Aspects herein are directed to a fastening assembly for a slide closure mechanism, such as a zipper.
By way of background, slide closure assemblies may include a slider body and two sets of coupling elements, such as rails or zipper teeth along a tape. The opposing teeth may be coupled or decoupled when the slider body traverses coupling elements of both sets. To perform this function, the slider body is required to be properly aligned with both sets of coupling elements. Some types of slide closure assemblies, such as those that may be completely unfastened, include a slider body that is permanently mounted to one set of coupling elements and brought into contact with the other set of coupling elements by a user.
Examples of aspects herein are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed or disclosed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.
Slide closure assemblies are used to releasably fasten two sets of coupling elements (such as opposed sets of coupling teeth) and may be incorporated into releasable fastening systems of articles of apparel. Such releasable fastening systems may be used in articles to releasably fasten two portions to one another and/or may be utilized in connection with various features and aspects of articles including, but not limited to, pockets, vents, collars, sleeves, openings (e.g., arm, pant leg, torso, neck or waist), donning, removal, comfort, fit, securement, and the like. In some cases, releasable fastening systems are fully releasable such that two portions of the article can be completely separated from one another, which, for instance, allows for easier donning and doffing of the article. Such releasable fastening systems typically include slide closure assemblies with a slider body that is permanently coupled to, for example, a first slider tape having a first set of coupling elements and is removably coupled (i.e., may be coupled and decoupled) to a second set of coupling elements on a second slider tape. However, aligning the slider body with the coupling elements requires the user to manually position the slider body relative to the coupling elements, which may involve gripping and positioning or aligning the slider body and the two sets of coupling elements. In some instances, manually lining up the slider body to a set of coupling elements may be difficult as it requires a user to grip and move both the slider body and the sets of coupling elements. For instance, the user may be required to steadily hold the slider body and a first set of coupling elements to which the slider body is permanently mounted while simultaneously guiding an end of a second set of coupling elements into a throat of the slider body. These manual operations usually involve both of the user's hands and can be challenging to perform, especially for those with limited hand mobility. The task is even more challenging when performed by a user having limited dexterity and/or mobility in his or her hands or arms.
Aspects herein provide a fastener assembly for a slide closure mechanism that allows a user to more easily align a slider body with opposing coupling elements, such that a user may more easily use the slide closure mechanism, such as a zipper. At a high level, the fastener assembly includes a first structure housing a magnet and a second structure housing a magnetically attractable material. The first and second structures are configured to be releasably coupled such that the first and second structures may be coupled when positioned within a coupling distance (e.g., moving the first and second structures toward one another) and may be uncoupled when repositioned beyond the coupling distance (e.g., moving the first and second structures away from one another to a position in which the first and second structures are separated by a distance greater than the coupling distance). In one aspect, the magnetically attractable material is not attracted to the magnet at a distance that is greater than the coupling distance, which affords functional advantages to an article of apparel that includes the fastener assembly. For example, use of the magnetically attractable material may prevent inadvertent coupling of the first and second structures when a wearer desires to maintain the article of apparel in an open state. The first and second structures include guide features that align the first structure with the second structure as the first and second structures are moved toward each other. Further, the first structure and the second structure include locking features that maintain the relative position of the first structure to the second structure when in a coupled state, such that a slider body associated with the zipper can be utilized to couple and decouple the opposing teeth of the zipper.
A fastening assembly for a slide closure mechanism, such as a zipper, is provided that allows easier alignment of the two sides of the slide closure mechanism. In some aspects, the zipper includes a first slider tape and a second slider tape, each of which includes a series of interdigitating teeth along a zipper axis. In some aspects, the fastener assembly comprises a first structure comprising; a first portion defining a first internal cavity; and a second portion defining a first alignment zone. The second portion may have a first end adjacent the first internal cavity, an upper surface extending from the first end to an upper outer end, a locking notch adjacent the first end, and a lower surface extending from the locking notch to a lower outer end. In some aspects, at least a portion of one of the upper surface and the lower surface is a curved, concave shape. The fastener assembly may also include a second structure comprising; a spherically shaped wall defining a second internal cavity and a locking tab extending from an outer surface of the spherically shaped wall, and shaped to mate with the locking notch. The fastener assembly may also include a magnet held within one of the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity; and a magnetically attractable material held within the other of the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity. As the first structure and the second structure near each other, the magnetically attractable material is attracted to the magnet, such that the spherically shaped wall of the second structure is guided at least partially by the curved, concave shaped portion of at least one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the first structure to align the locking tab with the locking notch. This, in turn, aligns a slider body of the zipper with both sets of interdigitating teeth, allowing the slider body to open and close the first and second slider tapes. Using such a fastener assembly, the first structure and the second structure are attracted to one another when within a certain distance. The guiding features of the fastener assembly align the first structure and the second structure with respect to each other, and other features maintain this aligned position, such that the closure mechanism is more easily used.
As seen in
In aspects, a first structure 30 and a second structure 130 include features that individually and cooperatively contribute to properties and characteristics of the fastener assembly 10. Such aspects include complimentary and/or interconnected features that, in combination, afford coupling and decoupling characteristics to the fastener assembly 10. The relationships among these features are more easily explained and better appreciated with an independent understanding of the first structure 30 and the second structure 130. Thus, the first structure 30 and the second structure 130 are discussed individually below, followed by a use-case scenario.
The fastener assembly 10 is shown in
As seen in
In some aspects, as seen in
The second body 34 also includes, in some aspects and as seen in
As best seen in
In some aspects, the magnet 120 has a cylinder shape to be held within the combined cavity 50 and cavity 67. The magnet 120 in some aspects includes at least one material that is magnetized and has a magnetic field. Examples of materials that may be included in and/or used to at least partially form the magnet 120 include but are not limited to neodymium alloy, iron, strontium, boron, or combinations thereof. In one aspect, the magnet 120 is a ceramic magnet (also known as a ferrite magnet). Related aspects contemplate that the magnet 120 may be a “neodymium magnet,” which may also be referred to as a “rare earth magnet.” As further described below, the magnet 120 attracts a magnetically attractable material held within the second structure 130. In some aspects, the magnet 120 has a coating disposed about the outer surface of the magnet to further protect the magnet.
The fastener assembly 10 includes a second structure 130 that aligns with the second slider tape 20. In some aspects, as seen in
As seen in
The second structure 130, in some aspects, also includes a rib 162 that extends above the wall 136 and away from the tab 132. As seen in
In use, the first structure 30 may be coupled to the first side panel 12, and the second structure 130 may be coupled to the second side panel 14. The side panels 12 and 14 may form a portion of any article of apparel that has two portions designed to be joined and separated by a closure mechanism (such as a zipper). As used herein, the term “article of apparel” encompasses any number of products meant to be worn by a user including upper-body garments (e.g., shirts, jackets, hoodies, pullovers), lower-body garments (e.g., pants, shorts, leggings), articles of footwear such as shoes or socks, articles of headwear (e.g., hats), gloves, sleeves (e.g., arm sleeves, calf sleeves), and the like. Positional terms used when describing the article of apparel such as front, back, inner-facing surface, outer-facing surface, upper, lower, proximal, distal, medial, lateral, and the like are with respect to the article of apparel being worn as intended with the user standing upright.
As seen in
The fastener assembly 10 can therefore be seen as providing a releasable closure mechanism with alignment and locking features that assist a user in properly aligning the first structure 30 and the second structure 130, such that the slider body 24 is in position to couple and decouple the first side panel 12 to the second side panel 14. Once a user manipulates the first structure 30 to be within the coupling distance of the second structure 130 (or manipulates the second structure 130 to be within the coupling distance of the first structure 30), the magnet 120 in the first structure 30 attracts the magnetically attractable material (ball 140) within the second structure 130. As the structure 130 is pulled toward structure 30, the locking tab 150 is guided into alignment with the locking notch 86, and the rib 162 is guided into alignment with the channel 112. The wall 136 may interact with the spherical caps 90 and 102 to further align the structure 130 with respect to the structure 30. Once aligned, the user is able to operate the slider body 24 to couple and decouple the teeth 18 and 22 (allowing the side panel 12 to be releasably coupled to the side panel 14). The fastener assembly 10 thus provides a wearer with an assembly that is easy to use, even with limited dexterity or mobility.
The following clauses represent example aspects of concepts contemplated herein. Any one of the following clauses may be combined in a multiple dependent manner to depend from one or more other clauses. Further, any combination of dependent clauses (clauses that explicitly depend from a previous clause) may be combined while staying within the scope of aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.
Clause 1. A fastening assembly for a zipper having a first slider tape and a second slider tape, each slider tape including a series of interdigitating teeth along a zipper axis, the fastener assembly comprising: a first structure comprising; a first portion defining a first internal cavity; and a second portion defining a first alignment zone, the second portion having a first end adjacent the first internal cavity, an upper surface extending from the first end to an upper outer end, a locking notch adjacent the first end, and a lower surface extending from the locking notch to a lower outer end, wherein at least a portion one of the upper surface and the lower surface is a curved, concave shape; and a second structure comprising; a spherically shaped wall defining a second internal cavity; a locking tab extending from an outer surface of the spherically shaped wall, the locking tab shaped to mate with the locking notch; a magnet held within one of the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity; and a magnetically attractable material held within the other of the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity; wherein as the first structure and the second structure near each other, the magnetically attractable material is attracted to the magnet, such that the spherically shaped wall of the second structure is guided at least partially by at least the curved, concave shaped portion of one of the upper surface or the lower surface of the first structure to align the locking tab with the locking notch.
Clause 2. The fastening assembly of clause 1, wherein the first structure further comprises a second alignment zone spaced from the first alignment zone, the second alignment zone having a channel aligned in parallel with the zipper axis, and wherein the second structure further comprises a rib spaced from the spherically shaped wall, and aligned in parallel with the zipper axis, wherein the channel engages the rib when the locking tab is held within the locking notch.
Clause 3. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-2, wherein the zipper axis defines a y-axis, and wherein the channel and the rib, when engaged, prevent movement of the first structure relative to the second structure along a z-axis orthogonal to the y-axis.
Clause 4. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the first structure further comprises a slotted tab adjacent the first internal cavity and spaced from the second portion.
Clause 5. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the second structure further comprises a slotted tab adjacent the spherically shaped wall and spaced from the locking tab.
Clause 6. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the locking tab extends in a direction along the z-axis.
Clause 7. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the second structure further comprises a first tooth of the zipper integral to the second structure, along the zipper axis and above the second mating structure.
Clause 8. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the zipper includes a slider body, and wherein the first tooth includes an angled cam surface positioned to interact with the slider body upon upward movement of the slider body, the interaction of the cam surface and the slider body rotating the second structure to seat the locking tab in the locking notch.
Clause 9. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the magnetic field of the magnet attracts the magnetically attractable material along an x-axis, in a direction orthogonal to the y-axis and the z-axis.
Clause 10. The fastening assembly of claim 9, wherein engagement of the locking tab into the locking notch prevents movement of the first structure with respect to the second structure along the x-axis.
Clause 11. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-10, wherein the first structure is a two-piece structure, each piece of the two-piece structure defining a portion of the first internal cavity.
Clause 12. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the first internal cavity is defined by a c-shaped weld bead joining the two pieces of the two-piece structure.
Clause 13. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-12, wherein the c-shaped weld bead includes an open, non-welded area adjacent the first end of the first alignment zone.
Clause 14. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-13, wherein at least one piece of the two-piece structure includes an opening at the bottom of the internal cavity.
Clause 15. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the magnetically attractable material is a magnet.
Clause 16. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-15, wherein, with the spherically shaped wall of the second structure adjacent the first end of the second portion of the first structure, the first structure and the second structure are rotatable about a z-axis extending through the center of the spherically shaped wall.
Clause 17. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-16, wherein the spherically shaped wall comprises a pair of holes aligned along the z-axis.
Clause 18. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-17, wherein the pair of holes are plugged to form a seal, preventing access to the second internal cavity.
Clause 19. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-18, wherein at least one of the magnet and the magnetically attractable material have an outer coating surrounding the at least one of the magnet and the magnetically attractable material.
Clause 20. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-19, wherein at least one of the first structure and the second structure are molded from #################.
Clause 21. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-20, wherein the upper surface and the lower surface of the second portion of the first structure center the spherically shaped wall of the second structure about an x-axis aligned with the center of the second portion of the first structure.
Clause 22. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-21, wherein the locking tab is symmetrical about a vertical plane extending through the spherically shaped wall along the x-y axes.
Clause 23. The fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-22, where the two pieces of the first structure are asymmetrical with respect to each other.
Clause 24. A zipper comprising the fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-23.
Clause 25. A garment comprising the fastening assembly of any of clauses 1-23.
Aspects of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
This application titled “Fastening Assembly for a Closure Mechanism” claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Application No. 63/522,065, filed Jun. 20, 2023, and titled “Fastening Assembly for a Closure Mechanism”. The entirety of the aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63522065 | Jun 2023 | US |