MULTI-PART BOW TIES

Abstract

Multi-part bow ties are described. Such bow ties include at least a proximal panel that can easily be detached from a distal panel. The proximal and distal panels can be made from different fabrics, fabrics having different colors and/or patterns, etc., and thus enable a user to create bow ties wherein the distal and proximal panels have a different appearance.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns neckwear apparel, particularly bow ties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bow ties are well known. By the time of the Industrial Revolutions in the mid- to late-1800's, neckties and bow ties began to appear. Bow ties are a much smaller, more convenient version of the cravat. Conventional bow ties are made from of a ribbon of fabric symmetrically tied around the collar of a man's dress shirt such that the two opposite ends form loops. FIG. 1 shows different types of conventional bow ties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides bow ties that each comprises a first panel detachably connected to a second panel. Any suitable multipart connector or fastener configured for easy, rapid disconnection can be employed, including mechanical and/or magnetic connectors fasteners. As will be appreciated, the distal end of the first panel includes a connector component that is complementary to the connector component at the distal end of the second panel.

In preferred embodiments, the first and second panels are made from different fabrics, fabrics having one or more different color(s), and/or fabrics having one or more different patterns.

In some embodiments, a bow tie of the invention further includes one or more intervening panels disposed between the first and second panels.

Another aspect of the invention concerns kits that include a bow tie of the invention and instructions for use.

Still other aspects of the inventions relate to methods of making and tying bow ties of the invention.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following drawings, detailed description, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a drawing that shows two conventional bow tie embodiments, (A) a bow tie having “butterfly wings” (1a, 1b) and (B) a bow tie having “bat wings” (2a, 2b).

FIGS. 2-7 illustrate representative embodiments of the invention.

As those in the art will appreciate, the following detailed description describes certain preferred embodiments of the invention in detail, and is thus only representative and does not depict the actual scope of the invention. Before describing the present invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular aspects and embodiments described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A bow tie is a type of necktie, most often worn by men. Unlike conventional bow ties, which are made from one or more pieces of fabric that are stitched or otherwise permanently attached or connected, bow ties of the invention comprise at least two panels that can be readily detached or disconnected to facilitate mixing and matching of different colors, patterns, and/or fabrics. This allows a user to create bow ties wherein the distal and proximal panels have a different appearance.

Preferably, each panel represents one-half (or less) of a bow tie, and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. Depending upon the type of bow tie, for example, a double-ended type (i.e., where the proximal ends of both panels are typically visible to viewers when the bow tie is worn; each end may be the same or a different shape) or a single-ended type (i.e., where the proximal end of only one panel is visible to viewers when the bow tie is worn), the proximal portions are typically those that are seen when a bow tie is worn and which are looped or tied about each other when tying a bow tie. The distal portion generally refers to the portion of a bow tie panel that associates with a shirt collar (when a shirt is worn under the bow tie) and which is used to connect the panel to another bow tie panel that has a complementary connector at its distal end.

Ready detachment of the two panels can be accomplished using any suitable multipart connector, including Velcro, a snap, or any other mechanical connector, a magnetic connector, combinations of mechanical and magnetic connectors, etc. in which the complementary connecting components can easily and rapidly be disconnected from each other.

As with neckties, bow ties are generally unsized. However, because the invention allows for easy, rapid disconnection or detachment of bow tie panels, the invention also envisions embodiments wherein one or more additional intervening panels may be included. An intervening panel also has proximal and distal ends. Intervening panels allow for other fabrics or materials to be included in a bow tie, as well as for adjustment of the length of the bow tie panels. In embodiments where one or more intervening panels are included, the panels at the ends of the bow tie are referred to as the end panels, which are typically intended as the decorative or fashion components of the bow tie. An intervening panel will include complementary connector components at its proximal and distal ends to allow it to be easily and rapidly connected and disconnected to and from one or more of the other panels to which it is connected. In some embodiments that employ one or intervening panels, the connectors that connect some of the panels may not be configured for rapid detachment or disconnection; however, the bow tie will include at least two panels that may be rapidly disconnected using any suitable connector or fastener. Those in the art will appreciate that proximal and distal panels, and any intervening panel(s), will be sized as desired.

The bow tie panels for bow ties of the invention can be made of any suitable cloth or fabric material. Silk, polyester, and cotton are preferred, although blends or mixtures of these and/or other materials are also envisioned. One exciting benefit of the invention is that allows for panels made from different fabrics to be easily joined. This allows the owner of several different panels to “mix and match” her/his panels to create bow ties having panels that different colors, different patterns, are made from different materials, have different shapes, etc. Additionally, a user can switch the first and second panels, such that what in one tie was the second panel becomes the first panel and what was the first panel in the first tie becomes the second panel in the second tie. Accordingly, the bow ties of the invention will allow a wearer to more optimally customize and personalize her/his bow tie to a particular outfit or occasion, particularly when the user has two, three, four, or more different panels that can be used as first or second panels in accordance with the invention.

To assemble a bow tie of the invention for use as a fashion accessory, two or more desired panels are selected. In embodiments that utilize only two panels, one panel will be a proximal panel, the other a distal panel. The proximal and distal panels are joined through their respective complementary connector components prior to tying the bow tie. In embodiments where at least one intervening panel is employed, the intervening panel is inserted between the proximal and distal panels. As will be appreciated, the first and panels of the invention are joined distal end to distal end when no intervening panels are used. When an intervening panel is used, is includes at each of its end a connector component that is complementary to the connector component on the distal end of the first or second panel to which it is to be connected.

Bow ties are worn for decorative purposes around the neck, typically resting on or under the shirt collar and knotted at the throat. Many different ways of tying bow ties are known, and any of them can be used to a tie a bow tie of the invention. A particularly preferred method of tying is the common shoelace (or bow) knot.

Representative Embodiments

FIGS. 2-6 are drawings that show representative, non-limiting examples of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a 2-part bow tie (10) that is made by joining first and second panels (11, 12). The first and second panels (11, 12) each includes a proximal end (16, 18) that has a “bat wing” or “Cricket handle” shape and a distal end (15, 17) that includes a connector component (13, 14) to form 2-part connector the parts of which can be easily disconnected, thereby allowing rapid, easy disconnection of the first and second panels. Here, the connector comprises a loop (13) and hook (14).

FIG. 3 is an illustration showing a 2-part bow tie (20) that is made by joining first and second panels (21, 22). The first and second panels (21, 22) each includes a proximal end that has a “butterfly ” shape and a distal end that includes a connector component (23, 44) to form 2-part connector the parts of which can be easily disconnected, thereby allowing rapid, easy disconnection of the first and second panels. Here, the connector comprises a threaded receptacle (23) re receive a post having complementary threads (24).

FIG. 4 shows a 2-part bow tie (30) that is made by joining first and second panels (31, 32). The first and second panels (31, 32) each includes a proximal end that has a “butterfly” shape and a distal end that includes a connector component (33, 34) to form 2-part magnetic connector the parts of which can be easily separated, thereby allowing rapid, easy disconnection of the first and second panels.

FIG. 5 shows a 3-part bow tie (10) that is made by joining first and second panels (41, 42) through an intervening panel (43). The first and second panels (41, 42) each includes a proximal end that has a “bat wing” or “Cricket handle” shape and a distal end that includes a connector component (44, 45). The first panel (41) is joined to the intervening panel (43) via the connector component (44) at the distal end of the first panel and the connector component (46) at one end of the intervening panel (43). The second panel (42) is joined to the intervening panel (43) via the connector component (45) at the distal end of the second panel and the connector component (47) at other end (47) of the intervening panel (43). Each of the connectors is a 2-part connector the parts of which can be easily disconnected, thereby allowing rapid, easy disconnection of two or more of the first, second, and intervening panels (41, 42, 43).

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment similar to that depicted in FIG. 2. The 2-part bow tie (50) is made by joining first and second panels (51, 52) through an easily detached 2-part connector. The first and second panels (51, 52) each includes a proximal end that has a “bat wing” or “Cricket handle” shape and a distal end that includes a connector component to form 2-part connector the parts of which can be easily disconnected, thereby allowing rapid, easy disconnection of the first and second panels. Here, the first panel (51) and second panel (52), are made from fabric having a different color, pattern, etc., as exemplified by the cross-hatching on the first panel (51) and the dotted hatching on the second panel (52).

FIG. 7 shows a 2-part bow tie (60) that is made by joining first and second panels (61, 62). The first and second panels (61, 62) each includes a proximal end (63, 64) that has a “bat wing” or “Cricket handle” shape and overlapping distal ends (65, 66) that include a connector component (67, 68) to form 2-part Velcro connector the parts of which can be easily disconnected, thereby allowing rapid, easy disconnection of the first and second panels.

The invention illustratively described herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element(s) not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, in each instance herein any of the terms “comprising”, “consisting essentially of”, and “consisting of” may be replaced with either of the other two terms. The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention that in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. Thus, it should be understood that although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, modification and variation of the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims

Claims

1. A bow tie, comprising a first panel detachably connected to a second panel.

2. A bow tie according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second panels comprises a connector component at its distal end, and wherein the connector components complementary are complementary.

3. A bow tie according to claim 2, wherein the connector components comprise a mechanical and/or magnetic connector.

4. A bow tie according to claim 1, wherein the first and second panels are each comprised of a different fabric, fabric having a different color, and/or fabric having a different pattern.

5. A bow tie according to claim 1 that further comprises an intervening panel between the first and second panels.

6. A kit, comprising a bow tie according to claim and instructions for use.