Method and apparatus for keeping a shirt collar aligned and secured, magnetically, against a shirt front, with a decorative collar link assembly

Abstract

A method and apparatus for securing a shirt collar in a desired position and orientation, magnetically, against a shirt front, using a decorative collar link assembly. The decorative collar link apparatus is an assembly that includes a decorative cap assembled to a single base magnet thereby attachable to an outside surface of a shirt collar, aligned opposite a separate single magnet placed against the inside surface of a shirt, wherein the decorative collar link assembly on the outside of a shirt is magnetically attachable to the inside magnet through the shirt material, for securing the shirt collar in the selected position and orientation. There are no pins or other interlocking devices as the collar links are held in place strictly via opposing magnet forces of attraction. The decorative collar link cap surface can be any material, design pattern, insignia, logo, emblem, or finish that would be typically construed as visually appealing and thereby add to the fashionable sense of the aligned and magnetically secured shirt collar.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for keeping a shirt collar properly aligned and secured, magnetically, with a decorative collar link assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The inability to keep a shirt collar properly aligned and positioned against a shirt front, has been an ongoing problem. Solutions to this problem involving magnetic devices have been attempted. Reference in this regard, Boos U.S. Pat. No. 8,108,948 entitled Method and Apparatus for Keeping a Shirt Collar Aligned and Fastened, Magnetically, which utilizes an elongated stainless steel strip inserted into the collar and held in place with a magnet. A shortcoming is that the said collar stay is concealed and without an outward displayed decorative element offers no additional visual appeal to the aligned and fastened shirt collar. Barnes U.S. Pat. No. 6,748,602 entitled Decorative Magnetic Collar Link, utilizes a decorative, detachable/attachable outwardly visible magnetic top collar link portion, and a concealed collar bottom link portion. The top piece contains two magnets arranged to be attracted to magnets of the bottom body, which has two magnets and a nose and butt configuration, such that when the top piece is set on top of a collar with the bottom piece positioned directly underneath the collar, the top and bottom pieces are locked together via the magnetic attraction. The top piece provides a bridge for placement of a customized logo, which can be affixed thereto by a pin. A shortcoming of said design is that multiple magnets are required for holding each collar, which makes the device hefty as well as weighty. Still further, no provision is disclosed for attachment of a collar to a shirt front. This can be a shortcoming where it is desired for the collar of a shirt to be positioned at a certain location on and in relation to the front of a shirt, and/or a certain orientation, for achieving a particular look.

Other devices utilizing magnetics are also known. Reference in this regard, Ellis U.S. Pat. No. 2,397,931, which discloses a magnetic button including two associated parts having the general appearance of an ordinary button, which are magnetic and oppositely attached to flaps of a garment to hold the flaps together. However, the parts are both simple disc shaped members, there is no decorative component, and there is no disclosure of a capability thereof for retaining the shape and/or alignment of a shirt collar.

Thus, what is sought is a method comprising magnetic attraction of opposing magnets and an apparatus comprising a decorative collar link assembly adapted for keeping a shirt collar in a particular desired alignment with a shirt front or other reference, and secured to the shirt front, and which overcomes one or more of the shortcomings and limitations discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and apparatus for keeping a shirt collar aligned and secured, magnetically, with a decorative collar link assembly, which overcomes one or more of the shortcomings and limitations discussed above.

A decorative collar link assembly for the outside of a shirt collar comprising a decorative cap coupled to a single base magnet. The decorative collar link assembly is positioned on the outside surface of the shirt collar. The decorative cap can be any size, shape, finish, or design and any material such as metal, plastic, composite, fabric, mineral, rock, jewel, gem, and/or wood. The single base magnet assembled under the decorative cap forms the outer decorative collar link assembly. The decorative collar link assembly can be manufactured from methods including but not limited to adhesives, machining, and/or fabrication. The magnet can be, for instance, but is not limited to, a neodymium magnet of a round or square disc shape, metal plated or coated with epoxy or plastic. The decorative collar link assembly is positioned against the outside surface of the front of a shirt collar. An opposing single magnet is placed under the inside surface of the shirt material and aligned opposite the decorative collar link assembly positioned at the outside front surface of the collar. The single magnet can be, for instance, but is not limited to, a neodymium magnet of a round or square disc shape, metal plated or coated with epoxy or plastic. The magnets have sufficient magnetic power for magnetically attracting and attaching or coupling to one another and holding the decorative collar link assembly in a desired position and orientation in relation to the magnet placement, and thus to the front of the shirt, through at least one layer of shirt fabric, for securing the shirt collar against the shirt front, in a desired position and orientation. The magnets can have a disk shape, or alternatively any shape or thickness suitable for the apparatus. The decorative collar link cap surface can be any suitable size or shape of design pattern, insignia, logo, emblem, or finish that would be typically construed as visually appealing and thereby add to the fashionable sense of the aligned and magnetically secured shirt collar. A suitable range of thickness for each magnet is suggested as, but not limited to, ⅛ to ¼ inch, or from about 0.3 to 0.6 cm. If a round disc magnet is used a suitable range of diameter is suggested as, but not limited to, ⅜ to ½ inch, or from about 0.9 to 1.2 cm. If a square disc magnet is used a suitable range of length is suggested as, but not limited to ⅜ to ½ inch, or from about 0.9 to 1.2 cm. The magnetic attractive forces will secure the decorative collar link assembly, and thus the collar, in the desired position and orientation, in opposition to normal forces that are anticipated to be exerted there against, for instance as a person wearing the shirt turns his or her neck, under a typical human range of motions.

According to still another preferred aspect of the invention, the following method is used to install the decorative link collar assembly;

• • 1. Position a single disc magnet to the inside shirt surface in an approximate location under the shirt collar and aligned opposite the final desired location of the outside decorative collar link assembly;
  • 2. Position a decorative collar link assembly, with the magnet side facing the outside shirt surface, against the outside front surface of the shirt collar aligned at a location directly opposite a single disc magnet that was positioned inside the shirt surface in the preceding step;
  • 3. Allowing the magnetic forces of the opposing magnets to attract one another, attach or secure a decorative collar link assembly to the outside surface of the shirt collar opposite a single disc magnet located on the inside surface of the shirt;
  • 4. Simultaneously adjust the location of a decorative collar link assembly with the inside single magnet so as to position the apparatus to the desired final location on the outside surface of the shirt collar and the inside surface of the shirt; and,
  • 5. Repeat steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the alternate side of a shirt collar such that both sides of a shirt collar are visually aligned creating an appealing relatively symmetrical appearance with both left and right sides of the shirt collar secured in place with a respective decorative collar link assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly of the invention as assembled and attached to a front surface of a shirt collar showing the collar folded down and secured in a desired position and alignment by an opposing magnet of the invention, hidden from view placed under the inside surface of the shirt;

FIG. 2 is a front view of one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly of the invention showing one embodiment of a decorative collar link cap coupled with one embodiment of a single base magnet, shown in dotted lines.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 showing one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly of the invention showing one embodiment of a decorative collar link cap coupled with one embodiment of a single base magnet, shown in dotted lines.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a single disc magnet, to be positioned under the inside surface of a shirt aligned directly opposite a decorative collar link assembly positioned on the outside front surface of a shirt collar.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a shirt, showing one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly of the invention, shown in dotted lines, positioned on the outside surface of a folded up shirt collar, and one embodiment of a single magnet, shown in dotted lines, positioned against an inside surface of a shirt front. FIG. 5 illustrates one positioning of a decorative collar link assembly for magnetically securing a decorative collar link assembly and a shirt collar in a desired position and alignment in relation to a shirt front;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a shirt showing one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly of the invention secured on a collar of a shirt, and illustrating use of a single magnet, hidden under a shirt and shown in dotted lines, in connection with one desired location along a shirt collar; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through a shirt front and collar showing one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly of the invention located on the outside surface of a shirt collar, and illustrating the location of one embodiment of a single magnet on the inside surface of a shirt, aligned opposite one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 illustrate various embodiments of apparatus of the invention, required for practice of methods of the invention. More particularly, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly 20 of the invention, positioned in one location on the outside surface of a shirt collar 32 of a shirt 34.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly 20 of the invention comprising one embodiment of a decorative cap 21 assembled with one embodiment of a single base magnet 22, shown with dotted lines. The decorative cap 21 can be comprised of any size, shape, finish, or design and any material such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, composite, fabric, rock, mineral, jewel, gem, and/or wood. The single base magnet 22 assembled under the decorative cap 21 forms the decorative collar link assembly 20 positioned on the outside surface of a shirt collar 32 of a shirt 34. The magnet 22 can be comprised of, for instance, but is not limited to, a neodymium magnet of a round or square disc shape, metal plated or coated with epoxy or plastic.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 showing one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly 20 of the invention comprising one embodiment of a decorative cap 21 assembled with one embodiment of a single base magnet 22. The decorative cap 21 can be comprised of any size, shape, finish, or design and any material such as metal, plastic, composite, fabric, rock, mineral, jewel, gem, and/or wood. The single base magnet 22 assembled under the decorative cap 21 forms the decorative collar link assembly 20 positioned on the outside surface of a shirt collar 32 of a shirt 34. The magnet 22 can be comprised of, for instance, but is not limited to, a neodymium magnet of a round or square disc shape, metal plated or coated with epoxy or plastic.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a single magnet 30 of the invention, which can be comprised of a suitable commercially available magnetic material, such as, but not limited to, a neodymium magnetic material, suitable for magnetically attaching to and holding a decorative collar link assembly 20 through one or several layers of a typical shirt fabric, such as a cotton, wool, synthetic material, or blend of any of these, in a desired position and orientation. The magnet 30 can be comprised of, for instance, but is not limited to, a neodymium magnet of a round or square disc shape, metal plated or coated with epoxy or plastic.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate aspects of steps of methods of the invention for using one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly 20, shown in dotted lines, and one embodiment of a single magnet 30, also shown in dotted lines, with a shirt collar 32 of a shirt 34, for securing the shirt collar 32 in a desired position and orientation in relation to a shirt front 36. Essentially, after a shirt collar 32 is folded down against a shirt front 36, a decorative collar link assembly 20 is positioned against an outer shirt collar surface 38 of shirt collar 32, in the general vicinity of shirt collar point 40. Single magnet 30, is positioned against the inside surface of a shirt 34, aligned directly opposite decorative collar link assembly 20. When a decorative collar link assembly 20 is simultaneously pushed against the front surface 36 of a shirt 34 and a shirt collar 32 and a single magnet 30 positioned against the inside surface of shirt 34, the magnetic force attraction of the magnet 22 in a decorative collar link assembly 20 will be magnetically attracted to the single magnet 30 and the shirt collar 32 will be secured in place against the outer surface 38 of the shirt front 36. A decorative collar link assembly 20 can be repositioned to any desirable location along the outer surface 38 of a shirt collar 32 by simultaneously maneuvering a decorative collar link assembly 20 and a single magnet 30 at the same time, making sure that the two opposing magnets, 22 and 30, remain aligned so as not to break the magnetic attraction between the two opposing magnets, 22 and 30. Re-aligning a decorative collar link assembly 20 and single magnet 30 will allow a shirt collar 32 to be magnetically secured in place in a desirable position against the outer surface 38 of a shirt front 36.

The above steps are then repeated for the other collar 32 of shirt 34 such that each of two positioned decorative collar link assemblies are visually aligned with one another, with one decorative collar link assembly 20 on each opposing collar 32 of shirt 34. Here, it should be noted that a decorative collar link assembly 20 strategically placed on the outside surface 38 of a shirt collar 32 is intended to maintain a shirt collar 32 strategically in place against a shirt front 36 and be visually apparent, thereby providing an added fashionable sense that is cosmetically appealing. The magnetic attraction between oppositely aligned magnet 30 and magnet 22 of a collar link assembly 20 will be sufficient to secure the shirt collar 32 in the desired position and orientation in relation to the shirt front 36.

Referring also to FIG. 7 is a side view of one embodiment of a decorative collar link assembly 20 attached to a shirt 34 and shirt collar 32. A shirt collar 32 of a shirt 34 is shown held in place against a shirt front 36 by a decorative collar link assembly 20 and a single magnet 30 of the invention. The decorative collar link assembly 20 is comprised of the decorative cap 21 of any material, size, shape, finish, or design and base magnet 22.

As should be apparent from the disclosure above, the various embodiments of a decorative collar link assembly and magnets of the invention can be used in combination to achieve a desired retention and positioning of a shirt collar in relation to a shirt front, including the angular orientation of the collar in relation thereto, with the decorative collar link assembly apparatus used for the same being visible or apparent to persons observing the shirt. The various decorative collar link assemblies can optionally be positioned to different locations on the collar to some extent by hand, to achieve a desired appearance, for instance, for different fashion purposes. Thus, for example, a collar could be positioned and retained by the present apparatus in a widely spread manner, for a more contemporary look, or positioned closer to the neck of a shirt, for a more traditional look.

Thus, there has been shown and described a novel method and apparatus for keeping a shirt collar aligned and secured, magnetically, which overcomes many of the problems set forth above. It will be apparent, however, to those familiar in the art, that many changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications for the subject device are possible. All such changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. An apparatus for magnetically securing a shirt collar in a position and orientation on a shirt front, comprising in combination:

a decorative collar link assembly comprising in combination a decorative cap and a single base magnet positional against an outside surface of a shirt collar; and

a single magnet positionable against an inside surface of a shirt front opposite a shirt collar thereof and operable for magnetic attachment to the decorative collar link assembly through the shirt front and shirt collar, for securing a shirt collar to which the decorative collar link assembly is secured in place, against the shirt collar.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnet in the decorative collar link assembly placed on the outside of the shirt collar, and the single magnet placed against the inside surface of the shirt, include suitable magnetic attraction through the shirt collar and shirt material for substantially limiting relative movements thereof when magnetically attached against the shirt collar.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising magnets made from, but not limited to, neodymium.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising magnets of, but not limited to, round or square disc shapes.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising magnets with, but not limited to, a metal plating or coating of plastic or epoxy.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a decorative cap of the decorative collar link assembly made from, but not limited to, any common material of metal, plastic, composite, fabric, jewel, gem, rock, mineral, and/or wood.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a decorative cap of the decorative collar link assembly including, but not limited to, any size, shape, finish, or design.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a decorative cap of the decorative collar link assembly including, but not limited to, any emblem, insignia, symbol, team logo, or company logo.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a decorative cap and a single magnet of the decorative collar link assembly wherein the assembly is manufactured from methods including but not limited to adhesives, machining, and/or fabrication.

10. A method for attaching a shirt collar to a shirt front, comprising steps of:

providing a decorative collar link assembly in claim 1 positionable to an outside surface of a shirt collar; and

providing a single magnet in claim 1 positionable against an inside surface of a shirt aligned opposite placement of the decorative collar link assembly; and

positioning the decorative collar link assembly in claim 1, comprising decorative cap and base magnet, against the outside surface of a shirt collar thereof aligned opposite the single magnet in claim 1 positioned against the inside surface of the shirt; and

bringing the decorative collar link assembly in claim 1 positioned against the outside surface of the shirt collar into proximity with the single magnet in claim 1 positioned against the inside surface of the shirt thereof for magnetically attaching the decorative collar link assembly to the single magnet through the shirt collar and the shirt material.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the decorative collar link assembly is positioned to secure the shirt collar against the outside surface of the shirt front.

12. The method of claim 10, comprising magnets made from, but not limited to, neodymium.

13. The method of claim 10, comprising magnets of, but not limited to, round or square disc shapes.

14. The method of claim 10, comprising magnets with, but not limited to, a metal plating or coating of plastic or epoxy.

15. The method of claim 10, comprising a decorative cap of the decorative collar link assembly made from, but not limited to, any common material of metal, plastic, composite, fabric, jewel, gem, rock, mineral, and/or wood.

16. The method of claim 10, comprising a decorative cap of the decorative collar link assembly including, but not limited to, any size, shape, finish, or design.

17. The method of claim 10, comprising a decorative cap of the decorative collar link assembly including, but not limited to, any emblem, insignia, symbol, team logo, or company logo.

18. The method of claim 10, comprising a decorative cap and a single magnet of the decorative collar link assembly wherein the assembly is manufactured from methods including, but not limited to, adhesives, machining, and/or fabrication.