He realised the potential value in his reinforced jeans concept , in 1872 .
He approached Levi Strauss , who was still his supplier of fabric , and asked for his financial backing in the filing of a patent application .
Realising the potential value in his reinforced jeans concept , in 1872 , he approached Levi Strauss , who was still his supplier of fabric , and asked for his financial backing in the filing of a patent application .