Elastic Strap Cross Pattern for Protective Garment Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Typical disposable coveralls often fail to fit well, especially during physical activities like bending or lifting, leading to baggy and uncomfortable garments due to excess material, which can restrict movement and increase the risk of material stress or tearing.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating elastic straps that cross along the back of the garment, which elongate as the wearer moves, gathering excess material and reducing restriction while minimizing the chance of material stress or tearing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If larger waists and torso regions are provided to accommodate movement, then movement freedom is improved, but the garment becomes baggy and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidgarment fit
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies elastic straps that can dynamically change their state between contracted and elongated. The straps are in a contracted state during normal wear to provide a snug fit, and elongate when the wearer bends or moves, allowing the garment to adapt to various body positions without becoming baggy or restricting movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic straps change their physical parameters (length, elasticity) in response to wearer movement. The straps transition from a contracted state to an elongated state when the wearer bends or moves, allowing the garment to maintain both a snug fit and movement freedom throughout the wear cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If excess material is provided to accommodate movement, then movement freedom is improved, but the garment becomes baggy and uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidmaterial stress or tearing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic straps dynamically adapt to movement by elongating when the wearer bends or moves. This dynamic adjustment allows the garment to accommodate movement without excess material that could cause stress or tearing, as the straps stretch to accommodate the movement rather than relying on loose, excess material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The straps change their elasticity and length parameters in response to movement. When the wearer moves, the straps elongate, allowing the garment to accommodate the movement without requiring excess material that would create stress concentrations and tearing risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If elastic straps are used to gather excess material, then garment fit is improved, but the straps may stress or tear during movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegarment fitVSAvoidstrap durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The straps are designed with specific elasticity parameters that allow them to elongate during movement while maintaining sufficient strength. The elastic material is selected and configured to provide the necessary stretch for movement accommodation while retaining enough tensile strength to resist tearing during the elongation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The straps dynamically adjust their tension and elasticity during wear. When the wearer moves, the straps elongate and adjust their tension accordingly, distributing the mechanical stress throughout the strap material rather than concentrating it at single points, thereby reducing the risk of tearing while maintaining a snug fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 straps provide a better fit for individuals engaging in various physical activities by gathering and elongating to accommodate movement, resulting in reduced restriction and increased comfort and durability of the garment.

Implementation Method 1

the elastic straps elongate and the gathering of the material by the elastic straps is reduced as the elastic straps elongate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2958446B1Protective garments and methods of making
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
  • EP2958446B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2958446B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2958446B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Protective garments having first and second elastic straps and methods of manufacturing the same are described herein. The first strap may be positioned partially or entirely along a first strap line that extends from a left shoulder region to a right leg. The second strap may be positioned partially or entirely along a second strap line that extends from a right shoulder region to a left leg. The first and second strap lines intersect at an intersection.