Chaps

Abstract

Chaps, such as riding chaps and, in particular, protective chaps intended to be worn by farriers and those conducting similar work, and frequently referred to as “aprons”, with improved support and/or comfort, particularly in the lumbar or sacroiliac region. The chaps have an integral belt region, extending around the front of a wearer. The belt region has extension pieces, at either end, for the attachment of a linking belt portion which is intended to pass around the back of the wearer and thus complete the belt. The linking belt portion bears an enlargement providing a lumbar support and/or a posture aid for the wearer. The attachment of the linking belt portion to the extension pieces can be accomplished by fitments which allow for quick release/engagement and/or adjustment of the belt as a whole.

1 . Chaps having an integral belt region extending around the front of a wearer; first and second extension pieces disposed respectively to either end of the belt region and integrally formed with or permanently secured to the chaps; the chaps further comprising a linking belt portion and means for attaching the linking belt portion to each of said extension pieces; said linking belt portion being formed with an enlargement providing a lumbar support and/or a posture aid for the wearer. 
     
     
         2 . The chaps according to  claim 1 , wherein said extension pieces are stitched strongly and permanently into place on the waist-band area of the chaps, and are made of reinforced nylon material. 
     
     
         3 . The chaps according to  claim 1 , wherein the means of attachment of the linking belt portion to at least one of the extension pieces comprises fitments configured for quick release/engagement. 
     
     
         4 . The chaps according to  claim 3 , wherein said fitments comprise a heavy-duty, push-fit plastics connector, with male and female components thereof carried by the extension piece and the linking belt portion respectively. 
     
     
         5 . The chaps according to  claim 1 , wherein the means of attachment of the linking belt portion to at least one of the extension pieces comprises adjustable means, to enable the wearer to tighten the composite belt sufficiently for comfortable wear and retention of the chaps. 
     
     
         6 . The chaps according to  claim 5 , wherein said adjustable means comprises a metallic loop, to which the linking portion of the belt is permanently attached; the loop also having a plastics centre-piece that is movable within the loop and around which one end of the extension piece is wrapped, tightened and then bent back to overlay the waist area of the chaps. 
     
     
         7 . The chaps according to  claim 6 , wherein the overlaying portions of the extension piece and the waist band are provided with strong multi micro hook and eye fasteners for mutual engagement and retention. 
     
     
         8 . The chaps according to  claim 1 , wherein the enlargement comprises an area of the linking belt portion that is widened to create an enlarged support pad of suitable shape. 
     
     
         9 . The chaps according to  claim 8 , wherein at least one further pad of the same or a different material is overlain upon and stitched or otherwise secured to the first-mentioned pad, in order to thicken the pad and provide further stiffening and support. 
     
     
         10 . The chaps according to  claim 9 , further comprising stuffing of a firm medium inserted between adjacent pads prior to their being secured together, and entrapped therein by such securement. 
     
     
         11 . The chaps according to  claim 10 , wherein said stuffing is permanently secured between said adjacent pads. 
     
     
         12 . The chaps according to  claim 10 , wherein adjacent pads are formed as a pouch or pocket into which said stuffing is removably inserted. 
     
     
         13 . The chaps according to  claim 1 , wherein the enlargement is reinforced or protected within one or more wrapping layers.