Placket straightener

Abstract

A placket straightener device for minimizing buckling, gapping, or puckering of the overlapping placket panels on the ends of a shirt, such as a woman's blouse, when the fasteners, such as snap buttons or buttons with buttonholes, are fastened together. The device may be placed inside of the placket panel(s) or the device may be placed between two overlapping placket panels between the closed fasteners. The placket straightener device maintains a predetermined distance between the closed fasteners of the shirt thereby reducing buckling, gapping and puckering.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an improved garment and, more particularly, to an improved shirt or blouse and also a re-useable, removable device used in or on such garments to decrease the opening, gapping, and/or puckering that sometimes occurs between fasteners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A shirt, such as a man's button down shirt or dress shirt or a woman's dress shirt or blouse is put on one arm at a time and then fastened or joined down the front and middle of the garment at overlapping edges or panels having reinforced fabric, often referred to as plackets, containing a fastening system to facilitate connection thereof. On some garments the fastening system comprises zipper teeth fixedly attached to each of the placket panels which provides for a zippered connection when a zipper pull is raised and lowered. Other times, the fastening system is made from snap buttons with male and female counterparts, buttons and loops, buttons and button holes and/or eyelets, and the like, in which case each of the placket panels includes at least one of the fastener system elements and the other placket panel includes its mate. Most often when buttons are used as part of the fastening system, one or a multitude of buttons (typically evenly spaced) are attached to one placket panel using thread or string, as in the case for a sew-button or shaft button, and in the other placket a hole or holes (including slots, buttonholes, eyelets, loops and other openings) are provided through which the button(s) is/are passed to hold the two placket panels together and fasten the garment. Whichever fastening system used, the individual wearing a garment with fasteners usually desires that the placket panels remain straight and flush against each other, particularly between fasteners, for a neat appearance and so that others cannot see into the garment through a separation sometimes termed opening, puckering and/or gapping.

In some instances, however, the fastened placket panels separate (e.g., open, pucker or gap) between fasteners and the separation most often results in an undesirable opening. On both men and women, an opening reveals undergarments, if worn, and/or parts of the bare body which is usually troublesome, particularly for women. The reason(s) for the separation could be that a shirt may fit properly in length and width except for the chest or bosom area, the wearer may be in a position pushing the placket panels apart, and/or the weight of the wearer may play a role in bunching or an undesirable positioning of the shirt. Whichever the case, the wearer oftentimes becomes uncomfortable when the placket panels separate. The wearer may become self-conscious about the possibility and/or expectation of the shirt separating between placket panels thus causing awkward gestures or tendencies for body positioning. Such concerns are particularly applicable to dress shirts and blouses for women near the bosom area.

Devices that have been used in the past in an effort to stop the placket panels from separating include safety pins and double-sided tape. Safety pins create unwanted holes in the garments, may be visible on the outside of the garment and also potentially cause one or more isolated points of stress (pinch points) in the garment which is/are visible at times. Double sided tape and similar devices that rely on adhesive properties to hold fabrics together are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,612 (clothing conjoiner for waistband of pants or skirt and shirts or blouses) and U.S. application Ser. No. 11/506,984 (blouse front closer with peel-away strips for panels). The drawbacks to these adhesive-type devices is dependability (the tape often peels away from the garment when stress is applied and oftentimes the adhesive is simply not strong enough to keep the placket panels together), the devices are sometimes visible when used, and/or the devices are not re-useable.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,366 discloses a shirt intended to stop unwanted separation through the fastening together of the lower portions of the placket panels with placket stitching creating a “pull-over” type dress shirt. The invention in U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,366 also includes the use of a two-way stretch material pleat in the rear of the shirt to allow for expansion in the back of the shirt. The drawbacks to that invention is that it does not provide a solution for conventional shirts that are completely open in the front and the stitching together of the placket panels is permanent and makes placing the shirt on and taking it off inconvenient and cumbersome.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved garment that overcomes these and other drawbacks and shortcomings and there is also a need for a concealable, easily installed, re-usable device for significantly decreasing the likelihood of the placket panels separating that also does not pinch or pull on the garment, create a hole in the garment, or possibly damage the garment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the foregoing and other shortcomings and drawbacks associated with devices intended to keep the material between garment fasteners spaced heretofore known. While the invention will be described in connection with certain embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. To the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the placket panels of a shirt or blouse are kept close together in the space between fasteners using a placket stiffener. The placket stiffener is configured to be located within one or both of the placket panels (e.g., installed during manufacture of the garment) and/or it could be removably applied between fasteners at the time the garment is worn.

In one embodiment, the placket stiffener device is configured to fit inside of at least one placket panel of the garment and it is intended to remain in the garment's placket panel. The placket stiffener for this embodiment is configured to create stiffness between adjacent fasteners of the garment inside the placket panels. The stiffness decreases the ability for two adjacent fasteners on the same placket will move closer to each other thereby resisting separation of the placket panels from each other and the resulting opening, gapping, and puckering that could accompany the separation. The length of one or more of the placket panels of the garment could be segmented lengthwise (such as for example between fasteners) with at least some of the segments having the stiffener device or a single piece stiffener device could be installed the entire length of one or both placket panel(s).

In another embodiment, the placket stiffener is removable and is made for temporary/non-permanent placement onto the garment before, during, or after the garment is fastened. The placket stiffener device in either the permanent in-placket configuration or the re-useable non-permanent configuration could be a length of wire, plastic, and/or other material having certain rigidity that is made to fit at least partially between the fasteners.

For example, for the re-useable configuration, after the individual fastens a garment, such as a shirt, by snapping buttons or putting buttons through holes or the like, the individual installs the device by slipping it in between the two placket panels securing it at least partially between and/or around two adjacent fasteners. In one embodiment, the placket stiffener device is configured such that it is held in place between a pair of fasteners using indentions or recesses at the ends of the device where button threads, snap buttons, grommets, or the like, fit into, abut, or rest against the device. It is also possible to configure the placket stiffener device with ends having holes, loops, slots, and/or rectangular or curved openings so that the different types of fasteners, such as, for example, button snaps, can be fastened through the end(s) of the stiffener device much like the hole in a placket for a button (e.g., a buttonhole or eyelet).

The removable placket stiffener device according to one embodiment of the invention is configured to abut and/or attach about or around the threads of buttons or button grommets thereby utilizing the fastening system of the garment (e.g., thread and buttons) to secure the device in place on the garment.

In another embodiment the removable placket stiffener device is configured to be held in place by placing recessed ends on the device between fasteners whose spacing is about equal to the distance between the recesses on the device. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the stiffener device is configured to be a certain predetermined length such that the device fits and remains between fasteners with the plackets closed; the device is sized to a predetermined length to create a force on each of the adjacent fasteners upon installation and/or movement.

In another embodiment, the length of the placket stiffener device is less than the distance between two fasteners but it is also long enough so that when installed and when the distance between fasteners is lessened by a certain distance due to, for example, movement, such that separation would result without the device in place, the stiffness of the device between two fasteners minimizes the separation of the placket panels.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the placket stiffener device could also include adhesive on one or both sides of the device that abut the placket panels when the device is installed. The adhesive provides additional resistance to the opening of the placket panels and also helps keep the device from falling out of or off the garment.

The stiffener device according to the present invention is configured to create stiffness between the fasteners of the garment inside a placket panel and/or between the placket panels depending upon the specific embodiment and device configuration. The resulting stiffness minimizes the separation of the placket panels when the garment is worn. The stiffener device reduces the amount of movement of the fasteners towards each other thereby decreasing the chance of gapping or puckering of the placket panels.

The removable placket stiffener device according to the present invention can be configured such that it does not stick out past the outside edge of the exterior placket panel when the garment is fastened and the stiffener device is installed thereby concealing the device within the garment during usage. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is made from thin wire or tubing and in another embodiment it is made from translucent or transparent plastic. In another embodiment it is made from both metal and plastic components.

In one embodiment, the removable placket stiffener device is configured to have a grasping tab for grasping the device with the user's fingers for ease of placement and removal.

The placket stiffener device of the present invention could also include a material composition that is malleable and can be bent using one's hands, such as, for example, brass or copper, to allow for curvature of the device by the user to a desired configuration.

The removable stiffener device of the present invention is sized to fit shirts of varying fastener spacing. The device can be made in predetermined lengths for shirts with certain fastener spacing such as, for example, buttons spaced, 2-inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75-inches, 3-inches apart and the like. In another embodiment of the invention, the length of the stiffener device can be adjusted to fit the desired fastener spacing by separating the device into parts and using alternative sides and/or ends with different lengths and/or configurations. In another embodiment of the invention, the placket stiffener device is capable of adjustment to multiple lengths so that it can be adapted for the fastener spacing on the specific garment being worn by breaking or cutting the device at perforations, score lines, or predetermined markings.

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of an embodiment given below, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable placket straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 are perspective views and a front view of a woman wearing a shirt having placket panels showing separation in the placket panels before installation of one embodiment of the removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the device partially installed and the device completely installed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with “Y” type/“U” type/“wishbone” type ends;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with one “Y” type/“U” type/“wishbone” type end and one irregularly shaped end having a five sided loop;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with two irregularly shaped ends each having a five sided loop;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with two washer shaped ends;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with a removable Y” type/“U” type/“wishbone” type end and an irregularly shaped end having a grasping tab;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment for a removable straightener device shown in FIG. 7 showing the removable end detached and key and groove mechanism for maintaining the rotational positioning of the parts with respect to each other when assembled and also showing an alternative length end to create a device of different length;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with irregularly shaped ends and predetermined markings and/or perforations for indicating the location to change the length of the device for a predetermined fastener spacing;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with irregularly shaped ends and adhesive on opposing sides protected by removable tape prior to use. FIG. 10 shows the tape on the adhesive and FIG. 11 shows the tape partially removed thereby exposing the adhesive;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with irregularly shaped ends and curved edges;

FIGS. 13 and 13A are perspective views other embodiments of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with irregularly shaped ends. The embodiment shown in FIG. 13A includes a grasping tab;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with irregularly shaped ends and FIG. 15 is a variation thereof including a grasping tab;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with irregularly shaped ends that are detachable from each other and replaceable with alternative length ends thereby making the device an adjustable length. The embodiment in FIG. 16 includes a grasping tab;

FIG. 17 includes perspective views, side and cross-sectional views of the embodiment of a removable straightener device shown in FIG. 16 in a detached position and showing a slot and receiver connection and locking mechanism within the grasping tab;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device shown in FIG. 3 with a grasping tab;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with a “Y” type/“U” type/“wishbone” type end and an irregularly shaped end having a locking mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable stiffener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with a “Y” type/“U” type/“wishbone” type end and a locking mechanism on another end shown in the unlocked and locked positions;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with irregularly shaped ends having four sided loops;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention with an irregularly shaped body and ends;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of two placket panels of a garment showing the location of installation of an embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention on the fasteners of the garment; and

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of two placket panels of a garment showing the location of installation of an embodiment of a removable straightener device in accordance with the principles of the present invention during fastening of the fasteners on the placket panels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 is one embodiment of a removable placket straightener device shown in accordance with the principles of the present invention. As will be described in greater detail below, the placket straightener 10 is made up of a central component or body 20, in this embodiment shown configured in the shape of wire or tubing (made from one or more of a variety of materials that may include metals and/or plastics), a first end 30 and a second end 40. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first end 30 and second end 40 are fixedly attached to body 20. As described below for other embodiments, the first end and/or the second end may be removably attached to the body and/or the first end and/or second end may be detachable using a mechanism located on the body. As will be described below for alternative embodiments, the interconnectivity of parts of the device, including the ends, allow for alternative sizes and also for adaptability to different fasteners on garments.

The first end 30 and the second end 40 each have a recess 60 formed therein. Recess 60 is configured to fit about or around a fastener of a garment such as a threaded button, snap button, or the like (not shown in FIG. 1), and provides a location for attachment of the placket straightener device 10 to the garment fasteners. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, recess 60 is configured to restrict the movement of the fastener when the placket straightener device 10 is installed. The first end 30 and second end 40 also restrict twisting of the device 10 after installation and help to maintain the device 10 in place on a garment. For the irregularly shaped first end 30 and second end 40 shown in FIG. 1, the depth of the recess 60 is configured about in the shape of a “U” with about equal sides on second end 40 and unequal sides on first end 30. Recess 60 in first end 30 is configuration deeper on one side to provide a more secure fit against the fastener and for better installation and removal of the placket straightener device 10. Many alternative configurations for first end 30 and/or second end 40 and for recess 60 are possible as described further below by way of example.

First end 30 contains a grasping tab 70 to provide ease with handling, installation and removal of the placket straightener device 10. Alternative locations and configurations for a grasping tab are possible as described further below by way of example.

The width of the embodiment of the placket straightener device 10 shown in FIG. 1, depicted as dimension “W,” is configured such that the edge of the placket straightener device 10 does not extend past the outer edge of the placket panel on the garment when installed. Consequently, the placket straightener device 10 is concealed when worn and in use.

With placket straightener device 10 installed between fasteners of the garment with recesses 60 placed about adjacent fasteners, placket straightener device 10 provides rigidity between fasteners and helps to keep the plackets substantially straight and decrease separation of the plackets.

The present invention will be described by way of example in connection with use of the device on a woman's shirt with threaded buttons. However, it will be appreciated that the placket straightener device of the present invention has broader applications for use in other types of garments with other types of fasteners.

During installation of the removable placket straightener device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the garment is put on and the fasteners are fastened. As shown in FIG. 2, prior to installation of the device, the placket panels 100 have separation 101 between them. The placket straightener device 10 is slipped between the placket panels 100 such that recess 60 in first end 30 and recess 60 second end 40 are positioned about adjacent fasteners 110 on the garment 120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the distance between recesses 60 on first end 30 and second end 40 is configured to be about the same as the distance between the fastened fasteners 110 without any separation between placket panels. Preferably, the distance between the recesses on first end 30 and second end 40 is configured to be a small amount larger than the distance between the fastened fasteners 110 without any separation between placket panel and for some garments which experience more movement of the fasteners on the garments, such as for example, sew buttons on a knitted sweater, the distance between the recesses on first end 30 and second end 40 is configured to be larger than the distance between the fastened fasteners 110 without any separation between the placket panels. In sizing the device as such, each recess 60 of placket straightener device 10 pushes against the respective fastener 110 thereby keeping both placket panels 100 substantially straight.

In the inserted or installed position, the placket straightener device 10 minimizes separation of the placket panels 100 between the fasteners 110. The placket straightener device 10 provides resistance to movement of the fasteners 110 with respect to each other and is particularly useful for limiting the movement of the fasteners 110 towards each other, the primary cause for separation (e.g., opening, buckling, gapping and puckering). Consequently, the movement of both the placket panels 110 is restricted and there is less likelihood for the garment's plackets to separate between fasteners 110. The placket straightener device 10 thereby minimizes separation.

The placket straightener device 10 is removed from the garment 120 by pulling the placket straightener device 10 out from between the fasteners 110 and the placket panels 100. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, grasping tab 70 is provided to ease with the grasping of the placket straightener device 10.

FIG. 23 shows the proper alignment of the placket straightener device 10 with respect to adjacent fasteners 110 on the placket panels 100.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first end 230 and the second end 240 have a “Y” type/“U” type/“wishbone” type configuration each which is placed about two adjacent fasteners of a garment when the fasteners are fastened. With this type of end configuration, the first end 230 and second end 240 of the placket straightener device 210 can be slipped into place between fasteners. Numerous alternative configurations are also possible for the first end 230 and/or second end 240, which need not be the same as each other, including irregular shapes and geometric shapes as shown in FIGS. 4-24.

For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 21 the first ends 330, 430, 530, and 1730 respectively, and second ends 440, 540, and 1740 respectively, of removable placket straightener devices 310, 410, 510 and 1710 are configured in the shape of a circular or non-circular loop or washer/circle through which a snap button or other fastener is put through prior to or during fastening the fasteners rather than after the fasteners are fastened. The size of the opening in each such end is configured to be large enough to accommodate the passing through of a fastener (e.g., threaded button) for subsequent fastening (e.g., putting the button through the button hole on the placket on the opposite edge of the garment). Recess 60 in each of the irregularly shaped end configurations shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 21 is the portion of the end where the fastener (or its threading) hits, pushed or abuts the device. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the recess is in the shape of a “U” or open “V”. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 recess 60 is the inner portion of the opening/washer hole 580 closest to body 520. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the recess 60 in each end is the side of the rectangle closest to and connected to the body 1720 and a portion of the adjacent sides of the rectangle connected thereto.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the male or female side of a snap button or a threaded button (not shown) is placed through opening 380 in first end 330, the fastener fastened and then the second end 340 positioned into place at the adjacent fastener after it is fastened with recess 60 on second end 340 positioned about the fastener. Alternatively, the placket straightener device 320 could be installed by placing second end 340 about a fastened fastener and then placing an adjacent fastener such as a snap button or a threaded button (not shown) through opening 380 in first end 330 and then fastening the fastener.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the fasteners of the garment are placed through the openings 480, 490, 580 and 590 prior to fastening the fasteners through the respective ends. As an example, FIG. 24 shows the positioning of the placket straightener device 510 shown in FIG. 6 relative to adjacent fasteners 110 on placket panels 100 for garment 120 prior to and/or during installation. The configurations of the ends 430, 440, 530 and 540 in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 also help to reduce the twisting and movement of the device when in place between placket panels of a garment.

Since the fastener spacing on garments is not identical from one garment to the next, the length of the placket straightener device of the present invention is made in numerous lengths to fit varying fastener spacing. For example, the device may be configured to be 2-inches, 2.25-inches, 2.5-inches, 2.75-inches, 3-inches, or 3.25-inches, between recesses 60. The aforementioned dimensions and recess spacing are not limiting but are identified as possibilities and are provided as examples only.

For the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the placket straightener device 710 is made with perforations, score lines, and/or demarcations which can be used to shorten the placket straightener device 710 to a desired length. First end 730 and second end 740 of the placket straightener device 710 are irregularly shaped with recesses 60. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the placket straightener device 710 is configured generally flat with opposing sides. The user can break, cut or snap the device at the desired location for the spacing of the fasteners on the intended garment leaving a shaped end having a recess 60.

Alternatively, the length of the removable placket straightener device of the present invention could be adjustable without cutting or breaking parts of the device. At least one of the first end and the second end of the placket straightener device along with a portion of the body can be configured to separate from the remainder of the device for replacement with a piece having an alternative length or configuration. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 7 and 8, first end 630 and a portion of body 620 of the placket straightener device 610 can be configured to detach from second end 640 and a remaining portion of body 620 and the first end portion having a length L₁ can be replaced with an interchangeable part having an alternative length L₂ (and/or end configuration). The result of this detachable configuration is that the length of placket straightener device 610 is adjustable and the end configurations are interchangeable. With at least one removable end and portion of the body the user can measure the predetermined length needed for the device for a particular garment and modify the length and end(s) as needed and desired to appropriately fit between fasteners for proper functionality.

For the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the placket straightener device 620 includes a key 655 and groove 665 mechanism for proper alignment and connection of parts when conjoined and to deter rotation of parts with respect to each other during installation and use. The key 655 and groove 665 shown in more detail in FIG. 8 are only one type of mechanism(s) that can be used for one or more of those purposes. It will be appreciated that other types of mechanisms for detaching parts, maintaining rotational positioning, and or securing parts of the device are possible. Placket straightener device 620 in FIGS. 7 and 8 also include grasping tab 670.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, an embodiment for a placket straightener device 810 is shown having adhesive 835 on both opposing sides 815 and 825 with removable tape or paper or the like 845 although the adhesive could be present on just one side if desired. The paper or tape 845 is removed exposing adhesive 835 prior to installation of the device. In addition to a certain degree of rigidity provided by placket straightener device 810, the adhesion of the placket straightener device 810 to the placket panels creates additional resistance to the separation of the placket panels. Adhesive 835 on the placket straightener device 810 also helps to conceal the placket straightener device 810 between placket panels when worn. The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is similarly shaped to the embodiment in FIGS. 10 and 11 and it includes irregularly shaped first end 930 and second end 930 each having a recess 60. In FIG. 12, the embodiment's edges are curved. Placket straightener device 910 has opposing sides 915 and 925 on body 920.

The removable placket straightener device according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13, 13A, 14, 15, 16 and 17 include irregularly shaped first end and second ends. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, the first end 1030 and 1030A and the second ends 1040 and 1040A have recess 60. The placket straightener device 1010 and the placket straightener device 1010A are intended for installation after the garment's fasteners are fastened and the length L₃ between the outer most portion of the loops on the ends is sized to be slightly larger than the recess spacing such that the loops on each end are pushed past the fasteners when installing the placket straightener device 1010 and the placket straightener device 1010A. Other embodiments of the removable placket straightener device described herein (e.g., FIGS. 1-4, 7-20, and 23) have ends similarly configured to have a portion of the end(s) with an outermost distance (relative with respect to a point on the device such as the center of the body) that extends past the location the recess to help maintain the device in position during use. The embodiment for the device shown in FIG. 13A also includes a grasping tab 1070A in about the middle of body 1020A and in alternative embodiments, adhesive may be including on the opposing sides of the grasping tab 1070A.

In addition to the adjustable length and interchangeable end configuration embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, FIGS. 16 and 17 show a placket straightener device 1310 similarly shaped to the embodiment in FIG. 13A having a grasping tab 1370 preferably but not necessarily offset from the middle of body 1320 and irregularly shaped first end 1330 and second end 1340 each with recess 60. The placket straightener device 1310 in FIGS. 16 and 17 also includes a coupling mechanism integral to the grasping tab 1370 (but the coupling mechanism need not be integral to the grasping tab and can be located elsewhere on the placket bracket device 1310) comprised of a slot 1385 and tab 1395. Locking lug 1397 is provided on tab 1395 to engage key 1398 within the housing slot 1385 to secure tab 1395 in slot 1385 when fully inserted. Using component parts with alternative end configurations and accompanying body lengths, the overall length of placket straightener device 1320 can be adjusted and modified for alternative fastener spacings.

FIGS. 14 and 15 include another embodiment of the removable placket straightener device according to the present invention. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the placket straightener device 1110 and 1210 have irregularly shaped first ends 1130 and 1230, respectively, and second ends 1140 and 1240, respectively, each end having opening 1180 and recess 60. The first and second ends in FIGS. 14 and 15 are configured to receive the fasteners by pressing them/pushing them through the normally closed portion 75 of the first or second end thereby positioning each fastener within an opening 1180. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the placket straightener device is held in place about a fastener using a substantially closed loop at the end but the device can be placed about a fastener by opening the loop. The embodiment for the device shown in FIG. 15 also includes a grasping tab 1270 in about the middle of body 1220 and in alternative embodiments, adhesive may be including on the opposing sides of the grasping tab 1270. Another embodiment of the invention showing a grasping tab 1470 on the body 1420 is shown in FIG. 18.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, first end 1530 of placket straightener device 1510 is capable of being secured or “locked” after placing it about or around a fastener by moving the portion having the grasping tab 1570 over the other side 1555 of first end 1530. In accordance with this embodiment, the first end 1530 may be placed around a fastener before, preferably after, it is fastened and first end 1530 is then locked onto itself by overlapping the sides of the first end.

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of the placket straightener device having a locking mechanism where the portion of the first end 1630 having the grasping tab 1670 is placed under body 1620 and the grasping tab 1670 also functions to keep the end closed. In accordance with this embodiment, the first end 1630 is placed around a fastener before or, preferably after, it is fastened and first end 1630 is then locked onto itself by overlapping grasping tab 1670 over the body 1620.

FIG. 22 shows yet another embodiment of the placket straightener device according to the present invention utilizing a plurality or multitude of irregularly shaped loops each loop having one or more recesses 60 in each segment of the device. In this embodiment, the device is capable of being installed on two or more fasteners and is capable of fitting a variety of fastener spacings. A fastener can be positioned to go within any of the many recesses of the device thus creating a single device that can fit the spacing of specific fasteners without detaching or replacing ends. The device according to FIG. 22 can be cut or broken to a smaller size if desired.

When using one or more removable and replaceable ends and/or components on the device, if the placket straightener device is made of metal wire or the like, the central component or base can be cut or broken at a predetermined length and the preferred end can then be placed back onto the body.

Of course, it will be appreciated that other configurations for the ends of the body, the recesses and/or the body are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that the placket straightener device of the present invention provides an effective means for significantly decreasing the separation of the placket panels of a garment with fasteners.

While the present invention has been illustrated by description of various embodiments and while those embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' invention.

Claims

1. A placket straightener device for limiting the separation of the material between at least two adjacent fasteners on a garment, such as a shirt, when the fasteners are fastened comprising:

a body having a first end and a second end;

a recess formed in said first end of said body, wherein said recess is placed about one said fastener of said garment when said placket straightener device is installed on said garment;

a recess formed in said second end of said body, wherein said recess is placed about said second fastener of said garment when said placket straightener device is installed on said garment;

wherein said placket straightener device limits the movement of said adjacent fasteners relative to each other when placed between said adjacent fasteners.

2. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between said recess on said first end and said recess on said second end is about equal to the spacing between said two adjacent fasteners on said garment when said fasteners are fastened and with minimal separation of the material between said fasteners.

3. The placket straightener device according to claim 2, wherein said distance between said recesses is one from the group consisting of about 2-inches, about 2.25-inches, about 2.5-inches, about 2.75-inches, about 3-inches, and about 3.25 inches.

4. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, further comprising a grasping tab on said body wherein said tab is used for holding said placket straightener device when inserting and removing said placket straightener device from said garment.

5. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, made from at least one of the materials from the group consisting of plastic and metal.

6. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein said body, first end and second end are formed from tubing.

7. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein said body, first end and second end are substantially flat.

8. The placket straightener device according to claim 6, wherein said body is comprised of at least one of copper and brass capable of being shaped in a non-linear configuration.

9. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, further comprising a loop on at least one of said first end and said send end wherein one of said fasteners passes through at least one said openings prior to fastening the fasteners.

10. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first end and said second end are about the shape of a “U.”

11. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein said body, first end and second end are formed wire.

12. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first end and said second end is about the shape of a rectangle.

13. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first end and said second end is about the shape of a washer.

14. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, further comprising a loop on at least one of said first end and said second end wherein one of said fasteners passes through at least one said openings.

15. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first end and said second end is removably attached to said body.

16. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein the distance between said recess on said first end and said recess on said second end is adjustable.

17. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said first end and said second end is removably attached to said body and replaceable with an end having an alternative configuration.

18. The placket straightener device according to claim 11, wherein the distance between said recess on said first end and said recess on said second end is adjustable by removing at least one of said first end and said second end from said body and attaching an end with an alternative configuration to said body.

19. The placket straightener device according to claim 1, wherein said body is comprised of a plurality of irregularly shaped loops.

20. The placket straightener device according to claim 19, wherein said body is configured to be placed about more than two adjacent fasteners.

21. The placket straightener device according to claim 19, wherein said plurality of irregularly shaped loops are in linear configuration.

22. The placket straightener device according to claim 21, wherein said plurality of irregularly shaped loops are about configured to be about the same size and shape.

23. A removable and reusable placket straightener device for minimizing separation of the overlapping placket panels on the ends of a shirt or blouse when the garment's fasteners are fastened together comprising:

a body having a length, a first end, and a second end;

a recess formed in said first end of said body for placement of said first end about one fastener of said shirt when said placket straightener device is placed between placket panels of said shirt when worn;

a recess formed in said second end of said body for placement of said second end about a second closed fastener of said shirt located adjacent to said first fastener when said placket straightener device is placed between placket panels of said shirt when worn;

wherein said placket straightener device restricts movement of said fasteners relative to each other.

24. The placket straightener device according to claim 23, wherein said body is configured in the shape of an elongated strip of material comprising opposing sides.

25. The placket straightener device according to claim 23, wherein said body is made from at least one of the group consisting of plastic and metal.

26. The placket straightener device according to claim 25, wherein said body is made of transparent plastic.

27. The placket straightener device according to claim 23, further comprising adhesive on at least of said opposing sides.

28. The placket straightener device according to claim 23, further comprising at least one from the group consisting of perforations, demarcations and markings to indicate possible locations to shorten said placket straightener device.

29. The placket straightener device according to claim 23, wherein the edges of at least one from the group consisting of said body, said first end and said second end are curved.

30. A reusable placket straightener device for limiting separation of the overlapping placket panels on the ends of a shirt, such as a woman's blouse, when the fasteners, such as snap buttons or buttons with buttonholes, are fastened together comprising:

a body having a length, a first end, and a second end;

a recess formed in said first end for placement about one fastener of said shirt;

a recess formed in said second end for placement about a second fastener of said shirt located adjacent to said first closed fastener when said placket straightener device is installed;

wherein distance between the recess in said first end and said recess in said second end is about equal to the spacing between said two fasteners on said shirt when said fasteners are fastened;

wherein said placket straightener maintains a predetermined distance between said closed fasteners.

31. The placket straightener device according to claim 30, wherein said predetermined distance is about equal to the spacing between said adjacent fasteners.

32. The placket straightener device according to claim 30, wherein said predetermined distance is larger than the spacing between said adjacent fasteners.

33. The placket straightener device according to claim 30, wherein said second end is removable from said body and replaceable with an alternative second end.

34. The placket straightener device according to claim 33, further comprising a groove and key mechanism to secure said second end to said body.

35. The placket straightener device according to claim 33, further comprising a locking mechanism to secure said second end to said body.

36. The placket straightener device according to claim 30, further comprising a grasping tab on said body wherein said tab is used to hold said placket straightener device when inserting and removing it from said shirt.

37. The placket straightener device according to claim 36, wherein said grasping tab comprises a means for separating components of said placket straightener device.

38. The placket straightener device according to claim 36, wherein said grasping tab comprises a means for locking said components of said placket straightener device.