Elastic Strap Hat Fastener for Continuous Size Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adjustable hats with snapping fasteners are limited in providing an optimal fit for all wearers due to discrete size options, and elastically expandable hats have a narrow range of sizes, failing to accommodate a significant percentage of potential wearers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable hat design featuring a male fastening element connected to the covering via an elastic strap, allowing the fastener to move relative to the covering through elastic elongation, and formed from a single piece of monolithic material without stitching through the fastening element, enabling expansion and improved fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional snapping fasteners with discrete size options are used, then the hat structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the hat cannot provide an optimal fit for all wearers due to limited size options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static, fixed-position fastening system with a dynamic elastic connection that allows continuous adjustment. The elastic strap enables the fastening element to move and stretch, providing a continuous range of sizes rather than discrete fixed positions, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the fastening system from rigid and fixed to elastic and movable. By introducing an elastic strap, the system transitions from discrete size positions to a continuous adjustable range, allowing the fastener to adapt to different head circumferences while maintaining a simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic material is used to form a segment of the rim portion for elastic expansion, then the hat can accommodate a wider range of sizes, but the range of sizes remains narrow and fails to accommodate a significant percentage of potential wearers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening system into distinct components: a fastening element with multiple fastening positions and an elastic strap connecting it to the hat body. This segmentation allows the fastening element to be positioned at different discrete locations while the elastic strap provides continuous adjustment, achieving both a wide size range and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic strap acts as an intermediary between the fastening element and the hat body, mediating the adjustment mechanism. It allows the fastening element to move freely to different positions while maintaining connection to the hat, providing both wide size adjustment range and ease of operation by eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If stitching is used to attach the fastening element to the covering, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stitching system with a hole-through connection system. The fastening element has a hole through which a strap or cord passes, eliminating the need for stitching operations. This substitution maintains reliable connection strength while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process by removing complex sewing steps.
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 elastic connection allows for a wider range of sizes, enhancing the fit and comfort of the hat while maintaining a conventional appearance and simplifying manufacturing by eliminating stitching through the fastening element.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic strap extends through the attachment hole and loops around the opposite end portion of the first fastening element to connect the first fastening element to the covering such that the elastic strap permits the first fastening element to move relative to the covering by elastic elongation of the elastic strap.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable hat includes a covering and an adjustable fastener including first and second fastening elements that can releasably fasten together by snap fit connection at a plurality of discrete positions. The first fastening element defines an attachment hole adjacent to an end portion remote from the second fastening element. An elastic strap affixed to the covering extends through the attachment hole and loops around the end portion of the first fastening element to connect the first fastening element to the covering such that the elastic strap permits the entire first fastening element to move relative to the covering by elastic elongation of the elastic strap. The hat can be free of stitching which passes through any portion of the first fastening element. The first fastening element can be male or female. Moreover, both fastening elements can be elastically connected to the covering via respective attachment holes and elastic straps.