Friction pad clothing support and method of use

Abstract

A friction pad clothing support device that is attached to the waistband of a garment such as, pants, shorts, or skirt and increases the ability of the waistband to support the garment in the desired position. The front surface of the friction pad has a tacky surface that engages the body or the shirt of the wearer.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Styles and clothing change from one generation to the next and often change markedly from year to year. However, there are instances where the clothing was not significantly changed but, how the clothing is worn becomes the fashion statement.[0002]The waistline in pants is one area where the manner of wear has evolved. For instance Levi's™ has been manufacturing substantially the same 501™ jeans or denim pants, since 1873 and the California Gold Rush, however, how the pants are worn has changed. When the pants were first introduced, historical photographs show, the pants worn high, above the hips, with the waistband just below the naval. At present, both men and women wear the pants with the waistband riding on the waist or directly on the hipbones. The younger generations still wear the Levi's 501 jeans, but the waistband is worn below the hips or even lower.[0003]At whatever level a person decides to wear his or her pants, that person would like th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention is a friction pad device that is attached to the waistband of any garment having a waistband such as, pants, shorts or a skirt and increases the ability of the waistband to support the garment in the desired position.

[0011]The wearer may permanently attach the friction pads to the waistband using a suitable adhesive, heat sensitive adhesive, or the friction pads maybe sewn into the garment. The friction pads may also be removably attached to the garment using a clip, clasp, hook and loop fastener, hook and eye, snaps, or button and buttonhole engagement. The buttonhole engagement is designed to use the buttons already in place on most high quality dress or suit pants, normally used to attach braces or suspenders. Removable friction pads allow the user to transfer a single set of friction pads to any pair of pants or skirt and customize the fit of the garment. The friction pads may also be removed prior to washing or dry cleaning.

[0013]The friction pads will significantly increase the engagement of the waistband with body or shirt of the wearer and help maintain the garment in the desired position.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially with persons who are challenged with narrow hips, a large waistline or with excess weight.

The person may attempt to secure or elevate their pants using one or both of their hands but, this effort is typically fruitless, and they find themselves constantly raising the level of the waistband.

This problem is exacerbated when the person engages in rigorous physical activity such as strenuous work, exercise or an athletic endeavor such as basketball or golf; these activities exert additional forces on the pants and they typically require the person to have their hands free.

Use of one's hands to keep one's pants from falling down is burdensome and frustrating.

Support of articles of clothing including pants has been a perennial problem and the attempted solutions are myriad.

However, many users are self-conscious about the need to wear suspenders and attempt to conceal them under a jacket, sweater or with and un-tucked shirt.

However, friction devices are not included in most pants or skirts and when they are included they are a permanent feature of the garment.

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