Apparatus And Method For Holding Garments

Abstract

An improved apparatus and method for holding garments, such as neckties, is disclosed. The device comprises a magnet, preferably made of a rare Earth material and magnetized to about Grade N35 or better, and a faceplate. In one embodiment, the magnet is positioned under at least a portion of the wearer's shirt while the faceplate is positioned on a portion of the wearer's necktie. The shirt and/or necktie may additionally include pockets for housing the magnet and/or faceplate. The faceplate may be decorative, and interchangeable, for prominent display in front of the necktie. Alternatively, the device may be configured to be completely hidden from view. Several means for retaining the magnet to the shirt upon separation of the garments are presented.

1 . A magnetic device for securing a necktie to an article of clothing, comprising:
 a magnet; and   a faceplate, the faceplate being magnetically attractable to the magnet,
 wherein the magnet is magnetized to about Grade N35; 
 wherein the magnet is encased in a hard and durable coating for corrosion resistance; 
 wherein the magnet is positionable underneath the article of clothing, and the faceplate is likewise positionable within magnetic proximity to the magnet to cause releasable fixation of the necktie relative to the article of clothing at the location of the magnet. 
   
   
   
       2 . The magnetic device according to  claim 1 , wherein both the magnet and the faceplate are hidden from view. 
   
   
       3 . The magnetic device according to  claim 1 , wherein the faceplate is decorative and is visible when installed. 
   
   
       4 . The magnetic device according to  claim 3 , wherein the faceplate is interchangeable. 
   
   
       5 . The magnetic device according to  claim 1 , wherein the faceplate is made of a rare Earth material magnetized to about Grade N35. 
   
   
       6 . A method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to an article of clothing, the necktie comprising an ornamental end and a nonornamental end positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear side of the ornamental end, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing and holding the magnet underneath the article of clothing with one hand;   placing and holding the faceplate behind at least the transverse piece of fabric with the other hand; and   drawing the faceplate toward the magnet to become within magnetic proximity of one another to cause releasable fixation of the necktie relative to the article of clothing at the location of the magnet.   
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the magnet is magnetized to about Grade N35. 
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the magnet is comprised of a rare Earth material that is encased in a hard and durable coating to protect it from corrosion. 
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 8 , wherein the coating comprises at least nickel or epoxy. 
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the placement of the faceplate behind the transverse piece of fabric is also between the ornamental end and the nonornamental end of the necktie. 
   
   
       11 . A method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to an article of clothing, the necktie comprising an ornamental end and a nonornamental end positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear side of the ornamental end, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing and holding the magnet underneath the article of clothing with one hand;   placing and holding the faceplate in front of the ornamental end of the necktie with the other hand; and   drawing the faceplate toward the magnet to become within magnetic proximity of one another to cause releasable fixation of the necktie relative to the article of clothing at the location of the magnet.   
   
   
       12 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the faceplate is decorative. 
   
   
       13 . The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the magnet is magnetized to about Grade N35. 
   
   
       14 . A method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to an article of clothing, the necktie comprising an ornamental end and a nonornamental end positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear side of the ornamental end, the method comprising the steps of:
 inserting a pin secured to the magnet through the article of clothing;   fastening a clasp to the pin to secure the magnet to the article of clothing;   placing and holding the faceplate in front of the ornamental end of the necktie; and   drawing the faceplate toward the magnet to become within magnetic proximity of one another to cause releasable restraint of the necktie relative to the article of clothing at the location of the magnet.   
   
   
       15 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the faceplate is decorative. 
   
   
       16 . The method according to  claim 14 , wherein the magnet is magnetized to about Grade N35. 
   
   
       17 . A method for using a magnet in combination with a faceplate for securing a necktie to an article of clothing, the necktie comprising an ornamental end and a nonornamental end positioned behind a transverse piece of fabric secured to the rear side of the ornamental end, the method comprising the steps of:
 inserting a bar through a buttonhole in the article of clothing, the bar being connected to a tether having a length, the tether being attached to the magnet;   supporting the tethered magnet with one hand;   placing and holding the faceplate in front of the ornamental end of the necktie with the other hand; and   drawing the faceplate toward the magnet to become within magnetic proximity of one another to cause releasable restraint of the necktie relative to the article of clothing to the extent of the length of the tether.   
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the faceplate is decorative. 
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 17 , wherein the magnet is magnetized to about Grade N35.