Abstract:
A “hole-in” cravat comprises a central nape portion for fitting around a neck and opposite first and second end portions of the cravat wherein at least one opening is provided through the first end portion of the cravat wherein the second end portion is fed through the at least one opening or wherein an adornment is displayed within the at least one opening.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 62/308947, filed on Mar. 16, 2016, and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     (1) TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The disclosure relates to neckties, and more particularly, to improved necktie designs. 
       (2) BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Through the centuries cravats have continued to evolve and change in function and form. Common neckties, bow ties, and ascots have been worn for the likes of utility, comfort, personal taste, or to satisfy social expectations. 
         [0004]    These ties are worn and accepted items of neck wear for business men and increasingly women at formal and semiformal gatherings of various sorts. They have remained largely unchanged for many decades despite a few notable innovative contributions in either form or design in the past century or more. 
         [0005]    The bolo tie and others have caught on in certain social circles which share a strong cultural identity such as is found in western wear. There are also metal ties, lighted ties and bejeweled ties, ascots with buttons and the like. Yet relatively few of these alternatives to the common necktie have penetrated the mainstream necktie wearing community consciousness and moved beyond novelty to the point of general acceptance. 
         [0006]    Many modern persons entering the professional arena and frequenting social gatherings where neckties are expected to be seen or worn find themselves without a connection to the basic staple that is the current necktie, consisting of a blade (large end), nape/neck section and a tail (smaller end) nor its closest cousin, the ascot (with basically two equally wide ends), which is commonly used in less formal settings and so find themselves seeking a modern acceptable option. 
         [0007]    Often colors and prints on the fabric(s) or materials are the most obvious variations between one necktie or ascot and another. There are also commonly accepted knots one can employ in choosing how such are worn. 85 is the most common number given as to ways to knot a cravat. Some knotting techniques are vastly more popular than others and have become no longer very impactful in expressing individuality, flare, or style. The incorporation of pins and clasps, various tie holders, and accessories have aided and varied the experience for some patrons of neck wear but none have done for cravats in general what the “hole-in” cravat improvement will do. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    A principal object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved necktie, ascot, or bowtie having a hole-in feature. 
         [0009]    Another object of the disclosure is to provide a method for using a “hole-in” cravat. 
         [0010]    In accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a hole-in necktie is provided. A cravat comprises a central nape portion for fitting around a neck and opposite first and second end portions of the cravat wherein at least one opening is provided through the first end portion of the cravat wherein the second end portion is fed through the at least one opening or wherein an adornment is displayed within the at least one opening. 
         [0011]    Also in accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a method for making a cravat is provided. A cravat is provided comprising a central nape portion for fitting around a neck and opposite first and second end portions of the cravat. At least one “hole-in” opening is made through the first end portion of the cravat wherein the second end portion is knotted and then fed through the at least one opening or wherein an adornment is displayed within the at least one opening. 
         [0012]    Also in accordance with the objects of the disclosure, a method for wearing a cravat is provided. A cravat is provided comprising a central nape portion for fitting around a neck and opposite first and second end portions of the cravat and at least one “hole-in” opening through the first end portion of the cravat or the nape portion of the cravat. The cravat is worn in one or more of the following ways: feeding the second end portion through the at least one opening from front to back of the first end portion, wherein there are at least two openings and lacing the second end portion upward through a first of the at least two openings and downward through a second of the at least two openings to provide a lacing effect and displaying an underlying garment or an adornment within the at least one opening. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    In the accompanying drawings forming a material part of this description, there is shown: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a common necktie of the prior art. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate a “hole-in” necktie of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 3A-3F  illustrate embodiments of a “hole-in” necktie of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate embodiments of a “hole-in” ascot of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate embodiments of a “hole-in” bowtie of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    The following is a glossary of terms used in the present disclosure: 
         [0020]    Ascot: An ascot tie, or ascot, is a neckband usually with equally wide wings or blades. Often made of silk, this wide formal or semi-formal tie is usually patterned, folded over, and fastened with a stickpin or tie tack or simply tucked into one&#39;s open shirt or sweater. 
         [0021]    Bowtie: The bow tie           is a type of necktie. A modern bow tie is tied using a common shoelace knot, which is also called the bow knot for that reason. It consists of a ribbon of fabric tied around the collar of a shirt in a symmetrical manner so that the two opposite ends form loops. 
         [0022]    Cravat: A piece of fabric or material, usually silk, utilized to protect, adorn or otherwise cover the neck or neck area. The modern necktie, ascot, and bowtie are all descended from the cravat and so it is here used to encompass and include all modern variations and descendants of itself. 
         [0023]    Finish or finishing: This refers to the organized or intentional termination or edging of material as opposed to leaving a cut material unbound or its outer edge frayed. 
         [0024]    “Hole-in” Cravat Improvement: refers to the claimed disclosure, also abbreviated “Hole-In” and inclusive of any assumed name(s) it might be marketed under in the future. Described as the method and process of adding an opening or openings either via slit(s), slot, punch, incision or other hole opening methods through the body of any cravat, either during its manufacture or as a means to modify an existing cravat; thus expanding the appeal, versatility, and wearability of same. 
         [0025]    Necktie: a neckband with two ends of differing widths worn around the neck, tied and displayed in front of the wearer consisting of a blade (large end), nape/neck section and a tail (smaller end). 
         [0026]    Openings: Openings are here used to describe holes that are made intentionally through the material of the body of a cravat. Opening width(s) and length(s) and shape depend upon the intended effect upon the cravat to be specified in individual cases which is why the finishing of the holes is open to design choices later. 
         [0027]    A common necktie  10  is shown in  FIG. 1 , having a tail  26 , a nape  14 , and a blade  24 . The tie is shown after being threaded through a shirt collar  18 . 
         [0028]    The present disclosure describes the addition(s) of “hole in” cravat improvement openings either via slit(s), slot, punch, incision or other hole opening methods through the body of the any cravat, either during its manufacture or as a means to modify an existing cravat thus expanding the appeal, versatility and wearability of same. 
         [0029]    In one example, as shown in  FIG. 2A , of a “hole-in” cravat being disclosed, a cravat  20  has a single hole  22  through one of the ends  24 .  FIG. 2B  illustrates a “hole-in” cravat having two oval openings  22  in the end  24 . The cravat  20  in  FIG. 2C  has openings  22  in both ends  24 . 
         [0030]    The positioning and number of openings shown in  FIG. 2  is for illustration only—there could be one or more than one opening, and the opening(s) can be located anywhere on either one or both ends of the cravat or even on the nape area. In the case of a necktie having a blade  24  and a tail, the opening(s) can be in any number or position on the blade  24  and/or tail. A person could wish to wear a collarless shirt and have something displayed within one or more hole-in openings on the nape of the cravat. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 3A-3F  illustrate uses of the “hole-in” feature.  FIG. 3A  illustrates a necktie  20  having a single oval “hole-in” opening  22  in blade  24 . A single hole such as that shown in  FIG. 2A  would allow the user to add a “diving” look during tying of the necktie, as shown in  FIG. 3A . The tail  26  is knotted in front of the blade, then “dives” through the opening  22  to lie behind the blade. Alternately, the tail could be knotted behind the blade.  FIG. 3B  shows the “hole-in”  22  having a slit or a diamond shape with a soft-sewn finish. The tail  22  is knotted in front of the blade, then “dives” through the opening  22  to lie behind the blade. 
         [0032]    In  FIG. 3C , four horizontal “hole-in” openings  22  are shown in a vertical pattern on the blade  24 . The tail  26  can be weaved upward and then downward through the four openings from top to bottom to give a lacing effect, as shown. 
         [0033]    In  FIG. 3D , four horizontal “hole-in” openings  22  are shown in a horizontal pattern on the blade  24 . The tail  26  can be weaved upward and then downward through the four openings from side to side to give a lacing effect, as shown. 
         [0034]    In  FIG. 3E , necktie  20  has “hole-in” openings  22  down the length of the blade  24 . In  FIG. 3F , there are two openings  22  near the top of the blade and one near the bottom of the blade. For example, the two openings near the top of the blade could be used to provide a “single stitch” effort and the bottom opening could be used to display an adornment. The number and placement of the “hole-in” openings can be varied as shown or in other combinations to provide a single “dive,” “single stitch,” “multiple stitch,” or display opening(s) or any combination thereof allowed by necktie size and integrity. The openings can be used for whatever the final customer chooses to use them for: stitch, display or view through (in which the cravat is tied in the ordinary manner with neither tie parts nor displays placed nor passed through). 
         [0035]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate “hole-in” ascots of the present disclosure. In the ascot shown in  FIG. 4A , “hole-in” openings  22  are provided in each of the two ends  24 . The ascot shown in  FIG. 4B  has a “hole-in” opening  22  only on one end  24 . “Hole-in” openings may be of any appropriate shape and may be on one end or both ends. If “hole-in” openings are on both ends as in  FIG. 4A , their orientation and size should be chosen so as to allow for one end with its opening  22  to pass through the opening  22  on the opposite end. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a bowtie  30  having a “hole-in” opening  32  on each side of the front sections  34 . The right side of the figure shows the rear section  36  that has been passed through the opening  32  to the front to create another bow look. 
         [0037]    Various adornments can be set, hung, embedded or otherwise displayed inside the “hole-in” openings. Items include but are not limited to: cameos, coins, pictures, jewels, mementos, hardware, electronics, and so on.  FIG. 5B  illustrates, for example, a jewel  38  in the “hole-in” opening  32  on the left side of the figure and a lighted insert  39  in the “hole-in” opening  32  on the right side of the figure. An item to be displayed would likely need to be affixed to the opening by a jeweller, by magnets, by stitching or whatever other means can be devised. 
         [0038]    When openings are within an area of the body of the cravat; that area of the body either in one or the other end in case of an ascot ( FIG. 4B ), both ends of a bowtie ( FIGS. 5A-B ) or ascot ( FIG. 4B ) or the upper blade ( FIGS. 3A-3F ) and or in the central part of the tail as in the case of an otherwise common necktie, the item becomes far more versatile in its form and ability to be arranged and/or knotted in new and unique ways while retaining the most recognizable attributes of the cravat. The addition of the openings still allows for existing knots to be used while enhancing the overall look by the additional options of “lacing” ( FIGS. 3C-3D ) and/or “diving” ( FIG. 3A ) the cravat parts into each other via the “hole-in” openings. 
         [0039]    Additionally by placing “hole-in” openings within a cravat the user is provided an optional path for discovering new ways of knotting or, if one chooses, these openings afford view-through of an underlying shirt or space for various accoutrements to be placed, hung and otherwise displayed utilizing the “hole-in” openings ( FIGS. 3F and 5B ). 
         [0040]    These “hole-in” openings can be, depending on preference, left unfinished or be finished in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, tucking, sewing and gluing of material edges if any were exposed in the process of creating the openings, or by the fastening of hardware, including, but not limited to, eyelets or grommets within the holes created thereby completing or “finishing” the look and quality in a manner consistent and complementary to the construction and appearance of the cravat. 
         [0041]    With properly installed and finished “hole-In” openings a wearer can choose to use the “hole-in” openings to alternate “displayed”, “embedded”, “hung” or “framed” items, et al. In this instance, “hole-in” openings should ideally be fitted with materials complementary to and/or found to be sturdy enough to aid in the secure containment, support and display of such items, including but not limited to, pictures, coins, cameos and jewels while not compromising the overall appeal and/or utility of the cravat. 
         [0042]    While recognizing that the “hole-in” cravat improvement is most effectively applied during manufacture and that it can be employed with or without finishing the openings, as previously mentioned, it must also be recognized that the “hole-In” cravat improvement can be applied to previously manufactured cravats either before or after their sale to the public. Owners of existing cravats may wish to utilize the “hole-In” cravat improvements disclosed herein to enhance one or more cravats already in their possession. It is envisioned that a kit could be provided to owners of cravats who wished to make their own modifications of their cravat(s) in accordance with the disclosure. This could entail providing instructions indicating how to apply the hardware (how to cut it in, site selection, etc.) with suggested locations for the “hole-in” feature including diagrams. Suggested knotting techniques that work well with cravats utilizing the “hole in” feature could also be provided, including step by step instructions, and a link to a web video demonstration. In addition, hardware could be included, such as “hole” trim (with a metal of the user&#39;s choice) and screws or fasteners as needed, and a jewel to display if desired. 
         [0043]    The expected best mode of effecting the “hole-In” cravat improvement would include the careful creation of well placed hole(s) through the material of the cravat an inch or two below where that material exits the bottom of the chosen knotting most likely to be used with that cravat. The holes would be created to fit small flanged, high quality, polished or finished metal oval or slotted hardware consisting of two parts used to clamp through the hole(s) to each other thus securing the hardware to the material and finishing the look. The placement and size/shape of the holes should be such to allow for the “stitching” and/or “diving” techniques aforementioned as well as the “display” and embedding of items if desired. 
         [0044]    Although the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been illustrated, and that form has been described in detail, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the disclosure or from the scope of the appended claims.