CN110809415A

CN110809415A - Assembled interchangeable tie

Info

Publication number: CN110809415A
Application number: CN201980002777.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·史密斯; D·史密斯
Original assignee: Modern Tie Co Ltd
Current assignee: Modern Tie Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-06
Filing date: 2019-03-20
Publication date: 2020-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-20
Also published as: CN110809415B

Abstract

An assembled necktie includes a knot pack having an attachment passage, a cloth rod configured to be inserted into the attachment passage, and a necktie part fixed to the cloth rod to extend downward from the knot pack when the cloth rod is inserted into the attachment passage. The knot wrap may be attached to the wearer's shirt in a variety of ways, including via notches configured to receive the buttons of the wearer's shirt or via lateral collar wings that may enable a collar or ratchet strap to be used. Various electronic components may be included in the tie wrap.

Description

Assembled interchangeable tie

Technical Field

The invention relates to a necktie and a man's wear, in particular to a detachable comprehensive necktie.

Background

Ties are common in the art and have become a common business dress. Conventional ties include elongated strips of fabric that are tied around the neck using knots well known in the art, including Windsor knots, Cristensen knots, Melofen knots, and the like. Other types of ties are also expanding, including bowties.

Ties have been slowly developed for hundreds of years and continue to be developed in the course of providing the present invention. Roman soldiers dress themselves with scarves and neck collars as part of their uniform, and the concept of ties in men's clothing has then slowly evolved in europe. In the middle ages of the battlefield, including the thirty year battle and the steckel battle, officers typically have a collar around their neck and twist the two ends of the fabric collar together so that the twisted portion passes through the buttonhole. These scarves are also sometimes used as tourniquets on battlefields.

With the industrial revolution, the scarf was replaced by a leather collar, eventually by a more traditional tie arranged in a series of knots and patterns. However, these conventional ties are not entirely efficient. Conventional ties still include a collar, are uncomfortable, particularly at high temperatures, and are difficult and time consuming to tie. The collar is useless and is not even visible under the collar. Replacing a traditional tie can be difficult and this inefficiency has caused some professionals to abandon ties altogether in hot or casual business environments.

Attempts to remedy these inefficiencies have been made in the field, including with the development of "clip-on" ties that eliminate the neckband and provide an alternative to collar attachment that mimics a Windsor knot. Clip-on ties typically exhibit clips that do not allow the elongated fabric portions of the tie to be interchanged, do not allow custom-made knots, and do not include simulated knots other than those previously known in the art. With the continued development of this field, the fashion preferences of the wearer and the manufacturing techniques, ties have also continued to develop.

It would be desirable to provide modern people with a more efficient tie having modular, quickly interchangeable components that can accommodate a variety of styles and aesthetic preferences, which utilize improved manufacturing and design techniques.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides an assembled tie, which comprises: a simulated knot having a beveled rear surface defining a recess for receiving a magnetic element, the simulated knot defining a non-cylindrical attachment channel for receiving a fabric rod, the simulated knot securable to one of a shirt collar and a neck ring; a straw adapted to be secured at a distal end to an elongated tie and at a proximal end to a knot packet, the straw comprising: a non-cylindrical proximal head adapted to engage the attachment channel, the proximal head comprising: an attachment device; a handle; a terminal fastener adapted to be fastened to a fabric tie.

The fabric shaft may further comprise a plurality of spherical flanges. The proximal head of the stem may also include a magnetic element for forming a magnetic dipole bond with a magnetic element cooperating therewith in the knot pack.

In some embodiments, the knot packet may further comprise a magnetic element for forming a magnetic dipole bond with a cooperating magnetic element in the tissue shaft. The outer surface of the nodule may be faceted. The knot wrap may define a cylindrical attachment recess. The bottom of the cylindrical attachment recess may define a magnetic attachment recess. The modular tie may also include an elongated strip of fabric that may form a tie attached to a fabric rod.

In some embodiments, the assembled necktie may further include: an internal power supply; a microphone; and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio data received through the microphone; wherein the modular necktie is adapted to receive voice audio data through the microphone and transmit the voice audio to the receiver. The assembled necktie can be suitable for use

The protocol wirelessly relays digital audio information.

The assemblable necktie may include: a simulated knot having a sloped surface, the sloped rear surface of the simulated knot secured to one of a shirt collar and collar using an attachment means; the simulated knot is removably secured to one of the cloth rail and the tie using an attachment device; an internal power supply; a microphone; a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio data received through the microphone.

There is provided a second assemblable tie, comprising: a simulated knot having a sloped rear surface, the simulated knot defining a non-cylindrical attachment channel for engaging a fabric shaft, the simulated knot securable to one of a shirt collar and collar; a straw adapted to be secured to an elongated tie at a distal end and to a knot packet at a proximal end, the straw comprising: a non-cylindrical proximal head adapted to engage the attachment channel, the proximal head comprising: an attachment device; a handle; a fixing device for fixing on a fabric tie.

The assemblable necktie may further include: an internal power supply; a microphone; and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting audio data received through the microphone; wherein the modular necktie is adapted to receive voice audio data through the microphone and transmit the voice audio to the receiver. The assembled necktie can be suitable for use

The protocol wirelessly relays digital audio information.

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.

Drawings

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:

fig. 1A is a front view of an interchangeable knot wrap of a modular necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 1B is a rear upper view of an interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 2 is a front view of a detachable cloth beam of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 3 is a front view of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 4A is a front top view of a detachable cloth rail of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 4B is a front lower view of the detachable cloth beam of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 5 is a front view of the disassembled detachable cloth beam and necktie of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 6 is a front view of the disassembled assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 7 is a front view of the disassembled assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 8A is a side view of an interchangeable knot packet of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 8B is a front upper view of an interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 8C is a front view of an interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 8D is an upper view of an interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 8E is a rear upper view of the interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 9 is a front view of a set of three assembled necktie assemblies according to the present invention;

fig. 10 is an environmental view of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 11A is a front view of an interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 11B is an upper view of an interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 12A is a front view of an interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 12B is an upper view of an interchangeable knot packet of the assembled necktie according to the present invention

Fig. 13A is a front upper view of an interchangeable knot wrap of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 13B is a side view of an interchangeable knot packet of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 13C is a side rear view of an interchangeable knot packet of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 14 is a disassembled view of an interchangeable knot packet of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 15 is a block diagram showing internal electrical components of a knot bag of the assembled necktie according to the present invention;

fig. 16-16E show an embodiment of an assembled tie using a collar;

fig. 17A and 17B show an embodiment of a sectional tie using a ratchet system;

fig. 18A-18C show an embodiment of a modular tie using another collar;

fig. 19 shows an assembled view of a sectional tie configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 19A shows an exploded view of the assembled necktie of fig. 19;

fig. 19B is a cross-sectional side view showing a knot packet of the assembled necktie of fig. 19;

fig. 19C shows a cross-sectional side view of the insert of the assembled necktie of fig. 19;

fig. 19D shows a cross-sectional side view of the assembled necktie of fig. 19 after assembly;

fig. 20 shows an exploded view of a variant of the assembled necktie of fig. 19;

fig. 20A shows a side view of the insert of the assembled necktie of fig. 20;

fig. 20B shows a front view of the insert of the assembled necktie of fig. 20;

fig. 21 shows an embodiment of a sectional tie comprising a looped element; and

fig. 22 shows an embodiment of the sectional tie with a knot bag comprising a decorative inlay.

Detailed Description

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 other similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

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.

Fig. 1A is a front view of an interchangeable knot kit 100 for a sectional necktie according to the present invention. The knot pack 100 or knot seat includes a top edge 110, a bottom edge 111, a front convex surface 102 extending between the top edge 110 and the bottom edge 111, a top back surface 122a, a bottom back surface 122b, and opposing

sides

112, 113 connecting the front surface 122a to the back surfaces 122a, 122 b. The front surface 102 may be shaped to simulate any knot known to those skilled in the art, including a Windsor knot, a semi-Windsor knot, an Atlantic knot, a Nikife knot, a nodule, a Melofen knot, and the like. In other embodiments, including those shown, the knot wrap 100 is faceted in a narrowing, aesthetically pleasing fashion, although not perfectly simulating the bow tie knots that are now common. The knot wrap 100 may be formed in any other generally downwardly tapering shape.

The knot wrap 100 may be formed from any polymer, metal, fabric, or organic material known to those skilled in the art, including titanium, aluminum, metal alloys, nylon, leather, braided wire, and the like. Knot wrap 100 may comprise any decorative exterior finish or color.

Fig. 1B is a rear top view of the knot wrap 100. As shown, the top rear surface 122a is angled relative to the bottom rear surface 122b to correspond to the relative angle between the wearer's neck and torso. The top rear surface 122a includes attachment recesses 104, the attachment recesses 104 for receiving top buttons of a shirt of a wearer. The inner surface of the attachment recess 104 defines a magnetic element recess 106 for receiving a first magnetic element. In other embodiments, the magnetic element recess 106 may be replaced with another suitable attachment structure, such as hook and loop fasteners, friction fit fasteners, and the like.

In embodiments employing magnetic elements, the first magnet element may be electroplated to prevent corrosion and/or to strengthen the magnet material. In one embodiment, the neodymium magnet is coated with nickel or plastic, but other options that can be coated include, for example, zinc, tin, copper, epoxy, silver, and gold.

A mating second magnetic element is disposed or positioned on the collar, which may include another magnet of opposite polarity to the first magnetic element. The second magnetic element may comprise a metal article that is magnetically attracted to the first magnetic element. The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element may have the same size and shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first magnetic element is disk-shaped. One of ordinary skill in the art 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 the same.

The attachment channel 108 or socket extends vertically within the knot pack 100 and forms an opening at the bottom edge 111. As shown, the attachment channel 108 may also form a rearward facing opening extending vertically along the bottom rear surface 122 b. In some embodiments, the attachment channel 108 is not cylindrical to prevent axial rotation of a cloth rod 200 (see fig. 2) attached to the knot 100 and the tie within the channel 108. Although not shown, the top surface of the attachment channel 108 may include magnets or other types of fasteners to secure the fabric rod, as described below.

Fig. 2 is a front view of a detachable cloth rail 200 of the assemblable necktie according to the present invention. The tissue shaft 200 includes a proximal head 202, a handle 204 having two spherical flanges 208a-b, and a terminal fastener 206 at the distal end of the handle 204.

Fig. 3 is a front view of a fabricated necktie 300 according to the present invention. As shown, the fabric rod 200 is removably inserted into the attachment channel 108, thereby securing the fabric rod 200 to the knot pack 100. The fabric tie portion may be fixed around the cloth rail 200 and/or at the end of the cloth rail 200.

Fig. 4A is a front top view of a detachable cloth rail 200 of the assemblable necktie according to the present invention. The proximal head 202 of the tissue shaft 200 is non-cylindrical to prevent axial rotation of the tissue shaft 200 within the knot 100. The proximal head 202 may taper upward and may include a flat top surface defining a hollow cylindrical recess 402 for receiving a magnetic element that magnetically engages a corresponding magnet (e.g., magnet 802 shown in fig. 8D) contained at the top surface of the attachment channel 108.

The web rod 200 includes a cylindrical handle 204 and a terminal fastener 206 at the distal end of the handle 204 for securing the web rod 200 to the collar portion of the elongated fabric material. As shown, the handle 204 may include a plurality of spherical flanges 208a-b to further facilitate engagement with the tie portion. Fig. 4B is a front lower view of the detachable cloth rail 200 of the assemblable necktie according to the present invention. The terminal fastener 206 may include a flat bottom surface as shown.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the disassembled detachable cloth rail 200 and the necktie part 502 of the assemble necktie 500 according to the present invention. The necktie portion 502 is attached to the cloth rail 200. The rod 200 is inserted into the tie section 502 and/or is wrapped or partially wrapped by the tie section 502. Tie portion 502 may be secured to the stem 200 using any method known to those skilled in the art, including tying, knotting, adhesives, or fasteners.

Fig. 6 is a front view of the disassembled assembled necktie 600 according to the present invention. The cloth rail 200 is inserted into the necktie section 502 such that the proximal head 202 of the cloth rail 200 is positioned and protrudes upward above the necktie section 502. In other words, the tie portion 502 may be wrapped around and secured to the handle 204 while leaving the proximal head 202 exposed. The spherical flanges 208a-b may form surfaces to prevent the collar portion 502 from sliding downward relative to the proximal head 202. With the proximal head 202 exposed, it may be inserted into the attachment channel 108 until the magnetic elements or other fasteners are connected together, thereby securing the collar band portion 502 to the knot 100. By configuring the attachment channel 108 to form a rearward facing opening extending upwardly along the bottom rear surface 122b, insertion and removal of the proximal head 202 into and from the attachment channel 108 may be facilitated.

Fig. 7 is a front view of the disassembled assembled necktie 700 according to the present invention. As shown, the knot wrap 100, the cloth rail 200 and the tie portion 502 are placed together.

Figures 8A-8E illustrate various views of alternative embodiments of the interchangeable knot package 100. The knot pack 100 may include a magnetic element 802 or other fastener as mentioned above.

Fig. 9 is a front view of a set of three assembled necktie 900 according to the present invention. From a front view perspective, the rail 200 is hidden in each assembled necktie. Fig. 10 is an environmental view of the assembled necktie 1000 according to the present invention. The location of the knot wrap 100 is partially behind the collar 1002 of the shirt and the tie portion 502 hangs down from the knot wrap 100. Thus, the assembled necktie 1000 has the appearance of a typical necktie.

Fig. 11A-11B show views of an interchangeable knot wrap 1100 of a sectional necktie according to the present invention. The knot wrap 1100 may include a smooth exterior surface/pattern as shown.

Fig. 12A-12B show views of an interchangeable knot wrap 1200 for a sectional tie in accordance with the present invention. The knot wrap 1200 may include laterally raised wings as shown for increased protrusion into the collar of the wearer.

Fig. 13A-13C show perspective views of an interchangeable knot packet 1300 of the assembled necktie according to the present invention, and fig. 14 shows an exploded view. The knot wrap 1300 includes two detachable

side collar flaps

1302a and 1302b, each having a neck ring fastener 1304 formed at an outer end and a rear end. The neck ring fasteners 1304 can be used to attach the neck ring around the neck of the wearer to the knot wrap 1300.

As shown, the

side collar flaps

1302a and 1302b engage the knot wrap 1300 using an attachment device 1310. The attachment device 1310 may be a magnet that engages a corresponding magnet contained in the knot packet 1300, or another type of fastener, such as a friction fit fastener, a slide-in fit fastener, a screw, or the like.

As shown in fig. 13C, the attachment recess 104 has a rectangular shape and is configured to receive and secure the button attachment member 1320. The button attachment component 1320 is configured to selectively receive the buttons 1306 of a shirt of a wearer. In use, the button attachment component 1320 can be attached to the button 1306, and then the knot wrap 1300 can be attached to the button attachment component 1320, thereby securing the knot wrap 1300 to the top button of the wearer. Due to its construction, the knot wrap 1300 may be attached to a top button or collar extending between the collar fasteners 1304 using the button attachment component 1320, thereby attaching the knot wrap 1300 to a shirt of a wearer. In other embodiments, the knot wrap 1300 may include only the attachment member 1320 or only the neck ring fastener 1304.

Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing internal electrical components of a knot wrap 1500 of the fabricated necktie according to the present invention. The knot wrap 1500 may include a processor 1502, a wireless transceiver 1520, a microphone 1510, a power supply 1522, a wireless transmitter 1524, and a memory 1528 that includes a plurality of audio files 1526 a-c.

In various embodiments, audio input 1530 is received by microphone 1510 and spoken by the wearer. The audio may be retransmitted to a remote Data Processing Device (DPD) such as a tablet, smartphone, server, personal computer, amplifier, etc. using protocols and means known to those skilled in the art including bluetooth. In various embodiments, the remote DPD is wirelessly connected to packet 1500 via a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). Data out may be noted at 1532.

The packet 1500 may include means for relaying electrical signals to enable device-to-device communication (meaning wireless transmission of media). The knot packet 1500 may be configured for use

Protocols and procedures to enable device-to-device communication connections with each other. Can be added by adding Bluetooth Intercom

And/or Bluetooth Telephony

Or other wireless technologies known to those skilled in the art to provide this functionality.

The communication may be according to

A core specification of one or more subsets of the configuration files, wherein the core specification comprises one or more of: a Cordless Telephone Profile (CTP), a Device ID Profile (DIP), a dial-up network profile (DUN), a File Transfer Profile (FTP), a hands-free profile (HFP), a human interface device profile (HID), a headset profile (HSP) and a walkie-talkie profile (ICP), a proximity profile (PXP).

Fig. 16A-16D show another embodiment of a sectional necktie 1600 using the knot wrap 1300. In this embodiment, the assembled tie 1600 includes a collar 1601 having a first magnetic end 1601a and a second magnetic end 1601 b. At least a portion of the length of the collar 1601 may be made of or incorporate a magnetic material such that when the

magnetic ends

1601a and 1601b are passed through the collar fastener 1304 and folded back onto the collar 1601, the

magnetic ends

1601a and 1601b will be held securely on the collar 1601. By incorporating magnetic material along the length of the collar 1601, the diameter of the collar 1601 can be adjusted to suit a particular wearer's neck size or preference.

Fig. 16B provides an exploded view of the assembled tie 1600 and is substantially similar to the exploded view of fig. 14. The assembled necktie 1600 employs a rod 1620 which is different in construction from the rod 200. The fabric shaft 1620 includes a proximal head 1621 and a terminal fastener 1622 similar to the fabric shaft 200, but does not include a spherical flange. Instead, the fabric shaft 1620 includes a locking sleeve 1620a into which the end fastener 1622 is inserted and locked to connect the two portions together. The locking sleeve 1620a may be attached to the tie portion (e.g., by sewing or gluing the locking sleeve 1620a within the proximal end of the tie portion), and the cloth beam 1620 may then be inserted into the locking sleeve 1620 a.

As shown, a magnet 1621a may be incorporated into the proximal head 1621. A corresponding magnet 108 may be incorporated into the top surface of attachment channel 108 to securely retain fabric rod 1620 within attachment channel 108.

Figures 16C and 16D better illustrate how the

side collar flaps

1302a and 1302b are attached to the knot wrap 1300. The top rear surface 122a of the knot 1300 includes recessed portions 1655 on opposite sides of the attachment notch 104. Each of

side collar flaps

1302a and 1302b includes a corresponding tab 1652 that projects downwardly from bottom edge 1651. Bottom edge 1651 is configured to align with and rest on top rear surface 122a when projection 1652 is inserted into recessed portion 1655. Magnets 1310a (or other types of fasteners) are included in recessed portion 1655 to engage with corresponding magnets 1310 (or other types of fasteners) included in protrusion 1655.

Each side collar flap 1302a also includes an outer surface 1653, the outer surface 1653 extending downward beyond the projection 1652 and being aligned with a

respective side

111 or 112 of the knot packet 1300. A channel 1652a is formed between outer surface 1653 and projection 1652. When the

side collar flaps

1302a and 1302b are attached to the knot wrap 1300, a portion of the top back surface 122a is inserted into the channel 1652a, thereby strengthening the attachment.

Fig. 16E shows a separate button attachment component 1320. As described above, the button attachment component 1320 may be separated from the knot wrap 1300, thereby securing the button attachment component 1320 on the top button of the wearer. The pocket 1306a may be formed within the button attachment component 1320 and may be sized and shaped to closely receive a button. The pocket 1306a may be opened on one side of the button attachment component 1320. A notch 1306a1 may be formed in the center of the opening so that when the button attachment component 1320 is slid over the button, the thread connecting the button to the shirt may be positioned within the notch 1306 al. The button attachment component 1320 may include a magnet 1322, the magnet 1322 being secured to a corresponding magnet 1322a contained within the attachment recess 104.

Fig. 17A and 17B show another embodiment of a ready-to-assemble tie 1700. The assembled tie 1700 is identical to the assembled tie 1600 except that two ratchet bars 1702 are substituted for the collar 1601. The ratchet bar 1702 can be connected to the knot wrap 1300 via the collar fastener 1304 and by any suitable arrangement.

To secure the ratchet bar 1702 to the shirt of the wearer, the receptacles 1701 may be secured under the collar on both sides of the shirt. Socket 1701 may include an attachment portion 1701a that faces inward and is configured to be attached to a shirt by stitching, glue, or any other suitable mechanism. The socket 1701 also includes a ratchet tooth structure 1701b through which the corresponding ratchet bar 1701 is inserted. Ridges 1702a on the ratchet bar 1702 cooperate with the ratchet tooth structure 1701b to prevent the ratchet bar 1702 from backing out of the socket 1701 without releasing the release lever 1701b 1. Thus, the wearer can insert the ratchet bar 1701 through the socket 1701 an appropriate distance to position and secure the knot package 1300 in a desired location. Since the receptacles 1701 can be attached under the collar of the wearer, they will not be visible when the collar is folded down.

Fig. 18A-18C show another embodiment of a sectional tie 1800. The modular tie 1800 is similar to the

modular ties

1600 and 1700 except that the knot wrap 1850 is slightly different in shape and interconnected to the side collar flaps 1801a in a slightly different manner. In addition, the assembled tie 1800 includes a collar formed by two bands 1802a and 1802 b.

As can best be seen in fig. 18B and 18C, the knot wrap 1850 includes notches 1820B at the upper end of each side. The notch 1820b is configured to receive a magnet (e.g., within an embedded notch). Each of

side collar flaps

1801a and 1801b includes a protrusion 1820a corresponding to notch 1820b to allow protrusion 1820a to be inserted into notch 1820 b. The protrusion 1820a may also be configured to receive a magnet (e.g., within a notch) that is aligned with a magnet received in the corresponding notch 1820 b. Thus, when protrusion 1820a is inserted into notch 1820b,

side collar flap

1801a or 1801b will be attached to knot 1850 by magnetic force. Other types of attachment mechanisms may be used in place of magnets, including temporary and semi-permanent attachment mechanisms.

One end of bands 1802a and 1802b are attached to

side collar wings

1801a and 1801b, respectively. The opposite ends of the bands 1802a and 1802b are configured to be adjustably connected to each other, thereby allowing the diameter of the neck ring to be adjusted. In particular, the ends of the strap 1802a form a buckle-like structure 1803 and a channel 1804. The end of the band 1802b may be inserted through the channel 1804 a desired distance to form a loop. The bands 1802a and 1802b may then be secured together by inserting a pin (not visible) formed on the buckle-like structure 1803 into one of the notches 1805 formed along the ends of the band 1802 b. The pins on the buckle-like structure 1803 may be oriented outward so that the ends of the band 1802b are inserted inward through the channels 1804, thereby ensuring that the ends of the bands 1802a and 1802b will lie flat under the collar.

Fig. 19-19D provide various views of another embodiment of a modular tie 1900 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Assembled tie 1900 includes a knot wrap 1910, a rod 1920, and an insert 1930. Insert 1930 is inserted and retained in passage 1912 of knot pack 1910, while fabric shaft 1920 is inserted and retained in pocket 1935 of insert 1930.

The knot wrap 1910 includes a forward convex surface 1911 similar to the knot wrap previously described. A channel 1912 is formed at a rear side of the knot wrap 1910 and is configured to receive an insert 1930. The inner surface of the channel 1912 may form a shelf 1914 located toward the bottom of the knot pack 1910. When the insert 1930 is placed within the channel 1912, the bottom surface 1932 of the insert 1930 will rest on the shelf 1914 and substantially align the top rear surface 1931 of the insert 1930 with the surrounding surface of the knot wrap 1910. The bottom 1915 of the purse extends downward and beyond the shelf 1914.

To secure insert 1930 within channel 1912, interlocking members 1913 may be formed on an inner surface of channel 1912, and corresponding interlocking members 1933a may be formed on an outer surface 1933 of insert 1930. The interlocking

members

1913 and 1933a can be configured to interlock when the insert 1930 is positioned on the shelf 1914. In the illustrated embodiment, the interlocking members 1913 formed on opposite sides of the channel 1912 can be configured as circular recesses, while the interlocking members 1933a, also formed on opposite sides of the insert 1930, can be configured as circular protrusions having the same overall shape and size as the circular recesses. Of course, the interlocking

members

1913 and 1933a may alternatively be configured as protrusions and notches, respectively. Forming the interlocking members as rounded notches and protrusions may separate the insert 1930 from the channel 1912 when desired, while also preventing the insert 1930 from inadvertently separating from the channel 1912.

Interlocking members

1913 and 1933a may be preferably employed with embodiments of modular tie 1900 that are made of metal.

Insert 1930 includes a pocket 1934 that underlies top rear surface 1931 and forms a rearward facing opening. Notches 1931a may be formed in top rear surface 1931 and extend upward/forward from a rear edge of top rear surface 1931. When the top button is slid into the pocket 1934, the notch 1931a receives the threads of the top button of the wearer's shirt, thereby attaching the assembled tie 1900 to the wearer's shirt.

The insert 1930 also includes a pocket 1935 positioned at and open to the bottom of the insert 1930. Pocket 1935 is configured to receive proximal head 1922 of fabric shaft 1920. The upper surface 1923 of the proximal head 1922 may be sloped rearward to match the angle of the upper surface of the pocket 1935. Insert 1930 may also include a pocket 1936 that is located between

pockets

1934 and 1935 and opens to the front of insert 1930. To secure fabric shaft 1920 in pocket 1935, a magnet (not shown) may be placed in pocket 1936 to attract a corresponding magnet (not shown) contained in pocket 1923a formed in proximal head 1922. The thin wall between

pockets

1935 and 1936 will ensure that there is sufficient magnetic force to prevent accidental separation of fabric rod 1920 from pocket 1935.

A recess 1924 of woven stem 1920 is formed between proximal head 1922 and terminal fastener 1921. A tie portion (e.g., tie portion 502) may be wrapped around and secured to a rod 1920 at recess 1924 (similar to that shown in fig. 6). As can best be seen in fig. 19D, the relative dimensions of the knot wrap 1910, fabric shaft 1920, and insert 1930 will position recess 1924 within pocket 1935 such that bottom portion 1915 of knot wrap 1910 will conceal proximal head 1922 and the transition to the tie portion. The widened rounded shape of terminal fastener 1921 will help maintain the desired shape of the tie portion when suspended from fabric beam 1920.

Fig. 20-20B show a variation of the assembled tie 1900. In this variation, interlocking

members

1913 and 1933a are replaced by interlocking members 2001 and 2002. Interlock member 2001 is configured as an angled notch and interlock member 2002 is configured as a pivoting tab. As can best be seen in fig. 20B, a channel 2003 is formed in the opposite side of the outer surface 1933 and the interlocking members 2002 are positioned within the channel 2003 but spaced from the inner surface of the channel 2003, allowing the interlocking members 2002 to pivot inwardly. As also best seen in fig. 20B, the interlocking members 2002 are configured to extend outwardly beyond the outer surface 1933 so that they will be inserted into the interlocking members 2001. Thus, without sufficient force to pivot the interlock members 2002 inward, the insert 1930 will remain in the channel 1912. Interlocking members 2001 and 2002 may preferably be employed with embodiments of modular tie 1900 made of plastic.

Fig. 21 shows an assembled tie 2100 comprising a knot wrap 1910, a fabric rod 1920, a tie portion 502 and a loop element 2101, the loop element 2101 being configured to be placed around the tie portion 502 above and above the fabric rod 1920 such that the loop element 2101 is positioned below the knot wrap 1910. The loop element 2101 may add additional decoration to the modular necktie 2100 or any other modular necktie described herein.

Fig. 22 illustrates how a knot package (e.g., knot package 1910) can be configured to include a plurality of decorative inlays 2200. For example, various surfaces of the knot wrap 1910 can be recessed to accommodate the decorative inlay 2200. Decorative inlay 2200 may be permanently attached within a recess or may be selectively replaceable (e.g., using magnets, hook and look fasteners, or any other suitable type of fastener or adhesive). The decorative inlay 2200 may be made of a variety of different materials, including wood, metal, composite materials, or any other material having a desired appearance.

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.

Claims

1. An assembled tie, comprising:

a knot pack having a top edge, a bottom edge opposite the top edge, a front surface, and a rear surface opposite the front surface, the rear surface forming a channel;

an insert inserted into the channel of the knot bag to thereby attach the insert to the knot bag, the insert comprising a first pocket having a first opening through which a button of a wearer's shirt can slide into the first pocket, the insert further comprising a second pocket located below the first pocket, the second pocket comprising a second opening;

a fabric rod configured to be inserted into the second pocket via the second opening, thereby connecting the fabric rod to the insert; and

a tie portion secured to the fabric rod such that the tie portion extends downwardly from the knot bag when the fabric rod is inserted into the second pocket during attachment of the insert to the knot bag.

2. The modular tie of claim 1, wherein the channel extends from the top edge to the bottom edge.

3. The modular tie of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the channel includes one or more first interlocking members and an outer surface of the insert includes one or more second interlocking members, the one or more first interlocking members interlocking with the one or more second interlocking members when the insert is inserted into the channel.

4. The modular tie of claim 3, wherein the one or more first interlocking members are notches and the one or more second interlocking members are protrusions.

5. The modular tie of claim 3, wherein the one or more first interlocking members are protrusions and the one or more second interlocking members are notches.

6. The modular tie of claim 3, wherein the one or more first interlocking members are notches and the one or more second interlocking members are tabs.

7. The fitted necktie of claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the insert comprises one or more channels, and each of the one or more tabs is positioned in one of the one or more channels.

8. The modular tie of claim 7, wherein the one or more tabs pivot inwardly within the respective channels.

9. The modular tie of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the channel forms a shelf on which a bottom surface of the insert rests when the insert is inserted into the channel.

10. The modular tie of claim 1, wherein a top rear surface of the insert is aligned with a surrounding surface of the knot wrap when the insert is inserted into the channel.

11. The modular tie of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a notch formed through a top rear surface of the insert, the notch extending from the first opening to accommodate a thread of the button when the button is in the first pocket.

12. The fitted necktie of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a third pocket located above the second pocket, the third pocket configured to hold a magnet.

13. The modular tie of claim 12, wherein the weaving bar includes a proximal head portion including a pocket configured to retain a magnet.

14. The modular tie of claim 12, wherein the third pocket is located between the first and second pockets and includes a third opening oppositely oriented from the first opening.

15. The modular tie of claim 1, wherein the knot wrap includes a base that extends below a bottom surface of the insert when the insert is inserted into the channel.

16. The modular necktie of claim 1, further comprising a loop component configured to extend around the necktie segment and the cloth rail.

17. The modular tie of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more decorative inlays attached to one or more exterior surfaces of the tie wrap.

18. An assembled tie, comprising:

a knot pack having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface, the back surface forming a channel, an inner surface of the channel forming one or more first interlocking members;

an insert inserted into the channel of the knot pack to thereby attach the insert to the knot pack, an outer surface of the insert forming one or more second interlocking members that align with the one or more first interlocking members when the insert is inserted into the channel, the insert configured to receive a button of a shirt of a wearer to thereby attach the assembled tie to the shirt of the wearer; and

a fabric rod configured to be connected to the insert, the fabric rod further configured to: securing a collar portion to the knot pack during insertion of the insert into the channel.

19. The modular tie of claim 16, wherein the insert includes a first pocket that receives the buttons of the wearer's shirt and a second pocket through which the fabric rod is connected to the insert.

20. An assembled tie, comprising:

a knot pack having a front surface configured to resemble a knot of a tie and a rear surface, the rear surface forming a channel;

an insert inserted into the channel to thereby attach the insert to the knot bag, the insert comprising a first pocket positioned toward a top surface of the insert and a second pocket positioned toward a bottom surface of the insert, the first pocket having a rearward facing opening through which a button of a wearer's shirt is inserted into the first pocket, the second pocket having a downward facing opening; and

a cloth rail to which a tie portion is connected, the cloth rail being inserted into the second pocket via the downwardly facing opening to secure the cloth rail and the tie portion to the knot bag.