Background Art As modern society is industrialized and highly developed, environmental pollutions including air pollution, water pollution, etc. increase and thereby, various diseases break out. Therefore, modern people are concerned more about their health than before and demand products grown by organic agriculture or health supplementary foods. In addition, various products beneficial to health are highlighted. Recently, following such trends of consumers, many health products such as clothes, shoes, etc. are made to exhibit disinfectant and antibacterial function.

As materials used in these health products, natural materials, for example charcoal, yellow soil, jade and mugwort are widely used. Recently, health products containing silver (Ag) are produced. From ancient times, Silver (Ag) is known as a stable metal that does not change even when several decades have passed. Its metallic characteristics are such that it is hardly ionized but rather easily reduced, that is, it does not readily lose an electron, and it is a highly stable metal that tends to exist in its natural state. Meanwhile, silver ion (Ag+) released from silver has such superior disinfectant and antibacterial effects that it can disrupt respiration and propagation of bacteria.

Currently, antibacterial fiber using silver has been developed and widely used. Such fiber is typically prepared by absorbing or spray-absorbing atomized silver onto fibers using their electrical polarity.

When applying charcoal and jade to clothes for disinfectant and antibacterial effects, generally charcoal and jade are atomized and sealed in a cloth, which is then fixed to the clothes, or atomized and then directly attached to the clothes. However, according to these methods, the increase in volume gives a poor

appearance and causes inconvenience in use. In terms of preparation process, they require complex processes and large process cycle times.

Also, the powders of charcoal and jade tend to escape while a user wears the clothes or during washing of the clothes. Therefore, there occurs a problem regarding durability. Further, since the powders having disinfectant and antibacterial effects are not evenly distributed, their functions are not uniformly exerted.

In addition, silver has an electromagnetic wave shielding effect.

Nevertheless, there are no conventional cloth structures using silver which can effectively shield the electromagnetic waves emitted from electric and electronic appliances and communication equipments.

Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cloth structure which is capable of conveniently and rapidly being formed into products having disinfectant and antibacterial functions, thereby increasing productivity, provide an improved durability and fine appearance and make the disinfectant and antibacterial functions be exhibited evenly and stably.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cloth structure which is capable of intercepting electromagnetic waves.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cloth structure containing silver, comprising a silver coat textile layer comprising a textile, a first silver coat layer coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the upper surface of the textile and a second silver coat layer coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the lower surface of the textile, and a first adhesion layer formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over a surface of the first silver coat layer of the silver coat textile layer.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the first adhesion layer is provided with pleats at a predetermined interval.

Preferably, the cloth structure according to the present invention is characterized in that the silver coat textile layer is provided with a plurality of first perforations for ventilation; pleats are arranged over the first adhesion layer to define cavities corresponding to the first perforations between the silver coat textile

layer and the first adhesion layer; and the first adhesion layer is provided with a plurality of second perforations communicated with the first perforations.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the cloth structure is characterized in that a second adhesion layer is overlaid with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over the second silver coat layer of the silver coat textile layer.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the cloth structure is characterized in that the second adhesion layer is stitched with a coated thread at a predetermined interval so that pleats are provided at a predetermined interval to form air spaces between the second adhesion layer and the second silver coat layer.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the cloth structure is characterized in that the air spaces are filled with a material capable of absorbing liquid to form an absorptive layer.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the cloth structure is characterized in that the pleats of the second adhesion layer are provided with a plurality of perforations at a predetermined interval so that air in the air space can be ventilated to the outside to improve the disinfectant and antibacterial functions of the first silver coat layer. Preferably, the second adhesion layer is made of a textile having excellent elasticity and restitutive force.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, it is characterized in that the first adhesion layer and/or the second adhesion layer can be made of a single material selected from paper material, textile, synthetic resin, soft plastics or leather, or a combination thereof.

According to the present invention, disinfectant and antibacterial functions of silver ions can be effectively exerted, and coating of silver over a textile can prevent silver from being lost during washing, thereby improving durability. Also, since silver is evenly distributed, its functions can be performed stably and due to reduction of the thickness and volume, the cloth can be readily applied to clothes and have a good appearance. Further, the production processes of the cloth are simplified and the process cycle times are reduced, thereby increasing productivity.

Therefore, the cloth structure can effectively intercept the electromagnetic waves emitted from electric and electronic appliances and communication devices, thereby providing stability and reliability for the user thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 7 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the first embodiments of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 1, the cloth structure according to the first embodiments of the present invention comprises a silver coat textile layer (10) comprising a textile (12), a first silver coat layer (14) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the upper surface of the textile (12) and a second silver coat layer (16) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the lower surface of the textile (12), and a first adhesion layer (20) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over a surface of the silver coat textile layer (10).

The silver coat textile layer (10) is formed by charging an electrolytic bath having metallic anode dipped therein with an electrolyte containing silver ions and continuously passing a textile through the electrolyte. Here, by making direct current flow through the metallic anode a constant voltage is maintained across the textile. The silver ions from the anode move and are electrodeposited to upper and lower surfaces of the textile. However, the coating process of the silver coat textile is not limited to the above-described method but can be carried out using various equipments according to various methods.

Then, the first adhesion layer (20) is formed over the silver coat textile (10).

The bonding of the first adhesion layer (20) to the silver coat textile (10) is carried out by means of an adhesive, by a thermal pressing process including applying heat to the first adhesion layer (20) and attaching the first adhesion layer (20) to the silver coat textile (10) using a pressing means such as a roller, or by stitching with a coupling thread.

Meanwhile, in the cloth structure according to the first embodiment, the first adhesion layer (20) can be made of soft plastics, rubber or foamed polyurethane, which can be formed into a structure of a shoe or a shoe sole, or cut into a shoe sole to be applied to a shoe cushion, as shown in Fig. 1. In these cases, since the first and second silver coat layers (14,16) perform disinfectant and antibacterial functions, hygiene of feet is improved and development of odor is prevented, whereby feet can be kept in good health.

Also, in the cloth structure of the first embodiment, the first adhesion layer (20) can be made of fabrics for underclothes (cotton, etc.), which are of benefit to human bodies.

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the second embodiments of the present invention, wherein common reference symbols are used for the same portions shown in Fig. 1.

As shown in Fig. 2, the cloth structure according to the second embodiments of the present invention comprises a silver coat textile layer (10) comprising a textile (12), a first silver coat layer (14) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the upper surface of the textile (12) and a second silver coat layer (16) coated with silver ion (Ag) to a predetermined thickness on the lower surface of the textile (12), and a first adhesion layer (20) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over a surface of the silver coat textile layer (l0) and provided with pleats (22) at a predetermined interval.

By this constitution, air spaces are formed between the silver coat textile layer (10) and the pleats (22) of the first adhesion layer (22) and provide thermostat function and cushioning function.

When applying the cloth structure according to the second embodiment to clothes, thermostat function of the clothes is improved and the weak cushioning function provides snug and comfortable feeling to a wearer of the clothes. Also, when the cloth structure with the first adhesion layer (20) of leather is used in production of gloves, the thermostat effect is doubled by the air spaces formed between the silver coat textile layer (10) and the pleats (22), as well as the disinfectant effect being improved.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the third embodiment of the present invention, wherein common reference symbols are used for the same portions shown in Fig. 2.

As shown in Fig. 3, the cloth structure according to the second embodiments of the present invention comprises a silver coat textile layer (10) comprising a textile (12), a first silver coat layer (14) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the upper surface of the textile (12) and a second silver coat layer (16) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the lower surface of the textile (12), and a first adhesion layer (20) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over a surface of the silver coat textile layer (10) and provided with pleats (22) at a predetermined interval, in which the silver coat textile layer (l0) is provided with a plurality of first perforations (18) for ventilation; the pleats (22) are arranged over the first adhesion layer (20) to define cavities corresponding to the first perforations (18) between the silver coat textile layer (10) and the first adhesion layer (20); and the first adhesion layer (20) is provided with a plurality of second perforations (26) communicated with the first pelforations (18).

The inner diameters and numbers of the first and the second perforations (16, 18) are varied according to the products to be formed using the cloth. Of course, the numbers and radius of curvature of the pleats (22) are varied diversely.

Meanwhile, the cloth having the structure according to the third embodiment can be cut along a line (28) as shown in Fig. 3 and is attached to a skin contact part (center part) of a bandage to be used as a disinfectant and antibacterial bandage.

In the bandage constructed as above, agents for treatment are applied under the pleats (22) and the cloth structure is attached to a body (29) of the bandage so that the first perforations (l8) accords with perforations formed on the body (29) of the bandage. By this, ventilation through the first and second perforations (18, 26) is achieved, the disinfectant and antibacterial effects are provided by the silver ions of the first and second silver coat layers, and moreover, the contact between the agents and the wound by the pleats is improved, thereby maximizing the treatment effect.

Particularly, when the bandage constructed as above is attached onto joint parts of the body such as knee and elbow, since the pleats (22) formed over the first adhesion layer (20) are folded or unfolded (contract or expand) upon movements of the joint parts, the bandage can easily separated and firmly attached to the joint parts. Here, if a part of the bandage where the cloth structure with the pleats (22) is attached is also provided with pleats (28a) the contraction and expansion of the bandage can be achieved more smoothly.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein common reference symbols are used for the same portions shown in Fig. 1.

As shown in Fig. 4, the cloth structure according to the fourth embodiments of the present invention comprises a silver coat textile layer (10) comprising a textile (12), a first silver coat layer (14) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the upper surface of the textile (12) and a second silver coat layer (16) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the lower surface of the textile (12), a first adhesion layer (20) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over the first silver coat layer (16) of the silver coat textile layer (10) and a second adhesion layer (30) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over the second silver coat layer (14) of the silver coat textile layer (l0).

The second adhesion layer (30) is formed over the silver coat textile (10) by means of an adhesive, by a thermal pressing process including applying heat to the first adhesion layer (20) and attaching the first adhesion layer (20) to the silver coat textile (l0) using a pressing means such as a roller, or by stitching with a coupling thread as in bonding of the first adhesion layer (20) in the first embodiment.

Meanwhile, in the cloth structure according to the fourth embodiment, the first adhesion layer (20) can be made of soft plastics, rubber or foamed polyurethane and the second adhesion layer (30) can be made of fabrics capable of readily

absorbing perspiration such as cotton, etc. Such cloth structure can be formed into a structure of a shoe or a shoe sole, or cut into a shoe sole to be applied to a shoe bottom. In this case, since the first and second silver coat layers (14, 16) perform disinfectant and antibacterial functions, hygiene of feet is improved and development of odor is prevented, whereby feet can be kept in good health.

Fig. 5 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, wherein common reference symbols are used for the same portions shown in Fig. 4.

As shown in Fig. 5, the cloth structure according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises a silver coat textile layer (10) comprising a textile (12), a first silver coat layer (14) coated with silver ion (Ag) to a predetermined thickness on the upper surface of the textile (12) and a second silver coat layer (16) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the lower surface of the textile (12), a first adhesion layer (20) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over one surface of the silver coat textile layer (l0), and a second adhesion layer (30) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over the other surface of the silver coat textile layer (l0), in which the second adhesion layer (30) is stitched with a coated thread (34) at a predetermined interval so that pleats (32) are provided at a predetermined interval to form air spaces (36) between the second adhesion layer (30) and the second silver coat layer.

In the cloth structure as above, when the second adhesion layer (30) is made of fabrics for underclothes (cotton, etc.), thermostat function by the air spaces (36) and cushioning function by the pleats (32) provide snug and comfort feeling to a wearer of the clothes.

Also, the cloth structure as shown in Fig. 5 is stitched with the coated thread (34) piercing upward and downward through the cloth structure. The harmful waves such as electromagnetic waves which are interceped by the first silver coat layer (14) and the second silver coat layer (16) are emitted through the medium of the coated thread (34). That is, the coated thread (34) functions as a ground wire for emitting the electromagnetic as well as enhancing disinfectant and antibacterial effects.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, wherein common reference symbols are used for the same portions shown in Fig. 5.

As shown in Fig. 6, the cloth structure according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention comprises a silver coat textile layer (10) comprising a textile (12), a first silver coat layer (14) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the upper surface of the textile (12) and a second silver coat layer (16) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the lower surface of the textile (12), a first adhesion layer (20) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over one surface of the silver coat textile layer (l0), and a second adhesion layer (30) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over the other surface of the silver coat textile layer (l0), in which the second adhesion layer (30) is stitched with a coated thread (34) at a predetermined interval so that pleats (32) are provided at a predetermined interval to form air spaces (36) between the second adhesion layer (30) and the second silver coat layer; and the air spaces (36) are filled with a material capable of absorbing liquid to form a absorption layer (38).

The absorption layer may be formed with a material capable of absorbing liquid such as absorbent paper or paper wool.

When applying the cloth structure as above to a basic material in diapers for infants or sanitary napkins for women, due to electromagnetic wave shielding effects and disenfectant and antibacterial effects by the first and second silver coat layers (14, 16) containing the coated thread (34) clothes, hygiene of feet is improved and beneficial effect to the bodies are provided while the material eliminated from the body is readily absorbed.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view having cross-sections of a cloth structure according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, wherein common reference symbols are used for the same portions shown in Fig. 5.

As shown in Fig. 7, the cloth structure according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention comprises a silver coat textile layer (l0) comprising a textile (12), a first silver coat layer (14) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the upper surface of the textile (12) and a second silver coat layer (16) coated with silver ion (Ag+) to a predetermined thickness on the lower surface of the textile (12), a first adhesion layer (20) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over one surface of the silver coat textile layer (10), and a second adhesion layer (30) formed with a desired material to a predetermined thickness over the other surface of the silver coat textile layer (10), in which the second adhesion layer (30) is stitched with a coated thread (34) at a predetermined

interval so that pleats (32) are provided at a predetermined interval to form air spaces (36) between the second adhesion layer (30) and the second silver coat layer; and the pleats (32) of the second adhesion layer (30) are provided with a plurality of perforations (39) at a predetermined interval so that air in the air space (36) can be ventilated to the outside to improve the disinfectant and antibacterial functions of the first silver coat layer (14).

Preferably, the perforations (39) are arranged at ridges of the pleats (32) between the stitching lines so that when the pleats (32) contract the air can be respired through the perforations (39), and when the pleats (32) are restored the air can flow in through the perforations (39).

When applying the cloth structure with the second adhesion layer (30) of cotton to underclothes such as bra, etc., the cushioning function along with the thermostat function by the air spaces (36) are provided. Also, when the air spaces (36) are compressed by the pressure generated upon contact with the skin of the wearer, air in the air spaces (36) is respired through the perforations (39). Thus, the disinfected air treated by the first and second silver coat layer (14, 16) directly contacts with the skin, thereby increasing sanitation.

Also, in the cloth structure, the second adhesion layer (30) ca be made of soft plastics, rubber or foamed polyurethane. When applying such cloth structure to a shoe sole, the cushioning function along with the thermostat function by the air spaces (36) are provided. Further, when the ridges of the pleats (32) are pressed by the pressure generated upon contact with the soles of the feet, air in the air spaces (36) is respired through the perforations (39). Thus, the disinfected air treated by the first and second silver coat layer (14,16) is supplied into the inner space of the shoe, thereby increasing sanitation.

In the cloth structure described in the first to seventh embodiments according to the present invention, the first adhesion layer (20) and/or the second adhesion layer (30) can be made of a single material selected from paper material, textile (cotton, wool, silk, etc.), synthetic resin, soft plastics or leather, or a combination thereof Industrial Applicability Upon application of the cloth structure according to the present invention to clothes, etc., disinfectant and antibacterial functions by silver ions can be effectively

attained and since silver is coated over a textile in a state where it is not atomized to be applied to the clothes, loss of silver can be prevented even during washing, thereby improving durability. Also, since silver is evenly distributed over the textile, its functions can be performed stably and uniformly.

Further, due to coating of silver over the textile, the thickness and volume of the cloth structure are reduced and the cloth can be readily applied to clothes and provide a good appearance.

In addition, according to the present invention, the production processes of the cloth are simplified and the process cycle times are reduced, thereby increasing productivity. Therefore, the cloth structure can be applied to effectively shield the electromagnetic waves emitted from electric and electronic appliances and communication equipments, thereby providing stability and reliability for the user thereof.