Baseball Glove Storage Case With Shape-Retaining Shaper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preserving the shape of baseball gloves, such as deformation using hinged carriers or shapers, are not effective as they distort the glove, leading to premature replacement, and lack protection from the elements, especially moisture, which causes shape loss.
Innovation Solution
A closable glove storage case with a shaper that mimics the glove's palm area and pocket shape, using a convex surface to maintain the glove's form without applying deforming pressure, and a waterproof design to prevent shape distortion and protect the glove from weather.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If deformation pressure is applied to maintain glove shape, then the glove shape is preserved, but the glove material is damaged and shape is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
A foam support structure serves as an intermediary element between the glove and the case walls. The foam maintains the glove's predefined shape by providing internal support without requiring deformation pressure, thereby preserving both the glove shape and material integrity simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The foam support structure is positioned beforehand within the case to prevent shape distortion before it occurs. By having the support in place during storage, the glove maintains its shape without subjected to damaging deformation forces
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the glove is stored in a case, then protection from elements is provided, but the glove shape is lost due to lack of support
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two functions into a single integrated system: the case provides both environmental protection (sealing against elements) and shape maintenance (through integrated foam support structure). This combination achieves both protection from harmful factors and shape preservation simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The foam support structure is specifically positioned in the palm area and pocket region where shape maintenance is most critical. This localized support ensures the glove maintains its predefined shape in key areas while the case provides overall environmental protection
3Ease of operation
If the glove is stored without support, then ease of storage is improved, but the glove shape is distorted over time
Solution Approach 1:
The foam support structure is designed to automatically maintain the glove shape without requiring active intervention. When the glove is placed in the case, the foam passively provides support and maintains shape, making the storage process simple and easy while simultaneously preserving the glove form
Data Source
AI summary
A glove storage case for storing and protecting a glove having glove pocket and palm area having a predefined shape is provided using a closable shape retaining container with a shaper having a shaped surface on which the shaped glove pocket and at least a portion of palm area of the glove is received and which essentially conforms with their predefined shapes so that when stored the glove retains its shape. Movement between the glove and shaper is limited when the glove is in position on the shaper without the application of deforming pressure against a side of said glove opposite the shaper.