Elastomeric Crotch Layer for Garment Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Garments worn by women often lead to undesirable exposure of the crotch area, particularly the curvature of the vulva or labia, due to tight fitting or movement, causing discomfort and aesthetic issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of elastomeric layers in women's undergarments and other garments to provide tension around the crotch area, using single or multiple layers that can be designed to create variations in tension, breathability, and moisture absorption, to conceal and obfuscate the external portion of the genitalia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If garments are designed to fit tightly to the body, then aesthetic appearance and form-fitting quality are improved, but undesirable exposure of the crotch area and cameltoe effect occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform-fitting qualityVSAvoidundesirable exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by incorporating elastomeric layers specifically in the crotch area rather than throughout the entire garment. This localized application provides targeted tension to prevent cameltoe and undesirable exposure while maintaining the form-fitting aesthetic quality of the garment in other areas. The elastomeric layers are strategically positioned to address the specific problem area without compromising overall garment fit and appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by employing materials with different elastic properties in the crotch area. The elastomeric layers have higher elasticity and tension characteristics compared to the main garment fabric, allowing them to dynamically adjust and apply pressure to prevent exposure. This change in material parameters enables the garment to maintain both tight fitting aesthetics and prevent cameltoe effect simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If elastomeric layers are added to provide tension and concealment, then privacy and aesthetic appearance are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidgarment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies merging by integrating the elastomeric layers directly into the garment construction process. The elastomeric panels are combined with the main fabric layers during manufacturing, creating a unified structure rather than adding separate components. This merging approach maintains privacy protection functionality while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the elastomeric layers become an inherent part of the garment rather than an add-on feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide tension to prevent cameltoe, offer privacy protection, and maintain the form-fitting aesthetic. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components or mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity. The single elastomeric layer integration achieves multiple goals without requiring complex multi-component systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If elastomeric layers are used to provide tension, then concealment of genitalia is improved, but comfort and breathability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcealment effectivenessVSAvoidwearer comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing elastomeric tension only in the specific crotch area where concealment is needed, rather than throughout the entire garment. This localized approach ensures effective genitalia concealment where required while leaving other areas of the garment breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The elastomeric layers are confined to the functional zone, minimizing impact on overall comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining elastomeric layers with breathable fabric in the crotch area construction. This composite structure provides the necessary tension for concealment while incorporating materials that allow air circulation and moisture management. The combination of elastomeric and breathable materials enables the garment to maintain concealment effectiveness without significantly compromising wearer comfort and breathability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 elastomeric layers effectively conceal and eliminate the visibility of the genitalia by applying pressure in various directions, providing comfort and aesthetic improvement by reducing the appearance of the curvature, suitable for different body types and garment styles.

Implementation Method 1

The elastomeric layers may provide tension on or around the wearer's crotch in order to hold the labia against the wearer's crotch and conceal, obfuscate, and/or eliminate the form of the labia from being externally visible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9833023B2Apparatus for providing tension in garments and method of use
Publication Date: 2017.12.05 SABIN AMY STYCZYNSKI
  • US9833023B2 patent drawing
  • US9833023B2 patent drawing
  • US9833023B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus, system and method for providing tension in garments for improving privacy control by the wearer. The apparatus incorporates materials having elastomeric properties which may be placed in proximity to a wearer's crotch during operation. The tension is directed to preventing, concealing and/or obfuscating the curvature or shape of private features of the wearer, such as a woman's labia, from visibility through the garment. The apparatus may include one or more components providing tension for privacy control. The apparatus may include angled seams to obfuscate a woman's private features.