技术领域：
[0002]The present disclosure relates to neckwear.
INTRODUCTION
[0003]Various types of neckwear have been proposed including those as an alternative to the necktie. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/384,540 discloses functional metallic neckwear comprising of a neckband, a neckband module and pivoting torso segments directly connected by fasteners. The neckwear is positioned along the center of the wearer's torso like a necktie. The present inventor discovered that an efficient method of providing an extraordinary metallic neckwear panel, which includes the neckband module and torso segments, is the process used by private and government mints to produce coins, medals and bullion bars. A plurality of metallic torso segments may end at the beltline which is traditionally the preferred length of a necktie. Embodiments provide neckwear which allows the wearer to quickly and easily add, remove, relocate and replace torso segments resulting in a wide variety of potential neckwear appearances including various potential lengths of the same neckwear.
[0004]Jewelry bezels are known in the art to hold a single coin or bullion bar as a pendant. These have drawbacks and are deficient in certain respects which include, as a piece of jewelry, they are not otherwise functional such as being deficient in offering a hermetically sealed environment to prevent, for example, tarnishing of a silver coin, and they do not satisfy the functions of the necktie. Further, bezels are not configured for additional sections to be attached for multiple lengths of a neckwear to display a minted series or set of coins, medals or bullion bars nor are they configured to display different sized coins, medals or bullion bars.
[0005]Depending on the metal, certain coins, medals and bars such as silver and copper naturally tarnish when exposed to air in the atmosphere. For example, as silver and copper tarnishes, sulfides, oxides and/or carbonates are formed on the surface of the metal. Tarnishing diminishes the allure and appearance of silver, generally the most reflective metal, since as silver tarnishes its brightness and whiteness are reduced along with reflectively of the silver. Tarnish can be removed but cleaning is laborious and often negatively affects the surface of the metal and appearance of the article. Whether tarnish is left on the metal or cleaned, chemical damage has already occurred to the surface of the metal resulting in reduced detail on the surface of the coin, medal or bullion bar. The tarnishing of silver bullion, including coins, medals and bars, is an issue for mints, jewelers and collectors, as compared to gold or platinum bullion, which do not tarnish. Silver bullion is by far the most popular precious metal sold by mints.
[0006]Methods for addressing the tarnishing of silver are known in the art and include coating silver articles using rhodium or other coatings such as lacquers or varnishes, applying a film coating on the surface of silver by depositing successive molecular layers such as aluminum oxide on the silver, and using certain silver alloys such as those that contain germanium. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,222,150 B2 to Johns discloses a process for making a silver alloy comprising of at least 77 wt %, copper, and an amount of germanium that is preferably at least 0.5 wt %. A silver alloy is disclosed comprising 96-97.3 wt % silver, 1-2 wt % germanium, optionally up to 1 wt % zinc, optionally up to 0.2 wt % silicon, the balance copper and 1-40 ppm boron.
[0007]The above methods reduce the rate of tarnishing but do not prevent tarnishing, and each method has negative consequences including increased production costs and steps, discoloration of the silver which reduces silver's brightness, whiteness and reflectivity, and/or the wearing off of the surface application. Moreover, the addition of non-silver elements or compounds to silver or to the surface of a finished silver article is the very antithesis of silver bullion, which is the reason major mints do not incorporate these methods to their silver bullion products, nor do most collectors or investors desire their silver bullion to be adulterated or contaminated by these methods. Millesimal fineness is a system used to denote the purity of metals by parts per thousand of pure metal in the alloy by mass; silver bullion is generally at least 99.9% pure silver referred to as “999 fine” or “fine silver.” Some silver bullion is 9999 fine.
[0008]A drawback of wearing articles of gold or silver that are 999 fine is that these are both soft metals prone to scratches and nicks. Gold has a Vickers hardness of approximately 188-216 MPa and silver and has a Vickers hardness of approximately 251 MPa, as compared to platinum which has a Vickers hardness of approximately 400-550 MPa. Although alloys of gold (e.g., 14 karat gold is 58.33% gold) and alloys of silver (e.g., sterling silver is generally 92.5% silver) are popular in the jewelry industry due in part because these alloys are harder than their bullion counterparts, use of these gold or silver alloys in jewelry dramatically alters their optical properties and reduces the beauty and allure of these precious metals. Gold bullion that is 9999 fine, silver bullion that is 999 fine, and copper that is 999 fine each has a unique and appealing color, which is altered when any of these metals is alloyed with another metal. Gold bullion is cherished due to its color and has a more yellowish tone than 14 karat gold. The color of silver bullion is brighter and whiter 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.
[0009]Accordingly, there is a need for functional neckwear capable of multiple lengths to display a set or series of coins, medals or bullion bars and which preserves the integrity of the metal including safeguarding the coins, medals or bullion bars from tarnishing, wear and tear, and/or being directly mounted to fasteners.
发明内容：
[0010]One aspect is a neckwear comprising (a) a neckband; (b) a neckband module; (c) at least one display 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 display segment; wherein said neckband module is configured for displaying a coin, medal or bullion bar; wherein said at least one display segment is configured for displaying a coin, medal or bullion bar; and wherein said at least one fastener includes a first fastener that pivotably connects said neckband module to said at least one display segment.
[0011]The at least one display segment may comprises a plurality of display segments, said plurality of display segments including a first display segment and a second display segment, and, the at least one fastener may further comprises a second fastener that connects said first display segment to said second display segment.
[0012]The at least one display segment may also include an intra-changeable display segment.
[0013]The at least one display segment may include one or two glass display windows.
[0014]The at least one display segment may include a closure.
[0015]The neckwear may also include at least one of said neckband module including a coin, medal or bullion bar, and said at least one display segment including a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0016]The neckwear may further comprise a clip segment configured to secure said neckwear to a shirt.
[0017]The neckwear may further comprise at least one torso segment that does not contain a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0018]The at least one fastener may comprise a take-apart hinge.
[0019]The at least one fastener may comprises a quick-release buckle.
[0020]The plurality of display segments may comprise intra-changeable display segments.
[0021]The at least one intra-changeable display segment may be configured to be intra changed without a key or a tool.
[0022]The closure may be configured to be connected and disconnected from said at least one display segment without a key or a tool.
[0023]Another aspect is a neckwear, comprising: a neckband, and a neckband module, wherein said neckband is connected to said neckband module; wherein said neckband module is configured for displaying a coin, medal or bullion bar; and wherein said neckband module includes a fastener or a fastener member for connecting said neckband module to at least one interchangeable display segment or at least one interchangeable torso segment.
[0024]The neckband module may further include a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0025]The neckband module may include a closure.
[0026]The neckband module may include one or two glass display windows.
[0027]The fastener or fastener member may comprise a take-apart hinge or a member of a take-apart hinge.
[0028]The fastener or fastener member may comprise a quick-release buckle or a member of a quick-release buckle.
[0029]The closure may be configured to be connected and disconnected without a key or a tool.
[0030]Another aspect is an interchangeable display segment for a neckwear, wherein said display segment is configured for displaying a coin, medal or bullion bar, and wherein said display segment includes a fastener or a fastener member.
[0031]The fastener or fastener member may comprise a take-apart hinge or a member of a take apart hinge.
[0032]The fastener or fastener member may comprise a quick-release buckle or a member of a quick-release buckle.
[0033]Another aspect is an interchangeable coin, medal or bullion bar configured for being housed within a neckband module or a display segment of a neckwear.
[0034]Another aspect is a neckwear, comprising (a) a neckband; (b) a hermetically sealed neckband module configured for displaying a coin, medal or bullion bar through glass; (c) at least one hermetically sealed display segment configured for displaying a coin, medal or bullion bar through glass; 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 display segment; wherein said hermetically sealed neckband module contains a coin, medal or bullion bar; wherein said at least one hermetically sealed display segment contains a coin, medal or bullion bar; and wherein said at least one fastener includes a first fastener that pivotably connects said hermetically sealed neckband module to said at least one hermetically sealed display segment.
[0035]The at least one display segment may comprise a plurality of display segments, said plurality of display segments including a first display segment and a second display segment, and the at least one fastener may further comprise a second fastener that connects said first display segment to said second display segment.
[0036]The at least one hermetically sealed display segment may include an intra-changeable display segment.
[0037]The neckwear may further comprise a clip segment configured to secure said neckwear to a shirt.
[0038]The neckwear may further comprise at least one torso segment that does not contain a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0039]The at least one coin, medal or bullion bar may comprise silver, copper, gold or platinum.
[0040]The at least one fastener may comprise a take-apart hinge.
[0041]The at least one fastener may comprise a quick-release buckle.
[0042]A neckwear, comprising (a) a neckband; (b) a neckband module; (c) at least one hermetically sealed display segment configured for displaying a coin, medal, or bullion bar through glass; 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 hermetically sealed display segment; wherein said neckband module is not configured for displaying a coin, medal or bullion bar, and wherein said neckband module is not hermetically sealed; wherein said at least one hermetically sealed display segment contains a coin, medal, or bullion bar; and wherein said at least one fastener includes a first fastener that pivotably connects said neckband module to at least one hermetically sealed display segment.
[0043]The plurality of display segments may comprise intra-changeable display segments.
[0044]The at least one intra-changeable display segment may be configured to be intra-changed without a key or a tool.
[0045]Another aspect is a neckwear, comprising: a neckband, and a neckband module, wherein said neckband is connected to said neckband module; wherein said neckband module is configured to display a coin, medal or bullion bar through glass; and wherein said neckband module is hermetically sealed and contains a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0046]The neckband module may further include a coin holder, coin capsule or bullion bar capsule containing said coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0047]The neckband module may include a fastener or fastener member for connecting to at least one interchangeable display segment or for connecting to at least one interchangeable torso segment that does not contain a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0048]Another aspect is an interchangeable display segment for a neckwear, wherein said display segment is hermetically sealed, wherein said display segment is configured for displaying a coin, medal or bullion bar through glass and wherein said display segment contains a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0049]The coin, medal or bullion bar may be encapsulated by a coin holder, coin capsule or bullion bar capsule within said display segment.
[0050]The display segment may include a fastener or fastener member.
[0051]The fastener or fastener member may comprise a take-apart hinge or a member of a take-apart hinge.
[0052]The fastener or fastener member may comprise a quick-release buckle or a member of a quick-release buckle.
[0053]Another aspect is a neckwear, comprising (a) a neckband; (b) a neckband module; (c) at least one display 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 display segment; wherein said neckband module is configured to house a display insert; wherein said at least one display segment is configured to house a display insert; and wherein said at least one fastener includes a first fastener that pivotably connects said neckband module to said at least one display segment.
[0054]The at least one display segment may comprise a plurality of display segments, said plurality of display segments including a first display segment and a second display segment, and the at least one fastener may further comprise a second fastener that connects said first display segment to said second display segment.
[0055]The at least one display segment may include an intra-changeable display segment.
[0056]The neckwear may include at least one of said neckband module including a display insert and said at least one display segment including a display insert.
[0057]The at least one display segment may include a closure.
[0058]The neckwear may further comprise a clip segment configured to secure said neckwear to a shirt.
[0059]The neckwear may further comprise at least one torso segment that is not configured to house a display insert.
[0060]The at least one fastener may comprise a take-apart hinge.
[0061]The at least one fastener may comprise a quick-release buckle.
[0062]The plurality of display segments may comprise intra-changeable display segments.
[0063]The at least one intra-changeable display segment may be configured to be intra-changed without a key or a tool.
[0064]The display inserts may comprise a coin holder, coin capsule or bullion bar capsule.
[0065]The display inserts may contain a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0066]The closure may be configured to be connected and disconnected from said at least one display segment without a key or a tool.
[0067]The coin holder, coin capsule or bullion bar capsule may contain a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0068]Another aspect is a neckwear, comprising: a neckband, and a neckband module, wherein said neckband is connected to said neckband module; wherein said neckband module is configured to house a display insert; and wherein said neckband module includes a fastener or a fastener member for connecting said neckband module to at least one interchangeable display segment or at least one interchangeable torso segment.
[0069]The neckband module may contain a display insert.
[0070]The fastener or fastener member may comprise a take-apart hinge or member of a take-apart hinge.
[0071]The fastener or fastener member may comprise a quick-release buckle or member of a quick-release buckle.
[0072]The display insert contained within said neckband module may contain a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0073]The display insert contained within said neckband module may comprise a coin capsule or bullion bar capsule.
[0074]The coin capsule or bullion bar capsule may contain a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0075]Another aspect is an interchangeable display segment for a neckwear, wherein said display segment is configured for housing a display insert, and wherein said display segment includes a fastener or fastener member.
[0076]The interchangeable display segment may contain a display insert.
[0077]Another aspect is an interchangeable display insert configured for being housed within a neckband module or a display segment of a neckwear.
[0078]The interchangeable display insert may contain a coin, medal or bullion bar.
具体实施方式：
[0106]The present inventor identified a need for functional neckwear with the capability to display a set or series of coins, medals or bullion bars which preserves the integrity of the metal including safeguarding the coins, medals or bullion bars from tarnishing, wear and tear, and/or being directly mounted to fasteners. Important features for optimizing the functionality and versatility of the neckwear is the capability of the user to add, remove and replace display segments, which contain the coins, medals or bars, for multiple neckwear lengths and to relocate the position of display segments across the neckwear panel. These intra-changeability and interchangeability features are useful, for instance, since mints often release individual members of a series or set of coins, medals or bars over time and the neckwear herein is capable of adding these to the neckwear. Moreover, in some embodiments of neckwear herein, the functions of a necktie are fulfilled which include covering the front shirt placket and the front shirt buttons, bridging the gap between the shirt collars along the neckline, and being an important component of formal or semi-formal attire.
[0107]An ideal and efficient method of producing extraordinary metallic neckwear as a functional necktie alternative is by utilizing and displaying coins, medals and bullion bars provided by the pressing method used by private and government mints, as further described below. This method can replicate any image, including images with exquisitely detailed designs, which is engraved onto coins, medals or bullion bars resulting in high-quality metallic neckwear unmatched by other production methods. Mints around the world annually produce a vast number of coins (including rounds), medals and bullion. These include commemorative coins and medals and bullion coins and bars made available to collectors and sold all at once as a set or as a series in which one or more is released for sale periodically such as annually. A set or a series of coins, medals or bullion bars, which may be at least two minted articles, usually has a common theme and each coin, medal or bullion bar of the set or series typically has a unique design on at least one of its two sides, the obverse and reverse.
[0108]Three of many examples available to collectors by both government and private mints include the Platinum American Eagle coin series, the Gods of Maya coin set and the Suisse Lunar Series bullion bars, all of which are further described below. These and many other coins and bullion bars are exquisitely crafted showcasing the beauty of metals and metalworking and are considered works of art. Coin and precious metal collectors relish displaying their collections. The exemplary neckwear embodiments herein allow collectors to wear and display their coins, medals or bullion bars, including sets or series thereof, as a functional and fashionable alternative to the necktie. These neckwear embodiments provide innovative uses of coin and bullion collections which are usually destined to be stored in containers or storage boxes that they were purchased with and kept out of sight. Metallic neckwear provided by a mint's pressing method provides a dramatic contrast with the fabrics of shirts, vests and suitcoats in composition, texture, color and light reflectance value. As further discussed below, the light reflectance value of metallic bars provided by a mint's pressing method compare favorably to the light reflectance value of fabrics.
[0109]In one aspect, exemplary embodiments provide neckwear in which the integrity of the displayed coins, medals or bullion bars is safeguarded and preserved within a hermetically sealed neckband module and/or hermetically sealed display segments of a neckwear to prevent tarnishing and/or the wear and tear that may result from wearing the neckwear. Coins, medals and bullion bars may be specifically configured for a neckwear (in terms of engraving, other design elements and dimensions including thickness) or commercially available coins, medals and bullion bars may be utilized for a neckwear.
[0110]In another aspect, exemplary embodiments provide neckwear in which displayed coins, medals or bullion bars, may be intra-changed among those that a neckwear comprised of originally and interchanged with extrinsic coins, medals or bullion bars that a neckwear was not comprised of originally. These features are accomplished vis-à-vis (i) directly intra-changing or interchanging the actual coin, medal or bullion bar, (ii) intra-changing or interchanging the display segments containing coins, medals or bullion bars which, among other advantages, allows multiple lengths of the same neckwear, or (iii) intra-changing or interchanging display inserts (e.g., coin holders) containing coins, medals or bullion bars. Combinations of (i) and (ii) above or (ii) and (iii) above may be accomplished with the same neckwear.
[0111]In another aspect, exemplary embodiments provide a neckwear panel and display inserts (which may include commercially available coin holders, coin capsules or bullion bar capsules) which are configured for one another.
[0112]In another aspect, exemplary embodiments provide interchangeable display segments, interchangeable display inserts, and interchangeable coins, rounds, medals and bullion bars. Interchangeable display segments and interchangeable display inserts may include coins, rounds, medals or bullion bars which are either specifically configured and custom designed (in terms of engraving, other design elements and dimensions including thickness) for a neckwear or commercially available coins, medals and bullion bars may be utilized for a neckwear. Interchangeable coins, interchangeable rounds, interchangeable medals and interchangeable bullion bars are specifically configured and custom designed for a neckwear.
[0113]The exemplary embodiments described herein provide comfortable neckwear in which the neckband module is situated at approximately the same position on the wearer as a necktie knot and is supported by a neckband. The neckwear panel of a neckwear may originally comprise of a neckband module, including capacity for interchangeable display or torso segments to be added. The neckwear panel may also originally comprise of a neckband module and at least one display segment and/or at least one torso segment. Any display or torso segment(s) are positioned below the neckband module and may end at the beltline which is traditionally the preferred length of a necktie.
[0114]A neckband of a neckwear of the exemplary embodiments herein 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 the neckband. The neckband supports the neckband module and the neckband may comprise 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 an oval. A neckband may comprise of two bands, irrespective of its composition, each connected separately to the neckband module.
[0115]A neckband module, including an aperture mechanism, display segments, torso segments and clip segments, which include a mechanism akin to a tie clip, of a neckwear may be provided by any method known in the art such as being casted or by 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.
[0116]A neckwear may include clip segment(s) allowing the neckwear panel 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 substantially straight on the wearer and covers the front shirt buttons.
[0117]Exemplary embodiments provide display segments and torso segments that have the capability to be added to a neckwear or to replace display segments or torso segments of a neckwear. In this regard, a display segment or a torso segment that a neckwear was not comprised of originally, a so called “extrinsic” display segment or torso segment, may be temporarily or permanently added to the neckwear. Should the wearer misplace or lose a display segment or a torso segment, or simply wish to temporarily or permanently replace one or more display segments or torso segments with other display segment(s) or torso segment(s), exemplary embodiments provide additional and/or replacement “extrinsic” display segments or torso segments for use in a neckwear. It is understood that such additional and/or replacement “extrinsic” display segments or torso segments may attach at any segment position of a neckwear having this feature, as both “intrinsic” display segments or torso segments that the neckwear comprised of originally and the “extrinsic” display segments or torso segments have uniform fasteners, or at least sufficiently uniform fasteners, providing the capability of connecting to one another. Extrinsic display segments and torso segments, also referred herein as interchangeable display segments and interchangeable torso segments, may be commercially available as individual display segments or individual torso segments or as a plurality of display segments or a plurality of torso segments. In some embodiments, interchangeable display segments include display inserts, coins, medals or bullion bars.
[0118]Likewise, exemplary embodiments provide coins, medals or bullion bars which are specifically configured and custom designed (in terms of engraving, other design elements and dimensions including thickness) for display segments or a neckband module of a neckwear to replace coins, medals or bullion bars of a neckwear. In this regard, a custom designed coin, medal or bullion bar that a neckwear was not comprised of originally, a so called “extrinsic” coin, medal or bullion bar may be temporarily or permanently added to the neckwear. Should the wearer misplace or lose a coin, medal or bullion bar or simply wish to temporarily or permanently replace one or more coins, medals or bullion bars with other coin(s) medal(s) or bullion bar(s) specifically configured and custom designed for a neckwear, exemplary embodiments provide additional and/or replacement “extrinsic” coins, medals or bullion bars for use in a neckwear. It is understood that such additional and/or replacement “extrinsic” coins, medals or bullion bars specifically configured and custom designed for a neckwear may be inserted into any neckband module or display segment of a neckwear having this feature (e.g., FIGS. 2A-2P and the related description below). Extrinsic coins, medals or bullion bars, also referred herein as “interchangeable coins,”“interchangeable medals” or “interchangeable bars,” may be commercially available as individual coins, medals or bars or may be commercially available in conjunction with neckband modules, display segments or display inserts.
[0119]As used herein, “neckwear” includes a neckband and a neckband module and may further include one or more fastener members, one or more display segments, and/or one or more torso segments.
[0120]“Neckwear panel” as used herein means the neckband module, display segment(s), if any, and torso segment(s), if any, collectively, that form the length of a neckwear. “Front neckwear panel” as used herein means the front plane of the neckwear panel which is visible to the casual observer when the neckwear is worn.
[0121]“Neckband module” as used herein means the component of the neckwear panel to which the neckband connects. A neckband module may or may not be configured to secure and display a coin, medal, bullion bar or display insert. A neckwear may only include a neckband module without any display segments or torso segments as shown in FIGS. 1E (neckwear on woman in middle illustration) and 2J. A neckband module may include a fastener or portion of a fastener that is part of the same casting of the neckband module or part of any other production method fabricating the neckband module.
[0122]“Display segment” as used herein means a component of a neckwear panel configured to secure and display a coin, medal, bullion bar or display insert. For example, display segment one, the top most display segment, connects to the neckband module, and if the neckwear includes more than one display segment, display segment two connects to display segment one, et cetera. A display segment may include a fastener or portion of a fastener that is part of the same casting of the display segment or part of any other production method fabricating the display segment.
[0123]A display segment includes one or two display windows through which a coin, medal or bar is viewed either directly through the cutout of the display window, through glass of the display window, or if a display insert is utilized which may comprise of a coin holder, coin capsule or bullion bar capsule, through the glass of the display insert. A display window of a display segment or neckband module (if a neckband module is configured to display a coin, medal, bullion bar or display insert) may be a cutout of the display segment or neckband module so that the coin, medal or bullion bar is directly viewed without any intermediary glass. The display window may include glass, in which the glass display window further safeguards a coin, medal or bullion bar while allowing the coin, medal or bullion bar to be viewed. If a display segment or neckband module is configured for a display insert, the coin, medal or bullion bar is viewed through the display-insert glass which is visible through the display window cutout. The area around the display window of a display segment or neckband module may have an ornamental design.
[0124]“Torso segment” as used herein means a component of a neckwear panel not configured to secure or display a coin, medal, bullion bar or display insert. A torso segment may connect to a neckband module, a display segment or another torso segment. A torso segment may include any type of ornamental design and may comprise of a coin, medal or bullion bar. In some exemplary embodiments, torso segments of a neckwear are intra-changeable among other torso segments and display segments.
[0125]The term “display-clip segment” as used herein means a display segment which includes a mechanism, akin to a tie clip or the like, mounted on the backside of the display segment. 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. The term “clip segment” as used herein means either a display segment or a torso segment which includes a mechanism, akin to a tie clip or the like, mounted on the backside of the respective display segment or torso segment. A clip segment secures neckwear to a garment such as a shirt placket or front shirt panel without any additional unattached or unmounted accessories.
[0126]“Display insert” as used herein means any capsule, frame, holder or other mechanism, for use in a neckwear, that's capable of being inserted or otherwise attachable to a display segment or neckband module to secure and display a coin, medal or bullion bar in a display segment or neckband module. In some exemplary embodiments of a neckwear, display inserts (including custom designed coin holders, coin capsules or bullion bar capsules) and display segments are specifically configured for one another. Display segments may also be configured for prior art coin holders, coin capsules or bullion bar capsules. Whether display inserts and display segments are configured for one another or display segments are configured for prior art coin holders, coin capsules or bullion bar capsules, a display insert (i) may contain a coin, medal or bullion bar that has already been designed, produced or sold separately or (ii) may contain a custom designed (in terms of engraving, other design elements and dimensions including thickness) coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0127]“Closure” as used herein means any mechanism or combination of mechanisms that secures a display insert, coin, medal or bullion bar within or to a display segment or neckband module and allows the user to access the display insert, coin, medal or bullion bar. In some exemplary embodiments, a display segment or neckband module does not include a closure. An example of a display segment or neckband module not including a closure is a display segment or neckband module in which two portions (e.g., halves) completely separate by disconnecting fastener(s) for the user to access a coin, medal or bullion bar in the display segment or neckband module. Another example is a display segment or neckband module which resembles a clamshell container consisting of two halves joined by a hinge or the like.
[0128]“Hermetically sealed display segment” and “hermetically sealed neckband module” as used herein means a display segment or neckband module which is virtually impervious to air flow to the extent of preventing tarnishing of the encapsulated coin, medal or bullion bar. There are several analytical test methods to quantity acceptable leak rates for hermetically sealed containers, including MIL-STD-883™ 1014, and even the most stringent of these methods allow a minute amount of air and moisture to pass through the container while still deeming the container “hermetic.”
[0129]“Coin” as used herein means a piece of metal issued by a government as money, and “coin” also includes “rounds” which are flat pieces of round metal resembling coins sold for their precious metal content or common metal content as well as their aesthetics and are not legal tender. “Bullion bar” or “bar” are used interchangeably herein and each term means a bar or wafer comprised of a precious metal such as silver, a common metal such as copper, or a metal alloy such as bronze. “Medal” as used herein, includes medallions, and means a finished piece of metal that has been marked with an insignia, portrait or other artistic rendering. Medals may commemorate significant historical events or to honor people or organizations with notable achievements or deeds. In some exemplary embodiments of a neckwear, a custom designed (in terms of engraving, other design elements and dimensions including thickness) coin, medal or bullion bar and a neckband module are specifically configured for one another. In other exemplary embodiments of a neckwear, a neckband module is configured to fit a coin, medal or bullion bar that has already been designed, produced and/or separately made available commercially. Likewise, in some exemplary embodiments of a neckwear, a custom designed (in terms of engraving, other design elements and dimensions including thickness) coin, medal or bullion bar and a display segment are specifically configured for one another. In other exemplary embodiments of a neckwear, a display segment is configured to fit a coin, medal or bullion bar that has already been designed, produced and/or separately made available commercially.
[0130]“Glass” as used herein and related to a display window of a display segment or neckband module means any type of glassy transparent or semitransparent material. Examples include plastics such as acrylic and display-type glasses such as sapphire glass and Corning® Gorilla® glass. Glass display windows may include a colored tint.
[0131]“Fastener” as used herein means any article or combination of articles which connects, links or attaches (i) a neckband module to a display segment or torso segment, display segments to one another, torso segments to one another, and/or a display segment to a torso segment; (ii) a closure to a display segment or neckband module; or (iii) one or more sections of a display segment to one another or one or more sections of a neckband module to one another. A fastener or a portion or member of a fastener may be part of the same casting of a neckband module, display segment, torso segment or closure. Types of fasteners include for example, and in no way limiting, adhesives such as epoxies or epoxy resins, aperture mechanisms that accommodate straps or the like, anchors, bolts, buckles, quick-release buckles, side-release buckles, center-release buckles, buttons, cables, catch, chains, clamps, clasps including barrel clasps, bayonet clasps, box clasps, fish hook clasps, hook clasps, hook & eye clasps, lobster clasps, S hook clasps, spring tension clasps, spring ring clasps, snap clasps and toggle 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 which 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.
[0132]Examples of suitable fasteners for a neckwear panel include any type of fastener which includes one or more of the following features. The first feature is a fastener that allows one or more display segments or torso segments to be quickly and easily intra-changed with other display segments or torso segments. The term “quickly and easily” as used herein and related to display segments or torso segments means the capability to add, remove, replace and/or relocate (in terms of position along the neckwear panel below the neckband module) one or more display segments or torso segments of a neckwear without any key, tool or the like. The second feature, mainly for the wearer's comfort, is a fastener that enables display segments or 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 display segments or 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 display segments or torso segments manually.
[0133]The term “quickly and easily” as used herein and related to a closure means the capability to add, remove, replace and/or relocate (in terms of position along the neckwear panel) a display insert (e.g., a coin holder), coin, medal or bullion bar from a display segment or neckband module without any key, tool or the like. An example is the closure of the exemplary embodiment described below and shown in FIGS. 2F and 2G, which has been incorporated on the neckwear described below and shown in FIGS. 2H and 2I. The user of the neckwear may “quickly and easily” intra-change or interchange the coins of this neckwear without disconnecting any display segment from the neckwear panel. Likewise, the term “quickly and easily” as used herein and related to a display segment without a closure or related to a neckband module without a closure means the capability to fasten or unfasten portions (e.g., halves) of the display segment or the neckband module without any key, tool or the like to add, remove or replace a display insert, coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0134]“Comprised of originally” or “originally comprise” as used herein including any other form of the words in each phrase means a neckwear or neckwear panel at the time of the initial sale, transfer, gift or assignment of the neckwear or neckwear panel into the wholesale or retail trade (whichever occurs first) or in the event said sale, transfer, gift, or assignment of the neckwear or neckwear panel into the wholesale or retail trade does not take place, a neckwear or neckwear panel at the time of the initial sale, transfer, gift or assignment of the neckwear or neckwear panel to an end user of the neckwear or neckwear panel.
[0135]The term “intra-changeable” including any other form of the word as used herein and related to display segments or torso segments of a neckwear, means any one of the following three examples or any combination thereof: the capability of (a) two or more display segments (or torso segments) that a neckwear comprised of originally to be switched in terms of position along the neckwear panel (below the neckband module), (b) one or more display segments (or 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 display segments (or torso segments) that a neckwear comprised of originally to be detached and reattached to the neckwear. For example, each one of the eight display segments of the neckwear in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A may be intra-changed with every other of the seven display segments, including for instance, the positions of display segment three and display segment seven may be switched. This entails detaching display segments three and seven and attaching the previously numbered and positioned display segment three in the place of the newly numbered and positioned display segment seven and attaching the previously numbered and positioned display segment seven in the place of the newly numbered and positioned display segment three. Each of the eight display segments in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A is an “intra-changeable display segment.” Another example is that display segment eight may be relocated as display segment one, in which case, all the previously numbered and positioned display segments change in that the previously numbered and positioned display segment one is now display segment two, the previously numbered and positioned display segment two is now display segment three, the previously numbered and positioned display segment three is now display segment four, et cetera. Yet another example of neckwear intra-changeability in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A is that display segment eight, for instance, may be detached from the neckwear without taking the position of another display segment of the neckwear and may be reattached at a later time. An example of intra-changeable torso segments is the exemplary embodiment described below and shown in FIGS. 2H and 2I.
[0136]The term “intra-changeable” including any other form of the word as used herein and related to display inserts, coins, medals or bullion bars contained in the neckband module or display segments that a neckwear comprised of originally, means the capability to switch the positions, in terms of position along the neckwear panel, of two or more display inserts, coins, medals or bullion bars. For example, each of the twelve coins of the neckwear in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 2A-2C is an “intra-changeable coin.” The exemplary embodiment described below and shown in FIG. 5B is an example of “intra-changeable display inserts.”
[0137]The term “interchangeable” including any other form of the word as used herein and related to a display segment or torso segment means the capability to add one or more extrinsic display segments or torso segments that a neckwear was not comprised of originally to the neckwear or to replace one or more display segments or torso segments that a neckwear comprised of originally with extrinsic display segments or torso segments that the neckwear was not comprised of originally. An extrinsic display segment or torso segment configured to be added to a neckwear or to replace a display segment or torso segment that a neckwear was comprised of originally is an “interchangeable display segment” or “interchangeable torso segment.” In some embodiments, an interchangeable display segment also contains a coin, medal or bullion bar and in other embodiments an interchangeable display segment does not contain a coin, medal or bullion bar. Interchangeable display segments and interchangeable torso segments may be made commercially available with or without mounted fasteners. Of course, extrinsic neckband modules or neckbands that a neckwear was not comprised of originally may also be interchanged with a neckband module or neckband that a neckwear comprised of originally.
[0138]The term “interchangeable” including any other form of the word as used herein and related to coins, medals or bullion bars contained in a neckband module or display segments of a neckwear, means the capability to replace one or more coins, medals or bullion bars that a neckwear comprised of originally with extrinsic coins, medals or bullion bars (that the neckwear was not comprised of originally) which are specifically configured and custom designed (in terms of engraving, other design elements and dimensions including thickness) for the neckwear. An extrinsic coin, medal or bullion bar specifically configured and custom designed for use in a neckwear to replace a coin, medal or bullion bar that a neckwear comprised of originally is an “interchangeable coin,”“interchangeable medal” or “interchangeable bullion bar.”
[0139]The term “interchangeable” including any other form of the word as used herein and related to display inserts contained in the neckband module and/or display segments of a neckwear, means the capability to replace one or more display inserts that a neckwear comprised of originally with extrinsic display inserts (that the neckwear was not comprised of originally) which are specifically configured for the neckwear. An extrinsic display insert specifically configured and for use in a neckwear to replace a display insert that a neckwear comprised of originally is an “interchangeable display insert.” Interchangeable display inserts for a neckwear may be made available commercially containing a coin, medal or bullion bar.
[0140]“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.
[0141]“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 (