Supporting Garments With Adjustable Bands for Changing Body Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bra sizing systems are complex, inconsistent across countries and manufacturers, and fail to account for material stretch, leading to poor fit over time.
Innovation Solution
Innovative designs for strapless and backless bras with adjustable straps and bands, along with new sizing systems that utilize internal and external attachment points for improved fit and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bra sizing systems are used, then manufacturing and design are simplified, but fit accuracy and adaptability deteriorate due to complexity and inconsistency across countries and manufacturers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of bra sizing from traditional band length and cup size to a modular system based on band size categories (small, medium, large) and adjustable strap/band lengths. This parameter transformation simplifies the sizing system while improving fit accuracy by accounting for material stretch and individual body variations through multiple adjustment points.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a universal sizing system that works across different countries and manufacturers by establishing standardized adjustment mechanisms (multiple hook positions, adjustable straps, elastic band options) that can accommodate various body types and material properties. This multi-functional approach allows a single bra design to serve multiple size requirements without requiring complex size-specific patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-length straps and bands are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability deteriorates because they cannot accommodate body changes or material stretch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the originally fixed-length straps and bands into multiple adjustable sections with discrete adjustment points (multiple hook positions, strap lengtheners, elastic inserts). This segmentation allows incremental length adjustments while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling the garment to adapt to body changes and material stretch without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms static, fixed-length components into dynamic, adjustable components that can change length and position. Multiple hook positions, adjustable straps, and elastic band options create a dynamic system that responds to material stretch over time and accommodates fluctuations in body measurements, maintaining optimal fit throughout the garment's lifecycle.
3Reliability
If traditional sizing without material stretch consideration is used, then initial fit may be adequate, but reliability deteriorates over time as materials stretch and fit becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary compensation for material stretch by providing multiple adjustment positions that anticipate future elongation. The extra hooks, adjustable straps, and elastic components are pre-positioned to allow users to progressively tighten the garment as materials naturally stretch with wear, maintaining reliable fit over time without requiring replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable mechanism creates a feedback system where users can sense fit degradation due to material stretch and respond by adjusting the straps and hooks to restore proper tension. This continuous feedback loop maintains reliable fit by allowing real-time compensation for material degradation, transforming a static garment into an adaptive system.
4Measurement precision
If multiple adjustable components are added, then fit accuracy and adaptability improve, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complexity of adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating adjustment functionality in specific, easily accessible locations (back hooks, side straps, underband adjustments) rather than distributing complexity throughout the entire garment. Each local adjustment point is designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing users to make precise fit modifications without needing to understand or manipulate the entire adjustment system.
Data Source
AI summary
New body supporting and enhancing garment techniques are provided. In some embodiments, new types of bras and other garments are provided, along with new sizing systems for fitting them to person's bodies. For example, a new form of bra having a reversible front fastener and a plurality of back bands provided in an under/over configuration, directly abutting one another, and having no gap, or substantially no gap between them. In other embodiments, shoulder straps are provided with location-variable, reversible attachment ends, having reversible fasteners, which engage with the back of a main body of the bra at a plurality of possible attachment positions.