WO2022076360A1

WO2022076360A1 - Low profile closure

Info

Publication number: WO2022076360A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/053499
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Max VORLOP; Colin Carroll O'connor; Brice Matthew Oakden
Original assignee: Vans, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-10-05
Filing date: 2021-10-05
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Also published as: US20220104571A1

Abstract

A low profile closure may comprise a receiver coupled to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband and a hook device coupled to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband.

Description

LOW PROFILE CLOSURE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a closure, and, more specifically, to a closure for an article of clothing that may be adjusted in size according to the wearer or activity.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Apparel such as pants may include adjustable features to comfortably fit a variety of waist sizes. These features often include elastic elements or cords to adjust the fit of the waistband. US 1705562, US8375470, and US6385777 each describe adjustable hooks that fasten horizontally (laterally). GB886114 describes an elastically extensible waistband.

[0003] US4578827 describes a waistband adjusting element for garments such as trousers, which provides for greater flexibility in the adjustable connection of overlapping waistband sections, is disclosed. A detent rail is attached to the inner waistband member and has a movable slider mounted on it, coupled to a hinged locking tab provided with a central window, through which a cover strip passes to conceal the detent rail from view.

[0004] CN202653233 describes the adjustable side waistband comprises a first band body, a second band body, a first band button and a second band button, wherein the first band button is arranged at the first end of the first band body; the second band button is arranged at the first end of the second band body; a first hook and a second hook are arranged at the second end of the first band body and the second end of the second band body respectively; a plurality of circular holes are formed in the first band body and the second band body respectively; and the adjustable side waistband is arranged at one side of the waist of trousers. The adjustable side waistband disclosed by the utility model is convenient to adjust, simple to use, material-saving, concise and fashionable.

[0005] WO 1993/22945 describes a closure with a hinged hook riveted to an end of grosgrain tape to be engaged into said slits and notches, thereby providing a stable fastening system.

[0006] US7516499 describes a belt that extends over an opening in a waistband to couple to various fasteners, such as a snaps.

[0007] However, improvements are needed. SUMMARY

[0008] In an aspect, a low profile closure may comprise a receiver coupled to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband and a hook device coupled to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband.

[0009] In an aspect, an article comprises a waistband configured to fit circumferentially around a waist of a wearer; an opening configured to permit portions of the waistband to separate from each other; a fastener configured to secure a first portion of the waistband to a second portion of the waistband; a waistband closure, further comprising: a receiver coupled to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband; and a hook device coupled to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband, wherein the hook device is low profile and has a height of less than 4mm when measured orthogonal to the waistband.

[0010] In an aspect, a method of making a closure is disclosed. The method may comprise coupling a receiver to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband; and coupling a hook device to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband, wherein the hook device is lOw profile and has a height of less than 4mm when measured orthogonal to the waistband.

[0011] This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings provide examples only, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific example pants and methods disclosed.

[0013] The figures illustrate various aspects of closures, methods of making, and methods of using the same, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of an example article in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation the example article of FIG. 1 showing a closure system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of the example article and closure system of FIG. 2.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of an example article in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic representation the example article of FIG. 4 showing a closure system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of the example article and closure system of FIG. 5.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a horizontal (lateral) hook closure in the prior art.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates the closure system of the present disclosure in an unfastened state.

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a horizontal (lateral) hook closure in the prior art.

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates the closure system of the present disclosure in a fastened state.

[0024] FIG. 11 A illustrates a horizontal (lateral) hook closure in the prior art. [0025] FIG. 1 IB illustrates a closure device of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 12A illustrates the horizontal (lateral) hook closure of FIG. 11A showing a fastened state.

[0027] FIG. 12B illustrates a bottom view of the closure device of FIG. 1 IB.

[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates the horizontal (lateral) hook closure of FIGS. 11A and 12A showing a conventional height indicated by X.

[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates the closure device of FIG. 1 IB and 12B with a webbing material in accordance with the present disclosure and showing a height indicated by Y.

[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates the closure device of FIG. 1 IB and 12B without a webbing material in accordance with the present disclosure and showing a height indicated by Z.

[0031] FIG. 16A illustrates a closure device of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 16B illustrates a closure device of the present disclosure in a fastened state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The present disclosure relates to one or more low profile closures. The one or more closures may be hidden when worn. The closures of the present disclosure allow for adjustability of a waistband of an article such as pants, skate pants, board shorts, and the like. In an example, the low profile closures of the present disclosure may be desirable for certain activities such as skateboarding or surfing, where movements of the wearer may be erratic and multidirectional and where the wearer may fall or lay across the closure. As such, the closure of the present disclosure may be configured to secure the waistband from various directional movement and tensions and may be profiled such that the closure does not dig into the wear’s skin when the wearer is laying across the closure.

[0034] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an article 100 may be or comprise pants such as a skateboarding pants or shorts. The article 100 may be formed from various materials such as a textile or fabric, natural or synthetic. The article 100, the textile, the fabric or at least a portion thereof used to make the article 100 may include an amount of stretch (e.g., 2-way stretch, 4-way stretch, etc.). The article 100 may comprise a waistband 102 configured to fit circumferentially around a waist of a wearer. The article 100 may comprise an opening 104 such as a fly that allows portions of the waistband 102 to separate from each other. The opening 104 may comprise a fastener 106 such as a zipper-type fastener, a hook and loop-type fastener, drawstring fastener, snaps or the like. Fastener 106 may secure a first portion 108 of the waistband 102 to a second portion 110 of the waistband 102. A portion of the article 100, such as, for example, the second portion 110 of the waistband, may overlay the closure when fastened and may cover and hide (e.g., fully conceal) the closure from view, as illustrated in FIG. 1, where the closure components are not visible.

[0035] The article 100 may further comprise a waistband closure (or closure system) may comprise a receiver 112 and a hook device 114. The receiver 112 may be coupled to the first portion 108 of the waistband 102. The receiver 112 may comprise a main body 112A. The main body 112A may comprise or may be formed from a webbing material. As used herein, webbing material may be a flat high-strength woven fabric (i.e., having a breaking strength of 10,000 pounds-force or more) and may be formed from natural or synthetic fibers such as hemp, cotton or linen, nylon, polypropylene, polyester and the like. The receiver 112 may be formed as strip of webbing divided into two or more segments. For instance, the main body 112A of the receiver 112 may comprise or be formed with one or more seams 112B that define one or more individual, defined segments 112C (e.g., loops, slots, slits, apertures, etc.) configured to receive at least a portion of the hook device 114. The hook device may be formed from metal. The hook device 114 may comprise a main body 114A and a hook element 114B. The hook element 114B may be a vertical hook element, may extend from the main body 114A and may define a space between the hook element 114B and the main body 114 A. As such, the hook element 114B may be configured to be received by (e.g., inserted into and through) and engage with one of the loops 112C. The hook element 114B may comprise a curved or bent end, lip, or tip configured to engage with a bottom portion of a segment or loop to further secure the hook element 120B in the loop 112C. In such a manner, the hook device 114 may remain coupled to the receiver until a wearer releases the hook element 114B from the segment 112C or loop, even if an inward (“pushing together”) or outward (“pulling apart”) force is applied to the closure. Such forces are further described with respect to FIGS. 10 and 16B. An aperture 116 such as a narrow slot may be formed in the main body 114A, and may be configured to receive material such as a hook device attachment band 118 or loop. The hook device attachment band 118 may be formed from a webbing material. The hook device attachment band 118 may couple the hook element 114 to the second portion 110 of the waistband 102. For instance, the hook device attachment band 118 may be inserted into the aperture 116 and form a loop around the slot, leaving an amount of excess webbing (e.g., tail or additional length of the webbing material) extending horizontally relative to the waistband 102. The hook device attachment band 118 may, e.g., via the tail or additional length of webbing material may then be coupled to the waistband 102 of the article. As such, the closure may be used to couple the first portion 108 of the article to the second portion 110 of the article in an adjustable manner by selecting a particular one of the loops 112C and inserting the hook element 114B into the selected segment or loop in a vertical direction (or orthogonal to the direction of the waistband 102). A portion of the article 100, such as the second portion 110 of the waistband, 102 for example, may overlay the receiver 112 when fastened and may cover and hide the closure from view, as illustrated in FIG. 1, where the closure components are not visible.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, an article 400 may be or comprise shorts such as a board shorts used for surfing. The article 400 may be formed from various materials such as fabrics. The article 400 may comprise a waistband 402 configured to fit circumferentially around a waist of a wearer. The article 400 may comprise an opening 404 such as a fly that allows portions of the waistband 402 to separate from each other. The opening 404 may comprise a fastener 406 such as a draw string configured to cooperate with apertures 405, or the like, to secure a first portion 408 of the waistband 402 to a second portion 410 of the waistband 402. A portion of the article 400 such as a the second portion 410 of the waistband, for example, may overlay the closure when fastened and may cover and hide the closure from view, as illustrated in FIG. 1, where the closure components are not visible.

[0037] A closure (or closure system) may comprise the receiver 112 and the hook device 114. The receiver 112 may be coupled to the first portion 408 of the waistband 102. The hook device 114 may be coupled to the second portion 410 of the waistband 402, for example via the webbing 118. As such, the closure may be used to couple the first portion 408 to the second portion 410 in an adjustable manner by selecting a particular one of the loops 112C and inserting the hook element 114B into the select loop in a vertical direction (or orthogonal to the direction of the waistband 402).

[0038] FIGS. 7 and 9 illustrate a prior art closure that is conventionally configured to be inserted and secured in a horizontal direction, that is parallel to the waist band. However, this configuration is easily uncoupled when subjected to a parallel force.

[0039] FIGS. 8 and 10 illustrate the receiver 112 and the hook device 114 of the closure of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates how the hook element 114B may be inserted vertically (or orthogonally to the loop 112C) into any one of the loops 112C to adjust the closure. The webbing material of the hook device attachment band 118, the receiver 112, and/or any individual receiver segments 112C, as well as the shape and thickness of the hook device 114, and/or any hook device components (e.g., main body 114A and a hook element 114B) may all be configured to resist uncoupling of the hook device from the receiver if the distance between the first portion and the second portion of the waistband decreases such that it is less than the distance needed to provide sufficient engagement of the hook device 114 and the selected receiver segment 112C. For instance, if a wearer falls in such a manner that the front of the article comprising the closure system folds in on itself or otherwise collapses in a horizontal direction, the closure system will remain closed. The webbing material of the hook device attachment band 118, the receiver 112, and/or any individual receiver segments 112C, as well as the shape and thickness of the hook device 114, and/or any hook device components (e.g., main body 114A and a hook element 114B) may also all be configured to resist uncoupling of the hook device from the receiver if a force is exerted on the closure system that increases the distance between the first and second portions of the article (e.g., a “pulling apart” of the hook device and the receiver) enough to cause disengagement of a traditional horizontally engaged fastening mechanism (e.g., fastener systems of FIGS. 7 or 9). As shown in FIG. 10, the vertical hook element 114B secures the closure even if parallel forces are exerted on the closure.

[0040] FIGS. 16A and 16B further illustrate a closure (or closure system) according to embodiments of the disclosure. Closure may comprise a receiver 112 as described above. Closure may also comprise a hook device 120. The hook device 120 may be formed from metal. The hook device 120 may comprise a main body 120A and a hook element 120B. The hook element 120B may be a vertical tapered hook element, may extend from the main body 120A and may define a space between the hook element 120B and the main body 120 A. As such, the hook element 120B may be configured to be received by (e.g., inserted into and through) one or more of the loops 112C. The hook element 120B may comprise a curved or bent end, lip or tip 120C configured to engage with a bottom portion of a segment or loop to further secure the hook element 120B in the loop 112C. The hook element 120B may taper such that, a top portion of the hook device 120, the space between the hook element 120B and a top portion of the hook main body 120A (relative to the ground when worn), is a first distance DI and the space between the hook element 120B and a bottom portion of the main body 120A is a second distance D2, where DI is less than D2. In such a manner, the hook device 120 may remain coupled to the receiver until a wearer releases the hook element 120B from the segment 112C or loop. [0041] An aperture 116 such as a narrow slot may be formed in the main body 120A and may be configured to receive material such as a hook device attachment band 118. The hook device attachment band 118 may be formed from a webbing material including two or four-way stretch. The hook device attachment band 118 may couple the hook element 120 to the second portion 110 of the waistband 102. For instance, the hook device attachment band 118 may be inserted into the aperture 116 and form a loop around the slot, leaving an amount of excess webbing (e.g., tail or additional length of the webbing material) extending horizontally relative to the waistband 102. The hook device attachment band 118 may, e.g., via the tail or additional length of webbing material may then be coupled to the waistband 102 of the article. The hook device attachment band 118 may comprise an amount of stretch suitable to enable the hook device 120 to engage with any of the receiver segments 112C (shown in FIG. 16A as being coupled to the middle segment of segments (or loops) 112C as needed or desired by the wearer. As such, the closure may be used to couple the first portion 108 of the article to the second portion 110 of the article in an adjustable manner by selecting a particular one of the loops 112C and inserting the hook element 120B into the selected segment or loop in a vertical direction (or orthogonal to the direction of the waistband 102). As shown in FIG. 16B, when the hook device is engaged with a segment or loop that is not the closest to the hook device (e.g., a middle or far end segment), the hook element 120B may be substantially covered by the segment, while the remaining portions of the main body 120A of the hook device 120 may be exposed or overly portions of the receiver 112.

[0042] As with the closure shown in FIGS. 1-6, a portion of the article 100, such as the second portion 110 of the waistband, 102 for example, may overlay the receiver 112 when fastened and may cover and hide the closure from view, as illustrated in FIG. 1, where the closure components are not visible.

[0043] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate the receiver 112 and the hook device 120 of the closure of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates how the hook element 120B may be inserted vertically (or orthogonally to the loop 112C) into any one of the loops 112C to adjust the closure. The webbing material of the hook device attachment band 118, the receiver 112, and/or any individual receiver segments 112C, as well as the shape and thickness of the hook device 120, and/or any hook device components (e.g., main body 120A and a hook element 120B) may all be configured to resist uncoupling of the hook device from the receiver if the distance between the first portion and the second portion of the waistband decreases such that it is less than the distance needed to provide sufficient engagement of the hook device 120 and the selected receiver segment 112C. For instance, if a wearer falls in such a manner that the front of the article comprising the closure system folds in on itself or otherwise collapses in a horizontal direction, the closure system will remain closed. The webbing material of the hook device attachment band 118, the receiver 112, and/or any individual receiver segments 112C, as well as the shape and thickness of the hook device 120, and/or any hook device components (e.g., main body 120A and a hook element 120B) may also all be configured to resist uncoupling of the hook device from the receiver if a force is exerted on the closure system that increases the distance between the first and second portions of the article (e.g., a “pulling apart” of the hook device and the receiver) enough to cause disengagement of a traditional horizontally engaged fastening mechanism (e.g., fastener systems of FIGS. 7 or 9). As shown in FIG. 10, the vertical hook element 120B secures the closure even if parallel forces are exerted on the closure.

[0044] FIGS. 11A, 12 A, and 13 show a conventional closure that may clip together to result in a conventional height X of about 4mm or more.

[0045] FIGS. 1 IB, 12B, and 14-15 illustrate the hook device 114 of the closure of the present disclosure. The closure system is configured to remain flat against the article 100 and the wearer’s body during activities and during any situation where the front of the article may be flush against an object (e.g., the ground, a surfboard, a paddle board, a boogie board, etc.). As shown, in, for instance, FIG. 15, the hook device 114 may comprise a single, generally flat layer of material such as metal. This flat configuration allows the closure of the present disclosure to be low profile such as less than 4mm in height. Height is referenced as the measurement from the bottom to the top of the device as would be orthogonal to the waistband when in use. The closures of the present disclosure may be low profile and may have a height of less than 4mm, less than 3mm, less than 2mm, less than 1.9mm, less than 1.8mm, less than 1.7mm, less than 1.6mm, less than 1.5mm, less than 1.4mm, less than 1.3mm or between 1.3mm and 2mm including intervening endpoints. As an example shown in FIG. 14, the height Y of the hook device 114 with the webbing 118 may be about 2mm or less. As examples shown in FIG. 15, the height Z of the hook device 114 without the webbing 118 may be about 1.3mm or less.

[0046] Similarly, the hook device 120 of the closure (or closure system) of the present disclosure is configured to remain flat against the article 100 and the wearer’s body during activities and during any situation where the front of the article may be flush against an object (e.g., the ground, a surfboard, a paddle board, a boogie board, etc.). To this end, the hook device 120 may comprise a single, generally flat layer of material such as metal. This flat configuration allows the closure of the present disclosure to be low profile such as less than 4mm in height. Height is referenced as the measurement from the bottom to the top of the device as would be orthogonal to the waistband when in use. The closures of the present disclosure may be low profile and may have a height of less than 4mm, less than 3mm, less than 2mm, less than 1.9mm, less than 1.8mm, less than 1.7mm, less than 1.6mm, less than 1.5mm, less than 1.4mm, less than 1.3mm or between 1.3mm and 2mm including intervening endpoints. As a further example, the height of the hook device 120 with the webbing 118 may be about 2mm or less. In additional examples, the height of the hook device 120 without the webbing 118 may be about 1.3mm or less.

[0047] The present disclosure may include the following aspects:

[0048] Aspect 1 : A closure for an article of clothing, the closure comprising: a receiver coupled to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband; and a hook device coupled to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband, wherein the hook device is low profile and has a height of less than 4mm when measured orthogonal to the waistband.

[0049] Aspect 2: The closure of claim 1, wherein an opening separates the first portion of the waistband and the second portion of the waistband when the closure is uncoupled.

[0050] Aspect 3: The closure of claim 2, wherein the opening is a fly opening disposed on a front portion of the article of clothing.

[0051] Aspect 4: The closure of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a secondary closure device configured to support a coupling of the first portion and the second portion of the waistband.

[0052] Aspect 5: The closure of claim 4, wherein the secondary closure device comprises a zipper, one or more snaps, a draw string, or a hook and loop fastener, or a combination thereof. [0053] Aspect 6: The closure of any one of claims 1-5, wherein a height of the hook device is less than 2mm.

[0054] Aspect 7: The closure of any one of claims 1-6, wherein a height of the hook device is less than 1.4mm.

[0055] Aspect 8: The closure of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the main body of the hook device comprises an aperture configured to receive a hook device attachment band, further comprising a webbing material, and wherein the hook device attachment band couples the hook device to the second portion of the waistband.

[0056] Aspect 9: The closure of claim 8, wherein a height of the hook device and the hook device attachment band is less than 4mm.

[0057] Aspect 10: The closure of claim 8, wherein a height of the hook device and the hook device attachment band is less than 3mm.

[0058] Aspect 11: The closure of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the hook device is formed from a rigid material.

[0059] Aspect 12: The closure of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the hook device is formed from metal.

[0060] Aspect 13: The closure of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the second portion overlays the receiver when the hook device and receiver are coupled together.

[0061] Aspect 14: An article of clothing comprising: a waistband configured to fit circumferentially around a waist of a wearer; an opening configured to permit portions of the waistband to separate from each other; a fastener configured to secure a first portion of the waistband to a second portion of the waistband; a waistband closure, further comprising: a receiver coupled to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband; and a hook device coupled to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband, wherein the hook device is low profile and has a height of less than 4mm when measured orthogonal to the waistband. [0062] Aspect 15: The article of clothing of claim 14, wherein the article of clothing comprises pants or shorts.

[0063] Aspect 16: The article of clothing of any one of claims 14-15, wherein the fastener comprises a zipper, a hook and loop fastener or a drawstring fastener.

[0064] Aspect 17: The article of clothing of any one of claims 14-16, wherein the main body of the hook device comprises an aperture configured to receive a hook device attachment band, further comprising a webbed material, and wherein the hook device attachment band couples the hook device to the second portion of the waistband.

[0065] Aspect 18: The article of clothing of claim 17, wherein a height of the hook device and the hook device attachment band is less than 4mm.

[0066] Aspect 19: The article of clothing of claim 17, wherein a height of the hook device and the hook device attachment band is less than 3mm.

[0067] Aspect 20: A method of making a closure comprising: coupling a receiver to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband; and coupling a hook device to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband, wherein the hook device is low profile and has a height of less than 4mm when measured orthogonal to the waistband.

[0068] The written description uses examples of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A closure for an article of clothing, the closure comprising: a receiver coupled to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband; and a hook device coupled to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband, wherein the hook device is low profile and has a height of less than 4mm when measured orthogonal to the waistband.

2. The closure of claim 1, wherein an opening separates the first portion of the waistband and the second portion of the waistband when the closure is uncoupled.

3. The closure of claim 2, wherein the opening is a fly opening disposed on a front portion of the article of clothing.

4. The closure of claim 1, further comprising a secondary closure device configured to support a coupling of the first portion and the second portion of the waistband.

5. The closure of claim 4, wherein the secondary closure device comprises a zipper, one or more snaps, a draw string, or a hook and loop fastener, or a combination thereof.

6. The closure of claim 1, wherein a height of the hook device is less than 2mm.

7. The closure of claim 1, wherein a height of the hook device is less than 1.4mm.

8. The closure of claim 1, wherein the main body of the hook device comprises an aperture configured to receive a hook device attachment band, further comprising a webbing material, and wherein the hook device attachment band couples the hook device to the second portion of the waistband.

9. The closure of claim 8, wherein a height of the hook device and the hook device attachment band is less than 4mm. The closure of claim 8, wherein a height of the hook device and the hook device attachment band is less than 3mm. The closure of claim 1, wherein the hook device is formed from a rigid material. The closure of claim 1, wherein the hook device is formed from metal. The closure of claim 1, wherein the second portion overlays the receiver when the hook device and receiver are coupled together. An article of clothing comprising: a waistband configured to fit circumferentially around a waist of a wearer; an opening configured to permit portions of the waistband to separate from each other; a fastener configured to secure a first portion of the waistband to a second portion of the waistband; a waistband closure, further comprising: a receiver coupled to a first portion of a waistband of an article of clothing, the receiver comprising a flexible main body defining a plurality of loops, each loop defining an entry point facing a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband; and a hook device coupled to a second portion of the waistband, the hook device comprising a main body and a hook element extending from the main body, wherein the hook element defines a space between the main body and the hook element and is configured to be selectively inserted into one or more of the plurality of loops in a direction orthogonal to a circumference of the waistband to adjust a circumference of the waistband and to couple the first portion of the waistband to the second portion of the waistband, wherein the hook device is low profile and has a height of less than 4mm when measured orthogonal to the waistband. The article of clothing of claim 14, wherein the main body of the hook device comprises an aperture configured to receive a hook device attachment band, further comprising a webbed material, wherein the hook device attachment band couples the hook device to the second portion of the waistband, and wherein a height of the hook device and the hook device attachment band is less than 3mm.