US2890512A

US2890512A - Slide fastener

Info

Publication number: US2890512A
Application number: US560142A
Authority: US
Inventors: Winfred N Stilwell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1956-01-19
Filing date: 1956-01-19
Publication date: 1959-06-16
Anticipated expiration: 1976-06-16

Description

June 16, 1959 w. N. STILWELL SLIDE FASTENER Filed Jan. 19, 1956 INVENTOR.

WIHFRED u .511 LWELL.

A T TORIUEY Patented June 16,. 1959 "ice SLIDE FASTENER Winfred N. Stilwell, Radnor, Pa., assignnr of fifty percent to Leon Edelson, 'Elkins Park, Pa.

Application January 19, 1956, Serial No. 560,142

7 Claims. (Cl. 24-20515) This invention relates generally to zippers or separable fasteners utilized as closures for garments and the like and particularly to an improved construction of slider for operating a zipper or separable fastener.

When operating a zipper or separable fastener it happens frequently that the fabric of the zipper-equipped garment or of an underlying garment becomes entangled in the slider that controls the engagement and disengagement of the fastener elements. This slider conventionally comprises top and bottom parts or wings connected together by an integral neck to form a member that is U-shaped in longitudinal cross section. The top and bottom wings of the slider being relatively fixed, the only way to effect release of the slider is to pull it back out of engagement with the fabric caught therein. To pull the slider back, however, considerable force and repeated attempts may be required. In addition, the zipper and/ or the fabric caught in the slider may be ruined, to say nothing of the aggravation suffered by the operator. In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that conventional zipper operating sliders have not proven to be entirely satisfactory. Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide an operating slider that has top and bottom parts which are relatively movable for facilitating release of the slider from fabric caughttherein, release being effected without any necessity for repeated attempts or use of undue force.

Another important object of the present'invention is to provide such a slider with a pull tab that may be variously positioned to thereby correspondingly vary the effective distance between the relatively movable top and bottom slider parts.

Still another important object of this invention is to provide such a slider with means operatively interposed between the slider parts for yieldably separating the same and a combination pull and cam device operable for selectively reducing the effective distance between the slider parts against the influence of the yieldable means.

And still another important object of the present invention is to provide such. a slider arranged so that the top and bottom slider parts may be moved relative to one another solely by manipulating the pull tab in the front of the slider, without any necessity for reaching into the garment, behind the slider.

A further important object is to provide a slider that is simple in design and construction and relatively inexpensive to manufacture because the essential parts thereof are relatively few and easy to fabricate and assemble.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully hereinafter, it being understood that the invention consists substantially in the combination, construction, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as described in the accompanying drawings and as finally pointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

7 Figure 1 is a front view of a zipper or separable fastener shown partially open, the slider being shown locked in position;

Figure 2 is an end elevation of the slider shown in Figure 1, as indicated by the line 22 of Figure 5;

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the slider shown in Figure 1, as indicated by the line 33 of Figure 6;

Figure 4 is a front view of the slider shown in Figure 1, in released condition;

Figure 5 is a section taken on line 55 of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a section on line 6-6 of Figure 4; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the slider shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a view of the inner surface of the bottom part of the slider, as indicated by line 88 of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a view of the inner surface of the top part of the slider, as indicated by line 99 of Figure 7;

and

Figure 11 is a view of the undersurface of an essential part of the slider, as indicated by line 11-11 of Figure 7.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly to Figures 1 through 10, a pair of tape stringers 19-40 are conventionally fitted each with a row of fastener elements 11. For engaging and disengaging the latter, the fastener is equipped with a slider, designated generally by the numeral 12.

Referring particularly to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the slider 12 is provided with a bottom or back part 13 that includes a base wall 14 which has an elongated narrow neck area at one end and a rounded comparatively broad head area at the opposite end. Formed integral with the base wall 14 are a pair of opposite side flanges 15-46 that extend along the neck area and part way around the head area. The slider 12 is additionally provided with a top or front part 17 that includes a base wall lfl which corresponds in peripheral outline to the base wall 14 of the back part 13. Formed integral with the base wall 18 are a pair of opposite side flanges 19-2tl that extend along the neck area and part way around the head area of the base Wall 19. In their assembled condition, the slider parts 1317 are positioned opposite one another with the flanges 15-161920 between the base Walls 14-18, there being formed thereby a hollow assembly that is rectangular in transverse cross section and open at each end.

Formed integral with the base Wall head area of the slider part 13 is a square-bottomed post 21 that extends laterally from the base wall 14 and freely into a com plementary-shaped registering socket 55 formed in the base Wall head area of the slider part 17, in consequence of which the slider part 17 is free to slidably shift axially on the post 21 while secured against turning about the axis thereof. Formed integral with the base wall head area of the slider part 17 respectively on opposite sides of the aperture 22 are a generally square boss 23 and a generally triangular boss 24 that extend laterally from the base wall 18 of the slider part 17 toward the base wall 14 of the slider part 13 and which terminate short of the base wall head area of the latter, the apex ofthe triangular boss 24 being directed away from the aperture 22. The free end portion of the post 21 is fitted with an operating device which includes a finger pull element 26.

It will be noted that throughout the range of relative movement of the slider parts 13-17, the latter operatively embrace the fastener elements 11 within their hollow interior while the tape stringer portions to which these fastener elements 11 are secured extend each outwardly from the fastener elements 11 freely between the associated pair of side flanges 15-19 or 1620 of the slider parts 1317.

The rows of fastener elements 11 extend in disengaged condition each into the open head end of the slider 12, between the boss 23, post 21 and boss 24 on one side Figure 10 is an enlarged view showing certain details;

. 3 and the associated flanges 15-19 or 16-20 on the other side. Within the hollow head of the slider 12, the rows of fastener elements 11 converge and engage, whereupon they continue in engaged condition through the hollow neck and the open neck end of the slider 12. Referring ,to Figures 1, 2 and 5, in the locked condition of the slider 12, the distance between the slider parts 13-17 is a minimum, in consequence of which the tape stringers -10 are effectively clamped respectively between the pairs of flanges 15-19 and 16-20 of the slider parts 13-17, and the slider can not be moved in either direction along the rows of fastener elements 11.

In the operating condition of the slider 12, the distance between the slider parts 13-17 is approximately the average between the minimum and the maximum distances obtainable between the slider parts 13-17, in consequence of which the tape stringers 10-10 are not clamped between the slider parts 13-17 and the slider is free to be moved in either direction along the rows of fastener elements 11. Movement of the slider in fastener closing direction engages the fastener elements 11 as they pass successively through the slider. Movement of the slider in fastener opening direction disengages the fastener elements 11 as they successively come into engagement with the boss 24.

In the event that the fabric of the zipper-equipped garment or of an underlying garment becomes entangled in the slider as frequently happens when the slider is moved in either direction, the pull element 26 is swung into the position shown in Figures 3 and 6. In this released condition of the slider 12, the distance between the slider parts 13-17 is a maximum, in consequence of which the jammed slider is effectively released from the entangled fabric and is freely movable along the rows of fastener elements 11. After the fastener has been moved away from the fabric with which it was entangled, the pull and cam device 26 is returned to the operating position, shown in dotted lines in Figure 5, and then operation of the slider is resumed.

As shown in the drawings, the slider, designated generally by the numeral 12, is provided with a post 21 that extends laterally from the base wall 14 of the slider part 13 and freely through the base wall head area of the slider part 17. A square base portion 53 of the post 21 is slidably fitted between the

bosses

23 and 24, a round intermediate portion 54 of the post 21 is slidably projected through a round aperture 55 in the base wall 18 and a rib 56, which is raised from the outer surface of the latter, and a reduced diameter top portion 57 of the post 21 terminates in a round rivet head 58. At the junction of the base and intermediate portions of the post 21, there is formed a sharp shoulder 59, and at the junction of the intermediate and top portions of the post 21, there is formed a sharp shoulder 60.

Carried by the post 21 is a cam element 61 that is U-shaped in longitudinal cross section and generally round in transverse cross section. At one end thereof, the element 61 is slotted as at 62, whereby there is formed a pair of longitudinally extending legs 63-63 that are connected together by a transversely extending portion 64. The element 61 is provided with a central bore 65 that extends through the leg connecting portion 64, and the unslotted end of the element 61 is stepped as at 66.

The intermediate portion 54 of the post 21 extends into the element 61, freely between the legs 63-63, and the top portion 57 of the post 21 extends freely through the bore 65 in the leg connecting portion 64 of the element 61, whereby the latter portion is disposed between the shoulder 60 and the rivet head 58 of the post 21, the element 61 being turnable about the axis of the post 21.

The slot 62 between the legs 63-63 of the element 61 receives a pair of lugs 67-67 each set back a short distance from the end of an element 68 that extends in longitudinal continuation of the main body of the pull 4 element 26, whereby the latter is swingable over the rivet head 58 of the post 21, about the axis of the lugs 67-67. Extending laterally from the pull element 26 is an integral detent 69 which, when the pull element 26 is positioned in overlying generally parallel relation to the base wall 18 of the slider part 17, projects through an aperture 70 formed in the base wall 18, well into the hollow interior of the slider.

Referring particularly to Figures 26, 27 and 30, in the locked condition of the slider 12, both legs 63-63 of the element 61 rest upon a surface area that is raised relative to the base wall 18 of the slider part 17, namely, the top of the rib 56. The finger pull element 26 extends over a rib 71 formed on the base wall 18 of the slider part 17, being disposed in generally parallel relation to the latter. The detent 69 of the finger pull element 26 extends freely through the aperture 70 formed in the base wall 18 of the slider part 17 and projects well into the hollow interior of the slider to engage the fastener elements 11 and/or the top stringers 10-10, in consequence of which the slider cannot be moved. In order to operate the slider, it is necessary merely to swing the finger pull element 26 from the full line to the dotted line position of Figures 2 and 5, whereupon the slider is ready to be moved along the rows of fastener elements 11, in either direction.

Referring particularly to Figures 3, 4 and 6, in the released condition of the slider 12, the legs 63-63 of the element 61 straddle the rib 56. To effect this change, the finger pull element 26 is first swung 180 degrees from the full line position of Figure 5, through the dotted line position of Figure 30, to the dotted line position of Figure 1, in consequence of which the slider is unlocked. Then the finger pull element 26 is swung 90 degrees about the axis of the post 21 to the full line position of Figure 4, whereupon the legs 63-63 of the element 61 slide down on opposite sides of the rib 56, straddling the latter rib and engaging the base wall 18 of the slider part 17.

In order to control the swinging movement of the finger pull element 26 about the axis of the post 21, the underside of the rivet head 58 of the post 21 is provided with a protuberance 72 that engages the step 66 formed on the end of the element 61. To restore the slider to its initial condition, the procedure just outlined is reversed. The rib 56 is approximately half round in transverse cross section, which facilitates movement of the element 61 about the axis of the post 21 from the position thereof shown in Figure 3, wherein the legs 63-63 straddle the rib 56, to the position thereof shown in Figure 2, wherein the legs 63-63 engage the top of the rib 56. In the dotted line position of the finger pull clement 26 shown in Figures 2 and 5, the extremities of the elements 68- 68 extend freely into grooves formed between the rib 56 and opposite end portions of the rib 71 that are disposed in laterally spaced parallel relation to the rib 56, on opposite sides thereof, in consequence of which the lugs ceptible of various changes and modifications which may be made from time to time without departing from the general principles or real spirit of the invention, and accordingly, it is intended to claim the same broadly as well as specifically as indicated by the appended claims.

What is claimed as new and useful is:

1. In a slider for engaging and disengaging the rows of fastener elements of a slide fastener, a hollow assembly comprising front and back slider parts having base walls disposed in mutually overlying laterally spaced rela-' tion, the base wall of said front slider part being adapted to overlie and the base Wall of said back slider part being adapted to underlie the fastener elements for movement along the rows thereof, said front slider part having a rib to provide a raised surface area, means within said hollow assembly for engaging the fastener elements and separating the rows thereof when said slider is moved in fastener opening direction, a post extending from said base wall of the back slider part for shifting movement of the front slider part axially on said post, and a member overlying said front slider part and turnably mounted upon said post, said turnable member being U-shaped in longitudinal section to provide opposite side legs which respectively extend longitudinally and are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the post, the corresponding terminal portions of said legs being adapted to seat upon the raised surface area of said rib for securing said front slider part against movement axially upon said post away from said back slider part, said turnable member being movable about said post for disengagement from said raised surface area and engagement with a comparatively low area of said front slider part, whereby said front slider part is released for shifting movement axially upon said post away from said slider back part.

2. In a slider for engaging and disengaging the rows of fastener elements of a slide fastener as defined in claim 1 wherein said post and turnable member are relatively formed and arranged for coaction to restrict movement of said turnable member approximately a quarter turn about said post for positioning the legs of said turnable member in straddling relation to said rib.

3. In a slider for engaging and disengaging the rows of fastener elements of a slide fastener as defined in claim 1 wherein the front slider part has formed therein a pair of laterally spaced grooves flanking said rib, the post extends through an intermediate section of said rib, and the turnable member is fitted with a finger pull including a pair of elongated laterally spaced elements extending in longitudinal continuation of said finger pull and straddling said turnable means, and wherein a pair of auxiliary elements extend laterally respectively from said elongated elements freely into said turnable member between the legs thereof, said elongated elements being of a length to extend respectively into said grooves in straddling relation to said rib when said finger pull is positioned in longitudinal continuation of said post, whereby to limit movement of said finger pull clement about said post and simultaneously to secure said elongated elements against being spread apart a distance sufficient for disengagement of said auxiliary elements from said turnable member.

4. In a slider for engaging and disengaging the rows of fastener elements of a slide fastener as defined in claim 1 wherein the front slider part has formed therein a pair of laterally spaced grooves flanking said rib, the post extends through an intermediate section of said rib, said post and turnable member are formed and relatively arranged for coaction to restrict movement of said turnable member =to approximately a quarter turn about said post for positioning the legs of said turnable member in straddling relation to said rib, and the turnable member is fitted with a finger pull including a pair of elongated laterally spaced elements extending in longitudinal continuation of said finger pull and straddling said turnable member, and wherein a pair of auxiliary elements extend laterally respectively from said elongated elements freely into said turnable member between the legs thereof, said elongated elements being of a length to extend respectively into said grooves in straddling relation to said rib when said finger pull is positioned in longitudinal continuation of said post, whereby to limit movement of said finger pull element about said post and simultaneously to secure said elongated elements against being spread apart a distance sufiicient for disengagement of said auxiliary elements from said turnable member.

5. In a slider for engaging and disengaging the rows of fastener elements of a slide fastener, a hollow assembly comprising front and back slider parts having base walls in mutually overlapping laterally spaced relation, the base wall of said front slider part being adapted to overlie and the base wall of said back slider part being adapted to underlie the fastener elements for movement along the rows thereof, means within said hollow assembly separating the rows of the fastener elements when said slider is moved in fastener opening direction, a post extending from said base wall of the back slider part and projecting through the base wall of the front slider part for supporting the latter for shifting movement thereof axially on said post, and a member turnably mounted on said post in overlying relation to said front slider part, said turnable member and said front slider part being respectively provided on their proximate faces with a pair of projections disposed on opposite sides of said post and with a pair of similarly disposed recesses for accommodating said projections, which projections, when in non-registry with said recesses, normally bear against the recessed element to hold the front and back slider parts in fixed, closely associated operative relation and are adapted, upon turning of said member, to present said projections in registry with said recesses to thereby release said front slider part for limited separation from said back slider part.

6. In a slider as defined in claim 5 wherein means are provided for limiting turning movement of said turnable member about said post in either direction.

7. In a slider as defined in claim 5 wherein said projections and recesses act as camming elements to selectively cam said front slider part into its released or operative position relatively to said back slider part and wherein said turnable member is fixed against outward axial shifting movement upon said post to provide a predeterminedly fixed spacing between said turnable member and the back slider part within which spacing said front slider part may shift axially of the post upon turning movement of said turnable member and the resulting action of said camming elements.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,082,988 Taskila June 8, 1937 2,366,797 Legat Jan. 9, 1945 2,666,970 Grant Jan. 26, 1954 2,671,258 Lackritz Mar. 9, 1954 2,681,490 Okolowicz June 22, 1954 2,681,491 Snyder June 22, 1954 2,764,794 Meech Oct. 2, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,018,395 France Jan. 7, 1953