Bra Hook-and-Loop Closure with Flexible Underwire-Free Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bra closure systems are difficult to clasp, especially in the dark, leading to uncomfortable rubbing and rapid wear due to concentrated tensile stresses, and underwire structures restrict breast movement and cause discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A bra with a closure system featuring enlarged loops and hooks, supported by a flexible layer for ease of use and stress distribution, and a moldable contour shaper to replace underwires for improved comfort and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional small fastening components are used in bra closures, then the closure system is compact, but the closure becomes difficult to clasp and wears out quickly due to concentrated tensile stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the fastening components by enlarging the hooks and loops from conventional small sizes to significantly larger dimensions. This parameter change allows the closure to be easily grasped and manipulated while distributing tensile stresses across larger surface areas, preventing concentrated stress points that lead to wear and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional zones: enlarged hooks on one panel, enlarged loops on the opposing panel, and a flexible supporting layer underneath. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - hooks for easy grasping, loops for secure engagement, and the flexible layer for stress distribution - resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and durability.
2Reliability
If additional fastening components are included to distribute stress, then closure durability improves, but the closure system becomes even more difficult to clasp
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the enlarged hook and loop structures themselves. Rather than adding separate stress-distributing components, the hooks and loops are designed with inherent stress-distributing geometries and are attached to a flexible supporting layer that integrates structural support with fastening function. This merging avoids increasing complexity while maintaining both durability and ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If underwire structures are used to shape and stabilize breast tissue, then breast shape consistency is improved, but movement is restricted and discomfort occurs from rubbing and poking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid underwire structures with a flexible supporting layer made of elastomeric or foam material. This flexible film-like structure provides the necessary support and shape stability through its elastic properties and cushioning characteristics, while eliminating the rigid edges that cause rubbing and poking discomfort. The flexible material conforms to body contours and moves with the wearer.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible supporting layer is constructed as a composite structure combining elastomeric materials with foam layers. This composite material provides both the structural integrity needed for shape stability and the cushioning properties that eliminate discomfort. The multi-layer composite achieves functions previously requiring rigid underwires while maintaining comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
A bra including a closure system, the closure system including a first layered fabric body, a second layered fabric body, a loop assembly secured to the first layered fabric body, and a hook assembly secured to the second layered fabric body. The hook assembly is configured to interface with the loop assembly to secure the first layered fabric body to the second layered fabric body, and the first layered fabric body includes a flexible supporting layer, where the flexible supporting layer is configured to provide rigidity to the second layered fabric body such that the second layered fabric body maintains a flat configuration when it is secured to the first layered fabric body.