| Wearable Technology Platforms from Interactive Wear AG Are Making Inroads |
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| High Technology for Ski Gloves - Never Have Cold Fingers Again |
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» Download "Wearable Backgrounder" (PDF)
- "iThermX", the latest technology platform developed by Interactive Wear, is realized for the first time in a brand-name ski glove.
- Heating platform is smaller, lighter and more flexible than conventional solutions.
- "Solaris" ski gloves from Reusch with ThermoTec™ represent the first implementation in a high-end product manufactured on a large scale.
Starnberg, Germany, 29 January 2007 – Interactive Wear AG (based in Starnberg near Munich), a specialist for wearable electronics, is introducing a new technology platform called “iThermX” that makes it possible to implement intelligent, flexible, light-weight heating systems to be incorporated into any type of textile product. The main components of the basic system include:
- An electronics unit with a 16-bit microcontroller that manages the intelligent power and temperature control and executes custom and application-specific programmable heating algorithms.
- Special, highly flexible thermal conductors that can be attached to nearly any type of fabric/textile.
- Particularly flat and lightweight lithium ion batteries that feature a high degree of efficiency and – depending on the application and the requirements for heat/power – can be attached individually or distributed on/in the garment in a way that is nearly invisible and is very comfortable for the wearer. These rechargeable power sources supply heat energy for several hours at a time.
- Signaling and power lines that are integrated into the textile to link the temperature sensors, on/off switch, indicator LEDs and batteries with the central electronics and the heating elements.
The iThermX technology platform makes it possible to create overall systems that are smaller, lighter, more mobile and more flexible than the conventional solutions that have been available on the market up until now.
First Product: “Solaris” Brand Ski Gloves with ThermoTec from Reusch
At ispo winter 07 (4 – 7 February 2007, at the New Munich Trade Fair Center), Reusch, one of the world’s leading glove manufacturers, will be presenting the ThermoTec heating system for the first time – a technology that was developed in close cooperation with Interactive Wear. In hall A6 at booth 403, the company will be showcasing several models from its Solaris line of heated ski gloves. In the ThermoTec textile heating system, which is based on Interactive Wear’s new iThermX technology platform, the heat supply is governed by a microcontroller and monitored by sensors. Energy is only supplied when the temperature drops below a pre-set limit at portions of the wearer’s hand that are sensitive to the cold. Using special, highly flexible heating elements, heat is generated selectively within the glove without restricting movement. Two low-profile, lightweight rechargeable lithium ion batteries supply each system with power. Thanks to the small size and low weight of the iThermX technology components, the developers succeeded in designing an extremely efficient, powerful and exceptionally lightweight heated glove with ThermoTec. These gloves offer the comfort of ideal warmth with a heating capacity of up to five hours, and the heating system weight in at a maximum of just approximately 70 grams per glove. To ensure flexible usage, the wearer can choose from among three different operational modes: either constant heating or one of two pre-programmed, sensor-monitored, comfortable temperatures within the glove. A LED indicates the selected mode, and single-button control unit with a simple design enables easy and reliable operation. Rigorous tests have demonstrated that the system offers ideal protection against impacts (for instance during a fall) and against the ingress of water.
Additional Products Based on Technologies from Interactive Wear in Four of the ispo Halls
Impressive evidence of the success of Interactive Wear AG’s strategy for penetrating the market with its different technological platforms for wearable technologies can be seen in the fact that (compared to ispo winter 2006, at which two products based on Interactive Wear technology were being presented for the first time), at this year’s ispo winter, wearable products that are built on a technological foundation from Interactive Wear can be found in the line ups offered by four different manufacturers. Besides intelligent heated ski gloves from Reusch (hall A6/ 403), these products primarily include Interactive Wear’s perfectly integrated Bluetooth solutions, such as the streaming “Music Jacket” from O’Neill (which can be seen at Joint Services International BV, hall A3/ 210), the innovative “ai” (audio integrated) jacket with an iPod connection from Halti Oy of Finland (Halle B6 / 509), and finally, the Kjus Commwear Jacket, which is also Bluetooth-capable and features an integrated MP3 player, from Lasse Kjus Systems of Switzerland (presented by LK International AG, hall A5 / 204).
About Reusch
Taking success into your own hands with the right gloves... With this thought in mind, Karl Reusch began making his first gloves in 1934 in the attic of his own home in Metzingen, a city in Southern Germany. Today, over 70 years later, the name Reusch is a synonym for high-end gloves and mittens and numerous other brand-name products. In the market segments of gloves for winter sports and football (soccer) goalkeepers, Reusch has been the world’s leading brand for decades. And in 2007, Reusch not only intends to maintain this position, but to expand upon it continuously. To accomplish this, the Reusch team is banking on its experience, expertise, and reliability, and on top quality levels and the latest technology – at three business locations (Neckartailfingen, Valencia, Mailand) and with 49 sales partners in over 55 countries around the world. Year after the year, the results are new, high-quality products – with an authentic and modern design, progressive and trailblazing technology, an excellent fit, and exceptional wearing comfort.
Press contact at Reusch International Licence S.L.
Kirsten Schnoor
Tel.: +34 (0)96 315 2136
Fax: +34 (0)96 315 2178
Email: k.schnorr@reusch.com
Internet: www.reusch.com
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About Interactive Wear
Interactive Wear AG concentrates on the integration of electronic functions, components and systems into textile products and has one of the world’s leading platforms for wearable electronics technology at its disposal. The company has positioned itself as an electronics specialist for the textile industry as well as a textile specialist for the electronics industry. As a one-stop shop, Interactive Wear covers all developmental and production phases in the “wearable electronics” area – from consulting to custom development projects and all the way to the delivery of complete products that are ready for volume sales. For OEMs and ODMs, Interactive Wear supplies tailored production solutions. Besides fashion trends, the target markets primarily include sportswear and healthwear, safety clothing and protective workwear. Further information is available at http://www.interactive-wear.com |
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