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).

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.

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.