Abstract: A device, attachable to a waist band of a garment, facilitates the use of suspenders. An elongate rectangular body of the device has a front surface and a back surface. This body has ratio of length to width that is the range of about 4:1 to about 10:1, and a ratio of width to thickness in the range of about 8:1 to about 20:1. At least one knob having a head held in spaced-apart relationship with the body by a post is used to secure the suspenders. The elongate rectangular body and each knob are formed from a thermoplastic, preferably in an integral manner.

Abstract: Provided is a pelvis fixing device including a rear fixing module including a driving module mounting portion, the rear fixing portion configured to enclose a side surface and a rear surface of a waist of a user, and a front fixing module including a soft layer and a hard layer configured to enclose a front surface of the waist of the user, wherein the hard layer is connected to the rear fixing module to form a closed loop around the waist of the user.

Abstract: An article of clothing, the article of clothing including a fabric. The fabric defines a waistband portion having an interior. The fabric also defines a base fabric panel. Additionally, the article of clothing includes an elastic layer. The interior of the waistband faces the elastic layer. Moreover, the interior of the waistband is defined by one or more folds forming a border between the base fabric panel and the waistband. The one or more folds include an initial bottom fold and a final bottom fold of the fabric. The one or more folds further include a top fold at a top edge of the waistband. The waistband is attached to the elastic layer through the initial bottom fold and the top fold. Additionally, an interior of the final bottom fold and the interior of the top fold are common to the interior of the waistband.

Abstract: A fastener having an integrated fit adjustment device and secure double-sided seal is offset from the wearer's centerline. The integrated tensioning device can be a paper-thin rigid metal material embedded into the garment on one side of the waistband centerline. A strap is affixed to the garment on the opposite side of the tensioning device, crosses the centerline, and passes through an aperture. The strap reverses back upon itself, pulling against the integrated tensioning device to adjust the fit. The strap's tip has loop material on both sides. Once the strap is pulled against the tensioning device the garment-facing side of the strap is removably affixed to the waistband. Directly approximate to the waistband hook material area is a hinged flexible panel containing hook material on its underside. This panel hinges down, mating the hook material to the exposed loop material on the tip.

Abstract: A waistband for a garment includes a bandroll having an absorption layer and a wicking layer. The wicking layer controls stretch properties of the absorption layer. The waistband comprises a second material and wherein a shrinkage of a material substrate of the bandroll substantially matches a shrinkage of the second material.

Abstract: An article of clothing comprises a waistband configured to secure and carry at least one object on a wearer's waist. The waistband includes a first portion configured to form a circumferential waist part of the article of clothing and include at least a first channel and a second channel, the first channel having an elastic band therethrough, and the second channel having drawstrings therethrough. The waistband also includes a second portion configured to include a plurality of belt loops evenly spaced and positioned along the first portion of the waistband, wherein the plurality of belt loops are configured to receive a belt assembly therethrough.

Abstract: An adjustable contour waist system in which a garment has a waistband and a fly area, first and second belt loops, and a piece of webbing that passes through the second belt loop. The fly area has a zipper that is made up of two parts, and the second part of the zipper is only attached to the garment at a joinder seam. This same joinder seam joins the overlying and underlying fabrics of the fly area. A strip of hook fastener material is sewn to the second part of the zipper and also joined to the garment at the joinder seam. The joinder seam is the only place at which the second part of the zipper and the strip of hook fastener material are attached to the garment. The fly area also has a section of loop fastener material on the underside of the overlying fabric.

Abstract: A patch system and methods for using a patch system are described herein. The patch system has an elastomeric central portion configured to expand and contract over the types of distances commonly found in homes and other buildings that can result in opening and closing cracks in walls, for example. By applying the patch system across a crack under pre-tensioned conditions, opening and closing of the crack will not cause a visible defect in the wall or other surface.

Abstract: A protective pant for a wearer, comprising a pelvic portion for overlying a pelvic region of the wearer to provide impact protection to the pelvic region, leg portions for overlying thighs of the wearer to provide impact protection to the thighs, and a zipperless length adjuster configured to adjust a length of the protective pant. Also, a protective pant for a wearer, the protective pant comprising: an inner base for protecting a pelvic region of the wearer; an outer shell; and a zipperless length adjuster comprising a plurality of adjustment elements on the inner base and a plurality of adjustment elements on the outer shell, each of the adjustment elements on the outer shell configured to be attachable to a corresponding one of the adjustment elements of the inner base in at least two positions to permit length-wise adjustment of the outer shell relative to the inner base.

Abstract: A belt loop for attachment of a duty belt to a garment or other object includes a belt fastener having a piece of hook-and-loop material complementary to a piece of hook-and-loop material on the duty belt.

Abstract: Provided is a pelvis fixing device including a rear fixing module including a driving module mounting portion, the rear fixing portion configured to enclose a side surface and a rear surface of a waist of a user, and a front fixing module including a soft layer and a hard layer configured to enclose a front surface of the waist of the user, wherein the hard layer is connected to the rear fixing module to form a closed loop around the waist of the user.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant retractable tool or opener device is provided. The retractable tool is integrated within an article of clothing. The integrated retractable tool includes a retractor having a housing that encloses an internal spring coil connected to a retractable cord for drawing the cord into the retractor. The cord is attachable to the retractable tool located at a first end of retractable tool. Retractable tool has a second aperture opposite the retractor end and a flange portion projects into the second aperture to provide a lever for urging a bottle cap from a top bead around a bottle. Retractor is fixedly attached, e.g., by stitching or adhesive means, within a sleeve portion integral with a seam, waistband, hemline or pocket of an article of clothing. The strap overlap sleeve portion encloses the retractable tool to conceal the retractable tool.

Abstract: A waistband for an article of clothing, the waistband including an exterior waistband portion formed from a fabric layer that is continuous with a base fabric panel of the article of clothing, an elastic layer positioned on an interior side of the exterior waistband portion and attached to the exterior waistband portion, an interlining layer disposed at least partially between the exterior waistband portion and the elastic layer, and a pleat defining a bottom edge of the waistband, the pleat being formed from one or more folds in the fabric layer between the exterior waistband portion and the base fabric panel.

Abstract: A trim piece includes a first zone adapted to be folded over an edge of an apparel item, a second zone, and a third zone interposed between the first and second zones. The trim piece is positioned on the apparel item such that a majority of the trim piece is positioned on an outer-facing surface of the apparel item.

Abstract: Holster systems useable with pants including a plurality of outer belt loops and a plurality of inner belt openings around a waist portion of the pants are described. The inner belt openings may be disposed at a first spacing around the waist portion. A holster or holder may also be provided including an opening configured to at least partially receive a firearm, preferably a handgun, and a plurality of slots configured to receive a strap of webbing or similar material therethrough. The slots may be spaced apart from one other at approximately the same distance as the first spacing.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to breathable, vented, and insulating garments. More particularly, the technology described herein relates to garments with chambers to retain an insulating fill material. Openings along seams between the insulating chambers may achieve evaporative moisture or air transfer from the inside (proximal to the body of a wearer) of the garment to the outside environment. In an aspect, the openings along the seams are offset with interior openings, wherein the interior openings are connected to the exterior openings by a passage between garment layers.

Abstract: Provided is activewear with one or more waistband pockets. More particularly, athletic garments such as pants comprising one or more waistband pocket are included. The athletic garments include a body portion comprising fabric with an upper edge terminating as a 360° waistline and waistband composed of at least four pieces of fabric. A first and second piece of fabric define a first pocket on the waistband and a third and fourth piece of fabric define a second pocket on the waistband. Further, 360° of the waistline is attached to a bottom edge of the waistband. The first pocket and second pocket each include at least one opening to provide access to that pocket. Additionally, waistbands composed of at least six pieces of fabric are described as well as methods of manufacturing waistbands.

Abstract: A garment includes a waistband having a first face and a second face, with a first support structure affixed to the first face and a second support structure affixed to the second face. The waistband is selectively adjustable between a first arrangement that provides the garment with a first style and fitting, and a second arrangement that provides the garment with a same style and different fitting.

Abstract: An undergarment for inhibiting unwanted movement of a shirt during wear can include a body, a torso opening, and a waistband. The body can have an interior side and an exterior side. The torso opening can be defined at a top of the body and a pair of leg openings can be defined at a bottom of the body. The waistband can extend along a circumference of the top. The waistband can include an exterior surface at least partially covered with a garment movement-inhibiting material configured to prevent sliding movement of a shirt across the exterior surface. The waistband can also include an interior surface at least partially covered with a garment non-inhibiting material. The waistband can be circumferentially foldable towards the bottom to selectively expose one of the garment movement-inhibiting material and the garment non-inhibiting material.

Abstract: Provided is activewear with hidden pockets. More particularly, athletic garments such as pants comprising one or more waistband pocket, preferably concealable, are included. In embodiments, athletic garments with an interior concealed pocket in the fold-over portion of a fold down waistband are provided. The waistband pocket enables the wearer to store items such as car keys, hotel room keys and/or smart phones relatively inconspicuously and securely in the waistband of the garment. A purpose of the concealment includes minimizing attention from the items stored within the pocket and allowing the wearer to participate in a variety of athletic sports or events while carrying personal items in a secure manner. Preferred embodiments include athletic pants comprising (i) a fold down waistband, (ii) an annular storage pocket capable of retaining items without any additional material added to the pant, and (iii) one or more slits for the opening for the pocket.

Abstract: A multi-layered garment may comprise components that are affixed using integrated belt loops. In particular, shorts belt loops of a shorts component may pass through an opening created when single-layer skirt belt loops of a skirt component are oriented outwards. Both the skirt belt loops and the shorts belt loops may be fully functional and aesthetically pleasing belt loops. Additionally, the shorts belt loops may be combined with the skirt belt loops to form integrated belt loops, thereby allowing a belt to pass beneath both sets of belt loops simultaneously to affix the shorts component to the skirt component.

Abstract: Trousers with concealed pockets constructed utilizing pocket assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pair of trousers having a concealed pocket, includes a front leg panel including a bottom edge and a pocket edge, a pocket assembly, including: at least one panel of fabric stitched to form a primary pocket including an opening having a first edge and a second edge, at least one panel of fabric stitched to form a secondary pocket including an opening having a first edge and a second edge, where a first stitch attaches the first edge of the secondary pocket along at least a portion of the second edge of the primary pocket, where the pocket assembly is attached to the front leg panel by: a second stitch that attaches the second edge of the secondary pocket along at least a portion of the pocket edge of the front leg panel.

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: A bottom garment for providing improved appearance to the wearer. The garment includes a front panel; a back panel; and at least one tummy control panel formed of a low-stretch, high pre-tensioned fabric attached to the inside of the front panel beneath the waistband of the front panel. In one embodiment, the low-stretch, high pre-tension fabric is formed of a mesh construction. The front panel may further include at least one pocket assembly.

Abstract: Provided is activewear with hidden pockets. More particularly, athletic garments such as pants comprising one or more waistband pocket, preferably concealable, are included. In embodiments, athletic garments with an interior concealed pocket in the fold-over portion of a fold down waistband are provided. The waistband pocket enables the wearer to store items such as car keys, hotel room keys and/or smart phones relatively inconspicuously and securely in the waistband of the garment. A purpose of the concealment includes minimizing attention from the items stored within the pocket and allowing the wearer to participate in a variety of athletic sports or events while carrying personal items in a secure manner. Preferred embodiments include athletic pants comprising (i) a fold down waistband, (ii) an annular storage pocket capable of retaining items without any additional material added to the pant, and (iii) one or more slits for the opening for the pocket.

Abstract: A long leg pants construction defined by a heavy duty zipper disposed on the inner seam of at least one leg of said pants. Said zipper is configured to zip down from the knee area of the pant leg to and through the bottom of the pant leg. When zipped up, the heavy duty zipper is relatively indistinguishable from the rest of the pant leg. A user wishing to access a firearm in a boot holster is only required to grab the zipper located near the knee area of the pant leg and push it down until the firearm is revealed. As such, the pant leg inner seam zipper facilitates the rapid access to a firearm in a boot holster.

Abstract: A garment includes a waistband having a first face and a second face, with a first support structure affixed to the first face and a second support structure affixed to the second face. The waistband is selectively adjustable between a first arrangement that provides the garment with a first style and fitting, and a second arrangement that provides the garment with a same style and different fitting.

Abstract: Uniform pants are disclosed. The pants are well suited for all wearers of pants particularly persons in law enforcement, the military, security, construction and the like as well as medical patients and senior citizens who desire easy, convenient, safe, and sanitary access when attending to restroom needs. The pants comprise: (a) a waistband; (b) two leg members extending from the waistband; c) a primary fastener member positioned at a predetermined point beneath the waistband, extending across the rear of the pants to and then within the outer seam of each leg member to a predetermined point, wherein the positioning of the fastener member(s) creates a camber; when open forms a rear (d) drop seat flap; and (e) a secondary fastener member positioned beneath the full length of the primary fastener member to be utilized during a possible impairment of the primary fastener member. Fastener member(s) can consist of a plurality of zippers, hooks, snaps, buttons, and hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A leg wear apparatus including at least one side portion having first and second ends and positioned between front and rear portions, where the first end of the at least one side portion is attached to a waistband. The leg wear includes at least one leg portion that expands along a leg of a wearer, wherein the at least one leg portion is attached to the second end of the at least one side portion. The leg wear further includes a sleeve that expands along a thigh of the wearer, where the sleeve is attached to the at least one leg portion. The sleeve may extend upwards along the thigh to permit placement of a brace over the leg of the wearer. The sleeve may further extend downwards along the thigh and compress the brace against the thigh.

Abstract: An article of clothing includes a waist band, a seat portion, two pant legs, and two foot coverings disposed one each at the end of the pant legs. The foot coverings each include an opening of a size suitable for extending the foot through the foot coverings to the outside while wearing the article of clothing.

Abstract: A concealed safety pocket in a garment for securely carrying a smart phone and a method for making same. The safety pocket provides a separate storage place for carrying a smart phone where it can be found quickly, a user knowing exactly the place where the smart phone is. The smart phone is stored on a user's person and can be easily heard and answered, the safety pocket providing quick access to the smart phone. The separate safety pocket protects the smart phone from scratches from coins and keys. The safety pocket has a closure that prevents the smart phone from sliding out or falling out of a pocket, but providing quick access through the easily opened closure. The safety pocket attaches to a waistband and an open side seam, the closure of the pocket completing the side seam.

Abstract: A diaper cover to prevent access to diaper contents by the wearer. The diaper cover has tight fitting closures around each leg of the user and a rear-access waist adjustment system. The waist adjustment system can utilize a belt type system with Velcro or a buckle, although other similar systems can be used. Access to the waist adjustment system by the wearer is prevented by using a flap that is secured in place over the adjustment system by attachment devices, such as buttons or snaps.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides pants/short/skirts (10) having a panel (12) attached to the front outer wall of the athletic pants/shorts/skirts waistband or waistband area for retaining a mobile device in line of sight view and allowing both visibility to and use of the touch screen functions without removing the device from the panel. The panel (12) extending around the entire or part thereof of the waistband. Apertures (40) (42) are formed in the panel providing access to the panel sections (28) for inserting and removing the mobile device. The apertures (40) (42) are the same width or narrower than the width of the panel (12). The panel is elastically deformed and sized to snugly retain mobile device(s) in the panel sections (28).The material of the upper surface of the panel is such that the buttons, functions and touch screen of a mobile device are clearly visible and fully functional.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a waistband for extending around a waist of the wearer. The waistband may have a first layer and a second layer that lay adjacent to each other, and the waistband may have a plurality of strand segments located between the first layer and the second layer. The strand segments extend at least partially around the waistband. Additionally, the strand segments may lay substantially parallel to surfaces of the first layer and the second layer for distances of at least five centimeters. In some configurations, the strand segments may be bonded to the first layer and the second layer along the distances of at least five centimeters.

Abstract: A garment system enabling helpers or care givers to provide physical assistance to elderly or handicapped persons and the like. The garment system includes a pair of pants, front straps, back straps, side support straps and an inner lining attached to the interior of said pants.

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.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a folded edge of a garment comprises sewing one of the following stitches along a portion of fabric where an edge of the garment is to be formed: a bar tack stitch, a buttonhole eyelet stitch, a round eyelet stitch, a single line of stitches and a pair of spaced lines of stitches.

Abstract: An article of apparel may include a waistband for extending around a waist of the wearer. The waistband may have a first layer and a second layer that lay adjacent to each other, and the waistband may have a plurality of strand segments located between the first layer and the second layer. The strand segments extend at least partially around the waistband. Additionally, the strand segments may lay substantially parallel to surfaces of the first layer and the second layer for distances of at least five centimeters. In some configurations, the strand segments may be bonded to the first layer and the second layer along the distances of at least five centimeters.

Abstract: An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, may include a stretch woven textile. More particularly, a pelvic region and a pair of leg regions may include the stretch woven textile element. A waistband region may also include the stretch woven textile elements, or may be formed from a variety of other material elements. In order to limit stretch in the waistband region, a variety of waistband elements may be utilized. For example, the waistband elements may be (a) a layered structure with a textile layer and a polymer layer, (b) a layered structure joined with stitching, (c) a layered structure joined with bonds, (d) a layered structure formed from a folded material element. In order to limit stretch in the waistband region, a tensile component may be utilized.

Abstract: A garment system enabling helpers or care givers to provide physical assistance to elderly or handicapped persons and the like. The garment system includes a pair of pants, front straps, back straps, side support straps and an inner lining attached to the interior of said pants.

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.

Abstract: A system for releasable attachment of a liner garment to an outer garment includes a tab extending from a waistband of the liner garment; a first half of a fastener pair disposed on a surface of the tab; at least one slot disposed near an upper edge of the outer garment, the at least one slot being adapted to receive the tab; and a second half of a fastener pair disposed below the at least one slot so that insertion of the tab into the at least one slot mates the first half and second half of the fastener pair and the outer garment is supported by the liner garment. The slot may be cut through the outer garment or may be provided in the form of a loop, pocket or mounting piece through which the tab may be inserted for attachment of the fastener pair.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a folded edge of a garment comprises sewing one of the following stitches along a portion of fabric where an edge of the garment is to be formed: a bar tack stitch, a buttonhole eyelet stitch, a round eyelet stitch, a single line of stitches and a pair of spaced lines of stitches.

Abstract: An article of clothing is provided, the article comprising a garment having upper and lower portions, the upper portion comprising at least one opening defining a waistband, the lower portion comprising at least two openings defining two leg openings, the waistband comprising an inner side and an outer side, the garment comprising a front side and a rear side; a waist assembly situated on the inner and rear sides of the garment; and at least two end fasteners attached to the waist assembly.

Abstract: An article of apparel, which may be a pair of water shorts, includes a first textile and a second textile. The first textile forms a majority of an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface of the apparel, and the first textile exhibits at least thirty percent stretch prior to tensile failure. The second textile is located around a waistband portion of the apparel, and the second textile exhibits less than ten percent stretch prior to tensile failure.

Abstract: A pair of pants with a weight-distributing waistband is provided. The pants comprise a waistband with a first plurality of rigidity segments located within the waistband, and a second plurality of belt loops. At least a portion of the second plurality of belt loops is affixed to the waistband corresponding to a first rigidity segment of the first plurality of rigidity segments. In addition, the pants may have a posterior stretch panel located below the lower margin of the waistband, a seat panel made of abrasion resistant material, and a groin stretch panel. As well, the pants may have a posterior knee stretch panel and an anterior knee panel of abrasion resistant material.

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: An article of apparel may include a waistband for extending around a waist of the wearer. The waistband may have a first layer and a second layer that lay adjacent to each other, and the waistband may have a plurality of strand segments located between the first layer and the second layer. The strand segments extend at least partially around the waistband. Additionally, the strand segments may lay substantially parallel to surfaces of the first layer and the second layer for distances of at least five centimeters. In some configurations, the strand segments may be bonded to the first layer and the second layer along the distances of at least five centimeters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a garment worn during different stages of pregnancy and different stages of postpartum body changes. A garment upper portion has a belly panel that is expansible to cover and fit over a growing abdomen during different stages of pregnancy, and a garment lower portion having a first torso encircling circumference that recedes downward to make way for expansion of the belly panel. The garment upper portion has a second torso encircling circumference to hold the garment up and in place over the torso.