CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER PATENT APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/667,038, filed Jul. 2, 2012. The entire disclosure of U.S. provisional application No. 61/667,038 is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a garment support apparatus that holds up a wearer's pants, trousers, shorts or the like, and also prevents the wearer's shirt or jersey from becoming untucked.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Suspenders have been known in the art for many years. Suspenders typically comprise straps that are draped over the shoulders of the wearer. Some suspenders have clips that are attached to the ends of the straps and are configured to be clipped onto the waist band of the pants or trousers of the wearer. Other suspenders have attachment members that are attached to the ends of the straps and are configured to be secured to buttons that are located on the inside of the waist band of the pants or trousers.
Many people do not like to wear suspenders for many reasons. For example, some people find suspenders to be difficult or time consuming to use. Other people do not like the appearance of suspenders. Another reason is that suspenders may not be suitable for some styles of pants or trousers
Therefore, what is needed is a new apparatus for holding up pants, trousers or the like, and keeping a wearer's shirt tucked in, wherein such apparatus eliminates the deficiencies and disadvantages of suspenders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention is directed to a garment support apparatus for use with a garment having a waist band that has an interior side, an exterior side and at least one belt-loop. The garment support apparatus comprises a closed end and first and second extending sections that are attached to the closed end and spaced apart from each other. The first and second extending sections extend to distal ends that are spaced apart so as to form an open end of the garment support apparatus. The space between the first and second extending sections is sized to receive a garment waist band. The first extending section has an opening sized for receiving a garment belt-loop. The second extending section has a first side and an opposite, second side. A layer of friction material is disposed on the first and second sides of the second extending section. The layer of friction material has a relatively high coefficient of friction. The layer of friction material on the first side frictionally contacts the interior side of the waist band, and the layer of friction material on the second side frictionally contacts a shirt or jersey worn by a wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the closed end and the first and second extending sections are fabricated from a resilient material.
Many other features and advantages of the present invention will be realized upon reading the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front view of the garment support apparatus;
FIG. 4 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the garment support apparatus secured to a garment waist band;
FIG. 6 is a front view showing the garment support apparatus secured to a garment waist band;
FIG. 7 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus secured to the garment waist band;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 is front view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 8;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 8 secured to a garment waist band;
FIG. 12 is a front view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 8 secured to a garment waist band;
FIG. 13 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 8 secured to the garment waist band;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 8 secured to a garment waist band and positioned between belt-loops;
FIG. 15 is a front view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 8 secured to a garment waist band and positioned between belt-loops;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 is a front view of the garment apparatus of FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment apparatus of FIG. 16;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 16 secured to a garment waist band;
FIG. 21 is a front view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 16 secured to a garment waist band;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a front view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 22;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 22 secured to a garment waist band;
FIG. 26 is a front view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 22 secured to a garment waist band;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, the view showing an interior side of the garment support apparatus;
FIG. 28 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a top view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 27;
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 27, the view showing the exterior side of the garment support apparatus;
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 27 being worn by a wearer;
FIG. 32 is a side view, in elevation, showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 27 being worn by a wearer;
FIG. 33 is a partial, rear view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 34 is a partial, top view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 33;
FIG. 35 is a partial, front view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 33;
FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 33;
FIG. 37 is a front view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 38 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 37;
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 37;
FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing a pair of garment support apparatuses of FIG. 37 secured to a belt;
FIG. 41A is a perspective view showing a garment support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the view showing a garment contact member in a generally vertical orientation;
FIG. 41B is another perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 41A, the view showing the garment contact member folded down over a loop section of the garment support apparatus;
FIG. 41C is a perspective view showing the garment support apparatus of FIG. 41A mounted on a belt, the view showing the garment contact member folded downward over the loop section;
FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 43 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 43;
FIG. 44 is a front view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 43;
FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 43 mounted to a belt;
FIG. 46 is a side view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 43, the view showing the garment support apparatus in an extended configuration;
FIG. 47 is a front view, in elevation, of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 43, the view showing the garment support apparatus in the extended configuration;
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 43 secured to a belt, the view showing the garment support apparatus in the extended configuration;
FIG. 49 is perspective view of a garment support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 50 is a top view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 49;
FIG. 51 is a front view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 49;
FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 49, the view showing a garment contact member pivoted to an extended state;
FIG. 53 is a front view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 49, the view showing the garment contact member pivoted to the extended state;
FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 49, the view showing the garment contact member pivoted to the extended state;
FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a portion of a garment support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 56 is a side view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 55, the view showing the interior side of the garment support apparatus;
FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 57-57 of FIG. 56;
FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a portion of a garment support apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 59 is a side view of the garment support apparatus of FIG. 58, the view showing a view of an interior side of the garment support apparatus; and
FIG. 60 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 60-60 of FIG. 59.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there is shown garment support apparatus 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Garment support apparatus 100 is configured for use with garment 102 which has waist band 104. Waist band 104 has interior side 106, exterior side 108, and at least one belt-loop 110. Garment support apparatus 100 further comprises closed end 112 and first and second extending sections 114 and 116, respectively, which are attached to closed end 112. Extending section 114 comprises portions 114A and 114B. First and second extending sections 114 and 116, respectively, are spaced apart from each other by space 118 (see FIG. 4). First and second extending sections 114 and 116, respectively, extend to distal ends 120 and 122, respectively, which are spaced apart so as to form an open end 124 of garment support apparatus 100. In a preferred embodiment, closed end 112 and first and second extending sections 114 and 116, respectively, are fabricated from a pliable or resilient material. Such a pliable or resilient material may be slightly bent or deformed to a degree, but then returns to its normal shape when all external forces on the material are removed. Any suitable commercially available pliable or resilient material may be used to fabricate closed end 112, and first and second extending sections 114 and 116, respectively. In another embodiment, closed end 112 and extending section 114 and 116 are fabricated from any one of a variety of suitable commercially available plastics, such as polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In a further embodiment, spring metal can be used to fabricate closed end 112 and first and second extending sections 114 and 116. Space 118, which is between first and second extending sections 114 and 116, is sized to receive garment waist band 104. First extending section 114 has opening 126 located between portions 114A and 114B. Opening 126 is sized for receiving garment belt-loop 110. In a preferred embodiment, opening 126 is substantially centrally located on first extending section 114. In one embodiment, opening 126 is generally rectangular in shape. Second extending section 116 has first side 128 and an opposite, second side 130. In one embodiment, first and second extending sections 114 and 116, respectively, are generally rectangular in shape. A layer of friction material 132 is disposed on first and second sides 128 and 130, respectively, of second extending section 116. Layer of friction material 132 has a relatively high coefficient of friction. Layer of friction material 132 may be formed with any suitable material providing a relatively high coefficient of friction, such as neoprene rubber, silicone rubber, natural latex rubber and vinyl rubber, when such material contacts garment 102. Layer of friction material 132 may be applied to sides 128 and 130 by any suitable technique. In a preferred embodiment, sides 128 and 130 are completely covered by layer of friction material 132. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, garment support apparatus 100 is positioned on waist band 104 such that waist band 104 is positioned within space 118, belt-loop 110 is positioned within opening 126 of first extending section 114 and belt 134 is inserted through belt-loops 110. Layer of friction material 132 on first side 128 of second extending section 116 frictionally contacts interior side 106 of waist band 104 and layer of friction material 132 on second side 130 of second extending section 116 frictionally contacts a shirt or jersey (not shown) of the wearer. The shirt or jersey (not shown) is tucked inside waist band 104. The frictional contact between layer of friction material 132 on side 130 and the shirt prevents the shirt from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between layer of friction material 132 on side 128 and interior side 106 of waist band 104 holds pants 102 up so that they don't move or slide downward. The construction, design and configuration of garment support apparatus 100 allows a user to easily secure garment support apparatus 100 to garment 102, and to easily remove garment support apparatus 100 from garment 102.
Referring to FIGS. 8-15, there is shown garment support apparatus 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Garment support apparatus 200 is configured for use with garment 202 having waist band 204. Waist band 204 has interior side 206 and exterior side 208. Garment support apparatus 200 comprises partially closed end 210 and generally planar section 212 that is attached to and extends from partially closed end 210. Partially closed end 210 has portions 210A and 210B. Generally planar section 212 extends to distal end 214. In a preferred embodiment, partially closed end 210 and generally planar section 212 are fabricated from a suitable pliable or resilient material. Suitable pliable or resilient materials were previously described herein. Belt-receiving sections 216 and 218 are attached to and extend from portions 210A and 210B, respectively, of partially closed end 210. Belt-receiving sections 216 and 218 are spaced apart from generally planar section 212 by a space or gap 220 which is sized to receive garment waist band 204. Belt-receiving sections 216 and 218 have openings 222 and 224, respectively, which are sized to receive belt 226. Belt-receiving sections 216 and 218 are spaced apart by space or gap 228 that is sized to receive garment belt-loop 232. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, generally planar section 212 has first side 234 and opposite second side 236. A layer of friction material 238 is disposed on first and second sides 234 and 236, respectively, of generally planar section 212. Layer of friction material 238 may be fabricated from any of the rubber materials previously described herein that could be used to fabricate layer of friction material 132 (see FIG. 4). In a preferred embodiment, sides 234 and 236 are completely covered by layer of friction material 238. Layer of friction material 238 on first side 234 frictionally contacts interior side 204 of waist band 202 and layer of friction material 238 on side 236 of generally planar section 212 frictionally contacts a shirt or jersey (not shown) worn by the wearer. The shirt or jersey (not shown) is tucked inside waist band 204. The frictional contact between the layer of material 238 on side 236 and the shirt or jersey prevents the shirt from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between interior side 206 of waist band 204 and layer of material 238 on side 234 holds pants or trousers 202 up so that they don't move or slide downward. The construction, design and configuration of garment support apparatus 200 allows a user to easily secure garment support apparatus 200 to garment 202, and to easily remove garment support apparatus 200 from garment 202.
Garment support apparatus 200 may be used without belt-loops 232. This is illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. Garment support apparatus 200 is positioned between belt-loops 232. Belt 226 extends through openings 222 and 224 in belt-receiving sections 216 and 218.
Referring to FIGS. 16-21, there is shown garment support apparatus 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Garment support apparatus 300 is configured for use with garment 302 having waist band 304. Waist band 304 has an exterior side 306 and an interior side, not shown but generally the same as interior side 206 of waist band 204 (see FIG. 13). Garment support apparatus 300 comprises partially closed end 308. Garment support apparatus 300 includes first and second extending sections 310 and 312 that are attached to partially closed end 308 and are spaced apart by a space or gap 314. The first and second extending sections 310 and 312 extend to distal ends 316 and 318, respectively. Distal ends 316 and 318 are spaced apart from each other so as to create open end 320 of garment support apparatus 300. Space or gap 314 between first and second extending sections 310 and 312, respectively, is sized to receive a portion of a garment waist band 304. First and second extending sections 310 and 312, respectively, and closed end 308 are fabricated from suitable pliable or resilient material. The pliable or resilient material allows first and second extending sections 310 and 312 to be slightly spread apart from each other, without breaking, when garment support apparatus 300 is secured to waist band 304. Suitable pliable and resilient materials were previously discussed herein with respect to other embodiments of the invention. First extending section 310 has exterior side 310A, first end 322 adjacent to partially closed end 308 and cut-out 324 formed in first end 322. First extending section 310 has opposite, second end 326 adjacent to open end 320 and cut-out 328 formed in second end 326. Each cut-out 324 and 328 is sized to receive a portion of garment belt-loop 330. Second extending section 312 has an interior side 332 that faces first extending section 310 and an opposite, exterior side 334 which faces a wearer's torso when garment support apparatus 300 is used.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 19, layer of friction material 336 is disposed over sides 332 and 334 of second extending section 312. In one embodiment, layer of material 336 is made from any of the types of rubber used to form layer of friction material 132 shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, garment support apparatus 300 is positioned on waist band 304 such that the waist band 304 is positioned within space 314 and belt-loop 330 is positioned within cut-outs 324 and 328. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, belt-loop 330 confronts the exterior side 310A of first extending section 310. Layer of friction material 336 on side 332 of second extending section 312 frictionally contacts the interior side of waist band 304 and layer of material 336 on second side 334 of second extending section 312 frictionally contacts shirt or jersey (not shown) of the wearer. The shirt or jersey is tucked inside waist band 304. The frictional contact between layer of friction material 336 on side 334 and the wearer's shirt prevents the shirt from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between layer of friction material 336 on side 332 and the interior side of waist band 304 holds pants 302 up so that they don't move or slide downward.
Referring to FIGS. 22-26, there is shown garment support apparatus 400 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. Garment support apparatus 400 is configured for use with garment 401 having a waist band 402 that has an interior side facing the wearer's waist, exterior side 404 and at least one belt-loop 406. Garment support apparatus 400 comprises closed end 408 and first and second sections 410 and 412, respectively, which are attached to and extend from closed end 408. First and second sections 410 and 412, respectively, are spaced apart by space or gap 414. First and second sections 410 and 412 extend to distal ends 416 and 418, respectively, which are spaced apart from each other so as to create open end 420 of garment support apparatus 400. In a preferred embodiment, closed end 408, and first and second sections 410 and 412 are fabricated from the same type of pliable or resilient materials that were discussed in the ensuing description. Space or gap 414 is sized to receive a portion of a garment waist band 402. Second section 412 has first side 422 and opposite second side 424. A layer of friction material 426 is disposed on first side 422 and second side 424. Layer of friction material 426 may be formed form any of the rubber materials described in the foregoing description. Layer of friction material 426 on first side 422 frictionally contacts the interior side of waist band 402 and layer of friction material 426 on second side 424 frictionally contacts shirt or jersey (not shown) of the wearer. The shirt or jersey is tucked inside waist band 402. The frictional contact between layer of friction material 426 on side 424 and the shirt prevents the shirt from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between layer of friction material 426 on side 422 and the interior side of waist band 402 holds pants 401 up so that they don't move or slide downward.
Referring to FIGS. 27-32, there is shown garment support apparatus 500 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Garment support apparatus 500 comprises belt 502 which has exterior side 504 and interior side 506 which faces a wearer's torso when garment support apparatus 500 is in use. Support device 516 is attached to belt 502 and is positioned such that it confronts and is spaced apart from interior side 506 of belt 502 by space 510. Space 510 is sized to receive waist band 512 of garment 514 (see FIG. 31). Support device 516 comprises a generally planar member 518 that has first side 520, which faces the interior side of waist band 512, and opposite second side 522 which faces the wearer's torso. Support device 516 is fabricated from a friction material 524 that provides a relatively high coefficient of friction when such material contacts a garment. Any of the rubber materials described in the foregoing description may be used to fabricate support device 516. Belt 502 has top, lengthwise edge 526. Support device 516 further comprises arms 528 and 530 that are attached to belt 502. In a preferred embodiment, arms 528 and 530 are embedded within the fabric of belt 502. First side 520 of support device 516 frictionally contacts the interior side of waist band 512. Second side 522 of support device 516 frictionally contacts a shirt or jersey 536 worn by the wearer. The shirt or jersey 536 is tucked inside waist band 512. The frictional contact between second side 522 and the shirt or jersey 536 prevents the shirt or jersey 536 from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between interior side of waist band 512 and first side 520 holds pants 514 up so that they don't move or slide downward. As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, belt 502 is disposed through belt loops 538 of garment 514 (e.g. pants).
Referring to FIGS. 33, 34, 35 and 36, there is shown support garment support apparatus 600 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Garment support apparatus 600 comprises belt 602 which has front side 604, rear side 606, tapered end 608 and buckle 610. Garment support apparatus 600 further includes a plurality of support devices 612 that are attached to rear side 606 of belt 602. Each support device 612 includes closed end 614, first extending section 616, and second extending section 618. Extending sections 616 and 618 are attached to closed end 614 and are spaced apart by a space or gap 620. Sections 616 and 618 extend to distal ends that are spaced part so as to provide support device 612 with an open end to allow insertion of a waist band of a garment into gap 620. First and second extending sections 616 and 618, respectively, and closed end 614 are fabricated from suitable pliable or resilient materials. The pliable or resilient material allows first and second extending sections 616 and 618 to be slightly spread apart from each other, without breaking, when garment support apparatus 600 is secured to a waist band. Suitable pliable and resilient materials were previously discussed herein with respect to other embodiments of the invention. First extending section 616 is attached to rear side 606 of belt 602. A layer of friction material 630 is disposed on first extending section 616. Layer of friction material 630 has a high coefficient of friction. Any of the rubber materials previously described herein may be used to fabricate layer of friction material 630. Second extending section 618 is substantially covered with layer of friction material 632 which has the same characteristics as layer of friction material 630. Layer of friction material 632 covers both sides of second extending section 618. Layer of friction material 630 frictionally contacts the exterior side of a waist band and layer of friction material 632 frictionally contacts the interior side of the waist band and a shirt or jersey (not shown) of the wearer. The shirt or jersey is tucked inside the waist band. The frictional contact between layer of friction material 632 and the shirt or jersey prevents the shirt from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between layer of friction material 630 and the exterior side of the waist band and the frictional contact between layer of friction material 632 and the interior of the waist band holds the pants or trousers up so that they don't move or slide downward. When garment support apparatus 600 is in use, support devices 612 are located between the belt loops on the pants of trousers. In a preferred embodiment, belt 602 has raised sections 640 which hide or obscure the view of closed end 614 of support device 612.
Referring to FIGS. 37-40, there is shown garment support apparatus 700 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Garment support apparatus 700 is configured for use with a garment having a waist band that has an interior side and exterior side. Garment support apparatus 700 generally comprises loop section 702. Loop section 702 comprises first closed end 704 and opposite, second closed end 705. Loop section 702 further includes first section 706 and second section 707 which are attached to first end 704 and second end 705. Loop section 702 defines opening 708 that is sized for receiving belt 709. Garment support apparatus 700 further comprises garment contact member 710 that is movably attached to first closed end 704 of loop section 702. Garment contact member 710 comprises first side 712 for contacting an interior side of a garment waist band and an opposite second side 714 that contacts a wearer's shirt or jersey when garment support apparatus 700 is in use. First section 706 is across from garment contact member 710. Space or gap 715 is between loop section 702 and garment contact member 710. When garment support apparatus 700 is in use, the waist band of the trousers or pants is positioned within gap or space 715. Garment contact member 710 further comprises friction material 716 on first side 712 and second side 714 of garment contact member 710. The friction material may be fabricated from any of the rubber materials described in the foregoing description of the other embodiments of the present invention. Other suitable friction materials may be used as well. In a preferred embodiment, both first side 712 and second side 714 are substantially planar in shape. Garment contact member 710 extends to distal end 720. In one embodiment, loop section 702 is fabricated from a pliable or resilient material. Suitable pliable or resilient materials were discussed previously in the foregoing description relating to other embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, loop section 702 is fabricated from a fabric. In another embodiment, loop section 702 is fabricated from leather. Other suitable materials may be used to fabricate loop section 702. As shown in FIGS. 39 and 40, garment contact member 710 can pivot with respect to loop section 702.
As shown in FIG. 38, in a preferred embodiment, stiffening member 722 is attached or joined to first section 706 of loop section 702. Stiffening member 722 maintains the shape of loop section 702 and also facilitates insertion of belt 709 into opening 708. Stiffening member 722 may also be embedded within the material from which loop section 702 is fabricated. Stiffening member 722 may be fabricated from plastic, metal, wood or any other suitable material that would provide a degree of stiffness to first section 706.
When garment support apparatus 700 is in use, first side 712 of garment contact member 710 frictionally contacts the interior side of a garment waist band (e.g. pants waist band, trousers waist band, etc.) Second side 714 of garment contact member 710 frictionally contacts a shirt or jersey worn by the wearer. The shirt or jersey is tucked inside the garment waist band. The frictional contact between second side 714 and the shirt or jersey prevents the shirt or jersey from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between interior side of the garment waist band and first side 712 holds the pants or trouser up so that they don't move or slide downward.
Referring to FIGS. 41A, 41B and 41C, there is shown garment support apparatus 800 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Garment support apparatus 800 comprises loop section 802. Loop section 802 comprises closed end section 804 and opposite closed end section 806. Loop section 802 defines opening 808 which is sized for receiving belt 810. Loop section 802 further comprises sections 811A and 811B which are attached to closed end sections 804 and 806. Garment support apparatus 800 further comprises garment contact member 812 which is attached to closed end section 804 of loop section 802. Garment contact member 812 comprises side 814 for contacting a wearer's shirt or jersey and opposite side 816 for contacting an interior side of a garment waist band, such as the waistband of pants, trousers or shorts. Garment contact member 812 further comprises friction material 818 on both sides 814 and 816. Friction material 818 may be fabricated from any of the rubber materials described in the foregoing description of the other embodiments of the present invention. Other suitable friction materials may be used as well. In one embodiment, garment contact member 812 is fabricated from a single piece of friction material. In a preferred embodiment, both sides 814 and 816 are substantially planar in shape. Garment contact member 812 extends to distal end 820. In one embodiment, loop section 802 is fabricated from a pliable or resilient material. Suitable pliable or resilient materials were discussed in the foregoing description relating to the other embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, loop section 802 is fabricated from a fabric. In another embodiment, loop section 802 is fabricated from leather. In a further embodiment, loop section 802 is fabricated from plastic. Other suitable materials may be used to fabricate loop section 802. In a preferred embodiment, loop section 802 is fabricated from a pliable material that enables garment contact member 812 to be folded downward as shown in FIG. 41B. Space or gap 830 is between garment contact member 812 and section 811B of loop section 802. FIG. 41C shows garment support member 800 on belt 810 wherein garment contact member 812 is folded downward. When garment support apparatus 800 is in use, the waist band portion of the garment is positioned within space or gap 830 between section 811B of loop section 802 and garment contact member 812. Side 814 of garment contact member 812 frictionally contacts a shirt or jersey worn by the wearer and opposite side 816 frictionally contacts the interior side of the garment waist band (e.g. pants waist band, trousers waist band, etc.). The shirt or jersey is tucked inside the garment waist band and garment contact member 812 is between the garment waist band and the shirt or jersey. The frictional contact between side 814 and the shirt or jersey prevents the shirt or jersey from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between interior side of the garment waist band and side 816 holds the pants or trousers up so that they don't move or slide downward.
Referring to FIGS. 42-48, there is shown garment support apparatus 900 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Garment support apparatus 900 further comprises loop section 902 which has first closed end 904, opposite second closed end 906, a first section 908 attached to first closed end 904 and second closed end 906, and a second section 910 attached to the first closed end 904 and second closed end 906. As shown in FIGS. 43 and 46, first section 908 is directly across from second section 910. Loop section 902 defines opening 912 that is sized for receiving belt 914. Garment support apparatus 900 further comprises support member 920 comprising first end 922 that is movably attached to first closed end 904 of loop section 902. Support member 920 further comprises opposite, second distal end 924. Support member 920 is spaced apart from first section 908 of loop section 902 by space 925. Support member 920 has interior side 926 that faces first section 908 of loop section 902 and exterior side 928 that contacts a wearer's shirt or jersey when the garment support apparatus 900 is in use. In a preferred embodiment, support member 920 has a generally planar geometry. Garment support apparatus 900 further comprise garment contact member 930 that is attached to distal end 924 of support member 920. Garment contact member 930 comprises first side 932 for contacting the interior side of a garment waist band or the portion of the interior side of the garment that is in proximity to the waist or waist band of the garment. Garment contact member 930 further comprises opposite second side 934 that contacts a wearer's shirt or jersey when garment support apparatus 900 is in use. Garment contact member 930 further comprises friction material 936 on sides 932 and 934. Friction material 936 may be fabricated from any of the rubber materials described in the foregoing description of the other embodiments of the present invention. Other suitable friction materials may be used as well. In one embodiment, garment contact member 930 is fabricated from a piece of friction material. In a preferred embodiment, both sides 932 and 934 are substantially planar in shape. Garment contact member 930 extends to distal end 940. In a preferred embodiment, garment contact member 930 has a generally planar shape. As shown in FIG. 45, garment support apparatus 900 has length that is relatively greater than the length of garment support apparatuses 700 and 800.
Any of the materials previously described herein may be used to fabricate garment support apparatus 900 or portions thereof. In one embodiment, loop section 902 is fabricated from a pliable material. In one embodiment, loop section 902 is fabricated from a fabric. In another embodiment, loop section 902 is fabricated from leather. In a further embodiment, loop section 902 is fabricated from plastic. Other suitable materials may be used to fabricate loop section 902. Support member 920 is fabricated from a pliable material that allows garment contact member 930 to be folded over interior side 926 of support member 920 so that garment contact member 930 can be positioned in space 925 between section 908 of loop section 902 and support member 920 as shown in FIG. 43. When garment support apparatus 900 is in use, the waist band portion of the garment is positioned within space or gap 925 between support member 920 and section 908 of loop section 902. Side 934 of garment contact member 930 frictionally contacts a shirt or jersey worn by the wearer and opposite side 932 frictionally contacts the interior side of the garment (e.g. interior side of a pair of pants, trousers, shorts, etc.). The shirt or jersey is tucked inside the pants, trousers or shorts and garment contact member 920 is between the garment (e.g. pants, trouser, etc.) and the shirt or jersey. The frictional contact between side 934 and the shirt or jersey prevents the shirt or jersey from becoming untucked. The frictional contact between interior side of the garment and side 932 holds the pants or trousers up so that they don't move or slide downward.
Referring to FIGS. 49-54, there is shown garment support apparatus 1000 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Garment support apparatus 1000 comprises support member 1002. Support member 1002 comprises first end 1004, an opposite second end 1006, first side 1008 and opposite, second side 1010. Support member 1002 comprises first loop member 1012 that is attached to first end 1004 and second loop member 1014 that is attached to second end 1006. First loop member 1012 defines opening 1016 that is sized for receiving belt 1018 (see FIG. 54). Similarly, second loop member 1014 defines opening 1020 that is sized for receiving belt 1018. Each loop member 1012 and 1014 is oriented so that belt 1018 is substantially parallel to support member 1002 and confronts first side 1008 of support member 1002 when belt 1018 is disposed within openings 1016 and 1020. Garment support apparatus 1000 further comprises garment contact member 1030 that is movably attached to support member 1002. Garment contact member 1030 comprises portion 1031, first side 1032 that frictional contacts a wearer's shirt or jersey when garment support apparatus 1000 is in use and an opposite, second side (not shown) for contacting an interior side of a garment waist band. Garment contact member 1030 is movable between a first position wherein garment contact member 1030 is generally parallel to support member 1002 (see FIGS. 49-51), and a second position wherein garment contact member 1030 is generally perpendicular to support member 1002 (see FIGS. 52-54). Garment contact member 1030 further comprises friction material 1036 on first side 1032 and the opposite second side (not shown) of garment contact member 1030. Suitable friction materials were previously discussed in the foregoing description. In one embodiment, garment contact member 1030 comprises a single piece of friction material. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 49, 51, 52 and 53, garment contact member 1030 is located on second side 1010 of support member 1002. In one embodiment, rivet 1040 is used to pivotally attach garment contact member 1030 to support member 1002. Rivet 1040 extends through portion 1031 of garment contact member 1030 and is joined or attached to support member 1002. Rivet 1040 is inserted through portion 1031 and support member 1002 in such a manner so as to allow garment contact member 1030 to pivot with respect to support member 1002. Other suitable techniques may be used to attach garment contact member 1030 to support member 1002 so that garment contact member 1030 can pivot with respect to support member 1002. Garment contact member 1030 has the same purpose and function as garment contact members 710 and 812 discussed in the foregoing description.
Any of the aforementioned pliable, resilient or non-pliable materials described in the foregoing description may be used to fabricate garment support apparatus 1000 or portions thereof.
Referring to FIGS. 55-57, there is shown garment support apparatus 1500 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Garment support apparatus 1500 comprises belt 1502 which has interior side 1504, exterior side 1506, buckle 1508 and belt end 1510. Garment support apparatus 1500 further comprises a plurality of garment contact members 1530 that are movably attached to belt 1502. Each garment contact member 1530 comprises base member 1532 that extends for the length of garment contact member 1530 and friction material 1536 that is on both sides of base member 1532. Suitable friction materials were previously discussed in the foregoing description. In one embodiment, garment contact member 1530 comprises a single piece of friction material. Garment contact member 1530 has side 1538 that frictional contacts a wearer's shirt or jersey when garment support apparatus 1500 is in use and an opposite, second side (not shown) for contacting an interior side of a garment waist band. Garment contact member 1530 is movable between a first position wherein garment contact member 1530 is generally parallel to belt 1502, and a second position wherein garment contact member 1530 is generally perpendicular to belt 1502 (similar to garment contact member 1030 shown in FIG. 54). Base member 1532 further comprises portion 1539. In one embodiment, rivet 1540 is used to pivotally attach garment contact member 1530 to belt 1502. Rivet 1540 extends through portion 1539 of base member 1532 and is joined or attached to belt 1502. Rivet 1540 is inserted through portion 1539 and joined to belt 1502 in such a manner so as to allow garment contact member 1530 to pivot with respect to belt 1502. Other suitable techniques may be used to attach garment contact member 1530 to belt 1502 so that garment contact member 1530 can pivot with respect to belt 502. Garment contact member 1530 has the same purpose and function as garment contact member 1030 described in the foregoing description.
Referring to FIGS. 58-60, there is shown garment apparatus 1600 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. Garment support apparatus 1600 comprises belt 1602 which has interior side 1604, exterior side 1606, buckle 1608 and belt end 1610. Garment support apparatus 1600 further comprises a plurality of garment contact members 1630 that are movably attached to belt 1602. Each garment contact member 1630 comprises section 1632, end section 1634 and section 1636. Section 1632 extends for substantially the entire length of garment contact member 1630. Sections 1632 and 1636 are attached to end section 1634. Section 1636 is substantially parallel to section 1632 and is movably attached to belt 1602 via rivet 1640. Rivet 1640 functions in the same manner as rivets 1040 and 1540 (see FIGS. 54 and 55) and allows garment contact member 1630 to pivot with respect to belt 1602. Other suitable techniques may be used to attach garment contact member 1630 to belt 1602 so that garment contact member 1630 can pivot with respect to belt 1602. Friction material 1650 is disposed on both sides of section 1632. Suitable friction materials were previously discussed in the foregoing description. Garment contact member 1630 has side 1660 that frictional contacts a wearer's shirt or jersey when garment support apparatus 1600 is in use and an opposite, second side 1662 for frictionally contacting an interior side of a garment waist band. Garment contact member 1630 is movable between a first position wherein garment contact member 1630 is generally parallel to belt 1602 (similar to garment support apparatus 1530 in FIG. 55), and a second position wherein garment contact member 1630 is generally perpendicular to belt 1602 as shown in FIGS. 58 and 59. Space or gap 1670 is between section 1636 and section 1632. During use of garment support apparatus 1600, a garment waist band is positioned in space 1670. Garment contact member 1630 has the same purpose and function as garment contact members 1030 and 1530 described in the foregoing description.
It will be understood that many additional changes in the details, materials, steps and arrangement of parts, which have been herein described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art within the principle and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed; and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to a person skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined by the accompanying claims.
