Plague Tie

As I have previously stated I believe the best way to ward off the Plague is to take a dual approach to the problem. One of a passive design and one of an active effort if necessary. I have decided to use the neck as the site of my device. In brainstorming about everyday wear items for a large majority of people (items that are also considered formal at times) I have decided on a necktie. Neckties are worn by a large majority of people all around the world, and even across the gender line as some schoolgirls are required to wear them as a part of uniforms. They are considered a fashion sense and are always popular in some sort.

The tie traces origins into Europe during the early 17th century. Since then it has changed styles in many ways. Since the 1920's the tie has remained largely unaltered except in length and width of the bottom of the tie. The Industrial revolution in the US and Europe brought many people into the city and thus put the tie into immense popularity. Since then it has remained a staple to business world wide with some exceptions such as Google.

My research into ties has lead me to believe that not only is this a lasting item of business, formal, and fashion wear but we have not seen its lifetime yet and it will continue to be an important piece of apparel for some time to come. Most importantly that makes it a good candidate as a base to my alterations in an effort to protect from the Plague. It is already widely accepted so if the alterations made can blend in to the original tie then a worldwide switch to "Plague Ties" should not be unreasonable. Another important factor in my estimates is price. The average tie costs between 25-60 USD. So, if the price of a Plague Tie can be kept within this range there would be no hard press to switch.

I have researched on possible adaptations of the tie and I have devised a way to meet the criteria of passive and active adaptations. For passive the technology has existed for some years now to imbue fabric with some chemical qualities. To add a repellent to the outer layer of fabric to ward of fleas possibly carrying the disease would provide adequate protection from largely unnoticed pests. This technology can be seen in things such as flea collars and Insect Shield outdoor wear. For the active application the tie can be used as a filter. By some modifications and expanding the interlining all the way across the bottom of the tie, adding a zipper to the bottom and elastic ear straps as the tie unfolds on the back it can be placed over the face. When the interlining of the tie is changed to a heavyweight yet breathable filter fabric the tie can be used as short term protection in case of an epidemic - long enough to move to a quarantine shelter.