Rigid Pocket Squares

Abstract

The invention provides a rigid pocket square. The pocket square comprises at least one layer of wood, and optionally comprises a plurality of wood layers. In some embodiments, the pocket square has a rounded bottom region and a top region with a plurality of points. On the back of the rigid pocket square there may be an exposed fabric layer.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to pocket squares. More specifically, the invention relates to rigid pocket squares.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional pocket squares are made of fabric. When used, they can be folded into any of a variety of different well known folds. This, however, requires the user to learn one or more folds, which may be difficult to remember or execute accurately.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations provided in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in connection with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a rigid pocket square in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic back view of the rigid pocket square of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a rigid pocket square in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic back view of the rigid pocket square of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of an assembly comprising a rigid pocket square and a jacket having a pocket, the pocket square being retained by the pocket

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides a rigid pocket square having a front face and a rear face. The pocket square comprises a series of layers including multiple layers of wood.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an assembly comprising a rigid pocket square and a jacket having a pocket. The pocket square has a top display region and a rounded base region. The top display region defines an upwardly-projecting geometric profile. The rounded base region has a downwardly-projecting generally semi-circular profile. The pocket square is retained by the pocket such that the rounded base region is in the pocket while the top display region extends upwardly from the pocket. The pocket square comprises a series of layers including multiple layers of wood.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. The description provides practical illustrations for implementing certain preferred embodiments of the invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, and manufacturing processes are provided for selected elements; all other elements employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the present art will recognize that many of the given examples have a variety of suitable alternatives.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a rigid pocket square (10) having a front face and a rear face. The pocket square comprises a series of layers (1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, and 2.1), including multiple layers of wood (1.4-1.7). Preferably, all the wood layers (or at least two wood layers) of the pocket square are exposed, e.g., so as to respectively define different surface regions of the front face. (The front face of the pocket square is the face shown in FIGS. 1 and 3; the rear face of the pocket square is the face shown in FIGS. 2 and 4). This can be appreciated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the layers of wood (1.4., 1.5., 1.6., and 1.7) are joined to one another (optionally by adhesive, although other means can be used), such that the relative positions of the layers of wood are fixed. Here each wood layer is joined directly to at least one other wood layer, such that all the wood layers of the pocket square are rigidly held in stationary positions relative to one another.

The rigid pocket square (10) preferably has a total thickness (i.e., the distance between the front face and the rear face) of less than ¼^th inch, and each layer of wood preferably has a thickness of less than 1/15^th inch. The other dimensions of the pocket square are likewise sized for receipt within a pocket (5.1) of a suit jacket. Thus, the pocket square preferably has a major dimension of less than eight inches, less than seven inches, or even less than six inches. The pocket square, for example, will commonly have a height H of less than six inches, a width W of less than five inches, or both. These width and/or height dimension are optionally provided together with the thickness range dimensions noted above.

FIGS. 1-5 depict non-limiting examples of a pocket square comprising a series of layers including at least four layers of wood. In certain other embodiments, the pocket square has only three layers of wood. In FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, all four layers of wood are exposed at least in part so as to respectively define four surface regions of the front face.

Preferably, the series of layers comprises an exposed rear layer (2.1) of fabric. Thus, the front face of the pocket square preferably is defined by wood while the rear face of the pocket square is defined by fabric.

The pocket square (10) can optionally have a top region (1.9) and a rounded bottom region (1.1). The top region (1.9) defines an upwardly-projecting geometric profile to extend above a pocket (5.1) of a jacket (20). The optional rounded bottom region (1.1) can advantageously have a downwardly-projecting generally semi-circular profile to be received within the pocket. In alternate embodiments, the bottom region is not rounded, but rather is generally square or some other configuration.

As shown in the figures, the upwardly-projecting geometric profile can comprise one or more upwardly-projecting peaks. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, there are two such peaks. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, there are three such peaks. Many variants of this nature are possible. For example, the upwardly-projecting geometric profile can take the shape of any known pocket square fold. For example, it can have a single upwardly-projecting peak. In another example, the top region (1.9) of the pocket square (10) can simply have a square shape. In some embodiments involving one or more peaks, each peak is formed by at least two layers of wood. Such is the case in the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1-5. Here, each peak is defined collectively by two layers of wood. Thus, it will be appreciated that the dotted lines at the top of the pocket square shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 each represent the top perimeter of an optional wood layer.

In some embodiments, each layer of a given peak has a layer apex, and the layer apexes of the multiple layers forming a given peak are offset from each other, such that a top edge of an uppermost layer of a given peak is spaced apart from and generally parallel to a top edge of a second layer of such peak. By providing an offset design of this nature (e.g., where multiple layers of wood are arranged in an overlapping, offset configuration), it is possible to provide the top display region with perceived depth. Thus, the pocket square can optionally include one wood layer joined together with another second wood layer such that there is an offset apron (1.3) between the perimeters of the two joined wood layers. As shown in the figures, some designs will have at least four wood layers of which a first pair are offset from each other to define a first apron (1.3), while a second pair are offset from each other to define a second apron (1.3). In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, there can optionally be three such aprons.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the pocket square can optionally comprise multiple layers of wood including at least first and second wood layers, where the first wood layer (1.4) overlies the second wood layer (1.5) and has a window (1.2) cut through it so as to expose the second wood layer (or any other underlying layer, e.g., the window when provided can be open to the third layer (1.6) or to the fourth layer (1.7), depending on the desired design).

In another embodiment, the invention provides an assembly (30) comprising a rigid pocket square (10) and a jacket (20) having a pocket (5.1). The pocket square of the assembly (30) can optionally have a top display region and a rounded base region. The top display region defines an upwardly-projecting geometric profile. The rounded base region has a downwardly-projecting generally semi-circular profile. The pocket square (10) is retained by the pocket (5.1) such that the rounded base region is in the pocket while the top display region extends upwardly from the pocket. As noted above, the pocket square comprises a series of layers including multiple layers of wood. The pocket square in the present assembly can have any of the features, or any combination of features, described in this disclosure.

The figures show different exemplary embodiments of the present pocket square. The distinct structure and design can have one or more of the advantageous features shown and described herein. These features enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the pocket squares. The multiple layers of wood, which can advantageously be overlapping, can provide the top display region of the pocket square with perceived depth. These layers can optionally be offset to achieve visual contrast. The first wood layer may have a window cut through it so as to expose the second wood layer. The rounded base region enables it to be maneuvered around the pocket easily until the desired presentation is attained. If the invention were to come to an acute point at the bottom, the pocket square's rigidity may bulge through the suit jacket. With the optional semi-circular base profile, this issue is eliminated. Finally, a layer of smooth “toothy” fabric (suede, velvet, etc.) is adhered to the back of the invention to create a soft lining that prevents it from jostling around the interior of the pocket. This finished product slips easily into the suit jacket pocket as a decorative fashion accessory.

Detailed below is a non-limiting step-by-step walkthrough of one exemplary manufacturing process. First, thin sheets of various species of wood veneer are obtained. Second, the wood veneer is cut down into smaller pieces, as can be appreciated by referring to the drawings. Third, double-sided adhesive is used to adhere the pieces of veneer together to form the structure of the pocket square. Other materials, steps, and manufacturing methods can be used.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rigid pocket square having a front face and a rear face, the pocket square comprising a series of layers including multiple layers of wood.

2. The rigid pocket square of claim 1 wherein said series of layers includes at least four layers of wood.

3. The rigid pocket square of claim 2 wherein all four layers of wood are exposed at least in part so as to respectively define four surface regions of the front face.

4. The rigid pocket square of claim 1 wherein said series of layers comprises an exposed rear layer of fabric, such that the front face of the pocket square is defined by wood while the rear face of the pocket square is defined by fabric.

5. The rigid pocket square of claim 1 wherein the pocket square has a top region and a rounded bottom region, the top region defining an upwardly-projecting geometric profile to extend above a pocket of a jacket, the rounded bottom region having a downwardly-projecting generally semi-circular profile to be received within the pocket.

6. The rigid pocket square of claim 5 wherein the upwardly-projecting geometric profile comprises one or more upwardly-projecting peaks.

7. The rigid pocket square of claim 6 wherein each peak is formed by at least two layers of wood.

8. The rigid pocket square of claim 7 wherein each layer of a given peak has a layer apex, and the layer apexes of the multiple layers forming a given peak are offset from each other, such that a top edge of an uppermost layer of a given peak is spaced apart from and generally parallel to a top edge of a second layer of such peak.

9. The rigid pocket square of claim 1 wherein said multiple layers of wood includes at least first and second wood layers, the first wood layer overlying the second wood layer, the first wood layer having a window cut through it so as to expose the second wood layer.

10. The rigid pocket square of claim 1 wherein the pocket square has a thickness of less than ¼th inch, and each layer of wood has a thickness of less than 1/15th inch.

11. An assembly comprising a rigid pocket square and a jacket having a pocket, the pocket square having a top display region and a rounded base region, the top display region defining an upwardly-projecting geometric profile, the rounded base region having a downwardly-projecting generally semi-circular profile, the pocket square being retained by the pocket such that the rounded base region is in the pocket while the top display region extends upwardly from the pocket, the pocket square comprising a series of layers including multiple layers of wood.

12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said series of layers includes at least four layers of wood.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein all four layers of wood are exposed at least in part so as to respectively define four surface regions of the front face.

14. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said series of layers comprises an exposed rear layer of fabric, such that the front face of the pocket square is defined by wood while the rear face of the pocket square is defined by fabric.

15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein the upwardly-projecting geometric profile comprises one or more upwardly-projecting peaks.

16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein each peak is formed by at least two layers of wood.

17. The assembly of claim 16 wherein each layer of a given peak has a layer apex, and the layer apexes of the multiple layers forming a given peak are offset from each other, such that a top edge of an uppermost layer of a given peak is spaced apart from and generally parallel to a top edge of a second layer of such peak.

18. The assembly of claim 11 wherein said multiple layers of wood includes at least first and second wood layers, the first wood layer overlying the second wood layer, the first wood layer having a window cut through it so as to expose the second wood layer.

19. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the layers of wood are joined to one another adhesively, such that the relative positions of the layers of wood are fixed.

20. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the pocket square has a thickness of less than ¼th inch, and each layer of wood has a thickness of less than 1/15th inch.