GB2572423A

GB2572423A - Slide fastener

Info

Publication number: GB2572423A
Application number: GB1805220.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Tamura Kazuo; Treacy Alicia
Original assignee: YKK Corp
Current assignee: YKK Corp
Priority date: 2018-03-29
Filing date: 2018-03-29
Publication date: 2019-10-02
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-29
Also published as: DE102019002271A1; GB201805220D0; DE102019002271B4; GB2572423B

Abstract

A slide fastener 50 comprises a first stringer 104, a second stringer 106 and a slider 108. The first stringer comprises a box 58 at a first end, a top stop 60 at a second end, and a plurality of coupling elements 112 disposed between the box and the top stop arrangement. The second stringer comprises a first pin 59 at a first end, a second pin 126 at a second end, and a plurality of coupling elements 122 disposed between the first pin and the second pin. The first pin or the second pin can be receivable by the box. The slider comprises first, second and third guideways. The first and second guideways are separated from one another by a diamond and converge to the third guideway, the slider being traversable between a fully open position adjacent the box, and a fully closed position in which the slider abuts the top stop arrangement. In the fully open position one of the first and second pins is received by the box to constitute a received pin, the other of the first and second pins constituting a top pin. A lower portion of the top pin is received in the third guideway of the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position. The top stop preferably has a curved portion 60c with a radius of curvature of at least 1mm on a lower pin facing corner portion. Preferably, a dummy element 56 is provided between the top stop arrangement and the uppermost coupling element 113 of the first stringer. Also claimed is a slide fastener where a lowermost portion of the top pin is lower than the lowermost portion of the top stop arrangement when the slider is fully closed.

Description

Slide Fastener

The present invention relates to a slide fastener. In particular, the slide fastener may be a reversible slide fastener. The invention also relates to an article including such a slide fastener.

Conventional slide fasteners comprise a pair of stringers and an opening and closing means commonly referred to as a slider. Each stringer comprises a tape and a plurality of coupling elements. The coupling elements extend along a facing edge of each tape and when the slider of the slide fastener has been moved to a closed position, corresponding coupling elements of the stringers interdigitate, or interlock. When each tape of the slide fastener is attached to separate portions of an article, the separate portions of the article may be releasably joined by closing the slide fastener by moving the slider to the closed position, and thereby bringing the coupling elements into said interdigitating relationship.

Slide fasteners are therefore both useful and versatile and are employed in a range of applications including garments, furnishings and luggage.

Known slide fasteners (also referred to as zip fasteners) are generally constructed as follows.

A coupling portion, usually in the form of a plurality of coupling elements (also referred to as teeth) is attached to the edge of a tape to form a stringer. The tape is usually woven or knitted and may be formed from, for example, polyester. The coupling elements may be attached to the tape by, for example, crimping or moulding the coupling elements onto a reinforced edge of the tape, which may be referred to as a cord. Alternatively, the coupling elements may be formed as a continuous coil. In this case the coupling elements are most commonly woven or knitted into the tape or, alternatively, are stitched to a surface of the tape at the edge of the tape.

The invention discussed in more detail below is of most use in combination with a slide fastener of the type which includes a plurality of separate coupling elements (as opposed to coils). However, it may be used in combination with a slide fastener of the type which includes a plurality coupling elements formed as a continuous coil.

Two stringers are brought together, such that the coupling elements of each stringer can attach to one another, for example, by interdigitating, to form chain. The chain is generally planar, and the chain (and the coupling portions which form part of the chain) extends along a longitudinal axis. A slider is mounted to the chain onto coupling elements of each respective stringer such that it can move along the chain between the two stringers.

The slider commonly includes a main body through which the coupling elements of each stringer pass and a pull tab attached to the main body which may be grasped by a user in order to effect movement of the slider along the chain.

Movement of the slider along the chain in a first sliding direction causes the coupling elements of the first stringer to attach to the coupling elements of the second stringer. When the slider is no longer able to move in the first sliding direction i.e. substantially all the coupling elements of the first stringer are attached to substantially all the coupling elements of the second stringer, the slide fastener may be said to be in a fully closed configuration. Movement of the slider along the chain in a second sliding direction, opposite to the first sliding direction, causes the coupling elements of the first stringer to detach from the coupling elements of the second stringer. When the slider is no longer able to move in the second sliding direction i.e. substantially all the coupling elements of the first stringer are detached from the coupling elements of the second stringer, the slide fastener may be said to be in a fully open configuration.

The chain is cut to a desired length to form a desired length of slide fastener. Stops (often referred to as top stops and bottom stops) are attached to either end of the chain. The stops limit the extent of movement that the slider can undertake along the chain.

Some slide fasteners, may have a single bottom stop which is attached to both the first and second stringers. Other slide fasteners, which may be referred to as a separating slide fasteners, may have two separate bottom stops each attached to a corresponding one of the stringers. The two bottom stops may take the respective forms of a retainer box and an insertion pin. The insertion pin can be inserted into the retainer box in order to attach the first and second stringers to one another. Conversely, the insertion pin can be removed from the retainer box when the slider is located adjacent the retainer box in order to detach the first and second stringers from one another.

Some slide fasteners may have two separate top stops each attached to a corresponding one of the stringers. Other slide fasteners may have a single top stop attached to both of the stringers.

The invention discussed in more detail below is of most use in combination with a separating slide fastener, which includes two bottom stops in the form of a retainer box and an insertion pin, and which includes two separate top stops.

A specific variety of separable slide fastener is a reversible slide fastener.

In a reversible slide fastener, one of the stringers not only includes a pin at one end, as is the case for common non-reversible separable slide fasteners, but also has a second pin at its other end. In other words, one of the stringers has a pin at each end. As such, each of the pins of this stringer can be inserted into the slider and box of the other stringer, when the slider is adjacent the box. That is to say, each end of the stringer including the pins can be selectively inserted into the box of the other stringer. The slide fastener is thereby reversible. A portion of an article which is attached to the stringer of a reversible slide fastener including the two pins is also therefore reversible relative to a portion of an article which is attached to the stringer of the reversible slide fastener including the box.

Reversible slide fasteners are known and can be utilised in a variety of applications including, for example, reversible seat covers. In such an application, one of the stringers of the reversible slide fastener is attached to a reversible panel of the seat cover and the other stringer is attached to a fixed portion of the seat cover.

A problem with existing reversible slide fasteners is that, due to one of the stringers having a pin at each end, a top, uppermost pin (i.e. the pin not being received by the box of the other stringer) may protrude significantly from the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position. Said protrusion may be in the first direction. In addition, the uppermost pin may protrude in the first direction significantly from the top stop of the stringer comprising the box bottom stop. This is visually unappealing and risks the exposed pin becoming damaged and/or the pin scratching a person or article that it comes into contact with during use. The protrusion of the top pin may also require an excessive length of tape.

The present invention overcomes one or more of the disadvantages associated with existing reversible slide fasteners, whether mentioned above or otherwise. The present invention also provides an alternative design of reversible slide fastener.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a slide fastener comprising: a first stringer comprising a box at a first end, a top stop arrangement at a second end, and a plurality of coupling elements disposed between the box and the top stop arrangement; a second stringer comprising a first pin at a first end, a second pin at a second end, and a plurality of coupling elements disposed between the first pin and the second pin, the first pin or the second pin being receivable by the box; a slider comprising first, second and third guideways, the first and second guideways being separated from one another by a diamond, the first and second guideways converging to the third guideway, the slider being traversable along the first stringer in a first sliding direction between an open position adjacent the box, and a closed position in which the slider abuts the top stop arrangement, thereby limiting movement of the slider in the first sliding direction, wherein, in the open position, each of the first and second pin are receivable by, or removable from, the slider and the box; wherein in said open position one of the first and second pin is received by the box to constitute a received pin, the other of the first and second pins which is not the received pin constituting a top pin; wherein moving the slider from the open position to the closed position in the first sliding direction when the received pin is received by the box causes the coupling elements of the first stringer to interdigitate with corresponding coupling elements of the second stringer; and wherein a lower portion of the top pin is received in the third guideway of the slider when the slider is in the closed position.

When it is said that the first pin or the second pin are receivable by the box, what is meant is that both the first pin and the second pin are receivable by the box individually- i.e. both the first pin and the second pin are receivable by the box, but not at the same time. When the first pin is received by the box, the first pin is the received pin and the second pin is the top pin. When the second pin is received by the box, the second pin is the received pin and the first pin is the top pin.

The open position may be referred to as the fully open position, and the closed position may be referred to as the fully closed position.

Top stop arrangement is intended to mean one or more components which define a fully closed position of the slider. The fully closed position of the slider may be referred to as an uppermost position of the slider - i.e. the position of the slider beyond which movement of the slider any further in the closing direction is prevented.

The invention provides a benefit that a greater proportion of the top pin is received in the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position, as compared to known types of reversible slider. Consequently, the proportion of the top pin which protrudes from the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position is reduced. A significantly protruding pin is undesirable due to the increased risk of damage to the top pin and also due to the increased risk of a person or article being scratched by the protruding pin. Furthermore, a significantly protruding pin is also visually undesirable. A significantly protruding pin also increases the amount of material required to manufacture the slide fastener, owing to the increase in a length of the corresponding tape. It is therefore beneficial to provide a slide fastener in which a greater proportion of the top pin is received in the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position. This may be achieved by a lower portion of the top pin being received in the third guideway of the slider, such that a greater proportion of the top pin is protected from damage, and hidden from view by the slider.

The slider may be approximately as long as the top pin.

The slider being adjacent the box may otherwise be equivalent to the slider abutting the box.

The lower portion of the top pin may mean any portion between a lowermost point of the top pin and up to and including a halfway along the top pin. Up or upwards is intended to refer to a direction which corresponds with the first sliding direction. In other words, up or upwards is the direction moving away from the box and towards the top stop arrangement. Conversely, down or downwards is intended to refer to a direction which corresponds with the second sliding direction. In other words, down or downwards is the direction moving towards the box and away from the top stop arrangement.

The top stop arrangement may have a maximum longitudinal extent which is greater than or equal to three pitch lengths.

Longitudinal is a direction parallel to the direction of travel of the slider in use. That is to say, when the slider is moved in the first sliding direction, the coupling elements engage with each other. When the slider is moved in the second sliding direction, the coupling elements disengage with each other. Maximum longitudinal extent may be referred to as an overall length.

A pitch length, or the maximum longitudinal extent thereof, is equal to a length of a coupling element plus the length of a space between adjacent coupling elements.

A top stop arrangement having a maximum longitudinal extent which is greater than or equal to three pitch lengths is longer than a top stop length of a known type of slide fastener. The length of a top stop of a known type of reversible slide fastener is around two pitch lengths. The comparatively longer top stop arrangement is more closely matched to a length of a typical pin, which may constitute the top pin. In other words, the top stop arrangement is longer than a top stop.

The maximum longitudinal extent of the top stop arrangement may be less than four pitch lengths.

The top stop arrangement may comprise a curved portion. The curved portion may have a radius of curvature of at least around 1 mm on a lower, pin-facing corner portion. The curved portion may have any appropriate radius of curvature.

This curved portion may be referred to as a first curved portion. The radius of curvature of at least around 1 mm on a lower, pin-facing corner portion is advantageous because it provides a clearance, without which the top pin would abut a lower portion of the top stop arrangement when the slider is in the fully closed position.

The clearance is required as a result of the increased longitudinal length of the top stop arrangement. Consequently, as compared to known reversible slide fasteners, a greater length of the top stop arrangement is received in the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position. The above curved portion therefore allows more of the longer top stop arrangement to be received in the slider, along with a greater length of top pin.

The top stop arrangement may comprise a curved portion having a radius of curvature of at least around 0.5 mm on a lower, tape-facing corner portion.

This curved portion may be referred to as a second curved portion.

A dummy element may be provided between the top stop arrangement and an uppermost coupling element of the first stringer.

The uppermost coupling element is the uppermost, last element which is the same as the preceding elements (i.e. the elements below it). However, in some embodiments the coupling elements may not be all-alike, but instead form a repeating pattern. In such embodiments uppermost coupling element is the uppermost, last element which conforms to the repeating pattern.

The dummy element is an element which differs in geometry from the coupling elements. There may be one, two or more dummy elements. Where two or more dummy elements are incorporated, the two or more dummy elements are all disposed between the top stop arrangement and the uppermost coupling element of the first stringer.

The dummy element may still exert some lateral retention force to seek to prevent separation of the first and second stringers. However, the dummy element may provide less lateral retention force than the other coupling elements.

When the dummy element is received in the slider, the top stop arrangement is more securely retained in the slider. This is due to the dummy element exerting some lateral retention force to prevent separation of the stringers. Where no dummy element is incorporated, and the top stop arrangement is adjacent the uppermost coupling element with a standard gap therebetween, the top stop arrangement may be urged out of the slider. This is due to the interaction between the head portion of the uppermost coupling element and a hooked portion of the top pin. In other words, insufficient clearance between the head portion of the dummy element and the hooked portion of the pin can lead to the dummy element and the top pin abutting one another such that the top stop arrangement is urged out of the slider. In such case, given that the top stop arrangement is urged out of the slider, the slider will no longer rest in the fully closed position, thus preventing the slide fastener from being fully closed.

In place of the dummy element, a gap could alternatively be left between the uppermost coupling element of the first stringer and the top stop arrangement. The gap between the uppermost coupling element and the top stop arrangement may have a longitudinal extent greater than that of the standard gap between adjacent coupling elements.

The dummy element, or a head portion thereof, may be configured to receive, or substantially receive, a corresponding head portion of a coupling element. This may be achieved by selecting a head portion geometry for the dummy element which provides effective coupling between the dummy element and the corresponding coupling element. In other words, the dummy element, or the head portion thereof, may be shaped to provide an effective coupling with the corresponding coupling element, or head portion thereof.

The dummy element may be dimensioned so as not to interfere with a space within the slider. That is to say, the dummy element may be dimensioned such that it fits within the slider, or substantially within the slider when the slider is located in the fully closed position.

The dummy element and top stop arrangement may be manufactured using the same mould. The dummy element and the top stop arrangement may therefore be attached to the first stringer at the same time, or simultaneously. This is advantageous because the dummy element interrupts an otherwise repeating pattern of coupling elements. As such, the dummy element can be incorporated in the first stringer without needing to modify the mould used to produce the standard coupling elements. The mould used to produce the standard coupling elements may be a repeating mould such that multiple coupling elements may be produced in one injection moulding cycle.

The dummy element is also advantageous because the dummy element provides an uninterrupted chain of elements over which the slider can pass. If a gap is otherwise provided, the slider may become jammed, or its movement may be less smooth, as the slider traverses the first stringer.

The dummy element may have a maximum longitudinal extent equal to or greater than that of one of the coupling elements.

In a preferred arrangement, the maximum longitudinal extent of the dummy element is equal to that of one of the coupling elements.

The longitudinal extent of the dummy element being equal to that of one coupling element is particularly beneficial in combination with the top stop arrangement being three pitches (or, generally, n pitches) long and the top pin being four pitches (or, generally, n+1 pitches) long. In this scenario, the combination of the dummy element, the top stop arrangement and the space therebetween is equal in length to the top pin. The top pin can thereby be more easily received in the slider to a similar extent to that of the top stop arrangement.

The dummy element may comprise a head portion which is smaller than respective head portions of the coupling elements of the first and second stringers.

The head portion of the dummy element may be smaller due to the absence of a part from the head portion relative to the head portions of the coupling elements. For example, the extent of the head portion of the dummy element in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction may be reduced by around 0.6 mm. The head portion of the dummy element may be described as ‘half removed’ relative to the head portions of the coupling elements. The extent to which the head portion of the dummy element is reduced may be dependent upon the geometry of the coupling elements and/or length of the slide fastener. The head portion of the dummy element may be reduced by such an extent that a groove in a central portion of the dummy element is no longer present. In other words, the head portion of the dummy element may be reduced in the extent it extends from the body portion, so that it extends to an extent equivalent to that of an inner surface of the groove of a coupling element. This is explained in further detail below. Further alternatively, the head portion may be said to be cut back to a recess and, specifically, an innermost point of the recess of a coupling element.

The groove is present to receive a shoulder portion of a corresponding coupling element when the coupling elements interdigitate with one another.

The dummy element may comprise the head portion, a body portion and a neck portion disposed therebetween. The body portion and neck portion of the dummy element may be identical to respective body and neck portions of the coupling elements. The shoulder portion mentioned above may project from the body portion, adjacent the neck portion.

The dummy element having a comparatively smaller head portion is advantageous because if the dummy element had a full head portion, the top pin may become jammed inside the slider. This could risk damage to the slide fastener. The comparatively smaller head portion of the dummy element means that a clearance exists between the head portion of the dummy element and the hooked portion of the top pin. Said clearance mitigates the risk that the top pin becomes stuck inside the slider.

In the embodiments described in detail below, the head portion ofthe dummy element is a connecting portion. That is, the head portion of the dummy element interdigitates, at least in part, with a corresponding coupling element. Where alternative varieties of coupling elements are used, such as a wire coil or metal teeth, the dummy element connecting portion may still be reduced in size in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In other words, the connecting portion may still be cut back to some extent, irrespective of the specific variety of coupling element used.

The smaller head portion of the dummy element is also advantageous for reasons of manufacture. If the dummy element incorporated a full-size head portion, like that of the coupling elements, an insert core would be required when the dummy element was manufactured using injection moulding. This is owing to a groove which is formed in a central part of the head portions of the coupling elements. Due to the head portion of the dummy element being reduced in size, no groove need be formed in the dummy element. As the groove requires an insert core in order to be formed, the omission of the groove for the dummy element negates the requirement for a further insert core especially when the dummy element is manufactured by itself or in combination with the top stop arrangement. Insert cores are costly and require regular maintenance and so omission of insert cores where possible is favourable. Insert core is otherwise known as a sliding core i.e. a moveable part of the mould.

The top stop arrangement may have a maximum longitudinal extent which is at least one pitch length greater than a maximum longitudinal extent of the dummy element.

A maximum longitudinal extent of the top stop arrangement may be less than a corresponding maximum longitudinal extent of a shorter one of the first pin and the second pin.

An upper end of the top pin may be disposed at a longitudinally lower position than a corresponding upper end of the top stop arrangement when the slider is in the closed position.

Longitudinally lower position may otherwise be expressed as closer to the box.

An advantage resulting from the aforementioned relative arrangement of top pin and top stop arrangement is that the top pin is received in the slider to a greater extent.

A lower end of the top pin may be disposed at a longitudinally lower position than a corresponding lower end of the top stop arrangement when the slider is in the closed position.

The first pin and the second pin may be substantially identical.

The first and second pins being substantially identical allows the same mould to be used to produce both the first and second pins. This is advantageous for reasons of reduced cost and improved manufacturing efficiency.

The coupling elements may be manufactured from plastic.

The coupling elements may be manufactured by a process such as injection moulding. The coupling elements may otherwise be manufactured from metal. As well as the coupling elements, any one or a combination of the top stop arrangement, the box, the dummy element (if present) and the slider may be manufactured from plastic or metal. The coupling elements may be of the form of a coil.

The entire top pin may be received in the slider when the slider is in the closed position.

The entire top pin being received in the slider is preferred because the whole pin is thereby protected.

One or more of the first pin and the second pin may be at least as long as four pitch lengths.

Four pitch lengths is a typical length of pin. More specifically, four pitch lengths is a typical length of pin when the pin is manufactured from plastic in an injection moulding process. As such, the first and/or second pin being four pitch lengths long may allow existing machinery, such as moulds, to be used to manufacture slide fasteners, or at least some constituent parts thereof, according to the invention.

Other materials may be used to manufacture one or more of the first and second pins, coupling elements, top stop arrangement and box. Where the aforementioned components are not manufactured by injection moulding plastic, the pitches of the coupling elements may be narrower. That is to say, the coupling elements may be shorter and/or the gaps between adjacent coupling elements may be reduced in length. Comparatively narrower pitches, such as those described above, may lead to the first and/or second pins being longer than four pitch lengths.

Other materials may include metal.

The top stop arrangement may be a single body.

The top stop arrangement being a single body means the entire top stop arrangement can be manufactured in a single step. Furthermore, alignment issues which may otherwise arise from a multiplicity of parts constituting the top stop arrangement are avoided. The mould used to manufacture the top stop arrangement is also simpler as a result of the top stop arrangement being a single body. In particular, only a single gate may be required, whereas multiple gates may otherwise be required for a plurality of constituent bodies.

The top stop arrangement may comprise a recess configured to receive the diamond of the slider when the slider is in the closed position.

The recess provides a clearance for receipt of the diamond, or a portion thereof, when the slider is in the fully closed position. More of the top pin can be received in the slider as a result thereof. Furthermore, damage which may otherwise occur due to the diamond abutting an otherwise present surface may be avoided by incorporation of the recess. The recess may also provide an alignment feature which can more accurately constrain the slider in relation to the top stop arrangement.

The top stop arrangement may comprise a first portion and a second portion, with a longitudinal gap disposed therebetween.

A longitudinal gap is formed when there is a separation between the first and second portion such that it is not possible to move from the first portion to the second portion in the longitudinal direction without traversing said longitudinal gap.

Having a plurality of constituent parts which make up the top stop arrangement is advantageous because the top stop arrangement is more flexible as a result thereof. This is both in terms of the design of the top stop arrangement, and relative movement between the constituent parts. For example, the design of either or both of the constituent portions may be altered independently of the other. As a further example, having first and second portions with a gap interposed may provide for some relative movement between the respective portions. This may be desirable in certain implementations or uses of the slide fastener, where the slider may be awkward to manipulate about the top stop arrangement.

The flexibility may make it easier to manipulate the slider i.e. to move the slider to the fully closed position.

The first and second guideways may define an opening zone of the slider, the third guideway may define a closing zone of the slider, and wherein the closing zone may comprise two walls of the slider spaced apart by a distance substantially corresponding to a width of two interdigitated coupling elements.

The walls of the slider being spaced apart by this distance ensure the coupling elements are properly interdigitated as the slider is moved toward the fully closed position.

The two walls are equivalent to innermost portions of the edge arrangements of the following description.

In the closed position of the slider a portion of the top pin is located in the closing zone.

The slide fastener may be a reversible slide fastener.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a slide fastener comprising: a first stringer comprising a box at a first end, a top stop arrangement at a second end, and a plurality of coupling elements disposed between the box and the top stop arrangement; a second stringer comprising a first pin at a first end, a second pin at a second end, and a plurality of coupling elements disposed between the first pin and the second pin, the first pin or the second pin being receivable by the box; a slider traversable along the first stringer in a first sliding direction between an open position adjacent the box, and a closed position in which the slider abuts the top stop arrangement, thereby limiting movement of the slider in the first sliding direction, wherein, in the open position, each of the first and second pin are receivable by, or removable from, the slider and the box; wherein in said open position one of the first and second pin is received by the box to constitute a received pin, the other of the first and second pins which is not the received pin constituting a top pin; wherein moving the slider from the open position to the closed position in the first sliding direction when the received pin is received by the box causes the coupling elements of the first stringer to interdigitate with corresponding coupling elements of the second stringer; and wherein a lowermost portion of the top pin is longitudinally lower than a corresponding lowermost portion of the top stop arrangement when the received pin is received by the box and the slider is in the closed position.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided an article comprising a slide fastener described in either previous aspect.

The article may comprise a first part and a reversible part which is reversible between first and second configurations relative to the first part, and wherein the slide fastener is configured to releasably secure the first part to the reversible part in both the first and second configurations.

An example of such an article may be a seat cover. For example, the first part may correspond with a majority of the seat cover. The reversible part may be a panel which is reversible relative to the first part. The reversibility of the reversible part may be advantageous for reasons of maintenance, or visual appearance.

It will be appreciated that, where appropriate, any of the optional features discussed in relation to one aspect of the invention above, may be applied to any other aspect of the invention discussed above.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a view of a top end of a prior art reversible slide fastener;

Figure 2 shows the prior art reversible slide fastener of Figure 1 with a slider in a closed position, and with the slider shown in a transparent manner;

Figure 3 shows a reversible slide fastener according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a view of a top end of the slide fastener of Figure 3, with a slider in a closed position, and with the slider shown in a transparent manner;

Figure 5 shows a view of a top end of a slide fastener according to a further embodiment of the invention, with the slider omitted for clarity;

Figure 6 shows a seat with a reversible panel, the seat incorporating a slide fastener according to the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates the top end of a prior art reversible slide fastener 2. The slide fastener 2 comprises a first stringer 4, a second stringer 6, and a slider 8.

The first stringer 4 comprises a tape 10 to which other components constituting the first stringer 4 are attached. Said other components include a plurality of coupling elements 12, a top stop 14 and a box (not visible in Figure 1). The top stop 14 and coupling elements 12 are attached to the tape 10 along a first edge 16. An opposing, second edge 18 of the tape 10 may be secured to a garment or other article to which the first stringer 4 is to be attached.

The second stringer 6 shares many features in common with the first stringer 4. In particular, the second stringer 6 comprises a tape 20 to which coupling elements 22 are attached along a first edge 24. A difference between the second stringer 6 and the first stringer 4 is that the second stringer 6 incorporates a pin 26 in place of the top stop 14. The pin 26 is receivable in the box as will be described in greater detail below. The second stringer 6 also has a second pin (not visible in Figure 1) in place of the box of the first stringer 4. Said second pin is also receivable in the box.

Like the first stringer 4, the tape 20 of the second stringer 6 may be attached to an article, such as a garment, at a second edge 28.

The slider 8 is traversable along the first stringer 4 between the top stop 14 and the box. The slider 8 is traversable in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is parallel to lowermost visible portions of the edges 16, 28. The slider 8 is a generally Yshaped guide configured to receive and move along the coupling elements 12, 22 of each stringer.

With the first and second stringers 4, 6 in the relative positions shown in Figure 1, and the slider8 received therebetween, movement of the slider 8 in a longitudinal direction opens or closes the slide fastener 2. In other words, as the slider 8 moves upwards (in the orientation shown in the figure), i.e. in a direction towards the top stop 14, the respective coupling elements 12, 22 of the first and second stringers 4, 6 interdigitate or interlock. This has the effect that the first stringer 4 and the second stringer 6, and any garment or article attached thereto, are releasably secured to one another. Moving the slider 8 in a direction towards the top stop 14 may hence be referred to as moving the slider in a closing direction.

Conversely, as the slider 8 moves downwards (in the orientation shown in the figure),

i.e. in a direction away from the top stop 14 (or towards the box, not shown in the figure), the respective coupling elements 12, 22 of the first and second stringers 4, 6 decouple or separate. This has the effect that the first stringer 4 and the second stringer 6, and any garment or article attached thereto, are released from one another. Moving the slider 8 in a direction away from the top stop 14 may hence be referred to as moving the slider in an opening direction.

As will be discussed in more detail below, when the slider is adjacent the box, such that the slider is in its lowermost position or fully open position, the pin received by the box (both of which are not shown in the present figure) may be removed from the box, thereby completely separating the first stringer 4 and the second stringer 6, and any garment or article attached thereto.

The slider 8 can move upwards until its travel is limited by the top stop 14. Specifically, a projection 14a of the top stop 14 abuts the slider 8 to prevent the slider 8 moving beyond that uppermost, or fully closed, position.

The slide fastener 8 also incorporates a pull (not illustrated) by which the slider 8 is manipulated by a user.

In Figure 1 the slider 8 is in a partially closed position. That is to say, the slider 8 is not contacting the projection 14a of the top stop 14. However, the coupling elements 12, 22 longitudinally beneath slider 8 are interdigitated and so the first and second stringers 4, 6 are partially releasably secured to one another.

Figure 2 shows the slide fastener 2 of Figure 1 when the slider 8 is in the fully closed position. Furthermore, in Figure 2 the slider 8 is shown in a transparent manner in order to show features which are otherwise hidden from view.

Figure 2 more clearly shows various features of the slider 8. These include a diamond 30 and first and second edge arrangements 32, 34. The first and second edge arrangements 32, 34 may each include a first portion or flange located above the plane of the tape of each stringer, and a second portion or flange located below the plane of the tape of each stringer. As is the case with known sliders, the first and second portions or flanges extend from front and rear plates respectively. The front plate is visible in Figure 1. The rear plate is disposed beneath ends of arrowheads indicated by reference numerals 31a, 31b and 31c in Figure 2). As shown in Figure 2, it is specifically the abutment of a top of edge arrangement 32 against projection 14a which limits the upward travel of the slider 8.

The diamond 30 functions as a partition. As such, the diamond splits a top end of the slider 8 into first and second guideways 31a, 31b. At the longitudinal position whereby the diamond 30 no longer separates the first and second guideways 31a, 31b, the first and second guideways converge into a third guideway 31c. The guideways are also defined by the first and second edge arrangements 32, 34. As shown in Figure 2, the configuration of the guideways in combination with movement of the slider 8 interdigitates or interlocks the coupling elements 12, 22 of respective first and second stringers 4, 6, in the manner already discussed.

A problem with existing reversible slide fasteners, such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2, is that whenever the slider 8 of a reversible slide fastener 2 is in the fully closed position, a significant proportion 26a of the top pin 26 protrudes from the end of the slider 8. For example, this is in comparison to the extent to which the top stop 14 protrudes out of the slider 8, which is comparatively much less.

Protrusion of either the top pin 26 or the top stop 14 out of the top of the slider 8 is undesirable for a number of reasons. Firstly, protrusion risks damage to the exposed component, i.e. pin 26. This could be, for example, by way of bending or snapping. In addition, the protrusion may damage, for example scratch, a person or article into which it comes into contact in use. Furthermore, protrusion is undesirable for reasons of visual appearance. That is to say, it is not visually appealing to have such a significant proportion of the top pin 26 protruding out of the top of the slider 8. For example, it may provide a user with the incorrect appearance that the slider is not, in fact, in the fully closed position. There are also manufacturing disadvantages with prior art reversible slide fasteners.

Figure 3 illustrates a reversible slide fastener 50 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The slide fastener 50 shares a number of features in common with that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Reference numerals for features common to both the prior art and the embodiment ofthe invention are generally incremented by 100 in the following Figures, unless specified otherwise. Similarly, the preceding description, with reference to features common to both the prior art and the invention, is also applicable to the present invention.

Break lines 52 indicate that the slide fastener 50 could be any length. As such, the present invention applies to any length of slide fastener.

A longitudinal axis 54 is indicated in Figure 3. The longitudinal axis 54 may otherwise be referred to as the axis co-linear with the direction of travel of the slider 108 and/or parallel to lower portions of the respective edges 116, 118 of the tapes. As the slider 108 moves between the fully open and the fully closed positions, the slider 108 travels along the longitudinal axis 54 in the opening direction or in the closing direction.

The slide fastener 50 comprises first and second stringers 104, 106 and the slider 108.

The first stringer 104 comprises a tape 110. The tape may be any one of a range of materials. For example, the tape 104 may be fabric, such as polyester. Furthermore, the tape 110 may incorporate specialist layers such as, for example, a liquid-tight-layer. The tape 104 further comprises reinforcing film portions 110a, 110b. The reinforcing film portions 110a, 110b are disposed at opposing ends of the tape 104 and prevent fraying of the ends of the tape as well and providing regions of additional strength which may be gripped by a user as they are manipulating the slide fastener.

The first stringer 104 also comprises a plurality of coupling elements 112 (including an uppermost coupling element 113), a dummy element 56, a box 58 and a top stop arrangement 60. The top stop arrangement 60, dummy element 56, coupling elements 112 and the box 58 are all attached to the tape 110 along a first edge 116. . The uppermost coupling element 113 is substantially the same as the other coupling elements 112 in the illustrated embodiment, other than the dummy element 56.

The coupling elements 112 may be manufactured from plastic or, alternatively, metal. In the case where the coupling elements are manufactured from plastic, the coupling elements 112 may be attached to the tape 110 by way of injection moulding. That is to say, the coupling elements 112 can be extruded onto tape 110. Specifically, the coupling elements 112 may be extruded onto the tape 110 over a cord at the first edge 116 of the tape 110. The cord thereby provides a protruding body over which the coupling elements 112 can be secured. Lateral movement (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 54) of the coupling elements 112 is thereby limited. As well as the coupling elements 112, the above also applies to the top stop arrangement 60, dummy element 56, the box 58 and the uppermost coupling element 113.

The dummy element 56 is interposed between the uppermost coupling element 113 and the top stop arrangement 60. The dummy element 56 is in some ways similar to the coupling elements 112 but there are also functional differences between the geometries. In particular, dummy element 56 incorporates a reduced size head portion (indicated as 56b in Figure 4). This reduced size is relative to a comparatively full size head portion of the other coupling elements. Otherwise, a body portion (indicated as 56a in Figure 4) of the dummy element 56, which is attached to the tape 110, is the same as for the other coupling elements 112 in this embodiment. However, this does not necessarily have to be the case. The distinctions between the body and head portions 56a, 56b of the dummy element 56 are described in more detail in connection with Figure 4.

In Figure 3 the box 58 is shown with a pin 59 received therein. The pin 59 may be referred to as a receivable pin or, in the configuration shown in Figure 3, a received pin.

Received pin is intended to refer to a pin which is disposed within the box 58 owing to being received by the box 58. Receivable pin is intended to refer to a pin which can be received by the box 58, but which is not presently disposed within the box 58.

The received pin 59 being received in the box 58 is the lowermost connection between the first and second stringers 104, 106.

The top stop arrangement 60 is larger in size than the top stop 14 of the prior art. In the illustrated embodiment, the length (measured in a longitudinal direction) of the top stop arrangement 60 is equal to approximately three pitch lengths. In other embodiments, the length of the top stop arrangement 60 may be at least around three pitch lengths. Each pitch length is equal to a longitudinal length (i.e. length parallel to the longitudinal axis) of a coupling element 112 and the space between adjacent coupling elements. The top pin 126 is approximately four pitch lengths long. The combined length of the top stop arrangement 60 and the dummy element 56, and the gap therebetween, approximates to the four pitch lengths of the top pin 126. This is preferable for reasons of being able to more easily receive a greater proportion of the top pin 126 in the slider 108. That is to say, because a greater proportion (e.g. greater longitudinal length) of the top pin is received by the slider, no coupling elements (or fewer coupling elements) on the stringer 106 which includes the pin 126 are received by the slider when the slider is in its fully closed position. In light of this the stringer 104 requires fewer (or no) coupling elements positioned to be received by the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position. As such, it is possible for the length in the longitudinal direction of the top stop arrangement 60 (and dummy element 56) to be extended, for example to approximate to the four pitch lengths of the top pin 126. The length of a component in the longitudinal direction may otherwise be referred to as a maximum longitudinal extent. In other words, the length of the top stop arrangement 60 may be greater than or equal to three multiples of the longitudinal extent of one of the coupling elements 112 and three multiples of the longitudinal extent of the gap between adjacent elements.

The top stop arrangement 60 is so called because, in other embodiments, the top stop arrangement 60 may not necessarily be a single body. That is to say, unlike that shown in Figure 3, the top stop arrangement 60 may comprise multiple components (like that shown in Figure 5, discussed later).

The top stop arrangement 60 incorporates a projection 60a which serves the same function as the projection 14a of the prior art. Namely, the projection 60a abuts the slider 108 when the slider 108 is in the fully closed position. The projection 68 thereby defines an uppermost limit of travel for the slider 108.

The top stop arrangement 60 also incorporates a recess 60b. The recess 60b is configured to receive a portion of the diamond 130 of the slider 108, when the slider is in the fully closed position, as illustrated in Figure 4.

The top stop arrangement 60 is also disposed over more of the reinforced film portion 110a than the prior art. That is to say, as compared to the prior art, the reinforced film portion 110a extends along a greater longitudinal length of the top stop arrangement 60. This is due not only to the increased length of the top stop arrangement 60, but also the top stop arrangement 60 being located in a longitudinally higher position along the first stringer 104 relative to the position of the upper pin 126 of the second stringer 106 in comparison to the prior art. This is facilitated by a greater proportion (e.g. greater length in the longitudinal direction) of the upper pin 126 being received by the slider 108 as compared to the prior art.

As well as the top stop arrangement 60 being longer than the prior art top stop 14, there are other geometric changes incorporated in the top stop arrangement 60 according to the invention. In particular, the top stop arrangement 60 comprises a first curved portion 60c which has a radius of curvature of around 3 mm on a lower, outerfacing (or pin-facing) corner portion, which faces away from the tape 110. This is a greater radius of curvature in comparison to the prior art. The radius of curvature of the first curved portion 60c is also greater than a radius of curvature of an upper pin-facing (in other words, facing away from the respective tape to which the top stop arrangement 60 is mounted) curved portion of the prior art top stop 14. The increased radius of curvature provides a clearance which allows the top stop arrangement 60 to be received further into the slider 108 without abutting the top pin 126 (or, equivalently, which allows the top pin 126 to be received further into the slider 108 without abutting the top stop arrangement 60). This is illustrated in Figure 4 and discussed in more detail below. The radius of curvature of the lower, pin-facing corner portion of the top stop arrangement 60 is preferably about 3 mm, however, any radius which is at least approximately 1 mm can otherwise be used. Preferably, a radius of at least approximately 2 mm is used. The radius may be dependent upon the size of the coupling elements and/or slide fastener as a whole.

Instead of a radius of curvature, the lower, pin-facing portion may be chamfered. That is to say, a generally diagonal cut-out may instead be used. This would provide the same effect i.e. that material is removed from a corner portion of the lower, pin-facing corner portion.

The top stop arrangement 60 also incorporates a second curved portion 60d which has a radius of curvature. This radius of curvature is a radius of curvature on a lower, tapefacing corner portion. This radius of curvature provides a clearance which allows the top stop arrangement 60 to pivot relative to the dummy element 56 when the slider receives the top stop arrangement 60, such that the top stop arrangement does not abut the dummy element. The radius of curvature is preferably approximately 0.7 mm. However, other radii can otherwise be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the first curved portion 60c has a radius of curvature which is greater than a radius of curvature of a second curved portion 60d.

An uppermost end of the top stop arrangement 60, as shown in Figure 3, overhangs the reinforced film portion 110a of the first stringer 104. However, in other embodiments the uppermost end of the top stop arrangement 60 may not overhang the reinforced film portion 110a.

The second stringer 106 will now be described in more detail.

The second stringer 106 comprises a tape 120 and reinforced film portions 120a, 120b. The second tape 120 (i.e. the tape of the second stringer) is generally equivalent to the first tape 110 such that statements made above in relation to the first tape may be equally applicable to the second tape 120 and, likewise, the reinforced film portions of the first and second tapes. Like the first stringer 104, second stringer 106 comprises a plurality of coupling elements 122 as well. Coupling elements 122 are attached to a first edge 123 of the tape 120.

The second stringer 106 also comprises a top pin 126 and a receivable or received pin 59. The coupling elements 112 are interposed the receivable pin 59 and the top pin 126. The top pin 126 and the receivable pin 59 are interchangeable such that if the slide fastener is fully opened, the second stringer 106 can be reversed such that the received pin 59 is removed from the box 58 and slider and top pin 126 can then be inserted into the box 58. Such reversal of the second stringer 106 has the effect that any garment or article to which the second stringer 106 is attached is also reversible and relative to the first stringer 104, and hence any portion of a garment or article which is attached to the first stringer. This is described in more detail in connection with Figure 6 further below.

In the illustrated embodiment the top pin 126 and the received pin 59 are identical in geometry. However, this need not be the case. All that is required is that both pins have a geometry which is receivable by the box.

Top pin 126 comprises a hooked portion 126a at a lower end. The hooked portion 126a of the top pin 126 does not serve any functional purpose when in arrangement shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4. The hooked portion 126a is present in the top pin 126 only by virtue of the top pin 126 being a pin which is receivable by the box if the second stringer 106 is reversed.

A hooked portion 59a of the received pin 59 co-operates with adjacent, lowermost coupling element 122 of the second stringer 106 to define a cavity or opening for receipt of a head portion 112b of the corresponding coupling element 112. When second stringer 106 is reversed, such that the top pin 126 of Figure 3 takes the place of the received pin 59, the hooked portion 126a of the top pin 126 provides the same functionality as the hooked portion 59a of the received pin 59.

Received pin 59, or specifically a lowermost point thereof, abuts one or more corresponding surfaces of the box 58 when the box receives the pin 59. This sets or aligns the position of the second stringer 106 relative to the first stringer 104.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figure 3, the box 58 is shown in a transparent view such that the received pin 59 is visible. In normal use, when the received pin 59 is received in the box 58, the received pin 59 is at least partly obscured by the box. Edges of the box 58 and received pin 59 which would not be visible in the Figure 3 arrangement (i.e. hidden features) are indicated by dashed lines.

The sequence of operation for releasably securing the first stringer 104 to the second stringer 106 is as follows. Firstly, the slider 108 is moved along the first stringer 104 such that the slider 108 abuts the box 58. At this point, the slider 108 is in a longitudinally lowermost position, otherwise known as the fully open position. The receivable pin 59 is then inserted into the slider 108. The receivable pin 59 is then passed through the slider 108 and into a receiving portion of the box 58. At this point, the receivable pin 59 is inserted into the box 58 and the box 58 thereby receives pin 59. The pin 59 at this stage becomes the received pin 59.

The slider 108 is then urged upwards away from the box 58 (e.g. in the closing direction). The slider 108 travels longitudinally along the first stringer 104 (and second stringer 106) and coupling elements 112, 122 on the respective first and second stringers 104, 106 are interdigitated as a result. As such, as the slider 108 is drawn upwards in the closing direction, the first and second stringers 104, 106 become progressively more releasably secured to one another. Nearing a fully closed position, similar to that shown in Figure 3, slider 108 is almost at its limit of travel along the stringers 104, 106. The slider 108 reaches it longitudinal limit of travel when the slider 108 abuts the projection 60a of the top stop arrangement 60 (as shown in Figure 4). At this point, the first and second stringers 104, 106 are at their most releasably secured to one another. In this position, any lateral forces e.g. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis indicated in Figure 3 are most likely to be able to be withstood by the slide fastener 50, thus securing any portion of a garment or article attached to the first stringer to a portion of the garment or article which is attached to the second stringer.

Figure 4 shows a view of a top section of the slide fastener 50 of Figure 3. Furthermore, the slider 108 is shown in a transparent manner such that the features otherwise hidden from view are visible.

In Figure 4 the slider 108 is shown in the fully closed position. That is to say, the slider 108 abuts the top stop arrangement 60. Specifically, an edge arrangement 132 of the slider 108 abuts the projection 60a of the top stop arrangement 60. This abutment limits the travel of the slider 108 and prevents the slider 108 moving in the closing direction, longitudinally beyond the fully closed position.

The slider 108 has an identical structure to that discussed in relation to Figure 2. For the avoidance of doubt, the slider 108 comprises the edge arrangement 132, a further edge arrangement 134 and diamond 130. The diamond 130 and the edge arrangements 132, 134 define guideways of the slider 108. A first guideway 131 is defined between the edge arrangement 132 and the diamond 130. A second guideway

133 is defined between the edge arrangement 134 and the diamond 130. A third guideway 135 is defined longitudinally below the diamond 130 and between lower portions of the edge arrangements 132, 134. First and second guideways 131, 133 converge to the third guideway 135. As such, the slider 108 can be said to be generally Y-shaped in geometry. In other words the slider 108, and, in particular, an interior of the slider, tapers inwardly from a wider top end toward a narrower bottom end. The diamond 130 separates the first and second guideways 131, 133. Hence, the diamond 130 is a partition or separating means.

A first dividing line 137 interposes first and third guideways 131, 135. A second dividing line 139 interposes second and third guideways 133, 135. In other words the first dividing line 137, or border, between the first guideway 131 and the third guideway 135 may be described as a tangent which extends from a pin-facing side of the edge arrangement 132 and which intersects a lowermost point of the diamond 130. The second dividing line 139, or border, between the second guideway 133 and the third guideway 135 may be described as a tangent which extends from a top stop arrangement-facing side of the edge arrangement 134 and which intersects a lowermost point of the diamond 130. The first and second dividing lines 137, 139 are not physical features present on the slider 108, but are instead marked on Figure 4 to aid in the explanation of the relative positions/boundaries of the first, second and third guideways 131, 133, 135.

The first and second guideways 131, 133 can be said to define an opening zone. The third guideway 135 can be said to define a closing zone 135a. In the closing zone 135a, a distance D_c approximately corresponding to a width of two interdigitated coupling elements 112, 122 laterally separates innermost points of the edge arrangements 132, 134. The distance D_c may also be the smallest separation distance, measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 54, between the edge arrangements 132, 134. As such, it is the passage of the slider 108 in the closing direction and urging of the coupling elements 112, 122 into the closing zone 135a of the slider which interdigitates respective elements to form the interlock between the coupling elements 112, 122.

Figure 4 most clearly shows how various features of the invention which differ from the prior art interact with one another to provide the benefits resulting from the top pin 126 being received in the slider 108 to a greater extent. This is discussed further below.

In addition, the reduced size head portion of the dummy element 56 is also visible in Figure 4. The dummy element 56 comprises a body portion 56a and a head portion 56b. A line indicated by the numeral 56c defines the boundary between the head portion 56b and the body portion 56a.

In Figure 4 the head portion 56b of the dummy element 56 is reduced in size relative to a head portion 113b of uppermost coupling element 113. The head portion 56b of the dummy element 56 generally corresponds with the geometry of the head portion 113b of the uppermost coupling element 113 up until a certain point along the head portion 56b in a direction extending away from the body portion 56a towards the head portion 56b. A distal end of the head portion 56b of the dummy element 56 does not extend, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 54, as far as the corresponding head portion 113b of the uppermost coupling element 113. Put another way, a distal end of the head portion 56b of the dummy element 56 extends away from the edge of the tape, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 54, by a first distance, which is less than a second distance by which a distal end of corresponding head portion 113b of the uppermost coupling element 113 extends away from the edge of the tape, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 54. Given that the uppermost coupling element 113 may be of identical geometry to the other coupling elements 112, the distinctions between the dummy element 56 and the uppermost coupling element 113 in such a case also apply to the dummy element 56 in view of the other coupling elements 112.

The smaller head portion 56b provides a number of functionalities. In particular, due to the fact that the head portion 56b generally widens toward the distal end, i.e. moving away from the body portion 56a, the head portion 56b in combination with the body portion 56a define a geometry which can substantially receive a head portion of the coupling element 122 of the second stringer 106. As such, the dummy element 56 in combination with the coupling element 122 can still exert a lateral retaining force which resists the separation of the first stringer 104 from the second stringer 106. However, the smaller head portion 56b prevents a hooked portion 126a of the top pin 126 fully engaging the dummy element 56. In such instances, if a hooked portion 126a of the top pin 126 fully engaged the dummy element 56, the top pin 126 may interdigitate with the dummy element 56 and jam the slider 108 in position. The head portion 56b of the dummy element 56 still engages a corresponding head portion of the coupling element 122 of the second stringer 106 in a lower region. It is this engagement, or interaction, which exerts the lateral retention force.

Also illustrated in Figure 4 is the first curved portion 60c of the top stop arrangement 60. As mentioned in connection with Figure 3, the first curved portion 60c has a radius of curvature of around 3 mm. This is a greater radius of curvature than that present in comparison to the prior art. The increased radius of curvature provides a clearance for the top pin 126 to be received in the slider 108 in a position adjacent the top stop arrangement 60. Were it not for the increased radius of curvature, the top stop arrangement 60 would abut the top pin 126 in a lower region and prevent the relative positions of the components shown in Figure 4. As mentioned above, the radius of curvature of the first curved portion 60c is greater than the radius of curvature of the upper pin-facing curved portion of the prior art top stop 14.

The dummy element 56 is not an essential feature of the invention and, as such, in other embodiments, dummy element 56 may be omitted.

As shown in Figure 4, the body portion 56a of the dummy element 56 defines the widest point of the dummy element 56. That is to say, a maximum longitudinal extent between outer edges of the body portion 56a defines outermost edges of the dummy element 56 in the longitudinal direction.

In the illustrated embodiment the dummy element 56 has a maximum longitudinal extent equal to a corresponding maximum longitudinal extent of a body portion 113a of the uppermost coupling element 113. However, in other embodiments the maximum longitudinal extent of the dummy element 56 may be greater than the corresponding maximum longitudinal extent of the uppermost coupling element 113.

In Figure 4 an advantageous position of the top pin 126 relative to the top stop arrangement 60 is shown. In particular, an upper end of the top pin 126 is disposed at a longitudinally lower position than a corresponding upper end of the top stop arrangement 60. That is to say, a line originating at the uppermost point of the top pin 126, which intersects the longitudinal axis at 90 degrees, is at a lower longitudinal position than a corresponding line originating from an upper most point of the top stop arrangement 60 and intersecting the longitudinal axis at 90 degrees.

Similarly, a lower end of the top pin 126 is disposed at a longitudinally lower position than a corresponding lower end of the top stop arrangement 60. That is to say, a line originating at the lower most point of the top pin 126, which intersects the longitudinal axis at 90 degrees, is located at a longitudinally lower position than a corresponding line originating at the lowermost point of the top stop arrangement 60.

Generally, the top pin 126 is disposed at a longitudinally lower position than the top stop arrangement 60. Given that the top stop arrangement 60, in particular the projection 60a thereof, defines an uppermost limit of travel for the slider 108, the fact that the top pin 126 is generally disposed longitudinally lower than the top stop arrangement 60 means that more of the top pin 126 is received in the slider 108 when the slider is in the fully closed position. In other words, as compared to the prior art, a greater extent of the top pin 126 is received in the slider 108 when the slider is in the fully closed position.

In Figure 4, a lower portion of the top pin 126 is received in the third guideway of the slider 108. This occurs when the slider 108 is in the fully closed position as shown in Figure 4.

As a result of the differences between the present invention and the prior art discussed above, a greater extent of the top pin 126 is received within the slider 108 when the slider 108 is in the fully closed position. This is achieved without otherwise affecting the operation of the slide fastener 50. Advantages provided by difference include a better-protected top pin 126 (because more of it is covered by the slider), and an improved visual appearance and reduced risk of the top pin scratching another article or person by reducing the amount of the top pin 126 which protrudes from the end of the slider 108.

A further advantage provided by the invention is that there is less of a gap between upper ends of the first and second tapes above the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position. This can be seen most clearly when Figure 4 is compared to Figure 2. The reduced gap means that, when the slider is in the fully closed position, the first and second stringers are closer together above the slider. In other words, the first and second stringers are positioned in closer proximity to one another above the slider.

Figure 5 illustrates a slide fastener 50 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Other than for a top stop arrangement 160, all of the other features shown in Figure 5 are identical to that of Figure 4. As such, like numerals will be used to show features common to both embodiments of the invention.

The top stop arrangement 160 differs from that of the previous embodiment in that the top stop arrangement 160 comprises first and second portions 161, 162. This is in contrast to the top stop arrangement 60 of the previous embodiment which is a single body.

The top stop arrangement 160 comprises first portion 161, second portion 162 and a gap 163 disposed therebetween. The combination of first and second portions 161, 162 comprises many of the features of the top stop arrangement 60 of the previous embodiment. Namely, the first portion 161 comprises a first curved portion 60c. The first portion 161 also comprises a second curved portion 60d. The second portion 162 comprises a projection 60a. The functionality of the first and second curved portions 60c, 60d and the projection 60a is the same as that disclosed in connection with the previous embodiment.

In the Figure 5 embodiment, the gap 163 provides the functionality ofthe recess 60b of the previous embodiment. Namely, the gap 163 provides an opening in which a portion of the diamond (not shown) can be received when a slider (not shown) is in the fully closed position.

The gap 163 between the first and second portions 161, 162 also means that the top stop arrangement 160 is more flexible. That is to say, some relative movement can occur between the first and second portions 161, 162. This may be desirable in certain applications of the slide fastener 50.

All of the aforementioned benefits provided by the top pin 126 being received to a greater extent in the slider that were disclosed in connection with the previous embodiment apply mutatis mutandis in relation to the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

Figure 6 illustrates a seat 200 which incorporates a slide fastener 50 according to the present invention.

As indicated in Figure 6, the seat 200 incorporates removable panels 201, 202. In particular, the panel 201 incorporates a second stringer 106 of a slide fastener according to the present invention about a periphery of the panel 201. Incorporation of the second stringer 106 about the periphery of the panel 201 provides the functionality that the panel 201 is reversible. As such, when a slider of the slide fastener 50 is moved to the fully open position, thereby allowing disengaging the second stringer 106 from the first stringer 104 (by removing the received pin from the box), the reversible panel 201 is detached from the surrounding, fixed material ofthe seat. The removable panel 201 can thereby be removed and reversed (so that the other pin is received by the box), and the slide fastener can then be operated such that it moves into the fully closed position to re-secure the reversed panel to the fixed material of the seat. Reversal of the removable panel could be for reasons of cleaning or revealing an alternative design, to name but two examples.

Although in the above example the removable, reversible panel includes a second stringer according to the present invention and the fixed material of the seat includes a first stringer according to the present invention. In other embodiments, the opposite may be true.

The reversible panel 201 ofthe seat 200 is just one example of a potential use ofthe slide fastener 50 according to the present invention. The slide fastener 50 may otherwise be utilised in a range of uses in which a first portion of a garment or article is required to be reversible relative to a second portion of said garment or article.

Within the present document the term maximum longitudinal extent may otherwise be referred to as an overall length.

A longitudinal direction is taken to be a direction of travel of the slider along the slide fastener in use.

The box, coupling elements, top stop arrangement and top and receivable pins may be individually or, in combination, manufactured from any other plastic or metal. Manufacturing using different materials may give rise to different pitch lengths.

In some embodiments the top pin may be around four pitch lengths long. In some embodiments the slider may also be around four pitch lengths long.

A top stop for a known type of reversible slide fastener with injection moulded plastic teeth may be around two pitch lengths long. A pin of a known type of reversible slide fastener may be around four pitch lengths long.

In some embodiments the top stop arrangement may be shorter than four pitch lengths. In other embodiments the combination of the top stop arrangement and the dummy element may be of approximately equal length to the top pin, which may be four pitch lengths.

The top stop arrangement may be one pitch length longer than the top stop of an equivalent known type of reversible top stop. In some embodiments the top stop arrangement may be three pitch lengths long. In some embodiments the dummy element may be one pitch length long.

Within the above description the first and second stringers are each said to include a plurality of coupling elements. These coupling elements are described as separate coupling elements or teeth of a particular shape/type. It will be appreciated that the invention is equally applicable to any particular shape or type of coupling elements. In addition, the invention equally applies when the first and second stringers each include a plurality of coupling elements in the form of turns of a coil. That is to say, the term coupling element within the claims covers both a tooth and a turn of a coil. The plurality of coupling elements of the first and second stringers may take any appropriate form, provided the discussed movement of the slider can cause the discussed releasable interdigitation of the coupling elements. A plurality of elements may be a plurality of teeth or may be a length of coil with a plurality of turns.

Within the present document lengths referred to and the use of the term long is intended to relate to such concepts in the longitudinal direction.

The described and illustrated embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only a preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims are desired to be protected. In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words such as a, an, at least one, or at 10 least one portion are used to preface a feature there is no intention to limit the claim to only one such feature unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language at least a portion and/or a portion is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Optional and/or preferred features as set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A slide fastener comprising:

a first stringer comprising a box at a first end, a top stop arrangement at a second end, and a plurality of coupling elements disposed between the box and the top stop arrangement;

a second stringer comprising a first pin at a first end, a second pin at a second end, and a plurality of coupling elements disposed between the first pin and the second pin, the first pin or the second pin being receivable by the box;

a slider comprising first, second and third guideways, the first and second guideways being separated from one another by a diamond, the first and second guideways converging to the third guideway, the slider being traversable along the first stringer in a first sliding direction between a fully open position adjacent the box, and a fully closed position in which the slider abuts the top stop arrangement, thereby limiting movement of the slider in the first sliding direction, wherein, in the fully open position, each of the first and second pin are receivable by, or removable from, the slider and the box;

wherein in said fully open position one of the first and second pin is received by the box to constitute a received pin, the other of the first and second pins which is not the received pin constituting a top pin;

wherein moving the slider from the fully open position to the fully closed position in the first sliding direction when the received pin is received by the box causes the coupling elements of the first stringer to interdigitate with corresponding coupling elements of the second stringer; and wherein a lower portion of the top pin is received in the third guideway of the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position.

2. The slide fastener of claim 1, wherein the top stop arrangement has a maximum longitudinal extent which is greater than or equal to three pitch lengths.

3. The slide fastener of claims 1 or 2, wherein the top stop arrangement comprises a curved portion having a radius of curvature of at least around 1 mm on a lower, pinfacing corner portion.

4. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the top stop arrangement comprises a curved portion having a radius of curvature of at least around 0.5 mm on a lower, tape-facing corner portion.

5. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein a dummy element is provided between the top stop arrangement and an uppermost coupling element of the first stringer.

6. The slide fastener of claim 5, wherein the dummy element has a maximum longitudinal extent equal to or greater than that of one of the coupling elements.

7. The slide fastener of either of claims 5 or 6, wherein the dummy element comprises a head portion which is smaller than respective head portions of the coupling elements of the first and second stringers.

8. The slide fastener of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the top stop arrangement has a maximum longitudinal extent which is at least one pitch length greater than a maximum longitudinal extent of the dummy element.

9. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein a maximum longitudinal extent of the top stop arrangement is less than a corresponding maximum longitudinal extent of a shorter one of the first pin and the second pin.

10. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein an upper end of the top pin is disposed at a longitudinally lower position than a corresponding upper end of the top stop arrangement when the slider is in the fully closed position.

11. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein a lower end of the top pin is disposed at a longitudinally lower position than a corresponding lower end of the top stop arrangement when the slider is in the fully closed position.

12. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the first pin and the second pin are substantially identical.

13. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the coupling elements are manufactured from plastic.

14. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the entire top pin is received in the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position.

15. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the first pin and the second pin are at least as long as four pitch lengths.

16. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the top stop arrangement is a single body.

17. The slide fastener of claim 16, wherein the top stop arrangement comprises a recess configured to receive the diamond of the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position.

18. The slide fastener of any of claims 1 to 15, wherein the top stop arrangement comprises a first portion and a second portion, with a longitudinal gap disposed therebetween.

19. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second guideways define an opening zone of the slider, the third guideway defines a closing zone of the slider, and wherein the closing zone comprises two walls of the slider spaced apart by a distance substantially corresponding to a width of two interdigitated coupling elements.

20. A slide fastener according to claim 19, wherein, in the fully closed position of the slider a portion of the top pin is located in the closing zone.

21. The slide fastener of any preceding claim, wherein the slide fastener is a reversible slide fastener.

22. A slide fastener comprising:

a slider traversable along the first stringer in a first sliding direction between a fully open position adjacent the box, and a fully closed position in which the slider abuts the top stop arrangement, thereby limiting movement of the slider in the first sliding direction, wherein, in the fully open position, each of the first and second pin are receivable by, or removable from, the slider and the box;

wherein moving the slider from the fully open position to the fully closed position in the first sliding direction when the received pin is received by the box causes the coupling elements of the first stringer to interdigitate with corresponding coupling elements of the second stringer; and wherein a lowermost portion of the top pin is longitudinally lower than a corresponding lowermost portion of the top stop arrangement when the box receives the received pin and the slider is in the fully closed position.

23. An article comprising a slide fastener according to any preceding claim.

24. An article comprising the reversible slide fastener according to claim 21, wherein the article comprises a first part and a reversible part which is reversible between first and second configurations relative to the first part, and wherein the slide fastener is configured to releasably secure the first part to the reversible part in both the first and second configurations.