Abstract: A rechargeable electronic device (20, 80) employs a magnetic rechargee interface (30, 90), and a magnetic rechargor interface (40, 100) in electrical communication with the magnetic recharges interface (30, 90). In operation, the magnetic rechargee interface (30, 90) and the magnetic rechargor interface (40, 100) simultaneously recharge the rechargeable electronic device (20, 80) and one or more additional rechargeable electronic device (20, 80) based on the magnetic rechargee interface (30, 90) being magnetically coupled to a battery charger (50, 110) and based on the magnetic rechargor interface (40, 100) being magnetically coupled to the additional rechargeable electronic device(s) (20, 80).

Abstract: A wearable garment includes sensor device of well-know design that are selectively pressed against the skin of the wearer when it is desired to obtain sensor readings, such as heart rate or temperature, or to apply treatment such as electrical pulses for defibrillation purposes. The garment incorporates one or more bands of flexible material that circumscribe portions of the wearer's body, with at least one sensor device positioned on the garment between the band and the wearer's body. To assure the comfort of the wearer, the circumference of the band can be shortened selectively from a first dimension, which loosely circumscribes a desired portion of the wearer's body, to a second, lesser dimension, which more tightly circumscribes the wearer's body and presses the sensor-securely into contact with the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A wearable garment incorporates a manual interconnect device, so that a user wearing the garment can operate the interconnect device by coupling a connector, which is in turn coupled to a power source or external electronic device. Through a releasable locking action by the user, the connector is electrically coupled to the interconnect device, which is coupled to a fabric circuit integrated in the garment, such that operation of a locking action activates related ancillary equipment such as power supplies or electronic devices.

Abstract: There is provided a fabric interconnect comprising a portion of a garment manufactured to contain a seamless tube-like elastic chamber to enable insertion of an electronic device having a conductive portion, wherein the chamber has a first inner surface that is substantially electrically conductive and a second inner surface that is substantially electrically non-conductive, and at least one fabric electrode coupled to the first inner surface. The electronic enclosure includes an outer casing having at least one conductive area. The electronic enclosure can be aligned in the chamber to a conducting and non-conducting position, by forcing the conducting area of the electronic enclosure to be in contact with the (conductive) first inner surface of the fabric interconnect, thereby turning the electronic device “on” and “off”. For example, by rotating the electronic device within the chamber or by pushing or pulling the electronic device to a predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric display using the action of electrostatic charges to manipulate visual displays. The fabric display comprises areas of furry fabrics (16) that can serve as visual effects or display of information and can be usable in a wearable garment, furniture, or other suitable locations where it c be incorporated to close a circuit. Through activation by the user, the surface of furry fabrics (16) is electrostatically charged causing the furs to repel from the surface and each other in a substantially vertical orientation with portions of the furs extending cut of the surface, thus revealing the color of the fabric surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a variable resistor for use in a garment. The variable resistor includes a channel. Conductive areas are disposed in an inner wall of the channel. A conductive object is in the channel contacting the conductive areas. The conductive object movable within the channel to provide a variable resistance. In one example, the channel extends within fabric of the garment. In another, the channel extends within a draw string of the garment. Further, the conductive areas include conductive fibers woven into the inner wall.

Abstract: A dynamically illuminated product display device, system, and method includes a shelf 110 having a series of electrical contacts 120 arranged on an upper surface thereon, the shelf being adapted for connection with a power source. A package 101 covers at least a portion of a product, the package having an electro luminescent material 105 arranged on at least a portion of an exterior surface and electrical contacts 115 arranged on a portion of a bottom surface and in electrical connection with the electro luminescent material 1051, so that when the package is arranged on the shelf, the electrical contacts 115 on the bottom surface of the package 101 are facing the electrical contacts 120 arranged on the shelf 110. The product package can display a backlight, an image such as a product logo, or part or a whole message to enhance the possibility of consumer selection.

Abstract: Luggage or carrying container (1) having an interface (10) for cooperating with one or more electronic and/or wireless devices (20, 22, 24, 26, 28), a rechargeable power source (30), an integrated antenna (40), and a wireless communication system (50). The luggage (1) allows a user to better manage various electronic devices/accessories in terms of space, efficiency and operation during travel.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation indicator system includes a wireless telephone adapted communication with wireless communication network having a positioning system, such as an enhanced emergency services function. A plurality of radiation sensors that sense ultraviolet radiation are arranged in predetermined areas. The radiation sensors are adapted for communication with the wireless communication network. The wireless communication network provides at least an ultraviolet radiation index (UV index) based on readings from the sensors located closest to the wireless telephone, with the UV index being transmitted to the wireless telephone. In the event the wireless telephone is far enough away from the closest sensors to cross a threshold, then the user is sent general information from the Weather Bureau for a particular geographic designation, such as a zip code, city, portion of city, etc.

Abstract: A wearable garment, usable by athletes, workers, and the elderly or infirm, incorporates an easily operated manual sliding switch, so that a user wearing the garment can operate different electronic devices by merely activating the switch through a slidable action by the user. The sliding switch comprises a housing having a sliding chamber, a conductive element disposed, and at least one magnetic element that slides up and down along the surface of the housing so as to enable an electrical connection by moving the magnetic element from one end to the other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretchable fabric that may serve as a switch device or coupling to an electronic device and a power source by merely stretching or pusing the fabric. The stretchable fabrics may be usable in a wearable garment, furniture, or other suitable locations where it can be incorporated to close a circuit. Through a releasable stretching or pushing action by the user, electrically conductive strips integrated in the fabrics come in contact to activate related ancillary equipment such as power supplies or electronic devices.

Abstract: A garment 20 includes magnetic interconnects 21 which serve to form mechanical connections to close garment 20 as well as to form electrical connections, for example, between power source 4 and a device 7. Interconnects 21 are formed by a first portion 22 and a second portion 23 which form a mechanical connection via magnetic attraction. First 22 and second 23 portions can be quickly coupled and decoupled and contain all the advantages of magnetic couplings, including ease of connection and simplicity of design.

Abstract: A wearable garment, usable by athletes, workers, and the elderly or infirm, incorporates an easily operated manual interconnect device, so that a user wearing the garment can operate the interconnect device by merely coupling a connector, which is in turn coupled to a power source or external electronic device. Through a releasable locking action by the user, the connector is electrically coupled to the interconnect device, which is coupled to a fabric circuit integrated in the garment, such that operation of a locking action activates related ancillary equipment such as power supplies or electronic devices.

Abstract: A wearable garment having a pair of conductive cords incorporates an easily operated manual interconnect device, which enables a user wearing the garment to operate different interconnect devices requiring different input voltage levels using a common power source. Through a releasable locking action by the user, the electronic device is electrically coupled to the conductive cords, which is in turn coupled to a power source. By merely coupling an external electronic device to the conductive cords, an appropriate input voltage level of the connected device is detected based on the amount of tension experienced by the conductive cords.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretchable fabric that may serve as a switch device or coupling to an electronic device and a power source by merely stretching or pushing the fabric. The stretchable fabrics may be usable in a wearable garment, furniture, or other suitable locations where it can be incorporated to close a circuit. Through a releasable stretching or pushing action by the user, electrically conductive strips integrated in the fabrics come in contact to activate related ancillary equipment such as power supplies or electronic devices.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible, lightweight high-performance interconnect (1) that can cooperate with a variety of different textiles in the form of garments and/or upholsteries (60) for example, as well as with any of a variety of different electronic devices/systems (50) without compromising the innate characteristics (e.g., the comfort or durability) of the textile. The interconnect (1) having at least one male element (10) and at least one female element (20) with a textile construction cooperative with the at least one male element (10) providing a secure and safe mechanical and/or electrical connection.

Abstract: There is provided a flexible, lightweight high-performance pressure activated interface (1) that can cooperate with a variety of different textiles as well as with any of a variety of different electronic devices/systems without compromising characteristics of the different textiles. The interface (1) having a textile construction with one or more collapsible cavities (10). The collapsible cavities (10) having one or more conductive contact areas (30) associated with one or more leads (20) and situated such that at least two of the one or more conductive contact areas (30) can electrically communicate via a mechanical interaction. The at least two of the one or more conductive contact areas (30) being elevated relative to the one or more leads (20).

Abstract: There is provided a flexible, lightweight high-performance proportional input interface (10) cooperative with a textile garment or upholstery as well as with any of a variety of different electronics (50) without compromising the comfort and/or durability of the textile (1). The proportional input interface (10) has one or more areas of a conductive elastomeric material (20) that cooperate with an actuator (30) to translate and/or communicate intuitive user input proportionally to the one or more areas of conductive elastomeric material (20) such that the user input can be converted and/or altered into a signal suitable for accomplishing one more complicated functions and/or operations associated with various electronic devices and/or systems (50).

Abstract: There is provided a flexible, lightweight high-performance touch sensitive interface or textile construction (1) having one or more touch sensitive switches (10) cooperative with a variety of different textiles including those commonly used in upholsteries and/or garments (65), as well as various electronic devices/systems (40) without compromising the inherent characteristics or properties associated with such textiles. The one or more touch sensitive switches (10) have a three-dimensional recess (20) and one or more conductive fibers (35) having an electromagnetic field (37) associated therewith. The one or more conductive fibers (35) can be formed into a conductive coil (30).

Abstract: There is provided a flexible, lightweight high-performance textile interconnect 1 cooperative with a variety of different textiles such as those commonly used in garments or upholstery, as well as with any of a variety of different electronic devices/systems without unwantedly compromising the innate properties/characteristics of such textiles. The interconnect having one or more sockets (10) fashioned from a flexible textile construction (12) and one or more jacks (20) mechanically and/or electrically connectable with the one or more sockets (10). The one or more sockets (10) being collapsible and having one or more conductive contact areas (14) situated therein. The one or more jacks (20) can have a gripping concertina-like engaging portion (21) for improving the mechanical and/or electrical connection with the one or more sockets (10).