This invention relates generally to a simpler manner of applying a neck tie. More specifically, this invention relates to a pre-manufactured “knot” for a neck tie to simplify the act of applying a neck tie.
There are some people who find difficultly in applying a neck tie for varying reasons. Such types of people may include young children, older adults or those with hand or finger injuries resulting in reduced dexterity, to name a few.
In the past, such people have resorted to various methods to avoid having to tie a knot in a neck tie, such as clip-on ties, ascots, bolos, etc. Clip-on ties involve an increased manufacturing cost and are difficult to clean. Ascots and bolos are sufficiently different from neck ties that such may not be appropriate for certain settings.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method of tying a knot in a neck tie that avoids the drawbacks of pre-existing alternatives. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.
The present invention is directed to a pre-manufactured knot for a neck tie. The pre-manufactured knot is a generally frusto-conical, hollow ring made from a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic and covered by a layer of fabric. The ring preferably has an oval-shaped horizontal cross-section and has upper and lower openings. The lower opening is preferably smaller than the upper opening such that the ring has a generally vee-shaped vertical cross-section.
In this configuration, the frusto-conical, hollow ring is configured to engage an elongated piece of fabric generally in the shape of a conventional neck tie. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated piece of fabric is folded in half such that the mid-point of the length of fabric is inserted into the lower opening of the ring. The mid-point is drawn through the upper opening to form a loop of the fabric that goes around the neck of the wearer.
An insert-tee is provided for engaging the loop of the neck tie inside of the ring. The insert-tee properly positions the neck tie within the ring and locks it in place so that the neck tie does not move or loosen while being worn. The ring may be made from a continuous loop of material or from a flat piece of material that is curled into a loop and the ends joined by a rivet, screw or other connector.
The ring bears a color or pattern that preferably matches the color or pattern on the neck tie fabric. In this way, a single ring may be used with one or more different neck ties and while providing a visually pleasing combination of colors or patterns.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:
The present invention is directed to a neck tie and knot to simplify the act of wearing a neck tie. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a pre-manufactured knot for use with neck ties and other similar lengths of fabric. The pre-manufactured knot removes the need for users to know how or be able to tie a knot in a neck tie.
As illustrated in
Through this configuration, the frusto-conical, hollow ring 12 is configured to engage an elongated piece of fabric 18. This piece of fabric 18 may come in varying shapes but is preferably in the shape of a conventional neck tie having a wide end 18a and a narrow end 18b. The engagement between the ring 12 and the fabric 18 is similar to the way in which the clasp or slide of a bolo tie engages the cord. In a preferred embodiment, the elongated piece of fabric 18 is folded in half such that the approximate mid-point 20 is inserted into the lower opening 16 of the frusto-conical, hollow ring 12. As the mid-point 20 is drawn through the upper opening 14, a loop 22 of the fabric 18 is formed.
As illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment, the knot 10 includes an insert-tee 26 that generally comprises a rigid or semi-rigid tee-shaped device. The insert-tee 26 comprises a horizontal, elongated loop 28 and a vertical, straight rod 30. The elongated loop 28 is sized and configured to accept the mid-point 20 and a length of the fabric 18 corresponding to the loop 22. The straight rod 30 is preferably positioned behind the fabric 18 such that it is not visible from the front. To use the insert-tee 26, the loop 22 should the passed through the elongated loop 28 such that the insert-tee 26 passes through the upper opening 14 and rests inside of the ring 12. When done properly, the straight rod 30 will protrude out of the lower opening 16 behind the fabric 18.
When properly positioned, the insert-tee 26 will cause the fabric 18 to be oriented in the knot 10 in such a way so as to more closely simulate the appearance of a conventional neck tie knot. The elongated loop 28 keeps the material of the fabric 18 more flat as it passes through lower opening 16. The straight rod 30 keeps the center of the fabric 18 protruding forward as it passes through the lower opening 16. Both features result in a more closely simulated conventional neck tie knot. In addition, the insert-tee 26 acts as a lock to prevent the fabric 18 from sliding or otherwise moving with respect to the knot 10 while being worn. This locking feature is secured by gently pulling downward on the straight rod 30 as illustrated in
In the described embodiment, the loop 12 of the knot 10 may be formed as a continuous piece of material. In an alternate embodiment, as shown in
In either embodiment, the loop 12, 12′ preferably bears a color or pattern that matches the color or pattern appearing on the fabric 18. The match between the color or pattern on the loop 12, 12′ and the fabric may be exact or of a sufficiently similar style so as to create a visually pleasing combination. The color or pattern on the loop 12, 12′ may be dyed, impregnated or painted on the material, i.e., plastic or metal, comprising the loop 12, 12′. Alternatively, the loop 12, 12′ may be covered with a fabric material that bears the desired color or pattern. Depending upon the color or pattern chosen and the desired degree of matching, a single loop 12, 12′ may be used with multiple lengths of fabric 18. Such a feature would reduce the number of loops 12, 12′ that would be necessary to accommodate a given number of neck ties in a person's wardrobe.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61316049 | Mar 2010 | US |