Fabric with magnetic fibers

Abstract

A magnetic article is formed from a magnetic fabric that is formed using individual magnetic fibers and is preferably held in its desired shape with stitches. The magnetic article can be used for therapeutic purposes by weaving the magnetic fibers into the magnetic fabric maintaining the magnetic article in close proximity to the user to improve its therapeutic efficacy. The magnetic fibers are preferably sheath-core fibers with a magnetic core and may alternatively be composite fibers with magnetic particles encapsulated in a polymer, giving the magnetic fabric an aesthetically pleasing drape and a tactile handle. The magnetic fibers can be made from slit films suitable for textile processing and additional processing can be used to magnetize the individual fibers. The magnetic fibers can be woven in patterns, and additional layers of magnetic material can be formed on or incorporated into the magnetic fabric using known processes for textiles. Solid magnets can also be added to the magnetic fabric.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A magnetic article having a desired shape, comprising: 
 a magnetic fabric, wherein said magnetic fabric is further comprised of a plurality of magnetic fibers; and    a plurality of stitches holding said magnetic fabric in the desired shape of the magnetic article.    
     
     
         2 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , wherein said magnetic fibers are formed from slit film fibers suitable for textile processing.  
     
     
         3 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , wherein said magnetic fibers are sheath-core fibers and each of said sheath-core fibers further comprises a magnetic core fiber and a textile sheath surrounding said magnetic core fiber.  
     
     
         4 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , wherein said magnetic fibers are composite fibers and each of said composite fibers further comprises magnetic particles encapsulated by a polymer.  
     
     
         5 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , wherein the magnetic article has an aesthetically pleasing drape and a tactile handle.  
     
     
         6 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of magnetic fibers are woven into said fabric in a pattern.  
     
     
         7 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , further comprising a layer of magnetic material coated onto said magnetic fabric.  
     
     
         8 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , further comprising a layer of magnetic material printed onto said magnetic fabric.  
     
     
         9 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , further comprising incorporation of magnetic material into said magnetic fabric through textile finishing techniques.  
     
     
         10 . A magnetic article according to  claim 1 , further comprising a solid magnet attached to the magnetic fabric.  
     
     
         11 . A sheath-core fiber for magnetic fabrics, comprising: 
 a magnetic core fiber; and    a textile sheath surrounding said magnetic core fiber.    
     
     
         12 . A sheath-core fiber according to  claim 11 , wherein said magnetic core fiber further comprises magnetic particles encapsulated by a polymer.  
     
     
         13 . A sheath-core fiber according to  claim 11 , wherein said magnetic core fiber further comprises magnetic particles combined with a natural fiber.  
     
     
         14 . A sheath-core fiber according to  claim 11 , wherein said textile sheath is a polymer.  
     
     
         15 . A sheath-core fiber according to  claim 11 , wherein said textile sheath is natural fiber.  
     
     
         16 . A sheath-core fiber according to  claim 11 , wherein said textile sheath is combined with magnetic particles.  
     
     
         17 . A sheath-core fiber according to  claim 11 , wherein said textile sheath is substantially free of magnetic particles.  
     
     
         18 . A method for using a magnetic article for therapeutic purposes, comprising the steps of: 
 forming a magnetic fabric from a plurality of magnetic fibers; and    maintaining said magnetic fabric in close proximity to a body of a user.    
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein said forming step further comprises weaving the plurality of magnetic fibers.  
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 18 , wherein said forming step further comprises knitting the plurality of magnetic fibers.  
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of cutting said magnetic fabric into a plurality of shapes that form at least a part of a desired shape.  
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of sewing said magnetic fabric to hold a desired shape for the magnetic article.  
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of wearing said magnetic article.  
     
     
         24 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of laying on said magnetic article.  
     
     
         25 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of coating said magnetic fabric with a layer of magnetic material.  
     
     
         26 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of printing a layer of magnetic material onto said magnetic fabric.  
     
     
         27 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of finishing said magnetic fabric with an integral layer of magnetic material.  
     
     
         28 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of attaching a solid magnet to said magnetic fabric.  
     
     
         29 . A method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of sewing a magnetic fabric layer to said magnetic fabric.