Variable Stretch Elastic Trims for Apparel Waistbands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trim pieces for articles of apparel lack the ability to provide adaptable stretch and securement while maintaining comfort and adjustability, as they often rely on uniform elastic properties that do not accommodate varying wear conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of elastic trims with variable stretch characteristics, achieved by incorporating lower-stretch cables within tunnel structures within a base textile, allowing for adjustable stretch properties along the trim's length through processing and integration into articles like waistbands and footwear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If uniform elastic properties are used in trim pieces, then manufacturing is simple, but the trim cannot accommodate varying wear conditions and provides limited adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The trim piece incorporates different elastic properties at different locations along its length. Specifically, the trim includes a first portion with first elastic properties and a second portion with second elastic properties, allowing each section to be optimized for its specific functional requirement while maintaining overall adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The trim piece is divided into multiple segments or portions, each with distinct elastic characteristics. This segmentation allows the trim to provide different levels of stretch and recovery in different areas, enabling it to accommodate varying wear conditions across different parts of the article of apparel
2Ease of operation
If higher stretch characteristics are provided throughout the trim, then comfort is improved, but securement capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The trim piece provides high stretch characteristics in portions where comfort and flexibility are prioritized, while maintaining lower stretch characteristics in portions where securement is critical. This localized differentiation allows the trim to simultaneously deliver both comfort and securement in different areas of the same component
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 elastic trims provide adaptable stretch, flexibility, and securement to articles of apparel, enhancing comfort and adjustability by varying stretch characteristics along their length, accommodating different wear conditions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The base textile may be formed from materials that impart a stretch characteristic to the base textile, e.g., one or more elastomeric yarns, filaments, and/or fibers
Implementation Method 2
The cables may be selected and/or formed to exhibit lower elastomeric properties than the materials forming the base textile
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A
AI summary
Elastic trims (10) and articles incorporating the same, and also methods of manufacturing and processing elastic trims (10) and articles incorporating the same, are provided. An elastic trim (10) may include a base textile (32) that is knitted or woven, and may further include cables (64) that are movably positioned in tunnel structures (26) located within the base textile (32), the cables (64) having a lower stretch characteristic than the base textile (32). The cables (64) may be secured and removed at certain locations, thereby imparting a variable stretch characteristic to the elastic trim (10). The elastic trims may be incorporated into various articles, including waistbands, apparel, footwear, and bags.