Apparel accessory for trousers

Abstract

An accessory for trousers worn low on the hips, for concealing otherwise exposed surfaces such as the midriff or underwear, and for retaining the trousers on the hips. The accessory comprises a panel of fabric or other flexible material, configured to encircle the waist and to overlap the top of the trousers. The accessory has an elastic waistband and an attaching element for engaging and retaining the trousers. In alternative embodiments, the retaining element may comprise hook and loop fastener or belt loops. In a further alternative embodiment, the upper edge of the accessory may bear lace. In still other alternative embodiments, the accessory may be pleated, may have an optional zipper, may be provided in a form that bulges out from the body when worn, may be elastic, and may have these features in any combination. The accessory may be provided with trousers as a visually matched set.

We claim:  
     
         1 . An article of apparel to be used with trousers worn low on the hips, comprising: 
 a panel of flexible material configured to encircle the waist of a person, having an upper edge and a lower edge;    an elastic waistband located near said upper edge of said panel of flexible material, disposed to constrict about the waist of a person wearing trousers low on the hips; and    a hook and loop type attachment element located at said lower edge of said panel of flexible material, disposed to engage the trousers worn low on the hips so as to prevent disengagement of the trousers from the hips.    
     
     
         2 . An article of apparel to be used with trousers worn low on the hips, comprising: 
 a panel of flexible material configured to encircle the waist of a person, having an upper edge and a lower edge;    an elastic waistband located near said upper edge of said panel of flexible material, disposed to constrict about the waist of a person wearing trousers low on the hips; and    a series of belt loops located along and near said lower edge of said panel of flexible material, disposed to receive a belt used with the trousers worn low on the hips so as to releasably attach the trousers to the panel of flexible material and to prevent disengagement of the trousers from the hips.    
     
     
         3 . An article of apparel to be used with trousers worn low on the hips, comprising: 
 a panel of flexible material configured to encircle the waist of a person, having an upper edge and a lower edge;    an elastic waistband located near said upper edge of said panel of flexible material, disposed to constrict about the waist of a person wearing trousers low on the hips; and    a drawstring located along and near said lower edge of said panel of flexible material, disposed to constrict over trousers worn low on the hips so as to prevent disengagement of the trousers from the hips.    
     
     
         4 . The article of apparel according to  claim 1 ,  2 , or  3 , wherein said panel of flexible material is resiliently elastic.  
     
     
         5 . The article of apparel according to  claim 1 ,  2 , or  3 , wherein said panel of flexible material is arranged to bulge outwardly between the upper edge thereof and the lower edge thereof.  
     
     
         6 . The article of apparel according to  claim 1 ,  2 , or  3 , wherein said panel of flexible material has pleats.  
     
     
         7 . The article of apparel according to  claim 1 ,  2 , or  3 , wherein said panel of flexible material has lace at said upper edge of said panel of flexible material.  
     
     
         8 . The article of apparel according to  claim 1 ,  2 , or  3 , wherein said panel of flexible material bulges outwardly when worn.  
     
     
         9 . The article of apparel according to  claim 1 ,  2 , or  3 , wherein said panel of flexible material has a proximal end, a distal end, and a slide fastener disposed to releasably join said proximal end to said distal end.