Waist Closures Patents (Class 2/235)
  • Patent number: 11684102
    Abstract: Examples of a waistband for a garment are disclosed, the waistband having a front portion, a back portion, and a curved top edge at the waist opening that curves gradually downward forming a concave curve at the front portion of the waistband and curves gradually upward forming a convex curve at the back portion of the waistband. Also disclosed is a lower body garment having a waistband, the waistband having one or more storage means (or pockets) formed therein and a curved edge at the waist opening, the storage means being concealed by respective loops formed over the waistband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: LULULEMON ATHLETICA CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Natasa Lazic, Olga Vysotska
  • Patent number: 10849370
    Abstract: A fly shield for a garment such as, for example, a pair of jeans. The fly shield is coupled to a waistband of the garment and extends along a zipper and over a crotch seam of the garment. The portion of the fly shield that extends over the crotch seam of the garment has less than four layers of material and/or consists of a first material layer and a second material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: PREMIER BRANDS IP LLC
    Inventor: Gareth Morgan
  • Patent number: 9861146
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a pants assembly comprising an outer shell, inner pants, and a retaining system with first and second retainers mounted to the inner pants and outer shell and a belt at least partially encircling the inner pants and being at least partially on an outer side of the outer shell for allowing fit adjustment of the inner pants and outer shell around the wearer's waist. The inner pants and outer shell are coupled together by the belt while the outer shell is movable relative to the inner pants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: BAUER HOCKEY, LLC
    Inventors: Pascal Martel, Christian Gervais, Marc Gagnon
  • Patent number: 9717288
    Abstract: A pair of pants that allows a wearer to easily don and remove the pair of pants while the wearer wears other articles of clothing, apparel or footwear (such as shorts, gym shoes, golf shorts or boots), a cast, a leg brace or the like. The pair of pants has a waistband that encircles a waist of the wearer of the pair of pants, a first leg having a first inner leg seam and a first outside leg opening, a second leg having a second inner leg seam and a second outside leg opening, a crotch seam between the first and second legs, the pair of pants being made of a fabric that is slidably supported on the waistband, at least a portion of the pair of pants enabling the fabric to slidably move on the waistband to enable the wearer to increase a size of at least one of the first outside leg opening or the second outside leg opening to facilitate the easy donning and removal of the pants. The pants have overlapping portions or wings that can wrap around the pants to close the first and second outside leg openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Gyt Pants, LLC
    Inventor: Patricia Lynn Vanderburgh
  • Publication number: 20140331385
    Abstract: A garment includes a waist portion that is elastic and that is configured to be worn at a waist of the wearer. The waist portion includes a diametral surface that extends longitudinally in the circumferential direction. The garment also includes an adhesive tape that is elastic. The adhesive tape is adhesively attached to and layered continuously on the diametral surface of the waist portion. Moreover, the garment includes an elastic band that is adhesively attached to and layered on the adhesive tape to attach the elastic band to the waist portion. The elastic band, the adhesive tape, and the waist portion of the shell are collectively and resiliently stretchable to thereby bias the garment inward in the radial direction to retain the garment on the waist of the wearer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Margaret C. Okies, Irina M. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20140075648
    Abstract: A Gi with tangle-proof drawstring of the present invention provides improvement over previously available Gi pants through the separation of drawstring from itself as it passes through waistband hem. The Gi with tangle-proof drawstring of the present invention minimizes the tangling of the drawstring by having a circumferential drawstring passing through a waistband hem formed with a plurality of channel stitches that isolate the waistband passing through the hem and out through the waistband guides. As the drawstring passes through the waistband hem of the Gi pants, the upper portions of drawstring and the lower loop of drawstring are separated and pass through a channel stitch gap thus separating adjacent portions of the drawstring thereby eliminating the tangling which often occurs through use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: CHRISTOPHER HAUETER
  • Publication number: 20140047619
    Abstract: This invention is designed to provide a martial arts practitioner a secure fit around the waist while engaged in training or competition. The practitioner enters the garment similar to pants then secures the inner drawstring generally made of a cotton or similar material. Next the practitioner secures the hook and loop system to create a vertical seal. Then the flap is secured to the inside of the pants. The belt is fastened by drawing the belt through the metal ring or similar sturdy material and secured using the hook and loop portion on the belt. Lastly, the flap is folded down to cover the belt. The flap will keep an opponent from using the belt to their advantage in a match as well as provide a level of safety so appendages do not get tangled in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Cabrea Singh LLC
    Inventors: Tajinder Singh, Michael Cabrea
  • Publication number: 20140047618
    Abstract: A pair of motocross pants is described, including a waist portion, a seat portion, a crotch and inner thigh portion, and two leg portions, the pants being formed by plurality of panels of material numbering less than 20. A majority of the surface area of the pants may include elastic material, and a nearly straight knee angle may be formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: ONE Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Duncan G. Robins, Moses Bennett
  • Publication number: 20130298311
    Abstract: Embodiments herein provide pants with an integrated pants closure system for securing the pants to a waist of a user. The closure system may provide a plurality of points of closure, such as a belt, a fly, and an internal panel closure. The closure system may provide a low-profile for a front portion and/or waistband of the pants. Additionally, the closure system may provide backup points of closure in case of failure. The belt may include a buckle with a finger that extends through a loop in the belt to close the belt. The fly may include a zipper that extends to a top edge of the waistband. The internal panel may include one or more low-profile snaps to secure the internal panel to an inside surface of the pants and/or waistband.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR, INC.
    Inventors: Kip Gerenda, Jessica Riquetti, Steven Yui, Helen Li
  • Patent number: 8522365
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a drawstring closure that allows two sides of a garment to securely and evenly tighten the garment and the fly of the garment. One embodiment of the invention includes a drawstring closure for use on a garment, including a first front panel, wherein the first front panel comprises a first tab, and wherein the first tab comprises a first opening through which a drawstring can be threaded; a second front panel, wherein the second front panel comprises a second tab, wherein the second tab comprises second and third openings through which a drawstring can be threaded; a first drawstring, wherein the first drawstring is attached to the first tab, the first drawstring is threaded through the third and the first opening; a second drawstring, wherein the second drawstring is attached to the first front panel; and the second drawstring is threaded through the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Volcom, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Geary
  • Patent number: 8505119
    Abstract: A garment belt features an elongated strap and a V-shaped closure member having first and second legs interconnected at joined ends thereof and diverging from one another away from the joined ends. The closure member is connected between effective ends of the strap to close the belt and form a waist loop being defined by the elongated strap, the V-shaped closure member and the connections therebetween. A garment to be worn about a wearer's waist features an open triangular notch depending into a waist portion of the garment from an upper boundary thereof on the front side of the garment. The belt, or a V-shaped accessory of similar appearance to its closure member, is wearable with the garment to provide a unique appearance, revealing an exposed triangular section of skin. The V-shaped closure or accessory may carry an ornamental jewelry piece suspended between the legs of the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin W. Nielson
  • Patent number: 8486035
    Abstract: A medical undergarment system effective for supporting an ostomy system consists of a first diagonal catheter channel, a second diagonal catheter channel, a first vertical catheter channel, and a second vertical catheter channel. The system consists of tubing, a base undergarment, and a fluid bag. The medical undergarment system provides a comfortable yet stable ostomy system that can easily be slipped on and off by a user. The system enables convenient and easy removal of bodily fluid when using a catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Hector F. Arce, Brian O. Mohika
  • Patent number: 8402565
    Abstract: A zippered pant system for providing a user easy access to his/her legs or knees featuring a pair of pants having a first leg, a second leg, a waist opening, and a front opening region; and a zipper disposed in at least the first leg and the second leg of the pair of pants, the zipper has a first end and a second end wherein the first end is positioned at a bottom edge of the first leg and the second leg of the pair of pants, the zipper can be unzipped upwardly. The zipper may be positioned along the inseam of the first and second leg of the pair of pants up to the middle, of the thigh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Peggy M. Penner
  • Publication number: 20120311759
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medical scrub garment having an interior liner adapted to provide increased warmth and comfort for a user. The scrub garment is one that is provided in long pants, short and long tops and other assorted styles, while the interior of the garment includes a fleece, cotton or woolen material that provides increased warmth, softness and comfort for the user while wearing the garment. The liner allows the user to exit a facility for short periods in colder climate without requiring a jacket that otherwise obstructs movement. The garment itself is disposable, as is the case with cheaper medical scrubs, or alternatively the entire assembly is machine washable and reusable. The fleece liner is further optionally removable and interchangeable with other scrub garments of the type adapted to secure a liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Candi Moore
  • Publication number: 20120144560
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Marie B. Valentine
  • Patent number: 7950070
    Abstract: Shorts comprising a rear face and a front face (10, 12) having a fly (18). The shorts further include a waistband (20) integral with the front and rear faces, the waistband extending between first and second ends (20a, 20b) placed on either side of the fly. A tab (22) extends the first end (20a) as far as a free end (23) and is placed so as to cover the second end (20b) of the waistband. The tab has a self-gripping strip (24) placed facing a complementary self-gripping strip integral with the second end (20b) of the waistband. A lace (29) connects the tab (22) to the second end (20b) of the waistband and passes through two respective holes (30, 32) made in the second end (20b) of the waistband so as to be able to be tied on the inside of the waistband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: QS Holdings SARL
    Inventor: Yannick Beven
  • Patent number: 7931639
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Ayami Suga, Shinobu Fujikawa, Hideki Kondo
  • Patent number: 7908677
    Abstract: A maternity pant insert that is configured to allow a user wear a conventional size pair of pants during the phases of pregnancy. The pant insert includes a main panel that is generally rectangular in shape and is of sufficient size to cover the opening in the front region of the pant created by the user being unable to utilize the fasteners integrally mounted on the pant. A waist strap is connected to the main panel and is configured to operably connect with the belt loops of the pant. Mounted on the waist strap are a plurality of fasteners located on opposing sides of the main panel that function to allow a user to releasably secure the pant insert to the pant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: LaTonya Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20100263103
    Abstract: A hat formed of a casing having a pliable wire incorporated at its base opening to provide an adjustable snug fit. The wire may be bent to an appropriate configuration by the user to draw the base opening close to the neck. Hook ends of the wire may be used as grasping points or may be latched together beneath the user's chin. Also, a single or dual cords may be used with the wire to aid in its bending to a desired configuration. The single cord may be incorporated into the face opening of the hat to provide a restriction to the face opening under draw control by the wearer, and also be used to wrap about the wire ends to manipulate the configuration of the wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: CLARKE-FARLEY INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Clarke
  • Publication number: 20100235964
    Abstract: A pair of medical-patient shorts that are opened entirely at the right and left outside seams, while allowing the rear, front, and crotch seams to remain intact, is disclosed. The shorts include the use of a stuttered series of hook-and-pile patches that largely define the outer seams of the shorts, which are largely comprised of a front fabric panel and a rear fabric panel. The design of the outside side seams to enhance user comfort and to make access to the patient's body, dressing, etc. more convenient. In addition, the shorts provide features to provide convenient physical support for medical apparatuses, such as drainage bags and tubing, for example. Finally, associated methods of use for the medical-patient shorts are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Kathleen M. Mickey, Cheri L. Hall
  • Patent number: 7661177
    Abstract: A waist adjusting device for reducing the waist size of pants without the use of a belt is provided. The device comprises two engaging members and a connecting member which is pivotally attached to both engaging members. The engaging members each have clips disposed thereupon to permit them to be selectively fastened to spaced apart points along a pant waistline. With the engaging members fastened onto the pant, the device contracts the waist by the engaging members being pivoted about the connecting member such that the clips are drawn closer together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Randall C. Bloomfield
  • Publication number: 20090007314
    Abstract: Shorts comprising a rear face and a front face (10, 12) having a fly (18). The shorts further include a waistband (20) integral with the front and rear faces, the waistband extending between first and second ends (20a, 20b) placed on either side of the fly. A tab (22) extends the first end (20a) as far as a free end (23) and is placed so as to cover the second end (20b) of the waistband. The tab has a self-gripping strip (24) placed facing a complementary self-gripping strip integral with the second end (20b) of the waistband. A lace (29) connects the tab (22) to the second end (20b) of the waistband and passes through two respective holes (30, 32) made in the second end (20b) of the waistband so as to be able to be tied on the inside of the waistband.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Yannick Beven
  • Patent number: 7174574
    Abstract: A neoprene fly closure which provides for minimization of bulk through the fly area of a pair of board shorts, which further provides for a more comfortable pair of shorts when worn surfing. The use of a neoprene gore eliminates bulky seams in the fly area, allowing a user to pull shorts on and off and also providing for a privacy shield should the fly area become open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Quiksilver, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Fontes
  • Patent number: 6928661
    Abstract: A unisex garment has a waistband. A pair of leg members extend down from the waistband. A mechanism is coupled to the unisex garment to allow easy opening of the crotch area to access the genitals. The mechanism comprises a zipper running from a crotch seam positioned between the pair of leg members to a belt line just below the waistband wherein upward movement of a handle will open the zipper. A plurality of quick release fasteners run from a top section of the crotch seam towards pant inseams on both pair of leg members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas E. Lewis, Kathleen Krizka
  • Patent number: 6892399
    Abstract: A garment for slimming and smoothing the appearance of a woman's crotch and thighs includes a pair of pants having a lower torso receiving portion, an upper waistband, two leg portions, an inseam along each leg portion, and a crotch seam between the inseams. A quadrilaterally-shaped crotch panel is disposed forward of the crotch seam and between the inseams. A pants closure means extends generally from the crotch panel to the waistband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Cristina Rocha
  • Patent number: 6829786
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use in concealing a belt used to secure the pants. The device includes a liner fastened to the pants waist and cooperatively defining a continuous channel with the pants waist. One end of the liner overlaps the other end of the liner and is releasably fastened thereto, concealing the belt from view behind the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Lavandis Ellis
    Inventor: Lavandis L. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6817709
    Abstract: The ventilated glasses system with a removable pad and detent includes an eyeglass frame and an inner frame with the pad. The first aperture and the second aperture are located on the nostril bridge support, where condensation tends to be the most prevalent. Air can flow from the exterior surface to the interior surface through the first aperture and the second aperture. Detents securely attach the inner frame to the eyeglass frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: KBC America Inc.
    Inventor: Kyung H. Min
  • Patent number: 6618863
    Abstract: An item of clothing the width of a component part of which can be adjusted by the user, the clothing item having a line or cord (1) at least partly encircling the relevant part, which cord can be pulled by the wearer to adjust the width or tightness of the part by means of gathering of the material of the part around the line or cord. For the part of the circumference of the relevant part the cord is concealed under the material but emerges at a desired point and them passes again to the inside of the item of clothing so as to form a cord pull section (6) on the inside of the clothing. The clothing item includes means (5) for holding the component part in its tightened or gathered condition about the cord, the cord pull section (6) being used by the wearer for adjustment of the width of the relevant part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Bernard Mark Hardy Blechman
  • Patent number: 6434753
    Abstract: A front center opening can be opened and closed by a zip fastener. A hook assembly joins upper ends of the front center opening in a separable way and adjusts a waist size of pants within a fixed range. An adjusting cloth is sewed between one of fastener tapes of the zip fastener and an outer cloth of the front center opening. The adjusting cloth has an overlap to provide an extra length on the waist size of the pants. The hook assembly adjusts the waist size of the pants so as to fit a waist size of a user. The overlap of the adjusting cloth is extended in a specified manner so as to adjust a size of the pants corresponding to a portion lower than the waist of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Koji Kato
  • Patent number: 6434754
    Abstract: A front center opening can be opened and closed by a zip fastener. A hook assembly joins upper ends of the front center opening in a separable way and adjusts a waist size of pants within a fixed range. An adjusting cloth is sewed between one of fastener tapes of the zip fastener and an outer cloth of the front center opening. The adjusting cloth has an overlap to provide an extra length on the waist size of the pants. The hook assembly adjusts the waist size of the pants so as to fit a waist size of a user. The overlap of the adjusting cloth is extended in a specified manner so as to adjust a size of the pants corresponding to a portion lower than the waist of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Koji Kato
  • Publication number: 20020095130
    Abstract: A self-adhesive garment closure for a garment includes a pair of opposed cooperating fastener elements, each having an exposed layer of self-adhesive material exhibiting strong adhesion to itself while remaining relatively tack-free to other materials. At least one of the fastener elements has a layer of foam material beneath the self-adhesive material, such as for increased bending stiffness. In some cases, such as for pull-up diapers, the self-adhesive closure is non-releasable once secured. Some closures also have cooperating hook-and-loop elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher R. Seitter, William H. Shepard
  • Patent number: 6233342
    Abstract: Eyewear is disclosed for use in sports and the like which allows the wearer to adjust the flow of air across the inside surface of the lens without having to remove the eyewear. The eyewear includes a frame shaped to fit a wearer's face, one or two lenses mounted in the frame, and a temple bracket mounted on each side of the frame. Each temple bracket has a front surface substantially contiguous with the front surface of the frame and containing an inlet opening. An inner surface of each temple bracket contains an outlet opening and a passageway connecting the inlet opening and outlet opening. A block is positioned for sliding movement in the passageway and is connected to a button mounted for sliding movement on the outer surface of each temple bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Pan-Optx, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernie Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6044496
    Abstract: The present invention provides a waistband expander for engaging the button and button-hole on a garment to increase the fastened distance between the button and button-hole to provide comfort to the wearer. The waistband expander includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end, a button-engaging member connected to the first end for engaging a button on a garment, and a button-hole engaging member connected to the second end for engaging a button hole on the garment so as to increase the fastened distance between the button and button-hole to provide comfort to the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Maria Elisa Ramirez
  • Patent number: 5966739
    Abstract: Goalie pants provided with a space within the pants in which the upper protective pad of the goalie can be received. This space enables the goalie to freely move without causing any bunching of the upper pad or the pants that may lead to a lack of comfort. A second innovative feature of the improved goalie pants resides in the provision of overlapping thigh and knee padding elements that can move between a retracted and an extended position. In the extended position, the thigh and the knee padding elements are arranged such that they provide a continuous protection of the thigh and the knee. The overlapping relationship between the knee and the thigh padding elements allow them to retract when the goalie is in a position such that other protective equipment (such as the pads covering the legs) interferes with the goalie pants. A third innovative feature resides in the provision of a groin padding element that is mounted on the outside of the pants and forms a flap that overlaps the thigh padding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Bauer Nike Hockey Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Wagner
  • Patent number: 5822802
    Abstract: Trousers for patients include a waist portion and a pair of legs. The waist portion has tying elements and at least one of the legs has a slit formed in its front side and running lengthwise of the leg. A fastening device is provided at the slit and consists of stops, pawls and slides disposed at both ends thereof in an opposite relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignees: Chia-Tein Chou, Shiu-Yin Cheng
    Inventor: Chao-Mu Chou
  • Patent number: 5820575
    Abstract: An abdominal support belt having an inner retainment strap for allowing the wearer to loosen the body of the belt while the retainment strap maintains the position of the belt against the wearer, under a tension less than that applied by the belt against the wearer when the belt is in a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Rooster Products International Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Pablo Cabrera, Daniel Cabana
  • Patent number: 5613249
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Yutaka Ito
  • Patent number: 5499965
    Abstract: A shaped lifting belt and method in which the shape is provided by deepening the central lumbar panel in the rear to a depth of at least an additional half of the depth of the side wraps, providing the lumbar panel with expandable elements, and then separating the ends of the wrap from the lumbar panel by shape panels which are stretchable and positioned to engage the upper rear portion of the hips is disclosed. The method of the invention requires the wearer to first engage the lifting belt assembly and secure the suspenders in the forward desirable position. Thereafter, the shape straps are secured to the inner portion of the wrap ends. The wrap ends are then secured to a central portion of the body followed by substantially encircling the same with the side pulls. Where coloring is desired, the suspender assembly may be of a different color than the belt itself, and optionally a removable side pull may be color coded or otherwise decorated to suit the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: FLA Orthopedics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ana V. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5263201
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a zipper that closes the opening between overlapping fabric portions for a pair of trousers. The zipper slide component of the zipper includes a button and the waistband of the trousers has a button hole in the outer overlapping fabric portion to receive a button that is secured to the zipper slide. The zipper preferably has its upper end extending into the waistband of the trousers and terminating about midway of the width of the waistband to allow the button on the slide to cooperate with the button hole when the zipper is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: Stephen G. Hood
  • Patent number: 5204995
    Abstract: A pair of reversible pants with a reversible front pocket arrangement and/or a reversible button fly arrangement is disclosed. The reversible pocket arrangement includes a pocket slot defined in the pants corresponding to a desired upper edge of each pocket, and a pocket flap corresponding to each pocket. The flap is attached to the pants and can extend down through the corresponding pocket slot so as to contact either surface of the pants. The flap has a first surface and an opposing second surface, with a first pouch formed on the flap first surface and a second pouch formed on the flap second surface. The reversible fly arrangement includes a first fly panel and a second fly panel, each having buttonholes that align when the two panels overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Creative Garments, Inc.
    Inventor: Dawn P. Knapp
  • Patent number: 5170505
    Abstract: An adjustable children's garment is provided that utilizes hook and loop type connections for adjustments. There is also provided an adjustable connection for garments that includes three flaps. The second flap may be adjustably or removably connected to the first flap and a third, cover flap may be connected over the first and second flap to protect the hook and loop connection. The three flap a arrangement provides for a more secure fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: Nancy D. Rohrer
  • Patent number: 5144697
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Inventor: Rick L. Sandbeck
  • Patent number: 5008962
    Abstract: Trousers include two selectively openable seams which extend from the upper edge to the hem edge of the trousers, the selectively openable seams being positioned in such a way as to be only minimally visible as the trousers are worn. Each of the two front selectively openable seams converges with its adjacent inseam. A back opening embodiment is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Lynn U. Smith
    Inventors: Lynn U. Smith, Mario J. Merlino
  • Patent number: 4649574
    Abstract: A highly dependable, symmetrically neat, non-abrasive, quick releasing-closing and selectively adjustable garment closure device useful on sporting trousers, such as martial art pants or Gi pants, comprising a pair of juxtapositionable, somewhat triangularly-shaped flap panels respectively secured along opposing side areas of a trousers rear-enclosure segment and extending a lateral distance sufficient to generally overlap at least a substantial portion of a trousers front-enclosure segment. A distal end of each flap panel is provided with a strip of Velcro-type hook material, with a first flap panel having its strip on an outer surface thereof and a second flap panel having its strip on an inner surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventor: Frank J. Michels
  • Patent number: 4575873
    Abstract: A pants closure adapted for use on a pair of pants (12) comprising a first plate (14) mounted to the underlapping flap (39) of pants (12) and having a retaining clasp (16) extending outwardly therefrom; a slide handle (52) attached to slide elements (46, 48) and with a first hole (54) which fits over the retaining clasp (16); and a second plate (20) mounted to the overlapping flap (36) of pants (12) and having a second hole (22) which fits over the retaining clasp (16). When the forgoing elements are assembled, the slide handle (52) is sandwiched between first plate (14) and second plate (20) while in registry with retaining clasp (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Inventor: James R. Smith
  • Patent number: 4566158
    Abstract: An adjustable buckle having elements for fixing to respective opposed flaps of a garment with a cover formed to engage one element and in pulling the respective flap of the one element over the respective of the second element to engage the second element in a plurality of positions so that the flaps are secured and the garment buckled in a plurality of positions so as to adjust the garment on the body of the wearer. The buckle is particularly suited for closing pants, and eliminating the top button closure on the pants over the fly. The buckle eliminates the need for belts and provides a flat, contoured appearance to the pants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Inventor: Wah Lau
  • Patent number: 4534087
    Abstract: An adjustable buckle having elements for fixing to respective opposed flaps of a garment with a cover formed to engage one element and in pulling the respective flap of the one element over the respective flap of the second element to engage the second element in a plurality of positions so that the flaps are secured and the garment buckled in a plurality of positions. The buckle is particularly suited for closing pants, and eliminating the top button closure on the pants over the fly. The buckle eliminates the need for belts and provides a flat, contoured appearance to the pants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Inventor: Wah Lau
  • Patent number: 4468815
    Abstract: A bathing cap incorporating a deployment clip in its rim which varies the circumference of the rim of a certain segment is very practical and comfortable to use.The cap may be put on and taken off in an easy and comfortable way while its tightness in use is unimpaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1984
    Inventor: Alberto Pellegri
  • Patent number: 4429439
    Abstract: A garment expander, of the type equipped with a bent sheet metal hook on one flap of the fly opening for hooking through a bent sheet metal eye on the other flap of the flap opening, has at one end a resilient loop which strongly but detachably captures the eye and has at the other end a planar area with a rigid bridge protruding from the planar area in a plane parallel with it for aligning and engaging the trouser hook; when tension is applied the loop may permit the eye to turn slightly within the loop for better trouser appearance; the invention is adapted for high-volume low-cost production with minimum operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: Edward F. Waugh
  • Patent number: 4385403
    Abstract: The invention relates to a garment placket and the method of forming it in which two pieces of material are folded and attached to the garment in such a manner as to present finished edges for the slit in the garment and which pieces also overlie the placket opening to present a closed appearance thereto. The two pieces of material are attached to the garment in such a manner that both lie completely on one face of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1983
    Assignee: The Reece Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Richardson, Joop F. Hoekstra