Abstract:
A necktie pocket for concealing technological devices and other similarly sized items, such as business cards, is disclosed. The pocket comprises strategically-located attachment slots and a front side comprising a sheer slick fabric which allows an appropriately-sized device to be inserted and extracted from the pocket.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]    Men&#39;s dress has evolved over the years such that formal and business attire is generally staid with respect to color. Neutral tones are prevalent and bright tones nearly absent. However, despite the fact that most formal and business dress relies heavily on a neutral palette, color is still an essential component of men&#39;s dress: The addition of color to men&#39;s wardrobes is the job of the tie. As a men&#39;s dress accessory, the tie is such an essential part of men&#39;s attire that it is required in most formal and business situations. Furthermore, the tie bears part of the responsibility of making the wearer&#39;s impression upon viewers a favorable one, as it may be the most visible piece of apparel in a suit of clothes that is seen by approaching viewers. It rests in a conspicuous, forward position at nearly eye level, and even when a suitcoat is closed, the tie knot is a spot of bright color above the lapel. 
         [0002]    While the tie has been a dress essential for years, the evolution of ultrasmall modes of electronic entertainment is relatively recent. The miniaturization of entertainment and information means has made it possible for one to bring music and other auditory modes of entertainment and information with them to the gym, to the office, on errands, etc. However, even though such miniaturized modes of entertainment are small and relatively unobtrusive, carrying them in plain view is not appropriate for every common setting, as they can still be very visible when worn with formal or business clothes, such as attached to a belt or stowed in a breast pocket. The visible presence of, for example, an ipod, on ones person, may give the subtle impression that the wearer is distracted by recreation and lacks the presence of mind and discipline for the occasion. Even hiding a device, such as an ipod, in a pocket, generally does not make the device inconspicuous because the wire to the audio piece is visible. Nevertheless, the stability afforded by such an arrangement has always been considered necessary in order to keep the device from being damaged by blows and spills. 
         [0003]    While ties are essential, and there is a need for effective methods for concealing technological entertainment and information devices, there have been few attempts to merge ties and technology. Ties are important ornamental accessories as they greatly impact the wearer&#39;s first impression upon new acquaintances. Thus, the involvement of the tie in a more functional sense has been avoided. Creases and outlines visible on the surface of the tie are generally unacceptable in any setting, and any interference with the natural dynamics of the tie, such as that caused by weights or fasteners is just as undesirable. Furthermore, securing a section of a tie by methods known in the art does not improve its ability to be merged with technology, as adding weight to the unsecured section, such as by attaching a technological device, could cause the tie to move unnaturally as the wearer moved about, particularly when leaning forward. 
         [0004]    In short, the tie has remained an important ornamental accessory, required in many common settings, but for such a common accessory, surprisingly, it has, not been utilized to address the need for effectively concealed technological devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0005]      FIG. 1 : 
           [0006]    A pocket in position on a necktie, bearing upper ( 10 ), and lower ( 50 ) tabs along the extended long axis of the pocket, a flap ( 20 ) and a slanted upper edge ( 30 ) in the side of the pocket which rests against the wearer ( 40 ). 
           [0007]      FIG. 2 : 
           [0008]    A pocket in position on a necktie, bearing a flap ( 20 ) having a depth ( 70 ); and a slanted upper edge ( 30 ) in the side of the pocket which rests against the wearer ( 40 ). 
           [0009]      FIG. 3 : 
           [0010]    A pocket in which corners of the upper edge of the side of the pocket which rests against the wearer terminate at points having the same distance from the upper edge of the pocket. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4 : 
           [0012]    A pocket ( 120 ) attached to a tie ( 90 ). The pocket has two tabs, ( 110 ) and ( 150 ), which bear insertion slots through which buttons ( 100 ) and ( 130 ), respectively, are inserted. The upper tab ( 110 ) is alternatively depicted in dashed lines as folded downward. No device is depicted in the figure. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]    The present invention pertains to a tie which comprises a suitably placed pocket and attachment mechanism such that the tie can be used to conceal and carry devices having relatively flat profiles without causing the motion of the tie to be awkward with wearer movement. Furthermore, the article of the present invention conceals and carries such devices without causing creases or outlines on the front surface of the tie. In one embodiment, the pocket is sized such that it has the ability to snugly contain an object having approximate dimensions of 4.5×3.5×0.5 inches or less. In another embodiment the pocket is sized such that it has the ability to snugly contain an ipod. In another embodiment, the pocket is sized such that it has the ability to the snugly contain one or more items of card-thickness, such as business cards, credit cards or the like. In another embodiment, the pocket is sized such that it has the ability to fit an iphone. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]    Unlike other designs, the present invention can port objects having a flat profile and a weight as great or greater than about 8 ounces without causing outlines or creases on the front surface of the tie. The weight is secured in a pocket secured to the shirt with at least one attachment slot attached to the pocket edge, or an attachment hole within the surface of the pocket facing away from the tie. The pocket is attached to the wide portion of the tie, and is dimensioned such that its corners do not extend beyond the edges of the tie, allowing the tie to carry the device without moving unnaturally with wearer motion. Furthermore, the tie also does not buckle when the wearer leans over. Upon stowing the appliance in the pocket, the weight of the load is supported by the attachment slots or button hole. 
         [0015]    The necktie pocket of the present invention comprises a front and a back. The front and back may be of two different materials or of the same material. The word “material” as used here has a meaning which is not limited to textiles and woven fabrics, but encompasses sheet-like forms which are fabricated in ways other than weaving, such as, for example, forms fabricated by rolling and cutting. 
         [0016]    While many different materials can be used, materials having a thickness of less than or about 0.8 mm are preferred, with materials having a thickness in the range of from about 0.05 to about 0.25 most preferred. Examples of suitable materials include organic fabrics such as fabrics based on cotton, flax, jute, mohair, silk, wool, hemp, tweed and the like, or other fabrics consisting of or comprising fibers or threads of organic materials such as, but not limited to the forenamed materials or other cellulose-based fibers. Suitable materials also include fabrics consisting of or comprised of synthetic threads or fibers, for example, those of nylon, rayon, polyester, spandex, acetate, acrylic, modacrylic, and olefin, or other synthetic materials. Many fabrics having a blend of organic and inorganic components are suitable. So called “non-woven fabrics, such as, for example sheets of polytetrafluoroethylene, nylon, or other synthetics formed by processes such as, for example, rolling or cutting, can be used to comprise the present invention. 
         [0017]    It is preferred that the side of the pocket which rests against the wearer be of a material which is sheer and sleek to such as degree that the intended article slides easily into and out of the pocket with out “grabbing” or bunching of the pocket material. Furthermore, sheer materials having a degree of transparency are preferred; the device in the pocket can be adjusted without removal from the pocket, adding to the unobtrusiveness of the design. Such fabrics are also generally cooler in that they dissipate heat at a faster rate that non-sheer fabrics. One advantage to such a design is that the heat produced during the operation of the device is readily dissipated from the sheer surface and thus the pocket remains comfortable to the wearer over long periods of time. Furthermore, because the pocket does not produce elevated temperatures when worn, less sweat is produced by the wearer, and the pocket material remains dry, ensuring that the article slides freely in and out of the pocket. 
         [0018]    In general, many different types of sheer materials can be utilized for the pocket surface which faces the wearer. Preferred are materials having some degree of transparency such as, for example, tricot, tulle, voile, organdy, organza, net, lawn, linen, chiffon, georgette and lace. Other sheer materials having less transparency can also be used, but are less preferred. Such materials are preferred for the surface of the pocket which contacts the tie, and include most types of natural or synthetic fabric. These fabrics can include fabrics used for lining, underlining, backing or mounting, including silk, china silk, batiste, bemberg, cotton net, satin, muslin, organza, taffeta or tricot. Preferred is lining fabric as it is thin and lightweight. 
         [0019]    Non-fabric materials can also be used in the present invention. Examples include sheet synthetic materials, such as of the aforementioned synthetic materials. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the side of the pocket which is against the tie is of silk, or of the material from which the tie is made. In another embodiment, both the side of the pocket against the tie and the side against the wearer are of silk or of the material from which the tie is made. 
         [0021]    It should be noted that the necktie pocket of the present invention can be integral. By “integral,” it is meant that the pocket can be of “one-piece” construction. Examples of such construction are one-piece designs comprising a folded piece of construction material which is sewn or otherwise seamed such that it forms a pocket. Another example of a one-piece construction is a flattened tubular section, which may be preferred in the case of synthetic or sheet construction materials. Where a pocket is of one-piece construction, it is preferred that the unsewn, closed sides be creased such the pocket lies flat against the wearer. In a preferred embodiment, the pocket is of two-piece construction. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the pocket comprises a flap ( FIG. 2 ,  60 ). Preferably, the flap is integral with the side of the pocket which rests against the tie, although in one embodiment, the flap is sewn to the body of the pocket, and in an additional embodiment, the flap is not of the same material as the side of the pocket to which it is attached. Preferably, the flap has a depth ( FIG. 2 ,  70 ) which is in the range of from about 0.5 inches to about 3.5 inches, and more preferably in the range of from about 0.5 inches to about 2.0 inches. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, the necktie pocket of the present invention comprises a slanted edge to the front side of the pocket ( FIG. 2 ,  65 ). Preferably, the slanted edge is relatively straight and does not bear projections or edgings that interfere significantly with the insertion or extraction of the device. In one embodiment, the edge deviates from being straight in that the lower portion of the edge comprises a slightly concave section which facilitates the insertion and extraction of the device. In one embodiment, the slanted edge is finished along its length with stitching or lamination which stiffens the edge and improves the ability of the wearer to insert and extract the device. In one embodiment the uppermost corner of the slanted edge terminates at a corner of the pocket. In other embodiments, the upper corner of the edge terminates at a point below a pocket corner (See  FIG. 2 ). In a further embodiment, the upper corner of the edge terminates at a point which is in the range of from about 0.25 inches to about 2.0 inches below a corner of the pocket. The lowermost corner of the edge preferably terminates at a point which is in the range of from about 0.25 to about 2.0 inches below a corner of the pocket. However, in another preferred embodiment the lowermost corner of the edge is low enough such that controls on the edge or body of a device carried within the pocket are exposed, such as button- or wheel-shaped volume, selection or other controls. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the corners of the edge terminate at points which are in the range of from about 0.0 to about 2.0 inches below a corner of the pocket. In a further embodiment, the corners of the edge terminate at equal distances from the upper edge of the pocket as shown in  FIG. 3 . In further embodiments, the edge is straight, or it bears one or more concave portions. 
         [0025]    The necktie pocket of the present invention preferably comprises at least one attachment means. Said attachment means can be a clip which secures the necktie pocket against the shirt of the wearer in the tie&#39;s natural position against the shirt. Such a clip should secure the middle of the pocket to the wearer&#39;s shirt, such that when loaded, the pocket remains flat against the wearer&#39;s shirt, even when the wearer leans over. In a preferred embodiment, said at least one attachment means comprises at least one attachment slot. By “attachment slot” is meant a slot or a loop into which a button on the shirt of the wearer can be inserted, maintaining the necktie pocket in a flat position against the shirt of the wearer. If two such attachment slots are used (for example, see  FIG. 1  in which an attachment slot extends from the upper and lower edge of the pocket, although the embodiment speaks to situations in which the slots are in two different positions) the necktie pocket is essentially immobilized against the shirt of the wearer. 
         [0026]    In one embodiment, the necktie pocket itself has an attachment slot in its exposed side into which one of the shirt buttons of the wearer is inserted. In another embodiment, the pocket comprises attachment loops or attachment slots, preferably two, one of which can be located at the middle of the upper edge of the pocket and one of which can be located in the middle of the lower edge of the pocket. See, for example,  FIG. 1 ,  10  and  50 ). In one embodiment, the attachment slots are each able to receive a button on a standard dress shirt. In one embodiment, the slots have lengths such that the slots can simultaneously accommodate a button on dress shirts having a range of distances between buttons. Thus, the pocket can be used with nearly any dress shirt, even though the button distances for one shirt may not be exactly equal to the button distances of another shirt; the pocket can accommodate the buttons on most or all dress shirts. In yet another embodiment, the slots are comprised of a relatively sturdy material, or are reinforced such that they have a degree of resistance to bending and retain the functional aspects of their shapes, such as a rigid slot which is not bent or crimped, and which can accept a button without needing to be straightened or flattened. In another embodiment, the attachment slots are of a material such that they are flexible or floppy, and such that they may require straightening or flattening in order to accept a button. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the slots has the shape of two parallel flat strips which are joined together for a portion of their lengths such that they form a slot. In another preferred embodiment, the slots are comprised of an elastic material such that the slot can be stretched, if necessary, to accommodate a button. In a most preferred embodiment, one slot is located essentially in the middle of the upper edge, on the back piece of the pocket, and one is located essentially in the middle of the lower edge of the pocket; each attachment slot comprises an elastic material; and the midpoints of the slots contained in each attachment slot are in the range of from about 5 inches apart to about 9 inches apart. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, the pocket comprises one or more tabs, each containing one or more insertion slots. In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the pocket comprises two tabs, one tab (the “upper tab”) is located essentially in the middle of the upper edge, on the back piece of the pocket, and one tab (the “lower tab”) is located essentially in the middle of the lower edge of the pocket. At least one tab, and preferably both tabs comprise multiple insertion slots which are, in one embodiment, serially arranged on the tab in positions along the extended long axis of the pocket. In one embodiment, the tabs are comprised of an elastic material. In a preferred embodiment, and the midpoint of each slot on the upper tab is in the range of from about 4 inches to about 10 inches from the midpoint of each slot on the lower tab. 
         [0028]    It should be noted that insertion slots and/or tabs which are oriented along the vertical axis of the pocket and tie can be folded upward (in the case of a downward pointing tab) or downward (in the case of an upward pointing tab) and accept a button through the slots thereon. Folding the tabs/insertion slots enables the inventive pocket to accommodate an even range of button spacings. Furthermore, it prevents the flap from opening, providing an extra measure of protection for the device stowed in the pocket.