Patent Application
20080229472
As soon as humans began dressing, the problem of keeping the clothes clean became apparent. Of course, the issue of “ring around the collar” was not a major issue until modern times with the advent of the button up shirt and a heightened expectation of personal hygiene. The propensity of shirts to discolor around the neck is especially noticeable on white and other light colored shirts. The custom of wearing a necktie only exacerbates the problem by causing some wearers to sweat and the sweat concentrates around the neckline causing the discoloration which is generally permanent despite washing.
There is a need for an inexpensive, comfortable and easy to use device to eliminate the problem of collar discoloration.
A collar protector comprises a patch mount that is attached to the back portion of a shirt collar. A collar shield removeably attaches to the patch mount and covers a back portion of a wearer's neck preventing staining and discoloration of the shirt's collar. In one embodiment, the user applies a scent to the collar shield to release a pleasing odor while wearing the shirt. As the collar shield becomes stained, it is replaced with a new one keeping the shirt from being soiled. In one embodiment, a hook and loop attachment system is used to removeably attach the collar shield to the patch mount. In one embodiment, the collar shield is made of a fabric that matches the shirt.
Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Referring to
The “loop” or “pile” 150 side of the hook 140 and loop 150 system may be used on collar 110 side so that the softer loop 150 portion is towards the neck of the user (not shown). This allows shirt 120 to be worn comfortably even without using collar shield 100. Other removable fastening means including snaps, zippers or other means suitable for allowing a user to replace collar shield 100 may be used as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the user applies cologne, perfume, body oil or other scent to collar shield 100. As the user wears shirt 120, the scent is released especially if the user tends to perspire such as in a stressful or physically demanding situation. Collar shield 100 is made from cloth and may be manufactured to match the pattern and texture of shirt 120. This is most easily accomplished if produced by the manufacturer of shirt 120 using the same material, but the match does not have to be perfect allowing an aftermarket producer to coordinate a complementary material that is attractive but not necessarily a perfect match. In one embodiment, collar shield 100 is made of a transparent material such as plastic so that collar shield 100 is not noticeable.
Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 60/895,828, filed Mar. 15, 2007.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60895828 | Mar 2007 | US |
