Patent Grant
11528968
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
This invention relates generally to zippers, and, more particularly to a slider to be used with a zipper chain.
Zippers have long been used to fasten or otherwise secure items such as jackets, luggage, pockets, and other types of products. A typical zipper may include a slider configured with two face-to-face rows of elements or teeth. The rows of elements are typically connected to a tape or the like, and, as the slider is moved along the tape in one direction, the two rows of teeth may pass though the slider and the teeth may be interlocked resulting in a combined zipper chain. As the slider is moved along the tape in the opposite direction, the rows of teeth separate. In this way, as is well known, an item configured with the zipper may be fastened or unfastened.
Conventional zippers include a puller or tab connected in some way to the slider and that may be grasped to move the slider along the zipper chain or tape. Pullers may be attached to the slider using a loop that may pass through a hole in the slider.
In addition, decorative components or elements may be attached to the puller such that the elements may dangle from the slider. However, by dangling from the slider, these decorative elements may easily become oriented in such a way that they may not be visible or easily recognized.
Also, it is not uncommon for pullers of this sort to break off or otherwise become dislodged from the slider, rendering the slider difficult or impossible to use. And when this happens, any decorative element that may be attached to the puller may also be lost.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a customizable slider that can incorporate different decorative components or elements securely.
The present invention is specified in the claims as well as in the below description. The following summary is exemplary and not limiting. Presently preferred embodiments are particularly specified in the dependent claims and the description of various embodiments.
One general aspect includes a slider apparatus for a zipper or zipper assembly, the slider apparatus including: a slider assembly. The slider apparatus also includes a mount assembly configured and engaged with the slider assembly. The slider apparatus also includes an attachment body attached to the mount assembly with an attachment base.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a slider apparatus for a zipper chain or zipper assembly, the slider apparatus including: a mount having an inner opening portion. The slider apparatus also includes a slider configured within the inner opening portion of the mount. The slider apparatus also includes an attachment configured with the mount, said attachment including an attachment body.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a slider apparatus for a zipper chain or zipper assembly, the slider apparatus including: a mount with an inner opening and at least one outer opening. The slider apparatus also includes a slider configured within the inner opening. The slider apparatus also includes an attachment including an attachment body and an attachment base having at least one attachment member. The slider apparatus also includes where the at least one attachment member is configured with the at least one outer opening.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Yet another general aspect includes a zipper assembly including a slider apparatus according to any of previous aspects.
Yet another general aspect includes a product including a zipper assembly with a slider apparatus according to any of previous aspects. The product may be, e.g., a garment, clothing, footwear (shoes, boots, etc.), an item of luggage, or a sports item. Non-limiting examples of products include, without limitation, bags, pencil cases, backpacks, computer/laptop cases, luggage, zip up portfolio case, zip up storage bins for toys, sleeping bags, tents, children make up/toiletry bags, lunch bags, hats with zipper pockets, toys, toy clothing, etc.
Below is an exemplary list of apparatus aspects. Those will be indicated with a letter “A”. Whenever such aspects are referred to, this will be done by referring to “A” aspects.
Below are zipper assembly embodiments indicated with a letter “Z”.
Below are product embodiments indicated with a letter “P”.
Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
Slider assemblies according to exemplary embodiments hereof are described here.
The following detailed description is not intended to limit the current invention. Alternate embodiments and variations of the subject matter described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
As shown in
The left and right side channels 102, 106 may combine below piece 110 within the body cavity of slider 100 (generally hidden from view, and depicted with dashed lines in
As is well known, as the slider 100 may be moved from one end of the zipper to the other. As the slider is moved in one direction, the rows of teeth (the left row of teeth 14 and right row of teeth 18) may continue to be interlocked, as they pass through slider 100, to form the length of combined zipper chain 12. In addition, as slider 100 is moved in the other direction, it may contact the joined zipper chain 12 at a junction between left row of teeth 14 and right row of teeth 18 to force them apart, separate them from one another, and generally unlock the two rows of teeth 14, 18. This separation and unlocking may result in two separate and individual rows of teeth 14, 18. This allows zipper chain 12 to be combined to fasten the left and right sides together, and separated to unfasten them. In this way, the zipper 10 may be used as a fastener for jackets, pockets, luggage, and other products.
In addition, some sliders 100 may include an autolocking mechanism that may allow the slider to lock its position anywhere along the zipper chain. In this way, once the positioned by the user, the autolocking slider may lock itself in position such that the zipper may not open unintentionally. This may be very useful for jackets, coats, and such when it is desirable for the slider to remain in position even under duress.
An autolocking slider may include a spring-loaded locking prong that, when activated, may protrude from an opening into the inner body cavity of the slider. The locking prong may be positioned within the slide so that it may physically engage the zipper chain when it may be deployed (e.g., the prong may extend 1-3 mm when deployed). The locking prong may also be retracted back into the opening when it is desired that the slider move freely along the zipper chain to be repositioned.
The extending and/or the retracting of the locking prong may be activated by a mount (also referred to herein as a rail) that may be configured with the slider body. During assembly of the components, the locking prong and the spring may be loaded into the slider body 100, and the mount may then be configured with the slider 100 to secure the components together.
The mount may include a puller, tab, or attachment that may be grasped to move the slider and mount combination along the zipper chain. Alternatively, the mount itself may be grasped directly and moved such that the slider and mount may be positioned on the zipper. Accordingly, it is understood that the mount may preferably act as the element that may be engaged with and generally manipulated by the user, and that the mount in turn may manipulate the slider body along the zipper chain.
The mount may be configured with the slider body such that while generally attached to the slider body (e.g. in channels as will be described in detail below), the mount may move slightly upward and downward relative to the slider, and this motion may engage and disengage the locking pin. Note however, that this motion is controlled within a fixed distance and that the slider body and the mount may not disengage or otherwise come apart when configured.
When the slider and the mount are at rest (i.e. not being moved or positioned along the zipper chain), the mount may generally be held in a centered position with respect to the slider by a preloaded spring. In this position, the locking prong within the slider may generally be extended into the slider's inner body (e.g. by means of the same or different preloaded spring) to engage the zipper chain and lock the slider in place.
When it may be desired to move the slider and mount downward along the zipper chain (e.g. to open the zipper), a downward force may be applied to the mount. As the mount is forced downward, the mount may move into a lower position relative to the slider body, and this motion may retract the locking prong from within the slider. Once the locking pin may be retracted, the mount and slider combination may be moved downward on the zipper chain to be positioned. Then, when the downward force is removed from the mount, the mount may return to a spring loaded centered position with respect to the slider body and the locking prong may extend and lock the slider in place.
When it may be desired to move the slider and mount upward along the zipper chain (e.g. to close the zipper), an upward force may be applied to the mount. As the mount is forced upward, the mount may move into an upper position relative to the slider body, and this motion may retract the locking prong from within the slider. Once the locking pin may be retracted, the mount and slider combination may be moved upward on the zipper chain to be positioned. Then, when the upward force is removed from the mount, the mount may return to a spring loaded centered position with respect to the slider body and the locking prong may extend and lock the slider in place.
In addition, the upper edge of the locking pin may also include an upper angled curvature (or downward slant) such that if an upward force is applied to the mount or slider (e.g. to move the mount and slider upward, thus closing the zipper), the slider may begin to move upward and the zipper chain may ride up onto the angled upper curvature (upper slant) of the locking pin and press the pin downward into a generally retracted position. In this way, as the mount and slider are moved upward, the zipper chain may slide past the locking pin unobstructed. When the upward force is removed, the zipper chain may no longer press the locking pin inward and the locking pin may in turn extend and lock the slider in place. Note that it may be preferable that the lower edge of the locking pin has a more upright curvature (e.g. less of a downward slant) so that this is not possible when the downward force is applied to the slider. As described above, to move the slider and mount downward, the locking pin must be disengaged by the mount.
As described here, an attachment may be configured with a slider (e.g., via a mount or rail mechanism) such that when the mount is engaged with the slider, the combination slider, mount and attachment may be used, effectively as a unit, to move the slider along the zipper chain.
As described below, an attachment may be connected to a mount that then engages with the slider. Preferably an attachment (according to exemplary embodiments hereof) includes an attachment body and an attachment base (described below). The attachment base may be used to connect (preferably fixedly) the attachment body to the mount and thereby to the slider.
An attachment body may be formed to represent any type of shape or combination of shapes, including but not limited to, shapes that may be considered fun and entertaining such as movie/TV and comic book characters, shapes or emblems that may represent different types of sports such as footballs, baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls, baseball bats, hockey sticks, mascots, symbols and other types of sports related shapes or emblems, shapes of animals like lions, tigers, or bears, or any other type of animal or nature shapes. Without limiting the scope hereof, the attachment body may be referred to herein as a character or character attachment. In some non-limiting cases the attachment body may be formed to represent one or more of: a logo (such as a company or team logo), a character (such as a cartoon character or a movie or television character), an emblem (such as a sports emblem), a name, an accessories, an emoji, a toy, or a generic item (such as a car, a heart, a shoe, an animal, etc.). As should be appreciated, the examples of attachment bodies listed here are only for demonstration purposes and do not limit the types of shapes or forms that an attachment body may take.
In some cases, the attachment body may be selected to match the item with which the zipper will be used. For example, a company or team logo may be used as an attachment body with a garment or item that may also include the company or team logo.
The drawing in
The Slider
With reference now to
The top head portion 118 may include a front side 120 generally configured with the front plate 114, a back side 122 generally configured with the back plate 116, and a top side 124. The front plate 114 may include an outer surface 132 (
Front plate 114 and back plate 116 may be generally parallel with each other, and may be held in place by top head portion 118. The inner surfaces 134, 138 may thus define a left side channel 102 and a right-side channel 106 within the body of slider 100. In addition, the center piece 110 (
As shown in
The top head portion 118 may also include hole 127 that may pass through the top 124, rear/back portion 122, or front side 120 of top head portion 118. In the example depicted in the figures, the hole 127 may generally pass through the top 124 rear/back portion 122 portion of top head portion 118. The hole 127 may extend in the direction of the X-axis (shown in
The outer surface 132 of the front plate 114 may include a vertical rail 140 that may extend from a top portion to a bottom portion of front plate 114 (
The back portion 122 of top head portion 118 may extend vertically downward across the outer surface 136 of back plate 116 such that channel or slot 126 may also extend downward over outer surface 136 (
With this structure and architecture, and for the purposes of this description, and as depicted in
The Mount
A mount 200, according to exemplary embodiments hereof, will now be described with reference to
As described above, the mount 200 may be configured with the slider 100 such that the locking prong 150 may be contained within the mount 200/slider 100 combination (as shown in cut-away
With the slider 100 configured with the mount 200 as described above, it may be preferable for the left leg 154 to generally coincide with the opening 229 such that the left leg 154 may snap into the opening 229 to secure slider 100 with the mount 200. In addition, with the mount 200 in its centered position, and with the left leg 154 configured within the opening 229, it may be preferable for the opening 229 to include a gap above and below the left leg 154. In this way, the left leg 154 may move upward and downward within the gap as necessary as the mount 200 is moved from its centered position to its upper and lower positions. Note that that the lower wall of the opening 229 may act as a stop for the left leg 154 such that the mount 200 may not travel downward past this position. In this way, the lower position of the mount is generally determined by the lower wall of the opening 229.
With the left leg 154 configured within the opening 229 in the mount 200, the right leg 156 may be configured with the spring 162. With the mount 200 generally in its centered position with respect to the slider 100 as shown, the spring 162 may be preloaded such that it may hold the rocker arm 152 in a generally counter-clockwise torqued position. This may position the locking prong 150 in a generally extended position within the body of the slider 100 such that it may engage with the zipper chain 12 and lock the slider in place. The retraction or disengagement of the locking prong 150 will be described in later sections.
During assembly, the locking prong 150, the rocker arm 152 and the spring 162 may be inserted into inner cavities with the slider 100. The mount 200 may then be configured with the slider 100 and the tube pin 160 may be inserted and flared to secure the components together.
A detailed description of the how the mount 200 may be configured with the slider 100 is provided here. After the locking prong 150, the rocker arm 152 and the spring 162 may be loaded into the body of the slider 100, the mount 200 may be configured to be received by the slot 126, vertical rail 140, and vertical rail 144 of slider 100, to be attached thereto. Accordingly, as shown, e.g., in
The front inner side 206 may include an inner vertical channel 212 that may extend from its upper area to its lower area (
With reference again to
As depicted in
It may be preferable in some exemplary embodiments that the width of channel 212 be just slightly larger than the width of vertical rail 140 such that vertical rail 140 may easily slide within channel 212 but not move freely from side-to-side within channel 212. It may also be preferable in some exemplary embodiments that the depth of vertical channel 212 be sufficient to accommodate the depth of vertical rail 140 such that vertical rail 140 may slide within channel 212 without obstruction. In this way, vertical channel 212 may hold rail 140 secure.
In addition, as mount 200 is moved downward onto slider 100, the back vertical rail 144 of slider 100 may engage and be received within inner vertical channel 214 of mount 200. As mount 200 is moved downward into the position on slider 100 (as shown in
While
It may be preferable that the width of channel 214 be just slightly larger than the width of vertical rail 144 such that vertical rail 144 may easily slide within channel 214 but not move freely from side-to-side within channel 214. It may also be preferable that the depth of vertical channel 214 be sufficient to accommodate the depth of vertical rail 144 such that vertical rail 144 may slide within channel 214 without obstructions. In this way, vertical channel 214 may hold rail 144 secure.
The vertical channel 212 may include lower cavity 220 (depicted by dashed lines in
The cavity 220 may include top walls 222 that may extend outward from channel 212 that may provide an upper stop to the top of stub 142. In exemplary embodiments, with the mount 200 configured in its centered position on the slider 100 (as shown in
In addition, and preferably simultaneously, vertical channel 214 may include lower cavity 224 (depicted by dashed lines in
The cavity 224 may include top walls 226 that may extend outward from channel 214 that may provide an upper stop to the top of stub 146. With the mount 200 configured in its centered position on the slider 100 (as shown in
The top inner side 210 of the lower opening 204 of the mount 200 may include vertical plate 228 that may be configured to fit within slot 126 when mount 200 is fully configured and positioned with slider 100, as described above. Accordingly, plate 228 may have a width that may be slightly less than the width of slot 126 (i.e., the distance between side walls of slot 126) such that it may slide freely into the slot 126. In this way, the plate 228 configured within the slot 126 may act as a guide for the mount 200 as it is moved to its upper, centered and lower positions with respect to the slider 100. It may be preferable in some exemplary embodiments hereof that slot 126 have sufficient depth to fully accommodate and generally receive plate 228 without obstructing the placement of mount 200 in its upper position with respect to the slider 100.
The plate 228 may include a cut-away section 230 that may generally be located on the left portion of the plate 228. With the mount 200 configured and engaged with slider 100 in its upper, centered or lower positions, and with plate 228 of mount 200 received within slot 126 of the slider 100, the cut-away section 230 may ensure that the plate 228 may not obstruct or otherwise interfere with the hole 127 in slider 100 such that the tube pin 160 may not be obstructed.
However, as the mount 200 is placed in its lower position it may also be preferable that the bottom edge of the portion of the plate 228 to the right of the cut-away section 230 may engage with the top of the right leg 156 so that in its lower position (
With the mount 200 configured with slider 100 as described above, with vertical rails 140, 144 secured within channels 212, 214, respectively, with stubs 142, 146 positioned within cavities 220, 224, respectively, with plate 228 positioned within slot 126 and with the left leg 154 of the pivot/rocker arm 152 configured in the opening 229 (
As noted,
As should be appreciated, not all of the components of slider 100 and mount 200 described above may be necessary to be used simultaneously and in conjunction at all times, and that slider 100 may be configured and secured with mount 200 by using only some of the described components or in a different manner.
Moving forward, the locking pin/prong 150 may be disengaged (e.g. retracted from within the slider body 100) by an upward and/or downward movement of the mount 200 with respect to the slider 100 (after which the slider may move freely upon the zipper chain 12). As the mount 200 may be moved downward, the lower edge of the plate 228 of the mount 200 within the top slot 126 of the slider 100 may engage with the right leg 154 of the rocker arm 152 and move it downward causing the rocker arm 152 to rotate clockwise about the pivot point 158 and the tube pin 160. This clockwise motion of the rocker arm 152 may defeat the force of the preloaded spring 162 and in turn retract the locking prong 150 from within the slider body 100. In this way, this slight vertical downward movement of the mount 200 into its lower position (shown in
As the mount 200 may be moved upward, the lower wall of the opening 229 may engage with the left leg 154 of the rocker arm 152 and move it upward causing the rocker arm 152 to rotate clockwise about the pivot point 158 and the tube pin 160. This clockwise motion of the rocker arm 152 may defeat the force of the preloaded spring 162 and in turn retract the locking prong 150 from within the slider body 100. In this way, this slight vertical upward movement of the mount 200 into its upper position (shown in
The centered position, the lower position and the upper position of the mount 200 with respect to the slider 100 are depicted in
It may also be preferable, in some exemplary embodiments hereof, that the slider 100 be removable from mount 200 as desired by pulling slider 100 away from mount 200, or by pressing the left leg 154 inward within opening 229 to unlock and generally release slider 100 from mount 200.
Attachments and Attachment Bases
As shown, e.g., in
Exemplary embodiments of attachments and attachment bases (for connecting attachment bodies to mounts) are described here.
As noted above, an attachment body may be formed to represent any type of shape, and the descriptions provided here should not limit the types of shapes or forms that attachment 300 may take.
As depicted, e.g., in
The attachment base 304 may be configured and combined with the attachment body 302 and may include one or more securing members 306 that may generally protrude from its bottom to form the lower portion of the attachment base 304. In this way, when the attachment body 302 may be configured with the attachment base 304, the attachment securing members 306 may be used to configure the attachment body 302 (in combination with the attachment base 304) to the mount 200, as will be described in detail below. The securing members may also be referred to herein as attachment members.
In some exemplary embodiments hereof, the attachment body 302 may include a recess or cavity 301 that may be generally located on its bottom 308 (or other area) that may receive at least a portion of the attachment base 304 (e.g., an upper portion of the attachment base 304). The cavity 301 may be a size and shape that may allow the cavity 301 to adequately receive at least a portion of the base 304 such that the base 304 may be adequately secured within the cavity 301. In addition, in some cases, the cavity 301 may be shaped, sized and generally configured to receive a portion of the mount 200 in addition to the base 304 (e.g., when the base 304 may be configured with the mount 200 as described below).
The attachment base 304 may be secured within the cavity 301 using adhesive or other types of attachment methods (alone or in combination) such as pressure fit, clips, snaps and/or other types of attachment mechanisms. The base 304 may also be co-molded, over-molded, co-injection molded, or generally molded in combination with attachment body 302 using other molding techniques to secure the attachment base 304 with the attachment body 302. The attachment base 304 may also be secured to an outer surface of attachment body 302 such as to the bottom, sides, or top of attachment body 302 (using the same or different attachment methods and mechanisms as described above), in which case the cavity 301 may not be necessary or required.
In exemplary embodiments hereof, the attachment base 304 may comprise two parts. A first part, generally referred to herein as an attachment base support 311 (also referred to here as the “base support” or “support”), is used primarily to connect the attachment base 304 to the attachment body 302, whereas a second part, generally referred to herein as an attachment base connector 350 (also referred to here as “base connector”), includes components to connect the base 304 (and thus an attached attachment 300) to a slider. The attachment base 304 may also be referred to herein as the “base,” and, especially when the base comprises multiple parts, as the “base combination.” Thus, when the base comprises a base support and base connector, the base may be referred to as the “base” and/or as the “base combination.”
The attachment base support 311 may be generally configured with the attachment base connector 350 to form the base 304, e.g., as depicted in
While the attachment base support 311 and the base connector 350 may be formed of the same material(s), it may be preferable that the attachment base support 311 and the base connector 350 (including the securing members 306) be comprised of different or distinct materials that may include different material properties. In these cases, it may be preferable for the base connector 350 and the attachment base support 311 to each have material properties that may benefit their respective functionalities. For example, it may be preferable that the base support 311 comprises a material that may be hard and rigid so that it may provide a strong foundation for the base connector 350 and the securing members 306 when configured within the recess or cavity 301 of the attachment body 302. For example, the attachment base support 311 may be formed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and/or other types of materials. On the other hand, it may be preferable that the securing members 306 (of base connector 350) be somewhat flexible such that the securing members 306 may slightly bend and/or flex when being configured and connected to the mount 200 (as described below). For example, the base connector 350 (and thus the securing members 306) may be formed of a polycarbonate and/or other types of materials.
The attachment base 304 may be a single piece or it may be configured with the attachment base support 311 and base connector 350 using co-molding, over-molding, co-injection molding, or other types of molding techniques such that the base connector 350 and the attachment base support 311 may be generally molded together, in sequence or generally in combination and thereby be bonded together by the molding process. Alternatively, the base connector 350 and the attachment base support 311 may be glued together with adhesive, attached using pressure fit, or configured by other attachment methods and/or mechanism(s).
Thus, as noted, in some exemplary embodiments the base 304 may be formed as two separate parts or components (e.g., a base support and a base connector, as shown in
With reference to
As shown in
With reference again to the drawings in
The upper portion 305 of the base connector 350 may include side notches 307 that may generally extend downward from the top surface to a location between the top surface and the bottom surface. While
The top recess 313 of attachment base support 311 may include clips 318 that may be configured to be received by the side notches 307 of the base connector 350 when the top or upper portion 305 of the base connector 350 may be inserted into and generally configured with the upper recess 313 of the attachment base support 311. Each clip 318 may be aligned with a corresponding side notch 307 as the base connector 350 may be inserted into the top recess 313. Accordingly, there may be a one-to-one correspondence between the clips 318 and the side notches 307, but this may not be required. The dimensions of the side notches 307 may be chosen so that the clips 318 may be received into the notches 307 without obstructions.
As the base connector 350 is moved downward into the recess 313, the clips 318 and the lower ridges 309 of the side channels or notches 307 may compress and/or flex or bend such that the clips 318 may move past the lower ridges 309. Then, at the point where the clips 318 may pass the ridges 309, the clips 318 and the ridges 309 may return to their uncompressed and/or un-flexed states such that the clips 318 may move over the top surfaces of the ridges 309. In this configuration, the bottom of the clips 318 may abut against the top of the ridges 309 and be held secure thereby. It may be preferable that when in this configuration that there may be no gaps between the bottom of the clips 318 and the tops of the ridges 309 so that the clips 318 may not move vertically or laterally once locked in place.
The depth of the recess 313 may be chosen to coincide with the height of the upper portion 305 of the base connector 350 so that the upper portion 305 may fit within the recess 313 with its top surface generally flush with the top surface of the attachment base support 311. In this way, the combined top surfaces may be free of gaps and disjoints. It may also be preferable that the dimensions of the side notches 307, the clips 318 and the ridges 309 be chosen such that when the base connector 350 is in this position the clips 318 may be configured securely with the ridges 309 as described above. In this way, the base connector 350 may be secured within the recess 313 of the attachment base support 311 as shown in
As stated above, at least a portion of the base 304 (e.g., the combined base connector 350 and attachment base support 311) may be received and generally configured within the lower cavity 301 of the attachment body 302. The shape and size of the cavity 301 may be chosen to generally coincide with the general shape and size of at least a portion of the base 304 (e.g., the combined base connector 350 and attachment base support 311) such that at least a portion of the combined unit may fit within the recess or lower cavity 301 of the attachment body 302.
In some exemplary embodiments hereof, the cavity 301 may include a top 322, top ledges 320 and lower ledges 324. Also, as shown in
As the base 304 (preferably the combined base connector 350 and attachment base support 311) may be pressed into the cavity 301, the base/support combination may travel into the cavity until the combined top surfaces of the upper portion 305 of the base 304 and the attachment base support 311 may abut against the top 322 of the cavity 301. In this configuration it may be preferable for the top lips 326 of the attachment base support 311 to be generally configured with the top ledges 320 of the cavity 301. Specifically, the lower surfaces of the top lips 326 may abut against the upper surfaces of the ledges 320 and may be held secure thereby. It may also be preferable that in this configuration the lower surfaces of the lower ridges 328 on the attachment base support 311 abut against the upper surfaces of the lower ledges 324 of the cavity 301 and be held secure thereby. As a result of the top lips 326 configured with the top ledges 320, and the lower ridges 328 configured with the lower ledges 324, the combined base 304 and attachment base support 311 may be held securely within the cavity 301. This may result, e.g., in the configuration shown in
As the base 304 (preferably the combined base connector 350 and attachment base support 311) is pressed into the cavity 301, the sides (including the lower ledges 324 and the upper ledges 320) may spread, expand, adjust, deform, and/or stretch, as needed, to receive the base 304 (e.g., the combined base connector 350 and attachment base support 311). In this way, the combined base 304 (e.g., the combined base connector 350 and attachment base support 311) may be received into the cavity 301. However, it may be preferable that when the base 304 is configured into the cavity as described above that the sides, lower ledges 324 and upper ledges 320 of the cavity 301 may generally return to their non-expanded and un-stretched states. This may minimize any deformations of the attachment body 302 of the attachment 300 when the base 304 is configured with the recess/cavity 301.
Adhesives or the like may also be added to the cavity 301 and/or the base 304 combination to further secure the base 304 combination within the cavity 301. However, this may not be required.
In some exemplary embodiments, a portion of the cavity 301 may also receive a portion of the mount 200 in addition to the base 304 and/or the base 304 combination. For example,
The securing members 306 may extend below the upper platform 305 of the base and into the cavity 301. The mount 200 may be partially received into the cavity 301 so that it may be configured with the securing members 306. Accordingly, the cavity 301 may be sized and shaped appropriately to receive at least a portion of the mount 200 as shown.
In other exemplary embodiments, e.g., as depicted in
In any event, it may be preferable in some exemplary embodiments that when the attachment body 302 and the base 304 are configured together or otherwise combined, that the securing members 306 may be available (e.g., may protrude) for configuring or generally attaching to the mount 200 as described.
As shown in
In some cases, e.g., as shown in
The securing members need not all be the same size. For example, the securing member 306-4 may be wider than the other securing members (e.g.,
With reference to the drawings in
The openings of the mount 200 may also include lower ridges 314 (see, e.g.,
Preferably the length of securing members 306 and/or posts 310 and the location of locking teeth 312 generally coincide with the depth of openings 232, 234 and the location of ridges 314, such that when securing members 306 and/or posts 310 are generally locked in openings 232, 234, there is minimal free vertical movement of the securing members 306 and/or posts 310. In this way, attachment body 302 and attachment base 304 may be securely attached to the front side 205 of mount 200.
It may also be preferable that openings 232, 234 have diameters that may allow securing members 306 and/or posts 310 (with or without locking teeth 312) to pass into openings 232, 234, as described above. For locking teeth 312 to pass through openings 232, 234 and lock with lower ridges 314, in some exemplary embodiments hereof, locking teeth 312 may need to slightly (sufficiently) compress as they pass through openings 232, 234 and then expand into the recesses under locking ridges 314 once they move past ridges 314.
In other exemplary embodiments, there may be a slight amount of lateral space within openings 232, 234, for example, behind securing members 306 and/or posts 310. In this way, as securing members 306 and/or posts 310 with locking teeth 312 are inserted into openings 232, 234, the securing members 306 and/or posts 310 may bend slightly backward into this extra lateral space as the securing members 306 and/or posts 310 are pushed into the openings 232, 234. This may allow securing members 306 and/or posts 310 with locking teeth 312 to pass through the openings 232, 234. Then, once locking teeth 312 pass ridges 314, securing members 306 and/or posts 310 may return to their unbent configuration and locking teeth 312 may move into the recess below lower ridges 314 to be locked in place as described above. In any event, once securing members 306 and/or posts 310 are received within holes/openings 232, 234 and locking teeth 312 are securely engaged with lower ridges 314, it may be preferable that there is minimal movement of securing members 306 and/or posts 310 within openings 232, 234 such that attachment body 302 and connected attachment base 304 may be securely attached to mount 200.
It should be noted that the examples above are meant for description purposes, and that different/other numbers and configurations of holes and securing members 306 and/or posts 310 may also be used and are contemplated herein. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments hereof, the openings may be configured to receive one or more securing members 306.
As noted, in some implementations, some posts 310 may not include locking teeth 312. In the example shown in
As described above, the mount 200 has openings to receive one or more corresponding posts and/or securing members. As should be appreciated, other configurations may also be used. For example, a mount may be configured with one or more posts and an attachment (or attachment base) may be configured with a corresponding one or more openings. Additionally, a combination approach may be used, where both the mount and the base each have one or more posts and/or securing members and each have a corresponding one or more openings. For example, in some exemplary embodiments hereof, mount 200 may include attachment securing members 306 instead of openings, and attachment 300 may include openings instead of attachment securing members 306. In addition, note that any combination thereof may also be used, such that, in some exemplary embodiments, both the mount 200 and the attachment 300 may include appropriately positioned openings and attachment members.
Attachment 300 may also be secured to mount 200 using other attachment mechanisms such as adhesive, screws, bolts, rivets, latches, locking pins, snaps, and other types of attachment mechanisms. In some exemplary embodiments hereof, attachment 300 may be configured with mount 200 before or after mount 200 is configured with slider 100.
It may be preferable for attachment 300 to also be removed (or removable) from mount 200 when desired. In one example, attachment 300 may be pulled away from mount 200 with enough force that may dislodge locking teeth 312 from ridges 314. It may be preferable that the amount of force required be not more than what a person of average strength may apply under normal use conditions, but enough to minimize any occurrences of the attachment 300 being removed unintentionally. As should be appreciated, removal of the attachment may break parts of the connection mechanism (e.g., the locking teeth).
In some exemplary embodiments hereof, it may be possible for attachment securing members 306 be pushed backwards within openings 232, 234 to disengage locking teeth 312 from ridges 314 for attachment 300 to be removed from mount 200.
The Components Together
As shown in
It may be preferable that the configuration of mount 200 and attachment 300 with slider 100 generally not interfere with the normal operation of slider assembly 100 with zipper chain 12. That is, it may be preferable that mount 200 and attachment 300 not interfere with left row of teeth 14 or the right row of teeth 18 as they pass through left and right channels 102, 106 and out mouth 38 of slider 100 to be interlocked to form zipper chain 12 or to be separated to individual left and right rows of teeth 14, 18.
Thus, as shown, slider assembly 400 may include slider 100, mount 200 and attachment 300. In general, slider 100 may be configured with a traditional zipper chain. Mount 200 may be securely configured with slider 100 and attachment 300 may in turn be securely configured with mount 200.
As described, the attachment 300, when attached to the mount 200, may take the place of or otherwise represent or function as a zipper puller. As such, the attachment 300 may be grasped by a user to move the slider 100 along the zipper chain 12 to open and/or close the zipper. Attachment 300 may replace a traditional puller or may be used in conjunction with a traditional puller. In some embodiments a traditional puller (e.g., a tab or loop) may connect to the attachment 300.
As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “at least some” means “one or more,” and includes the case of only one. Thus, e.g., the phrase “at least some ABCs” means “one or more ABCs”, and includes the case of only one ABC.
As used in this description, the term “portion” means some or all. So, for example, “A portion of X” may include some of “X” or all of “X”. In the context of a conversation, the term “portion” means some or all of the conversation.
As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “using” means “using at least,” and is not exclusive. Thus, e.g., the phrase “using X” means “using at least X.” Unless specifically stated by use of the word “only”, the phrase “using X” does not mean “using only X.”
In general, as used herein, including in the claims, unless the word “only” is specifically used in a phrase, it should not be read into that phrase.
As used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “distinct” means “at least partially distinct.” Unless specifically stated, distinct does not mean fully distinct. Thus, e.g., the phrase, “X is distinct from Y” means that “X is at least partially distinct from Y,” and does not mean that “X is fully distinct from Y.” Thus, as used herein, including in the claims, the phrase “X is distinct from Y” means that X differs from Y in at least some way.
It should be appreciated that the words “first” and “second” in the description and claims are used to distinguish or identify, and not to show a serial or numerical limitation. Similarly, the use of letter or numerical labels (such as “(a)”, “(b)”, and the like) are used to help distinguish and/or identify, and not to show any serial or numerical limitation or ordering.
Thus are provided a slider apparatus for a zipper and a zipper with such a slider apparatus.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/698,774, filed Nov. 27, 2019, issued Jul. 20, 2021 as U.S. Pat. No. 11,064,773, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/255,748, filed Jan. 23, 2019, issued Dec. 3, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No. 10,492,573, and which claims benefit/priority from U.S. Provisional patent application No. 62/625,836, filed Feb. 2, 2018, the entire contents of each of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/255,748 is also a continuation of PCT application No. PCT/IB2019/050543, filed Jan. 23, 2019, which also claims priority from U.S. Provisional patent application No. 62/625,836, filed Feb. 2, 2018. The entire contents of PCT/IB2019/050543 are also hereby fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220000223 A1 | Jan 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62625836 | Feb 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16698774 | Nov 2019 | US |
| Child | 17376275 | US | |
| Parent | 16255748 | Jan 2019 | US |
| Child | 16698774 | US | |
| Parent | PCT/IB2019/050543 | Jan 2019 | US |
| Child | 16255748 | US |
