Stiffening Device for Apparel

Abstract

In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a stiffening device to prevent a trouser leg from becoming entangled between the foot and a shoe, particularly and open-back shoe, of a wearer. Accordingly, the device includes a stiffening device having a central stiffening member arranged between two opposing layers, one layer having an exterior face having an adhesive. One method of use includes locating an interior portion of a trouser leg, preferably near the hem-line, where stiffening is desired and arranging the device vertically starting at the hem-line at a rear portion of the interior portion of the trouser leg. Finally, adhering the device to the interior portion of the trouser leg using an adhesive provided on the device.

1 . A stiffening device for a garment, the device comprising:
 a stiffening member arranged between two opposing layers consisting of a base layer and a cover layer.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising an adhesive element coupled to an exterior face of the base layer. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a means for coupling the base layer to the cover layer. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 3  further comprising a means for coupling the stiffening member to either the cover layer, the base layer, or both. 
   
   
       5 . A stiffening device for the inside portion of a clothing garment, specifically a trouser leg, the device comprising:
 a stiffening member arranged between two opposing layers comprising a base layer and a cover layer;   a coupling means for attaching an interior portion of the base layer to a facing and oppositely disposed interior face of the cover layer; and   an adhesive layer coupled to an exterior portion of the base layer, the adhesive layer adapted to releasable couple to the trouser leg.   
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the coupling means comprises any combination of a pressure adhesive, a self-adhesive, a heat-activated adhesive, or thread mechanically interwoven between the base layer and the cover layer. 
   
   
       7 . A method of incorporating a stiffening device for a garment with a pair of trousers, the method comprising:
 providing a stiffening device having a stiffening member;   providing a trouser leg having a distal end and a hem line;   locating an interior portion of the garment where stiffening is desired; and   coupling the stiffening device adjacent to the distal end.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising:
 providing two opposing layers;   locating the stiffening device between the two opposing layers wherein one layer comprises the distal end of the trouser leg;   locating a position on the distal end of the trouser leg, preferably near a hem line, where stiffening is desired;   arranging the stiffening device vertically starting at the hem-line at a rear portion of the interior portion of the trouser leg; and   coupling the device to the interior portion of the trouser leg.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising:
 providing two opposing layers;   locating the stiffening device between the two opposing layers;   locating a position on the distal end of the trouser leg, preferably near a hem line, where stiffening is desired;   arranging the stiffening device vertically starting at the hem-line at a rear portion of the interior portion of the trouser leg; and   coupling the device to the interior portion of the trouser leg.