Low-Profile Edge Pocket With Nested Zipper Trim
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional edge pockets in garments often protrude and interfere with movement or activities, as the zippered opening is typically secured to the panel rather than being positioned adjacent to a trim piece, resulting in a bulkier design.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile edge pocket is created by affixing the first zipper tape to the panel and positioning the second zipper tape between the layers of a trim piece, allowing the zippered opening to be directly adjacent to the edge of the trim piece, thus reducing the pocket's profile and minimizing interference with the wearer's movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second zipper tape is secured to the panel alone as traditionally done, then the pocket opening is easily accessible, but the pocket protrudes and interferes with movement
Solution Approach 1:
The second zipper tape is positioned between two layers of trim piece, nesting the zipper mechanism within the trim structure. This nesting allows the pocket opening to be directly adjacent to the trim piece edge, creating a low-profile pocket that does not protrude, while still providing accessible entry through the panel incision.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the second zipper tape from a single-plane attachment to a multi-layer configuration within the trim piece. By utilizing the vertical dimension between trim layers, the zipper is concealed while maintaining functional access, transforming the pocket from a protruding single-layer structure to a flush multi-layer integration.
2Reliability
If the pocket is positioned away from the trim piece edge, then the zipper can be securely attached, but the pocket creates bulk and interferes with activities like sit-ups
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper mechanism is nested within the trim piece layers, allowing the pocket to be positioned directly at the trim edge without protrusion. This nesting secures the zipper attachment while eliminating the bulk that would interfere with movement, as the pocket lies flush with the garment exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket structure is merged with the trim piece by positioning the second zipper tape between its layers. This combination integrates the pocket into the existing trim structure rather than attaching it separately, creating a unified low-profile design that maintains security while eliminating movement interference.
3Ease of manufacture
If the pocket is designed with traditional attachment methods, then the construction is simple, but the pocket profile is bulky and visible
Solution Approach 1:
The second zipper tape is nested between the two layers of the trim piece during assembly. This nesting approach maintains relatively simple construction processes while achieving a low-profile result, as the zipper becomes concealed within the trim structure rather than requiring additional bulk or complex multi-step attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
An article having a panel secured between two layers of a trim piece and having a pocket affixed to a zipper, where a first zipper tape is affixed to the panel, and a second zipper tape is secured between the two layers of the trim piece such that the pocket is in communication with an incised opening in the panel is provided. The panel may be secured between the two layers of the trim piece at a first edge, and the incised opening may be formed proximate to the first edge such that the article comprises a pocket presented proximate to the trim piece. The present invention further comprises a method of manufacturing the article including a pocket presented proximate to the trim piece.