Abstract: An illumination apparatus that includes a housing assembly made up of a housing, seat and top with optional attachment. A light source, power source, switch and controller are further included with the assembly. A light-altering device is also included in or proximate to the housing. The light source emits light through a light-altering surface. An optional motor is included to move the light alternating surface or light source, such as about a central axis. The switch and controller connected are programmable to control and vary the light source and motor among preselected and selectable patterns.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus that includes a housing assembly made up of a housing, seat and top with optional attachment. A light source, power source, switch and controller are further included with the assembly. A light-altering device is also included in or proximate to the housing. The light source emits light through a light-altering surface. An optional motor is included to move the light alternating surface or light source, such as about a central axis. The switch and controller connected are programmable to control and vary the light source and motor among preselected and selectable patterns.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of therapeutic devices and methods for applying therapy. In one exemplary embodiment, a therapeutic device generally includes one or more light sources for emitting therapeutic light. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device can also include means for applying hot therapy and/or cold therapy to a user's body when the therapeutic device is applied to the user's body. As other examples, various embodiments of therapeutic devices can include massagers and/or adhesive bandage strips for attaching the lighted therapeutic device to the user's body.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus that includes a housing assembly made up of a housing, seat and top with optional attachment. A light source, power source, switch and controller are further included with the assembly. A light-altering device is also included in or proximate to the housing. The light source emits light through a light-altering surface. An optional motor is included to move the light alternating surface or light source, such as about a central axis. The switch and controller connected are programmable to control and vary the light source and motor among preselected and selectable patterns.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are provided of illuminated implements for drinking and/or eating and related methods. In various embodiments, an implement for drinking and/or eating generally includes at least one tube having at least one inner fluid flow passage therethrough in which fluid may be received and delivered through the at least one inner fluid flow passage. At least one power source has at least a portion situated in the at least one inner fluid flow passage such that fluid may be received in and drawn through the at least one inner fluid flow passage generally around and past the at least a portion of the at least one power source situation in the at least one inner fluid flow passage. The implement also includes at least one light source that is at least partially within the at least one tube and electrically-powered by the at least one power source.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to beverage accessory devices for use within beverage receptacles. In one exemplary embodiment, a beverage accessory device generally includes a housing having sidewalls defining a cavity therein. A substantially fluid-tight container is within the cavity of the housing. The container includes sidewalls defining a chamber. At least one of the container's sidewalls is spaced apart from at least one of the housing's sidewalls such that a portion of the housing's cavity remains separating the at least one container sidewall from the at least one housing sidewall. At least one electric light source is substantially entirely within the container's chamber. The chamber can also be configured for receiving at least one power source. The at least one electric light source is operable for illuminating at least a portion of a liquid within the beverage receptacle when the beverage accessory device is within the beverage receptacle.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to beverage accessory devices for use within beverage receptacles. In one exemplary embodiment, a beverage accessory device generally includes a housing having sidewalls defining a cavity therein. A substantially fluid-tight container is within the cavity of the housing. The container includes sidewalls defining a chamber. At least one of the container's sidewalls is spaced apart from at least one of the housing's sidewalls such that a portion of the housing's cavity remains separating the at least one container sidewall from the at least one housing sidewall. At least one electric light source is substantially entirely within the container's chamber. The chamber can also be configured for receiving at least one power source. The at least one electric light source is operable for illuminating at least a portion of a liquid within the beverage receptacle when the beverage accessory device is within the beverage receptacle.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a housing, at least one light source, and at least one light-altering device positioned relative to the light source for receiving and altering light from the light source. In some embodiments, a method may include transporting a portable illumination apparatus and positioning the portable illumination apparatus relative to another component such that at least a portion of the another component is within the opening.

Abstract: A lighted item according to exemplary embodiments may generally include a light-conducting/light-transmission portion, which, in turn, may include and/or integrally define one or more indicia. The lighted item may also include a light-transmissive portion. The lighted item may also include at least one light source positioned to emit light into the light-conducting/light-transmission portion, which, in turn, may then conduct or transmit light to the one or more indicia for highlighting the one or more indicia. Light may also be conducted or transmitted through the light-conducting/light-transmission portion to the light-transmissive portion for highlighting an element (e.g., edible, drinkable, confection, non-consumable, etc.).

Abstract: A lighted item generally includes a light-conducting or light-transmission portion integrally defining one or more indicia and a light-transmissive portion. The lighted item also includes at least one light source positioned to emit light into the light-conducting portion, which, in turn conducts or transmits light to the indicia for highlighting the indicia. Light is also conducted or transmitted through the light-conducting portion to the light-transmissive portion for highlighting an element, such as an edible or confection, that is in engaged to the light-conducting portion.

Abstract: A balloon apparatus includes a balloon having an inflation opening that can be closed for keeping the balloon inflated. The apparatus also includes a light source inside the balloon, wiring connecting a power source to the light source, and a tube through which the wiring extends. The tube may be entirely enclosed in the balloon. This balloon can be inexpensive to fabricate and can provide an attractive advertising medium.

Abstract: An implement for use in connection with drinking and/or eating includes a tube having a passage therethrough. A housing for a power source is situated in the passage such that a fluid may be drawn through the passage past the housing. One or more light sources in the tube are powered by the power source. This implement can be used, for example, as a drinking straw and/or a stick for frozen treats.