Fastener Pocket With Integrated Extender for Wider Garment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing garment fasteners provide a limited range of adjustment, and separate extenders for these fasteners are often misplaced or lost, failing to meet the needs of wearers who require an expanded adjustment range, such as during pregnancy.
Innovation Solution
A fastener with an integrated extender pocket that stores the extender when not in use and allows it to be pulled out for extension when needed, featuring a pocket formed by a slit in the bottom layer of the fastener's second part, which houses the extender and includes male and female elements for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate extenders are used to extend the adjustment range of garment fasteners, then the adjustment range is expanded, but the extenders may be misplaced, lost, or unavailable when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the extender with the fastener assembly by providing a dedicated pocket on the fastener body for storing the extender. This integration ensures the extender remains with the fastener and is readily available when needed, eliminating the problem of separate extenders being misplaced or lost while maintaining the extended adjustment range capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rows of female elements are arranged at varying distances along the longitudinal axis, then the size and fit adjustment is provided, but the range of adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastener system into multiple functional components: the main fastener body with standard female elements, and a detachable extender portion with additional female elements. This segmentation allows the adjustment range to be extended beyond the limits of a single fastener body by adding the extender portion when needed, effectively multiplying the available adjustment options without permanently increasing the fastener length
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of a fastener with a pocket for an extender are disclosed. The fastener comprises a first part that comprises a male fastener element attached to its body and a second part that comprises a plurality of female fastener elements. The body of the second part comprises a top layer where the female fastener elements are attached and a bottom layer. The bottom layer has a slit forming a pocket entrance opening and a pocket space formed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The fastener further comprises an extender with an elongated body and a plurality of female fastener elements attached to the body. The extender is extendable from an end of the second part and is configured to be stored in the pocket space when not in use and to be pulled out of the pocket space to extend the second part when in use.