Leg Restraint System Using Elastic Band and Bungee Binder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manspreading, where travelers occupy excessive leg space by sitting with their legs spread apart, poses a challenge in crowded public transportation, as it encroaches on adjacent seating and is difficult to prevent due to its habitual and comfortable nature.

Innovation Solution

A leg restraint system comprising a strap with a buckle and a bungee binder, designed to hold a seated person's bent legs in parallel, using a strap with adjustable settings and a quick-release mechanism to prevent legs from spreading and encroaching on adjacent space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traveler sits with legs spread apart (manspreading), then personal comfort and habitual posture are improved, but leg space encroachment on adjacent seating increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonal comfortVSAvoidleg space encroachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system applies a counteracting force before the legs can spread into the V-position. The elastic band is positioned around the thighs and pre-tensioned to push the knees together, creating a preliminary anti-action that prevents the harmful spreading motion before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic band utilizes the natural tendency of legs to spread apart (the harmful behavior) as the very force that tensions the band. As the legs attempt to move into the V-position, they tighten the elastic band, which then exerts an equal and opposite force to push them back into parallel alignment, converting the harmful spreading motion into the beneficial restraining force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Area of stationary object

If a leg restraint system is used to hold legs in parallel, then leg space encroachment is reduced, but ease of use and comfort may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleg space encroachmentVSAvoidease of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system transitions from a static rigid constraint to a dynamic elastic constraint. The elastic band can dynamically adjust its tension based on the leg position and movement, providing firm restraint when needed while allowing natural movement within limits. The system absorbs movement through elastic deformation rather than rigid resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic band changes its physical parameters (tension, length, flexibility) in response to leg movement. When legs are in the desired parallel position, the band maintains a comfortable baseline tension. When legs attempt to spread, the band's tension increases dynamically, providing variable restraint force that adapts to the user's movements rather than applying constant rigid pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid restraint mechanism is used to prevent leg spreading, then leg position control is improved, but comfort and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleg position controlVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system replaces rigid mechanical constraints with a flexible elastic band. This thin flexible element wraps around the thighs and uses its elastic properties to maintain leg position control. The flexibility of the band allows it to conform to the body's shape and movement while still providing effective restraint, eliminating the discomfort associated with rigid bars or straps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Effectively maintains personal space by keeping legs parallel, relieving inner thigh tension, and allowing easy use and transport, while being non-metallic and washable, suitable for various seating arrangements.

Implementation Method 1

a bungee binder, the bungee binder having a looped flex cord formed integral to a ball, the bungee binder affixed to the strap, wherein the looped flex cord surrounds the strap in a coiled configuration to hold the coiled strap in a rolled position for transport

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11439528B2Leg restraint system and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 GILBERT JR HENRY L

AI summary

A leg restraint system to hold a person's thighs together while seated with bent legs, including a strap having a first strap end and a second strap end, a buckle, the buckle having a first latchable end and a second latchable end, wherein the first latchable end is affixed to the first strap end and the second latchable end affixed to the second strap end, one or more keepers configured to gather the first strap end and a second strap end, a bungee binder, the bungee binder configured to hold the strap in a stored position and, thus, functions to be easily used to carry or transport the leg restraint system and utilize the leg restraint system to clasp, cinch, and hold a seated passengers bent legs in parallel and prevent their bent legs from spreading to a V-spread and encroaching on another adjacent traveler's designated leg space.