Neckwear and fasteners

Abstract

A neckwear includes a neckband, a neckband module and one or more torso segments connected by fasteners. The neckwear may include a plurality of pivoting, intra-changeable, metallic torso segments. Also provided are improved take-apart fasteners and improved quick-release buckles, for use in neckwear, jewelry, wristwatches and watchbands or for otherwise securing objects.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A neckwear, comprising:
 (a) a neckband;   (b) a neckband module;   (c) at least one torso segment; and   (d) at least one fastener,   wherein said neckband is connected to said neckband module, and said neckband module is connected to said at least one torso segment;   wherein said at least one fastener includes a fastener that pivotably connects said neckband module to said at least one torso segment; and   wherein each of said neckband module and said at least one torso segment is a metallic press-minted member, the metallic press-minted member being formed by providing a metal blank between a bottom die and a top die of a minting press, the minting press engraving a design on the metallic press-minted member, the same or different designs being engraved on the neckband module and said at least one torso segment.   
     
     
         2 . The neckwear according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one torso segment comprises 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.   
     
     
         3 . The neckwear according to  claim 2 , wherein at least one torso segment of said plurality of torso segments is configured to be intra-changeable with at least one of the other torso segments of the neckwear. 
     
     
         4 . The neckwear according to  claim 2 , wherein one or more of said plurality of torso segments includes a torso-clip segment capable of securing said neckwear to a shirt. 
     
     
         5 . The neckwear according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one fastener includes
 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.   
     
     
         6 . The neckwear according to  claim 5 , wherein the at least one leg comprises 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. 
     
     
         7 . The neckwear according to  claim 2 , wherein said at least one fastener includes a quick-release buckle, said quick-release buckle including
 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 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 and being disposed a first distance above said first torso segment 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 and being disposed a second distance above first said torso segment- and rotating about the second hinge.   
     
     
         8 . 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 the keyway comprises at least two legs.   
     
     
         9 . The fastener according to  claim 8 , wherein the at least two legs comprise a first leg, a second leg, and a third leg, the first leg of the keyway intersects the key groove at a first entry point accommodating the key; the second leg of the keyway intersects the first leg of the keyway, and the third leg of the keyway intersects the second leg of the keyway. 
     
     
         10 . A neckwear comprising one or more of the fastener of  claim 8 . 
     
     
         11 . The fastener according to  claim 8 , wherein the first leg of the keyway extends along a longitudinal axis of the pin and the second leg of the keyway extends circumferentially with respect to the pin. 
     
     
         12 . The fastener according to  claim 9 , wherein the first leg of the keyway extends along a longitudinal axis of the pin and the second leg of the keyway extends circumferentially with respect to the pin. 
     
     
         13 . The fastener according to  claim 12 , wherein the key groove extends circumferentially with respect to the pin. 
     
     
         14 . A torso segment for a neckwear, said torso segment being configured to be interchangeable with at least one other torso segment of said neckwear,
 wherein the torso segment comprises two members of a fastener; and   wherein the segment is a metallic press-minted member, the metallic press-minted member being formed by providing a metal blank between a bottom die and a top die of a minting press, the minting press engraving a design on the metallic press-minted member, the same or different designs being engraved on the torso segment.