Abstract:
The present invention relates to a necktie of the bow or bat type that is configured to contain at least one slit on at least one side. The presence of the slit permits tying of such bow tie in such a fashion as to achieve a symmetrical finish once tied.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to neckties of the bow or wing type. Specifically, this invention relates to a bow tie specifically constructed to display in a symmetrical fashion when in a tied configuration. 
       CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0002]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/041,137 filed Aug. 24, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    One of the most stylish accouterments for formal or professional occasions is the bow tie. As a symbol for sophistication and classiness, a bow tie can transform an outfit from unimaginative to confident. 
         [0004]    In pursuit of such sophistication and class, individuals have many versions of bow ties to choose from, but each version has its unique disadvantages. The preferred bow tie by aficionados is the self-tie version. In its tied form, it displays a quaintly charm, but due to the natural asymmetry of the bow, it appears imperfect. Other versions include the pre-tied variety and the clip-on bow tie. The pre-tied variety typically consists of an adjustable neck strap and sewn, pre-tied bow. Bow tie aficionados dislike this version due to a stiff, manufactured appearance. The clip-on bow tie is the most disdained version among aficionados. This version has a pre-tied bow with a clasp for directly hooking onto the color. Despite its ease, it appears juvenile and less formal then the other varieties. 
         [0005]    Therefore, there is a need in the arts for a bow tie that appears naturally perfect and sophisticated. Furthermore, such a tie must appear to be simultaneously classic and modern, attractive and unique. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be explained and will become obvious to one skilled in the art through the summary of the invention that follows. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a bow tie that is designed to appear symmetrical in a tied configuration. Specifically both ends of the bow tie are designed to have the same appearance and shape once tied in a certain manner. Furthermore, a new method of tying the claimed bow tie is disclosed. 
         [0007]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the bow tie comprising: a first end and second end that are formed at opposite ends of a strap, wherein each of the ends comprises a leaf portion flanking the strap and a bow portion, and wherein the second end comprises at least one slit of sufficient width to permit insertion of the bow portion of the first end. 
         [0008]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the bow tie is further configured to comprise a neck portion between the leaf portion and the bow portion. 
         [0009]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the end portion is comprised of a convex curvature. 
         [0010]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the end portion is comprised of a concave curvature. 
         [0011]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the end portion is rectangular. 
         [0012]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the end portion transitions into a point. 
         [0013]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the strap is of fixed length. 
         [0014]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, the strap comprises an adjustable member that is configured to make said strap adjustable in order to provide a secure fit. 
         [0015]    According to embodiment of the claimed invention, the adjustable member is selected from a group of adjustable members consisting of a hook and slide connection, a hook and loop fastener, clasp, and a button. 
         [0016]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, a bow tie comprising: a first end, an oppositely positioned second end, and a centrally located strap, wherein each of the ends comprises a leaf portion flanking the strap and a bow portion, wherein each of the first end and the second end comprises at least one slit of sufficient width to permit insertion of either the bow portion of the first end or the second end. 
         [0017]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, the bow tie is further configured to comprise a neck portion between the leaf portion and the bow portion. 
         [0018]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, the end portion is comprised of a convex curvature. 
         [0019]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, the end portion is comprised of a concave curvature. 
         [0020]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, the end portion is rectangular. 
         [0021]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, the end portion transitions into a point. 
         [0022]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, the strap is of fixed length. 
         [0023]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, the strap comprises an adjustable member that is configured to make said strap adjustable in order to provide a secure fit. 
         [0024]    According to an alternate embodiment of the claimed invention, the adjustable member is selected from a group of adjustable members consisting of a hook and slide connection, a hook and loop fastener, clasp, and a button. 
         [0025]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention a method for finishing the tying of a bow tie, wherein said bow tie has been tied, and wherein said bow tie is in such configuration that there is a first side and a second side that are formed at opposite ends of a centrally located knot, wherein each side has a looped portion and a terminal end, wherein the terminal end of a first side is in front of its corresponding looped portion, wherein the terminal end of a second side is behind its corresponding looped portion, and wherein there is a slit on the looped portion of said second side, comprising the steps of: inserting said terminal end of said second side through said slit; pulling said terminal end of said second side so that the terminal end of said second side is in front of said looped portion of said second side; and adjusting each said looped portions and terminal ends of both said first side and second side for a desired finished look. 
         [0026]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method is comprised of a pulling the terminal end of the second side from the top or bottom of the bow tie. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of bow ties in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of bow ties in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of bow ties in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of bow ties in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of bow ties in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of bow ties in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    The present invention relates to neckties of the bow or wing type. Specifically the invention relates to a bow tie in which the formation ends up in a symmetrical appearance and shape once tied in a certain manner. 
         [0034]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the bow tie comprises two ends ( 12 ) and a centrally located strap as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Significantly, the bow tie comprises one or more slits ( 11 ) at one or both ends of the bow tie. Such slits ( 11 ) are perpendicular to the length of the bow tie and span the width of the bow tie. In a preferred embodiment, a slit formed in a first end ( 12 ) of the bow tie is configured to allow the bow portion ( 15 ) at the second end of the bow tie to be pulled through the slit ( 11 ) and positioned on the front face of the bow tie. In particular, the slit ( 11 ) enables the bow tie to be presented with each of the bow portions ( 15 ) facing outward, as opposed to a traditional arrangement where the bow portion of a second end of the bow tie is behind the leaf portion of the first end of the bow tie. 
         [0035]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the slit ( 11 ) is a narrow opening. The slit is wide enough to permit the insertion of an end of a bow tie. However, it is simultaneously sufficiently narrow so that once an end is pulled through, it is difficult to decipher if a slit is present. In a preferred embodiment, the slit is of sufficient narrowness that it is not visible when an end has been pulled through. Masking the appearance of the slit is important to convey the appearance of symmetry of the bow tie when tied. 
         [0036]    According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slit ( 11 ) will be two (2) millimeters (mm) shorter per end than the width of the bow tie. According to embodiments of the claimed invention, the slits can be 1 mm-10 mm shorter per side depending on size of the bow tie. The length of the slit varies according to the width of the bow tie. 
         [0037]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, the end ( 12 ) of the bow tie comprises of a leaf portion ( 13 ) and bow portion ( 15 ). As shall be disclosed, there is great variability in the shapes of both leaf portions and bow portions. In some embodiments of the current invention, the leaf portion and the bow portion are indistinguishable due to homogeneity in shape ( 21 ). Accordingly, in such embodiments the portions of the bow tie that are dangling after the initial knot is made shall be considered the bow tie ends. 
         [0038]    Typically the beginning of the end segment ( 12 ) of the bow tie beginning from the central region of the bow tie is identified by an arcuate widening of the strap. Such a widening is referred to as a leaf portion ( 13 ) herein. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf portion has such a curvature as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . With an arcuate leaf portion, the bow tie in a tied configuration displays a butterfly shape. 
         [0039]    In an alternate embodiment, the leaf portion ( 41 ) is completely straight with no arcuate nor widening of the end from the strap as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . With this embodiment, the final bow tie appears streamlined with no flare or butterfly effect. 
         [0040]    The end portions ( 12 ) of a bow tie and can be rectangular in shape ( 21 ,  41 ) or comprise of a convex ( 22 ) or concave curve ( 24 ). In one embodiment, the ends of the bow portion transition to the convex portion ( 23 ). In an alternate embodiment, the bow portion transitions such that the ends are rounded ( 25 ). In another alternate embodiment, the bow portion transitions to a point ( 31 ). 
         [0041]    In the preferred embodiment, the end segment ( 12 ) of the bow tie comprises of a leaf portion ( 13 ), a neck portion ( 14 ), and a bow portion ( 15 ) as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The neck portion is the narrowed portion of the bow tie between the leaf portion and the bow portion. Such neck portions are typically found in classic bow tie configurations. 
         [0042]    In the preferred embodiment, the slit ( 11 ) is formed in the neck portion ( 14 ) of an end ( 12 ) of the bow tie. Typically, when a neck portion is present, the neck portion lies within the knotted portion of a tied bow tie. This creates the butterfly appearance where the bow portions appear as mirrored triangles. The narrowness of the neck portion contributes to the tapering of the width of the bow tie toward the central knotted portion. 
         [0043]    In a preferred embodiment, the bow tie has one slit at one end. In an alternate embodiment, the bow tie has a slit at both ends as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In other alternate embodiments, the bow tie has two or more slits on one end. In another alternate embodiment, the bow tie has two or more slits on both ends. 
         [0044]    In a preferred embodiment of the claimed invention, the slit is of sufficient size to permit the bow portion at the opposite end of the bow tie to pass through the slit. In an alternate embodiment, the slit is as wide as the widest dimension of the opposite end of the bow tie so the opposite end may be pulled through the slit without creating creases and wrinkles 
         [0045]    In an embodiment of the claimed invention, the end with the slit is wider than the end without the slit. This will enable a longer slit while the opposite end, which shall be inserted into the slit, will be relatively narrower. In such a case, the opposite end will be more easily pulled through with fewer creases than if the two ends were of equal narrowness. 
         [0046]    In a preferred embodiment, the bow tie has an adjustable strap as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . To be adjustable, the bow tie comprises of adjustable members ( 51 ,  52 ) selected from hook and slide, hook and loop fastener, clasp, or button in order to adjust the length of the bow tie for a comfortable and secure fit. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that there many types of adjustable members that could be used in an adjustable strap, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any such adjustable members. 
         [0047]    In an alternate embodiment, the bow tie has a fixed length strap. Although not as versatile as the adjustable strap, a fixed length strap is less costly to manufacture. 
         [0048]    According to an embodiment of the claimed invention, a unique method of finishing the tying of a bow tie is disclosed. The claimed invention is initially tied as conventional bow ties are tied. Therefore, the user has the versatility of tying the claimed invention in a traditional manner. However, if the user opts to achieve a symmetrical appearance, following conventional tying, the back end must be grasped and pulled through the slit in the front portion of the tie. Once the end is pulled through the slit, the bow tie can be adjusted to create an even bow tie. 
         [0049]    As an example and as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a tying of a bow tie comprises the steps of crossing a slit side of the bow tie underneath an opposite side of the bow tie; tying a knot such that the opposite side is looped underneath the slit side and pulled through; folding up said slit side in a bow configuration in front of the knot near said user&#39;s neck; pulling the opposite side down and over the slit side such that the two sides are perpendicular relative to each other; folding and pulling the opposite side through an opening behind the slit side; and pulling the opposite side behind the silt side, thereby creating another bow ( 61 ). In order to complete the process with the claimed invention, the method continues with the step of pulling an end of the opposite side through a slit from either a top or bottom of the bowtie ( 62 - 63 ); and pulling the end of said end side fully through into the front for a finished look ( 64 - 65 ). 
         [0050]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. The invention is capable of myriad modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.