Improved Belt, Skirt, and Bodice "Grips" or Fastenings.
Year: 1896

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Belt, Skirt, and Bodice "Grips" or Fastenings.
I, THOMAS FRENCH of Dyer Street, Hulme, Manchester, Smallware Manufacturer,
do hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as follows:-
My invention consists of a strip or piece of thin sheet metal, finely pierced or
perforated, to form a roughened or "burred" face, and applied, with its roughened
face outwards, to the inner side of a lady's waist belt, or upon the inner side of
the bodice, or skirt waist-band, according as the bodice is worn with a belt, or
according as the bodice is worn without a belt and above, or beneath, the skirt ;
the purpose of the strip being, by reason of its "burred" or roughened face, to
form an attachment or " grip" between the belt, or bodice, and skirt, and thus
hold the same in their proper position and avoid the unsightly gap which is liable
to occur by the belt, or bodice getting out of place.
Said strip is, by preference, sewn in position, but it may be formed with points or
projections, which in the case of a belt may take over the edges or in the case of a
bodice or skirt pass through the substance thereof and be clasped over on the
opposite side.
As the belt, skirt or bodice is loosened or removed the roughened face of the plate
readily detaches itself from the fabric, and thus is automatic in its fastening, and
unfastening.
Dated 1 oil 1...
21000
THOMAS FRENCH,
By John G. Wilson & Co.,
Agents.
Improved Belt, Skirt, and Bodice "Grips" or Fastenings.
I, THOMAS FRENOH of Dyer Street, Hulme, Manchester, Smallware Manufacturer,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to
be perforined, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
My invention consists of a strip or piece of thin sheet metal finely pierced or
punctured, and therefore forming a "burr" or roughening which when applied to the
inner side of a lady's waist-belt, or to the inner side of a bodice or skirt waist-band,
according as the bodice is worn with or without a belt, and above or beneath the
skirt waist-band, forms a "grip" between the several articles and prevents their
working up or getting out of place. This punctured strip is attached to the belt, skirt
or bodice by any suitable means, but preferably by stitching, and in all cases is
arranged with its smooth face against the object to which it is secured. The stiffness
of the "grip" also prevents the wrinkling of the belt at the back and keeps it
smooth.

page_text: And in order that my said invention may be the more readily understood and
carried into practical effect, I have hereunto annexed a sheet of drawings, and will
now proceed to describe the same with the figures and letters of reference marked
thereon.
Fig. 1 shews the punctured strip or "grip" ready for attachment to a belt, bodice
or skirt.
Fig. 2 shews a top edge view.
Fig. 3 shews its application to a waist-belt, which it will be observed is on the inner
side, and out of sight when in use.
Fig. 4 shews a transverse section of the belt and "grip" in wear.
Fig. 5 shews the "grip" as applied to the bodice, and the bottom edge turned up to
shew the position of the "grip."
The said "grip" consists of a strip of thin metal (A), and either coppered, dipped,
plated or otherwise treated to give a neat finish and appearance. In such strip
punctures (B) are formed, producing a roughening or "burr" upon one side of such
strip, as illustrated more clearly on Fig. 2.
These punctures are, by preference, of a small size, so as not to produce too large a
"burr," or too harsh a grip on the fabric.
A series of holes (C) are formed near the edge of the strip for enabling it to be
stitched in position, or in lieu of such holes, or in addition thereto, a series of
prongs (D) may be formed out of the substance of the "grip" (as shewn in dotted
line in Fig. 1), which will serve to pass through the substance of the belt, or over the
edges thereof, and being turned down on the opposite side attach the "grip" without
stitching.
As before stated the improved "grip" can be used between bodice and skirt, or
skirt and bodice, by sewing it, say in case the bodice is worn over the skirt, either to
the skirt-band or to the bodice interior (as shewn .in Fig. 4) with the "grip" face
holding the two together, or if the bodice is worn beneath the skirt band upon the
interior of the skirt band.
With the slackening or removal of the belt, bodice or skirt the "grip" instantly
unfastens or disengages itself, and thus is automatic in its action, and requires no
tedious manipulation.
The improved "grip" may take any convenient shape, form or size, but we prefer it
to be as shewn in Fig. 1. If desired two or more "grips", may be used with one belt,
bodice or skirt secured at different points.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, I wish it to be understood that what I claim and desire to secure by Letters
Patent is :-
1. A belt, skirt and bodice "grip" or fastening or the like, having a "burr" or
like roughening designed to engage with the fabric of the bodice and fabric of the
skirt (or their equivalent) as set forth.
2. À strip or piece of punctured metal (A), with holes (B) or (and) prongs (C), as
set forth and illustrated.