CN115885070A

CN115885070A - Contoured collar tip wear protector

Info

Publication number: CN115885070A
Application number: CN202180050657.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李察·鲁道夫·瑟普
Original assignee: Russelsberg Co ltd
Current assignee: Russelsberg Co ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-17
Filing date: 2021-07-14
Publication date: 2023-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2041-07-14
Also published as: EP3982779C0; WO2022037803A1; EP3982779B1; CN115885070B; DE102020007469A1; US20230180856A1; EP3982779A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a collar tip abrasion protection device for a shirt collar or a cover shirt collar. The wear protection protects the collar tip, which is particularly susceptible to being affected during the washing process. Thus, the shirt may remain intact despite multiple washing operations and thus be worn longer by the user. The invention also relates to a combination of a plurality of wear protection devices, and to a method of manufacturing a corresponding device. Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed, which has control instructions to implement the method.

Description

Contoured neck top wear protector

The present invention relates to a protector for protecting a collar tip of a shirt or a jacket collar (hereinafter simply referred to as a shirt collar). The wear protection protects the collar tip, which is particularly susceptible to being affected during the washing process. Thus, the shirt may remain intact despite multiple washing operations and thus be worn longer by the user. The invention also relates to a combination of a plurality of wear protection devices, and to a method for producing a corresponding device. Furthermore, a computer program product is proposed, which has control instructions to implement the method.

DE 60 032 618 T2 discloses a garment container for a washing machine, comprising: at least one net for wrapping a garment and having a plurality of apertures therein, the plurality of apertures in the net allowing water to flow into the container during a washing process, thereby providing the container with a garment wetting effect of 90% to 100%; and a closing means for closing the container so that the container wraps the garment washed in the washing machine.

Particularly high quality shirts, such as custom-made shirts, are individually liked by the user when worn and are therefore intended to be worn for extended periods of years. The wearing cycle includes various washing processes during which the shirt is subjected to mechanical stress. Thus, the individual garments rub against each other and the shirt becomes worn, making it unsightly.

It has been confirmed that the tip of the collar is particularly susceptible to such mechanical wear. The top of the shirt collar is the deepest part of the front of the garment and is generally designed to be at a right angle. Depending on the design of the shirt collar, the angle of the cusp may be changed. Thus, in general, particularly sharp shirt collars are particularly susceptible. So-called shark collars or needle collars are only examples of designs as special shirt collars.

The problem of physical wear of the shirt collar is exacerbated by the fact that, in the case of a coloured shirt, the colour of the shirt is generally different from the undertone of the inside of the collar. For example, a shirt is light blue, or the collar of a shirt is light blue, and the color of the lining material used to reinforce the collar is white. This results in a visually very noticeable wear, with the white inner layer in a bluish collar being very prominent, especially at the tip of the collar. As a result, the shirt becomes unsightly and, although this wear is typically the only wear on the entire shirt, the user will typically discard it.

Therefore, trash is generated, and the user is disappointed by having to purchase a new shirt only due to wear at the point of the collar. Shirts are generally worn at work or in critical situations, and the user and his mindset therefore pay special attention to this.

With respect to the current problem, the prior art provides, for example, bags in which individual pieces of clothing are received to minimize wear or friction between each other. However, the prior art does not present a solution specifically addressing the point of leadership weakness. Even if the prior art minimizes wear, the collar point remains a weak point, significantly reducing the overall life of the shirt.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device which can protect in particular the tip of a shirt collar. The apparatus of interest is easy to operate and can be produced with low technical effort. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a possibility or means whereby, for example, pairs of devices can be provided, and possibly also a plurality of devices in one working step. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to propose a method for manufacturing said device, and a computer program product implementing said method.

The object is solved by a device having the features according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are indicated in the dependent claims.

The present application therefore proposes a protection device for the tip of a shirt collar, comprising: a protection unit having a receiving chamber adapted to partially wrap the collar point; and a fixed rocker partially pivotably supported in the recess of the protective unit, the fixed rocker narrowing the receiving chamber in a lowered rest state and widening the receiving chamber in a raised state compared to the rest state for receiving the collar tip, wherein a plastic material integrally forming the device is used such that the fixed rocker becomes pivotable by arranging a thin web only within the recess on the protective unit.

By using the elasticity of the plastic, the thin web can act like a spring. This is advantageous for the use of a single plastic for the entire device.

The receiving chamber can alternatively be referred to as an insertion chamber, since the collar point can be inserted at the open side. Generally, the receiving chamber may also be referred to as a receiving unit. The recess, which may also be referred to as a viewing window, allows the position of the collar tip within the device to be assessed and adjusted through the recess. Therefore, the recess may be formed to be larger than a space required for inserting the fixed rocker. If the device is formed in one piece, the recess is formed to extend beyond the region of the positioning rocker. The recess can be dimensioned so large that the collar point can still be fixed in the receiving chamber in a slip-proof manner, but still suitably provide the function as a viewing window.

Partially pivotable is also understood to be tiltable or partially rotatable. The fixed rocker is lifted relative to the inner bottom of the protective unit by an external force and is brought to a starting or rest position close to the bottom of the protective unit relative to the inner bottom of the protective unit without an external force. In this context, closed means a distance which in the rest state allows the collar point to be clamped between the base of the protective unit and the fixed rocker. This may mean no distance or a distance of a few tenths of a millimeter, but preferably no more than four tenths of a millimeter.

The wear protection according to the invention refers to the mechanical wear or repulsion of the collar tip. To this end, the proposed invention is clipped or inserted on a collar, so that the collar point is protected by the device. This is achieved by the protective unit having a receiving chamber into which the collar point can be inserted and fixed. Thus, the receiving chamber is a recess or depression in the protection unit. Thus, the protection unit acts as a sleeve and partially wraps the collar point. The receiving chamber is arranged such that the collar point can be inserted therein. The receiving chamber is thus elongated and generally triangular. Thus, the user can insert the collar point into the receiving chamber or wrap the protection unit around the collar point.

Therefore, the receiving chamber is sized slightly larger than the collar tip of a general shirt. This enables the collar point to be located in the receiving chamber in a form-fitting manner and the protective unit can therefore partially wrap or surround the collar point. In this case, the collar point may not be arranged completely positively in the receiving chamber, but the receiving chamber is advantageously dimensioned such that it has a slight play in the receiving chamber. In particular, exemplary dimensions are shown by way of example in the drawings.

The receiving space is generally closed in substantially all directions and has only one open side for receiving the collar point. Being substantially closed in all directions means that only passages for washing water are provided. In addition, the receiving chamber is not closed in all directions, but has a larger recess in the region of the fixed rocker. This may be designed such that the fixed rocker swings freely and the receiving chamber is not completely closed even when the fixed rocker is opened or pressed.

Since the collar point is now inserted into the receiving process and the protective unit already covers the collar point, it is now advantageous to fix the protective unit to the collar point. This is done in this way: the protective unit or the device as a whole remains attached to the collar tip even if the respective shirt is subjected to great mechanical stress in the washing machine.

The device is fixed on the collar tip through a fixed rocker. The fixed rocker is mounted in a recess of the protection unit in such a way that: pressure is applied to the inserted collar tip so that the latter is pressed on one side by the fixed rocker, the collar tip thus being pressed by the inner bottom of the protection unit. The collar point is thus fixed in the protection unit, similar to the principle of a clothes peg.

The fixed rocker may be attached to the protection unit such that it remains in a lower position in the rest state. The lower position allows the collar point to be clamped between a portion of the fixed rocker and a portion of the protection unit.

This corresponds to the working principle of a clothes peg, which is closed in the rest state. The fixed rocker is thus designed to be closed in the rest state and can be opened by applying a force to the outside of the rocker. The collar point is thus snapped or locked into the protective unit by means of the fastening rocker.

In the lowered rest condition, the fixed rocker narrows the container so that it is slightly narrower than the normal neck point. This ensures that the collar point is under pressure and therefore cannot slide out of the protective unit. If pressure is now applied to the outside of the fixed rocker, the locking element of the fixed rocker is lifted and the collar tip can be removed from the protective unit.

It is particularly advantageous to design the device for protection against wear of the collar point in one piece. In this case, a plastic material can be used, which can form the device integrally in such a way that the fixed rocker is pivoted by arranging only a thin web in a recess on the protective unit. This makes it possible to provide the device in one single working step using a slightly elastic plastic, and the user loads the web by force action on the fixed rocker. Due to the elastic plastic, these webs yield slightly, so that the position of the fixed rocker can be changed.

Thus, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to configure a plurality of components like a clothes peg, but a one-piece device made of a uniform material may be provided. The plastic or material of the device should be chosen such that the protection unit is rigid or substantially rigid and the fixed rocker is also substantially rigid. The latter should, however, be elastic, so that the fixing rocker is flexible by fixing it to a web in the protective unit or in a recess of the protective unit. Thus, due to the relatively thin design of such a web, it is possible that only said web yields, while the rest of the proposed device is rigid, so that the collar tip is maintained firmly wrapped.

According to an aspect of the invention, the receiving chamber is triangular. This has the advantage that the receiving chamber can have an opening on one side of the triangle, so that the collar point can be pushed in, or the protective unit can be placed over the collar point. The collar point can thus essentially rest in a form-fitting manner in the receiving chamber.

According to another aspect of the invention, the receiving chamber is in the form of an isosceles triangle, the included angle of the apex of the triangle being between 60 ° and 120 °. This has the advantage that the receiving chamber can be shaped according to the prevailing angle of the collar point. It is particularly preferred that the triangle is arranged with the apex of an isosceles triangle at 90 deg.. This allows the receiving chamber to accommodate a common collar point. Depending on the design of the collar to be protected, the receiving chamber can also be designed.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fixed rocker is elongated. This has the advantage that a pressure can be applied to the fixed rocker particularly easily and, consequently, the proposed device can be released again easily from the collar point. The fixing rocker can therefore also be fixed in the recess of the protective unit by means of a web which is less elastic, since a longer fixing rocker can transmit forces more easily. The lever is a pivot point that pivots the fixed rocker.

According to another aspect of the invention, the fixed rocker is arranged orthogonally to the opening of the receiving chamber. This has the advantage that a generally triangular container or container compartment can be provided, so that one side of the triangle can be provided as an opening for insertion of the collar point and arranged orthogonal to the fixed rocker. It can then be arranged in an orthogonally aligned manner with respect to the opening edge with respect to the opening side of the protective unit and can be pivoted, for example, upwards and downwards. The proposed device is therefore particularly well fixed to the collar point. The opening edge or opening is intended to receive a collar point and the receiving chamber may have a further opening.

According to another aspect of the invention, the receiving chamber is adapted to positively enclose the collar point. This has the advantage that the receiving chamber is shaped according to the prevailing collar point. In this case, there is a form fit which preferably leaves some play space so that the collar tip can be easily inserted into the receiving chamber. Thus, a substantially form-fitting wrapping occurs. For example, a gap of one to two millimeters may be left at the top and bottom of the collar tip. This also takes into account that the collar thickness of each shirt is not the same and is therefore substantially form-fitting. The tolerance range allows for different fabric thicknesses.

According to another aspect of the proposed invention, the fixed rocker is mounted so as to narrow the receiving chamber in the lowered rest condition, so that the received collar tip is subjected to pressure. This has the advantage that the fixing rocker is lowered in the rest state and thus presses any collar point inserted against the protective unit. This ensures that the collar point does not fall out of the protection unit or the device does not separate from the collar point even during washing. Conversely, this ensures that the device remains attached to the collar point as long as the user does not exert pressure on the fixed rocker.

According to another aspect of the invention, the protection unit is at least partially transparent. This has the advantage that the user can always see how the collar tip is arranged in the protective unit. They can therefore guide the proposed device onto the collar point in order to insert it into the receiving chamber. They can then check, through the transparent material, whether the collar tip is indeed arranged inside the receiving chamber. The user can readjust the position of the device on the collar point if necessary.

According to another aspect of the invention, the protection unit has at least one channel. This has the advantage that washing water can enter the protection unit during the washing process without losing the protection of the collar tip. Thus, the detergent is also delivered to the collar tip and cleaned in the same way as the rest of the shirt. The shape of the concave part can be a hole, and can also be a circle, a square or a triangle. In general, any form of aperture is contemplated. The channel is designed such that the collar tip can also be flushed with washing water during the washing process.

According to another aspect of the invention, the protection unit comprises an extension arranged with respect to the fixed rocker so as to be able to exert pressure on the fixed rocker, and the extension provides an opposite side lever for exerting pressure. This has the advantage that the fixed rocker can easily change its position. According to the principle of a clothes peg, the fixed rocker thus forms one side of the clip and the extension forms the other side. The user can thus operate the fixed rocker with one finger and can thus exert pressure on the fixed rocker so that he can grasp the extension with the other finger. Thus, the users can press the two parts together and can thus lift the fixed rocker. If the user releases the applied force, the rocker will again drop and return to the closed or rest position.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the fixing rocker and/or the protective unit are each at least partially corrugated. This has the advantage that the fixed rocker can be designed so that the bellows portion meets the collar tip. This enables the collar tip to be fixed particularly well. However, it is also possible to design another part of the fixed rocker to be ribbed so that it cannot be easily slid off by the user. The protection unit can be designed in a grooved manner to lock the collar point particularly well or so that the device as a whole does not slide with respect to the collar point. An alternative to ribs is to design the respective parts to be rough, which generally prevents slipping.

The work can also be solved by a combination of at least two of the described devices. The at least two devices are connected to each other in such a way that they can be separated. Thus, a one-piece arrangement with at least two of the proposed devices is obtained. These devices are coupled to each other in a detachable manner, so that they can be detached from each other, i.e. coupled to each other in a non-destructive manner. For this purpose, a small web with a predetermined breaking point can be arranged between the devices. In this way, the user can store the devices in pairs and then can separate them. Preferably, an even number of fixtures is always connected. For example, two or four fixtures may be delivered. This is particularly advantageous since the user always needs two fixing means for one shirt and can therefore be provided with a suitable number of pieces. Due to the connections between the devices, two or four devices may be provided in one piece and thus may also be manufactured in a single process step. Examples with two or four devices are merely exemplary.

The object is also solved by a method for manufacturing a protection device for the tip wear of a shirt collar, comprising: providing a security/protection unit having a receiving compartment adapted to partially enclose the collar point; and providing a positioning/fixing rocker which is partly pivotably mounted in a recess in the protective unit, which in a lower rest state narrows the receiving chamber and in a raised state relative to the rest state widens the receiving chamber to receive the collar tip, wherein the plastic material which integrally forms the device is used such that the positioning rocker is pivotable by only being provided with a thin web in the recess on the protective unit.

The object is also solved by a computer program product implementing the proposed method. Separate structural features may be provided as virtual units here. For example, a simulation program or a graphical program may be used, which is adapted to generate control commands for the machine production device.

Other advantages, features and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, wherein aspects of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this connection, the features mentioned in the claims and the description are essential for the invention either individually or in any combination. Likewise, the above features and the features further described herein may be used alone or in any combination. Parts or components that are functionally similar or identical are provided, in part, with the same reference numerals. The terms "left", "right", "upper" and "lower" used in the description of the embodiments refer to the drawings with the generally readable graphic names or the generally readable directions of reference signs. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as definitive, but rather have exemplary features for explaining the invention. The detailed description is for the purpose of providing information to those skilled in the art, and thus, well-known structures and methods have not been shown or described in detail in the description so as not to obscure the understanding of the description.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the construction or auxiliary lines, which are partially drawn in the figures, are not actually implemented in this manner. The dimensions and angles are exemplary and not limiting and merely represent preferred designs. The corresponding dimensions are in millimeters.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a shirt collar with a collar point and a proposed device according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 2 is several perspective views of the proposed device according to another aspect of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a side view of the proposed apparatus according to another aspect of the invention;

fig. 4 is a plan view of the proposed apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a side view of the proposed apparatus according to another aspect of the invention;

fig. 6 is a bottom view of the proposed device according to another aspect of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a front view of the proposed device according to another aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a proposed combination, according to another aspect of the invention, comprising a plurality of devices; and

fig. 9 is a schematic flow chart of a proposed method for manufacturing the device according to another aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows a shirt collar with a collar tip S. On the right side the proposed device is arranged, it being clear that the collar tip S has been inserted into the receiving chamber. The collar point S is fixed so that the device adheres to the collar point S. If the left side is now also provided with the proposed device, the shirt is ready for a washing process in which the collar is optimally protected.

Figure 2 shows the proposed device from several angles. The left side shows a top view and the middle shows a view from below. On the right side a top view is shown, which is rotated with respect to the viewing angle on the left side. The figure shows the fixed rocker FW in the recess a and the extension V arranged therebelow. In addition, triangular protection cells SE are shown.

Furthermore, a channel is shown in the center, which allows water to enter the protective unit SE during the washing process. On the left side, it can clearly be seen that the extension V is arranged with respect to the fixed rocker FW such that the two elements can be pressed against each other. The fixed rocker FW is mounted rotatably or pivotably such that the top of the fixed rocker is lifted on the left and can be inserted into the collar point or the device can be mounted onto the collar point.

Fig. 3 shows a side view of the device, whereby it can be seen that the fixed rocker FW is lowered in the rest state. If the fixed rocker on the right side (rotated view, i.e. bottom) is actuated, the fixed rocker FW on the left side (rotated view, i.e. top) is lifted and the receiving chamber AF is opened. The collar point can then be inserted and the fixing rocker FW is released. The rocker then descends onto the collar point and holds it in place.

In particular, fig. 3 shows a device for wear protection of the tip S of a shirt collar, comprising a protection unit SE having a receiving chamber AF adapted to partially wrap the tip S; and a fixed rocker FW, which is mounted in a recess a of the protective unit SE in a partially pivotable manner, the fixed rocker FA narrowing the receiving chamber AF in the lowered rest state and widening the receiving chamber AF in the raised state compared to the rest state in order to receive the tie point S. The figure also shows that the receiving chamber AF is not formed closed, but that a continuous opening is provided in the figure above the recess for fixing the rocker FW. The opening between the fixed rocker FW and the upper part of the protection unit SE serves to prevent the washing water from entering, and also has the advantage that the device as a whole can be easily manufactured by injection molding. Thus, in the present fig. 3, the receiving chamber AF is open to the right, which corresponds to the lower side of the device V in normal use.

As can be seen in the present fig. 3, lettering is embossed on the right-hand fixed rocker and on the left-hand actuating device. This has the advantage that the contours are created by different elevations or depressions, so that the user can press the device together from both sides, for example with two fingers. In the present fig. 3, pressure is applied to the means for securing the rocker and base so that the user's fingers can accurately grasp these points. Thus, the raised label provides a technical effect of forming a relief so that the user does not slip off.

In conventional embodiments, the respective handles are smoothly formed or only have characters printed thereon. If only text is printed as in the prior art, a problem arises that the user may slip off while operating the device. According to the invention, the writing forms a contour that prevents the above-mentioned slipping. Another disadvantage of the prior art is overcome in the present case because the outline creates a font. For example, if an outline is created on the handle in the prior art, it is again difficult to insert the font because the surface is not smooth and thus printing is not possible.

In the present case, the above-mentioned disadvantages are overcome and the text serves a dual function, namely firstly the possibility of conveying text or picture information and secondly the creation of outlines. Thus, it is not just a decorative font, but an embossed font, ensuring that the user can safely handle the device. For example, the font may be "Collar-Pro", which is a registered trademark.

Fig. 4 shows the device in top view and in particular the fixed rocker FW seen from above. The protection unit SE is located at the top of the figure. The openings are shown as dashed lines because they are not visible from this point of view or are visible only if the material is transparent.

Fig. 5 is similar to fig. 3 and again shows a side view of the device. Here, the design of the protection device SE is shown. The receiving chamber AF is located within the protection device SE. If the fixed rocker FW is now actuated on the right-hand side (rotated view, i.e. in this case the bottom), the collar point can be inserted and positioned positively in the protective unit SE.

Fig. 6 shows the proposed device and the extension V from below. In this figure, the holes in the bottom of the device that lead to the entry of the washing water can be clearly seen.

Fig. 7 shows a front view of the arrangement with the fixed rocker FW extending from the bottom of the protection unit. If the fixed rocker FW is actuated, it visually disappears in said view.

Figure 8 shows a combination of several devices that are detachably connected together at their tips. Thus, the device may be separated and then put into use. The proposed combination is particularly easy to manufacture, since it is formed in one piece and can therefore be manufactured in one operation.

Fig. 9 shows in a schematic block diagram a method for producing a wear protection device for a collar tip S of a shirt collar, comprising: step 100, providing a protection unit SE having a receiving room AF suitable for wrapping a collar tip S; and a step 101 of providing a fixed rocker FW, which is partially pivotally supported in a recess a of the protection unit SE, said fixed rocker narrowing the receiving chamber AF in the lowered rest state and widening the receiving chamber AF in the raised state compared to the rest state to receive the tie point S, wherein a plastic material is used which integrally forms the device, such that the fixed rocker becomes pivotable by arranging a thin ridge only within the recess on the protection unit.

Those skilled in the art recognize here that these steps may have further sub-steps, and in particular, each process step may be performed iteratively and/or in a different order.

Claims

1. A wear protection device for the tip (S) of a shirt collar, characterized in that it comprises:

a protection unit (SE) having a receiving chamber (AF) adapted to partially wrap said collar tip (S); and

a fixed rocker (FW) which is partially pivotably mounted in a recess (A) of the protection unit (SE), which fixed rocker (FA) narrows the receiving chamber (AF) in a lowered rest state and widens the receiving chamber (AF) to receive the collar tip (S) in a raised state compared to the rest state, wherein plastic which integrally forms the device is used such that the fixed rocker is pivotable by arranging a thin web only within the recess on the protection unit.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixed rocker (FW) is provided with inscriptions rising from the fixed rocker (FW).

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the ridges of the inscription are designed in relief.

4. The device of claim 2 or 3, wherein the inscription is designed such that the protuberance enables a slip-resistant grip.

5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed rocker (FW) is arranged orthogonal to the opening of the receiving chamber (AF).

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said receiving chamber (AF) is adapted to partially and positively wrap said collar tip (S).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed rocker (FW) is mounted such that in a lowered rest state it narrows the receiving chamber (AF) such that the received collar tip (S) is subjected to pressure.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection unit (SE) is at least partially transparent.

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection unit (SE) has at least one channel.

10. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protection unit (SE) comprises an extension (V) which is arranged in relation to the fixed rocker (FW) in such a way that the fixed rocker (FW) can take up pressure, and in that the extension (V) constitutes a counter-lever which exerts the pressure.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed rocker (FW) and/or the protective unit (SE) are each at least partially ribbed.

12. A combination of at least two devices according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two devices are detachably connected to each other.

13. A method for manufacturing a wear protector for the tip (S) of a shirt collar, comprising:

-providing (step 100) a protection unit (SE) having a receiving chamber (AF) suitable for partially wrapping said collar tip (S); and

providing (step 101) a fixed rocker (FW) which is partially pivotally supported in a recess (A) of a protection unit (SE), which narrows the receiving chamber (AF) in a lowered rest state and widens the receiving chamber (AF) to receive the collar tip (S) in a raised state compared to the rest state, wherein a plastic material is used which integrally forms the device such that the fixed rocker becomes pivotable by arranging a thin web only within the recess on the protection unit.

14. A method of manufacturing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that injection moulding or 3D printing is used.

15. A computer program product having control instructions, characterized in that the control instructions, when executed on a computer, perform the method of claim 13 or 14.