Textile thread or fibre

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to a textile fiber, thread or yarn. The fiber, thread or yarn is generally for production into a fabric. Alternative aspects are described for achieving a cooling effect, energy harvesting, heating, energy generation, energy emission, and others.

Claims

1. A textile thread or fiber configured to enable fluid flow therethrough, the textile thread or fiber comprising an elongate member having a cavity portion therein, wherein a wall of the elongate member includes one or more apertures therein thereby providing a fluid flowpath from the cavity portion through the wall of the elongate member, and further comprising a fan arrangement substantially located in the cavity portion configured to draw gas through the cavity portion.

2. A textile thread or fiber configured to enable fluid flow therethrough, the textile thread or fiber comprising an elongate member having a cavity portion therein, wherein a wall of the elongate member includes one or more apertures therein thereby providing a fluid flowpath from the cavity portion through the wall of the elongate member, and wherein a thread of a material is at least partly in communication with the cavity of the elongate member, and extends through the wall of the elongate member.

3. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 2 wherein one or more individual fibers are disposed around the elongate member.

4. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 2 wherein the elongate member comprises a polymer.

5. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 3 wherein the one or more individual fibers disposed around the elongate member are wound in a helical configuration.

6. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 2 wherein the one or more apertures are configured to extend helically around the elongate member.

7. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 1 comprising a heat sink in communication with the cavity.

8. A textile thread or fiber configured to enable fluid flow therethrough, the textile thread or fiber comprising an elongate member having a cavity portion therein, wherein a wall of the elongate member includes one or more apertures therein thereby providing a fluid flowpath from the cavity portion through the wall of the elongate member, further comprising a plurality of elements including at least one microprocessor and at least one data memory element located at least partially in the cavity, wherein the plurality of elements are interconnected or otherwise communicating to form a signal processing system.

9. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 8 wherein one or more of the elements are elongate in shape and are aligned lengthwise or helically in the cavity, and/or wherein one or more of the elements are affixed internally or embedded in the wall of the elongate member.

10. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 2 wherein the thread of material extends along the longitudinal length of the elongate member.

11. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 4 wherein the polymer is polyvinyl chloride and/or polyester.

12. A textile thread or fiber configured to enable fluid flow therethrough, the textile thread or fiber comprising an elongate member having a cavity portion therein, wherein a wall of the elongate member includes one or more apertures therein thereby providing a fluid flowpath from the cavity portion through the wall of the elongate member, and comprising an energy conversion device at least partially positioned in the cavity, the energy conversion device comprising a turbine.

13. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 12 wherein the turbine comprises a rotor and a stator and a transfer means for transferring the electrical energy to a predetermined location comprising a change storage device.

14. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 2 wherein the cavity portion includes a fluid therein.

15. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 14 wherein the fluid comprises a liquid refrigerant or an insect repellent or a medication.

16. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 14 wherein a valve arrangement is provided to enable release of the fluid from the cavity portion through the one or more apertures in the elongate member.

17. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 16 wherein a control arrangement is provided to control actuation of the valve arrangement.

18. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 16 wherein the valve arrangement is arranged to be actuated by a predetermined pressure or temperature in the cavity portion.

19. A textile thread or fiber configured to enable fluid flow therethrough, the textile thread or fiber comprising an elongate member having a cavity portion therein, wherein a wall of the elongate member includes one or more apertures therein thereby providing a fluid flowpath from the cavity portion through the wall of the elongate member, and wherein a duct is provided for enabling fluid flow from the aperture in the wall of the elongate member to outside of the elongate member, the duct configured to project at least partially transversely relative to the longitudinal length of the elongate member.

20. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 4 wherein the polymer is polyester.

21. A textile thread or fiber according to claim 10 wherein the thread of material extends along the longitudinal length of the elongate member in a helical configuration.

Description

(1) Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a textile thread or fibre according to an exemplary embodiment of aspects of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a textile thread or fibre according to an exemplary embodiment of one or more aspects of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of a textile thread or fibre according to an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

(5) FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic side views of an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram showing how cooling or heating can be achieved of zones in a circuit.

(7) FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of a single cooling or heating module that may be incorporated into a textile thread according to an exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the present invention.

(8) FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a first side of a partial circuit of modules that may be incorporated into a textile thread according to an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a second side of a partial circuit of modules that may be incorporated into a textile thread according to an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 10 is a schematic extrados view of a module within a hollow core of a thread according to an exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the present invention.

(11) FIG. 11 is a schematic intrados view of a module within a hollow core of a thread according to an exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

(13) FIG. 13 is a schematic cross sectional representation of an exemplary embodiment of a seventh aspect of the present invention.

(14) FIG. 14 is a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention.

(15) FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a second exemplary embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention.

(16) FIG. 16 is a schematic representation of a third exemplary embodiment of the ninth aspect of the present invention.

(17) Referring to FIG. 1, there is a schematic cut away side view of a thread according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 specifically shows an elongate member 2 defining a hollow core which defines a flow path 4 therethrough having one or more individual fibres 6 disposed around the elongate member 2. The fibres 6 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have been wrapped or wound helically as represented by numeral 6a and fibres are wound generally perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the elongate member as represented in 6b. The flow path 4 is defined by the inner wall 2a of the elongate member 2 and as shown in FIG. 1 enables a fluid such as a gas or liquid (for example) to flow therethrough. Heat energy may be transferred through conduction from outside of the elongate member to the gas or liquid (preferably air in one embodiment) flowing in the core of the elongate member thereby providing a cooling effect. The core of the elongate member could potentially be filled with another material such as a liquid.

(18) The elongate member is beneficially constructed of a flexible material that may flex and adapt to different shapes such that the thread can be incorporated into a fabric. For this purpose, a cylindrical elongate member is beneficially provided as such a shape provides the optimal opposing forces to compression. A polymeric material is beneficially utilised and an example of such a suitable material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It will be appreciated that in the example as shown in FIG. 1, the core of the elongate member is indicated for schematic purposes as having a relatively large diameter. However it will be appreciated that in order for the thread or fibre to be present in, for example, a traditional item of clothing for example, the diameter of the thread or fibre including the elongate member will not be significantly greater than that of a traditional textile thread or fibre utilised for example in clothing.

(19) It will also be appreciated that in FIG. 1, no apertures are provided in the wall of the elongate member. Such apertures are described with respect to the exemplary embodiment as indicated in FIG. 2, however, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the embodiment as indicated in FIG. 1 beneficially comprises one or more apertures through the wall of the elongate member thereby defining a fluid flow path from the core to outside of the elongate member.

(20) Referring to FIG. 2, there is provided an elongate member 2. The fibres surrounding and wrapped around the elongate member have not been represented in FIG. 2 for clarity purposes. It will be appreciated, however, that such fibres are wrapped around the elongate member in their desired configuration, which for ease of manufacturing is beneficially helical.

(21) Referring to FIG. 2, an aperture 8 is provided in the wall of the elongate member. In the embodiment as indicated in FIG. 2, the aperture is a continuous helical aperture winding about the elongate member 2. Such a helical aperture may be beneficial as significant strength of the elongate member is maintained however there is significant access to enable fluid, beneficially gas, to escape from the core of the elongate member. A number of alternative configurations of the aperture can be envisaged which may extend generally longitudinally along the length of the elongate member or alternatively in the transverse direction. Combinations of such apertures may be provided. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the spacing of the helical aperture may be altered depending on specific strength versus heat release properties. Furthermore, apertures may be provided throughout the entire length of the elongate member or alternatively may be provided at points along the length of the elongate member. Such apertures may effectively be ports, and beneficially may comprise nodules extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the textile thread or fibre. The nodule(s) may project through a portion of the fibres wrapping the elongate member. The nodules may be spaced along the elongate member.

(22) A fan 10 or impeller may be provided located in the core of the elongate member. The fan 10 may comprise a plurality of blades 12 and one or more support struts 14. A fan on such a scale will fit into the core of the elongate member which enables flow of air through the core. This improves efficiency of cooling of the material and thus, for example with reference to an item of clothing, increases the comfort of the wearer through improved cooling.

(23) In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, the elongate member can be made sealed and leak proof and contain a liquid coolant or refrigerant. This may apply to a sector of the cross section of the hollow core profile, or the entire diameter and may extend through the desired longitudinal length of the fibre. This liquid may function as a simple coolant which transfers heat from one place in the textile fibre to another place or alternatively may transfer heat to a heat sink or potentially to a heat store. The liquid may be a refrigerant gas instead and the system may function as a refrigerating system using a standard refrigeration configuration on a small scale. The sector or the channel for transferring the coolant may be arranged in a helical or spiral manner thus improving the cooling effect in any one textile thread. If a cooling liquid is used, pumps should be incorporated into the hollow core of the elongate member in order to move the coolant liquid through the hollow core. It will be appreciated that in return the heat store or heat sink can be utilised as a heating system, meaning that stored heat energy can be released as necessary in order that the thread and beneficially the fabric is heated. Control of such a system may be provided using a control arrangement, the circuiting and components described for example with reference to WO02/084617.

(24) Wicking type fabrics are common and relatively modern technical fabrics which draw moisture away from the body. An example of the material used may be polyester which absorbs very little water. For example, cotton will absorb 7% of its weight in water, whereas polyester will only absorb 0.4%. Cotton will therefore retain sweat in a garment however the cross section and large surface area of polyester ensures that moisture is picked up from a body of a user wearing such a garment and causes the moisture to spread out and evaporate easily on the outside of the fabric.

(25) Capillary pressure causes movement of moisture along or through a fabric. In an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the present invention a fibre made out of polyester may be provided around which is wound the material of the garment. Moisture moves from the wearer of the garment into the material such as cotton which encapsulates the polyester fibre and then moves into the polyester fibre. Due to the structure of polyester, the capillary pressure is high meaning that the force of the surface tension between the liquid and the walls of a narrow gap or pore in the polyester overcome the forces between the molecules of the liquid therefore moving it into empty gaps until the forces even out. This is known as capillary pressure. Accordingly, moisture transfers along the fibre.

(26) The wrapping of the fibre around the wicking fibre material such as the polyester may be wrapped in such a way to allow the cooling effect to function. A wrapping may be performed in a variety of wraps as described elsewhere in the specification such as, for example, helically. In one embodiment a looser wrapping around the wicking fibre is enabled so as to allow the egress of moisture. This also enables improved transfer of moisture from the wearer to the encapsulated fibre.

(27) In an alternative embodiment, an elongate member beneficially made of a polymeric material as described elsewhere in the present application may be utilised around which is wrapped fibres or thread which are then woven together to form a garment. It will, however, again be appreciated that a wide variety of fabrics may be provided. In such an embodiment nodules extending from the elongate member as previously described may be provided which allow egress or moisture from the elongate member. The nodules thereby effectively provide an exit port.

(28) In one embodiment as represented in FIG. 3 in cross section, the elongate member may have a wicking fibre 18 embedded therein and the wicking fibre may extend through the wall of the elongate member such that the wicking fibre faces both inwards and outwards, i.e. it would allow moisture to pass through the wall of the elongate member 2 defining a hollow core 3. The textile fibre or thread is wrapped (helically for example) around the elongate member and the wrapping can be varied so as to allow variation in the spacing of the wrapping to allow for the egress of moisture laden air of for the ingress of fresh air (or nodules may be utilised).

(29) There may be provided one or more openings or apertures or nodules 20 in the wall of the elongate member 2 which will enable cool air to enter the core 3 as well as moisture laden air to exit. The nodule 20 may extend beyond the circumferential edge of the elongate member and extend through at least a portion of the depth of the fibres wrapped around the elongate member. It will be appreciated that movement of the fabric into which the textile threads or fibres are woven improves the flow of air thereby improving the wicking capabilities.

(30) The provision of nano fans or fans on a sufficiently small scale has been described elsewhere in the present application to cause movement of air through the core 3. It will be appreciated that this will assist in the egress and ingress of air.

(31) It will additionally be understood that heat sinks be located at points in the textile thread or fibre made up into the fabric.

(32) It will be appreciated that power and control circuitry is provided to activate the nano fan, control the rate of flow of air through the core and to control the cooling effect to cool specific areas or sections of the fabric item into which the thread or fibre is incorporated.

(33) A liquid has been described above as being present in the core of the elongate member of the textile thread or fibre. In one embodiment a fluid which may comprise a liquid or gas is provided which may, for example, be a medicine or a material which is suitable for repelling insects, for example mosquitoes. Such fluid may be provided in either the core or in a compartment or reservoir or in a series of individual compartments or reservoirs. A control arrangement is provided which enables release of a predetermined volume of fluid from the reservoir via a valve arrangement through a port or nodule as previously described and into the individual textile threads or fibres that surround the reservoir or core. Alternatively, spacing may be provided in the wrapping of the individual textile threads or fibres that surround the core, which may be provided by one or more nodules. A nodule or duct may be provided which extends from the core or reservoir through the individual textile threads or fibres that are wrapped around the core or reservoir in order that a port is provided at or adjacent the outer diameter of the overall thread or fibre. A valve arrangement may be provided in the nodule or duct along the longitudinal length of the duct which enables release of the fluid from the reservoir or core. A control arrangement is provided which may comprise a user operable interface which enables release of the fluid. A user may then activate the valve in the event that medication or an anti-insect fluid should be released. Alternatively, the control arrangement may be set in order that a predetermined volume of fluid is released at predetermined intervals.

(34) The valve is beneficially a two way valve which enables the reservoir or core to be refilled with suitable fluid. Alternatively, replaceable cartridges or reservoirs may be provided which may be configured to be plug in cartridges which when inserted enable the fluid to pass through a port which becomes effective once the cartridge is inserted. Such a cartridge system may be similar to a fountain pen type arrangement.

(35) One or more pumps hereinbefore described may be provided which are activated by the control arrangement in order that pressure is increased in the core or the reservoirs in order to increase the pressure to effect release of the fluid in the core or the reservoir. This will cause release of the fluid from the core or the reservoir. The control arrangement may be controlled by circuitry and components as described with respect to WO02/084617. Accordingly, a power supply may be provided with a selective power on and off. The flow direction of the fluid may be changed through changing of the direction of the pump which furthermore may be increased or decreased in speed in order that the rate of administrating of the fluid is increased or decreased. Furthermore, a whole garment or item made up of a number of textile threads or fibres having fluid therein may be provided, and the control arrangement may cause release of the fluid from an individual area or section of the item. Additionally, a monitoring arrangement may be provided to report on the reservoir level, the rate of application etc.

(36) It is envisaged that the present application may be used for the administering of medications and as such suitable devices may be mounted in the textile thread or fibre in order to communicate with the wearer's skin or even alternatively configured to project into a user's skin.

(37) Textile threads or fibres which would be particularly suitable for inclusion of an insect propellant would be bed sheets, mosquito nets, bandages and other wound dressings, canvas or other textiles used to make tents, fly stop screens such as those fitted to doors and windows, curtains, cloth used for car seats, car interior linings and other transportation forms and artificial ski slopes which are listed as examples only.

(38) In one embodiment of the present invention, a power generation device is provided which comprises a turbine and is partially positioned in the core of the elongate member of the textile thread or fibre. The turbine is mounted preferably within the core and air passing through the core causes activation of the blades of the turbine and charge is stored in a charged storage device which has a capacitor or battery. A transfer means such as an electrically conductive wire or cable connects the turbine to the charge storage device, and it is envisaged that two or more wires or cables may be provided. It is further envisaged that a control arrangement may be provided in order to control activation of the turbine and charge storage device. Therefore, the device may operate in one embodiment wherein air is passing through the core activating the turbine blades thereby producing electricity. This electricity is beneficially stored in a charge storage device. Alternatively, operation of the arrangement may be reversed in order that power is provided to the turbine which causes rotation of the blades only. This has the effect of causing air movement within the core in the event that airflow is required for transferring cool or warm air through the core.

(39) Control electronic circuitry is beneficially provided in order to enable the power to be turned on and off; the pump to change direction of the coolant flow, or to increase the rate of flow. Furthermore, control may be provided to limit the cooling effect to specific areas or sections of the item such as a piece of clothing or alternative to ensure that the whole garment is cool. Such control may be enabled through an electronic system as described in WO02/084617.

(40) One embodiment of the present invention relates to heating of a textile thread. Also in the specification as filed there are a number of ways in which useable electrical energy may be generated and stored. The present invention enables such stored energy to be released when required for heating purposes. Alternatively, a power source may be provided which is beneficially located encapsulated within the textile thread and may be, for example, a battery.

(41) Referring to FIG. 4, there is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of one aspect of the present invention. There is generally shown a textile thread 40 showing a power source 42 and a resistive heating element 44 which is arranged to extend through the textile thread 40. The resistive element may include an outward flowpath from the power source 42 and a return flowpath back to the power source 42. Alternatively, the circuit may be completed via the heating element extending to an adjacent textile thread and extending through an adjacent textile thread and returning back to the power source 42.

(42) Referring to FIG. 5, in an alternative embodiment the heating element 44 is provided wrapped around an elongate member 46 defining the core and the heating element may be provided secured to the elongate member, which is beneficially hollow. The heating element may be secured to, embedded or encapsulated in a wall of the elongate member. In one embodiment, the heating element may be at least partially embedded in a wall of the core. The core of the elongate member may be hollow and passing current through the heating element may cause the fluid such as liquid or gas (preferably air) within the core to be heated which may be transferred through the hollow core. A fan arrangement may be provided to cause transfer of the heated fluid through the hollow core (which may be air).

(43) The heating element is beneficially a metallic or ceramic material and may include nickel. The heating element may include barium titanate or lead titanate. One or more fibres may be wrapped around the elongate member in a helical configuration wherein the fibres are generally designated by the reference numeral 43.

(44) Referring to FIG. 6 there is a basic representation of a circuit 102 capable of exhibiting the Peltier or Seebeck effect, wherein a power source 110 is provided in communication with a first conducting material 104. A junction 108 is provided between the first conducting material and a second conducting material. Depending on the properties of the materials, when a current is supplied through the circuit one side of the junction 108 heats up at zone 112 and the opposing side of the junction 108 at zone 114 cools down.

(45) Referring to FIG. 7, a solid state cooling system 102 (single module thereof) is represented schematically showing a DC power source 110. A typical solid state cooling system includes a semi-conductor based component 116 of bismuth telluride doped to obtain N-P junctions. The component 116 is secured, possibly by soldering between ceramic plates 118 and covered with an insulation 120. This insulator forms the useable heat sinks. When current is passed through the junction of the two different conducting components 116 a temperature change is achieved. Clearly, if current is passed in the opposing direction the opposite heating/cooling effects will be achieved at the heat sinks.

(46) FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a plurality of components similar in configuration to those described with respect to FIG. 7. Such plurality of components form a chain or fibre that can be positioned or embedded in a textile thread wherein the opposing or alternating heat sinks 120 form a portion of an outer surface of the textile thread. The adjacent heat sink 120 extends through the wall of a hollow elongate member around which textile threads or fibres are wrapped and thus alternating heat sinks are in communication with the hollow core of the elongate member and the environment surrounding the textile thread or fibre. In this way, heat can be absorbed from outside the thread and passed and released into the hollow core of the elongate member. The elongate member may be wrapped with one or more fibres, and it is beneficial if the fibres wrapped around the elongate member are wrapped to enable the heat sink to contact the surrounding atmosphere thereby acting as a nodule described elsewhere. As shown in FIG. 8, the n and p doped elements are connected by a conductor with spacing between adjacent components or modules. It will be appreciated however that a conductor may extend across the tops and/or bottoms of the series of components or modules.

(47) Current to the circuit may be supplied by a power source such as a cell or battery, or by one or more of the power generation devices described elsewhere in this document.

(48) Referring to FIG. 9, the opposing side of the series of modules of FIG. 8 is shown, showing a control system indicated by S, which enables control of the current to one or more of the circuit. If selection of current to one or more modules is required, a current flow path must be selected accordingly.

(49) Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the modules of FIG. 9 are shown when embedded in a wall of the elongate member. The core of the elongate member beneficially comprises a hollow cavity with a plurality of modules embedded therein. FIG. 10 is an extrados view of the cavity, and FIG. 11 an intrados view. The series of modules beneficially extends helically around the elongate member which provides the greatest surface area and also gives the greatest strength to the elongate member. Reference numeral 123 is a representation of an insulator or air.

(50) Referring to FIG. 12, there is a schematically exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein an exemplary power source is provided which is capable of receiving and storing energy and also supplying electrical energy to the element. FIG. 12 represents a textile thread which comprises an elongate member 302 around which is wrapped one or more individual fibres 304. For clarity, the fibres 304 have not been shown around most of the elongate member 302 however arrow 306 is indicative that the wrapping of one or more individual fibres is around generally the entire length of the elongate member 302. In this exemplary embodiment an elongate member 302 defining a hollow core is provided, however, in a simplest embodiment the one or more individual fibres may be wrapped around the element and potentially the power source directly.

(51) The elongate member 302 beneficially comprises a polymeric material having flexibility enabling the textile thread to have properties similar to a normal or standard, for example cotton, thread. The element 308 is represented as helically embedded, affixed or otherwise secured inside the elongate member 302 and electrical connection means 310 are provided to extend between the element 308 and the power source and/or storage device 312. It will be appreciated that the element may extend longitudinally along the length of the textile thread and there may be one or more elements provided. Means may be provided to control the voltage applied to the element 308 in order to facilitate control of the change of shape achieved.

(52) It will be appreciated that there are numerous uses for such a device such as expelling or drawing in of a liquid or other mobile material from a container which may be the administration of a drug or other medicine. In such an embodiment there may be advantages in the provision of a receiver for receiving a signal causing the power source to change the mode of operation from either off to on or on to off, or to control the rate of expelling or drawing in of the liquid or other mobile material.

(53) The present invention may be used for remote or automatic wrapping, for example wrapping a suspect package in an anti-ballistic material such as Kevlar. The remote wrapping of any shape of object may be achieved if the shape of the object is irregular.

(54) Remote or automatic opening and closing of textile containers or textile lining fitted with the containers made of other materials may be achieved. This may, for example, include automatic self sealing of containers which are used to hold dangerous, inflammable, volatile or environmentally sensitive materials. This could include fuel tanks, chemical containers, explosive containers, containers which must be kept sealed to prevent ingress of light, air, damp etc.

(55) The opening and closing of curtains or blinds may be achieved, for example, in particular for use in horticulture or some industrial processing. Adjusting the curvature of window blinds to allow a greater or lesser ingress of light or privacy may be achieved.

(56) The shape of a seat, for example a car seat may be achieved to fit a particular driver whereas other applications include hospital beds or seating for the elderly or infirm.

(57) The angle of an aeroplane wing may be adjusted and similarly the curvature of a sail.

(58) Shape retention or the return to a required shape or change to a required shape may be achieved through, for example, crease removal. Furthermore, clothing made of a fabric incorporating one or more textile threads or fibres according to the present invention may be achieved for example a jacket and for adjusting the degree of the jacket being open or closed in response to temperature or light or other climatic conditions. Furthermore, this function may also be used in bandages in order to, for example, control the compression.

(59) An exemplary embodiment of the seventh aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 13.

(60) Referring to FIG. 13, there is an exemplary embodiment of the seventh aspect of the present invention which has been shown wherein the photovoltaic element 402 is supported by an elongate member 404 which is preferably elongate and generally hollow, thereby defining a core. The elongate member 404 may be made of a flexible polymeric material. The elongate member 404 is surrounded and encapsulated by one or more individual threads or fibres 406. The element 402 comprises a protrusion or nodule which extends from being supported in the elongate member 404 through the individual threads or fibres 6 when they are wrapped around the elongate member 404. As such, the tip 402a of the nodule extends to approximately the same height as the thickness of the individual threads or fibres, and may protrude from the thread or fibres 406. Even more beneficially, the tip 402a is slightly withdrawn from the thickness of the individual fibres surrounding the thread or fibre meaning that some protection is afforded to the element 402. It will be appreciated that it is not essential for the provision of an elongate member 404, however, such an inclusion allows for support to the thread or fibre and the element 402 whilst also providing a core defining a channel 408 in which may be located connecting means such as a wire for connecting the element 402 to an electrical charge storage device. The storage device, for example a battery, may also be encapsulated in the textile thread or fibre via the one or more individual fibres.

(61) An electric charge storage device is beneficially provided in communication with the photovoltaic cell. The charge storage device may, for example, be a battery or a capacitor, and is preferably encapsulated by the one or more individual textile threads or fibres.

(62) Control of the electric charge storage device may be provided by a control means as described elsewhere in the specification.

(63) The eighth aspect of the present invention will now be described by way of example only.

(64) Ultraviolet light can be produced by a variety of different sources which emits electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the range approximately 10 nm to 400 nm The UV light emitting filament may comprise one of a number of alternative arrangements such as a black light, an ultraviolet fluorescent lamp, an ultraviolet LED which are examples only. In order that the ultraviolet electromagnetic energy is emitted from the filament, a power source is needed which may be provided by an arrangement as described in the present application. Alternatively, a replaceable or rechargeable energy source may be provided such as a battery, which is in communication with the emitter, and may be encapsulated in the textile thread or fibre. In order that the filament is shielded from possible damage through impact or outside elements, the filament is beneficially retained by a carrier means which may act as a means to protect the filaments, and beneficially the power source. The carrier means may comprise a polymeric casing for example. Means may be provided to detect and measure the ultraviolet radiation being emitted and an example of such a means is a silicon detector. The filament may be embedded or affixed in an elongate member which acts as a support member or protector in the textile thread wherein the support member extends through at least a portion of the textile thread or fabric. The support member is beneficially hollow however this is not essential and furthermore the core of the support member is beneficially made of a flexible material such as a polymeric material.

(65) The filament may be embedded or affixed to the support member which therefore acts as the carrier means in order to achieve optimal effectiveness of the filament. The element may be arranged in a helical or double helical layout with respect to the support member.

(66) In one embodiment elements are provided such as nodules which are arranged to provide a conduit through which the emitted radiation may pass. These nodules extend generally perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the textile thread or fibre, and as described with respect to other aspects, may extend such that the individual threads or fibres extend radially outward to substantially the same depth, height or thickness as the nodule, or the nodule may project beyond the depth, height or thickness of the threads or fibres.

(67) Referring to FIG. 14, a radiation emitting element 200 is provided in communication with a power source 202. The power source may be of a number of alternative arrangements as described in the present application. Furthermore, the power source may comprise a battery which may be replaceable or rechargeable. A textile thread or fibre 204 is wrapped around the element 200 (and the power source 202) and as represented in FIG. 1 the threads or fibres are wrapped helically around the element 200. Clearly more than one thread or fibre beneficially wraps the element 200 and power source 202. Wrapping may alternatively be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the element and in the embodiment as shown in FIG. 14 there is spacing between the thread as wrapped around the element which enables transmittal of radiation from the element. Alternatively, the wrapping may be configured in order that the thread or fibre has no helical spacing. Wrapping may be achieved by known wrapping techniques such as core wrapping. A control arrangement for example as described in WO02/084617 (not shown) may also be wrapped within the textile thread or fibre 204 configured to control the intensity of the emitted radiation from the element 200 and additionally may be configured to control the intensity of radiation emitted from one or more additional elements.

(68) With reference to FIG. 15, an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown which comprises an elongate hollow member 204 in which located is the element 200 and power source 202. It will be appreciated that the element 200 and/or power source 202 may be positioned entirely within the core of the elongate member, or alternatively may be fixed to the inner wall of the elongate member 204 or embedded therein. The thread or fibre wrapped around the elongate member 204 is shown in this embodiment in a helical configuration and it will be appreciated that there may be helical spacing in order that there is sufficient infrared radiation emission. Referring to FIG. 16, in an alternative embodiment it will be appreciated that one or more spacing elements such as nodules or protrusions 206 may be provided that protrude at least some distance through the thread or fibre wrapped around the elongate member 204. Such nodules 206 are beneficially located such that radiation emitted from the elements 200 passes through and out of the nodules 206.

(69) The element 200 itself may comprise an emitter which contains a small infrared light emitting diode housed in a shell which may be, for example, injection plastic moulded. The emitter 200 is connected to a power source such as a battery or alternatively an arrangement as described elsewhere in the present application.

(70) Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it will be appreciated by the skilled addressee that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.