AU2014271276A1 - A garment having a releasable signal device attachment - Google Patents

Abstract

A GARMENT HAVING A RELEASABLE SIGNAL DEVICE Abstract A garment (1) having a releasable signal device (7) attachment. The garment having a fabric layer (3) having an inner surface (4) to be located in use adjacent a user and an outer surface (5). A signal device (7) and means (8) to releasably secure said signal device to said fabric layer (3). Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Description

A GARMENT HAVING A RELEASABLE SIGNAL DEVICE ATTACHMENT

Field [0001] The present invention relates to garments. In particular, the present invention relates to a garment for use in industrial and/or recreational activities and having a releasable signal device attachment.

Background [0002] One popular signal device is a light emitting diode or LED. A plurality of LED’s can be grouped together to form an LED strap, LED strip, LED tape, LED string or the like.

Hereinafter these will be referred together as an LED strap. Electro-luminescent wire (EL) could also be utilised rather than an LED strap as a signal device. Other such signal devices are within the scope of the application.

[0003] LED’s and EL’s are useful as they provide light which can be used for safety or for fun. For example, a high visibility garment, general work wear attached with a signal device, a Christmas garment, a dance party garment, kid’s birthday party garments, for advertising, decoration or the like can all incorporate LED’s, EL’s or the like for safety, fun or style. However, LED straps create issues with how they are attached to the garment and in particular the expense, effectiveness of signal, battery life and the ability to wash or clean the garment. Most existing systems permanently fix the LED strap to the garment. Accordingly, the garment cannot be machine washed. This is particularly disadvantageous in areas where garments regularly get dirty. Further, if the LED strap breaks or is damaged, the entire garment needs to be thrown out.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a better way of attaching a signal device such as an LED strap or EL to a garment which is more easily releasable.

Summary of Invention [0005] There is disclosed herein a garment having a releasable signal device attachment; said garment having a fabric layer; said layer having an inner surface to be located in use adjacent a user and an outer surface; a signal device; and means to releasably secure said signal device to said fabric layer.

[0006] Preferably, said device includes an LED strap.

[0007] Preferably, said device includes an Electroluminescent Wire (EL).

[0008] Preferably, said releasable securing means includes a first part attached to said device and a second part attached to said fabric layer.

[0009] Preferably, said first part is attached to the LED strap or EL.

[0010] Preferably, said second part is attached to the outer surface of said fabric layer.

[0011] Preferably, said second part is attached to an inner surface of said fabric layer.

[0012] Preferably, said releasable securing means includes a hook and loop type fastener.

[0013] Preferably, said releasable securing means includes a snap locking engagement.

[0014] Preferably, in use, the LED strap or EL is attached to the garment by use of hook and loop type fasteners, one hook and loop strip fixed to an underside of the LED strap or EL and an opposing hook and loop strip fixed to the outer surface of the fabric layer.

[0015] Preferably, in use, the LED strap or EL is attached to the garment by use of hook and loop type fasteners, one hook and loop strip fixed to a topside of the LED strap or EL and an opposing hook and loop strip fixed to the inner surface of the fabric layer.

[0016] Preferably, said releasable securing means includes a strip of material attached to said fabric layer, said material defining a tunnel within which said LED strap or EL can be positioned by a user in use.

[0017] Preferably, said strip of material is attached to the inner surface of said fabric layer.

[0018] Preferably, said strip of material is attached to the outer surface of said fabric layer.

[0019] Preferably, said strip of material includes mesh.

[0020] Preferably, a portion of said fabric layer is removed to assist light to be emitted from said LED or EL when said LED strap or EL is positioned in said tunnel when said strip of material is attached to said inner surface of said fabric layer.

[0021] Preferably, said strip of material includes a zipper, a hook and loop type fastener and/or a button strap.

[0022] Preferably, said garment includes reflective tape.

Brief Description of Drawings [0023] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: [0024] Figure 1 shows a top view of an LED strap attached to a garment; [0025] Figure 2 shows a sectional side view along A-A showing the attachment of Figure 1; [0026] Figure 3 shows a sectional side view of another attachment method; [0027] Figure 4 shows a top view of an LED strap attached to a garment in another way; and [0028] Figure 5 shows a sectional side view along B-B of Figure 4.

Description of Embodiments [0029] There is disclosed herein a garment 1 having a fabric layer 3. The fabric layer 3 having an inner surface 4 to be located in use adjacent the user and an outer surface 5 away from the user and to be exposed to the elements. A signaling device 7 is releasably attachable to the fabric layer 3. Means 8 is provided to releasably secure the device 7 to the fabric layer 3.

[0030] In a preferred form, and as best seen in Figures 1 and 4, the device 7 includes an LED strap 9 and a web matrix 10 made of various materials on top of the strap 9. A plurality of LED lights 11 (forming the LED strap 9) are encapsulated in a compound 13 to form the LED strap 9 and generally secure to the web matrix 10. It should be noted that the device 7 includes a signaling device, signaling strap, LED strap, LED string, EL or the like. Typically, any long narrow flexible device to generate light is a signaling device strip and discussed herein as an LED strap. The signaling can be in any colour and in low power used for safety, decoration, parties, advertising or the like.

[0031] In a preferred form, the releasable securing means 8 includes a first part 12 attached to the device 7 and a second part 13 attached to the fabric layer 3. This is best seen in Figure 2. In the preferred form, the first part 12 is attached to the web 10 and the LED strap is secured between 12 and 10. The second part 13 is attached to the outer surface 5 of the fabric layer 3. However, the second part 13 could also be attached to the inner surface 4 of the fabric layer 3 as best seen in Figure 3.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the releasable securing means 8 includes hook and loop type fasteners. For example, in use, the LED strap 9 or EL is attached to the garment 1 by use of the hook and loop type fasteners. That is, one hook or loop strip 12 is fixed to two sides of the web strap 10 then fix the LED strap 9 between them and an opposing hook or loop strip 13 is fixed to the outer surface 5 of the fabric layer 3 as best seen in Figure 2. Alternatively, in use, the LED strap 9 or EL is attached with one hook or loop type strip 12 fixed to the top side of the LED strap 9 or EL and an opposing hook and loop strip fixed to the inside surface 4 of the fabric layer 3 as best seen in Figure 3. Alternatively, the releasable securing means 8 could include other fastening means such as snap locking engagement from buttons, press-studs or the like or other typical fastening means could be utilised to bring the two parts 3, 7 into engagement to provide releasable attachable fastening.

[0033] In an alternate form, the releasable securing means 8 includes a strip of web 20 attached to the fabric layer 3 and in a preferred form the outside layer 5 of the fabric layer 3 (see Figure 5) to create a tunnel 22 or the like within which the LED strap 9 or EL can be placed during use. That is, the user would thread the LED strap 9 or EL through the tunnel 22 when wanting to use the garment 1. The user would then remove the LED strap 9 or EL from the tunnel 22 when wanting to replace the garment 1 for example to wash or clean the garment. This is best seen in Figures 3 and 5. A strip of material 23 could also be attached to the underside 4 of the fabric layer 3 as best seen in Figure 3. In the embodiment of Figure 3, a further strip of web 20 is also attached to the top side 5 of the fabric layer 3. To ensure that LED or EL is emitted sufficiently from the LED 11, a section or window 30 of fabric material is removed to provide access for the signal as best seen in Figure 3. To provide access from the inside, a zipper, hook and loop fastener (e.g. Velcro™) and/or bottom strap (not shown) could also be included on the fabric material strip 23.

[0034] The parts of the garment 1 mentioned above, can be attached together by sewing, various adhesives, fabric welding or the like. Accordingly, the present invention, at least in a preferred form, provides a significant advance in garments 1 having an LED strap or EL or other signal emitting devices attached to it in an easy, releasable and cost effective way.

[0035] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (18)

1. A garment having a releasable signal device attachment; said garment having a fabric layer; said layer having an inner surface to be located in use adjacent a user and an outer surface; a signal device; and means to releasably secure said signal device to said fabric layer.

2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said device includes an LED strap.

3. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said device includes an Electroluminescent Wire (EL).

4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said releasable securing means includes a first part attached to said device and a second part attached to said fabric layer.

5. The garment according to claim 3, wherein said first part is attached to the LED strap or EL.

6. The garment according to claim 3, wherein said second part is attached to the outer surface of said fabric layer.

7. The garment according to claim 3, wherein said second part is attached to an inner surface of said fabric layer.

8. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said releasable securing means includes a hook and loop type fastener.

9. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said releasable securing means includes a snap locking engagement.

10. The garment according to claim 1, wherein in use, the LED strap or EL is attached to the garment by use of hook and loop type fasteners, one hook and loop strip fixed to an underside of the LED strap or EL and an opposing hook and loop strip fixed to the outer surface of the fabric layer.

11. The garment according to claim 1, wherein in use, the LED strap or EL is attached to the garment by use of hook and loop type fasteners, one hook and loop strip fixed to a topside of the LED strap or EL and an opposing hook and loop strip fixed to the inner surface of the fabric layer.

12. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said releasable securing means includes a strip of material attached to said fabric layer, said material defining a tunnel within which said LED strap or EL can be positioned by a user in use.

13. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said strip of material is attached to the inner surface of said fabric layer.

14. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said strip of material is attached to the outer surface of said fabric layer.

15. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said strip of material includes mesh.

16. The garment according to claim 1, wherein a portion of said fabric layer is removed to assist light to be emitted from said LED or EL when said LED strap or EL is positioned in said tunnel when said strip of material is attached to said inner surface of said fabric layer.

17. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said strip of material includes a zipper, a hook and loop type fastener and/or a button strap.

18. The garment according to claim 1, wherein said garment includes reflective tape.