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: 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 mechanism for electrically connecting various electronic devices to a garment is provided. The mechanism has a sliding track adapted to support a variety of different electronic devices. The sliding track has one or more channels enabling elective electrical communication between at least one electronic device and a power source. The electronic device is adapted to be selectively supported by the sliding track such that the electronic device can slide along the sliding track. The mechanism has one or more channels having at least one conductive element disposed therein. The first conductive element is shaped to conform to one or more channels to provide an ideal electrical contact surface. The one or more channels are adapted to selectively enclose or seal the conductive element.

Abstract: A mechanism for electrically connecting various electronic devices to a garment is provided. The mechanism has a sliding track adapted to support a variety of different electronic devices. The sliding track has one or more channels enabling elective electrical communication between at least one electronic device and a power source. The electronic device is adapted to be selectively supported by the sliding track such that the electronic device can slide along the sliding track. The mechanism has one or more channels having at least one conductive element disposed therein. The first conductive element is shaped to conform to one or more channels to provide an ideal electrical contact surface. The one or more channels are adapted to selectively enclose or seal the conductive element.

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.