Athletic Cap Shade Flap Structure for Sun Coverage and Towel Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic cap systems do not function as both a cap and a towel, failing to provide comfortable, attractive, convenient, and economical coverage for the forehead, back of the neck, and sides of the face while offering sun protection.
Innovation Solution
An athletic cap system with a shade flap and headband configuration, featuring a generally rectangular shade flap with a circular opening and overcast stitching, allowing it to expand and contract for securement, and also serving as a towel, made from 100% polyester fabric with spandex for elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If an athletic cap system is designed to cover portions of the head including forehead, back of neck and sides of face, then sun protection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The athletic cap system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides sun protection coverage for the head, forehead, back of neck and sides of face, while also functioning as a towel for drying purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system while maintaining comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cap structure with towel functionality by integrating absorbent material into the cap body. The shade flap and headband are merged with towel portions that can be used to dry the face and body, creating a unified device that eliminates the need for separate cap and towel items.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the athletic cap system is made from 100% polyester fabric with spandex for elasticity, then comfort and adaptability are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in material parameters by incorporating spandex into the polyester fabric to provide elasticity. This allows the cap to stretch and conform to different head sizes and shapes, improving adaptability and comfort while maintaining manageable manufacturing requirements through the use of elastic properties.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cap system is designed to function both as a cap and as a towel, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The athletic cap system is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides sun protection coverage for the head, forehead, back of neck and sides of face, while also functioning as a towel for drying purposes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices and simplifies the overall system while maintaining comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cap structure with towel functionality by integrating absorbent material into the cap body. The shade flap and headband are merged with towel portions that can be used to dry the face and body, creating a unified device that eliminates the need for separate cap and towel items.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cap system effectively protects the head, neck, and face from sun exposure while functioning as a towel, offering comfort, attractiveness, convenience, and economical manufacturing, making it durable and affordable.
Implementation Method 1
made from 100% polyester fabric with spandex for elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
A generally rectangular shade flap has a lower edge, an upper edge, a left side edge, and a right side edge. A generally circular opening extends through the shade flap and is spaced from the upper edge by a front distance thereby creating a forward section. A generally cylindrical headband has an upper end and a lower end separated by a height. The lower end of the headband is coupled to the shade flap adjacent to the circular opening.