Collar Shaping Device

Abstract

An apparatus for shaping a collar is provided. The collar shaping device includes a U-shaped, semi-rigid element having a first end and a second end adapted for surrounding a shirt collar. The semi-rigid element is coextensive with the shirt collar and includes a gap between the first end and the second end. The first end and the second end curve inwardly and downwardly to match the contours of a shirt collar. A middle portion of the semi-rigid element is integrally formed between the first end and the second end and is adapted to rest against the back of a user's neck. The collar shaping device is fitted in the cavity under a shirt collar and supports and reshapes a shirt collar.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A collar shaping device, comprising:
 a U-shaped semi-rigid element having a first end and a second end adapted for surrounding a shirt collar, wherein the semi-rigid element is coextensive with the shirt collar and includes a gap between the first end and the second end;   a middle portion of the semi-rigid element integrally formed between the first end and the second end;   wherein the first end and the second end curve inwardly and downwardly to form a balloon shape.   
     
     
         2 . The collar shaping device of  claim 1 , wherein the semi-rigid element is a unitary molded collar. 
     
     
         3 . The collar shaping device of  claim 1 , wherein the middle portion, first end, and second end have an equal width. 
     
     
         4 . The collar shaping device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end and the second end of the semi-rigid element comprise an upper edge and a lower edge. 
     
     
         5 . The collar shaping device of  claim 4 , wherein the upper edge slopes downwardly to the lower edge. 
     
     
         6 . The collar shaping device of  claim 4 , wherein:
 the upper edge of the first end and the second end are adjacent to one another; and   the lower edge of first end and the second end are angled away from each other relative to each end.   
     
     
         7 . A method for shaping a shirt collar, comprising:
 inserting a collar shaping device underneath a shirt collar, the collar shaping device comprising:
 a U-shaped, semi-rigid element having a first end and a second end adapted for surrounding a shirt collar, wherein the semi-rigid element is coextensive with the shirt collar and includes a gap between the first end and the second end; 
 a middle portion of the semi-rigid element integrally formed between the first end and the second end; 
 wherein the first end and the second end curve inwardly and downwardly to form a balloon shape; 
   dampening the shirt collar;   shaping the shirt collar on the collar shaping device; and   drying the shirt collar.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising removing the collar shaping device once the collar is dry.