BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a pyramid embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 2 shows a top view of a pyramid embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 3 shows a side view of a pyramid embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 4 shows a front view of a pyramid embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a diamond embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 6 shows a top view of a diamond embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 7 shows a side view of a diamond embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 8 shows a front view of a diamond embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a round embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 10 shows a top view of a round embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 11 shows a side view of a round embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 12 shows a front view of a round embodiment of the tie shaping frame.
FIG. 13 shows the shape of a neck tie with the diamond tie shaping frame installed within the tie.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIGS. 1-4 show the tie shaping frame 10 in a pyramid or triangular configuration with FIG. 1 showing an isometric view, FIG. 2 showing a top view, FIG. 3 showing a side view and FIG. 4 showing a front view. The pyramid shaped frame 10 shown in this figure is installable in either orientation within the knot of a neck tie where the wide area is placed on the top or bottom when installed. The configuration is fabricated from an injection molded process. The injection molded process is a preferred method of manufacturing because it provides a cost effective method of producing the parts, it is highly repeatable, and a large number of parts can be manufactured. Other methods of producing the part are also contemplated including but not limited to casting, lost wax, and assembly from individual pieces.
In the preferred embodiment the material for making the tie shaping frame is plastic. This material is preferred because it offers a cost effective material that is readily available. Plastics are available in a variety of types and colors to satisfy the requirements for both maintaining the shape of the tie forming frame and flexible enough that it can be slightly distorted for placement within the knot of a neck tie. Other materials are contemplated that provide similar or alternative properties including but not limited to rubbers, silicones, metals, glass, wood and recycled materials such as paper.
The preferred construction is with essentially round member connected with intersecting pieces. A plurality of vertical members 20-24 are arranged with a plurality of horizontal pieces 30-34. The top of the frame 40 allows for the two ends of the tie that go around the person's neck. The bottom opening in the frame 50 provides for the end portions of the tie to exit. The bulk of the knot of the tie exists inside the open central portion of the frame. The outer exposed portion of the knot of the tie exists on the outside of the frame. The tie conforms to the shape of the cage of the frame. A visual appearance of the finished appearance of a frame is shown and described in more detail with FIG. 13. The overall size and shape of the frame is variable based upon the material and bulk of the tie. It is also contemplated that the size is variable based upon the desire of the user to exenterate the appearance of the frame. In a contemplated embodiment a neck tie is fabricated in sufficient width to accommodate the frame.
The frame is open in the back to allow the knot of the tie to be more easily placed though the open back. The open back further provides the advantage of not requiring an end of the tie to be placed through the frame.
FIGS. 5-8 show the tie shaping frame 11 in a diamond configuration with FIG. 1 showing an isometric view, FIG. 2 showing a top view, FIG. 3 showing a side view and FIG. 4 showing a front view. This is an alternate embodiment of the frame where the shape is larger in the middle rather than on the ends as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The back of this frame is open in a similar configuration to the previously identified configuration. The top 40 of the frame allows clearance for the ends of the tie that encircle the user's neck. The bottom 50 is also open to allow for the free ends of the tie. Five essentially round vertical members 60-64 form the vertical parts of the frame while three horizontal members 70-72 provide the horizontal part of the frame. The middle horizontal member 71 and the middle vertical member 62 extent the furthest from the back of the frame structure. This shape is essentially symmetric, and when installed in either orientation the resulting appearance is essentially the same. While two extremes of geometric shapes from FIGS. 1-4 and FIGS. 5-8 have been shown, other shapes between these two shapes are contemplated including but not limited to square, rectangular, pentagonal, octagonal and others.
FIGS. 9-12 show the tie shaping frame 12 in a sphere configuration with FIG. 1 showing an isometric view, FIG. 2 showing a top view, FIG. 3 showing a side view and FIG. 4 showing a front view. This frame provides a more rounded appearance to the frame and then the tie that is wrapped around the frame. This shape is not a “perfect” sphere in shape and has more of an appearance of the elongated barrel. The elongated shape allows for more room for placement of the knot within the frame. While a symmetric shape is shown the shape could appear more like an egg, or the shape could appear more as a flattened sphere. The top 40 of the frame allows clearance for the ends of the tie that encircle the user's neck. The bottom 50 is also open to allow for the free ends of the tie. Four vertical members 80-83 form the vertical part of the frame and intersect with five horizontal frame members 90-94.
FIG. 13 shows the shape of a neck tie with the diamond tie shaping frame 11 installed within the tie. The shirt 110 is shown for reference and is constructed in a typical manner with a collar having lapels 111 and 112. The tie wraps around the collar 101 and 102 with the knot 103 shown in front of the shirt where the shirt is buttoned 100. The ends of the tie extend out of the knot and frame and extend down the front of the shirt 104. In installation either the tie is tied around the frame or after the tie is tied, the know is loosened and the frame is inserted up or down into the knot where the bulk of the knot is placed within the open portion of the frame and the front fabric of the tie wraps over the front of the frame where it shows the shape of the frame placed within.
In all configurations shown and contemplated the back of the frame is an open or closable configuration. In the open configuration the open angle is between 135 and 359 degrees, and more preferably between 160 and 225 degrees. Prototypes have been made with an open angle of approximately 180 degrees.
In other contemplated embodiments the frame is constructed in a solid shape or a solid shape with holes to lighten the weight. In still another contemplated embodiment the frame has letters, numbers or initials embossed on the frame, and when the tie covers the frame the letter, numbers or initials are at least partially shown through the fabric of the tie.
Thus, specific embodiments of a tie shaping frame have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20080084066
