Tension-Closure Garment Pocket for Secure Storage Without Bulges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional garment pockets often cause items to fall out during athletic activities and create uncomfortable bulges or unflattering lines due to the need for fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A tension closure pocket system using elastomeric fabric with flaps that apply increasing pressure across the pocket opening as the garment stretches, securely retaining items without visible bulges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pockets with fasteners are used to secure items, then item retention is improved, but garment comfort and appearance deteriorate due to bulges and lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional fastener mechanism (zippers, buttons, snaps) from the pocket system and replaces it with a tension closure system that uses the garment's elastic properties to secure items. This extraction of the fastener element eliminates the need for visible hardware that creates bulges and lines on the garment surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket closure system serves itself through the garment's inherent elastic recovery. When the garment is stretched during wear, the elastic fabric automatically applies tension to close the pocket opening and secure items. The system requires no external fasteners or additional mechanical components, allowing the garment material itself to perform the closing function.
2Reliability
If conventional pockets with fasteners are used to secure items, then item retention is improved, but comfort during athletic activities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic closure system where the pocket opening is held closed by elastic tension that changes with the garment's state. As the garment stretches during athletic activities, the elastic fabric maintains continuous contact with the pocket opening, adapting the closure force to match the garment's dimensional changes. This dynamic behavior ensures secure item retention without rigid fasteners that would restrict movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism relies on changing the physical state of the elastic fabric between stretched and recovered configurations. When the garment is worn and stretched, the elastic fabric is in a tensed state that closes the pocket. When the garment relaxes, the fabric returns to its original shape, maintaining the closure. This parameter change in the fabric's mechanical state enables secure closure without compromising movement freedom.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the garment is made elastic to allow stretching during activities, then adaptability to movement is improved, but the tendency for items to fall out of pockets worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the elastic properties specifically in the pocket closure region rather than requiring the entire garment to be rigid. The pocket opening area is designed with elastic fabric that provides localized tension to secure items, while the rest of the garment maintains its stretchability for athletic movement. This localized application of elastic closure quality allows the garment to be both stretchable and secure.
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 tension closure pocket effectively secures items during movement while maintaining a smooth garment appearance, allowing for comfortable and unobtrusive storage.
Implementation Method 1
A tension closure pocket system using elastomeric fabric with flaps that apply increasing pressure across the pocket opening as the garment stretches
Data Source
AI summary
A garment or article of clothing made of a resilient/elastomeric material includes at least a waist portion, a first leg portion, and a second leg portion. The waist portion further includes a pocket on the rear of the garment, where the pocket is defined by a backing panel, a first flap, and a second flap. The first flap is at least partially disposed over the second flap to secure contents between the backing panel and the second panel, and thus, within the pocket. When the waist portion is stretched, the tensile forces imparted onto the waist portion by the resilient/elastomeric material causes the first flap to at least partially overlie the second flap. The pocket is sized and shaped to receive smartphones and other small personal items, such as keys, money, credit cards, identifications, etc.