Patent Publication Number: US-2023135189-A1

Title: Pocket Square Clothing Accessory

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/336,591, filed on Mar. 26, 2019, which is a National Stage Application, filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371, of International Application No. PCT/US2017/054052, filed on Sep. 28, 2017, which is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/400,839, filed on Sep. 28, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates to clothing articles, and more particularly to a pocket square that is configured to maintain a folded or otherwise manipulated shape. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Fashion allows a person to express their personality or ideas through an individual&#39;s appearance. Formal attire, such as a suit or sport jacket, however, limits the ability for personal expression. Moreover, societal expectations may not permit one to express a personal sense of style or taste. Accessories, such as pocket squares, allow individuals to express a sense of style or personality while satisfying societal norms. With numerous colors and patterns choices available, pocket squares have increasingly become a preferred manner for accenting formal dress fashion to express one&#39;s style and/or personality. In some societal circles, accenting one&#39;s formal appearance with a pocket square indicates a sense of fashion or social standing. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pocket square including a first layer having a size and shape, a second layer attached to the first layer, the second layer having a size and shape approximately equal to that of the first layer, and a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the third layer is configured to maintain a desired shape of the pocket square. In some such embodiments, the third layer is made from a polymeric material, a non-polymeric material, a metallic mesh, a metallic foil, a woven or non-woven fabric, or a fabric infiltrated with a polymer. In other example embodiments, the disclosed pocket square has a single layer that is treated to provide a level of rigidity to the material while also maintaining its malleability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view of a coat with a pocket square configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a pocket square configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a cut-away view of a pocket square illustrating first, second, and third layers configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of the pocket square shown in  FIG.  3   . 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of a pocket square configured in accordance with an embodiment of the subject disclosure. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  are schematic views of an exemplary pocket square illustrating different pocket square configurations, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     These and other features of the present embodiments will be understood better by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the figures herein described. The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Techniques and configurations are disclosed for producing pocket squares that can be easily folded and yet maintain a folded shape when placed in a jacket or coat pocket. The pocket square may, in some embodiments, include a first layer having a size and a shape. The first layer may be attached to a second layer with a joint, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first layer and the second layer are distinct fabrics. The second layer can be configured to have a length and width approximately equal to the length and width of the first layer. In some embodiments, the joint joining the first layer and the second layer may be stitching and/or an adhesive. Disposed between the first layer and the second layer there may be a malleable, yet strong, third layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be a thin deformable layer that allows the pocket square to appear as a conventional single layer pocket square when folded or otherwise manipulated. The third layer can provide strength and rigidity, such that the pocket square is able to maintain a particular shape when placed in a pocket of a garment. In some embodiments, the third layer is a mesh formed of a plurality of metallic wires. 
     In some disclosed embodiments, the disclosed pocket square may be formed of a single layer. For example, in some particular embodiments, a woven or non-woven fabric may be treated with one or more treatment agents to provide a material capable of being malleable yet also possessing mechanical properties to maintain the pocket square in a folded or otherwise manipulated shape. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of the subject disclosure. 
     General Overview 
     A pocket square is typically placed or otherwise positioned in a pocket of a suit coat or sport jacket by neatly folding the pocket square to fit the pocket to create a desired appearance. Folding pocket squares, however, can be challenging because conventional pocket square materials, such as cotton, silk and linen, do not easily maintain their folded shape. Thus, when an individual is configuring a conventional pocket square using a multiple fold technique, as is commonly done, the pocket square can move, causing the previous folds to become undone or otherwise misshaped. As a result, the pocket square is folded incorrectly or sloppily. 
     While in use, pocket squares tend to shift or move, such that the pocket square no longer accents the clothing article as intended. Movements, for example, walking or donning a coat or jacket, may cause the pocket square to fall within the pocket and thus, appear less visible or improperly positioned within the pocket. In some cases, movement of the pocket square is caused by the pocket square lacking sufficient strength and/or rigidity to maintain its folded shape. Other known devices created to support or otherwise hold a pocket square in place within a pocket do not adequately solve this problem. For example, these devices are generally bulky and/or large in size and thus, can produce a bulge in the coat pocket or otherwise cause the pocket to appear irregularly shaped when the device is positioned therein. Pocket square holders can also be cumbersome to use because these devices typically require operation or manipulation of multiple components to install a pocket square in the device. Additionally, pocket square holders limit folding options for creating different fashionable appearances due to the limited amount of pocket square material that can be held within the device. Moreover, pocket square holders can also cause pocket squares to appear stiff and unnatural. 
     Thus, and in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, single layered and multi-layered pocket squares are disclosed. The disclosed pocket squares may include, in some embodiments, a first layer having a size and a shape. The first layer, in some embodiments, may have a square shape. Other shapes and sizes for the first layer may depend on the particular application (e.g., the size of the jacket or coat pocket) and will be apparent in light of this disclosure. The first layer may also include a pattern and/or color for accenting a garment, such as a jacket, coat or vest. 
     In example embodiments having a single layer, the single layer of the pocket square may be any material described herein with respect to the first layer as described herein. For example, in embodiments that include a single layer, the layer may be a woven or a non-woven fabric. In some cases, the single layer may be treated with one or more treatment agents to provide a material capable of being malleable yet also possessing rigidity. In some embodiments, the treatment agent used to treat the fabric layer may be a polymeric material, including natural or synthetic polymers, such as starch, polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate rubber, wax, or other suitable polymers. In some embodiments where a polymeric treatment agent is applied to the fabric layer, the polymer may be deposited on the fabric as a thin film or the fabric may be exposed to a solution containing the polymer. 
     In multi-layered embodiments, the first layer may be attached to a second layer. In some embodiments, the second layer is configured to have a size and shape that are approximately equal to the size and shape of the first layer. In many embodiments, the first layer and the second layer comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of a fabric (e.g., cotton, linen, or silk). The second layer may include the same pattern and/or color as the first layer or a different pattern and/or color. Having different colors and/or patterns for the first and second layers may provide a user with different options for displaying or otherwise accenting a coat or jacket. 
     The first layer and second layer may be attached or otherwise joined together using any suitable method, such as stitching and/or applying adhesive. In some cases, a joint may be formed at the intersection of the first layer and the second layer, for example, along the perimeter of the pocket square. The joint may be a visible joint, such as stitching. In other embodiments, however, the joint may not be visibly apparent, such as an adhesive positioned between layers of the pocket square. In some embodiments, more than one joint may be used to join the first layer and the second layer together. For example, in some cases, both adhesive and stitching can be used to join the first and second layers. In some instances, a middle (or third) layer may also be attached to the first and second layers at the joint. In other instances, however, the third layer may be attached to one and/or both first and second layers independent from the joint that attaches first layer to the second layer. 
     Disposed between the first layer and the second layer there may be a malleable, yet strong, third layer. The third layer may be a thin deformable layer that gives the pocket square the appearance of a conventional single layer pocket square (i.e., a natural fabric look) when folded. As previously described, conventional single layered pocket squares typically are difficult to fold and lose their shape and thus, appear misshaped or disheveled when placed in a garment pocket. The third layer, however, can provide strength and rigidity, such that the pocket square is easier to fold and maintains its folded shape when placed in a pocket and during use. The third layer may be made from one or more materials, such as: a polymeric material, a non-polymeric material, a metallic mesh, a metallic foil, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, and/or a fabric infiltrated with a polymer. The third layer may be approximately the same size and shape as the first and second layers. In other instances, however, the third layer may have a different size and/or shape than the first and second layers. For example, in some cases, the third layer may have a slightly smaller size (e.g., length and width) than the first layer and the second layer. 
     Example Pocket Square Assembly 
       FIG.  1    is a schematic view of a coat with a pocket square configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The coat  100  may be part of a suit or tuxedo or may be a singular clothing garment, such as a sport jacket, that can be combined with other clothing articles to achieve a desired look or appearance. In other instances, the coat  100  may be a waist coat (i.e., a vest). As shown in  FIG.  1   , coat  100  includes a pocket  104  with a pocket square  108  positioned therein. 
     Coat  100  may include a pocket  104  positioned on its front for improving the aesthetics of a garment and/or providing functionality, including storage. As can be seen, the pocket  104  may be located on the front of coat  100  adjacent to one of the lapels (e.g., the left lapel). In some instances, the pocket  104  is configured to match or compliment the appearance of other parts of the coat  100 , such as other pockets or the lapel. In some embodiments, the pocket  104  has a width between 3 to 4 inches and a depth of between 3 to 5 inches. In other instances, however, the width and depth of the pocket  104  may vary depending on the design or size of the coat  100 . The pocket  104  may include a pocket square  108  for accenting the coat  100  to achieve a desired look or appearance. To install the pocket square  108 , the pocket square  108  may be folded or otherwise manipulated to achieve: (1) a shape that can be installed into the pocket  104  and/or (2) a particular appearance when installed. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a multi-layered pocket square configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-layered pocket square  108 , hereinafter generally referred to as pocket square  108 , includes a first layer  204 , a middle layer (not shown), a second layer  208 , and a joint  212 . In some cases, the pocket square  108  is configured in the shape of a square, as shown in  FIG.  2   . In other instances, however, the pocket square  108  may be in the shape of a rectangle. In a more general sense, pocket square  108  can be any one of a number of shapes, so long as the pocket square  108  can be properly installed within a pocket. The pocket square  108  may have a range of sizes (e.g., length, width, and thickness) based on several factors, such as the size of the coat pocket, thickness of the pocket square material, and/or desired thickness of the pocket square. In some embodiments, pocket square  108  may be square shaped and may have a width between 10 inches and 17 inches, such as between 11 inches and 15 inches, approximately 12 inches, approximately 13 inches, or approximately 14 inches. In other example embodiments however, pocket square  108  may have a rectangular shape and may have a length of between 8 inches and 18 inches and a width of between 6 and 18 inches. In some specific embodiments, pocket square  108  may have a length and a width of approximately 14 and 12 inches, respectively. Other possible sizes will be readily apparent in light of the present disclosure. 
     The pocket square  108  includes a first layer  204  for displaying a color and/or pattern to accent the appearance of the coat  100 . The first layer  204  may be made from a number of woven or non-woven materials, such as cotton, silk, satin, velvet, or linen. In some embodiments, first layer  204  may feature a pattern or one or more colors while in other embodiments, first layer  204  may not be patterned. First layer  204  may have any desired thickness, such as less than 0.5 cm, less than 0.4 cm, less than 0.3 cm, less than 0.2 cm, or less than 0.1 cm. In these and other embodiments, first layer  204  may have a size (e.g., a length and a width) that are equal to or approximately equal to the size of pocket square  108 . 
     In addition to first layer  204 , in some embodiments, pocket square  108  may also include a second layer  208  that when joined or otherwise attached to first layer  204  covers the middle layer (as described below). The length and width of the second layer  208  may be approximately equal to the length and width of the first layer  204 , such that either layer can be displayed without exposing the other. Second layer  208  may be manufactured from any materials identified with respect to first layer  204 , including but not limited to cotton, silk, or linen. In some example embodiments, first layer  204  and second layer  208  may be formed of the same type of material while in other embodiments, first layer  204  and second layer  208  may be formed of different types of material. Additionally, in some example embodiments, first layer  204  and second layer  208  may feature the same pattern or may each lack a pattern, while in other embodiments, first layer  204  and second layer  208  may feature different patterns or one of the layers may be patterned while the other layer is not patterned. 
     In some embodiments, first layer  204  and second layer  208  may be joined together at joint  212 , as shown in  FIG.  2   . In accordance with such example embodiments, joint  212  may be a woven seam comprising one or more stitches that connect first layer  204  and second layer  208  together along a perimeter of each layer. In other embodiments, however, first layer  204  and second layer  208  may be joined together using other materials, such as adhesives (including glue and/or epoxy) or other suitable techniques. In a more general sense, joint  212  can be any material that can maintain the first layer  204  and second layer  208  together while folding or otherwise manipulating the pocket square  108 . 
       FIG.  3    is a cut-away view of a pocket square illustrating a third layer  304  configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG.  4    is an exploded view of the multi-layered pocket square shown in  FIG.  3   . As can be seen, the third layer  304  is positioned between the first layer  204  and the second layer  208 . In some embodiments, third layer  304  may be in direct contact with both first layer  204  and second layer  208 . The third layer  304  may have approximately the same dimensions (i.e., length and width) as layers  204  and  208 . However, as shown in  FIG.  4   , third layer  304  may have a length and a width that are slightly smaller than first layer  204  and second layer  208 . For example, third layer  304  may have a length and/or width that is at least 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% less than the length and/or width of the first layer or second layer. With all the layers having similar dimensions, the third layer  304  can be easily joined to the first layer  204  and/or second layer  208  (e.g., with stitching and/or adhesive). In other instances, however, the third layer  304  may be a different shape and/or size than first layer  204  and/or second layer  208 . For example, third layer  304 , may have a diamond shape, which may allow the pocket square  108  to be folded in different configurations. In embodiments where third layer  304  has a different size or shape than first layer  204  and second layer  208  (e.g., slightly smaller), the third layer  304  may not be seen and thus, may not affect the appearance of the pocket square  108  when installed. Third layer  304 , for instance, may be slightly smaller than the layers  204  and  208 , in some embodiments, such that third layer  304  is not exposed at any point along the perimeter of pocket square  108 . 
     Third layer  304  may be manufactured from a rigid, yet deformable material, such that the pocket square  108  maintains a desired shape (e.g., folded at one end) and position within the pocket (e.g., one end exposed from coat pocket). Third layer  304  may be formed of a polymeric or a non-polymeric material. In some example embodiments, third layer  304  may be an extruded or coextruded polymeric film. Example polymeric materials include but are not limited to polyethylene (including low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene and/or cross-linked polyethylene), polypropylene, rubber (including natural or synthetic rubbers), or other suitable polymers. In some embodiments, third layer  304  may comprise a thermoplastic material that is deformable, yet capable of maintaining the pocket square  108  in a folded configuration. For example, in some embodiments where third layer  304  includes a thermoplastic material, pocket square  108  may be deformable or otherwise malleable when heat from an iron, hair dryer, warm water and/or hot water is applied. Thus, during the application of heat, the pocket square  108  may be easily folded or otherwise configured for placement in a coat pocket. With the heat no longer applied, however, the third layer  304  may become rigid to maintain the first layer  204 , second layer  208 , and third layer  304  in a specific shape and/or folded configuration. 
     In some example embodiments, third layer  304  may comprise a woven or a non-woven material or fabric. In some such example embodiments, third layer  304  may comprise a fabric, including felt or any fabric discussed with respect to first layer  204  and second layer  208 . In embodiments where third layer  304  includes a woven or a non-woven fabric, the fabric may be infiltrated with a polymer. For example, in some example embodiments a thin fabric (e.g., cotton or linen) may be infiltrated with a polymer (e.g., polyethylene). In these example embodiments, a thermoplastic material, such as a low temperature thermoplastic material, may be applied to the fabric. However, in other embodiments, other types of polymeric materials may be used. In these and other embodiments, a fabric may be loosely woven in a grid pattern and may then be coated with polymeric material. In other embodiments, a thermoplastic heat moldable foam, such as NICKELPLAST LITE™, for example, may be included in third layer  304 . In some particular example embodiments, third layer  304  may include KOBRACAST® (knitted polyester fabric combined with a thermoplastic), FOSSHAPE™ (non-woven fabric comprising low-melt polyester fibers) and/or WONDERFLEX™ materials. 
     In some embodiments, third layer  304  may comprise a metallic material, such as a metallic mesh or metallic foil. In particular embodiments, third layer  304  comprises a metallic mesh formed of a plurality of metallic wires.  FIG.  5    shows an example pocket square  108  in which third layer  304  is a metallic mesh formed of a plurality of metallic wires. In some such embodiments, the metallic wires may have a diameter of 0.005 cm to 0.15 cm. For example, the metallic wires of the metallic mesh of third layer  304  may have a diameter of between 0.01 cm and 0.1 cm, in some embodiments. In these and other embodiments, the metallic mesh of third layer  304  may have between 4 wires per 2.54 cm and 100 wires per 2.54 cm (i.e., 4 wires per inch to 100 wires per inch). For example, in some cases, the metallic mesh of third layer  304  may have between 10 wires per 2.54 cm and 50 wires per 2.54 cm. In embodiments where third layer  304  is formed of a metallic mesh, the metallic mesh may comprise copper, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, gold, and/or silver. In select embodiments, the metallic mesh is formed of an alloy comprising at least two distinct metals, while in other embodiments, the metallic mesh is formed of a single metal having a purity of at least 95%. In some cases, copper having a purity of at least 99.7% is used to form the metallic mesh of the third layer  304 . However, other suitable metals or materials may be used. In a more general sense, any material can be used to manufacture the layer  304 , so long as the layer  304  is deformable and capable maintaining its shape. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the subject disclosure. 
     To prevent the pocket square  108  from having an undesirable appearance when installed (e.g., creating bulge within the pocket), the third layer  304  may be relatively thin. For example, third layer  304  may have a thickness from 0.01 to 0.8 cm, such as between 0.03 and 0.3 cm. In some instances, third layer  304  may include a coating, such as an adhesion promoter, for ease of assembly with the other pocket square components. In accordance with some example embodiments, the thickness of the third layer  304  may be made as thin as possible to allow the pocket square to function, while simultaneously providing sufficient strength to resist wear caused by repeated folding or manipulating of the pocket square  108 . 
     In addition to being relatively thin, third layer  304  may also be relatively light weight, such that the pocket square is not overly heavy when worn and does not cause the pocket square  108  to fall under its own weight. In some embodiments, third layer  304  may be implemented with one or more materials described above that are lightweight yet also provide sufficient strength to maintain the pocket square  108  in a folded shape. For instance, in some particular embodiments, a pocket square as disclosed herein may have a total weight of less than 100 g, less than 90 g, less than 80 g, less than 70 g, less than 60 g, less than 50 g, less than 40 g, less than 30 g, less than 20 g, less than 10 g, less than 8 g, less than 6 g, less than 4 g, less than 2 g, less than 1 g, or less than 0.5 g. 
     The disclosed pocket squares can be produced by any suitable method. For example, in some embodiments, a pocket square in accordance with the subject disclosure may be produced by forming a first layer and a second layer. Any material may be used to form the first layer and the second layer, such as the materials previously discussed with respect to first layer  204  and second layer  208 . Similarly, first layer and second layer may have any dimension previously discussed. In some cases, the length of the second layer may approximately equal to the length of the first layer and the width of the second layer may be approximately equal to the width of the first layer. In these and other embodiments, a third layer may be positioned between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer may have any desired dimensions, such as those previously discussed with respect to third layer  304 . Additionally, the third layer may be formed of any material discussed with respect to third layer  304 . In select embodiments, the length of the third layer may be less than the length of the first layer and the width of the third layer may be less than the width of the first layer. 
     In some embodiments, the third layer is adhered to at least one of the first layer and the second layer. In some embodiments, a polymeric adhesive is used to adhere the third layer to the first layer and/or second layer. In some such embodiments, any suitable polymeric adhesive may be used, such as a water-based adhesive or a non-aqueous adhesive. In some embodiments, the polymeric adhesive may be selected from the following group: a vinyl acetate (for example, polyvinyl acetate), an acrylate, or a urethane. In some embodiments, the adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a heat-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive may be applied by any desired technique, such as by spraying, dipping, rolling, and/or brushing. After adhesive is applied, the third layer and the first layer and/or the second layer may be pressed together with or without applying heat. The first layer may then be adhered to the second layer with any adhesive (for example, a polymeric adhesive) and/or with stitching. 
     The pocket square  108  can be manipulated in a number of ways. A few sample arrangements of pocket square  108  are illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 D . For example, in  FIG.  6 A , a lower portion of the pocket square  108  is folded back to reduce the overall length of the pocket square, such that a proper amount of the pocket square  108  is exposed from the pocket. In other instances, a top portion of the pocket square  108  can be manipulated to achieve different styles. This is illustrated in  FIGS.  6 B and  6 C , in which the top portion of the pocket square  108  is folded down to achieve a tapered or pointed look. In other cases, an individual may prefer a less formal look or otherwise prefer not to spend time folding the pocket square  108 . In such cases, the individual can simply bunch or otherwise stuff the pocket square  108  into the coat or jacket pocket. An example of such a configuration is illustrated in  FIG.  6 D , in which the pocket square  108  is manipulated to provide a puff or wavy appearance protruding from the pocket. In a more general sense, note that the pocket square  108  can be manipulated in any number of ways to achieve one of several appearances when installed within a coat or jacket pocket. In some instances, the pocket square  108  may be stored in a desired folded configuration. Storing a previously-folded pocket square in a desired configuration can save time and energy, because individuals do not have to refold the pocket square  108  for each individual use. 
     The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. Additionally, the foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.