WO2024044034A1 - Detachable two way zipper - Google Patents

Abstract

A detachable two way zipper is disclosed having a lower slider and an. upper slider. Each slider has a base part and a rotating body and both sliders are traversed by a. fixed zipper tape and an insertable zipper tape. When the lower slider and upper slider are releasably connected and the connected rotating bodies of both sliders are rotated, the joined zipper tapes detach, allowing for detachment of the two way zipper at any point along the length of the zipper.

Description

DETACHABLE TWO WAY ZIPPER

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to United Slates Patent Application Serial No. 63/400,370 filed August 23, 2022 entitled “Detachable Two Way Zipper’ by Peters ei al, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference as permissible by national or regional laws.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fastening devices, and more particularly to a detachable two way zipper.

BACKGROUND ART

The common zipper was invented more than 100 years ago. In 1851, Elias Howe, who also invented the sewing machine, received United States Patent 8,540 for an “Automatic Continuous Clothing Closure.” Through lack ttf marketing, Howe’s closure device gained little acceptance. Years later, Whitcomb Judson marketed a “Clasp Locker” (United States Patents 504,038 and 504,037) and started the Universal Fastener Company, but the product again met with little commercial success. Then in 1906 Gideon Sundback, a Swedish- American electrical engineer, was hired by the Universal Fastener Company. In 1913 he had designed what has come to he known as the modern zipper. The patent for his “Separable Fastener” was issued in 1917 as United Stales Patent 1 ,219,881.

The term “Zipper”, however, was popularized by the B.F. Goodrich Company when they used SundbScks fastener on a new type of rubber boots. For nearly twenty years, the zipper was used primarily for rubber boots and closures on tobacco pouches. It was not until the 1930's that the zipper became popular on garments. Today the zipper is by far the most popular fastener. The zipper is found on clothing such as jackets, luggage, bags, camping equipment, and many other objects. Zippers can be found on all types of clothing such as pants, dresses, and jackets, on carriers such as bags and luggage, and in gear such as sleeping bags and tents. In addition to serving as decoration, zippers can join together two sides of a garment, such as in the operation of a dress, and can serve as means to removably atach two pieces of fabric, such as in the attachment of a removable hood to a jacket.

Fastening devices such as zippers can be separating or non-separating, and can be oneway or two-way devices. In a separating zipper, each of the two zipper tracks, comprising the tape and attached teeth, are connected to different elements that are primarily joined only by the interlocking zipper teeth. In a non-separating zipper, both zipper tracks are connected to a single element such that interlocking and unlocking the zipper teeth creates an opening in that element, A two-way zipper comprises two slider bodies that can work together or separately to interlock and unlock the zipper teeth. A one-way zipper comprises a single slider body as well as a pin and box assembly that aligns the zipper teeth contained on at least one of the zipper tracks.

In their simplest form, one-way separating zippers are composed of relatively few parts, including: an origination assembly with a pin and a retainer body at the lower liniit of each row of zipper teeth; two pieces of tape that are attached to fabric on one side and contain zipper teeth on the other; a slider body with a pull-tab; and two top stops at the upper limit of each row of teeth.

To fasten two pieces of fabric together, the operator inserts the pin from the lower limit of one row of teeth into the retainer box at the matching lower limit of the other row of teeth. This aligns the teeth into an operable interlocking format. Once aligned, the operator pulls the latching mechanism, called the slider body, along the teeth track. Wedges inside the slider body force the teeth of each track to interact. If the teeth are aligned, the hook of each tooth settles into the hollow of an opposing tooth. The operator can continue to pull the slider body and interlock the teeth until the slider terminates at the top stops located at the upper limit of eac h row of teeth.

To unfasten the pieces of fabric, the operator pulls the slider body back along the closed track. The wedges inside the slider body force the interlocking teeth apart and separate the zipper closure, There has been very little advancement in technologies relating to zippers since their first introduction more than 100 years ago. United States Patent 8,146,214 to Peters el al. and United States Patent 9,027,210 also to Peters et al. describe zippers that are improved over the basic zipper design of Gideon Sundback.

Two way zippers were developed to address specific needs related to various garments, bags, and the like. Essentially, a two way zipper allows the user to open or close the garment, bag, or other such Item from either end, thus providing both convenience as well as a closure that can be readily modified in size. For example, a long jacket or coat may be restrictive toward the bottom with the zipper fully closed. It would provide both convenience and comfort to allow the zipper to partially open at the bottom while still maintaining a closed state toward the top. Such an arrangement would allow for -flexibility of movement, ease of access to inner garments or stored items, and generally make for a convenient and comfortable arrangement that can be readily changed to suit the needs of the wearer. In a similar manner, a two way zipper on a bag or luggage item would allow a user to partially open the item without the necessity of long zipper travel. While such two way zippers exist they can still be difficult to operate when a user desires to fully open the garment, bag or other such item. In order to place such a zipper in an open or released state, the user must travel the zipper entirely to one end, which can be inconvenient, particularly with longer two way zippers. The ability to fully release a two way zipper at any point of closure would be extremely useful, although such a novel arrangement has heretofore not existed.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a detachable two way zipper. These and other objects of the present invention are not to be considered comprehensive or exhaustive, but rather, exemplary of objects that may be ascertained after reading this specification with the accompanying drawings and claims.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a Detachable Two Way Zipper, 1'he Detachable Two Way Zipper comprises a lower slider having a lower slider base part and a lower slider rotating body; an upper slider having an upper slider base part and an upper slider rotating body; an insertable zipper tape traversing the lower slider base part and the upper slider base part; a fixed zipper tape traversing the lower slider base part and the upper slider base part; the lower slider rotating body and the upper slider rotating body configured to releasably connect; wherein rotation of the connected lower slider rotating body and upper sl ider rotating body causes the first zipper tape and the second zipper tape to separate.

The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described by this specification and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the detachable two way zipper prior to joining; Figure 2 is a side view of the detachable two way zipper in the position depicted in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the detachable two way zipper once initially joined;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper in the position depicted in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders separated;

Figure 6 Is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders beginning to be brought together;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders oriented for separation; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders rotated for release;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders fully rotated and being released; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders rotated and released;

Figure 11 is a plan view of a slider in a locked position; Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the slider of Figure 11 taken along line B-B;

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of the slider of Figure 11 taken along line A-A;

Figure 14 is a plan view of a slider in a moveable zip position;

Figure 15 is a cross sectional view of the slider of Figure 14 taken along line D-D; Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of the slider of Figure 14 taken along line C-C;

Figure 17 is a plan view of the detachable two way zipper 'with pulls in a separating position;

Figure 18 is a cross sectional view of the detachable two way zipper of Figure 17 taken along line F-F;

Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of the detachable two way zipper of Figure 17 taken along line E-E; Figure 20 is a plan view of a slider in a separated and locked position;

Figure 21 is a cross sectional view of the slider depicted in Figure 20 taken along line G-G;

Figure 22 is a bottom perspective view of the detachable two way zipper in a zip position;

Figure 23 is a bottom perspective view of the detachable two way zipper in a separated position;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a slider partially cut way; and

Figure 25 is an exploded view of a slider . The present invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, however, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment described. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope o f the invention as defined by this specification, claims, and the attached drawings.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

For a general understanding of the present invention. reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate identical elements.

The present invention will be described by way of example, and not limitation. Modifications, improvements and additions to the invention, described herein may be determined after reading this specification and viewing the accompanying drawings; such modifications, improvements, and additions being considered included in the spirit and broad scope of the present invention and i ts various embodiments described or envisioned herein.

The various components of the detachable two way zipper may be made from a metal such as, for example, steel or brass, or may be made from a plastic such as, for example, polyoxymethylene (also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyfomialdehyde), polyethylene, Polypropylene, or the like. The parts may be injection molded, 3D printed, cast or otherwise formed if they are a plastic, or may be cast. 3D printed, machined, stamped or otherwise formed if they are a metal.

The zipper tape may be made from a material such as, for example, nylon webbing, nylon or polyester fabric, waterproof tape, recycled tape, or the like, and comprise teeth for removably interlocking with another zipper tape. The zipper tapes are then used to fasten the detachable two way zipper to two edges of fabric that are to be temporarily joined together by way of the detachable two way zipper. Common techniques of fastening the detachable two way zipper to two edges of .fabric include, but are not limited to, adhesives and stitching.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the handage of the zipper may be changed by interchanging the appropriate parts from the left side to the right side or from the right side to the left side depending on whether a left handed or a right handed zipper is desired during manufacturing.

The engagement of each half of the detachable two way zipper may, in some embodiments, be facilitated by magnets. Referring to the present invention in detail, in Figure 1 there is shown a plan view of the detachable two way zipper prior to joining. A lower slider 101 and an upper slider 1.03 can be seen moveably attached to a fixed zipper tape 107 in a manner that is typical of the interaction between a zipper slide and a zipper tape having zipper teeth. The zipper teeth may be of a shape depicted in the drawings, or may also be modified from that shown. The zipper teeth may also be made from a plastic or a metal, as previously described. Also in Figure 1 is an Insertable zipper tape 105 that has zipper teeth as well as a lead tooth that is inserted into the upper slider 103 and the lower slider 10'1 to engage the zipper. It should be noted that both zipper tapes (the insertable zipper tape 105 and the fixed zipper tape 107) are typically attached to a garment, bag, or the like to facilitate removably closing the garment, bag, or other article. Figure 2 is a side view of the detachable two way zipper in the position depicted in Figure 1 where the lower slider 101 and the upper slider 103 can be seen adjacent to each other to allow for the insertable zipper tape 105 to be inserted into both sliders such that the detachable two way zipper can begin to close. In some embodiments, the slider of the present invention may be added to any standard zipper and used as a replacement slider.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the detachable two way zipper once initially joined. In Figure 3, the insertable zipper tape 105 has been placed into the upper slider 103 and the lower slider 101 such that the two zipper tapes are in generally parallel alignment. In Figure 3, the zipper pulls attached to each slider are in a downward position.

Figure 4 is a perspecti ve view of the detachable two way zipper in the position depicted in Figure 3. As noted in Figure 3, the lower pull 401 and the upper pull 403 are in a downward position. While the upper pull 401 and the lower pull 403 may be of a conventional form, in some embodiments the zipper pulls nest or otherwise removably connect together. In some embodiments of the present invention, the zipper pulls interlock or fasten together. The geometry of the zipper pulls may also be modified from a conventional form, and may, for example, be round or semi-circular. Such a round zipper pull may also rotate to facilitate movement and detachment of the two way zipper. For example, in one embodiment each zipper pull is a partial circle, disc, knob or dial that forms a completed circle when joined together. Additional or alternative geometries may also be employed, and may facilitate the rotational or other movement needed to detach and reattach the detachable two way zipper.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with the sliders separated such that the zipper is being closed as the upper slider 103 moves away from the lower slider 101. To facilitate subsequent retention of the two sliders together in a way that allows for rotation and release of the slider halves and resulting detachment of the two zipper tapes, retainer structures have been incorporated into each slider. A slider retainer c-atch 501 can be seen that protrudes outward and toward the other slider. Also, a slider retainer latch 503 can be seen that receives the slider retainer catch on the adjacent slider. Each slider has a slider retainer catch and a slider retainer latch that mates with and retains the other slider. It should be noted that in some embodiments other retainer structures may be employed to facilitate retention of the two sliders together. An example, but not a limitation, of another retainer structure is a magnet or magnets. Additional examples of retainer structures are clasps, spring loaded catches, hooks, pins, and the like. Magnets may also be employed to facilitate alignment and operation of the present invention. Retainer and retention structures of the present invention are designed to hold the sliders in alignment during insertable tape insertion, addressing one of many problems associated with current two way zippers where the sliders are often not aligned properly, causing difficulty inserting and starting the zipper. In addition, alignment features such as pins, slots, grooves, recesses, and the like may be employed to ensure alignment and proper operation of the detachable two way zipper.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders beginning to be brought together and the lower slider 101 moving toward the upper slider 103 such that the zipper tapes separate. Note the position of the lower pull 401 and the upper pull 403, as there is a locking mechanism that allows each pull to move freely along the zipper tape or be retained in a specific location along the zipper tape. This locking mechanism will be further described herein.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders oriented for separation. Note that the lower pull 401 and the upper pull 403 are oriented in a specific position to allow for rotation and detachment, 'rhe sliders are brought together at any point along the length of the zipper as seen in Figure 7.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders rotated for release . The sliders are rotated approximately 90 degrees to allow for detachment of each zipper side. In Figure 8, a lower slider rotating body 801 can be seen pivoting or rotating on a lower slider first base part 805. Similarly, an upper slider rotating body 803 can be seen pivoting or rotating on an upper slider first base part 807. As seen in Figure 8, a pull is attached to each rotating body. Each pull facilitates not only movement of the zipper slider, but also provides for locking of each zipper slider to control movement of the zipper sl ider as well as rotation and subsequent detachment of the two way zipper. Once the pulls are aligned as seen in Figure 7, the rotating body of each slider is free to rotate as seen in Figure 8 such that the zipper detaches as seen in Figure 9 and resulting Figure 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, a locking feature may be employed that connects the slider to the zipper tape when the zipper is separated to serve as a placeholder when reattaching the zipper halves. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders fully rotated and being released. The lower pull 401 and the upper pull 403 (See Figures 4 and 7) are aligned in an angular manner to allow the rotating bodies 801 and 803 to rotate with respect to their slider base part (805 and 807) such that the two sides of the zipper are tree to detach, as will be seen in Figure 10. As seen in Figure 9, the lower slider rotating body 801 and the upper slider rotating body 803 are rotated such that they are generally perpendicular to the lower slider first base part 805 and the upper slider first base part 807. This action causes the sliders to decouple and release such that the zipper halves are detached.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the detachable two way zipper with sliders rotated and released. In Figure 10 an upper slider second base pari 1001 can be seen, which is complimentary to the upper slider first base part 807. The two slider parts 1001 and 807 are hingeably connected such that the overall slider is free to articulate through interaction with the upper slider rotating body 803 as each rotating body is collectively rotated for detachment. In a similar manner, the lower slider first base part 805 and the lower slider second base part 1003 are hingeably connected to also allow the overall slider freedom to articulate through interaction with the lower slider rotating body 801 as each rotating body is collectively rotated for detachment.

Figure 1 1 is a plan view of a slider in a locked position. Each zipper tape 105 and 107 can be seen along with the upper slider 103, Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the slider of Figure 11 taken along line B-B. The upper retainer body 1201 can be seen as part of the upper slider along with an upper tooth twist lock 1203 that is configured as a bent structure that transfers motion of the upper pull 403 into the zipper tape through interaction of the tooth twist lock 1203 with a cam like structure affixed to the upper pull 403, thus locking the slider from movement through engagement of the tooth twist lock 1203 with the teeth of the zipper tape. The tooth twist lock 1203 that performs as both a tooth lock and a rotation lock depending on the position of upper retainer body 1201. While Figures 11-13 depict the upper slider 103. the lower slider 101 operates in a similar manner.

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of the slider of Figure 11 taken along line A-A. In this view, an upper rotation lock 1301 can be seen linked to the upper pull 403 such that movement of the upper puli 403 is translated to movement of the upper rotation lock 1301 through interaction of the upper rotation lock 1301 with a cam like structure affixed to the upper pull 403, thus preventing the upper retainer body 1201 from rotating. Figure 14 is a plan view of a slider in a moveable zip position. The puli is angled to allow for movement and release of the locking mechanisms previously described by way of Figures 12 and 13, and are depicted in the released or free position in Figures 15 and 16.

Figure 15 is a cross sectional view of the slider of Figure 14 taken along line D-D. The upper tooth twist lock 1203 can be seen moved away from the teeth on the zipper tape, in contrast to Figure 12. The upper tooth twist lock 1203 is moved away from the teeth on the zipper tape by movement of the upper pull 403 in an angled or upward position such that the protruding cam like structure moves the bent shaped upper tooth twist lock 1203.

Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of the slider of Figure 14 taken along line C-C. The upper rotation lock 1301 can be seen coupled to the upper pull 403 through a cam like structure or the like.

Figure 17 is a plan view of the detachable two way zipper with pulls in a separating position. As previously described, the separating position is the positioning of each pull adjacent the other and at an angle. Figure 18 is a cross sectional view of the detachable two way zipper of Figure 17 taken along line F~F. 'The position of each tooth twist lock can be clearly seen along with the protruding cam like structure of each pull.

Figure 19 is a cross sectional view of the detachable two way zipper of Figure 17 taken along line E-E. Similar to the upper slider, the lower slider can also be seen with a lower retainer body 1901 , a lower tooth twist lock, and a lower separation lock 1905.

Figure 20 is a plan view of a slider in a separated and locked position. The slider can be seen generally perpendicular to the zipper tape. The upper slider first base pari 807 and the upper slider second base part 1001 are hinged or angled with respect to each other due to the position of the upper slider rotating body 801 being in the detachable position. Figure 21 is a cross sectional view of the slider depicted in Figure 20 taken along line

G-G. The upper tooth twist lock 1203 can be seen along with the upper rotation lock 1301. The upper slider first base part 807 can be seen riding on the fixed zipper tape 107.

Turning now to Figure 22, a botom perspective view of the detachable two way zipper is shown in a zip position. Viewing the detachable two way zipper from the underside, a lower pivot hook 2201 can be seen along with a lower separation lock 2203 and a lower separation catch 2205. These features are incorporated in the lower slider to facilitate engagement and rotation during the detachment process. In some embodiments, the lower pivot hook 2201 may be shortened, omitted, or may have a different geometry than that depicted in Figure 22. On the upper slider, an upper pivot hook 2207, an upper separation lock 2209 and an upper separation catch 2211 can be seen where the upper and lower features interact as shown in Figures 22 and 23, Once the detachable two way zipper is separated or detached, additional features can be seen in Figure 23. Figure 23 is a bottom perspective view of the detachable two way zipper in a seperated position. An upper pivot catch 2301 and. a lower pivot catch 2303 can now be seen. The upper pivot hook 2207 rides in the upper pivot catch 2301 until detachment. Also, the lower pivot hook 220'1 rides in the lower pivot catch 2303 in a similar manner where each pivot catch forms a curved channel to receive the curved pivot hook for each. Figure 24 is a perspective view of a slider partially cut way. A slider retainer spring

2401 and a slider retainer cover 2403 can be seen. To folly understand the present invention and the various embodiments described and depicted herein, an exploded view of a slider of the present invention is depicted in Figure 25. An aligning finger 2501 can be seen protruding from the slider to allow for proper alignment of the two sliders when brought together. An aligning recess 2503 can also be seen along with a pivot track 2505 to enable rotation and subsequent release of the slider mechanism when detaching the two way zipper. A pivot guide 2507 can also be seen to allow for rotation or pivoting of the zipper mechanism during detachment. A push tab 2509 allows a user to rotate or pivot the zipper mechanism to enable detachment. To operate the detachable two way zipper, the insertable zipper tape of one side is inserted into both the lower slider and the upper slider. To close the zipper, the upper slider Is moved along the zipper tape. To open the zipper, the upper slider is moved in the opposite direction, or, the lower slider is moved toward the upper slider to open the end of the zipper that is closer to the lower slider. To detach the detachable two way zipper without extracting the insertable tape from the lower slider and the upper slider, the lower and the upper slider are placed together with the lower pull and upper pull aligned as in the figures, the lower and upper pull are then rotated in unison and the sliders separate and detach, thus opening the zipper at any point in use.

It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the various objects of the present invention, a detachable two way zipper. While the various objects of this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the present invention as defined by this specification, claims and the attached drawings.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A detachable two way zipper comprising: a lower slider comprising a lower slider base part and a lower slider rotating body; an upper slider comprising an upper slider base part and an upper slider rotating body; an insertable zipper tape traversing the lower slider base part and the upper slider base part; a fixed zipper tape traversing the lower slider base part and the upper slider base part; the lower slider rotating body and the upper slider rotating body configured to releasably connect; wherein rotation of the connected lower slider rotating body and upper slider rotating body causes the first zipper tape and the second zipper tape to separate,

2. "fhe detachable two way zipper of claim 1 , further comprising a lower pull attached to the lower slider and an upper pull atached to the upper slider.

3. 'The detachable two way zipper of claim i, further comprising a slider retainer catch and a slider retainer latch formed with the upper slider.

4. The detachable two way zipper of claim 1, further comprising a slider retainer catch and a slider retainer latch formed with the lower slider.

5. The detachable two way zipper of claim 3, wherein the slider retainer catch and the slider retainer latch comprise a magnet.

6. "fhe detachable two way zipper of claim 4_? wherein the slider retainer catch and the slider retainer latch comprise a magnet.

7. The detachable two way zipper of claim 1, wherein the lower slider base part comprises a first base part and a second base part.

8. f he detachable two way zipper of claim 1, wherein the upper slider base part comprises a first base part and a second base part.

9. The detachable two way zipper of claim 1 , further comprising an upper retainer body attached with the upper slider.

10. The detachable two way zipper of claim 1, further comprising a lower retainer body attached with the lower slider.

1 1. The detachable two way zipper of claim 2. further comprising an upper rotation lock coupled with the upper pull

12. The detachable two way zipper of claim 11 , further comprising an upper tooth twist lock that interacts with a cam like structure of the upper pull.

13. The detachable two way zipper of claim 2. further comprising a lower rotation lock coupled with the lower pull.

14. The detachable two way zipper of claim 11 , further comprising a lower tooth twist lock that interacts with a cam like structure of the lower pull.

15. The detachable two way zipper of claim 1, further comprising an alignment finger and an alignment recess formed with the upper slider and an alignment finger and an alignment recess formed with the lower slider.

16. The detachable two way zipper of claim 1, wherein, the upper slider further comprises an upper pivot hook, an upper separation lock, and an upper separation catch.

17. The detachable two way zipper of claim 1 , wherein the lower slider further comprises a lower pivot hook, a lower separation lock, and a lower separation catch.

18. The detachable two way zipper of claim L wherein the upper slider further comprises a slider retainer spring.

19, The detachable two way zipper of claim 1. wherein the lower slider further comprises a slider retainer spring.

20. The detachable two way zipper of claim 1, wherein the upper slider base part comprises a pivot track and the lower slider base part comprises a pivot guide.