EP2305058A1

EP2305058A1 - Slide fastener pull tab

Info

Publication number: EP2305058A1
Application number: EP10251674A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Williams Meirion
Original assignee: YKK Europe Ltd
Current assignee: YKK Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2009-10-02
Filing date: 2010-09-29
Publication date: 2011-04-06
Also published as: GB0917300D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to pull tabs, more specifically, the present invention relates to a pull tab of a slide fastener and an extension therefore.

Description

Field of the invention.

Background to the invention.

Slide fasteners are routinely fitted with a slider. The coupling elements of the slide fastener are secured on opposing sides of a pair of stringers which make up the slide fastener. As is commonly known in the field of slide fasteners, the stringers and hence coupling elements pass through the body of the slider with the result that as the slider is drawn along the slide fastener the coupling elements are caused to either interdigitate or separate depending upon the direction of movement of the slider. It is commonplace for pull tabs to be attached to sliders so that the slider may be more readily pulled along the slider fastener. The pull tabs may take a variety of forms and may include one or more extensions to further assist in the drawing of the slider along the slide fastener or to decorate and distinguish the slider from other peer products.
Unfortunately a problem exists with known pull tabs in that the pull tabs are susceptible to damage and breaking at the point where the pull tabs are joined with the slider. Alternatively, the pull tabs may cause damage to the slider. Likewise, if the pull tabs are fitted with an additional extension, the pull tab or the extension may be prone to damage at the point at which the pull tab and the extension are joined.
In the processing of slide fasteners it is often desirable for a pull tab and any associated extension to be applied to the slide fastener after the manufacture of the slide fastener and/or the garment or object to which the slide fastener and pull tab is supplied is complete, in order to avoid complications in the manufacturing process. Pull tabs which can be attached to for example the slider of a slide fastener are therefore preferred as such pull tabs can be applied separately and even transported separately to the slide fastener.
However, a further disadvantage of some current detachable pull tabs is that their closure mechanism is weak such that when the pull tab is secured to a slider prior to installation in a garment or object requiring a slider and slide fastener, the pull tab may open and hence separate from the slider during transportation to a location for further processing, and in so doing become damaged. As a result, the extensions then have to be secured again to the sliders resulting in a less cost efficient process for the users of the sliders and pull tabs.
The processing difficulties and inherent structural weaknesses of the prior art pull tabs and extension are apparent as discussed below.
For example, in JP 61-153515 there is described an extension for a pull tab for a slide fastener comprised of a pair of symmetrically shaped arm portions 1a and 1b, joined by a bridge 2, in a clamp-type arrangement. When the two arms are brought into alignment by means of the bridge, the arms are connectable by means of a 'push-fit' male and female engaging system that holds the arms in a closed position. In use, the extension for the pull tab is attached to the slider of a zip fastener by means of a pull tab with a mouth region for receiving the pull tab extension.
The pull tab accessory in JP 61-153515 is not detachable and has the further disadvantage that the size and shape of the pull tab extension makes it difficult for the extension to be threaded through the mouth region of the pull tab leading to manufacturing limitations for a slider fitted with the pull tab and accessory of this application.
In JP 43-21553 there is disclosed a pull tab for a slide fastener which comprises a pair of arms 5, joined by a horse-shoe shaped connecting portion 4. Once the pull tab has been threaded through the bridge of a slide fastener, the arms of the pull tab maybe aligned and joined together by means of two protrusions 8 located on a first arm and which push-fit into wells 7 formed in a second arm 7.
The pull tab in JP 43-21553 suffers from the drawback that once applied to a slide fastener, the pull tab connection system is prone to opening and furthermore, the point at which the arms join the horse-shoe shaped connection is prone to damage.
In US design application 41,748 there is depicted a reusable extension for zipper pulls which comprises a first portion which carries a mushroom shaped protrusion in an upper region of the first portion, and a second smaller portion with a hole for receiving the mushroom shaped extension when the two portions are brought together about a joint located between the two portions. The two portions are secured by pushing the mushroom shaped extension through the hole to form a closed pull tab. US 41,748 has the disadvantage that the joint connecting the two portions is prone to damage as the protrusion is forced through the hole and also when the protrusion is pushed back through the hole to re-open the zipper pull. Furthermore, it does not permit additional processing and the use of extensions.
Likewise in US 6,560,829 B1 there is again described a pull tab of a zipper comprising a two part system comprising a main body section 21 and a fastening member 22 of a pliable and tough material prepared independently of the main body section. In essence, the zipper pull tab is closed by means of a push fit connection wherein a retaining projection 25 located at one end of the main body 22 is pushed into a retaining slot 23 located at an end of the fastening member 22. In use, the fastening member carrying the receiving slot 23 is passed for example through a bridge on a slider for a slide fastener after which the retaining projection 25 is pushed into the retaining slot 23 thereby closing the pull tab.
Whilst the pull tab in US 6,560,829 is stated to be comprised of a tough and pliable material, the closure mechanism comprising the single push-fit system is prone to opening. In addition, in US 6,560,829 the pull tab comprises a complicated attachment system whereby the fastening member is required to be suitably secured to the main body section 21 resulting in a point of weakness for the pull tab. Furthermore, the nature of the main body portion can not be easily altered to encompass alternative design requirements as the main body has to satisfy the requirements of being attachable to the retaining fastening member.
The present invention therefore seeks to address the problems associated with prior art processes and provide a more efficient pull tab for a slide fastener which is simple to manufacture and may be easily applied to a slider for a slide fastener or removed as necessary. In addition, and importantly, the pull tab for the slide fastener does not readily open once the pull tab has been secured to a slider on a slider fastener during transit and can be further secured in place by the provision of a pull tab extension therefore further preventing opening of the pull tab.
Therefore according to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pull tab for a slide fastener with a slider comprising:

a first portion; and
a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are secured to a joining portion; and
wherein the second portion is smaller than the first portion; and wherein the first portion and second portions comprise one or more combinations of cooperating protrusions and hole(s) located on respective portions thereof; and wherein the first portion further comprises a ledge with additional protrusions located at either end thereof for receiving a bottom edge of the second portion such that when the first and second portions are aligned and the one or more protrusions pressed into the hole(s) the first and second portions are securely attached.

Also according to the present invention there is a bulbous region present on each side of the joining portion at the point where the joining portion abuts each of the first and second portions respectively.
The pull tab may further comprise an additional attachment means for securing the first and second portions of the pull tab together. This additional attachment means may comprise adhesive on or welding of one or more parts of the pull tab or the additional attachment means may comprise a pull tab extension.
When the additional attachment means comprises a pull tab extension, each of the first and second portions comprise a means for receiving the pull tab extension. This may be in the form of holes or slits present on the first and second portions respectively depending on the nature of the pull tab extension and the means by which the pull tab extension is to be secured to the pull tab.
Alternatively, the first and second portions may comprise a mouth region for receiving the pull tab extension.
The pull tab extension may comprise; plastics material, fabric material or metal. The joining portion may be comprised of the same material as the first and second portions and be comprised for example of plastics material or the joining portion may be comprised of different material than that of the first and second portions. In which case, the first and second portions and joining portion may be prepared by injection moulding.
Alternatively, the first and second portions and joining portion of the pull tab may be comprised of metal.
However, in accordance with the present invention the joining portion is sufficiently flexible to allow opening and closing of the pull tab about a slider of a slide fastener.
The pull tab extension of the present invention is preferably secured to the pull tab. This may be achieved for example by stitching or adhesive.
In addition, there may be provided a linking component attached to the pull tab for connecting to a pull tab extension.
Also, an advantage of the present invention is that the pull tab is preferably sized to fit underneath the bridge of the slider and thereby ease the use of the pull tab.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit comprising:

a pull tab;
a pull tab extension; and
a linking component wherein the pull tab, pull tab extension and linking component are as described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.

The linking component may however be optional in which case the kit comprises a pull tab and a pull tab extension.
The kit may further comprise a slider and a slide fastener.
Finally, according to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a slide fastener and/or slider for a slide fastener comprising a pull tab as previously described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.
The present invention will now be described in further detail by way of example with reference to the following description and accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 is an illustration of a pull tab according to a first aspect of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a view of the reverse side of the pull tab of Figure 1
Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the pull tab of Figure 1.
Figure 4 illustrates a view of a second embodiment of a pull tab according to a first aspect of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the pull tab as illustrated in Figure 1 view along side A.
Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a pull tab according to the present invention when in a closed orientation.
Figure 7 illustrates a view of a pull tab according to the present invention when fitted to a slider and slide fastener.

Description of the present invention.

In Figure 1 there is illustrated a perspective view of a first embodiment of a slide fastener pull tab, (10) hereinafter referred to as a slider pull tab or pull tab in an open configuration according to the present invention.
Likewise, in Figures 2 and 3 there is illustrated in plan view a first or front side and a second or reverse side respectively of the pull tab as seen in Figure 1.
The slider pull tab of the present invention comprises a single unit which is comprised of a first portion, 12 and a second portion 14 connected by means of a joining portion or cord 16. A mouth region 18 and 20 is located in each of portions 12 and 14 respectively for receiving a pull tab extension (not shown). The pull tab may be prepared as three separate units which are subsequently joined together or alternatively may be prepared as a single unit by any suitable moulding technique.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 a series of protrusions or studs 30 are located on a first face 32 of the first portion 12 and extend upwardly from the first face 32.
On the second portion 14, there are similarly located a series of holes or indentations 34 which are appropriately sized for receiving the protrusions or studs 30.
Also present on the first face 32 of the first portion 12 is a step 40, with a ledge 41 so shaped to receive a lower edge 44 of the second portion 14 when the first and second portions are coaxially aligned by flexing of the joining portion or cord 16.
Also present on the ledge 41 either at one or more ends thereof or along the length of the ledge are protrusions 43. When the second portion is brought into alignment with the first portion, the protrusions 43 on the ledge 41 are displaced and thereby assist in the receiving of the second portion by the first portion and thereby assist in the prevention of lateral movement of the first and second portions with respect to one another. In addition, the ledge 41 on the first portion prevents downwards movement of the second portion with respect to the first portion.
As can be seen more clearly in Figure 7, when it is desired to use the slider pull tab, the smaller second portion 14 is fed through the bridge of the slider and the first and second portions are brought together. In so doing, the studs on the first portion align and pass into the holes on the second portion. At the same time, the bottom or lower edge of the second portion cooperates with the step or ledge formed on the first portion.
In a preferred embodiment the studs are sized to fit within the holes, however in an alternative embodiment the studs may snap-fit into the holes. In either case the studs prevent lateral movement of the first and second portions and also distribute the forces applied to the pull tab when the pull tab is pulled against a bridge of a slider on a slide fastener.
In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is present on both the first and second portions a swollen or bulbous region 50, 52 located at the points where the cord adjoins the first and second portions. Therefore, in a preferred arrangement, as the slider pull tab is closed the bulbous region 50 contacts the uppermost edge 60 of second portion 14 and the bulbous region 52 contacts the uppermost edge of the first portion 62. In this way, in the closed pull tab the two portions 12 and 14 are held in close contact such that the two portions do not readily open. Consequently, the undesirable opening of the pull tab is restricted when the pull tab is in transit.
In addition, the presence of the swollen or bulbous regions 50, 52 prevents the upward movement of the first and second portions beyond the point at which the first and second portions are attached to the joining portion or cord 16.
Therefore, movement of the first and second portions with respect to one another is restricted in the horizontal plane by the presence of the protrusions or studs 30, the ledge 41 and protrusions 43 on the second portion 12 and the bulbous regions 50, 52. As such the opportunities for the pull tab opening are greatly reduced.
In Figure 4 there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the pull tab of the present invention in which there is still present a first portion 12 and a second portion 14 connected by a joining portion or cord 16, however, in this embodiment the studs or protrusions have been elongated to forms arms 45. Consequently, when the first and second portions are aligned the arms 45 extend around the side edges 47 of the second portion thereby further enhancing the connection between the first and second portions and further reducing the likelihood of opening of the pull tab. That is, the first and second portions are so sized that the smaller second portion 14 fits within the arms 45 of the first portion 12 and does not merely fit into the ledge on the first portion.
Whilst in Figures 1 to 4 the protrusions 30 have been illustrated on the larger portion 12, and the corresponding holes 34 for receiving the protrusions have been illustrated on the smaller or second portion 14, it will be appreciated that this arrangement can be reversed such that the protrusions are located on the smaller second portion and the holes on the larger first portion. In addition, the protrusions and holes can be arranged alternatively on each of the portions so that a pattern or holes and protrusions is visible on the two portions.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the studs or protrusions are arranged in a line and three studs or protrusions are present. However, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that only one stud or alternatively two or more studs could be employed and the studs could be arranged in an associated pattern so long as the holes are also arranged in a corresponding pattern.
In Figure 5 there is illustrated a side view of the pull tab as illustrated in Figure 1 view along side A. In Figure 5 the bulbous region 50 is visible and the step 40 for receiving the underside 44 of the first portion 14.
In Figure 6 there is illustrated a side view of a pull tab according to the present invention when in a closed orientation illustrating the alignment of the two portions 12 and 14.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the first and second portions may be adhered together once the pull tab is in position with respect to the slider thereby ensuring that the pull tab does not open once in position on the slider.
The pull tab of the present invention may be comprised of plastics material or metal. However, when using a pull tab according to the present invention it is preferred that the slider is of a sufficient size to allow the smaller portion of the slide fastener to pass under the bridge of the slider.
In Figure 7 there is illustrated a perspective view of a pull tab 10 according to the present invention when fitted to a slider 68 of a slide fastener 80. In Figure 7, the pull tab is shown threaded through the bridge 70 of the slider. Also present and threaded through the mouth of the pull tab is a pull tab extension 74.
In the embodiment shown the pull tab 10 has space 76 for receiving a logo or design. The pull tab extension may take a variety of forms and may also carry a logo or design. In the embodiment of Figure 7 the extension takes the form of a piece of material which is threaded through the mouth pieces 18 and 20 on the pull tab and then secured in place. However, the extension could be a cord or alternatively the extension could be a shaped article produced by any suitable means to thereby assist in the opening of the slide fastener once secured to the pull tab.
To this end, the attachment point between the pull tab and the extension may alternatively take the form of a hole through the first and second portions of the pull tab such that once the extension has been passed through the pull tab holes the extension is secured in place.
In yet a further alternative to the pull tab of the present invention, the attachment point for the extension to the pull tab may comprise a pair of slits through which the extension may be threaded prior to being secured in place.
In addition, the extension 74 may be in the in the form of a corded or rope effect material. In this embodiment the extension may be secured in place by a fastening means in the form of a clamp. In this way, when the fastening means is applied to the extension the pull tab is further secured and can not be readily opened without removing the fastening means. It will be appreciated however that the extension may be secured in place by any suitable means for example sewing or adhesive in order to prevent opening of the extension and hence opening of the pull tab.
The extension to the pull tab may take the form of a tape comprised of fabric material or plastics material or metal. When the extension is comprised of tape, the tape extension may be secured to the pull tab for example by passing the tape through the mouth pieces, or slits in the first and second portions and the respective ends secured together for example by stitching but not limited thereto. After the extension has been secured in place, the pull tab will no longer be able to be opened and removed from the slider without removing the extension.
Alternatively, the tape may be secured by means of a clasp or other fastening means which may be able to be continuously opened and closed thereby allowing removal of the pull tab from the slider, or alternatively, the clasp may be permanently closed once in position thereby preventing removal of the pull tab from the slider.
The extension may be connected directly to the pull tab or there may be a further linking component between the pull tab and the extension. Likewise, the pull tab may further comprise one or more extensions which may be the same or different and which may be secured to the pull tab in the same manner or differently. That is extensions may be provided which are shaped as a particular article for example football, fish or telephone according to the article to which the pull tab and slide fastener are to be applied.
Therefore in accordance with the present invention there is provided a pull tab that can be clipped into place on a slider and is stable and less prone to damage during transit even when a pull tab extension has not already been attached to the pull tab. In the present invention the pull tab may be attached to a slider of a slide fastener and then transported to a place where additional components may be affixed to the pull tab without the pull tab becoming displaced from off the slider.

Claims

A pull tab for a slide fastener with a slider comprising:
a first portion; and

a second portion, wherein the first and second portions are secured to a joining portion; and

wherein the second portion is smaller than the first portion; and

wherein the first portion and second portions comprise one or more combinations of cooperating protrusions and hole(s) located on respective portions thereof; and wherein the first portion further comprises a ledge with additional protrusions located at either end thereof for receiving a bottom edge of the second portion such that when the first and second portions are aligned and the one or more protrusions pressed into the hole(s) the first and second portions are securely attached and wherein the joining portion is sufficiently flexible to allow opening and closing of the pull tab about the slider of the slide fastener.
A pull tab according to claim 1 wherein a bulbous region is present on each side of the joining portion at the point where the joining portion abuts each of the first and second portions respectively.
A pull tab according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the pull tab comprises an additional attachment means for securing the first and second portions of the pull tab together.
A pull tab according to claim 3 wherein the pull tab additional attachment means comprises adhesive on one or more parts of the pull tab.
A pull tab according to claim 3 wherein the additional attachment means comprises a pull tab extension.
A pull tab according to any of the preceding claims wherein each of the first and second portions comprises a means for receiving a pull tab extension.
A pull tab according to claim 6 wherein the means for receiving the pull tab extension comprises holes or slits present on the first and second portions respectively.
A pull tab according to claims 4 or 5 wherein the first and second portions further comprise a mouth region for receiving the pull tab extension.
A pull tab according to any of claims 3 to 9 wherein the pull tab extension comprises; plastics material, fabric material or metal.
A pull tab according to any of the previous claims wherein the joining portion is comprised of the same material as the first and second portions.
A pull tab according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first and second portions and joining portion are comprised of plastics material.
A pull tab according to claim 11 wherein the first and second portions and joining portion are prepared by injection moulding.
A pull tab according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first and second portions and joining portion of the pull tab is comprised of metal.
A pull tab according to any of claims 1 to 8 wherein the joining portion is comprised of different material than that of the first and second portions.
A pull tab according to any of the preceding claims wherein there is further provided a linking component attached to the pull tab for connecting to a pull tab extension.
A kit comprising:
a pull tab;

a pull tab extension; and

a linking component wherein the pull tab, pull tab extension and linking component are as described in relation to claims 1 to 15.
A slide fastener and/or slider for a slide fastener comprising a pull tab as previously described in claims 1 to 15.