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).

Abstract: A wearable garment having an electrode and sensors mounted in a predetermined position relative to the wearer's skin provides a quick and efficient way to measure the body-fat composition of the person. The body-fat sensor includes a pair of shoes having a weight-measuring sensor and a wearable body structure, of flexible material, having an inner surface, wherein a flexible electrical conductor is affixed to the inner surface of the wearable body structure. The body-fat sensor further includes an impedance-measuring circuit having at least one pair of electrodes, where the pair of electrodes is electrically coupled to both ends of the electrical conductor, so that the body-fat composition of the person can be measured based on the data received from the weight sensor and the impedance-measuring circuit.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for general illumination and/or ornamentation has a base with a support member bearing both a lamp-bulb receiving socket and a lamp shade. The lamp shade, or other ornamental element of the lamp assembly is formed at least in part of an electroluminescent material and, in the disclosed form, the inner surface of the shade is reflective. The lamp assembly, accordingly, includes two sources of illumination, namely the electroluminescent material and a lamp-bulb received in the bulb-receiving socket. A conventional line cord is provided to connect the lamp to any ordinary source of electrical power, and a four-position electrical switch coupled to the line cord permits a user to direct power selectively to the lamp socket, or to the electroluminescent shade, or to both simultaneously. In its fourth position, all electrical power is cut-off so that the lamp is not illuminated.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for general illumination and/or ornamentation has a base with a support member bearing both a lamp-bulb receiving socket and a lamp shade. The lamp shade, or other ornamental element of the lamp assembly is formed at least in part of an electroluminescent material and, in the disclosed form, the inner surface of the shade is reflective. The lamp assembly, accordingly, includes two sources of illumination, namely the electroluminescent material and a lamp-bulb received in the bulb-receiving socket. A conventional line cord is provided to connect the lamp to any ordinary source of electrical power, and a four-position electrical switch coupled to the line cord permits a user to direct power selectively to the lamp socket, or to the electroluminescent shade, or to both simultaneously. In its fourth position, all electrical power is cut-off so that the lamp is not illuminated.

Abstract: A wearable garment having an electrode and sensors mounted in a predetermined position relative to the wearer's skin provides a quick and efficient way to measure the body-fat composition of the person. The body-fat sensor includes a pair of shoes having a weight-measuring sensor and a wearable body structure, of flexible material, having an inner surface, wherein a flexible electrical conductor is affixed to the inner surface of the wearable body structure. The body-fat sensor further includes an impedance-measuring circuit having at least one pair of electrodes, where the pair of electrodes is being electrically coupled to both ends of the electrical conductor, so that the body-fat composition of the person can be measured based on the data received from the weight sensor and the impedance-measuring circuit.