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Clothing accessoryRelated Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, Torso Or Limb Encircling, With Additional Holding Devices Or Features, With Pendant Holding Means, With Member Between Ends Of Encircling StripClothing accessory description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20050273908, Clothing accessory. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an accessory for a clothing item, and more particularly, to an accessory configured to improve the aesthetic value of the clothing item. [0002] Elongated lengths of material are commonly used as apparel, such as for neckties, scarves, sashes, and belts. Knots may be formed within the elongated lengths of material so that the material loops around a portion of a wearer. For example, neckties are commonly tied so that a knot is proximate a collar of a wearer, while a tail portion of the tie hangs below the knot. [0003] Some necktie wearers, however, have difficulty in tying a proper knot. The aesthetic value of a necktie is based, in part, on the integrity of the knot. A poorly tied knot typically detracts from the appearance of the necktie. Further, a poorly tied knot may reflect poorly on the wearer, similar to an untucked shirt, ill-fitting clothes, or even unkempt hair. While sartorial and personal grooming shortcomings may seem superficial, they do, in fact, take on significance in the workplace, social events, and particularly during a job interview. [0004] Clothing accessories exist that are intended to improve the look of knots, such as tie knots. Conventional accessories include devices that simulate a knot, completely cover a knot, or otherwise join material to obviate the need for a knot. Typically, however, these conventional accessories are not designed to compliment and improve the aesthetics of the knot, while at the same time improving and/or preserving the structural integrity of the knot. [0005] Additionally, many tie wearers prefer the look of a tie having a dimple formed underneath the knot. Tying a proper tie knot, and forming a suitable dimple, however, may prove difficult for many wearers. [0006] Thus, a need exists for an improved necktie accessory that improves the aesthetics of the knot, and preserves the structural integrity of the knot. Further, a need exists for a clothing accessory that improves knots of various clothing items, such as ascots, sashes, neckerchiefs, and the like. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a clothing accessory for use with a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot. The clothing accessory includes at least one flexible strip of material wrapped around at least a portion of the knot. For example, the flexible strip of material may be wrapped over substantially all of the knot. The clothing item may be a tie, appliqu, scarf, belt, ascot, sash, or kerchief. [0008] The flexible strip of material may include a center portion that is positioned over the knot and two flexible wings integrally formed with, and extending outwardly from, the center portion. The two flexible wings are wrapped around the knot, and fastened behind the knot. [0009] The clothing accessory may include a holding bar, wherein two flexible strips are attached to the holding bar. The holding bar is secured relative to the knot, and the knot is positioned between the two flexible strips. The two flexible strips are then wrapped around the knot, and fastened behind the knot. [0010] The material may be at least one of a flexible metal, such as a metallic fabric, wood, leather, plastic, cotton, polyester, or silk. Additionally, the material may be woven, braided, or meshed. Further, the material may include a filler and/or a liner. [0011] The material may be flat and include a main body bounded by a lower straight edge integrally formed with angled lateral edges and downwardly inclined upper edges. The material may be shaped as a polygon, for example, a trapezoid, ellipse, circle, or various other shapes and sizes. The lateral edges may be joined together to form a loop of the material having a central opening defined therein. A portion of the knot is exposed through the central opening. [0012] The clothing accessory may also include a fastening device extending from a top portion of the loop. The fastening device is configured to be passed through the central opening behind the knot. The fastening device may include an adjustment member that is configured to slide over the fastening device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the clothing item is a tie having a tail, a tag, and the knot, and the fastening device is positioned between the tail and the tag. [0013] The clothing accessory may also include a flexible band connected to the loop and spanning the central opening. The flexible band exerts a compressive force on the elongated tail in order to maintain a dimple in the elongated tail. The flexible band may include a downwardly extending protrusion that extends into the elongated tail to form a dimple. The flexible band may include, or be formed from, a material configured to hold a particular shape and clamp the dimple in place. For example, the flexible band may be a metallic mesh. [0014] Additionally, the clothing accessory may include a decorative insert having a cover and fasteners. The insert is positioned within the central opening to cover the knot, and the fasteners are secured to reciprocal structures of the loop and/or secured around the tie. [0015] A dimpling spring clip may be used that includes prongs configured to retain a portion of cloth therebetween. The dimpling spring clip is positioned behind the elongated tail and retains a portion of the elongated tail between the prongs in order to accentuate a dimple in the elongated tail. [0016] Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide a method of securing a knot of a clothing item having an elongated tail and a knot. The method includes providing a flexible strip of material proximate the knot, and wrapping the flexible strip of material around at least a portion of the knot. [0017] The method may also include forming a loop of material from the flexible strip of material, wherein a central opening is defined by the loop. The knot is positioned within the central opening. [0018] Optionally, the wrapping step may include positioning a center portion of the flexible strip over the knot, wrapping flexible wings extending from the center portion around the knot, and fastening the flexible wings behind the knot. [0019] Alternatively, the method includes providing a holding bar proximate the knot, and providing the flexible strips on the holding bar. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a piece of material configured to form a clothing accessory, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a loop of material configured to form a clothing accessory, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Continue reading about Clothing accessory... Full patent description for Clothing accessory Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Clothing accessory patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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