How Levi Strauss Invented the Copper-Riveted Jean Pocket
This 1873 patent describes the use of metal rivets to reinforce the corners of pockets on work pants, preventing them from ripping under heavy use.
Original patent title: “Improvement in fastening pocket-openings”
This 1873 patent describes the use of metal rivets to reinforce the corners of pockets on work pants, preventing them from ripping under heavy use. Granted to Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873 with 2 forward citations.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The patent describes a method for fastening pocket openings on clothing using metal rivets. By placing a copper rivet at the stress points where a pocket meets the waistband or side seam, the design prevents the fabric from tearing when the wearer carries heavy tools or items. This simple mechanical reinforcement transformed standard denim trousers into durable workwear.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover the use of thread or stitching for pocket reinforcement.
- Does not cover non-metal fastening methods like buttons or snaps.
- Does not cover the specific chemical composition of the denim fabric itself.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
It applied industrial-grade hardware technology to soft textiles, solving a persistent failure point in clothing through a simple, low-cost mechanical fix.
The Patent Drawing
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans
Traditional workwear trousers
Denim jackets with reinforced pockets
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This patent is the foundation of the modern blue jean. It turned a simple pair of pants into a tool for laborers during the American West, establishing Levi Strauss & Co. as a global brand.
Granted
May 20, 1873
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Levi Strauss & Co. continues to use this design as a core element of their brand identity. Many other denim manufacturers have adopted similar rivet reinforcement techniques as an industry standard for workwear.
Market impact
This patent effectively created the durable goods category for clothing. It allowed for the mass production of reliable work pants, which became a staple of the American economy and later a global fashion icon.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The patent describes a method for fastening pocket openings on clothing using metal rivets. By placing a copper rivet at the stress points where a pocket meets the waistband or side seam, the design prevents the fabric from tearing when the wearer carries heavy tools or items. This simple mechanical reinforcement transformed standard denim trousers into durable workwear.
The clever bit
It applied industrial-grade hardware technology to soft textiles, solving a persistent failure point in clothing through a simple, low-cost mechanical fix.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover the use of thread or stitching for pocket reinforcement.
- Does not cover non-metal fastening methods like buttons or snaps.
- Does not cover the specific chemical composition of the denim fabric itself.
Patent timeline
Application published, typically 18 months after filing
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Limited data
Citation count
10/40
Early citations
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
0/20
Older than 20 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$7K – $21K
Midpoint $13K · expired or expiring · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Citations
Patent lineage
Cite this patent
(1873). How Levi Strauss Invented the Copper-Riveted Jean Pocket (U.S. Patent No. 139,121). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/139121/blue-jeans-riveted-levi-strauss
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Levi Strauss Invented the Copper-Riveted Jean Pocket cover?
This 1873 patent describes the use of metal rivets to reinforce the corners of pockets on work pants, preventing them from ripping under heavy use.
Who owns patent US 139121?
Levi Strauss & Co. owns this patent, granted in 1873.
When does this patent expire?
This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.
What is patent US 139121 cited by?
This patent has been cited by 2 later patents that build on its ideas.
What problem does this patent solve?
This patent is the foundation of the modern blue jean. It turned a simple pair of pants into a tool for laborers during the American West, establishing Levi Strauss & Co. as a global brand.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover the use of thread or stitching for pocket reinforcement.
Patent monitoring