Textile article fitted with electric lighting means
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023710226
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-02-23
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-01
Smart Images
Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
[0001] Textiles equipped with electric lamps
[0002] The invention relates to a textile product equipped with electrically operated lighting means, such as those known as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, braided fabrics, stitch-knitted fabrics, nonwovens, felts, etc. In particular, the invention relates to textile products in the form of sheet-like textile structures made from motif or decorative fabrics, such as tablecloths, runners, net curtains and curtains, but also flags, banners and the like. The textile product can also be items of clothing, i.e. sheet-like and / or tubular textile structures, such as shirts, t-shirts and scarves or similar items of clothing, in particular so-called fan scarves, motif scarves (e.g. Christmas, Halloween), promotional scarves or fashion scarves. It is known per se to provide such textile products, if necessary, with electrical lighting means, primarily with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are preferably operated by means of electronics and rechargeable batteries (accumulators).The lighting is used for decorative purposes (e.g. tablecloths, curtains, etc.) and / or to attract attention (e.g. fan scarves or textile promotional items).
[0003] The scarves known from the prior art, especially fan scarves, can be used in a variety of ways and made from a variety of materials. Such a scarf is often made from a flat or tubular textile structure such that each scarf has a first surface (outer surface) and a second surface (inner surface) and is equipped with electrical lighting devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), with supply lines and the battery or accumulator being housed between the outer and inner surfaces, i.e., inside the scarf, so to speak. If the scarf is made from a translucent and / or very thin fabric, the LEDs can also be housed inside the scarf (tubular shape) to achieve a sufficient lighting effect.
[0004] However, DE 20 2012 102 914 U discloses a knitted scarf equipped with electrical lighting devices, i.e. a scarf made of knitted fabric which makes it virtually impossible for the LED light to shine through. In order to nevertheless achieve a good lighting effect, the scarf has at least one row of holes on one of its sides / surfaces, in whose holes the lighting devices, preferably light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are arranged in such a way that the heads of the LEDs protrude outwards from the knitted fabric. This avoids having to attach the lighting devices to the outer surface(s) of the scarf, allowing them to remain inside the scarf and thus be less susceptible to damage. By creating the holes, the light from the LEDs inside the scarf does not have to shine through the relatively thick knitted fabric, but can be emitted directly from the surface of the scarf.However, the construction of the scarf is complex and can only be applied to knitted fabrics, i.e. to only one type of scarf, the production of which itself requires a rather costly manufacturing process using knitting machines, preferably circular knitting machines, especially if desired patterns, logos, motifs, lettering and the like are to be incorporated.
[0005] Therefore, cheaper scarves are often used as fan scarves, which are made of a fabric or textile, such as polyester fabric (e.g. polypropylene) or cotton fabric, which can be printed (flex and / or flock film transfer printing, digital printing, etc.).
[0006] In this regard, CN 21 236 84 06 U discloses a scarf equipped with electrical light sources, in which the light sources are designed as LEDs that are arranged along a supply line and thus form a light strip (“light strip 3”), which in turn runs in several lines in the lengthwise direction of the scarf, changing direction at each end of the scarf (see Fig. 1). The light strip is fastened by several tubes (“several pipes 5”), which run in the lengthwise direction of the scarf and consist of two insulation strips (“isolation lines 7”; see Fig. 3), between which the light strip is embedded. This construction is also complex and inflexible because the arrangement of the tubes dictates the course of the light strip and this cannot be varied. In addition, the tubes contribute to a rather undesirable rigidity of the scarf.
[0007] It is also desirable for other textiles, such as tablecloths, decorative textiles, etc., to be able to be provided with lighting devices in the simplest possible way. The object of the invention is to further improve a textile product equipped with electric lighting devices, which is made from a flat or tubular textile structure such that the textile product has a first surface, such as an outer or front surface, and a second surface, such as an inner or rear surface, so that the above-mentioned disadvantages are overcome and the desired advantages are achieved.
[0008] The object is achieved by a textile product (hereinafter also referred to as textile) with the features of claim 1, i.e. by a textile product equipped with electrical lighting means, such as a tablecloth, curtain or scarf, which is characterized in that several fastening means for the electrical lighting means or their at least one supply line are arranged on at least one of the surfaces, preferably on the inner or rear surface, of the textile product or the textile, wherein the fastening means are one or more strip-shaped or line-shaped structures to which the electrical lighting means or their at least one supply line are fastened.
[0009] Advantageously, the fastening means are a plurality of strip- or line-shaped structures that are aligned substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the textile and arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the textile. This is particularly advantageous for elongated textile goods or textiles, such as scarves or similar clothing textiles, or also for table runners or similar decorative textiles. Because the fastening means run in strips in the transverse direction (e.g. of the scarf), stiffness is avoided and the suppleness of the textile (e.g. the scarf) is thus retained. If it is an article of clothing, such as a scarf, then it can be wrapped around the wearer's neck without any problems or can even be knotted. Furthermore, it may be sufficient for the fastening means to be attached to only one inner side or surface of the scarf, which significantly simplifies the fitting of the article of clothing with lighting.
[0010] The fastening means are preferably designed as a button band with elastic eyelets, but can also be made of Velcro, for example. The fastening means are preferably arranged at a distance of 10-40 cm from one another. Thus, transverse fastening bands are attached to one of the surfaces (preferably on the inside or back) of the textile almost every 40-80 cm, e.g. by sewing, gluing, or similar. Both button bands and Velcro have the advantage that the fastening of the lamps or their supply lines can be carried out at almost any point on the respective transverse fastening band, e.g. by pulling the supply line through the elastic eyelets of the button bands. This allows for almost any desired pattern to be realized (e.g.parallel, diagonal or intersecting lines), whereby the invention makes it its own that preferably very bright LEDs are used whose luminosity is sufficient for the LED light to shine from the inside or back through the fabric of the textile to the outside or front. This means that the lighting can be completely hidden (e.g. inside the scarf) or well concealed (e.g. on the back of a tablecloth). So-called “high intensity LEDs” or “high brightness LEDs” (HBLEDs) are considered to be particularly bright light sources, whereby priority should be given to ensuring the lowest possible power consumption with (maximum) high light output. The light sources used are preferably waterproof and meet, for example, protection class IP 44 according to the “International Protection” standard.
[0011] If the textile, such as a scarf, has multiple fringes on at least one edge, it is advantageous if at least one of the fastening elements is sewn directly to the fringes on the textile. A scarf often has fringes at both ends, so the first and last button bands are sewn directly to the fringes on the scarf end. The string of lights therefore begins and ends directly at the fringes. This allows the light from the LEDs attached to the ends to shine right into the fringes.
[0012] In preferred embodiments, a plurality of N parallel supply lines running in the longitudinal direction or one supply line running meandering in N loops are arranged on the surface of the textile product to which the lighting means are attached (e.g. on the inside of the scarf), wherein each fastening means designed as a button band has at least N+1 elastic eyelets, in particular at least 1.5 x N elastic eyelets. Thus, (significantly) more fastening points (eyelets) are provided per fastening strip than there are supply lines or line strands. If the supply line is to run, for example, N = 4 times along the length of the scarf inside the scarf, then at least 1.5 x N = 6 elastic eyelets are provided.
[0013] Furthermore, the lighting means with the at least one supply line can preferably be designed as a lighting chain, in particular an LED chain (LED strip), wherein the at least one supply line consists of two-core or multi-core electrical lines or of an optical conductor or fiber optic cable. Accordingly, fiber optic cables can also be provided on or in the textile (e.g. scarf, tablecloth, blind), into which light is fed centrally from a control or light generation circuit, which then exits at several points along the fiber optic cable. In this regard, light guides with slight side radiation are particularly suitable, such as so-called spark light guides, which consist of glass fibers made of PMMA plastic and emit light not only at their ends but along their entire length.
[0014] Preferably, the light sources can also consist of controllable LEDs (so-called smart LEDs), with the supply lines comprising multi-core electrical cables designed to supply electrical power to the LEDs and / or to transmit control signals for controlling the LEDs. The cables can be sheathed so that they can be easily routed through the mounting eyelets.
[0015] A control circuit can also be provided on the at least one surface (e.g. inside) at a first end of the textile, to which the at least one supply line for the supply and / or control of the lighting means is connected.
[0016] Furthermore, a connection, in particular a USB connection, can be provided on the at least one surface or inner side at a first or second end of the textile for a cable connection to a battery or accumulator for electrically supplying the lighting means and / or a control circuit. In this context, the cable connection can have a USB connection, for example, to use a so-called power bank or battery box as a power supply. The battery can also be a component of a smartphone. The LEDs themselves are operated with a supply voltage of several volts (e.g., 2.7–4.8 volts).
[0017] Particularly if the textile is an item of clothing, such as an illuminated scarf, the cable connection should be at least 50 cm long so that the battery or accumulator can be stored in the user's coat or trouser pocket, for example. For flags and the like, the cable can also be longer so that it reaches the floor where the battery can be placed. The battery can also be a component of a smartphone that the user carries with them. For tablecloths and the like, the cable can be even longer, e.g. several meters long, with a plug at the end of the cable (e.g. USB) for connecting to a power supply (e.g. power supply with a USB port, e.g. USB-C).
[0018] The invention is described in detail below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which schematically show the following:
[0019] Fig. 1 shows, as a first embodiment, a textile product in the form of a scarf, which is constructed from two textile strips and is provided with lighting and fastening means on an inner side;
[0020] Fig. 2 also refers to the first embodiment and shows in detail the construction of the fastening means, which here are each designed as a button band, and illustrates their function;
[0021] Fig. 3a also refers to the first embodiment and shows the front view of the scarf in the sewn-together, ready-to-use state;
[0022] Fig. 3b also refers to the first embodiment and shows again the course of the LED light chain on the inside or inside the scarf;
[0023] Fig. 4 shows, as a second embodiment, a scarf made of a textile tube with the lighting and fastening means mounted inside;
[0024] Figs. 5a - 5d refer to the first and second embodiments and show further examples of the LED light chain on the inside or inside the scarf; Fig. 6 refers to all embodiments of the invention and shows examples of light chains that can be attached to the respective textile with two- or multi-core supply lines, which can also be sheathed.
[0025] Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment of a tablecloth provided with lighting and fastening means; and
[0026] Fig. 8 shows, as a fourth embodiment, a transparent textile tube made of organza provided with lighting and fastening means.
[0027] For the description of the first and second embodiments (both of which relate to an illuminated scarf), reference is made to Figures 1, 2, 3a and 3b as well as Figures 4 and 5a - 5d; also to Figure 6, which illustrates variants of lighting means.
[0028] Fig. 1 shows a two-layer scarf 100 in the unfolded form, i.e. before the two layers or textile strips 101 and 102 are sewn together. As can also be seen from Fig. 3a / b, the scarf 100 consists of a sheet-like textile structure, such as a printable nonwoven fabric, which consists of the two textile strips or halves and is manufactured or sewn together in such a way that the scarf has four surfaces, namely two outer surfaces AS and two inner surfaces IS. The scarf 100 is tubular in the sewn-together state and hollow on the inside. Figs. 1 and 2 show that a plurality of fastening means 115 for the electrical lighting means 112 or their at least one supply line 111 are arranged on the inside on an inner side or inner surface IS of the scarf, thin LED light chains being used for this purpose, preferably so-called light wires.
[0029] The fastening means 115 are strip- or line-shaped structures which are aligned essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the scarf and are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the scarf (e.g., at a distance of 20 cm). As a result, the scarf retains its flexibility and suppleness despite the presence of the fastening strips 115 and the string of lights attached to it and can be easily swung around the wearer's neck. As Fig. 2 shows in particular, the respective fastening means is designed as a (relatively short) button band 115 with several elastic eyelets 116, with each button band extending transversely across a side surface of the scarf. The button bands 115 are arranged at a distance from one another which is, for example, approximately 50 cm. For a scarf length of 1.5 - 1.8 m, approximately 3-5 button bands are required (this is shown as an example in Fig. 1). A scarf for children is approx.only 135 cm long; here it is sufficient to use only 3 button bands, as the insertion of the button bands may be done by hand and therefore the number should and can be kept as small as possible.
[0030] Since the button bands 115 have several elastic eyelets 116, e.g., 8 eyelets each, the supply line 111 can be guided back and forth longitudinally through the scarf 100 several times (see Figs. 1 and 3b). Preferably, the supply line 111 and the illuminating means 112 form an LED light chain (so-called LED light wire; see also Fig. 2), which is guided through the elastic eyelets 116. This allows a wide variety of patterns to be created (see Figs. 3b and 5a and 5b).
[0031] Instead of headbands, rubber bands or other elastic materials with eyelets can be used. Alternatively, Velcro fasteners can be used, allowing for even more flexible routing of the cable(s).
[0032] The scarf itself can be made from any flat or tubular textile material, such as any type of woven, knitted, crocheted, braided, stitch-bonded, nonwoven, and / or felt. PP (polypropylene) is also popular.
[0033] As can be seen from Figs. 1 and 3a, the scarf 100 has a first layer or lower layer 101, which forms the back of the scarf and on which the electronics and lighting devices are arranged on the inside. The second or upper layer 102 forms the front of the scarf, on which, for example, the name and logo of a sports club can be displayed or printed.
[0034] To complete the scarf 100, the front side 102 is folded over to the back side 101, and then the scarf is finally sewn together at its edges. When both layers 101 and 102 are sewn together, the electronics and lighting are protected inside the scarf 100. This way, all the necessary electrical connections and switches S (see Fig. 3b) can be accommodated inside the two-layer scarf. Depending on the application, the batteries B or rechargeable batteries can also be accommodated, for example, in a sewn-in pocket. For fan scarves and the like, however, it is preferable to use an external battery or rechargeable battery, which is connected to the electronics in the scarf via a sufficiently long cable K (see Fig. 1). The battery in a smartphone can also be used as a battery. A 9-volt block can also be used as a battery. To convert the battery voltage (e.g. 5V according to USB or 9V) to the required supply voltage for the LEDs (e.g.2-4V) is provided with a DC-DC converter integrated into the plug or control unit. When the scarf is in use, only the translucent light generated by the illuminated LEDs is visible from the outside. Switches and control buttons can be easily operated through the fabric.
[0035] As far as the electronics or electrical system accommodated inside is concerned (see Fig. 1), the string of lights consisting of LEDs 112 and supply line(s) 111 is controlled by a controller 110 so that the LEDs light up, for example, in a time-controlled manner in desired patterns and / or colors. The controller 110 and thus also the string of lights are operated by a battery 120, which is preferably located outside the scarf 100, e.g. in the user's coat pocket. The battery is preferably designed as a USB-rechargeable battery, e.g. as a so-called power bank, or is the battery already present in the user's smartphone. The battery of a smartphone M can therefore also be used (see Fig. 3b). The USB connecting elements, i.e. the plugs 119 and 129 (female and male respectively) are located at one end of the scarf. The cable connection or cable K from the battery to the USB port (see Fig. 1 and 4) should preferably be at least 50 cm long. The USB port 119 (e.g.USB-C) can be used to connect a power bank (see Fig. 1) or a mobile phone or smartphone M of the user (see Fig. 3b). The smartphone can be used not only to supply power, but also possibly to program the controller 110. For this purpose, an app runs on the smartphone that programs a processor in the controller or determines / changes a program sequence. The controller 110 is also located at the end of the scarf, although there may be a Velcro fastener instead of a seam, so that access to this component is possible at any time.
[0036] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment in which the scarf 100' is made from a tubular or hose-shaped structure. To equip it with the electronics and the lighting devices (here, an LED light chain), the tubular scarf 100 is turned inside out so that the inside IS and outside AS are swapped. The fastening devices 115 can now be attached to the inside IS; and then the LED light chain (e.g., LED light wire, i.e., a thin two-wire with LED glass drops) can be pulled through the elastic eyelets 116. The control system and, if applicable, the battery are also installed. After the tube is turned inside out, the scarf 100' is ready for use.
[0037] The 100' fan scarf manufactured in this way is particularly distinguished by the fact that the electrically operated lighting devices, and preferably also the required electronics and battery, are protected inside the two-layer scarf. The use of high-intensity LEDs ensures sufficient light is transmitted to the outside. When using controllable LEDs (smart LEDs), many desired lighting effects can be achieved by programmable control of the LEDs. However, even when using non-controllable LEDs, many different gradient patterns, even lettering (see Fig. 3a, 5a - 5d), can be realized by attaching the transverse fastening elements 115, while maintaining the elasticity and wearing comfort of the scarf.
[0038] Fig. 5a and 5b show that by arranging multiple transverse button ribbon strips as fastening means 115, the at least one supply line 111 can be laid in a wide variety of ways, e.g., in curves, meanders, or even lettering, and this is done very simply by pulling the supply line through the eyelets 116 (see Fig. 2) of the button ribbon strips 115. Fig. 5c shows that, for example, three light chains, each with a different colored LED, such as blue-illuminating B, white-illuminating W, and red-illuminating R, can be laid to create a three-color pattern with three light strips.
[0039] Fig. 5d shows that the fastening means 115, such as button tape, can also be laid according to a desired course (here the lettering “Love”).
[0040] Fig. 6 refers to all embodiments of the invention and shows examples of different types of LED chains:
[0041] The upper section shows the structure of an LED chain in the form of a simple LED wire 111. This essentially consists of two parallel wires, to which drop-shaped LEDs 112 are attached at a distance from each other (e.g., as soldered SMD LEDs). The two wires, usually made of copper, serve as power supply lines for the LEDs and are encased in an elastic plastic. These light chains, also known as micro-LED wires, are inexpensive and very flexible.
[0042] The middle section of Fig. 6 shows the structure of an LED chain in the form of a multi-core LED wire 11T. This consists of three parallel copper wires, two of which serve as the power supply (positive and ground) and the other as a control line (with return to ground). This three-wire line essentially forms a power supply and data bus. This allows the use of smart LEDs 112', which can even be actively controlled individually by the control unit to change their brightness and / or color.
[0043] Each string of lights can be protected by sheathing.
[0044] Thus, in the lower part of Fig. 6, the structure of a two-LED chain is shown as an example, which is enclosed as a whole in a protective transparent plastic tube 113.
[0045] Fig. 7 shows, as an exemplary embodiment of a decorative textile product, a tablecloth 200 provided with lighting and fastening means. Here, a light chain with LEDs 212 and supply line(s) 211 was laid on the edge R of the tablecloth 200 or along the same (edge seams), as was basically already described previously using the example of a scarf.
[0046] In the case of a tablecloth or similar, it is advantageous if the string of lights is sewn into the edge of the tablecloth or if tubular sections are provided there as fastening means 215.
[0047] Fig. 8 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a decorative textile, a transparent textile tube 200' made of organza, which is provided with light chains consisting of LEDs 112 and supply lines 111, as well as fastening means 115 therefor. Button bands, for example, are also suitable as fastening means 115, through whose eyelets the respective light chain is passed. The button bands 115 run horizontally, i.e., transversely to the longitudinal direction of the organza tube, and the light chains are passed vertically from top to bottom through the eyelets of the button bands. Various laying patterns are also possible here (cf., for example, Fig. 5a or 5d).
[0048] Many further possibilities arise within the scope of the invention disclosed here.
[0049] List of reference symbols
[0050] 100; 200; 200 textile goods provided with illuminants, such as scarf 100,
[0051] Tablecloth 200 or tubular blind 200'
[0052] 100 scarf made from two textile panels sewn together
[0053] 101 , 102 Formwork parts made of textile webs
[0054] 105 fringes
[0055] 100' Scarf made from a stocking-shaped textile
[0056] 110 electronic control
[0057] 120 battery (rechargeable battery, power pack)
[0058] AS, IS outside / surface or inside / surface
[0059] 111 supply lines (electrical or optical)
[0060] 112 light sources, here LEDs
[0061] 115 fasteners (button tape, Velcro)
[0062] 116 eyelets
[0063] 119 USB port
[0064] 120 battery, rechargeable battery
[0065] 129 USB connectors
[0066] 200 Tablecloth 200 with fairy lights in the edge area
[0067] 200' tubular curtain suitable for decoration 200' made of organza
Claims
Patent claims 1. Textile goods (100, 100'; 200) equipped with electric light sources (112), which are made from a planar or tubular textile structure such that the textile goods have at least a first surface (AS) and a second surface (IS), characterized in that fastening means (115; 215) for the electric light sources (112; 212) or their at least one supply line (111; 211) are arranged on at least one of the surfaces, wherein the fastening means (115; 215) are one or more strip- or line-shaped structures to which the electric light sources (112; 212) or their at least one supply line (111; 211) are attached.
2. Textile product according to claim 1, in particular scarf (100, 100'), characterized in that the fastening means (115) are several strip- or line-shaped structures which are oriented essentially transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) of the textile product or scarf and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the textile product or scarf.
3. Textile product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (115; 215) are arranged at a distance from each other in the range of 40-80 cm, in particular starting at fringes (105) of the textile product.
4. Textile product according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective fastening means (115) is designed as a button band or elastic band with elastic eyelets (116) or as a hook and loop fastener (216).
5. Textile product, in particular scarf (100), of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the second surface, which in particular represents an inner side (IS) of the scarf (100), several N parallel supply lines running in the longitudinal direction (L) or a meandering supply line (111) running in N loops is arranged, and that each is designed as a button band or The fastening means (115) formed with an elastic band have at least N+1 elastic eyelets, in particular at least 1.5 x N elastic eyelets (116). Textile goods, in particular a scarf (100), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile goods have several fringes (105) on at least one edge and that at least one of the fastening means (115) is sewn directly to the fringes (105) on the textile goods. Textile goods, in particular a scarf (100), tablecloth (200) or curtain (200'), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light sources (112; 216) with the at least one supply line (111; 211) are designed as a light source chain, in particular an LED chain, and that the at least one supply line consists of multi-core electrical conductors (111; 211) or of an optical conductor or optical fiber.Textile goods (100; 200) according to claim 7, characterized in that the light sources consist of controllable LEDs (112; 212), wherein the supply lines comprise multi-core electrical, in particular sheathed, cables (111; 211) which are designed for supplying electrical power to the LEDs (112; 212) and / or also for transmitting control signals for controlling the LEDs. Textile goods, in particular a scarf (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control circuit (110) is provided on the at least one second surface, which in particular represents the inner surface (IS), at a first end of the textile goods or the scarf, to which the at least one supply line (111) for supplying and / or controlling the light sources (112) is connected.Textile goods, in particular a scarf (100), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the at least one second surface, which in particular represents the inside (IS), a connection, in particular a USB connection (119) for a cable connection (K) to a battery or a. A battery (120) is provided for the electrical supply of the light sources (112) and / or a control circuit (110). Textile goods, in particular a scarf (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable connection (K) is at least 50 cm long, and / or the battery (120) is designed as a power bank or is a component of a smartphone. Textile goods according to one of the preceding claims, in particular a tablecloth (200) or a curtain (200'), characterized in that the fastening means (215) are several strip- or line-shaped structures that are arranged substantially in the edge region (R) of the textile goods or the tablecloth (200) or the curtain.Textile goods, in particular a tablecloth (200), according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening means are designed as tubular structures or sections (215) arranged at or in the edge region (R), in particular as tubular structures produced by hemming the edge region. Textile goods, in particular a curtain (200'), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (110) and / or battery (120) or a smartphone containing the battery are housed in an internally sewn pocket. Use of a textile goods (100, 100'), according to any one of the preceding claims, as a fan scarf.