Garment stretcher

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garment stretchers are complex to use for non-professionals, often result in deformed garments due to protrusions, and fail to effectively stretch all portions of a garment, particularly below the sleeves or armholes.

Innovation Solution

A garment stretcher with an expandable frame comprising movable sections that allow for both vertical and horizontal stretching, featuring a combination of T-shaped, L-shaped, and inverted T-shaped sections with spring-loaded catches for easy adjustment and secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If prior art garment stretching devices are used, then garment stretching function is provided, but the device becomes complicated to use for non-professionals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple adjustable sections (top, middle, bottom) that can be independently positioned and locked. Each section can be adjusted separately to achieve the desired garment dimensions, making the device easier to operate while maintaining functional complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame sections are designed to be movable and adjustable during operation, allowing users to customize the stretching dimensions. The movable sections with adjustment mechanisms enable dynamic adaptation to different garment sizes and stretching requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If prior art garment stretching devices with protrusions are used, then garment stretching is achieved, but bumps and irregularities appear in the final exterior shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestretching effectivenessVSAvoidgarment exterior smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The frame sections are designed with smooth surfaces and rounded edges that contact the garment. The protrusions and sharp edges are eliminated in favor of smooth contours that prevent bumps and irregularities on the garment exterior while maintaining stretching effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using protruding elements to apply stretching force, the invention uses recessed or flush-mounted adjustment mechanisms. The frame sections contact the garment with smooth surfaces, inverting the conventional approach of using external protrusions for mechanical advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If prior art garment stretching devices are used, then some garment portions are stretched, but vertical stretching below sleeves or arm holes is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidframe structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into top, middle, and bottom sections that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the bottom section to extend below the garment's armholes and sleeves, providing vertical stretching coverage to previously unreachable areas while maintaining structural manageability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure extends into the vertical dimension below the garment's armholes and sleeves. By adding this lower extension, the device achieves three-dimensional coverage of the entire garment, including areas that were previously inaccessible to conventional stretchers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Loss of information

If prior art garment stretching devices are used, then stretching function is provided, but visual identification of setting size is not available

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetting size visibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame sections or adjustment markers are equipped with visual indicators such as colored bands, numbered markings, or contrasting colors that make the current setting size easily identifiable. These visual cues allow users to see and remember the stretched dimensions without adding significant structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS12220073B1Garment stretcher

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 EDWARDS RINGO CHRISTOPHER MARIO

AI summary

A garment stretcher includes an expandable frame having a top horizontal member, a middle horizontal member, a bottom horizontal member, a left vertical member and a right vertical member. The expendable frame is formed through the combination of a T-shaped top, left section, a T-shaped top, right section, an inverted L-shaped middle, left section, an inverted L-shaped middle, right section, an inverted T-shaped bottom, left section, and an inverted T-shaped bottom, right section. The top left section and top, right section combine to form a top section. The middle left section and middle, right section combine to form a middle section. The bottom left section and bottom, right section combine to form a middle section. The frame may move vertically along two vertical lengths while the frame may move laterally along a horizontal width of a garment.