After Levi's patented the rivets in 1873, other manufacturers experimented with alternative methods of reinforcement. In 1874, the Greenebaum Brothers introduced a triangular cowhide patch sewn onto jeans to enhance their durability. However, Levi's metal stud design proved to be more practical, leading to the gradual abandonment of this time-consuming cowskin reinforcement technique. Nevertheless, today, it is regarded as a captivating design element with historical significance.