Semi-Rigid Collar Stiffener with Shoulder Projections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shirt collars often lose their structural stabilization due to wetness, wrinkling, or wear, resulting in an undesirable misshapen appearance, with current solutions being inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid circular element with elongated projections is integrated into the shirt collar, providing structural support by contacting the shoulders and secured with a rubber composite membrane for stability and concealment within the collar fold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a stiffening element is added to maintain collar shape, then the collar's structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and visibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single integrated apparatus: the circular stiffening element, elongated stabilization elements, and rubber composite membrane are all formed from one piece of material. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining collar stability, as the single integrated structure performs multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a rubber composite membrane that is substantially invisible when the collar is worn normally. This thin film material provides the necessary structural support while remaining concealed, resolving the contradiction between adding stabilization elements and maintaining device simplicity/visibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a stiffening element is added to maintain collar shape, then the collar's structural stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By forming all components (circular element, elongated elements, and membrane) from a single piece of material through one-piece construction, the patent simplifies the manufacturing process. This approach eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for multiple components, improving ease of manufacture while achieving the desired collar stabilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the semi-rigid element is made visible for structural support, then the collar stabilization is improved, but the sophisticated appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rubber composite membrane that is substantially invisible during normal wear. This thin film provides the necessary structural support and stabilization while remaining concealed, thus maintaining the sophisticated appearance of the collar without compromising its stabilizing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is positioned specifically within the fold of the collar where it provides stabilization exactly where needed, while remaining hidden from external view. This localized placement ensures both functional effectiveness and aesthetic preservation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for stiffening the folded collar of a dress or collared shirt is provided. A collared shirt includes a placket and a folded collar including an interior fold. The apparatus includes a circular, semi-rigid element for surrounding the interior fold of the folded collar, wherein the semi-rigid element is coextensive with the folded collar and includes a gap located at a placket of the shirt. The apparatus further includes a first elongated element that projects downwards at an acute angle from a left side of the semi-rigid element such that a tip of the first elongated element contacts a left shoulder of the shirt. The apparatus further includes a second elongated element that projects downwards at an acute angle from a right side of the semi-rigid element such that a tip of the second elongated element contacts a right shoulder of the shirt, wherein the semi-rigid element and the first and second elongated elements are integrally formed of a single piece of material.