阅读说明：本技术 发光服饰制品 (Luminous dress products ) 是由 M·莫莱迪波莱加托 M·布鲁诺 G·加洛 于 2020-05-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种发光服饰制品(1),包括：外层(2),其设置有在外层(2)的外表面(4)和内表面(5)之间延伸的至少一个通孔(3)；至少一个发光管(6),其与外层(2)的内表面(5)结合并且具有至少一个第一发光部分(7),该至少一个第一发光部分至少部分地布置在所述至少一个通孔(3)处；以及至少一个保护元件(8),该保护元件(8)对于由与外层(2)结合的至少一个发光管(6)发射的光至少部分透明并且布置成封闭所述至少一个通孔(3)；其中所述至少一个保护元件(8)是水蒸气可渗透的。(The invention relates to a luminescent article of apparel (1) comprising: an outer layer (2) provided with at least one through hole (3) extending between an outer surface (4) and an inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2); at least one light emitting tube (6) integrated with the inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2) and having at least one first light emitting portion (7) arranged at least partially at said at least one through hole (3); and at least one protective element (8), the protective element (8) being at least partially transparent to light emitted by at least one light emitting tube (6) associated with the outer layer (2) and arranged to close the at least one through hole (3); wherein the at least one protective element (8) is permeable to water vapour.)

1. An article of light-emitting apparel (1) comprising:

an outer layer (2) provided with at least one through hole (3) extending between an outer surface (4) and an inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2);

at least one light emitting tube (6) integrated with said inner surface (5) of said outer layer (2) and having at least one first light emitting portion (7) arranged at least partially at said at least one through hole (3); and

at least one protective element (8) at least partially permeable to the light emitted by the at least one light tube (6), which is associated with the outer layer (2) and is arranged to close the at least one through hole (3),

wherein the at least one protective element (8) is permeable to water vapor.

2. Article according to claim 1, wherein said at least one protection element (8) comprises at least one first layer (9) made of natural or synthetic material.

3. Article according to claim 2, wherein said at least one first layer (9) is a breathable fabric or a waterproof and breathable membrane, preferably made of polyamide or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyurethane or the like.

4. Article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said at least one protective element (8) comprises a second layer (10) joined to said at least one first layer (9), wherein said second layer (10) is made of a waterproof and breathable material, wherein preferably said at least one first layer (9) is distal from said at least one first light emitting portion (7) of said at least one light emitting tube (6) and said second layer (10) is proximal to said at least one first light emitting portion (7) of said at least one light emitting tube (6), wherein more preferably said at least one first layer (9) is made of a material having a density of 120g/m²To 140g/m²Or of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and/or said second layer (10) of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyurethane or the like.

5. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one protective element (8) absorbs less than 50% of the light radiation emitted by the at least one first luminescent portion (7), preferably less than 40% of the light radiation emitted by the at least one first luminescent portion.

6. Article according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one reflective element (11) arranged on the opposite side of the at least one first light emitting portion (7) of the at least one light emitting tube (6) to the at least one protective element (8), wherein the at least one reflective element (11) has a reflective surface (12) reflecting light emitted by the at least one first light emitting portion (7) facing the at least one through hole (3).

7. Article according to claim 6, wherein said at least one reflective element (11) is constrained at respective edges to said inner surface (5) of said outer layer (2) or to said at least one protective element (8), so as to form a compartment (13) housing said at least one first luminescent portion (7) therein.

8. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one first luminescent portion (7) is substantially cylindrical or semi-cylindrical, wherein preferably the diameter of the at least one first luminescent portion (7) is greater than 2mm, more preferably greater than 2.5mm, even more preferably equal to or greater than 3 mm.

9. Article according to any of the previous claims, wherein said at least one light tube (6) comprises a connector (16) and a light source (17) combined with said connector, both arranged at one end of said at least one light tube (6), wherein preferably said light source (17) comprises at least one light emitting diode.

10. The article of manufacture of claim 9, comprising at least one control circuit (19) connected to the light sources by at least one respective cable (18).

11. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light emitting tube (6) comprises at least one second light emitting portion (21), the at least one second light emitting portion (21) being arranged in a position distant from the at least one through hole (3), the at least one second light emitting portion (21) being invisible from the at least one through hole (3) from a side of the outer layer (2) corresponding to the outer surface (4).

12. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2) is constituted by a waterproof material in at least one portion surrounding the at least one through hole (3), wherein preferably the at least one protective element (8) is connected to the at least one portion of the inner surface (5) made of a waterproof material in a hermetically sealed manner, wherein more preferably the inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2) is entirely constituted by a waterproof material.

13. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an inner layer (22) associated with the inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2), wherein preferably the at least one light emitting tube (6) comprises at least one third light emitting portion (23) visible from the side of the inner layer (22) opposite to the outer layer (2), the inner layer (22) being provided with at least one window or comprising a plurality of inner layer portions which make at least a portion of the inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2) exposed at the at least one third light emitting portion (23).

14. Article according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising fastening means suitable for constraining the at least one light emitting tube (6) to the inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2), wherein the fastening means preferably comprise at least one fastening element (24; 25) comprising or consisting of a strip of fabric or polymer material.

15. Article according to claim 14, wherein the strip of fabric or polymer material is folded on itself and constrained to the inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2) to form a sleeve, wherein the sleeve is engaged by the at least one light emitting tube (6), or wherein the strip of fabric or polymer material has a face constrained to the inner surface (5) of the outer layer (2) at opposite edges and is provided with at least two through holes (26) for engagement by the at least one light emitting tube (6).

16. The article according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the article is selected from the group comprising an article of clothing, a clothing accessory, a shoe, preferably wherein the article is a sports jacket, a thick jacket, a light jacket, a coat, a vest, pants, a sports wear, a hat, a glove, a shoe.

Technical Field

In a more general aspect, the invention relates to the technical field of articles of apparel, and in particular, the invention relates to articles of light-emitting apparel, wherein articles of apparel are referred to herein as articles of apparel, apparel accessories, shoes.

Background

Today, the known art provides articles of clothing, in particular garments such as sports jackets, thick jackets, light jackets, coats and the like, with an illuminated portion in order to increase the visibility of the wearer wearing the article of clothing, especially in low light or low visibility conditions.

Light emitting devices are also known in combination with articles of clothing, which have the same function of increasing the visibility of the wearer.

For example, patent application US 2017/0143061 a1 describes an article of clothing comprising a front zipper where an optical fiber illuminated by an LED (light emitting diode) is placed, the LED being driven by means controlling its opening, closing, color, brightness, wherein the optical fiber is provided with a flange facilitating its application to the article of clothing by sewing or gluing.

However, although the clothing article described in US 2017/0143061 a1 is capable of fulfilling the stated object, it has some drawbacks, including a fast high wear of the optical fibers and a high risk of fiber breakage due to exposure of the optical fibers to the outside of the clothing article.

The optical fiber exposed to the outside of the clothing article inevitably collides, even accidentally, with an external object that may damage the optical fiber and become stuck in the optical fiber.

Furthermore, the optical fibers exposed on the outside of the article of clothing are subjected to dust, which, as is known, damages the outer surface of the optical fibers, in particular darkens them, in the long run.

Furthermore, the optical fibers exposed outside the item of clothing are subjected to the direct action of Ultraviolet (UV) rays contained in the solar radiation, which may deteriorate the material constituting the optical fibers, thus causing, for example, yellowing and/or darkening of the optical fibers, thus resulting in a deterioration of the light-guiding capacity.

Patent US 8,142,061B 2 describes an article of clothing comprising a light guide coupled with a light emitting diode connected by a cable to a processor and a battery, wherein both the processor and the battery can be removed to allow the article of clothing to be washed, while the light guide, the light emitting diode and the cable are all waterproof.

Also in this case, the light guide is arranged on the outside of the item of clothing, while the light emitting diodes and the cable are housed inside the item of clothing, and the connection between the external element and the internal element is achieved by through holes formed on the outer layer of the item of clothing.

Although the article of clothing described in US 8,142,061B 2 achieves the object, it also has some drawbacks, including the undesired action of dust which may collect in the vicinity of the above-mentioned through holes and scratch the surface of the light guide over time, thus affecting their gloss, in particular in the vicinity of the through holes themselves.

Furthermore, the light guides are exposed, even accidentally, to impacts with external objects (which may damage the light guide and cause the external objects to get stuck into the light guide), to the undesired effects of dust (which, in the long run, may damage the outer surface of the light guide by darkening the light guide), to the direct effects of ultraviolet light (UV) which may deteriorate the materials constituting the light guide, causing them to yellow and/or darken and deteriorate the light guiding ability, for example).

Patent application US 2013/0077289 a1 describes an article of apparel comprising a luminotron arranged outside the article of apparel, the tube consisting of an optical fiber connected to a light emitting diode driven by a control circuit, wherein the connection between the luminotron and the light emitting diode is realized by means of a dedicated connector, while the control circuit and the light emitting diode are connected by means of a cable to a battery held inside a casing equipped with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port for charging the battery.

Also in this case, disadvantageously, the light-emitting tube is exposed to, even accidentally exposed to, collisions with external objects that may damage the light-emitting tube and may get stuck in the light-emitting tube, exposure to the action of dust that may damage the outer surface in the long run by darkening the outer surface, and exposure to direct action of ultraviolet rays that may deteriorate the material constituting the light-emitting tube, thereby degrading its performance.

Patent US 7,506,991B 2 describes an article of apparel with a light module arranged outside the article of apparel and activated in response to the movement of the wearer, wherein the light module is constrained to a waterproof and transparent protective element made of rubber.

Although even the clothing article described in US 7,506,991B 2 achieves the object, it still has some drawbacks, the main one of which is due to the fact that the protective element made of rubber or, more generally, of plastic material makes the clothing article impermeable to air at the light modules, thus reducing the overall air permeability of the clothing article manufactured according to the teachings of US 7,506,991B 2.

Disclosure of Invention

The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide an article of luminous apparel having structural and functional characteristics capable of overcoming one or more of the drawbacks mentioned above with reference to the known art.

According to the invention, the above problem is solved by a light-emitting article of apparel comprising:

an outer layer provided with at least one through-hole extending between an outer surface and an inner surface of the outer layer;

at least one light emitting tube coupled to the inner surface of the outer layer and having at least one first light emitting portion disposed at least partially at the at least one through hole; and

at least one protective element at least partially permeable to light emitted by the at least one light emitting tube, the at least one protective element being bonded to the outer layer and arranged to close the at least one through hole,

wherein the at least one protective element is water vapour permeable, i.e. breathable.

Preferably, the at least one protective element is bonded to the outer layer by sewing, by gluing by thermal bonding or heat sealing, or by using an adhesive tape, preferably a waterproof tape, which actually overlaps the at least one first light emitting portion of the at least one light emitting tube and protects the light emitting portion from an external entity.

Therefore, according to the present invention, there is provided a luminescent article of apparel that ensures protection of the light emitting tube from impact, even accidental impact, by an external object, and further ensures prevention of contact of the light emitting tube with dust, and further ensures protection of the light emitting tube from direct exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) rays, and further ensures escape of sweat in a vapor phase, thereby contributing to natural thermal regulation of the wearer's body.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a luminous clothing article is provided which is simple in construction and particularly economical.

Preferably, said at least one protective element comprises at least one first layer made of natural or synthetic material, more preferably made of fabric or film.

Preferably, the protective element absorbs less than 50% of the optical radiation emitted by the at least one first luminescent portion, more preferably less than 40% of the optical radiation emitted by the at least one first luminescent portion.

Preferably, in said at least one protective element associable with said outer layer at said inner surface or at said outer surface, said at least one first layer consists of a breathable knitted fabric, for example with a density of 120g/m²To 140g/m²More preferably about 130g/m²Or the at least one first layer consists of a waterproof and breathable membrane made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyurethane or similar waterproof and water vapor permeable material.

Preferably, said at least one protective element comprises a second layer joined to said at least one first layer, wherein said second layer is made of a waterproof and breathable material.

Preferably, the at least one first layer is distal from the at least one first light emitting portion of the at least one light emitting tube and the second layer is proximal to the at least one first light emitting portion of the at least one light emitting tube.

Preferably, the second layer is comprised of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyurethane, or the like.

According to the present invention, the combination of the breathable fabric layer (first layer) and the waterproof breathable layer (second layer) according to the above enables the conditions for enabling an external observer to see the light emitted by the at least one light emitting tube to be satisfied, thereby further establishing waterproof protection for the at least one light emitting tube.

Preferably, said at least one protective element comprises a third layer permeable to water vapor, i.e. breathable, advantageously made of fabric and joined to said second layer on the opposite side to said at least one first layer, wherein more preferably said third layer has a density of 25g/m²To 35g/m²Even more preferably, the density is about 30g/m²。

Preferably, the third layer contains polyethylene fibers or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers that reduce friction between the third layer and the at least one light emitting tube.

Preferably, the article of light emitting apparel comprises at least one reflective element arranged on an opposite side of the at least one first light emitting portion of the at least one light emitting tube from the at least one protective element, wherein the at least one reflective element has a reflective surface that reflects light emitted by the at least one first light emitting portion of the at least one light emitting tube facing the at least one through hole.

Preferably, said at least one reflective element is constrained at respective edges to said inner surface of said outer layer or to said at least one protective element, so as to form a compartment housing therein said at least one first luminescent portion.

Preferably, the at least one first luminescent portion is substantially cylindrical or semi-cylindrical and more preferably has a diameter or overall height greater than 2mm, more preferably greater than 2.5mm, even more preferably equal to or greater than 3 mm.

Preferably, the at least one light emitting tube includes a connector and a light source combined with the connector, the connector and the light source being disposed at one end portion of the at least one light emitting tube, wherein more preferably, the light source includes at least one LED (light emitting diode), wherein more preferably, the light emitting diode is of a flat or circular type having an emission angle of 35 ° or less.

Preferably, the article of light-emitting apparel comprises at least one control circuit connected to the light source by at least one respective cable.

Preferably, the at least one light emitting tube includes at least one second light emitting portion disposed at a position distant from the at least one through hole, the at least one second light emitting portion being invisible from the at least one through hole from a side of the outer layer corresponding to the outer surface.

Preferably, said inner surface of said outer layer consists of a waterproof material, at least in a portion around said at least one through hole, and more preferably is made entirely of a waterproof material.

Preferably, said at least one protection element is connectable in a hermetically sealed manner/sealably, i.e. waterproofly, to said at least one waterproof portion of said inner surface.

Preferably, the article of light-emitting apparel includes an inner layer bonded to the inner surface of the outer layer, the inner layer being in effect a liner.

Preferably, the at least one light emitting tube includes at least one third light emitting portion visible from a side of the inner layer opposite to the outer layer, the inner layer is provided with at least one window or includes a plurality of inner layer portions that expose at least a portion of the inner surface of the outer layer at the at least one third light emitting portion.

Preferably, the article of light-emitting apparel comprises a fastening device adapted to constrain the at least one light emitting tube to the inner surface of the outer layer, wherein more preferably, the fastening device comprises at least one fastening element comprising or consisting of a strip of fabric or polymer material.

Preferably, said strip of textile or polymer material is folded on itself and constrained to the inner surface of the outer layer to form a sleeve, wherein said sleeve is engaged, i.e. crossed, by said at least one luminous tube, or wherein said strip of textile or polymer material has a face constrained to the inner surface of the outer layer at opposite edges and is provided with at least two through holes for engagement by said at least one luminous tube.

Preferably, the at least one light emitting tube is made of a light-transmissive or semi-transmissive (transparent or semi-transmissive to light) polymer material as described above, and more preferably, the at least one light emitting tube comprises one or more optical fibers of the type commonly used as optical signal transmission devices in telecommunications, or alternatively, the at least one light emitting tube may be made of an electroluminescent material that emits light when current flows therethrough, in which case no light source is needed to illuminate the at least one light emitting tube.

Preferably, the one or more optical fibers are made of a polymer material selected from the group consisting of Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyester, polystyrene, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), wherein polyurethane consisting of isocyanate (e.g. diisocyanate) and polyol polyether is particularly suitable for transmitting light from a side surface of the at least one light emitting tube, in particular from the at least one first light emitting portion.

Preferably, the light emitting article of apparel is selected from the group comprising articles of apparel, apparel accessories, shoes, wherein more preferably the light emitting article of apparel is a sports jacket, thick jacket, light jacket, coat, vest, sports wear, pants, headwear/hat, gloves, shoes.

Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will better emerge from the following detailed description, considered in the light of the attached drawings, of some preferred but not exclusive embodiments, illustrated purely by way of example and not in a limiting way, in which:

fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exterior elevation view of a light emitting article of apparel in the form of a sports jacket including a plurality of light emitting tubes and a corresponding plurality of protective elements in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an exterior back view of the article of light-emitting apparel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a detail of the article of light-emitting apparel of FIG. 1;

figures 4 and 5 schematically show respective cross-sectional views of details of the light-emitting article of apparel of figure 3 according to two different configurations of the protective element of the light-emitting article of apparel of figure 1;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a light emitting tube of the light emitting article of apparel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a partially cut-away inside view of the light-emitting article of apparel of FIG. 1 positioned on a flat surface and without sleeves;

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an exterior view of the light emitting article of apparel of FIG. 1, on a flat surface and without sleeves;

FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show details of the light emitting article of apparel of FIG. 1 according to two different embodiments of the fastening device of the light emitting tube of the light emitting article of apparel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a partially cut-away inside view of the light-emitting article of apparel of FIG. 1 positioned on a flat surface and without sleeves, in accordance with a variation of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an article of light-emitting apparel in the form of a shoe including a sole and upper assembly, in accordance with variations of embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a detail of the article of light-emitting apparel of FIG. 12, with the details of the upper assembly shown in plan form;

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an article of light-emitting apparel in the form of a hat, according to a variation of an embodiment of the present invention;

figure 15 schematically shows a side view of an article of light-emitting apparel in the form of a glove according to an embodiment variant of the invention.

Detailed Description

With reference to fig. 1-10, an article of light-emitting apparel, in particular an article of apparel such as a sports jacket, according to the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.

According to the invention, the article of light-emitting apparel 1 mainly comprises an outer layer 2 provided with a plurality of through holes, each indicated by reference numeral 3, extending between an outer surface 4 of the outer layer 2 and an inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2, each associated with the inner surface 5 and each having a first light-emitting portion 7 provided at a respective through hole 3, a plurality of light-emitting tubes, each indicated by reference numeral 6, associated with the outer layer 2 and each arranged to close the respective through hole 3, and a plurality of protective elements, each indicated by reference numeral 8, which are at least partially permeable to the light emitted by the light-emitting tubes 6 (at least partially transparent to the light emitted by the light-emitting tubes 6) and permeable to water vapor.

Being at least partially transparent to the light emitted by the light emitting tube (being at least partially transparent to the light emitted by the light emitting tube) means that the protective element 8 is made of one or more materials that are transparent or partially transparent/translucent to the light emitted by the light emitting tube 6 (transparent or translucent to the light emitted by the light emitting tube 6) to an extent sufficient for the light emitted by the light emitting tube 6 to be visible to an external observer.

Generally, the radiation incident on an object (which is intended as radiant energy per unit time per unit surface) is designated as U, which is divided into three parts: one part is reflected, one part is absorbed and one part is transmitted through the object. If most of the incident radiation (light) is transmitted through the material, the material is transparent/transmissive for light, whereas if most of the radiation (light) passing through the material is diffuse, the material is translucent (scattering phenomenon: electromagnetic waves change trajectory in a disordered and random manner). On the other hand, an opaque material absorbs radiation (light) without transmitting radiation (light). In order for the light emitted by the first luminescent portion of the light emitting tube to be visible to an external observer, the light absorbed by the one or more materials constituting the protective element must not exceed a determined threshold. This condition is fulfilled if the radiation absorbed by the protective element is less than 50% of the radiation emitted in the form of light by the respective first luminescent portion, preferably less than 40% absorption.

As regards the water vapour permeability of the protective element, it should be mentioned that it is determined according to the method specified in ISO 20344-2004 regulation chapter 6.6. The ISO 20344-2004 regulation describes, in chapter 6.6 "Determination of water vapor durability" on safety shoes, a test method comprising fastening a sample of the material to be tested to close the opening of a bottle containing a quantity of solid desiccant, in particular silica gel. Bottles are subject to strong air currents in conditioned environments. The bottle was rotated to mix the solid desiccant and optimize the drying effect of the air in the bottle. The bottles were weighed before and after the test period to determine the mass of moisture that passed through the material to be tested and was absorbed by the solid desiccant. Then, the calculation is made in milligrams per hour per square centimeter [ mg/cm ] based on the measured mass of moisture, the area of the bottle mouth, and the test time²·h]Water vapor permeability in units. Within the scope of the present invention, the expressions "water vapour permeable/permeable", "vapour permeable" and "breathable/breathable" have the same meaning.

Within the scope of the invention, the water vapour permeability of the protective element 8 is preferably at least 2mg/cm²H, more preferably at least 5mg/cm²H, even more preferably at least 20mg/cm²·h。

According to the above and according to the present invention, the protective member 8 which actually overlaps the corresponding portion of the light emitting tube 6 and protects the first light emitting portion 7 of the light emitting tube 6 from the external physical action/influence is bonded to the outer layer 2 by sewing, by gluing by thermal bonding or heat sealing, or by using an adhesive tape, preferably a waterproof tape.

In particular, the protective elements 8 may be identical to each other or different from each other in the article of apparel 1 and may be associated with the outer surface 4 or with the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2, as shown in the examples in figures 4 and 5 respectively, each comprising at least one first water vapor permeable layer, indicated with reference numeral 9, which is permeable to water vapor at leastThe layer is preferably made of natural or synthetic fabric and more preferably has a density of 120g/m²To 140g/m²Even more preferably about 130g/m²Preferably made of a membrane made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyurethane or the like.

It should be noted that the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2 is preferably composed of a waterproof material at least in the portion around the through-hole 3, and the protective element 8 is preferably connected hermetically/hermetically sealed (so as to be waterproof) to the waterproof portion of the surface 5.

It should also be noted that the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2 may be provided entirely by a waterproof material, but it is also possible to provide a protective element 8 made of or comprising a waterproof and breathable material, connected in a sealing manner/hermetically to the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2, so as to obtain a waterproof seal in the case of a luminous article of apparel that needs to be completely waterproof.

According to the example of the above figures, each protective element 8 also comprises a second layer 10, this second layer 10 being associated with the respective first layer 9 and being made of waterproof and breathable material, however, according to the invention and according to what has been said above, it is also possible to provide a protective element consisting only of a breathable and possibly also waterproof first layer and therefore consisting of a natural or synthetic fabric or film.

In any case, if a second layer 10 is provided, it should be noted that this second layer is preferably joined to the first layer 9 by means of a plurality of gluing points and is also preferably composed of a film made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), polyurethane or the like.

In detail, in the protective member 8, the first layer 9 and the second layer 10 are disposed at positions distant from and close to the first light emitting portions 7 of the respective light emitting tubes 6, respectively.

It should be noted that the combination of the breathable fabric layer (first layer) and the waterproof breathable layer (second layer) according to the above enables the conditions for enabling an external observer to see the light emitted by the light emitting tube to be satisfied, while enabling waterproof breathable protection to be provided for the light emitting tube.

According to examples in the figuresIn an embodiment variant of the invention, not shown in the drawings, a protective element of the type described may also comprise a third water-vapour-permeable layer which is joined to the second layer on the side opposite to the first layer and has a density of 25g/m²To 35g/m²Preferably, its density is about 30g/m²。

In the above embodiment variation, the third layer is preferably made of fabric, more preferably containing polyethylene fibers or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers, which reduces the friction of the third layer with the respective light emitting tubes.

According to the invention and according to the example of the above-mentioned figures, the article of light-emitting apparel 1 further comprises a plurality of reflective elements, preferably one reflective element 11 for each first luminescent portion 7.

In particular, each reflective element 11 is arranged on the opposite side of the respective first luminescent portion 7 with respect to the protective element 8 and has a reflective surface 12, which reflective surface 12 is adapted to reflect light emitted by the respective first luminescent portion 7 facing the through hole 3.

The reflective surface 12 of the reflective element 11 may be available under the trade name Scotchlite from 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, usa)^TMUnder the name of known materials or trade names from IRC Spa (M.D. Leila Italy)Of known materials.

The reflective elements 11 are advantageous in that they increase the visibility of the light-emitting article of apparel 1 by reflecting outwards the part of the light emitted by the light-emitting tube 6, in particular by the first light-emitting portion 7 of the light-emitting tube, and directed towards the interior of the light-emitting article of apparel 1.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, it should be added that preferably each reflective element 11 is constrained at a respective edge to the respective protective element 8 or to the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2, so as to form in any case a compartment 13, in which compartment 13 the respective first luminescent portion 7 is housed, this configuration achieving said watertight seal.

In this respect, it should be mentioned that the first luminescent portion 7 is preferably cylindrical or semi-cylindrical, the diameter or in any case the height of which is greater than 2mm, more preferably greater than 2.5mm, even more preferably equal to or greater than 3 mm.

Although the first luminescent portions 7 shown above are in use no longer perfectly aligned with the respective protective elements 8, the light they emit is sufficiently visible due to the size of the first luminescent portions 7 themselves. In fact, according to the above, a large part of the light emitted by the light emitting tube 6 has to reach the reflecting element 11 to be reflected and pass through the protective element 8.

More generally, with regard to the article of luminous apparel 1, it should be mentioned that, according to the example of the above figures, it comprises a front portion 14 comprising two light-emitting tubes 6 arranged inside the outer layer 2, near the chest.

In particular, with respect to the normal use conditions of the sports jacket constituting the light emitting article of apparel 1, the light emitting tubes 6 combined with the front portion 14 are arranged diagonally in a downwardly inclined manner in a direction from the neck and toward the buttocks.

Further, the light emitting article of apparel 1 comprises a rear portion 15 comprising the light emitting tubes 6 arranged on the lower part of the back and the light emitting tubes 6 arranged at the nape of the neck.

It should be mentioned that, in general, the light emitting tubes may be oriented in the most convenient direction, e.g. horizontally or vertically as required, with respect to the normal use conditions of the article of light emitting apparel according to the invention.

With regard to the details of the luminous tube 6, it should be mentioned that they are made of a transparent or translucent polymeric material as described above, and preferably that each of them comprises one or more optical fibers of the type commonly used as transmission means of optical signals in telecommunications, made of a polymeric material chosen from: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), Polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polystyrene, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), or alternatively, the light emitting tube may be made of an electroluminescent material that is illuminated when an electric current flows. Thus, no light source is required to illuminate the light emitting tube.

The polyurethane composed of isocyanate (e.g., diisocyanate) and polyol polyether is particularly suitable for transmitting light from the side surface of the light-emitting tube 6, as will become more apparent hereinafter.

Furthermore, the optical fibers may be uncoated or they may comprise a material having a first optical refractive index n₁And a core of a material having a refractive index different from n₁Second refractive index n₂A core cladding of a material of (1), wherein n₁Usually slightly above n₂In order to obtain a sufficiently large acceptance angle (i.e. the maximum angle at which light can enter the fiber and remain inside the fiber) without having too small a critical angle (i.e. a situation that would force the light to strongly bend inside the fiber and thus increase the transmission delay for different wavelengths).

With regard to the light emitting tube 6, it should be mentioned that, according to the example of the above figures, each of them comprises a connector 16 and a light source 17 combined with the connector 16, both arranged at one end of the light emitting tube 6, wherein preferably the light source 17 comprises one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), although as mentioned above, light emitting tubes made of electroluminescent material not requiring any light source for illumination may also be provided.

In particular, connectors 16 may be fastened (for example by means of sewn or glued flanges) on inner surface 5 of outer layer 2, so as to prevent their accidental movement, which could cause annoyance to the wearer or damage to some parts, whereas for the two ends of luminous tube 6 it should be mentioned that they are not arranged at through hole 3, which is actually a window opening on outer layer 2, but that they are, for example, not aligned with through hole 3, i.e. hidden from an observer who looks almost frontally (i.e. from front 14 of outer layer 2) at luminous apparel article 1. In this way, the outer layer 2 also hides the light source 17 in some way.

This configuration is advantageous because the spot light emitted by the light source 17, which may be non-uniform and/or dazzling to the observer, does not overlap with the almost uniform light emitted by the first light-emitting portion 7 of the light-emitting tube 6.

The light sources 17 of the light emitting tubes 6 are also connected by respective cables 18 to the same control circuit 19 provided with the light emitting article of apparel 1, but it is also possible to provide a plurality of control circuits, for example one control circuit for each light emitting tube.

The control circuit 19 of a known type controls the switching, the color, the brightness, for example even by means of a predetermined lighting pattern/light pattern of the light source 17.

It should be mentioned that preferably the control circuit 19 comprises a wireless transmission module, for example bluetooth, by means of which the control circuit is connected to a remote device, for example a smartphone, by means of which the control circuit is controlled, for example by an Application (APP), the wireless transmission module not being shown in the examples of the above-mentioned figures.

Furthermore, it should be mentioned that the article of light-emitting apparel 1 comprises a power source of known type (for example a rechargeable battery) and/or a connection port, preferably a USB-type plug, for connection to, for example, a mobile power source, i.e. an external self-powered portable battery charger, in order to provide the energy required for operating the light source 17, wherein said power source and/or said connection port are connected to the control circuit 19 by means of a cable. In particular, according to the example of the above figures, in the article of light-emitting apparel 1, the cable and the connection port are globally indicated by the reference numeral 20.

According to the above description about the light-emitting tubes 6, it should be supplemented that each of them preferably includes the second light-emitting portions 21, the second light-emitting portions 21 being arranged at positions distant from the respective through-holes 3, i.e., not aligned with the respective through-holes 3.

In other words, the second light-emitting portions 21 are not visible from the opening 3 as viewed from a side of the outer layer 2 corresponding to the front portion of the outer surface 4.

According to the example of the above-mentioned figures, it should be added that the article of light-emitting apparel according to the invention preferably also comprises an inner layer 22 bonded to the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2, which inner layer is in fact a lining intended to be in contact with the wearer, while at least one light-emitting tube 6 of said plurality of light-emitting tubes comprises a third light-emitting portion 23 visible from the side of the inner layer 22 opposite to the outer layer 2.

Indeed, according to what has been described above, the inner layer 22 is provided with at least one window for the third light-emitting portion 23, or it comprises portions of the inner layer that leave at least a portion of the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2 at the third light-emitting portion 23 uncovered.

It can be said that the third light-emitting portion 23 is interposed between the inner layer 22 and the wearer's body and allows the light-emitting article of apparel 1 to be illuminated internally, for example at an inner pocket, thereby facilitating finding objects stored in the inner pocket in conditions of poor visibility. Therefore, the third light emitting part 23 is preferably a part of the light emitting tube 6 provided at the lower back part of the light emitting article of clothing 1.

From the examples of the above figures, it should be added that preferably the article of luminous apparel according to the invention comprises a fastening device adapted to hold the light emitting tubes 6 in place on the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2, the fastening device comprising a plurality of fastening elements comprising or consisting of strips of fabric or polymer material.

In detail, the example in fig. 9 shows a first embodiment of said fastening device, in which, in the fastening element 24, a strip made of textile or polymer material is attached to the inside of the outer layer 2 according to known techniques, precisely folded on itself and constrained to the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2, so as to form a sleeve engaged by the respective luminous tube 6, i.e. crossed by the respective luminous tube 6, so as to fix the position of this luminous tube 6 in the vicinity of the respective connector 16.

In the example of fig. 10, a second embodiment of said fastening means is shown, in which in the fastening element 25 one face of the strip of textile or polymer material is constrained to the inner surface 5 of the outer layer 2 at the opposite edges, according to known techniques, while the opposite face of the strip of textile or polymer material faces the body of the wearer.

In this second embodiment, the fastening element 25, in particular a strip made of fabric or polymer material, is provided with two through holes 26 to be engaged by the light emitting tubes 6.

It should be noted that advantageously the fastening element 25 has a substantially quadrangular shape with two shorter sides, whereas the material from which it is made can be chosen substantially at will or in any case according to the material of the light emitting tube or the part of the light emitting tube that is joined to the fastening element 25, so as to have a substantially desired coefficient of friction value to limit the sliding of the light emitting tube 6.

It should also be noted that according to the example in fig. 10, the light emitting tube 6 is inserted between the fastening element 25 and the outer layer 2 at the short side of the strip composed of fabric or polymer material. This increases the contact surface between the fastening element 25 and the light emitting tube 6 and thus increases friction, allowing to limit the sliding of the light emitting tube 6 with respect to the fastening element 25 even in case the fastening element is made of a very thin fabric or strip of polymer material, to prevent undesired stiffening and/or bulging of the article of light emitting apparel 1.

Of course, the fastening means of the article of light-emitting apparel 1 may comprise fastening elements 24 and/or fastening elements 25.

With reference to the example of fig. 11, an embodiment variant of the invention will now be described in which those components which correspond structurally and functionally to the components of the above-described article of light-emitting apparel 1 have the same reference numerals as those of the components in fig. 1 to 10.

In detail, the example in figure 11 shows a part of a light-emitting article of apparel 101 in the form of a sports jacket, which is very similar to the previously described light-emitting article of apparel 1, the description of which must be used as a reference, which differs from the previously described light-emitting article of apparel mainly in that the parts of the light-emitting article of apparel 101 located in different areas are illuminated by using the same light-emitting tube and a single light source, and in that there are no cables connecting the light source to the control circuit of the side of the light-emitting article of apparel.

In particular, the article of light-emitting apparel 101 comprises a control circuit 19 and a light-emitting tube 6 (first light-emitting tube), which light-emitting tube 6 comprises a first light-emitting portion 7 arranged near the chest and connected to the control circuit 19 by a cable 18.

The light-emitting article of apparel 101 comprises, in the front, two opposite edges, a first edge 127 and a second edge 128, which may be coupled to each other, for example by means of a zipper, and said cable 18 comprises a first portion 118a extending at the first edge 127 and a second portion 118b connected to the first portion 118a and arranged at a neck 129 of the light-emitting article of apparel 101.

The second portion 118b of the cable 18 leads the current to the connector 16, at which connector 16 a light source 17, for example an LED, is arranged, which illuminates the light emitting tube 6 with the first portion 7 arranged close to the chest.

According to the example in fig. 11, the light-emitting tube 6 (first light-emitting tube) also comprises a second light-emitting portion 21, similar to the one previously explained with reference to the light-emitting article of apparel 1, the description of which must be taken as a reference.

As mentioned above, thanks to this solution, the cable may not need to pass at the side of the light emitting article of apparel 101, advantageously providing greater comfort to the wearer.

According to the invention, the light-emitting article of apparel 101 further comprises a light emitting tube 6 (second light emitting tube) having a plurality of first light emitting portions 7, the first light emitting portions 7 being substantially similar to the first light emitting portions explained above with reference to the light-emitting article of apparel 1, the description of which must be taken as a reference.

In the details of the first light emitting portion 7 of the light emitting tube 6 (second light emitting tube), one is arranged at the second edge 128, one is arranged at said neck portion 129 and one is arranged near the chest portion of the light emitting article of apparel 101.

The light emitting tube 6 (second light emitting tube) further comprises a connector 16, at which connector 16 a light source 17, e.g. an LED, is arranged, which illuminates the light emitting tube 6.

The light-emitting tube 6 (second light-emitting tube) also includes a second light-emitting portion 21 similar to that previously explained with reference to the light-emitting article of apparel 1, the description of which must be used as a reference.

The light-emitting tube 6 (second light-emitting tube) also includes a third light-emitting portion 23 similar to that previously explained with reference to the light-emitting article of apparel 1, the description of which must be used as a reference.

Thus, according to what has been described above, the light-emitting article of apparel 101 also comprises an outer layer 2 provided with through holes extending between the outer and inner surfaces 5 and an inner layer 22, i.e. a liner, coupled to the outer layer 2, for which the above description relating to the light-emitting article of apparel 1 also applies.

In general, the content described and illustrated above for the light-emitting article of apparel 1 also applies to the light-emitting article of apparel 101, unless otherwise specified.

As mentioned above, the embodiment according to the example in fig. 11 is advantageous because it allows to illuminate parts of the light-emitting article of apparel according to the invention arranged in different areas by using only one light tube and only one light source, thus also reducing the amount of cables used and simplifying the construction of the light-emitting article of apparel, which thus becomes particularly cost-effective and very comfortable.

According to the invention, it should be mentioned that the light-emitting article of apparel of the invention shown above as an article of apparel in the form of a sports jacket may alternatively be a thick jacket, a lightweight jacket, a coat, a vest, a sports wear, pants or another article of apparel, as well as an accessory of apparel such as, for example, a headgear or a glove, and may also be footwear.

In this regard, with reference to the example of fig. 12 and 13, an embodiment variant of the invention will now be described, in which the components corresponding structurally and functionally to the above-described articles of light-emitting apparel 1 and 101 have the same reference numerals as those previously used.

In particular, the example of fig. 12 and 13 show an article of light-emitting apparel in the form of a shoe, indicated by reference numeral 201, that includes a sole 250 joined to an upper assembly 260.

The upper assembly 260 comprises an outer layer 2 provided with a plurality of through holes extending between an outer surface 4 of the outer layer 2 and an inner surface of the outer layer 2, at which through holes respective protective elements 8 are provided to close the through holes and cover the first light emitting portions 7 of the respective light emitting tubes 6, wherein the protective elements comprise a first layer of breathable material which is at least partially permeable to light emitted by the light emitting tubes.

The light-emitting article of apparel 201 further comprises a plurality of reflective elements arranged substantially at the first luminescent portion 7, to which the above description with respect to the light-emitting articles of apparel 1 and 101 also applies.

In general, the number and shape of the protective elements and the light emitting tube and the reflecting elements can be selected as desired.

As described above, for example, in the article of light-emitting apparel 201, some light-emitting tubes 6 may include a plurality of first light-emitting portions 7 visible from the outside of the shoe, arranged alternately with second light-emitting portions 21 not visible from the outside of the shoe, all of which are powered by a single light source 17 having a single connector 16.

In this case, advantageously, the end portions of the light tubes 6 on which the respective light sources 17 and the respective connectors 16 are arranged are housed in suitable cavities (not shown in the said figures) obtained in the sole 250 of the article of luminous apparel 201 in the form of a shoe.

It should be added that advantageously the connector 16 may be transparent or translucent, so that the light source 17 may also illuminate a portion of the sole 250.

Finally, advantageously, article of light-emitting apparel 201 also includes a button 270, conveniently disposed at tongue 280, for driving light tubes 6 on, off, and/or causing the light tubes to perform a light pattern/pattern.

In general, what has been described and illustrated previously for light-emitting apparel articles 1 and 101 also applies to light-emitting apparel article 201, unless otherwise stated and as comparable as possible.

With reference to the example in figure 14, one embodiment variant of the invention will now be described, in which the components corresponding structurally and functionally to the above-described articles of light-emitting apparel 1, 101 and 201 have the same reference numerals as those previously used.

In detail, the example in fig. 14 shows a light emitting article of apparel 301 in the form of a headwear/hat, comprising a crown 350 and a visor 360.

In particular, crown 350 comprises an outer layer 2, which outer layer 2 is provided with a through hole extending between an outer surface 4 of outer layer 2 and an inner surface of outer layer 2, at which through hole a first light emitting portion 7 of the light emitting tube and a protective element 8 closing the through hole and covering first light emitting portion 7 are arranged, wherein the protective element comprises a first layer of gas permeable material, which is transparent or translucent to the light emitted by the light emitting tube.

According to the invention, the first luminescent portion 7 is arranged inwardly with respect to the outer layer 2.

The reflective element in combination with the first luminescent portion 7 is arranged on the side opposite to the protective element 8.

In general, what has been described and illustrated previously for light-emitting apparel articles 1, 101 and 201 applies also to light-emitting apparel article 301, unless otherwise stated and as comparable as possible.

With reference to the example in figure 15, an embodiment variant of the invention will now be described, in which those parts that correspond structurally and functionally to the above-described articles of light-emitting apparel 1, 101, 201 and 301 have the same reference numerals as those used previously.

In detail, the example in fig. 15 shows a light emitting article of apparel 401 in the form of a glove, comprising an outer layer 2, which outer layer 2 is provided with a through hole extending between an outer surface 4 and an inner surface of the outer layer 2, at which through hole a first light emitting portion 7 of a light emitting tube is arranged.

According to the invention, the first luminescent portion 7 is arranged inwardly with respect to the outer layer 2 and is covered by a protective element 8, the protective element 8 comprising a transparent or translucent first layer of breathable material, which is joined to the outer layer 2 at the through hole 3.

The reflective element in combination with the first luminescent portion 7 is arranged on the side opposite to the protective element 8.

In general, what was described and illustrated previously for light-emitting apparel articles 1, 201, and 301 applies also to light-emitting apparel article 401, unless otherwise stated and as comparable as possible.

According to the invention, in some preferred embodiments of the article of luminous apparel of the invention, not shown in the examples of the figures and applicable/all of the above-mentioned articles of luminous apparel, in said protective element comprising at least one first breathable layer, preferably made of textile, and more preferably also a second functional waterproof breathable layer, as described above, the first layer, which is the outermost layer of the protective element, may be provided with openings, for example circular or elongated openings.

At these openings, the light emitted by the first luminescent portion of the light emitting tube is more transparent with respect to the remaining portion of the first luminescent portion, and text, logos (logos) and/or decorations may be defined, giving the light emitting article of apparel according to the invention a greater freedom of execution and a greater variety of styles.

The advantages of the invention that have become clear during the course of the above description can be summarized by the indication to provide a luminous article of apparel comprising at least one light emitting tube, which by means of at least one corresponding protective element prevents deposition of dust and resists direct impact by external objects, without impairing the water vapor transpiration (transpiration) of the luminous article of apparel. Further, the at least one protection element prevents the at least one light emitting tube from providing a holding portion/landing point for an object such as a handle, hook, or the like. Further, the at least one protection member prevents deposition of dust between the at least one light emitting tube and a surface combined therewith. Furthermore, depending on the choice of the material used, the at least one protective element protects the at least one light-emitting tube to a desired extent from direct action of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Furthermore, advantageously, the protective element with the textile layer or ePTFE layer in contact with the light emitting tube partially or completely prevents adhesion between the protective element and the light emitting tube, thereby preventing the light emitting tube from being subjected to excessive tension, in particular due to certain movements of the wearer. Excessive tension must be avoided in order to prevent the vessel from breaking or locally darkening due to excessive tension values (e.g. near yield strength).

A man skilled in the art will be able to make numerous variations and modifications to the invention in the embodiments shown and described, in order to satisfy contingent and specific requirements, all of which however fall within the scope of protection of the invention, as defined by the following claims.