Improvements in Gussets for Trousers and Vests.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Feb., 1898-Accepted, 16th Apr., 1898
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Gussets for Trousers and Vests.
I, EDWARD HARLAN, Gentleman, residing at No. 1402, Aubert Avenue, in the City
of St. Louis, State of Missouri, U.S.A., do hereby declare the nature of this
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement:—
My invention relates to improvements in gussets for trousers and vests; and it
consists of the novel construction and arrangement of parts, hereinafter shown,
described and claimed.
Figure 1 is an elevation of the top portion of the rear side of a pair of trousers,
the same being provided with my iniproved gusset. Fig. 2 is an elevation of the
gusset before the same is applied to the garment. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional
view taken approximately on the indicated line 3-3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a trans-
verse sectional view taken approximately on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is an
elevation of the lower portion of the back of a vest, the same being provided
with my improved gusset.
In the construction of my improved gusset, I make use of flexible straps or
bands 1 and 2, the same being identical in form and construction; each of said
straps or bands being composed of a double thickness of material 3, between the
double portions of which is inserted a suitable stiffening strip 4.
5 indicates a double thickness of suitable flexible material, the same being formed
or cut V-shaped and with a curved upper edge.
The flexible straps or bands 1 and 2 are located upon the top side of the section
of material 5 and along the side edges thereof, and said straps or bands are fixed
in this position by means of the seam 6, which extends the entire length of the
two straps or bands 1 and 2 and across their lower meeting ends. In the portions of
the bands or straps 1 and 2 inside this seam 6 is located a series of metallic lacing
eyelets 7.
In locating my improved gusset in a pair of trousers, the usual vent or opening
is left at the top edge of the rear side of the trousers, and the gusset constructed as
herein described, is located upon the inside of the goods of which the trousers are
made, said gusset closing the space formed by the aforesaid vent. The gusset is
held in position upon the trousers by the seam 8, which seam 8 extends along both
edges of the vent in the trousers and passes through the goods of the trousers and
through the bands 1 and 2 and the section 5. The lining 9 of the trousers is sewed
directly to the inside face of the section 5. In positioning the gusset, it is
desirable that the inuer edges of the bands 1 and 2 coincide or be slightly inside of
the edges of the vent. By thus positioning the gusset, the bands 1 and 2 and the
eyelets 7 carried thereby, will be entirely hid from view. An ordinary lacing cord,
or tape 10, is passed through the eyelets in the usual manner, the free ends of said
laces being at the top of the gusset.
In some instances, I find it desirable to locate eyelets directly beneath the top
pair of eyelets that are carried by the bands 1 and 2. These eyelets pass through
the section of material 5 and through the top portions of the lining 9, and by so
locating said eyelets, the ends of the lace 10 may be passed to the inside of the
gusset and the bands, and be thereby hid from view.

page_text: The gusset of the vest is constructed in every way similar to the gusset of the
trousers, with the exception that it is made somewhat longer than the said trousers
gusset, and said vest gusset is inverted and located in the lower edge of the back
of the vest.
My improved gussets are intended to take the place of the straps and buckles,
now commonly used upon the rear sides of vests and trousers, and said gussets are
very simple in construction, efficient in use, do not tear the outer clothing as do the
buckles now in use, and said gussets are very easily removed from a garment and
repositioned thereon in altering a garment, as it is only necessary to rip the seam 8
to detach said gusset from the trousers or vest. By the use of my improved gusset
the size of the garment around the waist is easily and quickly changed, and said
garment may be more correctly fitted around the waist than by the methods now
employed.
A gusset of my improved construction is very efficient in use, does not detract
from the appearance of the garment, and very materially adds to the fit of said
garment and to the convenience and comfort of the wearer of said garment.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. The combination with a pair of trousers having a vent in the top of the rear
side, of a gusset constructed of a V-shaped section of material, flexible bands
secured to the edges of said V-shaped section, eyelets fixed to and carried by said
bands and a lace passing through said eyelets substantially as specified.
2. As an article of manufacture, a pair of trousers having a vent formed in the
top edge of their rear side, a gusset closing said vent, which gusset is formed of a
V-shaped section of flexible material, flexible bands secured to the inside edges of
said V-shaped section, eyelets secured to the inner edges of the bands, and a lace
passing through said eyelets.
Dated the 22nd day of December 1897.
HIGDON, LONGAN & HIGDON,
Agents for Applicant.