WO2011015834A1

WO2011015834A1 - Slide fastener with two or more coupling elements

Info

Publication number: WO2011015834A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/001502
Authority: WO
Inventors: Naoyuki Himi; Alicia Hitchen
Original assignee: Ykk Corporation
Priority date: 2009-08-07
Filing date: 2010-08-09
Publication date: 2011-02-10
Also published as: GB2484625B; GB201201282D0; GB0913814D0; TWI407925B; GB2484625A; TW201108960A

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

Slide Fastener with two or more coupling elements

Field

The present invention relates generally to slide fasteners and more

particularly to slide fasteners, sometimes also known as zip fasteners, of the type having respective series of coupling elements carried on each of a pair of oppositely disposed stringer tapes.

Background

Slide fasteners of this type are known: each individual coupling element has a pair of lateral shoulders extending over a pair of arcuate recesses defining a reduced neck extending between a rounded coupling head and a leg portion at which the coupling element is secured to a stringer tape. Each pair of shoulders is engageable with the coupling heads of a pair of adjacent mating coupling elements when the two stringer tapes are taken into engagement with each other, so as to limit relative tilting displacement of the coupled adjacent coupling elements when the stringer tapes are flexed, and to reinforce the reduced necks of the coupling elements.

It is also known to provide slide fasteners, also known as zip fasteners, wherein the coupling elements have differing shapes for the engagement means of the coupling elements on different, opposed faces of the stringer tapes. Such an arrangement is disclosed, for instance, in GB 2 119 852 A, and is used to provide a slide fastener resistant to relative displacement of the coupling elements, once coupled together, perpendicular to the faces of the stringer tapes. Another coupling element of this type is disclosed in EP 0 111 304 A.

Different types of coupling elements are known in the prior art, and it may be desirable to combine different coupling elements in a single slide fastener, for instance with one type of coupling element being used for one section of the slide fastener and another type for a different section. This may be for reasons such as the need to provide sections of fastener which are more durable or more resistant to wear or particular stresses for a part of a slide fastener. This may also be for aesthetic reasons, where it is desired to have a single fastener with differing colours for different sections or different appearances for different sections of a single fastener.

However, there are problems associated with slide fasteners where different coupling elements are used for different sections of a slide fastener. At the junction or interface between the two sections of different coupling elements, the engagement parts of the last coupling element for one type of coupling element on one stringer may not fit correctly into the space left between adjacent coupling elements of another type, on the other stringer when the fastener is in a fastened configuration. This may lead to local stresses forcing the coupling elements apart, or may lead to inadequate coupling between the opposed stringers, rendering the fastened configuration susceptible to failure when stressed. Also, as a slider is moved along the stringers in order to engage or disengage the coupling elements on the opposed stringer tapes, the slider may jar or lock at the junction or interface between different coupling element sections.

Hence, there is a need to overcome or reduce these problems in the prior art.

Summary

It is one object of the invention, amongst others, to provide slide fasteners which have two or more sections of stringer tapes having different inter- engageable coupling elements for the different sections, and where the junctions or interfaces between the different sections have improved behaviour compared to the prior art, such as improved resistance to an unintended parting of the fastener or improved smoothness of slider movement. A first aspect of the invention provides a slide fastener comprising: a) first and second stringer tapes, b) a first series of uniformly spaced first coupling elements carried on each of the first and second stringer tapes, c) a second series of uniformly spaced second coupling elements carried on each of the first and second stringer tapes, d) an intermediate coupling element carried on the first stringer tape and positioned between a terminal coupling element of the first series on the first stringer tape and a terminal coupling element of the second series on the first stringer tape, the intermediate coupling element having an engagement part with a first edge directed towards the terminal coupling element of the first series on the first stringer tape and a second edge directed towards the terminal coupling element of the second series on the first stringer tape, wherein the first and second series on the first stringer tape are aligned relative to the first and second series on the second stringer tape for mutual engagement of engagement parts of the first coupling elements on the first stringer tape with engagement parts of the first coupling elements on the second stringer tape and for mutual engagement of engagement parts of the second coupling elements on the first stringer tape with engagement parts of the second coupling elements on the second stringer tape when the slide fastener is in a fastened configuration, wherein the intermediate coupling element has a shape different to the shapes of the first and second coupling elements, wherein a terminal coupling element of the first series on the second stringer tape is arranged to engage between the terminal coupling element of the first series on the first stringer tape and the first edge of the intermediate coupling element and wherein a terminal coupling element of the second series on the second stringer tape is arranged to engage between the terminal coupling element of the second series on the first stringer tape and the second edge of the intermediate coupling element, and wherein the intermediate coupling element has the first edge shaped to co-operate with the engagement part of the terminal coupling element of the first series on the second stringer tape and the second edge shaped to cooperate with the engagement part of the terminal coupling element of the second series on the second stringer tape.

A second aspect of the invention provides method for forming the slide fastener according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: i) moulding the first coupling elements onto a stringer tape in a first moulding step, leaving a gap for the second coupling elements and the intermediate coupling element, ii) subsequently moulding the second coupling elements and the intermediate coupling element onto the stringer tape.

A third aspect of the invention provides method for forming the slide fastener according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: i) moulding the first and second coupling elements onto a stringer tape in a first moulding step, leaving a gap for the intermediate coupling element, ii) subsequently moulding the intermediate coupling element onto the stringer tape in the gap.

Detailed Description

The following features are applicable to all the various aspects of the slide fastener and method of the invention where appropriate. When suitable, combinations of the following features may be employed as part of the slide fastener and apparatus of the invention.

It will be understood that throughout the specification, the first coupling elements and second coupling elements are interchangeable, such that where features are set out with reference to the first coupling elements, these features may also be applied to the second coupling elements and vice versa. The first and second coupling elements are of different shapes, but this does not exclude the first and second coupling elements being of the same overall appearance but of differing size.

Typically, the first and second series of uniformly spaced coupling elements are of discrete coupling elements, by which it is meant that the elements are not connected to each other in a unitary manner but are each separate elements. This permits flexing of the stringer tape and facilitates fastening and opening of the slide fastener.

The stringer tape will comprise a tape with a cord in the form of a rib or rod extending along one edge of the tape. The tape may be of any suitable material compatible with the intended use of the fastener. Typically it will be of a fabric webbing, usually woven fabric. Typically, coupling elements are moulded as a group onto the cord of the stringer tape, for instance by means of injection moulding. In this specification, the terms "co-operate with" or "engage with" mean to receive or to be flush with such that two engaged coupling elements, with the slide fastener at rest in the fastened configuration, do not substantially displace or urge each other away from their rest positions relative to their respective stringer tape when the slide fastener is in the fastened

configuration. In other words, engagement means interlocking without substantial stress-points where the engaging parts come into contact with each other.

The invention is not limited to the first and second coupling elements having different shapes, and indeed the first and second coupling elements may be advantageously identical in shape, as will be set out in more detail hereinafter. However, the invention is particularly useful when the first and second coupling elements do have different shapes with each other.

Preferably, the intermediate coupling element has substantially the same shape as a second coupling element save that the first edge of the

intermediate coupling element comprises one or more recesses and/or protrusions adapted to engage with complementary protrusions and/or recesses of the engagement part of the terminal coupling element of the second series on the second stringer tape.

This permits the intermediate coupling element to be easily moulded onto a stringer of a stringer tape as part of the same group as the second coupling elements.

The engagement parts of the second coupling elements each preferably comprise first portion located on a first side of the stringer tapes and second portion located on an opposed second side of the stringer tapes, wherein the first and second portions are of differing shapes. Such an arrangement is disclosed, for instance, for the coupling elements in GB 2 119 852 A, and in EP 0 111 304 A. Typically, this means that when the slide fastener is in use on a garment, luggage or the like, the outer face of the slide fastener may present a different appearance to the inner face of the slide fastener. This arrangement results in good resistance to unintended displacement of the engagement parts relative to each other normal to the faces of the stringer tapes, because parts of the first and second portions may act as inter- engaging wings or fringes at the edges of the engagement parts, preventing such displacement.

The first portion of the engagement part of each second coupling element may for instance comprise a rounded head and a neck integral therewith. The second portion of the engagement part of each second coupling element may, for instance, comprise a substantially polygonal head. For instance, the substantially polygonal head may be substantially triangular or trapezoidal in shape. The substantially polygonal heads may be suitably configured to interlock together in a substantially gap-free mosaic when the slide fastener is in the closed configuration. This arrangement is particularly useful for conveying to an observer the illusion of a flat area of colour, when viewed from a suitable distance, masking the functional appearance of the slide fastener. By "substantially polygonal" it is meant that the head comprises straight edges joined at corners which may be smoothed.

The engagement parts of the first coupling elements may suitably each comprise a rounded head and a neck integral therewith holding the head onto shoulders of each first coupling element.

Each shoulder may be provided with a fin (for instance in the manner of a vertical epaulette) adapted to engage with a slot provided in each mutually engaging rounded head of the first coupling elements when the slide fastener is in the fastened configuration. This arrangement provides resistance to unintended disengagement of the first coupling elements, when the slide fastener is in the engaged configuration, normal to the faces of the stringer tapes.

The first and second edges of the intermediate coupling may be respectively shaped to be co-operable with both the engagement part of the first coupling element and the engagement part of the second coupling element.

The first coupling elements and second coupling elements may be of different colours. For instance they may be of different polymeric materials. The intermediate coupling element may be the same colour as one of the first or second coupling elements.

As mentioned hereinbefore, the first and second coupling elements may have the same shape. It has been found that the intermediate coupling element of the invention may also be advantageously employed in a slide fastener where the first and second coupling elements are substantially identical. In this case, the intermediate element, having a different shape from the first and second coupling elements, may be incorporated into the slide fastener to provide a marker, indicator or design feature, breaking up the visual continuity of the slide fastener or permitting matching of the slide fastener's appearance to an article in which it is used. Until now, the incorporation of a single, differently shaped element into a slide fastener between two sections of substantially has not been considered as feasible because of its potential disruptive effects on operation of the fastener and on the resistance to unintended opening forces when the fastener is in a fastened configuration. The slide fastener may include more than one intermediate coupling element, each separated by a section of first/second coupling elements, on either of the stringer tapes. The first and second coupling elements may have the same colour. The intermediate coupling element may have a different colour. It will be understood that for this particular mode of implementing the invention, the invention also includes having two or more intermediate coupling elements, provided on opposed stringers and positioned to co-operate when the slide fastener is in a fastened configuration, such that a block or section of intermediate elements is formed for the slide fastener in the fastened

configuration. Suitably, the intermediate elements may have edges shaped to inter-engage with each other as will as with the first and second coupling elements whereby the intermediate coupling elements do not substantially weaken the slide fastener to unintended opening forces when in the fastened configuration.

The second aspect of the invention provides a method for forming a slide fastener according to the first aspect of the invention comprising: i) moulding the first coupling elements onto a stringer tape in a first moulding step, leaving a gap for the second coupling elements and intermediate coupling element(s) and ii) subsequently moulding the second coupling elements and intermediate coupling element(s) onto the stringer tape.

The second coupling elements and the intermediate coupling element(s) are preferably moulded onto the stringer tape in a single second moulding step, for instance using a single moulding group including both the second coupling elements and the intermediate coupling element(s).

Typically, the coupling elements will be moulded onto the stringer tape by means of injection moulding.

For the situation where the first and second coupling elements are

substantially identical, or have the same shape, the invention includes a method for forming a slide fastener comprising: i) moulding the first and second coupling elements, which have the same shape, onto a stringer tape in a first moulding step, leaving a gap for the intermediate element(s), and ii) subsequently moulding the intermediate coupling element(s) onto the stringer tape in the gap.

As explained hereinbefore, one or more intermediate elements may be present.

The invention may be used to provide a slide fastener with two series of different coupling elements, for instance with one colour and type of coupling element in one half of the fastener (say the bottom half in use on a jacket) and another colour in the other half of the fastener (say the top half in use on a jacket). This enables features of the fastener to be tailored to the design requirements of the article of commerce upon which it is to be used without the problems, as set out in the introduction to this specification, which could ensue if the intermediate coupling element(s) of the invention were absent.

The invention is not limited to one series of first coupling elements and one series of second coupling elements. It may be that a slide fastener of the invention comprises a plurality of series of first coupling elements and a plurality of series of second coupling elements, each provided with an intermediate coupling element at the respective junctions between the series

Brief Description of the Drawings

Specific embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figures 1 A to 1 D show various schematic views of an embodiment of a first coupling element. Figure 1A is a plan view, Figure 1B is a perspective view, Figure 1C is a front elevation and Figure 1 D is a side elevation.

Figures 2A to 2D show various schematic views of an embodiment of a second coupling element. Figure 2A is a plan view from above, Figure 2B is a plan view from below, Figure 2C is a front elevation and Figure 2D is a perspective view.

Figures 3A to 3C show a first embodiment of an intermediate coupling element suitable for use in a slide fastener of the invention with the first and second coupling elements shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 3A is a plan view from above, Figure 3B is a plan view from below and Figure 3C is a front elevation.

Figure 4A shows a slide fastener according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention including the first embodiment of the intermediate coupling element shown in Figures 3A and 3B. The slide fastener is viewed in plan view from one side with the coupling elements semi-transparent to show concealed detail. Concealed features are shown as dashed lines.

Figure 4B shows the slide fastener according to the first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention shown in Figure 4A viewed in plan view from the opposite side with the coupling elements semi-transparent to show concealed detail. Concealed features are shown as dashed lines.

Figures 5A and 5B show a second embodiment of an intermediate coupling element suitable for use in a slide fastener of the invention with the first and second coupling elements shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 5A is a plan view from one side. Figure 5B is a plan view from the opposed side. Detailed Description of the Drawings

Turning to Figures 1A to 1 D, a first coupling element 1 has legs 2 enclosing an aperture 3 adapted to permit moulding of the coupling element to the stringer of a stringer tape. The first coupling element 1 has a rounded head 4 integral with a neck 5 joining it to shoulders 6. Fins 7 are provided on shoulders 6, respectively, and positioned to engage with slot 8 provided in head 4 for a corresponding first coupling element 1 on the opposing stringer tape in use in a slide fastener.

Figures 2A to 2D show a second coupling element 10 having legs 13 enclosing an aperture 14 adapted to permit moulding of the coupling element to the stringer of a stringer tape. The second coupling element 10 has a first portion 12 at one side thereof and a second portion 11 at the other side thereof in a front and back direction of the second coupling element 10. The first portion 12 is positioned on a first side of the stringer tape and has a rounded head and neck integral therewith. The second portion 11 is located on the opposite side of the stringer tape from the first portion 12 and has an engagement part in the form of a round-edged trapezoidal member.

Figures 3A to 3C show a first embodiment of an intermediate coupling element 20 for use in the first aspect of the invention alongside the first and second coupling elements detailed in Figures 1 and 2 respectively. The intermediate coupling element 20 has a first edge 50 at one side thereof and a second edge 50 at the other side thereof in a left and right direction of the intermediate coupling element 20. The first edge 50 is shaped to co-operate with the engagement part of first coupling element 1 and the second edge 51 is shaped to co-operate with the engagement part of second coupling element 10. The intermediate coupling element 20 has a first portion 22 at one side thereof and a second portion 21 at the other side thereof in a front and back direction of the intermediate coupling element 20. The first portion 22 and the second portion 21 of the intermediate coupling element 20 have essentially the same shape as the first portion 12 and the second portion 11 of the second coupling element 10 but the first edge 50 has a recess 26 shaped to allow, in use, the head 4 of an opposing first coupling element 1 to be accommodated, the recess having a fin 27 placed and shaped to fit into the slot 8 in the head of an opposing first coupling element 1. A notch 25 is provided in the first edge 50 to accommodate a fin 7 from opposed first coupling element 1.

The second edge 51 is the same as for the corresponding edge of second coupling element 10, and has a rounded head 23 in the first portion 22 to be accommodated by the neck recess of the first portion 12 of an opposed second coupling element 10 and a recess 24 in the first portion 22 to accommodate the head of the first portion 12 of an opposed second coupling element 10 whilst the second portion 21 has the second edge 51 shaped to form a flush joint with trapezoidal head of the second portion 11 of an opposed second coupling element 10.

Figures 4A and 4B show a slide fastener according to the first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention using the coupling elements as detailed above for Figures 1 to 3. The slide fastener is in the fastened configuration. Figure 4B shows the opposite face to that shown in Figure 4A.

In Figure 4A, two stringers 40, 41 , have first coupling elements 1 and second coupling elements 10 moulded onto them and aligned for mutual engagement of first coupling elements 1 of stringer 40 with first coupling elements 1 of stringer 41 and for mutual engagement of second coupling elements 10 of stringer 40 with second coupling elements 10 of stringer 41. The terminal elements of each series are marked by T. It is evident from the Figures that the intermediate coupling element 20 moulded onto stringer 40 provides recesses and projections, as set out above, in order to engage with the engagement parts of both the first and second terminal coupling elements moulded to stringer 41. This results in interlocking of the intermediate coupling element 20 with the terminal first and second coupling elements 1 , 10 in a manner which does not lead to stresses between the coupling elements and which does not cause deformation of the elements or stringers from their rest positions as shown. However the interlocking of the intermediate coupling element 20 and terminal first and second coupling elements 1 , 10 is such that the resistance to deformation forces in the plane of the stringers or normal to that plane is not significantly compromised.

Figures 5A and 5B show a second embodiment of coupling element 30 which has both edges 52, 53 having a shape which is adapted to co-operate with both first and second coupling elements 1 , 10 as detailed above for Figures 1 and 2. The coupling element 30 has a first portion 32 and a second portion 31. Two notches 25 are provided both sides of a head 33 in a first portion 32 of the coupling element 30. When engaging with a second coupling element 10, the fin 27 and second coupling element 10 are suitably shaped so that the fin 27 is accommodated by the neck recess of first portion 12 during engagement. This intermediate coupling element has the advantage of being suitable for either end of a series of coupling elements, and so may be moulded as a single element moulding onto a stringer rather than being included as a member of a group mould.

It will be appreciated that numerous modifications to the above described embodiment may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the intermediate coupling element may have a shape modified from that of a first coupling element rather than from a second coupling element. For instance, both first and second coupling elements may be coupling elements substantially as set out for Figures 2A to 2C, but with one coupling element having a different polygonal head shape, or different overall size, compared to the other coupling element.

The described and illustrated embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the scope of the inventions as defined in the claims are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as "preferable", "preferably", "preferred" or "more preferred" in the description suggest that a feature so described may be desirable, it may nevertheless not be necessary and embodiments lacking such a feature may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In relation to the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a," "an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used to preface a feature there is no intention to limit the claim to only one such feature unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

1. A slide fastener comprising: a) first and second stringer tapes, b) a first series of uniformly spaced first coupling elements carried on each of the first and second stringer tapes, c) a second series of uniformly spaced second coupling elements carried on each of the first and second stringer tapes, d) an intermediate coupling element carried on the first stringer tape and positioned between a terminal coupling element of the first series on the first stringer tape and a terminal coupling element of the second series on the first stringer tape, the intermediate coupling element having an engagement part with a first edge directed towards the terminal coupling element of the first series on the first stringer tape and a second edge directed towards the terminal coupling element of the second series on the first stringer tape, wherein the first and second series on the first stringer tape are aligned relative to the first and second series on the second stringer tape for mutual engagement of engagement parts of the first coupling elements on the first stringer tape with engagement parts of the first coupling elements on the second stringer tape and for mutual engagement of engagement parts of the second coupling elements on the first stringer tape with engagement parts of the second coupling elements on the second stringer tape when the slide fastener is in a fastened configuration, wherein the intermediate coupling element has a shape different to the shapes of the first and second coupling elements, wherein a terminal coupling element of the first series on the second stringer tape is arranged to engage between the terminal coupling element of the first series on the first stringer tape and the first edge of the intermediate coupling element and wherein a terminal coupling element of the second series on the second stringer tape is arranged to engage between the terminal coupling element of the second series on the first stringer tape and the second edge of the intermediate coupling element, and wherein the intermediate coupling element has the first edge shaped to co-operate with the engagement part of the terminal coupling element of the first series on the second stringer tape and the second edge shaped to cooperate with the engagement part of the terminal coupling element of the second series on the second stringer tape.

2. The slide fastener according to claim 1 wherein the first and second coupling elements have different shapes with each other.

3. The slide fastener according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the intermediate coupling element has substantially the same shape as a second coupling element save that the first edge of the intermediate coupling element comprises one or more recesses and/or protrusions adapted to engage with complementary protrusions and/or recesses of the engagement part of the terminal coupling element of the second series on the second stringer tape.

4. The slide fastener according to any preceding claim wherein the engagement parts of the second coupling elements each comprise first portion located on a first side of the first and second stringer tapes and second portion located on an opposed second side of the first and second stringer tapes, wherein the first and second portions are of differing shapes.

5. The slide fastener according to claim 4 wherein the first portion of the engagement part of each second coupling element comprises a rounded head and a neck integral therewith.

6. The slide fastener according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the second portion of the engagement part of each second coupling element comprises a substantially polygonal head.

7. The slide fastener according to claim 6 wherein the substantially polygonal head is substantially triangular or trapezoidal in shape.

8. The slide fastener according to any preceding claim wherein the engagement parts of the first coupling elements each comprise a rounded head and a neck integral therewith holding the head onto shoulders of each first coupling element.

9. The slide fastener according to claim 8 wherein each shoulder is provided with a fin adapted to engage with a slot provided in each mutually engaging rounded head of the first coupling elements when the slide fastener is in the fastened configuration.

10. The slide fastener according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second edges of the intermediate coupling element are respectively shaped to co-operate with both the engagement part of the first coupling element and the engagement part of the second coupling element.

11. The slide fastener according to any preceding claim wherein the first coupling elements and the second coupling elements are of different colours.

12. The slide fastener according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second coupling elements have the same shape.

13. The slide fastener according to claim 12 wherein the intermediate coupling element has a different colour to the first and second coupling elements.

14. A method for forming the slide fastener according to claim 1 , the method comprising: i) moulding the first coupling elements onto a stringer tape in a first moulding step, leaving a gap for the second coupling elements and the intermediate coupling element, ii) subsequently moulding the second coupling elements and the intermediate coupling element onto the stringer tape.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the second coupling elements and the intermediate coupling element are moulded onto the stringer tape in a single second moulding step.

16. A method for forming the slide fastener according to claim 12 comprising: i) moulding the first and second coupling elements onto a stringer tape in a first moulding step, leaving a gap for the intermediate coupling element, ii) subsequently moulding the intermediate coupling element onto the stringer tape in the gap.