US20070136930A1

US20070136930A1 - Reinforced denim garment construction

Info

Publication number: US20070136930A1
Application number: US11/502,099
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen Dipietro
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-06-09
Filing date: 2006-08-10
Publication date: 2007-06-21

Abstract

The pair of denim pants, particularly jeans, designed for added durability in areas of high stress. The areas of high stress include the waistband, the belt loops, pockets and yoke on a pair of denim. These areas of high stress are lined and reinforced with a nylon material. The denim material will encase the nylon material increasing the strength of pants when stitched in the final form.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a reinforced denim garment construction, and more particularly to a reinforced construction designed and configured to increase the strength in areas of stress when attaching decorative and constructive elements such as pockets, belt loops or the like to a pair of trousers or the like. The construction of the present invention will be successfully accomplished without increasing the bulkiness of the article or decreasing its aesthetic appeal. Inherently providing for a comfortable and one that has increased wearability and durability.
2. Description of the Prior Art
It is undeniable that denim is one of the most popular fabric used in constructing various garments, such as jackets, skirt, pants, bags or the like. This fashionable material offers comfort, versatility and durability, consequently providing for a product that can be used for clothing any individual, regardless of their age. Pants made from denim, known, as jeans are particularly popular.
Denim clothing design may vary tremendously, but construction of these garments remains generally the same. Pieces are sewn together in order to form the garment. Pockets are generally formed via cotton lining material. High stress points, such as belt loops and the like, are generally sewn via a larger stitch and/or a several rows of stitching.
Though successful, this method still suffers drawbacks. One obvious drawback is that even though multiple and/or larger stitching may increase the strength of the stitch; it weakens the denim even though stitching is the most optimal method of adhering the various components together. There still exists the chance of breakage to occur, from weakening the denim, causing one element, such as the belt loop, to detach from the second element, such as the waistband. Defeating the purpose of the stitch and thus causing the clothing article to be ruined.
Other methods of dealing with these high stress areas are the use of rivets or the like. Though somewhat successful, these rivets also have some drawbacks. One is that the rivet can snag or scratch to another material or even detach from the material itself. In addition, the rivets can be uncomfortable when one is sitting, leaning or lying on the rivets. Others may find the rivets to be unattractive and distracting. A no rivet jean resulted in no metallic objects on the garment.
Accordingly, it is seen that there exists a need to increase the durability of clothing, especially in the areas of high stress, such as belt loops, pockets or the like, without compromising on aesthetics or quality of the particular garment, and specifically with jeans. Preferably the process should not only be easy to achieve successfully, but should also be economically feasible.
As will be seen, the present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages, by accomplishing the needs as identified above, through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a reinforced denim garment construction which can be used in the fabrication of any type or style of clothing, wherein there exist the opportunity of high stress, such as in pockets, belt loops, waist band, or the like. The reinforced garment construction is particularly useful in the construction of jeans, pants made of denim. The present invention has not only proven to be successful in the durability of the jeans, but is clearly an article of clothing having attractive appeal.
Providing for a reinforced denim garment construction, the present invention, a pair of jeans, includes reinforcing features and elements that are subjected to high stress, waist band, belt loops, yokes and pockets or the like by reinforcing the conventional material denim with nylon. This will provide for a lightweight configuration, as well as provide for a design that is durable and non-bulky.
Each element is carefully designed and configured to optimize the performance. When constructing a belt loop for the jeans, a first layer or strip of denim is folded in a half. A nylon layer is then sandwiched interiorly within the fold of the denim. This lower or folded area along with the lower end of the nylon layer is stitched into a fixed position. The tips or top ends of the strip of denim are folded. This allows for one end to enclose the tip of the nylon layer. The upper tip is then stitched, causing the stitch to occur between five layers of material.
The waistband, like the belt loop is sewn in a similar fashion. For added reinforcement, the waistband preferably includes additional layer of material, such as interfacing, cotton, or the like, for added stiffness and structural stability. This added layer would be located opposite the nylon and would be design to face the nylon material.
For constructing the yoke of the garment, the yoke would be lined with a nylon material. The upper lined end would be attached to the waistband as described above. The lower portion of the yoke would be folded up, causing a portion of the nylon material to fold upwards as well. A remainder of denim material would then wrap inward, down and over the folded portion of the nylon. The top portion or end of rear of the garment would lock into the folded area and be stitched into place. This would provide for a secure fit.
Pocket construction would be accomplished by lining the pocket with the nylon material with nylon. For added strength, a separated piece of nylon material would adhere and enclose the denim to the lining, hence forming the pocket area The jeans of the present invention can be configured to include an additional smaller pocket located above the opening of the front pocket. This pocket is made from denim and is directly sewn to the front surface of the larger front pocket.
Overall, at least one or all the features as described can be used in the construction of the jeans of the present invention. This will allow for stronger and more durable apparel that will not be affected aesthetically.
Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide for jeans having reinforced construction, which will overcome the deficiencies, shortcomings, and drawbacks of prior garment construction methods thereof.
A further object of the present invention is to provide for jeans having reinforced construction that decrease stress loads on specific areas of an article of clothing to inherently increase the wearability and durability of the particular garment.
Yet another object of the present invention, to be specifically enumerated herein, is to provide for a pair of jeans having reinforced construction in accordance with the preceding objects and which will conform to conventional forms of manufacture, be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that would be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation.
The present invention meets the requirements of the simplified design, compact size, low initial cost, low operating cost, ease of installation and maintainability, and minimal amount of training to successfully employ the invention.
The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and application of the intended invention. Applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure can obtain many other beneficial results. Accordingly, a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of jeans having reinforced construction of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a rear view of jeans having reinforced construction of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the jeans of the present invention in an inside out configuration.
FIG. 4 is a rear front view of the jeans of the present invention in an inside out configuration.
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 2, illustrating the construction of the belt loop for the jeans of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 3, illustrating the construction of the pocket of the jeans of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 3, illustrating the partial construction of the waist band and partial construction of the pocket of the jeans of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 4, illustrating the construction of the yoke of the jeans of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 9-9 of FIG. 3, illustrating the construction of the waistband of the jeans of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 10-10 of FIG. 1, illustrating the construction of the waistband and partial construction of the pocket of the jeans of the present invention.
Similar reference numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, in particular to FIGS. 1, the present invention is a reinforced garment construction, denoted by reference numeral 10. As seen in the drawings the reinforced garment is a pair of jeans 10.
The object of the present invention 10 is to provide an efficient and successful means of increasing strength in areas of jeans that are subjected to high stress, such as in belt loops, waist bands, yokes, pockets or the like, while still maintaining an article that is light weight and aesthetically pleasing. The present invention is a pair of pants 10 has an upper portion also known as the body portion B. Secured to the body portion B is the lower portion of the pants. The lower portion of the pants includes the legs of the pants L. This will provide for a conventional configuration for the pants.
The unique feature of the present invention 10 is to increase the strength in the areas of stress in the pants. In order to accomplish this task the present invention provides for a garment construction having areas that are reinforced. This reinforced area provides for the utilization of at least two layers. The layering occurs in areas of high stress. The first layer being the denim or the like material, while the second layer is a lightweight and durable fabricate, such as, but not limited to nylon. Ultimately, the present invention will eliminate the need for the use of rivets or the like.
As seen in drawings, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the pants 10 or jeans of the present invention can include a plurality of belt loops 12. Each belt loop 12 as seen in the figures, includes a first layer 14. This first layer is constructed from an elongated strip of material. The material being preferably the same as the material used in the pants. In the preferred embodiment, the desired material for the pants and belt loop is denim.
This first layer 14 or strip of material includes a first side 16 a and a second side 16 b. Providing adequate reinforcement for each belt loop 12, a second layer 18 of material is located on the upper surface of first layer 12. This second or reinforcing layer 18 is constructed from a durable and lightweight material, such as, and as is preferred nylon.
Optionally, the second layer 18 can be designed to be smaller in length than the first layer 12, as seen in FIG. 5. This will provide for the second layer to be partially smaller than the first side of the belt loop.
As seen in FIG. 5, the first layer 14 is folded, to provide for the first side 16 a to located in front of the second side 16 b. Optionally, once folded, the denim side of the material can be ironed, pressed or the like in order to allow for the loop to remain in a folded position.
The second layer or reinforced layer 18 is sandwiched between the first and second sides. The ends 20 a and 20 b of each side of the first layer 14 are folded inward. Folding the ends 20 a and 20 b inwards not only adds aesthetic appeal by providing a polished and finished look, but also provides for added strength. When folding end of the first side 16 a folds over it will cover the tip t1 of the reinforced material 18. Stitching S is then done to top and lower ends of the belt loop 12 for securing the layers and sides in a fixed position. It is noted that the stitch can be sized as deemed appropriated. The number of stitches and the number of rows of stitches is also to be determined by those skilled in the art and is to be determined as deemed appropriate by the particular application. Optionally, at each folding, the denim side of the material can be pressed. This will provide for the structure to remain in a folded position.
The stitching S can be accomplished with the loop 12 itself and then attached via stitching to the desired location on the desired article. In this embodiment, the upper end belt loops are secured to the waistband while the lower ends are secured to the body B of the front and yoke of the pants. Alternatively, the loop 12, once folded and layered appropriately, can be stitched directly on the desired article at the desired location. The number of belt loops is considered to be a design choice and each loop will be constructed as identified above.
The waistband is deemed an area, which is subjected to high stress. To increase the structural strength, the waistband for the pants 10 of the present invention includes a multilayered designed, as seen in FIGS. 14 and partially in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10. As seen in these drawings, the waistband 22 includes an elongated first layer 24. This first layer 24 is fabricated from the same material as the pants. In the preferred embodiment that material is denim. This first layer 24 includes a first side 26 a and a second side 26 b. The sides are folded as seen in FIGS. 7,8,9 and 10.
Located on top of the first side 26 a is a second layer 28. This second layer 28 is used for reinforcing the waistband. Thus the second layer is fabricated from a reinforcing material, preferably nylon. This second layer 28 is slightly smaller than ½ the size of the first layer 24. Thereby providing for the second layer 28 to be slightly smaller than the first side 26 a of the first layer 26.
The ends of the first layer 24, as seen in FIGS. 7, 9 and 10 are folded upwards. As seen, one end of the second layer 28 is aligned with one end of the first layer 24. This will provide for the tip t2 of the first layer 24 to be aligned with the tip t3 of the reinforcing layer 28. The aligned tips the second layer 28 and first layer are folded upwards. This will provide for the folded tip t3 of the reinforced layer 28 to be encased within the folded tip t2 of the outer or denim layer 24. The folded portions can optionally be pressed or ironed via the denim side so as to allow for the structure to remain in a folded position.
The top of the waistband is then stitched S in a secured fashioned. The lower portion of the waistband is directly stitched to the desired garment. In the preferred embodiment, this desired embodiment is a pair of jeans. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the waistband being an elongated piece of material includes conventional closure devices C located on each side of the waistband. The closure device C can be any conventional form of closure, such as, but not limited to snaps, buttons, hook and loop material, or the like. The waistband is then circumferentially secured to the jeans to inherently allow for the waistband to be secured to the front and to the yoke of the pants. The lower portion of the pants will be received within the folded tips of the outer layer, as seen in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10. This will provide for the folded denim tips to face each other. The tips are opened to receive the lower portion of the pants. Once located therein, the waistband is stitch, this will provide for an eight-layer configuration.
Alternatively, a third layer 30, such as cotton, interfacing or the like, can be located on the second side 26 b of the first layer. This third layer is approximately the same size as the second layer. This third layer 30 will be sandwiched between the second side 26 b of the first layer 24 and the reinforcing material or second layer 28. The lower end of the third layer 30 will fold and be secured in place in the similar fashion as the second layer. Once folded, the garment can be pressed, ironed or the like to allow for the structure to maintain a folded position. Once secured to the lower portion of the pants, the attachment point will have a ten-layer configuration.
The present invention, like many garments also include a yoke. The yoke, like the belt loops and waistband are also subjected to stress. As such, this yoke area can be reinforced to provide for a reinforced area that will inherently increase the structural strength of the jeans 10. As seen in FIGS. 2, 4 and 8, the yoke 32 comprises a first layer 34 and a second layer 36. The first layer or the exterior layer is the layer of denim or the like. This is the layer that is exposed and is seen when worn by the wearer. The second layer 36, or the interior layer, being the layer of reinforcing material. This second layer or interior layer 36 is slightly smaller in size that the first layer or exterior layer and being fabricated from a durable and light weight material, such as and as is preferred, nylon.
As seen in FIG. 8, the top edge t4 of the first layer 34 and the top edge t5 of the second layer 36 are aligned and secured to the waistband as identified above via stitching S. This configuration provides for the lower portion of the first layer 34 or the denim layer to be longer and extend further than the interior or second layer 36. This extended material or surplus of material is then folded over the tip of the exterior layer. This provides for a folded end portion 40. The folded end portion 40 faces the reinforce layer 36 or second layer. Optionally, once folded, the denim and reinforcing material can be ironed, pressed or the like. Optionally, once folded, the layers can be secured in a fixed position via stitching or the like.
The yoke 32 is then secured to the rear panel R of the jeans. For securing the yoke to the upper end of the rear panel R, its end 42 is sandwiched between the folded end portion 40 and the reinforce layer 36. Once located therein, the rear panel R is secured to the yoke via conventional stitching S. This provides a seven-layer construction for the yoke and rear panel of the jeans 10. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the number of stitching and the stitch length is deemed to a matter of design choice.
Another area of high stress includes the front pockets 44 and the exterior front pockets 46 of the pants shown in FIGS. 1, 3,6 and 7. The present invention includes two front pockets. At least one of the front pockets 44 includes the exterior front pocket 46 secured thereto. As seen, the pockets 44 include an open upper end 38 and a backing 48. The backing is preferably made of the same material as the pants. In this invention that preferred material is denim. Secured to the open upper end 38 is the lining 50 of the pocket. This lining fabricated from a lightweight and durable material, such as, and as preferred, nylon. The lower ends of the backing 48 and lining 50 are secured to each other via a binding 52. This binding 52 is preferably the same material as the lining, thereby providing for the binding to be fabricated from nylon. Forming the pocket, one side of the backing is secured, via stitching or the like, to one side of the lining. The upper portion 54 of the pocket is secured into the waistband, as seen in FIG. 10. The side 56 of the pocket is secured to the side seam of the pant leg L (see FIG. 1). This stitching can be reinforced.
It is noted that the backing 48 can be divided into two sections, an upper section and a lower section. The upper section can be fabricated from the same material as the pants, and will include the area that is visible when the pants 10 are worn. The lower section can be fabricated from another type of material, such as cotton, nylon or the like.
Exterior front pockets 46 can be secured to the front pockets 44. FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the exterior front pockets being secured to both front pockets. The front pocket is fabricated from the same material as the pants to provide for the exterior front pocket to be preferably fabricated from denim. The construction of the front pocket includes a strip of reinforcing material 58. This strip of material is shown in FIGS. 3 and 7. This reinforcing material is preferably the same material as the material used for the jeans. As is preferred, the material 58 is denim. This strip of material 58 is secured via stitching or the like, into the side seams of the jeans 10. This strip, as seen in FIG. 3 is also sewn into the zipper side 60 of the pocket and up inside the waistband. Inherently connecting it to the preferred reinforced nylon fabric 28 located in the waistband 22. The exterior front pocket 46 is placed on the backing 48. The top edge 62 and the side edge 64 are folded, preferably pressed and stitched to the back wall at the upper end 58 and through to the back wall at the side end. This stitching will provide for the exterior front pocket 46 to be secured to the backing 48 and to the reinforcing material 58. Consequently providing for the top comers of the exterior front pockets 46 to be reinforced with stitching thought the backing of denim of the front pocket 44 and the reinforced strip of material 58 located on the interior of the jeans 10. The strip of material 58 gives the front pockets a stronger backing at the stress point with reinforced stitching and its connection to the nylon fabric in the waistband.
Ultimately, the present invention will be a pair of denim pants 10 with added durability due to the reinforce areas. In the preferred embodiment, the belt loops 12 located on the front of the pants, have reinforced stitching at the top of the waistband which connects to the denim and reinforce fabric 28 of the waistband 22. The bottom of the front belt loops 12 are stitched to the denim of the pants and the reinforced strip of material 58. The belt loops attached to the rear of the pants 10 have reinforced stitching to the waistband. The bottom of the rear belt loops have reinforced stitching through the denim on the outside of the yoke of the jeans and through the reinforcing fabric of the interior of the yoke of the jeans. The reinforcing material of the yoke allows for backup for the stress point at the bottom of the rear belt loops.
It is noted that the pants are merely used for illustrated purposes and that the present invention can be utilized with other articles of the clothing, such as skirts, Capri's, purses or the like.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to an embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pair of pants comprising:

an upper body portion;

a pair of legs secured to said upper body portion;

a waistband is secured to said upper body portion;

said waistband includes an elongated folded material;

said material being denim;

a reinforce material;

said reinforce material located within said waistband; and

said reinforce material being nylon.

2. A pair of pants as in claim 1 wherein a plurality of belt loops are secured to said upper body portion of said pants, said belt loops includes an upper end and a lower end, said upper end is secured to said waistband and said lower end is secured to said upper body portion, and said plurality of belt loops includes a reinforced material located therein.

3. A pair of pants as in claim 2 wherein said upper body portion and said pair of legs are fabricated from denim and said reinforced material located within said plurality of belt loops being nylon.

4. A pair of pants as in claim 2 wherein each of said belt loop further includes a first layer and a second layer, said second layer being said reinforced material, said first layer includes a first, a second side, an upper surface and a lower surface, said reinforced material is located on said upper surface, said second layer is smaller in length than said first layer, said first layer is folded for providing said first side to be located in front of said second side and for providing said second layer being sandwiched between said first and second side, said first layer includes first and second ends and said first and second ends are folded inward, and said first and second ends are stitched in a secured position.

5. A pair of pants as in claim 1 wherein said elongated piece of material of said waistband includes a first side and a second side, said first side is folded over said second side, located on said first said is a reinforcing material, said reinforcing material is smaller in size than said first side of said first layer, said first layer includes a first end and a second end, said reinforcing material includes a first end and a second end, said first end of said reinforcing material is aligned with said first end of said first layer, said first end of said reinforcing material and said first end of said first layer are folded inward, said second end of said first layer is folded upward, providing for said first ends of said reinforcing material and said first layer to be stitched and for said second end of said first layer to be stitched.

6. A pair of jeans as in claim 5 wherein a third layer is provided, said third layer is smaller in size than said first layer and is substantially similar in size as in said reinforcing layer, and said third layer is located between said second side of said first layer and said reinforcing material.

7. A pair of jeans as in claim 6 wherein said third layer is fabricated from a fabric.

8. A pair of jeans as in claim 6 wherein said third layer includes a first end and a second, said first end of said third layer is aligned with said second end of said first layer, said second end of said first layer and said first end of said third layer is folded upward and folding of said first end of said first layer and folding of said second end of said first layer being secured to said upper body portion of said pants.

9. A pair of jeans as in claim 1 wherein said upper body portion includes a yoke, said yoke being located rearward of said pants, said yoke comprising a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being denim and said second layer being a reinforcing material.

10. A pair of jeans as in claim 9 wherein said reinforcing material being nylon.

11. A pair of jeans as in claim 10 wherein said second layer being smaller in size than said first layer of said yoke, said first layer of said yoke includes a top edge and said second layer of said yoke includes a top edge, said top edge of said first layer and said top edge of said second layer being aligned, said first layer of said yoke includes a lower portion and said lower portion of said yoke extends downwardly and beyond said second layer of said yoke, said lower portion of said yoke over said second layer of said yoke for forming a folded end, said folded end encases a tip of said second layer of said yoke, said tip and said folded end are folded upward for forming an U-shape configuration, said U-shape configuration receives said upper body portion of said pants, said U-shape configuration and said upper body portion are secured via stitching.

12. A pair of jeans as in claim 1 wherein said upper body portion includes a pair of front pockets and said pair of front pockets being lined with reinforcing material.

13. A pair of jeans as in claim 12 wherein said reinforcing material of said pockets being nylon.

14. A pair of jeans as in claim 12 wherein at least one of said pair of front pockets includes an exterior front pocket secured thereto.

15. A pair of jeans as in claim 14 wherein each of said pair of front pockets include an open upper end and a backing, said backing being fabricated from denim, secured to said upper end is said lining, said backing and said lining each include a lower end, said lower end of said lining and said lower end of said backing are secured to each other via a binding material.

16. A pair of jeans as in claim 15 wherein said binding material is nylon.

17. A pair of jeans as in claim 15 wherein pocket includes an upper portion secured to said waistband, said pocket further includes a side and said side of said pocket being secured to a side seam of one of said legs of said pants, said reinforcing material of said pocket is secured to a zipper side of said pants and securement continues into said waistband.

18. A pair of jeans as in claim 8 wherein said upper body portion includes a yoke, said yoke being located rearward of said pants, said yoke comprising a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being denim and said second layer being a reinforcing material.

19. A pair of jeans as in claim 15 wherein said upper body portion includes a yoke, said yoke being located rearward of said pants, said yoke comprising a first layer and a second layer, said first layer being denim and said second layer being a reinforcing material.