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Coats is partnering with lighting specialist Osram to introduce new active illumination for garments and accessories. The Coats Signal Active Illumination light system made by Osram is designed to enhance the wearer’s safety and visibility during low-light conditions and at night, Coats reports.
The new Coats Signal Active Illumination range consists of a light system, a power bank and pipings for integration into garments and accessories. The lighting system is permanently integrated in the clothing or sport accessory and can withstand washing machines and tumble dryers. The LED lights are powered from a smartphone or power bank, Osram says.
According to Coats, the system produces homogeneous light along the piping. The range consists of retro-reflective perforated piping, mesh pipings or pipings integrated into retro-reflective tapes. The light system can be customized for number of light guides, LED colors, cable lengths and function of the switch. The system is also available in a flame-resistant version.
The lighting system is intended for use in workwear, outdoor apparel, sports and activewear, and outdoor accessories. Osram says that, at present, the focus is on the safety aspect of active lighting but may evolve into smart analytics—alerting a runner to elevated pulse rates or indicating to other travelers that a cyclist is braking.
Coats produces industrial thread, including sewing thread, medical sutures, fiber optic cables, and high-performance threads used in planes, automobiles and safety equipment.
Osram is currently undergoing a transformation from a lighting manufacturer into a high-tech photonics company and increasing its focus on sensors, visualization and light-based treatments.