Dog Coat with Stowable Waterproof Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing animal coats for pets, such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/868,177, are inconvenient and uncomfortable for pet owners as they require a detachable waterproof outer membrane that must be carried separately and can be cumbersome, especially when wet, and do not allow for easy customization based on weather conditions.

Innovation Solution

A dual-layered animal coat design where the waterproof outer layer remains partially attached and can be rolled up to be hidden beneath a collar, allowing the insulative inner layer to be exposed when not needed, utilizing a system of separable fasteners and a collar that folds back to create a gap for stowing the outer layer, ensuring it remains attached and visible only when required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a detachable waterproof outer membrane is used, then waterproof protection is provided, but the membrane becomes cumbersome to carry separately and inconvenient for the pet owner

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof protectionVSAvoidconvenience of carrying and using

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof outer membrane is merged with the inner insulative layer through a connection member (snap fastener) that permanently attaches the distal end of the membrane to the inner layer. This eliminates the need to carry the membrane separately while maintaining the ability to detach it when needed for washing or storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof membrane is divided into multiple sections with separable fasteners along its length, allowing partial detachment or adjustment. This segmentation enables the membrane to be easily managed, detached for cleaning, or adjusted to fit different weather conditions without being completely removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the waterproof outer layer is always attached, then protection is continuous, but the insulative layer cannot be exposed for sunny days or fashion purposes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous protectionVSAvoidcustomization for different weather conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the waterproof outer layer and inner insulative layer is made dynamic through releasable snap fasteners. This allows the layers to be easily connected or disconnected based on weather conditions - attached during rain for protection, and detached during sunny weather to expose the insulative layer for fashion or comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changing the state of the coat from fully covered to partially exposed by detaching the waterproof membrane. This parameter change enables adaptation to different environmental conditions and fashion requirements without compromising the structural integrity of either layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the waterproof membrane is removed for washing, then cleanliness is maintained, but the owner must remember to bring it and it becomes uncomfortable when wet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleanability of the membraneVSAvoidburden of carrying and managing the membrane

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By permanently attaching the waterproof membrane to the inner layer through a connection member, the system eliminates the need to separately carry the membrane for washing. The membrane remains attached during normal use but can be easily detached when needed for cleaning, and automatically returns to its protective position after washing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple separable fasteners are used to attach the layers, then the connection is secure, but the complexity of the fastening system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidnumber of fasteners and attachment points

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into multiple discrete snap fasteners positioned at strategic locations (distal end, intermediate positions, and proximal end). This segmentation provides secure attachment at key points while allowing easy detachment at any point along the membrane, balancing security with simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10517270B2Dog coat with concealable outer layer

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 GILBERT CONNIE JO

AI summary

A garment for a four legged animal comprises a first expanse configured to substantially cover the trunk of an animal. A first set of wings are coupled to a proximal end of the first expanse and configured to secure together about the neck of the animal. A second set of wings are coupled to the first expanse distally to the first set and configured to secure together about the trunk of the animal. A collar extending forwardly from the proximal end of the first expanse is configured to be folded back to create a gap with the first expanse. The second expanse is configured to attach to and substantially cover the first expanse in a first, unfurled position and to roll up adjacent the proximal end of the first expanse in a second, stowed position within the gap formed between the collar and the first expanse.