Hood Lock Cord System with Anchored Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional athletic apparel with hoods can be distracting and hinder performance due to the hood's movement during activities like running and jumping, as it swings back-and-forth or flaps against the back panel.
Innovation Solution
A hood lock cord system with a cord secured to the neckline area of the apparel item, featuring anchoring portions at the seams between the sleeves and back panel, allowing the hood to be secured underneath the cord when not in use, utilizing elastic properties and a rubber or plastic sheath for ease of use and reduced friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hood is attached to the neckline area of the apparel item, then the hood provides warmth and protection from the elements, but the hood swings back-and-forth and flaps against the back panel during athletic activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic movement of the hood from the system by introducing a cord that separates the hood's protective function from its distracting movement. The cord acts as an independent element that restrains the hood while allowing it to remain attached to the neckline, effectively removing the harmful back-and-forth swinging motion during athletic activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cord serves as an intermediary element between the hood and the back panel of the apparel item. It mediates the interaction by providing a restraining force that prevents the hood from flapping against the back panel, while still allowing the hood to perform its protective function when needed.
2Reliability
If the cord is secured to the back panel with anchoring portions, then the hood movement is restricted effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cord system with existing structural elements of the apparel item, specifically the seams joining the back panel to the sleeves. By anchoring the cord ends within these existing seams rather than creating separate attachment points, the design integrates the hood restriction function into the existing garment structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seams that join the back panel to the sleeves serve multiple functions: they provide structural integrity for the garment and simultaneously serve as anchoring points for the cord system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated attachment mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure.
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
The hood lock cord system effectively restricts hood movement during activities, enhancing wearer comfort and performance by keeping the hood out of the way while allowing easy access when needed, and protecting the cord's integrity with a sheath.
Implementation Method 1
the cord may have elastic properties for facilitating easier securing of the hood when not in use
Implementation Method 2
providing decreased friction between the hood of the apparel item and the cord when adjusting the hood to the secured position
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparel item (100) having a cord lock (218) for restricting the movement of a hood (110) on an article of apparel. The cord lock (218) may have a first end (710), a second end (712), and an intervening portion (714). The cord lock (218) may be positioned on an outer-facing surface of a back panel (204) of the apparel item (100) proximate to a neckline area (222) of the apparel item (100).