Brassiere Hook Closure With Non-Uniform Eye Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional brassiere closures lack flexibility in accommodating varying ribcage sizes, limiting their adjustability and fit for different wearers, as they typically offer only incremental adjustments within a specific band size range.

Innovation Solution

The brassiere design features a closure system with hooks on an inner face and eyes on an outer face, arranged in columns with varying lateral spacings, allowing for adjustable band sizes by engaging hooks with eyes, providing a greater range of fit options by differing spacings between columns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional hook and eye closures use uniform spacing between columns, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different ribcage sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different ribcage sizesVSAvoidclosure structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by varying the lateral spacing between columns of eyes in different regions of the closure. Specifically, the spacing between first and second columns differs from the spacing between second and third columns, creating non-uniform intervals that provide different adjustment increments for different ribcage sizes. This allows the same closure structure to accommodate a broader range of body types without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple brassiere products are produced for different ribcage sizes, then fit accuracy is improved, but product variety and inventory complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit accuracyVSAvoidproduct range
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements universality by designing a single brassiere closure that can serve multiple functions - accommodating different ribcage sizes and fit preferences. The non-uniform spacing between columns of eyes allows wearers to select different engagement points depending on their needs, making one product design suitable for multiple body types and reducing the need for multiple specialized products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If uniform column spacing is used in closure, then manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but adjustability range is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability rangeVSAvoidspacing consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the spacing parameter between columns of eyes. Instead of maintaining a constant uniform spacing, the design varies the lateral distance between first-second columns and second-third columns. This creates different adjustment increments that expand the overall adjustability range while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3987966B1Hook and eye closure with alternative spacing
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 MAST IND FAR EAST
  • EP3987966B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3987966B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3987966B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A closure portion for a brassiere (10) includes an inner face configured to contact a wearer's skin while the bra is worn. An outer face faces away from the wearer's skin while the brassiere is worn. A first end is attached to a wing (16b) of the brassiere (10). A free second end (34) is opposite the first end. The eyes (26) on the outer face of the closure portion (18b) are arranged in a first column of eyes (26a) next to a second column of eyes (26b) and a third column of eyes (26c) next to the second column of eyes (26b). A first lateral spacing (LI) is provided between the first and second columns of eyes (26a,b), which first lateral spacing (LI) is different from a second lateral spacing (L2) between the second and third columns of eyes (26b,c). A brassiere (10) with such a closure portion is also provided according to the present disclosure.