Apparel – Head coverings – Scarfs and veils
Reexamination Certificate
2001-06-11
2003-02-18
Nerbun, Peter (Department: 3765)
Apparel
Head coverings
Scarfs and veils
C002S321000, C063S003000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06519778
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to neck encircling fashion accessories, specifically to a decorative clothing accessory and a method for its manufacture, that comprises both scarf-like and jewelry components, and which can be worn comfortably around the lower and middle parts of the neck even by those who are otherwise unable to tolerate clothing that fits closely against the neck, such as turtleneck shirts and sweaters, bandanas, dickeys, and scarves. The present invention comprises an elongated flexible scarf-like member made from fabric or other material that is worn against the front and sides of a person's neck and a flexible jewelry component detachably connected to the opposite ends of the scarf-like member, so that different scarf-like members and jewelry components can be worn interchangeably. The jewelry component also comprises an adjustable fastening means that draws the opposing ends of the scarf-like member around toward the back of the wearer's neck and secures the scarf-like member comfortably into its usable position. Although not limited thereto, the configuration of the scarf-like member would preferably be substantially rectangular, V-shaped, cowl-like, have a lower dip that subtly follows the curvature of a human neck, or be in the form of a rectangle that is shortened in length so as to be puckered or gathered into folds or wrinkles that create a blouson effect. For maximum user comfort during use, the opposing ends of the scarf-like member should preferably remain at a spaced-apart distance from one another of approximately two to three inches. The neck-engaging surface of the scarf-like member which is targeted for contact with the front of a neck should be soft, and include a soft fabric lining, such as silk, when necessary for wearer comfort. Since the scarf-like member and jewelry components are detachable from one another, a person wanting to reduce the expense associated with repeated purchase of a jewelry component made from finer and expensive materials, could thereby purchase only one of the jewelry components and use it with a selection of scarf-like components for wardrobe versatility. In a majority of the preferred embodiments, the jewelry component would comprise a two-part chain having segments of unequal length, with each segment being configured to lay flat against a neck. However, even though a single two-part chain connection is preferred, multiple chain connections are also contemplated to support a single scarf-like member, to provide a design choice, to support scarf-like members having a greater height dimension, and to support scarf-like members made from heavier and/or bulkier materials, such as fur or leather. As a further design alternative, the jewelry component could comprise pearls, and gold or silver chain to which gemstones, rhinestones, or semi-precious stones are attached. All fasteners used with the present invention should be configured to lie flat against a neck, for easy and prompt connection, and have no sharp edges that can snag clothing or cause injury. It is also contemplated for the scarf-like member to comprise a wide variety of decorative embellishments, such as beads, pearls, rhinestones, embroidery, appliqués, reflective decorations, small mirrors, small buttons, fringe, lace, tassels, medallions, crests, shields, small chains, teardrop-shaped objects, and decorative trim. Applications may include the accessorizing of formal and career fashions, as well as use with clothing appropriate for more casual occasions.
BACKGROUND—DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART
Accessories can add color accents, color contrast, texture, and other decorative interest to clothing to create a coordinated and complete fashion statement. Neck adornment accessories are also effective for adding attractive and complementary color tones to a person's face, and can be used in advantageous ways to enhance facial features, hide neck imperfections, and complement unusual and dramatic hairstyles. Accessories providing neck adornment have traditionally been limited to jewelry, ribbons, bandanas, dickeys, and scarves. During their use, some of the prior art neck adornment devices, such as scarves and dickeys, rest against or drape about the lower part of a neck. Although they typically encircle a neck, they may or may not be closely held against the neck. Scarves are usually secured in place by opposing ends or comers being tied into a knot, at least one part thereof being fastened in place with a brooch or decorative pin, or opposing ends or comers being threaded through a piece of jewelry specifically configured for holding the opposed ends of a scarf. However, the disadvantage of large bandanas and scarves is that even when they are tied or pinned they can be quite bulky, and while they may be suitable for use with certain formal and/or career fashions, they often are inappropriate for use with more casual clothing. Dickeys also can be bulky and are often unsuited for use with more casual clothing.
Other prior art neck accessories are used to adorn the middle part of a neck and must be secured closely against a substantial portion of the neck circumference to prevent inadvertent downward slippage to the lower part of the neck during use. When close contact exists between a neck adornment device and the entire circumference of the neck, such as would occur when smaller scarves, ribbons, and bandanas are tied around a neck, it often creates an uncomfortable constricted feeling that can also be accompanied by a further unpleasant sensation of choking or gagging. When prior art neck adornment devices contemplated for use around the middle part of the neck are configured to encircle only a portion of a neck, they must be rigid in construction and able to tightly grip the front, sides, and/or back of the neck. Although rigid neck adornment devices, such as C-shaped wire-like necklaces, may be comfortable when the person wearing it remains substantially still, when the wearer makes any type of neck twisting movement, the rigid necklace will not move in unison with the wearer and can provide unpleasant neck restricting sensations. While adornment around the middle portion of a neck is desirable for its fashion enhancing and face flattering effects, there is no known neck adornment device for wear around the middle portion of a neck that is non-bulky and sufficiently comfortable for extended use.
Further, while neck-encircling jewelry can add texture and decorative interest to clothing, it is generally limited in its contribution of color. Also, while ribbons, bandanas, dickeys, and scarves can add wonderful color accent and contrast to complete a fashion statement, scarves and dickeys are generally bulky and therefore limited in use, and neck-encircling ribbons while not bulky must be held tightly against the middle part of a neck and are found by many to be too constricting for frequent or extended use. Therefore, it would be desirable, and it is not heretofore known to have a combination fashion accessory comprising both jewelry and scarf-like components which is easily adjustable so that one or two sizes can be comfortably worn around most adult necks, even by those who otherwise find turtleneck clothing and accessories secured against the neck too constricting for frequent or extended use, with the jewelry component providing texture and decorative interest needed to accessorize fashions and the scarf-like component providing color and additional texture interest, and further with the jewelry and scarf-like components being quickly and easily separable from one another so that differently paired jewelry and scarf-like components can be worn interchangeably.
The inventions thought to be most closely associated with the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Design Patent D290904 to Crouch (1987), U.S. Pat. No. 4,173,793 to Kazuo (1977), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,049 to Clutton (1998). However, there are important differences between these inventions and the present invention. The dickey shown in the Crouch invention appe
Arias Gina R.
Robinson Joy
Moran Katherine
Morse Dorothy S.
Nerbun Peter
LandOfFree
Separable chain scarf fashion accessory and method of... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Separable chain scarf fashion accessory and method of..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Separable chain scarf fashion accessory and method of... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3157193