Polymeric fiber composition and method

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to specific combinations of active particles, forming a powder, that may be combined with carrier materials such as resins to produce fibers for textiles, films, coatings, and/or protective or insulating materials. The specific mixture of particles and materials may be carefully engineered to impart unique and valuable properties to end products including integration with optical energies, heat, and other electromagnetic energies. Resultant compositions may interact with light in the visible spectrum and optical and electromagnetic energy beyond the visible spectrum.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A wearable material associated with a user, comprising: 
 a resin filament; and    a uniform distribution in the filament of crystalline particles of titanium dioxide, alumina and silicon oxides, in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 microns, forming a total of 0.25% to 15% by weight of the filament.    
     
     
         2 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the material alters the spectral distribution of light applied to the user.  
     
     
         3 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein when subject to ambient light applies an altered spectrum of light to the user.  
     
     
         4 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the particles form a total of about 1% to 2% by weight of the filament.  
     
     
         5 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the resin is a polymer.  
     
     
         6 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the silicon oxide is quartz.  
     
     
         7 . The invention of  claim 1  wherein the material is in the form of a patch, headband, wristband, glove, a foot covering, bedding, tent, awning or shade.  
     
     
         8 . A composition for the treatment of low blood flow levels comprising the material of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         9 . A composition for the treatment of impaired blood flow comprising the material of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         10 . A composition for the enhancement of muscle performance comprising the material of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         11 . A method of increasing blood flow at a particular location on a body comprising the step of applying the material of  claim 1  to the skin proximal to that location.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the material is loosely applied to the skin.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the material is applied for at least about 3 minutes.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the material is applied for at least about 5 minutes.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the material is applied for at least about 10 minutes.  
     
     
         16 . A method for the treatment of impaired blood flow comprising applying the material of  claim 1  to the skin at a location proximal to the impaired flow.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the material is loosely applied to the skin.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the material is applied for at least about 3 minutes.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the material is applied for at least about 5 minutes.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the material is applied for at least about 10 minutes.  
     
     
         21 . A method for enhancing the performance of a muscle comprising the step of applying the material of  claim 1  to the skin proximal to the muscle.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the material is loosely applied to the skin.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the material is applied for at least about 3 minutes.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 23  wherein the material is applied for at least about 5 minutes.  
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the material is applied for at least about 10 minutes.  
     
     
         26 . A particulate compound to be added to resin to form filaments, comprising: 
 a uniform distribution in the fibers of crystalline particles of titanium dioxide, alumina and silicon oxides, in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 microns in sufficient quantities to form a total of 0.25% to 15% by weight of the filament.    
     
     
         27 . The invention of  claim 26  wherein the particles form a total of about 1% to 2% by weight of the filament.  
     
     
         28 . The invention of  claim 26  wherein the resin is a polymer.  
     
     
         29 . The invention of  claim 26  wherein the silicon oxide is quartz.  
     
     
         30 . The invention of  claim 26  wherein the material is in the form of wearable material, patch, headband, wristband, glove, a foot covering, bedding, tent, shade, or awning.