Convertible Pants with Continuous Zipper and Stowage Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible pants are inconvenient to convert from shorts to long pants quickly and easily, often requiring both hands and involving the removal of footwear, with no efficient method to store the lower pant portions.
Innovation Solution
A pair of convertible pants featuring a slit opening with a continuous zipper that can be opened and closed with one hand, allowing the lower pant portion to be folded or rolled and stored within a stowage compartment attached to the upper portion, maintaining attachment and providing a convenient conversion between configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lower pant portions are completely removed for conversion, then the pants can be easily converted from pants to shorts, but the conversion from shorts to pants becomes time-consuming and inconvenient requiring alignment of attachment devices
Solution Approach 1:
The lower pant portion is divided into two functional segments: a wearable portion that remains attached to the upper pants, and a removable lower portion that can be detached and stored. This segmentation allows the wearer to quickly convert between configurations by simply removing the lower portion without needing to align complex attachment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower pant portion is extracted as a separate removable component from the upper pants. This extraction enables the wearer to easily remove and store the lower portion when converting to shorts, and quickly reattach it when needed, eliminating the time-consuming alignment process of traditional convertible pants.
2Ease of operation
If the lower pant portions are completely removed, then conversion is simple, but there is no convenient way to store and carry them
Solution Approach 1:
The removable lower pant portion is designed to nest within the upper pants when not in use. The upper pants includes an integrated storage compartment or pocket that accommodates the folded lower portion, allowing the wearer to carry both configurations in a single garment without requiring separate storage for the removable portion.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional attachment devices are used, then the pant portions can be detached, but the wearer must align the ends which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-servicing. The removable lower portion includes attachment features that automatically align with corresponding features on the upper pants during insertion, eliminating the need for the wearer to manually align ends. The system serves itself by guiding the attachment process through its geometric design.
4Ease of operation
If the pants are converted by folding lower legs outside the garment, then conversion is simple, but some wearers find this unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of folding the lower legs outside the garment, the design extracts the lower portion completely as a separate removable component. This allows the upper pants to maintain a clean, finished appearance when worn as shorts, while still providing the conversion functionality. The removable portion can be stored neatly within the upper pants.
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
Enables quick and easy conversion from shorts to long pants using one hand, with the ability to store the lower pant portion, enhancing convenience and comfort during outdoor activities.
Implementation Method 1
A fastener, for example a continuous zipper, may be provided to selectively open and close the slit opening
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of convertible pants comprising an upper pants portion, a lower pants portion, an opening extending longitudinally from a hem end of the lower pants portion to a section that turns and continuously extending substantially circumferentially around the leg opening and ends at a terminus, and a closure being operable to extend along the entire length of the opening to selectively open and close the opening.