Technical Field

The present application relates generally to neckties, more particularly, to a support for a necktie.

Description of the Prior Art Neckties are used as a decorative piece of men's apparel. Neckties are worn around the neck and are often considered part of a more professional or business dress code. By following a particular process, the two ends of the necktie may be tied together around the neck of a user to form a knot. The knot is used to snuggly wrap around the collar of the shirt and to gather the tie into a relatively orderly orientation. The need to tie, untie, and then subsequently retie the necktie can lead to frayed edges and wear to the necktie.

In an effort to avoid the wear that occurs during tying the necktie, some users choose to use a pre-tied necktie. Some pre-tied neckties come with a clasp that pinches around the collar. These neckties typically have no portion which wraps around the neck. These pre-tied neckties can sag, may look bulky, and can even cause discomfort to a user from the clasp being inside the collar. Another pre-tied necktie has a knotted portion with a neckband area in two parts, which are linked together about the neck, using various fasteners. However, the neckband may be larger (or shorter) than the circumference of the neck portion of the shirt, causing the necktie to be too loose or too tight. A more stable and adjustable method of securing a necktie is needed.

Although great strides have been made, with respect to neckties, considerable shortcomings remain. Brief Description of the Drawings

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a necktie support according to the preferred embodiment of the present application;

Figure 2 is front view of the necktie support of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a top view of the necktie support of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective rear view of the necktie support of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is an enlarged rear view of the necktie support of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is an alternative embodiment of a plate for the necktie support of Figure

1 ;

Figure 7 is an alternative embodiment of the necktie support of Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is an alternative embodiment of the necktie support of Figure 1 ;

Figure 9 is a rear view of the necktie support of Figures 7 and 8;

Figure 10 is an exemplary top view of a sleeve and optional divider of a sleeve member used in the necktie support of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 1 1 is a schematic of an electronic control device used in the necktie support of Figures 8 and 9. While the system and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business- related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms, such as above and below, to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. Referring now to Figures 1 -5 in the drawings, a necktie support 101 is illustrated. Necktie support 101 is configured to be a fashionable unit that is shaped to resemble the tie knot of a necktie (see Figure 2). Support 101 is configured to replace the manually created or manufactured knot. Avoiding the need to actually tie the necktie permits the design and function of a tie without the concern for premature and localized wear from the knot. In operation, a fabric is passed one or more times through a sleeve and is secured to a contoured plate. Ideally support 101 is located adjacent the collar of a shirt during use but other locations are contemplated.

Although discussion in this disclosure is centered on the use of a necktie ("tie"), it is understood that necktie support 101 is fully functionable with other forms of fabric materials apart from a necktie. For example, a necktie, a bowtie, a scarf, lace, or any other material. For purposes of illustration in the present application, the fabric will refer to a necktie, however, it is understood that the same processes or features associated with support 101 and described herein apply equally with other types of fabric. Necktie support 101 includes a contoured plate 103 having a front face 105 and a back face 107, a sleeve member 109 coupled to the back face 107, and an attachment member 1 1 1 in biased communication with sleeve member 109.

Contoured plate 103 serves as the predominant visual centerpiece of support 101 . Sleeve member 109 and attachment member 1 1 1 are located predominantly behind plate 103, concealed from view. It is understood that the shape and contour of plate 103 is not limited to the illustrated design shown in the present set of Figures. Other designs and ornamentation are possible. Contoured plate 103 is configured to be customizable to permit a user to selectively tailor the design to suit personal preference. For example, as seen in Figures 1 -3, front face 105 is configured to accept a plurality of grooves. Other design preferences are considered, including the use of beads, reflectors, leather, fabric, machining, and jewelry to name a few. In such a way, front face 105 may act similar to a canvass in painting, serving as the base support for the design preferences. Additionally, the contour of plate 103 may be customized to suit personal preference of the user. Although illustrated in the shape of a tie knot, it is understood that other shapes are contemplated, such as religious emblems (Christian cross or Jewish star), assorted symbols, animals, or even inanimate objects.

Contoured plate 103 may be formed from a plurality of materials including at least any of the following: metallic, ceramic, plastic, elastomeric, composite, paper, wood, and glass, to name a few. This list of materials are not meant to be limiting. It is understood that other materials or combinations of materials may also be used.

Referring now in particular to Figures 4 and 5, the features of sleeve member 109 and attachment member 1 1 1 are more clearly illustrated. Both sleeve member 109 and attachment member 1 1 1 are located in the concave portion of plate 103 adjacent back face 107. Sleeve member 109 is directly coupled to back face 107 through the use of one or more fasteners 1 13. Fasteners 1 13 may either be configured to generate a permanent mating between sleeve member 109 and plate 103, or may be selectively removable to permit the interchanging of plate 103 with that of sleeve member 109. Fasteners 1 13 pass through a base member 1 17 of sleeve member 109 and into a portion of plate 103.

Sleeve member 109 also includes a sleeve 1 15 configured to accept and selectively align the fabric. Referring now also to Figure 10 in the drawings wherein sleeve 1 15 is more easily seen from a representative top view. Base member 1 17 is only partially shown. When interacting with a necktie (or other fabric), the neck tie is looped around a user's collar (neck area) and passed through sleeve 1 15. Preferably the small end of the tie is used in order to more easily fit within the space provided. As the necktie is looped around the collar of a shirt, the necktie is passed through sleeve 1 15 twice, once going in the upward direction 1 19 and once in the downward direction 121 . As customary, the narrow end of the necktie is placed behind the larger end of the necktie such that the smaller end is oriented so as to lay parallel with the larger end. The larger end concealing the smaller end of the necktie. In order to assist in orienting one or more passes of fabric through sleeve 1 15, sleeve member 109 may optionally include one or more dividers 123. As seen in Figure 10, divider 123a is laterally aligned within sleeve 1 15, being oriented perpendicular to that of base member 1 17. Divider 123b is longitudinally aligned within sleeve 1 15, being oriented relatively parallel with that of base member 1 17. Dividers 123a, 123b extend the full length and/or width of sleeve 1 15. The purpose of dividers 123a, 123b is to compartmentalize or divide sleeve 1 15 so as to maintain different passages in which to separate opposing fabric layers. One or more dividers 123 may be used, thereby forming any number of shaped passages for fabric to pass. Attachment member 1 1 1 is coupled to an outer face 125 and is in biased communication with sleeve 1 15. Attachment member 1 1 1 is configured restrict the movement of the necktie relative to plate 103. In the present embodiment seen in Figure 4, attachment member 1 1 1 is configured to selectively pivot about face 125 and selectively apply a pressure against back face 107. Attachment member 1 1 1 includes a biased member 131 and a clip 129. The application of a force from clip 129 against the back face 107 is what secures the position and orientation of the necktie relative to plate 103. A tip portion 127 of clip 129 is what contacts back face 107. Tip portion 127 is located on an opposing end from that of a radiused thumb portion 133. Biased member 131 is coupled to clip 129 between portions 133, 127 to permit the relative movement of tip portion 127 relative to back face 107 as a force is applied to radiused thumb portion 133. In order to insert the necktie through sleeve 1 15, ideally a user applies a force to thumb portion 133 (force applied toward back face 107) to rotate tip portion 127 away from plate 103. Once the necktie is oriented and positioned according to the user's desire, the force applied to thumb portion 133 is released and tip portion 127 is brought into contact with back face 107 via biased member 131 .

Other methods or devices may be used to selectively restrict the movement of a fabric relative to plate 103. Clamping forces apart from that described herein are contemplated. It is contemplated that various other securing methods exist and are possible within support 101 , namely other types of clips or clamps, chains, pins, magnets, and so forth. For example, two separate elastic straps may be attached to neighboring plates, such that the elastic straps pull the plates in contact with each other. The fabric configured to lie between the plates, thereby being secured from translation. Referring now also to Figures 6-8 in the drawings, additional exemplary embodiments of plate 103 are illustrated. Each exemplary embodiment, when combined with the other portions or members described with support 101 in Figures 1 -5 may yield selective alternative embodiments. Discussion of alternative embodiments include the form and features of support 101 described in Figures 1 -5 including additional features described below. Be it known that Figure 6 illustrates another style of customized appearance and design to front face 105 of plate 103 as discussed previously. As seen in Figure 6, plate 103a may include graphical indicia 134. In Figure 7, plate 103b further includes a display 135. In Figure 8, plate 103c further includes a speaker 137 and a button 139. The embodiments of Figures 7 and 8 incorporate electrical components thereby necessitating the use of an electronic control device 141 as seen in Figure 9. Device 141 is configured to provide the power, processing, and electronic control of display 135 and speakers 137.

Referring now also to Figure 1 1 in the drawings, electronic control device 141 is illustrated. Figure 1 1 illustrates an electronic control device 141 for processing information related to the control and operation of speakers 137 and display 135. The electronic control device 141 may include any of the following: an input/output (I/O) interface 12, an optimization engine 14, a database 16, and a maintenance interface 18. Alternative embodiments can combine or distribute the input/output (I/O) interface 12, optimization engine 14, database 16, and maintenance interface 18 as desired. Embodiments of the electronic control device 141 can include one or more computers that include one or more processors and memories configured for performing tasks described herein below. This can include, for example, a computer having a central processing unit (CPU) and non-volatile memory that stores software instructions for instructing the CPU to perform at least some of the tasks described herein. This can also include, for example, two or more computers that are in communication via a computer network. One or more of the computers may include a CPU. The two or more computers include non-volatile memory, and one or more of the computer's non-volatile memory stores software instructions for instructing any of the computers to perform any of the tasks described herein. Thus, while the exemplary embodiment is described in terms of a discrete machine or device, it should be appreciated that this description is non-limiting, and that the present description applies equally to numerous other arrangements involving one or more machines or devices performing tasks distributed in any way among the one or more machines or devices. It should also be appreciated that such machines or devices need not be dedicated to performing tasks described herein, but instead can be multi-purpose machines, for example computer workstations, that are suitable for also performing other tasks. Furthermore the computers may use transitory and non-transitory forms of computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media is to be interpreted to comprise all computer-readable media, with the sole exception of being a transitory, propagating signal.

The I/O interface 12 provides a communication link between external users, systems, and data sources and components of the electronic control device 141 . The I/O interface 12 can be configured for allowing one or more users to input information or command instruction data to the electronic control device 141 via any known input device. Examples can include a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, and/or any other desired input device. The I/O interface 12 can be configured for allowing one or more users to receive information output from the electronic control device 141 via any known output device. Examples can include a display monitor (for example display 135), a printer, a speaker (for example speaker 137), and/or any other desired output device. The I/O interface 12 can be configured for allowing other systems to communicate with the electronic control device 141 . For example, the I/O interface 12 can allow one or more remote computer(s) to access information, input information, and/or remotely instruct the electronic control device 141 to perform one or more of the tasks described herein. The I/O interface 12 can be configured for allowing communication with one or more remote data sources. For example, the I/O interface 12 can allow one or more remote data source(s) to access information, input information, and/or remotely instruct the electronic control device 141 to perform one or more of the tasks described herein. For example, a remote computer or remote data source may include any handheld electronic device such as an electronic smart phone or electronic tablet.

The database 16 provides persistent data storage for electronic control device 141 . While the term "database" is primarily used, a memory or other suitable data storage arrangement may provide the functionality of the database 16. In alternative embodiments, the database 16 can be integral to or separate from the electronic control device 141 and can operate on one or more computers. The database 16 preferably provides non-volatile data storage for any information suitable to support the operation of the electronic control device 141 , including various types of data discussed herein. The maintenance interface 18 is configured to allow users to maintain desired operation of the electronic control device 141 . In some embodiments, the maintenance interface 18 can be configured to allow for reviewing and/or revising the data stored in the database 16 and/or performing any suitable administrative tasks commonly associated with database management. This can include, for example, updating database management software, revising security settings, and/or performing data backup operations. In some embodiments, the maintenance interface 18 can be configured to allow for maintenance of the optimization engine 14 and/or the I/O interface 12. This can include, for example, software updates and/or administrative tasks such as security management and/or adjustment of certain tolerance settings. The optimization engine 14 optimize performance of the other systems.

Electronic control device 141 is coupled to sleeve member 109 and plate 103b/103c adjacent back face 107. Wiring is routed through base member 1 17 to reach front face 105, display 135, speakers 137, and button 139. As noted above, electronic control device 141 includes a self-contained power supply (i.e. a battery - optionally rechargeable). Additionally, electronic control device 141 provides the processing for selectively storing and transmitting signal data. The signal data used to operate and communicate commands and information to the electronic components of the various embodiments of support 101 .

Referring now particularly to Figures 7 and 9 in the drawings, plate 103b includes display 135 configured to present visual information, such as an image, patterned light sequences, and textual data (words, letters, & numbers). In order to operate display 135, support 101 further includes electronic control device 141 as seen in Figure 9. Display 135 is coupled to plate 103b and is in direct communication with electronic control device 141 to receive and transmit the signal data there between.

As stated previously, data may be stored within electronic control device 141 or may be transmitted to electronic control device 141 for the purpose of performing a selected task. An example in which electronic control device 141 and display 135 may be used is where electronic control device 141 has pre-stored data that permits the presentation of certain visual information on display 135. Electronic control device 141 may have one or more pre-set visual information programs. Support 101 may further include a selection switch 143 in communication with electronic control device 141 being configured to selectively permit a user to adjust the presented visual information on display 135.

Another example in which electronic control device 141 and display 135 may be used is where electronic control device 141 is in wireless communication with a remote computerized device (i.e. p.d.a., cell phone or electronic tablet) that has programmed applications that are used to communicate with electronic control device 141 by providing signal data to perform selected tasks (selected visual information data to display). Signal data may be uploaded to electronic control device 141 from the remote computerized device, or signal data may be downloaded to the remote computerized device from the electronic control device 141 . Use of the remote computerized device permits a user to selectively tailor and customize the presented visual information on display 135 as opposed to selecting between pre-set options.

Referring now particularly to Figures 8 and 9 in the drawings, plate 103c includes speaker 137 configured to receive sound data from electronic control device 141 and to selectively produce audible sound frequencies. Support 101 may further include button 139 to regulate the production of audible sound frequencies through speaker 139. Button is in communication with electronic control device 141 to function in one or more capacities, namely as an on/off device and optionally as a volume control device. Volume may be adjusted by either selectively tilting button 139 relative to plate 103c or by a rapid succession of a predefined number of "clicks". Support 101 may also further include an antennae 145 to receive broadcasted radio wave signals through electronic control device 141 . This would permit support 101 to also act as a radio device. Electronic control device 141 may also have pre-stored chimes, sounds, songs, slogans, cliche sayings, and other sounds available for a user to select. Selection switch 143 may be included within this embodiment to assist the user in selecting from the available sound options. In similar manner to that of display 135, the present embodiment may also be in wireless communication with a remote computerized device (i.e. p.d.a., cell phone or electronic tablet) that has programmed applications that are used to communicate with electronic control device 141 by providing signal data to perform selected tasks (i.e. : play, stop, sort, or upload selected music data). Use of the remote computerized device permits a user to selectively tailor and customize the sound data stored on electronic control device 141 and selectively listen to sound data from the remote computerized device.

As noted earlier, electronic control device 141 includes I/O interface 12 configured for allowing one or more users to input information or command instruction data to the electronic control device 141 via any known input device. An example of a way to input command instruction data was through the use of a microphone. Electronic control device 141 may further include a microphone 147. Microphone 147 is configured to capture and relay audible sound frequencies, or command instructions through an audible signal data from a user directly to electronic control device 141 . This would allow for a user to control the display 135, speakers 137, and various functions of electronic control device 141 via voice commands. When in communication with a remote computerized device, electronic control device 141 may transmit signal data generated from a user's voice to the remote computerized device. Signal data may be uploaded from or downloaded to the remote computerized device. Microphone 147 allows electronic control device 141 to record audible information via microphone 147 for playback at a later time or for storage. Additionally a user may answer a phone call via support 101 , hear the person via speakers 137, and communicate back through microphone 147. In this situation, button 139 may be used to answer the call and to hang up at the conclusion of the call. Another example of how this system may be used is that voice commands may be transmitted via microphone 147 to the remote computerized device to perform selected tasks (i.e. : look up information, record information, make a phone call).

Although microphone 147 has been described with speakers 137, it is understood that microphone 147 may also be used in communication with display 135. Additionally, it is understood that display 135, microphone 147, speaker 137, and button 139 may be selectively interchanged into one or more various embodiments. The devices disclosed within the current application have many advantages over the prior art including at least the following: (1 ) fashionable front plate; (2) decreased wear on fabric, such as a necktie; (3) interchangeability of the plate with the sleeve member; (4) Interactive control and functionality with remote computerized devices; and (5) ability to display visual information on a display and to store and play audible data via a speaker.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.