US3872513A

US3872513A - Pull away safety neckwear

Info

Publication number: US3872513A
Application number: US317523A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jr Gerald P Beaudin; Dale E Mcclain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-12-22
Filing date: 1972-12-22
Publication date: 1975-03-25
Anticipated expiration: 1992-03-25

Abstract

Attachable neckwear suitable for wear where safety clothing is required is described. The neckband portion of the neckwear contains a connecting member having two sections which are joined together in a releasably engageable manner and are completely separable under tension. If the front portion of the neckwear such as a necktie becomes entangled in operating machinery in an industrial setting, the connecting member becomes disengaged thereby causing the tie to be removed from the neck with no injury to the wearer.

Description

Unite tates Beaudin, Jr. et a1.

met

[4 Mar. 25, 1975 1 PULL AWAY SAFETY NECKWEAR [76] Inventors: Gerald P. Beaudin, Jr., 769 Mt.

Vista La., Webster, NY. 14580; Dale E. McClain, 150 Prentiss Way, Henrietta, NY. 14467 22 Filed: Dec. 22, 1972 21 Appl. No: 317,523

[52] [1.8. CI. 2/155 [51] Int. Cl A41d 25/16 {58] Field of Search 2/144, 145, 146, 149, 150,

[561 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,002,825 5/1935 McWhirter 2/155 2,081,606 5/1937 Sorkind 2/155 2,834,967 5/1958 Taksa 2/155 5/1973 Abramowitz ..2/144 6/1973 Orr ..2/150 Primary E.\aminerPatrick D. Lawson Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Denson & Kurtzman [57] ABSTRACT Attachable neckwear suitable for wear where safety clothing is required is described. The neckband p0rtion of the neckwear contains a connecting member having two sections which are joined together in a releasably engageable manner and are completely separable under tension. 1f the front portion of the neckwear such as a necktie becomes entangled in operating machinery in an industrial setting, the connecting member becomes disengaged thereby causing the tie to be removed from the neck with no injury to the wearer.

21 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures 1, PULL AWAY SAFETY NECKWEAR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to safety neckwear and more specifically to neckwear suitable for use in environments where safety is required.

Wearing of neckwear such as neckties is considered dangerous in many occupations and locations. This is particularly true in industrial settings where operating machinery is located. Neckties, particularly, present a safety hazard since they can become entangled in operating machinery and either pull the wearer into the machinery or cause choking of the wearer. Service maintenance personnel are also confronted with the same hazard in that a necktie can become caught in the equipment being serviced or repaired. Neckties as well as other forms of neckwear pose a different type of potential hazard where military or police work is involved. Neckwear worn about the neck of the individuals engaged in these inherently dangerous vocations may be utilized by an accoster to strangle the wearer.

Generally, in those areas or occupations where conventional neckties present a potential safety hazard, attachable pre-tied ties are required. Of the several types of attachable ties available, the type generally most suitable for safety purposes is the clip-on type (i.e., the tie is clipped to the collar by a pair of spring loaded clips), since this type of attachable pre-tied tie will pull away from the neck of the wearer when the front portion of the tie is pulled. Other types of attachable, pretied ties are unsuitable because they are generally held in place by a hook, clip, snap or button situated on the neckband section of the tie. When this latter class of attachable tie becomes entangled in machinery, it will not break away from the neck of the wearer, and the wearer may be either pulled into dangerous operating equipment or he may be strangled. Typical attachable ties are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,684,150, 1,267,387, 1,621,753, 2,002,825, 2,879,517, and Re 18224.

Even though clip-on types of attachable pre-tied ties are suitable for use in environments where safety is required, there are several disadvantages associated with wearing these types of ties. For example, many clip-on ties do not closely simulate the appearance of conven tional forms of neckties. Others do not provide a neat and close fit. Besides being aesthetically unattractive, many attachable ties are cumbersome in the securing means and tend to sag at the knot portion or are awkward to fasten. Frequently, tie wearers are desirous of unfastening the top most button ofa shirt and loosening a tie for comfort reasons. However, several of the currently used clip-on ties cannot be conveniently loosened about the neck. Unfortunately, safety is thwarted when an individual does not wear pull away neckwear because of one or more of the above disadvantages.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore. an object of this invention to provide a novel type of neckwear suitable for wear in environments where safety is required.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel means for joining neckband sections of attachable neckwear.

It is a further object of this invention to provide neckwear capable of being readily removed by a slight pull on the front portion of the neckwear.

It is an additional object of this invention to provide an..attachable necktie which closely simulates a regular tie.

It is also an object of this invention to provide an attachable tie which can readily be made from existing regular ties.

A still further object of this invention is to provide neckwear which is readily attachable and removable.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an attachable tie which can be loosened about the neck of the wearer without removal of the tie.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects are accomplished with neckwear having a novel connecting member situated in the neckband portion ofthe neckwear. The connecting member contains two sections and joins together the two neckband sections to which it is attached. The two sections of the connecting member are joined together in a releasably engageable manner and are completely separable under tension.

A primary advantage of the neckwear of this invention is'that it is suitable for wear in environments where safety is required such as industrial areas where operating machinery is located. Since the connecting member is separable under tension, a slight pull on the front portion of the neckwear will cause the connecting member to become disengaged. The disengagement causes the entire neckwear to be quickly removed from the neck with no injury to the wearer. Thus, should the front portion of neckwear such as a necktie become entangled in operating machinery, the connecting member will immediately become disengaged and the entire tie will be removed.

The neckwear of this invention has many of the same advantages as the conventional clip-on types of neckwear. The neckwear need only be tied once and can be worn subsequently without undoing the knot. Attachment and removal are greatly facilitated by the design of the connecting member. Additionally, the neckwear of this invention has several advantages over clip-on types of neckwear because the connecting member can be positioned on the back or on the side of the neck of the wearer. For example, it is readily adjustable in the same manner as conventional regular neckties. Also, it may be loosened about the neck and worn with the top button of the shirt unbuttoned.

Aesthetically, the neckwear of this invention is indistinguishable from conventional tie-on type neckwear again because of the location of the connecting member on the back or side of the neck of the wearer. Moreover, the novel neckwear described herein provides a more positive attachment to the wearer whereas many clip-on types of neckwear have a tendency to slip from their original position.

A very distinct advantage of this invention is that conventional ties may be converted to ties suitable for wear 'in safety environment merely by severing the tie in the neckband portion and attaching the connecting member of this invention at the place of severance and thereafter rejoining the neckband sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an overall view-of a necktie encompassing the novel features of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of one embodiment ofa fastening means useful in this invention.

FIG. 3. is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a fastening means useful in this invention.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting member of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting member of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting member of this invention.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting member of this invention.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of another embodiment of a connecting member of this invention.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of a connecting member of this invention.

FIG. 10 is asectional view taken along 1l--ll of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 sets forth an overall view ofa necktie 1. While a four-in-hand variety of tie is shown, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular type of tie but extends to all types of neckwear including bow ties, scarves, kerchiefs, etc. Necktie 1 contains a front portion 6 which is normally visible tothe observer. In environments where safety is required and particularly where operating machinery is located, front portion 6 represents a safety hazard since it may get entangled in the operating machine and draw the wearer into the machinery. Front portion 6 terminates in knot 5. Also connected to knot 5 are a first neckband section 3 and a second neckband section 4. The remaining ends of neckband sections 3 and 4 are fastened to connecting member 2 by stitching 7 or other suitable fastening means such as those described in FIGS. 2 and 3. Neckband sections 3 and 4 together comprise the neckband portion of tie l.

In FIG. 1 it is significant to note that even though the tie may be pre-tied and remain tied, nevertheless; it is adjustable in the same manner as a conventional tie. It functions in all other respects in the same manner as a regular tie except it is positioned about the neck of the wearer much more rapidly than conventional ties and is removable merely by pulling on the front portion.

Connecting member 2 is fastened to neckband section 3 and 4 in anyone of several different ways. The preferred mode of affixing connecting member 2 to neckband sections 3 and 4 is by stitching. If connecting member 2 is not amenable to stitching, several alternative mechanical fastening means for attachment are available. Primary consideration in selecting a fastening means is that it have some mechanism for gripping the neckband sections as well as the connecting member. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment ofa fastening means suitable for use in this invention. The end of neckband section 2I is held in position by a suspender type clamp 20. The end 24 of neckband section 23 is also attached to clamp 20. In this embodiment. clamp functions as a fastening means as well as a connecting member.

FIG. 3 represents another embodiment ofa fastening means which is attached to both a connecting member 31 and neckband section 32. A movable catch with teeth 33 engages neckband section 32.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of-a connecting member suitable for use in the invention. A flat flexible female section 53 is attached on one end of a neckband section 57. Female section 53 contains a keyhole slot comprised of aperture 54 which extends through the section and a slot 55 which extends inwardly from a forward edge of the female section terminating at aperture 54. A flat flexible male section 51 contains a stud situated on the surface thereof. The stud contains substantially spherical head 52 and a neck 58. Also attached to the male section 51 is the end of neckband section 56 of the neckwear. In operation, stud neck 58 is inserted through slot 55 terminating in aperture 54. The diameter of stud head 52 is slightly greater than the diameter of aperture 54 thereby preventing vertical disengagement of the member. Lateral disengagement is prevented by the width of stud neck 58 being slightly greater than slot 55 in the vicinity of aperture 54.

In FIG. 5 another type of connecting member contains a flat flexible male section 64. Situated on the surface of the male section is ridge 65 which extends transversely across the male section. Also attached to the male section is neckband section 66. Ridge 65 is situated slightly away from the forward edge of the section so as to provide a leading edge 67 for insertion into a mating flat flexible female section 61. Situated on the surface of female section 61 is a loop 62. The height of loop 62 is slightly less than the height of ridge 65 in order to provide a snug fit. The remaining neckband section 63 is attached to female section 61. In operation. leading edge 67 of male member 64 and ridge 65 are inserted through loop 62. Loop 62, being made of flexible material, expands slightly to allow for the passage therethrough of ridge 65. After ridge 65 passes under loop 62, the neckwear is locked in' place by loop 62 returning to its original shape. While only one loop is shown, additional loops may be employed for safety purposes.

In FIG. 6, the connecting member contains a flexible male section having an elongated ridge extending the length of one edge of the section 72. A female section of the connecting member contains groove 71 extending the length of one edge of the female section. Groove 71 is shaped in complimentary fashion to ridge 72 in order to provide an interlocking fit of the two pieces. Female section 71 is attached to the neckband section 74 and male section 72 is attached to the remaining neckband section 73 by stitching or other suitable means such as those described in FIGS. 2 and 3. In operation the sections of the connecting member are engaged merely by forcing male section 72 into female section 71.

In FIG. 7, the flexible male section 82 ofthe connecting member contains studs 85 situated on an edge thereof. Also attached to male section 82 is neckband section 83. Flexible female section 81 contains recesses situated in the edge suitable for receiving in mating relation the studs 85. In operation. the wearer merely inserts studs 85 into recesses contained in 81. A tight secure fit is obtainable by virtue ofthe fact that the diameter of the recesses is slightly smaller than the diameter of the studs 85.

Connecting member 2 of FIG; I may be ornamentally designed such as a piece ofjewelry or as a part of a cufflink or tie clasp set. FIG. 8 sets forth a connecting member encompassing such an embodiment. Each

section

91 and 93 of the connecting member is made of material which is capable of providing a shiny or metallic exterior surface such as a gold, silver'or platinum simulated or actual appearance. Neckband'section 95 is attached to section 91 and neckband section 94 is attached to section 93. Protruding from one edge of section 91 is a spring clasp or spring tension clip member 92. Section 93 contains a partially hollow recessed area 96 suitable for receiving clasp 92 in mating relationship. When the two sections are joined together, clasp 92 is pushed inward and held in place by the spring tension of the clasp 92 against the wall of the hollow recessed area 96 in section 93.

The sliding dovetail connecting member in FIG. 9 contains a flat flexible male section having a body sec tion 110 and a tapered head or tongue section 113. The widest portion of head section 113 is at the forward edge while the narrowest portion is where head section 113 abutts body section 110. Affixed to the male section is neckband section 116. A flat flexible female section 112 contains complementary shaped channels 122 with respect to head section 123 (FIG. 10) diagonally disposed on the surface of female section 112 and in close proximity to the corner edges thereof. The sides 125 of head portion 123 and the sides 124 of channel 122 may be beveled so as to prevent vertical disengagement of the portions as shown in FIG. 11. Neckband section 115 is attached to the female section 112. In operation head portion 113 of the male section is inserted into channels 122 of the female portion 112. Thereafter, head portion 113 is firmly seated in position by pulling the male section and female section in opposite directions. After head 113 is completely seated, a small gap 114 is situated between the two portions. Final adjustment for comfort purposes is made by adjusting the front portion of the tie through a slip knot.

In all of the above embodiments, the sections of the connecting member are designed so that they separate from each other when they are under tension. The term tension" as used herein relates to a force on the connecting member which acts in a direction away from the center of the connecting member. The connecting member may be designed so that a predetermined force is necessary to cause separation. Primary considerations in selecting the force to be utilized in the design of the member are ease of engagement and ease of disengagement. Maximum force of about 50 pounds is more than adequate to cause engagement and disengagement of the sections of the connecting member. Greater forces create an inconvenience to the wearer in engaging the sections. Lower forces such as from about 1 to about 30 pounds are suitable for most intended applications.

When a necktie of this invention is caught in a machine with moving parts, the tie is immediately pulled off the wearer when the tension on the connecting member is greater than that for which the member is designed. Such forces are also much lower than the force necessary to cut off circulation or breath in the neck area of the wearer. thus eliminating the additional possibility of choking.

In many instances it is desirable to construct the connecting member from a flexible material. Particularly suited for this purpose are various polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. In addition to being flexible, such polymeric materials readily accept the stitching so that they are easily attachable to the neckband sections of the neckwear.

Where the neckwear used with the connecting members described herein is a necktie, the primary means of adjustment is the slip knot in the front. Alternatively, an adjustment link may be employed in the neckband portion of the necktie as a secondary adjustment source.

While several specific connecting members have been shown, any connecting member having two sections which are joinable in a releasably engageable manner and are completely separable under tension are useful with the neckwear described herein.

As described above, the invention set forth herein is suitable for converting existing ties to make them amenable for environments where safety is required or the ties may be manufactured with the connecting member already in position.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

1. Neckwear having a front neckwear portion and a neckband portion comprising a first neckband section and a second neckband section, and a connecting member suitable for joining togetherone end of said first neckband section and one end of said second neckband section, said connecting member being comprised of a male section and a female section joined together in a releasably engageable manner. whereby said sections are completely separable from a'pull upon the first neckwear portion.

2. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said neckband portion is adjustable.

3. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein the remaining end of said first neckband section and the re maining end of said second neckband section are joined together by a knot.

4. Neckwear as defined in claim 3 wherein the front neckwear portion is attached to said knot.

5. Neckwear as defined in claim 4 wherein said neckwear portion contains a four-in-hand type knot.

6. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises (a) a flat flexible female section having an aperture which extends through said section and a slot extending inwardly from a forward edge of said section to said aperture and (b) a flat flexible male section having a stud situated on the surface thereof, said stud having a neck portion suitable for sliding through the slot in said female section and a substantially spherical head portion having a diameter greater than the aperture in said female section.

7. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said con,

necting member comprises (a) a longitudinal flat flexible male section having on the surface thereof a transverse elevated ridge situated in close proximity to the end of said section and (b) a flat longitudinal female section having at least one loop positioned on the surface thereof and extending transversely across said surface said loop being suitable for receiving said male section in mating relationship.

8. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said .con-

. necting member comprises:

a. a flat flexible male section having a body section and a tapered head section, the narrowest portion of said tapered head section being adjacent to and having a smaller width that said body section; and

b. a flat flexible female section having complementary shaped channels diagonally disposed on the surface and in close proximity to the corner edges of said female section, suitable for receiving in mating relationship the tapered head section of said male section. 1

9. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises:

a. a flexible male section having an elongated ridge extending the length of one edge of said section; and

b. a flexible female section having an elongated groove extending the length-of one ,edge thereof suitable for receiving in mating relationship the elongated ridge of said male section.

10. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises:

a. a flexible male section having at least one stud having a head portion situated on an edge thereof; and

b. a flexible female section having at least one recessed area situated on an edge thereof and suitable for receiving in mating relationship the stud of said male section.

l1. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein each section of said connecting member contains a substantially hollow interior area, said sections being joined by at least one spring tensioned clip.

12. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member includes fastening means attachable to said first and second neckband sections in a releasably engageable manner.

13. Safety neckwear having a front necktie portion and a neckband portion comprising:

a. a first neckband section and a second neckband section;

b. a connecting member suitable for joining together one end of said first neckband section and one end of said second neckband section, said connecting member being comprised of a male and a female section joined together in a releasably engageable manner whereby said sections are completely separable when worn by an individual by a pull upon the front necktie portion; and

c. a knot having attached thereto the remaining end of said first neckband section and the remaining end of said second neckband portion.

14. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said neckband portion is adjustable.

15. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises:

a. a flat flexible female section having an aperture which extends through said section and a slot extending inwardly from a forward edge of said portion to said aperture; and

b. a flat flexible male section having a stud situated on the surface thereof, said stud having a neck portion suitable for sliding through the slot in said female section and a substantially spherical head portion having a diameter greater than the aperture in said female section.

16. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises:

a. a longitudinal flat flexible male section having on the surface thereof a transverse elevated ridge situated in close proximity to the end of said section; and

b. a flat longitudinal female section having at least one loop positioned on the surface thereof and extending transversely across said surface said loop being suitable for receiving said male section in mating relationship.

17. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises:

a. a flat flexible male section having a body section and a tapered head section, the narrowest portion of said tapered head section being adjacent to and having a smaller width than said body section; and

b. a flat flexible female section having complementary shaped channels diagonally disposed on the surface and in close proximity to the corner edges of said female section, suitable for receiving in mating relationship the tapered head section of said male section.

18. Safety neckwear as definedin claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises:

a. a flexible male section having an elongated ridge extending the length of one edge of said section;

and b. a flexible female section having an elongated groove extending the length of one edge thereof suitable for receiving in mating relationship the elongated ridge of said male section.

19. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises:

20. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein each section of said connecting member contains a substantially hollow interior area, said sections being joined by at least one spring tensioned clip.

21. Neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member includes fastening means attachable to said first and second neckband sections in a releasably engageable manner.

Claims

1. Neckwear having a front neckwear portion and a neckband portion comprising a first neckband section and a second neckband section, and a connecting member suitable for joining together one end of said first neckband section and one end of said second neckband section, said connecting member being comprised of a male section and a female section joined together in a releasably engageable manner whereby said sections are completely separable from a pull upon the first neckwear portion.

2. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said neckband portion is adjustable.

3. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein the remaining end of said first neckband section and the remaining end of said second neckband section are joined together by a knot.

7. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises (a) a longitudinal flat flexible male section having on the surface thereof a transverse elevated ridge situated in close proximity to the end of said section and (b) a flat longitudinal female section having at least one loop positioned on the surface thereof and extending transversely across said surface said loop being suitable for receiving said male section in mating relationship.

8. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flat flexible male section having a body section and a tapered head section, the narrowest portion of said tapered head section being adjacent to and having a smaller width that said body section; and b. a flat flexible female section having complementary shaped channels diagonally disposed on the surface and in close proximity to the corner edges of said female section, suitable for receiving in mating relationship the tapered head section of said male section.

9. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flexible male section having an elongated ridge extending the length of one edge of said section; and b. a flexible female section having an elongated groove extending the length of one edge thereof suitable for receiving in mating relationship the elongated ridge of said male section.

10. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flexible male section having at least one stud having a head portion situated on an edge thereof; and b. a flexible female section having at least one recessed area situated on an edge thereof and suitable for receiving in mating relationship the stud of said male section.

11. Neckwear as defined in claim 1 wherein each section of said connecting member contains a substantially hollow interior area, said sections being joined by at least one spring tensioned clip.

13. Safety neckwear having a front necktie portion and a neckband portion comprising: a. a first neckband section and a second neckband section; b. a connecting member suitable for joining together one end of said first neckband section and one end of said second neckband section, said connecting member being comprised of a male and a female section joined together in a releasably engageable manner whereby said sections are completely separable when worn by an individual by a pull upon the front necktie portion; and c. a knot having attached thereto the remaining end of said first neckband section and the remaining end of said second neckband portion.

15. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flat flexible female section having an aperture which extends through said section and a slot extending inwardly from a forward edge of said portion to said aperture; and b. a flat flexible male section having a stud situated on the surface thereof, said stud having a neck portion suitable for sliding through the slot in said female section and a substantially spherical head portion having a diameter greater than the aperture in said female section.

16. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a longitudinal flat flexible male section having on the surface thereof a transverse elevated ridgE situated in close proximity to the end of said section; and b. a flat longitudinal female section having at least one loop positioned on the surface thereof and extending transversely across said surface said loop being suitable for receiving said male section in mating relationship.

17. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flat flexible male section having a body section and a tapered head section, the narrowest portion of said tapered head section being adjacent to and having a smaller width than said body section; and b. a flat flexible female section having complementary shaped channels diagonally disposed on the surface and in close proximity to the corner edges of said female section, suitable for receiving in mating relationship the tapered head section of said male section.

18. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flexible male section having an elongated ridge extending the length of one edge of said section; and b. a flexible female section having an elongated groove extending the length of one edge thereof suitable for receiving in mating relationship the elongated ridge of said male section.

19. Safety neckwear as defined in claim 13 wherein said connecting member comprises: a. a flexible male section having at least one stud having a head portion situated on an edge thereof; and b. a flexible female section having at least one recessed area situated on an edge thereof and suitable for receiving in mating relationship the stud of said male section.