Method for disengaging a slider and a stopper for a zipper from the zipper

Abstract

A stop (30) for a zipper (10) includes a first body portion (31a). The first body portion (31a) includes a channel (36) having an entrance (32) at a first side of the stop (30) and an exit (34) at a second side of the stop (30) opposite the first side. The channel (36) is configured to receive a portion (24a) of a puller (20) of the zipper (10), the channel (36) defined by a channel first side wall (38) and a channel second side wall (37) and a channel bottom surface (35) therebetween. The channel second side wall (37) includes a protruding portion defining an abutment protrusion (37a) in the channel (36). The stop (30) includes a longitudinal axis parallel to an operational axis (A) of the zipper (10). A distance between the channel first side wall (38) and the channel second side wall (37) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stop (30) defines a channel width. The channel width (G) extending from the abutment protrusion (37a) is less than the channel width (F) at the entrance (32) and the channel width (J) at the exit (34).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a stopper for a zipper chain and a zipper chain comprising such a stopper. The present application also relates to a method of disengaging a slider from a zipper. BACKGROUND

[0002] A conventional zipper (or slide fastener or slide lock) comprises a pair of chain belts and an opening and closing device commonly referred to as a slider. Each chain belt comprises a belt and a plurality of coupling chain teeth. The coupling chain teeth extend along a first edge of each belt and the respective coupling chain teeth of the chain belts interdigitate, couple or interlock when the slider of the zipper has been moved to a closed position. When each belt of the zipper is attached to separate portions of an article, the separate portions of the article can be releasably joined by moving the slider to the closed position, thereby causing the coupling chain teeth to form the interdigitated relationship described above.

[0003] Accordingly, zippers are both useful and versatile and are used in a range of applications including clothing, furniture and luggage. Known zippers are generally constructed as follows.

[0004] The coupling portions, which are generally in the form of a plurality of coupling chain teeth (also referred to as teeth), are attached to the first edge of the belt to form the chain belt. This first edge can be referred to as the coupling edge of the chain belt. The belt can be woven or knitted and can be formed from, for example, polyester. The coupling chain teeth can be attached to the belt by, for example, crimping or moulding the coupling chain teeth onto a reinforcing edge of the belt. In some cases, the reinforcing edge can comprise a cord and the cord can be stitched or woven into the belt. Alternatively, the coupling chain teeth can be formed as a continuous coil. In this case, the coupling chain teeth are most commonly stitched to the surface of the belt at the edge of the belt or, alternatively, woven or knitted into the belt.

[0005] The two chain belts are brought together such that the coupling chain teeth of each chain belt are attached to one another, for example by interdigitating, to form a chain. The chain is generally planar and the chain (and the coupling chain teeth forming part of the chain) extends along a longitudinal axis of the chain. The slider is mounted to the chain over the coupling chain teeth of each respective chain belt such that the slider is movable along the chain between the two chain belts.

[0006] The puller typically includes a main body having an upper panel and a lower panel through which the linked teeth of each of the toothed tapes pass. A pull tab or pull cord is attached to the main body which can be grasped by a user in order to effectively move the puller along the chain. The main body includes a guide post (sometimes referred to as a diamond) which partially defines a Y-shaped channel configured to carry the linked teeth of the first and second toothed tapes. The puller can include upper and lower flanges disposed on each of the left and right side edge portions of the upper and lower panels, i.e., the edges of the puller are substantially parallel to the direction of operation of the puller. The flange disposed on the upper panel projects downwardly toward the lower panel, and the flange disposed on the lower panel projects upwardly toward the upper panel. The flanges are configured to slidingly engage the linked teeth.

[0007] Movement of the puller along the chain in a first sliding direction along the axis of operation of the puller results in the linked teeth of the first toothed tape attaching to the linked teeth of the second toothed tape. The zipper can be considered to be in a fully closed configuration when the puller is no longer able to further attach the linked teeth in the first sliding direction, i.e., substantially all of the linked teeth of the first toothed tape are attached to substantially all of the linked teeth of the second toothed tape. Movement of the puller along the chain in a second sliding direction opposite the first sliding direction along the axis of operation of the puller results in the linked teeth of the first toothed tape detaching from the linked teeth of the second toothed tape. The zipper can be considered to be in a fully open configuration when the puller is no longer able to further detach the linked teeth in the second sliding direction, i.e., substantially all of the linked teeth of the first toothed tape are detached from substantially all of the linked teeth of the second toothed tape.

[0008] The chain is cut to a desired length to form a zipper of the desired length. Stops (often referred to as upper and lower stops) can be attached to one or both ends of the chain. The stops limit the extent of movement of the puller along the chain. It is often the case that the upper stop limits movement of the puller in the first sliding direction, and the lower stop limits movement of the puller in the second sliding direction. Generally, stops can be used to limit movement of the puller along the chain. Typically, when the puller abuts against some type of stop, such as a lower stop or an upper stop, the puller is no longer able to attach or detach the linked teeth, or move. The upper stop can be configured to abut against the top of the puller, such as the top edge of the flange disposed on the main body of the puller, and can limit the travel of the puller in the first sliding direction. The lower stop can be configured to abut against the bottom of the puller, such as the bottom edge of the flange disposed on the main body of the puller, and can limit the travel of the puller in the second sliding direction. The stops can also be configured to abut against the upper or lower panel of the puller.

[0009] Some zippers can have a single lower stop attached to both the first and second tape. Other zippers, which can be referred to as split zippers, can have two separate lower stops, each attached to a corresponding one of the tapes. The two lower stops can take the respective form of a socket and a plug. The plug can be inserted into the socket in order to interconnect the first and second tapes to one another. Conversely, the plug can be removed from the socket to pass through the puller and separate the first and second tapes from one another when the puller is located adjacent to the socket.

[0010] Some zippers can have two separate upper stops, each attached to a corresponding one of the tapes. Other zippers can have a single upper stop attached to one or both of the tapes. SUMMARY

[0011] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0012] The at least one upper stop limits movement of the puller in the first sliding direction in order to prevent the puller from disengaging from the coupling teeth, and thus from the zipper. However, there can be situations in which the puller must be removed, for example if the puller is damaged and needs to be replaced. In some cases, misalignment of the coupling teeth can occur and the puller needs to be removed in order to correct this defect. The upper stop can be formed on the tape prior to attaching the puller. For example, the upper stop can be crimped or molded onto the reinforcing edge of the tape. In some cases, it can be desirable that the upper stop allows the puller to be mounted on the coupling teeth of the tape after the one or more upper stops have been fixed to their respective tape. For example, it can be desirable to mount the puller after the zipper chain has been sewn to the garment without the puller, if the zipper chain is first sewn to the garment due to some obstacle.

[0013] It is desirable to provide an upper stop that overcomes the above or other problems of known zippers. It is also desirable to provide an alternative design of an upper stop.

[0014] SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0015] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided an upper stop for a zipper. The upper stop can comprise a first body portion. The first body portion can comprise a channel having an entrance at a first side of the upper stop and an exit at a second side of the upper stop, the second side being opposite the first side. The channel is configured to receive a portion of a puller of the zipper. The channel can be defined by a channel first side wall and a channel second side wall and a channel bottom surface therebetween. The channel second side wall comprises a protruding portion defining an abutment protrusion in the channel. The upper stop can comprise a longitudinal axis parallel to an operational axis of the puller. A distance between the channel first side wall and the channel second side wall parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper stop defines a channel width. The channel width extending from the abutment protrusion to the channel first side wall is less than the channel width at the entrance and the channel width at the exit.

[0016] The upper stop according to the present application allows for easy insertion of the puller onto the tape of the zipper chain and prevents accidental disengagement of the puller during use of the zipper. The upper stop also facilitates removal of the puller, if so desired, for example to replace a broken or malfunctioning puller.

[0017] The abutment protrusion can be configured to limit travel of the portion of the puller along the channel when the portion of the puller is received in the channel and translated from the outlet toward the inlet to release the puller from the tape of the zipper. Thus, the abutment protrusion can provide a stop to prevent further travel of the puller along the channel, thereby preventing accidental disengagement of the puller from the zipper.

[0018] The distance between the abutment protrusion and the second side of the upper stop in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upper stop can be selected such that the portion of the puller is pivotable about a pivot point formed on the first channel side wall at the outlet of the channel when the portion of the puller is in contact with the abutment protrusion.

[0019] The abutment protrusion can define a release point for the portion of the puller. The distance determines the force required to pivot the portion of the puller beyond the release point and past the abutment protrusion. Thus, the upper stop can be tailored such that minimal force is required to pivot the puller through the release point. The upper stop can be tailored to provide different gauges of zippers, for example, the distance between the release point and the outlet can be relatively short in cases where quick and easy release of the puller is desired.

[0020] The first channel side wall can extend from the inlet to the outlet of the channel at a constant inclination. This can facilitate translation of the puller through the channel from the inlet and into sliding engagement with the coupling teeth disposed on the zipper.

[0021] The second channel side wall can include a second protruding portion defining an outlet protrusion proximate the outlet of the channel. The outlet protrusion can be configured to prevent the portion of the puller from entering the outlet of the channel.

[0022] The second channel side wall having the protruding portion provides a channel having a varying width. The channel width at the inlet and outlet can be less than any channel width intermediate the outlet protrusion and the abutment protrusion. The channel width at the inlet can be greater than the channel width at the outlet.

[0023] The upper stop can further include a stop portion located above the outlet of the channel. The stop portion can be configured to limit travel of the puller along the chain of the zipper by abutment with the portion of the puller. The stop portion can be located outside the outlet of the channel when the upper stop is oriented for normal use. In this way, the upper stop can be used to prevent disengagement of the puller from the chain during normal use of the zipper.

[0024] A zipper tape can include a tape having a first plane and a second plane, the tape having a coupling edge and an outer edge, coupling teeth attached to the coupling edge, the outer edge opposite and parallel to the coupling edge.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present application, a zipper chain is provided. The zipper chain can include a first zipper tape having a row of first coupling teeth attached to a coupling edge of the first zipper tape, and a second zipper tape having a row of second coupling teeth attached to a coupling edge of the second zipper tape. The first zipper tape and the second zipper tape are attached to and detached from each other by interleaving and disengaging the row of first coupling teeth and the row of second coupling teeth. At least one of the first zipper tape and the second zipper tape can be provided with an upper stop according to the foregoing aspect.

[0026] The row of first coupling teeth and the row of second coupling teeth can be tooth coupling teeth. Alternatively, the row of first coupling teeth and the row of second coupling teeth can be formed by respective coil members.

[0027] The upper stop can be attached to the coupling edge of at least one of the first zipper tape and the second zipper tape.

[0028] The upper stop can be positioned in line with the first coupling teeth or the second coupling teeth.

[0029] The upper stop can include an inner portion located on an inner side of the coupling edge and an outer portion located on an outer side of the coupling edge. An entrance of the channel can be located on the inner portion, and an exit of the channel can be located on the outer portion.

[0030] A first body portion of the upper stop can be mounted on a first planar surface of at least one of the first zipper tape and the second zipper tape.

[0031] In some instances, the upper stop can be provided for use with a zipper tape having coupling teeth on one planar surface of the tape, such as a coil zipper. In this case, the puller can typically include only a single pair of flanges extending from one of the upper or lower pieces of the puller body (e.g., the side from which the coils of the zipper tape extend therefrom) to engage the coupling teeth, and thus, the upper stop having a channel formed on the first body portion for mounting on the corresponding planar surface of the zipper tape having the coupling teeth will be sufficient to allow the puller to be removed from the zipper chain.

[0032] The upper stop can further include a second body portion for mounting on a second planar surface of at least one of the first zipper tape and the second zipper tape, and the second body portion includes a second channel substantially identical to the channel of the first body portion.

[0033] In some examples, the upper stop can be configured for use with a zipper tape having coupling teeth that are curled or molded onto two planar surfaces of the tape, such as a zipper tape having toothed coupling teeth. In this case, the puller can generally include two pairs of opposing flanges (one on each side of the zipper) to engage the coupling teeth. An upper stop having a channel formed in the first body portion and the second body portion would allow the opposing flanges of the puller to translate through the upper stop on each side of the zipper, thereby facilitating removal, where the first body portion and the second body portion can be mounted on the opposing planar surfaces of the tape of the zipper tape.

[0034] Alternatively, the second body portion can include a second channel having an entrance and an exit, a channel first sidewall, and a channel second sidewall. A distance between the channel first sidewall and the channel second sidewall defines a channel width, and the channel width of the second channel can be substantially constant. The channel width can be sufficient to allow the flanges of the puller to translate through the channel. An upper stop having a channel with a protrusion on the first body portion and a constant width channel on the second body portion can facilitate easy removal of a puller having two pairs of opposing flanges, as the puller need only be rotated through a single abutment protrusion disposed on one face.

[0035] The channel second sidewall can include a ramp from the entrance of the channel to the abutment protrusion having a constant angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the upper stop from the entrance of the channel to the abutment protrusion. Thus, the channel can act as a guide to guide the flanges of the puller through the channel and to guide the puller into sliding engagement with an adjacent coupling tooth.

[0036] The channel second sidewall can include a first ramp and a second ramp. The first ramp extends from the entrance to the second ramp at a first angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the upper stop. The second ramp extends between the first ramp and the abutment protrusion at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the upper stop. The second angle is less than the first angle. This can provide an additional barrier to prevent accidental disengagement of the puller from the zipper chain, as the narrow width and shallow angle of the second ramp of the channel second sidewall would require further intentional manipulation to allow the puller to pass through this second portion, thereby allowing subsequent release from the zipper chain.

[0037] The entrance of the channel can be provided with a recess. This can make it easier for a user to insert the flanges of the puller into the channel. This can also facilitate the upper stop being molded onto the coupling edge of the zipper tape. For example, the upper stop can be molded by injection onto the coupling edge of at least one of the first zipper tape and the second zipper tape.

[0038] The channel floor surface can be formed by the tooth chain adjacent the upper stop. In this regard, the first body portion or the second body portion, or both body portions, can include two distinct segments separated by the channel width, thereby forming the channel between the segments. Alternatively, the channel floor surface can include the same material as the upper stop. In this case, the first body portion or the second body portion, or both body portions, can include a single component having the channel formed therein, respectively.

[0039] The upper stop can be formed of any suitable material, for example, the upper stop can include a polymeric material, such as a polyester, a polyacetal, or a polyethylene, or the upper stop can be metal-based, such as aluminum, nickel, or the like.

[0040] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a zipper. The zipper can include a zipper chain according to the preceding aspects and a slider configured to be mounted to the first tooth chain and the second tooth chain to provide selective interdigitation and disengagement of the first coupled teeth and the second coupled teeth.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided an article including a zipper. The zipper includes a first tooth chain having first coupled teeth and a second tooth chain having second coupled teeth, and a slider configured to be mounted to the first tooth chain and the second tooth chain to provide selective interdigitation and disengagement of the first coupled teeth and the second coupled teeth. The first tooth chain includes a first band, and the second tooth chain includes a second band; the first band is attached to a first portion of the article, and the second band is attached to a second portion of the article. At least one of the first tooth chain and the second tooth chain is provided with an upper stop according to the preceding aspects.

[0042] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a method of disengaging a slider from a zipper. The method includes translating a portion of the slider into a channel provided in an upper stop of the zipper, the channel being defined by a channel first sidewall and a channel second sidewall; abutting the portion of the slider against an abutment protrusion provided on the channel second sidewall; pivoting the slider about a pivot point on the channel first sidewall at an exit of the channel such that the portion of the slider rotates through a release point defined on the abutment protrusion; and translating the portion of the slider through the remaining channel to an entrance such that the slider is removed from the upper stop.

[0043] The method can further include rotating the slider such that the portion of the slider can rotate through an exit protrusion provided on the second sidewall adjacent the exit of the channel.

[0044] It will be appreciated that features defined in relation to one aspect can be applied to any other aspect, where appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] These and other aspects of this application will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 A zipper with a top stop is shown according to this application.

[0047] Figure 2 It's on the zipper. Figure 1 The perspective view of the upper stop shown.

[0048] Figure 3A A front view of the upper stop according to this application is shown.

[0049] Figure 3B A rear view of the upper stop according to this application is shown.

[0050] Figure 3C A side view of the upper stop according to this application is shown.

[0051] Figure 3D A side view of the upper stop according to this application is shown.

[0052] Figure 4 The illustration shows the insertion of the zipper pull into a zipper toothed belt that includes the upper stop of this application.

[0053] Figure 5A The image shows the removal of the zipper pull from the zipper chain, including the top stop of this application.

[0054] Figure 5B The image shows the removal of the zipper pull from the zipper chain, including the top stop of this application.

[0055] Figure 6 A perspective view of an alternative top stop according to this application is shown.

[0056] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The front view of the upper stop shown.

[0057] Figure 8A Alternative stop conditions for this application are shown.

[0058] Figure 8B Alternative stop conditions for this application are shown.

[0059] Figure 9A A front view of an alternative top stop of this application is shown.

[0060] Figure 9B A rear view of an alternative top stop of this application is shown.

[0061] Figure 9C A side view of an alternative top stop of this application is shown.

[0062] Figure 9D A side view of an alternative upper stop of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1 A zipper 10 is shown. The zipper 10 includes a puller 20 and a pair of tape chains 12a, 12b. Each tape chain includes a row of coupling elements in the form of coupling teeth 14a, 14b attached to an edge of the tape of each tape chain. The edge to which the coupling elements are attached can be referred to as the coupling edge 16. The tape can be woven or knitted and can be formed of, for example, synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, vinylon, or polyurethane) and / or natural fibers (e.g., cotton). The coupling teeth 14a, 14b can be molded as shown, or crimped into tines (not shown) or molded as a continuous coil of nylon material elements forming the coupling teeth (not shown). In this embodiment, the tape of the tape chains 12a, 12b can be provided with a reinforced edge including a cord 16a (shown) to which the coupling teeth 14a, 14b are attached. The presence of the reinforced edge on the tape chain 12a is optional. Figure 1 Figure 2

[0064] The tape of each tape chain includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface opposite the first planar surface. The first planar surface and the second planar surface are joined at the coupling edge 16 including the coupling teeth 14a, 14b and the cord 16a to which they are attached, such that the coupling teeth 14a, 14b enclose the coupling edge 16 of both the first planar surface and the second planar surface. The coupling teeth 14a, 14b include a head 14c in which an engagement member is disposed that allows engagement with the head 14c of an opposing coupling tooth of a mating tape chain. The tape further includes an outer edge opposite and parallel to the coupling edge 16.

[0065] The two tape chains 12a, 12b are brought together such that the row of coupling teeth 14a, 14b of each tape chain 12a, 12b can be attached to one another by interlacing. The zipper chain 18 includes the two tape chains 12a, 12b and extends along a longitudinal axis A of the zipper 10. This axis is also referred to as the axis of operation.

[0066] ​​The puller 20 is attached to the slide fastener chain 18 so that the puller 20 is movable along the row of coupling teeth between the two tape chains 12a, 12b. The puller 20 includes a puller body 21. The puller body 21 of this embodiment has an upper piece 23, a lower piece (not shown) provided separately in parallel with the upper piece 23, and a guide post 26 connecting the front end portions of the upper piece 23 and the lower piece. On each of the left and right side edge portions of the upper piece 23 and the lower piece, i.e., on the edges of the puller substantially parallel to the operation direction of the puller, an upper flange 24a, 24b and a lower flange (not shown) are provided. On the upper surface of the upper piece 23, a pull tab 25 is provided via a bridging portion 22. This pull tab 25 can be grasped by a user in order to effectively move the puller 20 along the row of coupling teeth.

[0067] At the front end of the puller body 21, right and left shoulder ports 21a, 21b are formed across the guide post 26, and at the rear end of the puller body 21, a rear port 21c is formed. Between the upper piece 23 and the lower piece, the guide post 26 communicates the right and left shoulder ports 21a, 21b with the rear port 21c, and a substantially Y-shaped passage is formed within the puller 20 and between the pieces.

[0068] In order to engage or disengage the slide fastener 10, the row of coupling teeth 14a of the first tape chain 12a passes through the right shoulder port 21a and along the portion of the Y-shaped passage extending from the right shoulder port 21a until releasably coupled contact with the row of coupling teeth 14b of the second tape chain 12b. And the row of coupling teeth on the second tape chain 12b passes along the portion of the Y-shaped passage extending from the left shoulder port 21b as it enters the portion of the Y-shaped passage extending from the rear port. It will be appreciated that only one row of coupling teeth can be inserted into the puller 20, and then the puller 20 can be able to travel along the row of coupling teeth in the engaging and disengaging directions. Further, there is an insertion gap (not shown) between the upper flanges 24a, 24b and the lower flanges of the puller body 21 into which a portion of the tape of the tape chain is inserted. The use of the puller 20 having the above structure enables smooth coupling and separation of the right and left rows of coupling teeth 14a, 14b of the first and second tape chains 12a, 12b.

[0069] In some embodiments, the flanges can extend from only the upper piece or the lower piece. Figures 9A to 9D An example upper stop according to the present application is shown which would be suitable for such a puller.

[0070] Movement of the puller 20 along the row of coupling teeth 14a, 14b in a first sliding direction E results in the coupling teeth 14a of the first toothed band 12a attaching to the coupling teeth 14b of the second toothed band 12b. Movement of the puller along the chain in a second sliding direction D, opposite to the first sliding direction E, results in the coupling teeth 14a of the first toothed band 12a disengaging from the coupling teeth 14b of the second toothed band 12b. Attached coupling teeth are also referred to as coupled coupling teeth, engaged coupling teeth or paired coupling teeth. The process of attaching coupling teeth is also referred to as coupling, engaging or pairing.

[0071] The upper stop 30 and the upper stop 40 are provided at the top end 18a of the row of coupling teeth 14a, 14b. In this example, a different upper stop is provided at the top end of each row of coupling teeth 14a, 14b. However, it will be appreciated that in some cases only a single upper stop 30 can be required (i.e. only as part of one of the toothed bands), and / or each upper stop 30, 40 can be identical. The upper stops can be formed from any suitable material, for example they can comprise a polymeric material such as a polyester, polyacetal or polyethylene, or they can be metal-based such as aluminium, nickel or the like.

[0072] At the bottom end 18b of the row of coupling teeth 14a, 14b, on the opposite side of the row to the top end 18a of the row, a socket 11 is provided into which a plug 15 can be inserted in order to interconnect the first toothed band 12a and the second toothed band 12b. The socket rod 13 provided on the toothed band 12a can be permanently fixed in the socket, so that when the puller 20 is located adjacent to the socket 11, the plug 15 can be removed from the socket 11 in order to pass through the puller 20 and separate the first toothed band 12a and the second toothed band 12b from each other. The toothed bands 12a, 12b can thus be separated. When the toothed bands 12a, 12b are separated, the puller 20 remains on the toothed band 12a to which the socket 11 is attached. Thus, the zip 10 is an example of an end opening zip 10.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the foregoing description of the upper stops 30 and upper stops 130, 230 and 330 as described later in this application can be applied to all types of zips and is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings.

[0074] Figure 2 A perspective view of the upper stop 30 attached to the coupling edge 16 comprising a cord 16A (or reinforcing edge) of the toothed band 12a is shown. In the absence of a reinforcing edge, the upper stop can be attached directly to the coupling edge of the band.

[0075] In this embodiment, the upper stop 30 is integrally injection molded onto the zipper tape. Similar to the connecting teeth 14a, 14b, the upper stop 30 is similarly fixed to the connecting edge 16 of the tape, which surrounds the first and second planar surfaces and has an extension extending toward the outer edge 17 of the tape towards the toothed zipper tape 12a. The upper stop 30 has a first body portion 31a on one side of the first planar surface. Figure 3A ) and the second main body portion 31b on one side of the second planar surface ( Figure 3B That is, the upper stop member comprises two main body portions mounted on opposite planar surfaces of the belts of the toothed chain belts 12a and 12b. The upper stop member 30 may be formed as a single component surrounding the belt; for example, the first main body portion 31a and the second main body portion 31b may be integrally formed around the belt. Alternatively, it may be different main body portions joined together around the belt. Figure 3C and Figure 3D The image shows a side view of the upper stop. The main body portions meet, connect, or converge around the connecting edge of the belt, such that the inlet 32 ​​of the channel 36 is located at the connecting edge 16 of the belt. Figure 3C Furthermore, the outlet 34 of channel 36 is positioned closer to the outer edge 17 of the belt. Figure 3D Although not in Figure 3D As shown, however, the upper stop 30 may be provided with a groove to receive the zipper tape. In some instances, the upper stop 30 is substantially rectangular.

[0076] The upper stop 30 is provided with a stop portion 33. The stop portion 33 restricts the movement of the slider 20 in a first direction E. The stop portion 33 preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the operating axis such that when the slider 20 approaches, a portion of the slider body 21, such as the flange 24a, contacts the stop portion 33. The stop portion 33 is located distal to the connecting edge of the chain strap 12a (relative to the rest of the upper stop) and above the channel 36 in the first sliding direction E. The channel 36 is provided in the upper stop 30 to facilitate the removal of the slider 20 from the chain strap 12a. That is, the stop portion 33 protrudes from the first body portion 31a and the second body portion 31b of the upper stop 30 toward the outer edge 17 of the strap. The stop portion 33 may be included within at least one of the first body portion 31a and the second body portion 31b of the upper stop 30.

[0077] The upper stop 30 includes a channel 36 having an entry 32 and an exit 34, and a channel floor 35. The channel 36 is configured to receive a portion of the puller, such as the flange 24a provided on the puller 20. The channel 36 is configured to allow the puller to be easily inserted onto the chain tape 12a, 12b, such as the chain tape 12a to which the socket 11 and the anchor bar 13 are attached. That is, in normal use, the upper stop 30 will prevent the puller 20 from moving beyond the row of linked teeth 14a in the first sliding direction E, and the anchor bar 13 (or the socket 11 or both) will prevent the puller 20 from moving beyond the row of linked teeth 14a in the second sliding direction D, thereby ensuring that the puller 20 does not accidentally come off the row of linked teeth 14a.

[0078] The channel 36 is also configured to facilitate removal of the puller 20, if necessary, such as to replace a broken or malfunctioning puller. The entry 32 of the channel 36 is formed on one side of the upper stop 30 at the tape's linked edge 16 of the chain tape 12a. The entry 32 of the channel can optionally be provided with a recess 32a. The exit 34 is formed on one side of the upper stop 30 proximate the tape's outer edge 17 and below the stop portion 33. That is, the exit 34 is positioned between the end of the row of linked teeth proximate the upper stop 30 and the stop portion 33 of the upper stop 30. The exit 34 is positioned closer to the top end 18a of the row of linked teeth 14a than the entry 32.

[0079] Accordingly, the entry 32 is the mouth of the upper stop 30 through which the puller 20 can enter the channel 36 in order to insert the puller 20 onto the zipper chain 18, and the exit 34 is the mouth of the upper stop 30 from which the puller 20 can exit the channel 36 of the upper stop 30 in order to slide onto the row of linked teeth 14a to complete the insertion. It will be appreciated that when the puller 20 is to be released from the row of linked teeth 14a, the entry 32 and the exit 34 function in reverse. However, for consistency, the meaning of these terms will remain the same and will not change according to the direction of movement of the puller 20.

[0080] The channel 36 includes a channel first side wall 38 and a channel second side wall 37 as well as a channel bottom surface 35. The channel first side wall 38 is disposed closer to the row of coupling teeth of the zipper tape 12a than the channel second side wall 37. The channel first side wall 38 and the channel second side wall 37 oppose each other, the channel bottom surface 35 of the channel 36 includes a flat surface and connects the channel first side wall 38 and the channel second side wall 37. That is, the groove extending from the inlet 32 to the outlet 34 forms the channel 36. It is understood that in some embodiments, the channel bottom surface 35 can include the tape 12a. Thus, the first body portion 31a, the second body portion 31b, or both body portions can include two distinct segments separated by the channel width, forming the channel 36 (or valley) between the segments. In this way, the channel (or valley) bottom surface 35 can include (or be partially defined by) the zipper tape 12a. In other instances, the channel bottom surface 35 can include the same material as the stop. In this case, the first body portion 31a, the second body portion 31b, or both body portions can include a single component having the channel 36 formed in the body portion.

[0081] The channel first side wall 38 has a substantially flat or straight profile and extends downwardly from the inlet 32 to the outlet 34 of the channel at a constant slope. The channel second side wall 37 includes a stepped profile to provide a varying width to the channel 36 throughout the length of the channel 36. The channel width at any point along the channel is defined as the distance between the channel first side wall and the channel second side wall parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stop. In normal use, the longitudinal axis of the stop is parallel to the operational axis (A) (or longitudinal axis) of the zipper. The width of the channel 36 at the inlet 32 is denoted by the letter F.

[0082] The channel second side wall 37 extends from the inlet 32 at a slope that narrows the width of the channel to an end point 37b adjacent the protrusion 37a. The channel width from the adjacent protrusion 37a at the end point 37b to the channel first side wall 38 is denoted by the letter G. This end point 37b can also be defined as the release point for receiving the flange 24a of the puller in the channel 36 during the operation of releasing the puller 20 from the row of coupling teeth 14a. The channel second side wall 37 then extends away from the channel first side wall, widening the channel 36 to form the adjacent protrusion 37a. The channel second side wall 37 includes another protrusion at the point where the channel second side wall 37 extends toward the channel first side wall 38 and again extends outwardly to form an exit protrusion 39 at the outlet 34. The channel width 36 at this point is denoted by the letter J.

[0083] Therefore, the upper stop 30 in this example is provided with two stepped regions, one of which is adjacent to the outlet in the form of an outlet protrusion 39, and the other of which is adjacent to the outlet in the form of an adjacent protrusion 37a. The channel width of the channel 36 at the end point 37b (release point G) of the adjacent protrusion 37a is smaller than the channel width at the inlet 32, and also smaller than the channel width at the outlet (F > G, J > G). The channel width H of the channel 36 between the adjacent protrusion 37a and the outlet protrusion 39 is greater than the channel width J at the outlet 34 and the width G at the end point 37b of the adjacent protrusion 37a (H > J > G). In this embodiment, the channel width G of the channel 36 at the end point 37b of the adjacent protrusion has the minimum width of the channel 36, and this channel width G is greater than the thickness of the flange 24a. Furthermore, the channel width at the inlet 32 ​​may be smaller than the channel width H of the channel 36 between the adjacent protrusion 37a and the outlet protrusion 39. In addition, the channel width F at entrance 32 can be greater than the channel width J at exit 34.

[0084] The distance between the end of the connecting teeth 14a near the upper stop 30 and the outlet 34 is less than the distance between the end of the connecting teeth 14a near the upper stop 30 and the inlet 32. Therefore, the first sidewall 38 of the channel 36 is inclined away from the operating axis A of the zipper at an angle of less than 90 degrees.

[0085] The second sidewall 37 of the channel has at least three straight surfaces. A first straight surface is formed between the inlet 32 ​​and the endpoint 37b of the adjacent protrusion 37a, and is inclined relative to the second direction D. This inclination may be sharper than or the same as the first sidewall of the channel. In other embodiments, it may be less sharp. A second straight surface is formed between the endpoint 37b of the adjacent protrusion 37a and the base (root) of the outlet protrusion 39. A third straight surface is formed between the base of the outlet protrusion 39 and the endpoint 39a of the outlet protrusion 39, or, in embodiments without an outlet protrusion, between the base and the outlet 34.

[0086] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3D In this example, channels are provided on the first main body portion 31a and the second main body portion 31b of the upper stop 30. Therefore, there are two inlets 32 at the connecting edge 16 and two outlets 34 on the side of the upper stop near the outer edge 17 of the belt, allowing the upper flange and lower flange 24a of the slider to pass through. In this embodiment, the flange protruding from the upper plate 23 of the slider 20 can enter the inlet 32 ​​provided on the first main body portion 31a of the upper stop 30, and the flange protruding from the lower plate of the slider 20 can enter the inlet 32 ​​provided on the second main body portion 31b of the upper stop 30.

[0087] Pull head 20 can be usedFigure 4 The toothed chain strap is installed onto the zipper as shown. Figure 4 In this configuration, the upper plate 23 of the slider 20 has been removed to allow visibility of flanges 24a, 24b and guide post 26. The width 27 of flange 24a can be defined as the distance flange 24a extends perpendicularly to the right edge of upper plate 23 (or the left edge of flange 24b). The length of flange 24a can be defined as the distance flange 24a extends parallel to the right edge (or the left edge of flange 24b). Figure 4 In this example, the width 27 of flange 24a is marked at two locations along flange 24a. In this example, the width 27 of flange 24a is constant along the length of flange 24a. However, it is understood that in some examples, flange 24a or flanges 24a, 24b may have different widths at different locations along the length of flange 24a or flanges 24a, 24b.

[0088] Flange 24a enters channel 36 at inlet 32. The width of channel 36 along its length is always wider than the width of flange 24a. Furthermore, the thickness between the bottom surfaces 35 of each channel 36 on the first body portion 31a and the second body portion 31b of the upper stop 30 is narrower than the gap between flange 24a of the upper piece 23 and the flange of the lower piece, allowing the pull head 20 to pass through the upper stop 30. The belt of the toothed chain 12a can be manipulated, for example, by bending and / or folding the belt material, and the pull head can be pulled via pull tab 25, causing flange 24a to translate through channel 36 out of outlet 34 and slide into contact with the connecting teeth of the adjacent upper stop 30. It is understood that the lower flange on the lower piece of the pull head 20 can translate through channel 36 on the second body portion 31b of the upper stop 30. The zipper pull 20 can then move downward along the row of teeth 14a in the second sliding direction D, so that the insert 15 can be used to position the row of connecting teeth 14b of the second toothed chain 12b and allow the zipper to be operated.

[0089] In normal use, pulling the zipper pull 20 in the first direction E causes the connecting teeth 14a, 14b to interlock, and at the end of the expected travel of the zipper pull (the end of the zipper), the front end of the flange 24a of the zipper pull 20 abuts the stop portion 33, thereby preventing further travel of the zipper pull 20. In the event of some misalignment of the zipper pull 20, for example by applying force in a direction other than the first direction E or the second direction D, the flange 24a of the zipper pull 20 abuts the exit protrusion 39 of the channel 36, thereby preventing the front end of the flange 24a from entering the channel 36 at the exit 34. Therefore, the exit protrusion 39 prevents the zipper pull from accidentally disengaging from the remaining zipper during normal operation.

[0090] like Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe puller 20 can be intentionally removed from the zipper as shown. In Figure 5A In this, the strap of the chain tape 12a is manipulated and the puller is twisted to allow the flange 24a of the puller 20 to enter the outlet 34 of the channel 36 formed in the upper stop 30. The manipulation, in the form of a fold or bend in the strap material, for example folding a portion of the strap over itself, or bending in a direction at an angle to the axis of operation A, allows the flange 24a to bypass the outlet protrusion 39 and enter the channel 36. This bending of the strap material can be a bend in the plane of the strap. The flange 24a is drawn further into the channel until the leading end of the flange 24a abuts on the abutment protrusion 37a. The abutment protrusion 37a can thus provide a further stop to prevent accidental disengagement of the puller.

[0091] If it is desired to remove the puller, the puller 20 can be pivoted about the pivot point P. The flange 24a can thus be translated through the release point of the abutment protrusion 37a ( Figure 5B ), allowing the puller 20 to disengage from the zipper.

[0092] Pivoting the puller 20 about the pivot point P causes the guide post 26 to rotate, bringing it into contact with the uppermost coupling link 14a of the chain tape 12a. The guide post 26 pushes against the coupling link 14a at point R, bringing the coupling link 14a into contact with the flange 24a at point Q. The reaction force from the strap is also applied to the guide post 26 via the coupling link 14a. In order for the flange 24a to be translated through the release point of the abutment protrusion 37a, the force applied to pivot the puller 20 about the pivot point P must be greater than the reaction force from the coupling link at point R on the guide post 26.

[0093] In the example shown, the puller can be rotated in an anticlockwise direction, but it will be appreciated that the rotation can depend on the orientation of the upper stop and the puller on the chain tape. Figure 5A In the example shown, the puller can be rotated in an anticlockwise direction, but it will be appreciated that the rotation can depend on the orientation of the upper stop and the puller on the chain tape.

[0094] The magnitude of the force required to pivot the flange 24a will depend on the distance from the outlet 34 to the release point of the abutment protrusion 37a, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This distance determines the extent to which the coupling link 14a needs to move from its normal axis in order to allow the flange 24a to travel and pass the abutment protrusion 37a, i.e. against the reaction force applied to the guide post 26. The greater this distance, the more the coupling link 14a and the strap need to be deflected, resulting in a greater reaction force on the guide post 26, and thus a greater force will be required to pivot the flange 24a. In this way, the upper stop can be tailored to require the minimum force to disengage the puller from the zipper.

[0095] Further manipulation of the zipper tape 12a, for example by folding the zipper tape, maintains the contact between the flange 24a and the coupling teeth 14a at the point Q, helping to keep the flange 24a in the required orientation through the passage 36 of the stopper 30. Alternatively or concurrently, once the flange 24a has been pivoted and released from the abutment projection 37a, the pull tab can be pulled (typically upward in the orientation of the figures) to translate the flange 24a through the passage 36, thereby releasing the pull tab from the zipper.

[0096] Figure 6 And Figure 7 An alternative stopper 130 is shown in FIGS. 1 30A-130D. The stopper 130 is shown in perspective view in FIG. 130A. Unless otherwise noted, features of the stopper 130 that are the same as the foregoing examples are indicated with the same reference numbers increased by 100, and are not described again for the sake of brevity. Figure 6

[0097] The passage 136 of the stopper 130 is also provided with a protruding portion. In this example, the passage second side wall 137 includes a first ramp 140 that begins at the inlet 132 and extends to a second ramp 142, the first ramp 140 having a first angle a with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the stopper 130 about the second direction D. The first ramp 140 extends to the second ramp 142, the second ramp having a second angle β with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the stopper about the second direction D. In this example, both the first angle a and the second angle β are obtuse (although this can not always be the case), and the second angle β is less (or not as obtuse) than the first angle a of the first ramp 140. The passage second side wall 137 then extends away from the passage first side wall 138, forming an abutment projection 137a. The distance K between the release point 137b of the abutment projection 137a and the outlet 134, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stopper, is greater than the width of the flange of the pull tab, and thus, a greater force is required to pivot the pull tab through the release point. The stopper 130 also includes an outlet projection 139, formed by the passage second side wall 137, that extends toward the passage first side wall 138, and then again away from the outlet 134 of the passage 136.

[0098] Figure 8A And Figure 8B Another form of stopper 230 is shown in FIGS. 230A-230D. Unless otherwise noted, features of the stopper 230 that are the same as the foregoing examples are indicated with the same reference numbers increased by 200, and are not described again for the sake of brevity. The stopper 230 is formed around the coupling edge of a zipper tape 12a or 12b, and includes a first body portion 231a ( Figure 8A ) and a second body portion 231b ( Figure 8B ​), one on each planar surface of the tape of the chain tape 12a or 12b. The first body portion 231a is provided with a channel 236 having an abutment protrusion 237a and an exit protrusion 239. The protrusions 237a, 239 are shown as being identical to the channel 36 in the upper stop 30, but it is understood that the channel 236 can be identical to the channel 136 of the upper stop 130, both of which are described above. The second body portion 231b is also provided with a channel 235, and the channel 235 has a substantially constant channel width. That is, the channel first sidewall 235a and the channel second sidewall 235b are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis, and each has a substantially flat surface.

[0099] A puller configured to couple to a toothed coupling chain (as shown in Figure 1 ) has an upper flange and a lower flange provided on either side of the puller 20 to engage the teeth 14a. The upper stop 230 is provided with two channels to allow insertion and removal of such a puller, and the upper and lower flanges will interact with the first and second channels of the upper stop, respectively. However, since only one channel includes a protrusion 237a, 239, the force required to release the puller 20 will be less since only one abutment protrusion 237a has to be overcome.

[0100] Figures 9A to 9D Another upper stop 330 is shown in FIG. 13. Features of the upper stop 330 that are identical to the foregoing examples are indicated with the same reference numbers increased by 300, unless otherwise noted, and are not described again for the sake of brevity. The upper stop 330 is formed around the coupling edge 16 of the chain tape 12a or 12b, and includes a first body portion 331a( Figure 9A ) and a second body portion 331b( Figure 9B ), one on either side of the chain tape 12a or 12b. The first body portion 331a is provided with a channel 336 that is substantially identical to the channels 36, 236 described above. It is understood that the channel can be formed in accordance with the channel 136, as also described above. The second body portion 331b has a horizontal surface without a channel. The upper stop 330 can be particularly suitable for use with a zipper having a coupling chain in the form of continuous coils, since the coiled coupling chain is present on only a single planar surface of the tape 12a, 12b. As such, a puller will have flanges on only the upper or lower tab of the puller to facilitate engagement of the coupling chain on the one planar surface of the tape, and thus only a single channel in the upper stop is required to facilitate passage of the puller through the upper stop in the same manner as already described. Alternatively, the upper stop 330 can be provided with a single body portion for positioning on the planar surface of the chain tape to which the coil coupling chain is attached. The single body portion can include a channel as described in the foregoing examples. In such an implementation, there is no second body portion on the planar surface of the chain tape to which the coil coupling chain is not attached.

[0101] Although not shown in the drawings, it is also possible to use the upper stop according to the present application on a movable zipper having two pulls. In this case, instead of attaching the socket and the holder bar to the bottom end of the chain tape, i.e. to the end of the chain tape opposite to the upper stop, it is sufficient to attach only the holding bar. In this embodiment, both pulls on the chain tape can utilize the upper stop and be attached to or removed from the chain tape.

[0102] It should be understood that the examples provided herein are merely exemplary examples of the present application and that various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A top stop (30, 130, 230, 330) for a zipper (10), comprising: a first body portion (31a, 131a, 231a, 331a) comprising a channel (36, 136, 236, 336) having an inlet (32, 132, 232, 332) at a first side of the top stop (30, 130, 230, 330) and an outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) at a second side of the top stop (30, 130, 230, 330) opposite the first side, wherein the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) is configured to receive a portion (24a) of a puller (20) of the zipper (10), the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) being defined by a channel first side wall (38, 138, 238, 338) and a channel second side wall (37, 137, 237, 337) and a channel bottom surface (35) therebetween, wherein the channel second side wall (37, 137, 237, 337) comprises a protruding portion defining an abutment protrusion (37a, 137a, 237a, 337a) in the channel (36, 136, 236, 336), wherein the top stop (30, 130, 230, 330) comprises a longitudinal axis parallel to an operating axis (A) of the puller (20) and a distance between the channel first side wall (38, 138, 238, 338) and the channel second side wall (37, 137, 237, 337) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top stop (30, 130, 230, 330) defines a channel width, wherein a channel width (G) from the abutment protrusion (37a, 137a, 237a, 337a) to the channel first side wall (38, 138, 238, 338) is smaller than a channel width (F) at the inlet (32) and a channel width (J) at the outlet, wherein the channel second side wall (37, 137, 237, 337) comprises a second protruding portion defining an outlet protrusion (39, 139, 239, 339) proximate the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) of the channel (36), and wherein the outlet protrusion (39, 139, 239, 339) is configured to prevent the portion (24a) of the puller (20) from entering the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) of the channel (36, 136, 236, 336).

2. The upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) according to claim 1, wherein The abutment protrusion (37a, 137a, 237a, 337a) is configured to limit travel of the portion (24a) of the puller along the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) when the portion of the puller (20) is received in the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) and is translated from the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) toward the inlet (32, 132, 232, 332) to release the puller (20) from the tape (12a) of the zipper (10).

3. The upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) of claim 2, wherein, A distance (K) between the abutment protrusion (37a, 137a, 237a, 337a) and the second side of the upper stop (30) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upper stop is selected such that when the portion (24a) of the puller (20) is in contact with the abutment protrusion (37a), the portion (24a) of the puller (20) can pivot about a pivot point (P) formed on the channel first side wall (38, 138, 238, 338) at the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) of the channel (36, 136, 236, 336), wherein the abutment protrusion (37a, 137a, 237a, 337a) defines a release point (37b, 137b) for the portion (24a) of the puller (20), and wherein the distance (K) determines a force required to pivot the portion (24b) of the puller (20) beyond the release point (37b, 137b) and through the abutment protrusion (37a, 137a, 237a, 337a).

4. The upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The channel first side wall (38, 138, 238, 338) extends from the inlet (32, 132, 232, 332) to the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) of the channel at a constant inclination.

5. The upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) according to claim 1, wherein The channel width at the inlet (32, 132, 232, 332) and the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) is less than any channel width (H) between the outlet protrusion (39, 139, 239, 339) and the abutment protrusion (37a, 137a, 237a, 337a).

6. Upper stop element (30, 130, 230, 330) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The channel width (F) at the inlet (32, 132, 232, 332) is greater than the channel width (J) at the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334).

7. The upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a stop portion (33, 133, 233, 333) located above the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) of the channel, the stop portion (33, 133, 233, 333) configured to limit travel of the puller (20) along the chain of the zipper (10) by abutment with the portion of the puller (20).

8. A zipper chain (18) comprising: a first tape (12a) having a row of first coupling teeth (14a) attached to a coupling edge (16) of the first tape (12a); and a second tape (12b) having a row of second coupling teeth (14b) attached to a coupling edge (16) of the second tape (12b), wherein the first tape (12a) and the second tape (12b) are attached and detached from each other by interleaving and disengaging the row of first coupling teeth (14a) and the row of second coupling teeth (14b), and wherein at least one of the first tape (12a) and the second tape (12b) is provided with an upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The zipper chain (18) according to claim 8, wherein the upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) is attached to the coupling edge (16) of at least one of the first tape (12a) and the second tape (12b), wherein the upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) is positioned in line with the first coupling teeth (14a) or the second coupling teeth (14b), wherein the upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) comprises an inner portion on an inner side of the coupling edge (16) and an outer portion on an outer side of the coupling edge (16), and wherein the inlet (32, 132, 232, 332) of the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) is located on the inner portion and the outlet (34, 134, 234, 334) of the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) is located on the outer portion.

10. The fastener chain of claim 9 wherein, the first body portion of the upper stop is mounted on a first planar surface of the at least one of the first tape (12a) and second tape (12b).

11. The zipper chain (18) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) further comprises a second body portion (31b, 131b, 231b, 331b) for mounting on a second planar surface of the at least one of the first tape (12a) and the second tape (12b), and wherein the second body portion (31b, 131b, 231b, 331b) comprises a second channel (36, 136, 236, 336) substantially identical to the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) of the first body portion (31a, 131a, 231a, 331a).

12. The fastener chain (18) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The channel second sidewall (37, 237, 337) comprises a slope from the inlet (32, 232, 332) of the channel to the abutment protrusion (37a, 237a, 337a) having a constant angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the upper stop (30) from the inlet (32, 232, 332) of the channel (36, 236, 336) to the abutment protrusion (37a, 237a, 337a).

13. The zipper chain (18) of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein The channel second sidewall (137) comprises a first slope (140) and a second slope (142), wherein the first slope (140) extends at a first angle (a) relative to a longitudinal axis of the upper stop (130) from the inlet (132) to the second slope (142), wherein the second slope (142) extends at a second angle (b) relative to the longitudinal axis of the upper stop (130) between the first slope (140) and the abutment protrusion (137a), and wherein the second angle (b) is less than the first angle (a).

14. The fastener chain (18) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) is molded by injection onto the coupling edge (16) of the at least one of the first (12a) and second (12b) toothed strips.

15. A method of disengaging a puller (20) from a zipper (10), the method comprising: translating a portion of the puller (20) into a channel (36, 136, 236, 336) disposed in an upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330) of the zipper (10), the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) defined by a channel first sidewall (38, 138, 238, 338) and a channel second sidewall (37, 137, 237, 337); abutting the portion of the puller against an abutment protrusion (37a, 137a, 237a, 337a) disposed on the channel second sidewall (37, 137, 237, 337); pivoting the puller (20) at an exit (34, 134, 234, 334) about a pivot point on the channel first sidewall (38, 138, 238, 338) into the channel (36, 136, 236, 336) such that the portion of the puller rotates through a release point (37b, 137b) defined on the abutment protrusion (37a); translating the portion of the puller (20) through a remaining channel (36, 136, 236, 336) to an inlet (32, 132, 232, 332) such that the puller (20) is removed from the upper stop (30, 130, 230, 330), Rotating the pull head (20) such that the portion of the pull head can be rotated through an exit protrusion (39, 139, 239, 339) disposed on the channel second side wall (37, 137, 237, 337) and adjacent the exit (34, 134, 234, 334) of the channel (36, 136, 236, 336).

Images