Pant Cuff Protection Sleeve for Dye Transfer Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of accessories that provide a barrier between the cuff of dyed pants and shoes to prevent dye from running, leading to inconvenience and potential damage to shoes, as existing solutions like pre-washing new clothes are time-consuming and not entirely effective.

Innovation Solution

A cuff protection sleeve with an annular wall portion and an inner fastening ring that attaches to the pant leg, creating a barrier between the cuff and the shoe by pinching the fabric between the sleeve and the ring, made from flexible materials like silicone or elastic for comfort and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If pre-washing new clothes is done to prevent dye running, then dye transfer to shoes is reduced, but time, energy, and money are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedye transfer to shoesVSAvoidtime for washing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sleeve is applied to the pant cuff before the dye running problem occurs, creating a pre-established barrier that prevents dye transfer without requiring pre-washing of the clothes. This preliminary protective measure eliminates the need for time-consuming washing procedures while still preventing the harmful effect of dye transfer to shoes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If pre-washing new clothes is done to prevent dye running, then dye transfer to shoes is reduced, but energy and money are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedye transfer to shoesVSAvoidenergy for washing
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sleeve is a low-cost, disposable accessory that provides effective dye transfer prevention without requiring the energy-intensive process of washing clothes. By using this inexpensive protective barrier, users can prevent dye running to shoes without consuming the energy and money that would be required for multiple washing cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective barrier is added between cuff and shoe, then dye transfer is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedye transfer to shoesVSAvoidcomplexity of protective accessory
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sleeve is constructed as a flexible, thin-walled structure that can be easily attached to the pant cuff and provides effective dye transfer prevention. This flexible shell design simplifies the overall device complexity compared to rigid or multi-component protective systems, while still effectively blocking dye from reaching the shoes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective barrier is added between cuff and shoe, then dye transfer is prevented, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedye transfer to shoesVSAvoidease of attaching accessory
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective accessory is divided into separate components including a sleeve portion and a fastening ring, which can be independently attached to the pant cuff. This segmentation allows for simple, modular assembly that maintains ease of operation while providing effective dye transfer prevention. The separate components can be easily attached and removed without complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9968146B2Guard accessory for pants
Publication Date: 2018.05.15 DUBOSE FRANCWAU
  • US9968146B2 patent drawing
  • US9968146B2 patent drawing
  • US9968146B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a protective guard accessory for protecting the cuff of a pant leg. In a version of the invention, the clothing accessory generally comprises a cuff protection sleeve comprising an annular wall portion with an upper enlarged portion and an inwardly curved bottom lip defining a circular channel. The circular channel adapted to receive a respective bottom cuff of the pants. In addition, an inner fastening ring is provided comprising an external annular channel configured to couple with the upper enlarged portion of the cuff protection sleeve. Wherein, while in use, the fabric of the pants is pinched or sandwiched between the top enlarged portion of the cuff protection sleeve and the inner fastening ring while simultaneously engaging the cuff within the circular channel. Thereby, engaging the clothing accessory with the lower end portion and bottom cuff of the respective pant leg and providing a barrier between the pant leg and respective shoe.