Introduction

This invention relates to improvements to the safety and utility of pre-tied neckties such as zipper ties.

Background to the Invention

There are a number of problems associated with the current design of pre-tied neck ties such as zipper neckties.

The zipper necktie design has the potential to cause accident and injury if it is caught in machinery or pulled and twisted by another individual or other force because the collar design of the zipper necktie takes the form of a "noose" around the wearer's neck. In the event that the tie undergoes significant force by way of pulling, tugging or twisting, it then has the potential to cut off air supply to the wearer and cause injury. Another health risk relates to the transmission of germs on the tie.

In addition, a zipper necktie operates through the convergence the two sets of zipper teeth sewn into the collar. As with any zipper device, should the teeth become misaligned by incorrect use, the teeth can be damaged. Since the zipper necktie uses an advanced zipper system to operate the necktie, any damage to the zip teeth caused by misalignment can ultimately damage the necktie beyond the capable repair of the average individual wearer and render it unusable. A problem commonly associated with tying a necktie is that many individuals are not capable of tying complex knots, such as the Windsor, Half-Windsor or Shelby, and settle for the Four-in-Hand, which is the simplest necktie knot. Even if the individual is a skilled necktie knotter, it may take considerable time and effort to execute their particular knot from tie to tie, due to necktie shape and material differences. Should the wearer lack skill in producing a perfect blade length and knot, they will either display a tie that they would not be able to describe as perfectly executed, or, they will waste significant time ensuring their tie is knotted to a standard they find acceptable. Certain shirt collar styles are complimented best with certain types of knots that may be larger or smaller than the average necktie knot, and so require a more complicated process and greater skill to create these knots. In short, the process of executing the perfect necktie knot when using a traditional necktie can be arduous, time consuming and ineffective leaving the individual with a flawed necktie appearance.

In addition, when an individual wears a traditional necktie, the pattern and colour of the necktie is generally consistent throughout. The wearer cannot have a different coloured knot from the necktie blade Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided

a pre-tied necktie comprising:

a knot portion;

a front blade portion;

a collar forming a closed loop; and

a rear tie portion which is separable into first and second sides which are extendable through respective sides of the knot portion to form at least part of each side of the collar, and collar enlargement and reduction means which adjust the point of connection between the first and second sides to enlarge and reduce the collar size; wherein

the knot portion comprises a knot support which is shaped to define the overall appearance of the knot portion.

Preferably, the collar enlargement and reduction means is a zip fastener.

Optionally, the collar enlargement and reduction means is a drawstring.

Preferably, the collar is an extension of the rear tie portion. Preferably, the collar has a release mechanism which opens the closed loop upon the application of a predetermined force thereto.

Preferably, the collar comprises first and second side members which are

releaseably connectable in order to form the release mechanism. Preferably, the first and second members are releaseably connectable by means of a hook and loop mechanism. Optionally, the first and second encircling members are releaseably connectable by means of a snap fastener such as a moulded clip or a safety lanyard moulded clip.

Preferably, the collar further comprises a reference indicator positioned at or near the middle point of the collar when the prettied neck-tie is worn, the reference indicator being used to identify an area of the collar which should be held when loosening the collar to effect a smooth passage of the collar through the knot portion to the rear position.

Preferably, use of the reference indicator facilitates proper alignment of the teeth of the zip fastener when loosening the collar.

Preferably, the reference indicator is attached to the collar.

Optionally, the reference indicator is a strip of fabric that is distinguishable from the remainder of the collar by touch, thereby allowing the user to locate it by touch.

Optionally, the reference indicator may be of rougher material or smoother material than the remainder of the collar or it may stand out from the remainder of the collar. Optionally, the reference indicator may be offset with respect to the remainder of the collar to protrude from or be inset into the collar.

Preferably, the necktie can be constructed with pre-tied necktie knots of different shapes and sizes. Preferably, the necktie can be constructed with pre-tied necktie knots of different shapes and sizes by modifying the height and width of the knot support.

Preferably, the knot support comprises first and second mateable components which define the height and width of the knot support. Preferably, the first mateable component of the knot support is connectable to second mateable components of the knot support of different height and width. Preferably, the second mateable component of the knot support is connectable to first mateable components of the knot support of different height and width.

Preferably, the necktie can be constructed with pre-sized necktie blades Preferably the knot support further comprises an attachment means to which the tie blade is releaseably connected.

Preferably, the attachment means is releaseably connected to the first mateable component.

Preferably, the attachment means is releaseably connected to the second mateable component.

Preferably, the shape of the knot support may be altered to produce different shapes when the knot material is assembled around it.

This can be anything from an oval or circular shape, to a square shape to a diamond shape. Preferably, the blade can also be reshaped to produce any desirable type of shape. For example, an oval, a rectangle, a diamond, a coffin shape or bolt of lightning shape.

Preferably, the necktie is coated in anti-bacterial protector after construction,.

Optionally, the necktie is constructed with anti-bacterial material.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows the front view of a zipper tie;

Figure 2 shows the rear view of the zipper tie of figure 1 ;

Figure 3 shows the front view of the zipper tie with hook and loop fastener safety feature in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 4 shows the rear view of the zipper tie with hook and loop fastener safety device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention in use such that the safety feature is activated when force is applied to the zipper necktie allowing detachment from the neck;

Figure 6 shows the zipper tie collar with detached hook and loop fastener safety feature;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the attached hook and loop fastener safety feature;

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the detached hook and loop fastener safety feature on the zipper tie collar;

Figure 9 shows a rear view of another embodiment of the safety feature in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 10 shows a side view of the connectors in the embodiment of figure 9 and Figure 10b shows a plan view of the connectors in the embodiment of figure 9;

Figure 11a shows a moulded clip and figure 11b shows a lanyard moulded safety clip; Figure 12 shows the incorrect application of force for increasing the collar size in a pre-tied necktie;

Figure 13 shows the midpoint of the collar where the force of pulling the zipper necktie to increase collar size should be focused;

Figure 14 shows a plan view of the finger positioning device portion of material located at the midpoint of the zipper necktie collar; Figure 15 shows a front view of the finger positioning device portion of material located at the midpoint of the zipper necktie collar;

Figure 16 shows correct pulling motion used to operate the zipper necktie if increasing the collar size;

Figure 17 shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the finger positioning device is combined with a safety feature in accordance with the present invention; Figure 18 shows the associated appearance of a traditional necktie if the knot is tied incorrectly (the knot is too small for the collar and necktie blade is too long for the wearer's body frame);

Figure 19 shows the associated appearance of a traditional necktie if the knot is tied incorrectly (the knot is too large for the collar style and the necktie blade is too short for the wearer's body frame);

Figure 20 shows the associated appearance of a traditional necktie if the knot is positioned too low on the necktie length, resulting in a square fat knot (typically associated with necktie blade appearance referred to in figure 2);

Figure 21 shows the associated appearance of a traditional necktie if the knot is positioned too high on the necktie length, resulting in a thin elongated knot (typically associated with necktie blade appearance referred to in figure 1); Figure 22 shows the associated appearance of a traditional necktie if the knot is tied too quickly or by an individual with insufficient skill to create symmetrical knots, resulting in an imperfect and asymmetrical knot display;

Figures 23 and 24 shows the zipper tie knot apparatus of male and female components, which are shaped and moulded to provide increasing or decreasing length, width and depth appropriately for each of the four customised zipper tie knots;

Figure 25 shows the perfectly symmetrical version of the customised zipper necktie, featuring the Windsor knot style;

Figure 26 shows the outline shape of a customised zipper necktie Half Windsor knot style set over the reshaped knot component;

Figure 27 shows the outline shape of a customised zipper necktie Full Windsor knot style set over the reshaped knot component; Figure 28 shows the outline shape of a customised zipper necktie Four in Hand knot style set over the reshaped knot component;

Figure 29 shows the outline shape of a customised zipper necktie Shelby knot style set over the reshaped knot component;

Figure 30 shows the customisable zipper necktie blade length options; Figure 31 shows the customisable zipper necktie blade width options; Figure 32 shows the key components of a zipper necktie;

Figure 33 shows the zipper necktie knot frame; Figures 34 and 35 shows the female portion of the zipper necktie knot frame with female press stud attached;

Figure 36 shows removable necktie blade with wire insert and female press stud attached;

Figure 37 shows the standard traditional self-tying necktie shape that is so

recognisable; Figure 38 shows the four components forming a zipper necktie in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 39 shows the plastic knot component reshaped to allow for an oval knot shape;

Figure 40 shows the plastic knot component reshaped to allow for a circular knot shape;

Figure 41 shows the plastic knot component reshaped to allow for a square knot shape;

Figure 42 shows the plastic knot component reshaped to allow for an hour-glass knot shape; Figure 43 shows the zipper necktie front blade with a rectangular shape; Figure 44 shows the zipper necktie front blade with an oval shape; Figure 45 shows the zipper necktie front blade with a "coffin" shape;

Figure 46 shows the zipper necktie front blade with an hourglass shape; Figure 47 shows the zipper necktie front blade with a lightning bolt shape; Figure 48 shows the zipper necktie front blade with a castellated shape;

Figure 49 shows the front of a zipper neck tie which is coated in an antibacterial protector; and

Figure 50 shows a rear view of the zipper neck tie of figure 49.

Detailed Description of the Drawings The following figures describe a number of features of the present invention which improve the safety and utility of pre-tied neckties. It will be appreciated that the features described below could be incorporated on a single garment or on different garments falling within the scope of the invention. A pre-tied necktie that includes a safety device on the rear of the neck encircling portion promotes higher standards of safety for the wearer. A hook and loop type fastener is connected to the neck encircling portion allowing quick detachment of the zipper necktie from the neck by separating into two halves when a pulling or twisting force is applied to it. Use of the safety feature should, in most circumstances, not render the zipper necktie unusable again. Advantageously, this type of connector will release when a pulling and/or twisting force is applied.

This safety feature may comprise of a hook and loop type fastener, which is stitched to the bisected zipper necktie collar. Alternatively, the safety feature may comprise a snap fastener. When force is applied to the zipper necktie then the hook and loop portions will separate preventing injury, and has the added convenience that the hook and loop portions may be reattached when safe to do so by the individual. Therefore, the zipper necktie provides the safety feature, and should the safety feature be required, then the zipper necktie does not need to be sacrificed as a result. In most cases it will retain it's function original function.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention which

comprises a zipper tie 1 , a pre-tied knot 3, collar 5 and front tie length or blade 9. The collar 5 has zip sections 7a and 7b. Figure 2 shows the rear view of the zipper tie 1. In the collar 5 the zipper teeth portions 7a, 7b are sewn into the collar 5 and pass down through a zipper slider 11, which is hidden in a pre tied knot 9, and emerges to form the rear zipper tie portion 13. The point of connection between the portions of the zip on either side of the collar determines the collar size.

Figure 3, is a front view of an embodiment of the invention which shows the location of the hook and loop fastener safety feature 6. The zipper tie collar and safety feature 4a, 4b, 6 will remain hidden under a shirt collar, while displaying the front of a patterned pre-tied knot 3 and front tie length 11.

In Figure 4, the rear view of the zipper tie shows the location of the attached hook and loop fastener safety feature 6. It bisects the left collar portion 4a, and right collar portion 4b. These collar portions 4a, 4b with sewn in zipper teeth portions 7a, 7b pass down through a zipper slider 11 , which is hidden in a pre tied knot 3, and emerges to form the rear zipper tie length 13.

Figure 5 exemplifies the pulling or twisting force 15, that when significantly applied to the zipper necktie, is greater than the combined opposing forces thus allowing the connected hook and loop fastener portions 17a, 17b on the end of collar portions 4a, 4b to separate and so detach the zipper necktie from the wearer's neck 5.

With reference to Figure 6, the hook and loop fastener safety feature is seen detached, showing the sewn in hook portion 17a at the end of collar portion 4a, and the sewn in loop portion 17b at the end of collar portion 4b.

Figure 7 shows the hook and loop fastener portions 17a, 17b when connected to form the hook and loop fastener safety feature 6.

Figure 8 is a plan view of the detached hook portion 17a and loop portion 17b when sewn into collar portions 4a, 4b.

Figure 10a and Figure 10b display an alternative embodiment of the hook and loop fastener safety feature, by switching the hook and loop fastener to snap fasteners on collar portions. The male part of the snap fastener 12 is sewn into the left collar portion 4a, while the female part 13 is sewn into the right collar portion 4b. Figure 10b shows the plan view of the snap fastener safety feature and Figure 0a shows a side elevation of the same. Figures 11 a and 11 b show further types of releasable connection namely a moulded clip 22 and a safety lanyard 24. It will be noted that the hook and loop type safety feature can be applied to a drawstring tie.

The present invention also provides an improvement in the manner in which a zipper neck tie is unzipped in order to improve the durability of the garment by positioning a piece of material at the middle point of the zipper necktie collar to act as a point of reference for the user. The users index finger can be placed under this piece of material whilst the other hand holds the zipper necktie knot. This ensures that when the user pulls on the collar, and so increases the size of the collar to allow fitting over the head, the zipper teeth will remain aligned and protect against damage to the zipper mechanism. The portion of material may also depict the product brand name providing extra guidance of where the user should position their finger for zipper necktie operation.

Should the zipper necktie include, the safety feature as as shown in figure 4, this point of reference material will appear on the upper portion of the collar bisection.

Figure 12 is a diagram of a zipper tie 25 which exemplifies the incorrect pulling force 27 applied to the collar 32 of the zipper necktie by the user that may cause the zipper necktie teeth 29 to misalign causing damage to the zipper necktie. Figure 13 is a diagram of a zipper tie 31 which identifies the point 33 at which the collar 35 of the zipper necktie collar 3, while the arrows 37, demonstrate the correct force required on each set of zipper teeth to allow the zipper necktie collar to increase correctly and without disruption. Figure 14 illustrates the plan view of the collar 35 and the finger positioning marker 33 which in this example is sewn on top of the zipper necktie collar 35.

Figure 15 illustrates the front view of the finger positioning device portion 33, sewn on top of the zipper necktie collar 35. In Figure 16, the correct pulling force 37 is achieved by the user positioning the index finger under the finger positioning device while gripping the zipper necktie allowing the collar 35 to open evenly and maintaining zipper teeth alignment.

Figure 17 illustrates the finger positioning device 33 if positioned on a zipper necktie featuring the collar safety feature of figure 4.

The present invention also provides a zip necktie that is fully customisable, which offers to enhance an individual's appearance, by creating a necktie that can be constructed with pre-tied necktie knots of different shapes and sizes, and pre-sized necktie blades. This allows the necktie wearer the unique opportunity to use a necktie that removes the time consuming difficulties associated with self-tying a traditional necktie (such as ensuring the correct necktie size and shape for their outfit and physique) whilst guaranteeing that the necktie is displayed with the exact dimensions the individual desires when wearing said necktie.

The present invention allows the individual to choose the most appropriate width of necktie for their outfit, without compromising on the desired necktie knot size, shape and appearance.

Figure 18 exemplifies the classic collar 41 of a formal business shirt 43 and the flawed appearance displayed by the individual due to the traditional necktie 45 being incorrectly tied and so resulting in a knot shape 47 that is too small for the collar style, and necktie blade 49 that is too long for the individual wearer's adam's apple to belt buckle measurement.

Figure 9 exemplifies the classic collar 41 of a formal business shirt 43 and the flawed appearance displayed by the individual due to the traditional necktie 51 being incorrectly tied and so resulting in a knot shape 53 that is too large for the collar style, together with necktie blade 55 that is too short for the individual wearer's adams apple to belt buckle measurement. Figure 20 exemplifies the knot appearance of a traditional necktie that has been tied at the incorrect position along the necktie resulting in the knot 57 shape appearing square and wide resulting in an excessively wide and therefore short necktie blade 3b emerging from the necktie knot.

Figure 21 exemplifies the knot appearance of a traditional necktie 59 that has been tied at the incorrect position along the necktie resulting in the knot shape appearing elongated and narrow resulting in an excessively narrow and therefore long necktie blade emerging from the necktie knot.

Figure 22 exemplifies the knot appearance of a traditional necktie 61 that has been tied incorrectly resulting in the knot shape 3a appearing asymmetrical and imperfect.

Figure 23 shows the male portion 63 of zipper necktie knot frame. The frame is reshaped appropriately in height at 65 and in width 67 in order to alter the pre-tied knot shape and size required for each individual zipper necktie.

Figure 24 shows the female portion of the zipper necktie knot frame. The frame is reshaped appropriately in height at 69 and in width 71 in order to alter the pre-tied knot shape and size for each individual zipper necktie.

Figure 25 shows a customised zipper necktie 72 with large Full Windsor knot shape 73 and customised blade length 75. Figure 26 shows the Half Windsor knot shape of a customised zipper necktie 77 and the appropriate reshaping in height and in width (shown internally) of the connected male and female portions of the zipper necktie knot frame allowing construction of the Half Windsor knot type. Figure 27 shows the Full Windsor knot shape 79 of a customised zipper necktie and the appropriate reshaping in height and in width (shown internally) of the connected male and female portions of the zipper necktie knot frame allowing construction of the Full Windsor knot type. Figure 28 shows the Four in Hand knot shape 81 of a customised zipper necktie and the appropriate reshaping in height and in width (shown internally) of the connected male and female portions of the zipper necktie knot frame allowing construction of the Four in Hand knot type.

Figure 29 shows the Shelby knot shape 83 of a customised zipper necktie and the appropriate reshaping in height and in width (shown internally) of the connected male and female portions of the zipper necktie knot frame allowing construction of the Shelby knot type.

Figure 30 shows how the zipper necktie blade can be increased and decreased in length 85 at time of construction to suit the individual wearer.

Figure 31 shows how the zipper necktie blade 89 can be increased and decreased in width at the time of construction to suit the individual wearer.

Figures 32 to 36 show a zipper necktie 91 assembled from a collar 93, a knot 95 and knot support 96 a blade 97 and a rear portion (not shown).. The present invention proposes to allow the wearer to remove the necktie blade, and replace it with an alternative blade that may be a different shape, size, pattern or colour from the necktie knot. This allows the individual to create different designs and necktie displays that he could not achieve with a traditional necktie, or a standard zipper necktie. The zipper necktie knot support features a female press clip 101 on the female portion 99 (Fig 3) of the frame which accommodates necktie blades 105 (Fig 34) featuring a latch 03 that connects to the clip 101 on the female portion 99 of the support 96.

It will be noted that a zipper necktie in accordance with the present invention is assembled using components. This allows the knot and blade to be reshaped and resized in novel ways. The knot support may be altered in its mould design to produce different shapes when the knot material is assembled around it. The shapes can be anything from an oval or circular shape, to a square shape to an hour-glass shape. Furthermore, the blade of the necktie can also be reshaped to produce any type of shape such as an oval, a rectangle, a diamond, a coffin shape or bolt of lightning shape.

In Figure 37 the standard necktie 11 with a triangular knot shape, 1 3, and the standard necktie front blade, 115.

Figure 38 identifies the zipper necktie collar blade zip mechanism 117, , the zipper necktie knot material 119, the zipper necktie knot component (hidden inside the knot material) and the zipper necktie front blade 121.

Figure 39 illustrates an example of the knot support 23, with necktie knot material 125 shaped around the component producing the oval knot shape.

Figure 40 illustrates an example of the knot support 127, with necktie knot material 129 shaped around the component producing the circular knot shape.

Figure 41 illustrates an example of the knot support 131 , with necktie knot material 135 shaped around the component producing the square knot shape. Figure 42 illustrates an example of the knot support 137, with necktie knot material 139 shaped around the component producing the hourglass knot shape.

Figure 43 illustrates the zipper necktie front blade, 141 , cut to produce the

rectangular shape.

Figure 44 illustrates the zipper necktie front blade, 143, cut to produce the oval shape.

Figure 45 illustrates the zipper necktie front blade, 145, cut to produce the coffin shape 145.

Figure 46 illustrates the zipper necktie front blade 147, cut to produce the hourglass shape. Figure 47 illustrates the zipper necktie front blade 149 cut to produce the lightning bolt shape.

Figure 48 illustrates the zipper necktie front blade 151 cut to produce a castellated shape.

Currently, individuals that wear neckties within the medical profession are being discouraged from doing so, with some organisations banning neckties from use around high-risk infectious environments. With the necktie remaining a desirable clothing accessory for medical professionals, their options for necktie use are considerably reduced. Bacteria can come into contact with neckties, and as a result the accessory becomes a carrier, and the risk of transferring disease to patients and staff in medical facilities increases. Unlike other clothing, neckties, if made from silk, are unlikely to be cleaned hygienically in the same way clothing is. Most silk neckties require dry cleaning.

In another embodiment of the present invention the zipper necktie is either coated in anti-bacterial protector after construction, or, is constructed with anti-bacterial material. The knot, collar and necktie blade will all be enhanced with anti-bacterial properties allowing individuals that require germ free working environments, to safely wear a zipper necktie with no risk of passing on infection.

Figure 49 shows the zipper necktie 153 in which the zipper necktie knot 155 and zipper necktie blade, 57, that are all coated in an anti-bacterial protector.

Figure 50 shows the rear of the zipper necktie 153, zipper necktie knot 155 and zipper necktie blade 163.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.