Trouser Assemblies with Segmented Zipper Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trouser assemblies with zippers lack features that allow for easy and hygienic restroom use without removing duty or utility belts, as they require full unzipping or lowering, which is cumbersome and unsanitary.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a zipper system that allows the trousers to be partially unzipped from the waistband's lower edge to the rear, with a flap from underpants extending through the crotch opening for secure coupling to the trousers, enabling use without removing the belt, and a button system for secure coupling to underpants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the zipper is fully unzipped for restroom use, then accessibility is improved, but the trousers must be lowered or fully opened which is cumbersome and unsanitary
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper is segmented into two independent tapes (right and left) that can be operated separately. The right zipper tape remains closed while the left zipper tape can be opened independently, allowing partial access to the restroom without fully opening the trousers or lowering them.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the trouser assembly have different functional properties. The right leg portion maintains a closed, sanitary state while the left leg portion provides localized access. The underpants flap extends specifically through the crotch opening to provide targeted coverage where needed.
2Ease of operation
If the trousers are lowered for restroom use, then accessibility is improved, but the duty or utility belt must be removed which is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper system is divided into separable right and left zipper tapes, allowing the user to open only the necessary portion for restroom access without affecting the overall trouser configuration or requiring belt removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of fully opening or lowering the trousers, only a partial opening of the left zipper tape is performed - just enough to provide restroom access while maintaining the trousers in their normal worn position with the belt secured.
3Ease of operation
If the zipper is designed for full opening, then accessibility is improved, but the structural integrity and closed appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper assembly is segmented into independent right and left zipper tapes, each capable of being opened or closed independently. This allows the right side to remain fully closed maintaining structural integrity and appearance, while the left side provides access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The functional properties are distributed differently across the trouser assembly. The right leg portion maintains a consistently closed state for structural integrity, while the left leg portion has localized opening capability that does not affect the overall trouser configuration when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are trouser assemblies including a trouser assembly that may include: a trouser that may include: a trouser waistband having an internal waistband surface; a right leg portion coupled to the trouser waistband and having a right leg internal surface; a left leg portion coupled to the trouser waistband and the right leg portion and having a left leg internal surface; a rear trouser button coupled to the left leg portion, the right leg portion, or the trouser waistband, wherein the rear trouser button may be configured for removable coupling to a rear portion of underpants; and a front trouser button coupled to the left leg internal surface, the right leg internal surface, or the internal waistband surface, wherein the front trouser button may be configured for removable coupling to a front portion of the underpants.