Patent Publication Number: US-2016235142-A1

Title: Multi-face neck tie and method of assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/065,678 filed Oct. 29, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to neck ties, and, more particularly, relates to a necktie having multiple faces and a method of assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is well known that neckties are a popular clothing item found in many wardrobes. Wearing a necktie may be hazardous as the length of the necktie often causes the necktie to become tangled or caught in a machine or other device. As a further disadvantage, neckties may be unsanitary due to the neckties coming into contact with food. Moreover, users often wipe their hands on neckties, further spreading germs. In addition, conventional tying of a necktie can become monotonous and aesthetically unappealing. 
     Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides a multi-face necktie that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that provides a necktie having a barrel, a primary face, and a secondary face that extends a distance beyond the primary face so that each component is visible to a user wearing the necktie. 
     With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method of tying a multi-face necktie, the method including providing a necktie having a primary tie face and a secondary tie face opposite the primary tie face, the primary tie face including a right column along a length thereof and the secondary tie face including a left column along a length thereof, placing the right column of the primary tie face in an overlapping relationship with the left column of the secondary tie face to create an intersection point, moving the primary tie face behind the intersection point in a vertical direction away from a ground surface and through an opening defined by the right and left columns, rotating the primary tie face around the left column of the secondary tie face at a first location adjacent to the intersection point, wrapping the primary tie face around the left column and the right column at a second location adjacent the intersection point, wrapping the primary tie face around the secondary tie face in a right to left direction to form a barrel, pulling the primary tie face through the opening in an upward direction, and pulling the primary tie face between the barrel and the intersection point such that the barrel is disposed at a location above the primary tie face and the secondary tie face. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the method may include adjusting the primary tie face to a length that is approximately between 3.0 to 4.5 inches in length and adjusting the secondary tie face to a length that is approximately between 6.0 to 9.0 inches in length. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the method may include placing the neck tie around an article of clothing and placing the right column of the primary tie face in an overlapping relationship with the left column of the secondary tie face such that the primary tie face extends a distance beyond the secondary tie face. 
     In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the barrel includes a width of approximately 2.0 to 3.0 inches. 
     In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes the barrel, the primary tie face, and the secondary tie face being substantially aligned in a vertical direction with respect to each other such that the secondary tie face extends a distance beyond the primary tie face, the distance being at least twice as long as a length of the primary tie face. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the length of the primary tie face is between approximately 3.0 to 4.5 inches. 
     In accordance with yet another feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes multi-face necktie including a u-shaped strap having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a barrel couplable to the first end and the second end of the u-shaped strap, a secondary tie face having an elongated body couplable to the barrel, and a primary tie face couplable to the barrel such that the primary tie face is disposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of the secondary tie face, the secondary tie face extending a distance beyond a terminal edge of the primary tie face. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the multi-face necktie includes an adjustable fastener coupling the first end of the u-shaped strap to the second end of the u-shaped strap. 
     In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the primary tie face conceals the portion of the secondary tie face in the overlapping relationship. 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the barrel includes a top portion and a bottom portion disposed a distance from the top portion and the first end second ends of the u-shaped strap are coupled to the top portion of the barrel. 
     In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the primary tie face and the secondary tie face are coupled to the bottom portion of the barrel. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the barrel includes a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface and the secondary tie face is coupled to the back surface of the barrel. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the primary tie face includes a length that is between approximately 3.0 to 4.5 inches and the secondary tie face includes a length that is between approximately 6.0 to 9.0 inches. 
     In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the secondary tie face may include a length that is at least approximately twice a length of the primary tie face. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the barrel, the primary tie face, and the secondary tie face are substantially aligned in a vertical direction with respect to each other such that the barrel, the primary tie face, and the secondary tie face are visible to a user. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the barrel includes a width that is approximately 2.0 to 3.0 inches. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a method of tying a multi-face necktie includes providing a necktie having a primary tie face and a secondary tie face opposite the primary tie face, the primary tie face including a right column along a length thereof and the secondary tie face including a left column along a length thereof, placing the left column in an overlapping relationship with the right column to form a v-shaped opening, the left column extending a distance beyond a distance of the right column, wrapping a first portion of the primary tie face around the left column, wrapping a second portion of the primary tie face around the right column, pulling the primary tie face through the v-shaped opening to create a barrel disposed at a bottom portion of the v-shaped opening, and adjusting the length of at least one of the primary tie face and the secondary tie face such that the secondary tie face extends a distance beyond a terminal edge of the primary tie face. 
     In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the neck tie includes an adjustable fastener coupling the right column of the primary tie face to the left column of the secondary tie face. 
     In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the distance that the secondary tie face extends beyond the terminal edge of the primary tie face is approximately 3.0-4.5 inches. 
     In accordance with yet a further feature of the present invention, the length of the primary tie face is adjusted to be approximately half a length of a length of the secondary tie face. 
     Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a multi-face neck tie and method of assembly, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. 
     Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale. 
     Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time. 
     As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of the necktie. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a multi-face necktie in an assembled configuration and coupled to an article of clothing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  in an unassembled configuration and being tied, the necktie having a primary tie face including a right column along a length thereof and a secondary tie face including a left column along a length thereof in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being tied in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being coupled to an article of clothing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being coupled to an article of clothing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational front view of the necktie of  FIG. 1  depicting the necktie being coupled to an article of clothing in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is an elevational front view of a primary tie face, a secondary tie face, and a barrel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an elevational front view of a front surface of a multi-face neck tie in an assembled configuration in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is an elevational rear view of a rear surface of the multi-face neck tie of  FIG. 13  in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG. 15  is a flow diagram illustrating a method of tying a multi-face neck tie in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. 
     The present invention provides a novel and efficient multi-face necktie which may be assembled using separate components or which may be created through a method of tying a standard necktie. Embodiments of the invention provide a barrel, a secondary tie face coupled to the barrel, and a primary tie face coupled to the barrel and disposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of the secondary tie face, the secondary tie face extending a distance beyond a terminal edge of the primary tie face. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide a method of tying a multi-face necktie using a standard necktie. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the present invention is shown in an elevational front view.  FIG. 1  shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. The first example of a multi-face necktie  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 , includes a barrel  102 , a secondary tie face  104  having an elongated body  106 , and a primary tie face  108 . The term “elongated” is defined herein as having a length that is at least twice as long as a width. The necktie  100  is depicted having the barrel  102 , the primary tie face  108 , and the secondary tie face  104  substantially aligned in a vertical direction with respect to each other. In such vertical configuration, the secondary tie face  104  extends a distance beyond the primary tie face  108 , the distance being at least twice as long as a length of the primary tie face  108 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 and 12 , the multi-face necktie  100  may be provided in the assembled configuration ( FIG. 1 ) using a standard necktie  110  or through the use of multiple separate components coupled to each other ( FIG. 12 ), which will be described in further detail herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 through 8 , in conjunction with the process flow diagram of  FIG. 15 , there is provided a method of tying a multi-face necktie, such as the necktie  100  of  FIG. 1 . The steps delineated in the exemplary process flow diagram of  FIG. 15  are merely exemplary of the preferred order of tying a multi-face necktie, and said steps may be carried out in another order, with or without additional steps included therein. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted in  FIG. 15  for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all of the process steps included in  FIG. 15  can be combined into a single process. 
     In one embodiment, the method begins at step  1500  and moves directly to step  1502 , of providing a standard necktie, such as the standard necktie  110  having the primary tie face  108  and the secondary tie face  104  opposite the primary tie face  108 , the primary tie face  108  including a right column  112  along a length thereof and the secondary tie face  104  including a left column  114  along a length thereof. With reference to  FIG. 2 , in step  1504 , in one embodiment, the method continues through the placing the left column  114  in an overlapping relationship with the right column  112  to form a v-shaped opening  116 , the left column  114  extending a distance beyond a distance of the right column  114 . The distance may vary according to the overall length of the necktie  110 . In one embodiment, the process proceeds to step  1506 , including wrapping a first portion of the primary tie face around the left column. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the primary tie face  108  may be pulled through the v-shaped opening  116 . An intersection point  118  is disposed adjacent the v-shaped opening  116 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 3 through 6 , in step  1508 , the method may include wrapping a second portion of the primary tie face  108  around the right column  112 . With reference to  FIGS. 7 through 8 , in one embodiment, in step  1510 , the method includes pulling the primary tie face  108  through the v-shaped  116  opening to create the barrel  102  disposed at a bottom portion  118  of the v-shaped opening  116 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , in step  1512 , the method may include adjusting the length of at least one of the primary tie face  108  and the secondary tie face  104  such that the secondary tie face  104  extends a distance beyond a terminal edge  800  of the primary tie face  108 . In one embodiment, the distance beyond the terminal edge  800  of the primary tie face  108  may be approximately 3.0 to 4.5 inches. In other embodiments, the distance may be outside of this range. In one embodiment, the primary tie face  108  may be adjusted to a length that is approximately between 3.0 to 4.5 inches and the secondary tie face  104  may be adjusted to a length that is approximately between 6.0 to 9.0 inches. In other embodiments, the primary tie face  108  may be adjusted to a length that is approximately greater or less than approximately 3.0 to 4.5 inches and the secondary tie face  104  may be adjusted to a length that is greater or less than approximately 6.0 to 9.0 inches. The measurements provided herein are provided for exemplary purposes and are not intended to be limiting. As such, a user is provided with the convenient option of adjusting the lengths of the primary tie face  108  and the secondary tie face  104  to suit the user&#39;s preference. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9-11 , in one embodiment, the method may include placing the necktie  100  around an article of clothing  900 . Although  FIGS. 9-11  depict the article of clothing  900  as a shirt having a collar, the article of clothing is defined herein in its broadest possible sense and may include another type of shirt or clothing item. The method ends at step  1514 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 12 , a barrel  1201 , a primary tie face  1202 , a secondary tie face  1204 , and a pair of straps  1206 ,  1208  are depicted as separate components which may be coupled together to form a necktie  1200  as best shown in the assembled views of  FIGS. 13 and 14 . More specifically, the barrel  1201  includes a front surface  1212  and a rear surface  1214 , the primary tie face  1202  includes a front surface  1216  and a rear surface  1218 , and the secondary tie face  1204  includes a front surface  1220  and a rear surface  1222 . The components may be removably or non-removably coupled to each other using one or more fasteners  1210   a - n,  where the number of fasteners a-n can be any number. The fasteners  1210   a - n  may be, without limitation, clothes pins, thread, adhesive, hooks and loop attachments, and the like. In one embodiment, the fastener  1210   a  is a metal hook, the fastener  1210   b  is a clip, the fastener  1210   c  is an elastic band, the fastener  1210   d  is a knot, and the fastener  1210   e  is a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro®. 
     In one embodiment, the straps  1206 ,  1208  may be coupled to each other using the fastener  1210   c  and one or more adjusting members. As such, the straps  1206 ,  1208  provide a user with the ability to adjust the straps  1206 ,  1208  to suit the user&#39;s neck and collar size. In other embodiments, the straps  1206 ,  1208  may also be coupled to each other using a metal hook, buttons, a standard knot, Velcro®, or another suitable fastening mechanism. The straps  1206 ,  1208  may also be coupled to the rear surface  1214  of the barrel  1201  using one or more fasteners. 
     In one embodiment, in order to conceal the fastening components and provide an aesthetically appealing necktie  1200 , the primary tie face  1202  and the secondary tie face  1204  may also be coupled to the rear surface  1214  of the barrel  1201 . In other embodiments, the primary tie face  1202  and the secondary tie face  1204  may coupled to the front surface  1212  of the barrel  1201 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an elevational front view and an elevational rear view of the necktie  1200 , respectively, are shown. More specifically the necktie  1200  is depicted having an adjustable fastener  1300  coupling the strap  1206  to the strap  1208  to form a u-shaped strap  1302 . Advantageously, the adjustable fastener  1300  provides the user with an adjustable necktie  1200 . In one embodiment, the u-shaped strap  1302  may include a first end  1304  coupled to the barrel  1201  and a second end  1306  coupled to the barrel  1201 . More specifically, in one embodiment, the barrel  1201  may include a top portion  1308  and a bottom portion  1310  opposite the top portion  1308 . The top portion  1308  may have the straps  1206 ,  1208  coupled thereto, whereas the bottom portion  1310  may have the secondary tie face  1204  coupled thereto. In the same vein, in one embodiment, the barrel  1201  includes a width of approximately 2.0 to 3.0 inches. In other embodiments, the barrel  1201  may be outside of this range. 
     A necktie and a method of tying a necktie having been disclosed, the necktie having a barrel, a secondary tie face coupled to the barrel, and a primary tie face coupled to the barrel and disposed in an overlapping relationship with a portion of the secondary tie face, the secondary tie face extending a distance beyond the primary tie face, the distance being at least twice as long as a length of the primary tie face.