The patent 'Interactive fabric article' from Ferber Technologies, L.L.C. describes a fabric article including a design arranged on the outer surface and a conductive composition arranged in registration with the design with a printed circuit pattern on a second layer.

The conductive composition effectively forms part of the electrical system of the interactive fabric article like a switch matrix for example.

The first outer surface can have a graphical pattern formed with conductive material like conductive yarn or conductive ink on the second surface that interacts with a corresponding second layer containing a circuit formed in a similar way as on the first surface or by using a conventional PCB technology.

Bringing the two layer with the corresponding conductive pattern by applying pressure together closes the circuit which activates a predefined action / switch.
Noticable: most but not all claims in this patent describe the use of this principle for and interactive pillow.

Patent issue date: Nov. 6, 2001

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The patent 'Light emitting fabric' from inventor Maurice Daniel describes a light emitting fabric in which optical fibers are part of the weave, replacing some of the threaded fibers.

The fabric is uniformly illuminated and, accordingly, decorated. The individual optical fibers are gathered into a bundle at one end of the fabric and illuminated by a light source.

Light traveling through the fibers is emitted in small amounts throughout the lengths of the optical fibers through small scratches that pierce the outer coating of the optical fibers.

Uniformity and intensity of light are enhanced by providing a reflective coating on the non-illuminated ends of the optical fibers. This fabric is usable in clothing such as costumes, high visibility safety clothing, suits, rugs, draperies, curtains and the like.
Patent issue date: Nov. 18, 1980

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The patent 'Clothing with illuminated display' from McKnight Road Enterprises, Inc. describes the integration of LED light sources that form a predetermined pattern on the exterior of the clothing.

The set of light-emitting diodes is mounted on a substrate. A power source is provided for illuminating the diodes, as is a control circuit for controlling the energization of the diodes.

There is a pocket in the clothing in which the power source is removably disposed. A cable electrically connects the diodes and the power source, which cable is disposed generally between the shell and the liner so as to be hidden from view and protected.

An overlay has imprinted a pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern of the diodes. The overlay has openings through which the diodes extend, and the overlay is secured to the shell.

This patent also describes different ways to combine layers of printed circuit board, cushioning layer for the electronics and protective fabric layers together to from a more robust unit. Examples of the fixation or integration of the display unit into clothing is also highlighted in the claims.
Patent issue date: Nov. 24, 1987

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The patent 'Fabric with illuminated changing display' from inventor Harry L. Wainwright describes a fabric illuminated by the outer ends of a large number of optical fibers associated with the outer surface of the fiber in a manner to form an illuminated changing display of several figures.

The fibers extend along the inner surface of the fabric and are gathered into several bundles each of which engages a connector housing containing light sources. The light sources connect with a power source and an electronic control device which sequentially causes each light source to be activated in a programmed manner.

Each light source emits light to the inner ends associated with a bundle of optical fibers. The light travels through each fiber of the bundle to the outer ends of the fibers where the light is emitted.
The outer ends of the optical fibers can be arranged in any shape for form characters or symbols or any image.

Patent issue date: Oct. 17, 1989

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