Laminated Hook and Eye Tape for Dynamic Garment Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hook and eye fasteners in garments, such as brassieres, lack dynamic adjustment capabilities, leading to discomfort and poor fit due to fixed size limitations, edge fraying, and pressure from hooks, which are not adequately addressed by existing flexible materials.
Innovation Solution
A laminated base tape with elastically elongatable fabric layers, including stretchable foam or rubber, provides omni-directional elasticity and prevents fraying, allowing for smooth, comfortable, and durable edges, enabling dynamic girth adjustment without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple eye columns are used for adjustment, then adjustment range is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the adjustment function into multiple eye columns (typically 3-5 columns) spaced horizontally across the tape. Each column provides a discrete adjustment position, allowing the wearer to select different fit levels. This segmentation enables a range of adjustments (typically 1/4 to 1 inch of total adjustment range) without requiring a completely new fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook and eye tape system serves multiple functions: it provides the primary closure function while simultaneously offering adjustment capability through multiple eye columns. The same tape structure that fastens the garment also enables size adjustment, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If stabilized non-stretchable fabric is used for the tape, then manufacturing precision and structure stability are improved, but adaptability and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a static, non-stretchable tape to a dynamic, elastically elongatable tape. The tape can stretch and recoil to accommodate wearer movement and breathing, providing automatic dynamic adjustment. The elastic properties allow the tape to adapt to changing body dimensions throughout the day without requiring manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the tape material by incorporating elastic fibers (such as spandex or elastane) into the fabric composition. This gives the tape stretch properties while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to support the hook and eye fasteners. The tape can elongate horizontally to provide adjustment while retaining vertical stability.
3Reliability
If heat sealing is used to prevent fraying, then edge durability is improved, but wearer comfort is worsened due to hard/sharp edges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a folded fabric edge construction where the tape edge is folded back on itself to create a soft, rounded finish. This flexible fabric structure replaces the rigid heat-sealed edge, providing both durability and comfort. The folded edge prevents fraying through the fabric's own structure rather than through rigid sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite fabric construction with multiple layers including the base tape material and an additional elastic layer. This composite structure provides inherent edge stability and fraying prevention through the layered construction, eliminating the need for heat sealing while maintaining both durability and softness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If uni-directional stretch tape is used, then horizontal flexibility is improved, but vertical stability is worsened causing tape displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different elastic properties to different directions of the tape. The fabric is constructed with elastic fibers oriented primarily in the horizontal direction to provide stretch for adjustment, while the vertical direction maintains greater stability. This directional differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous horizontal flexibility and vertical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape provides dynamic adjustment in the horizontal direction through elastic stretch while maintaining relative stability in the vertical direction. The differential elastic properties allow the tape to expand and contract horizontally to accommodate adjustment and body movement while preventing excessive vertical displacement that would cause misalignment of the fasteners.
5Reliability
If hook and eye fasteners are mounted on stabilized fabric, then fastening reliability is improved, but comfort is worsened due to hook pressure on the wearer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical properties of the tape from rigid to elastic, allowing the tape to stretch and reduce the concentration of pressure at the hook contact point. The elastic material distributes the fastening force over a larger area and allows micro-adjustments that reduce pressure peaks, maintaining reliable fastening while improving comfort.
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 enhances wearer comfort and durability by allowing flexible size adjustment and preventing edge fraying, ensuring the garment moves comfortably with the wearer without requiring frequent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically elongatable fabric that has been laminated to at least one additional elastically elongatable layer
Implementation Method 2
The glue or adhesive used for the lamination of the layers effectively prevents unacceptable fraying of the edges of the elastically elongatable fabric
Implementation Method 3
when an additional elastically elongatable layer on the eye tape is formed from a elastically elongatable cushioning material such as stretchable foam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is drawn to a hook and eye closure for garments such as brassieres. The eye tape and/or the hook tape is formed of laminated elastically elongatable layers, and can incorporate a cushioning layer to provide a comfortable and self-adjusting fit to garments. The lamination of the elastically elongatable layers allows manufacturing on existing equipment and helps provide smooth, soft edges, particularly when ultrasonically cut.