Abstract:
According to one exemplary embodiment, a necktie includes a front tie material of elongated shape having first and second end portions including tips and first and second tipping pieces having a periphery complementary to the first and second end portions, respectively. The tipping pieces are peripherally stitched to the first and second end portions so as to form first and second pockets and the tie includes a lining in which end portions thereof extend into the first and second pockets. The first tipping piece and the first end portion of the front tie material are folded along first and second fold lines that are located adjacent the periphery of the lining and along third and fourth fold lines that are located spaced from and further from the lining than the first and second fold lines to cause the first tipping piece and first end portion to be folded over itself and form a pair of once-folded sections. The first tipping piece and the first end portion are folded along fifth and sixth fold lines to cause the once-folded sections to be folded over themselves to form a pair of twice-folded structures. The tie being is along the first and second fold lines to cause the third and fourth fold lines to be placed adjacent another.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/047,831, filed Apr. 25, 2008 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to neckties and more particularly, relates to a seven fold necktie and a method of production thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A necktie (tie) is a long piece of cloth that is worn around a person&#39;s neck. It is designed and intended to rest under a shirt collar and is knotted at the throat. Neckties have been around hundreds of years and the modern necktie descends from a cravat (a piece of fabric worn around the neck and tied in place using strings). While the first neckties were many times solid colors or a white color and devoid of much color, the necktie overtime became more colorful and colors and designs became commonplace with neckties. For example, stripes and paisley patterns were some of the more common and popular designs. 
     There are a number of different types of neckties. For example, a cravat, as previously mentioned, was simply a brightly colored handkerchief fashioned of silk that was worn around a neck. A four-in-hand necktie originally was a simple, rectangular cloth strip cut on the square, with square ends. The term “four-in-hand” originally described a carriage with horses and a driver and it also referred to a gentlemen&#39;s club in London. Original wearers of this type of tie began knotting their ties with a four-in-hand knot. Over time, the four-in-hand knot and the four-in-hand necktie became synonymous and described the long tie or tie that we are familiar with in our culture. These types of ties come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns including, stripes and other decorative patterns, and also, they can come in solid colors. 
     A seven fold tie is a construction variant of the four-in-hand necktie. Conventionally, a square yard of silk (usually two or more pieces sewn together) is folded to seven sections of silk between the folds. The weight and body of the seven-fold tie derive exclusively from the layering of silk and its construction can be a time consuming task due to the intricate layering and folds. Seven fold ties set themselves apart from the everyday work tie with their superior construction. Each section of the tie is hand stitched with exquisite detail and constructed entirely out or the same silk fabric front to back. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, a necktie includes a front tie material of elongated shape having first and second end portions including tips and first and second tipping pieces having a periphery complementary to the first and second end portions, respectively. The tipping pieces are peripherally stitched to the first and second end portions so as to form first and second pockets, respectively, in cooperation with the first and second end portions of the front tie material. The necktie also includes a lining having a periphery smaller than that of the front tie material and substantially the same as that of the necktie to be produced and formed substantially parallel to the periphery of the front tie material. End portions of the lining extend into the first and second pockets with the periphery of the lining in the pockets being free and unsecured. The first tipping piece and the first end portion of the front tie material are folded along first and second fold lines that are located adjacent the periphery of the lining and along third and fourth fold lines that are located spaced from and further from the lining than the first and second fold lines to cause the first tipping piece and first end portion to be folded over itself and form a pair of once-folded sections. The first tipping piece and the first end portion are folded along fifth and sixth fold lines to cause the once-folded sections to be folded over themselves to form a pair of twice-folded structures. The tie being is along the first and second fold lines to cause the third and fourth fold lines to be placed adjacent another. The necktie also includes a means for attaching the lining to the front tie material along abutting opposite longitudinally extending peripheral inner edges that define the third and fourth fold lines. 
     In another embodiment, a method for constructing a seven fold tie includes the steps of: (a) providing a front tie material having an elongated shape including first and second end portions including tips; (b) attaching first and second tipping pieces to the first and second end portions along complementary peripheries thereof so as to form first and second pockets, respectively, in cooperation with the first and second end portions of the front tie material; (c) inserting end portions of a lining into the first and second pockets with a periphery of the lining in the pockets being free and unsecured, the lining having a periphery smaller than that of the front tie material and substantially the same as that of the necktie to be produced and formed substantially parallel to the periphery of the front tie material; (d) folding the first tipping piece and the first end portion of the front tie material along first and second fold lines that are located adjacent the periphery of the lining and along third and fourth fold lines that are located spaced from and further from the lining than the first and second fold lines to cause the first tipping piece and first end portion to be folded over itself and form a pair of once-folded sections; (e) folding the once-folded sections along fifth and sixth fold lines to cause the once-folded sections to be folded over themselves to form a pair of twice-folded structures; (f) folding the tie being folded along the first and second fold lines to cause the third and fourth fold lines to be placed adjacent another; and (g) attaching the lining to the front tie material along abutting opposite longitudinally extending peripheral inner edges that define the third and fourth fold lines. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of the illustrative embodiments of the invention wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a front portion of fabric that is used to manufacture a seven fold necktie in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevation view of an end portion of fabric; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevation view of a middle portion of fabric; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevation view of a tipping lining for the front of the tie; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevation view of a tipping lining of the back of the tie; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view of interlining for the tie; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevation view of a first step of constructing the seven fold necktie; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevation view of a second step of constructing the seven fold necktie; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevation view of a third step of constructing the seven fold necktie; 
         FIG. 10  is an elevation view of a fourth step of constructing the seven fold necktie; 
         FIG. 11  is an elevation view of a fifth step of constructing the seven fold necktie; 
         FIG. 12  is an elevation view of a sixth step of constructing the seven fold necktie; 
         FIG. 13  is an elevation view of a seventh step of constructing the seven fold necktie; 
         FIG. 14  is an elevation view of an eighth step of constructing the seven fold necktie; 
         FIG. 15  is an elevation rear view of the assembled seven fold necktie; and 
         FIG. 16  is an elevation front view of the assembled seven fold necktie. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 16  is an elevation view of a seven fold necktie (tie)  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIGS. 1-16  illustrate the various parts that makeup the necktie  100  and also illustrate an exemplary method for manufacturing the necktie  100 .  FIG. 1  shows a front portion  110  that is used in the manufacture of the necktie  100 . In particular, the front portion  110  is one of the sections of the necktie  100  that is outwardly visible when the necktie  100  is worn around the neck of a person. The front portion  110  includes a first end  112  and an opposing second end  114  and is further defined by two side edges  116  that extend between the two ends  112 ,  114 . The front portion  110  also includes a front (forward) side or face  18  that is visible and faces away from the wearer&#39;s body. The front portion  110  also includes a rear side or face  119 . The front face  118  can be formed in any number of different colors and can come in any number of different decorative patterns, including stripes, polka dots, repeating geometric patterns, solids, etc. 
     As with conventional necktie design, the front portion  110  has a tapered construction in that the second end  114  is wider than the first end  112  since the second end  114  represents the bottom section of the necktie  100  that is worn near the waist of the wearer. In addition to the tapered design, the front portion  110  has a pair of flared edges  113  (e.g., outwardly flared edges) that lead to a pair of lower parallel edges  15  that lead to the V-shaped second end  114 . The front portion  110  has a maximum width between the parallel edges  115 . The extra width between the edges  115  due to the flared edges  113  defines two areas, generally indicated at  111  of excess or extra side material. 
     The first end  112  is defined by an angled, cut edge. For example, the first end  112  slopes downwardly from left to right. The second end  114  represents one end of the completed (assembled) necktie  100  and therefore has a V-shape defined by two converging edges. 
       FIG. 2  shows an end portion  120  that is used in the manufacture of the necktie  100 . In particular, the end portion  120  is one of the portions of the necktie  100  that can be outwardly visible when the necktie  100  is worn around the neck of a person. The end portion  120  includes a first end  122  and an opposing second end  124  and is further defined by two side edges  126  that extend between the two ends  122 ,  124 . The end portion  120  also includes a front (forward) side or face  128  that is visible and faces away from the wearer&#39;s body. The end portion  120  also includes an opposite rear face  129 . The front face  128  preferably is decorated in the same manner as the front face  118 . Unlike the front portion  10 , the side edges  126  of the end portion  120  are at least substantially parallel to one another since the end portion  120  does not include the taper of the front portion  110 . 
     The first end  122  is similar to the first end  112  in that it is defined by a angled, cut edge. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end  122  slopes upwardly from left to right as shown in  FIG. 2 . The second end  124  represents one end of the completed (assembled) necktie  100  and therefore has a V-shape defined by two converging edges. 
       FIG. 3  shows a middle portion  130  that is used in the manufacture of the necktie  100 . In particular, the middle portion  130  is one of the portions of the necktie  100  that can be outwardly visible when the necktie  100  is worn around the neck of a person. The middle portion  130  includes a first end  132  and an opposing second end  134  and is further defined by two side edges  136  that extend between the two ends  132 ,  134 . The middle portion  130  also includes a front (forward) side or face  138  that is visible and faces away from the wearer&#39;s body. The middle portion  130  also includes an opposite rear side or face  139 . The front face  138  preferably is decorated in the same manner as the front face  118  and front face  128 . Unlike the front portion  110 , the side edges  136  of the middle portion  130  are at least substantially parallel to one another since the middle portion  130  does not include the distinct taper of the front portion  110 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a first tipping lining  140  that is intended for the front of the necktie  100 . The first tipping lining  140  includes a first end  142  and an opposing second end  144  and is further defined by two side edges  146  that extend between the two ends  142 ,  144 . The first tipping lining  140  has a shape that is complementary to the second end  114  of the front portion  110 . As a result, the first end  142  is a straight cut edge that extends between the two side edges  146  and is formed perpendicular to the two side edges  146 . The second end  144  has a V-shape that is defiled by two converging angled edges. The first tipping lining  140  can have a different appearance compared to the appearance of the front portion  110 . For example, the first tipping lining  140  can be formed of a different color and/or contain a different decorative appearance that the front portion  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stripe pattern is formed on the first tipping lining  140 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a second tipping lining  150  that is intended for the front of the necktie  100 . The second tipping lining  150  includes a first end  152  and an opposing second end  154  and is further defined by two side edges  156  that extend between the two ends  152 ,  154 . The second tipping lining  150  has a shape that is complementary to the second end  124  of the end portion  120 . As a result, the first end  152  is a straight cut edge that extends between the two side edges  156  and is formed perpendicular to the two side edges  156 . The second end  154  has a V-shape that is defined by two converging angled edges. The second tipping lining  150  can have a different appearance compared to the appearance of the end portion  120 . For example, the second tipping lining  150  can be formed of a different color and/or contain a different decorative appearance than the end portion  120 . In the illustrated embodiment, the stripe pattern is formed on the second tipping lining  150 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a pair of interlining pieces and in particular, first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170 , respectively, are shown. The first interlining piece  160  includes a first end  162  and an opposing second end  164  and is further defined by two side edges  166  that extend between the two ends  162 ,  164 . Similar to the front portion  110 , the first interlining piece  160  has a tapered construction in that the second end  164  is wider than the first end  162  since the second end  164  represents the bottom section of the necktie  100  that is worn near the waist of the wearer. The first end  162  is defined by an angled, cut edge. For example, the first end  162  slopes upwardly from left to right. The second end  164  represents one end of the completed (assembled) necktie  100  and therefore has a V-shape defined by two converging edges. 
     The second interlining piece  170  includes a first end  172  and an opposing second end  174  and is further defined by two side edges  176  that extend between the two ends  172 ,  174 . The second interlining piece  170  is designed to mate with the end portion  120  and the middle portion  130  and consequently has a similar shape. The second interlining piece  170  can have a slightly tapered construction in that the second end  174  can be slightly wider than the first end  172 . The second end  174  is defined by an angled, cut edge, while the first end  172  represents one end of the completed (assembled) necktie  100  and therefore has a V-shape defined by two converging edges. 
     The first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170  can come in a variety of different colors and can have any number of different decorative patterns. For example, the first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170  have a colorful decorative pattern that is different than the colors and pattern of the portions  110 ,  120 ,  130 . For example, the interlining pieces  160 ,  170  can have a decorative stripe pattern. 
       FIG. 7  shows a first step for constructing the necktie  100  of the present invention. In this step, the front portion  110 , end portion  120  and the middle portion  130  are joined together. More specifically, the second end  134  of the middle portion  130  is joined to the first end  112  of the front portion  110  along a first coupling line  180  and the first end  132  of the middle portion  130  is joined to the first end  122  of the end portion  120  along a second coupling line  182 . The three portions  110 ,  120 ,  130  can be joined together using any number of different techniques, including using a sewing or stitching process. When a stitching process is used, the first and second coupling lines  180 ,  182  can be thought of as first and second sewing lines or stitching lines. It will be appreciated that when the three parts  110 ,  120 ,  130  are arranged for being joined to one another, the front faces  118 ,  128 ,  138  all face outward. The first and second sewing lines  180 ,  182  have different cut orientations since as shown in  FIG. 7 , the slopes of the two are opposite resulting in the axes of each sewing line convering. 
       FIG. 8  shows a second step for constructing the necktie  100  of the present invention. In this step, the second end  174  of the second interlining piece  170  is joined to the first end  162  of the first interlining piece  160 . As with the above process, the first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170  can be joined together using a sewing or stitching process. The joined first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170  has a similar shape and similar dimensions relative to the completed necktie  100  since the joined pieces  160 ,  170  serve as the interlining material for the necktie  100 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a third step for constructing the necktie  100 . The connected portions  110 ,  120 ,  130  are flipped over (reversed) such that the rear surfaces  119 ,  129 ,  139  face upward and the first tipping lining  140  is then placed on top of the necktie  100 . In particular, the first tipping lining  140  is laid over the rear face  119  of the front portion  110  such that the second end  144  is superimposed over the second end  114  of the front portion  110 . The first tipping lining  140  is then securely attached to the front portion  110  using conventional techniques, such as the use of stitching. For example, stitching can be provided along some of the perimeter edges of the first tipping lining  140  resulting in it being securely stitched to the second end area of the front portion  110 . However, the top edge of the first tipping lining  140  is not stitched across so as to create a first pocket  149  between the lining  140  and the underlying fabric of the front portion  110 . 
     Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the second tipping lining  150  is disposed on the rear face  129  of the end portion  120  such that the second end  154  of the second tipping lining  150  is superimposed over the second end  124  of the end portion  120 . The second tipping lining  150  is then securely attached to the end portion  120  using conventional techniques, such as stitching the second tipping lining  150  along some of its perimeter edges. However, the top edge of the second tipping lining  150  is not completely stitched so as to create a second pocket  159  between the lining  150  and the underlying fabric of the end portion  120 . 
       FIG. 10  is a bottom view of the necktie  100 . In addition, in this configuration, the first and second tipping linings  140 ,  150  thus face upwardly as shown in  FIG. 10 . It will also be appreciated that in  FIG. 10 , edges of the front portion  110  and edges of the end portion  120  can be folded so as to slightly cover the peripheral edges of the first and second tipping linings, respectively. This provides a neat, clean finish. 
       FIG. 10  shows a fourth step where the assembled first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170  are disposed over the rear faces  119 ,  129 ,  139  of the portions  110 ,  120 ,  130 , respectively. The joined first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170  are arranged relative to the joined portions  110 ,  120 ,  130  by superimposing the first end  172  over the second end  124  and superimposing the second end  164  over the second end  114 . In addition, the first end  172  is inserted into the second pocket  159  formed by the second tipping lining  150  so that the pointed second end  172  is placed proximate the pointed ends  154 ,  124 . Similarly, the second end  164  is placed into the first pocket  149  formed by the first tipping lining  140  so that the pointed second end  164  is placed proximate the pointed ends  144 ,  114 . 
     The width of the joined first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170  along its entire length is length than the corresponding width of the joined portions  110 ,  120 ,  130  that lie beneath the interlining. This results in a peripheral fabric border  200  being formed around the exposed portions of the pieces  160 ,  170  that lie outside the pockets defined by the tipping linings  140 ,  150 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , in a fifth step, the necktie  100  is folded about a first fold line  210  that extends from the pointed second end  124  to the first end  114 . The first fold line  210  does not intersect the point of the second end  124  where the two angled edges converge but is slightly offset therefrom and similarly, the first fold line  210  does not intersect the point of the first end where the two angled edges converge but is slightly offset therefrom. The first fold line  210  is formed so that it lies close to the left edge of the attached first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170 . In other words, the peripheral border  200  on the left side of the necktie  100  is folded over and the necktie  100  including the extra material  111  of that side is ironed along the first fold line  210 . When the necktie  100  is folded in this manner, the folded over left portion  212  of the necktie  100  extends over the pieces  160 ,  170  and at the front portion  110 , the folded over left portion  212  extends at least substantially across the first interlining piece  160 . A right side of the first tipping lining  140  is visible. 
     Similarly, as shown in  FIG. 12 , in a sixth step, the necktie  100  is folded about a second fold line  220  that extends from the pointed second end  124  to the first end  114 . The second fold line  220  does not intersect the point of the second end  124  where the two angled edges converge but are spaced slightly therefrom and similarly, the second fold line  220  does not intersect the point of the first end where the two angled edges converge but is spaced slightly therefrom. The second fold line  220  is formed so that it lies close to the right edge of the attached first and second interlining pieces  160 ,  170 . In other words, the peripheral boundary  200  on the right side of the necktie  100  is folded over and the necktie  100  is ironed along the second fold line  220 . When the necktie  100  is folded in this manner, the folded over right portion  214  of the necktie  100  extends across the pieces  160 ,  170  and at the front portion  10 , the folded over right portion  214  extends at least substantially across the first interlining piece  160 . A left side of the first tipping lining  140  is visible. 
     It will be appreciated that the first and second fold lines  210 ,  220  lie close to the side edges of the first and second pieces  160 ,  170  and extend along a substantial length thereof. 
     Ironing along the folds creases the fold lines  210 ,  220 . 
     Next, in a seventh step, the folded over left and right portions  212 ,  214  are folded back open to the position shown in  FIG. 13  so that the front portion  110  of the necktie  100  lies substantially flat. 
     In an eighth step shown in  FIG. 14 , the front of the necktie  100  is ironed from the front portion  110  to the middle portion  130 . In addition, the material that is of the left side of the necktie relative to the pieces  160 ,  170 , including the left side of extra material  111 , is folded inward about a third fold line  230  that extends from front portion  110  to the end portion  120  to define a left side folded material  231 . The third fold line  230  is located further away from the interlining  160 ,  170  compared to the first fold line  210 . This results in a small section of the necktie fabric being folded over. The edge of the folded over portion of the left side of extra material  111  can lie over the interlining section  160  or it can be close to the left edge of the interlining section  160 . The necktie  100  is then ironed about the third fold line  230 . In  FIG. 14 , similarly, the right side of excess material  111  is folded inward about a fourth fold line  240  that is located further away from the interlining  160 ,  170  compared to the second fold line  220 . This results in the formation of a right side folded material  233 . 
     The left side folded material  231  is then folded back on top of itself about a fifth fold line  250  resulting in the edge  115  being brought close to the third fold line  230  of the final necktie construction. As shown in  FIG. 14 , by folding the material about the fifth line  250 , a left double folded structure  241  results. The first, third and fifth fold lines are at least generally parallel one another within the first tipping lining  140  area. Similarly, the right side folded material  233  is then folded back on top of itself about a sixth fold line  260  resulting in the edge  115  being brought close to the fourth fold line  240  of the final necktie construction. As shown in  FIG. 14 , by folding the material about the sixth line  270 , a right double folded structure  243  results. The second, fourth and sixth fold lines are at least generally parallel one another within the First tipping lining area. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the right double folded structure  243  is folded inward about the second fold line  220  resulting in the fourth fold line  240  being located in the middle of the first interlining section  160  and defining an inner edge of the tic. This also results in middle portion  130  and the end portion  120  being laid over and covering a portion of the first and second interlining sections  160 ,  170 . This folded structure can then be ironed to set the fold lines  220 ,  240 . The left double folded structure  241  is then folded inward about the first fold line  210  resulting in the third fold line  230  being located generally near the middle of the interlining sections  160 ,  170  defining the other inner edge of the tic. When the left double folded structure  241  is folded over, the third and fourth fold lines  230 ,  240  are disposed adjacent one another on top of the first interlining section  160 . In the middle portion  130  and end portion  120 , the folded left portion overlies the folded right portion. 
     In this final, complete folded position, shown in  FIG. 15 , a small portion of the first tipping lining  140  is exposed and in particular, the exposed portion has a diamond shape. Similarly, a small portion of the second tipping lining  150  is exposed and in particular, the exposed portion has a diamond shape.  FIG. 15  thus shows the folded rear portion of the tie  100 . Stitching or the like can be used at spaced locations to attach the left and right folded portions of the tie together along one center seam. 
       FIG. 16  is a front elevation view of the finished, complete tie  100 . 
     While exemplary drawings and specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments discussed. Thus, the embodiments shall be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that variations may be made in those embodiments by workers skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims that follow, and equivalents thereof. In addition, the features of the different points set forth below may be combined various ways in further accordance with the present invention.