CN111000335A

CN111000335A - Slider for slide fastener

Info

Publication number: CN111000335A
Application number: CN201910269900.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 泰伦斯·P·金斯基; 里基·拉姆·洪·亨
Original assignee: LF Centennial Ltd
Current assignee: LF Centennial Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-05
Filing date: 2019-04-04
Publication date: 2020-04-14

Abstract

Disclosed are a zipper slider and a method of manufacturing the same. The zipper slider may include a body, a coupler, and a pull tab. The body forms a Y-shaped channel adapted to engage and disengage two complementary fastener strips received in opposite sides of the Y-shaped channel. The coupler extends from the top surface of the body and includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first and second projections extend toward proximal ends of the second and first projections, respectively. Portions of the first and second tabs may overlap one another to form an overlap region. The pull tab includes an opening, and the coupler passes through the opening.

Description

Slider for slide fastener

Technical Field

A zipper slider and a method of manufacturing the zipper slider are disclosed.

Background

The zipper slider generally comprises a Y-shaped channel and is generally adapted to engage and disengage two complementary zipper strips received in opposite sides of the Y-shaped channel. The pull tab is typically attached to the zipper slider to facilitate engagement or disengagement (unzipping) of the zipper strip from the Y-shaped channel. Zipper slider-pull tab combinations are a well established art.

Disclosure of Invention

In various embodiments, a zipper slider is disclosed. The zipper slider includes a body, a coupler, and a pull tab. The body forms a Y-shaped channel adapted to engage and disengage two complementary fastener strips received in opposite sides of the Y-shaped channel. The coupler extends from the top surface of the body and includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first and second projections extend toward proximal ends of the second and first projections, respectively. Portions of the first and second tabs may overlap one another to form an overlap region. The pull tab includes an opening, and a coupler passes through the opening to secure the pull tab to the body.

In various embodiments, a method of manufacturing a zipper slider is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a zipper slider including a body and a coupler extending from the body. The body includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion extending toward proximal ends of the second and first protrusions, respectively. The distal end of one of the first or second protrusions is inserted into the opening of the pull tab. The pull tab may be slid over the proximal end of the first or second tab and the handle before inserting the distal end of the remaining first or second tab through the opening and sliding the pull tab over the proximal end of the tab and the handle. The handle of the first tab and the handle of the second tab are bent toward each other to form an overlap region to which the pull tab is secured.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the zipper slider will be more fully disclosed in, or become apparent from, the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which is to be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements, and further wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a zipper slider according to some embodiments described herein.

Fig. 2 is a left side view of a zipper slider according to some embodiments described herein.

Fig. 3 is a right side view of a zipper slider according to some embodiments described herein.

Fig. 4 is a front view of a zipper slider according to some embodiments described herein.

Fig. 5 is a rear view of a zipper slider according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the zipper slider of FIG. 4 according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 is an environmental view of a zipper slider according to some embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of a zipper slider according to some embodiments described herein.

Detailed Description

The description of the embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In this specification, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," and derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not generally intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "transverse," and the like, should be interpreted relative to each other or relative to an axis or axis of rotation or center of rotation of the elongation as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise, and include terms such as "directly" coupled, secured, or the like. The term "operatively coupled" is such attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of this relationship.

Fig. 1-8 illustrate some embodiments of a zipper slider 2. In some embodiments, zipper slider 2 comprises body 4, coupler 6, and pull tab 8. As shown in fig. 6 and 7, in some embodiments, the body 4 forms a Y-shaped channel 11 adapted to engage and disengage complementary fastener strips a and B that can be received in

opposing sides

13, 15 of the Y-shaped channel 11. In some embodiments, the coupler 6 extends from a top surface 10 of the body 4. In some embodiments, the coupler 6 includes a first tab 12 and a second tab 14. In some embodiments, pull tab 8 includes an opening 16, and coupler 6 passes through opening 16 to secure pull tab 8 to body 4. In some embodiments, the coupler 6 and the top surface 10 together form a closure strip 5 for holding the pull tab 8.

As shown in fig. 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8, in some embodiments, the coupler 6 includes a first tab 12 spaced apart from a second tab 14. In such embodiments, the first tab 12 is longitudinally spaced from the second tab 14. In some embodiments, portions of the first and

second tabs

12, 14 may contact each other along the longitudinal sides. In some embodiments, first and

second protrusions

12, 14 extend from top surface 10 of body 4. In some embodiments, the distal ends 22, 30 of the first and second projections extend toward the

proximal ends

18, 26 of the second and

first projections

12, 14, respectively.

In some embodiments, the first projection 12 includes a first proximal end 18, a first handle 20, and a first distal end 22. In some embodiments, the first proximal end 18 protrudes upwardly from the top surface 10. In some embodiments, the first proximal end 18 protrudes upwardly from the front portion 32 of the top surface 10. In some embodiments, the first handle 20 extends parallel to the top surface 10. In some embodiments, the top surface of the first handle 20 extends parallel to the top surface 10 of the body 4. In some embodiments, the bottom surface or a portion of the bottom surface of the first handle 20 extends parallel to the top surface 10. Alternatively, the bottom surface of the first shank 20 may be curved. In this regard, the term "parallel" includes deviations of about ± 10 degrees. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 5, the distal end 22 has a beveled edge. In some embodiments, the outer edge is chamfered. For example, as shown in fig. 1 and 7, the first proximal end 18 projects upwardly from the front portion 32, the first stem 20 is generally parallel to the top surface 10, and the first distal end 22 is disposed on the rear portion 36 adjacent the second proximal end 26 of the second projection 14.

In some embodiments, the second protrusion 14 includes a second proximal end 26, a second handle 28, and a second distal end 30. In some embodiments, the second proximal end 26 protrudes upwardly from the top surface 10. In some embodiments, the second proximal end 26 protrudes upwardly from the rear portion 36 of the top surface 10. In some embodiments, second handle 28 extends parallel to top surface 10. In some embodiments, the top surface of the second shank 28 extends parallel to the top surface 10 of the body 4. In some embodiments, the bottom surface or a portion of the bottom surface of the second shank 28 extends parallel to the top surface 10. Alternatively, the bottom surface of the first shank 20 may be curved. In this regard, parallelism encompasses a deviation of ± 10 degrees. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 4, the second distal end 30 has a beveled edge. In some embodiments, the outer edge is chamfered. For example, as shown in fig. 1 and 6, the second proximal end 26 projects upwardly from the rear portion 36 of the top surface 10, the second shank 28 is generally parallel to the top surface 10, and the second distal end 30 is disposed on the front portion 32 adjacent the first proximal end 18 of the first projection 12.

In some embodiments, a portion of the first tab (12) and a portion of the second tab (14) overlap one another to form an overlap region 40. For example, as shown in fig. 1-3, in some embodiments, the first and

second handle portions

20, 28 overlap one another at an overlap region 40. In some embodiments, as best shown in fig. 1, the first and

second handle portions

20, 28 are parallel to each other. In some embodiments, the first and

second handle portions

20, 28 may be spaced apart to define a gap therebetween. In such embodiments, the space between the handles may be less than the thickness of the tab 8, including the thinnest portion of the material forming the opening of the tab 8. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first and

second handle portions

20, 28 contact each other through a portion or all of the overlap region 40.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the first and

second handles

20, 28 are a first distance 19 from the top surface 10. In some embodiments, the first distal end 22 of the first protrusion 12, the second distal end 30 of the second protrusion 14, or both, are a second distance 21 from the top surface 10. In some embodiments, the first distance 19 is greater than the second distance 21. When distal ends 22, 30 are spaced apart from top surface 10 and

outer edges

34, 38 are beveled, pull tab 8 may have a thickness 17 that allows the pull tab to fit under one or both of distal ends 22, 30.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1-3 and 8, zipper slider 2 includes a locking member 24 for releasably locking two zipper sliders oriented toward each other with locking member 24. In some embodiments, the locking member 24 is connected to the top surface 10, the second protrusion 14, or both. In some embodiments, the locking member 24 is connected to the top surface 10, the first protrusion 12, or both. In some embodiments, locking member 24 includes an opening 25. The opening 25 may be of any suitable size and shape. In some embodiments, the opening 25 is adapted such that two zipper sliders oriented facing each other with the locking member 24 may have overlapping openings that may receive a shackle of a padlock or another locking device. In use, as shown in FIG. 8, two zipper sliders 2 approaching each other from opposite directions on a zipper can be secured together, with their respective openings 25 then overlapping each other. Alternatively, one zipper slider 2 may be secured to a component of the article to which the zipper strip is attached, such as, for example, a loop secured to a bag.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1-3, 7 and 8, an opening 16 in the pull tab 8 is adapted to receive the first tab 12 and the second tab 14. In some embodiments, the pull tab 8 is slidable along the overlap region 40 and/or the closure strip 5 formed by the coupler 6 and the top surface 10 and rotatable about the overlap region 40 and/or the closure strip 5 formed by the coupler 6 and the top surface 10. In some embodiments, the pull tab 8 is rotatably connected to the body 4. The opening 16 may be any suitable size and shape (e.g., circular, square, rectangular, oval, trapezoidal, etc.). In some embodiments, the shape of the opening 16 includes corners (e.g., a square shape with four corners) or rounded corners. In use, the opening 16 with rounded corners may assist the pull tab 8 to slide over the closure strip 5 formed by the coupling 6 and the top surface 10.

The pull tab 8 may be of any suitable size (e.g., length, width, thickness) and shape. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2 and 3, the pull tab 8 has a thickness 17 that is less than the second separation distance 21 between the distal end 30 of the second protrusion 14 and the top surface 10. In such embodiments, the thickness 17 is small enough to facilitate movement of the tab 8 over the closure strip formed by the coupler 6 and the top surface 10, but large enough to maintain the required strength to prevent or reduce the likelihood of the tab breaking when it is pulled hard. In some embodiments, the pull tab 8 may be adapted to have ergonomic features. For example, as shown in fig. 1-3, the pull tab 8 may include a bend adapted to receive a user's thumb and forefinger. In some embodiments, the pull tab 8 may include additional openings, as shown in fig. 1, 7, and 8.

The body 4 may form a Y-shaped channel 11 adapted to engage and disengage the teeth of complementary fastener tapes a and B receivable in

opposite sides

13, 15 of the Y-shaped channel 11. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1-4 and 6, the Y-shaped channel 11 comprises a lower member 41, an upper member 43, a connecting member 42, and two

slots

44, 46, the two

slots

44, 46 being adapted to allow the fastener strips A, B to pass therethrough and through the

respective sides

13, 15 of the Y-shaped channel 11. The two

slots

44, 46 are also adapted to retain the teeth of zipper strip A, B within the Y-shaped channel 11.

In some embodiments, the body 4 includes a front end 50 at a branching portion of the Y-shaped channel 11 and a rear end 48 at an integral portion of the Y-shaped channel 11. The connecting member 42 is centered on the front end 50 of the body 4 to form a Y-shaped channel 11 between a top surface 52 of the lower member 41 and a bottom surface 54 of the upper member 43. In some embodiments, the connecting member 42 includes: a front edge 56, said front edge 56 having a flat surface joined to the front end 50 of the body 4; and a rear edge having a tip 58 that distinguishes the integral and branch portions of the Y-shaped channel.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1-8, the upper member 43 has lateral edges, each lateral edge having an upper flange 60 projecting downwardly from a portion of the lateral edge toward the lower member 41. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 7, the upper flange 60 is connected to the rear end 48 of the body 4. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, the lower member 41 has lateral edges, each lateral edge having a lower flange 62 projecting upward from a portion of the lateral edge toward the upper member 43. In some embodiments, the lower flange 62 is connected to the rear end 48 of the body 4. In some embodiments, the upper flange 60 has a first height and the lower flange 62 has a second height. In some embodiments, the first height is greater than the second height. In some embodiments, the upper and

lower flanges

60, 62 are configured to allow the zipper strip A, B to pass through the

slots

44, 46 of the Y-shaped channel 11. In some embodiments, zipper strip A, B has teeth, and upper and

lower flanges

60, 62 are configured to retain the teeth within

slots

44, 46 of Y-shaped channel 11.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2-5, lower member 41 includes a bottom surface having a raised region 64. The raised area 64 may be located near the front end of the body 4. In use, the raised areas 64 create a space between the fastener strips and any surface below and adjacent the teeth.

In some embodiments, zipper slider 2 may be manufactured according to a method comprising the steps of: providing a body 4 forming a Y-shaped channel 11, said Y-shaped channel 11 being adapted to engage and disengage two complementary zipper strips A, B received in opposite sides of the Y-shaped channel 11; providing a coupler 6 extending from a top surface 10 of the body 4, the coupler 6 comprising a first protrusion 12 spaced apart from a second protrusion 14, wherein the first and

second protrusions

12, 14 extend toward proximal ends 26, 18 of the second and first protrusions, respectively; providing a pull tab 8; inserting the first or second

distal end

22, 30 of one of the first or

second tabs

12, 14 through the opening 16 in the pull tab 8; sliding the opening 16 of the pull tab over the handle and proximal end of the first or second tab; inserting the distal end of the remaining first or

second tab

12, 14 through an opening 16 in the pull tab 8; sliding the opening 16 of the pull tab 8 over the handle and proximal end of the remaining first or

second tab

12, 14; and bending the shanks of the first and second projections toward one another to form an overlap region.

In some embodiments, the first distal end 22 of the first tab 12 is inserted through the opening 16 in the pull tab 8 prior to inserting the second distal end 30 of the second tab 14 through the opening 16. In some embodiments, the second distal end 30 of the second tab 14 is inserted through the opening 16 in the pull tab 8 prior to inserting the first distal end 22 of the first tab 12 through the opening 16.

To determine the relative strength and elasticity of the zipper slider according to the embodiments described herein, comparative experiments were conducted using an apparatus having a fixture with a surface configured to secure the body 4 and the first and

second tabs

12, 14 of the zipper slider in an inverted position and a slot in the surface for a pull tab (8) to depend therethrough. The pull tab 8 is clamped in the vise and the apparatus is calibrated to measure the amount of force required to cause failure (e.g. separation of the pull tab 8 from the first and

second protrusions

12, 14 or separation of the first and

second protrusions

12, 14 from the body 4). Table 1 shown below provides the test results for the different dimensions and embodiments of the zipper slider described herein.

Table 1-test results for zipper sliders,

dimensions

6, 8, 10 and 10 with locking member 24

The strength of commercially available zipper sliders (i.e., comparative zipper sliders 1-12) was measured, and the results are shown below in Table 2.

TABLE 2-test results for commercially available zipper sliders

Item(s)	Comparative zipper slider	Results (pounds)
			1	Brand A size 7	100.3
2	Brand A size 8	125.2
			3	Brand A size 10	194.7
4	Brand A size 10 with locking member	200.8
			5	Brand B size 5	88.3
6	Brand B size 8	90.8
			7	Brand B size 10	175.2
8	Brand B has a locking memberDimension 10	341.9
			9	Brand C size 6	75
10	Brand C size 8	126.8
			11	Brand C size 10C	106.4
12	Brand C size 10	122.1

The data in tables 1 and 2 show a significant trend in improved strength for the various embodiments of zipper sliders described herein. For example, each of the size 6 embodiments described herein exhibited a 2.8 to 3.8 fold increase in strength (243.5-284.9 pounds) compared to brand B size 5(88.3 pounds) and brand C size 6(75 pounds). Size 8 embodiments described herein exhibit a 2.6 to 4.5 fold increase in strength (336-404.3 pounds) compared to brand a size 7(100.3 pounds), brand a size 8(125.2 pounds), brand B size 8(90.8 pounds), and brand C size 8(126.8 pounds). The size 10 example described herein exhibited a 2.1 to 5.1 fold increase in strength (408-. The size 10 embodiments described herein exhibited a 1.2 to 2.77 times increase in strength (409-556.3 pounds) compared to brand a size 10 with locking member (200.8 pounds) and brand B size 10 with locking member (341.9 pounds). Accordingly, in view of the test results, the zipper slider according to the various embodiments described herein has superior strength in various dimensions with respect to the conventional zipper.

As understood by those skilled in the art, the zipper slider 2 according to the embodiments described herein may be used with various types of zippers, including coil zippers, metal zippers, plastic molded zippers, open zippers, two-way zippers, invisible zippers, and the like. Further, the zipper slide 2 can be used in a variety of applications including, for example, containers, including tool bags and pouches, luggage, backpack, duffel bags, sporting equipment bags (e.g., golf, tennis, baseball, etc.), animal carriers; covers and closures, including tents, awnings, canopies, truck covers, and the like; garments, including wetsuits, space suits, protective clothing, jackets, pants, and the like; or any other application where zippers and zipper sliders are commonly used together.

After complementary zipper strip A, B is received in

slots

44, 46 on opposite sides of the Y-shaped channel of zipper slide 2, pull tab 8 is forcibly moved to engage or disengage zipper slide 2 from the teeth of the zipper strip. The opening 16 in the tab 8 for receiving the coupler 6 may be configured to have a size and shape such that the tab 8 is slidable along the overlap region 40 and rotatable about the overlap region 40. Depending on the size and shape of the opening 16, and the thickness of the pull tab relative to the size of the closure strip formed by the overlap region 40, the user can pull the pull tab 8 from almost any angle or direction during use of the zipper slider 2. The excellent strength and elasticity of the zipper slider 2 according to the embodiments described herein prevents the pull tab 8 from being disconnected or detached from the coupler 6.

The foregoing has been provided for the purposes of illustration, explanation, and description of embodiments of the zipper slider. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the zipper slider.

Although the subject matter has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not so limited. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A zipper slider comprising:

a body forming a Y-shaped channel adapted to engage and disengage two complementary fastener strips received in opposite sides of the Y-shaped channel;

a coupler extending from a top surface of the body, wherein the coupler comprises a first protrusion spaced apart from a second protrusion, wherein the first and second protrusions extend toward second and first proximal ends of the second and first protrusions, respectively;

wherein a portion of the first tab and a portion of the second tab overlap one another to form an overlap region; and

a pull tab comprising an opening, wherein the coupler passes through the opening.

2. The zipper slider of claim 1 wherein the coupler and the top surface form a closure strip for retaining the pull tab.

3. The zipper slider of claim 1 wherein the first projection comprises a first proximal end and a first shank and the second projection comprises a second proximal end and a second shank, each proximal end projecting upward from the top surface and each shank extending parallel to the top surface.

4. The zipper slider of claim 3, wherein the first projection further comprises a first distal end and the second projection further comprises a second distal end, wherein the first and second distal ends optionally comprise a beveled edge.

5. The zipper slider of claim 4 wherein the first and second handles are a first spaced distance from the top surface, the first and second distal ends are a second spaced distance from the top surface, and the first spaced distance is greater than the second spaced distance.

6. The zipper slider of claim 3 wherein the first and second handles in the overlap region are parallel to and spaced apart from each other to define a void that is less than a minimum portion of the material forming the opening of the pull tab, wherein the handle has a void between the handles that is as small as no void if part or all of the overlap region are in contact with each other.

7. The zipper slider of claim 1 wherein the opening is adapted to receive the overlapping region and the pull tab is slidable along and rotatable about the overlapping region.

8. The zipper slider of claim 5, wherein the pull tab has a thickness less than the second separation distance.

9. The zipper slider of claim 8, wherein a portion of the pull tab is receivable under each of the first and second distal ends when the pull tab is rotated about the overlap region.

10. The zipper slider of claim 3, further comprising a coupling member for releasably locking two zipper sliders, wherein the locking member is connected to the top surface and the first protrusion.

11. The zipper slider of claim 10 wherein the locking member is connected to the first proximal end of the first projection.

12. The zipper slider of claim 1 wherein the Y-shaped channel comprises a connecting member and two slots adapted to allow the zipper strips to pass therethrough, wherein each zipper strip comprises teeth, and the two slots are further adapted to retain the teeth within the Y-shaped channel.

13. The zipper slider of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a back end at an integral portion of the Y-shaped channel and a front end at a branched portion of the Y-shaped channel.

14. The zipper slider of claim 13 wherein a connecting member is centrally disposed at the front end of the body to form the Y-shaped channel between a top surface of a lower member of the body and a bottom surface of an upper member of the body.

15. The zipper slider of claim 14 wherein the connecting member comprises a front edge having a planar surface joined to the front end of the body and a rear edge having a pointed end, wherein the pointed end distinguishes between integral and branch portions of the Y-shaped channel.

16. The zipper slider of claim 14 wherein the upper member comprises lateral edges, each lateral edge comprising an upper flange projecting downwardly from a portion of the lateral edge toward the lower member, wherein the upper flange is connected to the rear end of the body.

17. The zipper slider of claim 16 wherein the lower member includes lateral edges, each lateral edge of the lower member including a lower flange projecting upwardly from a portion of the lateral edge of the lower member toward the upper member, wherein the lower flange is connected to the rear end of the body.

18. The zipper slider of claim 17 wherein the upper flange has a first height and the lower flange has a second height, the first height being greater than the second height.

19. The zipper slider of claim 17 wherein the upper and lower flanges are configured to allow the zipper strips to pass therethrough, wherein each zipper strip comprises teeth, and the upper and lower flanges are further adapted to retain the teeth within the Y-shaped channels.

20. The zipper slider of claim 13 wherein the lower member comprises a bottom surface having a raised area near the front end of the body.