HK40001916B - Trim piece for an apparel item - Google Patents

Description

Decorative pieces for clothing items

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a trim piece for an article of apparel, such as a belt.

Background of the Invention

Various types of decorative pieces have been proposed for retaining trousers, shorts, brassieres, and other articles of clothing on the wearer's torso. Specifically, the decorative piece can be a ring-shaped member attached to the article of clothing. In some cases, a drawstring can be used to help retain the decorative piece on the wearer's body.

The present disclosure relates to a trim component assembly comprising: a trim component having an upper edge, a lower edge, an outer surface, and an inner surface; a drawstring channel positioned on the trim component; a first set of holes providing access to the drawstring channel, the first set of holes being positioned a first distance away from a front centerline of the trim component; and a second set of holes extending from the outer surface to the inner surface of the trim component, the second set of holes being positioned a second distance away from the front centerline of the trim component.

In one embodiment, the second distance is less than the first distance.

In one embodiment, the first group of holes includes a first pair of holes, wherein a first hole in the first pair of holes is positioned on a first side of the front centerline, and wherein a second hole in the first pair of holes is positioned on a second side of the front centerline.

In one embodiment, the second group of holes includes a second pair of holes, wherein a first hole in the second pair of holes is positioned on a first side of the front centerline, and wherein a second hole in the second pair of holes is positioned on a second side of the front centerline.

In one embodiment, the first set of holes is positioned on the inner surface of the trim member.

In one embodiment, the second set of apertures does not provide access to the draw cord passageway.

The present disclosure also relates to a waist belt assembly comprising: a drawstring channel extending circumferentially around the waist belt assembly, terminating at a front portion of the waist belt assembly; a first pair of holes at the front portion of the waist belt assembly, the first pair of holes being positioned a first distance from a front centerline of the waist belt assembly on opposite sides of the front centerline, the first pair of holes providing access to the drawstring channel; and a second pair of holes at the front portion of the waist belt assembly, the second pair of holes being positioned a second distance from the front centerline on opposite sides of the front centerline of the waist belt assembly, the second pair of holes extending from an outer surface to an inner surface of the waist belt assembly.

In one embodiment, the second pair of apertures is positioned below the first pair of apertures relative to an upper edge of the waistband assembly.

In one embodiment, the second pair of apertures is positioned above the first pair of apertures relative to an upper edge of the waist belt assembly.

In one embodiment, the second pair of apertures are positioned equidistant from the first pair of apertures relative to an upper edge of the waistband assembly.

The present disclosure also relates to a decorative piece incorporated into a garment, the decorative piece comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, and a lower edge; a drawstring channel extending circumferentially around the decorative piece and terminating near a front centerline of the decorative piece; a first pair of holes positioned a first distance away from the front centerline, the first pair of holes providing an entrance to the drawstring channel; and a second pair of holes positioned a second distance away from the front centerline, the second pair of holes extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the decorative piece.

In one embodiment, the first pair of holes includes a first hole positioned on a first side of the front centerline and a second hole positioned on a second side of the front centerline; and wherein the second pair of holes includes a first hole positioned on the first side of the front centerline and a second hole positioned on the second side of the front centerline.

In one embodiment, the decorative element further includes a draw cord, the draw cord being disposed in the draw cord channel, the draw cord having a draw cord end portion and a draw cord middle portion.

In one embodiment, each of the draw cord ends is adapted to exit the draw cord channel and pass through a corresponding aperture of the first pair of apertures such that the draw cord end is positioned on the inner surface of the trim member.

In one embodiment, each of the draw cord ends is further adapted to pass through a corresponding aperture in the second pair of apertures such that the draw cord ends are positioned on the outer surface of the trim member.

In one embodiment, the first distance from the front centerline is greater than the second distance from the front centerline.

In one embodiment, the garment comprises a sweatshirt or a jacket.

In one embodiment, the decorative element is incorporated into the jersey or the jacket as a belt.

In one embodiment, the garment comprises pants or shorts.

In one embodiment, the decorative element is incorporated into the trousers or the shorts as a waistband.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is herein described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG1 depicts a front view of an exemplary trim component assembly according to aspects herein;

FIG. 2 depicts a rear view of the exemplary trim component assembly shown in FIG. 1 according to aspects herein;

FIG3 depicts a front view of an exemplary trim assembly incorporated into an article of apparel according to aspects herein;

FIG. 4 depicts a rear view of the exemplary trim assembly of FIG. 3 incorporated into an article of apparel according to aspects herein;

5 depicts a top cross-sectional view of the exemplary trim component assembly of FIG. 1 taken at cut line 5 - 5 , according to aspects herein;

FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the exemplary trim component assembly of FIG. 1 according to aspects herein;

7A-7D depict exemplary methods of using the exemplary trim component assemblies described herein, according to aspects herein;

FIG8 depicts a front view of an exemplary trim assembly incorporated into an article of upper body apparel according to aspects herein;

FIG. 9 depicts a rear view of an exemplary trim component assembly having an alternative configuration according to aspects herein; and

10 depicts a rear view of an exemplary trim component assembly having an alternative configuration according to aspects herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The subject matter of the present invention is specifically described herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have envisioned that the disclosed and claimed subject matter may also be implemented in other ways to include different steps or combinations of steps combined with other existing or future technologies, which are similar to the steps or combinations of steps described in this document. In addition, although the terms "step" and/or "block" may be used herein to represent different elements of the method used, these terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between the multiple steps disclosed herein unless and in addition to the situation where the order of the various steps is explicitly stated.

Aspects herein generally relate to an exemplary trim assembly, such as a waistband, underband for a bra or other support garment, sleeve cuff, pant cuff, or the like. Generally, the exemplary trim assembly described herein includes a trim having an upper edge, a lower edge, an outer surface, and an inner surface. According to aspects herein, the trim assembly includes a drawstring channel positioned on the trim and a drawstring positioned within the drawstring channel. Additionally, the trim assembly further includes a first set of holes providing access to the drawstring channel, wherein the first set of holes is substantially located on an inner surface of the trim assembly and the second set of holes extends from the outer surface to the inner surface of the trim. Additionally, the first set of holes is substantially located a first distance away from a front centerline of the trim assembly, and the second set of holes is substantially located a second distance away from a front centerline of the trim assembly, wherein the first distance is substantially greater than the second distance.

By positioning the first set of holes on the interior surface of the trim assembly and extending the second set of holes from the interior surface to the exterior surface of the trim, the drawcord end can be positioned on either the interior or exterior surface of the trim. For example, the drawcord end can exit the drawcord passageway through the first set of holes, positioning it adjacent to the interior surface of the trim. The wearer can then thread the free end of the drawcord through the second set of holes, positioning it adjacent to the exterior surface of the trim. When the wearer desires to position the free end of the drawcord adjacent to the interior surface of the trim, they can simply pull the free end of the drawcord back through the second set of holes. Therefore, the exemplary trim assemblies described herein are generally referred to as "reversible" because the wearer can hide or expose the drawcord end, depending on their preference. Similarly, if the trim assembly is in the "reversed" configuration, the drawcord can be hidden or exposed, depending on the wearer's preference, by threading the free end of the drawcord through the second set of holes or removing it from the second set of holes.

Additionally, according to aspects of the present disclosure, another advantage of the trim assembly described herein is reduced wear on the first set of holes communicating with the draw cord channel. For example, by passing the free ends of the draw cord through the second set of holes before bundling them together, less stress is placed on the holes communicating with the draw cord channel. In this way, the structural integrity of the first set of holes and the draw cord channel can be prolonged.

Additionally, another advantage of the exemplary trim assembly described herein is that the configuration of the first set of holes and the second set of holes makes it less likely to lose the free end of the draw cord within the draw cord channel. A well-known problem with existing trim assemblies having only one set of holes communicating with the draw cord channel is that one or both ends of the draw cord will "get lost" within the draw cord channel, rendering the draw cord inoperable. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the exemplary trim assembly can help mitigate the problem of one or both free ends of the draw cord getting lost within the draw cord channel. For example, when the draw cord ends are positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the trim, the free end of the draw cord will have to pass through both the first set of holes and the second set of holes in order to get lost within the draw cord channel, rather than having to pass through only one hole in order to become lost within the draw cord channel.

Another advantage of the exemplary trim component assembly is provided by positioning the second set of holes closer to the front centerline of the trim component. This results in a bow formed at the outer surface of the trim component that is generally smaller, tighter, and more aesthetically pleasing.

Thus, in a first aspect, a trim assembly is provided that includes a trim having an upper edge, a lower edge, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The trim assembly also includes a drawstring channel positioned on the trim and a first set of holes providing access to the drawstring channel, wherein the first set of holes is positioned a first distance away from a front centerline of the trim. The trim assembly also includes a second set of holes extending from the outer surface to the inner surface of the trim, wherein the second set of holes is positioned a second distance away from the front centerline of the trim.

In another aspect, a waist belt assembly is provided that includes a drawstring channel extending circumferentially around the waist belt assembly and terminating at a front portion of the waist belt assembly. The waist belt assembly further includes a first pair of apertures at the front portion of the waist belt assembly, wherein the first pair of apertures are positioned a first distance from the front centerline of the waist belt assembly on opposite sides of the front centerline, and wherein the first pair of apertures provide access to the drawstring channel. The waist belt assembly further includes a second pair of apertures at the front portion of the waist belt assembly, wherein the second pair of apertures are positioned a second distance from the front centerline of the waist belt assembly on opposite sides of the front centerline, and wherein the second pair of apertures extend from an outer surface to an inner surface of the waist belt assembly.

In yet another aspect, a trim assembly for incorporation into a garment is provided, comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge, and a lower edge. The trim assembly further comprises a drawcord channel extending circumferentially around the trim and terminating proximate a front centerline thereof, and a first pair of apertures positioned a first distance from the front centerline, wherein the first pair of apertures provides access to the drawcord channel. The trim assembly further comprises a second pair of apertures positioned a second distance from the front centerline, wherein the second pair of apertures extend from the inner surface to the outer surface of the trim assembly.

Turning now to FIG. 1 , a front view of a portion of an exemplary trim assembly 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is depicted. Generally, trim assembly 100 is formed as an annular member, although non-annular trim assemblies are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure. Trim assembly 100 generally includes an outer surface 101 and an inner surface 103 (as shown in FIG. 2 ). Outer surface 101 may comprise an integral extension of inner surface 103 (i.e., a unitary structure), or outer surface 101 may comprise a separate element from inner surface 103. Any and all aspects and variations thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure. Outer surface 101 and inner surface 103 may be formed from standard textile elements. For example, both may be formed from a resilient, stretchable material (such as a mesh material) produced through a knitting or braiding process, although it is contemplated that the material may not be resilient. In such cases, other components may be used to bias trim assembly 100 toward the wearer's body surface. Such components may include, for example, drawstrings, elastic cords, or straps. Any and all aspects and variations thereof are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The trim component assembly 100 also includes an upper edge 102 and a lower edge 104. According to aspects herein, a draw cord channel 106 can be positioned on the trim component assembly 100 such that the draw cord channel 106 is operable to receive a draw cord. In an exemplary aspect, the draw cord channel 106 can be positioned between the outer surface 101 and the inner surface 103, although it is contemplated in other aspects that the draw cord channel 106 can be formed directly on the outer surface 101 or the inner surface 103 of the trim component assembly 100. For example, when a knitting or weaving process is used to form the outer surface 101, the knitting or weaving process can be modified to produce the draw cord channel 106. Similarly, when a knitting or weaving process is used to form the inner surface 103, the knitting or weaving process can be modified to produce the draw cord channel 106. Any and all aspects, and any variations thereof, are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

1 , the trim assembly 100 also includes a first set of apertures 108 that provide a communication path between the draw cord passage 106 and the interior surface 103 of the trim assembly 100. In other words, the draw cord 116 can extend through the draw cord passage 106 and exit the draw cord passage 106 via the first set of apertures 108. This is more clearly illustrated in FIG5 . In other words, the first set of apertures 108 extend from the draw cord passage 106 to the interior surface 103 of the trim assembly 100.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , the first set of holes 108 may include a first hole 109a and a second hole 109b, wherein the first hole 109a and the second hole 109b are both positioned a first distance 112 away from the front centerline 105 of the trim component assembly 100. The front centerline 105 is an imaginary centerline that divides the trim component assembly 100 into two substantially equal left and right halves. It does not actually exist and is provided as a means to facilitate the reader's understanding of aspects of this disclosure. As described herein, the first hole 109a and the second hole 109b are positioned equidistantly from the front centerline 105 on opposite sides of the front centerline 105. However, it is contemplated that the first hole 109a and the second hole 109b may be positioned unequally from the front centerline 105. In other words, the positions of the first hole 109a and the second hole 109b need not be symmetrical, and other asymmetrical positions of the first hole 109a and the second hole 109b are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , the trim component assembly 100 may also include a second set of holes 110 that may be positioned a second distance 114 away from the front centerline 105. In an exemplary aspect, the second set of holes 110 may extend from the exterior surface 101 to the interior surface 103, such that the second set of holes may be referred to as "through holes." In other words, the second set of holes 110 forms a communication path from the exterior surface 101 to the interior surface 103 of the trim component assembly 100. Additionally, the second set of holes 110 may also include a first hole 111 a and a second hole 111 b. Similar to the first set of holes 108, each hole in the second set of holes 110 may be positioned equidistant from the front centerline 105, although it is contemplated herein that the first and second holes 111 a, 111 b may not be symmetrically positioned relative to the front centerline 105.

Turning now to FIG. 2 , a rear view of the exemplary trim assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is depicted, according to aspects herein. Thus, while the front view of the trim assembly 100 shown in FIG. 1 provides a view of the exterior surface 101 , the rear view of the trim assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2 provides a view of the interior surface 103 . In FIG. 2 , a draw cord 116 is shown positioned within the draw cord channel 106 , with the end of the draw cord 116 shown exiting the draw cord channel 106 through the first set of holes 108 . Furthermore, FIG. 2 further illustrates the end of the draw cord 116 threaded through the second set of holes 110 , such that, as shown in FIG. 1 , the end of the draw cord 116 is positioned adjacent to the exterior surface 101 of the trim assembly 100 . This configuration is merely exemplary. As previously mentioned, the wearer can choose whether to thread the end of the draw cord 116 through the second set of holes 110 . When not threaded through the second set of holes 110 , the end of the draw cord 116 is positioned adjacent to the interior surface 103 of the trim assembly 100 . In this sense, the trim assembly 100 is reversible, allowing the wearer to determine whether the draw cord 116 is positioned adjacent the exterior surface 101 or the interior surface 103 of the trim assembly 100 .

2 , when the end of the draw cord 116 is optionally threaded through the second set of holes 110, a portion of the draw cord 116 extends along the inner surface 103 between the first set of holes 108 and the second set of holes 110, forming a small "loop." In other words, the "loop" includes the length of the draw cord 116 positioned between the first set of holes 108 and the second set of holes 110. This loop can be used when the wearer desires that the end of the draw cord 116 be positioned adjacent to the inner surface 103 of the trim assembly 100. A visual depiction of how the draw cord 116 can be manipulated is shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D .

FIG7A depicts a wearer threading the first end 118 of the draw cord 116 through the first hole 111a of the second set of holes 110 (the second end 118 of the draw cord 116 having already been threaded through the second hole 111b of the second set of holes 110). FIG7B depicts the resulting configuration after the ends 118 of the draw cord 116 have been threaded through the first hole 111a and the second hole 111b. As shown in FIG7B , the wearer can continue to pull the ends 118 of the draw cord 116 through the second set of holes 110. After the wearer has pulled the ends 118 to the desired length, the wearer can tie the bow or knot so that the bow or knot is positioned adjacent to the exterior surface 101 of the trim assembly 100.

When the wearer wishes to position the end 118 of the draw cord 116 adjacent to the inner surface 103 of the trim assembly 100, the wearer can utilize the "loop" positioned adjacent to the inner surface 103 to quickly pull the end 118 of the draw cord 116 back through the second set of holes 110. This is illustrated in FIG7C , which depicts the wearer inserting his or her finger into the "loop" formed between the first set of holes 108 and the second set of holes 110 of the draw cord 116. This movement allows the end 118 of the draw cord 116 to be easily pulled back into the interior of the trim assembly 100, positioning the end 118 of the draw cord 116 adjacent to the inner surface 103. The size of the "loop" can be adjusted by varying the length of the draw cord 116 threaded from the inner surface 103 to the outer surface 101 of the trim assembly 100 (e.g., a smaller length pulled through equates to a larger loop, while a larger length pulled through equates to a smaller loop).

7C has been completed, FIG7D depicts that the end 118 of the draw cord 116 is now positioned adjacent the interior surface 103 of the trim assembly 100. The wearer can then form the knot or bow so that it is positioned adjacent the interior surface 103 of the trim assembly 100.

Turning now to FIG. 3 , a front view of an exemplary trim assembly 100 is depicted incorporated into an article of apparel 300, according to aspects herein. In exemplary aspects, the article of apparel 300 may include shorts, pants, leggings, tights, capri, and the like. The article of apparel 300 is shown tilted slightly forward so that the inner surface 103 of the trim assembly 100 is visible on the back portion of the article of apparel 300. In FIG. 3 , a drawcord 116 is shown as including a drawcord end 118 and a drawcord mid-portion 120, wherein the drawcord mid-portion 120 is generally positioned within the drawcord channel 106. In the exemplary aspect shown in FIG. 3 , the drawcord end 118 is positioned adjacent to the outer surface 101 of the trim assembly 100. The drawcord end 118 can be tightened and tied, for example, in a knot or bow, to bias the trim assembly 100 radially inward, maintaining the waist of the article of apparel 300 against the wearer's body surface.

Turning now to FIG4 , a rear view of the article of apparel 300 shown in FIG3 is depicted in accordance with aspects herein. As shown in FIG4 , and as previously discussed, trim component 100 generally includes a first set of holes 108 that provide access to drawcord channel 106, wherein each hole in first set of holes 108 is positioned a first distance 112 away from front centerline 105 of trim component 100 on opposite sides of front centerline 105. Trim component 100 also includes a second set of holes 110 extending from outer surface 101 to inner surface 103 of trim component 100, wherein each hole in second set of holes 110 is positioned a second distance away from front centerline 105 of trim component 100 on opposite sides of front centerline 105. As also shown in FIG. 4 , the first set of holes 108 are generally positioned only on the interior surface 103 of the trim assembly 100 , and not on the exterior surface 101 of the trim assembly 100 , such that the first set of holes 108 provide communication between the draw cord channel 106 and the interior surface 103 of the trim assembly 100 .

4 , the second set of holes 110 is depicted as being positioned below the first set of holes 108 relative to the upper edge 102 of the trim component 100. As described herein, the terms "below" and "above" are given their standard anatomical meanings. Thus, when the second set of holes 110 is described as being positioned below the first set of holes 108, this means that the second set of holes 110 is generally positioned closer to the lower edge 104 of the trim component 100 than the first set of holes 108.

Aspects in which the second set of holes 110 are positioned at different locations relative to the first set of holes 108 are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary trim assembly 900 in which the first set of holes 108 and the second set of holes 110 are positioned substantially in line with one another. In other words, the first set of holes 108 and the second set of holes 110 are positioned the same distance from the upper edge 102 of the trim assembly 900. Additionally, FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary trim assembly 1000 in which the second set of holes 110 are positioned above the first set of holes 108 relative to the upper edge 102 of the trim assembly 1000.

According to aspects of the present invention, the decorative component assemblies described herein, such as decorative component assembly 100, can also be incorporated into upper body garments, such as sweatshirts, jackets, bras, etc. For example, as shown in FIG8 , decorative component assembly 100 has been incorporated into an upper body garment article 800. Although garment article 800 is shown as a jacket, it is contemplated herein that garment article 800 can be in the form of a shirt, a pullover, a hoodie, a vest, a camisole, a bra, or other types of support garments, etc. In the aspect shown in FIG8 , decorative component assembly 100 is generally positioned near the waistline of the wearer so that the upper body garment article 800 can be adjusted to fit snugly around the wearer's waist. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that decorative component assembly 100 can be positioned anywhere on the lower body garment article 300 or on the upper body garment article 800. For example, decorative component assembly 100 can be incorporated into a bra as a lining for the bra. Other examples of garments to which the trim assembly 100 may be incorporated include socks, wrist cuffs, jacket or shirt waistbands, hats, etc. Any and all aspects and any variations thereof are contemplated as being within the scope herein.

Referring to FIG5 , a top cross-sectional view of an exemplary trim component assembly 100 taken at cut line 5-5 of FIG1 is depicted, in accordance with aspects herein. In FIG5 , the trim component assembly 100 is shown as including an outer surface 101 and an inner surface 103, with a draw cord passage 106 positioned between the outer surface 101 and the inner surface 103. However, as previously discussed, aspects in which the draw cord passage 106 is not positioned between the outer surface 101 and the inner surface 103 are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. As seen in FIG5 and as previously discussed, a first set of apertures 108 provides a communication path between the inner surface 103 of the trim component assembly 100 and the draw cord passage 106. The first set of apertures 108 is positioned a first distance 112 away from the front centerline 105. However, as previously discussed, the first holes 109a and the second holes 109b in the first set of holes 108 may be positioned different distances away from the front centerline 105 such that the first holes 109a and the second holes 109b are asymmetrical with respect to the front centerline 105. Additionally, as seen in FIG5 , the first holes 109a are generally positioned on a first side of the front centerline 105, while the second holes 109b are generally positioned on an opposite second side of the front centerline 105.

Still referring to FIG. 5 , a second pair of holes 110 is depicted extending from the exterior surface 101 to the interior surface 103 of the trim component assembly 100. The second pair of holes 110 can be positioned a second distance 114 away from the front centerline 105, wherein the second distance 114 is less than the first distance 112. Similar to the first set of holes 108, the first holes 111a and the second holes 111b of the second set of holes 110 can be positioned at equal distances from the front centerline 105 or at different distances from the front centerline 105, such that the first holes 111a and the second holes 111b are asymmetrical relative to the front centerline 105. As stated, the second distance 114 is generally less than the first distance 112, however, aspects in which the second distance 114 is greater than or equal to the first distance 112 are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. Also similar to the first set of holes 108, the first holes 111a are generally positioned on a first side of the front centerline 105, while the second holes 111b are generally positioned on an opposite, second side of the front centerline 105. Additionally, FIG. 5 depicts that the second set of apertures 110 does not provide access to the drawstring passage 106 , but rather is offset from the drawstring passage 106 and extends between the outer surface 101 and the inner surface 103 , in accordance with aspects herein.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an exploded view of the exemplary trim assembly 100 of FIG. 1 is depicted in accordance with aspects herein. In FIG. 6 , the trim assembly 100 is depicted unfolded along the upper edge 102 so that the locations of the first set of holes 108 and the second set of holes 110 can be illustrated in greater detail. Because the trim assembly 100 has been unfolded, the upper edge 102 is now depicted as an imaginary longitudinal axis dividing the trim assembly 100 into an upper portion and a lower portion. When the trim assembly 100 is assembled, the portion of the trim assembly 100 located above or above the upper edge 102 is the inner surface 103 of the trim assembly 100. Similarly, according to aspects herein, when the trim assembly 100 is assembled, the portion of the trim assembly 100 located below or below the upper edge 102 is the outer surface 101 of the trim assembly 100. In exemplary aspects, grommets, such as those shown in FIG. 6 for the first set of holes 108, can be used to reinforce the holes 108. Although not shown, grommets can also be used to reinforce the second set of holes 110. Other reinforcement structures are contemplated herein for reinforcing holes 108 and/or 110, such as, for example, polyurethane, suture, thermoplastic polyurethane, fabric, silicone, rubber, plastic, metal, etc. Alternatively, first set of holes 108 or second set of holes 110 may not be reinforced.

As shown in FIG6 , the first set of holes 108 are positioned only on the inner surface 103 of the trim assembly 100, while the second set of holes 110 are positioned on both the inner surface 103 and the outer surface 101 of the trim assembly 100. In other words, when the trim assembly 100 is disassembled and laid flat as shown in FIG6 , the first set of holes 108 are positioned only on the upper portion of the trim assembly 100, while the second set of holes 110 are positioned on both the upper and lower portions of the trim assembly 100. Therefore, when the trim 100 is folded along the upper edge 102, the second set of holes 110 on the upper portion aligns with the second set of holes 110 on the lower portion of the trim assembly to form a communication path from the inner surface 103 to the outer surface 101 of the trim assembly 100.

The present invention has been described with respect to specific examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Certain features and subcombinations have utility and may be used without reference to other features and subcombinations and are considered within the scope of the present disclosure and claims.

Claims (19)

1. A decorative component assembly, comprising: The decorative element has an upper edge, a lower edge, an outer surface, an inner surface, a first continuous material layer, and a second continuous material layer, wherein the first continuous material layer forms the inner surface of the decorative element, and the second continuous material layer forms the outer surface of the decorative element. A pull cord channel is positioned on the decorative element and is formed between the first continuous material layer and the second continuous material layer; A first set of holes, providing an entrance to the pull cord channel, is positioned at a first distance away from the front centerline of the trim piece; and A second set of holes extends from the outer surface of the decorative element to the inner surface, the second set of holes being positioned at a second distance away from the front centerline of the decorative element, wherein the second set of holes extends through the first continuous material layer and the second continuous material layer; The second set of holes is positioned below or above the first set of holes relative to the upper edge of the decorative element. 2. The decorative component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 3. The decorative component assembly of claim 1, wherein the first set of holes comprises a first pair of holes, wherein a first hole of the first pair of holes is positioned on a first side of the front center line, and wherein a second hole of the first pair of holes is positioned on a second side of the front center line. 4. The decorative component assembly of claim 1, wherein the second set of holes includes a second pair of holes, wherein the first hole of the second pair of holes is positioned on a first side of the front center line, and wherein the second hole of the second pair of holes is positioned on a second side of the front center line. 5. The decorative component assembly of claim 1, wherein the first set of holes extends only through the first continuous material layer of the decorative component. 6. A belt assembly, comprising: A first continuous material layer forms the inner surface of the belt assembly; A second continuous material layer forms the outer surface of the belt assembly; A drawstring channel extends circumferentially around the belt assembly and terminates at the front portion of the belt assembly, the drawstring channel being formed between the first continuous material layer and the second continuous material layer; A first pair of holes, located at the front portion of the waistband assembly, are positioned on opposite sides of the front centerline of the waistband assembly at a first distance from the front centerline, providing an entrance to the drawcord channel; and The second pair of holes is located at the front portion of the belt assembly and is positioned on the opposite side of the front centerline of the belt assembly at a second distance from the front centerline. The second pair of holes extends from the outer surface of the belt assembly to the inner surface, wherein the second pair of holes extends through the first continuous material layer and the second continuous material layer. The second pair of holes is positioned below or above the first pair of holes relative to the upper edge of the belt assembly. 7. The belt assembly of claim 6, wherein the second distance is less than the first distance. 8. The belt assembly of claim 6, wherein the first pair of holes extends only through the first continuous material layer of the belt assembly. 9. The belt assembly of claim 6, wherein the second pair of holes is equidistant from the first pair of holes relative to the upper edge of the belt assembly. 10. A decorative element incorporated into clothing, the decorative element comprising: Inner surface, outer surface, upper edge, lower edge, first continuous material layer, and second continuous material layer; A pull cord channel is formed between the first continuous material layer and the second continuous material layer, wherein the pull cord channel extends circumferentially around the decorative element and terminates near the front center line of the decorative element; A first pair of holes, positioned a first distance away from the front centerline, extends only through the first continuous material layer and provides an entrance to the drawcord channel; and The second pair of holes is positioned at a second distance away from the front centerline and extends through the first continuous material layer and the second continuous material layer. The second pair of holes is positioned below or above the first pair of holes relative to the upper edge of the decorative element. 11. The decorative element according to claim 10, The first pair of holes includes a first hole positioned on a first side of the front centerline and a second hole positioned on a second side of the front centerline; and The second pair of holes includes a first hole positioned on the first side of the front center line and a second hole positioned on the second side of the front center line. 12. The decorative element according to claim 11 further includes a pull cord disposed in the pull cord channel, the pull cord having a pull cord end and a pull cord middle portion. 13. The decorative element according to claim 12, wherein each of the pull cord ends is adapted to exit the pull cord channel and pass through a corresponding hole in the first pair of holes, such that the pull cord end is positioned on the inner surface of the decorative element. 14. The decorative element according to claim 13, wherein each of the pull cord ends is further adapted to pass through a corresponding hole in the second pair of holes, such that the pull cord end is positioned on the outer surface of the decorative element. 15. The decorative element according to claim 10, wherein the first distance away from the front center line is greater than the second distance away from the front center line. 16. The decorative element according to claim 10, wherein the garment comprises a sweatshirt or a jacket. 17. The decorative element of claim 16, wherein the decorative element is incorporated into the sweatshirt or the jacket as a belt. 18. The decorative item according to claim 10, wherein the clothing includes trousers or shorts. 19. The decorative element of claim 18, wherein the decorative element is incorporated into the trousers or shorts as a belt.