Abstract: The present invention provides a garment which can have the waist size thereof adjusted quickly, and yet is a garment which can withstand (a) the strong washing and cleaning solutions and (b) the rigorous washing and cleaning procedures used by linen suppliers. That waist adjusting arrangement includes a masking band and a confining and guiding arrangement for a portion of that band. That confining and guiding arrangement is disposed at the inner face of one of the side panels of the garment; and that masking band is secured to the other of those side panels. That masking band will prevent unlimited separation of those side panels, and a portion of that masking band will overlie and conceal any fasteners which are not overlain and concealed by the one side panel whenever the garment is given its largest waist size.

Abstract: A device for gathering and retaining a portion of a fabric article such as an article of clothing, includes a first, elastic ribbon- or cord-shaped element fastened at one end to the article to be gathered within a seating or sleeve provided on the fabric article. The first element is also attached at at least two points to a second ribbon- or cord-shaped element such that the overlapping portion of one of the elements is longer than that of the other element. A rigid lamina is provided attached to the larger overlapping portion to engage the front edge of the fabric sleeve, thereby securing the fabric in the gathered position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waist band extender having a strip of substantially inelastic material and a single pair of complementary closure member mounted in spaced apart relationship for mating with complementary closure members normally incorporated into a garment's waist band for temporary use in extending such waist band without alterations, and for leaving such garment in normal state upon removal. Such extender may include means for holding a zipper of a garment together with the extender so as to provide security of closing where needed.The present invention also provides a waist band extended garment of wearing apparel comprising in combination a garment having a permanent waist band integrated with lower reaches of the garment which waist band is extended by means of an extender described above.

Abstract: A waistband adjusting element for garments such as trousers, which provides for greater flexibility in the adjustable connection of overlapping waistband sections, is disclosed. A detent rail is attached to the inner waistband member and has a movable slider mounted on it, coupled to a hinged locking tab provided with a central window, through which a cover strip passes to conceal the detent rail from view. The other end of the locking tab is pivotably coupled to the outer waistband section by flexible fabric loop which is capable of rotating from a flat position against the outer waistband section to a folded back overlapping position through an arc of approximately 180.degree.. The flexibility of the fabric loop through its pivoting range allows the locking tab to also pivot through a corresponding 180.degree. range between engaged and disengaged positions with respect to the detent rail.

Abstract: A garment fastening arrangement comprising a plurality of lengthwise adjustable waistbands, belts, straps, cords or ties arranged in co-operative sets of interengageable belt portions, with at least a pair of associated interengageable rear belt portions with respective interengageable fastening means and a front set of at least 3 interengageable belt portions with respective interengageable fastening means, one of said set of 3 being attached to a garment front edge and another to the same one side of the garment, with the third being attached to the opposite side of the garment, whereby adjustable interengagement of the three belts of the front set draws and tensions the front of the garment, with overlapping garment edges and panels, while the rear pair of belt portions independently adjustably fastens the rear panel or panels of the garment, for permanent adjustable setting of the garment shape according to the wearer, while the front pair enables fastening and unfastening and slackening of the overall be

Abstract: An improved waistband construction for garments is disclosed which features an elastic inner band, the entire width of which is exposed to any other garment worn simultaneously, so as to insure that the garment having the waistband according to the invention and the other garment remain in relative alignment. "Fullness" is built into the shell of the garment, whereby the shell may be of any desired material, while permitting the stretchable waistband, without unsightly bulging.

Abstract: Apparel adapted to cover the lower portion of the human torso includes a contoured waistband portion having opposed sides which extend adjacent to or slightly above the upper edges of the hip bones and extend generally across the lower back and the lower front abdomen in a downwardly extending converging V shape. The waistband portion is formed of a fabric having a high degree of stretch along stretch and recovery lines which converge in a downward direction toward the longitudinal vertical centerline of the torso. A form fitting undergarment including the waistband configuration is formed of a knit or woven fabric stretchable and recoverable along the same general direction as the recovery forces exerted on the waistband and includes improved leg opening and crotch panel construction for comfort and ease of movement.

Abstract: A waist belt for weight lifting incorporates a pulley arrangement for tightening the belt. The waist belt includes a heavy leather belt having first and second ends. First and second rectangular metal loops are secured proximate the first and second ends, respectively, of the leather belt, each of the rectangular metal loops including a cylindrical roller rotatably mounted thereto. A nylon strap is secured at a fixed end to the leather belt proximate the second end thereof, and the free end of the strap is wound over the rollers of the first and second metal loops to form a pulley arrangement for drawing the ends of the leather belt together. First and second complementary fastening surfaces are secured to the free end of the strap and to the leather belt, respectively, for removably attaching the free end of the strap to the leather belt after the belt has been sufficiently tightened.

Abstract: A garment waistband that employs a longitudinally extensible elastic band which is laterally partially stiffened. A plurality of elastic threads extending in the longitudinal direction through the band are bound to stiffened lateral fibers, and the stiffened lateral fibers are loosely interconnected by supporting fibers. The extension of the elasic band is partially restrained by a fabric web attached to parts of the inner and outer surfaces of the elastic band. The looseness with which the supporting fibers connect the stiffened fibers allows one longitudinal portion of the waistband to be stretched without significantly affecting nearby parallel longitudinal portions. The fabric web partially restrains extension of the elastic band so that the garment to which it is attached does not pucker or significantly deform. The result is a waistband that conforms in a comfortable manner to body contours while providing stability and a neat, finished appearance to the garment in which it is employed.

Abstract: A garment waistband comprising an elastic band as well as a fabric web which is attached to the gdhmet body dnd to the elastic band and which covers segments of the upper portion of, and restrains the elongation of, the elastic band. The fabric web does not cover the area of the elastic band near the side seams of the gdrment, however; in this area, the elastic band stretches more easily than in areas covered by the fabric web. This waistband thus allows the garment to fit snugly and resists rolling, yet provides an extra degree of extensibility for comfort and allows a proper fit even where the wearer has experienced weight losses or gains.

Abstract: An elastic band with an embedded nonelastic pull cord. When used as a waistband for clothing, it provides both an elastic and drawstring function. The cord's extra length results in a string pulled by the wearer to tighten the article. For an elastic band in the form of cloth, the cord may constitute one of the intertwined threads. Woven, knitted or braided elastic may include the cord as part of its fabric. The band with the cord may find use in swimsuits, pants, shirts, and sportswear.

Abstract: A bathing cap incorporating a deployment clip in its rim which varies the circumference of the rim of a certain segment is very practical and comfortable to use.The cap may be put on and taken off in an easy and comfortable way while its tightness in use is unimpaired.

Abstract: A garment has an automatically-adjustable-length drawstring with readily-flexible ends that can be tied to enable the garment to accommodate a large number of waist sizes; and that drawstring will automatically expand as the circumference of the wearer's waist increases during breathing in or movement of the wearer's body, and that drawstring will automatically contract as the circumference of the wearer's waist subsequently decreases during breathing out or movement of the wearer's body. In doing so, that drawstring will hold the waist of that garment against drooping relative to a user's waist. A resilient, extensible section between the readily-flexible ends of the drawstring will automatically and continuously maintain an effective, but lower-than-normal, value of frictional force between the waist of the garment and a wearer's waist.

Abstract: Garments, including panty garments and hose. Each garment includes support structure comprising twin, diagonally inclined halves forming stress vectors directed between the hips and pelvic region of the wearer. The panty garment may include lower leg portions separated by a lower crotch panel. The intermediate portions of the waistband halves ride over the iliac crest on opposite sides of the wearer, forming a first anchor point. Extreme ends of the support structure halves preferably converge at the front and rear of the crotch panel, passing over the abdomen and lower back regions, thus forming a second anchor point at the pelvic region.

Abstract: A trousers waistband structure employing a two-part elastic band, an elastic reinforcement strip attached to the two-part elastic band such that the lower linear edge of the reinforcement strip depends freely from the band, and a linearly extensible waistband fabric web which is attached to the upper inside edge of the two-part elastic band, looped over the elastic band and reinforcement strip and attached, along its second linear edge, to the trousers body. The lower linear edge of the reinforcement strip is attached, by means of blind stitching proximate the seam between the trousers body and the waistband fabric web, to pockets previously inset in the trousers body.

Abstract: A laminated structure having a gathered marginal area which provides an improved fit about a portion of the human body, said laminated structure comprising an elastic member disposed between first and second substrates of flexible gatherable material, said elastic member comprising a plurality of interconnected longitudinally extending elastic elements defining apertures therebetween, the longitudinally extending elements having different cross-sectional areas to provide varying degrees of tension across the width of the marginal area and the first and second substrates of said laminated structure being secured together through at least some of said apertures.

Abstract: An improved seam structure for a garment, in which overlapping layers of fabric are provided with extra rows of stitches which can be removed to increase the size of the garment as required. As applied to a pair of pants, the seam structure extends from the waist edge to the crotch along the seat of the garment. The extra rows of stitches or seams are spaced apart at the waist edge and converge with a first seam adjacent the crotch, so that the garment can be enlarged in successive increments.

Abstract: A fastener means for fabrics and clothing and which includes a magnetic tape material which is sewn into or otherwise applied to next adjacent edges of cloth material intended to be overlapped. Such magnetic material being relatively thin and light weight, pliable and flexible, capable of being cut to desired lengths and having the general characteristics of a narrow strip of fabric or cloth material itself.

Abstract: A pull-on slacks construction characterized by an elastic waistband which is "seamless" in the sense that there is no rear seam and the front joint of the band is hidden by a simulated flap, complete with buttons or the equivalent, offset laterally from a front fly which does not extend through the waistband and is constructed from pattern-cut portions which are unitary with rise portions which are wide enough to act as free facings on the inside of the rise portion of the finished slacks. There are no side seams in the leg or rise portions but only inside leg seams, crotch and back seams, and the whole garment is of stretchable material for form-fitting, attractive style with simple, smooth lines and at the same time economical to manufacture.

Abstract: An undergarment for athletic activities such as bicycling, horseback riding, jogging, or the like which provides a thin padded area for protecting the crotch from discomfort, uplift support for the buttocks, and firming of the skin of the lower torso area. The undergarment is comprised of a flexible, stretchable fabric wall that conforms to the lower torso of a human being having elastic waist and leg bands joined together at the waist by adjustable fasteners, a thin ventilated, resilient pad disposed in the crotch area, and a "Y"-shaped support band extending in the rear panel of the garment from the back waistband vertically to the resilient pad. The stretchable material firms the skin in the area covered. The thin pad protects the crotch area from discomfort when sitting, without encumbering movement. The "Y"-shaped support band provides uplift support to the buttocks.

Abstract: Fastener for bands or the like, particularly on pants, shirts, pockets or the like, comprising a rail provided with catches and a slide running on the rail, which slide has an angular-shaped folding lever, the shorter angle leg of which engages in the catch recesses of the rail in the folded-up position of the folding lever; the folding lever has a window-like opening for the free passage therethrough of a cover strip, the latter lying on the outside in front of the rail, such that the window opening - frame leg, which frame leg points to the slide bottom plate, engages in the catch recesses of the rail on its center section. In the locked position of the folding lever, the window opening - frame leg extends in the parallel flat-position relative to the cover of the rail guide tunnel.

Abstract: A split waistband garment with the improvement residing in the waistband construction whereby the front panel and rear panel of a pant leg are slidably, yet restrainingly, held together by a slider device.

Abstract: A mini-support belt for a garment includes first and second sections of non-elastic flexible material. The belt sections are adapted adjacent one end of each for cooperable releasable interconnection. The first and second belt sections, when interconnected, are of sufficient length to extend across the front only of a person's torso below the waist from a location proximate one hip to a corresponding location of the garment relative to the other hip. The invention also includes the combination of a mini-support belt of the character described and a garment adapted to be worn so as to cover at least that portion of the torso extending from the waist downwardly.

Abstract: A fastener for bands or the like, particularly on pants, skirts, pockets or the like with a catch rail which is fastened on one band-part on which catch rail a slide can be displaced, the slide being fastened on the other band-part, which slide carries a folding lever, the folding lever continuing under its folding axis passing into a catch projection and having a window-shaped opening for insertion therein of a strip which covers the catch rail and the slide. The slide-side band-fastening point engages on the folding lever.

Abstract: A device for tightening the waist of a garment comprising a sheath provided around the waist of a garment which has an opening near each end thereof and a pair of strings, each of which is secured to one end of said sheath and is passed through the sheath and drawn out of the opening at the other end thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable waist band for jeans and the like is disclosed in which conventional brass-like snaps are utilized to accomplish the adjusting feature. The employment of brass-like snaps which are viewable makes it appear that the snaps are part of a normal, non-functional, ornamental design so that the adjustability of the waist band is achieved without detracting from the appearance of the jeans. Further, by employing brass-like snaps, the appearance of the jeans is even further enhanced.

Abstract: The invention relates to extensible maternity slacks having a front flap adapted to be joined to the edge of a rear flap by a button-hole co-operating with a plurality of buttons, the front flap further comprising on its upper edge a waist-band containing a reinforcing elastic which comprises, in known manner, a succession of regularly spaced apart median button-holes, so that one of the button-holes, located at the side edges, is adapted to co-operate with a button located on the side of the said front flap, substantially where the said waist-band opens out, the judicious choice of the button-hole, fitted on the button, enabling the tension of said flap to be adjusted at its upper edge.

Abstract: A belt assembly comprising, a housing having an elongated tunnel, and an elongated belt passing through the housing tunnel. The housing and belt have cooperating surface restraining means interengaging in the housing tunnel and providing substantial restraint against movement of the belt through the housing tunnel, with the surface means permitting movement of the belt through the housing tunnel responsive to relatively large forces applied against the belt.

Abstract: A pair of pants having an adjustable lower body portion made of two overlapping frontal triangular flaps extending from the back and sides of the body portion. The triangular flaps have their apex at about the crotch of the body wearing the pants and their base at about the waist of the said body, the free side of each flap is adapted to be normally directed diagonally in the general direction of the side of the hips. The forward flap is provided with a set of buttonholes along its free side and the rearward flap is provided with a set of displaceably fixed buttons in positions corresponding to the said buttonholes. The overlapping surfaces of the two flaps may vary in dimensions by being pivoted about their apex and accordingly adjust to the girth of the lower body. The buttons are displaceably fixed to the rearward flap along a radial line having its center about the said apex and corresponding to the position of the buttonholes.

Abstract: Textile fabric, a part of which has its coefficient of friction increased by application to said part of an inert, non-slump, room temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber, which rubber is thereafter vulcanized.

Abstract: A narrow elastic fabric for use as a waistband in an article of apparel comprising a set of warp yarns running in the direction of the length of the fabric woven with a set of monofilament filling yarns running in the direction of the width of the fabric. The warp set contains elastic yarns and continuous filament synthetic fiber texturized face yarns. The elastic yarns have a spandex core initially wrapped with a settable yarn. At least a portion of the continuous filament texturized face yarns are woven in a rib weave.

Abstract: An adjustable fastening device broadly comprises a slider and a rack, the slider being slidably mounted astride the rack so as to be releasably locked at any point on the latter for adjustably fastening parts pats of an article, or two separate articles, together. The rack has a pair of transversely registered recesses formed in the respective longitudinal edges thereof to provide a guideway through which the slider can be manipulated to and away from an astride position on the rack.