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).

Abstract: A clothes-adjusting apparatus capable of adjusting the dimension thereof in a wide range includes a second cloth member joined to a first cloth member at one edge thereof. A third cloth member is joined to the first cloth member at another edge thereof. The first, second, and third cloth members are joined to a waistband. A dimension-adjusting part is defined by overlapping a predetermined length of one end portion of the waistband on the other end thereof. A slide fastener is provided between a side of the second cloth member which is positioned opposite to the first cloth member and a side of the third cloth member which is positioned opposite to the first cloth member. The second cloth member and the third cloth member are joined to each other at a joining portion by overlapping a lower end portion of the second cloth member and that of the third cloth member on each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a pant garment such as a standard jean wherein the level of comfort in the jean is increased by incorporating a stretchable material in particular sections of the garment construct. Thus, the majority of the jean or pant garment may be made of standard rigid denim or the like material but the yoke and the rear section of the waistband may incorporate a stretchable quality. This material is designed to be visually indistinguishable from the other non-stretch material of the garment.

Abstract: A garment having an adjustable waist is provided. The adjustable garment includes a waist portion and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is disposed along a surface of the waist portion and includes a central receiving element and opposing fastening elements. The opposing fastening elements are positioned laterally along the waist portion at opposite sides thereof. Furthermore, the opposing fastening elements are spaced from the central receiving element and are configured to be selectively secured to the central receiving element. With this configuration, a user can quickly and conveniently alter a position of the opposing fastening elements relative to one another, and maintain this position via attachment to the central receiving element. As a result, the area or circumference defined by the waist portion is readily adjustable.

Abstract: A method of knitting an elastic drawcord product and an elastic band and drawcord composite product are described. The method involves knitting a pair of elastic webs in a laterally spaced relationship to each other, and securing a drawcord within the space between the elastic webs by way of first and second tying yarns. The first tying yarn reciprocates across the space between the first and second elastic webs and is alternatively secured to the side edges thereof along the front face of the elastic webs. The second tying yarn reciprocates across the space between the first and second elastic webs and is alternatively secured to the side edges thereof along the rear face of the webs, and the drawcord is secured between the two elastic webs and the first and second tying yarns.

Abstract: A waistband extender having a modesty panel covering the outside of the garment and having a generally inverted triangular shape with a button and buttonhole waistband securer that cooperates with the button and buttonhole fastener on the garment, a belt loop securer, and at least one zipper stop for maintaining the zipper in an open position. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the upper edge is elasticized and the modesty panel is made from a material that is similar in appearance to or complements the garment fabric.

Abstract: Underpants having a vertically wide waistband that may be folded down over the waistband of an outer garment for the lower torso and legs (e.g., pants or skirt) to display in a right-side-up position markings on what would be the inside face of the underpants waistband if it were not folded down.

Abstract: Provided is a high stretch composite elastic waistband that includes a relatively large ratio of drawcord to the relaxed length of an elastic web. The drawcord is fixed to the elastic web in such a way that the drawcord is allowed to move relative to the elastic web to form multiple gathers or drawcord protrusions, such as protruding loops or partial loops, as the elastic web returns to a relaxed size. The drawcord protrusions extend relative to the elastic web. The composite elastic waistband is constructed so that at least a section of the drawcord is capable of being pulled away from the elastic web so that the gathers or protrusions are diminished. Then the elastic web is capable of being stretched and released so that the elastic web contracts and cooperates with the drawcord to form the plurality of gathers or drawcord protrusions. This accumulates excess portions of the drawcord.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a maternity insert panel for jeans or other button-fly garments are shown and described. The insert is a V-shaped cloth constructed preferably of a firmly-woven stretch fabric and may be faced with generally the same color fabric as the garment. The insert may be designed with a plurality of buttonholes along one side of the V and matching buttons along the opposite side of the V. The panel is buttoned into the fly of a pair of jeans, with the wide part of the V at the waist. Due to its V-shape and firmness, this panel offers support and comfort, because the waist is expanded the same amount to each side of the wearer and the thin, smooth panel applies gentle, even pressure against the wearer. When a pregnancy is over and a normal clothing size is needed, the V-shaped panel can simply be un-buttoned and removed out of the jeans.

Abstract: A first buckle having a slot therethrough is connected to the garment at a first location. One end portion of a takeup strap is connected to the garment at a spaced second location. A second buckle has a pair of slots formed therethrough with a bar therebetween. The takeup strap extends from the second location through a slot in the second buckle, around the bar, through the other slot in the second buckle, through the slot in the first buckle, and the opposite end portion of the takeup strap is connected to the second buckle.

Abstract: A waist band holder for holding up a pair of trousers or a skirt. The waist band holder has three strips, a fabric strip, an elastic strip and a Velcro strip. The strip of Velcro is attached to the elastic strip. The elastic strip is attached to the fabric strip. Two additional Velcro strips are attached to the end of the waist band trouser holder for securing to a persons waist. The strip of Velcro on the waist band holder attaches to a strip of Velcro on the inner waistband of a pair of trousers or skirt. The elastic strip allows the waist band to displace in the vertical direction when an individual wearing the waistband trouser holder sits or squats. The waist band holder then returns the trousers or skirt to its original position when the wearer returns to a standing position.

Abstract: A skirt suitable for cheerleading is described which is formed by a body and a waistband. The body forms the main section of the skirt and attached along its top edge to the waistband which fits snugly to the wearer's waist, yet still allows for extreme athletic movements. The waistband is formed by an elastic band attached at its ends to two fabric ends which are connected to each other by a closure mechanism such as a button. The elastic band is protected and concealed by a cover material which forms a passageway through which the elastic band passes. The fabric ends and the cover material are attached to the top edge of the body of the skirt to act as the waistband. The elastic band is not permanently attached to the body or the cover material to allow it to stretch freely in response to movements by the wearer. The body of the skirt includes another closure mechanism such as a zipper which works in conjunction with the button on the fabric ends to allow the skirt to be easily put on and taken off.

Abstract: Provided is a high stretch composite elastic waistband that includes a relatively large ratio of drawcord to the relaxed length of the elastic web. The drawcord is fixed to the elastic web in such a way that the drawcord is allowed to oscillate to form multiple drawcord protrusions, such as protruding loops or partial loops, as the elastic web returns to its relaxed size. The drawcord protrusions extend relative to the elastic web. The composite elastic waistband is constructed so that at least a section of the drawcord is capable of being pulled away from the elastic web so that the protrusions are at least partially flattened. Then the elastic web is capable of being stretched and released so that the elastic web contracts and cooperates with the drawcord to form the plurality of drawcord protrusions. This accumulates excess portions of the drawcord. The drawcord is movably attached to the elastic band by connecting stitches so that the drawcord extends in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: A knitting machine and method for forming a composite band including an elongate knitted band and a drawcord secured to a front face of the knitted band by a covering yarn overlying the drawcord and stitched to the elongate band. The knitting machine includes a frame. A first knitting station is provided supported by the frame for forming the elongate knitted band. A second knitting station is provided supported by the frame and downstream of the first knitting station for receiving the knitted band after it exits the first knitting station. The second knitting station is operative to stitch the covering yarn to the knitted band from opposite sides of and across the drawcord to form a channel area defined between the covering yarn and the front face of the knitted band, the drawcord disposed in the channel area.

Abstract: A pair of pants with two waistbands includes pants defining a first waistband. A second waistband is made substantially of a material having elastic properties. A connector secures the bottom of the second waistband to the pants and enables movement of the second waistband between a hidden orientation in which it is substantially hidden behind the pants and an exposed orientation wherein it is substantially exposed above the first waistband.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the waist size of a garment having an inner waist portion and an outer waist portion which are loose and can be held together in a mutually overlapping relation, includes a guide tape attached to the outside of the inner waist portion and having a plurality of teeth formed on its inner surface along its length, and a slider attached to the outer waist portion slidably along the guide tape and engageably with its teeth. The slider includes a flat hollow body having a pair of horizontally spaced apart openings through which the guide tape extends, and a pair of vertically spaced apart openings, and an actuator housed in the body and having a push head at its top, a leg at its bottom and a plurality of protrusions each engageable with one of the teeth on the guide tape. The head and leg are held in the vertically spaced apart openings, respectively, of the body. The body is secured to the outer waist portion of the garment by a fitting having prongs pierced therethrough.

Abstract: Clothing garments and other articles include an elastic laminated sheet having the properties of stretchability and recoverability. The elastic laminated sheet is formed from a nonwoven fibrous web and an elastomeric film laminated to at least one entire web surface. The laminate is incrementally stretched along lines substantially uniformly across its length and width and throughout its depth to form a stretchable and recoverable composite. The elastic laminated sheet is uniquely suited for use in athletic and active wear garments. The composite is also useful for single use or throw away clothing articles such as medical or surgical garments, throw away bathing suits, underpants, undershirts, and garments used in the handling of hazardous or waste materials.

Abstract: This invention provides an exceptionally expandable sheet elastic complex which consists of an elastic body sheet and a sheet backing material which is mounted on either one or both sides of it, these two members being bonded together along multiple, oblong, mutually parallel bonding sections, and in which multiple, mutually parallel channels are formed between the two members because the width of the sheet backing material between mutually adjacent bonding sections is greater than that of the elastic body sheet. The sheet backing material does not accept more than the minimum constraint of the elastic body sheet, and its waveform surface has excellent properties as a material for use in sanitary products. The invention also provides a process for manufacturing this sheet elastic complex.

Abstract: A hospital garment is disclosed which includes a waist encircling band, front and rear panels which depend therefrom, and reversible fasteners on the front and rear panels. The waist encircling band is reversibly attachable about the waist of a wearer using snap fasteners. Additional snap fasteners are located in the lower central portion of both the front and rear panels so that the front and rear panels fasten at the crotch of a wearer in a non-overlapping fashion, and leg holes are formed. When the garment is attached about the wearer's waist and fastened about the wearer's crotch, vertical slits are defined on the outside of the wearer's legs. Overlapping flaps are included on the rear and front panels to cover the vertical apertures.

Abstract: A detachable waist band extender enables an individual with a garment having a certain waist band dimension to wear the garment when the waist measurement of the individual exceeds the waist dimension of the garment. The waist band extender has a tab portion which is fastened to a button on a first side of a fly opening of the garment and a belt loop portion having a buckle at a first free end and a tongue at a second free end. The tongue of the belt loop portion is passed through a button hole in a second side of the fly opening and adjustably secured to the buckle to join the sides of the fly together. Since the tongue is adjustably secured to the buckle, the effective length of the waist band extender can be adjusted to accommodate the waist measurement of the wearer and later changed to accommodate any changes in the waist measurement of the wearer.

Abstract: A shortened fastening or partial belt to be worn on the exterior of a garment at the waist. A strap, possibly of elastic material, includes hooks, clips or the like engaging elements at its opposite ends which are fastened, e.g. hooked, to belt loops. The belt pulls the belt loops toward each other, tightening the waist of the garment around the waist of the wearer. The length of the strap may be adjustable. The strap may be decorated on its surface or may be in a covering or sleeve of ornamental material.

Abstract: An improved waistband construction for garments including a new one-piece flat elastic strip having middle and lower portions of different stretchability and a lip portion integral with the middle portion which extends above the edge of the middle portion and has a stretchability between the stretchability of the middle and lower portions of the elastic strip.

Abstract: An elastic band is fabricated with an integrated drawcord utilizing a crochet-type warp knitting machine by initially knitting a finished elastic band and, then, re-routing the finished band back through the knitting machine to a second knitting location at which fabric piercing needles are utilized to knit additional warp and filling yarns while a drawcord is simultaneously fed between the piercing needles to form a covering web over the drawcord defining a tunnel area between the covering web and the finished band in which the drawcord is captured.

Abstract: An elastic strand construction comprising a plurality of spaced ribs separated by thin zones is provided. The elastic strand construction is preferred for applications in disposable garments or the like. A method of manufacturing the preferred elastic strand comprises extrusion of polymeric material through a profiled die or the like. In the alternative, a method of formation comprising extrusion between a profiled roller arrangement is described. A preferred disposable garment construction utilizing elastic strands according to the present invention is described.

Abstract: A composite waistband includes an elastic band which is stretchable in the longitudinal direction and a non-elastic draw cord secured to one surface of the elastic band. The draw cord is secured to the elastic band by forming a plurality of stitches which extend over the draw cord and are sewn into the elastic band on either side of the draw cord. The plurality of stitches collectively define a longitudinally extending channel through which the draw cord extends.

Abstract: A releasable garment support device is provided for pants, trousers and other garments whereby the waist of the garment can be readily adjusted to fit a wearer who rapidly increases or decreases his waist size. The device comprises a thin, elongated member which is attached at each end inside the waistband to form a chord along an arc of the waist circumference to reduce the effective size of the waist opening.

Abstract: A work garment having a waist portion covering a lower back area of a wearer and a front closure, and a support member, attached to the garment, for supporting a lumbar region of the wearer. The support member preferably includes a plurality of elastic bands extending about the waist portion of the garment and having complementary closure members positioned adjacent to the front closure of the work garment, and a contact member, attached to the elastic straps, positioned to contact the lumbar region of the wearer. In one embodiment, the elastic straps are integral with the work garment, which may be a coverall, and in other embodiments with firefighter garments such as a jacket, pant, and girdle. In one embodiment, the contact member consists of a resilient pad centered in the lumbar area of the wearer, and in another embodiment, the contact member consists of a plurality of elongate, vertically-extending stays.

Abstract: A pleated, adjustable strap member is useful in securing a garment to a wearer. The strap member has first and second strap ends and can be attached to the garment adjacent the strap ends. The strap member also includes an elastic region and a pleated region, both located between the strap ends. The pleated region includes at least one Z-fold that is maintained with a releasable bond.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustment system for forming a repeatedly adjustable hem on a garment. There is provided an adjustment mechanism comprising of a cord with one end that is attached to the garment's inside hem while the other end passes through a holding pocket or channel that is secured to the garment's inside seam. The second end of the cord above the holding pocket or channel is then preferably knotted to provide a stop or limit to adjust and the second end is secured to the garment lining. The fabric lining conceals the adjustment mechanism. A fabric tab is secured to the second end and the lining as a grasping point for making a length adjustment. The bloused lining is smoothed, the garment is pressed, and the adjustment is complete and undetectable. Embodiments are shown for adjusting trouser leg lengths, coat or jacket sleeves or body length as well as skirt and waistband adjustment.

Abstract: An expandable and retractable garment that is comfortable to wear, having a front portion and a back portion and including a tubular waist casing formed at a waist opening of the skirt or pants and receiving a elastic band, which is fixed at two points to the back portion and freely extends through the tubular casing at the front position. A free end of the elastic band provided with button holes or snaps extends outwardly of the casing on said band through an opening and is fastened by the fastening means to the back portion as said garment is adjusted in the waist.

Abstract: An elastic band comprising a plurality of spaced elastic members and a pair of flexible sheet materials on opposed sides of the elastic members, the elastic members being secured in a stretched position to each of said flexible sheet materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pants belt of the "English belt" type sewn into the upper part of a pair of extensible pants. This belt comprises an elastic band (3) of which the inner face is covered with upper (6) and lower (7) sheaths, composed of bands of bias fabric obtained by weaving non-extensible threads and cutting on a bias. The lower lining (7) comprises a floating part (7a) which may be connected to the pocket sacks by attaching points (12). The belt of the invention combines high aesthetic qualities, inside and outside, permitting mounting it on high quality pants, with remarkable qualities of elasticity, remanence and tension.

Abstract: A jumpsuit with a dropseat panel concealed by a folded pocket panel. When the dropseat is opened, the upper free edge of the pocket has a length selected such that it controls movement of the dropseat panel and its attached waistband, maintaining the waistband in contact with the wearer's body whereby the waistband cannot fall into a toilet.

Abstract: Bi-waisted trousers conform to and comfortably grip the hips of a stout person without requiring a belt or hitching by the person. The bi-waisted trousers have front and back panels with respective waistbands located such that the front waistband is parallel to and approximately 2.5 inches lower around the hips than the back waistband. An elastic dart is placed on the opposite sides of the trousers between the front and back panels. An adjustable strap may be placed across one or both darts.

Abstract: Trousers are provided with front panels and rear panels attached along inseams and outer seams, along a rear seam, and along a front, with a waistband formed around a top. A gathered area is disposed below the top portion of the waistband, and is circumferentially fuller than the top portion of the waistband. An inner elastic panel is attached at opposite ends behind the gathered area and arranged to draw the gathered area inwardly, providing a slimmer appearance. The waistband can be attached to the front and rear panels along a seam at which the panels are gathered via folded pleats. The elastic panel is attached along the seam to the waistband and to the front and rear panels on lateral sides of the pleats, preferably at a zipper or similar front opening, and at a pocket which is attached on an opposite side to the outer seam.

Abstract: The hospital gown has a top made of four pieces - two pieces for the right side (front and rear) and two pieces for the left side (front and rear). The two pieces are identical for the left side and the other two pieces are identical for the right side. The top of the gown has upward flaring body lines on each side of the neck cut-out, as in a butterfly wing. The sleeves are actually openings in the outer upper edges which extend about two-thirds the way down to the bottom of the top. The shoulders of a patient extend outwardly of the neck cut-out about one-fourth to one-third of the way to the outer edges such that the outer portions drop to form modesty sleeves which have no bottoms but open inwardly of the top to allow IV solution containers to pass therethrough without disconnecting the sterile connection to the patient. The bottom is a wrap-around panel.

Abstract: A stretchable composite strip material comprising coextensive lengths of a band of elastic material and a stretchable non-elastic drawstring formed of textile material, and means releasably securing said drawstring alongside said band in lengthwise-bulked condition to medial portions of the elastic band is provided. The composite strip may be formed into a composite endless loop and incorporated into a garment. An apparatus and method for making the composite strip material is also provided.

Abstract: A waist adjustment mechanism for a garment enables the waist size of the garment to be easily and conveniently adjusted to accommodate the extensive range of waist sizes among individuals. The waist adjustment feature consists of a series of opposed fastening elements disposed along the interior surface of the waistband. Engagement of select ones of the opposed fastening elements reduces the waist of the garment to the desired size. When used in connection with a pair of trousers, the trousers may optionally be provided with adjustable ankle portions which facilitate the wearer in putting his foot through the ankle openings.

Abstract: A waistband is disclosed herein for use in maintaining articles of clothing in place while being worn, and which includes an elongated waistband having tufted or napped surfaces on opposite sides thereof for frictional engagement with the clothing. Opposing opposite ends of the waistband include a hook and pile closure for adjustment to the wearer and for releasable fastening of the waistband.

Abstract: An adjustable child garment, specifically a diaper or a diaper wrap, can be used by a child from birth until diapers are no longer required. The garment comprises a substantially rectangular panel having a back with back side tabs extending from the top on each side, the back side tabs each having a first hook strip pad on the inside surface, the panel having a front with front side tabs extending from the top on each side, a loop strip ribbon extending across the top on the outside of the front of the panel from one front side tab to the other, the first hook strip pads detachably engageable with the loop strip ribbon. Elastic is sewn along the back of the panel and along each side of the panel between the back side tabs and the front side tabs.

Abstract: A maternity garment which provides extra support during bodily activity, comprises an upper body section connected to a lower body section and a continuous elastomeric band extending around the lower body section. The band is connected to the garment by a hinge member attached along one edge of the band and to the garment. Thus, the band can be moved from a relatively low position on the garment and the wearer to a relatively high position in order to provide a range of support to accommodate different wearer sizes and wearer activities.

Abstract: An improved waistband construction for garments including a new one piece flat elastic strip having upper and lower portions of different stretchability. The elastic strip is connected to the fabric of the waistband and the shell of the garment so as to allow more expansion and comfort in fitting multiple sizes.

Abstract: A waistband reducer for pants including an elongate generally elastic and flexible element or strap having a plurality of fastener elements for connection along a waistband to contract the waistband about the wearer's waist.

Abstract: An article including at least one segment which is capable of being elastically shirred along at least a portion of its length subsequent to manufacture of the article, preferably by mechanical manipulation of a predetermined portion of the elastically shirrable segment. The predetermined mechanically manipulatable portion of the elastically shirrable segment preferably comprises an elastomeric monomer which is maintained in a prestretched and tensioned condition in the desired direction of shirring. The opposed ends of the elastically shirrable segment in the article are interconnected to one another through the prestretched and tensioned elastomeric member.

Abstract: A garment having a waist adjustment capability for simple and convenient changes in waist size with a minimum of motion and inconvenience. The waist adjustment feature of the present invention is formed by at least one foldable member which provides a Velcro fastening element which, when folded to selected extent over the remaining waist portion of the garment, mates with an interlocking Velcro fastening element to secure the folded member in selected position. The invention thus provides for reducing the waist size in accordance with the degree of folding selected. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two such folding members are provided and are positioned along the lateral portion of the waist adjacent the hip region where they may be conveniently folded forward onto the front waist portion of the garment. The corresponding fold of the garment on each side adjusts not only the waist, but the hip and thigh region as well.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pants-like garment having a stretchable construction. The garment includes a waistband configured to encircle the waist of a wearer and a covering portion configured to encircle the trunk of the wearer. The covering portion has a front section connected, adjacent its top edge, to the waistband and a rear section connected to the front section. A strip of two-way stretchable material having an elasticity in a pair of directions, perpendicular to the waistband and parallel to the waistband, connects the top edge of the rear section of the garment covering portion to the waistband. When the wearer bends over or twists his or her trunk, the strip of elastic material stretches to prevent deformation of the waistband and prevent exposure of the buttocks of the wearer.

Abstract: A stretchable, knitted, panty-type holder for disposable or reuseable absorbent wound dressings or pads for babies or adults has a generally hour-glass shape with a back waistband portion and front waistband portion. The front waistband portion has at least one opening formed in each end thereof, and the back waistband portion has at least one ribbed or enlarged portion formed near the ends thereof. When applied to the body of a patient with an absorbent pad placed therein, the back waistband portion, which has a free end extending beyond the enlargements therein, is brought around the waist and passed through the opening in the adjacent end of the front waistband portion until the enlargement is secured adjacent the opening, whereupon the free end of the back waistband portion is tucked inside the holder between the body of the patient and the inside of the holder.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of adapting a lower body garment for use during early term pregnancy. The method includes the steps of co-linearly securing to each side of the vertical zipper area, strips of a velcro-like fabric. Thereafter, there is provided an adaptor in the nature of an inverted triangle, formed of flexible fabric. Velcro-like strips are placed along both diagonal sides of the inverted triangle. There is further provided several buttons along the horizontal base of the adaptor at a first vertex thereof. There is also provided a buttonhole at the opposite horizontal vertex from the several buttons. The velcro-like strips co-linear with the zipper are press-fitted against the velcro-like elements upon the diagonals of the inverted triangle of the adaptor means. Thereafter a selected one of the several buttons is fastened to the original buttonhole of the lower body garment. The selected button of the several buttons will depend upon the point within the early term of pregnancy of the wearer.

Abstract: An elastic band with an embedded nonelastic pull cord. When used as a waistband for clothing, it provides both an elastic and drawstring function. The cord's extra length results in a string pulled by the wearer to tighten the article. For an elastic band in the form of cloth, the cord may constitute one of the .[.intertwined.]. .Iadd.intermeshed .Iaddend.threads Woven, knitted or braided elastic may include the cord as part of its fabric. The band with the cord may find use in swimsuits, pants, shirts, and sportswear.