Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis patent riveted blue jeans

Background. Jacob Davis, a tailor, developed a method to strengthen work pants using rivets to reinforce weak points in seams. He purchased cloth from Levi Strauss & Co. In 1872, Davis approached Strauss for financial backing to file a patent application for this reinforced clothing concept. Strauss agreed to partner with Davis, leading to the issuance of a U.S. patent.

Patent Details. U.S. Patent No. 139,121, titled "Improvement in Fastening Pocket-Openings," was issued on May 20, 1873. The patent covered the use of copper rivets to strengthen pocket seams in workwear. The patent was one-half assigned to Levi Strauss & Co. The legacy row's date of 1874 is incorrect based on the supplied sources, which consistently state 1873.

Historiography. The term "blue jeans" was already in use for workwear before the patent. The patent specifically covered the addition of copper pocket rivets. The legacy row's claim of a $13.50 price per dozen is not supported by the supplied passages. The patent date is widely recorded as May 20, 1873, contradicting the legacy row's 1874 date.