Patent Application
20180168254
The present disclosure relates to neckwear and fasteners.
The modern necktie, otherwise known simply as the tie, is a long piece of fabric worn around the neck that hangs down the front of a shirt, typically resting under the shirt collar and knotted at the throat. The evolution of the necktie is rooted in military history. One of the earliest known examples of neckwear was during the reign of Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang who was buried with thousands of life-size terracotta replicas of his warriors circa 210 BC in Xi'an, China. The statues were discovered in the twentieth century and included neckwear on the warriors. Some historians believe that this neckwear was used as a badge of honor for the emperor's army. Another early example of neckwear is portrayed in Trajan's column completed circa 133 AD in Rome commemorating Roman Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars, in which certain Roman soldiers are depicted wearing various styles of neckwear.
The forerunner of the modern tailored necktie is the cravat believed to originate in the 17th century courtesy of a regiment of Croatian mercenaries arriving in France. The cravat is a wide straight piece of fabric worn around the neck and tied in the open neck of a shirt. King Louis XIV was enamored by “la cravate” and it was soon imitated by his military units and those of rank. The novel fashion accessory spread throughout Europe including to those outside of military establishments.
Neckclothitania, published circa 1818, illustrated various methods to tie a cravat and was one of the first publications to use the word “tie” in reference to men's neckwear. The Art of Tying the Cravat followed circa 1828. In the United States of America, over subsequent decades the word “tie” was used interchangeably with the word “cravat” and by the early twentieth century, neckties became more popular than bowties; the latter generally reserved for formalwear.
The necktie today is predominantly worn by people in white collar occupations and for holidays, special occasions and religious ceremonies. Neckties are an important feature of formal and semi-formal attire and other functions of a necktie include covering the front shirt buttons and placket (or if a button-down shirt does not have a placket, the vertical line created by the two overlapping front shirt panels) and bridging the gap between the shirt collars along the neckline. As compared to an open collar, wearing a necktie signifies care and respect during social and professional gatherings. Moreover, choice of a necktie facilitates individual expression and can assist in setting the mood for a holiday or special occasion.
In support of the adage “dress for success,” studies have concluded that dressing formally is associated with enhanced abstract and concrete cognitive processing and greater positive perceptions of oneself and by others. Characteristics such as competence and authoritativeness are generally projected by formal business attire. See Peluchette, J. V. and Karl, K., The impact of workplace attire on employee self-perceptions, Human Resource Development Quarterly, 18(3): 345-360 (2007); Slepian et al., The Cognitive Consequences of Formal Clothing, Social Psychological and Personality Science, 6(6): 661-668 (2015); and Damhorst, M L., In Search of a Common Thread: Classification of Information Communicated Through Dress, Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 8(2): 1-12 (1990).
Variants of the necktie include the ascot tie, bow tie and bolo tie. Generally, these do not serve the aforementioned functions of the necktie. Clip-on ties imitate neckties and bow ties and clip-on neckties are generally worn by children and adolescents. Clip-on neckties are also used by those in law enforcement as a safeguard in the event of physical confrontations. Otherwise, when worn by adults, clip-on neckties are sometimes considered juvenile and can be easily or unintentionally detached.
Types of necktie knots include the Four-In-Hand, the Windsor, the Half-Windsor, the Simple also known as the Kent or the Oriental, the Victorian, the Prince Albert, the Pratt also known as the Shelby, the Kelvin, the Balthus, the Murrell, the Van Wijk, the Trinity, and the Eldredge. Certain necktie knots including the Windsor or Balthus are intended to be symmetrical and others such as the Four-In-Hand are not. Tying a perfectly symmetrical necktie including the Windsor or Balthus is difficult to accomplish. Even if the necktie knot is symmetrical, necktie symmetry can rarely be achieved since the fabric below the necktie knot often folds and crinkles in an unsymmetrical manner. Accomplishing an acceptable-looking necktie knot in conjunction with the tied necktie being satisfactory in length is even a more difficult task and often a frustrating experience requiring more than one attempt. Traditionally the length of the necktie is generally preferred to end at approximately the beltline.
The necktie's outward appearance has remained essentially static for many decades other than minor variations resulting from different types of necktie knots and variations in the width of neckties, which vary at any given time period and from time period to time period depending on fashion trends. Nevertheless, there have been some improvements and novel modifications to the necktie such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,447,090 and 1,448,453 which provide improved lining for a necktie to be sufficiently elastic or resilient in character that is stitched to the body material to prevent breaking of the stitching or distortion of the tie when subjected to pulling strain. This necktie became known as the “Langsdorf Tie” and these improvements are still utilized today.
Neckwear resembling neckties including bolo ties and variations thereof have been contemplated, but various drawbacks and deficiencies exist as compared to the present disclosure. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,210,958 B1 to Hodge discloses a bolo-style necktie having multiple strands similar in appearance to a horse tail depending freely from one another from a clasp or gathering device at the front of the neck or upper chest. Among other drawbacks and deficiencies, the Hodge bolo-style tie, like other bolo ties and bolo tie variations, does not cover all the front shirt buttons or placket, appears asymmetrical on the wearer, and does not have an intra-changeability feature.
Since neckties hang down the middle of a person's entire torso, they are easily and often soiled or permanently stained by food, beverages, ink, ashes or burn holes from smoking, and other contaminants. Consequences of these accidents include embarrassment, professional dry-cleaning expenses and even disposal of the necktie. In addition to these drawbacks, neckties and other types of neckwear resembling neckties have drawbacks and deficiencies selected from the following group: nondurable, easily wrinkles, fabric easily snags, susceptible to burn holes from smoking, limited or no intra-changeability, limited or no interchangeability, appear asymmetrical to an observer when worn, do not remain straight on the wearer due to lack of fastener such as a tie clip, and do not cover all the front shirt buttons.
One aspect is a neckwear, comprising a neckband, a neckband module, at least one torso segment, and at least one fastener; wherein the neckband is connected to the neckband module, and the neckband module is connected to said at least one torso segment, and wherein said at least one fastener includes a fastener that pivotally connects said neckband module to said at least one torso segment.
The at least one torso segment may be a plurality of torso segments, said plurality of torso segments including a first torso segment and a second torso segment; wherein said at least one fastener further comprises a second fastener that connects said first torso segment with said second torso segment, and wherein said torso segments are capable of pivoting. Each of said at least one torso segment may be configured to be intra-changeable with at least one of the other torso segments of the neckwear. The at least one torso segment may be metallic. One or more of said plurality of torso segments may include a torso-clip segment capable of securing said neckwear to a shirt.
The at least one fastener may include a first hinge member comprising a first leaf, a knuckle, a key groove, a keyway and a pin, and a second hinge member comprising a second leaf, a key and a barrel; wherein the key groove is configured to receive the key and the barrel is configured to receive the pin, and, when the fastener is locked or in use, the key is engaged with the key groove and the pin is engaged with the barrel allowing the first and second hinge members to pivot about the pin; and wherein, the keyway is configured to receive the key during locking and unlocking of the fastener, and the keyway comprises at least one leg. The keyway may comprise at least first and second legs; the first leg of the keyway intersects the key groove at a first entry point accommodating the key, and the second leg of the keyway intersects the first leg of the keyway.
The at least one fastener may include a quick-release buckle, said quick-release buckle including a first buckle member and a second buckle member; wherein either said buckle member engages the other said buckle member, wherein the first buckle member comprises a center guide, a spring and two spring-fit arms, the first buckle member mounted to a first hinge being disposed a first distance above the first hinge and rotating about the first hinge, and wherein the second buckle member comprises a receiving chamber with two release openings, the second buckle member mounted to a second hinge being disposed a second distance above the second hinge and rotating about the second hinge.
Another aspect is a fastener, comprising a first hinge member comprising a first leaf, a knuckle, a key groove, a keyway and a pin, and a second hinge member comprising a second leaf, a key and a barrel; wherein the key groove is configured to receive the key and the barrel is configured to receive the pin, and, when the fastener is locked or in use, the key is engaged with the key groove and the pin is engaged with the barrel allowing the first and second hinge members to pivot about the pin, and wherein, the keyway is configured to receive the key during locking and unlocking of the fastener, and keyway comprises at least one leg. The keyway may comprise at least first and second legs; the first leg of the keyway intersects the key groove at a first entry point accommodating the key, and the second leg of the keyway intersects the first leg of the keyway.
The first leg of the keyway may extend along a longitudinal axis of the pin and the second leg of the keyway may extend circumferentially with respect to the pin. The key groove may extend circumferentially with respect to the pin. The keyway may comprise at least three legs comprising the first leg, the second leg, and a third leg, and the third leg intersects the second leg. The keyway may comprise at least four legs comprising the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, and a fourth leg, and the fourth leg intersects the third leg. The first leg of the keyway may extend along a longitudinal axis of the pin, the second leg of the keyway may extend circumferentially with respect to the pin, and the third leg of the keyway may extend along the longitudinal axis of the pin. The keyway may comprise at least five legs comprising the first leg, the second leg, the third leg, the fourth leg, and a fifth leg, and the fifth leg intersects the fourth leg.
In another aspect, a neckwear comprises one or more of the fastener described above.
In another aspect, a quick-release buckle, comprises a first buckle member, and a second buckle member, wherein either of said first buckle member or said second buckle member engages the other said first buckle member or said second buckle member; wherein the first buckle member comprises a center guide, a spring and two spring-fit arms, the first buckle member mounted to a first hinge or a first mounting shaft, and the second buckle member comprises a receiving chamber with two release openings, the second buckle member is mounted to a second hinge or a second mounting shaft. The first buckle member may be mounted to the first hinge, disposed a first distance above the first hinge, and rotates about the first hinge, and the second buckle member may be mounted to the second hinge, disposed a second distance above the second hinge, and rotates about the second hinge. The first buckle member may instead be mounted to first mounting shaft, and the second buckle member may instead be mounted to the second mounting shaft.
In another aspect, an article comprises one or more of the quick-release buckle members described above. The article may be a necklace, bracelet, purse handle, purse chain, neckband module for neckwear, or torso segment for neckwear. The article may be a neckwear.
In another aspect, a quick-release buckle comprises a first buckle member and a second buckle member, wherein either of said first buckle member or said second buckle member engages the other of said first buckle member and said second buckle member; wherein the first buckle member comprises a center guide, a spring, two spring-fit arms and a pin or pin receptacle, and the second buckle member comprises a receiving chamber with two release openings and a pin or pin receptacle.
In another aspect, an article comprises one or more of the quick-release buckle members discussed above. The article may be a wristwatch, watchband, or neckwear. The article may also be a necklace, bracelet, purse handle, purse chain, neckband module for neckwear, or torso segment for neckwear.
Another aspect is a quick-release buckle comprising a first buckle member, and a second buckle member, wherein either of said first buckle member or said second buckle member engages the other of said first buckle member and said second buckle member, wherein the first buckle member comprises a center guide, a spring, two spring-fit arms and a mounting housing configured to receive a mounting member, and the second buckle member comprises a receiving chamber with two release openings.
In another aspect, an article comprises one or more of the quick-release buckle members discussed above. The article may be a necklace, bracelet, purse handle, purse chain, wristwatch, watchband, neckband module for neckwear, or torso segment for neckwear. The first buckle member may comprise a center guide, a spring, two spring-fit arms, and the second buckle member comprises a receiving chamber with two release openings and a mounting housing configured to receive a mounting member.
In another aspect, an article comprises one or more of the quick-release buckle member discussed above. The article may be a wristwatch, watchband, or neckband. The article may be a necklace, bracelet, purse handle, purse chain, neckband module for neckwear, or torso segment for neckwear.
In another aspect, an interchangeable watchband comprises at least one buckle member; wherein at least one buckle member comprises a center guide, a spring, two spring-fit arms, and a mounting housing.
In another aspect, an interchangeable watchband comprises at least one buckle member; wherein at least one buckle member comprises a receiving chamber with two release openings and a mounting housing.
In another aspect, an interchangeable wristwatch comprises at least one buckle member selected from the group consisting of a first buckle member and a second buckle member; wherein the first buckle member includes a center guide, a spring and two spring-fit arms, and wherein the second buckle member includes a receiving chamber with two release openings.
Another aspect is a torso segment for a neckwear, said torso segment being configured to be interchangeable with at least one other torso segment of said neckwear.
In another aspect, a torso segment comprises at least a portion of a fastener.
The present inventor identified a need for neckwear that rectifies the aforementioned drawbacks and deficiencies of neckties and neckwear resembling neckties and maintains the functions of the necktie including being an important component of formal or semi-formal attire, covering the front shirt placket and all the front shirt buttons in certain embodiments, and bridging the gap between the shirt collars along the neckline. In one aspect, the exemplary embodiments described below provide comfortable neckwear as a functional and fashionable necktie alternative comprising a neckband and a neckband module connected to one or more torso segments by one or more fasteners. The neckband module is situated at approximately the same position on the wearer as a necktie knot and is supported by the neckband.
In another aspect, exemplary embodiments provide two types of fasteners, an improved take-apart fastener and an improved quick-release buckle. Each of the instant fasteners, as further described below, may be utilized with a neckwear and for other applications, including jewelry and non-jewelry items. The strength of the instant fasteners make them an ideal solution for many applications.
In some exemplary embodiments, a neckwear comprises a series of torso segments that pivot (move from front to back and back to front on the wearer) for the neckwear to essentially contour to the wearer's torso during body movements. This provides a level of comfort to the wearer. In other exemplary embodiments, a neckwear enables the wearer, without any key, tool or the like, to add, remove, or replace one or more torso segments, relocate one or more torso segments along the neckwear panel (below the neckband module), and/or switch the positions of two or more torso segments along the neckwear panel (below the neckband module). This intra-changeability feature results in an extensive number of potential neckwear combinations and appearances. Accordingly, the improved take-apart fasteners or the improved quick-release buckles enable a neckwear's torso segments to both pivot and be intra-changed with each other.
In some exemplary embodiments, the front of a neckband module and the front of all torso segments are rounded rectangles of the same planar size resulting in the front neckwear panel approximating a rectangle. In other exemplary embodiments, the front of a neckband module and the front all the torso segments are rounded squares of the same planar size. This feature of the neckband module and the torso segments all being the same width for a given neckwear maintains the symmetry of the neckwear regardless of which torso segments or how many torso segments are intra-changed. However, this invention is not limited in this way.
In other exemplary embodiments in which the neckband module and torso segments are metallic, the neckwear of the present application, in addition to other improvements, may include one or more of the following advantages as specifically compared to the fabric necktie: (1) stain resistant, (2) considerably easier and more economical to clean if soiled by food, beverages, ink, ashes from smoking, or other contaminants, (3) more durable, (4) wrinkle proof, (5) does not snag, (6) impervious to burn holes from smoking, (7) no need to tie a knot, and (8) more symmetrical to an observer when worn due to lack of necktie knot (and the resulting asymmetrical folds and crinkles below the necktie knot). Moreover, in some exemplary embodiments of neckwear that include torso-clip segment(s) that secure the neckwear to a shirt placket or front shirt panel, undesired movement of neckwear is curtailed. The neckwear remains substantially straight on the wearer and the torso-clip segments assist in covering all of the front shirt buttons during body movements. Given the metallic nature of such a neckwear, the pivoting capability that the instant fasteners provide the torso segments is an important feature for comfort. In some exemplary embodiments, the neckwear comprises a sufficient number of metallic torso segments so that the terminal torso segment of the neckwear ends approximately at the wearer's beltline, the traditional length of the necktie. In other exemplary embodiments, a neckwear includes a number of torso segments wherein the terminal torso segment does not end approximately at the wearer's beltline.
The present inventor discovered that an efficient exemplary method of providing extraordinary metallic neckband modules or metallic torso segments is to use a production process that is similar to that used by private and government mints to produce coins and pressed bullion bars. This pressing method results in very detailed and high quality designs in which any image, including color images, can be engraved and replicated on a neckwear panel. Moreover, this process is not only efficient for replicating a design on a large scale, but works well for low-volume customized production. A neckwear comprising a metallic neckband module and torso segments provided by a mint's pressing method showcases the beauty of metals and metalworking, and when worn, the neckwear provides dramatic contrast with the fabrics of shirts, vests and suitcoats in composition, texture, color and light reflectance value (LRV).
In another aspect, exemplary embodiments provide torso segments that have the capability to be added to a neckwear or to replace torso segments of a neckwear. In this regard, a torso segment that was not part of the original neckwear, a so called “extrinsic” torso segment, may be temporarily or permanently added to the neckwear. Should the wearer misplace or lose a torso segment, or simply wish to temporarily or permanently replace one or more torso segments with other torso segment(s), an exemplary embodiment includes providing additional and/or replacement “extrinsic” torso segments for use in a neckwear. It is understood that such additional and/or replacement “extrinsic” torso segments can attach at any torso-segment position of a neckwear having this feature, as both “intrinsic” torso segments that the neckwear comprised of originally and the “extrinsic” torso segments have uniform fasteners, or at least sufficiently uniform fasteners, providing the capability of connecting to each other. Extrinsic torso segments, also referred herein as interchangeable torso segments, may be commercially available as individual torso segments or as a plurality of torso segments.
In some embodiments wherein a neckwear comprises torso-clip segment(s), the present disclosure provides a neckwear that can be secured to a shirt placket or front shirt panel, without any additional accessories that are not already mounted to the neckwear, to curtail undesired movement of the neckwear while being worn including that the neckwear remains straight on the wearer and covers the front shirt buttons. In some embodiments, a neckwear includes at least one mounted torso-clip segment, which the wearer may or may not connect to his or her shirt.
As used herein, a “neckwear” includes a neckband, a neckband module, one or more torso segments, and one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the torso segments are metallic, intra-changeable, and capable of pivoting.
“Neckband module” refers to the component of the neckwear to which torso segment one and the neckband connect.
“Torso segment” as used herein refers to the individual components that form the length of a neckwear originating from below the neckband module and to which torso segment one (the top most torso segment) connects to the neckband module. A neckwear comprises one or more torso segments. In some exemplary embodiments, one or more torso segments is intra-changeable. The term “torso-clip segment” as used herein means a torso segment which includes a mechanism, akin to a tie clip or the like, mounted on the backside of the torso segment.
“Neckwear panel” as used herein refers to the neckband module and the torso segments, collectively, of a neckwear. The term “front neckwear panel” means the front plane of the neckwear panel which is visible to the casual observer when the neckwear is worn.
“Instant fasteners” as used herein means the improved take-apart fastener and the improved quick-release buckle, collectively.
“Fastener” as used herein means any article or combination of articles used to connect, link, or join objects or portions of objects, including connecting, linking or joining a neckband to a neckband module and a neckband module to torso segment one and, if there is more than one torso segment, all of the torso segments of a neckwear to each other. Types of fasteners include for example, and in no way limiting, adhesives, aperture mechanisms that accommodate straps or the like, anchors, bolts, bayonet clasps, buckles, quick-release buckles, side-release buckles, center-release buckles, buttons, cables, catch, chains, clamps, clasps, clevis pins, clips, single end and double end swivels, deadeyes, eye bolts, hinges, including locking hinges, hinges with security pins, barrel hinges, take-apart hinges, and hinges that include hinge pins with, for example, external (male) thread which can be fastened into the hinge with, for example, internal (female) thread, hook-and-loop fasteners also known as hook-and-pile fasteners and Velcro®, hooks, lanyards, latches, locks, locking pins, magnetic locks or other magnetic mechanisms, loops, pins, rings, ropes, screw eyes, screws, snap hooks, snaps, spring fasteners, springs, straps, strings, swivel clips, ties, wires, zippers and any combination between or among the foregoing.
Exemplary embodiments of the instant neckwear include one or more fasteners to connect the neckband module and the torso segment(s). Examples of fasteners include any type of fastener that exhibits one or more of the following features. The first feature is a fastener that allows one or more torso segments to be quickly and easily intra-changed with other torso segments. The term “quickly and easily” as used herein, in the context of a neckwear, means any fastener that does not require any (extrinsic) key, tool or the like to add, remove, replace and/or relocate one or more torso segments, in terms of position along the neckwear panel (below the neckband module). The second feature, mainly for the wearer's comfort, is a fastener that enables torso segments to pivot (move from front to back and back to front on the wearer) in order for the neckwear to essentially contour to the wearer's torso during body movements and while sitting, including as the wearer goes from a standing position to a sitting position and vice versa. This feature of the exemplary neckwear affords a level of comfort to the wearer while maintaining the functionality of the necktie. The third feature is a fastener that allows the torso segments to effectively straighten out by gravity, without effort from the wearer of the neckwear, in order for the neckwear to become approximately parallel with the wearer's torso after body movements including, for example, when the wearer goes from a sitting position to a standing position. This feature avoids the necessity of the wearer straightening out the torso segments manually. Outside the context of a neckwear (for types of articles other than neckwear), the term “quickly and easily” as used herein means any fastener that does not require any (extrinsic) key, tool or the like to add, remove, replace and/or relocate segment(s) of an article or component(s) of an article such as a watchband or wristwatch.
“Comprised of originally” as used herein, in the context of a neckwear, means at the time of the initial sale, transfer, gift, or assignment of a neckwear into the wholesale or retail trade or in the event said sale, transfer, gift, or assignment of a neckwear into the wholesale or retail trade does not take place, the initial sale, transfer, gift, or assignment of the neckwear to the end user of the neckwear. Outside the context of a neckwear (for other types of articles), the term “comprised of originally” as used herein means at the time of the initial sale, transfer, gift, or assignment of an article into the wholesale or retail trade or in the event said sale, transfer, gift, or assignment of an article into the wholesale or retail trade does not take place, the initial sale, transfer, gift, or assignment of the article to the end user of the article.
The term “intra-changeable” including any other form of the word as used herein, in the context of a neckwear, means any one of the following three examples or any combination thereof: the capability of (a) two or more torso segments that a neckwear comprised of originally to be switched in terms of positioning along the neckwear panel (below the neckband module), (b) one or more torso segments that a neckwear comprised of originally to be relocated along the neckwear panel (below the neckband module), and/or (c) one or more torso segments that a neckwear comprised of originally to be detached and reattached to the neckwear. For example, each one of the nine torso segments of the neckwear in
Of course, it is understood that a neckwear may contain any number of torso segments, including any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, et cetera torso segments; of which, none or any number of the collective number of torso segments of a neckwear may be intra-changeable torso segments. Similarly, and because the number of torso segments varies based on the size of the torso segments and other factors, including the wearer's preferences and the wearer's size which will differ from person to person, a neckwear may comprise a sufficient number of torso segments so that the neckwear ends approximately at the wearer's beltline.
“Contrast” including any other form of the word as used herein means the arrangement of opposite elements such as hard versus soft, light versus dark colors and rough versus smooth textures in a piece or ensemble to create visual interest, excitement and drama.
“Light Reflectance Value” (LRV) of an object means the percentage of light in the visible part of the spectrum that is reflected from its surface (and conversely the percentage of light the surface absorbs). LRV is measured using a integrating sphere reflectometer, the results of which run on a scale between 1 and 0 with a theoretical perfect white achieving a value of 1, reflecting 100 percent of visible light, and a theoretical perfect black achieving a value of 0, absorbing 100 percent. In practice, LRVs will not reach these theoretical limits.
The term “interchangeable” including any other form of the word as used herein, in the context of a neckwear, means the capability to add one or more extrinsic torso segments that a neckwear was not comprised of originally to the neckwear or replace one or more torso segments that a neckwear comprised of originally with extrinsic torso segment(s) that the neckwear was not comprised of originally. For example, each of the extrinsic torso segments 12-14 in
The term “mount” including any other forms of the word as used herein, means to connect a fastener to an article with the intention of the connection being on a permanent basis by any method including, for example, brazing or utilizing screws or bolts.
“Take-apart hinge” as used herein refers to a hinge with two hinge members that connect two objects and allows one or both objects to move or rotate and does not require any (extrinsic) key, tool or the like to separate the hinge members.
“Keyway” as used herein means a continuous channel on the first hinge member (male end) of the improved take-apart fastener which is configured and shaped to accommodate the key on the second hinge member (female end) of the improved take-apart fastener for the purpose of the key passing through the channel to lock or unlock the fastener. A keyway comprises at least one leg. A “leg” of a keyway as used herein means one portion of a keyway that ends at the intersection of a subsequent portion of a keyway, if any, and if the keyway has only one leg, the keyway ends at the point the key exits the keyway. For example, for a keyway comprising two legs, the first leg of the keyway starts at the key groove and ends at the intersection of the second leg of the keyway, and the second leg of the keyway ends at the point the key exits the keyway. A keyway may have any number of legs, including any number of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 et cetera legs.
“Quick-release buckle” as used herein refers to side-release buckles, center-release buckles, and other buckles that include opposable, engagable and releasable buckle components. Quick-release buckles are also referred to as quick-connect buckles.
“Wristwatch” as used herein means a timepiece that is attached to a watchband such as a bracelet or strap and is worn around the wrist and wristwatch includes any smartwatch, activity tracker, or other wearable technology device that exhibits functionality that goes beyond timekeeping. In addition to decorative functions and the utilitarian function of holding a wristwatch to the wrist, a “watchband” as used herein includes bands that serve functions related to computing and wearable and wireless technology.
In some embodiments, a neckwear uses metal compositions for the neckband module and/or the torso segments and illustrative metals include silver, copper, gold, platinum, titanium, aluminum, iron, tin, alloys of the foregoing including bronze, brass, steel and pewter. Of course, torso segments or a neckband module may also be made from other metals or materials including natural polymeric materials also known as biopolymers including wood and rubber, synthetic polymers such as synthetic rubber, plastics and silicones, glass and glassy materials, and fiber reinforced polymers such as carbon-fiber reinforced plastics.
A frontal view of a connected neckwear in one embodiment is shown in
Identifying and numbering torso segments of any neckwear panel in the present disclosure is exemplified by the embodiment of
It is further understood that
In the embodiment of
Interchangeable torso segments provide even greater versatility and potential combinations to a neckwear and are configured to fit a neckwear accordingly. Examples of three interchangeable metallic torso segments 12-14 are shown in
The exemplary metallic neckwear of
In addition to aforementioned advantages of the exemplary metallic neckwear of
A neckwear may include at least one torso-clip segment to limit undesired movement of a neckwear panel, including to curtail the neckwear panel from swinging forward or moving from side to side on the wearer, to assist the neckwear to remain straighter on the wearer, as compared to a necktie and other types of neckwear resembling the necktie, and to cover the front shirt buttons while a neckwear is worn. In some embodiments, the torso-clip segment(s) secure the neckwear to a shirt placket or front shirt panel without any additional or unmounted accessories, and are quickly and easily intra-changed by the wearer of the neckwear, at his or her sole discretion, with any of the other torso segments offering the wearer of the neckwear a personalized fit. The factors determining how many torso-clip segments are utilized on the neckwear and the position to place the torso-clip segment(s) on the neckwear include the size and shape of the wearer's torso. For example, for comfort and a neat appearance the wearer may choose two torso-clip segments and place one torso-clip segment 20 at torso segment two and the other 21 at torso segment six as shown in
It will be appreciated that mounting a member or portion of any fastener toward the bottom of a terminal torso segment of any embodiment of a neckwear is optional. For example, in the embodiment of
The composition of the aperture mechanism on the neckband module may be a variety of suitable materials, including metals, metal alloys including steel, wood, fiber reinforced polymers and synthetic polymers such as plastics. An aperture mechanism may also be provided as part of a casting of the neckband module or may be provided by other methods. If not part of such a casting, the aperture mechanism may be, for example, bolted to the neckband module. It will be appreciated that an aperture mechanism may be any size or shape other than the rectangular shape of the aperture mechanism 19 shown in
The present inventor discovered that an efficient method of providing extraordinary metallic neckband modules or metallic torso segments for a neckwear of the present disclosure is the pressing method that private and government mints use to produce coins and pressed bullion bars. The pressing method of providing components of a neckwear panel imparts many advantages, as compared to other methods, including the capability of producing exquisitely detailed designs with high quality finishes on a neckband module or torso segment equivalent to the level of detail and quality of bullion bars or collector coins produced by mints. These finishes include matt, proof, and reverse proof. For example, a proof torso segment, production methods of which are well known in the art that include highly polished dies, comprises a frosted appearance on the higher fields of the surface of the torso segment and a mirror-like finish on the lower fields of the surface of the torso segment. Metallic torso segments or metallic neckband modules provided by the pressing method may also be struck in high relief or ultra-high relief. The images on high relief metallic torso segments and metallic neckband modules of the present disclosure, like high relief coins and bullion bars, generally extend above the outer edges of the torso segments and neckband modules and these medallions struck in ultra-high relief result in images that rise even higher. Popular examples that have been produced by the United States Mint include the 2015 high-relief liberty gold coin and the 2009 ultra-high relief gold double eagle. High relief and ultra-high relief coins and medallions elevate the level of detail that can be seen and felt on the image and are sometimes described as works of art rather than coins or medallions. Another advantage of providing metallic torso segments and metallic neckband modules, as compared to other methods, by the pressing method is that multiple levels of relief may be achieved. For example metallic torso segments and metallic neckband modules may include “3-dimensional” designs resulting from the artwork being sculpted in contoured multi-level relief.
Metal blanks are required in the pressing method and are provided by melting down the desired metal or metal alloy and emptying the molten metal into billets. The heated billets then proceed through an extruder which operates under extreme pressure to fashion the heated forms into thin strips of soft annealed metal. After the long thin strips of extruded metal have cooled, they are trimmed and may be done so using a hydraulic shearer and then rolled by a high pressure rolling machine until an exact desired thickness is achieved. From the rolled strips, a blanking press then punches out metal blanks to the size and shape desired for the neckband module and the torso segments to be subsequently engraved. The blanks are then cleaned and polished and may be done so in a vibratory finishing machine. Before the engraving dies are produced to engrave or strike the blank metal neckband modules and the blank metal torso segments with the desired designs and information, three-dimensional plaster sculptures of the desired designs and information are made. The sculpture is rendered in relief and is mechanically reduced by a reducing lathe in the production of the engraving dies which are typically hardened steel. The dies are a reverse engraving of the sculpture and once produced, the polished blanks are firmly secured in a collar inside the minting press between the bottom and top dies. With each strike of the press, the impact of the dies on the blank within the collar forces the metal into the alcoves of the dies and engraves the neckband module and the torso segments with the desired design and information on each side. In some embodiments, the edges of the neckband module and torso segments may also be engraved with desired designs and information which may include hallmarking.
In other embodiments, in which the neckband module or torso segments are made from metallic materials, methods of pouring metal provide the neckband module or torso segments of the instant neckwear. Pouring methods, which have been used for millennia, includes heating and melting the metal or metal alloy and pouring the melted metal into a mold or cast to form the desired shape of a neckband module or torso segment. Generally, there is greater control over quality, finishes, and uniformity including weight, with bullion bars provided by the pressing method as compared to bullion bars provided by pouring methods.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the temperatures, pressures, timeframes and other particulars utilized in the pouring method and pressing method depend on the specific metal or metal alloy of a neckband module or torso segments being produced. For example, silver melts at approximately 962° C. and has a Vickers hardness of approximately 251 MPa whereas platinum melts at approximately 1,768° C. and has a Vickers hardness of approximately 400-550 MPa.
Millesimal fineness is a system of denoting the purity of metals by parts per thousand of a pure metal in the alloy by mass. The millesimal fineness of “fine silver” is generally 999 fine (99.9% pure), also referred to as, three nines fine. Fine gold, fine silver and fine copper each has a unique and appealing color, which is altered when any of these metals is alloyed with another metal. Fine gold is cherished due to its color and has a more yellowish tone than 14 karat gold (58.33% gold). The color of fine silver is brighter than silver alloys including sterling silver. Copper, like gold, is one of the few metallic elements with a natural color other than gray or silver.
An individual neckband module or torso segment may be comprised of multiple materials such as wood and metal. A neckwear panel may be comprised of multiple materials such as multiple types of metals or wood and metal. For example, the neckband module may be copper and the torso segments may be fine silver, any of which may include engravings and/or enamels.
Add-on design elements or symbols for the front neckwear panel, including the ten exemplary symbols on the front neckwear panel in
To add further color to a metallic neckwear panel, a metallic neckband module or metallic torso segments may include plating, enamels, porcelains, paints, and inks such ink overlays that provide colorized portraits virtually duplicating a digital image or photograph. For example, gold plate may be applied to selected areas of an engraved design on silver neckband modules or silver torso segments. To add designs to a metallic neckwear panel, a metallic neckband module or metallic torso segments may include inscriptions, engravings, sculptures, etchings or other design elements from other known methods in the art. Neckband modules and torso segments may also include any design element of any method to display, promote, proclaim or represent, for example, artistic themes, musical themes or bands, books, movies, casts, cartoons, action figures, cites, states, countries, historical events or figures, mythological figures, ethnic or national heritage, family members, movements, political parties, law, religion, science, symbols, schools, universities, professions, organizations, trades unions, trade groups, companies, industries, corporate affiliations, trademarks, logos, clubs, proverbs, slogans, sports or sports teams, holidays, special events and personal experiences. Non-metallic neckband modules and torso segments or portions thereof may include the foregoing color and design elements not specific to metals.
A neckband of the disclosed neckwear may be adjustable to comfortably fit various size necks and may include a strap or the like and a fastener to attach and/or adjust the circumference of a neckband. A neckband supports the neckband module and the neckband may be from a multitude of suitable materials. Suitable materials for a flexible neckband strap include leather, nylon or fabric such as silk. For example, leather neckbands, similar to belts, have various holes on the strap allowing the wearer to place the prong of a buckle through any hole along the strap for optimal comfort and appearance. Various types of fasteners known in the art may be utilized in conjunction with the neckband strap, including those used for neckbands and belts. For example, suitable fasteners include buckles, quick-release buckles such as side-release buckles and center-release buckles and hook-and-loop fasteners such as Velcro®. Suitable materials for a neckband fastener to accommodate the strap (or the like) are metals including aluminum, metal alloys such as steel, fiber reinforced polymers and synthetic polymers including plastics. It will be appreciated that the neckband may comprise of non-flexible materials, including metallic materials, as an alternative to a flexible neckband strap. For example, types of chains or necklaces such as a rigid choker comprising two approximate half-circle sections which open and close by a hinge and said sections are secured around the wearer's neck with a fastener to form a circle or oval.
A neckband module, including an aperture mechanism, and torso segments of a neckwear may also be provided by other methods known in the art including three-dimensional printing (3D printing), also known as additive manufacturing (AM). “3D printing” or “AM” as used herein refers to various processes used to synthesize a three-dimensional object, including the means of producing an object through successive or multiple layers of material formed under computer control from a model or other electronic data source. Many types of 3D printing may be utilized for the inventive neckwear, including powder bed and inkjet head 3D printing (3DP), electron-beam melting (EBM), selective laser melting (SLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), directed energy deposition, electron beam freeform fabrication (EBF) and robocasting.
Another exemplary embodiment of a neckwear is shown in
In some embodiments, including each exemplary embodiment of
The instant neckwear may be worn at various lengths depending on the wearer's preference. Torso segments are easily added, removed or replaced and, in terms of their position along the neckwear panel (below the neckband module), may be relocated or switched.
The neckband module or torso segments of a neckwear may be of any shape or size including rounded squares, squircles, squares, rounded rectangles, rectangles, ovals, circles, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons et cetera. In some embodiments, a neckwear panel may include torso segment(s) of various sizes, including various widths and/or shapes. For example, as shown in
Light reflectance in the visible spectrum (hemispherical directional reflectance at wavelength intervals of 10 nanometers (nm) from 390 to 700 nm, one angle, less than 20°) was analyzed by Surface Optics Corporation using a Cary 5000 integrating sphere reflectometer on three metallic torso segments, three button-down dress shirts and three fabric neckties. The three torso segments provided for analysis were designed by Patuga LLC and manufactured by a private mint utilizing the pressing method. All three torso segments analyzed for light reflectance are comprised of all metal and do not comprise of any enamel or post-engraved design elements. One of the torso segments is fine silver, the second is fine copper, and the third is brass (85% copper and 15% zinc). All three torso segments have the identical design and engraving as the torso segments in
The three button-down dress shirts provided for light reflectance value (LRV) analysis were Stafford branded shirts, distributed by J.C. Penny Corporation in the United States of America (Travel, Easy-Care Broadcloth, comprised of 55 percent cotton and 45 percent polyester, regular fit size −16½, 32-33). Each of the three dress shirts was a solid color; the first was blue (labeled, blooming blue), the second was white (labeled, white) and the third was grey (labeled, rockefeller grey). The three fabric neckties provided for LRV analysis were JF J. Ferrar branded neckties, distributed by J.C. Penny Corporation, (narrow JF Backwall). Each of the three neckties was a solid color; the first was blue (labeled, extreme blue), the second was red (labeled, cayenne) and the third was yellow (labeled, bright buttercup). The label of the subject neckties did not disclose the type of fabric. All three neckties had a robust sheen.
All dress shirts and neckties analyzed were a solid color without any type of noticeable pattern on the fabric so there would be no ambiguity or issue when choosing a target location on the samples with the spectrophotometer if the fabrics, for example, included multiple colors or patterns. The target location on each sample for the spectrophotometer to analyze light reflectance was approximately 3 cm by 5 mm. The center of the target location on each of the three types of samples were as follows: for the torso segments, 3 mm from the top (as positioned on a neckwear) and centered from left to right, for the shirts, 2 cm below the tip of left the collar (while the shirts were still folded and pinned from the factory so that the fabric of the target location of each shirt was multi-layered), and for the neckties, 38 cm from the bottom tip of the necktie and centered from left to right.
Thirty-two light reflectance values were generated from each of the nine samples. The average of these thirty-two values for each of the nine samples is depicted in a bar chart in
In another aspect, the present inventor devised new and improved take-apart hinges, referred herein an improved take-apart fasteners. The inventor identified a need for better securing an object using a take-apart hinge that has a greater level of security including increased theft deterrence and a reduced probability of the hinge inadvertently unlocking and sliding apart by random movement or impact. In one embodiment, the instant improved take-apart fastener may be utilized in the instant neckwear for securing components of the neckwear panel. In other embodiments, the instant improved take-apart fastener may be used for securing or quasi-locking an article to an object, such as securing a piece of art or securing valuables like jewelry to a display in a retail environment. In this way, the improved take-apart fastener can provide increased security and assist in preventing theft.
Take-apart hinges, sometimes referred to as “lift off hinges,” are well known in the art. They function similarly to typical hinges by connecting two objects and allowing one or both objects to move or rotate. Advantageous features of take-apart hinges are that an object connected to a take-apart hinge is disconnected and/or reconnected without any key, tool or the like and take-apart hinges are strong relative to their size in terms of handling force and weight loads.
A typical, previously known take-apart hinge, Sea Dog Line made in Thailand, is cast stainless steel and shown in
Unlocking and taking-apart the prior-art take-apart hinge requires two steps. First, as compared to the flat position of the hinge in
Although said hinge is sufficient for certain applications and is strong when locked due to its composition and design, due to how easy said hinge unlocks, it is not adequate for applications requiring safeguards against disconnecting unintentionally, for example, by random movement or impact. These characteristics also make said hinge not practical or suited for applications requiring a theft deterrent.
The instant improved take-apart fastener, which may be made by any method well known in the art including being cast with stainless steel, adds an important feature of additional security to the prior-art take-apart hinge described above. Examples of the improved take-apart fastener are shown in
As shown in
Unlocking and taking apart the instant improved take-apart fastener, with or without mounted articles such as torso segments of a neckwear, requires the user to complete four simple steps as illustrated by the arrows in
These two additional unlocking steps included in
The improved take-apart fastener has only two parts consisting of a first hinge member (male end) and a second hinge member (female end), is very strong when locked capable of handling high force and weight loads, does not comprise of any spring, coil, screw, bolt, clasp or the like to function (all of which generally deteriorate over time and eventually may break), has a low profile, and the bottom of said fastener is flat and straight. These features combined with the security feature of the keyway make the improved take-apart fastener an attractive fastening option for various applications including connecting jewelry articles together and connecting the neckband module and torso segments of a neckwear. The improved take-apart fastener, as compared to the prior-art take-apart hinge, greatly reduces the risk of the neckwear disconnecting unintentionally, for example, by random movement or by impact. Moreover, the improved take-apart fastener renders the neckwear more secure against acts of attempted theft while the neckwear in being worn, including attempts to forcibly remove neckwear panel components, as compared to, for example, link-type chains or other inadequate, unsecure fasteners typically used in jewelry.
Accordingly, the improved take-apart fastener provides an example of a fastener that may be mounted to the neckwear panel of a neckwear permitting connectivity across the neckwear panel and allowing all of the mounted torso segments to pivot and be intra-changed. In one exemplary embodiment shown in
Generally, brazing is a process where similar or dissimilar metals are joined using an alloy that typically includes a base of silver combined with nickel, copper, and zinc, whereas, welding is a process whereby similar metals are joined using a direct heat source to melt the base metal and filler metal to create a uniform finished product. Most welding involves iron-based metals such as steel and stainless steel, but welding is used in other metals such as aluminum. Indeed, fasteners, including improved take-apart fasteners and improved quick-release buckles disclosed herein, may be mounted to any article including the neckband module and torso segments by methods well known in the art other than brazing or welding such as, for example, utilizing screws or bolts. Portions of a fastener may also be provided by being formed as part of a single piece along with the neckband module or torso segments by casting or pressing.
The keyway of an improved take-apart fastener comprises one or more legs along the pin and includes any pattern along the pin including straight line(s), a portion of an arc, and/or a portion of an ellipse. Legs of the keyway may extend along a longitudinal axis of the pin or circumferentially with respect to the pin. The determination of the complexity of a keyway, including the number of legs and type of leg (e.g., linear legs or curved legs), to incorporate on the improved take-apart fastener is a tradeoff between security and ease of taking apart to unlock or putting together to lock the improved take-apart fastener. The more complex the keyway, the greater level of security; the less complex the keyway, the lower level of security and the easier and faster the improved take-apart fastener is to unlock or lock. It will be appreciated that the key of the improved take-apart fastener may be any shape or size to engage the keyway and key groove, including shapes resembling a cuboid or cylinder. The key 51 shown in
An exemplary embodiment of a more complex keyway with four legs is shown in
An exemplary embodiment of an even more complex keyway of an improved take-apart fastener is shown in
In addition to the incorporation of the keyway for additional security, there are other improvements of the improved take-apart fastener shown in
The first leaf and/or second leaf of an improved take-apart fastener may include any number of holes in any position for mounting an article. As shown in
In another aspect, the present inventor devised new and improved quick-release buckles that can be used with a variety of articles. The inventor identified a need for better connecting objects with quick-release buckles, including the need for a quick-release buckle to have the capability to be mounted, for instance brazed, to one or more objects and the need for a quick-release buckle to provide pivoting capability to one or more objects mounted to the quick-release buckle(s). In some exemplary embodiments, improved quick-release buckle(s) allow the mounted objects to be intra-changeable or interchangeable.
In some exemplary embodiments, improved quick-release buckles are used with the instant neckwear herein for connecting components of a neckwear panel and providing pivoting capability to the torso segments along with features of intra-changeability and interchangeability. In other exemplary embodiments, improved quick-release buckles are mounted to objects requiring pivoting capability and capability to be quickly and easily intra-changed or interchanged. Any fashion accessory equipped with improved quick-release buckles such as interchangeable watchbands or interchangeable purse chains or handles offers greater utility including versatility to the user since many combinations may be achieved by interchanging only a portion of the article but resulting in drastically altered appearances of the article. For example, a luxury wristwatch with a silver watchband (capable of being interchanged with other watchbands) will take on a completely new look upon an interchangeable gold watchband temporarily or permanently replacing the silver watchband. Wristwatches and watchbands equipped and configured with improved quick-release buckles provide increased utility of the wristwatch to the user since either the case of the wristwatch or the watchband can instantly be switched by the user for whatever reason, or replaced if either the case of the wristwatch or the watchband is damaged, with interchangeable cases and interchangeable watchbands without any key, tool or the like or without having to visit a jeweler.
In other exemplary embodiments, improved quick-release buckles are mounted to objects that may not require pivoting capability but require a secure fastener and features of intra-changeability and/or interchangeability. Examples include jewelry articles or portions of jewelry articles which may be connected with improved quick-release buckles. Due to the inherent strength of quick-release buckles, which in part is a result of the engagement action of the spring-fit arms into the release openings of the receiving chamber as further described below, improved quick-release buckles are an improvement over typical clasps or the like used on necklaces and bracelets. Indeed, improved quick-release buckles are suitable for any application of any object requiring the aforementioned attributes.
Quick-release buckles are well known in the art and are useful to connect and disconnect belts and to unjoin and join webbing straps. They have impressive force and weight load capacities and do not require any tools or the like to engage or disengage. U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,844 B1 to Lerra et al. discloses side release buckles that include a first buckle component having an engagement end and a module receiving portion opposite the engagement end; and a second buckle component having an engagement end constructed for releasable engagement with the engagement end of the first buckle component, and a module receiving portion opposite the engagement end.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,654 B2 to Schmitz (published international application WO 01/82737) discloses a metal belt buckle comprising two buckle members, fastened on belt ends, the first of said members having a receiving compartment in which the second buckle member is axially inserted and said second buckle member comprises snap-fit members that are adjusted against a spring force and that interact with undercuts in the first buckle member to secure the fitted buckle members.
Although Lerra's side release buckles and Schmitz's belt buckle are useful to connect and disconnect belts and to unjoin and join webbing straps together for backpacks, luggage, and other types of articles, they are not intended, designed or suited for being mounted (including being brazed or bolted) to objects including the neckband module and torso segments of a neckwear, watches, watchbands and other fashion accessories such as jewelry articles; nor are they suitable for allowing objects to pivot. For example, the side release buckles to Lerra et al. and the belt buckle to Schmitz do not have a suitable design and are therefore deficient for mounting to a neckwear panel of the present disclosure; nor do they have any mechanism such as a hinge to allow torso segments or other mounted objects to pivot.
Accordingly, improved quick-release buckles provide an example of a fastener that may be mounted to the neckwear panel of a neckwear permitting connectivity across the neckwear panel and allowing the mounted torso segments to pivot and be intra-changed. In one exemplary embodiment shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Improved quick-release buckles can be used with a variety of objects or portions of objects requiring connectivity, pivoting motion, intra-changeability and/or interchangeability. As shown in
Similar to the exemplary embodiment of
In another exemplary embodiment of the improved quick-release buckle, wristwatches and watchbands configured for, and including improved quick-release buckles, provide advantages over wristwatches and watchbands in the art. Various types of watchbands including watch bracelets exist to secure a wristwatch to a wrist. In addition to typical leather straps with a buckle, metal watch bracelets that often come with luxury wristwatches include clasps or buckles known as, double opening deployment clasps, three-blade deployment buckles, butterfly clasps and double safety clasps. One of the major considerations in the design of these clasps and buckles is a high level of security to prevent the wristwatch from inadvertently falling off the wrist or being grabbed and stolen off the wrist. Generally, the more valuable the timepiece, the sturdier its watchband including buckles or clasps of the watchband. Clasps or buckles of secure watchbands tend to be cumbersome to engage (lock) or disengage (unlock) since strength and security are paramount concerns. For example, the “steel double safety clasp” that is standard on the Men's Swiss Formula 1® wristwatch (41 mm, two-tone stainless steel bracelet, manufacturer reference: WAZ1120.BB0879), manufactured and sold by Tag Heuer®, has six moving parts which do not include any of the pins or hinges connecting these six moving parts. Engaging or disengaging this steel double safety clasp requires more than one distinct operation. Further, the engaging process requires multiple parts of the steel double safety clasp to pivot in specific directions which sometimes forces the wearer to start the engaging process all over again if at least one of these multiple parts pivots in the wrong direction during an engagement attempt.
Metal bracelets, predominately those of valuable wristwatches and including those made from precious metals, have other drawbacks including that they cannot be quickly and easily switched or replaced with interchangeable watchbands without any tools or the like or without having to visit a jeweler. Due to the complexity of certain clasps and buckles, up to approximately 25 percent of the surface area of watch bracelets may consist of the clasp or buckle which reduces the aesthetics of the wristwatch by interrupting the continuous construction of the bracelet. Although interchangeable watchbands are known in the art, a major drawback is that their fasteners connecting and disconnecting the wristwatch case to and from the watchband are comprised of pins or tabs which lack a high level of strength and security and are easily disengaged. Another drawback of said interchangeable watchbands is that their pins or tabs require precise alignment when attempting to engage small pins or tabs with small pin holes or tab holes which is tedious and not accomplished quickly in approximately one second.
Accordingly, as shown in the embodiment of
Wristwatches and watchbands configured for, and including, improved quick-release buckles provide a high level of security due to the inherent strength of the improved quick-release buckles plus the fact that this exemplary embodiment does not include any pins or tabs within the connection between the wristwatch and the watchband. This security feature is most relevant for luxury wristwatches which may include watchbands made of precious metals. The process of either taking a wristwatch off a wrist or putting a wristwatch on a wrist is extraordinary simple with this assembly since only one of the two improved quick-release buckles requires disengagement to take a wristwatch off a wrist or engagement to put a wristwatch on a wrist. The process to unlock the improved quick-release buckle to remove a wristwatch from the wrist, for example, may be accomplished by the wearer with one distinct operation of pressing both spring-fit arms 77 simultaneously on either one of the male ends 70, preferably with the thumb and forefinger, while pulling out the male end from the female end 71 thereby freeing the wristwatch from the wrist. The process to lock the improved quick-release buckle to secure a wristwatch to the wrist, for example, is also accomplished by the wearer with one distinct operation of simply inserting the male end 70 on the watchband (that was previously disengaged when watchband was removed) into the corresponding female end 71 within the corresponding lug frame 90. Moreover, locking or unlocking the improved quick-release buckle takes approximately one second to accomplish since the male and female ends of the improved quick-release buckle are quickly and easily engaged or disengaged with one another without having to tediously align pins or tabs with pin holes or tab holes. In the exemplary embodiment of
Upon the user desiring to switch the wristwatch or switch the watchband of
Once a wristwatch having a metal bracelet with the aforementioned types of clasps or buckles is removed from the wrist, the wristwatch and metal bracelet, which are continuous without breaks, cannot be stretched out from end to end and placed flat on a surface. The wristwatch is often either stacked directly onto its bracelet causing metal-on-metal contact between the case of the wristwatch and the bracelet, or the wristwatch is placed on its side causing risk of wear and tear to the wristwatch case, bezel and crown or risk of the wristwatch flipping over onto the crystal (protective transparent layer over the dial) causing damage. As shown in
In a modified embodiment of
While the disclosure herein of improved quick-release buckles has been in the context of side-release buckles, other embodiments include any type of buckle comprising opposable, engagable and releasable buckle components. Examples include center-release buckles, buckles having a twist-type locking mechanism, and other types of side-release buckles than those described herein. For instance, center-release buckles do not require two independent spring-fit arms to be pressed by the user to disengage the buckle members, but comprise a single mechanism for the user to press to disengage the buckle members. This increases the risk of center-release buckles inadvertently unlocking and generally renders these buckles less secure than side-release buckles which becomes a security issue when mounted to high value objects. The features and resulting advantages of the instant improved quick-release buckles, regardless of the type of quick-release buckle, are not possible with typical quick-release buckles.
It will be appreciated that in utilizing the instant fasteners, including in the above examples, the female end and the male end of the improved take-apart fastener or the male end and female end of the improved quick-release buckle may be mounted in either direction, including the opposite direction of the foregoing descriptions. For example, in a modified embodiment of
The composition of the instant improved take-apart fasteners, instant improved quick-release buckles, hinge platforms, mounting shafts, mounting housings, pin receptacles and pins may each be made from a variety of suitable materials. For example, and in no way limiting, the instant fasteners, including any hinge platform, mounting shaft, mounting housing, pin receptacle or pin, may incorporate any of metals, metal alloys, fiber reinforced polymers and synthetic polymers including plastics. The composition of said instant fasteners, in addition to the composition of the neckband module, torso segments, or other articles as the case may be, play a role in determining the method of mounting the instant fasteners to the neckband module, torso segments or other articles. For example, if a hinge platform is a carbon-fiber reinforced polymer, brazing or welding is not an option to mount the fasteners to the neckband module or torso segments. The mounting methods utilized have insignificant effect on the functionality of a neckwear or other article including the intra-changeability and interchangeability features. In some embodiments of an improved quick-release buckle, the hinge platform, mounting shaft, pin receptacle or mounting housing may include holes for mounting an article, and in other embodiments may not include holes for mounting an article. For example, a mounting housing may not have mounting holes and may be brazed or welded to an object.
