Textile optics - solution for robust flexible light treatment pads

Abstract

A method of bonding a silicone-based element to a textile based element is provided. The method comprises steps that enable a user to bond a silicone-based element to a textile based element using a fibrous material to strengthen the bond. An assembly constructed according to the method is also provided. This assembly is particularly suited to being disposed against skin due to the high biocompatibility of silicone, particularly PDMS.

1 . An assembly comprising:
 a silicone-based element, wherein at least part of the silicone-based element further comprises a fibrous material and a bonding agent;   a textile based element;   wherein the silicone-based element is arranged to be bondable to the textile based element.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 ,
 the textile based element further comprising an electrically active textile fabric comprising at least one electrically active component, preferably an LED, attached to a surface of the electrically active textile fabric;   the silicone-based element further comprising at least one transparent or translucent cap, lens or knob; and   wherein the silicone-based element and the textile based element are arranged to be positioned relative to each other such that the at least one transparent or translucent cap, lens or knob is aligned with the at least one electrically active component.   
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 2  comprising,
 a silicone-based element, further comprising a fibrous material and a bonding agent; and 
 a textile based element; 
 wherein holes are formed through said silicon based element and said textile based element in an aligned orientation to increase the breathability of said assembly. 
 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 3  wherein;
 the electrically active textile fabric further comprising a plurality of electrically active components, preferably LEDs, attached to a surface of the electrically active textile fabric; 
 the holes are formed in positions between the plurality of electrically active components, said holes preventing the contact of gases or liquids with said electrically active components. 
 
     
     
         5 . A body illumination device comprising an assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the device is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the human body.