Adjustable shirt collar

Abstract

An adjustable collar having a vertical fabric strip hole through which a fabric strip passes unimpeded. The fabric strip is secured to a free end of an elastic strip, which is secured to a shirt band at a first end of the elastic strip. A button is secured to a free end of the fabric strip and the button passes through a horizontal buttonhole defined in an end of an outer portion of a neckband of the shirt. The fabric strip is retracted and hidden when the collar is open. The button is larger than a diameter of the fabric strip hole to prevent the fabric strip from retracting completely through the vertical fabric strip hole.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an adjustable shirt collar, and more particularly to an elastic strip that self-adjusts a circumference of the shirt collar to provide a comfortable fit. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] There are occasions when people need to expand the collar of the shirt they are wearing to obtain a comfortable fit. Shirts with permanently attached collars, particularly dress shirts, are normally manufactured in standard collar sizes based on the circumference of the collar. Although standard collar sizes may initially provide a comfortable fit, many individuals who fall between standard collar sizes or experience a change in weight over time may experience discomfort when wearing the shirt. Moreover, it is well known that clothing, i.e., shirts, shrink after several washings, which also results in a change in the actual size of the shirt collar, whereupon, it becomes uncomfortable to w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] Aspects of the present invention provide a self-adjusting shirt collar that provides a comfortable fit for the wearer.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the neckband assembly has an inner band and an outer band. The fabric strip extends from the outside of the outer band and through a vertical fabric strip hole. The vertical strip hole allows the fabric strip to automatically be hidden when retracted. Also, the vertical strip hole allows an operating length of the fabric strip to adjust, such as, for example, to increase the circumference of the collar. Additionally, the fabric strip slides through the vertical fabric strip hole unimpeded so as to not place any constricting pressure on the throat of the wearer. Moreover, the fabric strip does not place strain on the elastic strip or fabric strip stitching, which could eventually disengage the elastic strip or fabric strip, or both, from the collar. Moreover, because there is no interruption when maneuvering the fabric strip through the fabric strip hole, the wearer does not have to aggressively pull the button or the fabric strip to button the collar. As a result, the button stitching is not susceptible to loosening. Finally, the button is attached to prevent the fabric strip from being drawn inadvertently back through the vertical fabric strip hole and away from the outer side of the outer band.

Problems solved by technology

Although standard collar sizes may initially provide a comfortable fit, many individuals who fall between standard collar sizes or experience a change in weight over time may experience discomfort when wearing the shirt.

Moreover, it is well known that clothing, i.e., shirts, shrink after several washings, which also results in a change in the actual size of the shirt collar, whereupon, it becomes uncomfortable to wear the shirt.

Because such adjustment is due to a force that pulls the button and the strap outward rather than the more natural side-to-side movement of the button and strap, the fit may still be uncomfortable as the button presses against the front center portion of a wearer's throat.

Moreover, because the strap is attached orthogonally relative to a longitudinal axis of the button hole, any sideways movement of the strap results in the button loosening, or the alteration of the stitching holding the strap to the collar, or both.

However, the solution taught by Steele requires several manufacturing steps that result in a substantial increase in manufacturing costs, which are passed along to consumers.

Additionally, the hook and loop fasteners become less effective after multiple washings because the hook and loop fasteners ability to lockingly engage is impeded by the friction that occurs during the washing process.

Furthermore, it is well known that the hook and loop fasteners inadvertently attach to other items that may cause a build up of threads or particles, which reduces the effectiveness or the aesthetic appearance of the fasteners.

Many of the solutions described above are susceptible to deterioration or create constrictive pressure on the throat of the wearer.

Additionally, the solutions do not allow the wearer to conceal the apparatus when the collar is unbuttoned and left open.

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