U-Shaped Collar Shaping Device for Shirt Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Men's dress shirts, especially when worn without a tie, often have collars that lie flat or spread outward, resulting in an undesirable appearance, and existing solutions like ironing with starch or adhesive collar stays provide limited control and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A collar shaping device with a U-shaped body made of malleable material, such as spring steel wire, that is positioned under the collar to maintain its shape, featuring adjustable legs to support the collar and prevent sagging, allowing for comfortable wear and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If adhesive collar stays are used to attach the collar to the shirt body, then the collar shape is improved, but the comfort and ease of operation deteriorates due to adhesive residue and difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the adhesive component from the collar stay design, extracting the problematic element that caused residue and discomfort. The collar stay becomes a separate mechanical element that can be easily inserted and removed without leaving residue on the fabric.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pocket as an intermediary element between the collar stay and the shirt body. The pocket provides a dedicated space for the collar stay to be inserted and secured, eliminating the need for adhesive while ensuring proper positioning and shape maintenance.
2Shape
If magnetic collar stays are used to hold the collar in position, then the collar shape is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates due to limited adjustment options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the collar stay dynamic by allowing it to be inserted and removed at will, and by providing adjustable length. The collar stay can be positioned at different depths in the pocket and can be extended or reduced in length to accommodate different collar sizes and styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the collar stay, specifically its length, which can be adjusted to fit different collar dimensions. This allows the same device to adapt to various shirt styles and collar sizes, greatly enhancing versatility.
3Shape
If ironing with starch is used to make the collar look crisp, then the collar appearance is improved, but the loss of time and productivity worsens due to the time required for ironing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the collar shaping action in advance during the manufacturing process, creating a pre-formed collar stay that maintains the desired collar shape. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming ironing and starching before wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar stay automatically maintains the collar shape through its mechanical structure and interaction with the pocket, requiring no additional time or effort from the user. The system serves itself by maintaining the crisp appearance passively throughout the day.
4Shape
If a rigid collar stay structure is used to maintain collar shape, then the collar shape control is improved, but the comfort deteriorates due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible pocket structure that can accommodate the collar stay while allowing natural movement and flexibility. The pocket is made of soft, pliable material that conforms to the collar and shirt body, providing comfort while maintaining shape control.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar stay design allows for dynamic adjustment and movement within the pocket, enabling the collar to adapt to natural head and neck movements. The flexible insertion and removal capability also enhances user comfort and convenience.
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 device effectively keeps the collar peaks upright and the points drawn in, providing a professional appearance all day without the need for frequent ironing, while being comfortable and adjustable to fit various shirt styles.
Implementation Method 1
The U-shaped body may be an American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 302/304 stainless steel wire
Data Source
AI summary
A collar shaping device having a U-shaped body adapted to be positioned under the collar of a shirt. The U-shaped body defines a central portion and first and second legs extending therefrom and undulates in a vertical direction. The central portion defines an upper rear contact region that engages the underside of the collar at the midpoint of the central portion. The first and second legs each have a proximate region connected with the central portion and a freely extending distal region. The proximate regions of the first and second legs defines a lower contact region that engages the upper shoulder area of shirt body while the distal regions of the first and second legs defines an upper forward contact region that engages the underside of the collar proximate the forward ends of the collar. Shirt assemblies and methods employing such devices are also disclosed.