Patent Application
20230404221
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 application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/878,931, filed Aug. 2, 2022, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 17/544,681, filed Dec. 7, 2021, which is a continuation of PCT/IB2020/061005, filed Nov. 23, 2020, published as WO/2021/100021, which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/939,590, filed Nov. 23, 2019, the entire contents of each of which are hereby fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
This invention relates generally to zippers and, more particularly, in some aspects, to curved zippers and to zippers that stretch and recover.
Zippers are ubiquitous and 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 or interlocking spirals. 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 through 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.
Conventionally, the tapes are made of a fabric or substrate such as cotton or polyester or nylon. The interlocking elements (e.g., teeth or a coil) may be made up of many things, including brass, steel, stainless steel, nylon, or poly.
The inventor has realized that conventional zippers have various problems, including:
Curved zippers are known in principle from the art.
Some approaches use cuts and notches in the carrier tapes in the region of the desired bend. Examples of these are shown in
The “cuts and notches” approach has various drawbacks, including that the cuts and notches create weak locations in the carrier tapes.
Another known approach to curved zippers, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,070, attaches “stretchable members” to the zipper tapes in various locations “as a reinforcement member for the fastener tape to maintain its curved shape”. U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,070 col. 7, lines 57-58 (see also FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,011,070 reproduced in part in
A method of producing a curved zipper is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,491A, in which a carrier tape of solvent-swelling fibers is produced so that the fibers swell when a solvent is applied to the carrier tape, and the tape (and zipper) is shaped into the desired curved configuration. The shape is not retained permanently. The method is not suitable for production by machine, and it is expensive.
Accordingly, it is desirable and an object hereof to provide a curved zipper that maintains its curve, even when not connected to a garment or other device.
It is also desirable and an object hereof to provide a curved zipper that does not have weak attachment points and thus maintains its strength and integrity along its length.
It is further desirable and an object hereof to provide a zipper that does not have excessive shrinkage.
It is further desirable and an object hereof to provide a zipper with uniform shrinkage.
It is further desirable and an object hereof to provide a zipper with stretch properties.
It is further desirable and an object hereof to provide a zipper with stretch and recovery properties.
The present invention is specified in the claims and 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.
Zippers that Deal with Too Much Shrinkage
One general aspect includes a zipper with two tapes, where at least one of the two tapes is formed from a compacted fabric. The zipper also includes multiple interlocking elements (e.g., teeth) connected to each of the two tapes, where interlocking elements from each tape of the two tapes may join with interlocking elements of the other of the two tapes.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Zippers that Deal with Too Little Shrinkage
Another general aspect includes a garment may include a garment fabric and a zipper attached to one or more portions of the garment fabric.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a method of making a garment. The method of making also includes providing a zipper having two zipper tapes, where the zipper tapes have a first shrinkage, and providing a garment fabric where the garment fabric has a second shrinkage larger than the first shrinkage. The method also includes compacting the garment fabric to produce a compacted garment fabric, where the compacted garment fabric has a third shrinkage, where the third shrinkage is substantially equal to the first shrinkage. The method also includes connecting the zipper tapes to the compacted garment fabric.
Implementations may include washing the garment.
Zippers that Stretch
Another general aspect includes a zipper having two tapes, each formed from a compacted fabric. The zipper also includes multiple interlocking elements (e.g., teeth) attached to the two tapes after the fabric was compacted, where interlocking elements from each tape may join with interlocking elements of the other tape.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a method of making a zipper, including compacting two tapes to form two compacted tapes; and then attaching interlocking elements to the two tapes.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a method of making a zipper, including attaching interlocking elements to two tapes; and then compacting the two tapes.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a drum for a compactor, where the drum has a notch or groove to allow a zipper's interlocking elements to pass without pressure from the drum while tapes on either side of the zipper's interlocking elements are being compacted by the drum.
Zippers that Stretch and Recover
Another general aspect includes a zipper including two tapes, each formed from a compacted fabric, where at least one of the two tapes has a fusible substrate fused with the compacted fabric. The zipper also includes multiple interlocking elements connected to each of the two tapes, where interlocking elements from each tape may join with interlocking elements of the other tape.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a method of making a zipper. The method includes compacting a tape to form a compacted tape and fusing a fusible substrate to the compacted tape. The method also includes attaching interlocking elements to the compacted tape.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a method of making a zipper, including attaching a first tape to a first side of a zipper chain and attaching a second tape to a second side of the zipper chain; and then compacting the first tape and the second tape; and then fusing a fusible substrate with the first tape.
Implementations may include fusing the fusible substrate with the second tape.
Zippers that Curve
Another general aspect includes a zipper having a first tape and a second tape and interlocking elements attached to the first tape and the second tape, where the first tape and the second tape are curved, and wherein a curve of the first tape was caused by compaction of the first tape.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Another general aspect includes a method of making a zipper, including providing a first tape, the first tape woven with a first edge portion having a tighter weave than the rest of the first tape. The making also includes compacting a first tape to form a curved first tape. The making also includes attaching interlocking elements to the curved first tape.
Implementations may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination(s):
Yet another general aspect includes a product including a zipper assembly according to any of the previous embodiments. 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, boat covers, children make up/toiletry bags, lunch bags, hats with zipper pockets, toys, toy clothing, etc.
Below is an exemplary list of zipper embodiments, method/process embodiments, and garment embodiments. The zipper embodiments will be indicated with the letter “Z.” Whenever such embodiments are referred to, this will be done by referring to “Z” embodiments. The garment embodiments will be indicated with the letter “G.” Whenever such embodiments are referred to, this will be done by referring to “G” embodiments. The method embodiments will be indicated with a letter “M.” Whenever such embodiments are referred to, this will be done by referring to “M” embodiments. Drum embodiments will be indicated with the letters “DR.” Whenever such embodiments are referred to, this will be done by referring to “DR” embodiments.
Below are product embodiments indicated with the 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:
Zippers 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.
Background
As shown in
As is also well known, 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 the combined zipper chain 12. As slider 100 is moved in the other direction, it may contact the joined zipper chain 12 at a junction between the left row of teeth 14 and the 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.
The interlocking elements may be connected directly to the left and right tapes (e.g., in the case where they are metal teeth or the like), or they may be attached to a separate chain which is then attached to the left and right tapes.
Description
Zippers that Deal with Too Much Shrinkage
In order to deal with too much shrinkage, the tapes may be compacted, e.g., using heat and pressure to remove some or all of the shrinkage.
For example, as shown in
The compacted tape 34 may be spooled. A zipper may then be formed using the compacted tape 34.
Zippers that Deal with Too Little Shrinkage
Consider the case where a zipper is attached to a fabric of an item (e.g., a garment) and where the fabric shrinks at a higher rate than the tapes. For example, the fabric may shrink about 15 percent, whereas the zipper's tapes only shrink, say 2-5%. In those cases, after washing, the garment will pucker along the zipper garment connection.
To deal with this case, preshrink the garment fabric by an amount that leaves little or no shrinkage, in any case no more than the shrinkage of the zipper tapes. The fabric may be preshrunk by compaction. The zipper tapes are attached to the garment after the fabric has been shrunk/compacted.
So, in the example above, the garment fabric is preshrunk by at least 10-15%.
The garment fabric, when attached to the zipper, may appear puckered, as the garment body may still be bigger. However, after washing the body of the garment, the connected fabric and zipper will have shrunk and will lay flat.
Zippers that Stretch
In order to allow zippers to stretch, the tapes may be compacted to remove all or substantially all of their shrinkage (e.g., as shown above). Then the teeth may be applied to the compacted tapes. In this way, the resulting zipper will be able to stretch the amount compacted.
In an alternate approach, the zipper may be formed with pre- or un-compacted tapes, and then the fully-formed zipper may be compacted. The resulting zipper will stretch by the amount compacted.
An exemplary approach to compacting the zippers is shown in
As shown in
One or both of the drums 42, 44 may be grooved and/or coated, at least in the regions that will come into contact with the tapes.
The compactor 38 may include a suitable guide mechanism 46 to correctly and accurately position the zippers 36 as they pass between the drums 42, 44. The compacted zipper 48 may then be attached to an item (e.g., a garment or the like).
In order to achieve compaction of the zippers 36, one or both of the drums may be heated. Those of skill in the art will understand, upon reading this description, that the amount of compaction of the tape by the compactor 38 will depend on the type and/or cut of material used for the tape, and the temperature, speed, and pressure of the compactor 38. The compressed zipper 48 will be able to stretch the amount compacted.
Zippers that Stretch and Recover
In order to allow zippers to stretch and recover, the tapes may be compacted to remove their shrinkage. Then a fusible (e.g., a 2-way fusible substrate) may be applied to the back of the tapes to provide memory to the tapes.
For example, as shown in
The speed, temperature, and pressure of the heating press 58 depend on the type of fabric used for the tapes and on the type of fusible substrate 56 being used.
The speed, temperature, and pressure of the heating press 58 need not be the same as those of the compactor 38, as the compactor 38 is used to compact the tape fabric, whereas the heating press 58 is used to fuse the fusible substrate 56 to the compacted tape fabric.
As shown in
The fusible substrate is preferably a 2-way stretchable fusible.
As an alternative, before the zipper is assembled, the tapes may be compacted (to remove shrinkage) and then fused with a fusible to provide memory to the tapes (so that they may recover after being stretched). Then the teeth may be applied to the compacted tapes that have already been fused with a fusible substrate. In this way, the zipper will be able to stretch the amount compacted and recover an amount depending on the fusible used.
Zippers that Curve
To make zippers that curve according to exemplary embodiments hereof, the zipper tapes are curved, and then the teeth elements are attached to the tapes.
In some cases, e.g., as shown in
The self-edge 72 has a width Ws, and the rest of the tape has a width Wr, where Ws+Wr is the width of the tape Wt. Those of skill in the art will know and understand, upon reading this description, how to select the ratio of Ws to Wr (or of Ws to Wt) to achieve a desired curvature for the zipper.
The tape 70 is compacted using a heated compactor. When compacted, the self-edge 72 will compact less than the rest of tape 74. Thus, after compaction, the rest of the tape 74 will open up more than the self-edge 72. This will cause the tape 70 to curve, e.g., as shown in
As shown, e.g., in
The two curved tapes 70-L, 70-R may then be joined with their teeth, as shown in
If the tapes 70-L, 70-R are compacted with a drum, the tapes may be done on opposite sides of the drum before being joined with the teeth.
In some cases, the self-edge may have stretch, allowing the curve to stretch. For example, in some implementations, the self-edge of the tape faces the outside of the drum to allow the curve to stretch. Fusible may be added to the self-edge to allow it to stretch and recover.
An example curved zipper, according to exemplary embodiments hereof, was tested against existing zippers. The results of these tests are summarized in the following table:
Thus are described various zippers, items using the zippers, and methods of making the zippers and the items.
The above description includes descriptions of zippers that deal with too much shrinkage; and/or zippers that deal with too little shrinkage; and/or zippers that stretch; and/or zippers that stretch and recover; and/or zippers that curve. Although exemplary embodiments are described under various headings (e.g., Zippers that deal with too much shrinkage, Zippers that deal with too little shrinkage, Zippers that Stretch, Zippers that Stretch and recover, and Zippers that Curve), these headings are to aid this description and are not intended to limit the scope of any of the embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize and appreciate, upon reading this description, that the various embodiments under a given heading are not intended to be exclusive or mutually exclusive and that the various approaches may be combined. For example, a zipper that curves may also have stretch or stretch and recovery properties, and zippers that deal with too little or too much shrinkage may also curve and also stretch and recover.
In addition, when a particular property (e.g., stretch and recovery) is applied to one tape of a zipper assembly, that same approach need not apply to the other tape of the zipper assembly.
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 the 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” and so on 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.
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.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62939590 | Nov 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17544681 | Dec 2021 | US |
| Child | 17878931 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 17878931 | Aug 2022 | US |
| Child | 18141413 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/IB2020/061005 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Child | 17544681 | US |
