TWI407925B - Slide fastener with two or more coupling elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A slide fastener is provided. A first series of first coupling elements (1) are carried on each of first and second stringer tapes (40, 41). A second series of second coupling elements (10) are carried on each of the first and second stringer tapes (40, 41). An intermediate coupling element (20) is carried on the first stringer tape (40) and positioned between a terminal coupling element of the first series on the first stringer tape (40) and a terminal coupling element of the second series on the first stringer tape (40). The intermediate coupling element (20) has a first edge (50) shaped to co-operate with an engagement part (4) of a terminal coupling element (T) of the first series on the second stringer tape (41) and a second edge (51) shaped to co- operate with an engagement part (12) of a terminal coupling element (T) of the second series on the second stringer tape (41).

Description

Zipper with two or more chain teeth

The present invention relates generally to zippers, and more particularly to zippers of the type that have respective series of sprocket carried on each of a pair of oppositely disposed chain fabrics (such zippers) Sometimes referred to as a buckle.)

This type of zipper is known to us: each individual sprocket has a pair of lateral shoulders that extend across a pair of arcuate recesses that define a tapered neck, The tapered neck extends between the circular coupling and the leg portion (the sprocket is fixed to the chain at the leg portion). When the two chain fabrics are engaged with each other, each pair of shoulders can be engaged with a pair of adjacent mating sprocket couplings to limit relative tilting of the adjacent sprocket teeth when the chain fabric is flexed Displace and reinforce the tapered neck of the sprocket.

It is also known to provide a zipper, also referred to as a fastening member, in which the sprocket has a different shape for the manner in which the sprocket teeth are engaged on different opposing faces of the chain. This configuration is disclosed, for example, in GB 2 119 852 A, and is used to provide a zipper of the type that is capable of resisting the relative displacement occurring perpendicular to the surface of the chain when the sprocket is coupled together. Another element of this type is disclosed in EP 0 111 304 A.

Different types of sprocket are known in the prior art and may require different sprocket combinations in a single zipper, for example one type of sprocket for one section of the zipper and another type of sprocket In a different section of the zipper. This may be due to reasons such as the need to provide a portion of the zipper that is more durable or more resistant to abrasion or more resistant to specific stresses. This may also be for aesthetic reasons, where a single zipper is required, with different sections of a single zipper having different colors or different sections of a single zipper having different appearances.

However, different segments of the zipper use different sprocket teeth, which have problems with such zippers. When the zipper is in the knuckle configuration, at the junction or interface between the two segments of the different sprocket, the engagement element of the last sprocket of one type of sprocket on a stringer may not be correct. The ground is assembled into the space left between another type of adjacent sprocket on another chain. This can result in local stress forces the sprocket to separate, or can result in undue coupling between the opposing straps, causing the buckle configuration to fail when stressed. Moreover, as the slider moves along the chain to engage or disengage the sprocket on the opposite link, the slider can be jared or locked at the interface or interface between the different sprocket segments. .

Therefore, there is a need to overcome or reduce such problems in the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a zipper having two or more chain segments having different sprocket teeth for intermeshing of the different segments, and wherein the different segments are connected The face or interface has improved properties compared to prior art, such as improved zipper resistance to unintended separation, or improved smoothness of slider movement.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a zipper comprising:

a) a first chain cloth and a second chain cloth;

b) a first series of uniformly spaced first sprocket teeth carried on each of the first chain cloth and the second chain cloth;

c) a second series of uniformly spaced second chain teeth carried on each of the first chain cloth and the second chain cloth;

d) an intermediate sprocket carried on the first chain cloth, and one of the first series of end sprocket on the first chain cloth and one of the second series on the first chain cloth Between the end fastener elements, the intermediate sprocket has an engaging member having a first edge facing the first series of the terminal sprocket on the first chain cloth, and a first chain facing the first chain The second edge of the second chain of the terminal sprocket,

Wherein the first series and the second series on the first chain are aligned with respect to the first series and the second series on the second chain to be in a buckle configuration when the zipper is in a buckle configuration Engaging the engaging members of the first sprocket on the first link with the engaging members of the first sprocket on the second link, and causing the second on the first link The engaging member of the sprocket and the engaging member of the second sprocket on the second chain cloth are in mesh with each other, wherein the intermediate sprocket has a shape different from the shapes of the first sprocket and the second sprocket a shape, wherein one of the first series of end sprocket teeth on the second link is configured to engage the first sprocket of the first series on the first link and the first edge of the intermediate sprocket And wherein the terminal sprocket of the second series on the second chain cloth is configured to engage the terminal sprocket of the second series on the first chain cloth and the intermediate sprocket Between the two edges, and wherein the intermediate element has a shaped sprocket shaped to form with the first series of the second chain The first engaging member cooperating edge, a second edge and is shaped to the teeth of the engaging member and the second series of the second strand of the fabric of the terminal chain collaboration.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming a zipper according to a first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:

i) molding the first element teeth onto a chain fabric in a first molding step while leaving a gap for the second chain teeth and the intermediate chain teeth;

Ii) subsequently molding the second sprocket and the intermediate sprocket onto the chain.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming a zipper according to a first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:

i) molding the first sprocket and the second sprocket onto a chain fabric in a first molding step while leaving a gap for the intermediate sprocket;

Ii) The intermediate element is then formed into the gap on the chain.

The following features are applicable to all of the various aspects of the zipper and method of the present invention as appropriate. Combinations of the following features are suitably employed as part of the zipper and device of the present invention.

It should be understood that throughout the specification, the first sprocket and the second sprocket are interchangeable such that when the features are referenced with reference to the first sprocket, the features are also applicable to the second sprocket, and vice versa. The first sprocket has a different shape than the second sprocket, but this does not exclude that the first sprocket has the same overall appearance as the second sprocket but has a different size.

Typically, the first series of uniform spaced sprocket teeth and the second series of uniformly spaced sprocket teeth are discrete sprocket teeth, which means that the sprocket teeth are not integrally connected to each other, and are each separate sprocket. This configuration allows the chain to flex and promote the zipper's fastening and opening.

The chain fabric will comprise a chain of cloth having a rib or rod in the form of a string extending along one edge of the chain. The link can be any suitable material that is compatible with the intended use of the zipper. Typically, it will be a fabric webbing, usually a woven fabric. Typically, the sprocket system is formed, for example, by injection molding in a group to the strand of the chain fabric.

In this specification, the term "cooperate with" or "engage with" means "storage" or "smooth with" so that when the zipper is in the buckle configuration, the two meshing teeth (The zippers are stationary in the buckle configuration) are not substantially displaced or pushed away from their rest positions relative to their respective links. In other words, the engagement means that there is no interlocking of the substantial stress points, and the stress points are where the engaging members contact each other.

The invention is not limited to having first and second sprocket teeth of different shapes, and in fact, the shape of the first sprocket may be advantageously the same as the shape of the second sprocket, as will be explained in more detail below. However, the present invention is particularly useful when the first sprocket and the second sprocket do have different shapes from each other.

Preferably, the intermediate sprocket has substantially the same shape as the shape of the second sprocket, except that the first edge of the intermediate sprocket includes one or more recesses and/or protrusions, the one or more recesses The seats and/or projections are adapted to engage complementary projections and/or recesses of the engagement members of the second series of terminal sprocket teeth on the second link.

This permits the intermediate chain teeth to be easily formed onto the chain of the chain fabric as part of the same group as the group of second chain teeth.

The second sprocket engaging members each preferably include a first portion on a first side of the chain fabric and a second portion on an opposite second side of the chain cloth, wherein the first portion and the second portion have different shapes. This configuration (for example, regarding the sprocket) is disclosed in GB 2 119 852 A and is disclosed in EP 0 111 304 A. Generally, this means that when the zipper is applied to clothing, luggage or the like, the outer surface of the zipper can exhibit a different appearance from the inner surface of the zipper. This configuration is better able to resist unintended displacement of the engaging members perpendicular to the surface of the chain relative to each other, since the first and second portions can act as inter-engaging wings or intermeshing rims at the edges of the engaging members. Thereby preventing this displacement.

The first portion of the engagement member of each of the second sprocket teeth can, for example, comprise a rounded head and a neck portion integral therewith. The second portion of the engagement member of each of the second sprocket teeth can, for example, comprise a substantially polygonal head. For example, the shape of the substantially polygonal head can be substantially triangular or trapezoidal. The substantially polygonal heads can be suitably configured to interlock together in a substantially gapless tessellation when the zipper is in the closed configuration. This configuration is particularly useful for conveying the illusion of a flat color zone to the viewer (when viewed from a suitable distance), thereby obscuring the functional appearance of the zipper. "Substantially polygonal" means that the head contains straight edges that are joined at the corners, which may be smooth.

The first sprocket engaging members may each suitably comprise a rounded head and a neck integrally formed therewith that holds the head to the shoulder of each of the first sprocket.

Each shoulder may be provided with a fin (eg, in the form of a vertical epaulette) that is adapted to engage a circular shape disposed in each of the first sprocket when the zipper is in the buckle configuration The slots in the head engage. This configuration is capable of resisting unintended disengagement of the first element teeth perpendicular to the surface of the chain cloth when the zipper is in the engaged configuration.

The first edge and the second edge of the intermediate sprocket are respectively shaped to cooperate with both the first sprocket engaging member and the second sprocket engaging member.

The first sprocket and the second sprocket may have different colors. For example, it can be a different polymeric material. The intermediate sprocket may have the same color as one of the first sprocket or the second sprocket.

As mentioned above, the first sprocket and the second sprocket may have the same shape. It has been found that the intermediate sprocket of the present invention can also be advantageously used in zippers in which the first sprocket is substantially identical to the second sprocket. In this case, the intermediate sprocket having a shape different from the shape of the first sprocket and the second sprocket can be incorporated into the zipper to provide a mark, indicator or design feature to break the visual continuity of the zipper or permit the appearance of the zipper. Matches items that use a zipper. Due to the potentially damaging effects on the operation of the zipper and the resistance to unintended opening forces in the zipper configuration, a single differently shaped sprocket has heretofore been incorporated between the two sections of the zipper. In essence, it has not been considered a viable option. The zipper may include more than one intermediate sprocket on any of the links, each intermediate sprocket being separated by a section of the first sprocket/second sprocket. The first sprocket and the second sprocket may have the same color. The intermediate links can have different colors.

It will be appreciated that for carrying out this particular mode of the invention, the invention also includes having more than two intermediate sprocket teeth disposed on the opposing chain straps and positioned to cooperate when the zipper is in the buckle configuration such that the zipper is in the buckle A block or section of the intermediate element is formed under the knot configuration. Suitably, the intermediate sprocket may have edges that are shaped to intermesh with each other and intermesh with the first sprocket and the second sprocket, whereby the intermediate sprocket does not substantially weaken the zipper when the zipper is in the fastening configuration Let it encounter unexpected opening power.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for forming a zipper according to a first aspect of the present invention, comprising: i) molding a first fastener element onto a chain fabric in a first molding step, At the same time, a gap is left for the second sprocket and the intermediate sprocket; and ii) the second sprocket and the intermediate sprocket are subsequently formed onto the chain.

In a single second forming step, the second sprocket and the (the same) are used, for example, by using a single forming group comprising the second sprocket and the intermediate sprocket The intermediate chain teeth are preferably formed onto the chain cloth.

Typically, the sprocket will be formed onto the chain fabric by injection molding.

For the case where the first sprocket is substantially identical or has the same shape as the second sprocket, the present invention includes a method for forming a zipper comprising:

i) forming the first sprocket having the same shape and the second sprocket into a chain fabric in a first molding step while leaving a gap for the intermediate sprocket; and

Ii) The intermediate sprocket is then formed into the gap on the chain.

As explained above, one or more intermediate sprocket teeth may be present.

The present invention can be used to provide a zipper having two series of different sprocket teeth, for example, one half of the zipper (such as the lower half used on a jacket) has a sprocket color and type and the other half of the zipper (such as in one There is another color in the upper half of the jacket. This enables the characteristics of the zipper to be adapted to the design requirements of the commercial article, and the use of the zipper of the commercial article does not have the problems set forth in the introduction to the present specification, and such problems do not use the intermediate sprocket of the present invention. It happens.

The invention is not limited to a series of first sprocket and a series of second sprocket. The zipper of the present invention may comprise a plurality of series of first sprocket teeth and a plurality of series of second sprocket teeth, each sprocket having an intermediate sprocket at each of the joints between the series.

Particular embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Turning to Figures 1A-1D, the first sprocket 1 has a leg 2 that encloses the aperture 3, and the aperture 3 is adapted to permit the formation of the sprocket to a chain of links. The first sprocket 1 has a rounded head 4 that is integral with the neck 5, and the neck 5 joins the rounded head 4 to the shoulder 6. The flaps 7 are respectively disposed on the shoulders 6 and are positioned to engage the slots 8, which are provided in the heads 4 for the respective first sprocket 1 on the opposite pair of straps used in the zipper. .

2A-2D show a second sprocket 10 having a leg portion 13 that encloses the aperture 14 that is adapted to permit molding of the sprocket to a chain of chain links. In the front and rear directions of the second element 10, the second element 10 has a first portion 12 at one side and a second portion 11 at the other side thereof. The first portion 12 is located on the first side of the chain and has a rounded head and a neck that is integral therewith. The second portion 11 is located on the side of the chain opposite the first portion 12 and has an engagement member in the form of a circular edge trapezoidal member.

3A-3C show a first embodiment of an intermediate sprocket 20 for use in a first aspect of the invention, together with the first sprocket and the second sprocket as detailed in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. In the left and right directions of the intermediate sprocket 20, the intermediate sprocket 20 has a first edge 50 at one side and a second edge 50 at the other side thereof. The first edge 50 is shaped to cooperate with the engagement members of the first sprocket 1 and the second edge 51 is shaped to cooperate with the engagement members of the second sprocket 10.

In the front and rear directions of the intermediate sprocket 20, the intermediate sprocket 20 has a first portion 22 at one side and a second portion 21 at the other side thereof. The first portion 22 and the second portion 21 of the intermediate sprocket 20 have substantially the same shape as the first portion 12 and the second portion 11 of the second sprocket 10, but the first edge 50 has a recess 26 and the recess 26 is shaped In use, it is allowed to accommodate a head 4 opposite the first element 1 having a flap 27 that is placed and shaped to fit into a slot 8 in the head of the opposing first element 1 . A recess 25 is provided in the first edge 50 to receive the tab 7 from the opposite first sprocket 1.

The second edge 51 is identical to the corresponding edge of the second sprocket 10 and has a rounded head 23 in the first portion 22 that is received by the neck recess of the first portion 12 opposite the second sprocket 10 And having a recess 24 in the first portion 22 to receive the head of the first portion 12 opposite the second element 10, and the second portion 21 has a second edge 51, the second edge 51 being shaped to form and oppose A joint of the second portion 11 of the second sprocket 10 that is flush with the trapezoidal head.

4A and 4B show a zipper in accordance with a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention using the sprocket detailed above with respect to Figures 1 through 3. The zipper is in a snap-fit configuration. Figure 4B shows the face opposite the face shown in Figure 4A.

In FIG. 4A, the two-chain belts 40, 41 have a first sprocket 1 and a second sprocket 10, and the first sprocket 1 and the second sprocket 10 are formed onto the links 40, 41 and aligned so that The first sprocket 1 of the chain belt 40 and the first sprocket 1 of the chain belt 41 are in mesh with each other and the second sprocket 10 of the chain belt 40 is engaged with the second sprocket 10 of the chain belt 41. Each series of terminal chain teeth is marked by T. As is apparent from the figures, the intermediate sprocket 20 formed onto the chain belt 40 is provided with recesses and projections as set forth above for the first terminal sprocket and the second terminal sprocket formed to the chain belt 41. The engaging members of the two are engaged. This results in the intermediate sprocket 20 and the terminal first sprocket 1 and the terminal second sprocket 10 not causing stress between the sprocket teeth and without causing the sprocket or chain to be free from its resting position as shown The way of deformation is interlocked. However, the interlocking of the intermediate sprocket 20 with the terminal first sprocket 1 and the terminal second sprocket 10 does not result in significant impairment of resistance to deformation forces in or perpendicular to the plane of the chain.

5A and 5B show a second embodiment of a sprocket 30 having both edges 52, 53 having the first sprocket 1 and the first as described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2 The shape in which the two-chain teeth 10 cooperate. The sprocket 30 has a first portion 32 and a second portion 31. Two notches 25 are provided on both sides of the head portion 33 in the first portion 32 of the sprocket 30. When engaged with the second sprocket 10, the flap 27 and the second sprocket 10 are suitably shaped such that the flap 27 is received by the neck recess of the first portion 12 during engagement. This intermediate sprocket has the advantage of being suitable for either end of a series of sprocket teeth and thus can be formed onto the chain as a single sprocket molding, rather than being included as a member of a group of dies.

It will be appreciated that numerous modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the intermediate sprocket may have a shape modified from the shape of the first sprocket instead of the second sprocket. For example, both the first sprocket and the second sprocket can be substantially the sprocket as illustrated for FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C, but one of the sprocket has a different polygonal head than the other sprocket. The shape of the part or the overall size of the part.

The embodiments described and illustrated are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in nature, and it is understood that only the preferred embodiments are shown and described, and All changes and modifications within the scope of the invention. It will be understood that although the use of words such as "better", "preferably" or "better" in this description indicates that the features so described may be required, it may not be necessary, and embodiments lacking such features It can be covered by the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. With regard to the scope of application for patents, the intention is that when words such as "a", "at least one" or "at least a portion" are used in the context of a feature, it is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application to only one such feature, unless The description is reversed. When the language "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used, the item may include a portion and/or the entire item unless stated to the contrary.

1. . . First chain tooth

2. . . Leg

3. . . Porosity

4. . . Round head

5. . . neck

6. . . Shoulder

7. . . Wing

8. . . Slot

10. . . Second chain tooth

11. . . the second part

12. . . first part

13. . . Leg

14. . . Porosity

20. . . Middle chain tooth

twenty one. . . the second part

twenty two. . . first part

twenty three. . . Round head

twenty four. . . Recess

25. . . Notch

26. . . Recess

27. . . Wing

30. . . Chain teeth

31. . . the second part

32. . . first part

33. . . head

40. . . Chain belt

41. . . Chain belt

50. . . First edge

51. . . Second edge

52. . . edge

53. . . edge

T. . . Terminal chain

1A-1D show various schematic views of an embodiment of a first sprocket. 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a perspective view, FIG. 1C is a front view, and FIG. 1D is a side view;

2A-2D show various schematic views of an embodiment of a second sprocket. Figure 2A is a top plan view, Figure 2B is a bottom plan view, Figure 2C is a front view, and Figure 2D is a perspective view;

3A to 3C show a first embodiment of an intermediate sprocket suitable for use in the zipper of the present invention together with the first sprocket and the second sprocket shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Figure 3A is a top plan view, Figure 3B is a bottom plan view, and Figure 3C is a front view;

4A shows a zipper in accordance with a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, including a first embodiment of the intermediate sprocket shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The zipper is viewed from one side of the plan view and the sprocket is translucent to reveal hidden details. The hidden features are shown as dashed lines;

4B shows the zipper of FIG. 4A in accordance with a first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, which is viewed from the opposite side of the plan view, the sprocket being translucent to reveal concealed detail. The hidden features are shown as dashed lines; and

5A and 5B show a second embodiment of an intermediate sprocket suitable for use in the zipper of the present invention, together with the first sprocket and the second sprocket shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Fig. 5A is a side plan view. Fig. 5B is a plan view of the opposite side.

1. . . First chain tooth

4. . . Round head

5. . . neck

7. . . Wing

8. . . Slot

10. . . Second chain tooth

12. . . first part

20. . . Middle chain tooth

twenty two. . . first part

twenty three. . . Round head

twenty four. . . Recess

25. . . Notch

26. . . Recess

27. . . Wing

40. . . Chain belt

41. . . Chain belt

T. . . Terminal chain

Claims (15)

A zipper comprising: a) a first chain cloth and a second chain cloth; b) a first series of uniformly spaced first chain teeth, each of which is carried in the first chain cloth and the second chain cloth And c) a second series of uniformly spaced second chain teeth carried on each of the first chain cloth and the second chain cloth; d) an intermediate chain tooth carried by the Between the first chain cloth and one of the terminal sprocket of the first series on the first chain cloth and one of the terminal sprocket of the second series on the first chain cloth, the middle sprocket has a An engaging member having a first edge that is guided toward the first series of the terminal sprocket on the first chain cloth, and a second series that is guided toward the first chain cloth a second edge of the terminal sprocket, wherein the first series and the second series on the first chain are aligned with respect to the first series and the second series on the second chain Engaging the meshing members of the first sprocket on the first chain cloth with the first sprocket on the second chain cloth when the zipper is in a buckle configuration Engaging with each other, and engaging the engaging members of the second sprocket on the first chain cloth with the engaging members of the second sprocket on the second chain cloth, wherein the intermediate sprocket has a different The shape of the shape of the first sprocket and the second sprocket, wherein the first sprocket of the first series on the second chain is configured to engage the first on the first splicing The series of the chain teeth and the middle Between the first edges of the inter-segment teeth, and wherein one of the second series of terminal splines on the second link is configured to engage the second series of the terminal splines on the first link Between the second edge of the intermediate sprocket, wherein the intermediate sprocket has the first edge shaped to cooperate with the engagement member of the first series of the end sprocket on the second chain, And the second edge shaped to cooperate with the engagement member of the second series of the end sprocket on the second link, and wherein the first sprocket and the second sprocket have different The shape. The zipper of claim 1, wherein the intermediate sprocket has a shape substantially the same as a shape of a second sprocket, except that the first edge of the intermediate sprocket includes one or more recesses and/or The protrusion, the one or more recesses and/or protrusions are adapted to engage complementary projections and/or recesses of the engagement member of the first series of the end sprocket on the second chain. The zipper of claim 1, wherein the engaging members of the second sprocket each include a first portion on a first side of the first chain cloth and the second chain cloth and are located at the first chain cloth and One of the second links is opposite the second portion on the second side, wherein the first portion and the second portion have different shapes. The zipper of claim 3, wherein the first portion of the engaging member of each of the second sprocket teeth comprises a rounded head and a neck portion integral therewith. A zipper of claim 3, wherein the second portion of the engaging member of each of the second sprocket teeth comprises a substantially polygonal head. A zipper of claim 5, wherein the substantially polygonal head shape is substantially triangular or trapezoidal. The zipper of claim 1, wherein the engaging members of the first sprocket each comprise a rounded head and a neck integral therewith, the neck holding the head to each of the first chains On the shoulder of the tooth. The zipper of claim 7, wherein each shoulder is provided with a flap adapted to engage a circular shape disposed in each of the first sprocket when the zipper is in the buckle configuration The slots in the head engage. The zipper of claim 1, wherein the first edge and the second edge of the intermediate sprocket are respectively shaped to cooperate with both the engaging member of the first sprocket and the engaging member of the second sprocket. A zipper of claim 1, wherein the first sprocket has a different color than the second sprocket. A zipper of claim 1, wherein the first sprocket has the same shape as the second sprocket. The zipper of claim 11, wherein the intermediate sprocket has a color different from a color of the first sprocket and the second sprocket. A method for forming a zipper according to claim 1, the method comprising: i) molding a first sprocket to a chain fabric in a first molding step while leaving a second sprocket and an intermediate sprocket a gap; ii) the second sprocket and the intermediate sprocket are subsequently formed onto the chain. The method of claim 13, wherein the second sprocket and the intermediate sprocket are formed onto the chain in a single second forming step. A method for forming a zipper according to claim 11, comprising: i) molding a first sprocket and a second sprocket onto a chain fabric in a first molding step while leaving one for the intermediate sprocket a gap; ii) the intermediate element is then formed into the gap on the chain.