Headworn Device Integrated Storage Pocket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clothing with storage features, such as pockets, can be visually distracting, add bulk, and are not always available on desired garments, limiting the ability to carry items hands-free.
Innovation Solution
Headworn devices, like hats, with integrated storage features, including pockets designed with a first and second layer configuration that prevents contents from escaping, allowing for secure storage without visible bulk or the need for additional clothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pockets are added to clothing for storage, then storage capability is improved, but visual appearance is worsened due to visual distraction and added bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage function with a headworn device (hat, cap, or hood) that is already part of the clothing ensemble. By integrating pockets into the headworn device rather than adding separate pockets to pants or shirts, the storage capability is improved while the visual appearance is maintained since the headworn device is already a visible accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the storage function from traditional lower-body clothing (pants, shorts, shirts) to upper-body headwear. This dimensional shift in location allows storage without affecting the appearance and bulk of traditional pocket-bearing garments, as the headworn device provides a different spatial zone for storage.
2Shape
If pockets are hidden or disguised to improve appearance, then visual appearance is improved, but bulk is added to the clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage function with the headworn device structure itself. The pockets are formed from the fabric panels of the headworn device (crown panels, brim panels, or hood panels), so no additional bulk-carrying structures are needed. The storage is achieved by utilizing the existing volume of the headworn device.
3Ease of operation
If storage features are integrated into headworn devices, then hands-free carrying capability is improved, but device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the headworn device into functional panels, with specific panels (crown panels, brim panels, hood panels) designated for pocket formation. This segmentation allows the storage function to be added through modular panel attachment rather than redesigning the entire headworn device structure, thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible fabric panels to form the pockets and attachment structures. These thin, flexible materials can be attached to the headworn device using simple methods (stitching, adhesive, or mechanical fasteners) without requiring complex rigid structures, mechanisms, or assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are headworn devices, such as hats, with integrated storage features, such as one or more integrated pockets. In preferred embodiments, a headworn device, such as a hat, has an integrated storage feature, such as a pocket, on an interior surface of the headworn device, such as a bottom surface of a top of a crown, or an inwardly directed surface of the wall of the crown. Further in preferred embodiments, the bottom surface and the inwardly directed surface provide a recess dimensioned to accommodate an upper portion of a head of a person, and an intersection of the bottom surface and the inwardly directed surface establish an edge of a pocket, the pocket having a first layer attached to the intersection and defining a storage volume, and a second layer preventing escape of pocket contents from the pocket during use of the headworn device. Items such as cash, credit cards, identification cards and other valuables can be stored in the pocket not only when the headworn device is not being worn, but also when the headworn device is being worn. Accordingly, items can be carried with the person even if the person is not wearing accessories or other articles of clothing that have pockets. Further, items can be carried without visible pockets and without added bulk.