Abstract: Elastic trims and articles incorporating the same, and also methods of manufacturing and processing elastic trims and articles incorporating the same, are provided. An elastic trim may include a base textile that is knitted or woven, and may further include cables that are movably positioned in tunnel structures located within the base textile, the cables having a lower stretch characteristic than the base textile. The cables may be secured and removed at certain locations, thereby imparting a variable stretch characteristic to the elastic trim. The elastic trims may be incorporated into various articles, including waistbands, apparel, footwear, and bags.

Abstract: An immobilizing sleep garment assembly includes a vest is wearable on a user when the user is recovering from shoulder surgery. A plurality of chest mating members is each vertically oriented on the vest. A plurality of first straps is each disposed on the vest and a plurality of second straps is each of the second straps is disposed on the vest. Each of the first straps is releasably matable to a respective one of the second straps to secure the vest around the user's upper torso. A glove is provided that can be worn on a respective one of the user's hands. A glove mating member is coupled to the glove and the glove mating member releasably engages the chest mating members at a desired location on the plurality of chest mating members to restrain the user's arm for sleeping while recovering from the shoulder or arm surgery.

Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel is provided. The waistband may comprise at least one tunnel structure through which one or more cords may extend to allow tensioning of the waistband through pulling of the cord(s), while additionally providing comfort, stretchability, breathability, and adjustability for the wearer through integration of one or more elastic or elastically resilient portions into the waistband.

Abstract: A top band (1, 1?) for garments (2), in particular for medical compression stockings or bandages, comprising a flexible basic body (3, 3?) with an inside (4, 4?) facing the garment (2) and an outside (5, 5?), wherein the flexible basic body (3, 3?) comprises a fastening section (7, 7?) for the garment (2) on the inside (4, 4?) next to a coupling section (6, 6?), and wherein the fastening section (7, 7?) is formed by an edge-side recess (8, 8?) in the flexible basic body (3, 3?), so that the garment (2) can be fastened, offset from the coupling section (6, 6?) of the flexible basic body (3, 3?), in the recess (8, 8?).

Abstract: A garment is provided having a closed front portion made of a pair of overlapping fabric panels that are joined along a seam. The garment also includes a lower front access portion where the pair of fabric panels overlap but are not joined and may therefore be parted, providing access to a portion of the wearer's body. A third fabric panel is joined to the overlapping pair fabric panels and is disposed in a chest area of the garment. A rear portion of the garment is openable to provide access to the wearer's spine.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the inventive subject matter it is directed to a garment, e.g., boardshorts that includes pelvic and leg regions, the pelvic region being free of a fly structure in a fly region. A waistband system included at the top of the pelvic region for encircling the user's waist. The waistband system has an elastic housing configured to fully or partially encircle a user's waist, an elastically tensionable element having a portion slidably disposed in the housing and through an opening formed in the housing. A lock is associated with the tensionable element and the garment to allow for selective adjustment of tension in the tensionable element. The opening and lock are disposed off and away from the front pelvic region so that the front of the garment, or selected areas thereof, may have a flush finish.

Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel comprising at least one embroidery tunnel is provided. The waistband comprises at least one cord comprising a first and second end affixed to the waistband, and an intervening portion movably coupled to the waistband with stitches that form the embroidery tunnel, the embroidery tunnel configured to distribute a tensioning force applied to the cord across at least a portion of the waistband. The embroidery tunnel forms a series of parallel courses across the waistband, with the cord able to move freely within the embroidery tunnel.

Abstract: Elastic trims and articles incorporating the same, and also methods of manufacturing and processing elastic trims and articles incorporating the same, are provided. An elastic trim may include a base textile that is knitted or woven, and may further include cables that are movably positioned in tunnel structures located within the base textile, the cables having a lower stretch characteristic than the base textile. The cables may be secured and removed at certain locations, thereby imparting a variable stretch characteristic to the elastic trim. The elastic trims may be incorporated into various articles, including waistbands, apparel, footwear, and bags.

Abstract: Various example garments, footwear articles and bags may include a closable circumference or waist or foot opening. The circumference closing system may utilize at least one constrict-able tubular length to releasably retain a selected size of the closable circumference or opening.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a compression garment (68) formed of a stretchable fabric (10) with a uniform, i.e. constant, elasticity but in which the compression garment provides different degrees of garment compression when worn by a wearer due to geometric cuts (6, 8) made to the fabric to form one or more fabric panels (2, 4) that extend the entire length of the circumferential portion (60) of the garment. The circumferential portion surrounds a wearer's body part (66) and includes degrees of compression that vary at different locations (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26), along the axial direction (62). The geometric cuts produce non-linear edges (6A, 6B, 8A, 8B) and are made to provide different circumferential lengths (12F, 14F, 16F, 18F, 20F, 22F, 24F, 26F) of fabric that produce desired compression levels at various axial locations, and are calculated using formulas and algorithms that take into account various factors relating to the fabric and the garment being formed.

Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel comprising at least one embroidery tunnel is provided. The waistband comprises at least one cord comprising a first and second end affixed to the waistband, and an intervening portion movably coupled to the waistband with stitches that form the embroidery tunnel, the embroidery tunnel configured to distribute a tensioning force applied to the cord across at least a portion of the waistband. The embroidery tunnel forms a series of parallel courses across the waistband, with the cord able to move freely within the embroidery tunnel.

Abstract: A friction-sealed water immersion suit is described having a suit body with a neck opening, arm openings, leg openings and an entry opening. The entry opening defines an upper section and a lower section. A friction-sealed coupling is provided at the entry opening for coupling the upper section and the lower section of the suit body. The friction-sealed coupling includes a flap on one of the upper section or the lower section made of an elastomeric material and an inner flap and an outer flap on the other of the upper section or the lower section made of an elastomeric material. The friction-sealed coupling being engaged by interleaving the flap with the inner flap and the outer flap.

Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel is provided. The waistband may comprise at least one tunnel structure through which one or more cords may extend to allow tensioning of the waistband through pulling of the cord(s), while additionally providing comfort, stretchability, breathability, and adjustability for the wearer through integration of one or more elastic or elastically resilient portions into the waistband.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are abdominal-restraint garments comprising an outer garment layer and an inner abdominal-restraint layer. The inner abdominal-restraint layer can be attached to the outer garment layer. In some embodiments, a front bottom and/or back bottom of the inner abdominal-restraint layer are attached to an inner side of the outer garment layer. The front top of the inner abdominal-restraint layer can be configured to be even with the front rise of the outer garment layer or extend above the front rise of the outer garment layer. The inner abdominal-restraint layer can be configured to extend across a garment-wearer's abdominal region. In some embodiments, the abdominal-restraint garment is a pair of pants, jeans, a pair of shorts, a skirt, leggings, or tights. Also disclosed herein are methods of assembling the abdominal-restraint garments disclosed herein.

Abstract: A garment comprising an extensible garment fabric having an edge fixed in length by a relatively inextensible tape or cord, the tape or cord being made from a material which can be eliminated or made extensible by subsequent processing; and an extensible waistband, the edge of the garment fabric fixed by the tape or cord being attached to the waistband.

Abstract: A sash comprising a pressure sensitive material which reacts to the movements of an unborn baby and causes the illumination of corresponding areas of the sash on the mother's abdomen in response to the movement of the baby. The sash includes a strip of fabric or material of a selected size and shape to cover a selected portion of the abdomen of an expectant mother containing the baby. Means of fastening such as a hook and loop fastener are combined with an elastic belt secure the sash around the mother's abdomen. The touch sensitive fabric reacts to movements of the baby and causes lights over the active area to be illuminated. The result is a light show for viewers showing the unborn baby's activity.

Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel comprising at least one embroidery tunnel is provided. The waistband comprises at least one cord comprising a first and second end affixed to the waistband, and an intervening portion movably coupled to the waistband with stitches that form the embroidery tunnel, the embroidery tunnel configured to distribute a tensioning force applied to the cord across at least a portion of the waistband. The embroidery tunnel forms a series of parallel courses across the waistband, with the cord able to move freely within the embroidery tunnel.

Abstract: A midsection shaping garment for reshaping the contours of the midsection of the wearer includes a pair of pants that has a waistband. A lower edge of an annular band is coupled to the waistband. The annular band extends upwardly from the waistband and is body-shaping. The annular extends around the abdomen and lower back of the user from the waist to near the xiphoid of the user. The improvement is the annular band coupled to and extending upwardly from the waistband such that the annular band is configured to reshape the contours of the midsection of the user.

Abstract: A clothing support apparatus integrated within an article of clothing and which provides ample support for expectant mothers while providing them relief from certain discomforts associated with pregnancy. The apparatus includes a set of stretchable wings which extend from a rear or back section of the apparatus to wrap around and under the expectant mother's belly, thereby providing support. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention allow for continued use of the clothing apparatus all through the expectant mother's pregnancy.

Abstract: A removable elastic piece is placed in the waistband of a garment to allow the garment to be worn throughout pregnancy. An elastic band covers the expanding belly of the wearer and holds the garment up. The elastic band can be removed from the garment in early pregnancy or postpartum when it is not needed.

Abstract: STRUCTURAL ARRANGEMENT FOR CLOTHING WAISTBAND developed to allow a usual masculine or feminine clothing (1), either pants, Bermuda shorts, skirt, dress or the like, to include an elastic arrangement in an interrupted portion (2) dividing the waistband in two segments, a front segment (3a) and a back segment (3b), in such a way that this elastic arrangement on both sides of the clothing, left and right, is sufficient to allow the waistband to be automatically adjusted increasing or decreasing the clothing by two or more sizes and rendering the clothing more comfortable for the use, in particular when sitting down and standing up performing other movements requiring bending at the waist.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crossover maternity panel that may be attached to any lower garment worn throughout pregnancy and post-partum body changes. The crossover maternity panel may be a belly panel comprised of a single piece of fabric or multiple pieces connected with seams, and wrap around from the front to the back of the wearer. The portions may overlap in the back of the wearer as they decrease in height to create a crossover triangular section that provides support to the lumbar region of the wearer. The crossover maternity panel may be attached to any lower garment such as a pant, short, skirt, skort, or the like. The flexible and stretchable material of the crossover maternity panel allows the wearer to have support for the enlarged belly, support for increased pressure and laxity on the wearer's sacroiliac joints and lower back, as well as comfort and mobility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a leg wear (01, 31) in the form of trousers (01) or of a skirt (31), comprising a lower cloth portion (06, 36) which faces the body, and a top cloth portion (05, 35) which overlaps the lower cloth portion (06, 36), wherein the cloth portions (05, 06 or 35, 36) can be removably connected to each other by means of closing means (25, 26), and comprising a lower waistband portion (04, 34) which faces the body and which adjoins the lower cloth portion (06, 36) at the top, and a top waistband portion (03, 33) which overlaps the lower waistband portion (04, 34) and which adjoins the top cloth portion (05, 35), the waistband portions (03, 04 or 33, 34) coming to rest at the same height (02) when the leg wear (01, 31) is used in a common manner, a lower guiding part (12) being arranged on the lower waistband portion (04, 34) and a top guiding part (13) of a sliding guide (11) being arranged on the top waistband portion (03, 33), said guiding parts (12, 13) being slidable relative to each other

Abstract: A convertible maternity garment that includes a first garment configured and arranged as a maternity garment to be worn by a woman during her maternity term and a second garment constructed from a portion of the first garment to provide a garment having a configuration for non-maternity use, where a removable portion is provided and where a first waistband and an alternate waistband are provided and configured so that both waistbands are functional waistbands that may be present on the garment simultaneously, but are selectively functional.

Abstract: An apparatus used in adjusting a garment or a piece of fabric and a method for implementing the same. The apparatus includes a bottom piece of fabric attached to a top piece of fabric and a piece of elastic sized to fit between the top and bottom pieces of fabric. The top piece of fabric includes two openings, one toward each end, through which the elastic piece fits. The elastic piece includes a plurality apertures sized to be able to receive buttons, which buttons are attached to the top and bottom pieces of fabric and buttoned through a corresponding aperture in the elastic piece.

Abstract: A garment with an adjustable waistband and modesty flap includes a garment material having a waistband that originates and terminates at a closable seam, the seam having opposed edges extending downwardly from the waistband that define a V-shaped open configuration when the edges are spaced apart from one another and a closed configuration when the edges are adjacent one another. A waistband extension member extends from a waistband terminal end. A plurality of waistband fasteners are spaced apart along a waistband outer surface, each waistband fastener having a configuration complementary a waistband coupling member for selective attachment thereto. A modesty flap is attached to the garment generally adjacent one seam opposed edge and configured to extend across the seam open configuration. A plurality of flap fasteners are spaced apart along the waistband inner surface, each flap fastener having a configuration complementary to a flap coupling member for selective attachment thereto.

Abstract: Embodiments of sporting apparel, including, shorts, pants, trousers and so forth, are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the sporting apparel may be arranged about the waist of a wearer. In various embodiments, the sporting apparel may include one or more strips of hook-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro) that may be integrated into textile layers, rather than on top thereof, to reduce bulk. In various embodiments, a flap may be provided to be folded over all or a portion of a closure of sporting apparel, to reduce a likelihood that the closure will come undone, e.g., during combative sports.

Abstract: A diaper having front and rear waist regions and a waist-hole, the waist hole having a peripheral edge that is elastically stretchable in a circumferential direction and includes covering zones and elastic zones in the front and rear waist regions, which peripheral edge is adapted to be stretchable beyond lengths of the covering zones in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: Ladies' pants has an inside belt portion that is provided with an eyelet buttonhole as a second buttonhole. A moving cloth is provided inside the inside belt portion. A button is sewn on the moving cloth and is taken out from the eyelet buttonhole so as to be movable inside the eyelet buttonhole. If the button is engaged with the second buttonhole, the eyelet buttonhole is hidden under an outside belt portion. Then, the ladies' pants allows a waist size to continuously change, thereby giving a wearer a relaxed and comfortable wearing feeling. A round part of the eyelet buttonhole is located at a position corresponding to nearly a center of the moving cloth when the moving cloth returns to its original position. Then, even if the button is detached, the button can be stitched by scoop sewing through the round part of the eyelet buttonhole. Thus, the button can be surely reattached to the moving cloth.

Abstract: Lower-body garment with a combined stretchably-retained, fastenably-split waist. The waistband is sleevelike and split by overlapping ends having circumferentially opposing mouths. A stretchable band is encapsulated in, and unfixed entirely throughout, the waistband. The stretchable band has opposing ends passing out of the opposing mouths in the waistband and coupled into an endless loop by a coupling device for adjusting the length of the stretchable band. An unfastenable locking mechanism is provided on the overlapping ends of the waistband. Opening/closing portions are formed by at least one split in a predetermined location in the garment body, extending to a common terminal position and continuous with the split in the waistband.

Abstract: A belt system including a waist encircling band, a plurality of spaced apart releasable attachments located about the band, and a plurality of interchangeable accessories releasably securable to the releasable attachments so as to substantially completely encircle the band and extend downwardly from the band to provide a skirt.

Abstract: A lower-body garment is provided having a secure waist assembly. The garment includes an outer shell having a waistband. The waist assembly is attached to the interior side of the waistband at a prescribed location on the waist assembly with the remaining portions of the waist assembly being free of the outer shell. The waist assembly includes an intermediate section, end sections, and end fasteners, which cooperate to promote a secure and comfortable waist fit. When secured in place, the waist assembly wraps snuggly against the waist of the wearer.

Abstract: A garment that includes a garment structure, a plurality of loop members, and first, second and third pocket assemblies. Each loop member is coupled to a waist portion of the garment structure and remains attached thereto in response to the application of a leash force of 37 lbf thereto. The first pocket assembly is configured to hold a plurality of disposable plastic bags and defines an opening through which the disposable plastic bags can be dispensed. The second pocket assembly is configured to receive one or more of the disposable plastic bags that have been filled with pet excrement. Each third pocket assembly is coupled to the lower portion of the garment structure and is configured to hold a tennis ball therein.

Abstract: A garment system for incontinent invalids, including bariatric patients, that has pants and dresses with common features including a diaper opening, elastic at and above the waistline, elastic fabric extendable across at least a middle portion of the back of the garment near the waist-line. The garments cover the crotch of the wearer while reclined or seated, and still provide caregivers easy access to diapers. The pants feature a rear elastic belt with first and second releasably fastenable belt ends. The dress may have releasably open shoulder seams and two-petal sleeves. Faux pockets, providing concealed openings through the garment for medical equipment are included. For the pants, the crotch seam extends far enough back to cover the crotch from view when the wearer is seated or reclining.

Abstract: A garment including a body of fabric having a waistband and at least two seams that extend from the waistband and a support structure that is connected to the at least two seams and the waistband is provided. The support structure further includes a pocket and a tape connected to the pocket that prevents elongation of the support structure between said at least two seams during the wearable life of the body of fabric.

Abstract: The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.

Abstract: Lower-body garment with a combined stretchably-retained, fastenably-split waist. The waistband is sleevelike and split by overlapping ends having circumferentially opposing mouths. A stretchable band is encapsulated in, and unfixed entirely throughout, the waistband. The stretchable band has opposing ends passing out of the opposing mouths in the waistband and coupled into an endless loop by a coupling device for adjusting the length of the stretchable band. An unfastenable locking mechanism is provided on the overlapping ends of the waistband. Opening/closing portions are formed by at least one split in a predetermined location in the garment body, extending to a common terminal position and continuous with the split in the waistband.

Abstract: A convertible maternity garment that includes a first garment configured and arranged as a maternity garment to be worn by a woman during her maternity term and a second garment constructed from a portion of the first garment to provide a garment having a configuration for non-maternity use, where a removable portion is provided and where a first waistband and an alternate waistband are provided and configured so that both waistbands are functional waistbands that may be present on the garment simultaneously, but are selectively functional.

Abstract: Clothing includes a body part, a waistband part circumferentially provided at an upper end of the body part and having opposite end portions, and a rubber band encapsulated in the waistband part. Locking units are provided on a surface of the end portion and a back face of the end portion, opposite ends of the rubber band which can be exposed from a side end of the end portion and from a hole portion formed in the back face of the end portion are coupled by a coupling unit so that a length of the rubber band can be adjusted, the opening/closing portions integral with the opposite end portions can be separated leftward and rightward, and the units are invisible from the front when the opening/closing portions are closed. Therefore, clothing with a waist size, which can be adjusted by a wearer, and with good appearance can be provided.

Abstract: The sectional skirt includes multiple panels that are secured together in an easily detachable manner to form a skirt. At least four panels or sections are employed to form the skirt. Zippers or the like are utilized to detachably secure the panels together. By interchanging a panel(s) with a panel of a different color or design, the wearer can create a different look without resorting to another entire skirt.

Abstract: A garment with an adjustable waist is disclosed, having an opening intersecting a waist section of the garment, a closure mechanism urging the opening to a narrowed position or a widened position to adjust the girth of the waist section, and a panel bridging across the opening, the panel being hidden by the opening in a narrowed position. An embodiment of the closure mechanism includes a slide fastener extending along the opening. Another embodiment of the closure mechanism includes a waist band for extension across the opening and for selective attachment to respective fasteners located along the waist section to correspond with adjustments in the girth of the waist section.

Abstract: A clothing system that may include a lower component of an article of clothing and one or more upper components of an article of clothing that may be sized and configured to be selectively and/or interchangeably connected to and disconnected from the lower component. For example, a first upper component may include a generally fixed waistband, and a second upper component may include an expandable maternity waistband. Desirably, a woman may connect the first upper component to the lower component to form an article of clothing that she may wear when not pregnant and/or during her first months of her pregnancy. The woman may later disconnect the first upper component from the lower component and then connect the second upper component to the lower component to form an article of clothing that she may wear during her latter months of her pregnancy and/or during her recovery from pregnancy.

Abstract: A clothing system that may include a lower component of an article of clothing and one or more upper components of an article of clothing that may be sized and configured to be selectively and/or interchangeably connected to and disconnected from the lower component. For example, a first upper component may include a generally fixed waistband, and a second upper component may include an expandable maternity waistband. Desirably, a woman may connect the first upper component to the lower component to form an article of clothing that she may wear when not pregnant and/or during her first months of her pregnancy. The woman may later disconnect the first upper component from the lower component and then connect the second upper component to the lower component to form an article of clothing that she may wear during her latter months of her pregnancy and/or during her recovery from pregnancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pants capable of lifting sagging buttocks when a user wears them, thereby giving a sense of comfort as well as a good appearance to the user. The pants include elastic first wings, wherein each one side of the first wings is seamed with both outer edges of the upper portion of a rear fabric panel in a longitudinal direction and the other side of each of the first wings is seamed with a front fabric panel along zipper seam lines, respectively, and second wings wherein each one side of the second wings is seamed, independent from the first wings, to the portions seamed with the first wings in a longitudinal direction and the other side of each of the second wings is seamed with each end of band stitched to both upper end portions of the front fabric panel.

Abstract: A labor and delivery outfit designed to provide function, comfort and dignity, comprises: a sleeveless, wrap shirt having an upper portion with nursing flaps, lower portions extending from the flaps, a back having straps, lower portions defining an opening therebetween; a built-in, supporting, nursing bra with nursing cups, releasable fasteners for covering the nursing cups, and, a wrap skirt having an elastic waist, a built-in pregnancy panel, and, a rear zipper. Releasable fasteners are provided for fastening the rear lower portions to the upper portion of the shirt, thereby providing access to the spine.

Abstract: Clothing includes a body part, a waistband part circumferentially provided at an upper end of the body part and having opposite end portions, and a rubber band encapsulated in the waistband part. Locking units are provided on a surface of the end portion and a back face of the end portion, opposite ends of the rubber band which can be exposed from a side end of the end portion and from a hole portion formed in the back face of the end portion are coupled by a coupling unit so that a length of the rubber band can be adjusted, the opening/closing portions integral with the opposite end portions can be separated leftward and rightward, and the units are invisible from the front when the opening/closing portions are closed. Therefore, clothing with a waist size, which can be adjusted by a wearer, and with good appearance can be provided.

Abstract: An elastic material includes a plurality of zones. Each of the zones has a particular modulus of elasticity associated with it and the distribution of the zones throughout the elastic material causes the material to have a variation of modulus of elasticity along a particular direction in the material. The elastic material includes a weft, which includes a relatively inelastic component, and a warp, which includes the relatively inelastic component together with the relatively elastic component.

Abstract: An elastic material includes a plurality of zones. Each of the zones has a particular modulus of elasticity associated with it and the distribution of the zones throughout the elastic material causes the material to have a variation of modulus of elasticity along a particular direction in the material. The elastic material includes a weft, which includes a relatively inelastic component, and a warp, which includes the relatively inelastic component together with the relatively elastic component.

Abstract: In a waist expanding and contracting structure for pants or the like of a type having waist pockets, a waist part 1 consists of a front waist part 2, a back waist part 3, and a side waist part 4. The structure includes a first elastic member 14 which is positioned between a front waist surface cloth 6 and a front waist reverse cloth 8 with its one end sewn to the side waist part and with its other end sewn to both the front waist surface cloth and the front waist reverse cloth by sewing together, and a second elastic member 15 which is positioned at the rear of the side waist part 4 with its one end sewn to the back waist part 3 and with its other end sewn to the front waist reverse cloth 8. A side cloth 13 is folded back to be sewn to a hemmed edge P1 of the waist pocket, and a pocket bag 17 to be opened and closed by a fastener 16 is provided between the front body part 5 and a reverse cloth 7 of the front body part.

Abstract: A method of making a fabric composite capable to assuming a desired shape including the steps of forming an interlining fabric (10) containing elastic yarn (15) running longitudinally of the fabric, varying the density of yarn across the width of the interlining to control the longitudinal extensibility across the width, and attaching the interlining to a fabric backing material (12).