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Title:
COLLAR STAY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/055138
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention provides a collar stay (10) for providing form and/or support to a collar (2) of a garment (1). The collar stay (10) comprises an elongate stiffening portion (12) for fitting into a collar stay pocket (3) formed in the collar (2); and an elongate supporting portion (16) disposed at an angle to the elongate stiffening portion (12).

Inventors:
SUTHERLAND DANIEL (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2017/074137
Publication Date:
March 29, 2018
Filing Date:
September 22, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
WINGMAN INNOVATIONS LTD (GB)
International Classes:
A41B3/06
Domestic Patent References:
WO2015001512A22015-01-08
Foreign References:
US20140090152A12014-04-03
US20150157057A12015-06-11
US20100313331A12010-12-16
US4286337A1981-09-01
CH273933A1951-03-15
US1414119A1922-04-25
DE866181C1953-02-09
CH207337A1939-10-31
US2439088A1948-04-06
US20080295218A12008-12-04
US20120023640A12012-02-02
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
ELLIS, Michael (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS:

1. A collar stay for providing form and/or support to a collar of a garment, the stay comprising:

an elongate stiffening portion for fitting into a collar stay pocket formed in the collar; and

an elongate supporting portion disposed at an angle to the elongate stiffening portion. 2. A collar stay as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate supporting portion is disposed at an obtuse angle to the elongate stiffening portion and is configured to extend generally rearward between the collar and a band of the shirt when the stiffening portion is located in a collar stay pocket extending to a point of a collar. 3. A collar stay as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate supporting portion is configured to extend generally along the fold line of the collar.

4. A collar stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the supporting portion extends from 0.5 to 3 times the length of the stiffening portion.

5. A collar stay as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting portion defines a transverse portion along at least part of its elongate extent. 6. A collar stay as claimed in claim 5, wherein the transverse portion is provided by a kink or zig-zag shape in the elongate supporting portion.

7. A collar stay as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar stay is formed of a malleable material.

8. A collar stay as claimed in claim 7, wherein the material is sheet aluminium.

9. A collar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stay is flat and extends within a single plane along the entire length of the stay.

10. A collar stay as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the stay is formed as a unitary article.

11. A collar stay as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stay comprise two or more component parts. 12. A collar stay as claimed in claim 11, wherein two or more component parts are securely fixed together.

13. A collar stay as claimed in claim 11 , wherein two or more component parts are adjustably and/or removably interconnected.

14. A collar stay as claimed in claim 11 , wherein two or more component parts are arranged to functionally cooperate.

15. A method for the manufacture of a collar stay according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which comprises providing a sheet material for use in making the collar stay, punch cutting the sheet material to the shape of the collar stay and optionally finishing.

16. A method for the manufacture of a collar stay according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which comprises providing a mould shaped to form the collar stay, applying a polymer to the mould and curing the polymer in the mould and then releasing the cured polymer from the mould.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, which further comprises providing a polymeric coating to the collar stay.

18. A garment comprising : a collar comprising:

a pair of spaced apart points;

a pair of spaced apart front edges extending from each point;

a peripherally extending outer edge extending between the spaced apart points; and

an inner surface providing a pair of channels, in which each channel extends from or near a point adjacent the front edge of the collar; and

a pair of collar stays, each collar stay comprising:

an elongate stiffening portion shaped and dimensioned to be received within a channel provided by the inner surface of the collar; and

an elongate supporting portion disposed at an angle to the elongate stiffening portion.

19. A garment as claimed in claim 18, in which the garment is a shirt.

20. A garment as claimed in either of claims 18 and 19, in which the collar stay is removably receivable in the channel provided by the collar.

21. A garment as claimed in either of claims 18 and 19, in which the collar stay is permanently received within the channel provided by the collar.

22. A garment as claimed in claim 21, in which the collar stay is stitched to the collar.

Description:
Collar Stay

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains generally to the field of clothing accessories. More particularly, the invention relates to a collar stay for a shirt collar. The invention also relates to a garment comprising a pair of collar stays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Collar stays are rigid strips of material which are received within pockets or channels on the underside of a shirt collar to straighten or stiffen a collar. The collar stays help to maintain the position of the collar such that both sides of the collar appear symmetrically upright with respect to the body of the shirt.

A number of known collar stays are available. Collar stays are typically formed from plastic or metal. Shirts are usually sold with a pair of plastic collar stays which are shaped and dimensioned to fit within the collar pockets or channels of that particular shirt. The collar stays need to be removed prior to washing of the garment, and as a result the user ends up with multiple pairs of plastic stays of varying different shapes and dimensions. After washing and ironing, the user has to search through the multiple pairs of plastic stays in order to identify the pair having the correct shape and dimensions required for each particular shirt. Plastic collar stays also easily deform and are unable to adequately secure the collar in the desired position after a few uses. Plastic collar stays therefore have a short life expectancy and need to be replaced.

Metal collar stays are usually formed from stainless steel or brass. There are a number of different metal collar stays available, such as for example magnetic collar stays, extended collar stays and extendable collar stays.

Magnetic collar stays, such as those available from Stiffies™ (www. stiffies. co .uk) or described in US-A-2008/0295218, typically comprise a magnetic collar stay portion together with a separate magnet button which in use is positioned inside the shirt in order to draw the points of the collar towards the shirt or band of the collar to straighten and control the collar. The overall visual effect of the magnetic collar stays can appear unnatural as the points of the collar are pulled in tightly towards the band of the collar and the magnetic stays do not provide a collar having a natural crisp inverted "V" shape. Furthermore, as the magnetic collar stays comprise two separate components there is an increased risk that one of the components may become misplaced while the garment is being cleaned.

Extendable metal collar stays such as for example the Cleverfit™ (e.g. available from www.cleverfitstay.com) are extendable prior to insertion into a particular shirt to match the required dimensions of the collar pocket. The extendable metal collar stay is however complex and relatively expensive to manufacture.

The conventional collar stays do not provide any support for the collar beyond the area adjacent the point of the collar. Extended collar stays, such as for example the Stiff Collar Stay™ (available from www. stiffco Uarstay.com) or as described in US-A-2012/0023640, is intended to be positioned in use to extend along the entire length of the fold line between the band of the collar and the collar. The extended collar stay is, however, large, cumbersome and difficult to transport without damaging or deforming.

Conventional and existing collar stays do not provide sufficient means for the user to individually adjust the stays in order to adjust the support and/or form of the collar to suit each user's individual preference.

The present inventors have devised a collar stay, which addresses the aforementioned shortcomings of the prior art.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

There is a need for improvements in collar stays in order to provide improved shaping, form and/or support to a shirt collar.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a collar stay which provides improved shaping, form and/or support along the peripherally extending outer length of the shirt collar

It is a further object of the invention to provide a collar stay which is adjustable by the user to provide the desired shaping, form and/or support to a shirt collar for each individual user. It is a further objection of the invention to provide a collar stay which is discrete and easy to transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a collar stay for providing improved form and/or support to a collar of a garment, the stay comprising:

an elongate stiffening portion for fitting into a collar stay pocket formed in the collar; and

an elongate supporting portion disposed at an angle to the elongate stiffening portion.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for the manufacture of a collar stay as defined above, which method comprises either: providing a sheet material for use in making the collar stay, punch cutting the sheet material to the shape of the collar stay and optionally finishing; or

providing a mould shaped to form the collar stay, applying a polymer to the mould and curing the polymer in the mould and then releasing the cured polymer from the mould.

In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a garment comprising:

a collar comprising:

a pair of spaced apart points;

a pair of spaced apart front edges extending from each point;

a peripherally extending outer edge extending between the spaced apart points; and

an inner surface providing a pair of channels, in which each channel extends from or near a point adjacent the front edge of the collar; and

a pair of collar stays, each collar stay comprising:

an elongate stiffening portion shaped and dimensioned to be received within a channel provided by the inner surface of the collar; and

an elongate supporting portion disposed at an angle to the elongate stiffening portion. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has the advantage that the collar stay provides form and/or support beyond the area immediately adjacent the front edge of the collar.

The present invention has the advantage that the collar stay provides form and/or support to the area of the collar adjacent to a substantial portion of, or the entirety of, the peripherally extending outer edge of the collar.

The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, has the advantage that the collar stay is adjustable, optionally repeatedly adjustable, by the user to provide the desired form and/or support according to the individual preferences of the user.

The present invention has the advantage that the collar stay provides sufficient form and/or support to the collar for multiple uses without deformation.

The present invention has the advantage that the collar stay is discrete and easily transportable without risk of damage to the collar stay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a photograph of a pair of collar stays according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a photograph of the collar stay of Figure 1 inserted into a collar pocket of a shirt collar;

Figure 3 is a photograph of the pair of collar stays of Figure 1 inserted into respective collar pockets of a shirt collar;

Figure 4 is a photograph of a folded collar comprising the pair of collar stays of Figure 1;

Figures 5 is a schematic illustration of a collar stay according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a collar stay according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a collar stay according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a collar stay according to further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of a collar stay according to further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a collar stay according to preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is concerned with providing a collar stay for providing improved form and/or support to a shirt collar. The collar stay of the invention comprises an elongate stiffening portion for fitting into a collar stay pocket formed in collar and an elongate supporting portion disposed at an angle to the elongate stiffening portion.

The elongate supporting portion is preferably disposed at an obtuse angle to the stiffening portion and preferably configured to extend generally rearward from the point of a collar to extend between the collar and the band or neckband of a shirt when the stiffening portion is located in a collar stay pocket and extending to a point thereof. Typically, this will be located at or close to an upper edge or fold line of the collar.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate stiffening portion may be said to define a first or stiffening axis (being the line generally aligned with the elongate extent of the stiffening portion) and the elongate supporting portion may be said to be define an second or supporting axis (being the line generally aligned with the general elongate extent of the supporting portion - usually from its point of joining with the stiffening portion to the tip of the stiffening portion). As mentioned, the stiffening axis and supporting axis are preferably disposed at a generally obtuse angle to one another (which may be considered as the angle of elongate axes), which is preferably from 100° to 170°, more preferably 120° to 160°, still more preferably up to 140° and say around or from 125 or 130°.

The elongate supporting portion may have any suitable length relative to the elongate stiffening portion, such as 0.5 x to 3 x, more preferably 1 to 2.5x, still more preferably at least 1.5x and typically about 2 times the length. The actual length of each of the elongate stiffening portion and supporting portion may depend on the particular purpose or particular preference of a user. The elongate stiffening portion may have any suitable length, usually sufficient to extend the full length of the collar stay pocket or channel, and preferably from 5 cm to 9 cm, more preferably up to about 8 cm, more preferably up to 7.5 cm and still more preferably up to 7 cm, preferably at least 6 cm. Most preferably, the elongate stiffening member has a length of one of two or three lengths and selected from 2", 2.25", 2.5" or 2.75", still more preferably 2.5" or 2.75". The actual length of the elongate supporting portion may be calculated from the above ratios (e.g. from about 4 cm to about 20 cm), but is preferably about 7 cm to about 15 cm, more preferably about 10 cm to about 14 cm, e.g. about 12 to 13 cm.

The collar stay of the invention is preferably a generally flat (and optionally planar or shaped) article. It preferably has a thickness of up to 5 mm and may vary in thickness at different parts of the collar stay. For example, the stiffening portion may have an average thickness of 5 or 10% or up to 20% more than the supporting portion, but preferably the thickness of the collar stay is generally consistent, e.g. within 5% or less (e.g. zero or negligible variance). Preferably the thickness is from 1 to 4 mm, e.g. at least 2 or 2.5 mm and up to about 3 mm.

The elongate portions have any suitable width, which is typically up to about 1.5 cm and typically 0.75 to 1.25 cm, e.g. about 1 cm.

In one embodiment, each of the elongate stiffening and supporting portions are linear. In any case, the elongate stiffening portion will generally be linear. Alternatively, the supporting portion may in addition or in the alternative to extending generally linearly in an elongate manner along the supporting axis extend in a transverse direction to define a transverse portion of the collar stay and in particular of the elongate supporting portion. The transverse portion is generally located in the space between the stiffening axis and the supporting axis. The transverse portion may be a transverse extension of the elongate supporting portion or may be an elongate shape of the supporting portion following an elongate route via a transverse portion, for example by the elongate portion defining a V-shape or a zig-zag shape, an S-shape or a kink, or a multiple or combination of such shapes. In one embodiment, the elongate supporting portion has a transverse portion defining a U or V shape in the elongate supporting portion, which is preferably at a proximal portion thereof (i.e. proximal to the stiffening portion). A V-shape, U- shape, or kink may typically extend from the elongate supporting portion close to or at its join with the stiffening portion and may preferably define successive angles, which may be a (being the angle between the stiffening portion and a first transverse extent), β (being an angle between the first transverse extent and a second transverse extent or return) and γ (being an angle between the second transverse extent or return and the distal linear portion of the elongate supporting portion), which are illustrated in Figure 10. The angles, α, β and γ, are preferably from 45° to 170°, more preferably from 75° to 125°. Preferably, the angle γ (preferably 110° to 160°) is greater than the angle β (preferably 75° and more preferably 90° to 120°) is greater than the angle a (preferably 45° to 110°, more preferably 80° to 100°).

The transverse portion may extend up to about 4 cm and more preferably up to about 3.5 or 3 cm in a transverse direction from the supporting axis and preferably is at least 2 cm, e.g. at least 2.5 cm extending in a transverse direction from the supporting axis.

The elongate supporting portion, it is believed, provides an increase in downward pressure provided to the stiffening portion into the collar and the transverse portion allows the shaping effect to be extended about the wing of the collar to enable cleaner looking collar and more reliable control of the collar shape.

Whilst the collar stay may be rigid in a planar or pre-formed and shaped configuration, it is preferable that the collar stay is formed of a malleable material that is self-supporting and shape-retaining so that the user may shape (and optionally re-shape) the stay prior to use and/or in situ to a desired look and for a desired shirt article. The stay may then retain that shape in the shirt collar during use until removal or change.

The collar stay may be manufactured from any suitable material such as a polymers or fibre-filled polymers, bone or metal (such as steel, copper, silver, platinum or aluminium). Preferably, for a malleable shape-retaining stay the collar stay is made from aluminium. The collar stay may be formed of two or more functionally interrelated components, e.g. inter-locking or inter-engaging components, or two or more components which are fixedly or adjustably or movably connected or secured together. Preferably, however, the collar stay is a single, unitary article.

The collar stay may be manufactured according to any suitable method and according to the form and material used. In one embodiment, in which the collar stay is a plastic material, the manufacturing method comprises providing a mould shaped to form the collar stay, applying a polymer to the mould (e.g. by injection moulding) and curing the polymer (e.g. by light or heat) in the mould and then releasing the cured polymer from the mould. In an alternative and preferred embodiment, in which the article is made from a metal such as aluminium, the collar stay is manufactured by providing a sheet material for use in making the collar stay, punch cutting the sheet material to the shape of the collar stay and optionally finishing, e.g. by smoothing the edges and/or polishing. In either case, a coating (e.g. a polymer coating) may be applied to the stay, for example to improve retention in position by inhibiting movement of the stay against the collar material.

In another aspect, there is provided a garment, which is typically a shirt, comprising a collar comprising a pair of spaced apart points, a pair of spaced apart front edges extending from each point, a peripherally extending outer edge extending between the spaced apart points and an inner surface providing a pair of channels, in which each channel extends from or near a point adjacent the front edge of the collar; and a pair of collar stays, each collar stay comprising an elongate stiffening portion shaped and dimensioned to be received within a channel provided by the inner surface of the collar and an elongate supporting portion disposed at an angle to the elongate stiffening portion. Typically, the collar stay is removable. It may be possible that the stay of the present invention is accommodated into a garment at the point of manufacture (e.g. by stitching it into the collar) in which case the collar of a garment may have the collar stay disposed in a channel or within the material of the collar.

The invention will now be described in more detail, without limitation, with reference to the accompanying Figures. Figure 1 shows a pair of collar stays 10. 10'. The collar stays 10, 10' each comprise an elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' providing a first end 14, 14' of the collar stay 10, 10' and an elongate supporting portion 16, 16' providing a second opposed end 18, 18' ofthe collar stay 10, 10'. Each of the first and second ends 14, 14', 18, 18' of the collar stays 10, 10' are rounded. It is however to be understood that each of the ends 14, 14', 18, 18' of the collar stays 10, 10' may have any suitable shape, such as for example may be V-shaped. The ends 14, 14', 18, 18' of the collar stays 10, 10' are preferably shaped to correspond to the shapes of corresponding channels provided by the collar of the garment.

The elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' extends at an angle of approximately 130° to the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'. It is however to be understood that the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' may extend at any suitable angle relative to the elongate supporting portion 16, 16' depending on the particular requirements of a shirt, for example the orientation of the collar pocket of the shirt. Preferably, the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' extends at an obtuse angle to the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'. The elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' may extend at an angle of at least 100°, preferably at least 120°, for example at least 130° relative to the elongate stiffening portion 16, 16'. The elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' may extend at an angle of no more than 170°, preferably no more than 160°, for example no more than 140°. The elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' may extend at an angle of between 100° and 170°, preferably between 120° and 160°, for example between 130° and 140°.

It can be seen in the Figures that the elongate supporting portion 16 has a length which is approximately 2.5 times the length of the elongate stiffening portion 12. It is however to be understood that the elongate supporting portion 16 and elongate stiffening portion 12 may have any suitable lengths depending on the particular requirements for the shirt collar. The elongate supporting portion 16 may have a length which is at least 0.5 times the length of the elongate stiffening portion 12, preferably is at least substantially equal in length to the elongate stiffening portion 12, more preferably is at least 1.5 times the length of the elongate stiffening portion 12. The elongate supporting portion 16 may have a length which is no more than three times, preferably no more than 2.5 times, for example no more than 2 times the length of the elongate stiffening portion 12. The elongate supporting portion 16 may have a length which is between 0.5 and 3 times the length of the elongate stiffening portion 12, preferably between 1 and 2.5 times the length of the elongate stiffening portion 12, more preferably between 1.5 and 2 times the length of the elongate stiffening portion 12.

The elongate supporting portion 16, 16' defines an elongate axis A- A' (supporting axis) extending between the end of the elongate supporting portion 16, 16' located adjacent the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' and the second end 18, 18' of the stay 10, 10'. The elongate supporting portion 16, 16' further defines a transverse portion 20, 20' and an elongate portion 22, 22'. The transverse portion 20, 20' is preferably located along at least part of the elongate supporting portion's 16, 16' elongate extent. The transverse portion 20, 20' is located adjacent the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12'. The transverse portion 20,20' is located between the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' and the elongate portion 22, 22'. It is however to be understood that the transverse portion 20, 20' may be located at any suitable position along the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'. In the Figures, the transverse portion 20, 20' is substantially V-shaped. It is however to be understood that the transverse portion may have any suitable shape, such as for example zigzag-shaped, S-shaped or a kink. The transverse portion may comprise any suitable number or combination of V-shaped, S-shaped portions, zigzag portions or kinks.

In the Figures, the first end 24, 24' of the transverse portion 20, 20' extends from and substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis B-B' (stiffening axis) of the elongate stiffening portion 12,12'. It is however to be understood that the transverse portion 20, 20' may extend at any suitable angle from the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12'. It is also to be understood that the transverse portion 20, 20' may be located at any suitable location along the elongate supporting portion 16, 16' and is not limited to being located adjacent the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12'. The transverse portion 20, 20' may extend at an angle of 90° or less from the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12'. The transverse portion 20, 20' may extend from the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' to form an acute angle. The elongate portion 22, 22' extends from the transverse portion 20, 20' to the second end 18, 18' of the stay 10, 10'.

The elongate portion 22, 22' is approximately equal in length to the transverse portion 20, 20' of the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'. It is however to be understood that the elongate portion 22, 22' and the transverse portion 20, 20' may be of any suitable length to form the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'. The transverse portion 20, 20' is preferably at least 0.25, more preferably at least 0.5, for example at least 0.75 times the length of the elongate portion 22, 22' of the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'. The transverse portion 20, 20' is preferably at no more than twice the length, more preferably no more than 1.5 times the length, for example no more than 1.25 times the length of the elongate portion 22, 22' of the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'. The transverse portion 20, 20' may have a length of between 0.25 and 2 times, preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 times, more preferably between 0.75 and 1.25 times the length of the elongate portion 22, 22' of the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'.

The stay 10 is preferably flat and extends within a single plane along the entire length of the stay 10. It is however to be understood that one or more components of the collar stay 10 may extend within a different plane to adjacent components of the collar stay 10.

The collar stays 10, 10' shown in the Figures are formed from sheet aluminium. It is however to be understood that the stay may be formed from any suitable material, or combinations of different materials, in order to provide suitable form and support to the collar when folded. The stay 10 may be formed entirely from the same material. Alternatively, one or more portions of the stay 10 may be formed from different materials depending on the requirements for that portion of the stay 10. For example, the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' may be formed from different material to the elongate supporting portion 16, 16'. Furthermore, the elongate portion 22, 22' and the transverse portion 20, 20' may be formed of different materials. For example, one or more portions of the stay 10 may be formed from metal. In one embodiment, one or more portions of the stay 10 may be formed from sheet metal, such as for example aluminium. One or more portions of the stay 10 may be formed from malleable material which may be adjusted by the user to provide the desired form for the collar. For example, one or more of the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' and/or the elongate supporting portion 16, 16' may be formed of malleable material. One or more of the elongate portion 22, 22' and/or the transverse portion 20, 20' may be formed of malleable material. For example, the angle of one or more of the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' or elongate supporting portion 16, 16' may be manually adjusted by the user prior to insertion into the collar. For example, the angle of one or more of the elongate portion 20, 20' and/or the transverse portion 22, 22' may be manually adjusted by the user prior to insertion into the collar. The malleable material is preferably self-supporting and can therefore maintain its shape during use. One or more portions of the stay 10 may be composed of polymer, such as for example resilient plastic.

The stay 10 shown in the Figures is formed as a unitary component. The stay 10 may be formed as a unitary component from for example moulding or casting. It is however to be understood that the stay 10 may be formed from a plurality of individual components which are secured together prior to use. The individual components may be secured together by any suitable attachment means such as for example magnetic attraction mechanisms or mechanical attachments, such as for example Velcro or studs. For example, the stay 10 may comprise a separate elongate stiffening portion 12 which is attachable to an elongate supporting portion 16. The user may be able to select the appropriate combinations of elongate stiffening portion 12 and elongate supporting portion 16 to provide the required support and form for a particular shirt collar.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in use the first end 14, 14' of the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' is received within a collar pocket 3, 3' provided by the inner surface at or adjacent the point 4, 4' of the collar 2 of the shirt 1. Although the Figures illustrate the collar stays 10, 10' being used to provide form and/or support to the collar of a shirt, it is to be understood that the collar stays of the present invention may be used to provide form and/or support to collars of any garment.

The collar stays, and in particular the elongate stiffening portions 12,

12', are shaped and dimensioned to be received within the corresponding collar pocket 3, 3' of the shirt 1. If the stay 10, 10', or one or more components of the stay 10, 10'. is formed from malleable material, the user may manipulate the collar stay 10, 10' into the desired shape for providing a collar having the desired form prior to insertion into the collar pocket 3, 3'.

It can be seen from the Figures that the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' extends from the point 4, 4' of the collar 2 in a generally rearward direction towards the rear 6 of the neck of the collar 2. In the embodiment of the Figures, it can be seen that the channel 3 and therefore the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' extends at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the front edge of the collar 2. It is however to be understood that the channel 3, and therefore the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12', may extend at any suitable angle relative to the front edge of the collar 2. The elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' extends in a generally rearward direction between the collar 2 and the band 5 of the shirt 1.

In use, the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' is positioned to extend substantially parallel to the fold 7 formed between the collar 2 and the band 5 of the shirt 1. In particular, the elongate portion 22, 22' of the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12' extends substantially parallel to the fold 7 between the collar and the band 5 of the shirt 1. In use, the elongate stiffening portion 12, 12', in particular the elongate portion 22, 22', is positioned to be spaced apart from the fold 7 between the collar and the band 5 of the shirt 1. It is however to be understood that the elongate portion 22, 22' may extend at an angle to the fold formed between the collar and the band. It is also to be understood that the elongate portion 22, 22' may be positioned in use to extend along the fold 7 formed between the collar and the band. Once the collar stays 10 have been positioned along the collar, the user then folds the collar 2 along the fold 7 and the collar stay 10 provides the required support to the collar 2 and shapes the collar 2 into the required form as shown in Figure 4. The collar stays 10, 10' are hidden from view and provide sufficient form and support to the collar 2 along a significant proportion of the length of the collar 2 as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows that the collar 2 is held apart from the adjacent band 5 of the shirt 1 by the collar stays 10, 10' to provide a smart arrangement as desired by the particular user. In a preferred embodiment, the collar stays 10, 10' may be manipulated by the user prior to insertion so as to alter the resultant form and/or support provided to the collar to suit the preferences of each individual user. With reference to Figure 5, the collar stay 110 has an elongate stiffening portion 112 and a transverse portion 122. Each of the stiffening portion 112 and transverse portion 122 are elongate in shape. The transverse portion 122 extends at an angle of approximately 130 degrees relative to the stiffening portion 112. Figure 5 illustrates three lines of form and tension created by the use of the collar stay 110. Line 1 illustrates the line of stability created under the collar by use of the collar stay 110. Line 2 illustrates the transverse tension created by the bend formed between the transverse portion 122 and the stiffening portion 112. Figure 3 shows the original front form created by a conventional collar stay. Figures 6 to 9 illustrate a number of further embodiments of the collar stay of the present invention having varying lengths and shapes of transverse portion (222, 322, 422, 522). It can be seen from Figures 5 to 9 that the collar stays of the present invention provide improved support, in particular transverse tension, to the collar compared with conventional collar stays.

Although the Figures illustrate the collar stays 10, 10' as being removably received within the respective channels 3, 3' of the collar 2, it is to be understood that the collar stays may be permanently received within the corresponding channels 3, 3' provided by the collar 2. For example, the collar stays 10, 10' may be stitched to the collar.

Figure 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a collar stay 10 of punch cut aluminium sheet comprising an elongate stiffening portion 12 and elongate supporting portion 16. A first end 14 for fitting into a channel in a shirt collar is tapered to more cleanly meet the point of a shirt collar. The supporting portion 16 defines a generally V-shaped transverse portion 20 which extends about 2.5 cm in a transverse direction, being about half of the transverse maximum available, extends along about a half of the length of the elongate supporting portion and defining successive and generally increasing angles a (about 90°), β (about 90°) and γ (about 135°) leading to elongate distal portion of the supporting portion 16.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the Figures illustrate the collar stays being used to support the collar of a shirt, it is to be understood that the collar stays may be used to provide support and/or form to any suitable garment comprising a collar.