TROUSER RETAINING STRAP

Abstract

A retaining strap for a trouser leg includes a band of stretchable fabric arranged, in use, to loop around the circumference of a user's foot, and at least one attachment device arranged to releasably attach the band to the trouser leg. The attachment device is further arranged to attach to a front portion of the trouser leg such that, in use, the attachment device is positioned over the top of a user's foot.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

See Application Data Sheet.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR AS A TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a retaining strap for a trouser leg, and in particular, but not exclusively, to retaining strap for preventing a pajama trouser leg from rising up the wearer's leg during sleep.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98

There are various scenarios in which it is desirable to prevent the leg of a trouser from rising upward during use. One particular scenario is the tendency of a pajama trouser leg to rise up during sleep. Natural movement of the wearer's legs during sleep can cause a loose trouser leg to gradually rise and gather in an uncomfortable position around the wearer's leg, for example around the knee. Such problems can arise in particular during disturbed sleep, causing further discomfort to the wearer.

It is known to provide a trouser leg with an elasticated hem portion, such that the lower end of the trouser leg is held more firmly around a lower region of the wearer's leg, such as around the ankle, to inhibit movement of the trouser leg up the wearer's leg during use. However, this solution is often ineffective at preventing the trouser leg from rising and can create further discomfort for the user, for example where the elasticated hem is too tight. Furthermore, where the trouser leg continues to rise up the wearer's leg despite the elasticated hem, the elasticated hem prevents the trouser leg from returning to its original position without the user pulling the trouser leg down.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a means for retaining a trouser leg is a lowered position, so as to prevent the trouser leg from rising up the wearer's leg, in particular during sleep, which is easy to use, lightweight, comfortable for the wearer and easily adjustable to any user.

According to the present invention there is provided a retaining strap for a trouser leg, the retaining strap comprising a band of fabric arranged, in use, to loop around the circumference of a user's foot, and at least one attachment means arranged to releasably attach the band to said trouser leg, the attachment means being further arranged to attach to a front portion of the trouser leg such that the or each attachment means is positioned over the top of a user's foot, in use.

In use, the band is attached to the front portion of the trouser leg using the releasable attachment means and is then positioned around an instep portion of the user's foot. The trouser leg to which the strap is attached is held in a lowered position and is prevented from rising up the user's leg. It will be appreciated that the band could alternatively be placed around the user's foot prior to attaching the attachment means to the trouser leg.

The attachment means are releasable, permitting the retaining strap to be fitted to any pair of trousers. One strap can therefore be used for multiple pairs of trousers.

The or each releasable attachment means is configured so as to attach the band to a front portion of the trouser leg, in use. Accordingly, in use when the band is placed to loop around the instep portion of the user's foot, the or each attachment means is positioned over the top of the user's foot and not at the outer or inner side of the user's foot. This prevents the attachment means from causing discomfort to the user. For example, when the user is lying on their side, an outer side of the foot may be in contact with the mattress (or other surface on which the user is lying). Thus, by positioning the attachment means over the top of the user's foot (by attaching to the front portion of the trouser leg), the attachment means is positioned away from the outer side of the user's foot and is therefore prevented from creating a pressure point and causing discomfort to the user.

Furthermore, by ensuring that the or each attachment means is positioned over the top of the user's foot (and thus away from the inner side of the user's foot), it is less likely that the user's other foot will interfere with the attachment means during sleep as a result of the user's natural, unconscious movement, which could cause the attachment means to be pulled off. Additionally, by ensuring the band is attached to a front portion of the lower edge of the trouser leg, a portion of the band extending under the arch of the user's foot is less likely to slip off the heel of the user's foot than if the band were attached at the sides or back of the trouser leg, for example.

In use, when the or each attachment means is attached to the front portion of the trouser leg, the retaining strap provides a retaining force acting in a general direction extending along the length of the user's foot towards the toe.

The band is preferably formed of a stretchable fabric allowing the band to conform to the size and shape of the user's foot so as to fit snugly around the full circumference of the user's foot. Preferably, the band is formed of knitted or woven elastic, such that the band retains its shape when stretched and is prevented from rolling at its edges when used. This also provides a comfortable fit for the user. Most preferably, the band is formed of a knitted elastic.

Preferably, the retaining strap comprises first and second attachment means arranged such that, in use, both first and second attachment means are permitted to simultaneously attach to said front portion of said lower edge of said trouser leg. Accordingly, both of the first and second attachment means, in use, are positioned over the top of the user's foot when the band is looped around the instep portion of a user's foot. Both first and second attachment means are thereby positioned away from the outer or inner sides of the user's foot, having the abovementioned advantages. The provision of two attachment means provides a secure attachment to the trouser leg, whilst holding the front portion of the trouser leg evenly between the two attachment means. This prevents twisting of the trouser leg in use.

Preferably, the band has an adjustable circumference, such that the size of the loop formed by the band can be varied according to the size of the user's foot.

The or each attachment means may preferably extend substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the band. In this context, the longitudinal direction of the band is to be understood as a direction extending around the circumference of the band when the band is in the form of a loop. This arrangement permits the attachment means to easily attach to a front portion of the trouser leg, whilst the band is placed around the instep portion of the user's foot.

In preferred embodiments, the or each attachment means is secured to the band at a fixed position. This prevents the attachment means from moving about the circumference of the band in use and ensures that correct positioning of the attachment means is maintained.

Preferably, the band is an elongate strip having first and second ends in a longitudinal direction, the second end opposing the first end, the retaining strap further comprising engagement means for engaging the first and second ends such that the band forms a loop to extend around the circumference of a user's foot, in use. Accordingly, the band can be formed as an elongate strip, the first and second ends being subsequently engaged to form a loop, which in use extends around the instep portion of the user's foot.

It will be appreciated that the engagement means need not necessarily engage the first and second ends of the elongate strip at their terminal points, provided the engagement means permits the elongate strip to form a loop. The engagement means may comprise corresponding hook and loop fastenings, corresponding buttons and button holes or any other mutually engaging members provided at the first and second ends of the elongate strip, which allow engagement of the first and second ends.

In a preferred embodiment, the engagement means comprises a buckle provided at the first end, wherein the second end is arranged to engage with the buckle such that the band forms a loop. Most preferably, the engagement means is a slide buckle attached to the first end of the elongate strip, wherein the second end of the elongate strip is arranged to be fed through the slide buckle to engage the first and second ends and form a loop. With such an arrangement, the slide buckle permits the circumference of the band, when formed into a loop, to be adjusted by feeding a desired length of the elongate strip through the buckle.

Preferably, the or each attachment means is secured to the band at a fixed position in a longitudinal direction of the band, the fixed position of the or each attachment means being relative to a position of the engagement means such that, in use, when the or each attachment means is attached to a front portion of a lower end of a trouser leg, the engagement means is positioned at an inner side of a user's foot. This arrangement ensures that the engagement means does not cause discomfort to the user, since the inner side of the user's foot is less likely to lie against any surfaces (such as a mattress, when the user is lying down on their side) than other portions of the user's foot, such as the outer side, for example. This is particularly important where the engagement means is a slide buckle, for example, which could otherwise create a pressure point between the user's foot and a surface against which the user's foot rests.

In one such embodiment, the or each attachment means is secured to the band at a fixed position in the longitudinal direction, which fixed position is closer to one of the first end or second end of the elongate strip. Preferably, the retaining strap comprises at least two attachment means, wherein the fixed position of each attachment means is closer to the same end of the elongate piece of fabric. The fixed position of the or each attachment means is preferably closer to the first end than the second end.

Preferably, the or each attachment means comprises a clip. The clip may be any appropriate clip for attaching to the lower edge (hem) of a trouser leg. In a preferred embodiment, the or each attachment means is a crocodile clip having opposed serrated jaws arranged to engage opposing surfaces of the trouser leg to secure the trouser leg between the two opposed jaws. The clip may be biased to a closed position or may be movable between a locked configuration in which the two opposing jaws are closed, so as to secure the trouser leg therebetween, in use, and an open configuration in which the two opposing jaws are separated to allow lower edge of the trouser leg to be inserted or removed.

The attachment means preferably comprises a clip portion arranged to releasably attach to a trouser leg, an eye portion attached to the clip portion, and a fabric portion affixed to and/or looped around the band, said fabric portion passing through the eye portion so as to hold the clip portion on the band. With this arrangement, the clip is permitted to pivot relative to the band to provide sufficient flexibility to attach to the trouser leg and ensure comfort for the user. Additionally, the clip portion can be held close to the band by minimizing the free length of the fabric portion, which reduces the likelihood of the user's other foot becoming entangled underneath the clip due to conscious or unconscious movement of the user's other foot during sleep.

Preferably, the fabric portion comprises a length of stretchable fabric, which has two opposing ends affixed to the band and a middle section between the two opposing ends, the middle section passing through the eye portion so as to hold the clip portion to the band. The length of the middle section can be minimised in order to hold the eye portion and clip portion of the attachment means close to the band portion.

The fabric portion of the attachment means may be bonded to the band so as to secure the fabric portion, and thereby the attachment means, to the band in a fixed position. The fabric portion may preferably be bonded to the band using hot glue. This provides a strong, permanent attachment of the fabric portion to the band.

It is preferred that the attachment means is in close proximity to the band of fabric, such that a hem of a trouser leg can be held in close proximity to the user's foot, in use. In some embodiments, the attachment means may comprise a hinged clip. In order to provide the desired proximity, a distance between a hinge axis of the clip and an edge of the band of fabric in closest proximity to the attachment means may be in the range 10 mm to 40 mm, more preferably in the range 10 mm to 30 mm and in some embodiments is approximately 20 mm, when the attachment means is in an extended state.

In this regard, it will be appreciated that the attachment means may be able to flex relative to the band of fabric and thus the distance of the hinge axis relative to the band of fabric may be variable. Accordingly, the “extended state” of the attachment means is a state in which the hinge axis is at its maximum distance from the edge of the band of fabric, without any part of the attachment means being stretched (i.e. when the attachment means is in a relaxed, non-tensioned state).

In further embodiments, a distance between a distal point of the attachment means and an edge of the band of fabric in closest proximity to the attachment means when extended in use may be between 20 mm and 70 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 60 mm and in some embodiments is approximately 45 mm, when the attachment means is in an extended state. As above, the “extended state” is to be understood as a state in which the distal point of the attachment means is at its maximum distance from the edge of the band of fabric, without any part of the attachment means being stretched (i.e. when the attachment means is in a relaxed, non-tensioned state).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A non-limiting embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retaining strap in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the retaining strap of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the retaining strap of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the retaining strap of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 5 is an opposing side elevation view of the retaining strap of FIG. 1, in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a retaining strap 1 in accordance with the present invention. The retaining strap 1 comprises a band 2 formed of stretchable fabric, which band 2 is arranged, in use, to loop around the circumference of a user's foot. The retaining strap 1 further comprises a first attachment means 4 and a second attachment means 6, each arranged to releasably attach the band 2 to a front portion of a lower edge (hem) of a trouser leg, as will be described in greater detail below.

Referring to FIG. 2, the band 2 is an elongate strip 8 of knitted elastic and comprises a first end 10 and a second end 12 in a longitudinal direction L. A slide buckle 14 is provided at the first end 10 of the band, which acts as an engagement means for engaging the first end 10 of the band 2 and second end 12 of the band 2 such that the band 2 forms a loop, as shown in FIG. 1. The second end 12 of the band 2 is fed through the slide buckle 14 in a conventional manner in order to fasten the first end 10 and second end 12 of the band 2 to form a loop, as shown in FIG. 1. The slide buckle 14 permits the circumference of the band 2 to be adjusted according to the size of the user's foot.

In order to attach the slide buckle 14 at the first end 10 of the strip 8, an end portion 16 of the strip 8 is fed through the slide buckle 14, folded back and affixed to a main portion 18 of the strip 8. The end portion 16 may be affixed to the main portion 18 by any suitable means, for example using adhesive. The point at which the strip 8 is folded defines a terminal point of the first end 10 of the band 2. It is preferable that the end portion 16 is bonded to the main portion 18 in a region immediately adjacent the slide buckle 14 such that the slide buckle 14 is prevented from moving in a longitudinal direction of the band 2.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second attachment means 4, 6 comprises a clip portion 20, 22 in the form of a crocodile clip having opposing serrated jaws 24 (shown most clearly in FIG. 1). In use, the opposing jaws 24 of each clip portion 20, 22 engage opposing surfaces of the hem of a trouser leg to secure the hem between the jaws 24, thus releasably attaching the band 2 to the hem, as will be described in greater detail below.

Each attachment means 4, 6 further comprises an eye portion 26, 28 attached to the clip portion 20, 22 and a fabric portion 30, 32 which passes through a respective one of the eye portions 26, 28 and is affixed to the band 2. In the illustrated embodiment, each fabric portion 30, 32 is sandwiched between the end portion 16 and the main portion 18 of the elastic strip 8 and is bonded therebetween using hot glue or other adhesive. Accordingly, each of the attachment means 4, 6 is secured to the band 2 at a fixed position and is unable to move in the longitudinal direction L.

A distance D1 is provided between a hinge axis A1 of the clip portion 26, 28 of the attachment means 4, 6 and an edge 2a of the band of fabric 2 in closest proximity to the attachment means 4, 6. In order to provide the desired proximity, the distance D1 may be in the range 10 mm to 40 mm, more preferably in the range 10 mm to 30 mm and in some embodiments is approximately 20 mm, when the attachment means is in an extended state.

A distance D2 is provided between a distal point of the attachment means 4, 6 and an edge 2a of the band of fabric in closest proximity to the attachment means 4, 6. In order to provide the desired proximity, the distance D2 may be between 20 mm and 70 mm, more preferably between 20 mm and 60 mm and in some embodiments is approximately 45 mm, when the attachment means is in an extended state.

It will be appreciated that the attachment means may be arranged to releasably attach the band to a front portion of the hem of a trouser leg by alternative means, which will be apparent to the skilled person. For example, the respective fabric portions of the attachment means may be in the form of a loop arranged to pass through the respective eye portions and loop around the band, such that when the first and second ends of the band are engaged, the attachment means cannot be removed from the band but are free to move about the circumference of the band. In such embodiments, the attachment means are not secured to the band in a fixed position.

Referring again to FIG. 2, each of the attachment means 4, 6 is secured to the band 2 at a fixed position in the longitudinal direction L, the fixed position of each attachment means 4, 6 being closer to the first end 10 than the second end 12 of the band 2. With this arrangement, when the first and second attachment means 4, 6 are attached to a front portion of a hem of a trouser leg, the slide buckle 14 is positioned at an inner side of the user's foot, as discussed in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show the retaining strap 1 in use. As shown most clearly in FIG. 3, each of the attachment means 4, 6 attaches to a front portion of the lower edge (hem) 34 of a trouser leg 36 so as to be positioned over the top of the user's foot. Accordingly, in use, the attachment means 4, 6 provide a retaining force which acts on the trouser leg in a general direction extending along the length of the user's foot towards the toe.

Each of the attachment means 4, 6 is positioned relative to the slide buckle 14, such that when the attachment means 4, 6 are attached to the front portion of the hem 34, the slide buckle 14 is positioned on the inner side 38 of the user's foot, as shown most clearly in FIG. 4. This is achieved by the attachment means 4, 6 being positioned closer to the first end 10, on which the slide buckle 14 is located, than the second end 12.

As shown in FIG. 5, an outer side 40 of the user's foot is only covered with the knitted elastic portion of the band 2. Accordingly, if the outer side 40 of the user's foot is rested against a surface, the user feels no discomfort. The inner side 38 of the user's foot is less likely to be directly rested against a surface, such that positioning the slide buckle 14 at the inner side 38 is less likely to cause discomfort to the user, whilst at the same time allowing the size of the band 2 to be adjustable by means of the slide buckle 14.

It will be appreciated that the retaining strap 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 is arranged for use on a right foot of the user, such that the engagement means is position on an inner side of the user's right foot. A corresponding retaining strap for use on a left foot of the user can also be provided, which is a mirror image of the retaining step 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, such that the engagement means thereof is arranged to be located on an inner side of the user's left foot.

The invention has been described above with reference to a specific embodiment, given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that different arrangements of the system are possible, which fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retaining strap for a trouser leg, the retaining strap comprising:

a band of fabric,

wherein said band of fabric comprises an elongate strip having first and second ends in a longitudinal direction, the second end opposing the first end;

engagement means for the first and second ends such that, in use, the band forms a loop to extend around the circumference of a user's foot; and

at least one attachment means arranged to releasably attach the band of fabric to said trouser leg, the or each attachment means being further arranged to attach to a front portion of the trouser leg such that, in use, the or each attachment means is positioned over the top of a user's foot, wherein the or each attachment means is secured to the band of fabric at a fixed position in a longitudinal direction of the band of fabric, the fixed position of the or each attachment means being relative to a position of the engagement means such that, in use, when the or each attachment means is attached to a front portion of a lower end of a trouser leg, the engagement means is positioned at an inner side of a user's foot.

2. The retaining strap, according to claim 1, wherein the band of fabric is comprised of stretchable fabric.

3. The retaining strap, according to claim 2, wherein the band of fabric is comprised of knitted or woven elastic.

4. The retaining strap, according to claim 1, further comprising first and second attachment means arranged such that, in use, both first and second attachment means are permitted to simultaneously attach to said front portion of said trouser leg, such that both first and second attachment means are positioned over the top of a user's foot, in use.

5. The retaining strap, according to claim 1, wherein the band of fabric has an adjustable circumference.

6. The retaining strap, according to claim 1, wherein the or each attachment means extends perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the band of fabric.

7. The retaining strap, according to claim 1, wherein the engagement means comprises a buckle provided at the first end, and wherein the second end is arranged to engage with the buckle such that the band of fabric forms a loop.

8. The retaining strap, according to claim 1, wherein the fixed position at which the or each attachment means is secured to the band of fabric is closer to one of the first end or the second end than to the other one of the first end or second end.

9. The retaining strap, according to claim 8, further comprising: at least two attachment means, wherein the fixed position of each attachment means is closer to the same end of the band of fabric.

10. The retaining strap, according to claim 8, wherein the fixed position of the or each attachment means is closer to the first end than the second end.

11. The retaining strap, according to claim 9, wherein the or each attachment means comprises a clip.

12. The retaining strap, according to claim 11, wherein the attachment means comprises a clip portion arranged to releasably attach to a trouser leg, an eye portion attached to the clip portion, and a fabric portion affixed to and/or looped around the band of fabric, said fabric portion passing through the eye portion so as to hold the clip portion on the band of fabric.

13. The retaining strap, according to claim 12, wherein the fabric portion is bonded to the band of fabric so as to secure the fabric portion, and thereby the attachment means, to the band of fabric at a fixed position.