Semi-Rigid Insertion Tool for Pant Leg Protection and Foot Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Putting on pants can be difficult due to catching points on fashionable pants, foot problems such as bunions and hammertoes, and issues with casts or braces, leading to potential damage and difficulty in inserting the foot into pant legs.

Innovation Solution

A semi-rigid elongate body with a convex transverse cross-section is inserted into the pant leg to hold it open, featuring a hand grasping portion for manual maneuvering, protecting the pant leg and facilitating foot insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the foot is inserted directly into the pant leg, then the insertion process is simple and quick, but the foot may get caught on the pant fabric causing damage to distressed areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of pant insertionVSAvoiddamage to pant fabric

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A smooth, semi-rigid insertion tool is introduced as an intermediary between the foot and the pant leg. The tool has a smooth surface that prevents catching on distressed areas while guiding the foot through the pant leg. The tool is inserted first, then the foot slides over it, eliminating direct contact between the foot and vulnerable pant fabric areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the pant leg is held open manually during insertion, then foot insertion becomes easier, but this requires additional manual dexterity that may be difficult for elderly or disabled persons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of foot insertionVSAvoidadaptability to foot problems and disabilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion tool is designed to be self-holding through its semi-rigid structure and convex cross-section. When inserted into the pant leg, the tool automatically maintains the leg opening without requiring continuous manual pressure. The user simply needs to guide the tool in, and it holds itself in position while the foot is inserted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid structure is used to hold the pant leg open, then the pant leg remains stable, but it may be difficult to insert and maneuver into the pant leg

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of pant leg openingVSAvoidease of tool insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool uses semi-rigid material with intermediate stiffness between rigid and flexible. This parameter change allows the tool to be flexible enough for easy insertion while maintaining sufficient rigidity to hold the pant leg open stably. The convex cross-section further optimizes the balance between insertability and holding stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12599262B2Method and apparatus for use in applying pants to the legs of a wearer

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 SITARZ ROBERT L J

AI summary

An arrangement for applying pants to the legs of a wearer includes a semi-rigid elongate body formed of a thin smooth sheet having an upper end and a lower end and is convex in transverse cross-section so that the body engaging the front face holds the pant leg open for insertion of a foot of the wearer. The body has a length to extend from the crotch of the pants at least to the knee of the pant leg and has a hand grasping portion at or adjacent the upper end by which the body can be manually maneuvered into the pant leg to hold open the pant leg and to protect the pant leg from damage during insertion of the foot.