Abstract:
A pant fastener for securing the waist of pants, skirts, and the like, including an outer fabric casing, at least one inner band disposed within the casing, and complementary closure elements disposed near the opposing ends of the casing. The pant fastener is configured to wrap around two or more belt loops anywhere along the circumference of the waistband, except across the fly. When closed, the pant fastener provides a snug fit, holding up the pants or skirt, without the need to thread the fastener through all of the belt loops, as is the case with an ordinary belt. Because the pant fastener does not cross the fly, the pants or skirt can be undone in a hurry, enabling children especially to take them off quickly. The pant fastener may be created as a fashion accessory to provide ornamental, as well as functional use.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention generally relates to garment accessories and more specifically to a waist-securing pant fastener for pants, skirts, and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Traditional belts are used to securely hold up pants, skirts and other lower garments (e.g., shorts, skorts, etc.). For convenience, all of these lower garments are referred to here as “pants.” One disadvantage of traditional belts is that in order to be worn appropriately, they must be threaded through all of the belt loops of a pair of pants. Though this is an everyday task that most people pay little attention to, it is a difficult job for children, the elderly, and the handicapped, that lack experience, dexterity, or flexibility. Moreover, even the able-bodied frequently miss belt loops at the back or on the sides, contributing to a sloppy overall appearance. 
         [0003]    Another disadvantage of traditional belts is that they must be appropriately sized to the waist of the individual wearer. Though belts having multiple belt holes (or buckle closures not relying on belt holes) provide a range of sizes, the fact is that the traditional belt can still only accommodate a relatively narrow range of sizes. Thus, individuals whose waist size changes over time may find they can no longer use the belts they own. Further, a single size range limits the extent to which belts may be shared, for example, among siblings in a family. Thus, for example, if two sisters of dissimilar size each want a red belt and a blue belt to coordinate with special outfits, they must acquire four belts instead of sharing two, despite the fact that they may use belts in these colors only rarely. 
         [0004]    Yet another disadvantage of traditional belts is that they roughly double the amount of time it takes to unfasten and remove pants. This is because a fastened belt prevents access to the buttons, snaps or hooks holding up pants. In order to remove pants, the wearer must first unfasten the traditional belt and then unfasten the pants in a two-step process. Again, for the able-bodied, this may be a small inconvenience. However, for children, the elderly, or the handicapped, this may be a serious disadvantage. For example, small children pay little attention to (or become easily distracted from) the need to relieve themselves until the onset of urgent need. Then, they must quickly remove their pants to accommodate the urgent need. In these circumstances, removing pants in a two-step process may result in an unwanted accident. 
         [0005]    Prior art solutions have failed to fully address all of the disadvantages of traditional belts. One alternative to the traditional belt is suspenders. However, though suspenders may address the problem of waist size, they are not necessarily easier for children, the elderly, or the handicapped to get on and off. Moreover, suspenders fail to make pants removal a one-step process. Further, suspenders are quite noticeable, thereby often considered to be making a fashion statement, which may be undesirable and/or unfashionable. Additionally, to use suspenders with pants, each pair of pants must be modified by adding buttons for suspender attachment, which is a time-intensive, uneconomical alteration. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 641,489 issued to Bartelstone dispenses with the traditional belt by employing a two-part pant fastener, each side of which is fastened to pants at a belt-loop member. However, the Bartelstone fastener works like a traditional belt in that it closes by means of a buckle at the front of the pants. Thus, pants removal remains a two-step process. The same is true of the inventions disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,016,538 issued to Ashworth and U.S. Pat. No. 1,607,156 issued to Godshaw. Further the Ashworth fastener also requires buttons to be fastened to the pants. 
         [0007]    The pant fasteners of U.S. Pat. No. 2,562,386 issued to McCormick, U.S. Pat. No. 2,837,748 issued to Manning, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,001,204 issued to Harrison overcome the disadvantage of two-step pants removal by being positioned at the back. However, these inventions are positioned within the interior of the pants, making them relatively inaccessible to the wearer. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,904 issued to Gonce discloses a pant fastener with arrow-like heads anchoring it to the pants. However, to use this fastener, the pants must be configured with slits to accommodate the anchors, thus limiting its use to specially configured pants. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,594 issued to Young discloses a belt-loop binder for securing pants. The somewhat elongated binder has two opposing ends, each of which is configured to double back around one of two adjacent belt loops. Each opposing end is configured with a set of complementary hook and loop fibrous pads, such as are sold under the trademark of Velcro®, so that, when the opposing end is doubled back, the Velcro® fibrous pads are engageable. Though the Young fastener overcomes many of the disadvantages of prior art fasteners, it is suboptimal in requiring a two-step closure process (since the binder must be closed at both ends). Also, the use of Velcro® fibrous pads as the closure means presents two significant limitations: (1) Velcro® fibrous pads degrade through repeated washing, limiting the usefulness of Young&#39;s fastener over time, and (2) the relatively high cost of the Velcro® fibrous pads limit the attachment length and thus, make it impractical to extend the closure ends of the Young fastener to accommodate a greater range of waist sizes, in addition to unnecessarily boosting the overall cost of the device. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,581 issued to Gray discloses a waistband reducer using a large rectangle of flexible material buttoned within the interior of pants to keep the pants snugly around the waist. In addition to presenting the disadvantages of being used within the interior of pants, as described above, Gray&#39;s invention is disadvantageously anchored to pants with buttons, making it more difficult to use than fasteners wrapping around belt loops. Additionally, the waistband reducer requires alteration of the pants, requiring the addition of buttons before the waistband reducer can be attached. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,999,853 issued to Tanner discloses a waist belt based on the use of Velcro® fibrous pads along most of its length to provide infinite adjustability to changing waist sizes. However, this invention is not practical as it employs the maximum possible amount of Velcro® fibrous pads, which are relatively expensive and degrade through repeated washing. Further, Tanner&#39;s invention does not overcome the disadvantage of making pants removal a two-step process. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,397 issued to Scott discloses a pant fastener that wraps around each of two belt loops at either end, in the same manner as Young and Bartelstone described above (though not necessarily using Velcro® fibrous pads). Like Young, the design of Scott&#39;s fastener is suboptimal in requiring a two-step closure process (since the fastener must be closed at both ends). 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,550 issued to Hube discloses a pant fastener that adjusts by means of an air tube that is inflated to tighten the fastener around the waist, and deflated to loosen it. Such a fastener is obviously complicated to make and use, and unsuited to children, the elderly, or the handicapped. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,605 issued to Srivastava discloses a pant fastener that is really a fashion accessory versus a practical means to hold up pants. Its two ends fasten directly to the fabric of a garment. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,888 issued to Wallace discloses an invention directed to enabling the handicapped to wear a simple Velcro® fibrous pad-type pant fastener that is easy for them to take on and off, but whose appearance resembles a traditional belt. Because this device is intended to simulate a traditional belt, it requires a two-step process of pants removal; moreover, it depends upon Velcro® fibrous pads along with the disadvantages their use presents. All of these disadvantages are also present in the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,678,898 issued to Jones et al. (featuring a non-functioning, decorative buckle to simulate the appearance of a traditional belt while employing Velcro® fibrous pads as the true closure means). 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,842,912 issued to King et al. discloses a traditional belt modified to conceal an expansion feature beneath a loop of the belt. Though overcoming the waist-size limitations of traditional belts, this invention fails to make pants removal a one-step process. The same is true of the modified, full waistband disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2005/0050615 filed by Stickney. 
         [0017]    Accordingly, there is an established need for an efficient, convenient pant fastener that is easier to attach and detach with limited dexterity, yet securely holds the pants snuggly to the waist when in use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The present invention consists of a waist-securing pant fastener that wraps around at least two belt loops of the pants. It is installed on the rear or side of the pants prior to donning the pants. When installed, the pant fastener provides a snug fit, holding up the pants without the need to thread the fastener through all of the belt loops, as is the case with an ordinary belt. Since the pant fastener is not a full waistband, it more readily accommodates a broad range of waist sizes. Moreover, because there is no closure at the front, pants can be undone in a one-step process, enabling children, the elderly, or handicapped to undo their pants quickly. The pant fastener may be created as a fashion accessory to provide ornamental, as well as functional use. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the different views, and in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of a traditional belt, as existing in the prior art, being worn to hold up a pair of pants; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view showing the first preferred embodiment of the waist-securing pant fastener of the present invention in the open position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view showing the first preferred embodiment of the waist-securing pant fastener of the present invention in the closed, in-use position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  depicts a top view showing the first preferred embodiment of the closed waist-securing pant fastener of the present invention in the closed, in-use position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  depicts a detail taken from circle - 5 -of  FIG. 4  showing the first preferred embodiment of the closed waist-securing pant fastener of the present invention in the closed, in-use position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view showing the second preferred embodiment of the waist-securing pant fastener of the present invention in the closed, in-use position, with the surface that would normally be against the waist and concealed (when in use) facing the viewer, in an embodiment where this portion of the fabric enclosure is bunched or crinkled; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view showing the second preferred embodiment of the waist-securing pant fastener of the present invention in the closed, in-use position, with the surface that would normally face outward from the waist (when in use) facing the viewer, in an embodiment where this portion of the fabric enclosure is not bunched or crinkled; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  depicts a side perspective view of the upper back portion of a pair of pants with the waist-securing pant fastener of the present invention being worn to hold up the pants. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0028]    Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is directed toward a practical, efficient, and convenient waist-securing pant fastener that improves the ease with which pants can be quickly removed, even with limited dexterity, yet securely holds the pants snuggly to the waist. The easy-to-use novel pant fastener can be used with any of a wide variety of existing pants, skirts, shorts, or other lower garments that have belt loops (herein referred to as “pants”). 
         [0029]    In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention. For clarity and conciseness, several of the drawings show in schematic, or omit, parts that are not essential in that drawing to a description of a particular feature, aspect or principle of the invention being disclosed. Thus, the best mode embodiment of one feature may be shown in one drawing, and the best mode of another feature may be called out in another drawing. 
         [0030]    The figures are numbered and annotated so that one skilled in the art of fasteners for pants, by reference to the figures, will easily be able to understand the materials and methods of fabrication and will be able to easily assemble the parts to achieve the functionality shown. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  depicts a front perspective view of a traditional belt  11  as existing in the prior art being worn to hold up a pair of pants  12 . In order to perform its function, the belt  11  must be threaded through the numerous belt loops  13  in the front, sides, and rear of the waist. Further, in order to perform its function, the belt  11  must be fastened by means of a buckle  14  at the front. As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , the button closure  15  of the pants (depicted in dotted lines to indicate concealment beneath the belt  11  and buckle  14 ) must be undone in order to open the zippered fly  16  and remove the pants  12 . However, the button closure  15  cannot be conveniently undone nor, in any case, can the pants  12  be removed without unfastening the belt  11  at the buckle  14 . It can readily be seen from  FIG. 1  that if a pant fastener performs its entire function without crossing over button closure  15 , the pants  12  could be removed in a one-step process. 
         [0032]    Referring now to the perspective views of  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , a novel waist-securing pant fastener, shown generally as reference number  10 , is illustrated in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the pant fastener  10  includes an elongated outer fabric casing  19  ( FIG. 3 ), a first complementary closure element  25 , a second complementary closure element  27  ( FIG. 2 ), and preferably an inner band  22 . 
         [0033]    In the exemplary embodiment depicted, the outer fabric casing  19  is an elongated casing having two opposing ends  28 ,  29  and comprising an exterior sheathing  20  and an interior facing sheathing  21 . Exterior sheathing  20  comprises a front fabric piece and interior facing sheathing  21  comprises a back fabric piece. Exterior sheathing  20  and interior facing sheathing  21  are preferably formed of a single fabric doubled over and joined at a single lateral edge, but may alternatively be formed of separate materials and joined at the two opposing lateral edges. Outer fabric casing  19  may be made of any material suitable to a garment accessory. The exterior sheathing  20  is attractive enough to be the visible surface of the accessory, for example, denim. The material or materials of the outer fabric casing  19  should also be fully washable, and able to withstand repeated washings without degradation. 
         [0034]    An optional, but preferable, inner band  22  (represented with dotted lines) is disposed within the outer fabric casing  19 . The inner band  22  may enhance the outer fabric casing  19  by providing a measure of strength, durability, resilience, and/or pliability. The inner band  22  of the first embodiment is made of any material suitable to a garment accessory and fully washable, being able to withstand repeated washings without degradation. However, preferably inner band  22  is made of a durable elastic material, as in the second embodiment of  FIG. 6-7 . The use of an elastic material is considered preferable, because it enables the pant fastener  10  to more readily adjust to a greater range of waist sizes, as will be made clear below. Further the inner band  22 , in at least some embodiments, provides the elasticity necessary to keep the pants tight to the body and provides structure and stability to support the width of pant fastener  10 , reducing folding and/or puckering. 
         [0035]    Preferably disposed at the opposing ends  28 ,  29  of the pant fastener  10  are a first tab  24  and a second tab  26 . First tab  24  and second tab  26  may be the same width of outer fabric casing  19  or, alternatively, may be slightly narrower or wider than outer fabric casing  19 . First tab  24  and second tab  26  are permanently attached to the opposing ends  29 ,  28  of the outer fabric casing  19  and of the opposing ends of the inner band  22  at the seams  23  and  31 . Any convenient means may be used to permanently fasten first tab  24  and second tab  26  at the seams  23  and  31 , such as sewing, stapling, gluing, etc. First tab  24  and second tab  26  may be constructed of any durable material suitable to a garment accessory, such as fabric, plastic, leather, etc. 
         [0036]    First tab  24  and second tab  26  are outfitted with a first complementary closure element  25  and a second complementary closure element  27 , respectively. The first complementary closure element  25  and second complementary closure element  27  serve as the closure means of the pant fastener  10  and, as such, form a mating pair. The first complementary closure element  25  and second complementary closure element  27  are configured to be engaged after the pant fastener  10  has been looped around two or more belt loops  13  ( FIG. 8 ) and are configured to be detachable. For example, the pant fastener  10  might be removed for washing, for storage, or to be used with other garments. 
         [0037]    Thus, as depicted in a first exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , the first complementary closure element  25  may comprise one or more female eyes and the second complementary closure element  27  may comprise one or more male hooks, with each of the one or more hooks configured to detachably engage one eye. Preferably the first complementary closure element  25  comprises multiple rows of eyes spaced apart according to the number of incremental waistband adjustments desired. More rows closer together provide a greater number of possible incremental waistband adjustments than fewer rows farther apart. Preferably, second complementary closure element  27  comprises only one row of hooks, since the use of more rows of hooks would require the user to fasten more hooks to the eyes of the first complementary closure element  25  without providing any significant benefit. 
         [0038]    Those skilled in the art will understand that any number of suitable closure means may be employed as first complementary closure element  25  and second complementary closure element  27 , serving as the closure means of the pant fastener  10  and, as such, form a mating pair. Examples include, but are not limited to snaps, buttons (as illustrated in the second embodiment of  FIGS. 6-7 ), and Velcro® fibrous pads. To the extent such other closure means are used, the first tab  24  and a second tab  26  must be configured to accommodate them. For example, snaps could be configured in rows in the same manner as the hooks depicted in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , but Velcro® fibrous pads would be more advantageously employed as continuous inner and outer (respectively) surfaces of first tab  24  and a second tab  26 . 
         [0039]    Further, if desired, the first tab  24  and second tab  26  can be formed of the same material as outer fabric casing  19  and joined at seam  23  and seam  31  to the outer fabric casing  19 . Optionally, the first tab  24  and second tab  26  can be formed integrally with outer fabric casing  19 , only designating a specific terminal portion of outer fabric casing  19 . For example, a first single piece of fabric can form exterior sheathing  20  and first tab  24  and with a second piece of fabric forming interior facing sheathing  21  and second tab  25 , in which case, first tab  24  and second tab  26  are only conceptual, designating the terminal portion of outer fabric casing  19 . Or, alternatively a single, folded over piece of fabric can form exterior sheathing  20  and interior facing sheathing  21  and the conceptual first tab  24  and second tab  25 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  and the detailed view of  FIG. 5  depict a top perspective view of the novel pant fastener  10  in the closed position. In order to provide closure, first tab  24  and second tab  26  overlay one another, and their closure means, first complementary closure element  25  and second complementary closure element  27 , are mated. First tab  24  and a second tab  26  may be made longer or shorter to expand or reduce the range of waist sizes to be accommodated, provided first complementary closure element  25  and second complementary closure element  27  are provided accordingly. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the waist-securing pant fastener  10  of the present invention, illustrating a variation in the type of first complementary closure elements  25  and second complementary closure elements  27 , a variation in the inner band  22 , and a variation in the outer fabric casing  19 .  FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of the pant fastener  10  in the closed position with the surface that would normally be against the waist and concealed (when in use) facing the viewer, in an embodiment where this normally concealed portion of the outer fabric casing  19  is bunched or crinkled due to the inclusion of an elastic section of inner band  22 . 
         [0042]    Although first tab  24  and second tab  26  may be configured in size and in number of first complementary closure elements  25  and second complementary closure elements  27  (e.g., hooks or snaps, etc.) to accommodate a wider or narrower range of waist sizes, the range of waist sizes accommodated may be increased even more or alternatively by making the pant fastener  10  stretchable. 
         [0043]    To make the pant fastener  10  stretchable, attention must be paid to both the inner band  22  and the outer fabric casing  19 . The inner band  22  is made stretchable by constructing it from a material that is elastic, such as rubber or, preferably, stretchable fabric. Stretchable fabric may be less suitable for the outer fabric casing  19 , however, due to issues of durability and attractiveness. For example, denim may be deemed a more suitable fabric for the outer fabric casing. To the extent the fabric chosen for the outer fabric casing  19  is not stretchable or elastic, the non-flexibility of the outer fabric casing  19  would impede the benefit of the elastic inner band  22 . 
         [0044]    To overcome this limitation, all or a portion of the fabric used for the outer fabric casing  19  may be gathered, resulting in the bunching or crinkling as shown in  FIG. 6 . The excess fabric present in the folds and creases of the outer fabric casing  19  depicted in  FIG. 6  allow it to be stretched to match stretching of the elastic inner band  22 . To accomplish this, it may be understood that not all of the outer fabric casing  19  need be bunched or crinkled. It suffices that merely a part of the outer fabric casing  19  be bunched or crinkled, as depicted in  FIG. 6 , to provide enough flexibility to match the elastic quality of the inner band  22 . It also does not matter whether the bunching or crinkling of the outer fabric casing  19  be situated at the surface facing the waist (as worn), as depicted in the second exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 6 , or at the surface facing outward from the waist when being worn (not shown), or along the entire length of outer fabric casing  19  (not shown). Similarly, it does not matter whether the bunching or crinkling of the outer fabric casing  19  be situated adjacent to first tab  24  and second tab  26 , as depicted in  FIG. 6 , or at some other location of the pant fastener  10 . In any of these configurations, the benefit of flexibility may nevertheless be realized. 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the inner band  22  is in at least two separate parts  22   a ,  22   b . Inner band  22   a ,  22   b  provide the elasticity necessary to keep the pants tight to the body. Inner band  22   a ,  22   b  extend from the seams  23 ,  31  at first tab  24  and second tab  26  to a first and a second side seam  38 ,  39 , respectively, up to approximately the place where the pant fastener  10  loops around the belt loops  13  on either side. Inner band  22   a  and inner band  22   b  are both approximately one fourth of the total length of the outer fabric casing, in order to reach from first tab  24  and second tab  26  to the seams  38 ,  39 . Seams  38  and  39  are where the inner band  22  terminates at either side. Seams  38  and  39  may be created by sewing, stapling or any other means that will close off inner band sections  22   a ,  22   b  and prevent either of inner band sections  22   a ,  22   b  from migrating throughout the length of the outer fabric casing  19 . Optionally, a third section of inner band  22   c  may be disposed within the outward facing portion of the pant fastener  10 . The third section of inner band  22   c  may be formed of a different material than the first and second sections of inner band  22   a ,  22   b . The third inner band section  22   c  provides width stability, keeping the width of the pant fastener  10  from folding, wrinkling, or puckering. 
         [0046]    In  FIG. 7  the second exemplary embodiment of the pant fastener  10  is illustrated in a front perspective view in the closed position with the surface of the exterior sheathing  20  of outer fabric casing  19  that would normally be visible and facing outward from the waist (when in use) facing the viewer. In this second embodiment this displayed, visible portion of the outer fabric casing  19  is not bunched or crinkled. The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7  is configured to conserve material and provide a different aesthetic look by eliminating the inner band  22  over part of the length of the pant fastener. 
         [0047]    As can be seen, the result of the two inner band sections (first inner band section  22   a  and second inner band section  22   b ) only extending along the normally concealed portion of the outer fabric casing  19  is a visible, outward portion of the outer fabric casing  19  that appears flat. This may be advantageous in providing a surface that is more conducive to ornamentation or embellishments  33  or which the user simply considers more attractive. Embellishments  33  include any conventional ornamental devices for application to fabrics, such as, for example, embroidery, sewn on buttons or imitation stones —such as rhinestones (as illustrated), textured paint, graphics, rivets, or appliqués. 
         [0048]    Maintaining a flat visible, outward portion may also make the pant fastener  10  easier to put on, because the wearer no longer has two bunched or crinkled surfaces rubbing against one another. The advantages of bunching or crinkling may nevertheless be maintained at the portion of the pant fastener  10  that is against the waist and concealed from view and, of course, inner band material is conserved. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of the upper back portion of a pair of pants  12  with the pant fastener  10  being worn to secure the waist of the garment to the user&#39;s waist, holding up the pants. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , first tab  24  and second tab  26  (together with first complementary closure element  25  and second complementary closure element  27 ) are positioned beneath the center belt loop  13 . In actual use, the pant fastener  10  may be hooked or snapped or pressed (in the case of Velcro® fibrous pads) together to the side of center belt loop  13 , and then slidably positioned beneath the center belt loop  13  for more convenient and attractive wearing. Center belt loop  13  preferably is positioned over the pant fastener  10 , as illustrated, preventing the pant fastener  10  from moving upward when stretched. 
         [0050]    For embodiments employing stretchable construction materials, namely, an elastic material for inner band  22  and a wholly or partially bunched or crinkled outer fabric casing  19 , such flexible construction materials may be sufficient to provide the tension necessary to comfortably contract the waistband of the pants and hold them up appropriately. To the extent more tension is needed to perform this function, or for embodiments not employing stretchable construction materials, the necessary tension may be obtained by closing the pant fastener  10  using a row of female first complementary closure elements  25  closer to seam  23 , causing greater overlap of first tab  24  and second tab  26  (in the case of Velcro® fibrous pads, by simply increasing the overlap of first tab  24  and second tab  26 ) for a snugger fit. 
         [0051]    It may be appreciated by anyone skilled in the art that functional equivalence may be achieved using different complementary closure elements than those specifically cited or depicted in the figures, different tab lengths, and more or less seams placed at different intervals along the length of the pant fastener. Such variations are virtually infinite in number and, thus, too numerous to set forth or separately claim, but are expressly contemplated in this disclosure and claimed. 
         [0052]    Similarly, though depicted in the figures as worn at the back of the waistband of pants, the pant fastener may be worn anywhere around the circumference of the waistband, except across the pants closure  15 , and wrapped around a greater or lesser number of contiguous belt loops  13 , without sacrificing any of the advantages enumerated herein. 
         [0053]    Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.