory for any wheeled and non-wheeled means of conveyance. This LED lighting module is easily removed and replaced by the sports apparatus user in order to replace batteries, change worn out LED lights, or to switch LED lighting options for customized use.

Another object of the invention is to create an illuminated sports apparatus, skateboard, scooter, helmet and/or riding accessory that glows from within and also projects light out to the surrounding area. This glowing light is created by obscuring and/or hiding the point source of light within the LED module and utilizing reflected and refracted illumination within the clear and/or translucent board, plate, or shaped material to create a diffused, glowing and glare free illumination around the user of the sports apparatus, helmet, and/or riding accessory, in order to increase visibility at night.

Yet another object of the invention is to create an illuminated sports apparatus, skateboard, scooter, helmet, and/or riding accessory that has no externally attached or mounted power sources that would alter the accepted and traditional shape and weight characteristics of conventional sports apparatuses, skateboards, scooters, helmets, and/or riding accessories. The flexibility, impact resistance, and all material characteristics of conventional sports apparatuses,

skateboards, scooters, helmets and/or riding accessories can also be matched by using the present invention.

The above objects, as well as further objects and advantages, are attained by the present invention which may be described briefly as an illuminated sports apparatus that glows and illuminates from within the sports apparatus itself.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a clear and/or translucent illuminated skateboard comprised of the following components:

The skateboard component transmits and refracts light from an LED source mounted inside the board itself. The board functions as a light pipe that disperses and transmits the LED light by refraction and reflection through the transparent and/or translucent plastic material that the board is composed of. Clear or colored plastics are used as a raw material for the skateboard component. These plastics can also be combined with internal and/or external structural support components to increase rigidity, such as hexagonal plastic webbing, extremely rigid clear plastic strips, carbon fiber rods, wood strips, metal plates, or metal rods. The skateboard component is a contoured, or flat, elongated oval shape which provides a surface for which to ride on. The composition of the plastics, the shape of the board, and/or the embedded structural supports provides for a wide variety of choices in the flexibility and rigidity of the board component.

The lighting component is an inexpensive, drop-in, modular light housing, the light engine, which uses an LED light array to transmit the light throughout the light pipe, the board itself, and through a variety of refractive, reflective, diffusive, light exciting, and light altering elements. This lighting module is placed inside a matching hole or space, which has been pre-bored or molded into the board. This module is easily removed and replaced. Light Emitting Diodes of all different colors are used to provide the lighting component of the illuminated skateboard. These LEDs are small enough to fit inside the board. They are arranged in an outward facing pattern, from a 1 degree to 360 degree pattern, within a small, inexpensive, modular, drop-in plastic housing which is inserted, or embedded, into a pre-molded hole in the board. For an axially driven recharging system, if no visible wiring is to be seen, the rechargeable LED lighting module is placed in the clear, frosted, or colored plastic, or composite, skateboard directly above the skateboard trucks and wheels. In the case of lighting compartments which have replaceable batteries or show visible wiring connections to a wheel based battery recharging system, the LED module can be placed anywhere within the board. This LED compartment can be cylindrical, square, hexagonal, or any shape desired so long as it fits, in height, within the thickness of the board and provides the desired transmission of the LED light source. This lighting module also holds the battery and electronic devices used to power the LEDs. The LED bulbs surround these electronics and face out into the interior of the skateboard in a 1 degree to 360 degree spread, in order to project, or shine, light through the interior plane of the clear plastic board. In addition to the outward facing LED lights that transmit light into and throughout the clear and/or translucent skateboard material, The lighting module can have top and bottom outward facing LED lights that project light directly out and away from the module's top and bottom surface, without passing through the skateboard material, serving as a direct lighting source emanating from the the top and bottom plane of the skateboard in the manner of headlights and/or a flashlight. The LED light can also be directed through fiber optic light tubes emanating from the light engine and embedded in the board, or through additional LED lights attached by wires to the central LED lighting module. The LEDs inside the lighting module are turned on by passing a magnet over a magnetic switch inside the lighting module, or by pushing a watertight, sealed, or non-sealed, toggle switch on the top of the module, or the top or bottom, of the board. The lighting module can utilize any light source that fits inside the module. The top and bottom of the module can be opaque so as to hide the point source of light, or translucent, so as to obscure or diminish the point source of light. This design element provides a light source inside the skateboard material, while it obscures and/or hides the source of light from direct view, utilizing reflected and refracted light throughout the skateboard to create a diffused, glowing light that provides a glare free illumination around the user of the skateboard in order to increase visibility at night. This glare free illumination also creates unique artistic light patterns, flashing sequences, and glowing designs throughout the interior and exterior of the material.

The light catching components of the board are frosted, outlined, colored, mirrored, dyed or printed patterns which are embedded inside the board, or etched, scratched, printed, or physically applied onto the outer surface of the board. These patterns provide a reflective, refractive, light altering component, which alters the light emitted from the embedded LEDs and shines brightly. Additional light altering components include any frosted or light altering materials embedded within the board which can reflect, block, or alter the LED light and create distinctive patterns, graphics, or artwork. Fluorescent, light excited, and phosphorescent elements can also be embedded within the board, or mixed into the plastic composition itself in order to alter the light.

The electronic control component includes electronic devices which create many options for flashing, strobing, alternating, and constant shining of the LED light. An on/off switch and an LED driver are also included in the electronic control component. Additional electronic features can include; sound speakers, optical sensors, wireless receivers, synchronizing functions, multi axis motion sensors, accelerometers and gyroscopic functions to sense and respond to motion in order to control lighting functions, and a wide variety of micro-electronic functions. This electronic control component is built into the modular, drop-in, LED light housing and provides a wide variety of options for inexpensive removal and replacement.

A power source component provides power for the LEDs and is also contained within the LED lighting module. If the battery is not rechargeable, it is located on top of the lighting module which is affixed in the board. A sealed top opens to provide for replacement of the used power cell. Or the non-rechargeable battery is located on the bottom of the LED module and the LED module is removed from the board in order to replace the batteries. The power source component can also be a rechargeable based power system which uses either an external recharger, an axial driven generator, a solar charger, or a self enclosed magneto generator embedded inside the board. The generator is wired to the batteries or super capacitors inside the LED lighting module. In the case of the magneto generator, the magneto generates a small charge every time a small magnet, embedded inside the skateboard wheel below the pickup, turns past it. This charge is sent to the batteries or super capacitors inside the lighting compartment and gradually recharges them. For snowboards, other boards, helmets, accessories, or non-mechanically recharging skateboards, the rechargeable system utilizes an external recharger and/or a solar recharger, to recharge the batteries.

A customized truck component provides additional lighting options. The self-contained, drop-in, LED lighting module, which includes batteries and electronics, provides the user with the choice to use any traditional wheel and truck assembly to attach to the board, unlike other illuminated skateboards which use custom trucks to house power and electronic controls for lighting systems. Even if the LED module is self charging, traditional truck and wheel assemblies can be used, with the exception of the wheels themselves which must have an embedded magnet within at least one wheel but are, in all other respects, identical to traditional wheels. However, the LED lighting module can also be augmented with an optional custom LED truck and wheel assembly in order to provide greater power, additional lighting options, additional battery options that are enclosed in the custom truck, or additional light transmission from the custom truck that adds to, augments, modifies and/or enhances the light transmission in the board above, such as adding a complimentary flashing strobe pattern, providing a headlight projection that strobes in synch with the glowing board, adding sound speakers, or providing a variety of light effects that are controlled by the LED lighting module and work in conjunction with the glowing board above this custom wheel and truck assembly.

A personalized artistic component of the board is provided by external scratching from repeated use and/or deliberate scratching, etching or frosting, printing or dyeing. This external scratching, or any marks that frost, etch, or add light altering properties to the surface of the board, will also catch light from the embedded LEDs and shine. Since the main point source of light in the LED module is hidden or obscured, these scratches are not overpowered by the main point source of light and they are easily discernible. This is an additional design element for the user of the board and is a unique component completely unlike any existing illuminated skateboard designs. Personalized, custom designs will glow, as will scratches from ordinary use. The board user can buff out these scratches to diminish the glow, leave them as is to maintain the glow, or add to the scratches to enhance the glow. The board user can also attach traditional grinding rails, or runners, to the bottom of the board to further control the degree of scratching, and the consequent addition of glowing elements, that occurs. The internal nature of the light source combined with the affect it has on translucent or refractive elements added to the surface of the board, provides a unique and widely varied opportunity to customize the boards with additional glowing elements and designs. Another unique artistic opportunity is created by laminating, or embedding into the center of the board certain clear materials, such as rigid acrylics, that can fracture easily within the shatterproof polycarbonate exterior. Any cracking or fractures inside the board, within the rigid core, will be contained by the flexible, durable exterior and this cracking will catch the light and provide additional glow to the board. The degree to which these fractures occur can be enhanced or diminished by the composition of the core and will provide an additional aesthetic choice for the user of the board.

These components work together to create a unique glowing skateboard, which is illuminated by an inexpensive, drop-in, self-powered LED lighting module that serves as a light engine. This light engine provides a light source that is transmitted through the interior of the board itself, and refracted through a variety of light altering substances inside the board and on the surface of the board, in order to create a wide variety of light patterns and designs that are unlike any other skateboard lighting effects. These lighting effects are unique because they are created from inside the material of the board, through the transmission of a light source that is emanating from within the board itself. These components combine to provide a soft, glowing illumination while they obscure and/or hide the point source of light from direct view, utilizing reflected and refracted light throughout the skateboard to create a diffused light that provides a glare free illumination around the user of the skateboard in order to increase visibility and safety at night.

The clear plastic skateboard can be injection molded with a single plastic polymer, or a combination of different polymers, or it may be laminated with multiple layers of the same plastic, or it may be laminated with multiple layers of different plastic sheets, such as acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene and polycarbonate. These different layers are used to combine the properties of these plastics in order to provide a virtually unbreakable plastic exterior with a rigid plastic interior. This lamination, and/or injection molding process, is used to create a clear plastic board that matches all the characteristics of a traditional wood board, such as flexibility and durability. It also provides for a wide variety of new options in the flexibility and durability of the board. The clear plastic boards can be augmented with embedded internal, and/or external, structural supports, such as metal strips, rigid plastic rods or bars, hexagonal plastic sheets, or wood rods, to further control the flexibility of the board. This same variety of rigidity versus flexibility is attained in crystal clear boards, without any embedded structural supports, by combining, through injection molding and/or lamination, a core of clear, highly rigid plastic with a clear, highly flexible, extremely durable, and virtually shatterproof plastic, such as a polycarbonate, which forms the exterior of the board. Varying the composition of this mix provides a wide range of flexibility for the boards while maintaining a shatter resistant exterior surface on which to ride. Altering traditional skateboard shapes in the molding process, by using fluting, rods, cylinders or any structural support shapes can also match the rigidity of traditional wooden skateboards. Clear illuminated snowboards, surfboards and other boards can also operate in all the same ways as their traditional wood, metal, Styrofoam, or composite counterparts and the same techniques for manufacturing the clear material can also provide a similarly wide range of flexibility in all these types of sports boards.

The illuminating LEDs are placed inside the board within a self-enclosed, sealed modular housing. There can also be multiple LED modules placed inside the board in multiple locations. These multiple light modules have the ability to communicate to each other via modulated light, hard wiring, or wireless signals in order to create multiple synchronized lighting patterns and effects. The LED modules can also be molded permanently into the board and connected with wires to a removable battery and electronic compartment. Additional LEDs can also be molded permanently into the board and connected to the main, self-contained, removable LED module with wires to provide additional illuminating elements. The LED light engine can also transmit light through fiber optic tubes which are attached to the LED bulbs and direct the transmission of the light to specific points inside the board or out to the outer edge, top, or bottom surface of the board, creating points of light that project outward, up, or down from the board. These fiber optic tubes create an artistic pattern or design within the board and can vary the amount of light they leak out in order to provide a wide array of options for additional light patterns within the board design.

These methods of illumination can be applied to any board with wheels used for any type of skateboard riding, such as a longboard, streetboard, vigorboard, freeboard, caster board, and motorized skateboard.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an illuminated laminated wooden skateboard which utilizes a clear central layer and/or fiber optic tubes to transmit light from a central LED light engine to provide an embedded LED lighting system for existing wooden or composite laminated skateboards. For this system, the fiber optic tubes can be glued, in any desired pattern, into a single layer of plywood, or molded into a sheet of plastic or composite material, which will be used in the existing, traditional, multi-layer wooden skateboard lamination process. The fiber optic tubes will all originate from one common point in the plywood, where the drop-in, modular LED light engine will be placed either during, or after the lamination process. This fiber optic/plywood sheet will then be laminated into a traditional wooden skateboard, the lighting module will be connected, and this process will create a single piece, wooden skateboard with embedded points of LED light projecting out from inside of it. A single sheet of clear polycarbonate with frosted edges can also be used in the traditional lamination process to create a clear, central, polycarbonate layer within the multi-layer wooden lamination process. The frosted edges of this sheet will catch the light from the LED light engine embedded in the wooden board and create a glowing core. Additional holes bored into the wooden skateboard layers and filled with clear polycarbonate during the lamination process would direct additional light out from the central polycarbonate core of the board, down from the bottom of the board, or up from the top of the board. These holes, or clear areas, also provide transparent and/or transluent window areas within the skateboard to see through or to catch additional light and create additional light effects. These unique applications combined with the inexpensive modular light compartment that can be replaced, or recharged, will create a glowing skateboard from traditional wooden lamination, that does not use externally applied light bulbs like existing illuminated skateboard designs employ.

Another method for retrofitting an existing laminated wooden skateboard is to bore thin holes for the fiber optic tubes to feed through the core of the horizontal plane, or thickness, of the board and connect to one or more LED modules that have been placed into the wooden board by boring out a hole which receives and secures the module into the board, either above the trucks or in other locations.

The illuminated laminated skateboard can be comprised of a wide variety of laminating materials. The laminated top and bottom layers can be solid wood, plywood, metal, and solid, opaque or translucent composite materials of any kind. The clear and/or translucent central core layer of the skateboard is joined to, and enclosed by, these layers and the central core layer has frosted, colored, or light altering edges which connect to a variety of holes in the solid laminated layers of the board which can be filled with the same clear and/or translucent material, in order to transmit light from the lighting module out to the edges of the board and to also project light up and out from the inside of the skateboard to select areas of the top and/or bottom surfaces of the skateboard.

These methods of illumination can be applied to any laminated board with wheels used for any type of skateboard riding, such as a longboard, streetboard, vigorboard, freeboard, caster board, and motorized skateboard.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an illuminated two wheeled scooter. The scooter base plate is illuminated in the same manner as the clear illuminated skateboard. The scooter base plate can be a solid, clear and/or translucent material that functions as a light pipe that disperses and transmits the LED module light by refraction and reflection through the transparent and/or translucent plastic material that the base plate is composed of and illuminates light altering elements that are either embedded inside the base plate, or applied to the surface of the base plate. The scooter base plate is a contoured, or flat, elongated oval or rectangular shape which provides a surface for which to ride on. This solid board is held at either end by clamps that connect them to the wheels of the scooter. The composition of the plastics, the shape of the base plate, and/or the embedded structural supports provides for a wide variety of choices in the flexibility and rigidity of the base plate. The LED module is inserted into the scooter base plate, and functions in all the same ways as the LED module for the illuminated clear skateboard.

The scooter base plate can also be a clear and/or translucent top plate that is mounted on top of a metal support plate below, in the case of scooters which build wheels into a rigid metal plate and use that plate as the main support element for the scooter. For scooters with a metal base plate, the LED module is inserted into the clear and/or translucent scooter top plate and can also be inserted into a corresponding hole built into the metal base plate below, allowing for a wide variety in the thickness of the top plate.

Light altering elements can be embedded in the scooter base plate or applied to the top of the base plate. Translucent printed graphics can be incorporated into clear grip tape and secured by adhesion to the scooter base plate. These graphics will then catch and alter the light, creating illumination, and additional light effects. Printed graphic elements can also be sandwiched between the metal base plate and the clear top plate to create a graphic backing that is seen through the clear and/or translucent top plate, and is illuminated by the light within the top plate. This provides a wide variety of light and graphic effects, which are illuminated by the LED module which is transmitting light through the top plate. The clear top plate also protects the graphics sandwiched between the top and base plate, enabling brand graphics to remain protected from damage.

Both styles of scooter can also employ a laminated base plate, or top plate, which consists of a clear and/or translucent central core layer joined to, and enclosed by, laminated top and bottom layers composed of solid wood, plywood, metal, and solid, opaque or translucent composite materials of any kind. The central core layer has frosted, colored, or light altering edges which connect to a variety of holes in the solid laminated layers of the base plate , in order to transmit light from the lighting module out to the edges of the base plate and to also project light up and out from the inside of the laminated scooter base plate to select areas of the top and/or bottom surfaces of the base plate.

These methods of illuminating the scooter base plate can be applied to any wheeled platform of any kind with handles, such as a two wheeled kick scooter, three wheeled kick scooter, metal kick scooter with a plastic cover plate, solid plastic platform scooter, caster driven scooter, electric scooter, gas powered scooter, motorcycle, two wheel self -balancing vehicle, cart, tricycle platform, wheelchair step, motorized rolling platform, swingset seat, teeter totter seat, stroller platform, and any wheeled platform with handles used for any type of riding and/or transporting.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an illuminated helmet, such as a bicycle helmet or skateboard helmet comprising of the following components:

An inner shell of impact absorbing plastic, such as styrofoam or polystyrene, in combination with a clear and/or translucent outer shell which is durable and shatter-resistant, with a recessed cylindrical section which receives the LED lighting module without compromising the structural integrity of the helmet shell. This helmet shell can also utilize a variety of embedded rigid support elements, shapes, or plastic compositions, to enhance structural integrity, and match all impact resistance characterististics of traditional bicycle or skateboard helmets.

An LED lighting module is inserted into the helmet outer shell and it provides light which is transmitted in all the same ways as in the illuminated skateboard.

The clear and/or translucent helmet outer shell functions as a light pipe that disperses and transmits the LED module light by refraction and reflection through the transparent and/or translucent plastic material that the outer shell is composed of and illuminates light altering elements that are either embedded inside the outer shell, or applied to the surface of the outer shell.

The inner shell, the outer shell, and the LED lighting module inserted into the outer shell, combine to create a wide variety of lighting effects and graphic effects.

The inner shell can be painted, or sheathed in a thin printed plastic, to create a graphic backing that is seen through the clear and/or translucent outer shell, and is illuminated by the light within the outer shell. This provides a wide variety of light and graphic effects which are illuminated by the LED module which is transmitting light through the outer shell, and the clear outer shell protects the graphics sandwiched between the inner and outer shell, enabling brand graphics to remain protected from damage. Elements applied on the outside of the helmet, etched into the helmet, or embedded in the outer shell of the helmet can be illuminated in all the same ways as in the case of the illuminated skateboard.

The lighting module is replaceable, completely self-contained, capable of performing multiple pre-programmed lighting functions, and it can also contain multi-axis motion sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopic functions to sense and respond to motion in order to control lighting functions according to the direction and velocity of that motion, such as the bicycle helmet user nodding their head to the right which would trigger a right turn signal to glow from within the illuminated bicycle helmet.

Because the light glows from within the helmet, and the main point source of the LED lighting module is hidden or obscured, the helmet wearer is significantly safer in terms of their visibility at night. Any passing car is not blinded by a point source of light, they see a bright glow of light which is mounted at the highest point of the user, and the user's visibility, and consequently their safety, is greatly enhanced.

This added safety benefit is also valuable for illuminated construction helmets on worksites, where construction workers operate at night in the midst of dangerous equipment activity. By having an ambient glow of light at the highest, most visible point of their body, and having no blinding point source of light, they have significantly higher visibility at night and added safety benefits. The lighting module can be placed in the rear of the helmet so that the brightest source of light is hidden from the user, increasing their night vision. It can also be top mounted, or front mounted. If front mounted, an opaque layer can be added in the visor to shield the user from the brightest source of light, for safer night vision.

If front mounted, the LED lighting module can also include top outward facing LED lights that project light directly out and away from the helmet surface, without passing through the helmet material, serving as a direct lighting source emanating from the outer plane of the helmet surface, in the manner of headlights and/or a flashlight.

These methods of illumination can be applied to any protective or decorative headgear of any kind, such as a bicycle helmet, scooter helmet, skateboard helmet, mountain bike helmet, BMX helmet, bicycle racing helmet, ice skating helmet, hockey helmet, ski helmet, bobsled helmet, infant, toddler, and child protective headgear, roller skating helmet, football helmet, motorcycle helmet, car racing helmet, extreme sports helmet, paintball helmet, hunter's helmet, scuba diving helmet, armed forces helmet, police helmet, security forces, construction helmet, and a sports helmet, work helmet, and/or decorative helmet of any kind.

These methods of illumination can also be applied to any protective, and/or decorative, body armor of any kind; such as bicycle rider body armor and/or attachments, motorcycle rider body armor and/or attachments, paintball body armor, skateboard body armor, wristguards, kneeguards, shin guards, and/or any plastic body armor.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an illuminated decorative accessory shield, such as a bicycle bumper, a bicycle windshield, or a scooter handlebar shield.

The accessory shield is composed of a clear, colored, and/or translucent material capable of transmitting light and it has an opening formed within it to receive the LED lighting module. The LED lighting module is inserted into the accessory shield and it emits light throughout the clear, colored, and/or translucent material.

The accessory shield can be illuminated in all the same ways as the illuminated helmets and it can provide additional lighting effects for the user of the bcycle or scooter. The illu minated shield also provides additional light for safety at night.

The protective and/or decorative plate, board and/or shield is affixed to a bicycle, scooter, wheeled vehicle, and/or any sports, recreational and/or functional equipment, by snapping, strapping, and/or bolting on to handlebars, bumpers, control rods, windows, roofs, floors, pedals and/or any areas chosen by the user.

The protective and/or decorative plate, board and/or shield can also be worn by the user as in the case of shoulder pads that will respond to movement in order to create illuminated turn signals. In this case the LED module contains multi-axis motion sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopic functions to sense and respond to motion in order to control lighting functions according to the direction and velocity of that motion, such as a shoulder plate on a bicycle rider which signals a right turn when the rider shrugs their right shoulder. These methods of illumination can be applied to any illuminated accessory plate such as a bicycle bumper, scooter handlebar shield, vehicle windshield, bicycle seat back, bicycle handlebar shield, scooter handlebar shield, scooter wheel bumper, scooter pole bumper shield, motorized vehicle windshield, motorized vehicle roadguard, motorized vehicle bumper, and any protective and/or decorative plate, board, and/or shield.

Other embodiments of the present invention are illuminated boards for other sports which use boards to ride, float, or glide on: such as snowboards, skis, surfboards, parachute sky surf boards, wind surfing boards, skim boards, paddle boards, boogey boards, snow sleds, water skis, and kayaks.

All of these embodiments of the present invention will glow brightly during day or night and provide greater safety for the user and/or wearer.

The embedded LED lighting module which shines inside of a clear, frosted, or colored translucent object in order to make embedded or applied, elements glow from within can also be used in a wide variety of toys, toy vehicles, action figures, cases, covers, purses, shoes, fashion accessories, and any other objects which can be formed into a clear substrate within which the LED light engine transmits light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a top view of a clear plastic skateboard illuminated by the LED lighting module inserted in the board.

FIG. 1 A shows a bottom view of the clear plastic skateboard and the placement of the LED lighting module.

FIG. 1 B shows a detail side view of the LED light beam.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a clear polycarbonate skateboard that has embedded structural support rods.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the embedded structural supports.

FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of structural support rods.

FIG. 3 shows a detail side view of structural supports.

FIG. 3A shows a detail top view of translucent support elements.

FIG. 3B shows a detail side view of honeycomb plastic support elements.

FIG. 4 shows a detail top view of the LED lighting module.

FIG. 4A shows a detail side view of the LED lighting module.

FIG. 5 shows a detail side view of the self-charging power system.

FIG. 5A shows a detail top view of the self -charging power system.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a method for embedding additional LED lights into the skateboard. FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of embedding additional LED lights.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of additional options for embedding additional LED lights.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of embedded additional LED lights.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of fiber optic tubes used as the central layer in the traditional seven-layer wooden lamination process.

FIG. 8A shows a side view of the fiber optic tubes and the composite sheet embedded between six wooden sheets.

FIG. 8B shows a top view of a clear plastic sheet that will be used as the central layer in the seven-layer wooden lamination process.

FIG. 8C shows a side view of the clear plastic sheet embedded in the central layer of a seven-layer laminated wooden board.

FIG. 9 shows the electronic components for the illuminated skateboard.

FIG. 9A shows the power source for the illuminated skateboard.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a clear polycarbonate bicycle helmet that is illuminated by the LED light module.

FIG. 10A shows an interior view of the removable LED lighting module embedded flush within the clear polycarbonate material.

FIG. 1 1 shows an exploded view of the three part illuminated helmet shell, with a durable clear outer shell, a thin middle inner shell with printed graphics, and the innermost thick polystyrene impact absorbing shell.

FIG. 1 1A shows an assembled illuminated helmet shell and the cylindrical LED module which fits into a corresponding, cylindrical indentation on top of the helmet shell.

FIG. 1 1 B shows an assembled illuminated helmet shell with the LED modu le inserted in the front of the helmet, including the optional front facing LED which functions as a headlight or flashlight.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the LED module inserting into a matching hole in the clear board material, utilizing a twist bayonet lock to hold the module in place.

FIG. 12A shows a bottom view of the LED module inserted in the board, with the bayonet lock twisted securely into place.

FIG. 12B shows a side view of the LED module, the LED lights inside the module, the molded tabs used for the bayonet lock, and the top rim used to hide the light source.

FIG. 12C shows a bottom view of the LED module with the screws used for securing the module, and for removing the battery replacement lid.

FIG. 13 shows a top view of a solid board scooter, with the LED module inserted into a clear solid board which is clamped between two wheeled components.

FIG. 13A shows a side view of the solid board scooter, with the LED module inserted into a clear solid board which is clamped between two wheeled components. FIG. 14 shows a top view of a metal base plate scooter, with the LED module inserted into a clear top plate and the metal base plate below the clear top plate.

FIG. 14A shows a side view of the metal base plate scooter, with the LED module inserted into a clear top plate and the metal base plate below the clear top plate.

FIG. 15 shows a top view of a scooter with an illuminated snap-on handlebar shield attached to the handlebars and the steering column.

FIG. 15A shows an exploded view of a scooter and the method used to attach an illuminated snap-on handlebar shield to the handlebars and the steering column.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows a top view of a clear plastic skateboard 1 illuminated with LED light beams 2 which emit from the LED lighting module 3 inserted in the board. Embedded graphic components 5 and surface etched graphic components 4,6 are shown to indicate how the graphic components catch light beams 2 from the LED module 3 and glow within the board and on the surface of the board.

FIG. 1 A shows a bottom view of the clear plastic skateboard 7 and the placement of the LED lighting module 8 which is inserted in the board above the truck and wheel assembly 9 so that the module is flush to both the top and bottom surfaces of the board. Embedded and surface etched graphic components 10,11 , 12 are shown to indicate how they catch light from the LED module. The placement of a push button on/off switch 13 is indicated, and the letter "M" 13a indicates the placement of another type of on/off switch that is comprised of a magnetic on/off switch built into the electronic components of the LED module 8.

FIG. 1 B shows a detail side view of the LED light beam 14 traveling through the board 15 and illuminating the frosted edge of the board 16.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a clear polycarbonate skateboard 17 that has embedded structural support rods 18 for added rigidity. The embedded supports 18 also include wires 19 which connect the magneto 20 to the rechargeable battery and recharge power supply

components, labeled "PS", 21 inside the LED lighting module 22, which is mounted in the center of the board.

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the structural supports 23, such as carbon fiber rods, embedded in the clear skateboard 24. Wires 25 run inside the embedded structural supports 23 and connect to the electronic components inside the LED lighting module 26.

FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of structural support rods 27, such as steel, rigid acrylics, and carbon fiber rods, embedded in the clear injection molded all polycarbonate plastic skateboard 28.

FIG. 3 shows a detail side view of structural supports 29, such as steel, rigid acrylics, and carbon fiber rods, embedded in the center of a clear injection molded all polycarbonate plastic material 30 in order to add rigidity and support to the skateboard which is the same thickness as traditional seven-ply laminated wooden skateboards.

FIG. 3A shows a detail top view of translucent honeycomb plastic support elements 31 embedded in the clear plastic material 32 to increase rigidity and to catch light from the LED light beam 33 which emanates from the LED light module 34.

FIG. 3B shows a detail side angle view of honeycomb plastic support elements 35 embedded in the clear plastic material 36 to increase rigidity. This honeycomb material 35 can be arranged as a graphic element that catches light by utilizing frosted, colored, or printed hexagonal plastic material 35.

FIG. 4 shows a detail top view of the LED lighting module 36 which is mounted flush within the clear plastic board 37, and which holds outward facing LED bulbs 38 that shine light beams 39 throughout the interior of the board. The electronic control components 40 lie at the base of the lighting module 36 and are connected to the LED bulbs 38 and the rechargeable battery and/or super capacitor and switch components 41 with wires 42.

FIG. 4A shows a detail side view of the LED lighting module 43 which is mounted flush within the clear plastic board 44, with outward facing LED bulbs 45 that shine light beams 45a throughout the interior of the board. Battery and/or super capacitor and switch components 46 are also contained within the module 43 and the electronic control components 47 are contained inside the module on a layer below, or within, the LED bulbs 45.

FIG. 5 shows a detail side view of the self-charging power system which indicates the magnet 48 embedded in the skateboard wheel 49 which spins past the magneto 50 embedded in the board, which is connected via wires 51 to the battery components 52 in order to charge the battery and provide power for the LED light module 53. Placement of the company trademark 54 is indicated on the front of truck assembly 55 of the wheels.

FIG. 5A shows a detail top view of the self charging power system which indicates the magnet 56 embedded in the skateboard wheel 57 which spins past the magneto embedded in the board 58 which relays a charge through the wires 59 connected to the battery components 60, recharges the battery, and provides power for the LED light module 61 which shines light beams 62 from the LED bulbs 63 in order to illuminate the graphic elements 64 embedded in the board.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a method for embedding additional LED lights 65 into the skateboard 66 and connecting them with wires to the LED light modules, indicated by a graphic OX symbol, 67, 68 that are inserted into the skateboard 66. The LED modules 67, 68 then control and power these additional LED lights 65.

FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of a method for embedding additional LED lights 69 and connecting them to the LED light modules 70 that are inserted into the skateboard 71 .

FIG. 7 shows a top view of additional options for embedding additional LED lights 72,73,74 in the clear skateboards 75,76,77 and connecting them to the LED modules, indicated with the graphic symbol "OX", 78 which power and control the illumination of the additional LED lights 72,73,74.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of embedded additional LED lights 79 in the clear skateboards 80 which are connected to two LED modules 81 ,82 which power and control their illumination. The magnet 83 embedded in the wheel 84 spins past the magneto recharging system 85 which is connected by wire 86 to one LED module 82 in order to power the batteries inside the LED module 82 which will power all LED lights.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of fiber optic tubes 87 molded into a solid, non clear, composite sheet 88 which will be used as the central layer in the traditional seven layer wooden lamination process which is currently used to create traditional wooden skateboards. These fiber optic tubes lead to a hole 89 bored into the composite sheet 88 to receive the LED light module and transmit light from the module in order to project light out from the edges of the wooden board.

FIG. 8A shows a side view of the fiber optic tubes 90, 90a, 90b and the composite sheet 91 embedded between six wooden sheets 92,92a, 92b, 92c, 92d, 92e in order to form the central layer of the traditional seven-layer laminated wooden skateboards and to project light out from the edges of the board through the fiber optic tubes 90,90a, 90b.

FIG. 8B shows a top view of a clear plastic sheet 93 with frosted edges that will be used as the central layer in the seven-layer wooden lamination process, which is currently used to create traditional wooden skateboards. This clear sheet 93 leads to a hole 94 bored into the clear plastic sheet 93 to receive the LED light module and transmit light from the module in order to project light out from the edges of the wooden board.

FIG. 8C shows a side view of the clear plastic sheet 95 with frosted edges 96 embedded in the central layer of a seven-layer laminated wooden board 97 which will be used to make a wooden skateboard with a central glowing core layer 95,96.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the electronic components for the illuminated skateboard.

FIG. 9A shows a block diagram of suggestions for the electronics power source for the illuminated skateboard.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of a clear polycarbonate bicycle helmet 98 that is illuminated by the LED light module 99 embedded within the helmet material. A replaceable battery and power supply component 100 is housed in the LED light module 99 along with the electronic control components 101 , the LED light bulbs 102, and a flush push button control switch 103, which control the LED lights 102 and turn them on and off. The LED light bulbs 102 emit light beams 102a which illuminate graphic elements 104 embedded in the helmet 98 or etched onto the helmet surface.

FIG. 10A shows an interior view of the removable LED lighting module 105 embedded flush within the clear polycarbonate material 106 of the helmet. The LED module 105 houses the electronic control components 107, switch components 108, a replaceable battery 109 and wires 1 10 which connect all components to the LED bulbs 11 1 which are arranged in an outward facing pattern to project light beams 1 12 out into, and throughout, the interior of the clear polycarbonate material 106.

FIG. 1 1 shows an exploded view of the three part illuminated helmet shell, with a durable clear outer shell 113 which has a molded receptacle 114 on top of the outer shell and a frosted graphic element etched 115 into the outer shell to catch the light. A printed graphic element 116 is printed on the thin middle inner shell 1 17 to create a smooth graphic background with additional light catching elements beneath the clear outer shell. The thin middle shell has a corresponding hole on top 118, to enable the outer shell's molded receptacle and/or the LED unit, to slip through and enable assembly of the three shells. The innermost thick, polystyrene, impact absorbing shell 1 19, also has a matching molded receptacle 120 to receive the molded receptacle 114 from the outer shell and enable all three elements to be assembled together into one composite helmet shell.

FIG. 1 1A shows an assembled illuminated helmet shell 121 where the cylindrical LED module 122 fits into a corresponding, cylindrical indentation 123 on top of the helmet shell in order for the light from the LED module to illuminate frosted and etched elements 124 on the surface of the clear outer shell and on the printed reflective and refractive graphic elements 125 on the middle shell, or alternatively, graphic elements applied to the underside of the clear outer shell.

FIG. 1 1 B shows an assembled illuminated helmet shell 126 with the LED module inserted in the front of the helmet 127, and the light from inside the clear outer shell illuminating the frosted and etched elements 128 on the surface of the clear outer shell and the printed graphic elements 129 on the middle shell. The LED module shown also has light issuing out from the optional front facing LED 130 which functions as a headlight or flashlight.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of the LED module 131 with a recessed central push button on/off switch 132 inserting into a matching hole in the clear board material 133, with slots 134 molded into the board which correspond to the two molded tabs 135 on the LED module and combine to align the module in the board and lock it in place with a twisting bayonet locking motion.

FIG. 12A shows a bottom view of the LED module 136 inserted in the clear board 137, with the tabs on the LED module 138 twisted past the vertical slots 139 molded into the board and resting snugly in place within a horizontal recess designed to secure them.

FIG. 12B shows a side view of the LED module 140, with the location of the molded tabs on the bottom of the module 141 , and the placement of the LED lights 142 inside the module. These LED lights shine outward beneath an opaque and/or translucent overhanging rim 143 which serves to shield the point source of light from view.

FIG. 12C shows a bottom view of the LED module 144 with the screw used for securing the module 145, and the screw 146 used for securing the battery replacement lid 147. The battery replacement lid 147 opens when unscrewed, allowing for easy replacement of the batteries inside the module. FIG. 13 shows a top view of a solid board scooter 1 8, where a solid clear and/or translucent board 149 is clamped between a front wheeled component 150 and a back wheeled component 151 , forming a solid scooter base. The LED module 152 is inserted into the clear solid board in order to light the board from within and illuminate any frosted, etched or printed light altering elements embedded in, or applied, to the board.

FIG. 13A shows a side view of a solid board scooter 153, where a solid clear and/or translucent board 154 is clamped between a front wheeled component 155 and a back wheeled component 156. The LED module 157 is inserted into the clear solid board enabling the LED lights 158 to shine outward within the clear board, illuminating the frosted edges of the clear board and any light altering elements embedded in, or applied, to the board.

FIG. 14 shows a top view of a metal base plate scooter 159, where the rigid metal base plate 160 is the main structural support for the scooter and connects and holds the two wheels. A clear and/or translucent top plate 161 is affixed atop the metal base plate and aligned with it to create an integrated solid base plate. The top of the metal base plate can also include printed graphic elements which can be seen through the clear top plate and catch additional light. The LED module 162 is inserted into the clear top plate and, if necessary, into the metal base plate below. The LED module illuminates any light altering elements embedded in, or applied to, the clear top plate, or printed onto the top of the metal base plate, as seen through the clear top plate.

FIG. 14A shows a side view of the metal base plate scooter 163, with the LED module 164 inserted into a clear top plate 165 and also extending into a corresponding hole 166 in the metal base plate 167 below the clear top plate 165.

FIG. 15 shows a top view of a scooter 168 with an illuminated snap-on protective and decorative accessory called a handlebar shield 169. The handlebar shield 169 is attached to the handlebars by snapping on molded clips which secure the shield to the handlebars and the steering column. The steering column clip is loose enough to allow the steering column to slide within it, allowing the steering column to be adjusted in height. The LED module 170 is inserted into the clear and/or translucent handlebar shield to illuminate any light altering elements 171 embedded in or applied to the clear and/or translucent shield 169.

FIG. 15A shows an exploded view of a scooter 172 and the method for applying the handlebar shield 173. Rounded clips at the base of the shield 174 snap over the cylindrical steering column and molded clamps on the top of the shield 175 slip over, and snap onto, the scooter handlebars.

It is to be understood that the above detailed description of the invention is provided by way of example only. A variety of details of design, construction, and manufacturing techniques may be modified without departing from the true nature and the general scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An illuminated sports apparatus containing a self-powered internal light source that is transmitted through a clear and/or translucent material in order to project light out of the sports apparatus and to also project light throughout an interior of the sports apparatus in order to illuminate light altering elements that are either embedded inside the apparatus, or applied to the surface of the apparatus; the internal light source, being modular and inserted into the sports apparatus and comprising outward facing LED lights which are housed within a compact, self- contained module that includes all batteries and electronic components necessary to operate the LED lights, which can project light out from all surfaces of the apparatus.

2. The illuminated sports apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light module has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the upper surface of the light module is generally flush with an upper surface of the apparatus and/or the lower surface of the light module is generally flush with a lower surface of the board.

3. The illuminated sports apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the LED lighting module is replaceable, completely self-contained, capable of performing multiple pre-programmed lighting functions.

4. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the LED lighting module is powered by rechargeable batteries which can be recharged by one of plugging into an external power recharger, by utilizing motion of the sports apparatus activity, and/or by a solar powered recharging system.

5. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein additional LED lighting modules are inserted and/or embedded throughout the sports apparatus in order to illuminate the sports apparatus, modules being capable of synchronizing with each other via electrical or optical interfaces.

6. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein additional LED lights are arranged in a variety of patterns and embedded in the clear and/or translucent sports apparatus material and are capable of synchronizing with at least one module by electrical or optical signals, and controlled by, a module in order to further illuminate the sports apparatus and to provide a wide range of lighting functions and interactions between the LED lights.

7. The illuminated sports apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein a lighting module contains at least one of multi-axis motion sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopic functions to sense and respond to motion in order to control lighting functions according to the direction and velocity of that motion.

8. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of claims 1 -7 wherein a lighting module can be synchronized through wireless transmission to external devices which can control the LED module lighting functions and synchronize them to external music, sound, and visual effects, on personal electronic devices such as Smartphones and digital playback devices.

9. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting module contains a speaker system to play pre-programmed sound effects and music that can be synchronized to the lighting functions.

10. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting module is waterproof for wet weather and underwater applications.

1 1 . The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting has top and bottom outward facing LED lights that project light directly out and away from a top and a bottom surface of the sports apparatus without passing through the sports apparatus material, serving as a direct environment lighting source emanating from a top and a bottom plane of the sports apparatus surface in the manner of headlights and/or a flashlight.

13. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the clear and/or translucent material is composed of various plastics and polymers which create a clear and/or translucent, variably rigid interior surrounded by a clear and/or translucent, durable, shatter- resistant exterior within which at least one support element is embedded to add rigidity; and wherein at least one embedded element is selected from metal bars, strips or rods; rigid acrylic bars, strips or rods; hexagonal plastic webbing; wooden bars, strips, or rods; carbon fiber bars, strips, or rods; and rigid composite material shaped into sheets bars, rods, webbing, or strips in order to provide a wide variety of structural reinforcement and increased rigidity.

14. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims which comprises a platform of any kind that can be used recreationally, functionally and as a board sports apparatus; being one of a skateboard, longboard, streetboard, vigorboard, freeboard, caster board, motorized skateboard, any board with wheels used for any type of skateboard riding, snowboard, pair of skis, surfboard, parachute sky surf board, wind surfing board, skim board, paddle board, kayak boogey board, snow sled, pair of water skis, and any platform used to ride on.

15. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13 which comprises a wheeled platform of any kind with handles, being one of a two wheeled kick scooter, three wheeled kick scooter, kick scooter with a plastic cover plate, or a solid plastic platform scooter.

16. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13 which comprises one of an illuminated helmet, or protective, and/or decorative, body armor of any kind; such as one of a bicycle helmet, work or construction helmet, child protective headgear, or paintball body armor.

17. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 13 which comprises an illuminated accessory plate such as a bicycle bumper, scooter handlebar shield, vehicle windshield and any protective and/or decorative plate, board, and/or shield.

18. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein light altering, and/or light excited, minerals and materials that are colored, fluorescent, phosphorescent, diffusing, refractive and/or reflective are added to the composition of a clear plastic used to form the board in order to further alter the transmission of light within the sports apparatus.

19. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein scratching, etching, polishing, engraving, coloring, and altering the surface of the sports apparatus changes the nature of the light transmitted and provides the user of the board with a wide variety of options for amplifying and modifying the amount of light that shines out from within the illuminated sports apparatus.

20. The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims comprising a clear and/or translucent board material composed of various plastics and polymers which create a clear and/or translucent, variably rigid, interior surrounded by a clear and/or translucent shatter resistant exterior; wherein a brittle and rigid clear material is embedded in a central core layer in the interior of the sports apparatus and is surrounded by a more flexible, durable, and shatter resistant clear exterior in order to enable the central core layer to fracture with use internally in order to create more internal light reflection and refraction, without compromising the structural integrity of the board because a fractured central core layer is contained by the flexible, and durable exterior material.

21 . The illuminated sports apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the lighting module provides a light source while it obscures and/or hides the source of light from direct view, utilizing reflected and refracted light throughout the sports apparatus to create a diffused, glowing light that provides a glare free illumination around the user of the sports apparatus in order to increase visibility at night, additionally creating unique artistic light patterns, flashing sequences, and glowing designs throughout the interior and exterior of the material which further enhances user visibility and safety at night.

22. An illuminated sportsboard having a self-powered, internal light source that is transmitted through a clear and/or translucent material in order to project light out of the sports board and to also project light throughout an interior of the sportsboard in order to illuminate light altering elements that are either embedded inside the skateboard, or applied to the surface of the board, with the illuminated skateboard containing a modular internal light source, inserted into the sportsboard, that is comprised of outward facing LED lights which are housed within a compact, self-contained module that includes all batteries and electronic components necessary to operate the LED lights, which can project light out from all surfaces of the board.

23. The illuminated sportsboard, of claim 22 comprising a wheeled platform which is one of a skateboard or scooter.

24. The illuminated sportsboard of claim 22 or 23 wherein the LED lighting module is replaceable and capable of performing multiple pre-programmed lighting functions.

25. The illuminated sportsboard, of any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein the batteries can be recharged by one of plugging into an external power recharger, by utilizing the motion of the sportsboard activity or by using a solar powered recharging system.

26. The illuminated sportsboard, of claim 25 wherein the batteries are rechargeable via an electrical connection embedded in the board, which is connected by wires to a magneto generator embedded in the board, which generates an electrical charge every time a magnet embedded in the wheel below it passes the magneto, in order to slowly charge the rechargeable batteries contained within the LED lighting module.

27. The illuminated sportsboard, of any one of claims 22 to 25 wherein wherein additional LED lighting modules are inserted and/or embedded throughout the sports apparatus in order to illuminate the sports apparatus, modules being capable of synchronizing with each other via electrical or optical interfaces.

28. The illuminated sportsboard of any one of claims 22 to 27 wherein the lighting module is capable of performing multiple pre-programmed lighting functions, and contains multi-axis motion sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopic functions to sense and respond to motion in order to control lighting functions according to the direction and velocity of that motion.

29. The illuminated sportsboard of any one of claims 22 to 28 wherein the lighting module is capable of performing multiple pre-programmed lighting functions, and can be synchronized through wireless transmission to external devices which can control the LED module lighting functions and synchronize them to external music, sound, and visual effects, on personal electronic devices such as Smartphones and digital playback devices.

30. The illuminated sportsboard of any one of claims 22 to 29 wherein the lighting module contains a speaker system to play pre-programmed sound effects and music that is synchronized to the lighting functions.

31 . The illuminated sportsboard of any one of claims 22 to 30 wherein the lighting module is waterproof for wet weather and underwater applications.

32. The illuminated sportsboard of any one of claims 22 to 31 wherein the lighting module has top and bottom, outward facing, LED lights that project light directly out and away from the sportsboard top and bottom surface, without passing through the sportsboard material, serving as a direct environmental lighting source emanating from the the top and bottom plane of the sportsboard surface in the manner of headlights and/or a flashlight.

33. The illuminated sportsboard of claim 22 to 32 wherein the clear and/or translucent board material is composed of various plastics and polymers which create a clear and/or translucent, variably rigid interior surrounded by a clear and/or translucent, durable, shatter-resistant exterior within which at least one support element is embedded to add rigidity; and wherein at least one embedded element is selected from metal bars, strips or rods; rigid acrylic bars, strips or rods; hexagonal plastic webbing; wooden bars, strips, or rods; carbon fiber bars, strips, or rods; and rigid composite material shaped into sheets bars, rods, webbing, or strips in order to provide a wide variety of structural reinforcement and increased rigidity.

34. The illuminated sportsboard of claim 22 to 33 wherein light altering, and/or light excited, minerals and materials that are colored, fluorescent, phosphorescent, diffusing, refractive and/or reflective are added to the composition of a clear plastic used to form the board in order to further alter the transmission of light within the sportsboard.

35. The illuminated sportsboard of claim 22 to 34 wherein scratching, etching, polishing, engraving, coloring, and altering the surface of the sports apparatus changes the nature of the light transmitted and provides the user of the board with a wide variety of options for amplifying and modifying the amount of light that shines out from within the illuminated sportsboard

36. The illuminated sportsboard of claim 22 to 35 wherein a clear and/or translucent board material is composed of various plastics and polymers which create a clear and/or translucent, variably rigid, interior surrounded by a clear and/or translucent shatter resistant exterior; wherein a brittle and rigid clear material is embedded in a central core layer in the interior of the sportsboard and is surrounded by a more flexible, durable, and shatter resistant clear exterior in order to enable the central core layer to fracture with use internally in order to create more internal light reflection and refraction, without compromising the structural integrity of the board because a fractured central core layer is contained by the flexible, and durable exterior material.

37. The illuminated sportsboard of claim 23 or any one of claims 24 to 36 when dependent on claim 23 wherein the LED lighting module is replaceable and is recharged via an electrical connection to an axially driven generator which generates a charge as the wheels turn in order to slowly charge the rechargeable batteries contained within the LED lighting module.

38. The illuminated sportsboard of any one of claims 22 to 37 wherein a clear and/or translucent central core layer of the sportsboard is joined to, and enclosed by, laminated top and bottom layers composed of solid wood, plywood, metal, solid, opaque and/or translucent composite materials of any kind; and the central core layer has frosted, colored, or light altering edges which connect to a variety of holes in the solid laminated layers of the board at least some of which are filled with the same clear and/or translucent material, in order to transmit light from the lighting module out to the edges of the board and to also project light up and out from the inside of the sportsboard to select areas of the top and/or bottom surfaces of the sportsboard.

39. The illuminated sportsboard of one of claims claim 22 to 38 wherein a central core layer composed of a solid, non-clear, composite sheet with embedded fiber optic tubes is joined to, and enclosed by, laminated top and bottom layers composed of solid wood, plywood, metal, solid, opaque and/or translucent composite materials; and the central core layer uses the fiber optic tubes to transmit light from the lighting module out to the edges of the board and to also transmit light up and out from the inside of the sportsboard to select areas of the top and/or bottom surfaces of the sportsboard.

40. The illuminated sportsboard of any one of claims 22 to 39 wherein a clear plastic central core layer is laminated between multiple wood or composite layers and light altering and/or light excited, minerals and materials that are colored, fluorescent, phosphorescent, diffusing, refractive and/or reflective are added to the composition of the clear plastic used to form the central core in order to further alter the transmission of light within the laminated sportsboard.

41 . The illuminated sportsboard of any one of claims 22 to 40 forming a clear and/or translucent top plate which is illuminated by the lighting module and supported by a metal base plate.

42. An illuminated clear board or sheet of material having a self-powered light source that is transmitted through the clear and/or translucent material in order to project light out of the material and to also project light throughout the interior of the material in order to illuminate light altering elements that are either embedded inside the material, or applied to the surface of the material, with the illuminated material containing a modular internal light source, inserted into the clear and/or translucent material, that is comprised of outward facing lights which are housed within a compact, self-contained module that includes all batteries and electronic components necessary to operate the lights, which can project light out from all surfaces of the material.

43. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of claim 42 wherein the module is inserted flush with a surface of the board or sheet.

44. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of claim 42 or 43 wherein the lighting module is replaceable, completely self-contained and , capable of performing multiple preprogrammed lighting functions.

45. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 44 wherein the lighting module powered by rechargeable batteries which can be recharged by plugging into an external power recharger, and/or recharging in use by utilizing a solar power, and/or a motion actuated, recharging system.

46. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 45 wherein multiple LED lighting modules are inserted and/or embedded throughout the material in order to illuminate the board and are capable of synchronizing with each other via electrical or optical interfaces.

47 The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 46 wherein and additional LED lights are arranged in a variety of patterns and embedded in the clear and/or translucent sheet of material and are connected by wires to, and controlled by, a replaceable LED lighting module in order to further illuminate the board providing several lighting functions and interactions between all the LED lights.

48. The illuminated clear board or sheet of any one of claims 42 to 47 wherein a lighting module contains at least one of multi-axis motion sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopic functions to sense and respond to motion in order to control lighting functions according to the direction and velocity of that motion.

49 The illuminated clear board or sheet of any one of claims 42 to 48 wherein a lighting module has a wireless receiver enabling synchronization through wireless transmission from external devices which can control the LED module lighting functions and synchronize them to external music, sound, and visual effects, on personal electronic devices such as Smartphones and digital playback devices.

50. The illuminated clear board or sheet of any one of claims 42 to 49 wherein the lighting module contains a speaker system to play pre-programmed sound effects and music that can be synchronized to the lighting functions.

51 . The illuminated clear board or sheet of any one of claims 42 to 50 wherein the lighting module is waterproof for wet weather and underwater applications.

52. The illuminated clear board or sheet of any one of claims 42 to 51 wherein the lighting module has top and bottom outward facing LED lights that project light directly out and away from a top and a bottom surface of the board or sheet without passing through the board or sheet material, serving as a direct environment lighting source emanating from a top and a bottom plane of the board or sheet surface in the manner of headlights and/or a flashlight.

53. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 52 wherein the board material is formed into an illuminated helmet, or protective, and/or decorative, body armor; such as a bicycle helmet, work or construction helmet, child protective headgear, or paintball body armor.

54. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of claim 46 wherein the material is formed into an illuminated accessory plate being one of a bicycle bumper, scooter handlebar shield, vehicle windshield and a protective and/or decorative plate, board, and/or shield.

55. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 54 wherein light altering and/or light excited, minerals and materials that are colored, fluorescent, phosphorescent, diffusing, refractive and/or reflective are added to the composition of the clear plastic used to form the material in order to further alter the transmission of light within the illuminated material.

56. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 55 wherein scratching, etching, polishing, engraving, coloring, and altering the surface of the clear board or sheet of material changes the nature of the light transmitted and provides the user of the illuminated object with a wide variety of options for amplifying and modifying the amount of light that shines out from within the illuminated material.

57. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 47 comprising a clear and/or translucent material composed of various plastics and polymers which create a clear and/or translucent, variably rigid interior surrounded by a clear and/or translucent, durable, shatter- resistant exterior; wherein a brittle and rigid clear material is embedded in a central core layer in the interior of the material and surrounded by a more flexible, durable, and shatter resistant clear exterior in order to enable the central core layer to fracture with use internally in order to create more internal light reflection and refraction, without compromising the structural integrity of the material because a fractured central core layer is contained by the flexible, and durable exterior material.

58. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 57 wherein the illuminated material is injection molded, laminated, molded, carved, and/or shaped to form any one of a variety of clear and/or translucent shapes, such as a bicycle helmet, motorcycle helmet, martial arts headgear, car racing helmet, paintball armor, hunting vest, kneepads, wrist guards, toys, toy vehicles, action figures, carrying case, cover, purse, shoes, fashion accessories, and any other objects which can be molded into a clear substrate within which the LED light engine transmits light.

59. The illuminated clear board or sheet of material of any one of claims 42 to 58 wherein the lighting module provides a light source while it obscures and/or hides the source of light from direct view, utilizing reflected and refracted light throughout the board or sheet to create a diffused, glowing light that provides a glare free illumination around the user of the board or sheet in order to increase visibility at night, additionally creating unique artistic light patterns, flashing sequences, and glowing designs throughout the interior and exterior of the material which further enhances user visibility and safety at night.

60. An illuminated sports device comprising:

a board having a thickness, wherein the board is comprised of a material that is capable of transmitting light and has an opening formed in the top and/or bottom surface thereof, and

a light module disposed in the opening, wherein the light module includes at least one light emitting device, wherein light emitted from at least one lighting device is transmitted outwardly through the thickness of the board.

61 . The illuminated sports device of claim 60 wherein the board comprises a clear and/or translucent material.

62. The illuminated sports device of claim 60 wherein the light module is removable from the board.

63. The illuminated sports device of claim 60 further comprising light altering elements that are embedded in the board and/or disposed on an outer surface of the board.

64. The illuminated sports device of claim 60 wherein the light module has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the upper surface of the light module is generally flush with an upper surface of the board and/or the lower surface of the light module is generally flush with a lower surface of the board.

65. The illuminated sports device of claim 60 wherein the light module includes a power source therein.

66. The illuminated sports device of claim 65 wherein the light module includes all electronic components necessary to operate at least one lighting device.

67. The illuminated sports device of claim 66 wherein the light module includes an on/off switch.

68. The illuminated sports device of claim 60 wherein the light module has an upper surface through which light does not transmit.

69. An illuminated sports device comprising:

a board having a thickness, wherein the board is comprised of a clear and/or translucent material that is capable of transmitting light, and wherein the board has an opening formed in the top and/or bottom surface thereof, and

a removable light module disposed in the opening, wherein the light module includes at least one light emitting device, a power source, and all electronic components necessary to operate the at least one lighting device, and wherein light emitted from at least one lighting device is transmitted outwardly through the thickness of the board.

70. The illuminated sports device of claim 68 wherein the light module has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the upper surface of the light module is generally flush with an upper surface of the board and/or the lower surface of the light module is generally flush with a lower surface of the board.

71 . The illuminated sports device of claim 68 further comprising light altering elements that are embedded in the board and/or disposed on an outer surface of the board.

72. The illuminated sports device of claim 69 wherein the light module has an upper surface through which light is not transmitted.

73. A method of illuminating a device, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a device having a portion that has a top surface, a bottom surface and there between a material that is capable of transmitting light,

forming an opening through one or more of the top surface and bottom surface, and positioning a light module in the opening, wherein the light module includes at least one light emitting device, wherein light emitted from at least one lighting device is transmitted laterally through the device.

74. The method of claim 14 wherein the light module includes a power source therein, and wherein the method further includes the steps of removing the light module from the opening, replacing the power source, and repositioning the light module in the opening.

75. The method of claim 73 where the light module includes all electronic components necessary to operate at least one lighting device.

76. The method of claim 73 wherein the device comprises a clear and/or translucent material.

77. The method of claim 73 wherein the device includes light altering elements that are embedded in the device and/or disposed on an outer surface of the device.

78. The method of claim 73 wherein the light module has an upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the upper surface of the light module is generally flush with the top surface of the device and/or the lower surface of the light module is generally flush with the bottom surface of the device.

79. The method of claim 73 wherein the light module includes an on/off switch.

80. The method of claim 73 where the device is one of a board or a helmet.

81 . The method of claim 73 wherein the light module has an upper surface through which light is not transmitted.