Self-Fastening Drawstring via Semi-Rigid Crochet Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable hats and headgear often require sweatbands or inner adjustments that come into contact with the human head, which can be uncomfortable and lack ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A self-fastening system using a semi-rigid crochet layer with braided fibrous strands and a pliable drawstring cord, where the cord is inserted between front and back openings in the crochet layer, allowing for manual tightening without additional fastening means, providing ventilation and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sweatbands or inner adjustments are used to secure the hat, then the hat can be fastened securely, but comfort and ventilation are reduced due to contact with the human head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sweatband and inner adjustment components from the hat design, extracting the problematic elements that cause discomfort and poor ventilation. The fastening function is retained through a cord system that operates externally, eliminating direct contact with the head while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord acts as an intermediary element that transfers the fastening function from direct head contact to an external positioning system. The cord connects front and back openings, allowing adjustment without requiring sweatbands to touch the scalp, thus mediating between fastening need and comfort requirement.
2Ease of operation
If additional fastening means are incorporated into the hat, then the hat can be adjusted and secured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cord serves multiple functions: it provides adjustment capability, secures the hat to the head, and eliminates the need for separate sweatbands and fastening mechanisms. This multi-functional design reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord system is designed to be self-adjusting and self-securing without requiring additional fastening components. The user can manually position and tighten the cord through the openings, and the system maintains its fastening function without needing complex mechanisms or multiple parts.
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 system securely fastens articles like hats without sweatbands, offering ease of adjustment and ventilation, ensuring a comfortable fit by utilizing the frictional contact between cord segments and openings for effective tightening.
Implementation Method 1
leaving portions of said braided cord at said back openings in frictional contact with each other and also with each opening of the back openings
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing a drawstring for an article of clothing or accessory having a front and a back and having a peripheral surface necessary to be tightened, the system including a semi-rigid crochet layer having a braided strands of a fibrous material defining a pattern in the article having openings which repeat at a number in a range of about 3 to about 8 per linear inch in all directions, and in which the openings of the layer define a range of between about 15 to about 35 percent of the entire surface of the crochet layer and a cord braided of filaments of a material more pliable than the braided strands of the crochet layer.