Clothing Accessory Engaging Apparatus

Info

Publication number: 20080034465
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 3, 2006
Publication Date: Feb 14, 2008
Inventor: Gottfried R. Pfanner (Lakewood, CO)
Application Number: 11/462,346

Abstract

A clothing accessory engaging apparatus and method for removably engaging a clothing accessory to an article of clothing includes a flexible member having first and second end portions with a fold line therebetween. A plurality of removable fasteners is included for attaching the first end portion to the article of clothing, with at least one of the removable fasteners adjacent to the fold line. Also included is a removable attachment for the second end portion to the first end portion, wherein the flexible member folds back on itself near the fold line forming a closed end loop when the removable attachment is in a closed state, the flexible member not forming a closed end loop when the removable attachment is in an open state, the closed end loop has an interior that is unobstructed by the removable fastener for the first end portion to the article of clothing.

Description

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an engaging apparatus that engages clothing accessories to an article of clothing for convenience and/or fashion purposes. More particularly, the present invention relates to clothing accessories such as neckties, ascot ties, bow collars, sailor collars, bertha collars, jabots, and the like, that for convenience and/or fashion purposes are desirably removably engaged to an article of clothing such as shirts, blouses, pants, shorts, shirts, dresses, coats, jackets, capes, ponchos, and the like. Further, the engaging apparatus is substantially hidden from an external view to not interfere with a preferred fashion “look” for the assemblage of clothing accessories and articles of clothing without the typical obligatory tie pins, tie bars, stickpins, brooches, and the like that may not fit in with a particular fashion look that is desired by the wearer.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Convenience, flexibility and choice have become ever more important in modern day society, witness the rise in the quality and selection of quick prepare microwave foods, fast casual restaurants, instant mobile phone number and phone activation, and Internet purchases of goods and services, all of which were unavailable a few years ago. Taking this concept into the clothing area, flexibility and choice are becoming ever more important to the clothing wearer, thus being able to removably engage a clothing accessory to an article of clothing without the engaging apparatus showing or interfering with the desired fashion “look” desired by the wearer.

The concept of having a substantially hidden engaging apparatus to removably engage a clothing accessory to the article of clothing is recognized in the prior art starting with U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,703 to Campelia et al., that discloses a neck apparel restraining device and method that requires uniformly spaced front shirt buttons. The Campelia et al. device is disposed vertically parallel and proximate to the unrestrained portion of the neck apparel and slidably engages a transversely arranged portion or loop of the neck apparel. The Campelia et al. device itself is a soft and pliable member having first and second button hole openings proximate to the first and second ends of the member. The Campelia et al. buttonholes are spaced a selected distance to match that of the particularly spaced fastening buttons on a shirtfront. The three principal disadvantages of the Campelia et al. design are the requirement of the device buttonholes matching the shirt button vertical spacing, the limited vertical movement allowed of the necktie in relation to the shirt, and not adequately covering the case of the transversely arranged portion or loop being directly over a shirt button or if the loop is adjacent to a shirtfront button severely restricting vertical tie movement in relation to the shirtfront. Note that in Campelia et al., in looking at FIG. 4 an attempt is made to accommodate the case of the transversely arranged portion or loop being over the shirtfront button, wherein the outward and lateral or sideways displacement of the necktie relative to the shirtfront could be excessive and further limit upward vertical movement of the necktie relative to the shirtfront as allowing generous vertical movement of the tie relative to the shirtfront is important when the user moves from the standing to sitting position and vice versa.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,292 B1 to Knoll, disclosed is a necktie restraining device similar to Campelia et al. with the difference being that the restraining device is attached to the bottom front of the shirt during shirt manufacture, which requires that the restraining device having to be removed to be used. One stated advantage of Knoll is that the device material is matched to the shirt itself, being of questionable value as the restraining device is hidden from view in normal use. Other stated advantages of Knoll are that the restraining device has a “guaranteed” match with the buttonhole spacing of the shirt and that the restraining device does not have to be purchased separately however, a disadvantage is that a special shirt needs to be purchased. However, the three principal disadvantages of the Campelia et al. design are also present in Knoll, being the requirement of the device buttonholes matching the shirtfront buttons, the limited vertical movement allowed of the necktie in relation to the shirtfront and not adequately covering the case of the transversely arranged portion or tie loop being directly over a shirt button.

Continuing, in looking at U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,457 to Chennault disclosed is a neckwear-anchoring device again similar to both Campelia et al. and Knoll except that the device is relatively stiff i.e. a plastic strip, and uses a shirt button attachment of an open ended slot as shown in FIG. 2, elements 42 and 43, also elements 45 and 46. Wherein Chennault states that the open ended slot is easier to use to attach to the shirt button as opposed to a button hole, also the difference between the X and Y dimensions in FIG. 2 allows some very limited variance for button hole spacing. The three principal disadvantages of the Campelia et al. and Knoll designs are again also present in Chennault being the requirement of the device buttonholes matching the shirt buttons, the limited vertical movement allowed of the necktie in relation to the shirtfront and not adequately covering the case of the transversely arranged portion or tie loop being directly over a shirt button. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,579 to Swain disclosed is an apparatus to restrain neck tie tails that includes an elongated plastic strip that forms a loop, wherein the inside of the loop vertically slidably receives the transverse tie element with the plastic loop having button holes at each end and the loop having an opening at one end being needed for insertion of the transverse tie element. The three principal disadvantages of the Campelia et al., Knoll, and Chennault designs are again also present in Swain being the requirement of the device buttonholes matching the shirtfront buttons, the limited vertical movement allowed of the necktie in relation to the shirt, and not adequately covering the case of the transversely arranged portion or tie loop being directly over a shirt button.

Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,836 to Jacobson II disclosed is a method and an apparatus for restraining a necktie that requires permanent attachment to the tie by a pair of vertical bars that have a transversely mounted member that has a slidable engagement with a vertical member attached to the buttons of a shirt. Drawbacks of Jacobson II are the permanent attachment of the apparatus to the tie and not being able to accommodate an over the button attachment, however, with the attachment of the vertical bars anywhere (vertically) on the tie, this problem is somewhat overcome being offset by the disadvantage of having to attach the bars to the tie, however, the user tying the tie does not have a precise resultant vertical position of the tie front apron in relation to the shirt front, thus there is still the aforementioned problems of Campelia et al., Knoll, Chennault, and Swain. An alternative embodiment of Jacobson II has the transverse member or tie loop slidably engaged to the bars dispensing with the need for the vertical member to be slidably engaged with the transverse member or tie loop. The major drawback of the Jacobson II alternative embodiment apparatus is that once the vertical bars are attached to the tie the user is locked into a set vertical position for the tie attachment to the shirtfront much the same as Jacobson II in the first described embodiment, and again when the tie and shirt are worn another time the relative vertical position of the tie front apron and shirtfront may not be the same and with the attachment of the bars to the tie, makes it difficult to adjust for this vertical discrepancy due to fixed button hole vertical positioning on the shirtfront. The attached bars in Jacobson II also cause problems in retting the tie plus interfering with cleaning and pressing of the tie and creating the need for a dedicated restraint for each tie and the burden of modifying each tie that a user owns.

Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,576 to Prince, Jr. disclosed is a button slot necktie fastener that is permanently fastened to a tie by use of an adhesive attached to the integral loop on the back of a tie. The Prince, Jr. button slot is a semi rigid pliable plastic material, wherein the slot attaches to the button of the shirt with the slot allowing vertical movement of the tie relative to the shirt. Drawbacks of the Prince, Jr. tie fastener are again the same as Jacobson II with the tie fastener permanently attached to the tie making for difficulties in tying the tie and along with cleaning and pressing the tie, in addition to the aforementioned problem of the fixed button hole vertical positioning on the shirt front. Also, Prince, Jr., puts additional stress on the shirtfront button stitching as the tie fastener slot edges slide against the button stitching causing wear, also when the tie loop is positioned adjacent to the shirt front button vertical movement of the tie in relation to the shirtfront is severely limited.

Alike functionally, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,746,055 to Gleason, disclosed is a neck tie hold down that is simply a series of button holes sewn in the back of a tie to accommodate the different vertical positions that a tied tie front apron can end up in relation to a shirt front. Note that in Gleason, there is no provision for vertical tie movement relative to the shirt and of course a special tie is required with the aforementioned disadvantages as in Jacobson II and Prince, Jr. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,743,452 to Waterbury, disclosed is a neck tie with a permanently stitched retaining tab on the front apron that includes a fabric strip with a button hole at one end that attaches to a shirt front button, wherein the strip feeds through a special slit in the tie rear apron or narrow portion, with the strip being of a matching material to the tie. Drawbacks of Waterbury include having a special tie as in Jacobson II, Prince, Jr., and Gleason in addition to excessive outward and lateral or sideways tie movement from the slack of the strip relative to the shirtfront and creating the need for a dedicated restraint for each tie and the burden of modifying each tie that a user owns. Further, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,749,553 to Miller, disclosed a neck tie holding means with a number of embodiments that all require a form of permanent attachment to the tie, in one disclosed embodiment, referencing FIGS. 1 through 4, a vertical strip is attached by stitching to the rear apron or narrow end of the tie with multiple button holes for alignment with the shirtfront buttons, however only one button hole is used. Note, that in Miller the undesirable feature of this strip attachment is that during vertical movement of the tie relative to the shirt the rear apron or narrow portion of the tie will bunch up while the front apron or wide portion of the tie will move freely. Another embodiment of Miller in FIGS. 5 and 6 has a loop with a buttonhole requiting two bands to be affixed to the tie. FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of Miller have a permanent loop attached to the tie with multiple buttonholes, with FIG. 12 disclosing a button holed tab extending from and attached to the tie. Other drawbacks of Miller are the requirement of a special tie as previously discussed and creating the need for a dedicated restraint for each tie and the burden of modifying each tie that a user owns.

Similarly, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,652,562 to Bagier, disclosed is a necktie holder that includes a fabric strip with a buttonhole in the center with the fabric strip stitched to the tie at each end. Drawbacks of Bagier include requiring a special tie as previously discussed and the other issue of excessive outward and lateral or sideways extension of the tie in relation to the shirtfront due to slack in the fabric strip to accommodate vertical movement of the tie relative to the shirt front. Also, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,438 to Voiles disclosed is a device and method for restraining the rear apron or tail of a necktie to a shirtfront. The Voiles device is a strip of flexible material that forms a slipknot on one end with a buttonhole on the other end as best shown in FIG. 3 and installed in FIG. 2. Note that, on the Voiles device there will also be excessive outward and lateral or sidewajE movement of the necktie relative to the shirtfront due to the inherent “slack” of the slipknot. Alike, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,200 to McNamara disclosed is a tie restraint and method that is similar to Voiles in design, with the added feature of a “stop” for the slipknot reference the notches 16, 18, and 20 in FIG. 3, however, for the notches to work, the material of the restraint must be somewhat stiff which adds to the problem of the undesirable outward extension of the tie relative to the shirtfront. In two other embodiments of McNamara (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 8) the restraint is required to be permanently affixed to the tie by stitching, which of course is undesirable as creating the nee d for a dedicate d restraint for each tie and the burden of modifying each tie that a user owns as previously described.

Finally, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,546 to Jones disclosed is a necktie restraint that like Jacobson II requires modification and permanent attachment to the tie front apron by a vertically displaced loop that is stitched in place with a slidably engaged transverse member that contains a buttonhole for attachment to a shirtfront button. Disadvantages of Jones are with the requirement of the device buttonhole having to match the shirtfront button position vertically within a limited range, the limited vertical movement allowed of the necktie in relation to the shirtfront and the need for a special tie. The Jones ability to align with the shirt front button is somewhat enervated by a longer dimension “A” as shown in FIG. 3, however, this can cause the vertical movement ability of the restraint to be compromised as the button hole could end up at or near one of the extremes of the vertical movement allowable, thus compromising the vertical movement available of the tie in relation to the shirtfront. Other drawbacks of the Jones tie fastener are again the same as Jacobson II with the tie fastener permanently attached to the tie making for difficulties in tying the tie and along with cleaning and pressing the tie.

What is needed is a clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly that can accommodate a range of shirtfront button vertical spacing, also to be adaptable to a range of vertical relations between the tie front apron loop to the shirtfront buttons, handle both the case of the tie front apron loop ending up vertically between the shirtfront buttons, near one shirtfront button, or over a shirtfront button, while under all of the aforementioned conditions allowing maximum vertical tie displacement relative to the shirtfront and minimizing outward and lateral or sideways tie displacement relative to the shirt front.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Broadly, the present invention of a clothing accessory engaging apparatus for removably engaging a clothing accessory to an article of clothing, includes a flexible member forming a substantially planar strip that includes a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are separated by a fold line. Also included, is a plurality of means for removably fastening the first end portion to the article of clothing, wherein at least one of the means for removably fastening is adjacent to the fold line. In addition, included is a means for removably attaching the second end portion to the first end portion, wherein the planar strip folds back on itself approximately at the fold line with the planar strip forming a closed end loop. When the means for removably attacking is in a closed state and the planar strip does not form a closed end loop when the means for removably attaching is in an open state, also the closed end loop has an interior that is unobstructed by the means for removably fastening the first end portion to the article of clothing.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which;

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly,

FIG. 2 shows cross sectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly,

FIG. 3 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly with the flexible member second end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion with the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly folded at the fold line;

FIG. 4 shows cross sectional view 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the flexible member second end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion with the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly folded at the fold line;

FIG. 5 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory bet we en the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by the article of clothing with the flexible member second end port ton not removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 6 shows cross sectional view 6-6 of FIG. 5 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory between the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member second end portion not removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 7 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory between the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member second end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 8 shows cross sectional view 8-8 of FIG. 7 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory between the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member second end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 9 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory over one of the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member second end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 10 shows cross sectional view 10-10 of FIG. 9 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory over one of the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member second end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 11 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory between the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by the article of clothing with the flexible member second end portion not removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 12 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory between the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member second end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 13 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory over one of the buttons of the article of clothing and being retained by an article of clothing with the flexible member second end portion removably engaged to the flexible member first end portion;

FIG. 14 shows a flat pattern layout of an alternative embodiment the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly with an elongated aperture assembly;

FIG. 15 shows cross sectional view 15-15 of FIG. 14 for the alternative embodiment of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly with the elongated aperture assembly, and

FIG. 16 shows cross sectional view 16-16 of FIG. 14 for the alternative embodiment of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly with the elongated aperture assembly.

REFERENCE NUMBERS IN DRAWINGS

20 Clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly
21 Clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly
22 Clothing accessory
23 Clothing accessory 22 front apron
24 Article of clothing
25 Clothing accessory 22 rear apron
26 Button
27 Button hole
28 Button stitching
30 Button spacing nominal
32 Clothing accessory 22, X axis movement being lateral or sideways
33 Clothing accessory 22, Y axis movement being vertical
34 Clothing accessory 22, Z axis movement being outward or away from the article of clothing 24
35 Clothing accessory 22 loop interior
36 Clothing accessory 22 loop
37 Closed end loop
38 Non closed end loop
39 Closed end loop interior
40 Flexible member
42 Flexible member 40 fold line for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20, where in the fold line 42 separates the first end portion 44 and the second end portion 46
44 Flexible member 40 first end portion
46 Flexible member 40 second end port ton
48 First means for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24
50 Second means for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24
51 Flexible member 61 first end portion 63 aperture
52 First end portions 44 and 63 stitching for button hole 21
54 Means for removably attaching the second end portions 46 and 65 to the first end portions 44 and 63 respectively of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 and the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21
55 Snap assembly
56 Affixing for the means 54 for attaching the second end portions 46 and 65 to the first end portions 44 and 63 respectively to the flexible member 40 and the flexible member 61 with the elongated button aperture 62
57 Flexible member 61 first end portion 63 elongated aperture
58 First indicia area
60 Second indicia area
61 Flexible member with the elongated button hole 62
62 Flexible member 61 first end portion elongated button hole
63 Flexible member 61 first end portion for the elongated button aperture assembly
64 Flexible member 61 elongated button aperture stitching
65 Flexible member 61 second end portion for the elongated button aperture assembly
66 Elongated button aperture stiffening member
68 Button minimum spacing
70 Button maximum spacing
72 Flexible member 61 with, the elongated button aperture, end margin stitching
74 Fold line of flexible member 61 with the elongated button aperture assembly 21, wherein the fold line 74 separates the first end portion 63 and the second end portion 65

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With initial reference to FIG. 1 shown is a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20, FIG. 2 shows cross sectional view 2-2 of FIG. 1 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20, and FIG. 3 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44 with the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 folded at the fold line 42. Further, FIG. 4 shows cross sectional view 4-4 of FIG. 3 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44 with the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 folded at the fold line 42, FIG. 5 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 not removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44, and FIG. 6 shows cross sectional view 6-6 of FIG. 5 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by an article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 not removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44.

Continuing yet further, FIG. 7 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44, FIG. 5 shows cross sectional view 8-8 of FIG. 7 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging a clothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44, and FIG. 9 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22 over one of the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44. Subsequently, FIG. 10 shows cross sectional view 10-10 of FIG. 9 for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22 over one of the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44, FIG. 11 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 not removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44, and FIG. 12 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22 between the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44.

Continuing, FIG. 13 shows a flat pattern layout of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 in use slidably engaging the clothing accessory 22 over one of the buttons 26 of the article of clothing 24 and being retained by the article of clothing 24 with the flexible member 40 second end portion 46 removably engaged to the flexible member 40 first end portion 44, FIG. 14 shows a flat pattern layout of an alternative embodiment the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 21 with an elongated aperture assembly 62, and FIG. 15 shows cross sectional view 15-15 of FIG. 14 for the alternative embodiment of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 21 with the elongated aperture assembly 62. Finally, FIG. 16 shows cross sectional view 16-16 of FIG. 14 for the alternative embodiment of the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 21 with the elongated aperture assembly 62.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1-13, the present invention of a clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 for removably engaging the clothing accessory 22 to the article of clothing 24, includes a flexible member 40 forming a substantially planar strip that includes the first end portion 44 and an opposing second end portion 46, wherein the first end portion 44 and the second end portion 46 are separated by a fold line 42. Also included, is a plurality of means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24, wherein at least one of the means 50 for removably fastening is adjacent to the fold line 42. In addition, included is a means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 46 to the first end portion 44, wherein the planar strip fobs back on itself approximately at the fold line 42 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when the means 54 for removably attaching is in a closed state, as best shown in FIG. 4, With the planar strip not forming a closed end loop 38 when the means 54 for removably attaching is in an open state, as best shown in FIG. 2, also the closed end loop 37 has an interior 39 that is unobstructed by the means 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24.

Further, the means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24 is preferably selected from a group consisting essentially of a buttonhole 27 having conventional stitching 52, wherein the button hole 27 is positioned therethrough in the first end portion 44 (shown). The buttons are preferably Dritz brand multi colored and multi sized buttons under Dritz number 6614 with Dritz brand button expanders under Dritz number D25559. However, other means 48 and 50 could include a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin or other like alternatives as is known in the art. Furthermore, the snap is preferably a Dritz brand 7/16 inch snap fastener Dritz model number 6722, or a Dritz brand silver snap fastener Dritz number 6733, or a Dritz brand white snap fastener Dritz number 6732, or a W. H. Collins brand (Iron Sate) translucent nylon snap fastener Collins number C246, the clamp is preferably a Streamline Corporation brand clamp Streamline number 9894, the clasp is preferably a Dritz brand hook and eye fastener clasp Dritz number 6734, and the clamping pin is preferably a known standard type in the clothing arts. The hook and loop fastener, drawstring, and stickpin are well known in the art. Alternatively, for enhanced alignment between the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 and the article of clothing 24, the means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24 are preferably each substantially positionally matched to mate with each of a corresponding means for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24. Although FIGS. 1-13 preferably show a button hole 27 that utilizes the button 26 from the article of clothing 24 for the means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24, the button hole 27 is only one of many options that would be acceptable as identified above, also, for instance magnetic elements could be used for the means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24 or any other types of removable fasteners as are known in the art.

Continuing further, the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 46 to the first end portion 44 is preferably selected from a group consisting essentially of a button and a buttonhole, a snap 55 using affixing thread 56 (shown), a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin or other tike alternatives as is known in the art. The buttons are preferably Dritz brand multi colored and multi sized buttons under Dritz number 6614 with Dritz brand button expanders under Dritz number 25559. Furthermore, the snap 55 is preferably a Dritz brand 7/16 inch snap fastener Dritz model number 6722, or a Dritz brand silver snap fastener Dritz number 6733, or a Dritz brand white snap fastener Dritz number 6732, or a W. H. Collins brand (Iron Sate) translucent nylon snap fastener Collins number C246, the clamp is preferably a Streamline Corporation brand clamp Streamline number 9894, the clasp is preferably a Dritz brand hook and eye fastener clasp Dritz number 6734, and the clamping pin is preferably a known standard type in the clothing arts. The hook and loop fastener, drawstring, and stickpin are well known in the art. Although FIGS. 1-14 show a snap 55 or snap assembly 55, as best shown on FIG. 4 for the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 46 to the first end portion 44, the snap assembly 55 is only one of many options that would be acceptable as identified above, also, for instance magnetic elements could be used for the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 46 to the first end portion 44 or any other types of removable attachment as are known in the art.

On materials of construction, the flexible member 40 is preferably constructed of fabric similar to the fabric that the article of clothing 24 is constructed of, however, understanding that having an exact match of fabric is not necessary between the flexible member 40 and the article of clothing 24. The flexible member 40 fabric is preferably a pin point dress shirt fabric that is a two ply fabric that is lighter and smoother than a plain oxford fabric being constructed of 100% percent cotton with various levels of thread count. Also, it would be acceptable for the flexible member 40 to be various blend ratios of cotton and/or polyester and/or rayon and/or silk. Furthermore, the flexible member 40 could be a poplin dress shirt fabric that is as light as pin point cloth but having a smoother finish and does not have any patterns in the material, being generally the same weight as the pinpoint fabric, in addition, it would also be acceptable for the poplin fabric to be various blend ratios of cotton and/or polyester and/or rayon and/or silk. Continuing, the flexible member 40 can also be a twill fabric that is heavier than the pinpoint or poplin with a slight pattern. Yet, further alternatives for the flexible member 40 could include woven fabric that is thicker than pinpoint or poplin for more luxurious type feel, wherein the weave is noticeable to the naked eye, also acceptable would be a broadcloth fabric such as a herringbone broadcloth. Note that all is the aforementioned fabrics for the flexible member 40 can be in all shades and colors including black and white, in addition to various fabric finishes and various cotton percentages. Alternatively, the flexible member 40 can be constructed of any flexible material such as plastic, reinforced paper (such as linen paper, fibrous paper, plasticized paper, and the like), rubber, or any other material that can meet the aforementioned functional requirements. Also, rigid or semi rigid materials could be used that have the capability of reversibly bending at the fold line 42 such as hard plastics, metals, and the like as is known in the art. Optionally, the second end portion 46 can additionally include an indicia area 58 or 60 or a plurality of indicia areas 58 and 60 that can be embroidered, printed, embossed, or the like and can indicate a personalized identification, brand ranting, advertising and other similar uses, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Further, as an alternative embodiment the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 21 can have an elongated aperture 62 forming the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 as best shown in FIGS. 14-16 for removably engaging the clothing accessory 22 to the article of clothing 24. The clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 includes a flexible member 61 forming a substantially planar strip that includes the first end portion 63 and an opposing second end portion 65, wherein the first end portion 63 and the second end portion 65 are separated by a fold line 74. The clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 further includes an aperture 51 in the form of a button hole 27 having conventional stitching 52, wherein the button hole 27 is disposed therethrough in the first end portion 63 and an elongated aperture 57 in the form of an elongated button hole 62 is also disposed therethrough in the first end portion 63. Wherein the elongated button hole 62 is adjacent to the fold line 74, the button hole 27 and the elongated button hole 62 are each approximately positionally matched to mate with each of a corresponding button 26 for removably fastening the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24. However, the elongated button hole 62 can accommodate different button 26 spacing 30 (being from button minimum spacing 68 to button maximum spacing 70, see also FIGS. 5-13) of the article of clothing 24. The clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 also further includes a means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion 63, wherein the flexible member 61 planar strip folds back on itself approximately at the fold line 74 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when the means 54 for removably attaching is in a closed state as best represented by FIG. 4 and the planar strip not forming a closed end loop 38, when the means 54 for removably attaching is in an open state, as best represented by FIG. 2. The closed end loop 37 has an interior 39 that is unobstructed by the elongated button hole 62 with a button 26 inserted therethrough when removably attaching the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24. Even though FIGS. 2 and 4 represent the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 they are referenced for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 for the showing of the closed and open states for the means 54 for removably attaching, specifically the closed end loop 37 interior 39 when the means 54 is in the closed state, see FIG. 4, and the non closed end loop 38 when the means 54 is in the open state, see FIG. 2.

Continuing further, referencing FIG. 14 in particular, the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion 63 is preferably selected from a group consisting essentially of a button and a buttonhole, a snap 55 using affixing thread 56 (shown), a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin or other like alternatives as is known in the art. The buttons are preferably Dritz brand multi colored and multi sized buttons under Dritz number 6614 with Dritz brand button expanders under Dritz number 25559. Furthermore, the snap 55 is preferably a Dritz brand 7/16 inch snap fastener Dritz model number 6722, or a Dritz brand silver snap fastener Dritz number 6733, or a Dritz brand white snap fastener Dritz number 6732, or a W. H. Collins brand (Iron Sate) translucent nylon snap fastener Collins number C246, the clamp is preferably a Streamline Corporation brand clamp Streamline number 9894, the clasp is preferably a Dritz brand hook and eye fastener clasp Dritz number 6734, and the clamping pin is preferably a known standard type in the clothing arts. The hook and loop fastener, drawstring, and stickpin are well known in the art. Although FIG. 14 shows a snap 55 or snap assembly 55, as best shown on FIG. 14 for the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion 63, the snap assembly 55 is only one of many options that would be acceptable as identified above, also, for instance magnetic elements could be used for the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion 63 or any other types of removable attachment as are known in the art.

On materials of construction, the flexible member 61 is preferably constructed of fabric similar to the fabric that the article of clothing 24 is constructed of, however, understanding that having an exact match of fabric is not necessary between the flexible member and the article of clothing 24. The flexible member 61 fabric is preferably a pin point dress shirt fabric that is a two ply fabric that is lighter and smoother than a plain oxford fabric being constructed of 100% percent cotton with various levels of thread count. Also, it would be acceptable for the flexible member 61 to be various blend ratios of cotton and/or polyester and/or rayon and/or silk. Furthermore, the flexible member 61 could be a poplin dress shirt fabric that is as light as pin point cloth but having a smoother finish and does not have any patterns in the material, being generally the same weight as the pinpoint fabric, in addition, it would also be acceptable for the poplin fabric to be various blend ratios of cotton and/or polyester and/or rayon and/or silk. Continuing, the flexible member 61 can also be a twill fabric that is heavier than the pinpoint or poplin with a slight pattern. Yet, further alternatives for the flexible member 61 could include woven fabric that is thicker than pinpoint or poplin for more luxurious type feel, wherein the weave is noticeable to the naked eye, also acceptable would be a broadcloth fabric such as a herringbone broadcloth. Note that all is the aforementioned fabrics for the flexible member 61 can be in all shades and colors including black and white, in addition to various fabric finishes and various cotton percentages. Alternatively, the flexible member 61 can be constructed of any flexible material such as plastic, reinforced paper (such as linen paper, fibrous paper, plasticized paper, and the like), rubber, or any other material that can meet the aforementioned functional requirements. Also, rigid or semi rigid materials could be used that have the capability of reversibly bending at the fold line 74 such as hard plastics, metals, and the like as is known in the art.

Optionally, referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 16 the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 can further include a plurality of stiffening members 66 that are adjacent to the elongated button hole 62, with the stiffening members 66 being operational to further retain the button 26 on the elongated button hole 62 to better attach the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24. The stiffening members 66 can be preferably constructed of metallic wire (as shown), or metallic strips, or composite rods or strips, or any other material that has sufficient rigidity to be disposed within the first end portion 63 while adding some degree of rigidity in the area of the elongated button aperture stitching 64, wherein the stitching 64 also is operational to at least partially retain the stiffening members 66 within the first end portion 63. As it is preferred that the stiffening members 66 are “sandwiched” in between two layers of fabric of the first end portion 63, end margin stitching 72 can be utilized to further retain the stiffening members 66 within the first end portion 63. Also, optionally the second end portion 65 can additionally include an indicia area 53 or 60 or a plurality of indicia areas 58 and 60 that can be embroidered, printed, embossed, or the like and can indicate a personalized identification, brand naming, advertising and other similar uses, as best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

Method of Use

Focusing in particular on FIGS. 5-13 and referencing FIGS. 1-4, a method of removably engaging a clothing accessory 22 from the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 from an article of clothing 24, comprises the steps of: providing a flexible member 40 forming a substantially planar strip that includes the first end portion 44 and the opposing second end portion 46, wherein the first end portion 44 and the second end portion 46 are separated by a fob line 42. Also provided is a plurality of means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24, wherein at least one of the means 50 for removably fastening is adjacent to the fold line 42. In addition, provided is the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 46 to the first end portion 44, wherein the planar strip fobs back on itself approximately at the fob line 42 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when the means 54 for removably attaching is in a closed state, see FIG. 4, and the planar strip not forming a closed end loop 38 when the means 54 for removably attaching is in an open state, see FIG. 2. The closed end loop 37 has an interior 39 that is unobstructed by the means 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24.

A further step is in, positioning the clothing accessory 22 relative to the article of clothing 24 to a selected position and then engaging the means 48 and 50 for removably fastening the first end portion 44 to the article of clothing 24 such that one of the means 50 for removably fastening that is adjacent to the fob line 42 is proximate to the clothing accessory 22. Continuing, a subsequent step is in inserting the second end portion 46 therethrough the clothing accessory 22, such as for one example inserting the second end portion 46 through a clothing accessory loop 36 and in particular a clothing accessory loop interior 35 as best shown in FIG. 10. However many other types of clothing accessories 22 could be removably engaged such as scarves, bandanas, shawls, ascots, neck ties, ascot ties, bow collars, sailor collars, bertha collars, jabots, and the like. In addition, the article of clothing 24 can include such items as shirts, blouses, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, coats, jackets, capes, ponchos, and the like. Again continuing, subsequent to this a step of engaging the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 46 to the first end portion 44 such that the planar strip folds back on itself approximately at the fob line 42 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when the means 54 for removably attaching is in the closed state, with the closed end loop 37 being operational to removably engage the clothing accessory 22. This results in the clothing accessory 22 being removably engaged to the article of clothing 24 with minimal movement 34 of the clothing accessory 22 away from the article of clothing 24.

Optionally, for the method of removably engaging the clothing accessory 22 from the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 from an article of clothing 24, the step of engaging can further comprise that the clothing accessory 22 be a dress tie 22 (as shown in FIGS. 5-13) with a front apron 23, a rear apron 25, and a loop 36 positioned approximately transverse to the dress tie 22 vertical movement 33 with the loop 36 mounted on the front apron 23, wherein one of the means 50 for removably fastening is adjacent to the fold line 42 being proximate to the front apron 23 loop 36, see for example FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 relative to the article of clothing 24. Resulting in vertical movement 33 between the means for removably fastening 48 and 50 or through the span or button spacing distance 30, while the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateral movement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24. Further, when using a dress tie 22 as the clothing accessory 22, wherein the step of inserting can further comprise the second end portion 46 being inserted therethrough the dress tie 22 loop interior 39, resulting in a slidable 33 engagement or freedom of vertical movement 33 between the dress tie 22 front apron 23 loop 36 and the closed end loop 37, as best shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 12 for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 relative to the article of clothing 24, for vertical movement 33 between the means for removably fastening 48 and 50 or through span or button spacing distance 30, while the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateral movement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24. Also, similarly as is shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13 for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 relative to the article of clothing 24, for vertical movement 33 through the closed loop interior 39, wherein vertical movement 33 of the loop 36 is allowed over the means 50 for removably fastening, that is preferably a button 26 inserted through the button hole 27, wherein the button 26 is stitched 28 to the article of clothing 24, while the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateral movement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24.

Further, focusing in particular on the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with the elongated aperture assembly 21 and looking specifically at FIGS. 5-13 and referencing FIGS. 14-16, a method of removably engaging the clothing accessory 22 from the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with the elongated aperture assembly 21 from the article of clothing 24, comprises the steps of: providing a flexible member 61 forming a substantially planar strip that includes the first end portion 63 and the opposing second end portion 65, wherein the first end portion 63 and the second end portion 65 are separated by a fob line 74. Also, provide d is an aperture 51 in the form of a button hole 27 disposed therethrough in the first end portion 63 and an elongated aperture 57 in the form of an elongated button hole 62 disposed therethrough in the first end portion 63. Wherein, the provided elongated button hole 62 is adjacent to the fob line 74, the button hole 27, and the elongated button hole 62 are each approximately positionally matched to mate with each of a corresponding button 26 for removably fastening the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24. The provided clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 also further includes a means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion 63, wherein the flexible member 61 planar strip folds back on itself approximately at the fold line 74 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when the means 54 for removably attaching is in a closed state as best represented by FIG. 4 and the planar strip not forming a closed end loop 38, when the means 54 for removably attaching is in an open state, as best represented by FIG. 2. The closed end loop 37 has an interior 39 that is unobstructed by the elongated button hole 62 with a button 26 inserted therethrough when removably attaching the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24. Even though FIGS. 2 and 4 represent the clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly 20 they are referenced for the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with elongated aperture assembly 21 for the showing of the closed and open states for the means 54 for removably attaching, specifically the closed end loop 37 interior 39 when the means 54 is in the closed state, see FIG. 4, and the non closed end loop 38 when the means 54 is in the open state, see FIG. 2.

A further step is in, positioning the clothing accessory 22 relative to the article of clothing 24 to a selected position and then engaging the aperture 51 in the form of a button hole 27 in the first end portion 63 and the elongated aperture 57 in the form of an elongated button hole 62 disposed therethrough the first end portion 63 for removably fastening the first end portion 63 to the article of clothing 24 such that the elongated button hole 62 is adjacent to the fob line 74 being proximate to the clothing accessory 22. Continuing, a subsequent step is in inserting the second end portion 65 there through the clothing accessory 22, such as for one example inserting the second end portion 65 through the clothing accessory loop 36 and in particular the clothing accessory loop interior 35 as best shown in FIG. 10. However many other types of clothing accessories 22 could be removably engaged such as scarves, bandanas, shawls, ascots, neck ties, ascot ties, bow collars, sailor collars, bertha collars, jabots, and the like. In addition, the article of clothing 24 can include such items as shirts, blouses, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, coats, jackets, capes, ponchos, and the like. Again continuing, subsequent to this a step of engaging the means 54 for removably attaching the second end portion 65 to the first end portion 63 such that the planar strip folds back on itself approximately at the fold line 74 with the planar strip forming a closed end loop 37 when the means 54 for removably attaching is in the closed state, with the closed end loop 37 being operational to removably engage the clothing accessory 22. This results in the clothing accessory 22 being removably engaged to the article of clothing 24 with minimal movement 34 of the clothing accessory 22 a way from the article of clothing 24.

Optionally, for the method of method of removably engaging a clothing accessory 22 from the clothing accessory engaging apparatus with the elongated aperture assembly 21 from the article of clothing 24, the step of engaging can further comprise that the clothing accessory 22 be a dress tie 22 (as shown in FIGS. 5-13) with a front apron 23, a rear apron 25, and a loop 36 positioned approximately transverse to the dress tie 22 vertical movement 33 with the loop 36 mounted on the front apron 23, wherein the elongated button hole 62 is adjacent to the fob line 74 being proximate to the front apron 23 loop 36, see for example FIGS. 5, 6, and 11, for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 relative to the article of clothing 24. Resulting in vertical movement 33 between button hole 27 and the elongated button hole 62 or through the nominal span or button spacing distance 30, with the elongated button hole 62 allowing for a button spacing distance from a button minimum spacing 68 to button maximum spacing 70 (also see FIG. 14) while the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateral movement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24. Further, when using a dress tie 22 as the clothing accessory 22, wherein the step of inserting can further comprise the second end portion 65 being inserted therethrough the dress tie 22 loop interior 39, resulting in a slidable 33 engagement or freedom of vertical movement 33 between the dress tie 22 front apron 23 loop 36 and the closed end loop 37, as best shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 12 for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 relative to the article of clothing 24, for vertical movement 33 between the button hole 27 and the elongated button hole 62 or through span or button spacing distance range from a minimum of 68 to a maximum of 70, with a nominal button spacing of 30 (also see FIG. 14), while the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateral movement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24. Also, similarly as is shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 13 for vertical movement 33 of the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 relative to the article of clothing 24, for vertical movement 33 through the closed loop interior 39, wherein vertical movement 33 of the loop 36 is allowed over the elongated button hole 62, with a button 26 inserted through the elongated button hole 62, wherein the button 26 is stitched 23 to from the article of clothing 24, while the clothing accessory 22 or dress tie 22 is somewhat restrained in outward movement 34 and lateral movement 32 relative to the article of clothing 24.

CONCLUSION

Accordingly the present invention of a clothing accessory engaging apparatus assembly has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so modifications the changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained therein.

Claims

1. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus for removably engaging a clothing accessory to an article of clothing, comprising:

(a) a flexible member forming a substantially planar strip that includes a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein said first end portion and said second end portion are separated by a fob line;

(b) a plurality of means for removably fastening said first end portion to the article of clothing, wherein at least one of said means for removably fastening is adjacent to said fold line; and

(c) a means for removably attaching said second end portion to said first end portion, wherein said planar strip fobs back on itself approximately at said fob line with said planar strip forming a closed end loop when said means for removably attaching is in a closed state and said planar strip not forming a closed end loop when said means for removably attaching is in an open state, said closed end loop has an interior that is unobstructed by said means for removably fastening said first end portion to the article of clothing.

2. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for removably fastening is selected from a group consisting essentially of a buttonhole therethrough said first end portion, a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin.

3. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for removably fastening are each substantially positionally matched to mate with each of a corresponding means for removably fastening on the article of clothing.

4. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for removably attaching is selected from a group consisting essentially of a button and a buttonhole, a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin.

5. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said flexible member is constructed of fabric.

6. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second end portion further comprises an indicia.

7. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second end portion further comprises a plurality of indicia.

8. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus for removably engaging a clothing accessory to an article of clothing, comprising:

(a) a flexible member forming a substantially planar strip that includes a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein said first end portion and said second end portion are separated by a fold line;

(b) an aperture in the form of a button hole disposed therethrough in said first end portion and an aperture in the form of an elongated button hole disposed therethrough in said first end portion, wherein said elongated button hole is adjacent to said fold line, said button hole and said elongated button hole are each approximately positionally matched to mate with each of a corresponding button for removably fastening said first end portion to the article of clothing; and

(c) a means for removably attaching said second end portion to said first end portion, wherein said planar strip folds back on itself approximately at said fold line with said planar strip forming a closed end loop when said means for removably attaching is in a closed state and said planar strip not forming a closed end loop when said means for removably attaching is in an open state, said closed end loop has an interior that is unobstructed by said elongated button hole with a button inserted there through when removably attaching said first end portion to the article of clothing.

9. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said means for removably attaching is selected from a group consisting essentially of a button and a buttonhole, a snap, a clamp, a clasp, a hook and loop fastener, a drawstring, a stickpin, and a clamping pin.

10. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said flexible member is constructed of a semi rigid material.

11. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said flexible member is constructed of fabric.

12. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 11 further comprising a plurality of stiffening members that are adjacent to said elongated button hole, said stiffening members are operational to further retain the button on the elongated button hole to better attach said first end portion to the article of clothing.

13. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said second end portion further comprises an indicia.

14. A clothing accessory engaging apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said second end portion further comprises a plurality of indicia.

15. A method of removably engaging a clothing accessory from an article of clothing, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a flexible member forming a substantially planar strip that includes a first end portion and an opposing a second end portion, wherein said first end portion and said second end portion are separated by a fold line, a plurality of means for removably fastening said first end portion to the article of clothing, wherein at least one of said means for removably fastening is adjacent to said fold line, and a means for removably attaching said second end portion to said first end portion, wherein said planar strip fobs back on itself approximately at said fold line with said planar strip forming a closed end loop when said means for removably attacking is in a closed state and said planar strip not forming a closed end loop when said means for removably attaching is in an open state, said closed end loop has an interior that is unobstructed by said means for removably fastening said first end portion to the article of clothing;

(b) positioning the clothing accessory relative to the article of clothing to a selected position;

(c) engaging said means for removably fastening said first end portion to the article of clothing such that one of said means for removably fastening that is adjacent to said fold line is proximate to the clothing accessory,

(d) inserting said second end portion therethrough the clothing accessory, and

(e) engaging said means for removably attaching said second end portion to said first end portion such that said planar strip fobs back on itself approximately at said fob line with said planar strip forming a closed end loop when said means for removably attaching is in said closed state, said closed end loop is operational to removably engage the clothing accessory resulting in the clothing accessory being removably engaged to the article of clothing with minimal movement of the clothing accessory away from the article of clothing.

16. A method of removably engaging a clothing accessory from an article of clothing according to claim 15 wherein said step of engaging further comprises the clothing accessory being a tie with a front apron, a rear apron, and a loop positioned approximately transverse to a tie vertical movement with the loop mounted on the front apron, wherein one of said means for removably fastening that is adjacent to said fold line is proximate to the front apron loop.

17. A method of removably engaging a clothing accessory from an article of clothing according to claim 16 wherein said step of inserting further comprises said second end portion being inserted therethrough a tie loop interior, resulting in a slidable engagement between the tie front apron loop and said closed end loop.