Mood-enhancing illumination apparatus

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.

1 . A method of using a portable illumination apparatus having a housing including at least one opening, 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, the method comprising transporting the 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. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the illumination apparatus includes positioning the housing of the illumination apparatus against a lip of a recessed lighting fixture, and substantially aligning the opening of the housing with an opening defined by the lip such that a base portion of a light bulb may be received through the aligned opening and screwed into a light socket within the recessed lighting fixture. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the light source and the light-altering device are configured such that at least a portion of the another component is illuminated by the altered light. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the illumination apparatus includes positioning the illumination apparatus generally around a doorknob stem with at least a portion of the doorknob stem within the opening of the housing in frictional engagement therewith. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the illumination apparatus includes positioning the illumination apparatus generally around an entry code faceplate with at least a portion of the entry code faceplate within the opening of the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the illumination apparatus includes positioning the illumination apparatus generally around a peripheral edge portion on a cabinet door with the peripheral edge portion within the opening of the housing. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the illumination apparatus includes positioning the illumination apparatus generally around a speaker panel with at least a portion of the speaker panel within the opening of the housing. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein positioning the illumination apparatus includes positioning the illumination apparatus generally around a wall plate with at least a portion of the wall plate within the opening of the housing. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the illumination apparatus is configured for receiving at least one self-contained power source for electrically powering the light source. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the illumination apparatus includes at least one self-contained power source for electrically powering the one light source. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the self-contained power source includes at least one or more batteries. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is a substrate of a circuit board, and wherein positioning the housing includes positioning the substrate of the circuit board against the lip.