Abstract: A seam connecting fabric edges is formed by surrounding a first fabric edge with a first plush material strip suitable for the attachment of a hooked material. The first plush material strip defines a first front surface and a first rear surface. A second fabric edge is surrounded with a second plush material strip having a second front surface and a second rear surface. A single strip of a hooked material is deployed behind the first rear surface and the second rear surface. Then, with the first surrounded edge substantially in contact with the second surrounded edge, a force is applied to engage hooks of the single strip of hooked material with said first rear surface and said second rear surface.

Abstract: Light emitting devices attached to an item of clothing are illuminated. The light emitting devices are attached to a loom that is terminated by an interface circuit that includes a data storage device (102). Configuration data (1703) is written to the data storage device and the loom is located within an item of clothing. A control unit (1502) is connected to the interface circuit and is configured to supply power and control data to the light emitting devices. Configuration data (1805) from the data storage device is transferred to the control unit, such that the control unit supplies control data to light emitting devices in a form determined by this configuration data.

Abstract: Operatives are monitored in a hazardous environment. A control unit is connected to a wiring loom embedded within an item of clothing having illuminatable devices and interface connectors. A monitoring device is connected to an interface connector and a radio device is connected to an interface connector. The control unit is activated to supply power to the connected monitoring device and the connected radio device. Condition data is conveyed from the monitoring device to the control unit. Uplink signals are transmitted from the control unit to a base station via a cellular radio communication module. Downlink signals are received at the control unit from the base station. Condition data is transmitted via the cellular radio communication module when the downlink signals are being received. Condition data is transferred to the non-cellular radio device when the downlink signals are not being received, for transmission to the base station.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a detachable interface and a permanent interface is supported by connecting the permanent interface to a circuit-board. A first loom end (303) and a second loom end (305) are connected to the circuit board and an over-moulding (404) is applied to cover the permanent interface, the first loom end and the second loom end. The detachable interface is located through an orifice in an item of clothing (410) and the over-moulding is secured to an internal surface of an item of clothing by a first side flange (404) and a second side flange (405).

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing image data, includes an item of clothing and an image-capturing peripheral device attachable thereto, the item of clothing including electrical conductors connected to a peripheral device connector, the peripheral device including a clothing connector to connect to the peripheral device connector, the image-capturing peripheral device producing still-image data when attached to the item of clothing and generating video data when detached from the item of clothing, the item of clothing including a first power source for supplying power to the image-capturing peripheral device, the image-capturing peripheral device includes a second power source, the image-capturing peripheral device selectively using power from the first power source when operating at a first power level and from the second power source when operating at a second power level, with the second power level higher than the first power level.

Abstract: An item of clothing has a strip 502 of a reflective tape surrounded by florescent material. Embedded light-emitting devices 113 are connected to a loom of power and data cables and are supported on a flexible printed circuit board 101. Respective windows 1213 are provided for each light-emitting device, in which a hole cut through the reflective tape is covered by a clear plastics material having a first flap 1203 and a second flap 1204. The first flap is folded around the flexible printed circuit board and is secured by the second flap being further folded around the first flap. The clear plastics material is secured to the clothing fabric by an adhesive film 701 through which the holes have also been cut.

Abstract: High-visibility garment for use by operatives working in hazardous environment has base garment and detachable light-reflecting apparatus. Base garment comprises outer shell constructed from florescent material and having internal pocket. Powered control unit with loom socket, is retained within internal pocket. Base garment also includes outer attachment material at positions intended for light-reflective material, with loom hole in outer shell and in outer attachment material. Detachable light-reflecting apparatus has light-reflecting outer material with light-emitting devices extending through device holes. Apparatus has inner attachment material and loom connecting light-emitting devices, in which restrained portion of loom is located between light-reflecting outer material and inner attachment material. Loom also has extended portion that connects to loom plug. Loom plug is inserted within loom socket by passing extended portion through loom hole.

Abstract: An item of clothing in the form of a jacket provides enhanced visibility for a cyclist. A right detection device is configured to identify a raising of a right arm and a right indictor light (103) is configured to indicate in response to the raising of the right arm. Similarly, a left detection device is configured to identify the raising of a left arm and a left indicator light 104 is configured to indicate in response to the raising of the left arm. A housing contains a power supply and a control circuit and a pocket is provided in the jacket for supporting the housing. Wires extend from the housing to the detection devices and indicators and these wires are restrained within seams used to construct the jacket.

Abstract: A jacket 101 has a detector, such as a gas detector, for detecting an environmental hazard. The jacket has a first warning device for issuing a first warning in response to detecting the environmental hazard. Furthermore, the jacket is provided with a transmission device for transmitting a warning signal to similar jackets worn by operatives within the environment. Each jacket includes a second warning device for issuing a second warning in response to receiving a warning signal from any other jackets or clothing.

Abstract: An item of clothing (105) operates with a peripheral device (107). The item of clothing includes a first power source and is configured to supply power to the peripheral device, via a connector (305). The peripheral device includes a second power source and is configured to selectively use power from the first power source or the second power source.

Abstract: A control module (105) is supported within an item of clothing. The control module is located within a pocket (503). A visual indicator (1201) is pressed on the jacket at a position in front of the activation button on the control module. The activation button has a surface area that covers at least 40% of a surface area of the control module. In this way, it is possible for the control module to move within the pocket while still facilitating activation and deactivation upon pressing the visual indicator.

Abstract: A jacket 101 has a detector, such as a gas detector, for detecting an environmental hazard. The jacket has a first warning device for issuing a first warning in response to detecting the environmental hazard. Furthermore, the jacket is provided with a transmission device for transmitting a warning signal to similar jackets worn by operatives within the environment. Each jacket includes a second warning device for issuing a second warning in response to receiving a warning signal from any other jackets or clothing.