GARMENT STRAP

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, and kit for restraining garments, including one or more upper bands, one or more intermediary materials connected on one end to the one or more upper bands, one or more lower bands connected to the one or more intermediary materials on an end opposite the one or more upper bands, and one or more fastening members operationally connected to each of the one or more upper bands and the one or more lower bands, where each of the one or more upper bands and the one or more lower bands may be independently tightened and fastened irrespective of the tightness of another band.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/498,812, filed on Apr. 27, 2017.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This novel technology relates to generally the field of textiles and, more specifically, to the field of garment accessories.

BACKGROUND

In the ever-changing world of fashion, a common issue for many arises from the simultaneous wearing of pants and boots. Fashion demands that pants remain tucked into boots over the course of normal activity, such as to create a slimming or otherwise aesthetic effect, but the pants must be prevented from bunching out from the top of boots. Such bunching typically results in an unattractive, bulky and/or lumpy look, which is offensive to fashion.

During insertion of a panted leg into a boot, the pant leg tends to ride up and bunch on the leg, making said insertion problematic. Further, even if the panted leg is properly inserted into a boot, the pant leg will still eventually ride up, bunch, and be uncomfortable to the wearer. This often creates a vicious cycle of removing the panted leg to reinsert and fix the pant, the experience of difficulty reinserting the panted leg again into the boot, and the repeated experience of further and continuing issues with material bunching.

While many efforts to address this problem have been attempted, all are fatally flawed. For example, while “skinny jeans” may not appear as bulky as other types of pants, they still tend to work their way out of the top of boots and to yield an uncomfortable and unkempt experience for the wearer. Further, chronic wearing of skinny jeans can result in loss of circulation and/or physical trauma to the ill-fated wearer. Regardless of the type or style of pant, the pant legs will inevitably slide “up and out” over the course of normal active wear.

Additionally, certain pant types simply are not conducive to wear with boots, such as flared leg pants. Again, while there are ways of folding flared pants to help hold the pant legs in place while walking and moving in boots, most times the boot is difficult to zip over the folds of material, the folded pant legs become caught in the boot zipper/fasteners and/or the folds come undone over the course of wearing the boot, and the problem of bunching persists.

Further, while leggings may replace traditional pants and are designed to minimize uncomfortable, bulky appearances, and may be slim enough to fit into a boot without issue, leggings are not appropriate for most women to wear to their daily jobs, and/or leggings may simply not be in their style wheelhouse. And even when leggings are used, use over time will still tend to cause uncomfortable and unattractive gathering of the legging material in the boot.

Thus, there remains a need for a better way to improve both insertion and long-term wearing stability of a variety of pants with boots. The present novel technology addresses these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a first embodiment of the garment strap.

FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of the garment strap.

FIG. 3A depicts a first stage of an example process of using the garment strap.

FIG. 3B depicts a second stage of the example process of using the garment strap.

FIG. 3C depicts a third stage of the example process of using the garment strap.

FIG. 3D depicts a fourth stage of the example process of using the garment strap.

FIG. 3E depicts a fifth stage of the example process of using the garment strap.

FIG. 3F depicts a sixth stage of the example process of using the garment strap.

FIG. 4 depicts a kit containing the garment strap.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods, implementations, and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to specific synthetic methods, specific components, implementation, or to particular compositions, and as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting.

As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed in ways including from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another implementation may include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, for example by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another implementation. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. Similarly, “typical” or “typically” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance often, though may not always, occurs, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

“Compression fabric” or “compression material” means a fabric woven to provide an inherent compressive force when stretched and/or made of elastomeric fibers that provide an inherent compressive force when stretched, typically greater than 15 mmHg and more typically 20-30 mmHg or greater. Low-compressive or semi-compressive fabrics provide compressive force of less than 15 mmHg when stretched, and non-compressive fabrics provide no compressive force when stretched and/or are substantially non-stretchable.

FIGS. 1-4 depict various perspectives and embodiments of the present novel technology, which typically relates to a system 100 for holding garments, more typically pant legs, in place while donning and/or wearing boots. Garment strap system 100 includes two or more spaced, compressive elastic bands (e.g., upper band 110, lower band 120), a pair of matable fastening members 130 typically positioned at opposite ends of the bands 110, 120, and intermediary material 140 extending therebetween.

The first, upper band 110 and a second, lower and typically shorter band 120 are made of a typically compressive, elastic-like material that typically may compress and restrain pant legs 305 on a wearer's leg. Bands 110 and 120 may typically be fastened about leg and pants 305 using fastening members 130, which are typically low profile fasteners (e.g., hook and loop fabric, fabric loop and receivers, etc.). In many cases, pants 305 are jeans (typically denim). Upper band is of sufficient length to encircle a wearer's thigh or calf (between 14 and 22 inches, typically about 18 inches) and lower band is of sufficient length to encircle a wearer's calf or ankle (between 10 and 18 inches, typically about 14 inches). Bands 110, 120 are typically no more than 0.25 inches thick, more typically no more than to 0.13 inches thick, and still more typically no more than 0.08 inches thick. Intermediary material is typically no more than 0.15 inches thick, more typically no more than 0.10 inches thick, and still more typically no more than 0.05 inches thick.

The fastening members 130 typically allow each band 110/120 to be sized independently of the other, allowing strap 100 to be adjusted to meet individual comfort needs while securing the pant leg 305 to the wearer's leg.

Further, intermediary material 140 is typically a fabric cylinder and more typically may be permanently and/or semi-permanently fastened between bands 110/120, typically at the cylinder ends (i.e., the upper and lower edges of intermediary material 140) of intermediary material 140. Intermediary material 140 typically may be constructed of a low-friction and/or low-compression or non-compression fabric, typically having a coefficient of kinetic friction with boot leather in the range of 0.10-0.35 (or less than 0.4), more typically less than 0.25 and still more typically less than 0.20, and yet more typically less than 0.15. Likewise, intermediary material 140 has a coefficient of static friction with boot leather of between 0.3 and 0.1, typically about 0.2.

More typically, the bands 110, 120 provide greater compression when engaged to or worn by a wearer than does the intermediary material 140. For example, band material 110, 120 may be satin, spandex, elastane, neoprene, and/or the like. Intermediary material 140 typically may act to both guide the pant leg over the strap system 100 and also assist in containing and securing the pant 305 material, while being substantially less compressive (if at all compressive) than bands 110/120, such that intermediary material 140 typically may not restrain strap 100 to a wearer's leg, but likewise will not stretch over the pant leg but instead pull the pant leg tight against the wearer's leg to smooth the pant leg under the boot. Intermediary material 140 typically may help to aesthetically and tactily smooth the area and pant fabric restrained between bands 110/120, allowing pants 305 to be held in place against the leg and also to lay flat with a slimming appearance (i.e., no visible bumps or bulges showing through the boot; the bands 110, 120, 140 do not extend over any other items under the boot, such as an ankle monitor or the like.

In some embodiments, garment strap 100 may be about seven and a half inches in width, with between about four and five inches of intermediary material 140 disposed between bands 110/120, each being between about one inch and two inches wide, more typically about 1.5 to 1.75 inches wide. In other embodiments, differently sized configurations may also be tailored to meet specific wearer needs. In some further embodiments, intermediary material 140 may be stitched, and/or a “V” cut may be placed near top band 110 and/or bottom band 120, again providing ease of use. In still other embodiments, additional room may be provided to alleviate pant leg constriction, contain excessive pant 305 material, and/or wearer discomfort. In some embodiments, the intermediate material 140 covers the entire width of both bands 110, 120 so as to provide a relatively smooth and low-friction surface to assist in sliding the pant leg 305 thereover.

In most embodiments, novel garment strap system 100 also allows the wearer to tailor the tightness or applied compression of the bands 110, 120 by adjusting their tightness for maximum effectiveness while positioning the bands an appropriate distance apart for smoothing the appearance of the underlying pant leg 305 between bands 110, 120 with pulled-taut intermediary material 140.

FIGS. 3A-3F typically depict the process of fitting strap 100 about a leg and pants 305. Upper band 110 is typically longer than lower band 120 to allow for or accommodate insertion of a human calf. A wearer usually allows pant legs 305 to fully extend 300, but when dealing with longer and/or bulkier pant legs 305 (e.g., boot fit, bell bottoms, flared, etc.), wearer may fold the pant leg 305 to make a cuff 315 of excess pant leg 305 material such that the bottom of the pant leg 305 rests on or about the wearer's ankle 310. The wearer then pulls strap 100 over foot and bottom of pants 305 to rest at bottom of leg 320. Strap 100 may then be stretched up and over leg and pants 305 by pulling up on upper band 110 until upper band 110 is on calf area 325. Upper band 110 may be tightened and secured to the wearer's calf at this point. When fitting strap 100, intermediary material 140 typically may be centered on the calf, typically a few inches under the knee and a few inches above the ankle bone. Once in place, a wearer holds onto upper band 110 and/or top of garment strap 100, while pulling bottom of pant leg 305 toward the foot, smoothing pants 305 and strap 100. Once smoothed, upper band 110 and lower band 120 typically may be pulled tight and fastened using fastening members 130 to secure the pant leg 305 according to a wearer's personal comfort level 330. Wearer then typically puts on boot 340 by pulling boot 340 over strap 100 and pant leg 305 without issue 335.

In some other implementations, typically with smaller form factor boot styles (e.g., ankle boots, chukkas, etc.) where the top of the boot 340 typically rests at a wearer's mid-calf region of the leg, strap 100 may be constructed such that intermediate material 140 defines the base of a sock and upper band 110 similarly functions to contain and fasten top of sock-type garment strap 100 to about ankle and over base of pants 305 without a second or lower band 120.

FIG. 4 depicts an example kit 400 containing straps 100. Typically, such kit 400 may include two presized and preassembled straps 100 for a wearer (i.e., for both a right and left left). Straps 100 may be provided in single and/or multiple pairs; in same and/or different colors; and/or having same and/or differentiated sizes to meet the wearer's needs. For example, one example kit 400 may include three pairs of straps 100; the first pair being for black in color and small in size, the second pair being brown in color and large in size, and the third pair being toupe in color and small, sock-type strap 100 in size.

While the novel technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that the embodiments have been shown and described in the foregoing specification in satisfaction of the best mode and enablement requirements. It is understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily make a nigh-infinite number of insubstantial changes and modifications to the above-described embodiments and that it would be impractical to attempt to describe all such embodiment variations in the present specification. Accordingly, it is understood that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the novel technology are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. A garment restraint strap, comprising:

an upper band;

at least one intermediary material connected on one end to the upper band;

a lower band connected to the at least one intermediary material on an end opposite the upper band; and

at least one fastening member operationally connected to each of the upper band and the lower band;

wherein each of the upper band and the lower band are independently tightenable and fastenable irrespective of the tightness of each other;

wherein the upper and lower bands are made of a compression fabric;

wherein the upper band and the lower band are more compressive than the at least one intermediary material;

wherein when the upper and lower bands are tightened and fastened over a pant leg extending between a wearer and a boot, the intermediary material is pulled taut thereover to smooth the pant leg against a wearer and the strap against the pant leg;

wherein the intermediate material covers both the upper and the lower bands;

wherein the intermediate material has a coefficient of kinetic friction with boot leather of between 0.1 and 0.3; and

wherein the at least one intermediary material is a non-compressive fabric.

2. The garment restraint strap of claim 1, wherein the upper band and the lower band provide a compressive force of 20-30 mmHg.

3. The garment restraint strap of claim 1 wherein the upper and lower bands are no more than 0.13 inches thick, and wherein the at least one intermediary material is no more than 0.05 inches thick.

4. A pant leg fastening and smoothing apparatus, comprising:

an intermediary non-compressive material cylinder having two oppositely disposed first and second cylinder ends and a coefficient of kinetic friction with boot leather of no more than 0.2;

an elongated upper band having oppositely disposed first and second upper band ends and operationally connected to the first cylinder end;

an elongated lower band having oppositely disposed first and second upper band ends and operationally connected to the second cylinder end; and

respective matable fastening members operationally connected to each upper band end and lower band end;

wherein each upper band and lower band are independently tightened and fastened using the respective matable fastening members to pull taut the intermediary material, wherein tightness of each of the upper band and the lower band is independent from each other;

wherein upper and lower bands are made of a compression fabric;

wherein when the intermediary non-compressive material cylinder is pulled taut over a pant leg extending into a boot, the intermediary non-compressive material cylinder is configured to both smooth the underlying pant leg and itself.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the upper band and the lower band are made of an elastic, compressive material having a compressive force of 20-30 mmHg.

6. The strap of claim 4 wherein the upper band and the lower band are more compressive than the intermediary material cylinder.

7. The garment restraint strap of claim 4 wherein the upper and lower bands are no more than 0.13 inches thick, and wherein the the intermediary non-compressive material cylinder is no more than 0.10 inches thick.

8. The garment restraint strap of claim 4 wherein the upper and lower bands are no more than 0.08 inches thick, and wherein the the intermediary non-compressive material cylinder is no more than 0.05 inches thick.

9. A garment fastening strap kit, comprising:

at least one pair of garment straps, wherein each of the garment straps further comprise: a first elastic, compressive band; a second elastic, compressive band; a first length of intermediary material connected to and extending between the first and second bands to define a first pant leg restraint; and respective pairs of matable fastening members operationally connected to the respective bands;

wherein each of the respective bands are configured to be positioned between a pant leg and a boot, such that when each respective band is independently tightened and fastened the first length of intermediary material is pulled taut over a pant leg and under the boot to smooth the pant leg flat against a wearer and the boot; and

wherein each respective garment strap is configured to be held in place against the leg to smooth the pant leg and the strap within the boot.

10. The garment fastening strap kit of claim 9, wherein the first elastic band and the second elastic band are more compressive than the first length of intermediary material.

11. The garment fastening strap kit of claim 9, wherein the first length of intermediary material has coefficient of kinetic friction with boot leather of 0.2.

12. The garment fastening strap kit of claim 9 wherein respective a first elastic, compressive bands are no more than 0.13 inches thick, and wherein a first length of intermediary material is no more than 0.10 inches thick.

13. The garment fastening strap kit of claim 9 wherein respective a first elastic, compressive bands are no more than 0.25 inches thick, and wherein a first length of intermediary material is no more than 0.15 inches thick.

14. The garment fastening strap kit of claim 9 wherein respective a first elastic, compressive bands are no more than 0.10 inches thick, and wherein a first length of intermediary material is no more than 0.05 inches thick.