Apparatus and Method for Elevating a Western Riding Chap

Abstract

A removable apparatus for selectively adjusting the length of a western riding chap. The present invention enables a dismounted rider to selectively elevate the drop of a western riding chap from the ground. In an embodiment, a removable chap elevating apparatus includes a locking clip, at least one rivet, a first strap, a second strap and a kiltie pin.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/756,137 by Andrea Stem, et al., filed on Apr. 7, 2010 and entitled “Chap Strap” assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to horseback riding apparel, in particular, a removable chap elevating apparatus for a dismounted rider to quickly and easily adjust the length of a western riding chap without damaging the chap; and a method of using a removable chap elevating apparatus that permits the user to selectively adjust the length of a chap without altering the integrity of the chap.

BACKGROUND

Western horseback riding chaps are designed to cover the heel of a boot of a mounted rider. Dismounted riders have been required to roll up their chaps in order to avoid walking or tripping on the drop of a chap leg. In many cases, the chap often comes unrolled and is then stepped on and damaged between the boot and the ground. In many cases, the wearer may trip and fall on the drop of the chap. The drop of the chap is the bottom length of the chap.

Numerous innovations for belts, pants clips, suspenders, and related devices have been provided in the prior art that will be described infra. Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they address, however, they differ from the present invention in that they do not teach a removable chap elevating apparatus to selectively adjust the length of a horseback riding chap without damaging the chap; and a method of using a removable chap elevating apparatus that permits the user to selectively adjust the length of a chap without altering the integrity of the chap.

• (1) U.S. Pat. No. 229,031 to Campbell.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 229,031 issued to Campbell on Jun. 22, 1880 teaches a protector for the bottom of the legs of pantaloons, consisting of a wire frame, forming guards, and pins for connection with interlocking loops, all formed of one continuous piece of wire.

• (2) U.S. Pat. No. 302,643 to Adgate.

Another example, U.S. Pat. No. 302,643 issued to Adgate on Jul. 29, 1884 teaches a pantaloons elevator and protector consisting of wire or other suitable material, formed with a pointed hook at one end, a loop or hook at the opposite end, with an intermediate bend or crook or their equivalents.

• (3) U.S. Pat. No. 320,658 to Hogeboom.

Another example, U.S. Pat. No. 320,658 to Hogeboom on Jun. 23, 1885 teaches a pantaloon-holder consisting of a simple flat plate or strip, with attached hook or hooks, adapted to lie within and under cover of the rear portion of the bottom hem of the pantaloons-leg and then be secured therein, with the hook arranged to protect above the hem, and shaped and constructed so that on lifting the rear hemmed portion of the leg to any desired height the hook may be made to engage with an upper portion of the pantaloons-leg to hold up the raised lower potion thereof.

• (4) U.S. Pat. No. 415,575 to Spelling.

Another example, U.S. Pat. No. 415,575 to Spelling on Nov. 19, 1889 teaches a garment shaping or holding device, the combination, with a belt, of the spring-arm consisting of two parts, one of which is connected with said belt and the other provided with attachment for the trousers, and a spring attached at one end to each part and arranged between the belt and the trousers end of the device.

• (5) U.S. Pat. No. 898,200 to Elzas.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 898,200 issued to Elzas on Sep. 8, 1908 teaches a device for protecting the bottom of pantaloons against dirt and water in muddy and rainy weather, and particularly the provision of a device which remains normally open, and which may be quickly and easily closed in order to more readily attach the same to the pantaloons, or to detach it; the combination with a protector constructed of a suitable material having a suitable binding extending continuously about the edges thereof and being folded to embrace the inner and outer portions of the garment, of concealed fasteners therefor comprising covered hinged plates within said folds engaging straight and curved springs normally holding said plates and said folds spaced apart for the ready insertion of the garment, and adapted to hold said fasteners tightly together when the same are closed upon the garment.

• (6) U.S. Pat. No. 1,173,139 to Abramson.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,173,139 issued to Abramson on Feb. 22, 1916 teaches a pair of trousers and leg-lifting devices fastened in the legs thereof, each device comprising a pair of members extending upwardly and outwardly in opposite directions from the knee portion of the trousers leg to the inner and outer lateral portions, the upper and lower extremities of the members being secured to the trousers while the intermediate portions of the members are free.

• (7) U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,026 to Seneca.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,501,026 issued to Seneca on Feb. 26, 1985 teaches central sections of first and second elongated string-like portions connected by a knot. The first portion carries decorative end elements and includes first and second parts adapted to extend in opposite directions from the rear to the front of the pants to encircle the waistband in belt-like fashion. The ends of the first and second parts are tied together. The second portion is adapted to extend downwardly from the knot, between the leg portions of the pants, and upwardly along the front thereof. The second portion includes third and fourth parts adapted to be clipped onto the first and second parts, respectively, at spaced locations along the first portion, on either side of the point where the first and second parts are tied or onto spaced belt loops across the front of the waistband. In a second, embodiment, a fifth string-like part connects the first and second parts with the third and fourth parts.

• (8) U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,861 to Peles.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,861 issued to Peles on Aug. 9, 1988 teaches an arrangement for securing a belt against slipping from a holding clamp by forming a loop in the belt and inserting the loop into a slot of a clamp or a device, with a wedge then inserted into the loop. By pulling the free end of the belt, the loop and wedge enter into the slot.

• (9) U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,450 to Horita et al.

Yet still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,450 issued to Horita et al. on Oct. 27, 1992 teaches a buckle assembly for use in fastening opposite ends of a strap, belt, suspender, and the like. The buckle assembly includes a plug member, a socket member engageable therewith, and tension control apparatus adapted to reciprocate the plug member back and forth through the socket member for a predetermined distance in response to tensile forces applied to the straps. Tension adjusting apparatus is further provided to adjust the compressive tension of the tension control apparatus to a desired extent.

• (10) U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,225 to Karami et al.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,225 issued to Karami et al. on Mar. 16, 1993 teaches an elastic band including a plurality of spaced elastic members and a pair of flexible sheet materials on opposed sides of the elastic members. The elastic members are secured in a stretched position to each of the flexible sheet materials.

• (11) U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,845 to Takimoto.

Yet still another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,491,845 issued to Takimoto on Feb. 20, 1996 teaches a fashion belt capable of being applied to various kinds of materials and various cross-sectional shapes, and tightened and loosened easily. This fashion belt is formed by a belt body, and a locking member capable of fixing one end portion of the belt body thereto, receiving the other end portion of the belt body so that the tightening length of the belt body can be regulated, and locking and unlocking the second-mentioned end portion thereof in an arbitrary position of insertion thereof.

• (12) U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,443 issued to Fildan.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,443 issued to Fildan on Jan. 7, 1997 teaches a nonslip slide or buckle having elongated teeth projecting along edges of openings defined between outer limbs and a central limb and through which straps are looped for lingerie or corsetry, thereby preventing slippage of the buckle relative to the straps or vice versa without allowing snagging of outer garment fabrics.

• (13) U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,511 to Garside.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,787,511 issued to Garside on Aug. 4, 1998 teaches a temporary hemming device including a flexible member having a first end and a second end and being made of a material which feels comfortable on skin and a fastening device for fastening the first end to the second end through a garment, wherein the fastening device comprises a first art and a second part, wherein the first part is attached to the first end and the second part is attached to the second end.

• (14) U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,605 to Srivastava.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,605 issued to Srivastava on May 21, 2002 teaches a belt having two ends that can be attached directly to a wearer's clothing instead of the belt closing on itself like a conventional belt. Two fastening apparatus, such as commercially available vest-clips, are attached to the two extremities of a flexible length of belting material. A buckle or other adjusting apparatus may be provided for varying the length of the wrap belt. In use, the wearer first attaches one end of the belt to a selected position on the wearer's article of clothing. The wearer then wraps the belt around the wearer's torso one or more times. Finally, the wearer fastens the other end of the belt to a second selected position on the wearer's clothing. The wearer may adjust the length of the belt before, during, or after wearing the belt.

• (15) U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,862 to Bunjes.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,618,862 issued to Bunjes on Sep. 16, 2003 teaches a pants hem guard, for attachment to a shoe, having a frame with a U-shaped inner portion and a U-shaped outer portion, and a clip insert attached to the outer portion of the frame. The outer portion has two ends attached to a rear surface of the clip insert. A pair of horizontal members connect the inner and outer portions so that the frame is one continuous piece. The guard is attached to the back portion of a shoe, with the clip insert remaining on the outside of the shoe just above the shoe heel. A pants hem is tucked behind the clip insert and keeps the hem above the shoe heel.

• (16) U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,862 to Ellington.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,272,862 to issued Ellington on Oct. 31, 2005 teaches a pant cuff protecting device including a clip member that has a central section and a first leg and a second leg each attached to and extending away from the central section so that the clip member is U-shaped.

• (17) U.S. Pat. App. No. 2008/0115259 to Wells.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. App. No. 2008/0115259 filed by Wells, published May 22, 2008, teaches a device for restraining a lower portion of pants to prevent them from dragging along the ground. A separate unit attaches to a rear portion of each shoe worn by a user. The device includes two surfaces defining a space or a single surface forming a gap for receipt of each of a user's lower pants' legs.

• (18) U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,215 to Allen.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,215 issued to Allen on Jul. 29, 2008 teaches a protective cuff guard for protecting the hem of a pants leg. The cuff guard comprised of a body comprising at least one layer of durable material such as neoprene or nylon; a first fastener element and a second fastener element, disposed such that when the body is folded around the hem of the pants leg, the first fastener element engages the second fastener element, detachably affixing the body to the pants leg.

• (19) U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,431 to Mehren.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,743,431 issued to Mehren on Jun. 29, 2010 teaches an apparatus for supporting the ankle-skin area of pants legs having a “W” shaped bar with a first loop and a second loop on each end and a strap having each end connected to each loop respectively. The strap having an adjustment buckle coupled to it for adjusting the tension strap.

• (20) U.S. Pat. No. 7,797,762 to Shapiro.

Still yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,797,762 issued to Shapiro on Sep. 21, 2010 teaches a cuff clip securing a loose trouser leg to a shoe, and supporting the lower edge of such trouser leg above the ground. A fastener is embedded within a lower portion of the shoe, leaving a coupling head exposed outside of the shoe. The cuff clip engages the bottom of the trouser leg.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to enable a dismounted rider to selectively elevate the drop of a western riding chap from the ground.

Another object of the present invention is to enable a dismounted rider to quickly and easily alter the length of a western riding chap.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for selectively altering the length of a western riding chap that does not interfere with the function of the chap when disengaged.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a durable apparatus for selectively altering the length of a western riding chap that will not be damaged by environmental or user stresses.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for selectively altering the length of a western riding chap that is undetectable to the rider when disengaged and comfortable when engaged.

Another object of the present invention is elevating apparatus for a western riding chap to selectively alter the length of any western riding chap without damaging the chap.

Another object of the present invention is an elevating apparatus for a western riding chap comprising: a kiltie pin, the kiltie pin having a piercing end, the piercing end being integrally connected to a tension spring mechanism; and a clasping end, the clasping end being selectively coupled with the piercing end; the piercing end and the clasping end being selectively coupled by the tension spring mechanism; a strap coupled to the kiltie pin, the strap being folded around a portion of the kiltie pin; and a locking clip coupled to the strap, the locking clip having a locking mechanism and a release mechanism and interlocking teeth; the strap being folded around a portion of the locking clip and coupled by a rivet.

Another objective of the present invention is an elevating apparatus for a western riding chap comprising: a kiltie pin, the kiltie pin having a piercing end, the piercing end being integrally connected to a tension spring mechanism; and a clasping end, the clasping end being selectively coupled with the piercing end; the piercing end and the clasping end being selectively coupled by the tension spring mechanism; a first strap coupled to the kiltie pin, the first strap being folded around an upper portion of the kiltie pin; a second strap coupled to the first strap, the second strap being coupled to the first strap with a rivet; and a locking clip coupled to the second strap, the locking clip having a locking mechanism and a release mechanism and interlocking teeth; the locking clip and the second strap being coupled by a rivet.

Another object of the present invention is a method for selectively altering the length of a western riding chap, the method comprising attaching an elevating apparatus for a western riding chap to an interior portion of a western riding chap leg; the elevating apparatus comprising a kiltie pin, the kiltie pin having a piercing end, the piercing end being integrally connected to a tension spring mechanism; and a clasping end, the clasping end being selectively coupled with the piercing end; the piercing end and the clasping end being selectively coupled by the tension spring mechanism; a first strap coupled to the kiltie pin, the first strap being folded around an upper portion of the kiltie pin and joined to itself with stitching; a second strap coupled to the first strap, the second strap being substantially elastic in material and coupled to the first strap with a rivet; and a locking clip coupled to the second strap, the locking clip having a locking mechanism and a release mechanism and interlocking teeth; the locking clip and the second strap being coupled by a rivet; pulling the strap around a western riding chap drop from an interior portion of the western riding chap leg to an exterior portion of the chap leg; lifting the western riding chap drop to a desired height; engaging the locking clip of the elevating apparatus to the exterior portion of the chap leg.

These and other advantages will become clearer in the following drawings, descriptions, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a removable chap elevating apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a removable chap elevating apparatus as engaged with an interior portion of a western riding chap.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a removable chap elevating apparatus as engaged to elevate the drop of a western riding chap.

FIG. 4 is a logical flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of using a removable chap elevating apparatus that permits the user to selectively adjust the length of a chap without altering the integrity of the chap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. An illustrative application of the embodiment to a western riding chap is shown in FIGS. 2-3. An illustrative method of use for the present invention is shown in FIG. 4.

An embodiment of the present invention is a combination of leather, suspender clip, kiltie pin, rivets and elastic which allows the modification of western riding chaps such that the chap leg does not drag on the ground when the wearer of the chaps is not riding a horse. This is a material improvement in the design of unmodified chaps, as chaps are designed to cover the heel of the boot of a mounted rider. The length of the unmodified chaps results in an unsightly and dangerous garment for a dismounted wearer of the chaps. An embodiment of the present invention attaches to the inside of the lower leg of the chap, is hidden under the chap when not engaged, and when engaged allows for the chap drop to be temporarily elevated so as to permit safe dismounted movement. Furthermore, use of the embodiment protects and preserves the chap drop from undue damage and wear.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a removable chap elevating apparatus 100. In an embodiment, removable chap elevating apparatus 100 is comprised of a locking clip 102, at least one rivet 104, a first strap 108, a second strap 106 and a kiltie pin 110.

Locking clip 102 may be any clip capable of being engaged in a locked or unlocked position by a user. In an embodiment, the locking clip is a commercially available suspender clip. Locking clip 102 may include interlocking plastic or metal teeth. The interlocking teeth may be capable of grasping a garment when engaged in the locked position by a user. Locking clip 102 may be coupled to second strap 106 with the use of a rivet 104a. In an embodiment, second strap 106 may be wrapped around a portion of locking clip 102 and held together by rivet 104a. Locking clip 102 and second strap 106 may be coupled by any commercially reasonable means, such as sewing, stitching, riveting, zippering, and the like.

In an embodiment, second strap 106 is made of leather. It is anticipated that second strap 106 may be made of leather, nylon, elastic, canvas or a composite material, such as a man-made leatherette or fiber. Second strap 106 may be connected to a first strap 108 through the use of a rivet 104b. First strap 108 and second strap 106 may be coupled by any commercially reasonable means, such as sewing, stitching, riveting, zippering, and the like.

In an embodiment, first strap 108 is made of an elastic material. This enables a user to stretch the strap to a desired length. With an elastic strap, removable chap elevating apparatus 100 is capable of maintaining its length when disengaged, and extending its length when engaged by a user. It is anticipated, however, that first strap 108 may be made of leather, nylon, canvas or a composite material, such as a man-made leatherette or fiber. First strap 108 may be coupled to a kiltie pin 110. In an embodiment, first strap 108 is wrapped around a portion of kiltie pin 110 and sewn to itself with stitching. First strap 108 and kiltie pin 110 may be coupled by any commercially reasonable means, such as sewing, stitching, riveting, zippering, and the like.

Kiltie pin 110 may be any commercially available kiltie pin. In an embodiment, kiltie pin 110 has a piercing end and a clasping end made of wire or metal. The piercing end may be integrally connected to a tension spring mechanism. In the preferred embodiment, the tension spring mechanism is created by having the piercing end wrapped to form a loop; for example, as in a safety pin. The clasping end may be configured to fit or grip the piercing end. Closing the kiltie pin may be accomplished by the user engaging the piercing end with the clasping end; for example, as in a safety pin.

While removable chap elevating apparatus 100 includes a locking clip 102, at least one rivet 104, a first strap 108, a second strap 106 and a kiltie pin 110 in an embodiment, it is anticipated that removable chap elevating apparatus 100 may include two locking clips, two kiltie pins, more than two straps, less than two straps, or any combination of equivalent mechanisms to accomplish the intended results of removable chap elevating apparatus 100.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a removable chap elevating apparatus as engaged with an interior portion of a western riding chap. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a removable chap elevating apparatus as engaged to elevate the drop of a western riding chap. In an embodiment, removable chap elevating apparatus 100 is engaged with a zipper material 202 of a western riding chap 204. In an embodiment, a kiltie pin on removable chap elevating apparatus 100 is opened. A needle of the kiltie pin is inserted while the zipper is unzipped through zipper material 202 of the lower leg of a western riding chap 204. In an embodiment, the needle of the kiltie pin is inserted high enough on the zipper material 202 that the suspender clip of removable chap elevating apparatus 100 hangs above the drop of western riding chap 204 when disengaged. Upon proper placement, the needle of the kiltie pin is closed, and the zipper of western riding chap 204 is engaged.

In an embodiment, a user grasps and pulls removable chap elevating apparatus 100 around a drop of western riding chap 204 to a desired height and engaged to a base of decorative edge 306. Decorative edge 306 may be a scalloped or fringed material running substantially along the outside length of western riding chap 204. Removable chap elevating apparatus 100 may be selectively attached to a base of decorative edge 306 by engaging a locking clip, such as a commercially available suspender clip described above, to the base of decorative edge 306. When engaged, removable chap elevating apparatus 100 lifts the drop of western riding chap 204 to a desired height above the ground, such that the drop of western riding chap 204 is held securely above the ground while a rider is offer his or her horse. Removable chap elevating apparatus 100 is disengaged from decorative edge 306 by releasing the locking clip. When disengaged, removable chap elevating apparatus 100 retracts and is hidden beneath an interior portion of western riding chap 204.

FIG. 4 is a logical flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of using a removable chap elevating apparatus that permits the user to selectively adjust the length of a chap without altering the integrity of the chap. In an embodiment, method 400 utilizes an elevating apparatus to selectively adjust the height of a western riding chap. The elevating apparatus in method 400 may be removable chap elevating apparatus 100 as described above. Method 400 may begin with first attaching 402 an elevating apparatus to an interior portion of a western riding chap. In an embodiment, the elevating apparatus is attached to a zipper of a western riding chap. It is also anticipated that the elevating apparatus may be sewn into the leg of the western riding chap, or otherwise coupled to a western riding chap for permanent installation. Upon attaching the elevating apparatus, the user pulls 404 the strap around the drop of the western riding chap. Upon pulling 404, the user lifts 406 the western riding chap drop to a desired height. Upon lifting 406, the user engages the locking clip of the elevating apparatus to an exterior fringe of the western riding chap. Upon engaging 408, the western riding chap should be securely held in a desired height. When the user wants to return the western riding chap to the original length, the user quickly, safely and easily disengages 410 the locking clip of the elevating apparatus.

Although the present invention has been described with several embodiments, numerous changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the invention encompass all such changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An elevating apparatus for a western riding chap comprising:

a kiltie pin, the kiltie pin having a piercing end, the piercing end being integrally connected to a tension spring mechanism; and a clasping end, the clasping end being selectively coupled with the piercing end; the piercing end and the clasping end being selectively coupled by the tension spring mechanism;

a strap coupled to the kiltie pin, the strap being folded around a portion of the kiltie pin; and

a locking clip coupled to the strap, the locking clip having a locking mechanism and a release mechanism and interlocking teeth; the strap being folded around a portion of the locking clip and coupled by a rivet.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the strap is made of a material from the group consisting of leather, nylon, and elastic.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locking clip is a suspender clip.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locking clip is replaced with a kiltie pin.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the kiltie pin is replaced with a locking clip.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is sewn to an interior portion of a western riding chap.

7. An elevating apparatus for a western riding chap comprising:

a kiltie pin, the kiltie pin having a piercing end, the piercing end being integrally connected to a tension spring mechanism; and a clasping end, the clasping end being selectively coupled with the piercing end; the piercing end and the clasping end being selectively coupled by the tension spring mechanism;

a first strap coupled to the kiltie pin, the first strap being folded around an upper portion of the kiltie pin;

a second strap coupled to the first strap, the second strap being coupled to the first strap with a rivet; and

a locking clip coupled to the second strap, the locking clip having a locking mechanism and a release mechanism and interlocking teeth; the locking clip and the second strap being coupled by a rivet.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first strap is made of a material from the group consisting of leather, nylon, and composite.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the locking clip is a suspender clip.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the locking clip is replaced with a kiltie pin.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the kiltie pin is replaced with a locking clip.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the second strap is made of a material from the group consisting of leather, nylon, and composite.

13. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the apparatus is sewn to an interior portion of a western riding chap.

14. A method for selectively altering the length of a western riding chap, the method comprising:

attaching an elevating apparatus for a western riding chap to an interior portion of a western riding chap leg; the elevating apparatus comprising: a kiltie pin, the kiltie pin having a piercing end, the piercing end being integrally connected to a tension spring mechanism; and a clasping end, the clasping end being selectively coupled with the piercing end; the piercing end and the clasping end being selectively coupled by the tension spring mechanism; a strap coupled to the kiltie pin, the strap being folded around an upper portion of the kiltie pin and joined to itself with stitching; and a locking clip coupled to the strap, the locking clip having a locking mechanism and a release mechanism; the locking clip and the strap being coupled by a rivet;

pulling the strap around a western riding chap drop from an interior portion of the western riding chap leg to an exterior portion of the chap leg;

lifting the western riding chap drop to a desired height;

engaging the locking clip of the elevating apparatus to the exterior portion of the chap leg.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising disengaging the locking clip of the elevating apparatus.