[0001] This invention relates to neckties and menswear and more particularly relates to detachable synthetic neckties.

[0002] Neckties are well known in the art and have become a staple of common business attire. Conventional neckties comprise an elongated strip of fabric commonly tied at the neck using knots known to those of skill in the art, including the Windsor knot, the Christensen knot, the Merovingian knot, the small knot, and the like. Other types of neckties also proliferate in the art, including bowties.

[0003] Neckties have evolved slowly over centuries and continue to evolve with provision of the present invention. Roman soldiers adorned themselves in scarfs and neckwear as part of their uniforms and the concept of the necktie in menswear grew slowly through Europe subsequently. In medieval battles, including the Thirty Years’ War and the Battle of Steenkerque, officers commonly wrapped cravats around their necks and twisted the ends of the fabric cravats together, passing the twisted portions through a buttonhole. These cravats were sometimes used in the battlefield as tourniquets.

[0004] With the industrial revolution, cravats gave way to leather collars and finally to more traditional neckties arraying a series of knots and styles. These traditional neckties are not entireiy efficient however. Traditional neckties still include the collar band, which is uncomfortable particularly in the heat, and are difficult and time consuming to tie. The collar band is useless and not even visible under the collar. It can be difficult to interchange traditional neckties and these inefficiencies have given way to abandonment of the necktie altogether by some professionals in hot or casual business environments.

[0005] Previous attempts to remedy these inefficiencies have been made in the art, including with the evolution of“clip-on” neckties, which eliminate the neckband of the tie and provide alternate means of collar attachment which simulates the Windsor knot. Clip-on neckties often show the clip, do not allow interchange of the elongated fabric portion of the tie, do not allow customizable knots, and do not include simulated knots beyond those previously known in the art. As the art, stylistic preferences of wearers, and manufacturing technologies continue to evolve, so too do neckties.

[0006] It is desirable to provide to the modem man a more efficient necktie with modularized, rapidly-interchangeable components adaptable to meet a variety of stylistic and aesthetic preferences, which makes use of improved manufacturing and design technologies.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention provides a modular necktie comprising: a simulated knot having a declined rearward surface, the declined rearward surface defining a recess for receiving a magnetic element, the simulated knot defining a non-cylindrical attachment channel for receiving a fabric stem, the simulated knot affixable to one of a shirt collar and collar band; a fabric stem adapted to affix at a distal end to an elongated necktie and a proximal end to the knot enclosure, the fabric stem comprising: a noncylindrical proximal head adapted to engage the attachment channel, the proximal head comprising attachment means; a shank; a terminal fastener adapted to fasten to a fabric tie.

[0008] The fabric stem may further comprise a plurality of bulbous flanges. The proximal head of fabric stem may further comprise magnetic element for forming a magnetic dipole bond with a cooperating magnetic element in the knot enclosure.

[0009] The knot enclosure may further comprise, in some embodiments, a magnetic element for forming a magnetic dipole bond with a cooperating magnetic element in the fabric stem. An exterior surface of the knot enclosure may be faceted. The knot enclosure may define a cylindrical attachment recess. A floor of the cylindrical attachment recess may define a magnetic attachment recess. The modular necktie may further comprise an elongated strip of fabric forming a tie affixed to the fabric stem.

[0010] The modular necktie, in some embodiments, may further comprise: an internal power supply; a microphone; and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio data received via the microphone; wherein the modular necktie is adapted to receive spoken audio data via the microphone and transmit said spoken audio to a receiver. The modular necktie may be adapted to wirelessly relay digital audio information using Bluetooth ^® protocols.

[0011] The modular necktie may comprise: a simulated knot having a declined rearward surface, the declined rearward surface, the simulated knot affixable to one of a shirt collar and collar band using attachment means, the simulating knot detachably affixable to one of a fabric stem and a tie using attachment means; an internal power supply; a microphone; and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio data received via the microphone.

[0012] A second modular necktie is provided comprising: a simulated knot having a declined rearward surface, the simulated knot defining a non-cylindrical attachment channel for receiving a fabric stem, the simulated knot affixable to one of a shirt collar and collar band; a fabric stem adapted to affix at a distal end to an elongated necktie and a proximal end to the knot enclosure, the fabric stem comprising: a noncylindrical proximal head adapted to engage the attachment channel, the proximal head comprising attachment means; a shank; attachment means for affixing to a fabric tie.

[0013] The modular necktie may further comprise: an internal power supply; a microphone; and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio data received via the microphone; wherein the modular necktie is adapted to receive spoken audio data via the microphone and transmit said spoken audio to a receiver. The modular necktie may be adapted to wirelessly relay digital audio information using Bluetooth ^® protocols.

[0014] These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1A is a forward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0017] Figure 1B is an upper, rearward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is a forward perspective view of a detachable fabric stem of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 is a forward perspective view of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4A is an upper, forward perspective view of a detachable fabric stem of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4B is a lower, forward perspective view of a detachable fabric stem of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 is a forward perspective view of a disassembled detachable fabric stem and tie of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 is a forward perspective view of a disassembled modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 is a forward perspective view of a disassembled modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8A is a side perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8B is an upper, forward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention; [0027] Figure 8C is a forward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8D is an upper perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8E is an upper, rearward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 is a forward perspective view of a collection of three assembled modular neckties in accordance with the present invention;

[0031] Figure 10 is an environmental perspective view of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0032] Figure 11A is a forward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] Figure 11B is an upper perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0034] Figure 12A is a forward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12B is an upper perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] Figure 13A is an upper, forward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] Figure 13B is a side perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] Figure 13C is a side, rearward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0039] Figure 14 is a disassembled perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0040] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating interior electrical components of a knot enclosure of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention;

[0041] Figures 16-16E illustrate an embodiment of a modular necktie that employs a collar band;

[0042] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate an embodiment of a modular necktie that employs a ratcheting system;

[0043] Figures 18A-18C illustrate an embodiment of a modular necktie that employs another collar band; [0044] Figure 19 illustrates an assembled rear perspective view of a modular necktie that is configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 19A illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the modular necktie of Figure 19;

[0046] Figure 19B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the knot enclosure of the modular necktie of Figure 19;

[0047] Figures 19C illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the insert of the modular necktie of Figure 19;

[0048] Figure 19D illustrates an assembled cross-sectional side view of the modular necktie of Figure 19;

[0049] Figure 20 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of a variation of the modular necktie of Figure 19;

[0050] Figure 20A illustrates a side view of the insert of the modular necktie of Figure 20;

[0051] Figure 20B illustrates a front view of the insert of the modular necktie of Figure 20;

[0052] Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of a modular necktie that includes a ring element; and

[0053] Figure 22 illustrates an embodiment of a modular necktie where the knot enclosure includes decorative inlays.

RETAΪT,ER DESCRIPTION

[0054] Reference throughout this specification to“one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment,”“in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0055] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0056] Figure 1A is a forward perspective view of an interchangeable knot enclosure 100 of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention. Knot enclosure 100 or knot receptacle comprises a top edge 110, a bottom edge 111, a convex front surface 102 that extends between top edge 110 and bottom edge 111, a top rear surface l22a, a bottom rear surface l22b, and opposing sides 112, 113 that connect front surface l22a to rear surfaces l22a, l22b. Front surface 102 may be shaped to simulate any knot commonly-known to those of skill in the art, including a Windsor, half-Windsor, Atlantic knot, Nicky knot, small knot, Merovingian knot, and the like. In other embodiments, including that shown, knot enclosure 100 is faceted in a tapering aesthetically-pleasing style, though not one perfectly simulating common necktie knots. Knot enclosure 100 may form any other generally downwardly-tapering shape.

[0057] Knot enclosure 100 may be formed from any polymeric, metallic, fabric or organic material known to those of skill in the art, including Titanium, Aluminum, metal alloy, nylon, leather, woven silk, and the like. Knot enclosure 100 may comprise any decorative exterior surfacing or colors.

[0058] Figure 1B is an upper, rearward perspective view of knot enclosure 100. As shown, top rear surface l22a is angled relative to bottom rear surface l22b to correspond to the relative angle between a wearer’s neck and torso. Top rear surface l22a includes an attachment recess 104 which functions to receive the top button of the wearer’s shirt. An inner surface of attachment recess 104 defines a magnetic element recess 106 for receiving a first magnetic element. In other embodiments, magnetic element recess 106 could be replaced with another suitable attachment structure such as hook and loop fasteners, friction fit fasteners, etc.

[0059] In embodiments that employ magnetic elements, the first magnet element may be plated so as to help prevent corrosion and/or to help strengthen the magnet material. In one embodiment, a neodymium magnet is coated with nickel or plastic, yet other options for coatings include zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver, and gold, for example.

[0060] A cooperating second magnetic element is disposed or positioned on a collar band which may comprise another magnet having an opposite polarity than the first magnetic element. The second magnetic element may comprise a metallic article that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element. The first and second magnetic elements may have the same size and shape. In the shown embodiments, the first magnetic element is disc-shaped. One of ordinary skill will recognize that a variety of sizes and/or shapes may be used for the first and second magnetic elements and that the sizes and/or shapes of the two magnetic elements need not be identical.

[0061] An attachment channel 108 or socket extends vertically within knot enclosure 100 and forms an opening at bottom edge 111. As shown, attachment channel 108 may also form a rearward facing opening that extends vertically along bottom rear surface l22b. In some embodiments, attachment channel 108 is not cylindrical so as to prevent axial rotation of a fabric stem 200 (see Figure 2) and tie affixed to knot enclosure 100 within attachment channel 108. Although not shown, a top surface of attachment channel 108 can include a magnet or other type of fastener to secure a fabric stem as will be described below.

[0062] Figure 2 is a forward perspective view of a detachable fabric stem 200 of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention. Fabric stem 200 comprises a proximal head 202, a shank 204 having two bulbous flanges 208a-b, and a terminal fastener 206 at the distal end of shank 204.

[0063] Figure 3 is a forward perspective view of a modular necktie 300 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, fabric stem 200 is detachably inserted into attachment channel 108 to thereby secure fabric stem 200 to knot enclosure 100. A fabric tie can be affixed around fabric stem 200 and/or to the terminal end of fabric stem 200.

[0064] Figure 4A is an upper, forward perspective view of fabric stem 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Proximal head 202 of fabric stem 200 is non-cylindrical to prevent axial rotation of fabric stem 200 within knot enclosure 100. Proximal head 202 may be tapered upwardly and may comprise a planar top surface defining a hollow cylindrical recess 402 for receiving a magnetic element adapted to engage using magnetic force a corresponding magnet (e.g., magnet 802 shown in Figure 8D) contained at a top surface of attachment channel 108.

[0065] Fabric stem 200 comprises cylindrical shank 204 and terminal fastener 206 at the distal end of shank 204 for enabling affixation of fabric stem 200 with a tie portion of elongated fabric material. Shank 204 may comprise a plurality of bulbous flanges 208a-b as shown for further facilitating engagement with the tie portion. Figure 4B is a lower, forward perspective view of fabric stem 200 shown in Figure 4A. Terminal fastener 206 may comprise a planar bottom surface as shown.

[0066] Figure 5 is a forward perspective view of a disassembled detachable fabric stem 200 and tie portion 502 of a modular necktie 500 in accordance with the present invention. Tie portion 502 is affixed to fabric stem 200. Fabric stem 200 inserts into tie portion 502 and/or is enveloped or partially enveloped by tie portion 502. Tie portion 502 may be affixed to fabric stem 200 using any means known to those of skill in the art, including lashing, a knot, adhesive, or fasteners.

[0067] Figure 6 is a forward perspective view of a disassembled modular necktie 600 in accordance with the present invention. Fabric stem 200 is inserted into tie portion 502 so that proximal head 202 of fabric stem 200 is positioned and protruding upwardly above tie portion 502. In other words, tie portion 502 can be wrapped around and secured to shank 204 while leaving proximal head 202 exposed. Bulbous flanges 208a-b can form surfaces to prevent tie portion 502 from sliding downwardly relative to proximal head 202. With proximal head 202 exposed, it can be inserted into attachment channel 108 until the magnetic elements or other fasteners couple together thereby securing tie portion 502 to knot enclosure 100. The insertion of proximal head 202 into and the removal of proximal head 202 from attachment channel 108 is facilitated by configuring attachment channel 108 to form the rearward facing opening that extends upward along bottom rear surface l22b.

[0068] Figure 7 is a forward perspective view of a disassembled modular necktie 700 in accordance with the present invention. Knot enclosure 100, fabric stem 200, and tie portion 502 position together as shown.

[0069] Figures 8A - 8 E demonstrate various perspective views of alternate embodiments of interchangeable knot enclosures 100. Knot enclosure 100 may comprise a magnetic element 802 or other fastener as referenced above.

[0070] Figure 9 is a forward perspective view of a collection of three assembled modular neckties 900 in accordance with the present invention. Fabric stem 200 is hidden in each assembled modular necktie from the forward perspective. Figure 10 is an environmental perspective view of a modular necktie 1000 in accordance with the present invention. Knot enclosure 100 positions partially behind the collar 1002 of a shirt with tie portion 502 hanging downwardly from knot enclosure 100. Modular necktie 1000 therefore has the general appearance of a typical necktie.

[0071] Figures 11A-11B illustrate perspective views of an interchangeable knot enclosure 1100 of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention. Knot enclosure 1100 may comprise smooth outer surfacing/styling as shown.

[0072] Figures 12A-12B illustrate perspective views of an interchangeable knot enclosure 1200 of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention. Knot enclosure 1200 may comprise laterally-rising wings as shown for increased projection into a wearer’s collar.

[0073] Figure 13A-13C illustrate perspective views and Figure 14 illustrates an exploded view of an interchangeable knot enclosure 1300 of a modular necktie in accordance with the present invention. Knot enclosure 1300 comprises two detachable lateral collar wings 1302a and 1302b each having a collar band fastener 1304 formed at an outer and rearward end. Collar band fasteners 1304 can be used to couple a collar band that wraps around the wearer’s neck to knot enclosure 1300.

[0074] Lateral collar wings 1302a and 1302b engage knot enclosure 1300 using attachment means 1310 as shown. Attachment means 1310 may be a magnet which couples to a corresponding magnet contained in knot enclosure 1300 or another type of fastener such as a friction fit fastener, snap-fit fastener, screws, etc. [0075] As shown in Figures 13C, attachment recess 104 has a rectangular shape and is configured to receive and secure a button attachment component 1320. Button attachment component 1320 is configured to selectively receive a button 1306 of the wearer’s shirt. In use, button attachment component 1320 can be coupled to button 1306 and then knot enclosure 1300 can be coupled to button attachment component 1320 to thereby secure knot enclosure 1300 to the wearer’s top button. Due to its configuration, knot enclosure 1300 can be coupled to the wearer’s shirt using either button attachment component 1320 to couple to the top button or a collar band that extends between collar band fasteners 1304. In other embodiments, knot enclosure 1300 may include only attachment component 1320 or only collar band fasteners 1304.

[0076] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating interior electrical components of a knot enclosure 1500 of modular necktie in accordance with the present invention. Knot enclosure 1500 may comprises a processor 1502, a wireless transceiver 1520, a microphone 1510, a power supply 1522, a wireless transmitter 1524, and a memory 1528 comprising a plurality of audio files l526a-c.

[0077] In various embodiments, audio input 1530 is received by microphone 1510 and spoken by a wearer. This audio may be retransmitted using protocols and means known to those of skill in the art, including BlueTooth ^® to a remote data processing device (DPD) such as a tablet computer, smart phone, server, personal computer, amplifier, and the like. In various embodiments, the remote DPD is in wireless connectivity with knot enclosure 1500 via a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). The data output is noticed at 1532.

[0078] Knot enclosure 1500 may comprise means for relaying electrical signals enabling device-to-device communication (meaning wireless transmission of media). Knot enclosure 1500 may be configured to make use of the Bluetooth ^® protocols and procedures enabling device-to-device intercommunication connectivity. This functionality may be provided by incorporating the Bluetooth Intercom Profile ^® and/or the Bluetooth Telephony Profile ^® , or other wireless technologies known to those of skill in the art.

[0079] This communication may be in accordance with core specifications of one or more subsets of Bluetooth ^® profiles, wherein the core specifications comprise one or more of: the Cordless Telephony Profile (CTP), the Device ID Profile (DIP), the Dial-up Networking Profile (DUN), the File Transfer Profile (FTP), the Hands-Free Profile (HFP), the Human Interface Device Profile (HID), the Headset Profile (HSP), and the Intercom Profile (ICP), the Proximity Profile (PXP).

[0080] Figures 16A-16D illustrate another embodiment of a modular necktie 1600 that employs knot enclosure 1300. In this embodiment, modular necktie 1600 includes a collar band 1601 having a first magnetic end l60la and a second magnetic end l60lb. At least a portion of the length of collar band 1601 can be made of or incorporate a magnetic material so that magnetic ends 160 la and 160 lb will be held securely to collar band 1601 when the ends are threaded through collar band fasteners 1304 and folded back onto collar band 1601. By incorporating magnetic material along the length of collar band 1601, the diameter of collar band 1601 can be adjusted to fit a particular wearer’s neck size or preferences.

[0081] Figure 16B provides an exploded view of modular necktie 1600 and substantially resembles the exploded view in Figure 14. Modular necktie 1600 employs a fabric stem 1620 that is configured differently from fabric stem 200. Fabric stem 1620 includes a proximal head

1621 and a terminal fastener 1622 similar to fabric stem 200 but does not include bulbous flanges. Instead, fabric stem 1620 includes a locking sleeve l620a into which terminal fastener

1622 inserts and locks to couple together the two pieces. Locking sleeve l620a can be coupled to a tie portion (e.g., by sewing or gluing locking sleeve l620a within the proximal end of the tie portion) and then fabric stem 1620 can be inserted through locking sleeve l620a.

[0082] As shown, a magnet 162 la can be incorporated into proximal head 1621. A corresponding magnet 108 can be incorporated into the top surface of attachment channel 108 so that fabric stem 1620 will be held securely within attachment channel 108.

[0083] Figures 16C and 16D better illustrate how lateral collar wings l302a and l302b couple to knot enclosure 1300. Top rear surface l22a of knot enclosure 1300 includes a recessed portion 1655 on opposite sides of attachment recess 104. Each of lateral collar wings 1302a and 1302b includes a corresponding protrusion 1652 that protrudes downwardly from a bottom edge 1651. Bottom edge 1651 is configured to align with and rest against top rear surface l22a when protrusion 1652 inserts into recessed portion 1655. A magnet l3 l0a (or other type of fastener) can be contained in recessed portion 1655 to couple to a corresponding magnet 1310 (or other type of fastener) contained in protrusion 1655.

[0084] Each of lateral collar wings l302a also includes an outer surface 1653 that extends downwardly beyond protrusion 1652 and aligns with the corresponding side 111 or 112 of knot enclosure 1300. A channel l652a is formed between outer surface 1653 and protrusion 1652. A portion of top rear surface l22a inserts into channel l652a when lateral collar wings 1302a and 1302b are coupled to knot enclosure 1300 to thereby reinforce the coupling.

[0085] Figure 16E illustrates button attachment component 1320 in isolation. As mentioned above, button attachment component 1320 is separable from knot enclosure 1300 to thereby allow button attachment component 1320 to be secured to the wearer’s top button. A pocket l306a may be formed within button attachment component 1320 and can be sized and shaped to snugly receive a button. Pocket 1306a may open at one side of button attachment component 1320. A notch l306al can be formed centrally in this opening so that the threads that couple the button to the shirt can be positioned within notch l306al when button attachment component 1320 is slid onto the button. Button attachment component 1320 can include magnet 1322 that secures to corresponding magnet l322a contained within attachment recess 104.

[0086] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate another embodiment of a modular necktie 1700. Modular necktie 1700 is the same as modular necktie 1600 except that collar band 1601 is replaced with two ratcheting strips 1702. Ratcheting strips 1702 can couple to knot enclosure 1300 via collar band fasteners 1304 via any suitable arrangement.

[0087] To secure ratcheting strips 1702 to the wearer’s shirt, a receptacle 1701 can be secured under the collar on both sides of the shirt. Receptacle 1701 can include an attachment portion 170 la that faces inwardly and is configured to attached to the shirt via stitching, glue, or any other suitable mechanism. Receptacle 1701 also includes a ratcheting structure 170 lb through which the corresponding ratcheting strip 1701 inserts. Ridges l702a on ratcheting strip 1702 interface with ratcheting structure 170 lb to prevent ratcheting strip 1702 from withdrawing from receptacle 1701 without disengaging release lever l70lbl. Accordingly, the wearer can insert ratcheting strips 1701 through receptacles 1701 to an appropriate distance to position and secure knot enclosure 1300 at the desired location. Because receptacles 1701 can be coupled under the wearer’s collar, they will not be visible while the collar is folded down.

[0088] Figures 18A-18C illustrate another embodiment of a modular necktie 1800. Modular necktie 1800 is similar to modular neckties 1600 and 1700 except that a knot enclosure 1850 has a slightly different shape and interconnects with lateral collar wings 180 la and 180 lb in a slightly different manner. Additionally, modular necktie 1800 includes a collar band formed of two straps l802a and l802b.

[0089] As best seen in Figures 18B and 18C, knot enclosure 1850 includes recesses l820b at the upper end of each side. Recesses l820b are configured to house a magnet (e.g., within an embedded recess). Each of lateral collar wings l80la and l80lb includes a protrusion l820a that corresponds to recess l820b to allow protrusion l820a to insert into recess l820b. Protrusion l820a can also be configured to house a magnet (e.g., within a recess) that aligns with the magnet housed in the corresponding recess l820b. Accordingly, when protrusion l820a inserts into recess l820b, lateral collar wing 180 la or 180 lb will be coupled to knot enclosure 1850 via magnetic force. Other types of coupling mechanisms could be used in place of magnets including temporary and semi-permanent coupling mechanisms.

[0090] Straps l802a and l802b connect at one end to lateral collar wing 180 la and 180 lb respectively. The opposite ends of straps l802a and l802b are configured to interconnect in an adjustable manner thereby allowing the diameter of the collar band to be adjusted. In particular, the end of strap l802a forms a buckle-like structure 1803 and channel 1804. The end of strap l802b can be inserted through channel 1804 to a desired distance to form a loop. Straps l802a and l802b can then be secured together by inserting a pin (not visible) formed on buckle-like structure 1803 into one of notches 1805 that are formed along the end of strap l802b. The pin on buckle-like structure 1803 can be oriented outwardly so that the end of strap l802b inserts inwardly through channel 1804 thereby ensuring that the end of straps l802a and l802b will lie flat under the collar.

[0091] Figures 19 - 19D provide various views of another embodiment of a modular necktie 1900 that is configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Modular necktie 1900 includes a knot enclosure 1910, a fabric stem 1920 and an insert 1930. Insert 1930 inserts into and is retained within a channel 1912 of knot enclosure 1910 while fabric stem 1920 inserts into and is retrained within a pocket 1935 of insert 1930.

[0092] Knot enclosure 1910 includes a convex front surface 1911 similar to the previously described knot enclosures. Channel 1912 is formed on the rear side of knot enclosure 1910 and is configured to receive insert 1930. An inner surface of channel 1912 can form a shelve 1914 that is positioned towards a bottom of knot enclosure 1910. When insert 1930 is placed within channel 1912, a bottom surface 1932 of insert 1930 will rest on shelve 1914 and substantially align a top rear surface 1931 of insert 1930 with the surrounding surfaces of knot enclosure 1910. A bottom portion 1915 of knot enclosure extends downwardly beyond shelve 1914.

[0093] To secure insert 1930 within channel 1912, interlocking members 1913 can be formed on the inner surface of channel 1912 and corresponding interlocking member 1933 a can be formed on an outer surface 1933 of insert 1930. Interlocking members 1913 and l933a can be configured to interlock when insert 1930 is seated on shelve 1914. In the depicted embodiment, interlocking members 1913, which may be formed on opposing sides of channel 1912, may be configured as rounded indents, while interlocking members 1933 a, which may also be formed on opposing sides of insert 1930, may be configured as rounded protrusions having the same general shape and size as the rounded indents. Of course, interlocking members 1913 and 1933 a could alternatively be configured as protrusions and indents respectively. Forming the interlocking members as rounded indents and protrusions can facilitate separating insert 1930 from channel 1912 when desired while also preventing insert 1930 from separating from channel 1912 unintentionally. Interlocking members 1913 and 1933 a may preferably be employed with embodiments of modular necktie 1900 that are made of metal.

[0094] Insert 1930 includes a pocket 1934 that is positioned below top rear surface 1931 and that forms a rear-facing opening. A notch 193 la can be formed in top rear surface 1931 and extends upwardly/forwardly from a rear edge of top rear surface 1931. Notch 193 la accommodates the threads of the top button of a wearer’s shirt when the top button is slid into pocket 1934 to thereby couple modular necktie 1900 to the wearer’s shirt.

[0095] Insert 1930 also includes a pocket 1935 that is positioned at and opens towards the bottom of insert 1930. Pocket 1935 is configured to receive proximal head 1922 of fabric stem 1920. An upper face 1923 of proximal head 1922 can be rearwardly angled to match the angle of the upper surface of pocket 1935. Insert 1930 can also include a pocket 1936 that is positioned between pockets 1934 and 1935 and that opens towards the front of insert 1930. To secure fabric stem 1920 within pocket 1935, a magnet (not shown) can be placed within pocket 1936 to attract a corresponding magnet (not shown) contained within pocket 1923 a formed in proximal head 1922. The thin wall between pockets 1935 and 1936 will ensure that a sufficient magnetic force exists to prevent fabric stem 1920 from unintentionally separating from pocket 1935.

[0096] A recessed portion 1924 of fabric stem 1920 is formed between proximal head 1922 and terminal fastener 1921. A tie portion (e.g., tie portion 502) can be wrapped around and secured to fabric stem 1920 in the location of recessed portion 1924 (similar to what is shown in Figure 6). As is best seen in Figure 19D, the relative dimensions of knot enclosure 1910, fabric stem 1920 and insert 1930 will cause recessed portion 1924 to be positioned within pocket 1935 so that bottom portion 1915 of knot enclosure 1910 will conceal proximal head 1922 and the transition to the tie portion. The widened, rounded shape of terminal fastener 1921 will assist with maintaining a desired shape of the tie portion as it hangs from fabric stem 1920.

[0097] Figures 20 - 20B illustrate a variation of modular necktie 1900. In this variation, interlocking members 1913 and l933a are replaced with interlocking members 2001 and 2002. Interlocking members 2001 are configured as angled indents, while interlocking members 2002 are configured as pivoting tabs. As is best seen in Figure 20B, channels 2003 are formed in opposing sides of outer surface 1933, and interlocking members 2002 are positioned within channels 2003 but spaced from the inner surface of channels 2003 to thereby allow interlocking members 2002 to pivot inwardly. As is also best seen in Figure 20B, interlocking members 2002 are structured to extend outwardly beyond outer surface 1933 so that they will insert into interlocking members 2001. Accordingly, absent a force sufficient to pivot interlocking members 2002 inwardly, insert 1930 will be retained within channel 1912. Interlocking members 2001 and 2002 may preferably be employed with embodiments of modular necktie 1900 that are made of plastic.

[0098] Figure 21 illustrates a modular necktie 2100 that includes knot enclosure 1910, fabric stem 1920, tie portion 502 and a ring element 2101 that is configured to be placed around tie portion 502 overtop fabric stem 1920 such that ring element 2101 is positioned below knot enclosure 1210. Ring element 2101 can add additional decoration to modular necktie 2100 or any other modular necktie described herein.

[0099] Figure 22 illustrates how a knot enclosure (such as knot enclosure 1910) can be configured to include a number of decorative inlays 2200. For example, the various surfaces of knot enclosure 1910 can be recessed to receive the decorative inlays 2200. Decorative inlays 2200 could be permanently affixed within the recesses or may be selectively replaceable (e.g., by using magnets, hook and look fasteners or any other suitable type of fastener or adhesive). Decorative inlays 2200 can be made of a number of different materials including wood, metals, composites, or any other material that has a desirable appearance.

[00100] The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.