Field of Invention

The current invention relates to a tie, in particular a tie comprising securement means.

Background of the Invention

A neck tie is an elongated piece of cloth worn around the neck of a shirt of men and women as part of their formal attire. They can be worn in a regular office setting, or form part of school or military uniform, to give a few examples.

The length of the tie can vary depending on the height and needs of the user. A traditional neck tie typically has a blade portion, which is the portion designed to hang free and is visible when worn, and a tail portion attached to the blade portion and designed to be wrapped around a shirt collar. When worn, the knot of the tie should be positioned around the collar covering the top button of the shirt. A common variant of this tie is a bowtie, where instead of a blade portion there are two petals located on either side of a knot.

In both cases, the size and shape of the tie knot should be chosen carefully to coordinate with the shape of the shirt collar. Mismatching of the shape and size of the knot and collar can make the knot appear very large or small and/or asymmetric, making the user look unprofessional. In addition, for traditional ties it is also important to get the length of tie correct to match the height of the user. There is also the problem that even in a perfectly formed tie, the blade end is left loosely hanging from the collar, which is particularly problematic, for example, on a windy day this can be easily misaligned from its ideal position of central and flat against the shirt, due to the user’s body movements. Thus, the user must resort to using methods such as a clip to lock the tie to the shirt, which can be very inconvenient and can be unsightly on the external face of the tie.

Achieving the correct tie length and the size and shape of the knot can prove to be a tricky and time- consuming process, especially for a novice user or if user is in a hurry.

Further issues may arise in keeping the tie in a stable orientation, particularly in windy conditions or the like. Keeping the tie orientated central relative to the shirt is also difficult.

The present invention aims to at least ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a read-to-wear, length adjustable tie that is suited to the user’s needs, saving the user time and effort. Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tie comprising a securement means on a back surface of the tie to secure the tie into position relative to a shirt.

This allows the tie to be secured to the shirt of the user. This prevents the tie from moving relative to the shirt and ensures a crisp and reliable look to the tie during use.

In particular, by securing the tie to the shirt of the user, the tie remains positioned centrally relative to the shirt. This improves the look of the tied tie.

In an embodiment, the securement means comprises: a plurality of button holes for engaging with a plurality of buttons on the shirt.

The securement means may comprise a plurality of flexible loops for attaching onto a plurality of buttons on the shirt.

In another embodiment, the securement means may comprise hooks for engagement with button holes of the shirt.

It can be appreciated that a number of provided securement means may be greater than the number of buttons or button holes on the shirt.

The securement means may be provided on a tail portion of the tail, such as on the lower half of the tail portion. The securement means may also be provided on a rear surface of a blade of the tie.

In an embodiment the securement means may comprise one or more magnets for engagement with a metallic object on the shirt, and optionally or preferably, wherein the metallic object is one or metallic button(s); metallic strip; and/or a metallic clip or pin.

According to an alternative example of the present disclosure, there is provided a necktie comprising: a neck portion for wrapping around a shirt collar; and a preformed knot comprising a buckle for removably attaching a blade to the preformed knot.

In embodiments, the buckle may be concealed by the preformed knot. Typically the buckle may be a slide release buckle. However other buckles such as hook and eye fasteners, belt buckles, seat-belt buckles or the like. The buckle typically comprises a first member fixed to the neck portion and a second member fixed to the preformed knot hi one embodiment the buckle comprises a first member fixed to the preformed knot and a second member fixed to the blade.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a tie comprising a blade, said blade comprising a front side and a back side; a neck portion for wrapping around a shirt collar and a buckle for adjusting the length of the blade.

This design offers a ready-to-wear tie, eliminating the need to tie the tie to form a knot, and has the further advantage that length of the blade can be adjusted easily.

In an example, the buckle may comprise a hollow inner portion to allow insertion of a part of the blade through the hollow inner portion to alter the length of the blade. The buckle may then be expandable such that the size of the hollow inner portion can be changed according to the position of the buckle on the blade. The expandable nature of the buckle allows the inner portion to expand depending on the amount of material inserted into the inner portion. These features enable the buckle to be positioned anywhere along the length of the blade. The biasing mechanism enables the buckle clamp to a desired position on the blade and retains its position.

According to another example, the buckle may comprise a first fastening means; and the neck portion may comprise a second fastening means. The first and second fastening means may then attach the neck portion to the buckle. This can allow ties with different neck portions and blades to be used interchangeably.

In one example, the second fastening means on the neck portion may also couple to the blade such that the length of the blade can be adjusted. In this way, the user can adjust the length as desired. In addition, the second fastening means may enable the diameter of the neck portion to be adjustable, such that the neck portion is compatible with various sizes of the collar of the shirt.

In another arrangement, the neck portion may further comprise a third fastening means to secure one end of the blade under the collar of the shirt.

In another arrangement, the neck portion may comprise two opposed ends and biasing means for resiliently wrapping the neck portion around the shirt collar. In this embodiment, when the user applies a force to the neck portion, the two opposing ends separate, creating an opening to enable the neck portion to be placed around the collar. Once the neck portion is on the collar, the user can release the force, and the two opposing ends then snap back together to lock the neck portion in place. This allows the tie to be quickly placed and secured into position.

In one example, the neck portion and the blade may be unitary like in a traditional tie. Here, the neck portion may comprise a tail end, and the tail end may be designed to warp around the collar when the tie is worn. The end of the tail may then be clamped into the buckle to form a loop around the collar to secure the tie onto the user’s shirt.

In some example, the blade may comprise a securement means on the back side of the blade to secure the blade into position relative to a shirt. This ensures that the tie is always fixed to the shirt of the user, regardless of the movement of the user, or other factors such as a windy day.

The securement means may comprise hooks for engagement with button holes of the shirt. The hooks may be fabric hooks configured to fit within the button holes. In an alternative embodiment, the securement means may comprise hoops for engagement with buttons of the shirt. In this example, the hoops may be placed over the buttons to secure the blade into position relative to the buttons. In a further alternative embodiment, the securement means may comprise magnets for engagement with metallic objects on the shirt. The metallic object may be metallic button(s); a metallic strip; and/or a metallic clip or pin.

In examples, the preformed knot may further comprise a second buckle, said second buckle coupled to the neck portion to allow securing and removal of the tie around a collar.

In other examples the blade may comprise braces for maintaining a shape of the blade.

It can be appreciated that the blade may instead be loops of a bow tie. Alternatively the preformed knot may be a clasp and the blade may be a broch or the like, such as other jewellery or alternative ties such as a bolo.

In accordance with a second example, there is provided a tie comprising a securement means on the back side of a blade of the tie to secure the blade into position relative to a shirt.

The securement means may comprise either: a plurality of flexible loops for attaching onto a plurality of buttons on the shirt; or hooks for engagement with button holes of the shirt; or one or more magnets for engagement with a metallic object on the shirt, and optionally or preferably, wherein the metallic object can be one or metallic button(s); metallic strip; and/or a metallic clip or pin. In another embodiment, the securement means is detachable from the back surface of the tie. This allows the user to optionally attach the securement means to the back of the tie when desired. The position of the securement means is also adjustable along the length of the tie. The securement means can take the form of any of the arrangements described previously.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter. Embodiments or features described in relation to one aspect may be utilised with other aspects.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiment of the invention shall now be described in detail by way of example and

with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure la-lb illustrates an embodiment of a tie according to the present invention, said tie comprising a tail and a blade in a unitary fashion, and a detachable buckle;

Figures 2a- 2c illustrate an embodiment of a tie with three separable elements;

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate another embodiment of a tie with two separate elements;

Figures 4a-d illustrates a further embodiment of a tie with detachable elements;

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate another embodiment of a tie having an attachment means; and

Figure 6 illustrates another embodiment of a tie having an attachment means.

It should be noted that the Figure is diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of the Figure have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figures la and lb, respectively, show the back 5 and front 7 side of one embodiment of a ready-to- wear tie 1. The tie may comprise a tail 2 and a blade 4 attached to the tail 2. Typically, the tail 2 of the tie 1 is smaller in width than the blade 4 of the tie 1. The total length of the tie 1 can be typically between 135-160 cm depending on the user’s height and needs.

In some embodiments, the tie 1 may further comprise a buckle 6 possessing a hollow inner portion such that the tie 1 can be inserted through the hollow portion of the buckle 6. The buckle 6 may be made from various materials such as rubber, or cloth containing a spring mechanism. As a result, the buckle 6 remains biased towards the hollow inner portion to securely grip to the tie 1. In addition, the biasing mechanism allows the buckle 6 to expand depending on the amount of material of the tie 1 inserted into the buckle 6. In this way, the buckle 6 can be securely attached to any desired location on the tie 1. The buckle may be a clasp or the like, and may include snap or side release buckles. Cam buckles, push button buckles or seat-belt style buckles may also be used.

In the embodiment shown in figure 1, when the user needs to wear the tie 1, one end of the tie 1 is initially inserted into the buckle 6 until the desired length of the blade 4 on one side of the buckle 6 is achieved. The tail 2 can then be wrapped around the collar of a shirt and the end of the tail 2 inserted back into the buckle 6 to form a secure loop around the collar of the shirt; whilst ensuring that the buckle 6 is positioned at the base of the collar covering the top button of the shirt forming the knot of the tie. In this way, the users do not need to form the knot by themselves, and a desired length of the blade 4 is achieved.

In another embodiment, the tie 1 may further comprise securement means on the back side 5 of the blade 4. These may include a plurality of loops or hoops 8 attached to the blade 4 of the tie 1, such as shown in figure la. These hoops 8 may be made from rubber, or any other material that allows them to be expandable. Alternatively the hoops may be made of fabric. The hoops may be securely fastened to the back of the tie, or they may be removably attached using pins, hook and loop fasteners, clips or other securing means. This may allow a single set of loops to be used with multiple ties. Additionally, it can be appreciated that the set of loops or hoops 8 may be retrofitted to existing ties to provide the benefit of securing the tie in place relative to the shirt as described below.

The hoops 8 are able to be wrapped around the buttons of the shirt, such that the blade 4 of the tie 1 can be securely attached to the shirt. As such, the hoops 8 act as securement means to hold the blade of the tie in position relative to the shirt. This ensures that an ideal position of the blade 4 is retained on the shirt, regardless of the movement of the user.

Alternatively, there may be magnets instead of hoops 8 that engage with metallic objects on the shirt. The metallic objects may be metallic button(s); metallic strip; and/or a metallic clip or pin. In other embodiments, the securement means may comprise hooks for engagement with button holes of the shirt.

Figure 2a shows another embodiment of a tie 3. Figure 2c shows an expanded view of the tie 3 shown in figure 2a. Here, the tie 3 comprises a neck portion 10, the buckle 6 and the blade 4 as three separate elements. The neck portion 10 is designed to be placed around the collar of the shirt and secured into place by fastening means 12, in a manner similar to a belt that can be fastened around a trouser. The diameter of the neck portion 10 can be adjusted via the fasting means 12 to allow the neck portion 10 to fit different sizes of the collar. The blade 4 is inserted into the buckle 6 and set to a length desired by the user.

The buckle 6 further comprises fastening means 14 for attaching the buckle 6 to the fastening means 12 of the neck portion 10. Fastening means 12 may also couple to the blade 4 after being inserted into the buckle 6, and can assist in adjusting the length of the blade 4 according to the user’s needs. Depending on the length of the blade 4 below the buckle 6, a certain portion of the blade 4 will be located on the other side of the buckle 6. For this reason, there is provided further fastening means 16 on the neck portion 10 for keeping this end of the blade 4 under the collar of the shirt. This fastening means 16 may also be a slide buckle to allow adjustment of the length or diameter of the neck portion 10

Figure 2b shows yet another embodiment of the tie 3. The neck portion 10 comprises opposed ends 17, enabling the neck portion 10 to be inserted into the collar of a shirt when the user applies a force on the neck portion 10 to create an opening 18. The neck portion 10 has a biasing mechanism that keeps it in a closed position when the user relieves the force on the collar, such that the neck portion 10 can be locked in place around the collar.

Figure 3a shows yet another embodiment of a tie 30. In this embodiment, the blade 4 and the buckle 26 are a clasp 22 integrated with a bowtie 20, although it can be appreciated that a traditional tie may be used. The clasp 22 comprises a fastening means, such as a buckle, or a clip which can be used to attach the clasp 22 to a corresponding buckle or clip 12 in the neck portion 10. In some embodiments, the shape of the clasp may be a bolo tie, a brooch 24 like the one in shown figure 3b, or any other ornamental piece.

Figure 4a shows an alternative embodiment of a tie 40 having a preformed knot 44 and a buckle 46 integrated with the knot 44. Typically the buckle 46 is concealed by the knot 44. The buckle in this embodiment attaches to both the neck portion 52 and the blade 5 of the tie. The buckle 46 is shown in greater detail in Figure 4b. In this example the buckle is a side release buckle, although it can be appreciated that other buckles as described herein could be used instead or additionally as needed.

As shown, the buckle comprises 2 female side release buckle neck members 47. The female side release buckle neck members 47 act to secure the neck portion 52 of the tie 40 together via male side release buckle neck members 48. This allows for quick attachment and removal of the tie about a collar. A female slide blade member 49 is also shown which is configured to attach to a male slide blade member 50 attached to the blade 5 (as shown in figure 4a).

Figure 4c shows the neck portion 52 in isolation and additionally shows a slide buckle 54 that allows the length or diameter of the neck portion 52 to be adjusted. A final example is shown in Figure 4d, where a bowtie 20 is used. In this embodiment the female slide blade member 49 is not needed.

Figures 5a and 5b show an alternative embodiment of a tie according to the present invention. In this embodiment a tie 100 has aa tail 102 and blade 107. Attachment means 108 are provided on the tail 102 of the tie. The attachments means 108 are shown in Figure 5b. In the embodiment shown the attachments means 108 are button holes. However, hooks, magnets, or flexible loops may be used.

The attachment means 108 act to engage with buttons or button holes on a shirt of the wearer. It can be appreciated that the number and spacing of attachment means are typically closer together and more numerous than corresponding buttons or button holes on the shirt.

The functionality of the attachment means 108 is to secure the tie relative to the shirt of the wearer. This prevents the tie from moving during windy conditions or the like.

Additional loops 150 and 152 may also be used to accept the tail 102 of the tie 100 once the tie is tied into a knot.

Although shown with a standard tie, it can be appreciated that the attachment means 108 may be provided on a tie such as shown in any one of figures 1 to 4.

Figures 6 show another embodiment of a tie 200 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the tie 200 comprises securement means 208 which may be detachable from the back of the blade 207 of the tie 200, or from the back of a tail portion of the tie 200. The securement means 208 may take the form of any of the arrangements disclosed previously, such as hooks for engagement with button holes. The securement means 208 may be produced independently of the tie 200, and may be attached to the back of the blade or tail portion whenever and wherever the user desires. The user may also be able to position the securement means to any desired location along the length of the tie. It can be appreciated that the securement means may be clipped or attached in a fold on the rear surface of the tie, such as near the end of the blade 207 or tail portion. In a further embodiment, the attachment means 208 may be adjustable, such as using a draw string or the like, to allow the relative spacing between securement features to be adjusted.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of neckties, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.