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 pair of pants in which a plurality of snaps are mounted around the waistband for adjusting its size, and hook & loop materials are fastened to the inside of the legs for adjusting their length.

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 elastic waist structure for a pair of trousers or skirt utilizing at least one elastic strip material which is always kept from sight. The strip material or materials stretch or contract behind a fabric cover or waist fabric. A tuck whose top edge is open is provided below the waist portion of the trousers or skirt, whose slidable inner fabric prevents formation of wrinkles or furrows outside the trousers or skirt. The tuck can be replaced by a pocket.

Abstract: A protective garment including a body section made of a material which generates a minimum of lint with two sleeves having hand openings. Each of the hand openings includes an elastic portion about a portion of the opening, an elastomeric button, and a plurality of buttonholes spaced around the other portion of the opening, whereby the hand opening may be adjusted between a selected number of sizes by selectively engaging the button with a selected one of the buttonholes. A pocket is defined in the garment with an interior side adjacent a wearer and an outer side adjacent the garment. An opening allows access to the pocket from the outside of the garment with a flap extending across the pocket opening and disposed between the interior and outer sides of the pocket and overlapping with the pocket interior side in a normal condition. An opening between the flap and the pocket interior side allow access to the garment interior from the outside of the garment.

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.

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: A draw-cord assembly comprises a draw-out which is extensible from a retracted condition to an extended condition and restraining means, secured in the cord. The cord and restraining means are such that the cord is retained in its retracted condition by the restraining means until the means is rendered ineffective, whereupon the cord is permanently extended from its retracted condition. The restraining means retain the cord in its retracted condition provided that the lengthwise load exceeding a certain minimum load is not exceeded, but extended by application of a greater load.

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 one piece washable garment having high thermal qualities and designed as a restraint for old and incapacitated people. The garment is closed at the front except for a small but concealed cavity at the waistline to house a catheter tube. A sheath for accessories is stitched to the underside of the front of the garment. The rear of the garment is divided into two segments held together by a plurality of fasteners, one of which extends from near the neckline to the crotch.

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 swim suit bottom for both genders having a unique attachment of each end thereof to the user. The swim suit bottom is formed into a single flexible fabric cover having a narrow mid section sized to cover the crotch area and widening at either end thereof to define a front and a back panel. When fully extended over the user in an in-use position, the front panel covers essentially the pubic area and the back panel covers a central buttocks area of the user. The back panel is supported in position by a slender resilient arcuate band which only partially encircles and biasingly engages against the lower torso, extending across the lower back, up around the right and left iliac crests and diagonally downward toward, but not to, the stomach and pubic area. The front panel is held in position by a strip of replaceable double-sided adhesive tape adhered adjacent the end margin of the front panel and then across the skin of the upper pubic area below the stomach.

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: A multi-layer moisture management elastic fabric including a moisture transport fabric layer constructed of hydrophobic yarns and defining a first fabric face for residing in skin contact during garment wear and for wicking moisture away from the skin. A moisture dispersal fabric layer is constructed of hydrophilic yarns and defines a second fabric face for residing in spaced-apart relation from the skin during garment wear and for receiving moisture from the hydrophobic moisture transport layer. Elastic yarns are integrated with the yarns of the moisture transport fabric layer and the yarns of the moisture dispersal fabric layer to form a single, integrated fabric which is highly elastic. The fabric is useful as waistband material and as athletic headbands, wristbands and as medical bandages and braces.

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 apparatus for releasably securing an opening of a garment is described. The apparatus includes a drawstring, a casing with a window, and a cord lock. The casing has an inner tunnel and encloses the opening. The drawstring runs through the tunnel of the casing. The drawstring extends out of the casing at the window. The cord lock is located at the window inside the casing for locking the drawstring from moving into the casing when the cord lock is in a locking state, and for releasing the drawstring to move freely when the cord lock is in a releasing state. As the drawstring is tightened when the cord lock is in the locking state, the cord lock is prevented from travelling with the drawstring thereby allowing the drawstring to slide through the cord lock.

Abstract: A maternity support undergarment integrating a support panel with a pantie for supporting the abdominal area of a pregnant women. The support panel is adjustable for allowing proper support to be imparted to a women's abdominal area throughout the duration of her pregnancy.

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: An expanded waistband device that is affixed to a garment, worn about the waist, that has a selectively closeable seam such as a zipper or the like. A flap of material, held in place by mechanical fasteners, is used to span a seam that cannot be closed due to the physique of a wearer. The flap of material adds material to the waistband of the garment, expanding the size of the garment, allowing it to be comfortably worn. The expanded waistband device can be retrofitted onto undersized clothes and manufactured as part of new clothes to provide a custom fit to people with large abdominal regions.

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: A self-adjusting trouser waistband system includes inner and outer combinations of extensible and non-extensible elements postioned respectively on and with the outside and inside of trouser pockets, such trouser pockets provided with expansible surfaces which integrally formed with innermost portions of the pockets to which the non-extensible elements are secured.

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 fastener is assembled for a pair of overlapping members comprising a cloth tab secured at both ends to one of the members and a closure clasp having a bottom, a pair of pivot arms and a closure clasp arm pivotally mounted therein. The closure clasp bottom is secured to the other member to hide the entire closure clasp from view. The tab passes between the closure clasp arm and the bottom and the closure clasp is shiftable along the tab.

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: 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: In a garment, such as briefs or diapers for incontinent patients, which employ hook-and-loop fasteners, impairment of fastener operation by accumulation of lint on the hook-fastener tab is avoided by storing the hook-fastener tab in a pocket of the garment when the garment is being laundered. Preferably, the hook-fastener tab is secured in the pocket by elastic material so that it can be extended, stretching the elastic material, to fasten it to the corresponding female or loop-type fastener tab and will automatically be retracted into the pocket by the elastic material, as soon as it is released. The pocket may comprise PVC or other semi-rigid pliable smooth material and may be fabricated together with the fastener tab separately from the garment and attached to it is a "retrofit". Alternatively, it may be formed integrally with the garment.

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: 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: A pants epaulet and binder has a flexible band of a length greater than the spacing between adjacent waist loops of the pants. The ends of the band are foldable to pass through the loops and underlay intermediate portions of the band and be releasibly held thereto by fasteners.

Abstract: A method of sewing a length of elastic about a garment waist opening in which after the leading end is sewn initially below and then raised to the level of and sewn for most of its length about the garment waist opening, the unattached trailing end is shifted also below the garment waist opening and sewn to the garment, so that both elastic ends, which may exhibit fraying and otherwise be unsightly, are significantly out of sight in their location below the garment waist opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are pants formed of a rectangular piece of flexible material. The pants include two elongated elements extending along the longitudinal edges of the piece, provided with elastics which are in stretched conditions and are integral by at least their ends with longitudinal ends of the piece in order to form two elastic belt elements for the slip-shaped pilch.

Abstract: Sportswear having readily accessible towelling means which are detachably and invisibly anchored to the waistband of the garments is disclosed. The preferred garment design is for tennis shorts which includes at least one, and preferably two, quick-release Velcro-like fasteners, one at the waistband and optionally, a second one at the cuff line of the shorts. In both instances, these fasteners are incorporated into the garment so as to be essentially invisible when not in use to retain the towelling means. In another of the preferred embodiments of this invention, sleeve towels are releasably attached, in an analogous manner, to an athletic shirt or jersey.

Abstract: A system of operating room garments including two-component scrub pants with an elastic waist band and elastic bands in the mid-thigh area to define a containment zone between the two and knit cuffs at the ankle area, to be worn under a tabard for maximum protection against bacterial transmission is required and, over both, a surgical gown is worn with barrier panel sleeves and in the chest area extending from the neck to the mid-thigh area. The barrier panel composed of a bacteriostatically-treated polyester/cotton fabric sandwiched between a pair of light-weight, water repellent tightly woven, fine denier, breathable polyester fabrics, the composite being stitched together. The system provides the choice of garment selection depending upon the surgical procedure involved.

Abstract: An elongated interlining material for facings, for example waistbands, having slits on at least one and possibly both of its elongated edges. The slits permit the sewing of the facing to a curved edge of a garment in the normal fashion. In particular, the material will follow curves in the garment without utilizing any special guides, sewing techniques, or equipment. The facing incorporates the interlining, at least partially enclosed in a stretchable, elongated fabric, or outerlining. The facing, in turn, is sewn to the garment's edge, with the exposed surface of the interlining, if any, adjacent to the garment. The slits, directed away from the edge of the garment, permit the interlining to adapt to a concave curve by opening and allowing the portions of material on either side of the slit to slightly separate from each other. Around a convex curve, portions of interlining material adjacent to a slit may overlap.

Abstract: A composite with an adjustable, conformable opening therein, comprising a base web of less extensible, lower elastic recovery material, joined to a second web, of more extensible, higher elastic recovery material, wherein the base web has a first opening therein, and the second web has a second opening therein generally concentric with the first opening and of smaller size than the first opening, so that the second opening is circumferentially peripherally bounded by an annular-shaped segment of the second web, and the annular-shaped segment of the second web in turn is circumferentially peripherally bounded by the base web. The composite is advantageously employed to form garments and similar articles wherein the opening serves as a conformable, adjustable body part opening, such as in gloves, shirts, socks, shoe covers, slippers, disposable diapers, training pants, etc.

Abstract: A waist band adjustment means including a first flexible strip which is attached to the inside of the waist band of a garment and includes VELCRO on the inner face thereof. A second flexible strip is provided and includes VELCRO on one face thereof in order that the second flexible strip may be removably attached to the first strip as needed to accommodate increases and decreases in waist size due to weight gain or loss.

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.

Abstract: A garment, such as an incontinence control garment, having an opening to accommodate a part of the wearer's body, such as a leg opening, includes one or more gusset folds at the opening and having at least a portion of the faces of the gusset fold, e.g., the lateral edges thereof, manually disengagably bonded to one another, whereby the opening may be increased in size by manual disengagement of the bonded outer lateral edges. For example, a disposable panty-type garment having leg openings which are manually adjustable in size is provided, each featuring the disengagably bonded gusset fold structure described above. Also disclosed is a method for making garments such as panty-type garments, by the steps which may include cutting articles from a web of material, longitudinally folding the sheet to form a garment having closed leg openings, and folding the material at the opening to form gusset folds thereat which may be selectively opened to provide larger sized openings.

Abstract: An adjustable fastening means is provided, preferably for incorporation into a garment, which includes a circumferential band fabricated of three different band means including in at least one of said band means an elastic portion to form a novel adjustable fastening means, which when incorporated into a garment may provide for adjustment without causing wrinkles in the garment.

Abstract: A bulked web composite comprises a differentially tensioned reticulated web of elastic material bonded to at least one gatherable web whereby, upon release of the tensioning forces, the gatherable web or webs are gathered by the reticulated web with different degrees of bulking in different areas due to the different tension levels of the reticulated web. Also disclosed is a method of making a bulked web composite by the steps of: forming a reticulated web of elastic material and elongating at least portions of the web by differentially tensioning it, and bonding the differentially tensioned web to at least one gatherable web to form a composite. The composite is then relaxed whereby portions of the gatherable web are gathered by the contracted reticulated web with different degrees of bulking in different areas. Bulked web composites of such type may be employed to form disposable swim wear, towels, wash cloths, and the like.

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.