NZ541695A - Zip with inter-engaging male and female profiled tracks with at least one track resilient for stretching, and at least the male profile segmented - Google Patents

Abstract

Two mutually engagable zip tracks 105,106 are provided, each being integral with or attached to a respective tape 108,109. A first track 105 has a male profile and a second track 106 has a female profile so that track 105 is capable of fitting within and being retained by the female track profile. At least one of the zip tracks is resilient so that it can be stretched. At least the male profile is segmented along its length to accommodate stretch of the tape.

Description

Patents Form # 5 4 1 6 9 5 *10048906254* INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. - 9 AUG 2005 RECEIVED DIVISIONAL OUT OF APPLICATION #534601/534602/534603 ANTE-DATING REQUESTED TO 09 August 2004 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Title Improvements to Zips ' We, ZIP STRETQI LIMITED Address: Level 4,70 Shortland Street, Auckland, New Zealand Nationality A New Zealand company do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: IMPROVEMENTS TO ZIPS TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements to zip fasteners (abbreviated to "zips") and in 5 particular, although not solely for the use in garments, clothing, bags, footwear, safety wear, and sports equipment (e.g. tents, racquet covers and wetsuits).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Today, zips come in all shapes, sizes and materials for the numerous applications. They 10 are sewn on the fabric of for example, different types of garment, bags, luggage and footwear. Most zips used in the garments industry or even bags, luggage and footwear utilise two zipper tracks presenting a series of tooth like elements which are able to move in and out of engagement with each other by the use of a slider. Such zips can be made of polyester zipper teeth, moulded zipper teeth or metal zipper teeth. The polyester zipper teeth and the moulded 15 zipper teeth are usually injection moulded about a tape, whereas the metal zipper teeth are stamped out of metals strips like brass, aluminium, bronze or even nickel silver alloy. All these zips have different fashion appeal and varying strength and flexibility. Because the teeth interlock in the longitudinal direction of the zip, such zips cannot stretch and retain closure. Stretching along the length of the zip would allow the teeth to separate. But this lack of 20 stretchability is a disadvantage where zips are used in clothing, especially fashion clothing made of resilient or stretchable material.

DEFINITIONS The following definitions relate to conventional toothed (chain) type zip fasteners but assist 25 in explaining the component parts many of which have counterparts in the fastener of this invention.

IPONZ 3 I OCT 2005 190799NZ CAPSDec.doc CHAIN The continuous piece that is formed when both halves of a zipper are meshed together. CHAIN SIZE Refers to the specific gauge of the chain, i.e., size of the teeth.

TEETH The individual elements that make up the chain.

SLIDER The device that moves up and down the chain to open or close the zipper.

PULL TAB The part of the slider that you hold to move the slider up or down.

MATERIAL Refers to the type of chain that is used in the construction of the zipper, such as, metal chain, moulded plastic chain or coil (nylon) chain.

TAPE The fabric part of the zipper.

TAPE WIDTH Refers to the width of the fabric on one side only, of the zipper chain.

TAPE ENDS The fabric part of the zipper, that extends beyond the teeth, at the top and /or bottom of the 20 chain.

STYLE Refers to the manner in which the zipper is assembled for a particular application.

IPONZ 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc 3 I OCT 2005 TOP STOP Two devices affixed to the top of a zipper, to prevent the slider from coming off the chain. BOTTOM STOP A device affixed to the bottom of a zipper, to prevent further movement of the half of the 5 zipper from separating.

BRIDGE STOP A device similar to a bottom stop, used at the top of a zipper to prevent each half of the zipper from separating.

PIN A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose function is to allow the joining of the two zipper halves.

PIN BOX A device used on a separating (jacket type) zipper whose function is to correctly align the pin, to begin the joining of the zipper halves.

HEAT SEAL PATCH The cotton and nylon laminated material fused to the bottom end of a separating zipper, used to reinforce the type.

HEAT-SEALABLE ZIPPERS (WELDABLE LAMINATED ZIPPERS) Any zipper that has a strip of plastic fused to each half of the zipper tape to allow a 20 manufacturer to electronically "weld" the zipper onto the garment or item that is being manufactured, without the need of sewing or stitching.

CONTINUOUS CHAIN Any material or size of zipper chain that is continuously spooled without sliders or any other components. Typically used by fabricators on a cut-as-need basis. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 I OCT 2005 CUT-TO-LENGTH ZIPPERS (Finished Zippers.) Any zipper that is finished to a specific length, with all necessary components attached.

TYPES OF ZIPS Zip fasteners come in a variety of styles with one end closed, both ends closed, and both ends open, and with either a single or double set of sliders. For example a trouser type zip has one end closed, and the slider retained on the zip by end stops. A bag type zip will typically have both ends of the zip closed and will typically have two sliders retained 10 between the closed ends, so that as the sliders move towards the respective closed ends, the central portion of the zip fastener will open.

Jacket type zips on the other hand have both ends of the zip fastener open so that the slider will be retained on one side of the zip fastener when the jacket is open. Such an open ended zip fastener typically has a pin at the end of one side and a pin box on the other side of the 15 zip fastener enabling the two sides to be connected together so that the slider can be used to merge the two sides of the zip fastener.

A number of other configurations have been used with conventional zip fasteners, and the zip fastener of this invention can be configured in all these different ways, whether or not they have all been illustrated in the attached drawings.

REFERENCES All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants 25 reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but 5 also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

SUMMARY OF PRIOR ART The packaging industry has used "ziplock" fasteners in the closure of plastic bags for many years. They make use of a pair of mutually cooperative male and female extruded closure tracks positioned inside the bag and facing one another.

W097/07702 illustrates a double fastener integrating two types of fasteners, a toothed zip fastener and an extruded fastener, into a single assembly. The fastener in W097/07702 is a 15 continuous extruded zip consisting of a male zip track presenting a ball profile which can slide through and locate within a female zip track presenting channel profile corresponding to the ball profile. However in order for the holding strength of such zips to be sufficient to prevent their pulling apart such water proof fastener are often made of very stiff material. As such they do not provide significant stretchability and/or flexibility. Hence this may cause discomfort to the 20 wearer wearing garments or footwear with such a zip or unattractively affect the appearance of the garment. The construction is bulky which greatly limits where and how it can be used.

US6,510,595 describes extruded profile zipper tracks which are an enhancement on the ball and cup like zipper tracks commonly used in packaging in that the profile of the interlocking profiles of each of the zipper tracks is such as to enhance the resistance to any lateral 25 separation of the tracks. These zipper tracks are extruded from thermoplastic resins which have some flexibility but does not provide significant longitudinal stretchability. As a result of the forcing of the profiles to become merged and demerged, the prior art trades-off two important aspects that are desirable in an extruded zip. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 The prior art zip profiles have to either be soft enough to allow for the profiles to slip into place without requiring significant force to push the profiles together but this simultaneously limits or reduces the resistance to the lateral separation of the tracks. Should the strength of the material be enhanced, then despite the fact that the resistance to lateral separation will be increased, 5 the longitudinal stiffness of the zip will also increase. Where a zip is incorporated in a garment it is desirable for the longitudinal stiffness and longitudinal tensile strength to not be so significant as to alter significantly, the appearance of the garment or to make its use or comfort more limited or reduced.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION Accordingly the present invention is directed towards and aims to provide improvements to zips which addresses the abovementioned disadvantages or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION In one aspect the invention provides a zip for use on garments, clothing, bags, safety wear and sports equipment, said zip comprising two mutually engagable zip tracks, each track attached to or integral with a tape, and a slider capable of moving along the zip tracks to merge or demerge the tracks, wherein a first of said zip tracks has a female profile defining a slotted cavity with the 20 slot extending along the length of the zip; and a second of said zip tracks has a male profile capable of fitting within and being retained by the female profile; and wherein at least one of the zip tracks is resilient so that it can be stretched to accommodate stretch of a substrate to which it can be attached.

Preferably the slider has guide means within the slider adapted to guide the male and female 25 profiles towards one another for merging, Preferably there is an expansion element within the slider adapted to open the slot of the female profile sufficiently to allow the female profile to fit over and capture the male profile so that the two tracks are merged together into a closed state, 190799NZ CAP Soec.doc IPOWZ 31 OCT 2005 Preferably both of the zip tracks are stretchable so that the zip when closed can be stretched along its length and still retain its closed state.

Preferably the female profile is segmented along its length.

Preferably the male profile is segmented along its length.

Preferably each track is formed by moulding discontinuous segments of each profile about a tape.

Preferably the tape is formed of a resilient material.

Preferably the male profiles are generally cylindrical and the female profiles are generally C-shaped in cross section.

Preferably the male profile is generally wedge shaped with the tape attached to the base thereof, 10 and the female profile is of a complementary wedge shape with a slot along the base of the female wedge shape and the tape attached to the apex of the female wedge shape.

Preferably the guide means includes a male slot adapted to allow passage of the male profile therethrough, and a female slot adapted to allow passage of the female profile therethrough, the male and female extending from an entrance end of the slider towards one another and towards a 15 merged slot which exits from the other end of the slider track.

Preferably the expansion element male is located in the female slot and has a tapered portion facing towards the entrance end so that it can be located in the cavity of the female profile.

Preferably said expansion element is attached to the body of said slider by a bridge which is located where the mouth of said female channel passes through the channel of said slider.

In another aspect the invention provides a zip for use on garments, clothing, bags, safety wear and sports equipment, said zip comprising two mutually engagable zip tracks, each track attached to or integral with a tape, and a slider capable of moving along the zip tracks to merge or demerge the tracks, wherein a first of said zip tracks has a female profile defining a slotted cavity with the slot extending along the length of the zip; and a second of said zip tracks has a 25 male profile capable of fitting within and being retained by the female profile; and wherein the slider has guide means within the slider adapted to guide the male and female profiles towards one another for merging, and an expansion element within said slider adapted to open the slot of 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc 31 OCT the female profile sufficiently to allow the female profile to fit over and capture the male profile so that the two tracks are merged together into a closed state, and wherein the zip tracks are stretchable so that the zip when closed can be stretched along its length and still retain its closed state.

Preferably the female profile is segmented along its length.

Preferably the male profile is segmented along its length.

Preferably each track is formed by moulding discontinuous segments of each profile about a tape. Preferably the tape is formed of a resilient material.

Preferably the male profiles are generally cylindrical and the female profiles are generally C-10 shaped in cross section.

Preferably the male profile is generally wedge shaped with the tape attached to the base thereof, and the female profile is of a complementary wedge shape with a slot along the base of the female wedge shape and the tape attached to the apex of the female wedge shape.

Preferably the guide means includes a male slot adapted to allow passage of the male profile 15 therethrough, and a female slot adapted to allow passage of the female profile therethrough, the male and female extending from an entrance end of the slider towards one another and towards a merged slot which exits from the other end of the slider track.

Preferably the expansion element male is located in the female slot and has a tapered portion facing towards the entrance end so that it can be located in the cavity of the female profile.

In our original priority document we used the following wording to describe the various aspects of the invention. For consistency we have retained this wording although in many cases it overlaps closely with or deals with the same inventive concept as is now defined in the appended claims.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a zip comprising two mutually engagable zip 25 tracks, a first elongate zip track (herein after "female zip track") including means presenting a female channel profile with which means presenting a male profile of a second elongate track (herein after "male zip track") can selectively merge to be captured in said female channel 190799NZ CAP Soec.doc 3 1 OCT 2005 profile and demerge therefrom, the respective means defining said female or male profile of at least one of said female and male elongate zip tracks being of a constant cross section over a distance along its length, save for said means including relief to enhance at least its flexibility.

Preferably said relief provided to said means defining said male profile. Preferably said means 5 defining said female channel profile is continuous in cross section.

Preferably said relief is provided to said means defining said female channel profile.

Preferably said means defining said male profile is continuous in cross section.

Preferably both said means defining said male and female profiles are provided with relief.

Preferably said relief is a slot in said means defining said female channel profile and/or said male 10 profile in a direction lateral to the elongate direction.

Preferably said relief is a slot extending through said means defining said female channel profile and/or said male profile in a direction lateral to the elongate direction.

Preferably said relief is a plurality of discrete slots extending in a direction lateral to the elongate direction and are spaced apart for each other.

Preferably said plurality of discrete slots are equi-spaced for each other. Preferably said plurality of slots are provided between two opposed distal ends of said means defining said male profile and/or said means defining said female channel profile.

Preferably where both said means defining said male and female profiles are provided with a plurality of said slots, said slots of said means defining said female profile are provided at 20 distances from at least one distal end of said female zip track, which do not result in an overlap of the female profile slots with those provided by the means defining said male profile.

Preferably said means defining said female profile is of a high memory plastic.

Preferably said means defining said female profile is of a higher inelasticity than said means defining said male profile, said means defining said female profile being provided with 25 said relief, to enhance its flexibility.

IPONZ 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc 3 1 OCT 2005 Preferably said means defining said male profile is made of a higher friction index material than said means defining said female profile, in order to increase the resistance to longitudinal sliding between said male and female zip tracks than were the two means defining said male and female channel profiles both of a friction index lower than said higher friction index.

Preferably at least one of said means defining said male profile and said means defining said female channel profile is/are engaged with an elongate web along an edge thereof said profile is defined.

Preferably said web is of an elastic material such as for example spandex or neoprene.

Preferably said web is of a material different to the material of its respective means defining 10 said profile.

Preferably said web is more elastic in the elongate direction than said respective means defining said profile.

Preferably said slot extends through the entire said means defining said male or female profile save for where it is engaged on said web.

Preferably said slot extends through the entire said means defining said male or female profile.

In a second aspect the present invention consists in a zip comprising two mutually engagable zip tracks, a first elongate zip track (herein after "female zip track") including means presenting a female channel profile with which means presenting a male profile of a second elongate track (herein after "male zip track") can selectively merge to be captured in 20 said female channel profile and demerge therefrom, the respective means defining said female or male profile of at least one of said female and male elongate zip tracks being of a constant cross section over a distance along its length, save for said means including relief to enhance at least its elongate direction elasticity.

Preferably said relief provided to said means defining said male profile.

Preferably said means defining said female channel profile is continuous in cross section.

Preferably said relief is provided to said means defining said female channel profile.

Preferably said means defining said male profile is continuous in cross section. 190799NZ CAP Spec, doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 20® Preferably both said means defining said male and female profiles are provided with relief.

Preferably this zip includes the features of the zip as describes in a first aspect.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a zip comprising two mutually engagable zip tracks, a first elongate zip track (herein after "female zip track") and a 5 second elongate track (herein after "male zip track"), said male zip track having means presenting a male profile and said female zip track having means presenting a female channel profile with which means presenting a male profile of said male zip track can selectively merge to be captured in said female channel profile and demerge therefrom, wherein at most, one of means defining said female channel or male profile is of a constant cross section over a distance 10 along its length, the other profile being non continuous over the corresponding distance and defined by a plurality of discrete and separated profile defining elements.

In still a further aspect the present invention consists in a zip of a kind which includes two elongate male and female interlocking profile carrying strips, wherein at least one of the strips provides its respective profile as discrete elements space separated along the length of the 15 strip.

Preferably it is the female interlocking profile which is provided in this manner.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a garment which includes a zip as herein before described.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a zip as described with reference to the 20 accompanying drawings.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a zip as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all 25 combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 20® DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS A preferred form of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a slider for use with the zip of the present invention showing in 5 part in phantom, the guide tracks for the male and female profiles and the expansion element; Figure 2 is an end view of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view from the other (merged) end of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the segmented profiles of the male and female zip tracks of the zip, Figure 4A is a front view of a garment incorporating the zip as herein described, Figure 5 is a plan view of the slider of Figure 1 engaged with the male and female zip tracks of Figure 4 shown at and towards a first distal end of the zip tracks; Figure 6 is a sectional view through the slider showing the location of the expansion 15 element in the female guide slot, Figure 7 is a side view of the slider of Figure 1 and showing in part in phantom the guide track for the female profile zip track, Figure 7A is a sectional view through section AA of Figure 7, Figure 8 is a side view of the male and female zip tracks at and towards a first distal end 20 thereof, Figure 8A is a sectional view through section AA of Figure 8, Figure 9 is a sectional view through section AA of Figure 7, Figure 9A is a sectional view through section EE of Figure 9, Figure 10 is a perspective view of the slider of Figure 1, 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc 1PONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 Figure 11 is a perspective view of the male and female profiles of the zip of Example 2, Figure 12 is a perspective view of the slider of Example 2, Figure 13 is a an expanded end elevation of the female profile, Figure 14 is an expanded end elevation of the male profile, Figure 15 is an expanded end elevation of the slider, Figure 16 is an elevation of the demerged end of the slider (reduced scale), Figure 17 top plan view of the slider of figure 16, Figure 18 is an end elevation of the merged (narrow) end of the slider of figure 16, Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view on line A-A showing the location of a "torpedo like" 10 expansion means inside the slider (reduced scale), Figure 20 is a perspective view of segmented male and female profiles attached to a flexible tape with each profile having an integral flange extending along its length, and the last segment of the female profile cut away to show the location of the male segments, Figure 21 is a cut-away perspective view of the expansion element of Figure 19, Figure 21a is a cross sectional view through figure 21 showing male and female guide slots and an expansion member in profile, Figure 22 is a perspective of the slider and pull tab, Figure 23 is a perspective of segmented tracks showing their attachment to flexible tapes, Figure 24 shows partly split tracks, Figure 25 shows an interior plan view of a slider with an alternative more wedge shaped expansion element, Figure 26 is a cut-way perspective view of the slider and expansion element of Figure 26, 190799NZ CAPSDec.doc IPOMZ 3 1 OCT 2005 Figure 27 shows a lower end stop attached to a male track, Figure 28A shows a latch and panel arrangement to lock the lower ends of the zip together, Figure 28B shows their location at the bottom of a jacket type zip, Figure 29 is an expanded front elevation of the latch and pawl locked together, Figure 30 shows a zip with two sliders, and Figure 31 shows a modified segmented male track where the male segments are substantially ellipsoidal in shape.

EXAMPLE 1: This example deals with a zip 101 and slider 115 which are provided as an alternative to a zip of a toothed kind which may be incorporated in garments, articles of clothing, bags, clothing accessories or other.

ZIP TRACKS - The zip 101 consists of longitudinal zip tracks 102 and a zip slider 115. With reference to Figure 4 the zip tracks 102 of the present invention are each 15 substantially of a constant cross section along their entire length and can have a series of gaps 180. The zip tracks 102 form part of or are secured to portions of a garment which are to have the ability of being connected and separated by the zip 101 of the present invention.

For example where the zip 101 of the present invention is incorporated in a jacket having an anterior positioned opening, the zip 101 may be incorporated to the two front panels of the 20 anterior portion of the jacket to allow for the jacket to be opened and closed to provide an open end (jacket type) zip.

MALE AND FEMALE TRACKS - The zip track 102 consists of a male zip track 103 and a female zip track 104. The male zip track 103 is primarily defined by its functional feature being a male profile 105 which is capable of merging and demerging with the female profile 25 106 of the female zip track 104 in a slider. At least the female profile 106 of the female zip track 104 is made of a material which is resiliently flexible. A suitable resilient material such as a IPONZ 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc 3 1 OCT 20® plastics material is used for the purposes of defining the female profile 106 of the female zip track 104.

Each of the profiles 105, 106 are defined along a longitudinal edge 107 of a flange 108, 109 of the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104 respectively. Each flange 108, 109 is 5 provided for the purposes of allowing the male zip track 103 and the female zip track 104 to be incorporated in a garment. The flanges 108, 109 are provided for the purposes of securing by stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive welding or the like to components of a garment.

The male zip track 103 and the female zip track 104 may be made from two separate items 10 being the profiled features 105, 106 and the flanges 108, 109.

Alternatively the male zip track 103 and the female zip track 104 may each be made as a unitary item. The zip tracks 103, 104 can be formed by injection moulding the segments about a tape.

Since the cross section of the male zip track 103 and the female zip track 104 are 15 substantially constant along their entire longitudinal (in direction LL) length, extrusion of the zip tracks 103, 104 is also an appropriate manner for their manufacture. The slots or gaps which are described below may be formed in one or both of the male and female zip track, after their being extruded to improve flexibility and/or stretchability.

SHAPE OF PROFILES - In this example,the female profile 106 and male profile 105 are of a cup 20 and ball shape. However alternative configurations of such profiles are also envisaged and the best profile that we have tested is that described in Example 2. It is a more oval or elliptical profile.

The female profile 106 includes a slot 110 which extends also in the longitudinal direction LL along the length of the female zip track 104. The slot is provided for the purposes of allowing 25 the passing of the male profile 105 therethrough for the purposes of merging and demerging the male and female profiles 105, 106. The interior of the female profile 106 is preferably of a shape complementary to the shape of the male profile 105 although this need not necessarily be so. Indeed as long as the interior and cross sectional shape of the female profile 106 is of a 190799NZ CAP Soec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 20® size larger than the male profile 105, then the male profile 105 can be comfortably received within the interior portion of the female profile 106.

SEGMENTED PROFILES - For the purposes of enhancing the longitudinal flexibility and also enhancing the stretchability in the longitudinal direction LL, at least the female profile 106 5 is defined by and made of a material which whilst of significantly high rigidity in order to allow for it to securely capture and resist removal of the male profile 105, it has a series of slots or gaps 180 provided spaced along its length.

The gaps extend preferably in a direction lateral to the longitudinal direction LL. Therefore the female profile 106 is not of a continuous and constant cross section (in the direction lateral to the 10 longitudinal direction LL) since it is provided with a plurality of such gaps 180. The gaps 180 are preferably through the entire portion of the element defining the female profile 106 separating each of the profiles to define them as discrete items.

STRETCHABILITY - Where the female profiles 106 are provided as a series and/or an array of discrete items, the longitudinal stretchability of the female track 104 is no longer 15 defined or limited by the nature of the material defining the female profile 106. It is then the nature of the material of for example the flange 109 or the material to which the flange is affixed, which limits the stretchability of the female track 104 in the direction LL.

Where the discrete female profiles 106 are disposed at an edge of a stretchable tape 109 e.g. made of a bias cut tape, neoprene, Lycra, spandex or other resilient material, the longitudinal 20 stretchability of the female track 104 can be significant. The gaps 180 provided between adjacent discrete female profile elements 106 will expand and contract as and when the female track 104 is stretched and relaxed. In addition to enhancing the stretchability by the provision of gaps between the elements defining the female profile 106, the flexibility of the female track 104 will also be enhanced.

The amount of stretch along the length of the zip will be dependent upon the choice of the tape material and its stretchiness. We prefer to limit the stretchability of the zip (and hence the tape) to no more than 25% for most applications. For neoprene wetsuits a stretch factor of the zip of 15% to 20% is generally sufficient. 190799NZ CAPSoec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 The gaps 180 may preferably completely separate those elements defining the female profile 106 but may in the alternative, only separate part of each of the elements defining the female profile 106. Where longitudinal stretchability is perhaps not an essential or desired feature, the elements defining the female profile 106 may still be attached at for example the base at where 5 they are disposed along the edge of the flange 109. Bending out of the plane of the flange 109 is still able to be achieved where gaps are provided between those regions of the female profile 106 along the ridge 181. However for both flexibility and stretchability the elements defining the female profile 106 are discrete from each other. The gap 180 may be provided at regular intervals along the female track 104 or may be provided only at locations 10 where the desired flexibility and/or stretchability are required.

Depending upon the application, we prefer that at least the female profile is made up of such discrete elements (since it needs to be of a material which has a high resistance to flexing for the purposes of ensuring that it can retain to a suitable amount, the engagement of the male profile 105). However the male profile 105 may likewise be provided as discrete segments 15 as shown for example in Figure 4. Whilst the male profile 105 need not be of a material of the same rigidity as that of the female profile 106 for the purposes of establishing a strong connection between the male and female profiles to resist its separation in a direction transverse to the direction LL, the gaps 180 provided along the male profile 205 will further enhance both the stretchability and flexibility of the zip tracks 102. The male profile 105 may likewise be 20 attached to and be disposed at an edge of a flange or tape 108 of a material which will then define the deciding characteristics of the nature of the stretchability and flexibility of the male track 103. The flexibility of the tracks will be influenced by the size of the gap 180 hence the larger the gap the tighter the radius in which the male and female tracks can be bent. Clearly, the frequency of the gaps, and the material from which the tracks are made, and the geometry of the 25 tracks, will also influence flexibility.

The gaps 180 may be provided as a result of the female and/or male tracks 104, 103 being injection moulded. Alternatively where the female and/or male tracks 104, 103 or the profiles 105, 106 are extruded, the gaps 180 may be defined after extrusion. Laser cutting or machine cutting may be the most appropriate manner in which to define these gaps 180. Whilst as a result 30 of the provision of the slots in both the female and male profile 106, 105, water tightness of the zip 101 may not be achievable, improvements in water tightness can be created by providing the slots 180 of the male track 5 at different intervals than the gaps 180 of the 190799NZ CAP Spec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 female profile 106. Having the gaps 180 at different intervals will ensure that only a few gaps of each of the male and female profiles are at any one time, in register with each other. When they are in register with each other clearly a water-resistant seal cannot be established between the male and female tracks 103,104 at such a location.

Where the male profile 105 is of a continuous and constant cross section along its entire length, then a water-resistant seal can be established between the male and female tracks 103, 104. Alternatively where the longitudinal relative positioning between the male and female tracks 103 and 104 is constantly repeatable such as for example where (a) the zip is closed end (trouser type) zip, or (b) the zip includes an end stop 184 as for example shown in Figure 4, 5 and 8, the 10 gaps 180 of each of the male and female profiles 105, 106 can be provided so as to remain out of register. This end stop 184 can be a stopper or bung attached to the last female segment 181 to prevent the slider leaving that end of the female track.

SLIDER - In order to enhance the ease with which the merging of the male profile 105 with the female profile 106 can be achieved, the slider 115 is provided for the purposes of the merging 15 and demerging of the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104. The slider 115 is an element which is graspable by the hands or fingers of a user and allows for the user to slide the slider in the longitudinal direction LL along the zip tracks 103, 104. It may have a pull tab attached thereto for ease of use.

The slider 115 is engaged with both the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104. Such 20 engagement is as a result of the capturing of the profiles 105, 106 within guide slots 116, 117 of the slider 115. The guide slots are of a cross sectional shape (in a direction lateral to the longitudinal direction LL) sufficiently large enough to receive the respective profiles of the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104, yet confined enough for the purposes of preventing the profiles so captured within the guide slots 116 and 117 from separating from 25 the slider in the transverse direction TT. The guide slot 116 for the female profile is in this example substantially of a circular (or one corresponding to the shape of the zip track profiles) cross section and likewise the guide slot 117 for the male profile is also of a substantially circular cross section along its length. Each slot includes an opening 118, 119 which allows the passing of the flange 108 and 109 respectively therethrough. The slider moving 30 in the longitudinal direction LL along the zip track 102 manipulates the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104 relative to each other for the purposes of their merging and demerging. 190799NZCAPSoec.doc fP^)NZ 3 I OCT 2005 At a first end 120 of the slider 115, the male and female zip tracks 103, 104 extend from the slider 115 in a separated condition. At a second end 121 of the slider 115, the male and female zip tracks 103, 104 extend from the slider 115 in a merged condition as for example shown in Figure 5 transition between the first and second ends 120, 121 of the guide slots 116, 117 5 occurs which results in the bringing together of the profiles 105, 106 as a result of the merging of the guide slots 116, 117.

Preferably the slider 115 is provided with a spreader element, which is described in further detail with reference to Example 2 below. Preferably also, the cross sectional area of the female guide slot 116 expands as the slot extends in from each end of the slider 115, refer 10 to the curves 270 detailed in figure 4 which show this increase in cross sectional area of the female guide slot 116. This expansion, and subsequent reduction, in cross sectional area of the female guide slot 116, when traveling from one end of the slot to the other, corresponds to some extent to the location and geometry of the spreader element which is located within the same slot. The change in cross sectional area is designed to accommodate expansion of the 15 female profile 106 as it passes through the female guide slot 116 and is expanded by the expansion element.

EXAMPLES OF DIMENSIONS It will be appreciated that the drawings are mostly on an enlarged scale, in order to illustrate the 20 shapes, and functioning of the various components making up the zip fastener of this example. The zip fastener of this example can be made in various shapes, sizes and lengths to suit the end use of the product. However to appreciate the relative size of the components, we have given the following dimensions based on a prototype zip fastener designed for clothing for a typical zip length from 100mm to 500mm. These dimensions are given purely by way of example only, and 25 are not intended to be in any way limiting on the scope of the invention.

Slider Length 15mm internal male track in slider = 2.25mm Widest end 11.5mm internal female track in slider = 3.75mm 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 Narrowest end 8mm internal merged track in slider = 3.75mm Pull tab : 20mm long by 8mm wide Profiles: Male profile height: 2.0mm Width at widest: 1.75mm Female profile height: 3.0mm Width at widest: 2.75mm EXAMPLE 2: This example is similar to example 1; save that the male member is shaped more like an arrow head, and the female member is more triangular in shape. The zip 201 consists of longitudinal 10 zip tracks 202 and a slider 215. With reference to Figure 11 the zip tracks 202 of the present invention are each substantially of a constant cross section along their entire length, save for the option of a series of gaps 280A as shown in figure 24. The zip tracks 202 form part of or are secured to portions of a garment which are to have the ability of being connected and separated by the zip 201 of the present invention. For example where the zip 15 201 of the present invention is incorporated in a jacket having an anterior positioned opening, the zip 201 may be incorporated to the two front panels of the anterior portion of the jacket to allow for the jacket to be opened and closed.

MALE AND FEMALE ZIP TRACKS - The zip track 202 consists of a male zip track 203 and a female zip track 204.

The male zip track 203 is primarily defined by its functional feature being a male profile 205 which is capable of merging and demerging with the female profile 206 of the female zip track Preferably, at least the female profile 206 of the female zip track 204 is made of a material which is resiliently flexible. Depending upon the application a suitable plastics material or rubber 25 material (or a composite of the two) may be used for the purposes of defining the female profile 206 of the female zip track 204. Suitable plastics materials can include polyethylene and polyvinylchloride. Other plastics can be used. Choice of plastic will depend on its properties 204. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 and suitability for the end use, ease of moulding about a flexible tape, flexibility and stretchability as well as the desired tensile strength.

Each of the profiles 205, 206 are preferably defined along a longitudinal edge 207 of a flange 208, 209 of the male zip track 203 and female zip track 204 respectively. Each flange 208, 5 209 is provided for the purposes of allowing the male zip track 203 and the female zip track 204 to be incorporated in a garment. The flanges 208, 209 are provided for the purposes of securing by stitching, ultrasonic welding, adhesive welding or the like to components of a garment. The male zip track 203 and the female zip track 204 may be made from two separate items being the profiled features 205, 206 and the flanges 208, 209. 10 Alternatively the male zip track 203 and the female zip track 204 may each be made as a unitary item. The zip tracks 203, 204 may be formed by extrusion, co-extrusion or be made by injection moulding. Since the cross section of the male zip track 203 and the female zip track 204 are substantially constant along their entire longitudinal (in direction LL) length, extrusion of the zip tracks 203, 204 is an appropriate manner for their manufacture. The slots or 15 gaps which are herein after described may be formed in one or both of the male and female zip track, after their being extruded.

SHAPE OF PROFILES - A profile we have tested is shown in Figures 13 and 14. The male profile 205 looks a little like an arrowhead but it has a rounded nose. It leading edge is part of an ellipse. It has a pair of re-entrant flanges at rear. The female profile 206 includes a slot 210 20 which extends also in the longitudinal direction LL along the length of the female zip track 204. The slot is provided for the purposes of allowing the passing of the male profile 205 there through for the purposes of merging and demerging the male and female profiles 205, 206. The interior of the female profile 206 is complementary in shape to the shape of the male profile 205. The female profile provides a continuous (or semi-continuous) cavity of a cross-25 sectional shape corresponding to but slightly larger than the dimensions of the male profile.

The re-entrant nature of the jaws 211 of the female profile 206 co-acting with the flanges 212 of the male profile 205 in a 50 mm length of a first prototype had a tensile strength (resistance to being pulled apart at right angles to the length of the zip) of over 15kgs. This tensile strength can be varied by suitable design of the profile shapes and choice and flexibility of materials used in 30 the manufacture of the zip. In some cases a low tensile strength may be an advantage (for safety) in other cases a high tensile strength may be desirable. 190799NZ CAPSDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 SEGMENTED PROFILES - For the purposes of enhancing the longitudinal flexibility and preferably also enhancing the stretchability in the longitudinal direction LL at least the female profile 206 is defined by and made of a material which whilst of significantly high rigidity in order to allow for it to securely capture and resist removal of the male profile 205, which has a 5 series of slots or gaps 280 provided spaced along its length.

The gaps 280 extend preferably in a direction lateral to the longitudinal direction LL. Therefore the female profile 206 is not of a continuous and constant cross section (in the direction lateral to the longitudinal direction LL) since it is provided with a plurality of such gaps 280 but it is repetitive. The gaps 280 are preferably through the entire portion of the element defining the 10 female profile 206 separating each of the profiles to define them as discrete items. Where the female profiles 206 are provided as a series and/or an array of discrete items, the longitudinal stretchability of the female track 204 is no longer defined or limited by the nature of the material defining the female profile 206. It is then the nature of the material of for example the flange 209 or the material to which the flange is affixed, which limits the stretchability of 15 the female track 204 in the direction LL.

Where the discrete female profiles 206 are disposed at an edge of for example a neoprene or Lycra material flange 209, the longitudinal stretchability of the female track 204 will be significant. The gaps 280 provided between adjacent discrete female profile elements 206 will expand and contract as and when the female track 204 is stretched and relaxed. In addition to 20 enhancing the stretchability by the provision of gaps between the elements defining the female profile 206, the flexibility of the female track 204 will also be enhanced. The gaps 280 may preferably completely separate those elements defining the female profile 206 but may in the alternative, only separate part of each of the elements defining the female profile 206. Where longitudinal stretchability is perhaps not an essential or desired feature, the elements 25 defining the female profile 206 may still be attached at for example the base at where they are disposed along the edge of the flange 209. Bending out of the plane of the flange 209 is still able to be achieved where gaps are provided between those regions of the female profile 206 along the ridge 281. However for both flexibility and stretchability the elements defining the female profile 206 are discrete from each other.

The gap 280 may be provided at regular intervals along the female track 204 or may be provided only at locations where the desired flexibility and/or stretchability are required. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 Whilst most importantly it is the female profile 206 which is preferably of such discrete elements (since it needs to be of a material which has a high resistance to flexing for the purposes of ensuring that it can retain to a suitable amount, the engagement of the male profile 205) therewith the male profile 205 may likewise be provided as discrete segments 5 as shown for example in Figures 20, 23, 24 and 31. Whilst the male profile 205 need not be of a material of the same rigidity as that of the female profile 206 for the purposes of establishing a strong connection between the male and female profiles to resist its separation in a direction transverse to the direction LL, the gaps 280 provided along the male profile 205 will further enhance both the stretchability and flexibility of the zip tracks 202. The male profiles 10 205 may likewise be attached to and be disposed at an edge of a flange 208 of a material which will then define the deciding characteristics of the nature of the stretchability and flexibility of the male track 203. Clearly the flexibility of the tracks will be limited by the size of the gap 280 hence the larger the gap the tighter the radius in which the male and female tracks can be bent. Clearly, the frequency of the gaps, and the material from which the tracks are made, and the 15 geometry of the tracks, will also influence flexibility The gaps 280 may be provided as a result of the female and/or male tracks 204, 203 being injection moulded. Alternatively where the female and/or male tracks 204, 203 or the profiles 205, 206 are extruded, the gaps 280 may be defined after extrusion. Laser cutting or machine cutting may be the most appropriate manner in which to define these gaps 280. Whilst as a result 20 of the provision of the slots in both the female and male profile 206, 205, water tightness of the zip 201 may not be achievable; improvements in water tightness can be created by providing the slots 280 of the male track 205 at different intervals than the gaps 280 of the female profile 206. Having the gaps 280 at different intervals will ensure that only a few gaps of each of the male and female profiles are at any one time, in register with each other. When 25 they are in register with each other clearly no water-resistant seal can be established between the male and female tracks 203,204 at such a location.

Where the male profile 205 is of a continuous and constant cross section along its entire length, then a water-resistant seal can be established between the male and female tracks 203, 204. Alternatively where the longitudinal relative positioning between the male and female tracks 203 30 and 204 is constantly repeatable such as for example where the zip includes an upper end stop, the gaps 280 of each of the male and female profiles 205, 206 can be provided so as to remain out of register. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 SLIDER - In order to enhance the ease with which the merging of the male profile 205 with the female profile 206 can be achieved, the present invention incorporates a slider 215 for the purposes of the merging and demerging of the male zip track 203 and female zip track 204.

The slider 215 (refer to Figure 22) has a pull tab 231 hingedly connected to an external boss 230 and is designed to be graspable by the hands or fingers of a user and allows for the user to slide the slider in the longitudinal direction LL along the zip tracks 203, 204. The slider 215 is engaged with both the male zip track 203 and female zip track 204. Such engagement is as a result of the capturing of the profiles 205, 206 within guide slots 217, 10 216 of the slider 215.

The guide slots are of a cross sectional shape (in a direction lateral to the longitudinal direction LL) sufficiently large enough to receive the respective profiles of the male zip track 203 and female zip track 204, yet confined enough for the purposes of preventing the profiles so captured within the guide slots 216 and 217 from separating from the slider 15 in the transverse direction TT. The guide slot 216 for the female profile as shown in figure 15 is of a shape corresponding to the shape of the female profile 206 shown in figure 13. Similarly the guide slot 217 for the male profile is of a shape corresponding to the shape of the male profile 205 shown in figure 14.

It will be noted that the cross sectional area of the female guide slot is larger about the 20 torpedo shaped expansion element 226 to allow for expansion of the female profile as described below. This is also evident in the modified slider 226A shown in Figure 25.

Figure 21a shows the male and female guide slots 216 and 217 and the expansion member 226 in profile, in a cross sectional view. It can be seen in this drawing that the bridge 228 attaches the expansion member 226 to the central island portion 227. The central island portion 227 is 25 essentially the material of the slider 215 which is between the male and female guide slots 216 and 217. In this view the male and female guide slots 216 and 217 can be seen diverging as they extend away from the bifurcation area (not shown) towards the first end 220 of the slider 215.

Guide slot 216 may be straighter than guide slot 217, as the female profile because of its size and shape may be less flexible than the male profile and may depending upon 30 design parameters be less able to accommodate as much of a bend within the slider 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 guide tack as would the male member. However in some cases it may be desirable to make the guide slots of the same length to minimize differential drag between the profiles and the slider which may result in twisting of the slider.

Each slot includes an opening 218, 219 which allows the passing of the flange 208 5 and 209 respectively there through.

The slider moving in the longitudinal direction LL along the zip track 202 manipulates the male zip track 203 and female zip track 204 relative to each other for the purposes of their merging and demerging. At a first end 220 of the slider 215, the male and female zip tracks 203, 204 extend from the slider 215 in a separated condition as 10 shown in figures 20 and 30.

At a second end 221 of the slider 215, the male and female zip tracks 203, 204 extend from the slider 215 in a merged condition as for example is shown in Figure 20. A transition between the first and second ends 220, 221 of the guide slots 216, 217 occurs which results in the bringing together of the profiles 205, 206 as a result of the merging of the guide 15 slots 216, 217. Hence extending from the second distal end 221 where the guide slots 216 and 217 are merged, towards the first distal end 220, the guide slots 216 and 217 bifurcate.

Extending immediately along the guide slot 216 for the female profile beyond the region 225 thereof where bifurcation is initiated the guide slot 216 for the female profile incorporates a 20 torpedo like expansion element 226.

The expansion element 226 is disposed within the guide slot 216 in a region thereof immediately adjacent to the bifurcation initiation zone 225. The expansion element 226 is an elongate element extending in the direction of the guide slot 216. The expansion element 226 is of a profile which, at least immediately adjacent the bifurcation zone 25 225, results in the expansion of the slot 210 to the extent that it opens sufficiently to receive and allow the passing there through of the male profile 205 of the male zip track 203. The cross section of the expansion element 226 corresponds to the cross section of the female profile. The shape of the expansion element is shown in more detail in figure 21. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPOiMZ 3 1 OCT 2005 This expansion initiated by the sliding of the slider 215 in a direction advancing the first distal end 220 as the leading edge of the slider 215, will result in the progressive traveling of the expansion element 226 along and within the female profile 206 and as the female profile 206 passes over the expansion element 226 the female profile 206 is opened to 5 expand the slot 210 sufficiently to allow the male profile 205 to pass there through with a reduced requirement for the pressing of the male profile 205 into the slot 210. In the most preferred form the slot 210 is opened to a size slightly larger than the thickness of the male profile 205 so that no pressing of the male and female profiles 205, 206 together is necessary to establish a merged condition therebetween.

The expansion element 226 is of a tapered nature extending from its widest point at or near the bifurcation zone 225, to a bullet shaped end 229 towards the first distal end 220 of the slider 215. Such a tapered profile will allow for the gradual expansion of the female profile 206 as the slider is advanced in the direction to merge the male and female profiles 205, 206.

The expansion element 226 is attached to a central island 227 of the slider by a bridge 15 member 228, see figure 21. The bridge 228 is of a size which allows it to pass through the slot 210 of the female profile 206.

In the most preferred form of the present invention the guide slot 216 for the female profile 206 is not of a constant cross section along its length between the first distal end 220 and at least the bifurcation zone 225. Most preferably the guide slot 216 expands from a 20 smaller cross section at the first distal end 220 to a slightly larger cross section where the expansion element 226 is provided.

Such expansion can be seen for example with reference to Figure 9A. The expansion of the guide slot 216 is commensurate with the expansion in the shape of the female profile 206 as it progresses along the guide slot 216. Whilst a constant cross section of a shape 25 commensurate with the female profile when in a fully expanded condition may be appropriate along the entire length of the guide slot 216, it is preferred, and in order to ensure that the female profile remains well captured within the guide slot 216, that the cross section does vary over the length of the guide slot 216.

In order for contact to be maintained by the expansion element 226 with the female 30 profile 206 over a distance for as long as practically possible prior to the merging of 190799NZ CAPSDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 the female profile with the male profile, it can be seen that the expansion element 226 extends at least in part into the path of the male profile defined by the guide slot 217.

The end of the expansion element 226 nearest the second end 221 preferably includes a cut out 238 which is of a shape to allow the passing, there adjacent of, of the male profile 5 205. However once the male and female profiles are merged substantially in the merged zone 239 of the then non-bifurcated guide tracks 216, 217, no influence of the expansion element 226 is necessary for the female profile 206. It will be appreciated that whilst in a majority there has been reference made herein to the merging of the male and female profiles, a demerging of the male and female profiles operates in substantially 10 the reverse manner to that which has herein been described, that is, the spreader expands the female profile 206 away from the male profile 205 in the area where the guide slots 216 and 217 bifurcate.

DEMERGING When the zip is closed the top of the male and female profiles will extend from the first end 220 of the slider (in that sense a jacket zip is never fully closed as a small portion of the male and female profiles will always be unmerged - unlike the face to face seals inside zip lock plastic bags. Consequently downward movement of the slider along the zip will cause the male and female profiles to pass through the guide slots and demerge 20 whether or not there is an expansion element in the female guide slot. Nevertheless by suitable shaping of the end of the expansion element facing end 221 it is possible to assist the demerging operation and help the female profile to open up as it moves away from the male member where the guide slots separate. By suitably spacing the shaped expansion element away from the side of the guide track by a thin bridge it is possible for the jaws of 25 the female profile to fit around the bridge portion as it relaxes into the demerged state, so that the bridge portion is thin enough to pass through slot 210 of the female profile.

In the demerging of the male and female profiles, the advanced most edge of the slider is the second end 221. The slider 215 will always remain in contact with the male and female guide tracks 203 and 204 and when the zip tracks 202 are in a fully merged 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 condition along substantially their entire length, the slider will be provided at the upper end of the zip tracks 202.

The slider is preferably injection moulded from a low friction plastics material, such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), to allow ease of movement of the slider and the insertion 5 of the expansion element into the female profile.

Another form of expansion element is shown in Figures 25 and 26. It is a sharper wedge shape designed to penetrate the slot and interior of the female profile and allow it to expand sufficiently to snap over the male profile.

End stops may be provided on the zip tracks to prevent the slider 215 from sliding 10 beyond and off the zip tracks 202. Progression of the slider 215 towards the other end of the zip tracks 202 will result in the male and female profiles 205, 206 demerging.

CLOSED END ZIPS.

If the zip fastener is intended as a closed end zip such as a trouser zip (or a bag zip), one end of the two profiles can be joined together in a suitable fashion typically by sewing in 15 a similar fashion to prior art zippers. End stops may be provided at the other end (top) of the profiles to trap the slider on at least one of the profiles. In most cases this will be the female profile.

OPEN END ZIPS (Jacket type zips) Where the two profiles are not joined together to allow full separation as is the case with 20 a jacket type zip then end stops can be provided at each end of the zip profiles. Preferably at least one end of the profiles has mean for locking the zip tracks together to prevent longitudinal movement of the male track sliding within and then out of the female track when the zip is closed.

Any type of end stop can be used to keep the slider on the tracks and align the two ends 25 of the zip tracks. Conventional lower end stop designs can be used. A novel end stop will now be described. This end stop design is a "locater" and is designed to stop longitudinal movement of the male and female tracks relative to one another.

LOWER END STOPS 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc Since the male and female zip tracks 103, 104 are of a kind which are of generally uniform or repeating profiles along their length, the zip tracks provide no resistance beyond that provided as a result of friction, to longitudinal sliding relative to each other in the direction LL.

Where the zip 101 is to be incorporated in for example a jacket, a complete separation of the zip tracks needs to be capable of being provided. As such it is not possible to permanently lock the male and female zip tracks 103, 104 together at for example one of the ends of the tracks (as is the case with closed zips such as trouser zips).

A temporary means of fastening the tracks to prevent their relative movement in the 10 longitudinal direction is however desired so that the garment can remain in alignment.

One way of achieving this is to incorporate at one end of the zip track 102, a zip stop 160 as shown in Figure 29. The zip stop 160 consists of a latch 168, and a pin box 161 which may be of a kind similar to those found on tooth like zip tracks (we have used the term "pin box" to designate this part as it appears in a similar location to the pin box of a 15 conventional toothed zip fastener but our pin box performs a different function and is of a different shape.

The pin box 161 is incorporated at the end of one of the male and female zip tracks 103, 104 (preferably to the female zip track 104 as shown in Figure 28A) and extends in a manner therefrom to present an interference to the movement of the male zip track 103 in 20 the longitudinal direction advancing it beyond the end 162 of the female zip track 104. It may also incorporate a slot 165 or rebate or recess for the purposes of receiving the distal end 166 of the male zip track 103.

The slot 165 is provided in a configuration to discourage or prevent the separation of the male zip track 103 from the female zip track 104 in a direction transverse to the 25 longitudinal direction LL.

The distal end 166 of the male zip track 103 is hence captured and prevented from movement in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction LL once received within the slot or recess 165. The slot or recess 165 is of a shape which includes a region commensurate with the male profile 105 of the male track 103 and includes an opening to 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 exterior thereof, through which the flange 108 of the male zip track can pass. With the provision of the pin box 161 to one of the male and female zip tracks 103, 104, movement of the male and female zip tracks in one direction of the longitudinal directions LL is able to be prevented.

However without any further enhancement, it is still possible for relative movement in an opposite direction along the axis LL to occur between the male and female zip tracks 103, 104. This direction would be to separate the engagement of the end 166 of the male zip track 103 from within the slot 165 of the pin box 161.

In order to prevent the movement of the male zip track 103 in that direction, the male zip 10 track 103 is provided with a latch 168 which is capable of being located with a catch 169 of for example the pin box 161. The latch 168 includes a surface for mutual engagement with a surface of the catch 169 when the distal end 166 of the male zip track 103 is located adequately or to its full extent, within the recess 165 in its longitudinal direction LL.

The catch 169 becomes engaged with the latch 168 in a manner to prevent the retraction 15 of the distal end 166 from the slot 165 of the pin box 161. The arrangement of the latch 168 and catch 169 is preferably for it to act in a snap fit like manner. As the male zip track 103 is advanced for the engagement of its distal end 166 within the slot 165 by its movement in the direction LL relative to the female zip track 104, the catch 169 is also advanced in the direction LL until its alignment with the catch 169 whereupon it will snap into an 20 interference relationship therewith.

The catch 169 includes a profiled surface 170 which is provided for the purposes of allowing for the catch 169 to be displaced in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction LL as it is progressed for engagement of the distal end 166 into the slot 165. The profiled surface 170 is for example a tapered or curved surface which presents no significant 25 resistance to its movement and the movement of the male zip track 103 in the longitudinal direction to establish an engagement of the distal end 166 within the slot 165. The latch 168 is hence made from a resiliently flexible material which is capable of moving in the direction transverse to the direction LL so as to allow for it to be advanced and establish the interference like fit with the catch 169 of the pin box 161. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 To allow for the disengagement of the latch 168 with the catch 169, the latch 168 includes a graspable end 171 presented to allow for a finger of a user to manipulate the latch 168 for the purposes of its disengagement with the catch 169. The end 171 is hence presented to allow for the displacement of the latch 168 by a finger of the user in a direction transverse to the 5 longitudinal direction LL to slide the interference surfaces of the catch 169 and latch 168 to thereby allow for the male zip track 103 to remove itself from engagement with the slot 165. The end 171 of the latch 168 protrudes or projects sufficiently for convenient grasping or at least engagement by a finger of a user for the purposes of allowing the disengagement of the latch 168 with the catch 169. Whilst in the most preferred form and as herein shown, the 10 pin box 161 is provided at the end of the female zip track 104, it may alternatively be provided at the end of the male zip track 103 and the latch 168 may be provided to the female zip track.

The size and shape of this end stop 160 allows for the placement of a hole 190 passing through the pin box 161 for attachment of a ski pass or other ticket or identification tag.

In order to enhance the ease with which the merging of the male profile 105 with the female profile 106 can be achieved, the zip has a slider 115 for the purposes of the merging and demerging of the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104, as described above.

The slider 115 is an element which is graspable by the hands or fingers of a user and allows for the user to slide the slider in the longitudinal direction LL along the zip tracks 20 103, 104. The slider 115 is engaged with both the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104. Such engagement is as a result of the capturing of the profiles 105, 106 within guide slots 116, 117 of the slider 115.

The guide slots are of a cross sectional shape sufficiently large enough to receive the respective profiles of the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104, yet confined 25 enough for the purposes of preventing the profiles so captured within the guide slots 116 and 117 from separating from the slider in the transverse direction TT. The guide slot 116 for the female profile is substantially of a part elliptical cross section and likewise the guide slot 117 for the male profile is also of a substantially part elliptical cross section along its length so that they correspond to the shape of the two profiles. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPOtMZ 3 1 OCT 2005 Each guide slot 116 and 117 includes an opening 118, 119 which allows the passing of the flange 108 and 109 respectively therethrough. The slider moving in the longitudinal direction LL along the zip track 102 manipulates the male zip track 103 and female zip track 104 relative to each other for the purposes of their merging and demerging.

At a first end 120 of the slider 115, the male and female zip tracks 103, 104 extend from the slider 115 in a separated condition. At a second end 121 of the slider 115, the male and female zip tracks 103, 104 extend from the slider 115 in a merged condition as for example shown in Figure 5. A transition between the first and second ends 120, 121 of the guide slots 116, 117 occurs which results in the bringing together of the 10 profiles 106, 105 as a result of the merging of the guide slots 116, 117.

The opening for the tracks at end 121 of the slider is optionally off-set from its centreline to allow the latch 168 to pass external of the slider. To prevent a clashing of the latch 168 with the slider the latch is also off-set from its male track 105 by a distance X as shown in figure 29 and is preferably attached to the tape or flange of the male profile so that 15 it can bypass the slider when the end of the male profile is inserted into the slider.

The gap between the end of the male track 105 and the latch 168 is sufficient to allow the slider 115 to pass there through.

PARTIAL SLITS - With reference to Figure 24 there is shown a modification to the otherwise constant cross section female profile 206A. In this instance there are gaps or relief slots 280A 20 formed not entirely through the female profile. The slots 280A are provided through the female profile with a view to weakening its bending moment strength in a direction normal to the plan of the flange or tape 209 for the enhancement of the flexibility of the female zip. In this way the female profile need no longer consist of discrete elements as shown in Figure 23 as the female profile is weakened to allow for easier bending in a plane extending longitudinally and 25 perpendicular to the plane of the flange 209. It will be appreciated that in this configuration, the material of the female profile will be influential in the nature of the stretchability of the female zip track since the female profiles are not separated elements.

ELLIPSOIDAL MALE SEGMENTS - With reference to Figure 31 there is shown a modification to the shape of the male segments 305. In this version the segments are generally 30 ellipsoidal in nature. By rounding the ends of the male segments 205 it is possible to allow for larger gaps between both the male and female segments to enhance stretchability and flexibility 190799NZ CAPSDec doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 whilst minimizing the risk of the leading edge of the male segments 305 from catching in the gap 380 between the female segments 306.

Although we prefer to manufacture the male and female segments from a plastics material it is possible (though unlikely) that the male segments (especially these ellipsoidal segments 305) 5 could be made of metal and crimped onto the tape.

EXAMPLES OF DIMENSIONS It will be appreciated that the drawings are mostly on an enlarged scale, in order to illustrate the shapes, and functioning of the various components making up the zip fastener of this example. 10 The zip fastener of this example can be made in various shapes, sizes and lengths to suit the end use of the product. However to appreciate the relative size of the components, we have given the following dimensions based on a prototype zip fastener designed for clothing for a typical zip length from 100mm to 500mm. These dimensions are given purely by way of example only, and are not intended to be in any way limiting on the scope of the invention.

Slider Length 15mm internal male track in slider = 2.5mm Widest end 11.5mm internal female track in slider = 4mm Narrowest end 8mm internal merged track in slider = 4mm Pull tab: 20mm long by 8mm wide Profiles: Male profile height: 1.5mm Width at widest: 2.0mm Female profile height: 2.5mm Width at widest: 3.0mm 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION The invention relates to a novel zip fastener particularly suited for use in the manufacture of clothing, as well as for bags and footwear.

ADVANTAGES The novel zip fastener of these examples is designed to stretch, and the degree of stretch can be designed into the zip fastener so it has the same degree of longitudinal stretch as the substrate to which it is to be attached. This is particularly useful in fashion garments where it is desirable that the fastening means will stretch at the a similar rate as the fabric to which it is attached to 10 prevent puckering, or distortions in the fabric as it is stretched by the wearer. This is particularly noticeable in garments such as wetsuits relying on a stretchable fabric such as neoprene, as conventional toothed zips by their very design are too rigid and will often result in distortions in the garment when stretched by the wearer. In some cases they will prevent bending or stretching of the user.

The expansion element in the slider allows the female profile to be opened and slid over the male profile without excessive force and without the need to apply force to close the female profile. The resilient nature of the female profile will allow it to spring back into its resting state and close about and retain the male profile trapped inside after merging has taken place.

The male and female profiles may be formed from different materials or have different 20 properties. They can be injection moulded about reel fed tapes. The relative size and relative friction or stiction of the male and female profile may be such that once merged relative sliding of the two profiles is difficult so that the tracks are held in place. Or end stops can be used to anchor at least one end of the tracks to prevent relative sliding of the tracks.

The continuous nature of the new zips described herein can provide less drag than, for example a 25 toothed zipper. This feature could be significant especially for zips used on clothing for athletes who require minimum drag, for example simmers, skiers and triathletes. 190799NZ CAPSDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 VARIATIONS Whilst we have illustrated two different configurations of male and female profiles, it will be appreciated that a number of different, and preferably complementary shapes could be used for the male and female profiles, depending upon the degree of tensile strength required when a 5 force is applied to either side of the zip fastener to pull it apart, as well as the resilience of the zip fastener and the profiles thereof to accommodate bending or flexing transversely to the main axis of the zip fastener. As for example when the fabric is pulled or pushed at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the zip, or the components of the zip fastener pass through the slider to merge or demerge. The size of shape of the male and female profiles, the design properties of 10 the materials used, for example the type of plastics used, and the way that the profiles are formed either by injection moulding, or by extrusion, or by some other process, can be varied through different applications, production volumes, or different designs of a zip fastener for particular purposes.

Although in the main examples we have mentioned the use of plastics material for the different 15 profiles, it is equally possible that the profiles could be formed of a neoprene rubber or the like, and could be moulded about a resilient tape, the resilient tape preferably having the similar stretch characteristics as the fabric to which it is to be attached. For example if the zip fastener is to be attached to a Lycra garment, it is preferable that the tape forming part of the zip fastener of this invention be also formed of Lycra having the same or lesser stretch characteristics as that of 20 the fabric to which it is to be attached. In some cases it may be desirable to use a tape which has a greater degree of stretchability than the fabric to which it is to be attached, because the moulding of the various male and female profiles or segments thereof to the tape may result in a slight stiffening of the overall zip fastener, to bring it back to the same degree of stretch as the fabric to which it is to be attached.

Although we have mentioned polyethylene and polyvinylchloride as preferred plastics materials for the male and female profiles, it will be appreciated that there are various other plastics materials may be used depending upon the application, for example the components could be formed of nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and various other industrial plastics.

Although the stretchable segmented zip is been made by injection moulding the individual segments onto a supply of tape, it is possible that by using a resilient plastics or rubber material 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc 3 1 OCT 2005 for the male and female profiles that a stretchable zip could be made by extrusion or co-extrusion.

Although in most cases the slider will be made from a hard plastics material, it is also possible to make all or part of the slider from other materials, and in particular from metal. The slider used with the male and female profiles of this invention typically has a shallower entrance angle than conventional sliders used with toothed zips where the teeth have to be meshed together.

Finally, it will be appreciated that various other alterations or modifications may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of this invention. 190799NZ CAP SDec.doc IPONZ 3 1 OCT 2005 1 22 NOV 2006 oo 1 ^RECEIVED

Claims (13)

CLAIMS:

1. A zip that is stretchable in length comprising: two mutually engagable zip tracks, each zip track attached to or integral with a tape, and a slider capable of moving along the zip tracks to merge or demerge the zip 5 tracks, wherein a first of said zip tracks has a female profile defining a slot extending along the length of the zip track and a second of said zip tracks has a male profile capable of fitting within and being retained by the female profile; wherein at least one of the zip tracks is resilient so that it can be stretched, and wherein at least the male profile is segmented along its length to accommodate stretch of the tape. 10

2. A zip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the slider has guide means within the slider adapted to guide the male and female profiles towards one another for merging.

3. A zip as claimed in claim 2, wherein there is an expansion element within the slider adapted to open the slot of the female profile sufficiently to allow the female profile to fit over and capture the male profile so that the two tracks are merged together into 15 a closed state.

4. A zip as claimed in claim 3, wherein both of the zip tracks are stretchable so that the zip when closed is adapted to be stretched along its length and still retain its closed state.

5. A zip as claimed in claim 3, wherein the female profile is also segmented along its 20 length.

6. A zip as claimed in claim 3, wherein the male and female profiles are segmented along their lengths at different intervals to reduce or eliminate occurrences of a gap in the male profile being in registry with a gap in the female profile.

7. A zip as claimed in claim 4, wherein the male profile is formed by moulding 25 discontinuous segments of the male profile about the tape.

8. A zip as claimed in claim 7, wherein the tape is formed of a resilient material. 190799NZ CAP Spec.doc -39-

9. A zip as claimed in claim 8, wherein the male profile is generally cylindrical and the female profile is generally C-shaped in cross section.

10. A zip as claimed in claim 8, wherein the male profile is generally wedge shaped with the tape attached to a base of the male profile, and wherein the female profile is of a 5 complementary wedge shape with the slot disposed along a base of the female wedge shape and the tape attached to an apex of the female wedge shape.

11. A zip as claimed in claim 3, wherein the guide means includes a male slot adapted to allow passage of the male profile therethrough, and a female slot adapted to allow passage of the female profile therethrough, the male and female slots extending from 10 an entrance end of the slider towards one another and towards a merged slot which exits from the other end of the slider.

12. A zip as claimed in claim 11, wherein the expansion element is located in the female slot and has a tapered portion facing towards the entrance end so that it can be located in the slot of the female profile. 15

13. A zip as claimed in claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings. PIPERS Attorneys for ZIP STRETCH LIMITED 190799NZ CAP Spec.doc INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z. 13 SEP 2006 RECEIVED