Abstract:
A scarf has a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. A pair of spaced apart slots are disposed near one end of the scarf and are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scarf. In one embodiment, the slots are longitudinally aligned. In another embodiment, the slots are longitudinally offset.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     This invention relates broadly to clothing. More particularly, this invention relates to a scarf having two generally parallel slots at one end through which the opposite end can be inserted to secure the scarf around one&#39;s neck.  
         [0003]     2. State of the Art  
         [0004]     It is known in the art to provide a scarf with a slot at one end through which the opposite end can be inserted. Such a scarf is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,405,744 to Sampliner. A similar scarf is shown in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 400,335 to Metcalf. These scarves are slightly more secure than a conventional scarf. When the scarf is wrapped around one&#39;s neck with one end of the scarf inserted through the slot in the opposite end, the scarf remains more secure around the neck than a conventional scarf.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a scarf which is more secure than a conventional scarf.  
         [0006]     It is another object of the invention to provide a scarf which is more secure than a slotted scarf.  
         [0007]     In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in detail below, a scarf according to the invention comprises a length of fabric defining a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis. A pair of spaced apart slots are disposed near one end of the scarf and are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the scarf. In one embodiment, the slots are longitudinally aligned. In another embodiment, the slots are longitudinally offset. In a preferred embodiment, the scarf has a length greater than the width of the scarf and the slots have a width slightly larger than the width of the scarf. The scarves according to the invention are more secure than conventional scarves and more secure than single slotted scarves. The scarf according to the invention having longitudinally offset slots is the most secure.  
         [0008]     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a first embodiment of a scarf according to the invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the first embodiment of the scarf in use;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  showing a second embodiment of a scarf according to the invention; and  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 2  showing the second embodiment of a scarf according to the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0013]     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of a scarf  10  according to the invention comprises a length of fabric  12 , typically wool or a synthetic or a blend and typically formed of two plies. The length of fabric defines two ends  14  and  16  which may be decorated with fringe  18  and  20 , respectively. The length of fabric  12  also defines a longitudinal axis A of the scarf  10 . According to the first embodiment, a pair of substantially parallel longitudinal slots  22  and  24  are arranged near one end  16  of the fabric  12  and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The slots are formed by cutting the fabric and then stitching around the perimeter of each slot. According to the first embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the slots  22  and  24  are longitudinally aligned. That is to say they are substantially the same distance from the end  16 .  
         [0014]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , when the scarf  10  is wrapped around a person&#39;s neck, the end  14  is inserted through the slots  22  and  24  and pulled through as much as desired to form a tight or loose fit. The frictional engagement of the fabric in the vicinity of the slots secures the scarf around the person&#39;s neck so that it is unlikely to blow off in wing, for example.  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  shows a second and presently preferred embodiment of a scarf  110 . The scarf  110  is similar to the scarf  10  with similar reference numerals (increased by 100) referring to similar parts. It comprises a length of fabric  112 , typically wool or a synthetic or a blend and typically formed of two plies. The length of fabric defines two ends  114  and  116  which may be decorated with fringe  118  and  120 , respectively. The length of fabric  112  also defines a longitudinal axis A′ of the scarf  110 . A pair of substantially parallel longitudinal slots  122  and  124  are arranged near one end  116  of the fabric  112  and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A′. The slots are perferably formed by cutting the fabric and then stitching around the perimeter of each slot. According to the second embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 3 , the slots  122  and  124  are longitudinally offset; that is to say they are different distances from the end  116 .  
         [0016]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , when the scarf  110  is wrapped around a person&#39;s neck, the end  114  is inserted through the slots  122  and  124  and pulled through as much as desired to form a tight or loose fit. The frictional engagement of the fabric in the vicinity of the slots secures the scarf around the person&#39;s neck so that it is unlikely to blow off in the wind, for example. In this embodiment, because the slots are longitudinally offset, the frictional engagement is in two directions thereby providing more security than the first embodiment,  
         [0017]     There have been described and illustrated herein several embodiments of a double slotted scarf. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. For example, the length and width of the scarf and the exact location and spacing of the slots relative to one another may vary to suit a particular application. The slots should be closer to one end than to the other and preferably at least two thirds of the length of the scarf away from the opposite end. In the second embodiment, the amount of offset between the slots is preferably one slot length. The length of the slots is preferably no longer than the width of the fabric. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.