Drawstring Clip Slot Structure to Prevent Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drawstrings in clothing often become loose and can retract into the clothing during washing or drying, making it difficult to rethread them, especially if the ends have frayed.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a body with central and side slots, designed to securely hold the ends of drawstrings, preventing them from retracting and facilitating easy threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drawstrings are left loose during washing or drying, then they can be easily accessed and manipulated, but they retract into the clothing and become difficult to rethread
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a dedicated clipping device that secures the drawstring ends before washing or drying occurs. The clip is attached to the drawstring ends in advance, preventing them from retracting into the clothing during the washing/drying process. This eliminates the need to rethread frayed ends after washing, as the clip maintains the drawstring ends in an accessible position throughout the washing cycle.
2Strength
If drawstring ends are treated with knots or hard sleeves, then grip is facilitated and fraying is reduced, but the ends become difficult to rethread when loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary clipping device that mediates between the drawstring ends and the clothing. The clip has a body with a slot that receives the drawstring end, and a curved surface that engages with the hem or tube of the clothing. This intermediary device facilitates both grip (through the slot design) and easy rethreading (by maintaining external positioning), solving the contradiction between end durability and ease of rethreading.
3Reliability
If drawstrings are threaded through hems or tubes, then they can secure the clothing, but the ends can retract into the hem during washing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the drawstring end from the main body of the drawstring. The clipping device attaches specifically to the ends of the drawstring, allowing the main drawstring to remain threaded through the hem for closure functionality, while the ends are independently secured externally. This segmentation ensures that the closure function is maintained while the ends remain accessible and cannot retract into the hem during washing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus an method for for securing drawstrings wherein the apparatus comprises a body extending between first and second ends and formed of a pair of spaced apart central members connected to each other at the first end, a pair of side members connected to the central members at the second end and a pair of outside members connected to the side members at the first end. The central members form a central slot therebetween extending from the first end and the side members each form a side slot with its corresponding outside member extending from the second end. The method comprises passing the drawstrings through each of the two side slots in a first direction and passing the drawstrings together through the central slot.