FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning clothing or jewelry items.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are various devices known in the prior art for providing clothing or jewelry items.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one or more embodiments of the present invention an apparatus is provided which includes one or more clothing items, such as a first clothing item and a second clothing item. The first clothing item may be comprised of a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion of the first clothing item is configured so that it can be attached to or detached from the first portion of the first clothing item. The second clothing item may be comprised of a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion of the second clothing item is configured so that it can be attached to or detached from the second portion of the second clothing item. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second portion of the first clothing item has a first design, and the second portion of the second clothing item has the first design.
The apparatus may be further comprised of a first alternate portion which can be attached to or detached from the first portion of the first clothing item in place of the second portion of the first clothing item. The apparatus may also be comprised of a second alternate portion which can be attached to or detached from the first portion of the second clothing item in place of the second portion of the second clothing item. Each of the first alternate portion and the second alternate portion may have a second design which is different from the first design.
Each of the first and second clothing item may be an item, such as for example, a cuff link, a tie knot cover, a button hole cover, a tie bar, a watch, a button stud, a bow tie knot cover, a ring, a necklace, or a bracelet. Each of the first clothing item and the second clothing item may be an item of jewelry.
One or more embodiments of the present application may also include a method comprising attaching a first clothing item to clothes on a person, and attaching a second clothing item to clothes on the person, while the first clothing item is attached to the person. The first and second clothing items may be as previously described.
The method may also include detaching the second portion of the first clothing item from the first portion of the first clothing item; and attaching a first alternate portion to the first portion of the first clothing item, wherein the first alternate portion can be attached or detached to the first portion of the first clothing item in place of the second portion of the first clothing item. The method may also include detaching the second portion of the second clothing item from the first portion of the second clothing item, and attaching a second alternate portion to the first portion of the second clothing item, wherein the second alternate portion can be attached or detached to the first portion of the second clothing item in place of the second portion of the second clothing item. The first alternate portion and the second alternate portion may be as previously described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of first and second portions of a cuff link in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the first and second portions of the cuff link shown in a separated or disassembled state;
FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of the first and second portions of the cuff link of FIG. 1A in an assembled state;
FIG. 2A shows a front view of the first portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2B shows a left side view of the first portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2C shows a top view of the first portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2D shows a bottom view of the first portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3A shows a front view of the second portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3B shows a top view of the second portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3C shows a bottom view of the second portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 3D shows a left side view of the second portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 4 shows a front view of the first and second portion of the cuff link of FIG. 1A in an assembled state;
FIG. 5A shows a top view of a third portion which can replace the second portion to form an assembled cuff link in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5B shows a top view of a fourth portion which can replace the second portion to form an assembled cuff link in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6A shows a front perspective view of a tie knot cover in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the tie knot cover shown in a closed state;
FIG. 6B shows a rear perspective view of the tie knot cover of FIG. 6A, with the tie knot cover shown in a open state;
FIG. 6C shows a rear perspective view of the tie knot cover of FIG. 6A, with the tie knot cover shown in a closed state;
FIG. 6D shows a left side perspective view of the tie knot cover of FIG. 6A, with the tie knot cover shown in a closed state;
FIG. 7A shows a front perspective view of a portion for attaching to the tie knot cover of FIG. 6A in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7B shows a rear perspective view of the portion of FIG. 7A with a chain shown inserted through two loops or hooks connected to or part of the portion of FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8A shows a front perspective view of another portion for attaching to the tie knot cover of FIG. 6A in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8B shows a front perspective view of yet another portion for attaching to the tie knot cover of FIG. 6A in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of the portion of FIG. 7A attached to the tie knot cover of FIG. 6A;
FIG. 10A shows a front view of a first portion of a tie tack shown in FIG. 12B;
FIG. 10B shows a left side view of the first portion of FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10C shows a top view of the first portion of FIG. 10A;
FIG. 10D shows a bottom view of the first portion of FIG. 10A;
FIG. 11A shows a front view of a second portion of the tie tack shown in FIG. 12B;
FIG. 11B shows a top view of the second portion of FIG. 11A;
FIG. 11C shows a bottom view of the second portion of FIG. 11A;
FIG. 11D shows a left side view of the second portion of FIG. 11A;
FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of the first and second portions of the tie tack of FIG. 12B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the first and second portions shown in a separated or disassembled state;
FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of the tie tack with the first and second portions in an assembled state;
FIG. 13A shows a top view of a portion which can replace the second portion of FIGS. 10A-D;
FIG. 13B shows a top view another portion which can replace the second portion of FIGS. 10A-D;
FIG. 14A shows a front perspective view of a bow tie knot cover in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the bow tie knot cover shown in an open state;
FIG. 14B shows a rear perspective view of the bow tie knot cover of FIG. 14A, with the bow tie knot cover shown in an open state;
FIG. 15A shows a front perspective view of a portion which can be attached to the bow tie knot cover of FIG. 14A;
FIG. 15B shows a front perspective view of another portion which can be attached to the bow tie knot cover of FIG. 14A;
FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of a tie bar and cover for attaching to a tie in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the tie bar and cover shown in a separated or disassembled state;
FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the tie bar and cover of FIG. 16A with the tie bar and cover attached to one another;
FIG. 17 shows a front view of a tie attached to a collar of a shirt worn by an individual, with the tie knot cover of FIGS. 6A-6D and the first attachment device of FIG. 7A attached to a tie knot of the tie, so that the tie knot is covered, and with the tie bar of FIG. 16A attached to an elongated strip of the tie;
FIG. 18 shows a front view of a tie attached to a collar of a shirt worn by an individual, with the tie knot cover of FIGS. 6A-6D and the first attachment device of FIG. 7A attached to a tie knot of the tie, so that the tie knot is covered, and with the tie tack of FIG. 12B attached to an elongated strip of the tie, and with a first chain attached to the tie knot cover and a second chain attached to the tie tack, and also with matching collar buttons;
FIG. 19 shows a front view of an individual having the bow tie knot cover attached to a bow tie which is attached to a collar, button studs or covers with designs for tuxedo shirt button holes, the cuff link of FIG. 1B attached to a shirt, a watch, and a ring;
FIG. 20A shows a perspective simplified view of a stud or button cover for use with one or more embodiments of the present invention, with the stud or button cover taken apart or in a disassembled state; and
FIG. 20B shows the stud or button cover of FIG. 20B in an assembled state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a first portion 102 and a second portion 120 of a cuff link 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The cuff link 100 is shown in a disassembled state in FIG. 1A. FIGS. 2A-2D show front, left, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the first portion 102 of the cuff link 100 of FIG. 1A. FIGS. 3A-3D show front, top, bottom, and left views respectively, of the second portion 120 of the cuff link 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 4 shows a front view of the portion 120 attached to the portion 100 to form an assembled cuff link 100.
Referring to FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-D, the first portion 102 includes base a 104, members 106a, 106b, 108, 110a, and 110b. The first portion 102 may be made of a metal such as silver, gold, or any other metal used for jewelry. The members 106a and 106b along with the base 104 form a slot 107. The members 110a and 110b along with the base 104 form a slot 111. The first portion 102 also includes a post 112 which is attached substantially perpendicular to the base 104.
The second portion 120 includes a base 121 on which is shown a design 122, which in this case is a star. The second portion 120 also includes protruding edges or ridges 124 and 128, and a slot 126.
In operation the second portion 120 can be attached to the first portion 102 to form an assembled cuff link 100 as shown in FIG. 1B. The edges 124 and 128 are slid or inserted into the slots 107 and 111 respectively to attach the second portion 120 to the first portion 102 and the member 108 is placed in the slot 126.
FIG. 5A shows a top view of a third portion 130 which can replace the second portion 120 to form an assembled cuff link in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The third portion 130 may be the same as the second portion 120 with the exception of a design 132 which is different from design 122 of the second portion 120. FIG. 5B shows a fourth portion 140 which can replace the second portion 120 to form an assembled cuff link with the first portion 102 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The fourth portion 140 may be the same as the second portion 120 except that design 142 differs from design 122.
FIG. 6A shows a front perspective view of a tie knot cover 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the tie knot cover 200 shown in a closed state. FIG. 6B shows a rear perspective view of the tie knot cover 200 of FIG. 6A, with the tie knot cover 200 shown in a open state. FIG. 6C shows a rear perspective view of the tie knot cover 200 of FIG. 6A, with the tie knot cover shown in a closed state. FIG. 6D shows a left side perspective view of the tie knot cover of FIG. 6A, with the tie knot cover shown in a closed state. A right side perspective view of the tie knot cover 200 is not shown but would be a mirror image of FIG. 6D.
The tie knot cover 200 is substantially coned shape so that it can cover a typical tie knot tied in a tie by an individual. The tie knot cover 200 has a peripheral wall 204, which surrounds a chamber 204 in which a tie knot would reside. A opening 204a leads into the chamber 204 and an opening 204b leads out of the chamber 204. The tie knot cover 200 includes attachment devices 206 and 208. The attachment device 206 includes a surrounding member or sleeve 206a and a slot 206b. The attachment device 208 includes a surrounding member or sleeve 208a and a slot 208b.
As shown in FIG. 6B, the tie knot cover 200 includes protrusions or tabs 210a and 210b which can be inserted into slots 212a and 212b, respectively, in order to close the tie knot cover into the state shown in FIG. 6C.
FIG. 7A shows a front perspective view of a portion 300 for attaching to the tie knot cover 200 of FIG. 6A in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B shows a rear perspective view of the portion 300 with a chain 320 shown inserted through two loops or hooks connected to or part of the first attachment device.
The portion 300 includes a peripheral wall 308 having ends 308a and 308b and a gap 310. The portion 300 has a design 306 on the outside of the peripheral wall 308.
FIG. 8A shows a front perspective view of a portion 330 having a design 332. FIG. 8B shows a front a front perspective view of a portion 240 having a design 342. Portions 330 and 340 may be the same as portion 300 with the exception of the designs 332 and 342, respectively, which differ from the design 306 of portion 300.
FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of the portion 300 of FIG. 7A attached to the tie knot cover 200 of FIG. 6A. The ends 308a and 308b are inserted into the slots 206b and 208b, respectively, in order to attach the portion 300 to the tie not cover 200. Either of the portions 330 or 340 may replace the portion 300 and be attached to the tie knot cover 200.
FIGS. 10A-D show front, left, top, and bottom views of a first portion 402 of a tie tack 400 shown in FIG. 12B. FIGS. 11A-D show a front, top, bottom, and left side views of a second portion 420 of the tie tack 400 shown in FIG. 12B. FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of the first and second portions 402 and 420, respectively, of the tie tack 400 of FIG. 12B in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the first and second portions, 402 and 420, respectively, shown in a separated or disassembled state. FIG. 12B shows a perspective view of the tie tack 400 with the first and second portions, 402 and 420, respectively, in an assembled state.
Referring to FIGS. 10A-10D and 12A-12B, the first portion 402 of the tie tack 400 includes members 406a, 406b, 408a, and 408b which are attached or fixed to a base 404. The members 406a and 406b and the base 404 form a slot 407 and the members 408a, 408b, and the base 404 form a slot 411. The first portion 402 also includes a pin member 410 having a sharp point 410a. The first portion 402 may be made of metal or another rigid material.
Referring to FIGS. 11A-11D and 12A-12B, the second portion 420 may be a flat metal plate. The second portion 420 may have a design 422, for example in the shape of a star as in FIG. 11B on a top surface 424a. The second portion 420 may have sides 424c, 424d, 424e, and 424f, as shown in FIG. 12A. The second portion 420 may have a bottom surface 424b in addition to top surface 424a.
The tie tack 400 may be assembled by inserting the sides or edges 424c and 424d of the portion 420 into the slots 407 and 411 of the portion 402 as shown in FIG. 12B. In the assembled form, the members 406b and 408b overlap a substantial portion of the portion 420 to hold the portion 420 in place. The tie tack 400 may include or may have attached thereto after being inserted into a tie, a stud 430 shown in FIG. 12B.
FIG. 13A shows a top view of a portion 440 which can replace the second portion 420 of FIGS. 10A-D. The portion 440 has a design 442 which is different from the design 422 of portion 420. The portion 440 may be otherwise the same as the portion 420. FIG. 13B shows a top view another portion 460 which can replace the second portion 420 of FIGS. 10A-D. The portion 460 has a design 462 which is different from the design 422 of portion 420 or design 442 of portion 440.
FIG. 14A shows a front perspective view of a bow tie knot cover 500 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the bow tie knot cover 500 shown in an open state. FIG. 14B shows a rear perspective view of the bow tie knot cover 500 of FIG. 14A, with the bow tie knot cover shown in an open state. The bow tie knot cover 500 may have a wall 502 which can be closed into a hollow cylindrical shape by pushing ends 502a and 502b together in order to attach attachment device 504a to attachment device 506a and in order to attach attachment device 504b and 506b. The attachment devices 504a and 504b may be posts which can be inserted into openings in the attachment devices 506a and 506b, respectively.
FIG. 15A shows a front perspective view of a portion 520 which can be attached to the bow tie knot cover 500 of FIG. 14A. The portion 520 may have a design 522. The portion 520 may have a wall 524 may shaped in the form of a hollow cylinder with the exception of a gap 526. The portion 520 can be slid over the knot cover 500 so that the wall 524 substantially over laps the wall 502 of the knot cover 500.
FIG. 15B shows a front perspective view of another portion 540 which can be attached to the bow tie knot cover 500 of FIG. 14A. The portion 540 may have a design 542. The portion 540 may have a wall 544 may shaped in the form of a hollow cylinder with the exception of a gap 546. The portion 540 can be slid over the knot cover 500 so that the wall 544 substantially overlaps the wall 502 of the knot cover 500.
FIG. 16A shows a perspective view of an apparatus 600 comprised of a tie bar 602 a and cover 620 for attaching to a tie in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the tie bar 602 and cover 620 shown in a separated or disassembled state. FIG. 16B shows a perspective view of the tie bar 602 and the cover 620 of FIG. 16A with the tie bar 602 and the cover 620 attached to one another to form apparatus 600.
The tie bar 602 may include a plate 604 and a clip 606. The tie bar 602 may be made of metal. The cover 620 may include members 622a, 622b, 626a, and 626b, and plate or base 624. The members 622a and 622b form a slot 623 and the members 626a and 626b form a slot 627. The cover 620 may include a design 628 which in this case is a star.
The cover 620 can be slid over the plate 604 so that edges or sides of the plate 604 lie inside of the slots 623 and 627 as shown in FIG. 16B.
In one or more embodiments the cover 620 may be used to expand the size of the tie bar 602 by leaving the cover 620 only partially on the tie bar 602. An additional cover, similar in appearance but slightly larger than cover 620 may then be placed over the cover 620 in an expandable tie bar embodiment.
FIG. 17 shows a front view of a tie 710 attached to a collar 702 of a shirt 700 worn by an individual, with the tie knot cover 200 of FIGS. 6A-6D and the portion or cover 300 of FIG. 7A attached to a tie knot 710b of the tie 710, so that the tie knot 710b is covered, and with the tie bar apparatus 600 of FIG. 16A attached to an elongated strip 710c of the tie 710. The tie includes a band 710a wound around a person's neck 700. The collar 702 includes portion 702a and 702b. The design 306 of the portion 300 attached to the tie knot cover 200 and the design 628 of the tie bar apparatus 600 are the same and/or are coordinated with each other. The portion 300 and the portion 620 of the tie bar apparatus 600 can be replaced with portions having different designs as previously described. In one or more embodiments, the designs selected for portion 300 and portion 620 or replacements for those portions can be coordinated, and in some embodiments they may not be coordinated.
FIG. 18 shows a front view of the tie 710 attached to the collar 702 of a shirt worn by an individual, with the tie knot cover 200 of FIGS. 6A-6D and the portion or cover 300 of FIG. 7A attached to the tie knot 710b of the tie 710, so that the tie knot 710b is covered, and with the tie tack 400 of FIG. 12B attached to the elongated strip 710c of the tie 710, and with a chain 320 attached to the tie knot cover 200 and cover or portion 300 and a second chain 800 attached to the tie tack 400. The design 306 of the portion 300 attached to the tie knot cover 200 and the design 422 of the tie tack 400 are the same and/or are coordinated with each other. The portion 300 and the portion 420 of the tie tack apparatus 400 can be replaced with portions having different designs as previously described. In one or more embodiments, the designs selected for portion 300 and portion 420 or replacements for those portions can be coordinated, and in some embodiments they may not be coordinated.
FIG. 18 may also include tuxedo shirts collar button covers 712a and 712b having designs 713a and 713b which may be the same as the designs shown 422 and 306.
FIG. 19 shows a front view of an individual having the bow tie knot cover 500 with the portion 520 attached to a bow tie 910 which is attached to a collar 902, a pair of button covers 920 and 922 attached to buttons, not shown, the cuff link 100 of FIG. 1B attached to a shirt 904, a watch 930, and a ring 940. The collar includes portions 902a and 902b. The bow tie 910 includes triangular shaped end portions 910a and 910c and central or knot portion 910b. The button covers 920 and 922 include designs 920a and 922a, which in this example are the same and in this example is a star. The watch 930 includes attached design portions 932 and 936 which have the same star designs 932a and 936a, in this example. The watch 930 includes a time piece 934 which may have hour, minute and second hands or may have a digital display for time. The ring 940 includes a design 940a.
The designs 522, 920a, 922a, 122, 932a, 936a, and 940a may be substantially the same and/or coordinated with each other. The portions or covers 520, 920, 120, 932, 936, and 940 can be replaced with portions having different designs. In one or more embodiments, the designs selected for portions or covers 520, 920, 120, 932, 936, and 940 or replacements for those portions or covers can be coordinated, and in some embodiments they may not be coordinated.
In one embodiment other items, such as other items of jewelry may be provided such as a necklace or a bracelet. The necklace and/or bracelet and/or other items may include designs which may be similar to or identical to the designs 522, 920a, 922a, 122, 932a, 936a, and 940a referred to previously. Removable plates may be provided, for attaching or detaching from the necklace and/or bracelet. These removable plates and/or pendants, may have one or more designs which may match other clothing items and/or be coordinated with designs of other clothing items in one or more embodiments.
FIG. 20A shows a perspective simplified view of a stud or button cover 1000 for use with one or more embodiments of the present invention, with the stud or button cover 1000 shown taken apart or in a disassembled state. The stud 1000 includes top portion 1002, stud case 1010, and bottom portion 1012. The top portion 1002 includes a disk 1004 having a design 1008 which may be the same as the designs 522, 920a, 922a, 122, 932a, 936a, and 940a shown in FIG. 19. The top portion 1002 also includes a stem or rod 1006. The top portion 1002 may be replaced with other top portions having designs different from design 1008. The stud case 1010 may be a rigid, metal hollow cylinder having an opening 1010a into which the stem 1006 can be inserted. The bottom portion 1012 may have a cylinder 1014 and a disk 1016. The cylinder 1014 may have an opening 1014a into which the stem 1006 can be inserted. The cylinder 1014 can be inserted into the opening 1010a of the stud case 1010.
FIG. 20B shows the stud or button cover 1000 of FIG. 20B in an assembled state. In FIG. 20B, the stem 1006 of the top portion 1002 has been inserted into the opening 1010a and into the opening 1014a. The stem 1014 has been inserted into the opening 1010a so that the stud case 1010 surrounds the stem 1014 of the bottom portion 1012. The top portion 1002, the case 1010, and the bottom portion 1012 can be snapped together to form the assembled stud or button cover 1000. The stud 1000 may be inserted into button holes of a shirt and may be used in place of covers 920 and 922.
Each of the button covers 920 and 922 in FIG. 19 may be or may be replaced by a button stud such as the button stud 1000 shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. The button stud 1000 may be inserted into a tuxedo shirt button hole. The top portion 1002 may be replaced by another top portion or stud head having a different design. The top portion 1002, and other inter-changeable stud heads or top portions with different designs not shown, are configured so that they can detach and re-attach thru a shirt button hole and snap in place within a stud base or bottom portion, such as 1012. Because of this function there is now a larger space in diameter on the stud head or top portion 1002.
Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art.
