Collar Protector

Abstract

A collar protector comprises a patch mount that is attached to the back portion of a shirt collar. A collar shield removeably attaches to the patch mount and covers a back portion of a wearer's neck preventing staining and discoloration of the shirt's collar. In one embodiment, the user applies a scent to the collar shield to release a pleasing odor while wearing the shirt. As the collar shield becomes stained, it is replaced with a new one keeping the shirt from being soiled. In one embodiment, a hook and loop attachment system is used to removeably attach the collar shield to the patch mount. In one embodiment, the collar shield is made of a fabric that matches the shirt.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 60/895,828, filed Mar. 15, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As soon as humans began dressing, the problem of keeping the clothes clean became apparent. Of course, the issue of “ring around the collar” was not a major issue until modern times with the advent of the button up shirt and a heightened expectation of personal hygiene. The propensity of shirts to discolor around the neck is especially noticeable on white and other light colored shirts. The custom of wearing a necktie only exacerbates the problem by causing some wearers to sweat and the sweat concentrates around the neckline causing the discoloration which is generally permanent despite washing.

There is a need for an inexpensive, comfortable and easy to use device to eliminate the problem of collar discoloration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A collar protector comprises a patch mount that is attached to the back portion of a shirt collar. A collar shield removeably attaches to the patch mount and covers a back portion of a wearer's neck preventing staining and discoloration of the shirt's collar. In one embodiment, the user applies a scent to the collar shield to release a pleasing odor while wearing the shirt. As the collar shield becomes stained, it is replaced with a new one keeping the shirt from being soiled. In one embodiment, a hook and loop attachment system is used to removeably attach the collar shield to the patch mount. In one embodiment, the collar shield is made of a fabric that matches the shirt.

Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collar protector attached to a shirt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a patch mount secured to a shirt according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a collar protector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a patch mount 130 is secured to a shirt collar 110 located on a shirt 120. Patch mount 130 is sewed on collar 110. Other attachment means may be used to secure patch mount 130 to shirt collar 110 such as glue, temperature activated adhesives or a combination therein. A collar shield 100 removeably attaches to patch mount 130 to protect collar 110 from stains or discoloration. Additionally, collar shield 100 absorbs sweat that tends to accumulate around the neck of a user. In one embodiment, a hook 140 and loop 150 system is used to removeably attach collar shield 100 to patch mount 130.

The “loop” or “pile” 150 side of the hook 140 and loop 150 system may be used on collar 110 side so that the softer loop 150 portion is towards the neck of the user (not shown). This allows shirt 120 to be worn comfortably even without using collar shield 100. Other removable fastening means including snaps, zippers or other means suitable for allowing a user to replace collar shield 100 may be used as is known in the art.

In one embodiment, the user applies cologne, perfume, body oil or other scent to collar shield 100. As the user wears shirt 120, the scent is released especially if the user tends to perspire such as in a stressful or physically demanding situation. Collar shield 100 is made from cloth and may be manufactured to match the pattern and texture of shirt 120. This is most easily accomplished if produced by the manufacturer of shirt 120 using the same material, but the match does not have to be perfect allowing an aftermarket producer to coordinate a complementary material that is attractive but not necessarily a perfect match. In one embodiment, collar shield 100 is made of a transparent material such as plastic so that collar shield 100 is not noticeable.

Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A collar protector comprising:

a patch mount fixedly attached to a shirt collar;

a collar shield removeably disposed on said patch mount wherein said collar shield may be removed and replaced as desired.

2. A collar protector according to claim 1 wherein said patch mount has a loop strip attached to an interior facing side therein and said collar shield has a complementary hook strip facing said loop strip.

3. A collar protector according to claim 1 wherein said collar shield is made of the same material as said shirt collar.

4. A collar protector according to claim 1 wherein said collar shield is made of a material selected to coordinate with said shirt collar.

5. A collar protector according to claim 1 wherein said collar shield has a scent applied therein before attachment to said patch mount.

6. A collar protector according to claim 1 wherein said patch mount is fixedly attached to said shirt collar with thread.

7. A collar protector according to claim 1 wherein said collar shield is transparent.

8. A collar protector according to claim 1 wherein said collar shield is made of an absorbent material.

9. A collar protector comprising:

a patch mount fixedly attached to a shirt collar;

a collar shield;

an attachment means for removeably attaching said collar shield to an inner exposed surface of said patch mount wherein said collar shield may be removed and replaced as desired.

10. A collar protector according to claim 9 wherein said attachment means is a hook and loop fastener.

11. A collar protector according to claim 10 wherein said collar shield has a plurality of hooks attached whereby said plurality of hooks removeably interact with a plurality of hoops disposed on said inner exposed surface.

12. A collar protector according to claim 9 wherein said attachment means is a removable adhesive.