Garment and Method of Manufacture

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method of manufacture of a garment comprising an EL panel shaped in a custom design which is robust and easily operable. The EL panel rests within a multi-layered structure and is easily visible through a clear plastic layer that protects it from external wear. A wire runs from the EL panel within the garment lining to a controller and power unit that rests in an inner pocket of the garment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a clothing garment, the method comprising the steps of:
 a) cutting a hole in a layer of fabric;   b) applying a layer of clear, flexible plastic over the hole such that the edges of the layer overlap with the edges of the fabric around a hole;   c) bonding the layer of plastic to the layer of fabric by applying adhesive or stitches to the overlap;   d) overlaying an electroluminescent, EL, panel over the layer of plastic, the EL panel having a custom design on a first surface and the first surface being in contact with the layer of plastic, wherein a wire extends from an edge of the EL panel and is connected to a power source and controller unit;   e) bonding the EL panel to the layer of plastic by applying adhesive or stitches about the edges of the EL panel;   f) overlaying a protective layer over the EL panel such that it completely covers the layered assembly and is bonded to the fabric layer by stitches or adhesive;   g) assembling a garment using the fabric layer having the layered assembly bonded thereon; and   h) threading the wire through the assembled garment to rest in the lining or the inside of a pocket of the assembled garment.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the power source and controller unit comprises a direct current power source and an inverter for generating an alternating current supply to the EL panel. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the power source and controller unit is powered by batteries and comprises a button interface for activating the EL panel. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the unit is further configured to provide steady illumination and a variety of illumination patterns by controlling the power supply to the EL panel. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the protective layer is a foam layer. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the wire connecting the EL panel to the controller unit and power source is 70 cm or longer. 
     
     
         7 . A garment manufactured according to the methods of any one of  claims 1 to 6 .