Adjustable Garment Closure Using Flexible Line and Take-Up Component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Garment closures such as buttons, clasps, and zippers are often nonadjustable or only adjustable to a limited extent, failing to accommodate varying preferences for the degree of openness based on temperature, fashion, or activity level.

Innovation Solution

A flexible line with adjustable take-up components, where each end is coupled to a fastener that can attach to a garment portion, allowing for variable closure by adjusting the length of the segment contained within the take-up component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional closures (buttons, clasps, zippers) are used, then the garment can be closed, but the closure is nonadjustable or only adjustable to a small degree, limiting the wearer's ability to control the degree of openness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of closureVSAvoidcomplexity of closure system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static traditional closures with a dynamic flexible line system that can be adjusted continuously. The flexible line (chain or cord) connected to take-up components allows the closure length to be dynamically changed by the wearer, enabling continuous adjustment between fully closed and partially open states, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by transforming the closure system from fixed-length traditional closures to a variable-length flexible line system. The take-up components enable continuous change in the effective length of the flexible line, allowing the closure parameter (degree of openness) to be adjusted according to wearer preference, temperature, or activity level, thereby achieving high adaptability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible line with take-up component is used, then the closure becomes highly adjustable, but the device complexity increases compared to traditional closures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of closure adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the flexible line system to serve multiple functions: it provides closure, enables continuous adjustment of closure length, and can be integrated with jewelry-grade materials and charms for decorative purposes. The take-up components serve both mechanical function (controlling line length) and aesthetic function (can be designed as decorative elements), thus achieving high adaptability while managing complexity through multi-functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements segmentation by dividing the closure system into modular components: flexible line segments, take-up components at ends, and optional decorative elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy adjustment by the wearer, achieving high adaptability while keeping individual component complexity low.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If traditional closures are used, then the structure is simple, but the closure is limited to predetermined lengths which may not satisfy wearer preferences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjusting closure lengthVSAvoidstructure of closure mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the wearer to independently adjust the closure length without requiring assistance or complex mechanisms. The take-up components are designed to be manually operated by the wearer, allowing them to pull out or wind in the flexible line as needed to achieve the desired degree of openness, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10537159B2Adjustable garment closure
Publication Date: 2020.01.21 THE JEMZ GRP LLC
  • US10537159B2 patent drawing
  • US10537159B2 patent drawing
  • US10537159B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A technique for closing garments provides a flexible line and a take-up component. The flexible line has a first end and a second end. Each end of the flexible line is coupled to a respective fastener, and each fastener is configured to attach to a respective garment portion, such as portions of a sweater, prayer shawl, scarf, or the like. The take-up component contains a segment of the flexible line and is adjustable to vary the segment's length. In this manner, a person can attach the two fasteners and adjust the take-up component to vary a degree of closure between the garment portions.