Abstract:
A package and packaging methods for retaining a necktie within a box serving as both a display fixture and a packaging container for the enclosed necktie. A member, affixed into the box at at least two spaced locations, is configured to secure the necktie in a rolled, folded, or folded and rolled position within the box. The necktie is positioned to cover the member, wherein the member retains the necktie and prevents its free separation from the package.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to a display and packaging apparatus for retaining a necktie.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Neckties are typically displayed on horizontal racks in a display case, or on a counter top. On occasion, particular neckties are showcased in decorative containers which can be placed on the counter tops of display cases, near cash registers, or at other locations throughout a vendor&#39;s store. Several forms for individually packaging and displaying neckties are known.  
         [0003]     Packages for neckties (e.g., a single necktie, multiple neckties or neckties with shirts) have been fabricated in various forms. Such containers can assist in the display of neckties to consumers. These containers range from storing multiple neckties lengthwise in a single removable-top cardboard box to storing an individual necktie in its own box. Regarding the latter arrangement, the necktie is usually folded lengthwise along its center and laid flat within the box. This arrangement is common of all prior-art necktie packaging containers and can be troublesome. Customers may remove neckties from their respective boxes in order to try on or show to a friend. When removed, these neckties are not always placed back in the correct box, may be left lying loose on counter-tops, or relocated to a remote place within the store.  
         [0004]     The removal of neckties from their boxes can be problematic because pricing and product information is typically on the box in lieu of the tie. Misplaced neckties can lead to inaccurate pricing and consumer confusion. Additionally, when several neckties are disjoined from their respective boxes the task of rejoining each necktie in its correct box can be tedious and time consuming, requiring additional labor and expense on the part of the vendor.  
         [0005]     While individually packaging and displaying neckties can provide an eye-catching way of attracting consumers to the product, no particular structure is provided for securing or mounting the necktie therein, preventing its shift within the box, its ready removal from the box, or its separation from pricing/product information on the box. The present invention addresses these and other needs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     The present invention concerns a package and packaging methods for retaining a necktie within a box serving as both a display fixture and a packaging container for the enclosed necktie. A member, affixed into the box at at least two spaced locations, is configured to secure the necktie in a rolled, folded, or folded and rolled position within the box. The necktie is positioned to cover the member, which is an elastic member in a preferred embodiment. The package provides an attractive way of displaying individual neckties to consumers, eliminates the need for additional packaging materials or labor associated with the purchase of the necktie, and retains the necktie, preventing its free separation from the package. Additionally, neckties securely retained in a package according to the present invention are less likely to wrinkle or crease due to free movement within the box.  
         [0007]     These and further aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, several embodiments of the present invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a display and packaging apparatus in spaced relation to a necktie;  
         [0009]     FIGS.  2 ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ) are front perspective views of a necktie being retained by the display and packaging apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0010]     FIGS.  3 ( a ) and ( b ) are front perspective views of an alternative arrangement of a necktie being retained by the display and packaging apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a display and packaging apparatus shown in spaced relation to a necktie.  
         [0012]     FIGS.  5 ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ) are front perspective views of the necktie being retained by the display and packaging apparatus of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a display and packaging apparatus shown in spaced relation to a necktie and having additional, coordinating features. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0014]     A necktie display and packaging structure of a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1  in which a box  10  including a movable top portion  12  is provided for retainably displaying a necktie  30 . A member  20  is affixed into box  10  at at least two spaced locations within the box. Member  20  can be formed from a number of different materials having elastic properties, such as lycra, spandex or rubber. In alternative arrangements, member  20  is made of a material that can be plastically deformed so as to retain the clothing (such as necktie  30 ) and can be a plastic or, more preferably, a plastic coated metal (e.g. a “twist tie”).  
         [0015]     While member  20  is shown affixed at an inner, bottom-edge of box  10 , such as along base  40 , the location of member  20  within box  10  is not critical and one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that member  20  can be affixed at various positions within the box without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Likewise, member  20  may be integrally formed with box  10  or alternatively composed of any number of suitable elastic, flexible or composite materials and bonded or affixed to box  10 . Additionally, while top portion  12  is shown fully removable, the top could be hinged to the box.  
         [0016]     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , member  20  is operable to secure necktie  30  in a rolled, folded, or folded and rolled position within box  10 . Securing necktie  30  with box  10  can be achieved in several different ways utilizing member  20 . Referring to  FIG. 2 ( a ), in a preferred mode, a user can slightly stretch member  20  upward, creating an opening between member  20  and base  40  in which necktie  30  can be inserted therethrough. Necktie  30  is passed under member  20  to a position where a portion of necktie  30  extends from each side of member  20 . In this position, necktie  30  is disposed between member  20  and base  40  of box  10 , preferably in an unfurled state. Next, referring to  FIG. 2 ( b ), necktie  30  can be rolled or folded in direction  50  (about member  20 ) until a portion of necktie  30  has partially or wholly covered member  20 . Referring to  FIG. 2 ( c ), necktie  30  can be rolled or folded several times in the manner described above, and upon completion necktie  30  is completely disposed in box  10  and retained thereto by member  20 . While necktie  30  is shown rolled in direction  50 , the direction is not critical to the spirit of the invention and a user may roll or fold necktie  30  in the opposite direction about member  20  resulting in the same necktie-retaining effect.  
         [0017]     Referring to FIGS.  3 ( a ) and  3 ( b ), according to an alternative mode, once initially placed between member  20  and base  40  of box  10 , a portion of necktie  30  may be rolled or folded about itself in a position that does not include member  20  (see  FIG. 3 ( b )). Of course, necktie  30  can be rolled or folded, in part, prior to being placed between member  20  and base  40 .  
         [0018]     Regardless of whether the necktie is wrapped around member  20  once, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 ( b ), or several times, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 ( c ), it is desirable that member  20  is wholly contained interiorly of the box and is not visible exteriorly of the box once it is retained therein. This can be achieved by covering member  20  with a portion of necktie  30  so that the member is concealed when the top  12  is moved.  
         [0019]     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the present embodiment provides a package for retaining necktie  30  within box  10  wherein member  20  prevents free separation of necktie  30  and box  10 . When it is desired to detachably remove necktie  30 , it can be unwound or unfolded from member  20 . Thus, the present invention overcomes the problems associated with the prior art packaging and display apparatuses discussed above by utilizing member  20  to prevent free separation of necktie  30  from box  10  while allowing necktie  30  to be conveniently stored and displayed in a rolled, folded, or folded and rolled position. Additional clips or wire/plastic ties may be utilized to further secure particular portions of necktie  30  when necessary. Furthermore, these clips and/or wire/plastic ties can be applied to necktie  30  prior to its engagement with member  20  or sometime thereafter.  
         [0020]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , according to a second embodiment of the present invention, a box  10  including a movable top portion  12  is provided for retainably displaying a necktie  30 . A member  20  including at least two operably extending free ends  22 ,  24  is affixed into box  10  at at least two spaced locations within the box. As mentioned above, member  20  can be formed from a number of different materials, preferably those having elastic properties such as lycra, spandex or rubber.  
         [0021]     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , member  20  is configured to secure necktie  30  in a rolled, folded, or folded and rolled position within box  10 . Referring to  FIG. 5 ( a ), operably extending free ends  22 ,  24  can be positioned to rest exteriorly of box  10 . Next, necktie  30  is placed lengthwise above the open-end of box  10 . With reference to  FIG. 5 ( b ), operably extending free ends  22 ,  24  can be positioned about necktie  30  and tied, twisted or bonded to form a single, continuous conjoined member  100 . In this position, necktie  30  is disposed between member  100  and base  40  of box  10 . Next, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ( c ), necktie  30  can be rolled or folded in the direction  50  (about member  100 ) until a portion of necktie  30  has partially or wholly covered member  100 . Necktie  30  can be rolled or folded several times in the manner described above, and upon completion necktie  30  is completely disposed in box  10  and retained thereto by member  100 .  
         [0022]     Referring to  FIG. 6 , box  10  is square shaped and includes an outer fabric layer  60  of a first color  70  and a first pattern  80  that coordinate with at least the color  90  or pattern  110  on necktie  30 . Preferably, fabric layer  60  of box  10  is selected to coordinate with fabric  120  of necktie  30  retained therein.  
         [0023]     While the invention has been described with reference to several embodiments thereof, the invention is more broadly defined and limited only by the recitations in the claims appended hereto and their legal equivalents.