Apparel Hood with Strap System for Head Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Travelers face difficulties in sleeping upright due to head bobbing, uncomfortable neck positions, and distractions like noise and light while commuting, which existing clothing solutions fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A jacket with a hood featuring an integrated eye mask, foam inserts for noise reduction, and a strap system that holds the head in a static position, utilizing adjustable mechanisms to maintain comfort and reduce distractions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hood is used to cover the head during travel, then the wearer's head and neck are protected, but the hood does not effectively prevent head bobbing or maintain static head position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hood with a strap system into an integrated garment. The straps are attached to the hood and work together to stabilize the head position, merging the protective function of the hood with the positioning function of the straps into a single unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The head stabilization system is divided into multiple strap segments (first strap segment, second strap segment, third strap segment) that can be independently adjusted. Each strap serves a specific function in differentiating the head position, allowing for fine-tuned stabilization without requiring a complex monolithic structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foam inserts are added to the hood for noise reduction, then acoustic comfort is improved, but the weight and volume of the hood increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire hood heavy and bulky, foam inserts are placed only in specific locations where noise reduction is most needed - specifically at the ear areas. This localized approach provides acoustic protection while minimizing the overall weight and volume increase of the hood.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an integrated eye mask is incorporated into the hood, then light blocking capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The eye mask is integrated directly into the hood structure as a unified component rather than being a separate accessory. This merging of functions allows the eye mask to be manufactured together with the hood in a single production process, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the added light-blocking functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable tightening mechanisms are added to the hood and straps, then adaptability to different head sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hood and strap system incorporate adjustable tightening mechanisms that allow the structure to dynamically adapt to different head sizes and shapes. The adjustability features enable the same basic design to fit a wide range of users without requiring multiple sizes or complex adjustment procedures.
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 solution effectively reduces distractions and maintains the head in a stable position, enhancing comfort and facilitating upright sleep during travel.
Implementation Method 1
the hood comprises foam inserts such as closed-cell acoustic foam or neoprene foam that are positioned between inner and outer layers of the hood so that they overlay the ears of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
the eye mask portion may be formed from a blackout fabric (e.g., an opaque fabric that may have an optional foam backer that is used to block light)
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparel item (100) configured to reduce distractions and promote upright sleeping, the apparel item (100) comprising: a first front panel (110) and a second front panel (112) both configured to overlay a front upper torso area of a wearer when the apparel item (100) is worn, wherein the first front panel (110) is releasably secured to the second front panel (112) by a zipper assembly (114), wherein the first front panel (110) comprises at least a right side pocket (111,113) and the second front panel (112) comprises at least a left side pocket (115,117); a back panel (210) configured to overlay a back upper torso area of the wearer when the apparel item (100) is worn, wherein the first and second front panels (110,112) and the back panel (210) together help to define at least a neckline opening (116) and a waist opening (118) for the apparel item (100); a hood (124) affixed at least in part to the neckline opening (116), the hood (124) having at least an outer layer and an inner layer, wherein a space or void is maintained between the outer layer and the inner layer; a first foam insert (438) secured between the outer layer and the inner layer of the hood (124) at a first right side location of the hood (124); a second foam insert (440) secured between the outer layer and the inner layer of the hood (124) at a second left side location of the hood (124); and a strap system (400) configured to held the wearer's head in a static position, the strap system (400) comprising: a first strap segment (410) having a first end (416) coupled to the first foam insert (438), a second end (418) coupled to the zipper assembly (114), and a first intervening portion (420) extending between the first end (416) and the second end (418), a second strap segment (412) having a third end (422) coupled to the second foam insert (440), a fourth end (424) coupled to the zipper assembly (114), and a second intervening portion (426) extending between the third end (422) and the fourth end (424), and a third strap segment (414) having a fifth end (442) coupled to the first foam insert (438), a sixth end (444) coupled to the second foam insert (440), and third intervening portion extending between the fifth end (442) and the sixth end (444).