U.S. patent application number 14/356315 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for leg wear with sliding closure.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dietmar SCHNEIDER. Invention is credited to Dietmar Schneider.
Application Number | 20140304892 14/356315 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45566581 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140304892 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schneider; Dietmar |
October 16, 2014 |
Leg Wear with Sliding Closure
Abstract
The invention relates to a leg wear (01, 31) in the form of
trousers (01) or of a skirt (31), comprising a lower cloth portion
(06, 36) which faces the body, and a top cloth portion (05, 35)
which overlaps the lower cloth portion (06, 36), wherein the cloth
portions (05, 06 or 35, 36) can be removably connected to each
other by means of closing means (25, 26), and comprising a lower
waistband portion (04, 34) which faces the body and which adjoins
the lower cloth portion (06, 36) at the top, and a top waistband
portion (03, 33) which overlaps the lower waistband portion (04,
34) and which adjoins the top cloth portion (05, 35), the waistband
portions (03, 04 or 33, 34) coming to rest at the same height (02)
when the leg wear (01, 31) is used in a common manner, a lower
guiding part (12) being arranged on the lower waistband portion
(04, 34) and a top guiding part (13) of a sliding guide (11) being
arranged on the top waistband portion (03, 33), said guiding parts
(12, 13) being slidable relative to each other along a guiding
path, which results in a change of the waistband width of the leg
wear (01, 31).
Inventors: |
Schneider; Dietmar;
(Ochsenfurt, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SCHNEIDER; Dietmar |
Ochsenfurt |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
45566581 |
Appl. No.: |
14/356315 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
October 5, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE2012/001033 |
371 Date: |
May 5, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/221 ;
2/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 9/025 20130101;
A41F 9/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/221 ;
2/237 |
International
Class: |
A41F 9/02 20060101
A41F009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 8, 2011 |
DE |
20 2011 107 594.3 |
Claims
1. A leg wear in the form of trousers or a skirt, said leg wear
comprising: a lower cloth portion; a top cloth portion overlapping
and removably connected to the lower cloth portion; a lower
waistband portion adjoining a top of the lower cloth portion; a top
waistband portion overlapping the lower waistband portion and
adjoining the top cloth portion, the waistband portions coming to
rest at a same height when the leg wear is used in a first
position; and a sliding guide including a lower guiding part on the
lower waistband portion and a top guiding part on the top waistband
portion, said guiding parts being slidable relative to each other
along a guiding path, which results in a change of the waistband
width of the leg wear.
2. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which the guiding parts
can be removably connected to each other.
3. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which a zipper connecting
the cloth portions is attached to at least one cloth portion by
elastic material.
4. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which the top cloth
portion continuously overlaps the lower cloth portion from a lower
end of the cloth portions to the waistband portion and completely
covers any present closing mechanism.
5. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which the sliding guide
allows an adjustment path of between 2 cm and 12 cm.
6. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which in an un-deformed
state the lower guiding part has an outward-bent shape at least in
portions, the bending radius being between 150 mm and 300 mm.
7. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which the lower guiding
part has a plurality of attenuations at least in portions along its
shape, the lower guiding part thus gaining increased flexibility,
wherein, without noticeable force, at least a deformation into a
straightened shape and to a bending radius of 100 mm is made
possible.
8. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which the lower guiding
part is made of a thermoplastic injection-molded part.
9. The leg wear according to any claims 1, in which the top guiding
part is made of a multiply bent metal sheet.
10. The leg wear according to claim 9, in which in a guiding
direction, the top guiding part has at least two top part portions,
which are respectively formed in a straight shape substantially
tangentially to the guiding path and are arranged at angles to one
another.
11. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which the sliding guide
is a dovetail guide, the lower guiding part having a top guide rail
and a lower guide rail, which can be enclosed by the top guiding
part.
12. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which the top guiding
part can be hooked into one of the top guide rail and the lower
guide rail and can be clipped onto one of the lower guide rail and
the top guide rail by being pivoted about the one of the top guide
rail and the lower guide rail.
13. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which at least one of the
lower guiding part and the top guiding part is connected by
riveting to one of the lower waistband portion and the top
waistband portion.
14. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which at least one of the
lower guiding part and the top guiding part is removably attached
to one of the lower waistband portion and the top waistband portion
and can be removed for cleaning the leg wear.
15. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which above the
waistband, a belt element is arranged, wherein a belt closure is
formed in such a manner that a pulling on a free end of the belt
element leads to a reduction of the waistband width, and an
enlargement of the waistband width is prevented owing to a
self-locking of the belt closure, wherein by actuating the belt
closure, the self-locking can be released and an enlargement of the
waistband width can be caused.
16. The leg wear according to claim 15, in which the actuation is
performed by lifting the belt closure or an actuating element of
the belt closure from the waistband at one side.
17. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which the actuating force
for sliding the top guiding part relative to the lower guiding part
in a first direction, thus reducing the waistband width, is smaller
than the actuating force for sliding in the opposite direction.
18. The leg wear according to claim 1, in which in the lower
guiding part a locking mechanism and on the top guiding part an
adjustable locking element is arranged, wherein the locking element
can engage with the locking mechanism in such a manner that a
substantially unhindered sliding in a first direction is possible,
thus reducing the waistband width, and a sliding in a respective
opposite direction is at least impeded, wherein the locking
mechanism and the locking element have a meshing helical
toothing.
19. The leg wear according to claim 18, wherein the locking
mechanism and the locking element have a meshing helical toothing.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a leg wear in the form of trousers
or of a skirt according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] Trousers and skirts are known from the state of the art in
multiple embodiments. While their design is based primarily on
esthetic aspects, recurring functional design features can be
found. This relates in particular to the closure of the leg wear in
the area of the waistband. In this context, it is immaterial
whether the leg wear has a separately attached waistband as a
discrete cloth portion or whether one continuous cloth portion up
to the top end is present. At least, the leg wear is embodied
separated in at least one place towards the top end, corresponding
closing means being arranged at said separating point. Commonly,
they are a zipper for connecting a lower cloth portion and a top
cloth portion, and a trouser button in the area of the waistband
with a corresponding hole on the waistband portion that lies on
top. In the alternative, known embodiments, which comprise for
example multiple buttons instead of the zipper or a hook-loop
fastening instead of a button-hole fastening, lead to a similar
connection of the lower cloth portion or of the lower waistband
portion to the top cloth portion or to the top waistband portion,
respectively.
[0003] In any case, it is important that the top end has a
continuous line when the closing means are closed and neither the
lower nor the top waistband portion extends upwards beyond the
respectively other waistband portion.
[0004] It is problematic in any embodiment from the state of the
art with a corresponding closing means that the waistband width is
correspondingly limited by the closing of the closing means. A
variation to this is lacking in any of the embodiments with a
corresponding closing means.
[0005] Alternatively, there are embodiments in which an elastic
portion is integrated in the waistband portion. In this manner, a
corresponding variation of the waistband width is made possible
within certain limits, the desired fit in the waistband area being
disadvantageously influenced by the increase in elasticity.
Accordingly, leg wear of the afore-mentioned type comprising
corresponding closing means usually does not have any considerable
elasticity in the waistband area.
[0006] Now, there is the problem that as a function of posture a
variable waistband width is required, in particular subject to
individual physique. With regard to the ergonomic way of wearing or
to the corresponding wearing comfort, it is typically necessary to
have a smaller waistband width when standing than it should be the
case when sitting. Consequently, known leg wear from the state of
the art which comprises a corresponding closing means for
connecting two cloth portions or waistband portions has the
disadvantage that either the waistband width is selected too large
when standing or the waistband width is too tight when sitting and
thus an undesired constriction takes place in the area of the
waist. To avoid this, people that are specifically affected by this
issue are left with the option of opening the closing means when
sitting down and closing it again when standing up. This, however,
raises the issue that it must by no means be forgotten to close the
closing means before standing up and also that after opening the
closing means, the appearance, in particular in terms of the
continuous line of the top edge of the leg wear, is especially
adversely affected.
[0007] Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to
provide a leg wear which ensures high wearing comfort in different
postures and preserves the unimpaired optical appearance.
[0008] The stated object is attained by an embodiment of the
invention according to claim 1.
[0009] Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the
dependent claims.
[0010] The generic leg wear first of all relates to trousers or to
a skirt. In this regard, the invention is equally applicable to
equivalent embodiments of pieces of clothing. At least, the leg
wear comprises a lower cloth portion which faces the body, and a
top cloth portion which overlaps the lower cloth portion. The type
of the cloth portions is initially immaterial. In particular, it is
immaterial whether the considered cloth portions are made up of
separate elements or whether they are only to be considered as part
of a large entire cloth portion. It is at least substantial that
the top cloth portion overlaps the lower cloth portion, and that
they can be connected to each other by means of releasable closing
means. This means that when the closing means are open, the
respective cloth portions are connected to each other in some areas
if need be, but otherwise an opening is present between them. By
closing the closing member, it is at least achieved that a
corresponding overlapping of the top cloth portion over the lower
cloth portion takes place and thus the previously present opening
between the unconnected cloth portions is substantially closed.
Furthermore, the leg wear comprises a lower waistband portion which
faces the body, and also a top waistband portion which overlaps the
lower waistband portion. The lower waistband portion adjoins the
lower cloth portion towards the top edge, just like the top
waistband portion adjoins the top cloth portion. Herein, it is
again immaterial whether the waistband portion presents itself as a
separate element in the production of the leg wear or if the
waistband portion is for example produced together with the cloth
portion from one element or if in production, alternatively, the
lower waistband portion and the top waistband portion are one
single element which forms the entire waistband of the leg wear. It
is the substantial area comprising the closure of the leg wear that
is to be considered here. It is substantial in the generic leg wear
that the waistband portions come to rest at the same height when
the leg wear is used in the conventional manner. This means that
the top edge of the leg wear, which at the same time is the edge of
the waistband portions, has a continuous line.
[0011] According to the invention, instead of the predominantly
fixed connection techniques realized in the state of the art, now a
sliding guide is realized on the waistband for the first time.
Here, a lower guiding part is arranged on the lower waistband
portion and a top guiding part is arranged on the top waistband
portion. The two guiding parts are slidable relative to each other
along a guiding path.
[0012] Thus, the sliding guide realizes the change of the waistband
width of the leg wear by means of a relative sliding of the two
guiding parts of the sliding guide with regard to each other. By
means of the newly created embodiment of the leg wear with the
sliding guide, it is made possible for the first time to realize a
variable waistband width, the fit and in particular the continuous
flush alignment of the leg wear at the top edge being ensured.
Thus, the newly created embodiment provides high wearing comfort
both when standing and when sitting, wherein it is no longer
necessary to disengage the button from the hole as it was before,
but instead the two waistband sections remain firmly connected to
each other by means of the sliding guide.
[0013] It is particularly advantageous if the two guiding parts are
connected to each other in a removable manner. In this way, an
easier putting on and taking off of the leg wear is ensured as is
also the case in a conventional embodiment with button and
hole.
[0014] The embodiment of the closing means is initially immaterial.
Conventional embodiments known from the state of the art may be
selected. Hence, the zipper as the obvious form can be considered
an option. When realizing the embodiment according to the invention
with the sliding guide, it is particularly advantageous if, in
addition, the closing means is attached to at least one cloth
portion by means of an elastic connecting means. This means that,
when the closing means is closed, a stretching of the cloth portion
leads to an elastic deformation in the connecting means so that, in
spite of the widening of the leg wear, the tensile forces are kept
on a lower level than it would be the case when the closing means
is connected as usual on both sides in a substantially fixed manner
to the respective cloth portion.
[0015] The type of the connecting means is initially immaterial,
too. In particular, a strip of spandex may be considered, for
example, which extends parallel to the closing means and is
connected to the closing means on one side and to the corresponding
cloth portion on the other side. In this regard, it is particularly
advantageous to provide an elastic connecting means to the
respective cloth portion on both sides of the closing means. It is
particularly advantageous in this embodiment that when the
waistband is widened, which is made possible by the sliding guide
according to the invention, at the same time the cloth portions are
elastic with regard to each other without generating a tensile
stress. All the while, it is made sure that owing to the closed
closing means, no unintended opening occurs between the cloth
portions.
[0016] Further, it is particularly advantageous if the top cloth
portion continuously overlaps the lower cloth portion from a lower
end of the cloth portions up to the waistband portion and
completely covers any present closing means. Thus, the optical
appearance is not adversely affected in any way despite the
realized variability of the waistband width and the resulting
repositioning of the cloth portions with regard to each other.
[0017] When realizing the sliding guide, taking into account the
different postures and the resulting change of the ergonomic
waistband width and also taking into account the use of the leg
wear according to the invention for adjacent dress sizes, it is
particularly advantageous if the sliding guide allows an adjustment
path of between 2 cm and 12 cm. Taking into consideration the
optical appearance and taking into consideration the adjoining of
the cloth portions, it is particularly advantageous to embody the
sliding guide in such a manner that an adjustment path of between 4
cm and 8 cm is realized. Herein it is insubstantial if an exceeding
adjustment path is practically applicable outside of the adjustment
range intended for use. In this regard, for example, the top
guiding part can be slidable beyond the end of the lower guiding
part--or vice versa--without a detachment of the two guiding parts
from each other taking place. At least, the adjustment path relates
to that range which is available in a functionally unhindered
manner and without adversely affecting the sliding guide when the
waistband portions are connected to each other.
[0018] For enhancing wearing comfort, it is particularly
advantageous if in the un-deformed state, the lower guiding part
has an outward-bent shape at least in portions. In this way, an
adaptation of the lower guiding part to the shaping of the
waistband in the respective body area is achieved while the leg
wear is being worn. It is obvious that in this context no exact
correspondence can be achieved since, on the one hand, the sliding
guide can come to rest in different places in the line of the
waistband and, on the other hand, individually different body
shapes result in different waistband lines. Still, an outward-bent
shape, in particular with a bending radius of between 150 and 300
mm, is especially advantageous since in this way neither an
uncomfortable abutment of the lower guiding part at its ends nor a
punctiform abutment of the lower guiding part in the middle area on
the body is to be feared. Instead, the abutment of the lower
guiding part on the body is dispersed along its line and is thus
barely noticed.
[0019] Wearing comfort is further enhanced if at least in portions
along its line, the lower guiding part has a plurality of
attenuations, the lower guiding part thus gaining increased
flexibility. Said attenuations or said increased flexibility in
this context relate to the deformation of the lower guiding part
between a straightened shape into a shape having a reduced bending
radius, for example of 100 mm. Within this range, it should be
possible to deform the lower guiding part without any noticeable
effort so that during wearing it in abutment to different body
shapes and in the case of abutment points depending on posture, an
evenly distributed abutment of the lower guiding part on the body
is unabatedly ensured without pressure marks or the like occurring.
The increased flexibility of the lower guiding part can be
determined for example from the fact that upon abutment against an
even surface with a bend oriented upwards, a central stress of for
example 500 g leads to a straightened shape.
[0020] For realizing a cost-effective sliding guide, it is
particularly advantageous if the lower guiding part is made of a
thermoplastic. In this context, in particular the production as an
injection-molded part is suitable since in this way both the
bending radius and the attenuations can be produced in an
unproblematic manner. In the alternative, production in the form of
an extrusion profile is conceivable, too.
[0021] For ensuring the corresponding support of the top guiding
part on the lower guiding part and for ensuring a flat design of
the sliding guide, advantageously, the top guiding part is made of
a multiply bent metal sheet. Owing to the use of the metal sheet,
on the one hand, a particularly low structural height can be
realized, which with regard to the top guiding part is limited to
the thickness of the metal sheet, and, on the other hand, the
necessary support on the lower guiding part can be ensured by the
shaping of the metal sheet.
[0022] For the cost-effective realization of the top guiding part
from a metal sheet while ensuring the adjustment path, the top
guiding part is formed in an advantageous manner by at least two
top part portions viewed in the guiding direction. Each of these
top part portions has a straight shape tangentially to the guiding
path. The individual top part portions are again arranged at angles
to one another and thus, for production, the individual top part
portions need only be bent with regard to one another in order to
realize a close approach of the top guiding part to the guiding
path of the lower guiding part.
[0023] In order to ensure the proper function of the sliding guide
and the secure support of the top guiding part on the lower guiding
part, it is advantageous if the sliding guide is embodied in the
manner of a dovetail guide. In this context, the lower guiding part
can have a top guide rail and a lower guide rail, the two guide
rails being enclosed by the top guiding part. Between the two guide
rails, a free structural space is created at the lower guiding
part, which can be utilized in particular for attaching the lower
guiding part to the lower waistband portion as well as for
attaching the top guiding part to the top waistband portion. The
realization of the sliding guide advantageously takes place by
multiple abutment of the top guiding part against the top and lower
guide rail with an abutment on a first guiding surface lying
substantially parallel to the waistband portions, and with an
abutment against an angled second guiding surface in each case, the
latter running conically towards the lower waistband portion, when
viewed together. Regarding the mode of operation of the sliding
guide, no substantial limitations arise in this context if, in
portions, the lower guiding part has a flexible bending radius
while the top guiding part is made up of sectioned top part
portions.
[0024] For connecting the top guiding part to the lower guiding
part, different embodiments are available. It is conceivable, for
example, to laterally insert the top guiding part at the lower
guiding part from its end. For the ergonomic handling of the
sliding guide, however, it is most advantageous, in particular for
closing the leg wear, if the top guiding part can be hooked into
the top or lower guide rail and if by pivoting about the respective
top or lower guide rail, it can be clipped onto the other lower or
top guide rail, respectively. The removal of the top guiding part
from the lower guiding part can be effected in the reverse to
manner in that, first, the top guiding part is pulled off the
respective guide rail at the clipped-on side and then a direct
disengagement at the second guide rail takes place. In this
context, it is particularly advantageous if the top guiding part is
designed in such a manner that for clipping-on, merely exerting
pressure onto the top guiding part is required.
[0025] For the realization in an advantageous embodiment, in
particular taking into account the design of the top guiding part
made of a metal sheet and of the lower guiding part made of a
plastic material, it is particularly advantageous if the lower
guiding part has at least 1.5 times the length of the top guiding
part. Thus, the lower guiding part can substantially realize the
guiding function, the top guiding part constituting a type of
slider which can be slid along the guiding path of the lower
guiding part.
[0026] The connection of the lower guiding part and the top guiding
part to the respective waistband portions can take place in many
forms. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lower guiding
part and/or the top guiding part are connected to the respective
waistband portion by riveting.
[0027] Depending on the envisaged manner of cleaning the leg wear,
it can be particularly advantageous if the lower guiding part
and/or the top guiding part are attached to the lower or top
waistband portion in a removable manner. Thus, in particular for
cleaning the leg wear, the respective guiding part or the sliding
guide can be removed so that for example no damage during the
washing in a washing machine is to be feared. Options for the
removable attachment are available in many forms and, in this
regard, can be in particular push buttons.
[0028] For the comfortable use of the embodiment according to the
invention, it is especially advantageous if on the leg wear above
the waistband a particularly advantageous belt is arranged. In this
context, it is immaterial whether the belt extends around the
entire waistband or only covers portions of the waistband. In a
correspondingly advantageous to embodiment, the leg wear at least
comprises a belt element which is connected to a belt closure, the
belt closure being embodied in such a manner that a pulling on a
free end of the belt element leads to a reduction of the waistband
width, and an enlargement of the waistband width is prevented owing
to a self-locking of the belt closure. For this purpose, different
embodiments are available, a multiple looping about portions of the
belt closure taking place in one embodiment, in which the
frictional force in the belt closure is lower when pulling on the
free end of the belt than when pulling the belt element from the
other end. This closure is especially suitable in combination with
the embodiment according to the invention since in this manner a
reduction of the waistband width can be effected in a simple way by
a simple pulling on the free belt element without any additional
actuation being required, wherein, by virtue of the design
according to the invention, the top edge of the leg wear has a
continuous line prior to, during and after the adjustment of the
belt.
[0029] In this regard, in a special embodiment, a widening of the
waistband is caused in that an actuation of the belt closure takes
place, which leads to the release of the self-locking. This can
take place in a particularly advantageous manner in that the belt
closure or an actuating element of the belt closure is lifted from
the waistband at one side.
[0030] A one-handed handling of the belt for reducing the waistband
width is made possible in an especially advantageous manner if the
belt closure is connected directly or indirectly to the top
waistband portion. In this way, it is made sure that when pulling
on the free end of the belt element, it is not necessary to
counter-hold the belt closure.
[0031] In a first advantageous variation, this is realized in that
the belt closure is rigidly connected to the top waistband portion
by means of a flexible belt band, for example a cloth portion. In
this context, the connection can basically take place in any given
position. In this case, the belt element is preferably also rigidly
connected to the lower waistband portion outside of the portion
that is overlapped by the top waistband portion. Subsequently, the
looping of the belt element through the belt closure takes place,
and the belt element is then again laid back to the side of the
lower waistband portion. Thus, in a simple manner, a shortening can
be caused when pulling on the free end without the need to
counter-hold it.
[0032] In an alternative advantageous embodiment, the belt closure
is removably connected directly or indirectly to the top waistband
portion. In this way it is made possible to remove the belt or the
belt closure from the leg wear. It is initially immaterial in which
way the removable attachment takes place. In a particularly
preferred embodiment, this is realized in the form of a push
button.
[0033] In this context, it can be provided in an especially
advantageous manner that the belt closure is removably attached
directly to the top waistband portion. This can take place in an
advantageous manner in that the top guiding part of the sliding
guide is attached to the attachment point below the top waistband
portion. Thus, by means of the belt closure, an attachment of the
top guiding part can be reliably covered. Further, the attachment
of both the belt closure and the top guiding part can be embodied
to be more reliable. In this removable design, it is substantial
that for opening the leg wear, the belt element no longer has to be
separated from the belt closure. Instead, it is only necessary in
this regard to first loosen the belt and then to detach the belt
closure from the top waistband portion. Subsequently, the sliding
closure and other closing means present between the top cloth
portion and the lower cloth portion can be opened.
[0034] Herein it is immaterial whether the belt element is rigidly
connected to the top waistband portion or whether it is removable,
too. Also, it is immaterial in this belt closure arrangement that
is removable from the top waistband portion whether or not the belt
closure is in turn to removable from the belt element, for example
for cleaning purposes.
[0035] For the ergonomic handling of the leg wear comprising the
sliding closure of the invention, in an especially advantageous
embodiment, it is advantageous if the actuating force for sliding
the top guiding part relatively along the lower guiding part in a
first direction, thus reducing the waistband width, is lower than
the actuating force for sliding in the opposite direction. By means
of the embodiment according to the invention, a simple adjustment
of the waistband width is made possible without an adverse effect
on the optical appearance. In use, it is generally desired that the
waistband width can be enlarged when sitting and can again be
reduced to the previous width when standing up. For the handling,
it is advantageous if the enlargement of the waistband width is to
be achieved by means of an--albeit only slightly--greater actuating
force and thus, for example when sitting down, a willful actuation
of the sliding guide is necessary, whereas, when standing up, a
reduction of the waistband width takes place even when only little
actuating force is used and thus happens unconsciously in a quick
and uncomplicated manner during use.
[0036] The reduction of the waistband width can further be
effected, for example, by means of a slightly elastic belt or other
elastic means which do not adversely affect the pleasant wearing
comfort, but cause a reduction of the waistband width by a relative
sliding of the guiding parts. In this context, basically, a short
unintentional sucking-in of the stomach when standing up can be
sufficient to ensure the necessary support of the waistband when
standing. When sitting down, the widening of the waistband requires
a willful, intentional action of the wearer.
[0037] Depending on the wearing situation and on personal
preferences, it can be desired that, in particular without the use
of a belt, a secure fit of the leg wear during wearing is realized
without a noticeable flexibility of the sliding guide. For this
purpose, in an especially advantageous embodiment, the lower
guiding part can have a locking means, a corresponding locking
element being arranged on the top guiding part. In this context,
the locking element can engage with the locking means in such a
manner that a sliding in a first direction, reducing the waistband
width, is possible in a substantially unhindered manner, whereas a
sliding in the opposite direction is at least difficult or entirely
precluded. It is obvious that for using the corresponding sliding
guide, thus enlarging the waistband width, a corresponding release
of the lock is necessary. This, in turn, can take place by a
handling of the top guiding part, adjusting the locking element, so
that the engagement with the locking means is released. For
implementation, different embodiments are available, wherein, in an
advantageous manner, the locking means and the locking element both
have a meshing helical toothing. This has to be interpreted such
that, correspondingly, the sliding is unabatedly possible, thus
reducing the waistband width by means of the toothing inclination,
whereas in the opposite direction, the toothing is to be designed
such that a sliding without an adjustment of the locking element is
precluded.
[0038] For realizing an advantageous larger adjustment range of the
sliding guide, taking into account the advantageous overlapping of
the lower cloth portion and a covering of present closing means by
the top cloth portion without an undesired opening between the
cloth portions occurring, a magnet closure can be employed in an
advantageous manner as an additional closing means, wherein in the
top and lower cloth portion, respectively, an associated element of
the magnet closure, i.e. a magnet or a magnetizable metal, is
integrated. Thus it is possible, for example, to open the magnet
closure for a short time and then close it again in order to
produce an advantageous optical appearance after the adjustment of
the waistband width. With regard to appearance, it is advantageous
if at least in the lower cloth portion the same covers the magnet
closure, i.e. if the magnet closure is integrated beneath the
cloth.
[0039] In the following figures, an advantageous embodiment of a
leg wear comprising a corresponding sliding guide is exemplarily
outlined.
[0040] In the figures
[0041] FIG. 1 shows a skirt or trousers according to the state of
the art;
[0042] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of trousers according
to the invention;
[0043] FIG. 3 shows a view of the trousers of FIG. 2 with a flipped
top waistband portion and top cloth portion;
[0044] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a skirt comprising
an advantageous belt closure;
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary sliding
guide;
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a lateral view, respectively a top view, of the
sliding guide;
[0047] FIG. 7 shows a section through the sliding guide;
[0048] FIG. 8 shows the lower guiding part of the sliding
guide;
[0049] FIG. 9 shows a lateral view of the lower guiding part of the
sliding guide;
[0050] FIGS. 10 and 11 show perspective views of the top guiding
part of the sliding guide.
[0051] In FIG. 1, for comparison, a conventional skirt (FIG. 1a)
and common trousers (1b) from the state of the art are exemplarily
illustrated. The skirt 111 and the trousers 101 each have
overlapping cloth portions, which can be closed by means of closing
means, respectively. They are a top cloth portion 105 or 115,
which, when closed, covers the lower cloth portion 106 or 116. Said
cloth portions 105, 106 or 115, 116 are rigidly connected to each
other on their lower end 117, for example sewn together. On the
respective cloth portions 105, 106 or 115, 116, the waistband of
the leg wear adjoins at the top. It is a top waistband portion 103
or 113 which adjoins the top cloth portion 105 or 115. In the same
way, the lower waistband portion 104 or 114 adjoins the lower cloth
portion 106 or 116 at the top. While the cloth portions in the
sketch are outlined as separate elements, it is irrelevant for the
state of the art and also for the invention if there is/are only an
optical separation, for example by an ornamental seam, or separate
elements or a continuous cloth element.
[0052] To ensure the support of the trousers or of the skirt during
wearing, in the state of the art they comprise a closing means,
which is generally a button 102 on the lower waistband portion 104
or 114, said button being threaded through a hole in the top
waistband portion 103 or 113. With this solution, it is ensured
that the top edge 112 of the trousers or of the skirt has a
continuous line and thus the optical appearance remains
untarnished.
[0053] In FIG. 2, now, an exemplary embodiment for trousers 01
according to the invention is outlined. In FIG. 2a, a middle
position of the sliding guide 11 is outlined. Again in
correspondence to the state of the art a lower cloth portion 06 can
be seen, which is overlapped by a top cloth portion 05. Also, the
lower cloth portion 06 and the top cloth portion 05 are connected
at the lower end 07 thereof, for example by means of seams.
Further, the lower waistband portion 04 adjoins the lower cloth
portion 06 at the top and the top waistband portion 03 adjoins the
top cloth portion 05. In contrast to the state of the art, however,
the usual connecting means, such as a button, are omitted and yet a
continuous line is ensured at the top edge 02 of the trousers 01.
By applying an embodiment according to the invention, using the
sliding guide, it is made possible to realize different waistband
widths without adversely affecting the optical appearance. Here
FIG. 2c shows the trousers 01 in a position with reduced waistband
width, wherein, as can be seen, the top waistband portion 03
overlaps a larger area of the lower waistband portion 04 and the
top cloth portion 05 comes to rest further on the lower cloth
portion 06. In contrast, FIG. 2b shows the trousers 01 with a
widened waistband width, wherein, correspondingly, a smaller area
of the lower waistband portion 04 is covered by the top waistband
portion 03 and also a smaller area of the lower cloth portion 06 is
covered by the top cloth portion 05.
[0054] It is immaterial whether an ornamental seam 09 corresponding
to the usual appearance of trousers of the state of the art is
applied to the trousers. An ornamental seam 09 corresponding to the
far edge 08 of the lower cloth portion 06 is not required in this
embodiment according to the invention and is usually not present
either. Instead, the edge 08 of the lower cloth portion 06 is
positioned in a further overlapping manner below the top cloth
portion 05.
[0055] The actual embodiment of the trousers 01 according to the
invention with the sliding guide 11 is disclosed by FIG. 3, in
which the top cloth portion 05 and the adjoining top waistband
portion 03 are illustrated in a flipped-open manner. Again, the
lower cloth portion 06 and its edge 08 are visible, the latter
being covered by the top cloth portion 05 during wearing. Further,
the lower waistband portion 04 is visible, which comprises a lower
guiding part 12 of the sliding guide 11. The top guiding part 13
attached to the inner side of the top waistband portion 03 forms
the counterpart. For connecting the lower cloth portion 06 to the
top cloth portion 05 so as to preclude an unintentional opening
between said cloth portions 05, 06, the trousers 01 comprise a
closing means in the form of a zipper, a corresponding lower
closing means part 25 of the zipper being attached to the lower
cloth portion 06 and its counterpart being attached to the top
cloth portion 05 as the top closing means part 26. For an easy
adjustment of possible cloth displacements between the top cloth
portion 05 and the lower cloth portion 06 due to changes of the
waistband width--made possible by the embodiment according to the
to invention--, a magnet closure comprising a lower adhesion
closure part 27 attached to the lower cloth portion 06 and also
comprising a top adhesion closure part 28 as a magnetic plate on
the top cloth portion 05 is further used in this exemplary
embodiment. The modes of operation of the zipper and of the magnet
closure are known to the skilled person and thus do not require
further explanation.
[0056] In FIG. 4, exemplarily, a skirt 31 is outlined in an
advantageous embodiment of a leg wear according to the invention, a
belt being additionally arranged above the waistband. Said belt
comprises a belt element 32, i.e. a strap, which can be seized on
its free end 38. Said belt element 32 is guided through a belt
closure 37, which prevents a widening of the waistband. While the
arrangement of a belt in a skirt or in trousers is well-known,
nevertheless, it is substantial for this advantageous embodiment
that by merely pulling on the free end 38 of the belt element 32, a
restriction of the waistband is caused and no renewed widening can
occur when the free end 38 is let go. For widening the waistband,
however, it is provided that the belt closure 37 is lifted from the
waistband at one side, and thus the friction conditions in the belt
closure are changed, which in turn can lead to the belt element 32
sliding out of the belt closure 37.
[0057] FIG. 5 now shows an exemplary embodiment of a sliding guide
11 as the substantial element of the leg wear 01 according to the
invention.
[0058] The bent shape of the lower guiding part 12 is visible
together with its guide rails, which are enclosed by the top
guiding part 13.
[0059] In FIG. 6a, a lateral view of the above is outlined, the
association of the bent lower guiding part 12 with the top guiding
part 13 lying on top being obvious once more. In this illustration
it can be seen, in particular, that the top guiding part is
sectioned with respectively straight portions whereas the lower
guiding part 12 has a constant bend in a first approach. FIG. 6b
shows a top view of the sliding guide 11, wherein it is clearly
visible that the lower guiding part 12 has a greater length in the
guiding direction than the top guiding part 13.
[0060] In FIG. 7, a section through the sliding guide 11 is
schematically outlined. Again, the lower guiding part 12 comprising
a top guide rail 15a and a lower guide rail 15b is visible.
Further, the top guiding part 13 can be seen, which abuts against
the guide rails 15 with its main surface and on the lower side with
the lower abutment flange 20 and on the top side with the top
abutment flange 21. To enable the connection of the lower guiding
part 12 to the top guiding part 13, said top guiding part 13
further comprises a clip flap 22, which in this context facilitates
attachment and removal. It is obvious how following the abutment of
first the lower abutment flange 20 against the lower guide rail
15b, the lower guiding part 13 can be clipped onto the top guide
rail 15a by simply exerting pressure. The removal can be effected
in a simple manner by pulling on the clip flap 22.
[0061] In FIG. 8, a perspective illustration of the lower guiding
part 12 is outlined, the lower guide rail 15b and the top guide
rail 15a being visible again. They are respectively interrupted by
recurring attenuations 16. Due to these attenuations 16, the lower
guide rail 12 gains increased flexibility and thus its bending
radius can be changed without a substantial effort. The
advantageously illustrated embodiment in FIG. 8 is designed
symmetrical so that the association of the lower guide rail 15b and
the top guide rail 15a occurs only upon attachment on the leg wear
01.
[0062] In FIG. 9, a lateral view of the lower guiding part 12 is
outlined, the guide rail 15 and the attenuations 16 being visible
again. In this context, the illustrated bending radius 17 of the
lower guiding part 12 constitutes an initial condition, which, when
the leg wear is being worn, can easily adapt to the respective body
shape owing to the attenuations 16.
[0063] In FIG. 10a and in FIG. 10b, perspective views of the top
guiding part 13 are outlined. Its exemplarily sectioned structure
comprising three top part portions 19.1, 19.2 and 19.3 is visible.
The latter are each formed straight per se when viewed along the
guiding path. Among one another, they have a bend so as to follow
the line of the bending radius. The connection to the top guiding
part 12 is realized by means of the lower abutment flange 20 and
the top abutment flange 21 lying on the opposite side, which also
comprises the clip flap 22. For ensuring a proper sliding along the
guiding path, in particular taking into account the present
attenuations 16, a start ramp is formed on both sides at the end of
the top guiding part. It is obvious how the top guiding part 23 can
be produced at low cost from a metal sheet by bending the latter
multiple times.
* * * * *