NESTED ZIPPER PULLER

Abstract

A self-nesting zipper puller includes a body defining a periphery, a lanyard by which to suspend the zipper puller from a zipper for use; and a loop secured to the lanyard and engaged about the periphery of the body during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to zippers, and more particularly to attachments that are provided for the handles and/or sliders of zippers to provide a larger, more easily grasped article by which to pull a zipper for zipping or unzipping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Standard zippers used on clothing, personal articles such as backpacks, shoulder bags, luggage and other things have relatively small handles or tabs by which the zipper is operated for closing (zipping) or opening (unzipping). Even on a large zipper, such as those found on suitcases and large containers, the handle or tab can be relatively small and difficult to grasp securely. Frequently made of metal, the handle is often smooth and can be somewhat slippery. Zippers are often concealed, with fabric overlapping the zipper along each side of the zipper track. In such arrangements, the handle can be difficult to locate and dislodge from beneath the fabric edges. In heavily packed articles, tension on the zipper can make it difficult to operate, and the small surface of the handle can be inadequate to grip securely for operating the zipper. Zipper handles can become detached or broken, making operation of the zipper even more difficult.

It is known to provide zipper pullers of various types attached to the zipper handle and/or directly to the slider to provide a larger, more easily grasped article by which to operate the zipper. The zipper handle commonly has a hole near the end thereof, and known configurations of zipper pullers are attached by looping, tying or otherwise securing the puller through the hole in the handle or through the hole in the zipper slider which normally receivers the zipper handle.

In a simple form, a zipper puller may be an elongated piece of nylon or other fabric tied or looped through the hole in the zipper handle and/or slider. While fabric secured in this manner provides a longer structure than the zipper handle alone by which to grasp and operate the zipper, the smooth, thin fabric can sometimes be difficult to grasp as well. More advantageously, a zipper puller has an enlarged or bulbous end or portion more easily grasped than the relatively thin zipper handle. Known zipper pullers of this type have been two piece articles, including a string, cord or the like serving as a tether between the zipper handle or slider and a larger body end piece attached to the tether. While two-piece zipper pullers of this type have performed somewhat adequately for the purpose intended, the two-piece zipper puller can be costly to manufacture and install. Further, the string, cord or other tether portion can stretch or otherwise change, or even break, making the zipper puller nonfunctional, even if not lost completely. More elastic tethers have been used but tend to act more like a rubber band, being too springy to transmit the load effectively from the user to the zipper slider.

Known methods to attach known zipper pullers include the use of a knotted half-hitch and one-piece nylon designs in which a strap-like portion includes a ball at the end thereof, which fits into a mating recess on the body of the zipper puller. Alternatively, the zipper puller can be a two-piece assembly that routes the loop through the zipper handle and then is assembled to a wedge-like locking device.

It is known that a body of thermoplastic elastomer can be processed to align the crystalline structure thereof to a permanently deformed thinner shape having increased flexibility while maintaining the strength of a thicker, more robust and less flexible body. The process has been referred to as “orienting” and can be found described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,441,758 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0267258.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A self-nesting zipper puller is provided with a body defining a periphery, a lanyard by which the zipper puller is suspended from a zipper for use; and a loop secured to the lanyard and engaged about the periphery of the body during use of the zipper puller to secure the zipper puller to the zipper.

In one aspect of one form thereof, a self-nesting zipper puller is provided with a body defining a periphery; a lanyard by which to suspend the zipper puller from a zipper during use; and a loop secured to the lanyard and engaged about the periphery of the body during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper.

In another aspect of another form thereof, a self-nesting zipper puller is provided with a body defining a periphery; and a tether portion by which to suspend the zipper puller from a zipper during use. The tether portion includes a loop and a lanyard, the loop being secured to the lanyard and engaged about the periphery of the body during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper. The tether portion has physical properties altered from the as molded conditions thereof due to an orienting process including permanent deformation from the as molded condition.

In still another aspect of still another form thereof, a self-nesting zipper puller is provided with a body having a periphery defining a groove; a tether portion engaging a zipper during use and including a loop and a lanyard. The loop is secured to the lanyard and held in the groove during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper. The tether portion has physical properties altered from the as molded conditions thereof due to an orienting process including permanent deformation from the as molded structure of the tether portion.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a nested zipper puller installed on a zipper slider;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the zipper puller before installation;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the zipper puller in a semi-closed condition for attachment, but without the zipper slider being shown;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the zipper puller in a closed condition for attachment, but without the zipper slider being shown

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the zipper puller as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the zipper puller and zipper slider as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another zipper puller;

FIG. 8 is a view of the zipper puller of Fig, 7 installed on a zipper slider;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view more completely showing the side of the zipper puller of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the zipper puller of FIGS. 7-9 during an early stage of installation on a zipper slider;

FIG. 11 is an illustration similar to FIG. 10, but showing a subsequent stage of the installation;

FIG. 12 is an illustration similar to FIGS. 10 & 11, but showing an even later stage of the installation;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the completed installation;

FIG. 14 is a view of the zipper puller of FIGS. 7-13 installed on the zipper of an article;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of another zipper puller;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of the zipper puller in FIG. 15, but showing the zipper puller installed on the zipper of an article;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the zipper puller of FIGS. 15 & 16 in a preassemble pre-installation condition;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the zipper puller of FIG. 17 in a semi-closed condition for attachment, but without the zipper slider being shown

FIG. 19 is a view of still another zipper puller;

FIG. 20 is a view of yet another zipper puller;

FIG. 21 is a view of a further zipper puller;

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a further modified form of the zipper puller shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 23 is an illustration of the zipper puller shown in FIG. 22, but showing the zipper puller installed on the zipper of an article;

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a still further modified form of the zipper puller shown in FIG. 15; and

FIG. 25 is an illustration of the zipper puller shown in FIG. 24, but showing the zipper puller installed on the zipper of an article.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 show a first embodiment of a nested zipper puller 110 having a main body portion 112 and a tether portion 114. Tether portion 114 includes a lanyard 116 connected to main body portion 112 and a loop 118 at the distal end of lanyard 116. Main body portion 112 is of annular shape and of a size for easy grasping between a user's fingers, with or without a finger inserted into a center opening 120 in main body portion 112.

FIGS. 7-14 show a second embodiment of a nested zipper puller 210 having a main body portion 212 and a tether portion 214. Tether portion 214 includes a lanyard 216 connected to main body portion 212 and a loop 218 at the distal end of lanyard 216. Main body portion 212 is of elongated oval shape, with flattened opposed surfaces 220 and 222, which may be provided with textured surface treatments or projections 224 to improve grasping by a user. Further, a thickness of body portion 212 between surfaces 220 and 222 can increase toward the end of body portion 212 away from tether portion 214 for still further improved grasping by a user.

Zipper pullers 110 and 210 have integral loops 118, 218 received about body portions 112, 212 to provide robust, one-piece designs that have improved aesthetics, easy assembly and improved drape over the current standard configurations. Body portions 112 and 212 can define peripheral grooves for receiving loops 118, 218 respectively when the loops are stretched around the body portions 112, 212. Body portion 212 is shown with such a peripheral groove 226. While not shown with such a peripheral groove, it should be understood that body portion 112 also can be provided with a peripheral groove.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, zipper puller 110 can be attached to a slider 130 of a conventional zipper by inserting loop 118 entirely through an opening 132 in the slider until zipper puller 110 is positioned with main body portion 112 on one side of slider 130 and loop 118 on the other side of slider 130, with lanyard 116 extending through opening 132 in slider 130. Loop 118 is then stretched around the periphery of main body portion 112 (as shown in FIG. 3 without slider 130).

In a similar way, zipper puller 210 can be attached to slider 130 of a conventional zipper by inserting loop 218 entirely through the opening 132 in the slider until zipper puller 210 is positioned with main body portion 212 on one side of slider 130 and loop 218 on the other side of slider 130, with lanyard 216 extending through the slider. FIG. 10 illustrates loop 218 being passed through opening 132 of slider 130, and FIG. 11 illustrates a condition after loop 218 has been passed completely through opening 132. Loop 218 is then stretched around the periphery of main body portion 212 to be received in groove 226 defined in the peripheral edge of main body portion 212. FIGS. 10-13 show zipper puller 210 in various stages of installation, and FIG. 14 illustrates zipper puller 210 completely installed on slider 130 of a zipper 134 in an article 140, such as clothing, a bag or the like.

Zipper pullers 110, 210 may be manufactured from essentially elastomeric material capable of being oriented to provide the desired characteristics. For example, zipper pullers 110, 210 may be a thermoplastic elastomer, polyester, nylon-based TPE or a thermoplastic urethane. A variety of alternative elastomers may be suitable for use. The thickness and shape of a zipper puller 110, 210 can vary from application to application, depending on conditions in which it will be used and desired performance characteristics, such as, for example, the anticipated tensile load to be applied and the desired stiffness or flexibility of tether portions 114, 214. Accordingly, the as molded size and shape of the tether portions can differ to achieve the desired result after processing for orienting.

After zipper pullers 110, 210 are formed by molding, tether portions 114, 214 are oriented to achieve the desired physical characteristics. In the orienting process, for example, tether portions 114, 214 may be intentionally and permanently deformed such as by alignment of the crystalline structure in the direction along which the principle tensile loads will be applied during use (i.e. to elongate loops 118, 218 and/or lanyards 116, 216). By orienting in this way prior to actual use, undesired deformation, referred to as “creep”, that might otherwise occur during use can be limited and potentially avoided. In anticipation of orienting, zipper pullers 110, 210 are intentionally designed for an as “molded size” that is shorter but thicker than the required “in use” size by the amount of permanent deformation that will be brought on during the orienting process. The precise method and manner of orienting may vary from application to application and may differ depending in part on the intended use and final characteristic of a zipper puller 110, 210. A single act of stretching, repeated acts of stretching under the same or different conditions and/or compression by hammering or pressing are all examples of some suitable orienting processes. Acts of bending around a curved surface, such as a mandrel; or twisting while stretching can be used to develop permanently curved or rotated shapes.

While a one shot process for molding has been disclosed, it is anticipated that a two shot process also can be used to mold the tether portions and main body portions in different colors, for example, but as a single monolithic structure. Customized loop colors similar to customized nylon cord pullers can be provided. Still other features can be included. For example, the body portion can be provided with a hole for decorative or functional inserts, labeling, indicia, or the like, or as a finger hole for pulling on the zipper puller.

Zipper pullers in accordance herewith can be provided also in two-piece constructions for improved physical characteristics, variations in use and/or aesthetic purposes. FIG. 15 illustrates a zipper puller 310 including a main body portion 312 and a separate tether portion 314. Tether portion 314 includes a lanyard 316 and first and second loops 318, 320 at opposite ends of lanyard 316. Main body portion 312 is configured with a groove 326 about the periphery thereof to receive both first and second loops 318, 320. As illustrated in FIG. 16, zipper puller 310 is attached to a zipper handle 150 held within hole 132 of slider 130, zipper handle 150 defining a hole 152 therethrough. One of the loops 318, 320 is passed through hole 152 so that lanyard 316 is positioned extending through hole 152, with loops 318, 320 on opposite sides thereof. Each of the loops 318, 320 is stretched about the periphery of main body portion 312 to be received in the peripheral groove 326 defined therein. As shown in FIG. 17, one of the loops 318, 320 can be stretched around main body portion 312 to establish a pre-installation assembly with the main body portion 312 and tether portion 314 connected together.

With separate pieces for main body portion 312 and tether portion 314, it may be easier to subject only tether portion 314 to an orienting process as described previously herein. By using separate pieces, unique color combinations can be provided. Further, a clear, white or other basic color can be used for one of the portions and vibrant, unique or other aesthetically pleasing colors or configurations can be used for the other component. Components can be mixed and matched so long as the periphery of main body portion 312 corresponds with the size of loops 318, 320 for proper engagement and securement.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, a two-piece zipper puller can be shipped in a preassembled form, with one of the loops 318, 320 installed in position about the periphery of main body portion 312. FIG. 18 illustrates the manner in which the final attachment of the other of loops 318, 320 can be performed.

As illustrated in FIGS. 19-21 a variety of shape combinations can be used with the two components of a two-piece zipper puller as well as with a one-piece zipper puller. A one piece zipper puller 410 includes a triangular shaped body portion 412 and a tether portion 414 including a lanyard 416 and a loop 418. Another one piece zipper puller 510 includes an annular body portion 512 and a tether portion 514 including a lanyard 516 and a loop 518. Within an opening 520 of annular body 512, a series of projections 522 are provided for aesthetic purposes and/or for improving grip and function. A two-piece zipper puller 610 includes a triangular body portion 612 and a tether portion 614 including a lanyard 616 and first and second loops 618, 620. Projections 622 are provided for aesthetic purposes and/or for improving grip and function. In a two-piece zipper puller, different colors and/or materials can be used without requiring a two shot molding process as necessary for a one-piece puller. The two-piece design allows for increased tensile strength by the doubling effect of a folded loop. For example, a single strand with a 40 pound tensile strength can be doubled to 80 pound tensile strength by simply folding the loop and attaching both ends onto the same attachment device. Alternatively or additionally, tensile strength can be improved by increasing the diameter of the material in the loops and/or by changing materials and/or by changing the orienting process to achieve the desired performance characteristics.

Grove arrangements in the bodies of zipper pullers of other embodiments also can be used. For example, FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a zipper puller 710 similar to zipper puller 310. Zipper puller 710 includes a main body portion 712 and a separate tether portion 714. Tether portion 714 includes a lanyard 716 and first and second loops 718, 720 at opposite ends of lanyard 316. Main body portion 712 is configured with a groove 726 about the periphery thereof to receive both first and second loops 718, 720. While previously described zipper puller 310 includes groove 326 of sufficient width for holding loops 318, 320 side-by-side therein, groove 726 of zipper puller 710 is of width for only a single loop, but is of sufficient depth so that one loop 718 is positioned within the other loop 720. It should be understood that loop 720 can be made of large diameter than loop 718 to accommodate the surrounding relationship with loop 718.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate another zipper puller 810 also similar to zipper puller 310. Zipper puller 810 includes a main body portion 812 and a separate tether portion 814. Tether portion 814 includes a lanyard 816 and first and second loops 818, 820 at opposite ends of lanyard 316. Main body portion 812 is configured with a first groove 826 and a second groove 828 about the periphery thereof to receive first and second loops 818, 820, each loop in a separate groove 826 or 828.

Zipper pullers disclosed herein are made of injection molded plastic. The entire puller can be molded in one-piece in an injection molding tool, with or without overmolding in a two-shot process; or the puller can be molded in multiple pieces, as explained for various effects both functional and aesthetic. The zipper puller, or a portion thereof, is then subjected to orienting to create a very strong, robust and functional loop equivalent to that of a cord. In some situations, the tether portion or only a segment of the tether portion will be oriented and the main body portion not oriented. During the orienting process, the crystalline structure of the material is adjusted to a greater degree of alignment. The orienting process allows the material to be tuned or programmed to meet or exceed design requirements for cord flexibility, strength and length.

Using large rings or other easily graspable configurations for the main body portions provides for easy operation of the zipper on which the zipper puller is installed. With the loop or loops engaged about the periphery of the body, an enclosed structure is formed by which the zipper puller is captured by and suspended from the zipper on which it is used.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A self-nesting zipper puller, comprising: a body defining a periphery;a lanyard by which to suspend the zipper puller from a zipper during use; anda loop connected to the lanyard and engaged about the periphery of said body during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper.

2. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 1, said lanyard connected at one end to said body and at an opposite end to said loop.

3. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 1, said body, said lanyard and said loop being a one-piece structure.

4. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 1, said periphery of said body defining a groove therein, and said loop being retained in said groove during use of said zipper puller.

5. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 1, said loop connected to said lanyard at a first end of said lanyard, a second loop connected to said lanyard at a second end of said lanyard, and said second loop also being engaged about the periphery of said body during use of the zipper puller.

6. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 5, said periphery of said body defining a groove therein, and said loop and said second loop being retained in said groove during use of said zipper puller.

7. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 1, at least one of said lanyard and said loop having physical properties altered from the as molded condition thereof due to an orienting process including permanent deformation from the as molded condition.

8. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 7, said lanyard connected at one end to said body and at an opposite end to said loop.

9. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 7, said body, said lanyard and said loop being a one-piece structure.

10. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 7, said periphery of said body defining a groove therein, and said loop being retained in said groove during use of said zipper puller.

11. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 7, said loop connected to said lanyard at a first end of said lanyard, a second loop connected to said lanyard at a second end of said lanyard, and said second loop also being engaged about the periphery of said body during use of the zipper puller.

12. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 11, said periphery of said body defining a groove therein, and said loop and said second loop being retained in said groove during use of said zipper puller.

13. A self-nesting zipper puller, comprising: a body defining a periphery;a tether portion by which to suspend the zipper puller from a zipper during use;said tether portion including a loop and a lanyard, said loop being secured to the lanyard and engaged about the periphery of said body during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper; andsaid tether portion having physical properties altered from the as molded conditions thereof due to an orienting process including permanent deformation from the as molded condition.

14. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 13, said lanyard connected at one end to said body and at an opposite end to said loop.

15. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 13, said body and said tether portion being a one-piece structure.

16. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 13, said periphery of said body defining a groove, and said loop being retained in said groove during use of said zipper puller.

17. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 13, said tether portion including a second loop, a first end of said lanyard being connected to said loop and a second end of said lanyard being connected to said second loop, said second loop also being engaged about the periphery of said body during use of the zipper puller.

18. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 13, said periphery of said body defining a groove therein, and said loop and said second loop being retained in said groove during use of said zipper puller.

19. A self-nesting zipper puller, comprising: a body having a periphery defining a groove;a tether portion engaging a zipper during use;said tether portion including a loop and a lanyard, said loop being secured to the lanyard and held in said groove during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper; andsaid tether portion having physical properties altered from the as molded conditions thereof due to an orienting process including permanent deformation from the as molded structure of said tether portion.

20. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 19, said tether portion including a second loop, a first end of said lanyard being connected to said loop and a second end of said lanyard being connected to said second loop, and said second loop also being secured in said groove during use of the zipper puller.

21. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 20, one of said loops being disposed within the other of said loops when secured in said groove.

22. The self-nesting zipper puller of claim 19, said body periphery defining a second groove and said tether portion including a second loop, a first end of said lanyard being connected to said loop and a second end of said lanyard being connected to said second loop, and said second loop being secured in said second groove during use of the zipper puller.