Reversible Garment Cuff Closure with Dual-Surface Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reversible garments face a tradeoff where either only one side can be closed, leading to discomfort or irritation due to the placement of a cuff closure flap on the inside.

Innovation Solution

A cuff closure system featuring a flexible flap, slit, and mating fasteners on both surfaces of the cuff, allowing the flap to be pulled through and secured externally, regardless of the garment's orientation, using microhook-microloop or snap fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cuff closure flap is placed on the inside of the cuff, then the cuff can be tightened around the arm or leg, but the flap causes discomfort or irritation to the wearer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuff closure functionalityVSAvoiddiscomfort or irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional placement of the cuff closure flap from the inside of the cuff to the outside of the cuff. The flap is positioned on the exterior surface, allowing it to be pulled through the slit and secured externally, thereby eliminating internal discomfort while maintaining closure functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by creating a slit that extends through the cuff fabric layers, allowing the flap to transition from an internal position to an external position. This dimensional change enables the flap to be manipulated and secured on the outside of the cuff, resolving the discomfort issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a cuff closure is designed for one side of a reversible garment, then the closure can be securely fastened, but the other side cannot be closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure securityVSAvoidboth sides closable

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the cuff closure system with universal functionality by providing mating fasteners on both the first and second surfaces of the cuff. This allows the same closure mechanism to operate on either side of the reversible garment, achieving both closure security and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the closure system into separate mating fasteners positioned on different surfaces of the cuff. The flap fastener on one surface mates with corresponding fasteners on the opposite surface, enabling independent operation on either side while maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the flap is attached to one surface of the cuff, then the closure can be operated from that side, but the cuff cannot be reversed to use the other surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure operationVSAvoidreversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic closure system where the flap can be manipulated and repositioned. The slit allows the flap to be pulled through and reconfigured, enabling the cuff to be reversed and operated from either surface while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7703151B2Cuff closure for reversible garments

Publication Date: 2010.04.27 BLAUER MANUFACTURING COMPANY INC

AI summary

A cuff closure comprising a flap having one end attached to the cuff and a free end, a longitudinal slit in the cuff adjacent to the attached end of the flap, a flap fastener component on the flap, a first surface fastener component on the first surface of the cuff that mates with the flap fastener component, and a second surface fastener component on the second surface of said cuff that mates with the flap fastener component. When the first surface is the outside surface, the flap fastener component mates with the first surface fastener component and, when the second surface is the outside surface, the flap fastener component mates with the second surface fastener component.