Reversible necktie

A new and improved reversible necktie is disclosed. The reversible necktie maintains the conventional appearance of traditional neckties, yet its versatile design allows it to be worn by either gender. The necktie comprises two display sides and an integrated reversing mechanism that enables a user to reverse the tie to selectively expose either side. The necktie further comprises an integrated securing mechanism to allow the user to adjustably secure the reversible necktie to the user's shirt at the desired location. The necktie further comprises an interfacing structure that provides for a durable construction, while not making the tie bulky or overweight.

A. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to neckwear in general and to an improved and reversible necktie in particular.

2. Prior Art

Standard neckties are well known in the prior art, however there remains a need for their improvement. In the prior art, many neckties are complex structures containing numerous adjustable elements, and lack of expertise on the part of the user often results in improper assembly of the necktie and makes the entire neck-tying process difficult. Such neckties also have increased manufacturing costs due to their complexity. Furthermore, many prior art neckties contain interfacing that makes the tie bulky and thus cumbersome to wear. In addition, many prior art neckties are not versatile, only comprising a rear-view side and a single front-view side, such that if the front-view side gets dirty or torn, the tie can no longer be utilized by the user, absent washing and/or mending. Moreover, many neckties in the prior art are not versatile in fashion, usually being designed to be worn by the male gender only. In addition, many prior art ties do not comprise an integrated mechanism to secure the necktie to the user's shirt in manner that is flexible and aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, a necktie meeting the following objectives is desired.

B. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved and versatile necktie, comprising two display sides and an integrated reversing mechanism, to allow the user to reverse the tie to selectively display either side.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved, reversible, and adjustable necktie comprising an integrated securing mechanism to allow the user to adjustably secure the necktie to his or her shirt in a manner that is flexible and aesthetically pleasing.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved and reversible necktie that maintains the aesthetics of conventional neckties.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved and reversible necktie comprising an interfacing structure providing for an appropriate amount of thickness and durability, while not making the tie bulky or heavyweight.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved and reversible necktie with a minimum of elements that is capable of being easily assembled and worn.

It is an another object of the invention to provide an improved and reversible necktie that makes the neck-tying process less difficult.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved and reversible necktie capable of being manufactured at a reduced cost.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved and versatile necktie that can be worn by both genders.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention shall become apparent from the ensuing figures and descriptions of the invention.

C. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved, reversible, and versatile necktie is disclosed. The simple construction of the reversible necktie allows a male or female user to assemble and wear the necktie in a manner that is efficient and easy.

The necktie comprises a first display side attached to a second display side, with an interfacing structure situated between the two sides. The interfacing structure provides for an appropriate amount of thickness and durability, while not making the tie bulky or heavyweight. The necktie further comprises an integrated reversing mechanism that gives the user the option to selectively display either side of the necktie. The necktie further comprises an integrated securing mechanism, affixed to the reversing mechanism, for allowing the user to adjustably secure the necktie to the desired location on a shirt, in a manner that is both flexible and aesthetically pleasing.

E. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

An improved necktie1is disclosed. Necktie1comprises two display sides2and3, with an improved interfacing structure4situated between the two sides2and3. Necktie1of the present invention further comprises an integrated reversing mechanism6to display side2or side3of necktie1, and an integrated securing mechanism8to secure necktie1to shirt, as discussed further below.

As depicted inFIG. 1, necktie1comprises a first display side2and a second display side3, with each display side2and3corresponding to the shape of one-half of a conventional necktie. In a preferred embodiment, each display side,2and3, further comprises a smaller end section,2aand3a, respectively, and a main body display section,2band3b, respectively. In a further preferred embodiment, first display side2and second display side3are formed from two pattern materials,66and67, respectively. The fabric material used to construct necktie1should be lightweight so as to minimize the weight of necktie1, yet at the same time, provide for resilience, flexibility, and maximum durability. In a preferred embodiment, the inventor contemplates using silk, however other materials providing for the above desired characteristics may also be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, the pattern material66forming first display side2of necktie1is different than the pattern material67forming second display side3of necktie1. In one preferred embodiment, pattern materials,66and67, forming display sides2and3are both preferably gender neutral such that necktie1can be worn by both genders. For even further versatility, pattern material66, forming display side2of necktie1, can be designed for a male user, while pattern material67forming display side3can be designed for a female user. The patterns selected can be of a conservative nature i.e. comprising dark solids, or they can be of a casual nature, i.e. comprising bright colors, beading, sequencing, etc. Thus as can be seen, necktie1can be provided a plethora of designs and design combinations, depending on what is desired. Accordingly, necktie1can be utilized in a variety of applications, including but not limited to, formal occasions such as business meetings, parties, etc., or informal occasions such as casual get-togethers, picnics, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, and as depicted inFIG. 2, necktie1further comprises an integrated reversing mechanism6to allow the user to reverse necktie1to selectively display either side2or side3of necktie1. In a preferred embodiment, integrated reversing mechanism6comprises a horizontal reversing strap6that is reversible, in and of itself, as will be further discussed below. In order to form horizontal reversing strap6, two rectangular shaped pieces6aand6b, are cut, either from pattern material66forming display side2or from pattern material67forming display side3. Alternatively, the user may choose to utilize a different pattern material from that of either display side2or3of necktie1. The user can in fact choose any pattern material he desires to construct horizontal reversing strap6because when necktie1is assembled and worn by the user, horizontal reversing strap6will always be situated on the side2or3that is facing the user's body, as will be further discussed below. However, in a preferred embodiment, piece6aof horizontal reversing strap6will be cut from pattern material66forming display side2while piece6bof horizontal reversing strap will be cut from pattern material67forming display side3. After rectangular shaped material pieces6aand6bhave been cut, they are then placed together, with their respective right sides102and103, facing each other and combined by stitching along the long sides68,69of their respective perimeters. The location of preferred stitch lines70is depicted inFIG. 2. At this point, integrated securing mechanism8, comprising a vertical tab8, will be affixed, along stitch line70, to one of pieces6aor6bforming horizontal reversing strap6, as will be discussed further below. When rectangular shaped material pieces6aand6bare combined by stitching along long sides68,69of their respective perimeters, a section111of the long sides68,69will be left unstitched, i.e. long sides68and69will not be stitched together at section111. In this manner, an opening will be formed in horizontal reversing strap6to allow material pieces6aand6bto be turned right side out, such that stitch lines70are hidden. The opening is then closed through stitching.

In a preferred embodiment, the width of completed reversing strap6will be approximately ½ to 1¾ inches. In general, the width of reversing strap6should preferably be equal to the mid-to-lower width of main body display section2bor3bof necktie1, such that when reversing strap6is placed horizontally across either main body display section2bor3b, as will be discussed below, strap6will span the mid-to-lower body width of either main body display section2bor3b.

In a further preferred embodiment, and as depicted byFIG. 3, necktie1is further provided with an integrated securing mechanism8for allowing the user to adjustably secure reversible necktie1to a shirt button. In a preferred embodiment, securing mechanism8preferably comprises a vertical securing tab8. Vertical securing tab8is preferably formed by cutting two elongated pieces71and72from either pattern material66forming display side2or from pattern material67forming display side3of necktie1. The user can in fact choose any pattern material he desires to construct vertical securing tab8because when necktie1is assembled and worn by the user, vertical securing tab8, like horizontal reversing strap6, will always be situated on the side2or3of necktie1that is not being displayed. However, in a preferred embodiment, piece71will be cut from pattern material66forming display side2while piece72will be cut from pattern material67forming display side3. After pieces71and72have been selected and cut, they are then placed together, with their respective right sides73,74facing each other. The two elongated pieces71and72, forming vertical securing tab8, are then combined via stitch line77along the long sides75,76and bottom sides78,79of their respective perimeters. Long sides75and76are left unstitched at section112in order to form an opening in vertical securing tab8to allow elongated pieces71and72to be turned right side out, such that stitch line77is hidden. This opening is then closed through stitching. At this point, and as briefly mentioned above, vertical tab8, will be affixed to one of pieces6aor6bforming horizontal reversing strap6. In a preferred embodiment, vertical securing tab8will be combined along stitch line70, to the lower end166of piece6bof horizontal reversing strap6, with piece6bhaving its right side103up, as depicted inFIG. 4. In this manner, securing tab8will extend centrally and vertically a pre-determined distance from horizontal reversing strap6. In a preferred embodiment, this distance corresponds to the length of securing tab8, preferably about 2 inches. In a preferred embodiment, two button holes9and10are then stitched into vertical securing tab8, approximately within a 2-inch span from each other. Preferably, first buttonhole9is stitched approximately in the middle section88of vertical securing tab8and second buttonhole10is stitched near the lower end89of vertical securing tab8. This construction of vertical securing tab8is designed to accommodate the button placement structure of a conventional shirt, where the buttons generally are spaced approximately four inches apart, while also designed to accommodate shirts having button placement structures deviating from the convention. The design and construction of vertical securing tab8ensures that when necktie1is assembled and adjusted to the desired length, button holes9and10of vertical tab8will fall within at least ½ inch the distance between a user's shirt buttons, again taking into account different shirts and different button placement structures. This in turn will ensure that the user will be able to reach at least one of his or her shirt buttons to secure vertical securing tab8to his or her shirt. In essence, vertical tab8provides a pre-determined length of distance upon which a plurality of buttonholes can be situated, giving the user more versatility in terms of being able to adjust tie1to a desired length vis a vis the shirt and to subsequently secure tie1to a desired location on the shirt, as will be discussed further below.

In a further preferred embodiment, and as depicted byFIG. 4, reversing strap6, with vertical securing tab8extending from same, is then placed across either main body display section2bor3b. For purposes of discussion and illustration, it will be assumed that this section is2b. Reversing strap6will then be placed horizontally across the middle91to lower end92of main body display section2b, with section2bhaving its right side114face up. The short sides94of the perimeter of horizontal reversing strap6will then be stitched along line93to the longitudinal sides95of the perimeter of main body display section2b, with a loop12being created between horizontal reversing strap6and main body display section2b.

In a further preferred embodiment, and as depicted byFIG. 6, necktie1is provided with an interfacing structure4, comprising a first interfacing10and a second interfacing11. To create interfacing structure4, first interfacing10is initially placed on either main body display section2bor3b. Display sections,2band3bwill preferably have equal perimeters P1and P2, respectively. For purposes of discussion and illustration, first interfacing will be placed on main body display section3b, which will be turned right side115up. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of first interfacing10will correspond to the shape of main body display section3band main body display section2b, yet first interfacing10will have a smaller perimeter P3than the perimeter P2of section3band the perimeter P1of section2b. In a further preferred embodiment, first interfacing10will preferably be composed of material that will provide an appropriate amount of thickness and durability to necktie1when main body display sections2band3bare combined.

In a further preferred embodiment, and as depicted byFIG. 6, second interfacing11is then placed over first interfacing10, which in turn, is situated on main body display section3b, as discussed above. Second interfacing11is preferably composed of a fusible web based or weave material that is thinner and lighter than the material forming first interfacing10. In a preferred embodiment, the shape of second interfacing11will correspond to the shape of main body display section3b, yet second interfacing11will have a smaller perimeter P4than perimeter P2of main body display section3band perimeter P1of main body display section2b. In a further preferred embodiment, second interfacing11is laid over first interfacing10. When second interfacing11is laid over first interfacing10, the perimeter, P4, of second interfacing11will preferably be greater than, and extend beyond, perimeter P3of first interfacing10, yet P4will be less than perimeter P2of section3band perimeter P1of section2b. Thus, perimeter P3of first interfacing10will be contained within perimeter P4of second interfacing11, which in turn will lie inside perimeter P2of section3b. An iron is then passed over second interfacing11, the heat triggering the fusion of second interfacing11to first interfacing10. In this fashion, second interfacing11functions to retain first interfacing10in position on main body display section3b. The utilization of second interfacing11, in conjunction with first interfacing10, provides for several advantages as opposed to the utilization of first interfacing alone10. If first interfacing10were to be utilized solely, then first interfacing10would have to be a fusible material in and of itself. Such self-fusible material could potentially be utilized to construct first interfacing10, however such material would be undesirably thicker than necessary and would thus add bulkiness to necktie1. Furthermore, if first interfacing10were to be used by itself, and it did not posses fusible characteristics to retain it in position within necktie1, then first interfacing10would have to be stitched to main body display sections2band3bto hold it in place therebetween. This in turn would result in a thicker and bulkier seam line. These noted problems, however, are eliminated, if second interfacing11is utilized in conjunction with first interfacing10. As discussed above, second interfacing11functions to hold first interfacing10in place, thus eliminating the problem of having to use a first interfacing10that could be fusible in and of itself, but would also be unnecessarily bulkier. Furthermore, the utilization of second interfacing11is further advantageous, in that when main body display sections2band3bare combined, second interfacing11, by holding first interfacing10in place, eliminates the need to stitch first interfacing10to main body display sections2band3b. This in turn results in a thinner seam line, giving necktie1amore streamlined and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

After second interfacing11has been fused to first interfacing10, situated on main body display section3b, the two main body display sections2band3b, are then placed together, with their respective right sides,114and115, facing each other. The two sections2band3b, having first interfacing10and second interfacing11situated therebetween, are then combined via stitch line100running alongside the perimeters P1and P2of sections2b,3b, leaving an unstitched area101forming an opening along this region. Main body display sections2band3bare then turned right side out through the opening to hide stitch line100, and the opening is then closed through stitching.

To complete the formation of display sides2and3of necktie1, appropriate smaller end sections2aand3a, are then constructed and affixed to main body display sections2band3b, respectively, in the conventional manner known in the prior art.

Thus as can be seen from the foregoing discussion, the construction of necktie1is simple and allows for a reduced manufacturing cost, yet provides for a variety of benefits, as will be further discussed below

The assembly of necktie1tie for wearing will now be discussed. The user will first select the side2or3of necktie1that he wishes to display and which will be most suitable for his or her intended application. It will be assumed for purposes of discussion, and as a beginning reference point, that the side the user wishes to display is side2. In this scenario, horizontal reversing strap6will be situated on the side that is not being displayed, i.e. side3, more specifically along the mid to lower end of main body display section3b. The user will then drape necktie1around his or her neck so that chosen display side2is facing forward. The user will next began assembling tie1around his or her neck in the conventional manner well known in the art. During assembly, as depicted byFIGS. 7 and 8the chosen display side2will be facing forward towards public view and the non-displayed side3, and horizontal reversing strap6, will be facing inwards, towards the user's shirt. At this point, the user can adjust the length of necktie1, relative to his or her shirt, to achieve the desired length of chosen display side2. An exemplary length is depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8. The ultimate length of necktie1that the user desires to display will depend upon several factors, i.e. the dictates of fashion, the user's body size, type of shirt worn, etc. After necktie1has been adjusted for its desired display length, the user can then secure his or her shirt to vertical securing tab8via one of button holes9or10situated on vertical tab8. In one embodiment, as depicted byFIGS. 7and8, the user will utilize buttonhole10, situated near lower end89of vertical securing tab8to secure necktie1to his or her shirt. As discussed above, the design and construction of vertical securing tab8and its buttonhole arrangement, ensures that the user will be able to reach at least one shirt button and at least one of buttonholes9or10to secure vertical securing tab8to his or her shirt. As can be seen from the foregoing, the inventor has thus presented and optimum configuration for necktie1. By providing tie1with vertical securing tab8i.e. an elongated pre-determined length of area upon which a plurality of button holes are appropriately positioned, this ultimately allows the user to have more flexibility in adjusting the length of necktie1and thereupon choosing the location on the shirt upon which he or she desires to secure necktie1. At this point, the user can also restrain smaller end section,2aof tie1by inserting smaller end section2athrough loop12created by horizontal restraining strap6and main body display section3b. This will prevent smaller end section2afrom flapping around and potentially exposing the reverse side pattern of smaller end section3a

For exemplary purposes, assuming that the user now desires to display the other side of necktie1, i.e. side3. The user will first disassemble necktie1in the conventional manner known in the prior art and then remove necktie1from his or her person. The user will next lay out necktie1so that display side3, and horizontal reversing strap6, situated on main body display section3b, is facing upwards. The user will then reverse necktie1, i.e. make side3suitable for display, by bringing the smaller end3aof necktie1through loop12created by horizontal reversing strap6and main body display section3b, thereby exposing reverse side2. The user will then pull the entire length of side2through loop12, and flip over horizontal reversing strap6, such that horizontal reversing strap6is moved from main body display section3b, to main body display section2b. In this fashion, horizontal reversing strap6is reversed from the side that the user now desires to expose, side3, to the side the user now desires to hide, side2. Side3is thus now suitable for display. The user will then assemble tie1around his neck in the conventional manner well known in the art. The user can, at this point, adjust the length of necktie1to his desire. An exemplary length is depicted inFIGS. 9 and 10. In this scenario, necktie1is then secured to a shirt button via buttonhole9situated near the middle section88of vertical tab8. After the user has properly assembled tie1on his or her person, chosen display side3will be facing forward towards public view, while side2and horizontal reversing strap6situated on side2, will be facing inwards, towards the user's shirt. The user can then bring smaller end3aof side3through loop12created by horizontal restraining strap6and main body display section2bto restrain this end from flapping around and exposing the reverse side pattern of smaller end section2a.

In summary, the present invention provides a new and improved and reversible necktie1that is easy to assemble and to wear. Necktie1is durable in construction, yet maintains a streamlined and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Necktie1is versatile in that it comprises dual display sides, is suitable for both genders, and can be utilized in a plethora of applications. The invention is further versatile in that it allows the user to display the desired length of side2or3, and to further adjustably secure necktie1to the desired location on a shirt, in a manner that is both flexible and aesthetically pleasing.

While the invention has been described in terms of its preferred embodiment, other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art from a review of the foregoing. Those embodiments as well as the preferred embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the scope and spirit of the following claims.