具体实施方式：
[0044]The following description of various embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its applications, or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
[0045]Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an illumination apparatus, generally indicated by reference number 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the illumination apparatus 10 includes a housing 12, a seat 16, a top 18, at least one light source 14. Together, the housing 12, seat 16 and top 18 form a multi-piece or single-piece housing assembly 11.
[0046]In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the housing 12 and housing assembly 11 are substantially cylinder-shaped. It is to be understood, however, that any component described herein (e.g., the housing 12 and housing assembly 11, including the corresponding top and seat components 18 and 16) may comprise any of a wide range of other shapes including, but not limited to, squares, rectangles, triangles, parallelograms, diamonds, semicircles, octagonal, hexagonal, ovular, u-shaped, c-shaped, names, logos, other alphanumeric characters or any other multidimensional object, including geographic landmarks/features, buildings/other manmade structures, cars, animals or other shapes. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention should not be limited to only circular or rectangular shaped housings and attachments.
[0047]It is to be further understood, that any component described herein (e.g., the housing 12 and housing assembly 11, including the corresponding top and seat components 18 and 16) may vary in dimension and design to that shown and described in relation to the figures. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any of the components may have, as compared to what is shown and described in relation to the figures, different lengths, heights, widths, volumes, circumferences, diameters, angles, or other geometric dimensions.
[0048]A wide range of materials may be used for the housing assembly 11, including, but not limited to, acrylics, glasses, plastics, among others. The surfaces of the housing assembly 11 may be transparent, translucent, opaque, reflective, or a combination thereof.
[0049]With respect to the structure of the housing 12, seat 16, and top 18 themselves, this is shown for the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1 through 3 (housing assembly 11), the exploded view in FIG. 4, and FIGS. 5-7 (top 18), 11-13 (housing 12) and 14-16 (seat 16). As shown, the housing 12 is comprised of an upper portion 20 and a lower portion 22. The lower portion 22 defines a chamber 24 and includes at least one side wall 26 including at least one light-altering surface 28. In this embodiment, the side wall 26 comprises a cylindrical wall surrounding the chamber 24. The housing 12 further includes a housing lower surface 30 at the lower portion 22, on which the housing 12 can rest positioned against or opposite a support surface 114. The upper portion 20 of the housing 12 defines an opening 32 for the seat 16. The upper portion 20 also includes a fitting, shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 as a ring-like ridge 34 extending into and around the side wall 26 inner surface of the upper portion 20.
[0050]As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14-16, the seat 16 includes a lower seat wall 36 having a corresponding ridge-like ring 38 extending outwardly from the lower seat wall 36 that fits into the ridge 34 of the upper portion 20 of the housing 12. Accordingly, the seat 16 fits to the upper portion 20 of the housing 12. This ridge-ring fitting arrangement allows the seat 16 to be snapped into and out of the upper portion 20 of the housing 12. This fitting arrangement also allows the seat and housing 12 to independently rotate around a common axis 40. By example, common axis 40 runs through center points 108, 110 and 112 of top 18, seat 16 and housing 12 as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 13. This allows alteration of the position of the light source 14 and the direction of the light emission from the light source 14 relative to the housing 12, including the side walls 26, light-altering surfaces 28 and light-altering devices 42 thereof or therein. The seat 16 also includes an outer surface 44, shown for example in FIGS. 1 and 14, with a rough ridge pattern, for gripping and turning the set and for altering light passing through those surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, top 18 includes a similar pattern and any surface of the housing assembly 11 and attachment can include similar patterns.
[0051]Continuing with FIGS. 1-4 and 14-16, and with further reference to FIGS. 8-10 for the light assembly 52 (which may comprise a pod, as in a disk or coin shaped assembly), the seat 16 further includes a seat floor 46 as well as an upper seat wall 48. The seat 16 defines a space 50 for positioning the light source 14 and light assembly 52. The light source 14 is positioned on the seat 16, preferably on the seat floor 46. Seat floor 46 includes protrusions 54 (or protuberances) by which light source 14 is fitted to the seat floor 46 via guide holes 56 in a fixture 58 for containing the fight source 14. Fixture 58 preferably comprises particle board and/or printed circuit board (PCB) base material, as well as circuitry 60. As such, the fixture 58 is thin enough to be placed in small space. Yet it is also sturdy and provides a board on which to include circuitry 60 (exemplary reference shown) for the controller 62 and mount the switch 64, light source 14 and power source 66 as well as the connections there between. It is also flexible enough to accommodate the switching mechanism of the switch 64 and the fitting arrangement of the seat floor 46. Accordingly, this arrangement fixes the position of the light source 14 on the seat 16. The protrusions 54 further serve to help trigger a switch 64 connected to the light source 14 and the power source 66 and controller 62 for the light source 14. In the preferred embodiment, two protrusions 54 are used to fit through guide holes 56 to mount the fixture 58 on the seat 16, and one or two additional shorter protrusions are used to trigger switch(es) 64. The light source 14 may be positioned such that it illuminates at least a part of the lower housing portion 22, the side wall 26, light-altering devices 42 and a surface 114 supporting the illumination apparatus 10.
[0052]Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 8-10, in the exemplary embodiment, the switch 64 comprises a push button switch disposed on a fixture 58 positioned in the seat floor 46 of seat 16 of the housing assembly 11. Lateral movement, such as by lateral pressure, is used to activate the switch 64. Fixture 58 is generally comprised of printed circuit board material (PCB) and is flexible to allow such activation. In the exemplary embodiment and various other embodiments, the fixture 58 further includes or has mounted or disposed on it the light source 14, power source 66 and controller 62, including circuitry 60 therefore and connections there between. These are also generally referred to as the light assembly 52. Depending on the application in which the illumination apparatus 10 will be used, the switch 64, power source 66, light source 14 and controller 62 may comprise any one of a wide range of other suitable means. Additional details and alternative embodiments are described further below in a separate section.
[0053]Returning to the structure of the housing assembly 11, including particularly the top 18, as shown for the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1-3 and FIGS. 5-7, the top 18 is fitted to the seat 16. Preferably, the top 18 includes a lower top wall 68 fitted to the upper seat wall 48. As shown, the light source 14, power source 66, switch 64 and controller 62 are positioned between the top 18 and seat 16 within space 50. The lower top wall 68 and upper seat wall 48 are fitted together to allow lateral movement of the top 18 relative to the seat 16 sufficient to activate the switch 64. As shown, the same ring-ridge type of fitting arrangement described above for the housing 12 and seat 16 is again used here for the top 18 and seat 16. The ring and ridge are sized to secure the top 18 and seat 16 together around the light assembly 52, while concurrently allowing enough lateral range of movement between the seat 16 and top 18 to allow the switch 64 to be activated. The top 18 and seat 16 may also independently rotate a common axis 40 to allow changes in the light effects of the apparatus. The top 18 and seat 16 may collectively comprise a pod (e.g., a disk shaped assembly), including the light assembly 52.
[0054]Referring to FIG. 4 specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the illumination apparatus 10 is shown in perspective and exploded view. As such, the top 18, light assembly 52, seat 16 and housing 12 are shown in disassembly. Attachment 41 is shown as well. To allow ready access to the light source 14, the light-altering device 42 and/or the interior of the housing 12, the illumination apparatus 10 includes such separable components of the housing assembly 11. These components (top 18, seat 16, housing 12 (and attachment 41 as well) may be fitted together using any suitable fastening system or method (e.g., the ring-ridge fit described above, inwardly extending resilient knobs or protuberances, threaded members, resilient ribs, other interference fits, adhesives, among others). Alternatively, the housing assembly 11 can be formed as a single unit (e.g., unitary construction, such as a unitary pod) or lesser components. FIG. 27 shows the assembled illumination apparatus 10 in perspective view, and FIG. 28 shows the apparatus 10 with the attachment 41 in perspective view.
[0055]As further shown in FIG. 4, the invention may also include an attachment 41 that can be attached to the housing assembly 11 via the top 18 to provide additional features to the invention. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17-19, the attachment 41 includes a beverage receptacle 70 (or chamber), such as one resembling a shot glass. One of skill in the art will appreciate that various types of attachments 41 may be used, including attachments 41 having different sizes, shapes and dimensions of beverage and food receptacles 70 (e.g., all types of beverage glasses, bowls, plates, other dishware, etc.). Further, housing 11 and attachment 41 may be formed of unitary construction as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36. Alternatively, attachment 41 may form a stand 118 for the illumination apparatus 10 and housing 11, as shown in FIG. 34.
[0056]The illumination apparatus 10, assembly 11, housing 12, top 18, light assembly 52 and/or attachment 41 may couple with, connect to, adhere to, join with, sit atop, sit with, cover, clasp, fasten to or otherwise attach to the other components (e.g., top 18 to attachment 41, assembly 11 to attachment 41, housing 18 to attachment 41, illumination apparatus 10 to attachment 41, light assembly 52 to any of the above) via various means, mechanisms and methods. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper top wall 72 fits within the lower attachment wall 74. This fitting is accomplished by the means described above for the fitting arrangement between the housing 12 and seat 16 and the top 18 and seat 16. As shown in FIGS. 29-37, including FIGS. 30 and 31 showing adhesive 114, and FIGS. 32, 33, 35, 36 and 37, showing padding 116, alternative embodiments include using adhesive-based materials, friction-based materials, or other interface materials (e.g., fabrics, rubbers, putties, “eda”, etc.) that permits the attachment 41 to attach to/interact with other components and/or permits the light assembly 52 to connect to the housing 12, assembly 11 or attachment 41. As shown, such materials may beneficially provide padding 116 for the top 18, light assembly 52 or attachment 41. Such materials may collectively or separably form a connector. One of skill in the art will further appreciate that the any combinations of the separate components described herein may be formed into single components.
[0057]The attachment 41 and top 18 may rotate relative to the seat 16 using the fitting referenced above, including about a common axis 40. As such, the attachment adds additional shapes, surfaces, containers and movement for the illumination apparatus to provide different lighting effects.
[0058]As also shown in the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1, 4, 20 and 21, the invention also includes a light-altering device 42. For example, the light-altering device 42 may comprise a material placed in the chamber 24 adjacent the side wall 26. The material may constitute thin film-like material (e.g., acetate, etc.) having different patterns (e.g., shapes and colors), and varying translucence (e.g., the property of allowing light to pass through diffusely) and/or transparency. Such material may have light altering properties such that light changes color or other properties upon transmitting through the material. That material can be positioned in the chamber 24 adjacent the side wall 26, so that light emitted from the light source 14 can project various light patterns based on the material comprising the light-altering device 42, including the patterns thereon. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the light-altering device 42 alters the light emitted from the light source 14 such that the housing assembly 11 is illuminated with altered housing light 76. The altered light source 14 is directed downward through at least partly transparent or translucent housing side walls 26, thus providing the surface 114 and surrounding area in which the illumination apparatus 10 is being used with various light patterns and effects via altered housing passing light 78.
[0059]Alternatively, the light-altering device 42 may comprise a cover within the housing 12 approximate the light source 14. The light-altering device 42 may also or alternatively comprise part of the side wall 26 itself (e.g., etching, facets 80 or other patterns or variations in the material or surface of the side wall 26 of the housing 12), which can alter the light emitted by the light source 14 (e.g., altered housing light 76, altered housing passing light 78). The light-altering device 42 and the housing 12 may also be integrally formed as a single component. For example, the light-altering device may comprise an internal faceted surface of the housing 12. Additional details and alternative embodiments are described further below in a separate section.
[0060]One of skill in the art will appreciate that the features of the light-alternating device 42 described herein may be incorporated into other components described herein to achieve similar or the same results as the light-alternating device 42.
[0061]One of skill in the art will further appreciate that dividers (e.g., pie slicers) or other features that separate may be used to separate or filter different light sources. For example, a light source can be separated by color (e.g., a divider separating LEDs of different colors).
[0062]As shown in FIG. 11, the illumination apparatus 10 may also include a motion system 82 incorporated with or in communication with the controller 62, such as a turntable 84 including any necessary motor(s), to rotate or otherwise move the illumination apparatus 10, the light source 14, light-altering device(s) 42, housing 12, attachment 41, and/or other component. For example, a turntable 84 may be included at the bottom of the housing 12 to rotate the apparatus. Alternatively, a turntable may be fitted to the fixture 58 for the light source 14 to rotate the light source 14.
[0063]As another alternative, the light-altering device 42 may be positioned on a turntable 84 at a substantially central or circumventing location relative to the housing 12. In such embodiment, turntable 84 may have a transparent support surface for supporting the light-altering device 42 and be coupled to a motor that when energized rotates the turntable 84 and the light-altering device 42 thereon. Alternatively, the motion system 82 could instead be used to rotate the light source 14 relative to the light-altering device 42. By combining the movement of the turntable 84 with variations of the light source 14 (e.g., different colors, timing patterns) and light-altering device 42 (e.g., different colors, translucence, patterns) various alternative lighting effects are provided.
[0064]Motion and lighting in relation to any component may be accomplished using various techniques. For example, a particular sequence of motion and/or lighting may be programmed into the controller 62 or a suitable processor of the motion system 82, Commands that control motion and light may be based on programmed instructions, sensor-based input (e.g., input from users or from any attachment 41), or other methods.
Power Source 66
[0065]The power source 66 contemplates any suitable means of providing energy to the light source 14 including, but not limited to, renewable batteries, rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries, and other suitable power sources that may be either external or internal to the illumination apparatus 10. It may also include an AC adapter port to allow the illumination apparatus 10 to receive power through an electrical cord connected with a standard wall outlet. If rechargeable, the power source may be rechargeable by solar, magnetic, electrical, and chemical means, and the like or any combination thereof. The power source 66 may include a solar cell disposed on the housing assembly 11, including for example the top 18, side wall 16 or under transparent surfaces thereof, although other suitable means of providing energy to the light sources 14 and the motion system 82 may be employed. Accordingly, the power source mechanism should not be limited to the power source mechanisms described and shown herein.
Light Source 14, Switch 64, Controller 62
[0066]The light source 14 in the exemplary embodiment 10 comprises a plurality of variously colored raw dies (e.g., wire, fiber, optic or other light lead line components also incorporated into light-emitting diodes) positioned on the fixture 58 within thin drops of silicon, resin or similar material, as shown in FIGS. 8-10. By further explanation, this arrangement uses surface mount technology (SMT). SMT is a method for constructing electronic circuits in which the components (e.g., Surface Mounted Components) are mounted directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (including fixture 58). An SMT component is usually smaller than its through-hole counterpart because it has either smaller leads or no leads at all. It may have short pins or leads of various styles, flat contacts, a matrix of solder balls (BGAs), and/or terminations on the body of the component. In the preferred embodiment, circuitry for controller 62 is on the surface of fixture 58 as illustrated in FIG. 9A. The light source 14 is mounted on the surface of fixture 58 within a drop of resin material 86 as referred to above. The light source 14 may be mounted within or under a unitary drop of resin or piece of silicon 86 (FIG. 9A). As shown, red (R), green (G) and blue (B) raw dies are included within a unitary drop or piece. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, a red (R), green (G) and blue (B) raw die is each included within or under a separate drop of resin or separate piece of silicon 88. That is, the R raw die is under one resin location, the G die is under a second resin location and the B die is under a third location. The latter embodiment provides advantages. Since each light has its own separate surface mounted location and mounting material, the light emitted is more distinct than when all three lights are included in one drop of resin or silicon or other mounting material. Further, the lights make better cross references to each other when multiple light sources 14 are on and multiple light colors are emitted. That is, the lights blend together according to the light emitted. Whereas, when the RGB raw dies are included within one drop of resin, the lights blend within the resin and may not be as distinct or well blended.
[0067]Alternatively, any suitable light source 14 may be employed including but not limited to light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, halogen, incandescent, laser, fluorescent, magnetic, and the like.
[0068]In various embodiments of the invention, an illumination apparatus 10 can further include an optional light source 90 for providing normal lighting conditions (see FIG. 25). Optional light source 90 may comprise an incandescent light. It may further be on or within the housing 12, or within or partially within the housing 12 or within or adjacent the light-altering device 42 or a cavity formed thereby. The light-altering device 42 itself may be disposed substantially around the optional light source 90.
[0069]The operation of the light source 14 and the motion system 82 (i.e., motor and turntable 84, see FIG. 11) are controlled by a controller 62 in accordance with user input. As shown in FIGS. 8-10, in one embodiment, the controller 62 includes a circuitry 60/circuit board assembly (integrated circuitry board mounted on a circuit board also comprising fixture 58) and a switch 64.
[0070]In general, the switch 64 allows the user to select from among various display modes for the light source 14. Such display modes may include an off mode, a mode during which the raw dies or light-emitting diodes blink (or strobe) in a predetermined sequence. By further example, but without limitation, predetermined controller 62 settings or circuits activated by the switch 64 result in a series of lighting arrangements and light effects:
ActionLight ColorsLight Duration1.OnRedConstant2.OffNoNo3.OnGreenConstant4.OffNoNo5.OnBlueConstant6.OffNoNo7.OnRed & greenConstant8.OffNoNo9.OnBlue & greenConstant10.OffNoNo11.OnRed & BlueConstant12.OffNoNo13.OnRed & Blue & GreenConstant14.OffNoNo15.OnRed & Blue & Green16.OffNoNo17.OnRed & Blue & GreenStrobing18.OffNoNo19.OnRedStrobing20.And so on. . .. . .
[0071]As shown, this exemplary lighting arrangement could be applied to the SMT lighting arrangements described above, including where either the RGB lights are included within or under a single location of resin (FIG. 9A) or each are included under or within separate mounting locations (FIG. 9B). This light arrangement could also be applied to the strobing (or blinking) of light sources 14 to provide persistence of vision effects as described in more detail below. Accordingly, the light sources do not necessarily move (by turntable 84 as discussed below), but strobe or blink rapidly, and, in combination with movement of the light altering devices 42 (e.g., films, facets, other items) the projected light moves.
[0072]Accordingly, the switch 64 may allow the user to cycle through such various display modes or select a particular color for the light by successively squeezing the illumination apparatus to activate the switch 64. In addition, in alternative embodiments, such display modes may include modes during which the light sources 14 (e.g., raw dies, LEDs) pulsate to sounds. The sounds may be produced by the apparatus 10 itself (e.g., via a speaker built-in to the apparatus 10) or a source external to the apparatus 10 (e.g., ambient sounds). Such display modes may also include modes for movement based on the motion system 82, where user to select from a plurality of predetermined rotational speeds for the turntable 84 via the switch 64 or other means for selection incorporated with the controller 62.
[0073]As such, in various embodiments of the invention, an illumination apparatus 10 may include a controller 62 for controlling operation of the light source 14 in accordance with user input to provide such features as blinking, strobing and/or color changes. As discussed in more detail below, blinking or strobing may be used to provide persistence of vision effects in lighting effects of the illumination apparatus 10 (see e.g., FIG. 21). The switch 64 may, for example, allow the user to select from among various display modes for the light sources 14, in which each of the light sources 14 simultaneously emit steady or non-flashing light, a mode in which the light sources 14 emit light intermittently, a mode in which the various light sources 14 illuminate or blink at different times in accordance with a predetermined sequence or order, a mode in which the light sources 14 emit light that phases between or blends colors, a mode in which the light sources 14 emit light randomly, a mode in which the light sources 14 pulsate to sounds, a mode which activates motion, and/or a mode combining one or more of the foregoing.
[0074]The switch 64 and controller 62 may be any suitable devices. For example, the switch 64 may be provided on a cord extending from the housing assembly 11. As yet another example, an illumination apparatus 10 can include electrical terminals for switchably connecting the light source 14 to the power source 66. For example, the electrical terminals can be located such that a user's hand upon grasping the item completes the circuit for power delivery to the light source 14 from the power source 66. Or for example, the controller 62 may be configured for use with an infrared remote control. The controller 62 can also include a plurality of switches 64 each of which can be used to control the operation of an individual light source 14 or group of light sources 14. Additionally, the switch 64 may also allow the user to dim or brighten the intensity of the light source 14, for example, by holding down the switch 64 with continuously applied pressure.
Light-Altering Device 42
[0075]The light-altering device 42 will now be described in more detail. The light-altering device 42 is positioned relative to the housing 12 and the light source 14 for receiving and altering light from the light source 14 such that the altered light source 14 has variant lighting effects (e.g., via altered housing light 76, altered housing passing light 78). During operation, the light-altering device 42 refracts, reflects, diffracts, and/or disperses the light source 14 such that the altered light source 14 illuminates the portion(s) of the housing 12 and/or the support surface 114 with mood-enhancing light patterns and effects. Alternatively, or additionally, the light-altering device 42 may be positioned relative to the housing 12 and the light source 14 such that the altered light source 14 illuminates at least a portion of a surface 114 supporting the illumination apparatus 10, such as a wall, ceiling, floor, tabletop, walkway, clothing, a surface of a mobile platform, etc. See e.g., FIGS. 20, 21.
[0076]A wide range of materials can be used for any one of the light-altering devices 42 including polished acrylic materials, glasses, plastics, crystals, gemstones, transparent materials, translucent materials, mirrors and other reflective materials, combinations thereof, among others. In several embodiments (see, e.g., FIG. 24), the light-altering devices include facets 80. In further embodiments, a light-altering device 42 can be an integral portion of the housing 12 or housing assembly 11 such that the light-altering device 42 and the housing 12 or housing assembly 11 are monolithically formed as a single component. For example, one embodiment includes a housing 12 having one or more internal faceted surfaces as a light-altering device 42.
[0077]The light-altering device 42 can have a variety of shapes. In the illustrated embodiment, the light-altering device 42 is shaped in a substantially similar manner as the housing 12 and housing assembly 11 (e.g., cylindrically-shaped as in FIGS. 1-3 and 20-21). In other embodiments, the light-altering device 42 may have a substantially spherical, pyramidal, prismatic, alphanumeric, or other shape depending on the application for which the illumination apparatus 10 will be used. As stated above, various shapes and dimensions are contemplated herein.
[0078]As further shown in FIGS. 20-21, as part of the light-altering device 42, the illumination apparatus 10 may further include one or more indicia 92 positioned to receive the light emitted directly from the light source 14 and/or to receive the altered housing light 76 from another part of the light-altering device 42 or an additional light-altering device 42. The indicia 92 may be at least partially opaque, translucent, or a combination thereof such that the light source 14 and/or altered housing light 76 produces a silhouette of the indicia 92 that is displayed to a user. The indicia 92 may include any of a wide range of symbols, characters, shapes, words, logos, other alphanumeric characters and combinations thereof, etc. Depending on the particular placement of the indicia 92, the illumination apparatus 10 may display the silhouette within the housing 12 and/or on a surface external to the housing 12, such as the support surface 114 (or a wall surface and various other surrounding surfaces). Various embodiments include a light-altering devices 42 (e.g., acetate material) having indicia 92 configured to receive light emitted from the light source 14 such that the light source 14 produces a representation of the indicia 92 onto a surface external to and adjacent the illumination apparatus 10. During operation, the light-altering device 42 refracts, reflects, diffracts, and/or disperses the light source 14 such that the altered light source 14 illuminates the surface 114 supporting the apparatus 10 with various light patterns and effects.
[0079]In alternative embodiments, an illumination apparatus 10 includes light sources 14 (e.g., raw dies, LEDs) that are positioned proximate the lower housing surface 30 or a surface in the upper portion 20 of the housing 12 or housing assembly 11 (e.g., proximate the perimeter of the housing assembly 11). The raw dies or LEDs are positioned to direct light source 14 at a generally downward or upward angle towards indicia 92 provided (e.g., etched, marked onto, etc.) onto a light-altering device 42. The indicia 92 can be distorted such that the indicia 92 appear clear and undistorted when projected onto the support surface 114. By way of example only, the light-altering device 42 may include indicia spaced around the outer perimeter of housing 12 such that when the light sources 14 are activated, the light source 14 projects the indicia 92 onto the support surface 114 generally around but a spaced-distance away from the housing's 12 outer perimeter.
[0080]By further example, in alternative embodiments, an illumination apparatus 10 includes light source 14 (e.g., raw dies, LEDs, including multiple light sources 14) positioned either at the upper or lower portions (20 or 22) of housing 12. The light-altering device 42 comprises a mirror mounted to the opposite side of the housing 12 to the light source 14. Alternatively, the light-altering device 42 is placed at a mid-point in the chamber 24. The mirror is preferably conical, but can include other forms, such as circular disks or round balls. The light-altering device 42 constituting the mirror reflects the light emitted from the light source 14 to provide light effects. As described earlier, either the light source 14 or light-altering device 42 can also be rotated by turntable 84 to provide further light effects. A lens may be included with light source 14 to focus the emitted light on or towards the light-altering device 42 (e.g., mirror) to further alter the light effects.
[0081]By further example, FIG. 21 further illustrates an embodiment where blinking or strobing the light source 14 may be used to provide persistence of vision effects in lighting effects of the illumination apparatus 10. Persistence of vision involves an eye phenomenon by which an afterimage is thought to persist momentarily by the viewer (e.g., similar to moving film being comprised of a series of still images, also similar to a flip book constituting several successive still images that appear to move when the pages of images are flipped in rapid succession). By further example, still images projected at 8 images per second generate persistence of vision effects. As shown in FIG. 21, the light-altering device 42 includes a series of indicia 92 (e.g., images) of an object at different stages of motion. The persistence of vision movement of the images can be generated as light effects by the illumination apparatus 10 in several ways. For example, the light-altering device 42 may be rotated via the turntable 84 (e.g., a carousel like turntable 84 atta