ZIPPER ASSEMBLY HAVING A SEPARABLE SLIDER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a slider assembly having a separable slider. The slider assembly having a slider for intercoupling or separating zipper teeth at a pair of zipper tapes according to the present invention comprises: a fixed member which is provided at the lower end of one zipper tape, and includes a connection pin for connecting the bottom ends of a pair of vertical pieces opposing each other and an extended portion extending in a certain length from one of the pair of the vertical pieces; and a movable member which is slidably movable along the zipper teeth at the pair of zipper tapes to be inserted between the pair of opposing vertical pieces and fixed therein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a zipper assembly having a separable slider, particularly a zipper assembly having a separable slider that makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing process by using a separable slider having the function of a pin box when manufacturing a zipper assembly, and to make various zipper products by applying a separable slider to zipper assemblies in open-end type and closed-end type of one-way types or two-way types.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In general, zippers that are designed to engage or separate sets of teeth, which are formed by injection molding along one edge of a pair of zipper tapes with a predetermined length, respectively, by reciprocating a slider in which the zipper tapes are fitted at both sides, are used at present in various ways for various clothes, bags, and shoes.

Such zippers are classified into an open-end type of one-way zipper in which the ends of two zipper tapes are separated at the lower end, such as the zippers that are used on the front side of jumpers, a closed-type of one-way zipper in which the ends of two zipper tapes are closed, and a two-way zipper having two sliders to open/close two zipper tapes in two ways.

Further, the zippers fall into a zipper for the right-handed people who operate the pin with the right hand and a zipper for the left-handed people who operate the pin with the left hand, depending on the position of the pin and the pin box.

FIG. 1 illustrates an open-end type of one-way zipper in zipper assemblies of the related art, where zipper teeth 12 and 12′ are formed on the inner ends of two opposite zipper tapes 10 and 10′, respectively, and a pin 18 and a pin box 1 are formed at the lower end of each of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′.

A film 14 having prominences and depressions on the surface of a tape is attached to the lower end portions of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ where the pin box 1 and the pin 18 are disposed to allow a user to easily insert the pin 18 into the pin box 1 without sliding by giving rigidity.

A slider 50 is disposed between the two zipper tapes 10 and 10′ to fit together or separate the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ and a stopper 16 is disposed at the upper end of each of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ to prevent the slider 50 from further moving.

Therefore, in order to fasten the two zipper tapes 10 and 10′, a user moves down the slider 50 as low as possible to the pin box 1, inserts the pin 18 into both of the slider 50 and the pin box 1 with the film 14 held, and then holds and moves up the pull tab 51 of the slider 50, thereby fastening the zipper teeth 12 and 12′.

On the other hand, the zippers could be made in an automatic type and a manual type in the related art. For the automatic type, mass production is possible, but the product quality is not uniform, such as that the zipper teeth are opened or a defect of poor fastening of integral pin box and pin, such that expensive zippers are manufactured in the manual type to maintain uniform product quality.

That is, when a zipper is manufactured in a manual type in the related art, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, zipper teeth are removed at regular intervals from the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ with the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ fitting together, and then the film 14 is attached to the sections with the zipper teeth removed.

Thereafter, through-holes are formed at the portions with the films 14 on the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ by T-cutting, the stoppers 16 are disposed at the upper ends of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′, and then the pin box 1 and the pins 18 are disposed at the lower ends.

Further, it is necessary to fit a side of the slider 50 on the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ with the pin box 1 and then move down the slider 50, to insert the pins 18 into the slider 50 and the pin box 1, to move up the slider 50 to the upper end of the zipper tape 10, and then to finally cut the zipper tape, such that the process of manufacturing the zipper is complicated and the work efficiency decreases.

Further, when the integral type of pin box 1 is made of plastic and used, the pin box 1 is easily damaged or broken by a small external shock because the pin box 1 is empty, such that using zipper is inconvenient and the life span is decreased.

Further, when the pin box 1 made of metal integrally with the pins 18 is caulked, as illustrated in the enlarged view of FIG. 4, the front and back may be different, such that the aesthetic impression of the appearance.

In addition, since the integral type of plastic pin box 1 is not plated, the logos or trademarks of the manufacturer cannot be shown, such that it is difficult to preclude distribution of imitations. Further, even if the integral type of pin box 1 is made of a material that allows showing the logos or the trademarks of manufacturers, only one side of the pin box can be used, such that many molds are needed; therefore, there is a problem in that the manufacturing cost of the pin box is too high.

As described above, since there are several problems described above in the common pin boxes that are used for zippers, it has been required to develop a new structure that can replace the pin boxes of the related art by removing the problems and can be widely and variously used when manufacturing open-end type and closed-end type of one-way or two-way zipper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention has been made in an effort to provide a zipper assembly having a separable slider that makes it possible to simply the manufacturing process, using a separable slider having the function of a pin box when manufacturing a zipper, that can apply the separable slider in various ways when manufacturing open end type and closed end type of one-way or two-way zippers, and that can prevent the separable slider having the function of a pin box from being damaged or broken by firmly manufacturing the separable slider.

To achieve the above objective, the invention provide slider assembly having a separable slider that fits together or separates zipper teeth disposed on a pair of zipper tapes, the slider assembly comprising: a fixed member that has a connecting portion connecting lower ends of a pair of opposite vertical portions, has an extender extending at a predetermined length from any one of the pair of vertical portions, and is disposed at the lower end of one of the zipper tapes; and a movable member that slides along the zipper teeth disposed on the pair of zipper tapes to be inserted and fixed in between the pair of opposite vertical portions.

Desirably, insertion-fixing portions that are combined with the movable member protrude on the inner sides of the pair of vertical portions.

Desirably, the extender has a guide step protruding to come in contact with the movable member.

Desirably, the movable member has an upper plate and a lower plate, and the upper plate and the lower plate are supported by vertical supports such that a predetermined distance is maintained between the upper plate and the lower plate.

Desirably, the upper plate and the lower plate are bent such that vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves where the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide sliding of the movable member, are opposite each other at both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved.

Desirably, fixing grooves are formed opposite each other on the inner side of the upper plate and the inner side of the lower plate such that fixing protrusions protruding on the outer side of the connecting portion are inserted and fixed.

Desirably, the upper plate and the lower plate have exposed portions that are cut outward such that the vertical portions of the fixed member are positioned and exposed to the outside, when the movable member and the fixed member are combined.

Desirably, the upper plate and the lower plate are rectangular plates having areas that cover the entire front and rear sides of the fixed member, including the pair of vertical portions, when the fixed member and the movable member are combined.

More desirably, a display region for displaying the logo of a manufacturer is formed on the surface of any one of the upper plate and the lower plate of the movable member.

More desirably, a rough portion is formed on the surface of any one of the upper plate and the lower plate of the movable member to prevent sliding when the movable member is attached for sliding.

Also, the invention provide a slider assembly having a separable slider, comprising a fixed member disposed at the lower end of one of a pair of zipper tapes, and a movable member moving along zipper teeth disposed on the zipper tapes, wherein the fixed member is formed in a rectangular shape with the bottom and both sides of the edge closed and the top open, an insertion-fixing portion protrudes from the center of the inner side of the fixed member and extends to a side of the fixed member, a guide step protrudes at the upper portion of the insertion-fixing portion extending to a side of the fixed member, fixing protrusions are formed at the upper and lower portions of the insertion-fixing portion at the center of the inner side of the lower end of the fixed member, and the movable member slides along the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes to be inserted and fixed in the fixed member.

Desirably, the movable member has an upper plate and a lower plate, which are inverted T-shaped plates, the upper plate and the lower plate are supported by vertical supports for maintaining the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate, fixing grooves where fixing protrusions of the fixed member are inserted and fixed are formed opposite each other at the upper plate and the lower plate, ahead of the vertical supports, vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves on the inner sides where the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide movement of the movable member, are bent opposite each other at the both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved.

Desirably, the fixed member is formed in a rectangular shape with the bottom and both sides of the edge closed and the top open, a guide step protrudes at the upper portion extending to one side of the fixed member, and fixing protrusions are formed at the upper portion and the lower portion of the lower center of the fixed member, such that the fixed member is disposed in a closed-end type of one-way separable slider.

Desirably, the movable member is a rectangular plate to be inserted and fixed to cover the entire fixed member when the upper plate and the lower plate are inserted and fixed, the upper plate and the lower plate are fixed by vertical supports for maintaining the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate, fixing grooves where fixing protrusions of the fixed member are inserted and fixed are formed opposite each other at the upper plate and the lower plate, ahead of the vertical supports, vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves on the inner sides where the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide movement of the movable member, are bent opposite each other at the both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved, such that the movable member is disposed in a closed-end type of one-way separable slider.

Desirably, the fixed member is formed in a rectangular shape with the bottom and both sides closed and the top open and an insertion-fixing portion protrudes at the center of the inner side of the fixed member and extends to one side of the fixed member, such that the fixed member is disposed in a two-way type of separable slider.

Desirably, the movable member has an upper plate that is a rectangular plate and a lower plate that is an inverted T-shaped or rectangular plate, the upper plate and the lower plate are supported by vertical supports for maintaining the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate, vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves where zipper teeth of a pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide movement of the movable member, are bent opposite each other at both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved, such that the movable member is disposed in a closed-end type of one-way separable slider.

Desirably, the fixed member is made of synthetic resin and the movable member is made of metal.

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing process, using a separable slider including a fixed member and a movable member having the function of a pin box when manufacturing a zipper assembly, such that it is possible to improve productivity with improvement of work efficiency and to widely apply the separable slider when manufacturing open-end type and closed-end type of one-way or two-way zippers. Further, it is possible to prevent the separable slider from being damaged for broken by firmly manufacturing the separable slider, to improve the lifespan, and to improve the aesthetic external appearance of the separable slider. Further more, it is possible to display the logo of a manufacturer on the separable slider, such that it is possible to preclude distribution of imitations of expensive bags using a zipper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating that sets of teeth are engaged with each other in a zipper assembly of the related art.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are plan views illustrating a process of manufacturing the zipper assembly of the related art.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating that sets of teeth of a zipper assembly having a separable slider are engaged with each other, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the zipper assembly having a separable slider according to the first exemplary embodiment of the preset invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating that sets of teeth of a zipper assembly having a separable slider are engaged with each other, according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the zipper assembly having a separable slider according to the second exemplary embodiment of the preset invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating that sets of teeth of a zipper assembly having a separable slider are engaged with each other, according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the zipper assembly having a separable slider according to the third exemplary embodiment of the preset invention.

FIGS. 11A to 11 are views illustrating a process of manufacturing a zipper assembly having a separable slider according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described hereafter in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating that sets of teeth of a zipper assembly having a separable slider are engaged with each other, according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the zipper assembly having a separable slider according to the first exemplary embodiment of the preset invention.

A zipper assembly 100 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, includes a pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′, a slider 50 disposed between the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ to fit together or separate zipper teeth 12 and 12′ on the zipper tapes 10 and 10′, and a separable slider 101 having the function of a pin box.

The separable slider 101 includes a fixed member 20 disposed at the lower end of the zipper tape 10′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ and a movable member 30 that can slide with the slider 50 having a pull tab 51 along the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ to be inserted and fixed in the fixed member 20.

The fixed member 20 is a structure that is closed by the bottom and both sides of the edges and the upper end facing the movable member 30 is open in a substantially rectangular shape and formed integrally with the film 14 on the zipper tape 10′.

The fixed member 20 has a fitting portion 22 that protrudes to fit the movable member 30 to the inner sides of a pair of vertical portions 21, and a extender 24 that is integrally formed with the film 14 and any one of the pair of vertical portions and extends at a predetermined length from the upper end of any one of the pair of vertical portions 21.

A pin 18 is integrally formed with the film 14 of the zipper tape 12 opposite the extender 24 and the extender 24 may have substantially the same shape and length as those of the adjacent pin 18.

A fixing protrusion 26 protrudes from the top, which corresponds to the movable member 30, of a connecting portion 25 that connects the lower ends of the pair of opposite vertical portions 21.

Further, the movable member 30 inserted in the fixed member 20 to be combined together has an upper plate 32 and a lower plate 34, which are flat plates, the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ on the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ are inserted in between the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 and supported by vertical supports 38 to guide movement of the movable member 30, and fixing grooves 40 are formed to be opposite each other on the inner side of the upper plate 32 and the inner side of the lower plate 34 which face each other such that the fixing protrusion 26 of the fixed member 20 is inserted and fixed.

Further, vertical guide portions 44 each having a guide groove 42, where the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ are inserted and that guides sliding of the movable member 30, are bent to be opposite each other at both ends of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30.

Stepped grooves 46 lower than the vertical guide portions 44 may be formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle on the vertical guide portions on the upper and lower plates 32 and 34 of the movable member 30 in order to fit together the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ when the movable member 30 is moved along the guide grooves 42 of the vertical guide portions 44 to be inserted into the fixed member 20 and in order to open the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ when the movable member 30 is moved to be separated from the fixed member 20.

Exposed portions 32a and 34a that are cut outward and where the vertical portions 21 of the fixed member 20 are positioned to be exposed to the outside when the movable member 30 and the fixed member 20 are combined are formed on the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30.

On any one of the surfaces of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30, a display region 39a is formed to show the logo of a manufacturer or a rough portion 39b is formed to prevent sliding of a user who operates the slider, in which the rough portion 39b may be formed selectively or on both surfaces of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34.

The display region 39a and the rough portion 39b may be formed on the surface of the upper plate 32 that is exposed forward for a visual advertisement effect.

A guide step 24a protruding from the front and rear sides of the extenders 24 of the fixed member 20 are formed to generate friction force in close contact with the inner sides of the upper and lower plates 32 and 34 when the movable member 30 is combined with the fixed member 20.

Accordingly, the movable member 30 is inserted and fixed in between the pair of vertical portions 21 of the fixed member 20 to fit together the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the opposite zipper tapes 10 and 10′ by using the slider 50.

That is, when the movable member 30 is moved down and inserted in between the pair of vertical portions 21 of the fixed member 20, the stepped grooves 46 of the movable member 30 move over the guide steps 24a formed on the extenders 24 extending to a side of the fixed member 20 and the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30 are fitted in the fixed member 20, and the fixing protrusions 26 formed at the connecting portions 25 are inserted in the fixing grooves 40 opposite the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30, such that the movable member 30 can be inserted and firmly fixed in the fixed member 20 in close contact with the fixed member 20.

The pin 18 is inserted along one of the guide grooves of the movable member 30 with the lower end corresponding to or in contact with the upper end of the vertical portion without the guide step 24 in the pair of vertical portions such that the pair of zipper teeth 12 and 12′ face each other one-to-one, and the pair of zipper teeth 12 and 12′ that have been open are fitted together by sliding up the slider 50.

The pair of vertical portions 21 of the fixed member are exposed to the outside through the exposed portions 32a and 34a formed by cutting at both left and right sides of the lower ends of the upper and lower plate 32 and 34 of the movable member 30, such that the open-end type of one-way zipper assembly 100 can be implemented.

Further, the zipper assembly 100 having the separable slider 101 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be firmly assembled with the inside filled with the combined fixed member and movable member, not empty, unlike the integral type of pin box of the related art, such that it is possible to effectively prevent the pin box from being damaged or broken by an external shock and to improve the lifespan.

Further, since the movable member 30 of the separable slider 101 does not need pressing in the process of manufacturing the zipper assembly and the entire of both sides can be used, it is possible to improve the aesthetic external appearance of the pin box. Furthermore, when the movable member 30 can be plated when it is made of metal, that is, zinc, such that it is possible to easily show the logo of the manufacturer on the movable member 30 and effectively prevent distribution of imitations of expensive bags using a zipper.

The separable slider 102 that is used for a zipper assembly having a separable slider according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a zipper assembly having a separable slider according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the zipper assembly having a separable slider according to the second exemplary embodiment of the preset invention.

The separable slider 102 that is used for a zipper assembly 100a, where the closed-end type of one-way method can be applied, includes a fixed member 20 and a movable member 30 that is combined with the fixed member 20, similar to the first exemplary embodiment.

The fixed member 20 has an extender 24 that is integrally formed with a film 14 and any one of a pair of opposite vertical portions 21 and extends at a predetermined length from the upper end of any one of the pair of vertical portions.

A fixing protrusion 26a protrudes on the side of a connecting portion 25 that integrally connects the lower ends of the pair of opposite vertical portions 21.

Further, the movable member 30, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, has an upper plate 32 and a lower plate 34, the portion between the upper plate and the lower plate 34 is supported by vertical supports 38 with a predetermined distance maintained such that the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ can freely pass through between the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34, and fixing grooves 40 are formed on the inner side of the upper plate 32 and the inner side of the lower plate 34 which face each other such that the fixing protrusion 26b of the fixed member 20 is inserted and fixed when the fixed member 20 and the movable member 30 are combined.

The upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30 may be plates with an area which can cover the entire front and rear sides of the fixed member 20, including the pair of vertical portions 21 to prevent the pair of vertical portions 12 from being exposed to the outside when the fixed member 20 and the movable member 30 are combined.

Accordingly, in the zipper assembly 100a of the second exemplary embodiment, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the movable member 30 is inserted and fixed in between the pair of vertical portions 21 of the fixed member 20 to fit together the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the opposite zipper tapes 10 and 10′ by using the slider 50.

That is, when the movable member 30 is moved down and inserted in between the pair of vertical portions 21 of the fixed member 20, the stepped grooves 46 of the movable member 30 move over the guide steps 24a formed on the extenders 24 extending to a side of the fixed member 20 and the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30 are fitted in the fixed member 20, and the fixing protrusions 26a formed at the connecting portions 25 are inserted in the fixing grooves 40 opposite the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30, such that the movable member 30 can be inserted and firmly fixed in the fixed member 20 in close contact with the fixed member 20.

The pin 18 is inserted along one of the guide grooves of the movable member 30 with the lower end corresponding to or in contact with the upper end of the vertical portion without the guide step 24 in the pair of vertical portions such that the pair of zipper teeth 12 and 12′ face each other one-to-one, and the pair of zipper teeth that have been open are fitted together by sliding up the slider 50.

Since the pair of vertical portions 21 of the fixed member 20 are not exposed to the outside by the upper and lower plates 32 and 34 of the movable member 30 covering the entire front and rear sides of the fixed member, the closed-end type of one-way zipper assembly 100a can be implemented.

The zipper assembly 100a with the separable slider 102 can be applied to a zipper assembly using the closed-end type of one way method having a structure in which the lower ends of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ are constantly closed by covering the entire fixed member with the movable member 30 such that the fixed member 20 is not exposed to the outside, the zipper assembly can be manufactured by the manufacturing process the same as that of the first exemplary embodiment.

Further, a separable slider 103 that is used for a two-way type of zipper assembly 100b, as a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, is described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a zipper assembly having a separable slider according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention and FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the zipper assembly having a separable slider according to the third exemplary embodiment of the preset invention.

The separable slider 103 that is used for the two-way type of zipper assembly 100b includes a fixed member 20 and a movable member 30 that is combined with the fixed member 20, similar to the first and second exemplary embodiments.

The fixed member 20 has an extender 24 that is integrally formed with a film 14 and any one of a pair of vertical portions and extends at a predetermined length from the upper end of any one of the pair of vertical portions.

A connecting portion 25 that integrally connects the lower ends of the pair of opposite vertical portions is provided and an insertion-fixing portion 22 protrudes on the inner sides of the pair of vertical portions 21 and the connecting portion 25.

The movable member 30 has an upper plate 32 and a lower plate 34, similar to the first and second exemplary embodiment, and the portion between the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 is supported by the vertical supports 38 with a predetermined distance maintained such that the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ can freely pass through between the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34.

Vertical guide portions 44 each having a guide groove 42, where the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ are inserted and that guides movement of the movable member 30, are bent to be opposite each other at both ends of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34.

Stepped grooves 46 lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions 44 are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions 44 of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the pair of zipper teeth 12 and 12′ when the movable member 30 is moved.

Accordingly, in the zipper assembly 100b of the third exemplary embodiment, similar to the first and second exemplary embodiments, the movable member 30 is inserted and fixed in between the pair of vertical portions 21 of the fixed member 20 to fit together the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the opposite zipper tapes 10 and 10′ by using the slider 50.

The pin 18 is inserted along one of the guide grooves of the movable member 30 with the lower end corresponding to or in contact with the upper end of the vertical portion without the extender 24 in the pair of vertical portions such that the pair of zipper teeth 12 and 12′ face each other one-to-one, and the pair of zipper teeth that have been open are fitted together by sliding up the slider 50.

Compared with the first and second exemplary embodiments, the stepped portions 24a and the fixing protrusions 26 and 26a are not formed at the fixing member 20 of the separable slider 103 according to the third exemplary embodiment, and the fixing grooves 40 are not formed on the inner sides of the upper plate 32 that is a rectangular plate and the lower plate 34 that is an inverted T-shaped or rectangular plate in the movable member 30.

Therefore, since the two-way type of zipper assembly 100b includes two movable members 30 and two sliders 50 that is members sliding to open/close the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ in two directions, and the fixed member 20 and the movable member 30 without the guide steps 24a, fixing protrusions 26 and 26a, and the fixing grooves 40 are manufactured such that the movable member 30 can slide to smoothly open/close the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ from the fixed member 20 together with the slider 50, the present invention can be applied to the two-way type of zipper assembly 100b and a zipper assembly can be manufactured in the same way as those of the first and second exemplary embodiments.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 10 for the exemplary embodiments of the present invention configured as described above, the processes of manufacturing the zipper assemblies 100, 100a, and 100b with the separable sliders 101, 102, and 103 having the function of a pin box are as follows.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 11A, the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ are removed at regular intervals from the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ with the opposite zipper teeth 12 and 12′ fitting together by a tooth-installing/removing device (not shown), and then a film 14 is attached to both sides of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ with the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ removed, by a film bonding device (not shown).

Subsequently, through holes 19 are formed at the films 14 attached to the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ by T-shape cutting by a cutter (not shown) as illustrated in FIG. 11B, both ends of the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ are partially opened, the movable member 30 of the separable slider is fitted on the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ to be temporarily assembled at the lower ends of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′, and the slider 50 is fitted on the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ to be temporarily assembled at the upper ends of the zipper tapes 10 and 10′.

Further, with the slider 50 and the movable member 30, which can slide along the zipper teeth 12 and 12′, inserted, as illustrated in FIG. 11c, stoppers 16 and 16′ preventing the slider from being separated are injection-molded at the upper ends of the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ that are in contact with the through-holes 19, by putting the zipper tapes 10 and 10′ into an injection molding machine (not shown), and the pins 18 are injection-molded simultaneously with the fixed member 20 that is combined with the movable member, at the lower end.

Thereafter, the movable member 30 is inserted and fixed in between the pair of vertical portions 21 formed at the fixed member 20 by pulling down the slider 50 or the movable member 30 to the fixed member 20.

Further, when the slider 50 that has moved down is pulled up and then the T-shaped through-hole 19 formed through the film is finally cut, the zipper assembly with the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 1′ fitting together and the movable member 30 inserted in the fixed member 20 can be easily simply manufactured.

When the movable member 30 is moved to the fixed member 20 along the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ of the pair of zipper tapes 10 and 10′ in order to slide down the movable member 30 to be inserted and fixed in the fixed member 20, the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ come closer to each other at the wide portion, which is open at an angle toward the lower ends of the stepped grooves 46 opening downward at an angle, opposite each other at the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions 44 of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30, while passing the guide grooves 42 of the vertical guide portions 44 formed opposite each other on both of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30, such that the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ fit together at the upper end of the guide groove 42.

In contrast, when the movable member 30 is slid up in the opposite direction, the zipper teeth 12 and 12′ are separated from each other.

Further, when the movable member 30 is inserted in the fixed member 30, the stepped grooves 46 of the movable member 30 are guided along the extender 24 extending from one side of the fixed member 20, and when the guide step 24a protrudes on the surface of the extender, it come in close contact with the inner sides of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34 of the movable member 30 while moving over the guide step 24a, and the fixing protrusions 26 and 26a of the fixed member 20 are inserted into the opposite fixing grooves 40 formed on the inner sides of the upper plate 32 and the lower plate 34, such that the movable member 30 can be inserted and firmly fixed in contact with the fixed member 20.

Therefore, the separable sliders 101, 102 and 103 according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be assembled with the inside fully filled in a firm state, not empty, unlike the integral type of pin box of the related art, such that it is possible to prevent the pin box from being damaged or broken by an external shock and to improve the lifespan.

Further, the movable member 30 of the separable slider according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention does not need pressing for fixing the movable member to the injection-molded pin when the zipper assembly is manufactured, and the entire of both sides can be used, so that it is possible to improve aesthetic external appearance of the pin box, and when the movable member is made of metal, that is, zinc, it can be plated, such that the logo of the manufacturer can be easily displayed; therefore, it is possible to effective preclude distribution of imitations of expensive bags in the market.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention may use various changes, modifications, and equivalents, and may be applied in the same way by appropriately modifying the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the description does not limit the scope of the present invention which is determined by claims.

Claims

1. A slider assembly having a separable slider that fits together or separates zipper teeth disposed on a pair of zipper tapes, the slider assembly comprising: a fixed member that has a connecting portion connecting lower ends of a pair of opposite vertical portions, has an extender extending at a predetermined length from any one of the pair of vertical portions, and is disposed at the lower end of one of the zipper tapes; anda movable member that slides along the zipper teeth disposed on the pair of zipper tapes to be inserted and fixed in between the pair of opposite vertical portions.

2. The slider assembly of claim 1, wherein insertion-fixing portions that are combined with the movable member protrude on the inner sides of the pair of vertical portions.

3. The slider assembly of claim 1, wherein the extender has a guide step protruding to come in contact with the movable member.

4. The slider assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable member has an upper plate and a lower plate, and the upper plate and the lower plate are supported by vertical supports such that a predetermined distance is maintained between the upper plate and the lower plate.

5. The slider assembly of claim 4, wherein the upper plate and the lower plate are bent such that vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves where the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide sliding of the movable member, are opposite each other at both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved.

6. The slider assembly of claim 4, wherein fixing grooves are formed opposite each other on the inner side of the upper plate and the inner side of the lower plate such that fixing protrusions protruding on the outer side of the connecting portion are inserted and fixed.

7. The slider assembly of claim 4, wherein the upper plate and the lower plate have exposed portions that are cut outward such that the vertical portions of the fixed member are positioned and exposed to the outside, when the movable member and the fixed member are combined.

8. The slider assembly of claim 4, wherein the upper plate and the lower plate are rectangular plates having areas that cover the entire front and rear sides of the fixed member, including the pair of vertical portions, when the fixed member and the movable member are combined.

9. The slider assembly of claim 4, wherein a display region for displaying the logo of a manufacturer is formed on the surface of any one of the upper plate and the lower plate of the movable member.

10. The slider assembly of claim 4, a rough portion is formed on the surface of any one of the upper plate and the lower plate of the movable member to prevent sliding when the movable member is attached for sliding.

11. A slider assembly having a separable slider, comprising a fixed member disposed at the lower end of one of a pair of zipper tapes, and a movable member moving along zipper teeth disposed on the zipper tapes, wherein the fixed member is formed in a rectangular shape with the bottom and both sides of the edge closed and the top open, an insertion-fixing portion protrudes from the center of the inner side of the fixed member and extends to a side of the fixed member, a guide step protrudes at the upper portion of the insertion-fixing portion extending to a side of the fixed member, fixing protrusions are formed at the upper and lower portions of the insertion-fixing portion at the center of the inner side of the lower end of the fixed member, and the movable member slides along the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes to be inserted and fixed in the fixed member.

12. The slider assembly of claim 11, wherein the movable member has an upper plate and a lower plate, which are inverted T-shaped plates, the upper plate and the lower plate are supported by vertical supports for maintaining the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate, fixing grooves where fixing protrusions of the fixed member are inserted and fixed are formed opposite each other at the upper plate and the lower plate, ahead of the vertical supports, vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves on the inner sides where the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide movement of the movable member, are bent opposite each other at the both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved.

13. The slider assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixed member is formed in a rectangular shape with the bottom and both sides of the edge closed and the top open, a guide step protrudes at the upper portion extending to one side of the fixed member, and fixing protrusions are formed at the upper portion and the lower portion of the lower center of the fixed member, such that the fixed member is disposed in a closed-end type of one-way separable slider.

14. The slider assembly of claim 11, wherein the movable member is a rectangular plate to be inserted and fixed to cover the entire fixed member when the upper plate and the lower plate are inserted and fixed, the upper plate and the lower plate are fixed by vertical supports for maintaining the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate, fixing grooves where fixing protrusions of the fixed member are inserted and fixed are formed opposite each other at the upper plate and the lower plate, ahead of the vertical supports, vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves on the inner sides where the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide movement of the movable member, are bent opposite each other at the both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved, such that the movable member is disposed in a closed-end type of one-way separable slider.

15. The slider assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixed member is formed in a rectangular shape with the bottom and both sides closed and the top open and an insertion-fixing portion protrudes at the center of the inner side of the fixed member and extends to one side of the fixed member, such that the fixed member is disposed in a two-way type of separable slider.

16. The zipper assembly having a separable slider of claim 11, wherein the movable member has an upper plate that is a rectangular plate and a lower plate that is an inverted T-shaped or rectangular plate, the upper plate and the lower plate are supported by vertical supports for maintaining the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate, vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves where zipper teeth of a pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide movement of the movable member, are bent opposite each other at both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved, such that the movable member is disposed in a closed-end type of one-way separable slider.

17. The zipper assembly of claim 11, wherein the fixed member is made of synthetic resin and the movable member is made of metal.

18. The slider assembly of claim 13, wherein the movable member is a rectangular plate to be inserted and fixed to cover the entire fixed member when the upper plate and the lower plate are inserted and fixed, the upper plate and the lower plate are fixed by vertical supports for maintaining the distance between the upper plate and the lower plate, fixing grooves where fixing protrusions of the fixed member are inserted and fixed are formed opposite each other at the upper plate and the lower plate, ahead of the vertical supports, vertical guide portions, which have guide grooves on the inner sides where the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes are inserted and that guide movement of the movable member, are bent opposite each other at the both ends of the upper plate and the lower plate, and stepped grooves lower than the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions are formed opposite each other to open downward at an angle, on the tops and the bottoms of the vertical guide portions of the upper plate and the lower plate in order to fit together or open the zipper teeth of the pair of zipper tapes when the movable member is moved, such that the movable member is disposed in a closed-end type of one-way separable slider.

19. The slider assembly of claim 5, a rough portion is formed on the surface of any one of the upper plate and the lower plate of the movable member to prevent sliding when the movable member is attached for sliding.

20. The slider assembly of claim 6, a rough portion is formed on the surface of any one of the upper plate and the lower plate of the movable member to prevent sliding when the movable member is attached for sliding.