Stabilized Sleeve Pockets for Sports Apparel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sports apparel lacks a stable and secure way to carry personal items such as electronics, medical devices, and nutrition during exercise, leading to the need for additional accessories to hold items in place.
Innovation Solution
The development of exercise apparel with two opposing shoulder-mounted pockets, each adjacent to a spandex band that fits around the arm, allowing for even weight distribution and secure retention of items, along with waterproof pockets and elastane cuffs for additional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pockets are used in exercise apparel, then items can be carried, but items are not securely retained and move during exercise
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket system is divided into multiple components: the pocket itself, spandex bands, and elastane cuffs. Each component serves a specific function - the pocket holds items, the spandex bands provide initial stabilization, and the elastane cuffs prevent movement at the sleeve level. This segmentation allows each element to optimize its specific function while working together to achieve overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used in different locations to provide localized functions. Spandex bands are placed at the pocket location to provide elastic stabilization, while elastane cuffs are positioned at the sleeve ends to prevent pocket movement. The waterproof material is specifically applied to the pocket interior to protect electronics. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes performance at each critical location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pockets are added to exercise apparel, then items can be carried, but weight distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket configuration uses asymmetric placement patterns - pockets are positioned on opposite sides of the body (bilateral symmetry in placement but asymmetric in design elements). The spandex bands and elastane cuffs are strategically positioned to create balanced weight distribution while maintaining the functional asymmetry needed for secure item retention on each side.
3Ease of operation
If pockets are made accessible for electronics, then devices can be accessed during exercise, but protection from sweat and rain is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A waterproof film or coating is applied to the interior surface of the pocket, creating a protective barrier between the electronics and sweat or rain. This thin film maintains the flexibility and comfort of the pocket while providing the necessary protection against harmful liquids. The waterproof layer allows the pocket to remain accessible and comfortable during exercise while preventing contact between moisture and electronic devices.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a secure, stable, and evenly distributed method for carrying personal items during exercise, preventing movement of pocket contents and protecting electronics and medical devices from sweat and rain.
Implementation Method 1
spandex bands that fit about the arms of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
elastane cuffs built into the sleeves that securely grip the skin of the wearer
Implementation Method 3
providing a waterproof pocket for electronics or medical devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to exercise apparel. In one embodiment, the apparel takes the form of a shirt that includes front and back panels and first and second sleeves. A pocket is formed on the outside surface of each sleeve. Each pocket further includes a zippered opening. Each sleeve includes a spandex band extending around the arm opening and adapted to securely fit over the upper arm of the wearer. Each spandex band is in close proximity to the bottom edge of an associated pocket. The bands function in stabilizing the pocket and preventing excess movement while exercising.