Garment Facing System for Zip Closure Aesthetics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Garment closures like zip closures are aesthetically unpleasing but quick to open and close, while button closures are visually appealing but slow to operate, and existing coverings for these closures either come off or fold away during use, exposing the underlying closure.

Innovation Solution

A facing system comprising a lower flap with buttons on one side and an upper flap that covers it, affixed to one side of the garment opening, allowing the upper flap to fold away to reveal the buttons, simulating a button closure appearance while maintaining the quick operation of a zip closure, with optional hook-and-loop connections to secure the facing in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a zip closure is used, then quick opening and closing is achieved, but the appearance becomes less aesthetically pleasing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of opening and closingVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The lower flap is designed to visually copy the appearance of a button closure, complete with buttonholes and buttons, creating a realistic imitation that satisfies aesthetic requirements while the actual zip closure provides quick operation functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Shape

If a button closure is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but opening and closing becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidspeed of opening and closing
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lower flap with button details serves as an intermediary visual layer that masks the zip closure, allowing the aesthetic benefits of button closures to be experienced without the operational drawbacks, while the actual zip mechanism remains functional underneath

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If a facing flap is used to cover the zip closure, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the facing comes off or folds away during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidstability of facing coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The facing is divided into two separate flaps (upper and lower) that can be independently secured to the garment, with each flap having its own attachment points, preventing the facing from folding away or coming off during wear

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2815660B1Improved facing for covering a closure in a garment
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 NOVAVO
  • EP2815660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2815660B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2815660B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A facing (1) for covering a closure (8) in a garment (9) is described, said closure covering an opening of the garment, wherein the facing comprises a lower flap (2) and an upper flap (6), and wherein the lower flap is provided with at least one button (5) on a first side (3) of the lower flap, and wherein the upper flap at least partly covers the first side of the lower flap. Furthermore, a garment is described which comprises the facing for covering a closure provided in an opening of said garment.