Integrated Load-Bearing Jacket for Cold Weather Tool Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tool belts and suspender systems are inefficient in cold weather, as they either interfere with jackets or cause discomfort and entanglement issues, failing to provide easy access to tools while maintaining warmth and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing jacket with an integrated tool belt system, featuring removable sleeves and a vest liner, and a connector system to ensure ease of access and comfort, reducing entanglement and abrasion risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a worker wears a tool belt over his jacket in cold weather, then the tools are accessible, but the jacket may lift out from under the belt and cover the tool belt when the worker lifts his arms up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tool belt and jacket into a single integrated garment. The tool belt is constructed as an integral part of the jacket body, with tools mounted on the front surface of the jacket. This merging eliminates the relative movement and positioning issues between separate tool belts and jackets, ensuring tools remain accessible while the jacket maintains its proper position during arm movements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a worker wears a tool belt under his jacket to ensure the tool belt is always snug, then the tool belt position is stable, but the worker must reach under his jacket to access his tools
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design places tools on the front surface of the jacket itself, eliminating the need to wear a separate belt under the jacket. This allows tools to be accessed directly from the front while maintaining a snug fit, as the entire jacket structure provides the securing function rather than requiring a separate underlying belt.
3Force
If a suspender system is used to carry tools, then the weight is distributed to shoulder straps, but the straps dig into the worker's shoulders creating pressure and abrasion points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tool-carrying function from separate suspender systems and integrates it directly into the jacket structure. The jacket body itself serves as the load-bearing element, with tools mounted on the front surface. This eliminates the need for shoulder straps that dig into the worker, as the weight is distributed across the entire jacket structure and secured at the waist level.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a suspender system with several straps is used, then tools can be carried, but the straps increase the opportunity for entanglement when a worker is in a tight space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate strap components into a single integrated jacket structure. Instead of having multiple independent straps that can entangle, the tool-carrying system is built into the jacket fabric itself, creating a unified, non-entanglement-prone design that maintains tool carrying capability while eliminating excess strap material in tight spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A load-bearing jacket. More specifically, a jacket comprising an outer layer made of heavy-duty cloth material, removable jacket sleeves, a vest shell, a removable vest liner, an integrated connector system, and an integrated tool belt system. The integrated tool belt system, in some embodiments, includes at least one belt strap permanently affixed to the jacket on one end and having a locking system on the other end.