System and methodology for providing shirt collar support

Aspects for supporting a turndown shirt collar are disclosed. In a particular aspect, a semi-rigid shapeable device includes a rear region that forms a substantially semi-circle shape having a first and second end. For this particular embodiment, each of a first terminal end and a second terminal end are respectively oriented upwards and inwards relative to the rear region via a first bend at the first end and a second bend at the second end. In another aspect, a method that facilitates forming a shirt collar support is provided, which includes shaping a semi-rigid shapeable device into a substantially semi-circle shape. In a further aspect, a turndown collared shirt is provided, which includes a collar band comprising at least one collar sleeve configured to hold a shaping device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject disclosure generally relates to turndown collared shirts, and more specifically to a system and methodology for providing shirt collar support.

BACKGROUND

By way of background concerning conventional turndown collared shirts, it is noted that such shirts often undesirably lose collar support. For instance, a turndown collared shirt that remains on a store shelf may quickly lose collar support over time. Indeed, in order to mitigate a loss of such support, manufacturers often package their shirts together with a plastic/cardboard insert wrapped around the collar band. This solution, however, is limited to preserving collar support prior to purchase since such inserts are not wearable. Moreover, since these inserts are not wearable, they are often discarded soon after a shirt is purchased. As a result, these shirts quickly lose collar support over time and after repeated use.

To regain collar support after use, shirts may be pressed by professional dry cleaners. Such solution can be expensive though, and the stiffness of a recently pressed collar can quickly wear off during use. For example, even a recently pressed shirt collar may undesirably lose its shape and lay flat towards the end of a work day because of normal everyday movement, and as perspiration accumulates.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a device and methodology which overcomes these limitations. To this end, it should be noted that the above-described deficiencies are merely intended to provide an overview of some problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments may become further apparent upon review of the following detailed description.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosure, various non-limiting aspects are described in connection with supporting a turndown shirt collar. In one such aspect, a semi-rigid shapeable device is disclosed, which includes a rear region configured to form a substantially semi-circle shape having a first end and a second end. The semi-rigid shapeable device also comprises an ends region, which includes a first portion extending from the first end to a first terminal end, and a second portion extending from the second end to a second terminal end. For this particular embodiment, the first portion forms a first bend at the first end to orient the first terminal end upwards and inwards relative to the rear region, whereas the second portion forms a second bend at the second end to orient the second terminal end upwards and inwards relative to the rear region.

In another aspect, a method that facilitates forming a shirt collar support is provided. The method includes shaping a semi-rigid shapeable device into a substantially semi-circular shape having a first terminal end and a second terminal end. The method further includes bending opposite ends of the semi-rigid shapeable device to form a first bend proximate to the first terminal end, and a second bend proximate to the second terminal end. For this embodiment, the first bend is configured to orient the first terminal end upwards and inwards relative to a rear region of the semi-rigid shapeable device, whereas the second bend is configured to orient the second terminal end upwards and inwards relative to the rear region of the semi-rigid shapeable device.

In a further aspect, a turndown collared shirt is provided, which includes a collar band attached to a folded collar. Within such embodiment, the collar band includes at least one collar sleeve configured to hold a shaping device, whereas the folded collar includes a first collar point and a second collar point such that a spread length between the first collar point and the second collar point varies according to a presence of the shaping device within the at least one collar sleeve.

Other embodiments and various non-limiting examples, scenarios and implementations are described in more detail below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed in the background, turndown collared shirts often undesirably lose collar support. The various embodiments disclosed herein are directed towards overcoming these limitations via discrete and continuous collar support. For instance, embodiments directed towards a wearable shirt collar shaping device are disclosed, as well as embodiments encompassing methodologies to facilitate forming such devices. Embodiments directed towards a turndown collared shirt configured to be coupled with a shaping device are also disclosed.

Turning now toFIG. 1, an exemplary turndown collared shirt without a collar support apparatus is shown. As illustrated, turndown collared shirt100includes collar point110and collar point120, wherein spread130is defined as the distance between collar point110and collar point120. To this end, it should be noted that spread130undesirably increases as turndown collared shirt100loses collar support. Moreover, as turndown collared shirt100loses collar support, each of collar point110and collar point120undesirably lay more flat.

To overcome this limitation, a wearable shaping device is contemplated. InFIG. 2, an exemplary configuration of such shaping device is shown coupled to a turndown collared shirt in accordance with an embodiment. As illustrated, shaping device220is configured to wrap around collar band210of turndown collared shirt200. Once wrapped around collar band210, shaping device220provides discrete and continuous collar support to turndown collared shirt200. InFIG. 3, an exemplary illustration of such support is provided. As illustrated, shaping device320discretely tucks beneath turndown collar310of turndown collared shirt300such that shaping device320is unnoticeable during use. Indeed, in an aspect, shaping device320is thus a wearable apparatus configured to continuously provide an “invisible” collar support, which prevents collar point312and collar point314from spreading beyond spread316. In comparison, it is noted that spread316maintained by shaping device320is desirably shorter than spread130illustrated inFIG. 1, which does not include such shaping device.

Referring next toFIG. 4, various views400,410, and420, of an exemplary collar support apparatus are provided. Here, it should be appreciated that contemplated embodiments include, but are not limited to, a semi-rigid shapeable device configured to firmly maintain its shape. In a first view400, such apparatus is shown to include rear region401and ends region402, wherein rear region401is configured to form a substantially semi-circle shape having a first end and a second end, and wherein ends region401includes a first portion extending from the first end to first terminal end404, and a second portion extending from the second end to second terminal end406. For this particular embodiment, the first portion of ends region401forms a first one of front bends403at the first end to orient first terminal end404upwards and inwards relative to rear region401, whereas the second portion of ends region401forms a second one of front bends403at the second end to orient second terminal end406upwards and inwards relative to rear region401.

In another aspect, it should be noted that rear region401may be configured to include a squared edge opposite to an open region of the substantially semi-circle shape. Such a squared edge may be included to facilitate shaping the rear portion of a turndown collar to appear newly pressed while worn. Rear bend407may also be included so as to provide comfort near the back of a user's neck. Within such embodiment, rear bend407is included at a midpoint of the squared edge, and configured to orient the midpoint upwards relative to opposite halves of the squared edge.

Additional bends are also contemplated. For instance, intermediate bends409may be included to raise first terminal end404and second terminal end406so as to facilitate tucking them more discreetly beneath a turndown collar. For this particular embodiment, rear region401includes a first side portion extending between the squared edge and the first end, wherein the first side portion includes a first one of intermediate bends409at a first intermediate point, and wherein the first one of intermediate bends409is configured to orient the first intermediate point downwards relative to opposite sides of the first side portion. Similarly, on the opposite side, rear region401includes a second side portion extending between the squared edge and the second end, wherein the second side portion includes a second one of intermediate bends409at a second intermediate point, and wherein the second one of intermediate bends409is configured to orient the second intermediate point downwards relative to opposite sides of the second side portion.

In another aspect, it is noted that it may be desirable to prevent the shaping device from slipping while in use. Accordingly, it is contemplated that a portion of at least one of rear region401or ends region402further comprises a non-slip coating. Since it is anticipated that the disclosed shaping device will be used with conventional turndown collar shirts, such non-slip coating can be any of a plurality of materials that when in contact with the collar band of a turndown collar shirt creates a coefficient of friction above a slippage threshold (e.g., rubber, velvet, etc).

Other desirable features may also be included. For instance, in order to accommodate collars of different sizes, it may be desirable to include at least one extension point configured to elongate at least one of rear region401or ends region402. InFIG. 5, an exemplary extendable collar support apparatus with such extension point is provided. As illustrated, shaping device500may include extension mechanism510proximate to rear bend507. For this particular example, although an accordion-like mechanism is shown, it should be appreciated that extension mechanism510can be any of a plurality of mechanisms known in the art. Furthermore, althoughFIG. 5shows extension mechanism510inserted into rear bend507, it should be appreciated that extension mechanism510may be inserted into any of front bends503, corner bends505, intermediate bends509, and/or rear bend507. Alternatively, or in addition to, it is contemplated that extension points may be included in non-bend points, as well.

In another aspect, it is contemplated that including an attachment mechanism to ends of the disclosed shaping device may also be desirable. For instance, as illustrated inFIG. 5, a first terminal end of shaping device500may include a first end of attachment mechanism520, whereas a second terminal end of shaping device500may include a second end of attachment mechanism520. In a first exemplary embodiment of attachment mechanism520, each of the first end of attachment mechanism520and the second end of attachment mechanism520are configured to be attachable to one another (e.g., to facilitate having shaping device500maintain/regain its shape). In another exemplary embodiment, however, each of the first end of attachment mechanism520and the second end of attachment mechanism520are configured to be attachable to a collar stay (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 7). Furthermore, although attachment mechanism520is shown to be a hook mechanism, it should be appreciated that any of a plurality of mechanisms can be implemented including, for example, a magnetic mechanism.

Embodiments directed towards a turndown collared shirt configured to be used in conjunction with the disclosed shaping device are also contemplated. InFIG. 6, for instance, views600and605of an exemplary turndown collared shirt are provided according to an embodiment. As illustrated, a turndown collared shirt is provided, which includes collar band610attached to folded collar620. Within such embodiment, collar band610includes at least one collar sleeve614configured to hold shaping device630, as shown. In an aspect, collar sleeve614is thus a compartment within collar band610that facilitates guiding shaping device630into place. Furthermore, it is noted that folded collar620includes a first collar point and a second collar point such that a spread length between the first collar point and the second collar point varies according to a presence of shaping device630within collar sleeve614.

It should be appreciated that collar band610may be configured to hold shaping device630in various ways. For instance, in a first embodiment, collar band610includes insert612, wherein a first insert point is configured to receive a first end of shaping device630at a first one of collar sleeve614, and wherein collar band610further includes a second insert point configured to receive a second end of shaping device630at a second one of collar sleeve614. Within such embodiment, collar sleeve614thus includes two sleeves on opposite ends of collar band610so as to facilitate receiving and removing shaping device630via insert612, as shown. In another embodiment, however, rather than including insert612, shaping device630is entirely enclosed within a single collar sleeve614.

Furthermore, as stated previously, it may be desirable to prevent shaping device630from slipping while in use. Accordingly, it is contemplated that an inner portion of collar sleeve614may comprise a non-slip lining. Such non-slip lining can be any of a plurality of materials that when in contact with shaping device630creates a coefficient of friction above a slippage threshold (e.g., rubber, velvet, etc).

As also stated previously, it may be desirable to have shaping device630attach to collar stays. Accordingly, embodiments configured to facilitate such attachment are disclosed, such as the exemplary turndown collared shirt provided inFIG. 7. As illustrated, turndown collared shirt700may be configured to receive shaping device710via inserts702. Alternatively, rather than including inserts702, turndown collared shirt700may be configured to include shaping device710within a single collar sleeve, as mentioned previously. Within either embodiment, turndown collared shirt700may further include collar stay sleeves706, as shown, wherein a first one of collar stay sleeves706is proximate to a first collar point, and wherein a second one of collar stay sleeves706is proximate to a second collar point. To facilitate providing shaping device710access to collar stays720, a first one/end of collar band sleeve(s)708includes a first one of collar stay access points704configured to provide access to a first area proximate to a first one of collar stay sleeves706, whereas a second one/end of collar band sleeve(s)708includes a second one of collar stay access points704configured to provide access to a second area proximate to a second one of collar stay sleeves706.

It should be appreciated that any of a plurality of attachment mechanisms are contemplated for attaching shaping device710to collar stays720. For instance, as illustrated, a hook mechanism may be implemented, wherein shaping device710includes shaping device attachment mechanism712, which is configured to hook onto collar stay attachment mechanism722. Alternatively, rather than implementing a hook mechanism, a magnetic mechanism can be used, wherein either ends of shaping device attachment mechanism712are configured to have a first magnetic polarity, and wherein components of collar stay attachment mechanism722are configured to have an opposite magnetic polarity.

Referring next toFIG. 8, a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method that facilitates forming a shirt collar shaping device is provided. As illustrated, process800includes a series of acts that may be performed within a computer system according to an aspect of the subject specification. For instance, process800may be implemented by employing a processor to execute computer executable instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium to implement the series of acts. In another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium comprising code for causing at least one computer to implement the acts of process800is contemplated.

In an aspect, process800begins with the shaping of a wire-shaped material at act810. Here, as stated previously, it is contemplated that such material may be any of a plurality of material types which may be bent and/or formed into a semi-circular shape substantially similar to collar support apparatus400. For instance, in one embodiment, a steel wire material may be bent into a substantially semi-circular shape. In another embodiment, however, it is contemplated that a plastic material is molded into a substantially semi-circular shape.

It should be noted that, because any of various collar support preferences may be desired, it is contemplated that the shaping performed at act810may vary accordingly. For instance, in a particular embodiment, the shaping at act810comprises forming a rear region that includes a squared edge opposite to an open region of the substantially semi-circular shape. Alternatively, rather than a squared edge, the shaping at act810may comprise forming a rear region with a rounded edge.

After the shaping performed at act810, process800continues to act820where bend points for the shirt collar shaping device are selected. To this end, it is noted that any of a plurality of bend types may be selected including, for example, any of front bends403, corner bends405, intermediate bends409, and/or rear bend407illustrated inFIG. 4.

Once the bend types are selected, process800proceeds to act830where the selected bend types are formed. In one embodiment, for example, a pair of front bends is formed by bending opposite ends of the wire-shaped apparatus. Within such embodiment, the first front bend is configured to orient a first end upwards and inwards relative to a rear region of the wire-shaped apparatus, whereas the second front bend is configured to orient the second end upwards and inwards relative to the rear region. Thereafter, the bending may further comprise forming at least one additional bend.

Since any of various materials may be used, it should be appreciated that the forming performed at act830may encompass any of a plurality of forming acts. For instance, if steel material is used, such forming may comprise bending the wire-shaped apparatus. However, if plastic material is used, bends may be formed by selecting a mold having the desired bends.

In another aspect, the forming performed at act830may further comprise including at least one extension mechanism. For instance, such extension mechanism may be an accordion-like mechanism such as extension mechanism510illustrated inFIG. 5. Within such embodiment, the forming performed at act830may include partitioning the wire-shaped apparatus at a desired extension point, and inserting an extension mechanism therein. To this end, althoughFIG. 5shows extension mechanism510inserted into rear bend507, it should be appreciated that an extension mechanism may be inserted into any of front bends503, corner bends505, intermediate bends509, and/or rear bend507. Alternatively, or in addition to, it is contemplated that extension points may be included in non-bend points, as well.

After the forming performed at act830, process800proceeds to act840where a determination of whether to include an attachment mechanism, such as attachment mechanism520illustrated inFIG. 5, is made. In an aspect, such attachment mechanism may be configured to serve any of a plurality of purposes. For instance, the attachment mechanism may be configured to attach/detach opposing ends of the shirt collar shaping device, and/or to attach/detach to collar stays (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 7). Here, in addition to the hook design illustrated inFIG. 5andFIG. 7, it should be appreciated that other attachment mechanism designs can be implemented including, for example, a magnetic attachment mechanism.

If it is determined that an attachment mechanism should indeed be included, the desired attachment mechanism is formed at act845, followed by a determination of whether to coat the shirt collar shaping device with a non-slip substance at act850. Otherwise, if an attachment mechanism is not desired, process800proceeds directly to act850. If a coating is desired, the shirt collar shaping device is coated at act855, followed by a packaging of the shirt collar shaping device at act860. Otherwise, if a coating is not desired, process800proceeds directly to act860. Here, it should be noted that the packaging performed at act860may include packaging the shirt collar shaping device in any of various ways. For instance, the shaping device can be packaged by itself, together with a turndown collared shirt, and/or together with collar stays.

In another aspect, rather than having a single shaping device wrap around the rear of a user's neck, a dual device embodiment is also contemplated. InFIG. 9, an exemplary implementation of such dual device embodiment is provided. For this particular embodiment, shaping devices910respectively include a first end configured to be inserted into collar band sleeve(s)902via collar band access points904, and a second end configured to be inserted into collar stay sleeves906. Here, it is contemplated that each of shaping devices910are semi-rigid devices configured to keep their form over time similar to the aforementioned semi-circular devices. During use, shaping devices910thus separately provide collar support to each collar point of turndown collar shirt900.

It should be noted that alternative embodiments are also contemplated in which shaping devices910are configured to attach to the single shaping device design described herein (e.g., via attachment mechanism520of shaping device500). In yet another embodiment, rather than implementing an attach/detach design, a modified single shaping device design is contemplated in which the ends of the aforementioned single shaping device design are extended/modified to be substantially similar to shaping devices910.

Referring next toFIG. 10, a perspective view of an exemplary dual shaping device embodiment is provided. As illustrated, similar to shaping devices910, shaping devices1000respectively include a first end configured to be inserted into a collar band sleeve, and a second end configured to be inserted into a collar stay sleeve. In a particular aspect, since it is contemplated that shaping devices1000are made of malleable semi-rigid material, pivot points1002may be included to facilitate pivoting the respective ends of shaping devices1000, as desired. When inserting shaping devices1000, for example, a user may begin by inserting a first end into a collar band sleeve, and then vertically extending the other end to facilitate inserting this other end into a collar stay sleeve. Indeed, once a first end of shaping device1000is inserted into a collar band sleeve, inserting the other end into the corresponding collar stay sleeve may be easier if the turndown collar is turned up. A user may then bend pivot point1002upwards so that the collar stay sleeve end extends vertically, which facilitates inserting this end into the collar stay sleeve while the turndown collar is turned up. Once both ends of shaping device1000are inserted, the user may then bend pivot point1002in the opposite direction so that turndown collar is turned back down. Here, since it is contemplated that shaping device1000can be made of any malleable material configured to keep its form over time, it should be noted that pivot point1002can be configured to facilitate raising/lowering turndown collars into fixed positions, as desired.

Exemplary Networked and Distributed Environments

One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that various embodiments for implementing the use of a computing device and related embodiments described herein can be implemented in connection with any computer or other client or server device, which can be deployed as part of a computer network or in a distributed computing environment, and can be connected to any kind of data store. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such embodiments can be implemented in any computer system or environment having any number of memory or storage units, and any number of applications and processes occurring across any number of storage units. This includes, but is not limited to, an environment with server computers and client computers deployed in a network environment or a distributed computing environment, having remote or local storage.

FIG. 11provides a non-limiting schematic diagram of an exemplary networked or distributed computing environment. The distributed computing environment comprises computing objects or devices1110,1112, etc. and computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc., which may include programs, methods, data stores, programmable logic, etc., as represented by applications1130,1132,1134,1136,1138. It can be appreciated that computing objects or devices1110,1112, etc. and computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc. may comprise different devices, such as PDAs (personal digital assistants), audio/video devices, mobile phones, MP3 players, laptops, etc.

Each computing object or device1110,1112, etc. and computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc. can communicate with one or more other computing objects or devices1110,1112, etc. and computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc. by way of the communications network1140, either directly or indirectly. Even though illustrated as a single element inFIG. 11, network1140may comprise other computing objects and computing devices that provide services to the system ofFIG. 11, and/or may represent multiple interconnected networks, which are not shown. Each computing object or device1110,1112, etc. or1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc. can also contain an application, such as applications1130,1132,1134,1136,1138, that might make use of an API (application programming interface), or other object, software, firmware and/or hardware, suitable for communication with or implementation of various embodiments.

Thus, a host of network topologies and network infrastructures, such as client/server, peer-to-peer, or hybrid architectures, can be utilized. In a client/server architecture, particularly a networked system, a client is usually a computer that accesses shared network resources provided by another computer, e.g., a server. In the illustration ofFIG. 11, as a non-limiting example, computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc. can be thought of as clients and computing objects or devices1110,1112, etc. can be thought of as servers where computing objects or devices1110,1112, etc. provide data services, such as receiving data from computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc., storing of data, processing of data, transmitting data to computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc., although any computer can be considered a client, a server, or both, depending on the circumstances. Any of these computing devices may be processing data, or requesting services or tasks that may implicate various embodiments and related techniques as described herein.

In a network environment in which the communications network/bus1140is the Internet, for example, the computing objects or devices1110,1112, etc. can be Web servers with which the computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc. communicate via any of a number of known protocols, such as HTTP. As mentioned, computing objects or devices1110,1112, etc. may also serve as computing objects or devices1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, etc., or vice versa, as may be characteristic of a distributed computing environment.

Exemplary Computing Device

As mentioned, several of the aforementioned embodiments apply to any device wherein it may be desirable to utilize a computing device according to the aspects disclosed herein. It is understood, therefore, that handheld, portable and other computing devices and computing objects of all kinds are contemplated for use in connection with the various embodiments described herein. Accordingly, the below general purpose remote computer described below inFIG. 12is but one example, and the embodiments of the subject disclosure may be implemented with any client having network/bus interoperability and interaction.

Although not required, any of the embodiments can partly be implemented via an operating system, for use by a developer of services for a device or object, and/or included within application software that operates in connection with the operable component(s). Software may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by one or more computers, such as client workstations, servers or other devices. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that network interactions may be practiced with a variety of computer system configurations and protocols.

FIG. 12thus illustrates an example of a suitable computing system environment1200in which one or more of the embodiments may be implemented, although as made clear above, the computing system environment1200is only one example of a suitable computing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of any of the embodiments. The computing environment1200is not to be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary operating environment1200.

With reference toFIG. 12, an exemplary remote device for implementing one or more embodiments herein can include a general purpose computing device in the form of a handheld computer1210. Components of handheld computer1210may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit1220, a system memory1230, and a system bus1221that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit1220.

Computer1210typically includes a variety of computer readable media and can be any available media that can be accessed by computer1210. The system memory1230may include computer storage media in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) and/or random access memory (RAM). By way of example, and not limitation, memory1230may also include an operating system, application programs, other program modules, and program data.

A user may enter commands and information into the computer1210through input devices1240A monitor or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus1221via an interface, such as output interface1250. In addition to a monitor, computers may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers and a printer, which may be connected through output interface1250.

The computer1210may operate in a networked or distributed environment using logical connections to one or more other remote computers, such as remote computer1270. The remote computer1270may be a personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, or any other remote media consumption or transmission device, and may include any or all of the elements described above relative to the computer1210. The logical connections depicted inFIG. 12include a network1271, such local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), but may also include other networks/buses. Such networking environments are commonplace in homes, offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

As mentioned above, while exemplary embodiments have been described in connection with various computing devices and networks, the underlying concepts may be applied to any network system and any computing device or system in which it is desirable to publish, build applications for or consume data in connection with the aspects described herein.

While in some embodiments, a client side perspective may be inferred, it is to be understood for the avoidance of doubt that a corresponding server perspective exists, or vice versa. Similarly, where a method is practiced, a corresponding device can be provided having storage and at least one processor configured to practice that method via one or more components.

While the various embodiments have been described in connection with the embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating there from. Still further, one or more aspects of the above described embodiments may be implemented in or across a plurality of processing chips or devices, and storage may similarly be affected across a plurality of devices. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.