US Patent 8709185 Functional textile structures

The invention provides a functional laminate composite fabric which is robust, laundry-durable and adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body, and a method for forming such fabric. The functional laminate fabric is provided with at least one functional element which can conduct electricity, conduct light, provide electromagnetic fields or provide shielding from electromagnetic fields. The functional laminate may include vias through which the functional element may be exposed. Generally, the functional laminate fabric is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments and for applications in so-called wearable electronics.