Front-Clasp Bra Closure for Users With Limited Dexterity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bras require significant dexterity and mobility for securement and adjustment, posing challenges for individuals with limited dexterity or mobility due to injuries, surgeries, or conditions like stroke paralysis, nerve damage, or arthritis.
Innovation Solution
A bra with a front closure system featuring first and second clasp members and finger engaging members, allowing securement and adjustment using minimal dexterity, such as a two-finger operation or single-handed operation, and adjustable shoulder straps with sliders and fasteners like Velcro for easy length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bras with rear closure are used, then securement is achieved, but significant finger dexterity and complex hand movements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional rear-closure design by placing the closure system at the front of the bra. This allows users to see and manipulate the closure with both hands simultaneously, eliminating the need to reach behind the back and perform complex twisting and pivoting motions required by conventional rear-closure bras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces finger engaging members as intermediaries between the user's fingers and the clasp members. These members provide large surface area contact points that facilitate easy gripping and manipulation, particularly benefiting users with limited dexterity who cannot perform precise finger movements required by conventional closures.
2Ease of operation
If conventional bras with front closure are used, then accessibility is improved, but precise clasp alignment and multiple hand operations are still required
Solution Approach 1:
Finger engaging members serve as intermediaries that simplify the alignment process. By providing large, easy-to-grasp contact surfaces, these members allow users to align and secure the clasp without requiring precise finger dexterity or coordinated multi-hand operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is designed to be self-aligning through the finger engaging members, which guide the clasp members into proper alignment automatically during the securing process, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment by the user.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adjustable shoulder straps are used, then fit customization is achieved, but cumbersome movement and rotation of shoulders are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional shoulder strap adjustment mechanism by placing sliders at the front of the bra rather than at the back. This allows users to adjust strap length by simply pulling the strap through the front-mounted slider, eliminating the need to reach behind the head and perform awkward shoulder rotations and arm extensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment sliders are pre-positioned at the front of the bra in easily accessible locations, allowing users to perform strap length adjustments before putting on the bra or while wearing it without requiring cumbersome body movements.
4Reliability
If conventional bras are used by individuals with limited dexterity, then basic support is provided, but independent securement and adjustment become difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system with finger engaging members is designed to be easily manipulated by one hand or limited finger movement, enabling users with dexterity limitations to independently secure and adjust their bras without assistance. The large contact surfaces and front-mounted design allow users to perform all operations within easy reach.
Solution Approach 2:
By inverting the closure location to the front and simplifying the manipulation interface with finger engaging members, the patent enables users with limited dexterity to independently perform securement operations that would be impossible with conventional rear-closure designs requiring coordinated two-handed manipulation behind the back.
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
Facilitates quick and easy securement and adjustment of bras for individuals with limited dexterity, reducing the need for complex hand movements and enhancing usability for users with reduced mobility.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second fastener halves can include a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro).
Data Source
AI summary
A garment, such as a bra, can include a closure system that facilitates operation by a user with limited dexterity. The closure system can include a first clasp member, a second clasp member, a first finger pocket dimensioned to receive a first finger, and a second finger pocket dimensioned to receive a second finger. In use, the wearer can insert first and second fingers into the respective finger pockets and pinch or otherwise move their fingers toward each other to move the first and second clasp members together. The first and second clasp members can be selectively coupled or decoupled to secure or remove the garment from the wearer.