GB2466571A

GB2466571A - Locking pin for slide fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2466571A
Application number: GB0922420A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven Thomas; Alicia Hitchen
Original assignee: YKK Europe Ltd
Current assignee: YKK Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2008-12-23
Filing date: 2009-12-22
Publication date: 2010-06-30
Also published as: GB0823440D0; GB2466624A; GB2466571A8; GB0922420D0; GB2466624B

Abstract

A locking pin 10 suitable for use with a slide fastener comprises a series of two or more frusto conical shaped segments 20. The locking pin 10 is preferably made of a plastic material and may also include an elongate portion. In use, the locking pin 10 is inserted into one end of a channel formed by the interlocking coupling elements 105 of a slide fastener, the insertion of the pin preventing decoupling of the coupling elements and hence the fastener.

Description

I

LOCKING PIN FOR A SLIDE FASTENER

The present invention relates to a locking pin, more specifically, a locking pin for a slide fastener. In particular, a slide fastener with coiled coupling segments in which the pin may be easily inserted and which is almost invisible to the human eye once inserted and which cannot be easily removed. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to an improved locking pin for a slide fastener that allows superior locking of the slide fastener.

Conventional slide fasteners comprise a pair of stringers, wherein each stringer is comprised of a tape and coupling segments. Also present is a slider that moves along the coupling segments of the stringers and in so doing engages or disengages the coupling segments depending on the direction of movement of the slider. Placed at one end of one or both of the stringers is an end stop to prevent the slider from moving beyond the coupling segments on one or both stringers. If the slider is not present, then unpeeling or disengagement of the coupling segments and separation of the stringers will occur.

In certain situations it is advantageous to be able to lock together the pair of stringers of a slide fastener.

In GB 1,000,597 there is described a sliding clasp fastener with two flexible interlocking stringers comprised of interlocking coupling segments and with a slider, for opening and closing the fastener. At one end of the slide fastener there is a bottom end stop, fitted with a pin located between a common * channel of the interlocked coupling segments for preventing the coupling :4 segments from un-meshing when the slider reaches them. Also present at 4. the upper end of the slide fastener is a top stop. One or more pins are * inserted into each of the channels formed by the coupling segments on :.: opposing stringers at the top of the slide fastener so as to prevent the slider *** **.

* being lost from the top of the stringers. There is however, no mention in GB 1,000, 597 of a pin being used to lock the top stop portion of the slide fastener, or of a pin being formed of a series of frusto-conical shaped segments.

In US 4,091,509 (MacFee) there is described a slide fastener with a bottom stop in which an elongated member is inserted through the coinciding central openings of interlocking coiled coupling segments at the bottom of the slide fastener. The elongate member is secured in place by deforming one or more of the convolutions or coils of coupling members at the bottom of the slide fastener. The presence of the elongate member results in the formation of a stronger bottom stop when compared to bottom stops formed by fusing the coils together or fusing additional thermoplastic material onto the coils.

In US 4,179,787 (MacFee) there is again described an elongate member for insertion through coinciding central openings of interlocking coils at the bottom of a slide fastener wherein the elongate member is secured in place by deforming one or more of the convolutions of the coils at the bottom of the slide fastener.

In JP 56-51773 there is disclosed a slide fastener with two stringers comprised of interlocking coupling segments and a slider for opening and closing the fastener. At one end of the slide fastener there is located a bottom stop, and at the opposite end a top stop. In the region of the top stop, on both stingers, an elongate L-shaped member is inserted between the coupling segments and the tapes. In this way, complete closure of the slide fastener is prevented, and the slider cannot pass over the end of the top stop.

*.....

In JP 51-4823 there is also illustrated a slide fastener with two stringers comprised of interlocking coupling segments and a slider for opening and e. closing the fastener. A stop is located at one end of the slide fastener. In * order to prevent the slider extending along the slide fastener and past the :.: upper most coupling segments, a straight, elongate pin is inserted into the **.*..

* channel formed at the interlock between the coupling segments of the two stringers. The top of the pin is enlarged to aid removal of the pin from the slide fastener so that the slide fastener can be operated.

In US 2,220,136 (Harinsky), there is disclosed a separable slide fastener in which a pair of stringers, each comprised of coupling segments made for example from thermoplastic material which are clamped along the tapes of the stringers are coupled and decoupled by the action of a slider along the coupling segments of the stringers. In addition, at one or both ends of the slide fastener there is provided an end stop in which a number of the thermoplastic coupling segments are misaligned and then adhered together to prevent the slider moving free of the stringers.

The coupling segments are adhered together by the action of a suitable solvent, for example acetone that forms a cementing area between the coupling segments and the tapes.

In an alternative embodiment, a stop plate or sheet, comprised for example of cellulose acetate or like material is applied to the outer edges of the coupling segments by means of cement or adhesive.

In JP 56-28523 there is illustrated a slide fastener comprised of a pair of stringers in which one end of the stringers is secured together by moulding together the coupling segments on the stringers following insertion of a pin. In this way, the end of the stringers where the coupling segments are moulded remains joined in the formation of a bottom stop.

Finally, in CN 2508603Y, there is disclosed a slide fastener comprised of a pair of stringers upon which are mounted opposing coupling segments that are opened and closed by the action of a slider along the coupling segments.

* At one end of the slide fastener, there is an end stop to prevent the loss of the * slider. * * *

Whilst the prior art documents listed above disclose the importance of * * securely closing a bottom or top stop, none of the documents disclose a locking pin for an end stop of a slide fastener according to the present *0.Sö invention.

Furthermore, none of the documents disclose a locking pin for an end stop according to the present invention which once inserted provides a superior lock for a top stop, which can be easily applied to a slide fastener but which may not be readily removed, thereby providing a secure and essentially permanent lock for the slide fastener.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a locking pin for an end stop for a slide fastener that overcomes the problems associated with the

prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a locking pin for an end stop for a slide fastener that can not be readily removed once inserted.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a locking pin suitable for use with a slide fastener wherein the locking pin comprises a series of two or more frusto-conical shaped segments. Preferably, two or more of the frusto-conical shaped segments are adjoined.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the length of the pin comprises the length of at least six coupling elements on the slide fastener.

For example, in a preferred embodiment the locking pin may comprise between six and eight frusto-conical shaped segments, more preferably six frusto-coriical shaped segments so as to achieve the length of the pin equal to the length of at least six coupling elements of the slide fastener. e

* The frusto-conical shaped segments are preferably comprised of plastics material, more preferably acetal resin and each segment comprises a head end and a tail end. a is

Most preferably the locking pin is comprised of a unitary piece of plastics *.sis* * material and is prepared by injection moulding.

Alternatively, in a further embodiment of the present invention the locking pin may comprise between two and four frusto-conical shaped segments wherein at least one end of the pin is tapered.

In accordance with the present invention one end of the locking pin may further comprise a cap. Also, the locking pin may further comprise an elongate portion. The elongate portion preferably extends from the frusto conical segments to at least one end of the pin. The elongate portion is also preferably tapered.

The width of the cap also preferably extends beyond the width of each frusto conical segment.

That is, the locking pin of the present invention preferably comprises a first end that is tapered. Whilst at the opposite end of the pin to the tapered end there is located a cap.

Each frusto-conical element is preferably shaped to be received by one or more pairs of coupling elements of the coil fastener into which the elements is inserted.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a locking pin according to a first aspect of the present invention with a zip fastener wherein the zip fastener comprises: S. a pair of first and second stringers each including a tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on a respective longitudinal edge thereof; and a locking pin; wherein *.*I I. when the pin is inserted into one end of a channel formed by the interdigitation of the coupling elements decoupling of the coupling elements and hence the stringers is prevented.

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The locking pin of the present invention for use in a zip fastener is preferably as described in relation to the first aspect of the present invention.

Advantageously, the pin of the present invention may be inserted into the fastener after the fastener has been closed and is not required to be inserted during manufacture of the fastener thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the fastener. Consequently, if a further pin is also required for example at the bottom end of the fastener, this may be added later in the manufacturing process.

The slide fastener of the present invention is also advantageously arranged to provide a means by which two large pieces of material may be joined without the need for a slider so as to provide a strong and also stream-lined finish to the final product. In such processes, a closure tool is used to adjoin the coupling elements of the zip fastener and once the coupling elements are joined, the pin is inserted between the coupling elements thereby locking the elements together.

Other aspects and features of the invention will be apparent from the following

description and the accompanying drawings.

The invention will now be further described by way of reference to the example accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of a locking pin for a slide fastener according to the present invention. *.I*

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the locking pin for a slide fastener according to the present invention as illustrated in Figure 1. S...

Figure 3 illustrates the insertion of a locking pin according to the present S..

invention into the coiled coupling elements of a slide fastener. * ** * * I *.* *

Figure 4 illustrates a three-dimensional perspective view of a segment of the top of a slide fastener as a locking pin according to the present invention is inserted into the coiled coupling elements of the slider.

Figures 5a and 5b illustrate an alternative embodiment of a locking pin according to the present invention.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate yet a further aIternatve embodiment of a locking pin according to the present invention.

The present invention will now be described further with reference to the drawings wherein like features are represented by the same reference n u mera Is.

It will be appreciated that terms such as "top" and "bottom", and "upwards" and "downwards" used herein relate to a slide fastener per se and are descriptive terms as generally used in the art and for ease of description. It will of course be apparent that a slide fastener may be used in any orientation.

According to Figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated a locking pin 10 for a slide fastener according to the present invention.

As seen in Figure 1 the locking pin 10 is comprised of a series of frusto conical shaped segments 20 forming a single unitary pin. In a preferred example of the present invention the pin is formed by injection moulding so as to form a one-piece unitary pin.

The pin is preferably comprised of a suitable material such as for example a S...

plastic material, more preferably a resin such as an acetal resin.

*5*SS* * Each segment comprises a head end 22 and a tail end 24.

*.I*S* * S *.

Whilst the pin may be comprised of a series of frusto conical segments in a preferred embodiment of the present invention the pin is comprised of a single unit of injection moulded resin.

Preferably, the locking pin of the present invention comprises a number of frusto-conical segments, for example between five and eight frusto conical segments, preferably six frusto-con ical segments.

However, it is most preferred that the length of the pin comprises the length of at least 6 coupling elements on the slide fastener.

In Figure 2 of the present invention there is illustrated a side view of a locking pin 10 according to the present invention demonstrating the angles and dimensions of the frusto-conical segments forming the stopper pin.

Each frusto conical element is preferably of a length equivalent to the length of one complete coupling element. The head end of each element is of a diameter which permits the element to engage between interlocking coupling segments to provide resistance to movement in the direction of an opening slider.

The side of each frusto conical segment is preferably between 4° and 6° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stopper pin, more preferably 5°.

The shape of the locking pin is important to the operation of the pin when applied to a slide fastener according to the present invention.

As can be seen in Figures 5a and 5b, which illustrate an alternative preferred *..S embodiment of the present invention, one end 200 of the locking pin 210 is tapered and in this embodiment tapered to form a point. At the opposite end of the locking pin there is located a cap 220. The cap is of a sufficient size to * .SS.. * I

* prevent the pin from passing too far between the coupling elements and I..

hence sinking' into the slide fastener. In addition, the top 230 of the cap : provides a suitable surface for receiving a logo or identifying trademark to identify the manufacturer of the slide fastener. Consequently, the top of the cap is preferably smooth, flat and visible.

The series of frusto-conical segments preferably forms a rigid structure that does not readily flex.

In Figures 6a and 6b there is illustrated a perspective and side view respectively of a further preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention.

In the embodiment of Figures 6a and 6b the locking pin 300 is again comprised of a series of frusto conical shaped segments 310. In the particular embodiment illustrated there are four frusto conical shaped segments present although it will be appreciated that more could be present, for example up to eight. The frusto conical shaped segments extend away from the cap 320 along the length of the locking pin. However, a feature of this alternative embodiment is that the frusto conical segments do not extend the full length along the locking pin but instead are replaced by an elongate portion 340 which extends to the end of the locking pin and ends at a rounded taper 350.

Whilst the locking pin comprises a reduced number of frusto-conical segments, the number of frusto-conical segments is still sufficient to ensure that there is appropriate locking of a zip or slide fastener to which the locking pin has been supplied.

The length of the elongate portion 340 also ensures that the locking pin is * e** sufficiently strong to retain a zip or slider fastener in a locked configuration.

In addition, by reducing the number of frusto-conical segments, insertion of the locking pin between the interdigitating arrangement of zip fastener *.** *S * S * coupling elements is achieved more easily. S'S

As can be seen more clearty from Figure 6b, the first frusto conical segment 312 located below the cap 320 is longer than and tapered less than the remaining segments 310. This first segment is longer to ensure that the locking pin is inserted correctly into a zip fastener and fits into the zip fastener in the correct location with a small amount of leeway. In addition, when the locking pin is used for coil zippers, the exact position of the cut off point is not necessarily guaranteed (and could be covered by an endstop in normal circumstances) so the extra length on the first frusto-conical segment ensures that the coil properly fits against the locking pin.

The cap 320 located at one end of the locking pin is again sized to prevent the locking pin passing completely inside the coupling elements of a closed zip fastener with the underneath of the cap being provided with a lip 350 to assist in the resting of the locking pin on the coupling elements. The top of the cap also provides a sufficiently sized surface to carry a logo or emblem adding to the design of a zip fastener to which the locking pin has been applied.

It will be appreciated that the flexibility of the locking pin with the elongate portion as illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b is somewhat greater than when the locking pin comprises only frusto-conical shaped segments, however, it will also be apparent that the unitary locking pin is still sufficiently strong to allow insertion of the locking pin between the overlapping coupling elements of a slide fastener and also prevent decoupling and opening of the zip fastener once the locking pin is in place.

In Figure 3 there is illustrated a slide fastener 100 according to the present invention to which a locking pin 10 is being applied.

The slide fastener comprises 100 a pair of stringers 101, 102 formed by the *.* attachment of coupling elements 105 to each side of a pair of tapes 103, 104.

A slider (not shown) may be mounted on one of the stringers and moved along the coupling elements 105 to open or close the coupling elements, or * *** ** alternatively, a separate coupling tool or slider tool may be used to open and close the coupling elements. * ** * * * *S. *

In order to lock the slide fastener 100, the locking pin 10 is inserted between the channel 110, formed by the interlocked coupling elements 105 once the coupling elements of the slide fastener have been joined and hence the slide fastener closed.

Once the coupling elements 105 have been closed, the locking pin 10 may be inserted into the channel 110, between the adjoined coupling elements 105 to lock the coupling elements and hence slide fastener in the closed position.

Once the locking pin 10 has been inserted between the coupling elements 105, the coupling elements are hence fastener are locked together. It is not possible to unlock the coupling elements and fastener without first removing the pin. However, the shape and nature of the locking pin is such that once inserted between the coupling elements, the locking pin can not be removed without damaging either the locking pin or the coupling elements and hence the fastener.

This can be seen more clearly in Figure 4 in which it can be seen that whilst the stopper pin may be inserted, tapered end first, easily into the channel between the coupling elements, any attempt to remove the pin will cause the tail ends of each frusto-conical segment to abut the rim 120 of each pair of adjacent coupling elements 105.

As the diameter of the tail end 24 of each frusto-conical segment 20 is greater than the diameter of the channel formed by the co-joined coupling elements, the pin can not be readily removed without damage being caused to the coupling elements 105 and/or the locking pin itself.

The pin and hence fastener of the present invention finds particular application in situations where a fastener may be subject to extreme stress but where it is required that the fastener remains closed. * .* * . ***

For example, suitable application areas include but are not limited to assembling life rafts. * * *

In addition, whilst the locking pin is easy to insert but virtually impossible to remove without damaging the locking pin or the fastener, once the locking pin has been inserted into the coupling segments of the slide fastener it is camouflaged by the coupling segments and is not readily detectable by the human eye. Only the logo on the cap of the pin remains visible.

It will be readily apparent however that the size of the locking pin may be varied depending upon the size of the zip fastener to which the locking pin is to be applied. *.s.

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S *S * * S. * S S 555 S

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Claims

Claims 1. A locking pin suitable for use with a slide fastener wherein the locking pin comprises a series of two or more frusto-conical shaped segments.
2. A locking pin according to claim 1 wherein the two or more frusto-conical shaped segments are adjoined.
3. A locking pin according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the length of the locking pin comprises the length of at least 6 coupling elements on the slide fastener.
4. A locking pin according to claim 1 to 3 wherein the frusto-conical shaped segments are comprised of plastics material.
5. A locking pin according to any of claims I to 4 wherein the frusto-conical shaped segments are comprised of acetal resin.
6. A locking pin according to any of the preceding claims wherein each frusto-conical shaped segment comprises a head end and a tail end.
7. A locking pin according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the locking pin is comprised of a unitary piece of plastics material.
8. A locking pin according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the locking pin is prepared by injection moulding.* ...** * * :4
9. A locking pin according to claims 1 to 8 wherein the pin comprises * between six and eight frusto-conical shaped segments.

I
10. A locking pin according to claims 1 to 8 wherein the pin comprises between two and four frusto-conical shaped segments.
11. A locking pin according to any of claims ito 10 wherein at least one end of the pin is tapered.
12. A locking pin according to any of the preceding claims wherein one end of the pin further comprises a cap.
13. A locking pin according to any of the preceding claims wherein the pin further comprises an elongate portion.
14. A locking pin according to claim 13 wherein the elongate portion extends from the frusto conical segments to at least one end of the pin.
15. A locking pin according to claim 14 wherein the elongate portion is tapered.
16. A locking pin according to any of the preceding claims wherein the width of the cap extends beyond the width of each frusto conical segment.
17. Use of a locking pin as described in any of claims 1 to 16 with a zip fastener wherein the zip fastener comprises: a pair of first and second stringers each including a tape and a row of coupling elements mounted on a respective longitudinal edge thereof; and a locking pin; wherein when the pin is inserted into one end of a channel formed by the interdigitation of the coupling segments decoupling of the coupling elements and hence stringers is prevented. * .**
18. A locking pin substantially as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in one or more of the accompanying drawings. ** .S*** * * * * * S. * . * *.S *S**.S..