GB2469812A

GB2469812A - Shirt collar and decorative band

Info

Publication number: GB2469812A
Application number: GB0907242A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Smith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-04-28
Filing date: 2009-04-28
Publication date: 2010-11-03
Also published as: GB0907242D0

Abstract

A shirt collar and decorative band comprises a 'cut away' shirt collar 1 designed to expose a shirt neck collar band 2 onto which a separate decorative band 4 is attached using corresponding fastenings, such as buttons and holes. The decorative band 4 can also be attached to the front of a shirt using corresponding fastenings, giving the individual the option of wearing either one or two decorative band. The band may also be attached using hook and loop or press stud fastenings. The decorative band is intended to provide individual styling of a tie without the associated lack of comfort.

Description

Shirt Collar and Shirt Accessory

Background

A gradual but noticeable change is emerging in the male dress code, with a move away from the traditional formal wear of a shirt and tie' to an open neck' shirt. This growing trend has become apparent and accepted both in the business environment and also with people in the public eye for example politicians and those in the media e.g. TV presenters etc. Many men will be relieved about the change, as the wearing of a tie can often be restrictive and uncomfortable. Collar rash' on the neck is a common occurrence and rashes from shaving can also be aggravated by the regular wearing of a close fitting collar and tie. Wearing a tie on hot summer days can be testing even for the most ardent fans of the collar and tie.

In addition, there can be Health and Safety issues in the workplace, for example, ties getting caught in machinery, falling into food and also Doctors in hospitals who risk passing on contamination from an infected tie. It is a known fact that ties are not usually cleaned as often as other items of clothing.

Even where the continued use of a tie is required, often an individual will loosen the tie, undo the top shirt button and the formality is immediately lost, taking on a more dishevelled and relaxed appearance. Schoolchildren in particular have nearly always found a way of personalising and dressing down the school tie when they can get away with it'.

Nevertheless, wearing a tie does provide the individual wearing it (mostly Males but sometimes Females) with the opportunity to express themselves and to make a statement. Ties can be used to personalise appearance or simply to convey a professional image. With the gradual demise of the tie these opportunities are being lost. 2.

Statement of Invention

This invention is an alternative to a traditional shirt collar and tie. It combines the less formal appearance and comfort advantages of open neck' shirt wear but it retains the ability for individual expression and person&isation when worn with either one or two of the optional decorative shirt accessory bands'.

The invention consistsof a shirt collar cut away' to expose the shirt neck collar band.

On the outside surface of the exposed shirt neck collar band are fastenings so that the separate shirt accessory band could be attached for decorative purposes. The preferred fastenings for this purpose are buttons, although the fastening function could be performed by alternative methods such as, but not restricted to, press studs or Velcro.

An example of the invention will be described by referring to the detailed explanations given and also to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a cut away' shirt collar (1) in the preferred fin shape' exposing the shirt neck collar band (2).

Figure 2 shows a rear view of the shirt neck collar band (2) with the preferred button fastenings (3).

In figure 2, one button is shown in the centre of the back of the neck collar band and the other on the left side. Although not illustrated, a further corresponding button on the right side would exist, although both the left and right side buttons would not ordinarily be visible when the shirt is worn, as they would be concealed beneath the shirt collar.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the shirt neck collar band (2) with the cut away' collar (1) raised to reveal a button fastening beneath (3).

The decorative shirt accessory band' is designed to be attached either to a shirt with appropriate button fastenings on the shirt collar band and/or to the usual buttons at the front of a shirt. It is preferred that the decorative shirt accessory band' be made of fabric although not restricted to this, as alternative materials could be used.

Figure 4 shows the outside surface of the decorative shirt accessory band' (4).

Figure 5 shows the reverse side of the decorative shirt accessory band' (4) with the preferred three elongated buttonholes (5) into which the corresponding shirt buttons would be inserted to secure the band.

The elongated buttonholes shown in figure 5 would provide flexibility and make allowance for the different positioning of the corresponding buttons on both the neck collar band and also the differing positions of the usual buttons at the front of the shirt.

Figure 6 shows the decorative shirt accessory band' (4) attached to the shirt neck collar band (2) of a cut away' shirt collar (1) in the preferred fin shape'.

Figure 7 shows the decorative shirt accessory band' (4) attached to the usual buttons at the front of a shirt. 3.

Claims

Claims 1. A cut away' shirt collar.
2. A cut away' shirt collar in the preferred fin shape' but not restricted to this shape.
3. A cut away' shirt collar according to claim 2 with means to attach a decorative shirt accessory band to the neck collar band.
4. A cut away' shirt collar according to claim 2 with the preferred button fastenings on the neck collar band for the purpose of attaching a decorative shirt accessory band.
5. A cut away' shirt collar according to claim 2 with alternative collar fastenings such as but not restricted to, Velcro or press studs for the purpose of attaching a decorative shirt accessory band.
6. A decorative shirt accessory band with the means of attaching it to a shirt.
7. A decorative shirt accessory band according to claim 6 with the preferred elongated buttonholes on the reverse side for the purpose of securing to a shirt collar band with corresponding buttons.
8. A decorative shirt accessory band according to claim 7 for the purpose of securing to the front of a shirt with corresponding buttons.
9. A decorative shirt accessory band according to claim 6 with alternative fastenings such as Velcro or press studs for the purpose of attaching it to a shirt collar band with corresponding fastenings.
10. A decorative shirt accessory band according to claim 9 for the purpose of attaching it to the front of a shirt with corresponding fastenings.
11. A cut away' shirt collar according to claims 2,3,4 and 5 together with a decorative shirt accessory band according to claims 6,7,8, 9 and 10.Amendemnts to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A shirt collar cut away' and shaped so that the shirt neck collar band is exposed. The shirt neck collar band has button fastenings in order to attach a separate decorative accessory band using buttonholes. The decorative accessory band is then worn in combination with the shirt and when the accessory band is attached, the means of attachment are concealed and the accessory band is visible from the side and rear.2. A shirt collar and separate decorative accessory band according to claim 1 but with alternative methods of attaching the decorative accessory band to the shirt neck band such as press studs or a hook and loop type fastening.3. A shirt collar and separate decorative accessory band according to claim 1 with an additional separate decorative accessory band for the purpose of securing it with buttonholes to the front of the shirt using corresponding buttons.4. A shirt collar and separate decorative accessory bands according to claims I and 3 but with alternative methods of attaching the decorative accessory band to the front of the shirt such as press studs or a hook and loop type fastening.5. A collar flap cut in a fin shape' for the purpose of exposing the shirt neck collar band and a separate decorative accessory band. The shirt neck collar band has button fastenings in order to attach the decorative accessory band using buttonholes. The decorative band is then worn in combination with the open neck shirt and when the decorative band is attached, the means of attachment are concealed.6. A collar flap cut in a fin shape' for the purpose of exposing the shirt neck collar band and a separate decorative accessory band but with alternative methods of attaching the decorative accessory band to the shirt neck band such as press studs or a hook and loop type fastening. The decorative band is then worn in combination with the open neck shirt and when the decorative band is attached, the means of attachment are concealed.7. A shirt collar and separate decorative accessory band according to claim 5 with an additional separate decorative accessory band for the purpose of securing it with buttonholes to the front of the shirt using corresponding buttons.8. A shirt collar and separate decorative accessory bands according to claims 5 and 7 S.. but with alternative methods of attaching the decorative accessory band to the front of the shirt such as press studs or a hook and loop type fastening.* ..*.. * * * S. * . . S...S *5*S * *5 S. S 5* 5S * S