Reversible no-tie necktie

Abstract

A reversible no-tie necktie with integrated, reversible, restraint and a reversible knot structure encompassing: added capabilities, ease of use and maintenance, and a streamlined manufacturing process. The reversible knot structure fastens about the necktie's main body. The reversible necktie retains prima facie traditional necktie aesthetics on its own and also retains such an appearance when the knot structure is secured in place. An integrated restraint is provided for means of confining the necktie's rear section ends from frontal view and may also be used for means of securing the necktie to a shirt.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention described herein is a continuation of Provisional Application No. 60/451,129 filed Feb. 28, 2003.

[0006] The present invention relates to an article of apparel known as a necktie. More specifically, the present invention relates to a completely reversible necktie with an integrated restraint. The present invention embodies a versatile ‘no-tie’ capability that is straightforward, timesaving and does not require nimbleness, advanced coordination or dexterity of the wearer. The present invention requires minimal effort to assemble, yet retains the frontal aesthetics of a traditionally tied necktie. The present invention is completely reversible, while retaining all of its functionality.

[0007] The present invention also embodies the traditional appearances of a necktie, whereby the two-piece body construction, connecting at or near the center neckband section of the tie, allows for the materials' patterns to remain aesthetically consistent with a traditional necktie. The traditional appearance of a necktie is further promoted by the ‘no-tie’ knot structure of the tie, as traditional, hand-tied neckties show the fabric pattern on the knot in a perpendicular relationship to the fabric pattern on the tie's main body.

[0008] The present invention explained herein also provides the wearer with added convenience and versatility over prior art reversible neckties through its embodiment of an integrated restraint. The restraint allows for the tie's rear section to remain out of view when worn and also allows for the necktie to be secured to a shirt, retaining the tie's proper placement on the body.

[0009] 2. Description of Known Information

[0010] Reversible neckties are not new in invention. Reversible neckties have been patented for over a century. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 704,569 to Oppenheimer and 2,825,904 to Klaus disclose forms of reversible neckties that when reversed, reveal the ties' lining. These inventions are not in keeping with traditional aesthetics of a necktie.

[0011] Others have also found methods of construction and manufacturing reversible neckties. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,825 to Hughes discloses a single piece construction for the face of the necktie that is also not consistent with the traditional aesthetics of a necktie. The single piece construction also presents itself as inferior in durability around the neck portion of the tie. U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,007 to Gaffney discloses a reversible necktie in which the fabric is folded in a manner so as to create the points of the tie ends. This process is not only cumbersome in procedure; it also creates excess bulk at the tie's ends, thus compromising the streamlined aesthetics of the apparel. The aforementioned Gaffney invention also involves a process that encompasses grippers and a special attaching device in order to secure the tie's two material faces to one another during construction. This employs unnecessary capital equipment to the process of securing the material sections together during assembly. U.S. Pat. No. D341,929 to Gaffney also reveals a non-traditional reversible necktie design in its appearance and single-piece construction.

[0012] No-tie neckties are also not new inventions. Many versions of simulated knots have been presented such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,075 to Bea, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,118 to Paduano, Sr., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,000,523 to Woods. These inventions present simulated necktie knots that are rigid in nature. This rigidity presents two issues: one, the knot's fabric is subject to more wear and tear by being attached to a rigid substance and two, the rigid nature of the knot presents an issue when laundering or cleaning the garment.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,270 to Phillips, et al. discloses a pre-formed knot that slides onto the necktie. This knot is not reversible and requires one to pleat the tie in order to create the dimple associated with a traditionally tied necktie. Pleating the tie requires unnecessary wrinkles in the tie's face. Sliding the knot portion onto the tie also causes excess wear and tear on the tie. U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,319 to Simon presents similar issues. In addition, the material used to fabricate the rigid knot components also invokes excess costs and further complicates the manufacturing process.

[0014] Integrated tie-end restraints are also not new in invention. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,800,661 to Berghein uses the folded over face of the tie and a loop to secure the rear tie end to the inside of the tie's front face. This invention is not reversible in nature and is meant to tie in the traditional, hand-tied manner requiring a certain level of skill to create the knot and manipulate the tie to the appropriate length so that the tie's end may be secured by the loop. U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,118 to Paduano, Sr. uses a tie end restraint that requires altering the appearance of the shirt onto which the tie is to be secured.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The essential nature of the claimed invention is a necktie that is reversible no-tie necktie, allowing for versatility through its dual nature and an easy no-be application that does not compromise the traditional aesthetics of hand-tied necktie. The reversible necktie also embodies an integrated restrainer that is also completely reversible. The integrated restraint may be used to contain the tie's end from view, by retaining the tie's rear section within the bounds of the inside of the tie's front face, and or to secure the tie to a shirt.

[0016] The present invention is comprised of a reversible necktie main body and a reversible necktie knot structure. The necktie main body and knot structure are created in the similar manner and by a similar manufacturing method, thereby offering a streamlined, rationalized and economical manufacturing process.

[0017] Each respective face side of the reversible main body of the necktie is comprised of two material sections that are combined to create a prima facie traditional necktie. This fusion of parts creates a more durable necktie in the neckband section of the tie, where a necktie tends to receive much of its wear and tear. This fusion also further promotes the traditional aesthetic of a necktie, as the customary assembly of traditional neckties establishes such a seam.

[0018] The knot structure of my invention is also reversible and is comprised of two material sections with male and female connection mechanisms placed on opposite face sides and at opposing ends of the structure. Prior art knot structures are comprised of rigid materials requiring additional materials and capital to create. These rigid knots do not lend themselves to easy care. The present invention's knot structure lends itself to easy care, as it may be washed, dry-cleaned and ironed without disassembling its parts or without special handling due to rigidity.

[0019] The rigid knot structures also pose wear and tear issues. The present invention's knot structure simply wraps around the body of the tie and is thereby subject to less wear and tear and wrinkling on the tie's main body. The present invention's knot structure is also subject to less wear and tear itself. Furthermore, rigid knot structures do not lend themselves to the present invention's reversible nature.

[0020] Prior art reversible neckties and pre-knotted neckties require additional manipulation before tying to either correctly place the tie in the appropriate position on the body, so as to achieve the appropriate or desired length of the main body, or require the wearer to conform to a pre-determined placement of the knot structure on the body; thereby fixing the length of the tie. In order to avoid the unsightly rear section of a tie's main body from revealing itself from behind a tie's main body, front-facing section, or to secure a tie to a shirt, further manipulation is then required to secure a separate device to a tie and or to secure the device to a tie and to the wearer's shirt. Whereas, the present invention allows one to simply position the tie's main body in the desired length, wrap the knot structure in place, tuck the tie's rear section into the integrated restraint, and if desired, fasten the restraint to a shirt's button so that the tie may be secured in proper placement in relation to the body.

[0021] Prior art tie end restraints require either a separate appliance to achieve a consistent placement of the tie on the body or require an alteration of other articles of clothing in order to secure the tie in place.

[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a reversible necktie that is more durable in its construction.

[0023] It is an object of the present invention to provide a reversible necktie that emulates a traditional necktie's prima facie appearance.

[0024] It is an object of the present invention to provide a no-tie necktie with a knot structure that is reversible, flexible in nature and easy to manipulate, thereby requiring less time and effort to apply and adjust the knot structure to the main body of the tie.

[0025] It is an object of the present invention to set forth a reversible necktie, with a traditional hand-tied appearance, that provides the user with a simplistic means of creating said appearance.

[0026] It is an object of the present invention to provide a necktie that retains the tie's rear section within the confines of the interior, or backside, of the main body's front-facing section of the neck-tie.

[0027] It is an object of the invention to allow for the capability of the integrated restraint to attach to a shirt button to further promote the traditional placement of a necktie in relation to one's body.

[0028] It is an object of the present invention to provide a reversible necktie that is easy to wear and assemble and is extendible to all humans as well as some pets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0029] For the purposes of depicting the reversible nature of the present invention, one of the face sides, face 1, will be represented with stripes and the other face side, face 2, will be represented as a solid.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a front view of the reversible necktie's main body during assembly; depicting a striped front section of face 1 and the reverse side, or wrong material side, of the rear section of face 1.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a front view of the assembled knot structure; depicting the placement of the male removal and attachment mechanism on face 2 of the knot structure and the stitch lines of the female removal and attachment mechanism; depicting its placement on face 1 of the knot structure.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a front view of face 2 of the restraint; depicting a buttonhole that allows the tie's body to be secured to a shirt.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a rear view of face 2 of the reversible necktie's main body; depicting the placement of the tie restraint.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the reversible necktie's main body and the reversible knot structure; depicting each face side of the reversible necktie's main body and face 1 of the reversible knot structure.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the reversible knot structure; depicting placement of the reversible knot structure about the necktie's main body.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a front view of the reversible necktie's main body after the reversible knot structure is in place.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the reversible necktie's main body, knot structure and restraint in place.

[0038] Reference Numberals:

[0039] 10 necktie main body

[0040] 12 necktie knot structure

[0041] 14 restraint

[0042] 16 main body face 1

[0043] 16A main body face 1, front section

[0044] 16B main body face 1, neckband section

[0045] 16C main body face 1, rear section

[0046] 18 main body face 2

[0047] 18A main body face 2, front section

[0048] 18B main body face 2, neckband section

[0049] 18C main body face 2, rear section

[0050] 20 knot structure face 1

[0051] 22 knot structure face 2

[0052] 24 knot structure male attachment and removal mechanism

[0053] 26 knot structure female attachment and removal mechanism

[0054] 28 restraint face 1

[0055] 30 restraint face 2

[0056] 32 restraint securing means

[0057] 34 loop

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] FIG. 1 refers to the fusion of face 1 of the reversible necktie's main body 16. Face 1 of the reversible necktie's main body 16 consists of a separate front section 16A and a separate rear section 16C. Each front and rear section of said faces are made of similar materials, so that one face resembles a particular material, having a special color or design, and the other face resembling another material, having a special color or design.

[0059] The face sides 20 and 22 of the reversible necktie's knot structure correspondingly resemble the respective materials selected for the main body 16 and 18. Each of the knot structure's face sides 20 and 22 are created from a single piece of material, resembling the knot structure 12 as shown in FIG. 2. The face sections 20 and 22 of the knot structure are then placed right sides together and fused by sewing along the perimeter of the knot structure 12, leaving enough room so that the right material sides of said knot structure face sections 20 and 22 may be turned right side out. When said knot structure 12 is assembled and right sides are turned outward, the opening, from which the material is turned right side out, is closed through stitching. A male fastening mechanism 24 is then fused on one face side of the knot structure 12 and a female fastening mechanism 26 is fused on the other face side of the knot structure 12.

[0060] In order to form the reversible necktie's main body restraint 14, FIG. 3, two material pieces are cut from the materials corresponding to the face sides 16 and 18 of the necktie's main body 10 and knot structure 12. These materials pieces are cut into a rectangular shape. The rectangular shaped material pieces are placed right sides together and fused by stitching the long sides of rectangular shape. The right sides of the material are then turned right side out through one of the smaller, non-fused, edges of the rectangle. A buttonhole 32 is then stitched in the center of the rectangular restraint piece.

[0061] One of the main body 10 face sections 16 or 18 is then placed right side up, with the finished restraint 14 piece placed horizontally across its front section, as shown in FIG. 4. The restraint piece 14 is centrally positioned on the front section 16A or 18A and is placed so as to show the material from the opposite face side. The restraint 14 is then fused by stitching each short side of the restraint 14 to the long edges, of the right material side, of the front section 16A or 18A.

[0062] The necktie's main body face sections 16 and 18 are then fused together by placing the right material sides of each main body face section 16 and 18 together and stitching around the perimeter of the said main body faces 16 and 18, leaving enough room so that the right material sides of said main body face sections 16 and 18 may be turned from the inside to the outside. When said main body 10 is assembled and right sides 16 and 18 are turned outward, the opening from which the material is turned right side out is closed through stitching.

[0063] FIG. 5 depicts the necktie's finished main body 10 and knot structure 12.

[0064] The wearer, having chosen a desired material face side 16 or 18 of the necktie to display while wearing, may then bring the pointed end of the front section 16A or 18A of the necktie's main body 10 through ‘loop’ 34, created by the restraint 14 and the necktie's main body 10, located on the opposite face side of the main body 10. The restraint 14 is then flipped, showing the chosen material.

[0065] FIG. 7 depicts the frontal aesthetics of the necktie's main body 10 and the necktie's knot structure 12 after the knot structure 12 is secured about the necktie's main body 10 and the necktie's rear sections 16C & 18C have been secured by the integrated restraint 14.

[0066] In order to assemble the tie for wearing, the necktie's main body 10 is then draped about the wearer's neck, so that the chosen material is forward facing, and so that the neckband sections 16B and 18B contours the nape of the neck and the front 16A and 18A and rear sections 16C and 18C of the necktie's main body 10 hang down in front of the wearer's body. The front sections 16A and 18A are placed over the rear sections 16C and 18C of the tie's main body 10. The rear sections 16C and 18C of the tie's main body 10 are then placed through the loop 34 of the restraint 14 located on the inwardly facing front section 16A or 18A of the necktie's main body 10, as shown in FIG. 8. The finished knot structure 12 is then placed in front of the necktie's main body 10, near the throat of wearer. The outward facing fastening mechanism 24 of said knot structure 12 is then wrapped around the necktie's main body 10, followed by the inwardly facing fastening mechanism 26. The inwardly facing fastening mechanism 26 is then secured to the outwardly facing fastening mechanism 24. The necktie's main body 10 may then be fastened to the wearer's shirt via the buttonhole 32 on the restraint 14. The knot structure's 12 placement is depicted in FIG. 6.

Claims

1. A reversible necktie comprising:

a reversible necktie main body and a reversible necktie knot structure; said reversible necktie main body resembling a traditional necktie form, having a front section, a neckband section and a rear section, said necktie main body having two face sides, each face side comprised of two material sections, each material face section resembling approximately one half of a traditional necktie form cut in an angular manner near the centermost portion of the neckband area, so as when said material face sections are combined, said material face sections resemble a traditional necktie form with a traditional angular seem running near the centermost portion of the neckband area; and

a reversible necktie knot structure having two face sides, each face side comprised of a material section resembling a regular octagonal shape being congruent when an imaginary line, perpendicular to the longest line of the shape, is drawn through said articles' midpoint, said reversible necktie knot structure resembling an irregular octagonal shape when an imaginary line, parallel to the longest line of the shape, is drawn at the shapes midpoint; and means for removing and attaching said reversible necktie knot structure about said reversible necktie main body wherein said reversible necktie knot structure contains a female and male means for removal and attachment, said female and male means for removal and attachment are placed on opposite face sides and at opposing ends of the knot structure.

2. The reversible necktie of claim 1 wherein said reversible necktie's main body accommodates a reversible restraint for purposes of containing the reversible necktie's rear section within the confines of necktie's main body front facing section;

said reversible necktie restraint being comprised of two generally rectangular shaped material pieces;

said reversible restraint being horizontally placed across the front section of said necktie's main body, location of said reversible necktie restraint being at or near the centermost point of said reversible necktie's main body's front section.

3. The reversible necktie restraint of claim 2 wherein said reversible necktie restraint contains a means of securing said reversible necktie of claim 1 to a shirt button.

4. The reversible necktie restraint of claim 2 wherein said reversible necktie restraint is constructed of a single piece of material that is double sided in nature.

5. The reversible necktie and knot structure of claim 1 where said assembly includes interfacing between the material face sides.