Zipper chain and zipper

Abstract

The zipper chain (13) comprises a first row of coupling teeth (14a) mounted on a first longitudinal edge (15a) of a first zipper tape (16a) and a second row of coupling teeth (14b) mounted on a second longitudinal edge (15b) of a second zipper tape (16b). When the first and second rows of coupling teeth cross each other, the first and second longitudinal edges remain spaced apart and a first coupling tooth of the first row is received between two adjacent coupling teeth of the second row such that a slot of the first coupling tooth receives a portion of the second longitudinal edge in a first contact area, one slot of the adjacent coupling teeth receives a first portion of the first longitudinal edge in a fourth contact area, and the other slot of the adjacent coupling teeth receives a second portion of the first longitudinal edge in a fifth contact area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to sealable zipper chains and zippers. This disclosure also relates to articles including such zippers. Background Technology

[0002] A traditional zipper (or chain lock) consists of a pair of chain straps and an opening / closing mechanism, commonly referred to as the zipper pull. Each chain strap includes a fabric strip and multiple connecting teeth. The connecting teeth extend along a first edge of each fabric strip, and when the zipper pull has been moved to the closed position, the corresponding connecting teeth of the chain straps interdigitate, connect, or interlock with each other. When each strip of the zipper is attached to a separate portion of an article, the separate portion of the article can be releasably engaged in such a way that closing the zipper by moving the zipper pull to the closed position causes the connecting teeth to be in the aforementioned interdigitated relationship.

[0003] Therefore, zippers are both useful and versatile, and are used in a variety of applications, including clothing, furniture and luggage.

[0004] Known zippers are typically constructed as follows. A connecting portion, usually in the form of multiple connecting teeth (also called chain teeth), is attached to a first edge of the fabric tape to form a toothed zipper tape. This first edge may be referred to as the connecting edge of the toothed zipper tape. The fabric tape can be woven or knitted and can be formed from, for example, polyester. The connecting teeth can be attached to the fabric tape by, for example, pressing or molding them onto a reinforcing edge of the fabric tape. In some cases, the reinforcing edge may include a thicker core thread compared to the rest of the fabric tape. This core thread may be sewn or woven into the fabric tape.

[0005] Alternatively, the connecting teeth can be formed as a continuous loop. In this case, the connecting teeth are most commonly sewn to the surface of the tape at the edge of the tape, or alternatively, woven or knitted into the tape.

[0006] Two zipper pulls are joined together such that the connecting teeth of each zipper pull can be attached to each other, for example, by crossing them, to form a chain. The chain is typically flat, and the chain (and the connecting teeth that form part of the chain) extends along the longitudinal axis of the chain (also called the zipper axis). A zipper pull is mounted to the chain and to the connecting teeth of the respective zipper pulls in a manner that allows the zipper pull to move along the chain between the two zipper pulls.

[0007] A zipper pull typically comprises a body with upper and lower flanges through which the connecting teeth of each chain band pass. A pull tab or cord is attached to the body, which the user can grasp to effectively move the zipper pull along the chain. The body includes guide posts (sometimes called guide pins) that partially define a Y-shaped channel configured to carry the connecting teeth of the first and second chain bands. The zipper pull may include upper and lower flanges, which are arranged on each of the right and left edge portions of the upper and lower flanges, respectively, i.e., the edges of the zipper pull are substantially parallel to the operating direction of the zipper pull. The flange on the upper flange projects downward toward the lower flange, and the flange on the lower flange projects upward toward the upper flange. The flanges are configured to slide into the connecting teeth.

[0008] Movement of the zipper head along the chain in a first sliding direction along the operating axis of the zipper head causes the connecting teeth of the first chain belt to attach to the connecting teeth of the second chain belt. When the zipper head can no longer further engage the teeth in the first sliding direction, i.e., substantially all the connecting teeth of the first chain belt are attached to substantially all the connecting teeth of the second chain belt, the zipper can be said to be in a fully closed configuration. Movement of the zipper head along the chain in a second sliding direction opposite to the first sliding direction along the operating axis of the zipper head causes the connecting teeth of the first chain belt to separate from the connecting teeth of the second chain belt. When the zipper head can no longer further separate the teeth in the second sliding direction, i.e., substantially all the connecting teeth of the first chain belt are separated from the connecting teeth of the second chain belt, the zipper can be said to be in a fully open configuration.

[0009] The chain is cut to the desired length to form a zipper of the desired length. Stops (commonly referred to as upper and lower stops) can be attached to one or both ends of the chain. Stops limit the range of movement the zipper head can make along the chain. Typically, the upper stop limits the movement of the zipper head in a first sliding direction, and the lower stop limits the movement of the zipper head in a second sliding direction. Typically, stops are used to restrict the movement of the zipper head along the chain. Typically, when the zipper head abuts against certain types of stops (such as lower or upper stops), the zipper head can no longer engage or disengage the chain teeth or can no longer move. An upper stop can be configured to abut against the top of the zipper head, for example, against the top edge of a flange provided on the zipper head body, and restricts the movement of the zipper head in the first sliding direction. A lower stop can be configured to abut against the bottom of the zipper head, for example, against the bottom edge of a flange provided on the zipper head body, and restricts the movement of the zipper head in the second sliding direction. Stops can also be configured to abut against the upper or lower flange of the zipper head.

[0010] Some zippers may have a single bottom stop attached to both the first and second chain straps. Other zippers, which may be called split zippers, may have two separate bottom stops, each attached to a corresponding chain strap. The two bottom stops may take the form of a socket and a pin. The pin can be inserted into the socket to interconnect the first and second chain straps. Conversely, when the zipper pull is in a position adjacent to the socket, the pin can be removed from the socket to pass through the zipper pull and separate the first and second chain straps from each other.

[0011] Some zippers may have two separate top stops, each attached to a corresponding toothed zipper strap. Other zippers may have a single top stop attached to one or two toothed zipper straps. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0013] In some applications, it is desirable for zippers to be fluid-resistant, such as impermeable to liquids and / or air (i.e., zippers that substantially prevent the passage of liquids and / or gases when in a closed configuration). As a further example, in some applications, it is desirable for zippers to be waterproof, or more specifically, for items (e.g., but not limited to clothing) to form a waterproof section when the zipper is in a closed configuration.

[0014] A zipper that is not impermeable to liquids and / or air when it is closed is not called a sealable zipper. Conversely, zippers that are impermeable to liquids and / or air when they are closed are called sealable zippers.

[0015] We require waterproof zipper chains and zippers that provide the required level of water resistance while being relatively easy and cost-effective to manufacture. We also require alternative waterproof zipper chains and zippers.

[0016] Solution for solving the problem

[0017] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a zipper chain is provided, comprising: a first zipper tooth belt including a first zipper tape having a first row of connecting teeth mounted on a first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape; and a second zipper tooth belt including a second zipper tape having a second row of connecting teeth mounted on a second longitudinal edge of the second zipper tape. The first row of connecting teeth is configured to intersect the second row of connecting teeth along a zipper axis to secure the first tooth belt and the second tooth belt together. Each connecting tooth in the first row and the second row of connecting teeth is shaped to include a body and a head, the body having a shoulder, the head extending parallel to a transverse axis perpendicular to the zipper axis and extending via a neck away from the shoulder, the head including a groove extending parallel to the zipper axis. The body of each connecting tooth in the first row of connecting teeth is mounted to the first zipper tape, and the body of each connecting tooth in the second row of connecting teeth is mounted to the second zipper tape. When the first row of connecting teeth intersects with the second row of connecting teeth, a gap is maintained between the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge, and the first connecting tooth in the first row is received between two adjacent connecting teeth in the second row, such that: i) the groove of the first connecting tooth receives and contacts a portion of the second longitudinal edge of the second zipper tape in the middle of the adjacent connecting teeth in the second row in the first contact area; ii) the head of the first connecting tooth is received between the necks of the adjacent connecting teeth in the second row in the second contact area and the third contact area, respectively, and contacts the necks of the adjacent connecting teeth in the second row; iii) a groove of the adjacent connecting tooth in the second row receives and contacts a first portion of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape adjacent to the first connecting tooth in the fourth contact area; and iv) another groove of the adjacent connecting tooth in the second row receives and contacts a second portion of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape adjacent to the first connecting tooth in the fifth contact area. The first connecting tooth is located between the first portion and the second portion of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape. The contact in each of the first contact area, the second contact area, the third contact area, the fourth contact area, and the fifth contact area forms a seal between the first connecting tooth and each adjacent connecting tooth, the seal joining the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together.

[0018] The contact between the groove of the connecting tooth on one zipper pull and the longitudinal edge of the other zipper pull helps to form a seal between the two pulls and also increases the ability of the connected zipper pulls to resist unwanted separation due to bursting forces (typically forces perpendicular to both the zipper axis and the transverse axis). This is also achieved without requiring any additional features on the connecting tooth, making the design and manufacture of the connecting tooth simpler.

[0019] The first contact region, the second contact region, the third contact region, the fourth contact region, and the fifth contact region can form a continuum. In the continuum, the contact regions can be, in sequence, the fourth contact region, the second contact region, the first contact region, the third contact region, and the fifth contact region.

[0020] The first contact area, the fourth contact area, and the fifth contact area can extend along the full length of the groove of the first connecting tooth, the groove of one of the adjacent connecting teeth, and the groove of the other of the adjacent connecting teeth in a direction parallel to the zipper axis, respectively.

[0021] The seal can be a waterproof seal, which substantially prevents water or other liquids from passing between the first connecting tooth and each adjacent connecting tooth, as well as between the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge.

[0022] Multiple connecting teeth in the first row of connecting teeth can be respectively received between two corresponding adjacent connecting teeth in the second row of connecting teeth, such that: i) the groove of each first connecting tooth in the first row receives and contacts a corresponding portion in the middle of the corresponding adjacent connecting teeth in the second row at the second longitudinal edge of the second zipper tape in the first contact area; ii) the head of each first connecting tooth in the first row is received between the necks of the corresponding adjacent connecting teeth in the second row in the second contact area and the third contact area, respectively, and contacts the necks of the corresponding adjacent connecting teeth in the second row; iii) one groove of the corresponding adjacent connecting teeth in the second row receives and contacts a corresponding first portion of the second longitudinal edge of the second zipper tape adjacent to the corresponding first connecting tooth in the fourth contact area; and iv) the other groove of the corresponding adjacent connecting teeth in the second row receives and contacts a corresponding second portion of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape adjacent to the corresponding first connecting tooth in the fifth contact area. Each first connecting tooth is located in the middle of a corresponding first portion and a corresponding second portion of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape. The contact in each of the first contact area, the second contact area, the third contact area, the fourth contact area, and the fifth contact area forms a seal between each first connecting tooth and the corresponding adjacent connecting tooth, the seal joining the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together such that the seal is formed along the entire length of the zipper chain.

[0023] The total length of the zipper chain can be a length parallel to the zipper axis. This total length can be measured between the (outer) edge of the connecting teeth of the first row of connecting teeth (as described above, the connecting teeth in the first row of connecting teeth that connect with the connecting teeth in the second row of connecting teeth) located at the first longitudinal end of the zipper chain and i) the (outer) edge of the connecting teeth of the second row of connecting teeth (as described above, the connecting teeth in the second row of connecting teeth that connect with the connecting teeth in the first row of connecting teeth) located at the second longitudinal end of the zipper chain opposite to the first longitudinal end, or ii) the (outer) edge of the connecting teeth of the first row of connecting teeth (as described above, the connecting teeth in the first row of connecting teeth that connect with the connecting teeth in the second row of connecting teeth) located at the second longitudinal end of the zipper chain opposite to the first longitudinal end. The outer edge of the connecting teeth located at the first longitudinal end of the zipper chain can be the edge of the connecting teeth at the furthest point along the longitudinal axis from the second longitudinal end of the zipper chain. The outer edge of the connecting tooth located at the second longitudinal end of the zipper chain can be the edge of the connecting tooth at the furthest point along the longitudinal axis from the first longitudinal end of the zipper chain.

[0024] When a seal is formed along the entire length of the zipper chain, the entire zipper chain can be sealed such that no fluid can pass between the first and second longitudinal edges (when the connecting teeth of the first row of connecting teeth intersect with the connecting teeth of the second row of connecting teeth).

[0025] The first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape and the second longitudinal edge of the second zipper tape both have the form of a core thread.

[0026] Each core thread can be thicker than the rest of the zipper tape in both directions perpendicular to the zipper axis and the horizontal axis, and the core thread forms part of the zipper tape.

[0027] The core wire helps hold the connecting teeth on their respective zipper tapes. Furthermore, the core wire can provide a larger surface area for contact in the grooves of the connecting teeth of another zipper tape, thereby increasing contact strength.

[0028] The first and second zipper straps can be formed from woven, non-woven, or knitted materials.

[0029] The first and second zipper tapes may be coated and / or impregnated with waterproof plastic or similar materials.

[0030] The construction of the connecting teeth and their placement on the zipper tape ensures that virtually no water can pass through the zipper chain between the longitudinal edges of the zipper tape when the connecting teeth intersect. The coating and / or impregnation of the zipper tape with a waterproof plastic material also ensures that virtually no water can pass through the zipper tape. This means that when the zipper tape is attached to an item in a waterproof manner, virtually no water can flow between the longitudinal edges of the zipper teeth or through the zipper tape itself from one side of the zipper chain to the other. This effectively prevents water from entering the item via the zipper chain.

[0031] The core wire of each of the first and second zipper tapes may be coated and / or impregnated with a waterproof plastic material.

[0032] The first row of connecting teeth can be mounted on the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape in such a way that the first longitudinal edge meets the neck of each connecting tooth of the first row of connecting teeth.

[0033] The second row of connecting teeth can be installed on the second longitudinal edge of the second zipper tape in such a way that the second longitudinal edge meets the neck of each connecting tooth of the second row of connecting teeth.

[0034] Each of the first and second rows of connecting teeth may include: a first portion mounted to a first side of the zipper tape, the first portion forming part of the zipper tape; a second portion mounted to a second side of the zipper tape opposite to the first side, the second portion forming part of the zipper tape; and an intermediate portion joining the first and second portions, the intermediate portion including at least a head of the connecting tooth. The intermediate portion may include at least a portion of the neck of the connecting tooth.

[0035] The first part can be joined to the second part only via an intermediate portion. In some known zippers, holes are cut through the fabric tape for each connecting tooth, and each connecting tooth is attached to its corresponding fabric tape via a first portion and a second portion of the connecting tooth, which are connected via an additional intermediate portion extending through the corresponding hole in the fabric tape. This may not be necessary for the embodiments of the invention discussed in this application. The only required engagement between the first and second portions of each connecting tooth is via the intermediate portion. This simplifies the zipper manufacturing process and eliminates the need for holes in the fabric tape.

[0036] This facilitates the easy manufacture of zipper chains by allowing the connecting teeth to be molded into or pressed onto their respective zipper tapes.

[0037] When the first and second rows of connecting teeth intersect, the thickness of the core wire of the first zipper toothed chain in the direction parallel to the transverse axis can be greater than the spacing between the core wires of the first and second zipper toothed chain in the same direction. When the zipper toothed chain is closed (i.e., the zipper chain is in a closed configuration where the first and second connecting teeth intersect), the core wire can be compressed. For example, the core wire of one toothed chain can be compressed by the connecting teeth of another toothed chain (and, in particular, the grooves of the connecting teeth).

[0038] This results in the zipper tape having the smallest possible spacing between its longitudinal edges when the connecting teeth intersect. This reduces the area between the longitudinal edges of the zipper tape, which is essential for waterproofing the zipper chain. This improves the zipper chain's sealing performance. Furthermore, reducing the spacing between the longitudinal edges of the zipper tape increases the zipper chain's strength when subjected to bending forces perpendicular to both the zipper axis and the transverse axis. This enhances the zipper teeth's resistance to unwanted separation due to such bending forces.

[0039] The thickness of the core wire of the first zipper tooth in the direction parallel to the transverse axis can be greater than the depth of the groove of the first connecting tooth in the direction parallel to the transverse axis. This ensures better contact between the groove and the core wire under compression.

[0040] The first connecting tooth may include a first pressure portion, and one of the adjacent connecting teeth may include a corresponding second pressure portion. Furthermore, when the first row of connecting teeth intersects with the second row of connecting teeth, the first pressure portion may contact the second pressure portion, causing the first and second pressure portions to be compressed, thereby establishing a seal between the first and second pressure portions.

[0041] The pressure section helps improve the effectiveness of the seal between the connecting teeth.

[0042] The first connecting tooth may include a third pressure portion, and another connecting tooth in an adjacent connecting tooth may include a corresponding fourth pressure portion. Furthermore, when the first row of connecting teeth intersects with the second row of connecting teeth, the third pressure portion can contact the fourth pressure portion, causing both the third and fourth pressure portions to be compressed, thereby establishing a seal between the third and fourth pressure portions.

[0043] Similarly, the pressure section helps to further improve the effectiveness of the seal between the connecting teeth.

[0044] One or more of the first pressure part, the second pressure part, the third pressure part and the fourth pressure part may have a protrusion extending from the head and / or neck of the connecting tooth in a direction parallel to the zipper axis, and the relevant pressure part forms part of the connecting tooth.

[0045] The body of each connecting tooth in the first connecting tooth and adjacent connecting teeth can have a gradually narrowing width parallel to the zipper axis, such that the first width is greater than the second width. The first width is the width of the body of the associated connecting tooth adjacent to the first face of the zipper tape for mounting the connecting tooth at the first lateral position, parallel to the zipper axis. The second width is the width of the body of the associated connecting tooth at the first lateral position, at a position spaced apart from the first face above the first face of the zipper tape for mounting the connecting tooth, parallel to the zipper axis.

[0046] This gradual narrowing helps prevent deformation of the connecting teeth when the zipper chain bends out of plane. This prevents the waterproof seal provided by the zipper chain from deteriorating when the zipper chain bends out of plane and / or undesirable separation of the intersecting connecting teeth.

[0047] The first width can be the maximum width of the main body at the first horizontal position and above the first zipper strap, and the second width can be the minimum width of the main body at the first horizontal position and above the first zipper strap.

[0048] The second width can be between approximately 40% and 85% of the first width.

[0049] The body of each connecting tooth in the first connecting tooth and adjacent connecting teeth can have a gradually narrowing width parallel to the zipper axis, such that the third width is greater than the fourth width. The third width is the width of the body of the associated connecting tooth adjacent to the second surface of the zipper tape for mounting the connecting tooth at the first lateral position, parallel to the zipper axis. The fourth width is the width of the body of the associated connecting tooth at the position below the second surface of the zipper tape for mounting the connecting tooth and spaced apart from the second surface at the first lateral position, parallel to the zipper axis.

[0050] This gradual narrowing further helps prevent deformation of the connecting teeth when the zipper chain bends out of plane. This further prevents the waterproof seal provided by the zipper chain from deteriorating when the zipper chain bends out of plane and / or undesirable separation of the intersecting connecting teeth.

[0051] The third width can be the maximum width of the main body at the first horizontal position and below the first zipper tape, and the fourth width can be the minimum width of the main body at the first horizontal position and below the first zipper tape.

[0052] The fourth width can be approximately 40% to 85% of the third width.

[0053] The first connecting tooth and the adjacent connecting teeth can be formed of a waterproof plastic material.

[0054] The first connecting tooth and the adjacent connecting teeth may be formed of a different material than the material used to coat / impregnate the first zipper tape, the second zipper tape and / or the core wire.

[0055] Forming the connecting teeth from the same material as the material coated and / or impregnated with the zipper tape can improve the adhesive strength between the zipper tape and their respective connecting teeth.

[0056] Each of the first connecting teeth and the adjacent connecting teeth may be formed of a material such that the Young's modulus of each of the first connecting teeth and the adjacent connecting teeth is between about 1000 and about 2000.

[0057] This can help improve the effectiveness of the seal between the connecting teeth. This is likely because the more likely the connecting teeth are to be compressed, the greater the flexural strength of the zipper chain while the relevant connecting teeth and zipper tape remain in contact.

[0058] The first connecting tooth in the first row of connecting teeth and two adjacent connecting teeth in the second row of connecting teeth can have essentially the same shape. Each connecting tooth in both the first and second rows of connecting teeth can have essentially the same shape.

[0059] According to a second aspect of the invention, a zipper is provided, comprising a zipper chain and a zipper pull according to a first aspect of the invention. The zipper pull is movably mounted on a first zipper chain band and a second zipper chain band, such that the zipper pull is movable relative to the first and second zipper chain bands along a zipper axis. The zipper pull can be moved in a first direction to intersect a first row of connecting teeth of the first zipper chain band with a second row of connecting teeth of the second zipper chain band, thereby securing the first and second zipper chain bands together. The zipper pull can also be moved in a second direction to separate the first row of connecting teeth of the first zipper chain band from the second row of connecting teeth of the second zipper chain band, thereby separating the first and second zipper chain bands.

[0060] This zipper has all the advantages of a zipper chain according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0061] The zipper may further include: at least one upper stop configured to restrict the movement of the zipper head along the zipper axis in a first direction; and / or a lower stop configured to restrict the movement of the zipper head along the zipper axis in a second direction.

[0062] According to a third aspect of the invention, an article comprising a zipper according to a second aspect of the invention is provided.

[0063] It should be recognized that the features discussed above with respect to one aspect of the invention can be applied to any other aspect of the invention where appropriate. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 It is a plan view of a known portion of a zipper.

[0065] Figure 2 It is a 3D diagram of a known zipper pull.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a portion of a zipper according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A 3D view of a portion of the teeth of a zipper.

[0068] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A plan view of a portion of the tooth chain shown.

[0069] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 A front view of a portion of the tooth chain shown.

[0070] Figure 7 yes Figures 4 to 6 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of the tooth chain shown.

[0071] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a portion of the zipper chain (some connecting teeth of the zipper are not shown for clarity).

[0072] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The diagram shows a side cross-section of a portion of the zipper chain.

[0073] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 and Figure 9 The image shows a partial front cross-sectional view of a portion of the zipper chain.

[0074] Figure 11 yes Figure 3 The image shows a front cross-sectional view of a portion of the zipper chain, which is bent out of the plane.

[0075] Figure 12 Is it like this? Figure 3 The diagram shows a side cross-section of a portion of the zipper.

[0076] Figure 13 This is a plan view of a portion of the toothed chain of a zipper chain according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 14 It is based on Figure 13The image shows a front cross-sectional view of a portion of a zipper chain according to the same embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 15 It is a perspective view of an article including a zipper according to the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0079] The equivalent features shown in the figures have been labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0080] Figure 1 A known zipper 10 is shown. The zipper includes a slider 11 and a pair of toothed straps 12a, 12b. Each toothed strap 12a, 12b includes a connecting portion in the form of multiple connecting teeth 14a, 14b (also called chain teeth), which are attached to fabric straps 16a, 16b, particularly the longitudinal connecting edges of the fabric straps 16a, 16b. The fabric straps may be woven or knitted and may be formed from, for example, synthetic fibers (such as polyester, vinylon, or polyurethane) and / or natural fibers (such as cotton). The connecting teeth 14a, 14b can be attached to their respective fabric straps 16a, 16b by, for example, pressing or molding the connecting teeth to the reinforcing connecting edges of the fabric straps 16a, 16b. The reinforcing edges of the fabric straps may take the form of a core thread with a thickness greater than the thickness of the fabric strap, as is known in the art.

[0081] When the two toothed chain straps 12a and 12b are joined together (as shown in the image) Figure 1 (As shown at the bottom), two chain straps 12a, 12b are such that the connecting teeth 14a, 14b of each chain strap 12a, 12b are attached to each other by crossing each other to form a chain 18. The chain 18 is generally planar, and the chain 18 (and the connecting portions forming part of the chain 18) extends along the longitudinal axis (or zipper axis) L of the chain 18.

[0082] Each connecting tooth 14a, 14b includes a head and a neck. When the connecting teeth 14a and 14b are joined together in such a way that they intersect each other, the head and neck of the connecting tooth 14a of the first tooth chain 12a cooperate with the head and neck of the connecting tooth 14b of the second tooth chain 12b to prevent lateral separation in a direction generally parallel to the lateral axis T of the connecting teeth 14a, 14b.

[0083] The zipper head 11 is mounted to the chain 18 in a manner that allows it to move along the chain 18 between the two toothed chain bands 12a and 12b. Movement of the zipper head 11 along the chain 18 in a first sliding direction E causes the connecting tooth 14a of the first toothed chain band 12a to attach to the connecting tooth 14b of the second toothed chain band 12b. Movement of the zipper head along the chain in a second sliding direction D, opposite to the first sliding direction E, causes the connecting tooth 14a of the first toothed chain band 12a to separate from the connecting tooth 14b of the second toothed chain band 12b.

[0084] The chain 18 is typically cut to the desired length to form a zipper 10 of the desired length. Stops (often referred to as upper and lower stops) are attached to either end of the chain 18. The stops limit the range of movement that the zipper pull 11 can make along the chain 18.

[0085] exist Figure 1 In the zipper shown, stops 20a and 20b are upper stops attached to the top of the chain 18, respectively, on the first tape 16a and the second tape 16b. Other zippers may have a single upper stop attached to both toothed tapes. The upper stops can be formed of any suitable material; for example, they may include polymeric materials such as polyester, polyacetal, or polyethylene, or they may be metal-based, such as aluminum, nickel, or alloys of such metals.

[0086] The zipper has a single bottom stop 22, which is attached to the fabric tapes 16a and 16b of the first toothed chain tape 12a and the second toothed chain tape 12b, and secures the fabric tapes 16a and 16b together.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, the zipper pull 11 includes a body 24 and a pull tab 26 attached to the body 24 via a bridge portion 28. The connecting teeth 14a, 14b of each chain strap 12a, 12b pass through the body 24. The user can grasp the pull tab 26 to move the zipper pull 11 effectively along the chain 18 (e.g., in the first sliding direction E and the second sliding direction D discussed above).

[0088] More specifically, the body 24 of the zipper pull 11 includes an upper part 30, which is connected to a lower part 32 via a connecting post (not shown) extending in a direction perpendicular to both the zipper axis L and the transverse axis T. The upper part 30 may be referred to as an upper wing or upper wing plate. Similarly, the lower part may be referred to as a lower wing or lower wing plate. The connecting post may be referred to as a guide post.

[0089] The upper part 30, the lower part 32, and the connecting post cooperate to define a Y-shaped channel within the slider 11. The Y-shaped channel is also defined by lateral flanges 42 and 44 on either side of the slider 11, extending from the upper part 30 and the lower part 32 toward each other, respectively. Figure 2In the diagram, only one set of transverse flanges 42 and 44 is visible, while another set is located on the opposite side of the pull head (not visible in the diagram). The Y-shaped channel has a first arm that is separated from the second arm by a connecting post.

[0090] When installed on the chain, the pull head 11 extends along direction D from the head end 38 to the tail end 40 of the pull head 11. The Y-shaped channel also includes a third arm adjacent to the first and second arms near the tail end of the connecting post.

[0091] The first and second arms have corresponding first and second openings (not shown) at the head end 38 of the slider 11. The third arm has a third opening 46c at the tail end 40 of the slider 11.

[0092] Figure 3 A portion of a zipper 10 according to the invention is shown. The zipper 10 includes a zipper chain 13 according to the invention, the zipper chain 13 including a first zipper tooth strip 12a and a second zipper tooth strip 12b, and a zipper pull 11 is mounted on the first zipper tooth strip 12a and the second zipper tooth strip 12b.

[0093] The first zipper belt 12a includes a first zipper belt 16a, the first zipper belt 16a having a first row of connecting teeth 14a mounted on a first longitudinal edge 15a of the first zipper belt 16a.

[0094] The second zipper tooth chain belt 12b includes a second zipper belt 16b, the second zipper belt 16b having a second row of connecting teeth 14b mounted on a second longitudinal edge 15b of the second zipper belt 16b.

[0095] As discussed earlier, the first row of connecting teeth 14a can intersect with the second row of connecting teeth 14b along the zipper axis L in order to secure the first tooth chain 12a and the second tooth chain 12b together.

[0096] The zipper pull 11 is movably mounted on the first zipper tooth belt 12a and the second zipper tooth belt 12b, so that the zipper pull 11 can move relative to the first zipper tooth belt 12a and the second zipper tooth belt 12b along the zipper axis L.

[0097] The zipper head can move in the first direction E so that the first row of connecting teeth 14a of the first zipper tooth chain 12a and the second row of connecting teeth 14b of the second zipper tooth chain 12b intersect each other, thereby fixing the first zipper tooth chain 12a and the second zipper tooth chain 12b together.

[0098] The zipper pull 11 can also move in the second direction D to separate the first row of connecting teeth 14a of the first zipper tooth chain 12a from the second row of connecting teeth 14b of the second zipper tooth chain 12b, thereby separating the first zipper tooth chain 12a from the second zipper tooth chain 12b.

[0099] Although Figure 3 Not shown in the image, such as Figure 1 As shown, the zipper 10 according to the invention may be provided with at least one upper stop 20a, 20b, which is configured to restrict the movement of the zipper head 11 along the zipper axis L in a first direction E. Alternatively or additionally, the zipper 10 may be provided with a lower stop 22, which is configured to restrict the movement of the zipper head 11 along the zipper axis L in a second direction D.

[0100] In this embodiment, all connecting teeth 14a of the first toothed chain 12a are identical to each other and are also identical to the connecting teeth 14b of the second toothed chain 12b. However, this is not always the case.

[0101] Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 Perspective, plan, front, and side section views of a portion of a zipper chain (including three connecting teeth) are shown. These views are labeled such that the portion of the zipper chain shown in these views is a portion of a second chain 12b having connecting teeth 14b. However, it will be understood that these views are equivalently applied to the first chain and its connecting teeth, assuming that the connecting teeth 14a of the first chain 12a are the same as the connecting teeth 14b of the second chain 12b.

[0102] Figure 6 The front view is when in such Figure 5 The view seen when observing a portion of the tooth chain band 12b in the direction shown, V6. Figure 7 The side section view is along such Figure 5 and Figure 6 The plane and direction shown are intercepted by V7.

[0103] If it is best to come from Figure 4 and Figure 5 As can be seen, each of the connecting teeth 14b of the second row of connecting teeth (and equally applicable to the connecting teeth 14a of the first row of connecting teeth) is shaped such that they include a body 50 and a head 54, the body 50 having a shoulder 52, and the head 54 extending parallel to the transverse axis T, perpendicular to the zipper axis L, and via a neck 56 away from the shoulder 52.

[0104] The head 54 includes a groove 58 extending parallel to the zipper axis L. The groove 58 is located at the center of the connecting tooth height, measured along an axis H perpendicular to both the zipper axis L and the transverse axis T. The groove 58 is located at the same height as the edge 15b of the zipper tape 16b on which the connecting teeth 14b are mounted. Specifically, the central axis GC of the groove 58 is located at the same height as the edge 15b of the zipper tape 16b on which the connecting teeth 14b are mounted. In other words, the groove 58 lies in the plane on which the zipper 16b on which the connecting teeth 14b are mounted. Figure 7 As shown, when viewed along the zipper axis, slot 58 has a generally semi-circular or C-shaped profile. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the slot may have any suitable cross-sectional shape / profile.

[0105] The body 50 of each connecting tooth 14a in the first row is installed to the first zipper tape 16a, and the body 50 of each connecting tooth 14b in the second row is installed to the second zipper tape 16b.

[0106] The first row of connecting teeth 14a is mounted on the first longitudinal edge 15a in such a manner that the first longitudinal edge 15a of the first zipper tape 16a meets the neck 56 of each connecting tooth 14a of the first row of connecting teeth. Similarly, if best possible from Figure 4 and Figure 5 As seen, the second row of connecting teeth 14b is mounted on the second longitudinal edge 15b in such a manner that the second longitudinal edge 15b of the second zipper tape 16b meets the neck 56 of each connecting tooth 14b of the second row of connecting teeth. In other words, the first row of connecting teeth 14a is mounted on the first longitudinal edge 15a of the first zipper tape 16a in such a manner that the first longitudinal edge 15a is surrounded within the neck 56 of each connecting tooth 14a of the first row of connecting teeth. Similarly, the second row of connecting teeth 14b is mounted on the second longitudinal edge 15b of the second zipper tape 16b in such a manner that the second longitudinal edge 15b is surrounded within the neck 56 of each connecting tooth 14b of the second row of connecting teeth. In embodiments where the first and second longitudinal edges of the zipper tape include core wires, at least a portion of the core wire of the first longitudinal edge is surrounded within the neck of each connecting tooth of the first row of connecting teeth, and at least a portion of the core wire of the second longitudinal edge is surrounded within the neck of each connecting tooth of the second row of connecting teeth. In some embodiments, the entire thickness of the core wire of the first longitudinal edge (parallel to the transverse axis) is surrounded within the neck (or neck and body) of each connecting tooth of the first row of connecting teeth, and the entire thickness of the core wire of the second longitudinal edge (parallel to the transverse axis) is surrounded within the neck (or neck and body) of each connecting tooth of the second row of connecting teeth.

[0107] The above example differs from many known zipper chains, in which the first row of connecting teeth 14a is mounted on the first longitudinal edge 15a of the first zipper tape 16a in such a way that the first longitudinal edge 15a (or, if present, the entire thickness of the core wire) is surrounded by the body of each connecting tooth 14a of the first row of connecting teeth, and the second row of connecting teeth 14b is mounted on the second longitudinal edge 15b of the second zipper tape 16b in such a way that the second longitudinal edge 15b (or, if present, the entire thickness of the core wire) is surrounded by the body of each connecting tooth 14b of the second row of connecting teeth.

[0108] If it is best to come from Figure 7 As seen, each connecting tooth 14a of the first row and each connecting tooth 14b of the second row of connecting teeth includes a first portion 14c. The first portion 14c is attached to the first (upper) surface 16f of the zipper tapes 16a and 16b of the zipper tapes 12a and 12b, and the first (upper) surface 16f of the zipper tapes 16a and 16b forms a part of the zipper tapes 12a and 12b. Furthermore, each connecting tooth 14a of the first row and each connecting tooth 14b of the second row of connecting teeth includes a second portion 14d. The second portion 14d is attached to the second (lower) surface 16g of the zipper tapes 16a and 16b, opposite to the first surface 16f, and the second (lower) surface 16g of the zipper tapes 16a and 16b forms a part of the zipper tapes 12a and 12b. The intermediate portion 14e of each connecting tooth 14a, 14b engages with both the first portion 14c and the second portion 14d of the connecting teeth 14a, 14b. The intermediate portion 14e includes at least the head 54 of the connecting teeth 14a, 14b. The intermediate portion 14e may also include at least a portion of the neck 56 of the connecting teeth 14a, 14b.

[0109] Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 A diagram is shown of the zipper chain or zipper when the first row of connecting teeth 14a and the second row of connecting teeth 14b intersect each other. Figure 8 A plan view of a portion of the zipper chain 13 is shown, in which some connecting teeth at the top and bottom (in the sense of the figure) have been removed to aid in the clarity of the figure. Figure 9 It shows the result of Figure 8 The V9 indicates the plane and direction of the side section view. Figure 10 It shows the result of Figure 8 The frontal section view of the plane and direction indicated by AA in the figure. Figure 11 It shows the result of Figure 8The B in the figure indicates the frontal section view of the plane and direction. Figure 11 As will be discussed in more detail later, the chain has been bent so that it is no longer flat. Figure 12 The zipper shown includes the zipper pull. Figure 3 The C in the figure indicates the plane and direction similar to Figure 9 Side section view.

[0110] As in Figure 8 and Figure 9 As most clearly seen, when the first row of connecting teeth 14a and the second row of connecting teeth 14b intersect, the first longitudinal edge 15a and the second longitudinal edge 15b are kept apart by a spacing distance S. This differs from some known sealing zippers, where the longitudinal edges of the first and second zipper tapes contact each other to form a seal when their connecting teeth intersect. Since, in this invention, the zipper chain cannot have a seal formed by the contact between the longitudinal edges of the first and second zipper tapes, the seal must be formed in another manner. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0111] Again, as in Figure 8 and Figure 9 As can be seen most clearly, when the first row of connecting teeth 14a and the second row of connecting teeth 14b intersect each other, the first connecting tooth 14a of the first row of connecting teeth 14a is received between two adjacent connecting teeth 14b of the second row of connecting teeth 14b, and several things happen.

[0112] First, the groove 58 of the first connecting tooth 14a receives and contacts a portion of the second longitudinal edge 15b of the second zipper tape 16b in the first contact area, which is located between adjacent connecting teeth 14b.

[0113] Secondly, the head 54 of the first connecting tooth 14a is received between the neck 56 of each adjacent connecting tooth 14b in the second contact area and the third contact area, respectively, and contacts the neck 56 of each adjacent connecting tooth 14b.

[0114] Third, adjacent connecting teeth (e.g., Figure 8 A slot 58 of the upper connecting tooth (of the two connecting teeth marked 14b) receives and contacts the first portion of the first longitudinal edge 15a of the first zipper tape 16a adjacent to the first connecting tooth 14a in the fourth contact area.

[0115] Fourth, adjacent connecting teeth (e.g., Figure 8Another groove 58 of the lower connecting tooth (one of the two connecting teeth marked 14b) receives and contacts the second portion of the first longitudinal edge 15a of the first zipper tape 16a adjacent to the first connecting tooth 14a in the fifth contact area. The first connecting tooth 14a is located between the first portion and the second portion of the first longitudinal edge 15a of the first zipper tape 16a.

[0116] The contacts in each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth contact areas form a seal, such that water is substantially prevented from passing between the first connecting tooth 14a and each adjacent connecting tooth 14b (e.g., along the direction of axis H), and thus substantially prevented from passing between the spaced-apart first longitudinal edge 15a and second longitudinal edge 15b.

[0117] It will be understood that, for ease of explanation, the above description refers to the seal formed between a connecting tooth of the first zipper belt and two adjacent connecting teeth of the second zipper belt when the connecting teeth intersect each other. In practice, the same seal will be formed between each connecting tooth of the first zipper belt and two adjacent connecting teeth of the second zipper belt when the connecting teeth intersect each other. Thus, a seal is established between all connecting teeth of the first and second zipper belts along the entire length of the intersecting connecting teeth (parallel to the zipper axis).

[0118] When the connecting teeth intersect, the contact between the groove of the connecting tooth on one zipper tooth and the longitudinal edge of the other zipper tooth helps to establish a seal between the two toothed bands and also increases the ability of the connected zipper toothed bands to resist unwanted separation due to lateral forces (in the direction H, typically perpendicular to the zipper axis and the lateral axis). This is also achieved without the need for any additional features on the connecting teeth (such as retaining flanges on the shoulders of known connecting teeth), making the design and manufacture of the connecting teeth according to the invention, and therefore the zipper chain, simpler.

[0119] In the seal described above, it will be understood that the seal can be impermeable to liquid, such as being waterproof.

[0120] like Figure 8 As best seen in the image, the first longitudinal edge 15a of the first zipper tape 16a and the second longitudinal edge 15b of the second zipper tape 16b both take the form of a core thread, which has a greater thickness in a direction perpendicular to both the zipper axis and the transverse axis (i.e., in direction H) than the rest of the zipper tape (of which the core thread forms a part). For example, in Figure 9As best seen when viewed in cross-section along the zipper axis, while the core threads 15a and 15b have generally circular cross-sections, the remaining portions of the fabric tapes 16a and 16b have generally rectangular or straight cross-sections. The core thread can be referred to as the reinforcing edge of the fabric tape. The core thread can be sewn or woven into the fabric tape in a manner known in the art. In embodiments with core threads, the longitudinal edge of the zipper tape is formed by the core thread. Therefore, in embodiments including core threads, the terms core thread and longitudinal edge can be used interchangeably.

[0121] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As best seen, each zipper tape 16a, 16b typically has a layered structure. Each tape 16a, 16b is formed of a core 16c of woven, non-woven, or knitted material. The core 16c can be formed of, for example, synthetic fibers (such as polyester, vinylon, or polyurethane) and / or natural fibers (such as cotton). The core 16c can be water-permeable.

[0122] The core 16c of each fabric strip 16a, 16b is coated and / or impregnated with a waterproof plastic material. The coating can be applied in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, extruding the coating onto the core. Any suitable waterproof material can be used. In one example, the coating material is polyurethane.

[0123] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, the coating takes the form of a first coating 16d located above the core 16c and a second coating 16e located below the core 16c. In the illustrated embodiment, both the first and second coatings are formed of the same material. In the illustrated embodiment, the first coating 16d is thicker than the second coating 16e in direction H. This is because, during use, the upper surface of the chain 13 is expected to be exposed to water. Therefore, the upper first coating 16d is thicker than the lower second coating 16e because the requirement for impermeability of the first coating is greater than that for the second coating, and a greater layer thickness will result in greater impermeability. A thinner second coating can ensure greater flexibility in the zipper tape.

[0124] In other embodiments, the second coating may be formed of a different material than the first coating, and may have the same or greater thickness than the first coating, or the second coating may not exist at all.

[0125] As can be seen, the core wire 15a of the first zipper tape 16a and the core wire 15b of the second zipper tape 16b are both coated and / or impregnated with a waterproof plastic material. In this embodiment, the first coating 16d extends around the core wires 15a and 15b to adjoin the second coating 16e. Coating and / or impregnating the core wires 15a and 15b with plastic material not only makes them waterproof but also improves their elasticity.

[0126] Increasing the elasticity of core wires 15a and 15b can improve the sealing force exerted by core wires 15a and 15b on the grooves of the connecting teeth when the connecting teeth intersect. This can improve the sealing effect of the seal established between core wires 15a and 15b and connecting teeth 14b and 14a.

[0127] like Figure 9 As best shown, when the first row of connecting teeth 14a and the second row of connecting teeth 14b intersect each other, the thickness F of the core wire 15a (including any coating, if present) of the first zipper tooth chain 12a in the direction parallel to the transverse axis T is greater than the spacing S between the core wire 15a of the first zipper tooth chain 12a and the core wire 15b of the second zipper tooth chain 12b in the direction parallel to the transverse axis T.

[0128] This results in the spacing S between the longitudinal edges 15a, 15b of the zipper tapes 16a, 16b being as small as possible when the connecting teeth 14a, 14b intersect. This reduces the area between the longitudinal edges 15a, 15b of the zipper tapes 16a, 16b, which needs to be waterproof to make the zipper chain 13 waterproof. This improves the sealing effect of the zipper chain 13. Furthermore, reducing the spacing S between the longitudinal edges 15a, 15b of the zipper tapes 16a, 16b increases the strength of the zipper chain under bending forces perpendicular to both the zipper axis and the transverse axis (e.g., a force applied in direction H). This improves the ability of the connected zipper teeth tapes 12a, 12b to resist unwanted separation due to such bending forces.

[0129] The thickness F of the coating material around the core wire 15a of the first zipper chain 12a in a direction parallel to the transverse axis T (in) Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram) The height HC of the coating material surrounding the core wire 15a in the direction parallel to the axis H is greater than the thickness F of the core wire 15a of the first zipper tooth 12a in the direction parallel to the transverse axis T. Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram) The groove 58, which is greater than the first connecting tooth 14a, has a depth G in the direction parallel to the transverse axis T. Figure 7 (as shown in the image).

[0130] Now for referenceFigure 4 and Figure 10 The first connecting tooth 14a includes a first pressure portion 60, and one of the adjacent connecting teeth (e.g., Figure 10 The upper connecting tooth (of the two connecting teeth marked 14b) includes a corresponding second pressure part 60a. In use, when the first row of connecting teeth 14a and the second row of connecting teeth 14b intersect, the first pressure part 60 contacts the second pressure part 60a to establish a seal between the first pressure part 60 and the second pressure part 60a.

[0131] Additionally, the first connecting tooth 14a includes a third pressure portion 60b, and another connecting tooth in the adjacent connecting tooth (e.g., Figure 10 The lower connecting tooth (of the two connecting teeth marked 14b) includes a corresponding fourth pressure part 60c. In use, when the first row of connecting teeth 14a and the second row of connecting teeth 14b intersect, the third pressure part 60b contacts the fourth pressure part 60c to establish a seal between the third pressure part 60b and the fourth pressure part 60c.

[0132] exist Figure 4 and Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the first pressure portion 60, the second pressure portion 60a, the third pressure portion 60b, and the fourth pressure portion 60c each have a protrusion (or fin) extending from the head 54 and / or neck 56 of the connecting teeth 14a, 14b (where the associated pressure portion forms a part) in a direction parallel to the zipper axis L. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion extends from the underside (or the opposite portion of the main body) of the head of the connecting tooth, i.e., from the position adjacent to the neck 56 on the head 54. In other words, the protrusion or pressure portion is formed to extend alternately and repeatedly away from the base of the slot 58 and the distal ends of the first longitudinal edge 15a and the second longitudinal edge 15b.

[0133] The pressure section helps improve the effectiveness of the seal between the connecting teeth. This is achieved by compressing the pressure section so that the connecting teeth interlock. The compression of the pressure section means that at the points where they contact other corresponding connecting teeth, they apply a restoring force to the contacting teeth, resulting in improved seal effectiveness.

[0134] In other embodiments, the pressure section may take different forms. Figure 13 and Figure 14 An implementation similar to the one discussed above is shown. Figure 13 and Figure 14 Equivalent to Figure 5 and Figure 10 . Figure 14 It shows the result of Figure 8The A in the figure indicates the equivalent plane and direction of the front cross-sectional view. In this embodiment, the connecting teeth 14a, 14b include pressure portions 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c, which have the form of an enlarged lower side of the head 54 of the connecting tooth. This is due to Figure 13 The dotted line inside indicates that, unlike most known connecting teeth (which do not have an enlarged lower side), when connecting teeth 14a and 14b cross each other, as discussed above, the pressure portion in the form of an enlarged lower side is compressed, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0135] As another benefit of the above discussion, assuming the pressure section compresses when the connecting teeth intersect, if the chain bends or otherwise deforms when the connecting teeth intersect, the pressure section will be able to expand slightly to maintain contact between the contacting connecting teeth, thereby maintaining a seal. Without the pressure section, the contact between connecting teeth that otherwise contact could be disrupted, thus compromising the seal.

[0136] The first connecting tooth 14a and the adjacent connecting teeth 14b (in fact, all connecting teeth 14a and 14b) are formed of the same waterproof plastic material as the material used to coat and / or impregnate the zipper tape. It has been found that forming the connecting teeth of the same material as the material to which the zipper tape is coated and / or impregnated can increase the adhesive strength between the zipper tape and their respective connecting teeth.

[0137] The first connecting tooth 14a and the adjacent connecting teeth 14b (in fact, all connecting teeth 14a and 14b) are formed of a material such as polyurethane, whereby the Young's modulus of each connecting tooth is between approximately 1000 and approximately 2000. This can help improve the effectiveness of the seal between the connecting teeth. This is likely because the more compressible the connecting teeth are, the greater the flexural resistance of the zipper chain while the associated connecting teeth and zipper tape remain in contact. Additionally, as discussed above, regarding the pressure section, the more compressed the connecting teeth are, the greater the restoring force they can exert on each other, thereby improving the sealing effectiveness of the chain.

[0138] like Figure 6 and Figure 11 As best shown, the body 50 of each of the first connecting tooth 14a and the adjacent connecting tooth 14b has a gradually narrowing width parallel to the zipper axis L, such that the first width FW is greater than the second width SW, wherein: the first width FW is at the first lateral position (by... Figure 8The width of the body 50 of the associated connecting tooth, parallel to the zipper axis, at the section line B (indicated in the diagram), adjacent to the first surface 16f of the zipper tapes 16a and 16b for mounting connecting teeth 14a and 14b. The second width SW is the width of the body of the associated connecting tooth, parallel to the zipper axis, at a position SL above the first surface 16f of the zipper tape for mounting the connecting teeth, spaced apart from the first surface 16f, at the first lateral position. The gradually narrowing side is indicated by 62.

[0139] In this example, the first width FW is the maximum width of the body 50 at the first lateral position and above the first zipper tape 16a, and the second width SW is the minimum width of the body 50 at the first lateral position and above the first zipper tape 16a. However, in other embodiments, the first width and the second width can be any suitable width.

[0140] In this example, the second width is approximately 65% ​​of the first width. However, in other embodiments, the second width can be between approximately 40% and approximately 85% of the first width. In this example, the gradually narrowing side 62 is inclined at an acute angle I of approximately 27 degrees relative to the axis H (i.e., the axis perpendicular to both the zipper axis L and the transverse axis T). In other embodiments, angle I can be any suitable angle between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 45 degrees. It has been found that if angle I is too small, the connecting teeth deform when the chain bends (discussed in more detail below), while if angle I is too large, the chain may break when bent.

[0141] The gradual narrowing of the body of the connecting tooth on the side above the zipper tape has already been discussed. Furthermore, a gradual narrowing of the body on the side below the zipper tape also occurs. More specifically, the body 50 of each of the first connecting tooth 14a and the adjacent connecting tooth 14b has a gradually narrowing width parallel to the zipper axis L, thereby, a third width is greater than a fourth width, wherein: the third width is at the first lateral position (by...) Figure 8 The width of the body 50 of the associated connecting teeth 14a, 14b adjacent to the second surface 16g of the zipper tapes 16a, 16b for mounting connecting teeth 14a, 14b (indicated by section line B in the diagram) is parallel to the zipper axis (in this case, it is the same as the first width FW, but this is not necessary in other embodiments). The fourth width is the width of the body 50 of the associated connecting teeth 14a, 14b parallel to the zipper axis L at a position below the second surface 16g of the zipper tapes 16a, 16b for mounting connecting teeth 14a, 14b at the first lateral position, spaced apart from the second surface 16g (in this case, it is the same as the second width SW, but this is not necessary in other embodiments). The gradually narrowing side below the zipper tape is indicated by 64.

[0142] Similar to the gradually narrowing sides above the zipper tape, in this embodiment, the third width FW is the maximum width of the body 50 at the first lateral position and below the first zipper tape 16a, and the fourth width SW is the minimum width of the body 50 at the first lateral position and below the first zipper tape 16a. However, in other embodiments, the third and fourth widths can be any suitable widths.

[0143] In this example, the fourth width is approximately 65% ​​of the third width. However, in other embodiments, the fourth width can be between approximately 40% and approximately 85% of the third width. In this example, the gradually narrowing side 64 is inclined at an acute angle I2 of approximately 27 degrees relative to the axis H (i.e., the axis perpendicular to both the zipper axis L and the transverse axis T). In other embodiments, angle I2 can be any suitable angle between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 45 degrees. As previously mentioned, it has been found that if angle I2 is too small, the connecting teeth deform when the chain bends (discussed in more detail below), while if angle I2 is too large, the chain can break when bent.

[0144] In this example, the narrowing of each tapered side above the zipper tape is the same. Similarly, the narrowing of each tapered side below the zipper tape is the same. Additionally, the narrowing of the tapered sides above and below the zipper tape is the same. In other implementations, one or more of these things may not be the case.

[0145] The reason why the connecting teeth 14a and 14b have gradually narrowing sides is as follows. As discussed earlier, the connecting teeth can be formed of a relatively compressible material. When the connecting teeth intersect each other, this helps to improve: i) the seal between adjacent connecting teeth, and ii) the seal between the connecting teeth and the longitudinal edge (or core wire) of the zipper tape that each connecting tooth contacts when it intersects. However, forming the connecting teeth from a relatively compressible material means that the connecting teeth can be compressed undesirably.

[0146] One such situation is... Figure 11 As shown, the zipper chain has been bent around the zipper's transverse axis T, making the zipper chain no longer planar. In this case, the connecting tooth 14a contacts the connecting tooth on either side of a row of connecting teeth in its first toothed belt. Specifically, the body 50 of the connecting tooth contacts the body of each connecting tooth on either side at two locations below the zipper belt 16a, indicated by P1 and P2 respectively. Figure 11 This illustrates the degree to which the zipper chain bends to the point where connecting teeth 14a contact either side of the connecting teeth. If the zipper chain is more... Figure 11The greater the bending shown, the more compressed the connecting teeth 14a and those on either side will become. This compression causes the connecting teeth to deform. This deformation may mean that the connecting teeth can no longer maintain a waterproof seal. Additionally, the deformation may mean that the connecting teeth can no longer effectively interlock with the connecting teeth of other zipper links, leading to the zipper chain separating or breaking.

[0147] It will be understood that because the side 64 of the body 50 of the connecting tooth 14a is gradually narrowed, the zipper chain can bend until the body of the connecting tooth contacts the body of the connecting tooth on either side to a greater extent than if the gradually narrowing side were not present. Thus, the gradually narrowing side of the connecting tooth allows for greater bending of the zipper chain before any contact that could cause deformation of the connecting tooth occurs between the bodies of adjacent connecting teeth on the same chain band. Therefore, the gradual narrowing reduces the risk of zipper chain failure due to bending.

[0148] It will be understood that while the above discussion focuses on the gradually narrowing side 64 below the zipper tape and the zipper chain causing a portion of the lower surface of the zipper tape to move and bend towards another portion of the lower surface of the zipper tape, this discussion also relates to the gradually narrowing side 62 above the zipper tape and the zipper chain causing a portion of the upper surface of the zipper tape to move and bend towards another portion of the upper surface of the zipper tape (i.e., the zipper chain in relation to...). Figure 11 (The direction shown is opposite to the direction of bending) Related to this.

[0149] The above is about Figure 11 The discussion focuses on shaping the zipper teeth so that compression of adjacent connecting teeth during bending does not lead to deterioration of the seal. However, it will be understood that in some implementations, if the zipper chain bends to the extent shown in the figure, the seal may deteriorate due to factors other than the aforementioned compression of adjacent connecting teeth.

[0150] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of a zipper according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The cross-section is along... Figure 3 The plane and direction indicated by C in the diagram are cut off. The zipper pull 11 is installed on the intersecting connecting teeth 14a and 14b of the zipper chain.

[0151] Each connecting tooth 14a, 14b has a gradually narrowing rear portion. The rear portion of each connecting tooth 14a, 14b is the part of the body furthest from the head of the connecting tooth. The gradually narrowing rear portion includes: a first gradually narrowing side 66 located above the zipper tapes 16a, 16b; and a second gradually narrowing side 68 located below the zipper tapes 16a, 16b. The gradually narrowing sides 66 and 68 can be said to gradually narrow along the transverse axis T, such that the height of the connecting tooth (measured parallel to axis H) decreases as the transverse distance from the head of the connecting tooth (measured parallel to axis T) increases.

[0152] In this embodiment, each of the tapered sides 66, 68 on each connecting tooth is identical. In other embodiments, this is not necessary, and the tapered sides on each connecting tooth may be different and / or the tapered side 66 above the zipper tape may differ from the tapered side 68 below the zipper tape.

[0153] In this embodiment, the gradually narrowing sides 66, 68 are generally planar and inclined such that the acute angle 69 between the gradually narrowing sides 66, 68 and the axis H is approximately 50 degrees. In other embodiments, this acute angle may be between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 75 degrees.

[0154] A gradually narrowing side 66 is provided between the upper surface of the body of the associated connecting tooth and the rear portion of the body of the associated connecting tooth. A gradually narrowing side 68 is provided between the lower surface of the body of the associated connecting tooth and the rear portion of the body of the associated connecting tooth. The rear portion of the body of the connecting tooth extends approximately parallel to the axis H.

[0155] The gradually narrowing sides 66 and 68 mean that there are gaps between the upper flange 42 and the lower flange 44 of the zipper pull and the upper and rear sides of the connecting teeth, respectively. This gap helps to reduce the contact between the connecting teeth 14a and 14b and the inner surface of the zipper pull 11, and thus reduces friction between them. This is especially important if the connecting teeth are formed of a soft and therefore easily worn due to friction. Thus, the gap defined by the gradually narrowing sides 66 and 68 helps to avoid wear and, therefore, prevents possible deterioration of the connecting teeth due to the use of the zipper pull on the zipper.

[0156] In addition, because the gap reduces friction between the zipper pull and the connecting teeth, the zipper pull will move more easily along the zipper chain, making it easier to open and close the zipper.

[0157] The gradually narrowing sides 66 and 68 do not always extend from the upper and lower surfaces of the body of the connecting teeth to the zipper tapes 16a and 16b for mounting the associated connecting teeth. In fact, the gradually narrowing sides 66 and 68 extend from the upper and lower surfaces of the body to positions spaced apart from the upper and lower surfaces of the associated zipper tapes for mounting the connecting teeth along axis H.

[0158] Similarly, the tapered side 66 does not extend as close to the upper surface of the zipper tapes 16a, 16b as the upper flange 42 of the zipper pull 11. Likewise, the tapered side 68 does not extend as close to the lower surface of the zipper tapes 16a, 16b as the lower flange 44 of the zipper pull 11. In this way, the distance H2 (measured parallel to axis H) between the upper flange 42 and the lower flange 44 of the zipper pull is smaller than the distance H1 (measured parallel to axis H) between the portion of the tapered surface 66 closest to the upper surface of the zipper tape for mounting the connecting teeth and the portion of the tapered surface 68 closest to the lower surface of the zipper tape for mounting the connecting teeth. In this embodiment, H1 is 1.5 mm and H2 is 1 mm. Of course, in other embodiments, these distances may be different.

[0159] It is believed that by not being as close as the ends of the relevant upper or lower flanges of the zipper pull to the gradually narrowing surface extending from the zipper tape, the gradually narrowing surface can still provide a gap between the connecting teeth and the inner surface of the zipper pull, thereby reducing wear, and the rear side of the connecting teeth can still contact the upper and lower flanges of the zipper pull to help guide the zipper pull along the zipper chain.

[0160] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of an article 70 including a zipper 10 according to the invention is shown. As is known in the art, the zipper 10 is incorporated into the article 70 by attaching the zipper tape 16a of the first toothed zipper tape 12a to the first portion 70a of the article in a waterproof manner, and attaching the zipper tape 16b of the second toothed zipper tape 12b to the second portion 70b of the article in a waterproof manner. Thus, when the zipper 10 is closed such that all its connecting teeth intersect each other, the zipper waterproofly joins the first portion 70a and the second portion 70b of the article.

[0161] It should be understood that the examples provided herein are merely illustrative and various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A zipper chain (13) comprising: a first zipper tape (12a) comprising a first zipper strip (16a) having a first row of coupling teeth (14a) mounted on a first longitudinal edge (15a) of the first zipper strip; a second zipper tape (12b) comprising a second zipper strip (16b) having a second row of coupling teeth (14b) mounted on a second longitudinal edge (15b) of the second zipper strip, wherein the first row of coupling teeth is configured to interdigitate with the second row of coupling teeth along a zipper axis (L-L) so as to secure the first and second zipper tapes together, each coupling tooth of the first and second rows of coupling teeth is shaped to include a body (50) having a shoulder (52) and a head (54) extending away from the shoulder in parallel to a transverse axis (T-T) perpendicular to the zipper axis and via a neck (56), the head including a slot (58) extending in parallel to the zipper axis, the body of each coupling tooth of the first row of coupling teeth is mounted to the first zipper strip and the body of each coupling tooth of the second row of coupling teeth is mounted to the second zipper strip, when the first row of coupling teeth interdigitates with the second row of coupling teeth, a spacing is maintained between the first and second longitudinal edges and a first coupling tooth of the first row of coupling teeth is received between two adjacent coupling teeth of the second row of coupling teeth such that: i) the slot of the first coupling tooth receives and contacts a portion of the second longitudinal edge of the second zipper strip intermediate the adjacent coupling teeth of the second row in a first contact area, ii) the head of the first coupling tooth is received between and contacts the necks of the adjacent coupling teeth of the second row in a second contact area and a third contact area, respectively, iii) one slot of the adjacent coupling teeth of the second row receives and contacts a first portion of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper strip adjacent the first coupling tooth in a fourth contact area, and iv) the other slot of the adjacent coupling teeth of the second row receives and contacts a second portion of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper strip adjacent the first coupling tooth in a fifth contact area, the first coupling tooth is intermediate the first and second portions of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper strip, and the contacts in each of the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth contact areas form a seal between the first coupling tooth and each adjacent coupling tooth that joins the first and second longitudinal edges together, The seal is a waterproof seal such that water is substantially prevented from passing between the first coupling teeth (14a) and each adjacent coupling tooth (14b) and between the first longitudinal edge (15a) and the second longitudinal edge (15b).

2. The slide fastener chain (13) according to claim 1, characterized by Each of the plurality of coupling teeth in the first row of coupling teeth (14a) is received between two respective adjacent coupling teeth in the second row of coupling teeth (14b) such that: i) the slot (58) of each first coupling tooth of the first row receives and contacts a respective portion of the second longitudinal edge (15b) of the second zipper tape (16b) intermediate the respective adjacent coupling teeth of the second row in a first contact area, ii) the head (54) of each first coupling tooth of the first row is received between the necks (52) of the respective adjacent coupling teeth of the second row and contacts the necks (52) of the respective adjacent coupling teeth of the second row in a second contact area and a third contact area respectively, iii) one slot of the respective adjacent coupling teeth of the second row receives and contacts a respective first portion of the first longitudinal edge (15a) of the first zipper tape (16a) adjacent the respective first coupling tooth in a fourth contact area, and iv) the other slot of the respective adjacent coupling teeth of the second row receives and contacts a respective second portion of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape adjacent the respective first coupling tooth in a fifth contact area, each first coupling tooth is intermediate the respective first and second portions of the first longitudinal edge of the first zipper tape, and the contact in each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth contact areas forms a seal between each first coupling tooth and the respective adjacent coupling teeth that binds the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge together such that the seal is formed along the full length of the zipper chain.

3. A zipper chain (13) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first longitudinal edge (15a) of the first zipper tape (16a) and the second longitudinal edge (15b) of the second zipper tape (16b) each take the form of a core thread.

4. The slide fastener chain (13) according to claim 3, characterized by Each core thread (15a, 15b) has a thickness in a direction perpendicular to both the zipper axis (L-L) and the transverse axis (T-T) that is greater than the thickness of the remainder of the zipper tape (16a, 16b) of which the core thread forms a part.

5. The slide fastener chain (13) according to claim 3, characterized by The core thread (15a) of the first zipper tape (16a) and the core thread (15b) of the second zipper tape (16b) are coated and / or impregnated with a water-impermeable plastic material.

6. The fastener chain (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first zipper tape (16a) and the second zipper tape (16b) are coated and / or impregnated with a water-impermeable plastic material.

7. A fastener chain (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first row of coupling teeth (14a) is mounted on the first longitudinal edge (15a) of the first zipper tape (16a) in such a way that the first longitudinal edge meets the neck (56) of each coupling tooth of the first row of coupling teeth, and the second row of coupling teeth (14b) is mounted on the second longitudinal edge (15b) of the second zipper tape (16b) in such a way that the second longitudinal edge meets the neck (56) of each coupling tooth of the second row of coupling teeth.

8. The fastener chain (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Each coupling tooth of the first row of coupling teeth (14a) and the second row of coupling teeth (14b) comprises: a first portion (14c) mounted to a first face (16f) of the zipper tape (16a, 16b) of the zipper tape chain (12a, 12b), the first portion forming a part of the zipper tape chain, a second portion (14d) mounted to a second face (16g) of the zipper tape opposite the first face of the zipper tape of the zipper tape chain, the second portion forming a part of the zipper tape chain, and an intermediate portion (14e) joining the first portion (14c) and the second portion (14d), the intermediate portion comprising at least a head (54) of the coupling tooth.

9. The fastener chain (13) according to claim 3, characterized in that When the first row of coupling teeth (14a) and the second row of coupling teeth (14b) cross each other, a thickness of the core thread (15a) of the first zipper tape chain (12a) in a direction parallel to the transverse axis (T-T) is greater than a separation distance between the core thread of the first zipper tape chain and the core thread (15b) of the second zipper tape chain (12b) in a direction parallel to the transverse axis.

10. The fastener chain (13) according to claim 3, characterized in that The thickness of the core thread (15a) of the first zipper tape chain (12a) in a direction parallel to the transverse axis (T-T) is greater than a depth of the groove (58) of the first coupling tooth in a direction parallel to the transverse axis.

11. The zipper chain (13) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first coupling tooth (14a) comprises a first pressure portion (60), and one of the adjacent coupling teeth (14b) comprises a corresponding second pressure portion (60a), and when the first row of coupling teeth (14a) and the second row of coupling teeth (14b) cross each other, the first pressure portion contacts the second pressure portion such that the first pressure portion and the second pressure portion are compressed, thereby establishing a seal between the first pressure portion and the second pressure portion.

12. The zipper chain (13) according to claim 11, wherein the first coupling tooth (14a) comprises a third pressure portion (60b), and the other of the adjacent coupling teeth (14b) comprises a corresponding fourth pressure portion (60c), and when the first row of coupling teeth (14a) and the second row of coupling teeth (14b) cross each other, the first pressure portion contacts the second pressure portion such that the first pressure portion and the second pressure portion are compressed, thereby establishing a seal between the first pressure portion and the second pressure portion. When the first row of coupling teeth (14a) and the second row of coupling teeth (14b) cross each other, the third pressure portion contacts the fourth pressure portion such that the third pressure portion and the fourth pressure portion are compressed, thereby establishing a seal between the third pressure portion and the fourth pressure portion.

13. A slide fastener chain (13) according to claim 12, characterized in that One or more of the first pressure portion (60), the second pressure portion (60a), the third pressure portion (60b), and the fourth pressure portion (60c) has a protrusion extending from the head (54) and / or neck (56) of the coupling tooth (14a, 14b) in a direction parallel to the zipper axis (L-L), the relevant pressure portion forming a portion of the coupling tooth.

14. The fastener chain according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, Each of the seals between the first pressure portion (60) and the second pressure portion (60a) and between the third pressure portion (60b) and the fourth pressure portion (60c) is a waterproof seal.

15. The zipper chain (13) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body (50) of each of the first coupling tooth (14a) and the adjacent coupling tooth (14b) has a width tapering parallel to the zipper axis (L-L), whereby a first width (FW) is greater than a second width (SW), wherein the first width is a width of the body of the relevant coupling tooth parallel to the zipper axis at a first lateral position adjacent to a first face (16f) of the zipper tape (16a, 16b) on which the coupling tooth is mounted, the second width is a width of the body of the relevant coupling tooth parallel to the zipper axis at the first lateral position at a position spaced above the first face of the zipper tape on which the coupling tooth is mounted.

16. The zipper chain (13) according to claim 15, wherein the first width (FW) is a maximum width of the body (50) at the first lateral position above the zipper tape (16a, 16b), and the second width (SW) is a minimum width of the body at the first lateral position above the zipper tape, and the second width is 40% to 85% of the first width.

17. The zipper chain (13) according to claim 15, wherein the body (50) of each of the first coupling tooth (14a) and the adjacent coupling tooth (14b) has a width tapering parallel to the zipper axis (L-L), whereby a third width (FW) is greater than a fourth width (SW), wherein the third width is a width of the body of the relevant coupling tooth parallel to the zipper axis at the first lateral position adjacent to a second face (16g) of the zipper tape (16a, 16b) on which the coupling tooth is mounted, the fourth width is a width of the body of the relevant coupling tooth parallel to the zipper axis at the first lateral position at a position spaced above the second face of the zipper tape on which the coupling tooth is mounted. The fourth width is the width of the body of the associated coupling element at the first transverse position below the second face of the slide fastener tape spaced apart from the second face parallel to the slide fastener axis.

18. The slide fastener chain (13) according to claim 17, characterized in that The third width (FW) is the maximum width of the body (50) at the first transverse position below the slide fastener tape (16a, 16b), the fourth width (SW) is the minimum width of the body at the first transverse position below the slide fastener tape (16a, 16b), and The fourth width is 40% to 85% of the third width.

19. The fastener chain (13) according to claim 5, characterized in that The first coupling element (14a) and the adjacent coupling element (14b) are formed of a water-impermeable plastic material.

20. A fastener chain (13) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Each of the first coupling element (14a) and the adjacent coupling element (14b) is formed of a material such that the Young's modulus of each of the first coupling element and the adjacent coupling element is between 1000 and 2000.

21. A slide fastener (10) comprising: The slide fastener chain (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 20; and A slider (11) movably mounted on the first slide fastener tape (12a) and the second slide fastener tape (12b) such that the slider is movable along the slide fastener axis (L-L) relative to the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape: In a first direction (E), the first row of coupling elements (14a) of the first slide fastener tape and the second row of coupling elements (14b) of the second slide fastener tape are interdigitated, thereby securing the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape together, and In a second direction (D), the first row of coupling elements of the first slide fastener tape and the second row of coupling elements of the second slide fastener tape are separated, thereby separating the first slide fastener tape and the second slide fastener tape.

22. The fastener (10) according to claim 21, characterized in that The slide fastener further comprises: At least one upper stop (20a, 20b) configured to limit movement of the slider (11) in the first direction (E) along the slide fastener axis (L-L); and / or A lower stop (22) configured to limit movement of the slider in the second direction (D) along the slide fastener axis.

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