EP1416817A2

EP1416817A2 - Garment lighting

Info

Publication number: EP1416817A2
Application number: EP02745665A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Stuart Ian Jukes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-07-21
Filing date: 2002-07-22
Publication date: 2004-05-12
Also published as: AU2002317378A1; WO2003007740A2; WO2003007740A3

Abstract

A safety garment such as a waistcoat (1) has a light source (8) in the form of a flexible, elongate electroluminescent cord (8) attached to the outside of the waistcoat (1). A power source (12) located in a pocket (20) is connectable to the light source (8) for illuminating the cord (8) to make a person wearing the waistcoat (1) visible to an observer. The light source (8) and power source (12) are detachable from the waistcoat (1) to permit the waistoat (1) to be cleaned, for example washed. Also a damaged or broken light source (8) and/or power source (12) may be replaced. The cord (8) is housed in a light transmitting carrier (24) that protects the cord (8) from dirt or water in use. The carrier (24) is detachable from the waistcoat (1). In other embodiments (Figures 6 to 10), the carrier (124, 224) is permanently attached to the waiscoat (1) and the cord (108, 208) is detachable from the carrier (124, 224).

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO LIGHTING

This invention concerns improvements in or relating to lighting. The invention has particular, but not exclusive application to lighting for garments or articles to be worn or carried by a user for enhancing visibility of the user by others, for example to improve safety of the user on or near roads.

It is known to provide garments such as jackets with strips of retro- reflective tape which, when illuminated, reflect the light so as to make the wearer visible to an observer, for example vehicle drivers. These garments have found widespread use by people who are at risk of being hit by road vehicles. For example, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders as well as people working on or near roads, for example the emergency services .

A problem with these garments, however, is that the strips of retro- reflective material are passive and are only illuminated when lit up by an external light source for example, vehicle headlights. Therefore, visibility of the wearer to others is not materially enhanced in daylight and, in the dark, the wearer cannot be easily seen without illumination by an external light source.

Moreover, the enhanced visibility provided by such strips of retro- reflective material is dependent to a large extent on the illumination provided by the external light source. In the case of vehicle headlights, garments to which retro-reflective tape has been attached can generally be seen up to distance of approximately 200 metres when illuminated. As a result, where garments to which strips of retro-reflective material have been attached are used on or near roads, there is still a significant risk of the wearer being hit by a vehicle. For example, a car travelling at 60 miles per hour will cover 200 metres in approximately 8 seconds which may be insufficient for a driver to react and take appropriate action to avoid an accident when a person wearing such garments is illuminated by the vehicle headlights.

This is a particular problem for the emergency services such as the police, fire and ambulance services who are often exposed to dangerous or hazardous situations on motorways and other high speed roads in the course of their work. There have been a number of fatalities in recent years of policemen and others as a result of being hit by vehicles while working on or near roads despite wearing garments to which strips of retro -reflective material have been attached.

The present invention addresses the safety problems associated with the existing garments whilst seeking to provide a garment and/or article that can be worn or carried to enhance visibility of the user which is practical and highly functional.

It is an object of the present invention to provide such a garment and/or article which is capable of enhancing the visibility of a user without requiring an external light source to illuminate the garment and/or article.

It is a preferred object of the present invention to provide such a garment and/or article that is washable.

It is yet another desired object of the present invention to provide such a garment and/or article that provides enhanced all round visibility of the user from all directions. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a garment or article to be worn or carried by a user comprising a light source attached to the garment or article and a power source connectable to the light source for illuminating the light source, wherein the light source is detachable from the garment or article.

By this invention, the garment or article is illuminated by the light source so as to be visible to others and the light source can be detached from the garment or article if required. In particular, the light source can be detached when cleaning the article, for example washing, or for repair or replacement of a damaged/broken light source or for re-use of the light source on another garment or article. In addition, by attaching the light source to the garment or article, the user's hands are free for work or any other purpose.

Preferably, the light source is electro-luminescent. In one arrangement, the light source may comprise a flexible, electro-luminescent cord arranged in a single continuous, length across the garment and/or article in any desired orientation. The flexible nature of the cord allows the cord to move with the garment providing greater comfort for the wearer, and to be more resilient to damage through impacts, bending, tearing etc. The electro-luminescent cord also conforms with the shape of the wearer, thus making the size and shape of the wearer more apparent to an observer.

Advantageously, the electro-luminescent cord comprises a conductive core encapsulated in an outer transparent or translucent cover. The cover may be made of plastic or otherwise adapted to electrically insulate the conductive core and protect the core from the ingress of dirt or water. The cover may be clear (colourless) with the cord emitting white light when activated but more preferably, the cover is coloured so that the cord emits coloured light. For example, the cover may be coloured blue, yellow, red or green. In this way, the electro-luminescent cord can be adapted for use by different people and in different situations.

The light source may provide a continuous, uninterrupted emission of light when activated. Alternatively, the light source may flash on and off in a regular or random manner. A flashing light source may make an observer more aware of the wearer.

Preferably, the light source is housed in a flexible, light transmitting carrier that is attached to the garment or article. In this way, the carrier encloses the light source and provides extra protection for the light source. Preferably, the carrier is transparent or translucent so that location of the light source within the carrier does not interfere with the emission of light by the electro-luminescent cord. As a result, the optimum light emitting characteristics of the electro-luminescent cord are retained.

In one arrangement, the carrier is permanently attached to the garment or article and the cord can be removed from the carrier allowing the light source to be detached when required.

The carrier may be permanently attached to the garment or article, for example by sewing or high frequency, ultrasonic or heat welding, and may include a longitudinal slot by means of which the cord can be inserted in and removed from the carrier. Where provided, the slot is preferably arranged to be concealed when the carrier is attached to the garment or article. In this way, ingress of dirt or water is restricted.

In one embodiment, the carrier has a hollow, tubular first portion in which the cord is received and a second portion extending from the first portion by means of which the carrier is secured to the garment or article. The carrier may be formed as an extrusion.

In another arrangement, the carrier is detachably secured to the garment or article, for example by press-studs or a zip or by a touch and close fastener such as Nelcro (registered trade mark) . In this way, the carrier and light source may be attached to and released from the garment or article in an easy, quick manner when required.

Preferably, the power source is portable so as to allow the user freedom of movement. For example, the power source may be a battery operated unit releasably connected to the light source by any suitable means. The unit may employ one or more batteries of the replacement or rechargeable type. Typically, a D.C. voltage from the battery is converted to an alternating voltage by a digital to analogue converter for supply to the light source. Alternatively or additionally, any other suitable power source may be employed, for example solar power.

Advantageously, the power source includes an on/off switch actuable by the user when it is desired to activate the light source. For example, a manually operable push button or the like may be provided for actuating the on/off switch. In this way, the user can choose when to activate the light source. This allows the wearer to only use the light source when it is required. For example, a traffic policeman may spend the majority of his time in a police car and therefore with the light on the safety garment switched off but every so often the policeman will have to be outside his car for a short period whereupon he is able to activate the light source on his safety garment. As a result, the operating life of the power source may be prolonged.

In a preferred arrangement, the power source for illuminating the light source also includes a selector switch actuable by the user for selecting either a continuous mode of operation of the light source or a flashing mode of operation of the light source. The flashing mode of operation may enhance visual awareness of the wearer under certain conditions of use.

The power source may be separate from the garment or article but more preferably the power source is releasably attached to the garment or article and releasably connected to the light source. In this way, the power source can be removed when the garment or article is being washed. In addition, the power source can be easily removed for repair or replacement.

Preferably, the power source is contained in a pocket arranged on the inside or outside of the safety garment. In this way, actuation of the on/off switch for activating the light source and, where provided, selector switch for the desired mode of operation is facilitated. In addition, the risk of injury to the wearer from contact with the power source from collisions or falls is reduced. The wearer may be further protected by the provision of padding around the power source.

Advantageously, the pocket includes a releasable closure to retain the power source within the pocket. The closure may be a zip. Alternatively, the closure may be a flap that is releasably secured by any suitable means, for example press studs or a touch and close fastener such as Nelcro (registered trade mark) . In this way, the closure provides access to the inside of the pocket for removing the power source when the garment or article is washed or for repair or replacement of the power source or the batteries .

The pocket may be permanently attached to the garment or article, for example by sewing or by ultrasonic or heat welding. Alternatively, the pocket my be detachably secured to the garment or article, for example by press studs, or a zip or touch and close fastener such as Nelcro (registered trade mark) . In this way, the pocket may be removed from the garment or article with the power source inside when the garment or article is to be washed and later re-attached. This arrangement also protects the power source from impact damage when detached from the garment or article and allows the power source to be fitted to different garments or articles in a simple manner.

The garment or article may additionally be provided with retro-reflective material to enhance visibility of the wearer when illuminated by an external light source, for example vehicle headlights. Preferably, the light source and retro-reflective material are arranged separate from one another. In this way, the light source does not interfere with the performance of the retro-reflective material.

The invention has wide application to garments to enhance visibility of different parts of the wearers body, for example the head, trunk, arms or legs. Thus, the garment may comprise a waistcoat, tabard, jacket, boots, hats, trousers, gloves or the like.

Preferably, the light source is arranged to be visible from the front and/or side and/or back of the user. For example, a jacket, waistcoat, tabard or the like garment worn on the upper part of the body may have the light source arranged in vertical and or horizontal strips. In one arrangement, vertical strips are provided on the front and back of the garment and may extend over the shoulder regions of the wearer. In another arrangement, horizontal strips are provided on the front and back of the garment and may extend around the side regions of the wearer. The strips may also extend along the arms of a jacket. Where provided, the retro-reflective material may also be provided in vertical and/or horizontal strips adjacent to and offset to one side of the light source.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment or article to be worn or carried by a user, the garment or article having a light source in the form of a flexible, elongate element attached to the outside of the garment or article, and a power source connectable to the light source for illuminating the element to make the user visible to an observer, wherein the light source is detachable from the garment or article.

Preferably, the elongate element is electro-luminescent. For example, a central conductor core embedded in an insulating transparent or translucent plastics cover.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment or article to be worn or carried by a user, the garment or article having an elongate, flexible electrical conductor adapted to emit light when energised to make the garment or article visible to an observer, wherein the conductor is detachable from the garment or article.

Preferably, the conductor is in the form of an elongate flexible element operable to emit light continuously or intermittently when energised. In a preferred arrangement, the conductor is an electro-luminescent cord. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a garment or article to be worn or carried by a user, the garment or article having user operable means for illuminating the garment or article independently of an external, remote light source and passive means for illuminating the garment or article when illuminated by an external, remote light source, wherein the user operable means includes an elongate, flexible light source detachable from the garment of article.

Preferably, the light source is an electro-luminescent light source, and the passive means is retro-reflective.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of releasably attaching an elongate, flexible light source to a garment or article to be worn or carried by a user comprising providing an elongate carrier having a first longitudinal formation for securing the carrier to the garment or article and a second longitudinal formation for locating and retaining the light source, attaching the carrier to the garment or article by means of the first formation and releasably securing the light source by means of the second formation.

The second formation may comprise a hollow, tubular portion having a longitudinal slot for insertion/removal of the light source.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided in or for a garment or article to be worn or carried by a user, a carrier for releasably securing an elongate, flexible light source to the garment or article.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figures 1A, IB show the front and back of a high visibility waistcoat according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a detail of the light source shown in Figures 1A,1B;

Figure 3 shows a detail of the power source shown in Figures 1A, 1B;

Figures 4A, 4B show the front and back of a high visibility tabard according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 5 A, 5B show the front back of a high visibility jacket according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings depict a first embodiment of a safety garment according to the invention in the form of a high visibility waistcoat 1 for a wearer to use as a safety garment in poor light conditions. The waistcoat 1 has a front 1A and a rear IB joined by shoulder portions 4 and 5 and side portions 6 and 7 to define neck and arm apertures.

The waistcoat 1 is made of lightweight, flexible material 10, for example plastics such as polyester fabric which can be wiped clean or washed when dirty and can be folded up to a compact form in which it can be stored and/or carried when not being worn.

The waistcoat 1 can be brightly coloured, for example yellow, so that the wearer can be seen more easily and has retro-reflective tape 9 attached to the front 1A and back IB to enhance visibility of the wearer when illuminated by an external light source such as vehicle headlights in dark or poorly light environments.

In accordance with the present invention, the waistcoat 1 is provided with a light source 8 attached to the front and back which can be activated to enhance the visibility of the wearer during the day or night without requiring illumination of the waistcoat by a remote light source such as vehicle headlights.

The light source 8 comprises an electro-luminescent cord 8 arranged in a single continuous length to form two vertical strips 8a, 8b on the front 1A that extend over the shoulder regions 4,5 and continue to form two vertical strips 8c, 8d on the rear IB with a horizontal strip 8e between the strips 8c, 8d to form a U-shape at the rear IB of the waistcoat 1. In a modification (not shown), the cord 8 is arranged to extend in one or more horizontal strips across the front and rear and around the side regions of the waistcoat. This may enhance visibility of the wearer from the side as well as from the font and rear. Other arrangements of the cord 8 may be employed as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

The retro-reflective tape 9 is arranged separate from the electroluminescent cord 8 in two horizontal strips 9a, 9b and two vertical strips 9c, 9d on the front 1A and in two horizontal strips 9e,9f and two vertical strips 9g,9h on the rear IB of the waistcoat 1. The vertical strips 9c, 9d are placed adjacent to the outer edge of the vertical strips 8a, 8b of electro-luminescent cord 8 on the front 1A and the vertical strips 9g,9h are placed adjacent to the outer edge of the vertical strips 8c, 8d of electro-luminescent cord 8 on the rear IB. In another arrangement (not shown) , the vertical strips of retro -reflective material 9 may be positioned adjacent to the inner edge of the vertical strips of the cord 8. In either arrangement, the horizontal strips 9a, 9b and 9e,9f are arranged below the vertical strips on the front 1A and the back IB and extend around the side regions 6,7.

As best shown in Figure 2, the electro-luminescent cord 8 comprises a core 22 of conductive material and an outer cover 23 of a transparent or translucent plastic surrounding the conductive core 22. The cover 23 . electrically insulates the conductive core 22 and provides a watertight protection layer. The cover 23 may be clear or coloured so that the cord 8 emits light of a particular colour, for example blue, red, yellow, green.

The electro-luminescent cord 8 is flexible to move in conjunction with the waistcoat 1 for comfort and to reduce the risk of damage both when the waistcoat 1 is worn and when it is folded for storage and/or washing.

A carrier 24 of clear plastics material houses the electro-luminescent cord 8 and the carrier 24 is releasably attached to the waistcoat 1 via any suitable means (not shown) such as press studs, a zip, or a touch and close fastener such as Nelcro (registered trade mark) .

The carrier 24 extends along substantially the entire length of the electro-luminescent cord 8 and is also flexible to move in conjunction with the waistcoat 1. The carrier 24 provides a simple method of detachably mounting the cord 8 without directly attaching the cord 8 to the waistcoat 1 so that the light emitted by the cord 8 is not restricted. The carrier 24 also provides protection for the cord 8 against the weather and from damage by any objects the wearer comes into contact with.

A pocket 20 is provided on the front 1A of the waistcoat 1 between the horizontal strips 9a, 9b of retro-reflective tape 9. The pocket 20 is made of retro-reflective material 18 attached to the waistcoat around the edges 19 by sewing or welding. A flap 11 also made of a retro-reflective material is attached to the waistcoat 1 at the top of the pocket 20 by sewing or welding.

The flap 11 is releasably secured in the closed position by any suitable means, for example press studs or a touch and close fastener such as Nelcro (registered trade mark) to allow access to a detachable power unit 12 housed in the pocket 20. Padded material (not shown) can be added to the back of pocket 20 to protect the wearer from injury by contact with the power unit 12 in an accident.

As best shown in Figure 3, the power unit 12 has an outer carrier 13 of rigid plastics in which one or more batteries (not shown) are housed to provide a power source for the cord 8. A cable 16 joins the power unit 12 to the electro-luminescent cord 8. The cable 16 and electro- luminescent cord 8 are joined together by a releasable waterproof connector 17.

The power unit 12 is provided with an on/off switch operated by a push button 14 and a mode selector micro switch operated by a push button 15. The on/off switch controls the power supply to the light source 8 and the mode selector switch controls the operation of the light source 8.

The mode selector switch allows the wearer to select between either a constant mode of operation or a flashing mode of operation. In the constant mode, the power unit 12 supplies a constant voltage to the electro-luminescent cord 8 so that the light source 8 provides an uninterrupted emission of light. In the flashing mode, the power unit 12 supplies a blinking voltage to the electro-luminescent cord 8 so that the light source provides an intermittent emission of light. The emission of light in the flashing mode may be regular or random. Figures 4A and 4B depict a second embodiment of a safety garment according to the invention in the form of a high visibility tabard 40 for use as a safety garment. The tabard 40 has similar features to the waistcoat of Figures 1A and IB and the same reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts

The tabard 40 has a front 1A and a back IB joined together by shoulder portions 4,5 to define a neck aperture. The front 1A and back IB are also releasably joined together towards the bottom of the tabard 40 by strips of material 46 and 47 permanently attached to the rear IB and releasably fastened to the front 1A by any suitable means, for example press studs or a touch and close fastener such as Nelcro (registered trade mark) .

As in the previous embodiment, the tabard 40 is made of a flexible, lightweight material, for example plastics such as polyvinyl chloride, nylon or polyester fabric and may be brightly coloured. In addition, the tabard 40 is provided with a light source 8 and retro-reflective tape 9 arranged in horizontal and vertical strips similar to the previous embodiment. The light source 8 again comprises an electro-luminescent cord 8 releasably connected to a power unit housed in a pocket 20 on the front of the tabard 40. The construction and operation of the electro-luminescent cord 8, pocket 20 and power unit are as shown in and will be understood from the description already given herein of Figures 2 and 3.

Figures 5A and 5B depict a third embodiment of a safety garment according to the invention in the form of a high visibility jacket 50 for use as a safety garment. The jacket 50 has similar features to the waistcoat of Figures 1A andlB and the same reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts. The jacket 50 has a front 1A, rear IB, shoulder portions 4,5, side portions 6,7 and arms 54,55. The jacket 50 is made of a flexible, lightweight material for example polyester fabric coated on the inside with polyurethane to be waterproof and may include padding for protection and warmth. The plastics material may also be brightly coloured.

The jacket 50 is also provided with a light source 8 and retro -reflective tape 9 arranged in horizontal and vertical strips similar to the previous embodiments. In addition, the arms 54,55 are provided with strips of retro-reflective tape 9. The light source 8 again comprises an electroluminescent cord 8 releasably connected to a power unit housed in a pocket 20 on the front of the jacket 50. The construction and operation of the electro-luminescent cord 8, pocket 20 and power unit are as shown in and will be understood from the description already given herein of Figures 2 and 3. In an alternative arrangement (not shown) the electroluminescent cord 8 may also be arranged to extend along the front and back of the arms 54,55 of the jacket 50 and/or around the arms 54,55. In another alternative arrangement, the pocket 20 may be provided on the inside of the jacket 50 and is preferably padded to protect the wearer.

Each of the safety garments above-described is intended to be worn as the outermost garment so as to be visible to an observer. When the wearer finds himself /her self in a position where the visibility provided by the bright colouring of the material 10 and/or the retro -reflective tape 9 is insufficient, the wearer can switch on the light source 8 by actuating the on/off button 14 on the power unit 12 to illuminate the electroluminescent cord 8. The wearer can also choose between the light source 8 operating in the flashing mode or constant mode by actuating the selector micro-switch 15. After use, if the garment is dirty, the wearer can detach the power unit 12 and the carrier 24 containing the electro-luminescent cord 8 so that the garment can be washed. After washing, the power unit 12 and carrier 24 containing the cord 8 can be re-fitted for further use. Furthermore, if the batteries 13 in the power unit 12 need recharging/replacing the power unit 12 can be detached and the batteries removed. Removal of the electro-luminescent cord 8 also facilitates changing the colour of the light source by fitting a different cord 8 and/or replacing a damaged or broken cord 8. Also the light source and/or power source may be removed from a damaged garment and re-used on another garment.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a second embodiment of the invention for detachably mounting a light source on the garments shown in Figures 1A,1B,4A,4B,5A,5B.

As in the previous embodiment, the light source is an elongate, flexible electro-luminescent cord 108 comprising a core of conductive material and an outer cover of a transparent or translucent plastic surrounding the conductive core. The cover electrically insulates the conductive core and provides a watertight protection layer. The cover may be clear or coloured so that the cord 108 emits light of a particular colour, for example blue, red, yellow, green.

The cord 108 is releasably connected to a power source (not shown) detachably located in a pocket (not shown) on the inside of the garment. The power source is operable to illuminate the cord 108 and may include a switch for selecting between a constant mode of operation providing a continuous emission or light or a flashing mode of operation providing an intermittent emission of light. In this embodiment, a carrier 124 is provided for releasably securing the cord 108 to the garment. The carrier 124 comprises a tubular head portion 125 in which the cord 108 is received and a body portion 126 by means of which the carrier 124 is secured to the garment, for example by stitching or welding. The carrier 124 is an extrusion of clear or translucent plastics such as polyvinylchloride, for transmitting light emitted by the light source. The carrier 124 may be coloured to emit light of a particular colour.

The head portion 125 is provided with an opening in the form of a longitudinal slot 127 by means of which the cord 108 can be inserted into and removed from the carrier 124 as shown in Figure 6. The cord 108 and carrier 124 are both flexible to bend with movement of the wearer for comfort and to reduce the risk of damage by repeated bending. The slot 127 may be formed during extrusion of the carrier 124 or may be formed after extrusion by slitting the head portion 125.

As will be appreciated, the light source 108 and power source can be detached from the garment when it is desired to wash the garment and re- attached after washing. The slot 127 has opposed walls 127a, 127b that diverge towards the outside of the head portion 125 to facilitate insertion of the cord 108.

In addition, if the light source 108 and/or power source is damaged, it can be removed for repair or replacement. Similarly, if the garment is damaged, the light source 108 and power source can be removed and reused.

Figures 8 to 10 show alternative forms of carrier in which like reference numerals in the series 200 are used to indicate parts to corresponding to the second embodiment. In each of the alternative forms of carrier 224 shown in Figures 8 to 10, the head portion 225 extends to one side of the body portion 226. As a result, the carrier 224 has a planar surface 228 that lies flat against the surface of the garment to which the carrier 224 is secured.

The slot 227 is formed in the planar surface 228. In this way, the slot 227 is concealed when the carrier 224 is secured to the garment and dirt or water cannot easily penetrate the head portion 224. It will be appreciated, however, that the slot 227 could be provided at any angular position.

As shown in Figure 9 and 10, the head portion 225 is shaped to facilitate lifting the head portion 225 away from the surface of the garment when it is desired to gain access to the slot 227 for inserting/removing the cord 208.

The side walls 227a, 227b may close the slot 227 as shown in Figures 9 and 10, or may be slightly spaced apart to leave a permanent gap as shown in Figure 8.

Other shapes and configurations of carrier will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the carrier may be formed with a plurality of head portions for releasably holding more than one light source. Although the carrier has been described as a plastics extrusion for detachably locating and retaining the light cord, it will be appreciated that other types of carrier could be employed for this purpose. For example, the carrier could comprise two parts releasably held together with one part being attached to the garment or article and the light cord being attached to the other part. As will be understood from the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments, the electro-luminescent cord provides an active light source that enhances visibility of the wearer under all conditions and is not dependent on the wearer being illuminated by an external light source as is the case with the retro -reflective tape. As a result, the light source is effective in both daylight and darkness. In addition, we have found that the light source can enhance visibility up to a distance of approximately 1000 metres compared to about 200 metres for retro -reflective tape illuminated by vehicle headlights. As will be appreciated, this provides a significant improvement in safety for the wearer in situations where the wearer is at risk of being hit by a road vehicle. For example, a car travelling at 60 miles an hour, will cover 1000 metres in approximately 40 seconds which allows sufficient time for the driver to react, slow down and avoid a wearer of the invented safety garment illuminated by the light source. In contrast, the retro-reflective tape only gives the driver about 8 seconds in which to react, slow down and avoid the wearer under the same conditions.

The invention has particular application to the safety garments worn by the emergency services, for example the police, ambulance and fire services when they are working on or near roads, especially on motorways. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not confined to use by the emergency services and has general application where it is desired to improve visibility of the wearer to others. For example, pedestrians, cyclists, horse riders, road workers and others travelling or working on or near roads can benefit from use of the invented safety garments as well as people working on or near railways, aeroplanes and other dangerous or hazardous situations to reduce the risk of injury. The invented safety garment may also be used in other areas, for example by the rescue services to facilitate tracking and/or locating searchers. Moreover, the invention may have wider application than use on safety garments and could be applied generally to garments where it is desired to enhance visibility of the wearer for any reason.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments above described and that various modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the invention. For example, in its simplest form the light source may be used without any retro-reflective tape or other means to enhance visibility of the wearer. The electro-luminescent cord may be arranged in any pattern or configuration to suit the garment and/or a particular application. The power source may provide a visual and/or audible warning when the batteries require replacing or recharging.

Although the invention has been particularly described with reference to the provision of the light source on waistcoats, tabards and jackets, it will be understood that the invention has application to a wide range of garments that can be worn to enhance visibility of the wearer. For example, the invention can be applied to boots, trousers, gloves, or a hat.

Furthermore, the invention is not limited to garments that are to be worn but can also be applied to articles that may be worn or carried by a user. For example, the light source could be applied to a bag carried by a user or to a back-pack worn by the user. Other applications and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are deemed within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A garment or article to be worn or carried by a user comprising a light source (8; 108;208) attached to the garment or article and a power source (12) connectable to the light source (8; 108;208) for illuminating the light source (8; 108; 208), wherein the light source (8; 108; 208) is detachable from the garment or article.

2. A garment or article as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light source (8; 108; 208) is electro-luminescent.

3. A garment or article as claimed in claim 2 wherein the light source (8;108;208) comprises a flexible, electro-luminescent cord (8;108;208) arranged in a single continuous, length across the garment and/or article.

4. A garment or article as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the electro-luminescent cord (8;108;208) comprises a conductive core encapsulated in an outer transparent or translucent cover.

5. A garment or article as claimed in claim 4 wherein the cover electrically insulates the conductive core and protect the core from the ingress of dirt or water.

6. A garment or article as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the cover is clear (colourless) with the cord emitting white light when activated.

7. A garment or article as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the cover is coloured so that the cord emits coloured light.

8. A garment or article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the light source (8; 108; 208) provides a continuous, uninterrupted emission of light when activated.

9. A garment or article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the light source flashes on and off in a regular or random manner when activated.

10. A garment or article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the light source (108;208) is housed in a flexible, transparent or translucent carrier (124,224) that is attached to the garment or article.

11. A garment or article as claimed in claim 10 wherein the carrier (124; 224) is permanently attached to the garment or article and the cord (108;208) can be removed from the carrier (124;224) allowing the light source (108;208) to be detached when required.

12. A garment or article as claimed in claim 11 wherein the carrier (124;224) is attached by sewing or high frequency, ultrasonic or heat welding.

13. A garment or article as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the carrier (124;224) includes a longitudinal slot (127;227) by means of which the cord (108; 208) can be inserted in and removed from the carrier (124;224) .

14. A garment or article as claimed in claim 13 wherein the slot (227) is arranged to be concealed when the carrier (224) is attached to the garment or article.

15. A garment or article as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the carrier (124;224) has a hollow, tubular first portion (125;225) in which the cord (108;208) is received and a second portion (126;226) extending from the first portion (125;225) by means of which the carrier (124;2240 is secured to the garment or article.

16. A garment or article as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein the carrier (124; 224) is formed as an extrusion.

17. A garment or article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the light source (8) is housed in a transparent or translucent carrier (24) detachably secured to the garment or article.

18. A garment or article as claimed in claim 17 wherein the carrier (24) is detachably secured by press-studs or a zip or by a touch and close fastener.

19. A garment or article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the power source (12) is portable.

20. A garment or article as claimed in claim 19 wherein the power source (12) is a battery operated unit (12) releasably connected to the light source (8;108;208) by any suitable means.

21. A garment or article as claimed in claim 20 wherein the unit (12) employs one or more batteries of the replacement or rechargeable type.

22. A garment or article as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the power source (12) includes an on/off switch actuable by the user.

23. A garment or article as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the power source (12) includes a selector switch actuable by the user for selecting either continuous or flashing modes of operation of the light source (8; 108; 208) .

24. A garment or article as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein the power source (12) is releasably attached to the garment or article and releasably connected to the light source (8; 108;208) .

25. A garment or article as claimed in claim 24 wherein the power source (12) is contained in a pocket (20) on the outside of the garment or article.

26. A garment or article as claimed in claim 25 wherein the pocket (20) includes a releasable closure flap (11) .

27. A garment or article as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the pocket (20) is permanently attached to the garment or article.

28. A garment or article as claimed in claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the pocket (20) is detachably secured to the garment or article.

29. A garment or article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the garment or article is additionally provided with retro- reflective material (9) to enhance visibility of the wearer when illuminated by an external light source

30. A garment or article as claimed in claim 29 wherein the light source (8; 108; 208) and retro -reflective material (9) are arranged separate from one another.

31. A garment or article as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising a waistcoat, tabard, jacket, boots, hats, trousers, gloves or the like.

32. A garment or article as claimed in claim 31 wherein the light source (8;108;208) is arranged to be visible from one or more of the front, back and side of the user.

33. A garment or article as claimed in claim 32 wherein the light source (8;108;208) is arranged in vertical strips (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) and/or horizontal strips on the front and/or back of the garment.

34. A garment or article as claimed in claim 33 wherein retro- reflective material (9) is provided adjacent to and offset to one side of the light source (8;108;208) .

35. A garment or article as claimed in claim 34 wherein the retro- reflective material (9) is arranged in vertical strips (9c,9d,9g,9h) .

36. A garment or article to be worn or carried by a user, the garment or article having user operable means (8; 108;208) for illuminating the garment or article independently of an external, remote light source and passive means (9) for illuminating the garment or article when illuminated by an external, remote light source, wherein the user operable means (8; 108;208) includes an elongate, flexible light source (8;108;208) detachable from the garment of article.

37. A garment or article as claimed in claim 36 wherein the light source (8;108;208) is an electro-luminescent light source, and the passive means (9) is retro-reflective.

38. A method of releasably attaching an elongate, flexible light source (8;108;208) to a garment or article to be worn or carried by a user comprising providing an elongate light transmitting carrier (24; 124; 224) , positioning the light source (8;108;208) within the carrier (24; 124;224) and attaching the carrier (24; 124;224) to the garment or article such that the light source (8; 108; 208) is detachable from the garment or article.

39. A method according to claim 38 wherein the carrier (124;224) comprises a hollow, tubular portion (125;225) having a longitudinal slot (127;227) for insertion/removal of the light source (108;208) .

40. A method according to claim 38 wherein the carrier (24) is releasably secured to the garment or article.