Replaceable Garment Portions With Localized Waterproof Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Garments used in rainy or cold weather activities often suffer from uneven wear and tear, with certain parts like pant cuffs or gaiters needing replacement before other parts, complicating maintenance and extending the garment's lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The garment is designed with separable portions, utilizing a waterproof and non-waterproof fastener system to allow easy replacement of worn-out parts like cuffs or gaiters, with distinct visible connections for ease of repair and reconnection, maintaining the garment's integrity and appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the garment is made as a single integrated piece, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but worn portions cannot be replaced independently and the entire garment must be discarded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplaceability of worn portionsVSAvoidgarment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The garment is divided into multiple separable portions including a main body and replaceable components such as cuffs, gaiters, or panels. These portions are connected through fastening systems (zippers, snaps, buttons, or stitching) that allow independent removal and replacement of worn sections without affecting the rest of the garment, thereby enabling targeted replacement while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If waterproof fasteners are used throughout the garment, then water resistance is maintained, but repair and replacement operations become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater resistanceVSAvoidfastener replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The garment employs different fastening systems in different locations based on functional requirements. Waterproof fasteners (such as sealed zippers or waterproof buttons) are used in areas requiring water resistance, while non-waterproof but easily removable fasteners (such as standard zippers, snaps, or button systems) are used in areas designated for frequent replacement operations. This localized differentiation maintains water resistance where needed while facilitating easy repair and replacement where required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of repair

If visible fastener connections are used for easy identification, then repair locations are easily found, but the aesthetic appearance of the garment is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification of repair locationsVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The garment incorporates color-coded or visually distinct fastener elements at replacement locations. These may include colored stitching, colored fastener components (such as red or yellow zippers or buttons), or contrasting fabric trims that make repair locations easily identifiable. The visual distinction is subtle enough to maintain overall aesthetic appearance while providing clear guidance for repair operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4401594B1Garment having replaceable portions
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 W L GORE & ASSOC GMBH
  • EP4401594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4401594B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4401594B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A garment (10) includes a first garment portion (22); a second garment portion (24); a third garment portion (26); a waterproof fastener system configured to join the first garment portion (22) and the second garment portion (24); and a non-waterproof fastener system (32) configured to join the first garment portion (22) and the third garment portion (26). The waterproof fastener system can be disconnected and rejoined without removing the third garment portion. The waterproof fastener system can include a first connection joining the first garment portion to the second garment portion. The non-waterproof fastener system can include a second connection (32) joining the first garment portion to the third garment portion. The second connection can be configured to withstand repeated repair and be disconnected and rejoined.