Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
  • A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
  • A44B19/24—Details
  • A44B19/26—Sliders
  • A44B19/262—Pull members; Ornamental attachments for sliders
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
  • A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
  • A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
  • A44B19/24—Details
  • A44B19/26—Sliders

Definitions

• the present invention generally relates to slide fasteners, commonly referred to as zippers, and more particularly, to a one piece slider and pull made from metal for the slide fastener.
• a zipper, zip, fly or zip fastener formerly known as a clasp locker or slide fastener, is a commonly used device for binding the edges of an opening of fabric or other flexible material, like on a garment or a bag. It is used in clothing (e.g., jackets and jeans), luggage and other bags, sporting goods, camping gear, and other items.
• the bulk of a zipper/zip consists of two rows of protruding teeth, which may be made to interdigitate , linking the rows, carrying from tens to hundreds of specially shaped metal or plastic teeth. These teeth can be either individual or shaped from a continuous coil, and are also referred to as elements .
• the slider is operated by hand, and moves along the rows of teeth. Inside the slider is a Y-shaped channel that meshes together or separates the opposing rows of teeth, depending on the direction of the slider's movement.
• a zipper represents a small amount of the overall cost of a product. However, if it fails, the entire garment or device may be unusable until the zipper is replaced or repaired. Problems often lie with the slider portion of the zipper. Sliders are typically made of a slide portion and a pull. The user grabs the pull, which is pivotally connected to the slide, and pushes or pulls the slide in one direction or the other to cause the slide to move. Movement of the slide causes the teeth to engage or disengage with each other as the movement occurs. Slides are typically manufactured to include one or more pieces to which the pull is later assembled. Assembly of the pull to the slide is usually accomplished by bending a bridge portion of the slide, which is die cast having a gap to create an interlocking engagement between the two components . Other methods require assembly of extra bridge components which may be bent, staked or otherwise secured to the slide. However, these constructions are weak and prone to breakage with repeated use, causing the pull to become separated from the slide.
• U.S. Patent No. 2,736,062 to Scheuermann et al discloses a method of molding a slide and pull together in a single operation.
• Scheuermann utilizes four slides that intersect at 45 degree angles with respect to each other.
• the slides intersect at the bridge and pull portions of the slider assembly with the pull positioned at a vertical right angle with respect to the top surface of the slide.
• this method requires the inner surfaces of the pull loop and the bridge to include 45 degree or similar angles that form sharp points along the inner surfaces.
• the sharp points cause stress risers in the part, and the sharp corners wear very quickly, causing any surface coatings to be worn away. This results in discoloration of the slide assembly, and often results in corrosion of the parts during a washing cycle.
• the modified geometry severely limits the movement of the pull within the bridge by reducing the space that the pull has to rotate and slide within the bridge .
• U.S. Patent No. 2,509,278 to Scheuermann discloses a mold that rotates the pull about its vertical axis to try and eliminate the angles on the inner surface of the pull loop. However, the angles are still required on the inner surface of the bridge, and the difficulty in producing the tools with the precision required for the pull rotation about the vertical axis has proven too costly.
• U.S. Patent No. 4,790,973 to Minami et al discloses a different method and device for molding slider assemblies. Minami molds the slide first and, once the slide has solidified, a core is partially retracted to form the pull in a secondary molding operation while the slide is still positioned in the mold.
• U.S. Patent No. 5,013,511 to Akashi discloses yet another method and device for forming a zipper slide from metal. Akashi, like Minami, forms the slide portion in a first operation and forms the pull in a secondary operation. However, the pull of Akashi includes a pin which engages the bridge of the slide instead of the loop as disclosed in other prior art.
• U.S. Patent No. 4,985,969 to Terada et al discloses yet another method and device for forming a zipper slide assembly. Terada forms the pull in combination with an intermediate pull portion with the two portions interlocked with a pin member that is formed within a mold as a secondary operation.
• U.K. Patent Application No. 2,289, 917 to YKK Corp discloses a locking slider assembly.
• the YKK locking slider discloses forming the pull in a separate mold and placing the pull in a secondary mold where the slide is formed around a pin portion of the pull to complete the assembly .
• a need in the art exists for a device and method of forming a slide in combination with a pull, wherein the slide and pull can be formed from metal without the need for modified geometry of the slide assembly, including internal angled surfaces in the bridge and the loop portion of the pull.
• the combined slide and pull assembly should satisfy the ergonomic needs that a zipper slide assembly must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end user. This includes providing a slide bridge that includes an internal surface geometry that allows free movement and rotation of the pull.
• the zipper slide assembly should not require excessive strength to operate or include oversized component parts. Moreover, the zipper slide assembly must assemble together in such a way so as not to detract from the aesthetic appearance of the completed zipper assembly or garment assembly. The slide assembly should accommodate side to side movement of the puller during closure of the slide assembly, while restricting side to side movement during opening of the slide assembly for smoother operation and improved ergonomics of the slide assembly during operation thereof.
• the present invention provides a die cast zipper slide assembly formed in a single operation which overcomes the disadvantages of prior art zipper slide assemblies formed in one or multiple operations.
• the zipper slide assembly of the present invention not only provides for relative ease in manufacturing, it also permits slides and pulls to be manufactured together without the need to put motion limiting and failure prone angles on the inner surfaces of the bridge and pull loop.
• the present invention also provides a manufacturing method which utilizes at least one side shifting slide, thereby eliminating the need for slides that interlock at angles and require the part geometry to be modified to accommodate the slide angles .
• the invention involves a slider assembly for a zipper and method for manufacturing a zipper slide assembly.
• the slider assembly is formed in a single die cast operation to include the slider and the pull being formed simultaneously.
• At least one side shifting slide is incorporated into the die, which allows the bridge and pull loop to be formed with their full geometric shape and without the converging flat surfaces required in the prior art.
• the slide assembly includes a puller that includes geometry to allow side to side movement during the closing operation of the zipper teeth and restricts side to side movement during opening of the zipper teeth to better accommodate ergonomics of the user, and to better direct the applied forces for smooth operation of the slide assembly over the teeth.
• a slider assembly for a zipper that includes a slider and a pull and is formed from metal in one operation.
• Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a pull member that includes a first amount of clearance between the slide and bridge when the pull is positioned at a right angle with respect to the bridge and a second amount of clearance when the pull is positioned at any other angle with respect to the bridge.
• Figure 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the preferred position for die casting of the slider assembly
• Figure 2 is a partial top perspective view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 illustrating a slider pull that has a round cross section in the area of the bridge;
• Figure 3 is a partial top view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 illustrating the closing of the die casting tool having at least one side shifting slide;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating an additional link formed between the slide and the pull of the slider assembly
• Figure 5 is a side view illustrating an alternative embodiment having two bridges and two pulls on a single slide
• Figure 6 is an end view illustrating an alternative embodiment having two bridges and two pulls on a single slide ;
• Figure 7 is an end view illustrating an alternative embodiment having two bridges, two pulls, and two intermediate links on a single slide;
• Figure 8 is a side view illustrating an alternative embodiment having two bridges, two pulls, and two intermediate links on a single slide;
• Figure 9 is an isometric view illustrating a slide assembly useful for double zippers
• Figure 10 is a partial front view illustrating side to side angular movement of the pull member with respect to the slide member when moving the slide assembly in a first direction ;
• Figure 11 is a partial top view illustrating the angular movement of the pull member with respect to the slide member
• Figure 12A is a perspective view illustrating the slide member, and showing the difference in thickness and shape of the sides of the bridge;
• Figure 12B is a sectional view taken along lines 12B- 12B of Figure 12A illustrating a first cross sectional profile of said bridge;
• Figure 12C is a sectional view taken along lines 12C- 12C of Figure 12A illustrating a second cross sectional profile of said bridge;
• Figure 13 is a partial side view illustrating the construction of the pull member that provides different movements thereof;
• Figure 14A is a perspective view illustrating the positioning of the pull member during an opening movement of the slide assembly.
• Figure 14B is a section view taken along lines 14B-14B of Figure 14A.
• the slide assembly (10) for zippers is illustrated.
• the slide assembly (10) includes a slide member (12) and a pull member (14) .
• the slide assembly (10) is preferably formed during a single operation in a die cast machine (not shown) .
• the slide member (12) is formed to include a bridge (16) for locating and retaining the pull member (14) in a manner that allows for rotation and some linear translation of the pull member (14) .
• the bridge (16) is also formed so that it does not include breaks or gaps which could weaken the bridge (16) and allow the pull member (14) to be released.
• the bridge (16) includes a first end (18), a second end (20), and a central portion (22) .
• Both the first and second ends (18) (20) are integrally formed to the top surface (24) of the slide (12) .
• An inner surface (26) of the bridge is formed to be substantially flat as it extends transversely from side to side of the slide, but may include any desirable longitudinal contour for function or aesthetics. Because the bridge is integrally formed, corner radii (28) and fillets (30) may be formed during the die casting process to add strength and rigidity to the structure, as well as aesthetic appearance.
• the inner portion (32) of the slide (12) includes a splitter (34) which divides the inner portion (32) into a Y-shape for causing the zipper chain (not shown) to be joined or separated as is known in the art.
• the slide (12) includes an upper guide (72) and a lower guide (74) for guiding the zipper chain through the slide (12) ; the upper guide (72) and the lower guide (74) being separated and secured together with a splitter (34), the splitter and said guides (72) (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock the zipper chain when moved in a first direction, and disengage the zipper chain when moved in a second direction.
• At least one, and in some embodiments two, guide wall(s) (36) are integrally formed as part of the slider to help guide the teeth as they pass through the slider assembly (12) .
• the pull (14) is formed in position around the bridge (16) to include a loop portion (38) .
• the loop portion (38) is integrally formed to the first tab portion (40) to eliminate breakage and separation of the two components during use.
• the loop portion (38) may include any geometry desirable, which may include rounds, ovals, polygons and the like, so long as the geometry is complete and does not require converging flat surfaces that are required for removal of the tools from the formed part during manufacturing as seen in the prior art.
• the loop portion (38) is formed to be square in cross section, having a substantially flat inner loop surface (42) with inner corners (44) providing the desired appearance and function to the overall slide assembly (10) .
• Fig. 2 illustrates a slide assembly (10) having a loop portion (38) with a round cross section formed around the same or similar bridge construction as described in Fig. 1.
• the loop geometry is formed complete and does not require relief geometry for the tooling retraction after forming.
• Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment for forming the pull (14) in place around the bridge (16) .
• the tool includes at least one side shifting slide (46) .
• the die casting tool (50) is closed to form a slide (12) and pull (14)
• the at least one side shifting slide (46) and at least one first insert (48) and one secondary insert (52) are inserted into the area under the bridge (16) .
• the insert (48) and side shifting slide (46) are positioned first along an insertion path so that the side shift can occur after the slide has reached its insertion depth.
• the secondary insert (52) is timed to be positioned in the mold adjacent to the side shifting slide (46) once the side shift has occurred.
• the remaining portions of the mold can be closed before, after or simultaneously with the slides without departing from the scope of the invention.
• Other portions of the mold include mold sections that form the remainder of the loop portion (38) and pull (14) .
• the pull (14) is positioned to stand vertically with respect to the slide as illustrated in Fig. 1. However, it should be noted that by utilizing the side shifting slide (s), the pull may be rotated to different angles as needed in the mold without departing from the scope of the invention.
• the at least one side shifting slide is configured to make an orthogonal side shift after formation of the slide member assembly, the side shift having a length great enough to clear the geometry of the loop portion (38) before retraction of the slide from under the bridge (16) .
• a slide assembly (10) further including a connecting link (54) positioned and formed between the pull member (14) and the slide member (12) is illustrated.
• the connecting link (54) is formed as a continuous member, extending around the bridge (16) and the loop portion (38) connecting the bridge (16) to the pull member (14) .
• the connecting link (54) is formed using the side shifting slides in the same manner as the loop portion (38) of the pull (14) .
• the slide member (12) includes a bottom surface (25), the bottom surface including a second bridge (56), the second bridge (56) having a first end (58) and a second end (60), both integrally formed to the bottom surface (25) .
• An inner surface (62) of the bridge is formed to be substantially flat as it extends transversely across the inner surface ( 62 ) .
• the second pull member (64) includes a second loop portion (68) and a second tab portion (70) .
• the second loop portion (68) is formed as a continuous loop around the second bridge (56) and integrally formed to the second tab portion (70) .
• the slide member (12) and said pull members (14) (64) are formed in a single operation in a die casting tool (50) ; the die casting tool having at least one side shifting slide (46) for forming a portion of each of the inner surface (26) (62) of the first and second bridges (16) (56) , and a lower portion of each loop portion (38) (68) of the pull members (14) (64), each at least one side shifting slide (46) being configured to shift orthogonally with respect to its insertion path.
• the slide (12) includes an upper guide (72), a middle guide (76) and a lower guide (74) for guiding a first zipper chain (not shown) and a second zipper chain (not shown) through the slide (12) .
• the upper guide (72) and the middle guide (76) are separated and secured together with a first splitter
• first zipper chain and a second zipper chain are constructed and arranged to interlock a first zipper chain and a second zipper chain (not shown) when moved in a first direction, and disengage the first zipper chain and the second zipper chain when moved in a second direction.
• This embodiment may be used for zipper chains that are the same or different from the first to the second zipper chain.
• This embodiment applies to waterproof zipper chains and the like, wherein one zipper chain provides fastening while the second zipper chain provides water proofing .
• the slide assembly includes a slide member (12), the slide member being constructed and arranged to open and close a zipper chain (not shown) .
• the zipper chain may be of any type known in the art, including coil or individual link members.
• the slide member (12) includes a top surface (24), the top surface including a bridge (16) having a first end (18) and a second end (20) both integrally formed to the top surface (24), an inner surface (26) of the bridge extending transversely across the bridge (16) .
• the first end (18) of the bridge (16) includes a first cross sectional profile (82), and the second end (20) includes a second cross sectional profile (84); the second cross sectional profile being smaller in area than the first cross sectional profile.
• the pull member (14) includes a loop portion (38) and a first tab portion (40) .
• the loop portion (38) is formed as a continuous loop around the bridge (16) and is integrally formed to the first tab portion (40) .
• the loop portion cooperates with the bridge cross sections (12B) (12C) so that the pull member (14) has a first side to side angle of pull (94), see Fig. 10, when the pull member (14) cooperates with the first end (18) of the bridge, and a second side to side angle of pull (96), see Fig.
• the pull member (14) loop portion (38) includes a pull-bar (86) and a pair of arms (88) extending between the tab portion (40) and the pull-bar (86) .
• the pull-bar (86) includes a pull-bar thickness (90) and a pull-bar width (92), see Fig. 13.
• the pull- ball thickness and width are the same or substantially the same; “substantially” meaning within manufacturing tolerances for purposes of this application.
• the pull-bar thickness (90) is greater than the pull-bar width (92) .
• the construction controls the available movement of the pull member (14) with respect to the slide member (12) to better direct the forces to cause the slide fastener or zipper to open or close in a smoother manner.
• the construction also provides comfortable ergonomics to the user by changing the side to side angle of pull with respect to the positioning of the pull member (14) to the slide member (12) . If the slide fastener is freely available to open or close, the pull tab (14) can be positioned in the center or the first end of the bridge (16) where the greatest amount of side to side angle of pull is available. Allowing the user the most freedom in applying force at arcs, angles or the like while moving the pull tab to the second end of the bridge confines the movement of the pull tab to better direct the forces into alignment with the slide fastener.
• This construction provides a better feeling product to the consumer, and automatically directs the force to what is needed to operate the slide fastener based upon the force that is immediately required to open or close the slide fastener.
• Adjusting the clearance between the bottom surface of the bridge (16) by controlling the thickness of the pull-bar (86) provides a structure that allows the movement of the pull member with respect to the slide member to be controlled.
• the pull-bar (86) may have a thickness (90) that is substantially the same as the distance between the top surface (24) of the slide (12) and the inner surface (26) of the bridge (16) . Alternatively, the thickness may be 75% of the distance between the top surface (24) of the slide (12) and the inner surface (26) of the bridge (16) .
• the pull-bar (86) includes a width (92) .
• the width (92) of the pull-bar (86) may be 25% or more thinner than the thickness.
• This construction allows more or less side to side movement of the pull member (14) depending upon the rotation angle of the pull member with respect to the slide member (12) . In this manner, the more the pull member (14) is laid down to be parallel to the top surface of the slide member (12), the more the side to side movement is restricted, thereby causing more force to be directed to the slide member (12) in the direction that the user desires to move it.
• This construction may be employed regardless of the overall shape of the loop portion (38) .
• the loop portion (38) may be, but should not be limited to, polygonal, round or oval in shape
• the slide assembly (10) for a zipper may further include a connecting link (54) positioned and formed between the pull member (14) and the slide member (12) .
• the connecting link (54) is preferably formed as a continuous unbroken member which extends around the bridge (16) and the connecting link loop portion (38) connecting the bridge (16) to the pull member (14) .
• the connecting link (54) is constructed similarly to the pull member (14) described above, wherein the loop portion (38) of the connecting link (54) includes a pull-bar (86) and a pair of arms (88) extending between the pull member (14) and the pull-bar (86) .
• the pull-bar (86) includes a pull-bar thickness (90) and a pull-bar width (92); the pull-bar thickness (90), as well as the pull-bar width (92), may vary as described above to control the movement of the connecting link (54) .
• the pulls or slides may include indicia (78), in the form of logos, figures, characters or the like, that are integrally formed as part of the slider assembly. This also includes, but should not be limited to, serial numbers, lot numbers, part numbers, patent numbers, trademarks and the like. It should also be noted that the present embodiments are specifically utilized for forming slider assemblies from metal in a die casting process, and thus various metals may be utilized, including, but not limited to, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, copper, brass and suitable combinations thereof.

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• Slide Fasteners (AREA)
• Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Priority Applications (9)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=68073157

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Citations (14)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 2019
  • 2019-08-28 JP JP2021511555A patent/JP2021534913A/ja active Pending
  • 2019-08-28 KR KR1020217009550A patent/KR20210116420A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2019-08-28 CN CN201980071562.6A patent/CN113329657A/zh active Pending
  • 2019-08-28 EP EP19779226.0A patent/EP3843581A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-08-28 MX MX2021002353A patent/MX2021002353A/es unknown
  • 2019-08-28 EA EA202190639A patent/EA202190639A1/ru unknown
  • 2019-08-28 WO PCT/US2019/048476 patent/WO2020047039A1/en unknown
  • 2019-08-28 AU AU2019329962A patent/AU2019329962A1/en active Pending
• 2021
  • 2021-02-26 PH PH12021550405A patent/PH12021550405A1/en unknown
  • 2021-03-29 CO CONC2021/0003926A patent/CO2021003926A2/es unknown

Patent Citations (14)

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