GB2579189A

GB2579189A - Item of clothing with enhanced visibility and improved access to active components

Info

Publication number: GB2579189A
Application number: GB1819024.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sturman Richard
Original assignee: Wearable Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Wearable Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-22
Filing date: 2018-11-22
Publication date: 2020-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-22
Also published as: CN212185179U; GB201819024D0; GB2579189B

Abstract

A high-visibility garment has an outer layer 704 with an external surface 102 with high-visibility properties and an internal surface 705, and an inner layer 502 with a concealed surface 706 and an exposed surface 702. Light-emitting diodes (111, 112, figure 1) are secured to the outer fabric and connected to a wiring loom (303, figure 3). The wiring loom is located between the outer layer and the inner layer. A pocket is assembled with a front layer 301 and a back layer 302. A first pocket-zipper tape of a pocket zipper (201, figure 3) is stitched to the inner pocket‑layer, a first main-zipper tape of a main zipper (115, figure 1), and a first lining-zipper tape of a lining zipper (501, figure 5). Second stitches may secure the inner layer to a second lining-zipper tape. The chain gauge of the pocket zipper may be larger than the chain gauge of the lining zipper. The outer layer may comprise florescent material and light-reflective tape, and the LEDs may be located on the light-reflective tape. Also disclosed are preparations for attachment of the LEDs, and a method of constructing the garment.

Description

Item of Clothing with Enhanced Visibility and Improved Access to Active Components CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus wearable as an item of clothing for enhancing the visibility of operatives working in hazardous environments. The present invention also relates to a method of constructing an item of clothing with enhanced visibility and improved access to active components.

It is known to provide items of clothing with enhanced visibility that have plural light-emitting devices connected to a control unit via a wiring loom, as disclosed in GB 2 533 460, assigned to the present applicant. It is also known to provide sophisticated communication systems between items of clothing as disclosed in GB 2 534 678, assigned, to the present applicant. It is also known to enhance the functionality of an item of clothing by the attachment of peripheral devices, as disclosed in GB 2 553 778, assigned to the present applicant.

This evolution of clothing for use in hazardous environments has resulted in the overall cost of the clothing increasing. Consequently, an incentive has been created to enable the repair of minor damage to clothing and devices, in preference to discarding the clothing for an expensive replacement.

it has been found that, in use, light-emitting devices often become damaged. These are usually attached to an outer fabric which is then covered by an inner fabric, such that it is necessary to cut or remove the inner fabric in order to provide access to the light-emitting devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus wearable as an item of clothing for enhancing the visibility of an operative working in hazardous environments, comprising: an outer layer having an external surface with high-visibility properties and an internal surface; an inner layer, with a concealed surface and an exposed surface; plural light-emitting devices connectable to a control unit via a wiring loom, wherein said light-emitting devices are secured to said outer layer; a main zipper having a first main-zipper tape and a second main-zipper tape, to facilitate the wearing of the item; a pocket defined by an outer pocket-layer and an inner pocket-layer for receiving a control unit, wherein a received control unit is connected to said loom when held within said pocket; a pocket zipper having a first pocket-zipper tape and a second pocket-zipper tape to provide access to said pocket; a lining zipper having a first lining-zipper tape and a second lining-zipper tape, for accessing between said outer layer and said inner layer for maintenance of said light emitting devices; and first stitches securing said first pocket-zipper tape to said inner pocket-layer, said first main-zipper tape, and said first lining zipper tape.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises second stitches securing said outer layer to said second pocket-zipper tape and said outer pocket-layer. Furthermore, in an embodiment, third stitches securing said inner layer to said second lining-zipper tape.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing an item of clothing with enhanced visibility and improved access to active components, comprising the steps of: constructing an item of clothing from an outer layer having an external surface with high-visibility properties and an internal surface, and an inner layer with a concealed surface and an exposed surface; securing light-emitting devices to said outer fabric; connecting said light-emitting devices to a wiring loom; locating said wiring loom between said outer layer and said inner layer; assembling a pocket with a front layer and a back layer; first-stitching a first pocket-zipper tape of a pocket zipper to said inner pocket-layer, a first main-zipper tape of a main zipper and a first lining-zipper tape of a lining zipper.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of restraining portions of the loom under a reflective tape; and securing said reflective tape to said outer layer by edge stitching.

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a wearable item of clothing; Figure 2 shows the item of Figure 1 in an open configuration; Figure 3 shows a pocket in an open configuration; Figure 4 shows the insertion of a control unit into a pocket; Figure 5 shows the opening of a lining zipper; Figure 6 illustrates components of a zipper; Figure 7 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment; Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment; Figure 9 illustrates the application of a template to assist with the drilling of holes; Figure 10 shows the deployment of a power drill to perform a twist cutting operation; Figure 11 shows the removal of a protective film; Figure 12 shows the application of a clear plastics material over the holes; Figure 13 shows the application of a gasket; Figure 14 shows the application of an LED strip over the gasket identified in Figure 13; Figure 15 shows the application of a protective layer and the folding of flaps: and Figure 16 shows a cross-section of the fully assembled apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 An apparatus is shown in Figure 1, configured as an item of clothing 101 that has an outer layer having an external surface 102 with high visibility properties. Plural light-emitting devices are connectable to a control unit via a wiring loom and each of these devices is secured to the outer layer 102. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a first LED cluster 111 is shown along with a second LED cluster 112. In this embodiment, each cluster of light-emitting devices is supported on a circuit board and this circuit board is secured to an internal surface of the outer layer. The light-emitting devices extend through respective holes in the outer layer and each cluster is retained within a rubber moulding attached to the external surface 102.

The outer layer is constructed from a florescent material onto which light-reflective tape 113 has been secured. In an embodiment, the light-reflective tape is secured by edge stitching 114 and portions of the loom are restrained under the reflective tape 113 between the edge stitching 114. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 1, the light-emitting devices may be located at positions on the outer layer that includes the light-reflective tape 113. In the embodiment of Figure 1, similar LED clusters are provided on the rear of the garment.

A main zipper 115 is shown in a closed configuration in Figure 1, as would be adopted when in use.

Figure 2 The item of clothing 101 is shown in Figure 2, with the zipper 115 now in an open configuration to facilitate the removal of the item of clothing. A pocket zipper 201 is shown in a closed configuration.

Figure 3 With the main zipper 115 in its open configuration, opening of the pocket zipper 201 is facilitated and the pocket is shown in its open configuration in Figure 3. The opening of this pocket is possible when the main zipper is in its closed configuration but use of the pocket when working in hazardous conditions is discouraged. Consequently, necessary items are inserted upon initial application of the item of clothing and may then be removed during the removal of the item of clothing. The position of the pocket zipper is therefore purposefully close to the position of the main zipper to discourage use of the pocket during operational periods.

The pocket itself is defined by an outer pocket-layer 301 and an inner pocket-layer 302. Furthermore, an orifice present within the outer pocket-layer 302 allows an exposed loom-portion 303 to be received within the pocket in anticipation of being connected to a control unit; usually at the start of an operational shift.

Figure 4 At the start of an operational shift, an operative applies the item of clothing as illustrated in Figure 4. In this configuration, the pocket zipper 201 is opened, thereby providing access to the exposed loom portion 303. A charged control unit 401 is connected to the exposed loom-portion 303 and the control unit 401 is then retained within the pocket. Thereafter, the pocket zipper 201 is secured, to provide a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 2, whereafter, the main zipper is secured to provide a configuration substantially similar to that shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 The item of clothing 101 is shown in Figure 5 with the main zipper in an open configuration. In addition, the pocket zipper 201 is also shown in an open configuration. Furthermore, a lining zipper 501 is also provided that, when in an open configuration as illustrated in Figure 5, provides access between the outer layer and an inner layer 502.

Opening the lining zipper, as shown in Figure 5, is not an operation is normally performed when the item was being worn; and the opening of both the lining zipper and the pocket zipper as shown in Figure 5 is for illustrative purposes only. In use, operatives would not be encouraged to make use of the lining zipper 501. In the embodiment, the lining zipper 501 is purposefully obscured by the provision of the pocket zipper 201. Thus, the whole assembly is designed such that under normal operating conditions, an operative is unlikely to be aware of the lining zipper. However, the lining zipper provides easy access to the active components of the LED clusters when repair and maintenance procedures are necessary.

Figure 6 A zipper, such as the lining zipper 501, is illustrated in Figure 6. The zipper includes a chain 601 that is defined when both halves of the zipper are meshed together. The size of the chain 601 is specified by a chain gauge 602.

In the art, gauge sizes are represented by numbers, with bigger numbers representing wider chain widths. In an embodiment, the pocket zipper 201 has a first chain gauge and the lining zipper 501 has a second gauge, wherein the first chain gauge for the pocket zipper is larger than the second chain gauge for the lining zipper. In an embodiment, the chain gauge of the main zipper 115 is substantiality similar to the chain gauge of the pocket zipper 201.

The zipper of Figure 6 includes a slider 603 that moves up and down the chain to open or close the zipper. For the lining zipper 501 shown in Figure 6, raising the slider 603 opens the zipper, whereas a similar operation for the pocket zipper 201 and the main zipper 115 results in these zippers being closed. A pull tab 604 extends from the slider 603 to assist with the manual movement of the slider 603. In the embodiment, the pull tab for the lining zipper 501 is smaller than the similar pull tabs for the pocket zipper 201 and the main zipper 115.

The zipper includes a first tape 611 and a second tape 612. Each has a single tape width 613. Movement of the slider 603 is restrained between a top stop 614 and a bottom stop 615. The zippers used are substantially as described in US 2,065,250.

Figure 7 A cross-section of an embodiment is shown schematically in Figure 7, having a main zipper chain 701, a pocket zipper chain 702 and a lining zipper chain 703; all in a closed configuration.

An outer layer 704 is shown, with its external surface 102, having high visibility properties as previously described, and an internal surface 705. The inner layer 502 includes a concealed surface 706 and an exposed surface 707. The outer pocket-layer 301 and the inner pocket-layer 302 define a pocket 708, for receiving the control unit 401 that may in turn be connected to the loom.

The lining zipper is provided such that, during repair and maintenance, it is possible to access devices retained between the internal surface of the outer layer and the concealed surface of the inner layer. However, use of the lining zipper is discouraged during operational periods and the present embodiment provides a configuration that facilitates effective hiding of the lining zipper substantially behind the pocket zipper. Furthermore, operation of both the lining zipper and the pocket zipper is discouraged during operational periods by placing both the lining zipper and the pocket zipper close to the main zipper. Consequently, access to the lining zipper is not possible when the main zipper is closed and access to the pocket zipper is made cumbersome. However, access to the pocket zipper is easily possible when the main zipper is in its open configuration, as described with reference to Figure 4. To achieve this, first stitches 711 secure a first pocket-zipper tape 721 to the inner pocket layer 302, a first main-zipper tape 731 and a first lining-zipper tape 741.

In an embodiment, second stitches 712 secure the outer layer 704 to a second pocket-zipper tape 742 and the outer pocket layer 301; thereby providing access to the pocket 708.

Furthermore, in an embodiment, third stiches 713 secure the inner layer 502 to a second lining-zipper tape 742; thereby providing access to the region between the inner layer 502 and the outer layer 704.

Figure 8 An alternative apparatus wearable as an item of clothing is illustrated in Figure 8, again for enhancing the visibility of an operative working in hazardous environments. The item of clothing has an outer layer with an external surface 801 having high visibility properties, along with an internal surface substantially in contact with a concealed surface of an inner layer, that also has an exposed surface making contact with an operative when worn.

Again, plural light-emitting devices are connectable to a control unit via a wiring loom. However, in the embodiment of Figure 8, the outer layer includes a plurality of windows comprising a first window 811, a second window 812 and a third window 813, with a respective LED device located behind each of these windows. The resulting group of light-emitting devices are supported on a circuit board and a transparent material placed over the windows is secured to the internal surface.

In an embodiment, the transparent material includes a first extension portion that extends over the circuit board, along with a second extension portion that extends over the first extension portion. An advantage of the configuration shown in Figure 8, compared to that shown in Figure 1, is that LED devices are not exposed and are protected by the transparent material.

However, access to damaged LED devices becomes more difficult, therefore the utility of a lining zipper is enhanced. Furthermore, the provision of a lining zipper also facilitates the retro fitting of LED devices of the type illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 9 In an embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board provides a substrate for supporting a first light-emitting device. In this embodiment, a second light-emitting device and a third light-emitting device are also supported by the flexible printed circuit board.

A first set of contacts is provided for connecting to an input side of a loom and a second set of contacts is provided for connecting to an output side of the loom. The contacts are pre-tinned to assist with loom soldering.

A loom is assembled using ribbon cables to connect flexible printed circuit boards. A first ribbon cable portion has conductors that are soldered to the first set of contacts and a second ribbon cable portion has conductors that are soldered to the second set of contacts.

A first adhesive-lined heat-shrink is applied over the soldered connections of the first ribbon cable portion. Similarly, a second adhesive-lined heat-shrink is applied over the soldered connections of the second ribbon cable portion.

The grouping of three LED devices on the substrate of a flexible printed circuit board, may be identified as an LED strip. To construct a loom, plural LED strips are connected by cables and, in an embodiment, four strips are connected in this way. Each strip may include three light-emitting devices, although it should be appreciated that other configurations of devices are possible.

In some looms, devices may emit light of a single colour in response to being energised by a control unit. However, in alternative embodiments, devices of different colours may be included in each strip. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, individual devices may be capable of producing multiple colours and colour selection may be achieved in response to receiving control data over a data cable included within the loom. Thus, the cables present within the loom generally include power cables and data cables. Furthermore, in addition to conveying data to the individual devices, the data cables may also be configured to receive data from detecting devices connected to the loom.

After the application of the adhesive-lined heat-shrinks, a clear silicone conformal coating may be applied, suitable for operating over a temperature range of between minus sixty-five degree Celsius and two-hundred degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, the silicone coating has a thickness of two hundred micrometres, thereby preventing excessive bending of the flexible printed circuit board to ensure that shouldered devices remain in place.

Figure 9 After a barrier film has been secured to an internal surface, a template 901 is located over a second protective film. The template 901, includes a first hole 911, a second hole 912 and a third hole 913. The spacing between these holes is compatible with the spacing between individual LED devices within an LED group. Thus, the holes 911 to 913 define the position of windows for the LED devices.

Figure 10 After the application of the template 901, as described with reference to Figure 9, a power drill 1001 is deployed to perform a twist cutting operation at the location of each hole 911 to 913. A twist cutting operation is used to create clean cut holes through the second protective film, an upper adhesive layer, the barrier film, the adhered outer layer and the reflective tape.

Figure 11 After twist cutting the three holes through the adhesive film, the second protective film is removed, such that the adhesive film now presents an unprotected upper adhesive layer for the reception of a clear plastics material.

Figure 12 A clear plastics material 1201 includes a central portion 1202, a first flap 1203 and a second flap 1204.

The central portion 1202 of the clear plastics material 1201 is positioned over the first hole 911, the second hole 912 and the third hole 913 to define respective windows, comprising a first window 1211, a second window 1212 and a third window 1213.

Figure 13 In an embodiment, a gasket 1301, possibly constructed from a foam-based material, is secured by the upper adhesive layer. The gasket 1301 includes a first gasket hole 1311, a second gasket hole 1312 and a third gasket hole 1313. Gasket holes 1311 to 1313 line up with respective windows 1211 to 1213.

Figure 14 The LED strip is located over the gasket 1301. The first gasket hole 1311, the second gasket hole 1312 and the third gasket hole 1313 provide an interference fit for the first light-emitting device 111, the second light emitting device 112 and the third light emitting device 113 respectively.

Thus, the light emitting devices 111 to 113 are retained within respective gasket holes 1311 to 1313 by an application of pressure in the direction of a second arrow 1401.

Figure 15 After the light-emitting devices have been received within the holes defined within the gasket 1301, as described with reference to Figure 14, in an embodiment, a protective layer 1501 is deployed over the LED strip.

The first flap 1203 is folded over a rear surface of the substrate (the flexible printed circuit board) which, in this embodiment, places the first flap 1203 in contact with the protective layer 1401. Thereafter, the second flap 1204 is further folded over the folded first flap 1203. Furthermore, the whole assembly is made secure and watertight by attaching the further folded second flap to the folded first flap.

Figure 16 A cross section on line XVI -XVI is shown in Figure 16. A respective window 1213 is provided for each light emitting device. A hole, cut through the reflective tape, is covered by a clear plastics material 1201 that defines a first flap 1203 and a second flap 1204.

The first flap 1203 has been folded around the substrate and the substrate is then secured by the second flap 1204; by the second flap having been further folded around the first flap 1203. The clear plastics material 1201 is secured to an inner surface of an outer layer, by the adhesive film through which the holes have also been cut.

In this embodiment, the substrate is a flexible printed circuit board. The adhesive film comprises a central barrier layer, with reflective tape being adhered thereto by means of a first adhesive layer and the clear plastics material 1201 being adhered thereto by means of an upper adhesive layer.

In this embodiment, the gasket 1301 surrounds the light-emitting devices. The embodiment also includes a protective layer 1501 and an adhesive film 1601 is provided between the first flap 1203 and the second flap 1204 to fully secure the second flap 1204 to the folded first flap 1203.

Claims

CLAIMSThe invention claimed is: 1. An apparatus wearable as an item of clothing for enhancing the visibility of an operative working in hazardous conditions, comprising: an outer layer having an external surface with high-visibility properties and an internal surface; an inner layer, with a concealed surface and an exposed surface; plural light emitting devices connectable to a control unit via a wiring loom, wherein said light emitting devices are secured to said outer layer; a main zipper having a first main-zipper tape and a second main-zipper tape, to facility the wearing of the item; a pocket defined by an outer pocket-layer and an inner pocket-layer for receiving a control unit, wherein a received control unit is connected to said loom when held within said pocket; a pocket zipper having a first pocket-zipper tape and a second pocket-zipper tape to provide access to said pocket; a lining zipper having a first lining-zipper tape and a second lining-zipper tape, for accessing between said outer layer and said inner layer for maintenance of said light emitting devices; and first stitches securing said first pocket-zipper tape to said inner pocket-layer, said first main-zipper tape, and said first lining zipper tape.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising second stitches securing said outer layer to said second pocket-zipper tape and said outer pocket-layer.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising third stitches securing said inner layer to said second lining-zipper tape.
4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein: said pocket zipper has a first chain gauge; said lining zipper has a second chain gauge; and said first chain gauge is larger than said second chain gauge.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the chain gauge of said main zipper is substantially similar to the chain gauge of said pocket zipper.
6. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said outer fabric comprises: florescent material; and light reflective tape secured to said florescent material.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: said reflective tape is secured by edge stitching; and portions of said loom are restrained under said reflective tape between said edge stitching.
8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said light emitting devices are located at positions on said outer layer that includes said light reflective tape.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: said outer layer includes a plurality of windows; a group of said light emitting devices are supported on a circuit board; a transparent material placed over said windows and is secured to said internal surface; said transparent material includes a first extension portion that extends over said circuit board; and said transparent material includes a second extension portion that extends over said first extension portion.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein: a group of light emitting devices are supported on a circuit board; said circuit board is secure to said internal surface; said light emitting devices each extend through a respective hole in said outer layer; and each said group of light emitting devices is retained within a rubber moulding attached to said external surface.
11. A method of constructing an item of clothing with enhanced visibility and improved access to active components, comprising the steps of: constructing an item of clothing from an outer layer having an external surface with high-visibility properties and an internal surface, and an inner layer with a concealed surface and an exposed surface; securing light-emitting devices to said outer fabric; connecting said light-emitting devices to a wiring loom; locating said wiring loom between said outer layer and said inner layer; assembling a pocket with a front layer and a back layer; first-stitching a first pocket-zipper tape of a pocket zipper to said inner pocket-layer, a first main-zipper tape of a main zipper, and a first lining-zipper tape of a lining zipper.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of second stitching said outer layer to a second pocket-zipper tape of said pocket zipper and said outer pocket-layer.
13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising the step of third stitching said inner layer to a second lining-zipper tape of said lining zipper.
14. The method of any of claims 11 to 13, further comprising the steps of: restraining portions of said loom under a reflective tape; and securing said reflective tape to said outer layer by edge stitching.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of locating said light emitting devices at positions on said outer layer that includes said light reflective tape.