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Static-free Clothes

Removes the annoying ZAP!
 
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I used to get static discharges on a regular basis, particularly when getting into a car, or into a dry shower. I'd reach out to the tap/ car door, etc... and ZAP!!!

After much pain and some thought, I began to carry a penny with me before I got into the shower. Basically I'd touch the penny to the tap, thereby painlessly releasing all that pent-up charge. I figured: why not use the same principle in clothes?

There are some woven materials with fine wires worked into the weave. These could be used to fashion gloves, which would harmlessly dissipate any static buildup without causing discomfort. Basically, the wires in the weave would have to be in contact with the body, and some form of coverage of the extremities (hands, feet) would be necessary to make this work.

Combined with 'discharge' plates, say on the floor of the garage, or just before 'discharge zones' such as a door, or outside the shower cubicle, and we'd have a static (pain) free zone!

Of course this is assuming the charge is being DIScharged from me (i.e. I'm at a higher potential) than the grounded object, AND that the intention is NOT to build up charge... (evil laughter...).

lcllam2, Jul 19 2004

ESD clothing http://www.vidaro.com/prod0112.htm
[skinflaps, Oct 04 2004]

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       The idea of anti-static clothing is very baked in the electronics industry. Its mandatory for working with computer chips in most cases. See [skinflaps]'s link.
evilmathgenius, Jul 20 2004
  

       you have my sympathy. shopping trolleys can reduce me to tears occasionally. wash your clothing using conditioner can help.
po, Jul 20 2004
  

       [EMG] Hm... true. In the case of ESD clothing in the link, does the charge actually get dissipated, or prevented from building up in the first case?   

       I'm under the impression that they do the latter, as the former probably would need some form of grounding. You would therefore need, a whole set of these, as though your shirt may be ESD free, the corduroy pants would still build up a charge, and you're still get zapped unless you touch your elbow to the doorknob first.   

       This is for when you have a charge, and want to get rid of it painlessly.
lcllam2, Jul 21 2004
  

       [lcllam2]-Yes, the clothing in the link just prevents charge buildup in the first place.
We also have, however, bracelets designed to dissipate charge. Its a little metal bracelet with a wire that you can plug into a ground. This would solve your problem. Another thing that I've seen is strips of metal taped onto shoes, which seems pretty similar to your idea. I've never seen the metal built in, though.
evilmathgenius, Jul 21 2004
  

       You could just wear a full suit of chainmail, and as a side-effect, you'd burn calories and tone your muscles from carrying all that extra weight around.
Freefall, Jul 21 2004
  

       [evillaugh]GWEE HEEE HEEE HEEEE...[/evillaugh] chainmail would probably be better if I'm walking around with a tesla coil on my back and well rubberized shoes. That would be the ultimate ZAP-caster. Shake anyone?
lcllam2, Jul 21 2004
  

       [lcllam2 ] I am not quite with it here. Is your problem that you dont know what to do with the penny when you get into the shower. If so I have a suggestion but you will have to msn me if you want me to tell you
tasman, Jul 21 2004
  

       Oh nonono... it was merely an attempt to do away with static ZAP during day to day activities - shopping, showering, chasing cats.... I'm under the impression that it tends to strike unexpectedly... I figured that by building it into into clothes, it'd be unobtrusive enough to be workable.   

       Heh... lets kill this one before it gets out of hand... the penny's in the soap dish.
lcllam2, Jul 25 2004
  


 

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