GB2463868A

GB2463868A - Snag free zip

Info

Publication number: GB2463868A
Application number: GB0817482A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan David Whittle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-09-24
Filing date: 2008-09-24
Publication date: 2010-03-31
Also published as: GB0817482D0

Abstract

A zip slider that prevents fabric, clothing or material from getting caught in its mechanism and teeth, comprises a base part 2 of the slider that is enlarged relative to the upper part 3. This design alteration shields the entrance to the zip mechanism, to prevent clothing or such-like from entering it with the teeth of the zip, by forming a 'buffer' between the zip mechanism and any stray material of the material being fastened.

Description

No-Catch Zip' This invention relates to an alteration of the lower part of the current sliding mechanism of the zip, which will prevent the common problem of fabric getting caught in the mechanism. The alteration of the lower part of the slider would come about through enlargement and/or a change of shape, that extends beyond the current zip's mechanism.

Sometimes, when fastening a zip, stray fabric, clothing or material may get caught up in the mechanism. This can result in the off-setting of the zip's teeth, creating a section of unsealed zip that can easily be pulled apart -leaving the zip ineffective for its purpose.

In some situations the fabric can get caught up in the mechanism to such an extent that it cannot be removed, rendering the zip useless.

The No-Catch Zip' can be used on all garments and products that incorporate zips, including clothes, bags and sleeping bags.

To overcome this common problem, the No-Catch Zip' creates distance and provides a buffer between the zip mechanism entrance and any stray fabric, clothing or material that may get caught up in the zip mechanism, The design of the No-Catch Zip' provides a shield' to stop foreign fabric getting into an area where it could get caught up in the mechanism.

The size of the No-Catch Zip' is relative to the size of the zip needed for the particular product or garment. The size could also vary independently of the size of the zip, depending on design and functionality decisions made. The shape may also vary (as shown in diagrams) but the concept of this invention will be maintained, despite alteration in cosmetic details/design.

The invention will be better explained through the use of diagrams: Figure 1 shows a 3D view of the invention. The regular zip mechanism in show (3) with the additional protruding lower design feature of the No-Catch zip underneath (2), which together make up the No-Catch Zip. This diagram shows the design alteration as an enlargement of the lower portion of the zip slider at the front and sides.

Figure 2 illustrates the side-on view of the No-Catch Zip'. Today's current zip design is shown, with the new enlarged lower part of the regular zip's slider body identified by green lines.

The regular zip mechanism (3) is shown with the pulling tab (1). The No-Catch Zip's' 2.

additional design feature (2) is shown as an enlargement of the lower part of the regular zip mechanism. It is shown as an integrated piece of the whole zip.

The No-Catch Zip' is shown here from the side, so only its profile shape is visible. It shows the distance created between the bottom of the zip mechanism and any stray fabric. It also shows the distance between the front (left of diagram) of the current zip mechanism and the front of the No-Catch Zip's' design addition. Both of these distances can be increased or decreased as desired by altering the size and shape of the No-Catch zip's additional design feature.

Figure 3 shows the rear view of the No-Catch Zip'. The current zip design is shown (3), again with the new addition or alteration identified by green lines (2).

This diagram illustrates one possible shape of the No-catch zip. Subsequent diagrams show other possible shapes or designs of the lower piece (Figure 10).

The additional design features' width extends beyond the regular zip's (and the zip's mechanism's) width, This prevents stray fabric reaching the entry to the zip mechanism, acting as a buffer.

Figure 4 shows the underside view of the No-Catch Zip'. The current zip mechanism boundary is shown by dotted lines, the No-Catch Zip design is highlighted by green lines.

This diagram shows the constant distance between the edge of the zip mechanism and the edge of the additional design feature of the No-Catch Zip'.

Figure 5 shows one possible alternative version or variation of the No-Catch Zip'. It carries exactly the same concept, but has a different design -lengthening the amount of the enlarged lower slider, making the buffer' extend for nearly the entire zips length. For a better understanding, please compare Figure 5 to Figure 2 and compare Figure 6 to Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows the underside view of the possible variation of the No-Catch Zip' shown in Figure 5. The current zip mechanism boundary is shown by dotted lines, the No-Catch Zip design and border is highlighted by green lines.

This diagram also shows the constant distance between the edge of the zip mechanism and the edge of the additional design feature of the No-Catch Zip'.

Figure 7 shows another variation of the No-Catch Zip's design. This time, the lower part of a regular zip mechanism has been left (not enlarged), but a new piece of material (either the same material as the zip mechanism or a different material, such as rubber) has been attached underneath this. This method creates even more of a buffer between the bottom of the zip slider mechanism and any stray fabric, clothing or material, because the distance between them is increased. This shows that the lower design feature can be 3.

integrated as part of the zip, or can be attached to the bottom of the zip by other means.

Figure 8 shows the variation of design mentioned in Figure 7, as a side-on view. When compared with Figure 2, it can be seen that the lower part of the zip sliding mechanism is retained, rather than being integrated and enlarged, with the additional design feature being added underneath this. It can also be seen that, due to the lower part being retained, the buffer' distance created between the zip mechanism and the bottom of the No-Catch zip design feature is greater, therefore the design is likely to be more effective.

Figure 9 shows another variation in design. This time, the lower part of the slider mechanism is integrated (like Figures 1,2 and 3), but the thickness of the No-Catch zip design feature is increased. This increases the distance between the lower part of the zips mechanism and any stray fabric,clothing or material that may get caught up in it, therefore likely increasing ifs effectiveness. Compare Figure 9 with Figure 3 to notice the increase in thickness of the No-Catch zip's lower design feature.

Figure 10 shows a possible variation in design of the lower part of the zip slider. It is shown as it may reduce costs of materials when compared with other designs. The two mounds' or lumps' are actually one elongated inverted U' shaped structure, that is raised above the rest of the structure. The Inverted U follows the outer-most edge of the No-Catch Zips additional design feature, providing a buffer' and creating distance at the outer most edges, whilst reducing potential weight or material costs by lowering at the centre.

There are numerous variations of the design that can be achieved through changing the size and/or shape of the No-Catch zip additional design feature. AU of these possible designs will achieve the same results by following the same concept, but different designs may be more or less effective in preventing stray fabric or clothing from entering the zip mechanism. 4.

Claims

Claims: 1. A new design of zip which has an additional design feature, best described as an enlarged and/or altered lower part of its slider body, to stop clothing, fabric or stray materials getting caught up in the mechanism.
2. A new design of zip, according to claim 1, in which the enlarged and/or altered lower part can be of any shape or size, but must be wider than the zip slider mechanism and must protrude underneath at the front or sides or both.
3. A design of zip, according to claim 2, in which the enlarged lower part creates a buffer between where the zip teeth enter the zip slider mechanism, and any fabric or cloth that may get caught in it, from underneath or in front of the zip.