Patent Abstract:
An improved apparatus and method for holding garments, such as neckties, is disclosed. The device comprises a magnet, preferably made of a rare Earth material and magnetized to about Grade N35 or better, and a faceplate. In one embodiment, the magnet is positioned under at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s shirt while the faceplate is positioned on a portion of the wearer&#39;s necktie. The shirt and/or necktie may additionally include pockets for housing the magnet and/or faceplate. The faceplate may be decorative, and interchangeable, for prominent display in front of the necktie. Alternatively, the device may be configured to be completely hidden from view. Several means for retaining the magnet to the shirt upon separation of the garments are presented.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/918,882 filed on Aug. 16, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates in general to garment securement devices, and particularly, to necktie holders for securing one&#39;s necktie to itself and to dress shirts. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    Historically, garments worn by a person have been fastened together using buttons, belts, snaps, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like. Permanent magnets have also been used to secure garments together, such as the magnetic button disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,397,931 issued to Ellis, the magnetic button disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,634 issued to Eisenpresser, and the magnetic attaching device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,732,451 issued to Mars. But permanent magnets made of traditional materials have not been capable of securely fastening multiple layers of clothing together due to their relatively weak magnetic field strengths. The emergence of high field strength permanent magnets in the marketplace has brought with them new utilitarian uses. 
         [0006]    Neckties, in particular, have historically been secured to one&#39;s dress shirt using a broad array of spring clips, clasps, tacks, chains, and the like. However, conventional necktie holders such as these suffer from several shortcomings; namely, they may not be completely hidden from view, they may not have interchangeable decorative faceplates, they may not fixedly attach the necktie against the surface of the shirt, they may damage clothing by leaving a hole through the necktie and/or the shirt, and they may not permit easy separation of the ornamental end of the necktie from the shirt while simultaneously retaining the necktie holder. 
         [0007]    In addition, conventional necktie holders can be dangerous for those persons who are required to wear a break-away necktie (i.e. clip-on tie) in their professions because conventional necktie holders are incapable of allowing the necktie to smoothly separate from the wearer&#39;s neck if the necktie were to become caught in machinery, for example. 
         [0008]    Some necktie holders are known to include magnets as a means for securing a necktie to one&#39;s shirt. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,601,424 issued to Baker discloses a necktie holder having a composite faceplate incorporating both a magnet and a decorative plate in combination with a magnetic spring clip that is clamped onto person&#39;s shirt. However, Baker neither teaches nor suggests that all of the components of the necktie holder are completely hidden from view. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,275 B1 issued to Lee discloses a device for securing neckties that also incorporates a magnet. However, Lee neither teaches nor suggests a necktie holder capable of fixedly attaching the necktie to be in direct contact with the surface of the shirt. 
         [0009]    Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a necktie holder that is completely hidden from view. It would also be desirable to provide a necktie holder that has interchangeable faceplates. It would also be desirable to provide a necktie holder that fixedly attaches the necktie against the surface of the wearer&#39;s shirt. It would also be desirable to provide a necktie holder that does not damage the wearer&#39;s clothing. It would also be desirable to provide a necktie holder for enhanced personal safety, yet all quick and easy separation of the necktie from the wearer&#39;s shirt to minimize damage to the necktie, as when washing hands or when eating a meal. It would also be desirable to provide a necktie holder that is retained by the wearer&#39;s clothing even when the necktie becomes separated from the wearer&#39;s shirt. It would also be desirable to provide a necktie holder that allows the necktie to move within a limited range dictated by the length of a tether, but which does not damage the wearer&#39;s clothing. It would also be desirable to provide a necktie holder that permits a single, seemingly unitary separation of the necktie from the wearer (if combined with a clip-on necktie) should the necktie become caught in machinery or otherwise pose harm to the wearer. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention is directed to a magnetic device for securing a necktie to a wearer&#39;s shirt generally comprising a magnet that is magnetized to about Grade N35 and a faceplate that is magnetically attractable to the magnet. The magnet is preferably encased in a hard and durable coating for corrosion resistance. 
         [0011]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the magnet is positionable underneath at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s shirt, and the faceplate is likewise positionable within magnetic proximity to the magnet to cause releasable restraint of the necktie relative to the shirt at the location of the magnet. The magnet and the faceplate are preferably hidden from view. However, because the faceplate may be decorative in nature, the wearer may choose to install the faceplate on the front panel of the necktie for prominent display. The faceplate may be interchangeable with other faceplates of different ornamental design. The faceplate is optionally made of a rare Earth material magnetized to about Grade N35. 
         [0012]    A method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to a shirt is presented in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. The necktie comprises an ornamental end and a nonornamental end that is positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear portion of the ornamental end. The method comprises the steps of: (1) placing and holding the magnet underneath at least a portion of the shirt with one hand; (2) placing and holding the faceplate behind at least the transverse piece of fabric with the other hand; and (3) drawing the faceplate toward the magnet to become within magnetic proximity of one another to cause releasable fixation of the necktie relative to the shirt at the location of the magnet. The magnet may optionally be magnetized to about Grade N35 and may optionally be comprised of a rare Earth material that is encased in a hard and durable coating to protect it from corrosion. The coating on the magnet may optionally comprise at least nickel or epoxy. Placement of the faceplate behind the transverse piece of fabric may additionally occur between the ornamental end and the nonornamental end of the necktie. 
         [0013]    Another method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to a shirt is presented in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The necktie comprises an ornamental end and a nonornamental end that is positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear portion of the ornamental end. The method comprises the steps of: (1) placing the magnet in a first pocket secured underneath a portion of the shirt; (2) placing the faceplate in a second pocket secured to the rear side of the ornamental end; and (3) drawing the necktie toward the shirt to cause the faceplate to become within magnetic proximity of the magnet to cause releasable fixation of the necktie relative to the shirt at the location of the magnet. As before, the magnet may optionally be magnetized to about Grade N35 and may optionally be comprised of a rare Earth material that is encased in a hard and durable coating to protect it from corrosion. The coating on the magnet may comprise at least nickel or epoxy. In addition, the second pocket may be secured between the transverse piece of fabric and the rear side of the ornamental end of the necktie. 
         [0014]    Yet another method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to a shirt is presented in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The necktie comprises an ornamental end and a nonornamental end that is positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear portion of the ornamental end. The method comprises the steps of: (1) placing and holding the magnet underneath at least a portion of the shirt with one hand; (2) placing and holding the faceplate in front of the ornamental end of the necktie with the other hand; and (3) drawing the faceplate toward the magnet to become within magnetic proximity of one another to cause releasable fixation of the necktie relative to the shirt at the location of the magnet. In this aspect of the invention, the faceplate may be decorative for prominent display in front of the necktie, and the magnet may also be magnetized to about Grade N35. 
         [0015]    Another method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to a shirt is presented in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The necktie comprises an ornamental end and a nonornamental end that is positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear portion of the ornamental end. The method comprises the steps of: (1) inserting a pin secured to the magnet through the shirt; (2) fastening a clasp to the pin to secure the magnet to the shirt; (3) placing and holding the faceplate in front of the ornamental end of the necktie; and (4) drawing the faceplate toward the magnet to become within magnetic proximity of one another to cause releasable restraint of the necktie relative to the shirt at the location of the magnet. In this aspect of the invention, the faceplate may be decorative for prominent display in front of the necktie, and the magnet may be magnetized to about Grade N35. 
         [0016]    Yet another method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to a shirt is presented in accordance with one aspect of the present invention. The necktie comprises an ornamental end and a nonornamental end that is positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear portion of the ornamental end. The method comprises the steps of: (1) inserting a bar through a buttonhole in the shirt, the bar being connected to a tether having a predetermined length and the tether being attached to the magnet; (2) supporting the tethered magnet with one hand; (3) placing and holding the faceplate in front of the ornamental end of the necktie with the other hand; and (3) drawing the faceplate toward the magnet to become within magnetic proximity of one another to cause releasable restraint of the necktie relative to the shirt to the extent of the length of the tether. As before, in this aspect of the invention, the faceplate is optionally decorative for prominent display in front of the necktie, and the magnet is optionally magnetized to about Grade N35. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view according to one embodiment of the invention of a permanent magnet in combination with a faceplate attractable to the magnet. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a detail perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing the magnet and its protective outer coating. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing the magnet positioned behind the front panel of a shirt and showing the faceplate positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric (i.e. such as the manufacturer&#39;s label) on the back of a necktie. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  showing the magnet and the faceplate positioned inside pockets fabricated in a shirt and a necktie, respectively. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view according to another embodiment of the invention of a permanent magnet in combination with a decorative faceplate attractable to the magnet. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a detail perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  showing the magnet and its protective outer coating. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a front view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 8  showing the magnet positioned behind the front panel of a shirt and showing the faceplate positioned in front of the necktie. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a permanent magnet having a pin and a clasp in combination with a decorative faceplate. 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a permanent magnet having a tether and a bar in combination with a decorative faceplate. 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and described in detail, certain preferred embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure should be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments so illustrated. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 1-3  describe a generic magnet and faceplate combination as used in the present invention. Magnet  10  is preferably made from a rare Earth material  11 , such as Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), sintered to form a permanent magnet of about Grade N35 (i.e. preferably a magnet having BHmax equal to about 33 to 35 Million Gauss Oersted energy units (MGOe), where BHmax is the maximum product of the induction (B) measured in Gauss units and the magnetic field strength (H) measured in Oersted units). Magnet  10  is encased by coating  14  to prevent corrosion of the underlying rare Earth substrate. Besides protecting rare Earth material  11  from corrosion, coating  14  is preferably made of at least nickel or epoxy to produce a hard and impact resistant outer surface for enhanced durability and longevity of the overall magnet  10 . Other materials, however, such as copper, tin, zinc, silver, gold and the like, are optionally available to protect rare Earth material  11  from corrosion, but may result in a higher cost or durability penalty. 
         [0037]    While magnet  10  is preferably made of a rare Earth material, faceplate  12  is preferably made of any material attractable to magnet  10  to achieve the lowest cost without sacrificing functionality. However, faceplate  12  may optionally have magnetic properties of its own, and may even have physical and magnetic properties similar to that of magnet  10 . 
         [0038]    Magnet  10  and faceplate  12  are each preferably relatively thin discs, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , of about ½ inch diameter and about ⅛ inch thick to provide a relatively small and thin footprint and to yield a magnetic axial pull force of about 5 lbs. Alternatively, magnet  10  and/or faceplate  12  may be formed in the shape of a relatively thin square or rectangle of similar dimensions. Regardless of the geometry, magnet  10  should provide a magnetic axial pull force of no less than about 3 lbs to insure adequate margin exists to hold a necktie, and no greater than about 11 lbs to minimize the chances of personal injury or damage to clothing. Permanent rare Earth magnets having all of these properties, coatings and/or geometry are available at retail outlets such as www.kimagnetics.com or www.wondermagnetics.com, for example. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 4-5  describe one embodiment of the present invention. Magnet  10  and faceplate  12 , in combination, can be used to noninvasively restrain a necktie relative to the wearer&#39;s shirt while simultaneously being completely hidden from view. For example, with nonornamental end  22  of necktie  24  already positioned behind transverse fabric (i.e. the manufacturer&#39;s label)  20 , itself secured along two edges to the back of ornamental end  26  to form a “hole” through which nonornamental end  22  is “threaded”, a user of the present invention holding magnet  10  in one hand and faceplate  12  in the other would first insert and hold magnet  10  between front shirt panel  16  and rear shirt panel  18  at a position proximate to the location of transverse fabric  20  when the necktie is comfortably worn and draped in front of the wearer. With the other hand, the user would then insert and hold faceplate  12  behind transverse fabric  20 . Next, the user would draw together magnet  10  and faceplate  12  to be within magnetic proximity with one another to cause transverse fabric  20  and front shirt panel  16  to lie fixedly in contact with one another between magnet  10  and faceplate  12 . Reversing this procedure allows the wearer to separate the garments from one another quickly and with relative ease. Notably, this embodiment as thus described is contemplated to work with varying thicknesses and/or layers of fabric. Therefore, faceplate  12  may optionally be inserted behind transverse fabric  20  and between ornamental end  26  and nonornamental end  22  of necktie  24  to cause transverse fabric  20 , nonornamental end  22 , and front shirt panel  16  to lie fixedly in contact with one another between magnet  10  and faceplate  12 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 6-7  describe another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the shirt and/or necktie manufacturer may provide pockets  28 ,  29  to house one or both of magnet  10  and faceplate  12  so as to potentially be completely hidden from view while also enabling the necktie to be fixedly in contact with the surface of the shirt at the location of the holder. Pocket  28  is preferably positioned on the backside of front shirt panel  16  while pocket  29  is preferably positioned on the backside of ornamental end  22  of necktie  24 . 
         [0041]    In this embodiment, pockets  28 ,  29  are preferably sewn on only three sides (leaving the top seam open) to permit easy removal of magnet  10  and/or faceplate  12  from their respective garments to facilitate unencumbered ironing of the garments when needed. Though pockets  28 ,  29  are illustrated in use together in this embodiment, it is contemplated that any combination of the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-5  and  FIGS. 6-7  is possible. Therefore, the present invention will work if magnet  10  is optionally inserted behind front shirt panel  16  and faceplate  12  is installed in pocket  29 . Likewise, the present invention will work if magnet  10  is installed in pocket  28  and faceplate  12  is optionally inserted behind transverse fabric  20 . 
         [0042]    Preferably, with the nonornamental end  22  of necktie  24  behind transverse fabric (i.e. the manufacturer&#39;s label)  20 , itself secured along two edges to the back of ornamental end  26  to form a “hole” through which nonornamental end  22  is “threaded”, a user of this embodiment of the invention would first insert the magnet in pocket  28  secured underneath front shirt panel  16 . Next, the user would insert faceplate  12  in pocket  29  secured to the back of ornamental end  26 . Then, the user would draw necktie  24  toward front shirt panel  16  to cause magnet  10  and faceplate  12  to be within magnetic proximity with one another to cause transverse fabric  20  to lie fixedly in contact with front shirt panel  16 . Reversing this procedure allows the wearer to separate the garments from one another quickly, with relative ease, and with complete capture and/or retention of all components of the necktie holder of the present invention. 
         [0043]    Instead of first preparing necktie  24  by “threading” nonornamental end  22  behind transverse fabric  20 , the user may optionally choose to first insert magnet  10  in pocket  28  (or faceplate  12  in pocket  29 , for that matter), then insert faceplate  12  in pocket  29  (or magnet  10  in pocket  28 ), before positioning nonornamental end  22  behind transverse fabric  20  and drawing necktie  24  toward front panel  16 . 
         [0044]      FIGS. 8-12  illustrate another magnet and faceplate combination in which magnet  10  is used together with alternative faceplate  34 . Like faceplate  12 , faceplate  34  is preferably made of any material attractable to magnet  10 . However, the present invention will work even if faceplate  34  has physical and magnetic properties of its own, similar to that of magnet  10 . 
         [0045]    Faceplate  34  is preferably decorative in nature for prominent display in front of a necktie, as opposed to being hidden from view as previously described in  FIGS. 4-7 . But if a wearer no longer wishes to display decorative faceplate  34 , the wearer may optionally install faceplate  34  in the manner shown and described in  FIGS. 4-7 . 
         [0046]    Decorative faceplate  34  may include jewels or other similar decorative or precious metal items. In addition, faceplate  34  may also include engravings, etchings, geometric shapes, company logos or group affiliations, flags and insignia, awards, religious ornamentation and licensed characters, to name a few. In fact, an endless array of shapes, sizes, colors and indicia may be included on, with, and/or in faceplate  34  without interfering with the functionality of the device. The various designs of faceplate  34  are completely interchangeable with one another without inhibiting the functionality of the overall device. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 13-14  describe another embodiment of the present invention where the necktie is fixedly placed into direct contact with the surface of the shirt at the location of the holder. Magnet  10  and faceplate  34 , in combination, can be used to noninvasively restrain a necktie relative to the wearer&#39;s shirt so as not to cause damage to either garment. For example, with nonornamental end  22  of necktie  24  already positioned behind transverse fabric (i.e. the manufacturer&#39;s label)  20 , itself secured along two edges to the back of ornamental end  26  to form a “hole” through which nonornamental end  22  is “threaded”, a user of this embodiment of the present invention holding magnet  10  in one hand and faceplate  34  in the other would first insert and hold magnet  10  between front shirt panel  16  and rear shirt panel  18  at a vertical position of their choice. Using the other hand, the user would then position and hold faceplate  34  in front of ornamental end  26  proximate the chosen location of magnet  10 . Next, the user would draw together magnet  10  and faceplate  34  to be within magnetic proximity with one another to cause necktie  24  (and its component ends  22 ,  24  and possibly even transverse fabric  20 ) and front shirt panel  16  to lie fixedly in contact with one another between magnet  10  and faceplate  34 . Reversing this procedure allows the wearer to separate the garments from one another quickly and with relative ease. Of course, the present invention would also work if magnet  10  were installed in pocket  28  should it exist on the wearer&#39;s shirt. 
         [0048]      FIGS. 15-16  describe yet another embodiment of the present invention. Magnet  10  includes pin  36  and clasp  38  to secure magnet  10  to at least front shirt panel  16 . Pin  36  may be attached to magnet  10  using any number of conventional means, including but not limited to, gluing, tack welding or brazing, or by an interference fit to the outer diameter of magnet  10 . Clasp  38  is any conventional clasp capable of being secured to pin  36 , such as through a mild friction fit. 
         [0049]    A user of this embodiment of the present invention would first push pin  36  of magnet  10  through at least front shirt panel  16  (possibly even through an open buttonhole) at a vertical location chosen by the user. The user would then push clasp  38  onto pin  36  to securely restrain magnet  10  to at least front shirt panel  16 . With nonornamental end  22  of necktie  24  already positioned behind transverse fabric  20 , itself secured along two edges to the back of ornamental end  26  to form a “hole” through which nonornamental end  22  is “threaded”, the user would position faceplate  34  in front of ornamental end  26  of necktie  24  at approximately the same location as magnet  10 . Next, the user would draw together magnet  10  and faceplate  34  to be within magnetic proximity with one another to cause necktie  24  (and its component ends  22 ,  24  and possibly even transverse fabric  20 ) and at least front shirt panel  16  to lie secured between magnet  10  and faceplate  34 . Reversing this procedure allows the wearer to separate the garments from one another quickly and with relative ease. Of course, this embodiment of the present invention would also work if faceplate  12  were substituted for faceplate  34  and installed as described in  FIGS. 4-5  and  FIGS. 6-7  (if pocket  29  should exist on the wearer&#39;s necktie). 
         [0050]    Use of this embodiment of the present invention may cause a potentially undesirable hole to be formed in at least the front shirt panel  16  (unless the pin is pushed through an open button hole), however, it retains the advantages of quick disconnect of the necktie from the shirt, creates no undesirable holes in the necktie, includes a decorative faceplate, and has the added advantage of retention of magnet  10  to at least front shirt panel  16  regardless of the presence of faceplate  34 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 16-17  describe yet another embodiment of the present invention. Magnet  10  includes bar  40  and tether  42  to secure magnet  10  to at least front shirt panel  16 . Tether  42  is preferably made of conventional jewelry-grade materials and design, and may be attached to magnet  10  using any number of conventional means, including but not limited to, gluing, tack welding or brazing, or by an interference fit to the outer diameter of magnet  10 . One potential method of securing bar  40  to tether  42  is by threading the end of tether  42  through a hole formed through bar  40 . 
         [0052]    A user of this embodiment of the present invention would first insert bar  40  through buttonhole  44  chosen by the user in front shirt panel  16 . Buttonhole  44  captures bar  40  as shown in  FIGS. 17-18  and effectively retains magnet  10  to front shirt panel  16  whenever faceplate  12  or  34  is not actively engaged with magnet  10 . The size and geometry of the installed bar  40  and tether  42  combination do not inhibit the normal use of button  46  in buttonhole  44 . 
         [0053]    With nonornamental end  22  of necktie  24  already positioned behind transverse fabric (i.e. the manufacturer&#39;s label)  20 , itself secured along two edges to the back of ornamental end  26  to form a “hole” through which nonornamental end  22  is “threaded”, a user of this embodiment of the present invention holding magnet  10  in one hand and faceplate  34  in the other would next position both pieces ( 10  and  34 ) on either side of necktie  24 . Next the user would draw together magnet  10  and faceplate  34  to be within magnetic proximity with one another to cause necktie  24  (and its component ends  22 ,  24  and possibly even transverse fabric  20 ) to lie secured between magnet  10  and faceplate  34 . Reversing this procedure allows the wearer to separate the garments from one another quickly and with relative ease but with the added convenience of retention of magnet  10  to front shirt panel  16 . Most importantly, however, this embodiment allows for some limited movement of necktie  24  relative to front shirt panel  16 , up to the length of tether  42 . Of course, this embodiment of the present invention would also work if faceplate  12  were substituted for faceplate  34  and installed as described in  FIGS. 4-5  and  FIGS. 6-7  (if, for example, pocket  29  should exist on the wearer&#39;s necktie). 
         [0054]    The present invention may also incorporate elements of  FIGS. 15-16  and  FIGS. 17-18  in still another embodiment (not shown). For example, clasp  38  may be mounted to the end of tether  42 , thereby replacing magnet  10  on the end of tether  42 . Tether  42  could be secured to front shirt panel  16  via bar  40 . A wearer of this clasp/tether combination may then use faceplate  12  or  34  in accordance with the teachings of  FIGS. 4-7  and  FIGS. 13-17 . 
         [0055]    Besides that which has been shown and described for securing neckties to dress shirts, other uses of the present invention include securing socks together (even potentially during washing), replacing traditional securing means (i.e. pins and the like) in authentic cultural attire, replacing traditional shirt buttons, trouser closures, and cufflinks, holding a corporate badge or exposition name tag to one&#39;s outer garment, holding corsages or similar floral arrangements to one&#39;s lapel, securing strapless braziers to ladies&#39; blouses, and as wardrobe clips to quickly and temporarily hold gowns or other garments in place on photographer&#39;s subjects. 
         [0056]    As noted above, while faceplate  12  and faceplate  34  will work as shown and described even if they have similar physical and magnetic properties to that of magnet  10 , faceplate  12  and faceplate  34  are preferably nonmagnetic themselves. The reason is simple—the significant field strength presented by Grade N35 magnets or similar give rise to manufacturing issues that are minimized if faceplates  12  and  34  are nonmagnetic. Specifically, a magnetized faceplate may be difficult to silkscreen or otherwise process than a nonmagnetized faceplate because a magnetized faceplate would be attracted to the very machine used in processing it and potentially jam in the machinery. Therefore, processing operations for nonmagnetic faceplates  12  and  34  enhances manufacturability without sacrificing functionality of the invention. 
         [0057]    The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not so limited as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8