DEVICES FOR ADJUSTING THE FIT OF APPAREL ITEMS

Abstract

Devices for tightening apparel items, comprising flexible base expanses extending longitudinally. In some examples, the base expanses define first surface and second surfaces opposite the first surface, with the first surface being adapted to interfacially engage with a surface of the apparel item. Some examples include tightening members attached to the base expanse at an attachment point. Some examples include couplers disposed on the second surface, the couplers being attached to the base expanse between the second longitudinal end and the attachment point and configured to couple with the tightening member. Some examples include elastic tightening members. In some examples, apparel items may be tightened by fastening a device to an apparel item at a first fastening point and a second fastening point, moving the first fastening point toward the second fastening point, and coupling a coupler to a tightening member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/720,903, filed on Oct. 31, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to devices for tightening apparel items. In particular, devices for tightening a user's existing apparel items and that may be obstructed from view during use are described.

Known devices for tightening apparel items are not entirely satisfactory for the range of applications in which they are employed. For example, many conventional devices do not sufficiently reduce the occurrence of “gapes” that occur in particular loose-fitting sections of articles of clothing. Many conventional devices, such as belts, tighten wide regions of the clothing rather than targeting a particular loose-fitting region. Thus, there exists a need for external devices that may be applied to articles of clothing, either permanently or temporarily, that specifically target loose fitting areas. Further, while many devices such as belts may address the problem of loose fitting areas around the waistline of pants, there exists a need for devices that may be used to tighten loose fitting areas on other regions of pants and on wholly different articles of clothing.

Further, many devices that may be used to tighten clothing are insufficiently hidden from sight. Given the wide disparity in users' fashion tastes, many users may desire a device that addresses their apparel tightening issues without being visible to others. Many users, for example, may not want to include a belt, or other such device, in a particular outfit. Thus, there exists a need for a device that can address the issue of loose fitting articles of clothing while being attached in a position that is hidden from view.

Thus, there exists a need for devices for tightening apparel items that improve upon and advance the design of known devices. Examples of new and useful devices relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to devices for tightening apparel items, comprising a longitudinally extending flexible base expanse. In some examples, the base expanse defines a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, with the first surface being adapted to interfacially engage with a surface of the apparel item. Some examples include a tightening member attached to the base expanse at an attachment point. Some examples include a coupler disposed on the second surface, the coupler being attached to the base expanse between the second longitudinal end and the attachment point and configured to couple with the tightening member. Some examples include elastic tightening members. In some examples, apparel items may be tightened by fastening a device to an apparel item at a first fastening point and a second fastening point, moving the first fastening point toward the second fastening point, and coupling a coupler to a tightening member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first example of a device for tightening apparel items illustrating the device with a button coupled to a tightening member in solid lines, with the tightening member decoupled from the button in dash-dash-dash broken lines, and interior components in dash-dot-dash lines.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the device in a secured configuration.

FIG. 4A illustrates the device shown in FIG. 1 attached to the interior of an apparel item in an untightened configuration.

FIG. 4B illustrates the device shown in FIG. 1 attached to the interior of an apparel item in a tightened configuration.

FIG. 5A illustrates the device shown in FIG. 1 attached to the exterior of an apparel item in an untightened configuration.

FIG. 5B illustrates the device shown in FIG. 1 attached to the interior of an apparel item in a tightened configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed devices will become better understood through review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and every contemplated variation is not individually described in the following detailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, a variety of examples of devices are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in each example. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that the feature with a related feature name may be similar to the related feature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a given example will be described in that particular example. The reader should understand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5B, an example of a device for tightening apparel items, device 100, will now be described. As FIG. 1 shows, device 100 includes a two-layer base expanse 110, a tightening flap 130, and a button 150. As FIGS. 4A-5B show, device 100 functions to interfacially attach to and engage a portion of the interior of an article of clothing; in particular, FIGS. 4A-5B illustrate device 100 attached to jeans 90.

As FIGS. 4A-5B illustrate, device 100 cinches jeans 90 to a plurality of cinched positions. Device 100 additionally supports adjustably tightening apparel while remaining attached to an article of clothing, which allows device 100 to adjust the fit of apparel when worn. Accordingly, device 100 may reduce the occurrence of problems created by poor fitting apparel, such as unsightly gapes or openings that may unintentionally expose the anatomy of the person wearing the poor fitting apparel.

In some examples, device 100 is particularly adapted to tightening loose fitting pants. For example, FIGS. 4A-5B illustrate device 100 in use with jeans 90. This is not the only context in which device 100 may be used, and device 100 may tighten tops or other apparel items to make them more comfortable, form fitting, or to reduce the occurrence of unsightly gapes. Other examples of articles of clothing that may be used with device 100 include, for example, shorts, dresses, or casual pants. In particular, the tightening functionality provided by device 100 may be particularly useful in allowing users to fit into a wide variety of apparel, particularly after losing weight.

As FIGS. 1 and 2 show, base expanse 110 defines a flexible expanse of material that extends longitudinally from a first longitudinal end 111 to a second longitudinal end 113. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, base expanse 110 defines two layers: an apparel-facing layer 112 shown in FIG. 2 and an outward-facing layer 114 shown in FIG. 1. As FIGS. 1 and 2 show, both apparel-facing layer 112 and outward-facing layer 114 are substantially similar in shape and cooperate to give base expanse 110 a substantially rectangular shape.

As FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate, apparel-facing layer 112 and outward-facing layer 114 are perimetrally secured to one another with base expanse stitching 116. As FIG. 1 shows, apparel-facing layer 112 and outward-facing layer 114 are not secured to one another elsewhere over the area of base expanse 110. As a result, apparel-facing layer 112 and outward-facing layer 114 are unattached over much of the area within base expanse stitching 116 to define a base expanse interior 115 (shown containing an interior portion 130i of tightening flap 130).

As FIGS. 4A-5B illustrate, base expanse 110 is sized to substantially fit a waist portion 92 of jeans 90. As FIGS. 4A-5B illustrate, base expanse 110 defines a lateral width fitted to pair with common widths of waist portions of apparel items like jeans 90. For example, the particular example of the device shown in FIG. 1 defines a length of 8 inches long and a lateral width of 2 inches; these specific dimensions are not required, however. While not strictly required, fitting base expanse dimensions to secure to a single piece of fabric of an attached article in this manner of clothing may allow devices to be strongly secured to associated articles of clothing.

Apparel-facing layer 112 defines an apparel-facing surface disposed on the opposite side of device 100 as the user-operative elements of device 100, including tightening flap 130 and button 150. Apparel-facing layer 112 is adapted to interfacially engage with a surface of the apparel item. As FIG. 2 shows, a fastener 170 is disposed on apparel-facing layer 112 of base expanse 110. Apparel-facing layer 112 is configured to use fastener 170 to secure device 100 to a paired apparel item. Because fastener 170 is on the opposite side of device 100 as the user-operative elements, apparel-facing layer 112 may remain secured to a paired apparel item with fastener 170 as a user manipulates the user-operative elements of device 100.

As FIG. 2 shows, fastener 170 is adapted to secure device 100 to a paired apparel item at, at least, a first fastening point 172 proximate first longitudinal end 111 of base expanse 110 and a second fastening point 174 proximate second longitudinal end 113 of base expanse 110. As FIG. 2 illustrates, fastener 170 is a heat activated adhesive material deposited on substantially all of apparel-facing layer 112. As a result, fastener 170 is configured to secure device 100 to a paired apparel item over all of apparel-facing layer 112 rather than at only two attachment points.

In many examples, the heat-activated adhesive material is used to interfacially engage and secure device 100 to an attached article of clothing. In some examples, device 100 is secured to an attached article of clothing by setting device 100 with apparel-facing layer 112 interfacially engaged with the article of clothing and applying heat to fastener 170. The applied heat activates fastener 170 by melting all or a portion of it. As fastener 170 heats and melts, it bonds with the attached article of clothing, allowing device 100 to remain attached to the article of clothing. In some examples, a heated iron on device 100 is placed or on a nearby position on the article of clothing to activate the heat-activated adhesive.

After fastener 170 cools, the heat-activated adhesive material sets to interfacially bond apparel-facing layer 112 to the attached article of clothing. In some examples, the bonding achieved by the heat-activated adhesive material included in fastener 170 has been found to withstand dry cleaning and/or machine washing.

By adhering device 100 to articles of clothing using adhesive material, device 100 may be, in some examples, substantially hidden from sight. As FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate, device 100 may be positioned on the interior of articles of clothing and remain substantially hidden from sight, including when in a cinched configuration.

Outward-facing layer 114, as seen in FIG. 1, is perimetrally stitched to apparel-facing layer 112. As FIG. 1 shows, outward-facing layer 114 includes an outward-facing surface that defines a rectangular superficial fabric layer. Indeed, outward-facing layer 114 includes a cloth material or other material that is comfortable when in contact with a user's skin.

In some examples, the fabric layer of outward facing layers may define colors selected to pair with the color and the texture of an associated apparel item in an aesthetically pleasing manner. In some examples, fabric layers define a color similar to the apparel color and a texture similar to the apparel texture. Some examples are particularly configured for jeans. Such examples may include a similarly-colored blue denim fabric layer in the outward-facing layer.

Other examples may include colors that are configured to complement, rather than match, paired items. By including outward-facing layers that are configured to pair with associated apparel, disclosed devices may be used to improve the fit of clothing without negatively impacting the aesthetic features of the clothing.

Although not explicitly pictured, base expanse interior 115 defines an open, unattached space between fabric layer 112 and rear layer 114. As FIG. 1 shows, tightening flap 130 includes interior portion 130i, which is disposed in and shielded within base expanse interior 115. As FIG. 1 illustrates, outward-facing layer 114 defines a port 180, through which tightening flap 130 extends.

Because apparel-facing layer 112 is often interfacially engaged with the interior of articles of clothing, the fabric layer of outward-facing layer 114 may contact the user when device 100 is attached. Accordingly, including fabric or other comfortable skin-contacting material on outward-facing layer 114 provides comfort.

As FIG. 1 shows, tightening flap 130 defines a flexible, resilient, elastic elongated piece of nylon material. As FIG. 1 illustrates, tightening flap 130 extends longitudinally along the axis of base expanse 110 and includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings 137. At each opening 137, tightening flap 130 defines a coupling point to which button 150 may couple to tightening flap 130 and secure device 100 cinched at a selected tightness. Indeed, as FIG. 3 shows, button 150 may be routed through a selected opening 137 to couple button 150 to tightening flap 130 at a desired coupling point.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, tightening flap 130 is stitched, with stitching 132, to base expanse 110 at an attachment point 133 proximate a first longitudinal end 111 of base expanse 110. As FIG. 1 shows, tightening flap 130 is stitched to both apparel-facing layer 112 and outward-facing layer 114 within base expanse interior 115. As FIG. 1 shows, tightening flap 130 extends toward second longitudinal end 113 of base expanse 110, substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of base expanse 110.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, tightening flap 130 defines interior portion 130i positioned within base expanse interior 115 and an exterior portion 130ii that is extended through port 180 and on the exterior of base expanse 110. Because exterior portion 130ii is routed through port 180, exterior portion 130ii is accessible to users on the side of device 100 proximate outward-facing layer 114.

By including a large portion of tightening flap 130 in base expanse interior 115 in many situations, device 100 may reduce the amount of excess material on tightening flap 130 that may be inadvertently be exposed. Because exterior portion 130ii is substantially free to move about device 100, it may inadvertently adjust to noticeable and/or uncomfortable positions. Accordingly, reducing the size of exterior portion 130ii may help keep device 100 hidden from view.

As FIG. 1 shows, tightening flap 130 is slidingly routed through port 180, allowing users to adjust the length of exterior portion 130ii. By pulling tightening flap 130 through port 180 to increase the percentage of length of exterior portion 130ii, a user may expose the openings 137 of tightening flap 130 originally stored in base expanse interior 115. When exposed, these initially inaccessible openings 137 may be secured with button 150 to secure device 100 at additional tightness settings compared to what would be available with only the initially exposed openings 137.

Further, the ability of tightening flap 130 to slide through port 180 may allow excess material to be stored more comfortably. Because the fabric layer of outward-facing layer 114 provides a relatively comfortable surface, it will often provide more comfort than exposed interior portion 130i. For example, exposing interior portion 130i could contact a user's skin and/or pinch a user's skin between interior portion 130i and outward-facing layer 114. Storing interior portion 130i in base expanse interior 115 helps reduce the likelihood of these occurrences.

Tightening flap 130 is both flexible and elastic, providing users with a great deal of adjustability in tightening device 100. Indeed, tightening flap 130 defines a coefficient of elasticity selected to tension tightening flap 130 over at least a portion of its length (mainly through interior portion 130i) when button 150 is coupled to tightening flap 130. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates button 150 coupled to a selected opening 137. In this example, interior portion 130i has been pulled to apply tension to interior portion 130i when tightening flap 130 coupled with button 150. The force applied by tension helps retain a tightened apparel item in the tightened configuration. Indeed, a pinched portion of a paired apparel item would likely expand through use, rather than remaining in a substantially fixed position. The tension applied by tightening flap 130 applies a relatively consistent force that biases the pinched portion to its approximate shape and size upon device 100 being initially attached to a paired apparel item.

Further, this elasticity and flex provides tightening flap 130 with some “give,” allowing tightening flap 130 to adjust to changing circumstances. For example, users may adjust their position and increase the amount of stress placed on tightening flap 130 when device 100 is in a cinched configuration. The “give” provided by the elasticity and flex of tightening flap 130 allows device 100 to adjust to this stress while remaining comfortable. Further, the elasticity and flex may prevent tightening flap 130 from getting damaged in response to such stress.

Similar to outward-facing layer 114, the tightening flap may include material with a color or texture selected to pair with paired apparel items in an aesthetically pleasing manner. For example, the tightening flap, in some examples, includes a color and texture similar to a paired apparel item. For example, tightening flaps may be adapted to pair with denim apparel items by including a blue denim material.

As FIG. 1 shows, a coupler, button 150, is disposed on outward-facing layer 114. Button 150 is attached to outward-facing layer 114 between second longitudinal end 113 and attachment point 133. As FIG. 1 illustrates, button 150 is laterally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of base expanse 110 and is thus aligned with openings 137.

Similar to outward-facing layer 114, the button may include material with a color or texture selected to pair with paired apparel items in an aesthetically pleasing manner. For example, some tightening flaps include colors and textures similar to portions of apparel item for which they are designed. For example, tightening flaps may be adapted to pair with denim apparel items by matching a button design used elsewhere on the apparel item. Some examples may be matched to a particular apparel item by replacing the button with a spare button or a button removed from the apparel item.

Button 150 is configured to couple with tightening flap 130. Namely, button 150 is sized to be removably routed through each opening 137 of tightening flap 130 to couple with tightening flap 130 at a desired coupling point. The desired coupling point is selected to adjust first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174 to a desired spacing when device 100 is in a cinched position. When attached, the tension of tightening flap 130 biases device 100 to maintain first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174 near this desired spacing during use. FIG. 3 illustrates an example wherein device 100 has been coupled with a selected opening 137 to cinch device 100 at a selected tightness.

A user often adjusts device 100, when secured to an article of clothing, by cinching proximate regions of articles of clothing together to adjust its fit, which may, for example, reduce unsightly gapes. By “cinching” articles of clothing, device 100 is able to tighten the fit of clothing without adjusting the size of the articles of clothing, such as through tailoring.

FIGS. 4A-5B display two example use-cases wherein device 100 has been adapted to “cinch,” and thus tighten, a pair of jeans. In both examples, device 100 has been fastened to a surface on the waist of jeans 90 at both a first fastening point 172 and a second fastening point 174 spaced from the first fastening point 172. In FIG. 4A, one can see that device 100 has been attached to the interior of jeans 90 proximate the rear of jeans 90. In FIG. 5A, one can see that device 100 has been attached to the exterior of jeans 90 proximate the side of jeans 90. In both examples, device 100 has been interfacially bonded to jeans 90 by heating fastener 170 as apparel-facing layer 112 is engaged with jeans 90 and subsequently cooling fastener 170 to set.

In both examples, device 100 is cinched to form a pinched portion 199 by moving first fastening point 172 toward second fastening point 174 to establish a desired spacing between them. Looking to FIG. 4B, one can see that first fastening point 172 is dramatically closer to second fastening point 174 compared to the non-cinched configuration displayed in FIG. 4A. When the fastening points are cinched together, pinched portion 199 is composed of the now-excess fabric jeans 90 disposed between first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174. Because device 100 is disposed on the interior of jeans 90 in the configuration displayed in FIGS. 4A and 4B, pinched portion 199 is directed toward the exterior of device 100. This configuration results in a relatively exposed pinched portion 199, but a relatively hidden device 100.

Looking to FIG. 5B, one can see that one can see that first fastening point 172 is dramatically closer to second fastening point 174 compared to the non-cinched configuration displayed in FIG. 5A, similar to the comparison between FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B. In FIG. 5B, pinched portion 199 is similarly composed of the now-excess fabric jeans 90 disposed between first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174. Because device 100 is disposed on the exterior of jeans 90 in FIG. 5B, however, pinched portion 199 is directed toward the interior of device 100. This configuration results in a relatively exposed device 100, but a relatively hidden pinched portion 199. When device 100 includes one or more features that are selected to aesthetically pair with a paired apparel item, however, the exposure of device 100 in these configurations may be significantly reduced.

As FIGS. 4A-5B illustrate, device 100 may be secured, in both examples, by coupling button 150 with a selected opening 137 of tightening flap 130. As FIG. 1 shows, tightening flap 130 includes a series of openings 137, with each opening 137 being spaced from stitching 132 by a different distance. Accordingly, a user may essentially shorten a securing portion tightening flap 130 by coupling button 150 with an opening 137 closer to stitching 132 than its current coupling point. When shortening the securing portion of tightening flap 130 in this manner, a free portion of tightening flap 130 is lengthened.

As FIGS. 4B and 5B illustrate, coupling button 150 to a desired opening 137 secures tightening flap 130 with a substantially fixed securing length. As FIGS. 4B and 5B show, the shorter the securing length of tightening flap 130, the closer first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174 are to one another. Accordingly, by pairing button 150 with a desired opening 137, a user may securely place first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174 at approximately a desired spacing from one another. Accordingly, a user may couple button 150 with a desired opening 137 to tighten jeans 90 at a desired fit.

When coupled, tightening flap 130 will define a selected tension over a portion of its length, particularly the portion between first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174. This selected tension is configured to bias device 100 toward maintaining first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174 near a desired spacing.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, tightening flap 130 includes a number of openings 137, which provides users with a wide array of adjustability. By coupling button 150 with various openings 137, a user may adjust the desired spacing between first fastening point 172 and second fastening point 174 towards which the tension of tightening flap 130 will bias.

The disclosed example provides particular dimensions; namely, base expanse 110 measures 8 inches by 2 inches. These dimensions are not required, however. Indeed, this disclosure specifically contemplates additional or alternative examples that may be better suited to particular clothing items and fits.

The disclosed devices are often attached to pants proximate the pants' rear or side waist. This is not required, however. The disclosed devices are not limited to these contexts, however. Rather, the disclosed devices may be used with any imperfectly fitting article of clothing, not limited to pants. Additionally or alternatively, the disclosed devices may be positioned proximate any ill-fitting region of attached articles of clothing.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosed in a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above and inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “a first” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims should be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in the present application or in a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same invention or a different invention and whether they are different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

Claims

1. A device for tightening an apparel item, comprising:

a flexible base expanse extending longitudinally from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end and defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface being adapted to interfacially engage with a surface of the apparel item;

a tightening member attached to the base expanse at an attachment point; and

a coupler disposed on the second surface, the coupler being; attached to the base expanse between the second longitudinal end and the attachment point; and configured to couple with the tightening member.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the tightening member and the coupler are attached on the second surface of the base expanse opposite the apparel item;

further comprising a fastener disposed on the first surface of the base expanse, the fastener being adapted to secure the device to the apparel item at a first fastening point proximate the first longitudinal end of the base expanse and a second fastening point proximate the second longitudinal end of the base expanse.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the coupler is configured to couple with the tightening member at a desired coupling point selected to adjust the first fastening point and the second fastening point to a desired spacing.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein:

the tightening member extends longitudinally and includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings, the tightening member defining a coupling point at each longitudinally spaced opening;

the desired coupling point defines a desired opening selected from the plurality of longitudinally spaced openings;

the coupler defines a button sized to be removably routed through each of the longitudinally spaced openings.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein the fastener is adapted to interfacially attach the base expanse to the apparel item over all of the first surface of the base expanse.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the fastener defines a heat activated adhesive material deposited on the first surface of the base expanse.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the first surface of the base expanse defines a sheet of cloth material.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein:

the apparel item defines, proximate a fastening area over which the device is positioned, an apparel color and an apparel texture; and

the second surface defines a color similar to the apparel color and a texture similar to the apparel texture.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the tightening member is flexible, resilient, and elastic.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein:

the second surface of the base expanse defines a sheet of material perimetrally secured to the first surface of the base expanse to define a base expanse interior between the first surface of the base expanse and the second surface of the base expanse; and

the tightening member defines: an interior portion shielded within the interior of the base expanse; and an exterior portion extending through a port defined by the first surface of the base expanse.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the attachment point is positioned on the interior of the base expanse.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the tightening member extends longitudinally and includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings positioned on the exterior portion of the tightening member, the tightening member defining a coupling point at each opening;

the coupler is coupled to a desired opening selected from the plurality of longitudinally spaced openings positioned on the exterior portion of the tightening member.

13. A device for tightening an apparel item, comprising:

a base expanse extending longitudinally from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end and defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the second surface, the first surface being adapted to interfacially engage with a surface of the apparel item;

an elastic tightening member attached to the base expanse at an attachment point; and

a coupler disposed on the second surface, the coupler being: attached to the base expanse between the second longitudinal end and the attachment point; and configured to couple with the tightening member at one or more coupling points.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the tightening member and the coupler are attached on the second surface of the base expanse, the second surface facing opposite the apparel item;

further comprising a fastener disposed on the base expanse on the first surface of the base expanse, the fastener being adapted to secure the device to the apparel item at a first fastening point proximate the first longitudinal end and a second fastening point proximate the second longitudinal end;

wherein: the tightening member extends longitudinally and includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings, the tightening member defining a coupling point at each longitudinally spaced opening; the coupler defines a button sized to be removably routed through each of the longitudinally spaced openings, the button being configured to couple with the tightening member at a desired opening selected from the plurality of longitudinally spaced openings to adjust the first fastening point and the second fastening point to a desired spacing; wherein the tightening member defines a coefficient of elasticity selected to tension at least a portion of the tightening member the coupler is coupled to the tightening member at each coupling point.

15. A method for tightening an apparel item, comprising:

fastening a device for tightening apparel items to a surface of the apparel item at a first fastening point and a second fastening point spaced from the first fastening point, the device including: a flexible base expanse defining on an exterior surface facing opposite the apparel item; a tightening member attached to the base expanse at an attachment point; a coupler disposed on the exterior surface, the coupler being attached to the base expanse in a position spaced from the attachment point and configured to couple with the tightening member;

moving the first fastening point toward the second fastening point to define a pinched portion of the apparel item; and

coupling the coupler to the tightening member.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising pulling the tightening member toward the coupler to position a desired coupling point proximate the coupler;

wherein coupling the coupler to the tightening member at the coupling point includes coupling the coupler to the desired coupling point.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the tightening member extends longitudinally and includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced coupling points; and

further comprising selecting the desired coupling point from the plurality of longitudinally spaced coupling points based on a desired spacing of the first fastening point and the second fastening point.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein:

the device is fastened to the interior of the apparel item; and

the pinched portion, which is defined by moving the first fastening point toward the second fastening point, is directed toward the exterior of the apparel item.