DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. Title of the invention: “A system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing”
2. Applicant:
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
Tarasafe International Pvt. Ltd. INDIAN Dutta Properties, Budge Trunk Road, Govindapur, Benepukur, Kolkata, West Bengal, INDIA – 700140
Email: shreedattalawconsultancy@gmail.com
prahant@tarasafe.in
Mob. No. +91-9879740982
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

Field of the Invention:
The present invention relates to field of clothing. More specifically, the present invention relates to system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing.
Background of the Invention:
Flame retardant clothing is the last line of defense for personnel in hazardous environment like oil & gas industries. In case of any exposure to heat and flame, flame retardant clothing provides interim protection and provides a safe duration to escape from the hazard.
Flame retardant clothing is made from flame retardant fabrics. Flame retardant fabrics are primary made via two routes. Route one, is the flame-retardant chemical treatment route and Route two is use of inherent flame-retardant fibers. In case of flame-retardant chemical treatment, a non-flame-retardant substrate (e.g., cotton fabric) is treated with a phosphorus-based compounds. This compound is either be chemically bonded to the substrate or is physically entrapped. In case of inherent flame-retardant fabric, fiber which are naturally flame retardant (e.g., wool) or engineered to be flame retardant (e.g., m-aramid) are used to make the fabric.
Being different for normal apparel grade (e.g., suiting, shirting), flame-retardant clothing needs special wash care and maintenance. If recommended wash care is not followed, there are chances that the clothing will fall below the required heat and flame protection performance levels. Further due to the flame-retardant treatment or chemical structure of inherent flame retardant fibers, flame retardant clothing are susceptible to color fading, yellowing, browning and pilling may. Physical properties like fabric tear strength and seam strength may deteriorate. In certain cases, accessories used on flame retardant clothing like, reflective tape, logo, labeling and marking may get damaged. In case of a multi-layer flame retardant clothing, the sandwiched layer/layers may get damaged, but would not be visible to naked eyes.
Various companies including inherent flame-retardant fiber manufacturer, flame retardant fabric manufacturer and flame-retardant clothing manufacturer issue suitable care and maintenance guidelines for their flame-retardant clothing. For example, washing guidelines for inherent flame-retardant fiber m-aramid sold under the trade name of Nomex® by Dupont is presented below.
1) Garments made of Nomex® should be washed separately from other clothing made of flammable fibers, such as cotton, to avoid contamination. Dark colored clothing made of Nomex® should be sorted and washed separately from very light shades or undyed clothing to avoid possible staining of light-colored clothing. To ensure thorough cleaning, washer loads for garments made of Nomex® should be approximately 2/3 the weight of loads recommended by the washing machine manufacturer.
2) Detergent formulations designed for use at a temperature of 140°F (60°C) or less— such as high surfactant, low-alkalinity products should be used.
3) The use of soaps for laundering Nomex® is not recommended due to the potential formation of insoluble residue with hard water. Soap residue may be flammable and could adversely affect the thermal protective performance of the garment.
4) Detergents with pH values ranging from 9 to 11 have been found to effectively lift dirt and oil from Nomex® fiber. The use of higher wash temperatures and detergent formulations with higher alkalinity will improve cleaning; however, these harsher conditions can negatively impact the colorfastness of the garments.
5) Only oxygen-based bleach is recommended for use on garments made of Nomex® —chlorine bleach should not be used. Although chlorine bleach will not affect the inherent flame resistance of Nomex®, it may cause loss of strength and color in clothing over time.
6) When laundering items made of Nomex®, the use of a sour after thorough rinsing helps ensure that any remaining traces of alkalinity are neutralized. This eliminates the possibility of skin irritation.
7) Softeners, anti-stats and wicking agents perform useful and often highly desirable functions when applied to the load in the last commercial laundering operation. Flammable materials added when laundering FR garments have the potential to remain on the garment and have a negative effect on the thermal protection of the garment. The impact of fabric softeners, wicking agents and anti-stats should be evaluated at the intended use level prior to routine use.
8) Care should be taken when drying the garments. Garment temperature should not exceed 280°F (138°C). Excessive shrinkage and color loss can occur if higher temperatures are encountered.
9) Articles made of Nomex® should not be dried in sunlight, which can cause fading but does not affect the flame resistance protection of the garment.
Similarly washing care guidelines are issued by Westex for its flame retardant treated cotton-based fabric.
1) Detergents designed for use at wash temperatures of 140°F (60°C) or less such as high surfactant, low alkalinity products have no adverse effect on the UltraSoft®, UltraSoft AC™ or Indura® fabrics.
2) Westex fabrics can be washed at temperatures up to 165°F (75°C). Wash temperatures higher than 165°F (74°C) may affect the wash fastness (color loss) of certain colors. Likewise, the presence of sodium perborate in the wash system will significantly affect the shade of certain naphthol dyes.
3) Detergents used commercially have pH values ranging from 9–13, and in most instances are effective in removing dirt and oil from soiled garments.
4) Westex fabrics are not adversely affected by high pH, however, the effect on colorfastness of garments should be checked to maintain an acceptable balance between cleanliness and color retention.
5) We recommend against the use of a supplemental softener except in unique circumstances that are specifically described to us and that are tested for impact on flame resistance.
6) We recommend against the use of starch or other hand builders except in unique circumstances that are specifically described to us, and that are tested for impact on flame resistance.
7) Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) must not be used on Westex garments, either separately or in detergents.
8) Hydrogen Peroxide, which is an oxygen bleach, must not be used on UltraSoft®, UltraSoft AC™ or Indura® garments either separately or in detergents. The presence of metals with hydrogen peroxide can catalyze the decomposition of the Westex polymer.
9) The use of soaps (salts of fatty acids) is not recommended for laundering UltraSoft®, UltraSoft AC™ or Indura® garments. Soaps can form insoluble scums with hard water that are deposited on the fabric. Soap scums may be flammable themselves and they can adversely affect the thermal protection performance of the garment if they burn.
10) To reduce the possibility of shrinkage during drying, it is important that cotton garments not be overdried in any step of the operation. Overdrying has been determined to be the main cause of excessive garment shrinkage.
Hence, in summary, flame retardant garment me show deteriorated performance when exposed to high alkalinity, high temperature, bleaching agents, sodium perborates. Further deposition of flammable residues on the clothing hampers the tendency to protect against flame.
It is also important to understand the practical scenario of flame-retardant protective clothing usage. These clothing are mostly worn by on field workforce involved in labor and operative assignment. The big problem as non-compliance to wash and maintenance may lead to a performance failure in the event of an accident. Further the use life of clothing may decrease, and they may look worn out in a few washes. In real life scenario, there have been many such complaints received from customer who claim that their new garment was worn out and faded in just one or few wash cycle. Further there is no commercially usable nondestructive method available for detecting the flame retardat performance of a clothing, so neither the user, nor safety manager nor the clothing manufacture are certain, weather after a non-compliance wash exposure, the flame-retardant clothing will protect the wearer.
To mitigate this grave challenge of human safety, there is a need for non-destructive, simple, commercially viable and reliable method for determination of non-compliance to washing and care of flame-retardant clothing. The present invention provides a system for detecting wash care abuse in flame retardant clothing.
Object of the Invention:
The main object of the present invention is to detect wash care of flame-retardant clothing.
Another object of the present invention is to detect non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a non-destructive, simple, quick, commercially viable and reliable method for detection of wash care of flame-retardant clothing.
Summary of the Invention:
The present invention discloses the detection of wash care and non-compliance to wash care instruction of flame-retardant clothing. The present invention also can be used to detect non-compliance to wash and care of apparel grade clothing (e.g., suiting, shirting, ladies wear etc.), performance clothing (e.g., high altitude clothing, fire fighter clothing, fire entry clothing etc.).
The present detection system comprising of sensors and measurement unit. The sensor is embedded in the clothing. The sensor hereafter referred to as a sensing element (201), consists of a flexible strand coated with one or more metallic and/or chemical agents which makes electrically conductive. The sensing element can act as a conductor having certain resistance. The electrical activity of the sensing element changes in response to exposure of undesirable agents which are responsible for noncompliance in wash and care. These undesirable agents include, bleaching agents, high temperatures, direct sunlight exposure, high alkalinity, volatile solvent exposure etc.
The measurement unit (500) can detect the change in electrical resistance of the sensing element. The analog signal measured by the measurement unit is converted to a digital value for comparison purpose. The digital value is then compared with a standard dataset to determine the level of exposure of undesirable elements. A standard data set is prepared by performing controlled wash and care of the clothing with the sensing element and the digital values are recorded at each step of the wash cycle.
After the measurement is completed, the measurement device can estimate a) the number of standard wash cycles done on the clothing, b) whether the clothing was exposed to any undesirable agents, and if so, what is the exposure levels. The measuring unit also provides simple indication of red, blue and green LED signals. Where the red led indication signifies that the clothing is significantly exposed to undesirable agents and thus it is uncertain if the clothing has the required protection level as original. Blue indication means that the clothing was subjected to undesirable agents, but it is still safe to use, as the exposure is not substantial. A green indication means the clothing is being washed and maintained according to the guidelines and is safe to wear. A display unit on the measurement device shows the digital value, estimated number of washing and warning level.
Thus, the present invention provides a non-destructive way of detecting a non-compliance to wash and care of flame-retardant clothing.
Brief Description of drawings:
For the better understanding of the present invention, there are shown in the drawings as below:
Figure 1 shows the diagrammatic side view of embedding sensor element in clothing.
100 Sensor assembly
101 Layer of clothing
102 Another layer of clothing
103 Stitched seam
201 Sensing element
202, 203, 204&205 Metallic connectors

Figure 2 shows the diagrammatic view of finished assembly of sensor in clothing from the top.
Figure 3 shows the top perspective view of a measurement device.
500 Measuring device
501, 502 Metallic conductive sensing pins
505 Casing of measuring device
510 Sliding arm
520 Power button
530 LED indicator

Figure 4 shows the bottom perspective view of the measurement device.
Figure 5 shows the response of the sensing element to a controlled washing condition.
Figure 6 shows the response of the sensing element to an undesirable agent (bleaching agent).
Type of fabric Color line in graph
A Blue
B Orange
C Grey
D Yellow

Detailed Description of the Invention:
Various aspects of the present application will be described in detail in connection with the accompanying drawings, in order to provide a better understanding of the present invention.
The present invention discloses a novel method for detection of non-compliance to wash and care of clothing. More specifically, it relates to a method of detection of non-compliance to wash and care of flame-retardant clothing.
The present system comprises of a sensing element embedded in clothing and a measurement unit for detection of electrical activity of the sensing element.
The sensing element is in the form of a flexible strand which is made from a narrow strip of fabric or yarn, more specifically a sewing thread, made from textile polymers like polyester or nylon. This strand is made electrically conductive by coating or deposition of metallic particle. The metallic particle is made from copper, aluminum, nickel, tin, silver, gold or combination thereof. In such a sensing element, the metallic deposition reacts with various undesirable agents (e.g., bleach, high temperature, high alkalinity, high acidity, UV light or the combination thereof) resulting in the deterioration of the metallic deposits, mainly by oxidation or salt formation. As a result, the electrical conductivity of the sensing element reduces. This reduction in conductivity is measure as an increase in resistance of the sensing element. The magnitude of change in electrical resistance is proportional to the type of undesirable agent and extent of exposure to the undesirable agent. This change in electrical resistance may not be linear and so tests have to be conducted by exposing the sensing element to control wash and care vs non-compliant wash and care. This test data can then be used as benchmark to create various thresholds for safe zone, warning zone and danger zone.
In some cases, the sensing element is made from a flexible strand coated with chemicals which change color in response to exposure of undesirable elements. For example, the sensing element is coated with potassium iodate which oxidizes in contact of bleaching agent and turns from colorless to brownish color. In another example, the sensing element is coated with a photochromic dye which changes color in accordance to amount of UV exposure. Various dyes are available based on the UV exposure range, for example a yellow ink that changes to orange at 100 mJ/cm2, a red ink that changes to purple at 200 mJ/cm2, and a black ink that changes to blue at 300 mJ/cm2. Example of such dyes are Spiropyran, Naphthopyran, Benzopyran, Indenopyran, Fluoran.
Main embodiment of the present invention a system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing comprising of:
a) Sensor assembly (100) comprising of one or more Sensing element (201) connected with metallic connectors (202-205) wherein the sensing element (201) embedded in clothing and locked from all the sided using stitched seams (103);
Characterized by said sensing assembly (100) ensure that the sensing element (201) is exposed to the thermal, chemical and optical agents via the porous clothing layer (101, 102) on which sensing element (201) is stitched;
Characterized by said sensing element (201) made from coated sewing thread which is electrically conductive by coating of metallic particle or chemicals; and
b) Measurement unit (500) for detection of electrical resistance of the sensing element (201);
Characterized by said measuring device (500) comprising of a microcontroller, power supply, power button (520), LED indicator (530), display and metallic conductive sensing pins (501, 502); all components enclosed in the casing (505);
Characterized by said measuring device (500) has a sliding arm (510) which can change the distance between the sensing pins (501, 502) and has a protective cover to prevent any injury to user;
Wherein said metallic deposits deteriorate on exposure to undesirable agents which reduces the electrical conductivity and increase in resistance of the sensing element (201) or change in colour of the sensing element (201) in case of chemical coating, helps in detection of non-compliant wash and care.

Another embodiment of the present invention is said thread is nylon and deposited with metallic silver having linear density of 50 denier to 500 denier and electrical resistance is 0 to 500 ohm/m.
Another embodiment of the present invention is the length of said sensing element (201) is 1 to 20 cm.
Another embodiment of the present invention is said sensing element (201) is electrically conductive, oxidation responsive and UV responsive to determine the overall non-compliance to wash care of clothing.
Another embodiment of the present invention is the said sensing element (201) is a coated with chemical compound directly onto the clothing or on a film which is then attached to the clothing.
Another embodiment of the present invention is said undesirable agents are selected from bleach, high temperature, high alkalinity, high acidity, UV light or combination thereof.
Another embodiment of the present invention is said microcontroller of the measuring device (500) has information regarding various threshold for safe zone, warning zone and danger zone.
Another embodiment of the present invention is said microcontroller matches this information against the calculated resistance of sensing element (201) to determine the state of the clothing.
Another embodiment of the present invention is said LED indicator (530) is the switched on according to data from microcontroller and indicate the state of clothing to the user.
Another embodiment of the present invention is said display screen of measurement device (500) to display information by using algorithm such as estimated number of washes, the undesirable element which has caused the deterioration of clothing, expected lifetime of the clothing, expected flame protection performance of the clothing.
In one of the embodiments, the sensing element (201) is a nylon thread deposited with metallic silver. Such threads are commercially available by various manufacturers. The thread had a linear density of 50 denier to 600 denier. The thread may be made from 1 to 5 ply twisted together. The level of metal deposition is indirectly measured through the electrical resistance of the thread, measured in ohm/meter here onwards referred as ohm/m. The preferred electrical resistance of the thread should less than 1000 ohm/m. Preferable be in the range of 10 to 500 ohm/m.
Figure 1 shows the diagrammatic view of the sensor assembly, indicating the way in which the sensing element is embedded in a clothing. Here for the purpose of understanding the stitched seam (103) is shown only at the edges of the sensor assembly (100).
The sensor assembly (100) consist of a sensing element (201). At both its end the sensing element (201) is connected with electrically conductive connectors (e.g. metallic connectors) (202-203 & 204-205) which can conduct electricity and have low electrical resistance. On such example of electrically conductive connector is a metallic connector made from brass (202-203 & 204-205) consisting of 2-piece metallic snap, a male piece (203, 205) and female piece (202, 204). One end of the sensing elements (201) is wound on the male piece (203) while the other end is wound on the male piece (205). The male piece (203, 205) is then passed through one layer of the clothing (101) and final connected to the respective female piece (202, 204) using a commercially available snapping machine. Thus, the female piece (202, 204) provides fixed and durable sensing point to sense the electrical resistance of the sensing element (201). For this embodiment the sensing point and female piece (202, 204) are interchangeable used. The sensing element (201) and the male piece (203, 205) of metallic snap are then covered with another layer of the clothing (102) and hence are concealed inside the clothing with only the female piece (202, 204) exposed for sensing. Both the clothing layers are stitched together forming seams (103).
Figure 2 shows the diagrammatic view of finished or final sensing assembly (100). The sensing element (201) is clearly embedded in the clothing and locked from all the sided using stitched seams (103). Only the sensing point (202, 204) which are the female piece of the metallic snaps, are exposed.
The concealing of the sensing element is done for aesthetic purposes as well as to protect the sensing element form harsh physical condition during use and washing of the clothing. At the same time such a sensing assembly design ensure that the sensing element is exposed to the thermal, chemical and optical agents via the porous clothing layer (101, 102).
In one embodiment, the sensing element can be stitched on to one of the clothing layers (101, 102). Stitching of sensing element (201) provides physical durability to the sensing element (201). Further the sensing element (201) may be stitched in such a way that the sensing element (201) may or may not be exposed to the outer surface of the clothing. Here in after stitching, the loose ends of the sensing element on both the sides, will be connected via connector (202, 203, 204. 204).
In another embodiment the sensing element in the form of thread or tape is attached to one of the clothing layers (101, 102) by an adhesive. The adhesive can be pressure sensitive or thermally activated. The sensing element (201) may be attached in such a way that the sensing element (201) may or may not be exposed to the outer surface of the clothing. The ends of the sensing element on both the sides, will be connected via connectors (202, 203, 204. 204).
In another embodiment, the sensing element (201) itself is used to create a small embroidered patch at both its end acting as sensing point. These sensing points are exposed to the outer layer of clothing.
The length of sensing element (201) should be between 1 to 20 cm. More preferable between 5 cm to 15 cm. The length of sensing element (201) may be customized based on the location where it is attached in the clothing.
The sensing element (201) is located at a desired location in the clothing. For example, in case of a trouser the sensing element is places in the zipper flap. Similarly in case of a shirt the sensing element is placed in the sleeve placket. Using such location provides an advantage of hiding the sensing points (202, 204) by another part of the clothing and not visible unless the zipper flap or sleeve placket is manually turned. Thus, the sensing assembly (100) does not impact the aesthetic and functional behavior of the clothing.
Optionally, the sensing assembly (100) is located on the clothing which expose the sensing point (202, 204) and/or the sensing element (201) as a part of aesthetic design.
In another embodiment, the sensing element (201) is not electrically conductive, but it coated with indicator chemical. Such indicator chemical, can be a chemical which can react with oxidizing agent used during the washing and care of clothing and change its color. The depth of change in color indicates the extent of exposure to oxidizing agent (e.g., bleaching agent). Example of such a chemical indicator is potassium iodate, which can be mixed with a binder and applied on to a thread or stand of fabric, thus creating a sensing element (201). A suitable binder like water-based acrylic or silicone can be used.
The indicator chemical can be a photo-reactive dye, which changes color on exposure to UV light. Such photo-reactive dye can be coated on to a thread or strand of fabric to create a sensing element. These dyes, will change color based on the wavelength of UV light exposure and the intensity of color change will depend on the extent of exposure to the UV light. Example of such photo-reactive dye are Spiropyran, Naphthopyran, Benzopyran, Indenopyran, Fluoran. A suitable binder like water-based acrylic or silicone can be used for coating.
The indicator chemicals can be directly coated on the clothing at a suitable location. More specifically, the indicator chemical can be coated to the sides opposite to adhesive on an adhesive film. The adhesive film can further be attached to the clothing by pressure, heat activation or the combination of both.
A combination of all the three types of sensing element (201) [electrically conductive, oxidation responsive and UV responsive] is used to determine the overall non-compliance of clothing resulting from multiple undesirable agents.
Figure 3 and 4 shows the diagrammatic view of a measurement device (500) from various angles. In case where the sensing element (201) is electrically conductive, the change in electrical resistance of the sensing element needs to be determined. This is done by the measurement device using a known method of voltage divider circuit.
A voltage divider circuit is a simple electronic circuit used to divide a voltage into smaller, proportionate values. It's often used to measure an unknown resistance or to create a reference voltage for various purposes. The most common configuration for a voltage divider circuit consists of two resistors connected in series between a voltage source, such as a battery or power supply. One of the resistors is the known resistor (R1), and the other is the unknown resistor (R2) which is the resistance of the sensing element (201). A known voltage (Vin) is supplied to the circuit and the voltage across R2 is measured (Vout). The unknown resistance or resistor (R2) is calculated as R2 = R1 * (Vin / Vout) - R1.
By this method, the measuring device (500) calculated the resistance of the sensing element (201). The measuring device (500) consist of a microcontroller, power supply, power button (520) and LED indicator (530), metallic conductive sensing pins (501, 502). All the components are enclosed in the casing (505). The measuring device (500) also has a sliding arm (510) which can change the distance between the sensing pins (501, 502), so as to be able to take measurement from sensing element (201) of various sizes. Further the sensing pins (501, 502) has a protective cover to prevent any injury to user. Overall, the measuring device (500) is small, easy to use, portable and can easily fit into user’s pocket.
The microcontroller of the measuring device (500) has a pre-fed information regarding various threshold for safe zone, warning zone and danger zone. The microcontroller matches this information against the calculated resistance of sensing element to determine the state of the clothing. An LED indicator (530) is the switched on according to this comparison to indicate the state of clothing to the user.
The measurement device has a display screen which can display more detailed information to the used instead of just an LED color indication. Such an information includes the estimated number of washes, the undesirable element which has caused the deterioration of clothing, expected lifetime of the clothing, Expected flame protection performance of the clothing etc. This is done using algorithm based on the controlled test data, which is stored in the measurement device. Further the measuring device has is capable to store the measurement data, along with the timestamps, identification number of the clothing being measured.
The user application also helps is storing the historical data of all the measurements. The application can scan a barcode on the clothing or an identification number can be entered in the interface. This is information is then passed on to the measuring device (500) for identification purpose of measurements.
The performance of the disclosed invention for detection of non-compliance to wash and care of clothing was measured using a test plan. Here four (4) set of clothing made from different flame-retardant fabric designated as A, B, C & D. The composition and weight of the fabric are shown in the table
Fabric Designation Composition Fabric Weight (gsm)
A Cotton treated with FR finish 260
B Cotton & Modacrylic fiber blend 250
C M-aramid fiber 150
D Viscose FR & m-aramid 180

All the 4 set of clothing were fitted with the electrically active sensor as disclosed previously. These clothing were washed in a domestic laundry as per ISO 6330 in a horizontal axis front load type washing machine at 60 ? with a cycle time of 40 minutes, followed by tumble drying for 45 minutes. One set of 4 clothing were washed using 20 grams of standard commercially available detergent (Surf Excel). This set is termed as control set. The second set of 4 clothing were washed using 10 grams of standard commercially available detergent (Surf Excel) and 10 grams of oxy bleach agent (vanish oxy action), this set is termed as exposed set. Here excessive use of oxy bleach agent is the abuse on the clothing.
After each wash and dry cycle, samples were conditioned for 12 hours at 27 ? and 50% humidity. This was followed by measurement of sensor. The test was conducted for 40 wash cycles. The clothing was also inspected for their color fading performance as per ISO 105 C06 after every 5-wash cycle.
Figure 5 shows the trendline of the measurement made on the control set of clothing. The X axis represents number of wash and the Y axis represents the resistance value of the sensor. All the 4 clothing show a linear trend viz. increase in sensor resistance as the washing progresses. With initial sensor reading ranging from 20 to 30 and the post 40 wash sensor reading ranging from 50 to 80. This indicates that in a controlled wash care condition, the sensor have a slow and gradual degradation. Thus, for a specific fabric a linear equation of degradation can be developed with a direct correlation to number of washed. This equation will help in determining the number of cycles a clothing is washed as per recommended wash care.
Figure 6 shows the trendline of the measurement made on the exposed set of clothing. The X axis represents number of wash and the Y axis represents the resistance value of the sensor. All the 4 clothing show an exponential trend viz. significant increase in sensor resistance as the washing progresses. With initial sensor reading ranging from 20 to 30 and the post 40 wash sensor reading ranging from 250 to 3000. This indicates that in an exposed wash care condition, or due to washing abuse, the sensor have a rapid degradation. Off course the rate of sensor degradation depends on the exposure agent and its intensity.
But both the Figure 5 and 6 clearly shows the distinction of an abuse happening during wash care of the clothing. Once the clothing is abused and the recommended was care is not followed, one cannot say that the protection performance level claimed by the clothing are still intact.
The color fastness grading to washing is shown in the table below. It is clear from the table that the expose clothing set have a significant color fading compared to the control set clothing (higher rating number lesser fading and vice versa). This is clearly reflected in the visual appearance of the clothing, where the clothing on the exposure set looks very worn out and in one of the cases also changed the color tone from blue to reddish blue. Similarly, the reflective tapes used on the clothing are also affected and degrades in their reflective performance.
Fabric Designation Color Fading Rating – Control Set (40 Washes) Color Fading Rating – Exposed Set (40 Washes)
A 4 2
B 3 2
C 4 3
D 4 3 ,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. A system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing comprising of:
a) Sensor assembly (100) comprising of one or more Sensing element (201) connected with metallic connectors (202-205) wherein the sensing element (201) embedded in clothing and locked from all the sided using stitched seams (103);
Characterised by said sensing assembly (100) ensure that the sensing element (201) is exposed to the thermal, chemical and optical agents via the porous clothing layer (101, 102) on which sensing element (201) is stitched;
Characterised by said sensing element (201) made from coated sewing thread which is electrically conductive by coating of metallic particle or chemicals; and
b) Measurement unit (500) for detection of electrical resistance of the sensing element (201);
Characterised by said measuring device (500) comprising of a microcontroller, power supply, power button (520), LED indicator (530), display and metallic conductive sensing pins (501, 502); all components enclosed in the casing (505);
Characterised by said measuring device (500) has a sliding arm (510) which can change the distance between the sensing pins (501, 502) and has a protective cover to prevent any injury to user;

Wherein said metallic deposits deteriorate on exposure to undesirable agents which reduces the electrical conductivity and increase in resistance of the sensing element (201) or change in colour of the sensing element (201) in case of chemical coating, helps in detection of non-compliant wash and care.

2. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said thread is nylon and deposited with metallic silver having linear density of 50 denier to 500 denier and electrical resistance is 0 to 500 ohm/m.
3. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the length of said sensing element (201) is 1 to 20 cm.
4. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing element (201) is electrically conductive, oxidation responsive and UV responsive to determine the overall non-compliance to wash care of clothing.
5. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said sensing element (201) is a coated with chemical compound directly onto the clothing or on a film which is then attached to the clothing.
6. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said undesirable agents are selected from bleach, high temperature, high alkalinity, high acidity, UV light or combination thereof.
7. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller of the measuring device (500) has information regarding various threshold for safe zone, warning zone and danger zone.
8. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller matches this information against the calculated resistance of sensing element (201) to determine the state of the clothing.
9. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said LED indicator (530) is the switched on according to data from microcontroller and indicate the state of clothing to the user.
10. The system for detection of non-compliance to wash care in flame retardant clothing as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display screen of measurement device (500) to display information by using algorithm such as estimated number of washes, the undesirable element which has caused the deterioration of clothing, expected lifetime of the clothing, expected flame protection performance of the clothing.

Dated 18th Oct, 2024

Chothani Pritibahen Bipinbhai
Reg. No.: IN/PA-3148
For and on behalf of the applicant