Pocket square

A pocket square includes a main body and a first decorative panel that has a first appearance and is movable between an extended position in which at least a substantial portion of the first decorative panel is displayed by protruding above the main body and a retracted position in which at least a substantial portion of the first decorative panel is concealed within the main body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to fashion accessories and more specifically, is directed to an improved pocket square that provides multiple, different appearances.

BACKGROUND

Handkerchiefs have long been displayed in the top pocket of a men's jacket and when used in this manner, the handkerchief is referred to as a pocket handkerchief or pocket square. The handkerchief not only can serve a practical purpose but it also serves as a visible fashion item. Over time, a wide variety of different ways to fold the pocket square have been developed, ranging from the austere to the flamboyant.

While there are many different pocket squares on the market, there is a need for a pocket square that provides multiple wear options to allow wear with many different clothing fabrics, color schemes, etc.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a pocket square of the present invention includes a main body and a first decorative panel that has a first appearance and is movable between an extended position in which at least a substantial portion of the first decorative panel is displayed by protruding above the main body and a retracted position in which at least a substantial portion of the first decorative panel is concealed within the main body.

In another embodiment, the pocket square includes a main body (housing) that has a first layer having at least a first edge and a second edge and a second layer disposed proximate the first layer. The second layer has a first edge and a second edge. The first edges of the first and second layers are positioned proximate one another and similarly, the second edges of the first and second layers are positioned proximate one another.

The pocket square further includes a first decorative panel that is attached to the first and second layers in such a manner that the first decorative panel can be inverted to position the first decorative panel between an extended position in which at least a substantial portion of the first decorative panel extends above the first edges of the first and second layers for display and a retracted position in which at least a substantial portion of the first decorative panel is disposed between the first and second layers. The pocket square can further include a second decorative panel that is attached to the first and second layers in such a manner that the second decorative panel can be inverted to position the second decorative panel between an extended position in which at least a substantial portion of the second decorative panel extends above the second edges of the first and second layers for display and a retracted position in which at least a substantial portion of the second decorative panel is disposed between the first and second layers.

The decorative panels preferably have different visual appearance so as to provide the wearer with at least two different wearing options. Moreover, the pocket square can include third and fourth decorative panels which further yet increase the wearing options.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-4illustrate a pocket square100according to a first embodiment and for insertion into a pocket20of an article of clothing10, such as a suit jacket, blazer, vest, etc. The pocket square100is formed of first and second base layers110,120that face one another in a spaced manner. In other words, the rear face of the first base layer110faces the front face of the second base layer120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second base layers110,120are not directly attached to one another as discussed herein.

It will be appreciated that the first and second base layers110,120can be formed of any number of different materials including a wide range of fabrics (including synthetic fabrics and natural fabrics); velvet, suede, leather, plastics, microfiber, pleather, ultrasuede, carbon fibers, Alcantara®, etc. It will also be appreciated that the shape of the first and second base layers110,120can vary. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second base layers110,120has a square shape; however, other shapes are possible including rectangular, etc. The first and second base layers110,120will typically have at least substantially the same shape and be at least substantially the same size; however, it is possible and within the scope of the present invention that one of the layers110,120be of a different size and/or shape. In one embodiment, each of the first and second base layers110,120is constructed so as to have at least two distinct edges.

The pocket square100also includes a plurality (two or more) of decorative elements (panels, portions, or flares)200which define the main portion of the pocket square100that is visible outside of the pocket as by protruding above a top edge of the pocket. The decorative panel200is thus the main portion of the pocket square100that provides a decorative appearance and is fashion based. As will be appreciated herein, the incorporation of at least two decorative panels200in the pocket square100provides the wearer with two different options in terms of how the pocket square100is displayed in the pocket. The individual flares200are located along different edges of the pocket square100and thus, when one panel200is displayed, the other decorative panel(s)200can be concealed as discussed herein. This allows the wearer the ability to choose one decorative panel200for display and conceal the other decorative panel (s)200in such a way that the user can easily and quickly alter the pocket square appearance by changing which decorative panel200is displayed and which one(s) is concealed. This versatility allows a single pocket square100to provide the wearer with two or more different wearing options and thus increases the ability of the pocket square to be matched and be complimentary to different clothing.

Each decorative panel200can also be thought of as providing a structural connection between the first and second layers110,120in that each decorative element200is connected between the first layer110and the second layer120and thus acts as bridge connecting these two structures together. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2-4, there are four decorative panels200and each decorative panel200is in the form of an elongated structure (e.g., rectangular) that has a first end202, an opposite second end204, a top edge206and an opposite bottom edge208. Each panel200is securely attached to each of the first and second layers110,120along one of its edges and more particularly, each panel200can be attached to each of the first and second layers110,120along the bottom edge208thereof. The other edges, including the top edge206and the first and second ends202,204remain detached from the first and second layers110,120. It will be appreciated from the views that edge208represents the bottom edge and the edge206represents the top edge when the first decorative panel200is in its extended position and conversely, edge208represents the top edge and the edge206represents the bottom edge when the first decorative panel200is in its retracted position. The use of the terms “bottom” and “top” is therefore not limiting but is merely for convenience.

Each panel200is folded so as to assume a U-shape in that a first portion of the bottom edge208is positioned adjacent a length of a first edge111of the first layer110and a second portion of the bottom edge208is positioned adjacent a length of a first edge121of the second layer120.

Select portions of the bottom edge208is then securely attached to the first edges111,121using traditional techniques, including but not limited to stitching, use of adhesives, use of mechanical fasteners, etc. As seen in the figures, the ends202,204can be aligned with one corner of each of the first and second layers110,120. Also, an intermediate section (portion) of the bottom edge208is not attached to any structure and instead extends across the space between the first and second layers110,120. As best seen inFIG. 2, each panel200thus assume a U-shape due to the flare200being attached to both first edges111,121of the layers110,120(which defines the two legs of the U shape) and the portion205of the panel200that extends across the space between the two layers110,120defines the curved base of the U.

The manner of coupling the panel200to the first and second layers110,120allows for the panel200to be inverted as shown inFIG. 2. More specifically, since neither of the ends202,204nor the top edge206is physically attached to the layers110,120, the panel200can be inverted by folding it on top of itself. This allows each panel200to be moved between and placed into one of two positions, namely, an extended position (wearing position) in which the panel200protrudes above the respective edges of the layers110,120and a retracted position in which the panel200is at least substantially concealed and disposed between the two layers110,120.

When the first and second layers110,120have a square or rectangular shape, one panel200can be disposed along each of the four edges of the first and second layers110,120as shown inFIG. 2.FIG. 2thus shows a second panel200formed along second edges112,122of the first and second layers110,120; a third panel200formed along third edges113,123of the first and second layers110,120; and a fourth panel200formed along fourth edges114,124of the first and second layers110,120.

As shown inFIG. 2and according to one embodiment, the lengths of the panels200are selected and the panels200are purposely positioned such that when the panels200are inverted they do not interfere with one another. In other words, all of the panels200can be inverted to their retracted positions without one panel200contacting (binding with) the other panels200. This allows the panels200to be neatly kept in their retracted positions and reduces/eliminates any wrinkling and creasing thereof.

Each panel200is preferably constructed such that it has its own unique decorative indicia/appearance. The indicia shown inFIG. 2is merely exemplary and is used to indicate that the panels200have different visual appearances.

FIG. 4shows all four of the panels200in the extended, displayed positions for illustration purposes.

It will also be understood that the panels200can be formed of different materials. For example, the panels200can be formed of different fabrics, such as cotton, silk, linen, wool/cashmere, synthetics, and blends thereof, etc., so long as the panel200can undergo an inversion and move between the extended and retracted positions.

Since the panels200serve as the means for connecting the first and second layers110,120, the first and second layers110,120can be slightly pulled apart from one another due to the intermediate portion of the panels200not being attached to the layers110,120. Thus, the degree of separation between the first and second layers110,120can be about equal to the length of the intermediate portion of each panel200that is not attached to either of the layers110,120.FIG. 3is a top plan view showing the two layers110,120in a generally compressed state that is indicative and representative of the positions of the layers110,120during wear.

In addition, the pocket square100can include a clip300or the like to assist in securing the pocket square100to the front pocket material of the jacket. The clip300can be formed of any number of different materials including wood, metals and plastics. The clip300is movable along one of the first and second layers110,120. The clip300can be a U-shaped bent structure that naturally applies a biasing force. In other words, one leg302(e.g., the front leg) of the clip300can be separated from the other leg304(thereby storing energy) and the material of the jacket pocket is inserted between the two legs against one of the layers110,120. When the one leg is released, the natural biasing force causes it to return to its original state, thereby clamping and securing the pocket square to the jacket pocket. The front leg302can have a bent portion303at its end to assist the user (wearer) in lifting the front leg302away from the pocket (thereby assisting in separating the two legs302,304apart).

The orientation and positioning of the first and second layers110,120in the pocket can be varied in that in one position, the first layer110is positioned forward in the pocket (as shown inFIGS. 1-2) so as to position the displayed flare200in a “right justified” manner when viewing the pocket straight on. Conversely, the positioning of the pocket square100can be reversed in that the second layer120can be positioned forward in the pocket so as to now position the displayed panel200in a “left justified” manner. Each panel200can be displayed in either of these two orientations.

FIGS. 5-7show a pocket square400that is similar to pocket square100and therefore, like elements are numbered alike. Pocket square400includes decorative panels (flares)401that are similar to flares200but have different constructions and are attached to the first and second layers110,120in a different manner. The decorative panel401can also be thought to define a U shape; however, the decorative panels401are oriented in more of a tent-like fashion relative to the respective edge of the first and second layers110,120.

The decorative panel401has a first end402, an opposite second end404, a first edge406and an opposing second edge408. The edges406,408extend between the ends402,404. The decorative panel401is attached to the first and second layers110,120in the following manner. The first edge406is attached to the first edge111of the first layer110and the second edge408is attached to the first edge121of the second layer120. The ends402,404are open and not attached to any structure.

While each panel200is open towards a respective corner of the pocket square, each decorative panel401is open towards the center of the pocket square. The panel401thus can be thought of as defining a tent-like structure. Panel200is open along its top, while panel401is closed along its top.

When the first and second layers110,120have a square or rectangular shape, one panel401can be disposed along each of the four edges of the first and second layers110,120as shown inFIG. 7.FIG. 7thus shows a second panel401formed along second edges112,122of the first and second layers110,120; a third panel401formed along third edges113,123of the first and second layers110,120; and a fourth panel401formed along fourth edges114,124of the first and second layers110,120.

To invert the panel401, the wearer simply pushes (applies a force) against the panel401in a direction toward the center of the pocket square400(see arrows inFIG. 7). The results in a collapsing of the panel401and the panel401can be inserted between the first and second layers110,120. To extend the panel401, the wearer simply inserts a finger between the layers110,120and pushes the panel401upward, thereby causing the panel401to extend upward and protrude above the respective edges of the first and second layers110,120.

The pocket square400like the pocket square100is intended to be used by displaying one of the panels401, while the other panels401are placed in their retracted positions (not displayed positions).

As in the previous embodiment, the panels401are intended to have different decorative appearances (different indicia), thereby providing the wearer with multiple wearing options in a single pocket square design.

The pocket square400like the pocket square100can include clip300.

It will be appreciated that the size and specific shapes of the pocket squares100,400and the components thereof can be varied and the illustrated embodiment is only exemplary and not limiting of the present invention.

In one embodiment, one or more of the layers110,120can be constructed in the form of a bill-fold in that the layer110,120can includes slits for receiving bills. In addition, one or more of the layers110,120can include air vents, such as perforations, etc.

In addition, the layers110,120can be formed of the same material or can be formed of different materials and further, the layers110,120can have the same appearance (e.g., the same color) or can have different appearances.

In yet another embodiment, the decorative panels200,401can be detachably coupled to the first and second layers110,120. For example, each of the decorative panels can include one or more fasteners and the first and second layers110,120include complementary fasteners to provide a detachable coupling between the decorative panel200,401and the first and second layers110,120. For example, the fasteners can be in the form of hook and loop material or other fasteners, such as snaps, zippers, etc. Alternatively, the decorative panel can be permanently attached to the first and second layers110,120.

It will also be appreciated that the pocket square100can be constructed such that it includes at least one decorative panel200and at least one decorative panel401and thereby has decorative panels of different constructions. This provides yet another difference in terms of the visual appearance of the pocket square.

While in a preferred embodiment, the first and second layers110,120are not directly attached to one another, it will be appreciated that the layers110,120can be attached to one another at a location that does not interfere with the movements of the decorative panels.

FIG. 8shows another embodiment similar to the one disclosed inFIGS. 5-7and therefore like elements are numbered alike.FIG. 8shows a pocket square500that is similar to pocket square400with the exception that each of the decorative panels401is “center-justified” relative to the respective edge to which the panel is attached. In addition, clip300is shown in two alternate wearing locations in that the clip300can be worn on one side of the decorative panel or can be worn on the other side of the decorative panel. The user (wearer) can thus choose between the two positions for placement of the clip300. As mentioned herein, the clip300serves to couple (anchor) the pocket square to the pocket of the article of clothing.

WhileFIG. 8shows the decorative panel401being center-justified, it will be appreciated that the decorative panel200of the first embodiment can be constructed and positioned in a similar center-justified manner.

While the invention has been described in connection with certain embodiments thereof, the invention is capable of being practiced in other forms and using other materials and structures. Accordingly, the invention is defined by the recitations in the claims appended hereto and equivalents thereof.