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100 Years Of Copper Rivets

Edition #95: Spring 2003

Copper reinforcing rivets, now standard on most brands of jeans, originated in 1873.Copper reinforcing rivets, now standard on most brands of jeans, originated in 1873. Acomplaint from a hard-working customer that his pants pockets often ripped inspired tailor Jacob Davis to reinforce the pockets with copper rivets. They were so effective that Davis, based in Reno, Nevada, decided to patent the concept. When he couldn't afford the fees for the patent, he asked Levi Strauss, from whom he bought tough fabrics, for help. In return for the fees, Davis shared the patent with Levi Strauss & Company, San Francisco. After the patent expired, many other garment manufacturers began to reinforce their work clothing with copper rivets.

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