Single Strap Configuration for Simultaneous Support Garment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional support garments, such as bras, require independent manipulation of right and left shoulder straps to adjust breast cups, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A support garment with a single strap configuration that allows a wearer to adjust one breast cup and simultaneously adjust the other breast cup and underband portion through a system of apertures and adjustment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate right and left shoulder straps are used, then each breast cup can be adjusted independently, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate shoulder straps into a single continuous strap that passes through both breast cups and the underband. This single strap configuration allows the wearer to adjust both breast cups and the underband simultaneously by manipulating only one strap, thereby simplifying the adjustment operation while maintaining the ability to independently position each breast cup through the continuous path of the strap.
2Ease of operation
If a single strap is used, then adjustment operation is simplified, but the ability to independently adjust each breast cup may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single continuous strap is segmented into multiple functional sections that pass through different components: one section through the first breast cup, another through the second breast cup, and a third through the underband. Each section can be independently manipulated by the wearer to adjust the corresponding component, while the continuous nature of the strap ensures that adjustments are coordinated and distributed appropriately across all attached elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate straps and adjustment mechanisms are used, then each portion can be adjusted independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single continuous strap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adjustment mechanism for the first breast cup, an adjustment mechanism for the second breast cup, and an adjustment mechanism for the underband. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each component, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full adjustability of all support garment portions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects herein are directed to a support garment having a single strap adjustment mechanism. A first end of the strap is adjustably secured to an upper margin of a first breast contacting surface, and a second end of the strap is adjustably secured to an upper margin of a second breast contacting surface. An intervening portion of the strap is configured such that as the strap extends from its first end, it crosses diagonally downward to a first aperture located on a wing portion of the support garment through which it passes. It then crosses horizontally to pass through a second aperture located on another wing portion of the support garment. It then crosses diagonally upward where it terminates at its second end.