Clothing accessory
Embodiments of the present invention provide a clothing accessory for use with a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot. The clothing accessory includes at least one flexible strip of material wrapped around at least a portion of the knot. Embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of securing a knot of a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot. The method includes providing a flexible strip of material proximate the knot, and wrapping the flexible strip of material around at least a portion of the knot.
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an accessory for a clothing item, and more particularly, to an accessory configured to improve the aesthetic value of the clothing item.
Elongated lengths of material are commonly used as apparel, such as for neckties, scarves, sashes, and belts. Knots may be formed within the elongated lengths of material so that the material loops around a portion of a wearer. For example, neckties are commonly tied so that a knot is proximate a collar of a wearer, while a tail portion of the tie hangs below the knot.
Some necktie wearers, however, have difficulty in tying a proper knot. The aesthetic value of a necktie is based, in part, on the integrity of the knot. A poorly tied knot typically detracts from the appearance of the necktie. Further, a poorly tied knot may reflect poorly on the wearer, similar to an untucked shirt, ill-fitting clothes, or even unkempt hair. While sartorial and personal grooming shortcomings may seem superficial, they do, in fact, take on significance in the workplace, social events, and particularly during a job interview.
Clothing accessories exist that are intended to improve the look of knots, such as tie knots. Conventional accessories include devices that simulate a knot, completely cover a knot, or otherwise join material to obviate the need for a knot. Typically, however, these conventional accessories are not designed to compliment and improve the aesthetics of the knot, while at the same time improving and/or preserving the structural integrity of the knot.
Additionally, many tie wearers prefer the look of a tie having a dimple formed underneath the knot. Tying a proper tie knot, and forming a suitable dimple, however, may prove difficult for many wearers.
Thus, a need exists for an improved necktie accessory that improves the aesthetics of the knot, and preserves the structural integrity of the knot. Further, a need exists for a clothing accessory that improves knots of various clothing items, such as ascots, sashes, neckerchiefs, and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONCertain embodiments of the present invention provide a clothing accessory for use with a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot. The clothing accessory includes at least one flexible strip of material wrapped around at least a portion of the knot. For example, the flexible strip of material may be wrapped over substantially all of the knot. The clothing item may be a tie, appliqué, scarf, belt, ascot, sash, or kerchief.
The flexible strip of material may include a center portion that is positioned over the knot and two flexible wings integrally formed with, and extending outwardly from, the center portion. The two flexible wings are wrapped around the knot, and fastened behind the knot.
The clothing accessory may include a holding bar, wherein two flexible strips are attached to the holding bar. The holding bar is secured relative to the knot, and the knot is positioned between the two flexible strips. The two flexible strips are then wrapped around the knot, and fastened behind the knot.
The material may be at least one of a flexible metal, such as a metallic fabric, wood, leather, plastic, cotton, polyester, or silk. Additionally, the material may be woven, braided, or meshed. Further, the material may include a filler and/or a liner.
The material may be flat and include a main body bounded by a lower straight edge integrally formed with angled lateral edges and downwardly inclined upper edges. The material may be shaped as a polygon, for example, a trapezoid, ellipse, circle, or various other shapes and sizes. The lateral edges may be joined together to form a loop of the material having a central opening defined therein. A portion of the knot is exposed through the central opening.
The clothing accessory may also include a fastening device extending from a top portion of the loop. The fastening device is configured to be passed through the central opening behind the knot. The fastening device may include an adjustment member that is configured to slide over the fastening device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the clothing item is a tie having a tail, a tag, and the knot, and the fastening device is positioned between the tail and the tag.
The clothing accessory may also include a flexible band connected to the loop and spanning the central opening. The flexible band exerts a compressive force on the elongated tail in order to maintain a dimple in the elongated tail. The flexible band may include a downwardly extending protrusion that extends into the elongated tail to form a dimple. The flexible band may include, or be formed from, a material configured to hold a particular shape and clamp the dimple in place. For example, the flexible band may be a metallic mesh.
Additionally, the clothing accessory may include a decorative insert having a cover and fasteners. The insert is positioned within the central opening to cover the knot, and the fasteners are secured to reciprocal structures of the loop and/or secured around the tie.
A dimpling spring clip may be used that includes prongs configured to retain a portion of cloth therebetween. The dimpling spring clip is positioned behind the elongated tail and retains a portion of the elongated tail between the prongs in order to accentuate a dimple in the elongated tail.
Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of securing a knot of a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot. The method includes providing a flexible strip of material proximate the knot, and wrapping the flexible strip of material around at least a portion of the knot.
The method may also include forming a loop of material from the flexible strip of material, wherein a central opening is defined by the loop. The knot is positioned within the central opening.
Optionally, the wrapping step may include positioning a center portion of the flexible strip over the knot, wrapping flexible wings extending from the center portion around the knot, and fastening the flexible wings behind the knot.
Alternatively, the method includes providing a holding bar proximate the knot, and providing the flexible strips on the holding bar.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As shown in
Alternatively, the upper edges 18 may not meet at the point 20, but instead, an upper curved edge may be used instead of the straight upper edges 18. Further, the lower straight edge 14 may be curved. Additionally, the upper edge portions 18 may be upwardly inclined. Further, the material 10 may include an upper straight edge (instead of the angled lateral edges 16) and/or upwardly or downwardly inclined lower edge portions. Also, the main body 12 may be various shapes and sizes. For example, the main body 12 may be elliptical, triangular, or various other regular and irregular shapes.
Each angled lateral edge 16 forms an angle α at corners 22 with respect to the lower straight edge 14, and an angle β at corners 24 with respect to the downwardly inclined upper edge portions 18. As shown in
As shown in
In general, the tie 66 is tied in a conventional manner. For example, the tail 68 and the tag 70 are passed through at least a portion of the central opening 30. The tail 68 is wrapped up and over the knot 64 and passed back into the central passage 30. The tag 70 is then passed through the central passage 30. The adjustment member 38 is cinched to firmly hold the tail portion 78 of the clothing accessory 26 in place. The adjustment member 38 may be slid up and down over the fastening device 36 in order be removably secured to the tie 66.
Optionally, the fastening device 36 may be a slip knot or an elastic member that automatically tightens or adapts to secure the tail portion 78 firmly in place. Additionally, other systems and methods may be used to fasten the tail portion 78 in place, including pins, buttons, snaps, hooks, clips, Velcro, rivets, loop fasteners, and the like.
Optionally, the clothing accessory may include a first and second bands of material each secured to a leg of the plastic 93, which in turn is secured to the fastening device 36. As such, the clothing accessory may include three basic components: (1) a plastic union piece, (2) first and second bands, each of which is secured to a leg of the plastic union piece, and (3) the fastening device.
As shown in
Next, as shown in
Referring again to
The dimpling spring 140 is configured to retain material from a necktie between the prongs 144. The dimpling spring 140 may be positioned behind a necktie. The engagement end 144 is then squeezed to separate the opening 146. The opening 146 is then closed to pinch or otherwise retain the cloth material between the prongs 144, thereby providing a dimpling effect on the front of the tie.
In the embodiments shown above, a filler and/or liner may be secured within the material of the clothing accessory. The filler may be a resilient material such as a plastic, or any such filler or liner commonly found in a tie, and holds the shape of the knot and accessory and adds volume to the clothing accessory and the knot. The liner adds weight to the clothing accessory and keeps the material of the knot and from kinking.
While the embodiments shown with respect to
Embodiments of the present invention may be used with various clothing items having a knot disposed therein. For example, embodiments of the present invention may be used with neckties, kerchiefs, ascots, scarves, sashes, belts, appliqués, clip-on ties, string ties, and the like.
Additionally, the clothing accessory may be a single piece of molded material that is clipped on, clamped onto, or otherwise secured to, or over a tie knot. That is, instead of being a flexible material that forms a loop, the clothing accessory may be a single, molded piece configured to secure over, or around a tie knot.
Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide improved necktie accessories, which improve the aesthetics and structural integrity of the knot. The improved necktie accessories may maintain the structural integrity of the knots, conceal poorly tied knots, or improve the appearance of a clothing item, in general. Further, embodiments of the present invention provide clothing accessories that may be used with various clothing items, such as ascots, sashes, neckerchiefs, and the like.
While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A clothing accessory for use with a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot, the clothing accessory comprising:
- a flexible loop of material defining a central opening, wherein the knot is positioned within said central opening, and said loop covers at least a portion of said knot.
2. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said material is at least one of metal, wood, leather, plastic, cotton, polyester, acetate, and silk.
3. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said material is at least one of woven, braided, and meshed.
4. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said material includes a main body bounded by a lower edge integrally formed with angled lateral edges and downwardly inclined upper edges.
5. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said material is shaped as a polygon.
6. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said material is shaped as a trapezoid.
7. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein lateral edges of said material are joined, thereby forming said loop.
8. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said loop of material covers all of the knot.
9. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein a portion of the knot is exposed through said central opening.
10. The clothing accessory of claim 1, further comprising a fastening device extending from a top portion of said loop, wherein said fastening device is configured to be passed through said central opening.
11. The clothing accessory of claim 10, wherein said fastening device comprises an adjustment member that is configured to slide over said fastening device.
12. The clothing accessory of claim 10, wherein the clothing item is a tie having a tail, a tag, and said knot, and wherein said fastening device is positioned between said tail and said tag.
13. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein the clothing item is one of a tie, appliqué, scarf, belt, ascot, sash, and kerchief.
14. The clothing accessory of claim 1, further comprising a flexible band connected to said loop and spanning said central opening.
15. The clothing accessory of claim 14, wherein said flexible band exerts a compressive force on the elongated tail in order to maintain a dimple in the elongated tail.
16. The clothing accessory of claim 14, wherein said flexible band includes a downwardly extending protrusion that extends into the elongated tail to form a dimple.
17. The clothing accessory of claim 1, further comprising a decorative insert having a cover and fasteners, wherein said insert is positioned within said central opening to cover the knot, and said fasteners are secured to reciprocal structures of said loop.
18. The clothing accessory of claim 1, wherein said loop of material includes multiple layers of material.
19. The clothing accessory of claim 1, further comprising a dimpling spring clip having prongs configured to retain a portion of cloth therebetween, wherein said dimpling spring clip is positioned behind the elongated tail and retains a portion of the elongated tail between said prongs in order to accentuate a dimple in the elongated tail.
20. A clothing accessory for use with a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot, the clothing accessory comprising:
- at least one flexible strip of material wrapped around at least a portion of the knot.
21. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein said at least one flexible strip of material comprises a center portion that is positioned over the knot and two flexible wings integrally formed with, and extending outwardly from, said center portion.
22. The clothing accessory of claim 21, wherein said two flexible wings are wrapped around the knot, and fastened behind the knot.
23. The clothing accessory of claim 20, further comprising a holding bar, and wherein said at least one flexible strip comprises two flexible strips attached to said holding bar.
24. The clothing accessory of claim 23, wherein said holding bar is secured relative to the knot, wherein the knot is positioned between said two flexible strips, and wherein said two flexible strips are wrapped around the knot, and fastened behind the knot.
25. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein said material is at least one of metal, wood, leather, plastic, cotton, polyester, acetate and silk.
26. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein said material is at least one of woven, braided, and meshed.
27. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein said material includes a main body bounded by a lower edge integrally formed with angled lateral edges and downwardly inclined upper edges.
28. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein said material is shaped as a polygon.
29. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein said material is shaped as a trapezoid.
30. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein said at least one flexible strip of material is wrapped over substantially all of the knot.
31. The clothing accessory of claim 26, wherein said angled lateral edges are joined together to form a loop of said material having a central opening defined therein.
32. The clothing accessory of claim 31, wherein a portion of the knot is exposed through said central opening.
33. The clothing accessory of claim 31, further comprising a fastening device extending from a top portion of said loop, wherein said fastening device is configured to be passed through said central opening.
34. The clothing accessory of claim 33, wherein said fastening device comprises an adjustment member that is configured to slide over said fastening device.
35. The clothing accessory of claim 33, wherein the clothing item is a tie having a tail, a tag, and said knot, and wherein said fastening device is positioned between said tail and said tag.
36. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein the clothing item is one of a tie, appliqué, scarf, belt, ascot, sash, and neckerchief.
37. The clothing accessory of claim 33, further comprising a flexible band connected to said loop and spanning said central opening.
38. The clothing accessory of claim 37, wherein said flexible band exerts a compressive force on the elongated tail in order to maintain a dimple in the elongated tail.
39. The clothing accessory of claim 37, wherein said flexible band includes a downwardly extending protrusion that extends into the elongated tail to form a dimple.
40. The clothing accessory of claim 33, further comprising a decorative insert having a cover and fasteners, wherein said insert is positioned within said central opening to cover the knot, and said fasteners are secured to reciprocal structures of said loop.
41. The clothing accessory of claim 20, wherein said at least one flexible strip of material includes multiple layers of material.
42. The clothing accessory of claim 20, further comprising a dimpling spring clip having prongs configured to retain a portion of cloth therebetween, wherein said dimpling spring clip is positioned behind the elongated tail and retains a portion of the elongated tail between said prongs in order to accentuate a dimple in the elongated tail.
43. A method of securing a knot of a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot, the method comprising:
- providing at least one flexible strip of material proximate the knot; and
- wrapping the at least one flexible strip of material around at least a portion of the knot.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising forming a loop of material from the flexible strip of material, wherein a central opening is defined by the loop.
45. The method of claim 44, further comprising positioning the knot within the central opening.
46. The method of claim 43, wherein said wrapping further comprises:
- positioning a center portion of the at least one flexible strip over the knot;
- wrapping flexible wings extending from the center portion around the knot; and
- fastening the flexible wings behind the knot.
47. The method of claim 43, further comprising:
- providing a holding bar proximate the knot; and
- providing the at least one flexible strip on the holding bar.
48. The method of claim 43, wherein said material is at least one of metal, wood, leather, plastic, cotton, polyester, acetate, and silk.
49. The method of claim 43, wherein said material is at least one of woven, braided, and meshed.
50. The method of claim 43, wherein the material includes a main body bounded by a lower edge integrally formed with angled lateral edges and downwardly inclined upper edges.
51. The method of claim 43, wherein the material is shaped as a polygon.
52. The method of claim 43, wherein the material is shaped as a trapezoid.
53. The method of claim 43, wherein said wrapping comprises wrapping the flexible strip of material around substantially all of the knot.
54. The method of claim 43, wherein said wrapping comprises providing a central opening that exposes a portion of the knot.
55. The method of claim 54, further comprising securing a flexible band to portions of the at least one flexible strip so that the flexible band spans the central opening.
56. The method of claim 55, wherein said securing further comprises exerting a compressive force on the elongated tail in order to maintain a dimple in the elongated tail.
57. The clothing accessory of claim 55, further comprising providing a protrusion on the flexible band, and positioning the protrusion into the elongated tail to form a dimple thereon.
58. The method of claim 43, wherein the clothing item is one of a tie, appliqué, scarf, belt, ascot, sash, and neckerchief.
59. The method of claim 43, further comprising providing a decorative insert over an exposed portion of the knot.
60. The method of claim 43, further comprising providing a dimpling spring clip behind the elongated tail, and retaining a portion of the elongated tail between prongs of the dimpling spring clip in order to accentuate a dimple in the elongated tail.
Type: Application
Filed: May 25, 2004
Publication Date: Dec 15, 2005
Inventor: Kenneth Evensen (Hanover Park, IL)
Application Number: 10/852,970