Zipper teeth, zipper tooth belt and zipper chain

Abstract

The zipper teeth for a zipper have a connecting portion and a single root portion. The root portion has a curved portion and a distal end, or can be plastically bent in such a manner as to have a curved portion and a distal end, wherein the distal end extends from the curved portion toward the side of the connecting portion closer to the zipper tape. Each surface of the connecting portion has: an engaging protrusion protruding in the longitudinal direction; and an engaging recess recessing in the longitudinal direction relative to that surface. The engaging recess is configured to receive the engaging protrusion of the zipper tooth on the zipper tape when the zipper is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to zippers. More specifically, it relates to zipper teeth. Zipper belts made using the disclosed zipper teeth can be used with both concealed zippers and zippers where the teeth are directly visible from the outside. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, a zipper comprises a pair of strips extending flatly. Each zipper strip typically has an edge facing the inner side of the core thread, and zipper teeth (or prongs) are mounted on these core threads and the inner edges of the zipper strip. These edges are forcibly joined together by the action of the slider on each tooth. A strip with teeth mounted in this configuration is known as a toothed zipper strip. Two toothed zipper strips combined into one are known as a chain. A zipper generally comprises a chain and at least one slider; additionally, in many cases, a top stop, a bottom stop, or both are mounted on the chain. When opening or closing the zipper, the user typically holds the tab connected to the slider and pulls the slider in the forward or backward direction. Thus, the zipper closes or opens depending on the direction of movement of the slider.

[0003] This invention relates to zipper teeth that share several features with conventional zipper teeth used in concealed zippers. In use, the front or rear of the zipper chain can be exposed. When the teeth are discretely mounted on the toothed belt, i.e., when individual teeth made of metal or plastic are, for example, compressed (more common in the case of metal) or, as another example, injection molded (more common in the case of plastic), the user will not notice any difference in shape between the teeth, which are symmetrical with respect to the belt, regardless of which side is exposed. However, when the zipper contains continuous teeth, i.e., when the teeth of the toothed belt sewn onto the edge of the belt include coils or spirals, the teeth are sometimes completely mounted on one side of the belt, either outward or inward. Even in this case, the teeth can be seen when mounted on the inward side of the zipper. By folding the belt back in a manner that covers the continuous teeth and sewing it in the correct position, the teeth can be more completely concealed. Such concealed zippers are well known in the art. This technique, similar to the folding back of a toothed zipper belt, can be used with discretely mounted teeth on the belt. Generally, the teeth of this type of zipper are not exposed; in other words, when they are closed and the belts of each toothed zipper belt are oriented to cover the teeth, the teeth are not visible from the outside. Alternatively, for this configuration where the teeth are mounted on the toothed zipper belt, when the zipper is used with the teeth on a visible surface, the surface of the teeth can be more exposed. Typically, these types of invisible zippers are used in high-end clothing such as jackets.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a zipper tooth for an invisible zipper. The tooth has a hook shape overall and includes a connecting portion and a root. The root includes a curved portion with an arc-shaped groove fixed to the edge of the core thread and the zipper tape. The connecting portion is configured to engage two consecutive zipper teeth of opposing zipper tapes. The connecting portion has two opposing surfaces, one of which provides an engaging protrusion, and the opposite surface provides an engaging recess. The engaging protrusion and engaging recess are configured to engage with engaging recesses and engaging protrusions respectively provided on the two respective zipper teeth embedded in the opposing zipper tapes.

[0005] If the conventional type of zipper tape is used, the zipper pull moves smoothly in one direction, but not so smoothly in the opposite direction.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 102793341 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a zipper tooth that forms a high-quality zipper, in which the zipper head can move smoothly along the zipper tooth in both the closing and opening directions of the zipper.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to form a zipper with prominent metal teeth having a glossy, metallic appearance. This aspect meets the needs of certain types of clothing, such as leather jackets or bags, wherein the zipper teeth are clearly visible from the outside, bringing aesthetic value to the item to which they are applied.

[0011] According to one aspect, the present invention provides zipper teeth for zippers as defined in claim 1. According to one aspect of the invention, an embodiment provides a zipper tooth having a connecting portion and a single root extending from the connecting portion. The root forms a superior arcuate groove (i.e., a groove shaped to be larger than 180 degrees or having an arcuate radius equal to 180 degrees) for receiving and retaining the length of the core wire and the edge of the zipper tape. The connecting portion has two opposing surfaces in the longitudinal direction. Each surface of the connecting portion includes: an engaging protrusion protruding in the longitudinal direction; and an engaging recess recessing in the longitudinal direction relative to the associated surface, configured to receive the engaging protrusion of the zipper tooth on the opposing zipper tape in the zipper-closed state.

[0012] As defined above, the root portion of the zipper tooth is substantially straight in its undeformed state before being installed onto the tape, and the aforementioned superior arc-shaped groove has not yet been formed. According to another aspect of the invention, an embodiment can provide a zipper tooth for a zipper having a root portion that is a single root portion capable of plastic bending to form a superior arc-shaped groove for accommodating and holding the length of the core wire and the edge of the zipper tape. This allows for plastic bending to include a bent portion and a distal end extending from the bent portion toward the zipper tape side of the connecting portion. The zipper tooth also includes a connecting portion extending from the root portion, having two opposing faces in the longitudinal direction. Each face of the connecting portion has an engaging protrusion protruding in the longitudinal direction and an engaging recess recessing in the longitudinal direction relative to the associated face, configured to accommodate the engaging protrusion of the zipper tooth on the opposing toothed tape in the zipper-closed state.

[0013] Preferably, the joint comprises: a main body portion connected to the root portion; and a distal plate portion extending from the main body portion, providing two opposing surfaces having an engaging protrusion and an engaging recess. The root portion has a first length direction thickness, and the distal plate portion has a second length direction thickness smaller than the first length direction thickness of the root portion. Preferred embodiments of the zipper teeth are defined in the dependent claims.

[0014] The zipper teeth have engaging protrusions and corresponding engaging recesses on their opposing surfaces at the joint. Therefore, the number of engaging protrusions and recesses is twice that of the well-known design used in concealed zippers. The increased distribution and subdivision of the contact area between the teeth facilitates smoother movement of the zipper pull along the zipper band. The symmetrical shape of the two opposing surfaces of the same zipper tooth provides the same smooth movement when the zipper is closed and opened. The spacing between two zipper teeth on the same zipper band is reduced compared to the prior art, resulting in a shorter gap between two consecutive teeth; in other words, the teeth on the same zipper band are closer together than in the prior art. Due to this closer embedding of the teeth, the visible surface of the zipper teeth has a more uniform, shiny metallic appearance. This aesthetic effect is desirable even when the zipper is not used as a concealed zipper.

[0015] As an example, embodiments of the zipper teeth according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings listed below. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a zipper chain accompanied by zipper teeth according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram that roughly shows how to install zipper teeth onto the zipper tape and its core wire.

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram that roughly shows how to install zipper teeth onto the zipper tape and its core wire.

[0019] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A magnified view showing the details.

[0020] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the teeth of the zipper chain as seen from the side hidden by the zipper tape that is usually removed to indicate the teeth in the engaged state.

[0021] Figure 6 It shows the joined chain teeth in reverse. Figure 5 A 3D diagram of the chain teeth.

[0022] Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view obtained by cutting along line VII-VII.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the zipper teeth according to the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of a zipper chain with zipper teeth according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in an arrangement where the zipper teeth are hidden.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a zipper chain with zipper teeth exposed in an arrangement according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of two toothed straps accompanying the zipper teeth according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 It is due to the combined state Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the zipper chain formed by two zipper teeth.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the zipper teeth according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the zipper teeth.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a zipper chain in a bent state.

[0031] Figure 16This is a cross-sectional view of the toothed chain of a zipper according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a zipper chain accompanied by zipper teeth according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 18 This is a cross-sectional view of a zipper chain accompanied by zipper teeth according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the zipper tooth for the zipper tape is designated by reference numeral 10. This zipper tooth, or "tooth," is preferably made of a metal alloy and, overall, has a substantially hook shape. In other words, the tooth is bent in a vertical plane such that its two lateral ends face the same direction when installed. The tooth 10 is referred to hereinafter as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As explained, it is fixed in a well-known manner to the core wire 12 and the zipper tape 11 extending along the length direction.

[0035] In this context, the term "length direction" refers to the direction in which the zipper tape extends, and also indicates the direction in which the zipper pull moves along the zipper. Additionally, the direction perpendicular to the length direction on the surface of the zipper tape is defined as the "lateral" or "width" direction. Terms such as "front," "forward," or "head direction," and "rear," "tail direction," or "rear" refer to the direction in which the zipper pull moves relative to the rows of zipper teeth to engage and disengage. When the zipper pull is pulled "front," "forward," or "head direction" along the teeth, these teeth are forced together, thus engaging them. If the zipper pull moves backward, tail direction, or rearward, the teeth disengage. Directions perpendicular to the length and lateral directions are defined as "perpendicular" directions. In this context, the term "thickness" generally refers to the length in the length direction.

[0036] The zipper teeth include a connecting portion (or head) 13 and a single root portion 14. The connecting portion 13 is configured to engage two consecutive zipper teeth of opposing zipper teeth. The root portion 14 extends from the connecting portion 13 and forms an arcuate groove 15, which is used to receive and retain the length of the core wire 12 and the edge of the zipper tape 11 in the closed state obtained when mounted to the zipper tape. In this context, the root portion 14 is defined as a single root portion, meaning that the root is not divided into two strands for securing the tape and core wire between two fixing portions of the root.

[0037] The root portion 14 includes: a bend 16, preferably formed in the shape of a 180-degree bend; and a distal end 17, which extends substantially along a line in the transverse plane from the bend 16 toward the side of the joint 13 closer to the zipper tape. Figure 1 ).

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the core wire 12 of the belt 11 is positioned on one side of the chain tooth 10 where the initially straight (or substantially straight) root 14 meets the connecting portion 13. The root 14 of the chain tooth 10 then faces the same direction from both ends laterally when installed. Figure 3 The zipper tape 12 bends in a vertical plane toward the joint 13 and wraps around the core wire. This bending action forms a bend 16 and an arc-shaped groove 15, which tightly accommodates the length of the core wire 12. On the other hand, the length of the edge of the zipper tape 11 is fixed or sandwiched between the distal end 17 of the root 14 and the convex side 20 of the joint facing the zipper tape.

[0039] The embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described herein refers to a zipper tooth with a bent root 14 for securing a portion of the core wire and the edge of the zipper tape. It can be appreciated that, in its undeformed state before the zipper tooth is installed onto the tape, the root is straight or substantially straight, and has the potential to form a groove 15 and a bend 16 with a superior arc shape during deformation.

[0040] The distal end 17 extends and is oriented laterally, forming a tip 18 which is positioned beyond the geometric line A that is tangent to the side 19 of the zipper tape closer to the joint 13.

[0041] The joint 13 includes: a main body portion 21 connected to the root portion 14; and a distal plate portion 22 extending from the main body portion 21. Preferably, the main body portion 21 has a length direction thickness T equal to the length direction thickness T of the root portion 14. Figure 7 Preferably, the distal plate portion 22 has a length direction thickness t that is smaller than the length direction thickness T of the root portion 14.

[0042] The distal plate portion 22 has two opposing surfaces 23 and 24 facing opposite directions in the longitudinal direction. Each surface 23 and 24 provides an engaging protrusion 25 and an engaging recess 26. The engaging protrusion 25 protrudes from each of the two opposing surfaces 23 and 24 in the longitudinal direction, and the engaging recess 26 is configured to be recessed relative to the associated surface in the longitudinal direction and to receive the engaging protrusion 25 of the zipper teeth on the opposing zipper belt. Preferably, the surfaces 23 and 24 have parallel and flat surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0043] For convenience, the chain tooth 10 has a mid-surface M that extends relative to the center of the chain tooth and is perpendicular to the length direction. Figure 7It has a symmetrical shape.

[0044] Preferably, the engaging protrusion 25 is shaped as a vertically elongated mountain shape that rises from each of the faces 23 and 24, accompanied by a peak 53, a distal slope 27 facing the distal edge 28 of the distal plate portion 22, and a proximal slope 29 facing the main body portion 21.

[0045] For convenience, in order to have a smoother engagement and disengagement action of the relative chain teeth into and out of the engagement recess, the proximal bevel 29 is more inclined relative to the surface 23 or 24 erected by the engagement protrusion 25 than the distal bevel 27.

[0046] Preferably, the engaging protrusion 25 is spaced apart from the distal edge 28, so that each surface of the surfaces 23 and 24 surrounds the engaging protrusion 25, providing a flat strip surface 30 between the distal slope 27 and the distal edge 28 of the distal plate portion 22.

[0047] The thickness of the zipper tooth 10 in the longitudinal direction can be set to be equal to, or slightly larger than, the thickness T in the longitudinal direction of the root 14 when measured at the engagement protrusion 25. Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the zipper teeth in the longitudinal direction is slightly greater than the thickness of the root 14 in the longitudinal direction when measured at the engagement protrusion 25.

[0048] On either opposite surface of the joint, the engaging recess 26 is shaped to accommodate the engaging protrusions 25 of adjacent zipper teeth 10 mounted on the opposite toothed belt of the zipper when the zipper is closed.

[0049] The engaging recess 26 is defined between the main body 21, the engaging protrusion 25 and the bottom surface 31, that is, between a portion of the surface 23 or surface 24 contained between the main body 21 and the engaging protrusion 25.

[0050] The connecting wall 32 joins the thicker main body portion 21 with the thinner distal plate portion 22. The connecting wall 32 extends from the side of the joint portion 13 closer to the zipper tape to the opposite side of the joint portion 13 in the vertical direction further away from the zipper tape. Preferably, the connecting wall 32 is inclined toward the distal edge 28 of the distal plate portion 22.

[0051] The embodiment provides a solution in which two side extensions 33, 34 of the main body portion 21 extending toward the distal plate portion 22 are defined by the connecting wall 32. Therefore, an engaging recess 26 can be defined between the engaging protrusion 25 and the connecting wall 32, especially between the side extensions 33, 34, the central portion 35 of the connecting wall 32 that engages the side extensions 33, 34, and the bottom surface 31.

[0052] exist Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging recess 26 is substantially trapezoidal in shape when viewed along its length. Each of the two parallel sides of the engaging recess 26 is defined by the engaging protrusion 25 and the central portion 35 of the connecting wall 32, and the two inclined sides 36, 37 are defined by the side extensions 33, 34. Two passages 38, 39 can be formed on each of the surfaces 23, 24 between one of the side extensions 33, 34 and the engaging protrusion 25.

[0053] The zipper teeth 10 can be used with either a zipper tooth chain with visible zipper teeth or a zipper tooth chain with hidden zipper teeth. Figure 9 This example illustrates how zipper teeth can be concealed. The side facing the top of the diagram represents the outer side of the item O (e.g., fabric), and the side facing the bottom of the diagram represents the inner side of the item. Conversely, Figure 10 Another example of how to show exposed zipper teeth is that the side facing the top of the attached diagram is the outside of item O.

[0054] The length-direction thickness t of the distal plate portion 22 is smaller than the length-direction thickness T of the main body portion 21 and the root portion 14. Figure 7 Furthermore, the engaging protrusions 25 and engaging recesses 26 are provided on both sides of the joint portion 13. Therefore, compared with the prior art, the zipper teeth can be configured more densely along the zipper tape. Figure 6 That is, accompanied by a shorter length-direction spacing P ( Figure 7 The configuration allows for the length-direction gap G between two consecutive chain teeth 10 in the same column. Figure 7 The number of zipper straps has been reduced compared to the past.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, the embodiment can provide the following solution: one of the two opposing faces 40, 41 of the root 14 of the zipper tooth extends across the geometric plane P40 and plane P41 of the two opposing faces 40, 41 of the root 14 of the zipper tooth on the opposing tooth strip. A shorter gap G in the length direction necessarily results in a larger proportion of the visible metal surface of the zipper tooth, which satisfies the aesthetic requirement that the zipper has a shiny metallic appearance. Figure 6 ).

[0056] like Figure 4As shown, the distal plate portion 22 has a distal edge 28, which is accompanied by a substantially straight central edge 42 and two inclined side edges 43, 44 converging towards the central edge 42 from the main body portion 21 in a manner that gradually tapers towards the top. The inclined side edges 43, which are positioned toward the zipper tape 11, are formed with rounded corners (R) with a radius 45 relative to the straight central edge 42. The convex side surface 20 of the connecting portion 13, especially the main body portion 21, facing the zipper tape, protrudes more vertically toward the zipper tape in the vertical direction than the inclined side edges 43 of the distal plate portion that are positioned toward the zipper tape. The inclined side edges 43 of the zipper teeth 10 fixed to the right side tape 11R and the convex side surfaces 20L of the adjacent zipper teeth 10L fixed to the left side tape 11L are shown with reference to the diagram. Figure 4 According to this arrangement, with the zipper engaged, one side of the strap (in) Figure 4 The fiber between the two zipper teeth on the left side (11L) is not secured to the other side of the zipper tape (in Figure 4 The inclined side edge 43 of the zipper tooth on the right side (11R) is compressed. As a result, the loose fibers of the zipper tape are able to expand within the space between two consecutive teeth of the same tooth zipper tape. This feature counteracts the fact that the teeth are more densely embedded along the zipper tape and gives the zipper tape increased flexibility overall.

[0057] In several embodiments, the fibers of the zipper tape between two teeth on one tape can be separated from the joint portion of the teeth of the opposing tape (i.e., spaced apart) (e.g. Figure 4 (As shown). In other embodiments, the fibers between two teeth on one zipper belt can contact the inclined side edge of the joint of the teeth of the opposing zipper belt. However, the fibers of the zipper belt are not compressed by the gradually tapering profile of the inclined side edge towards the tip. In either case, as a result, friction between the teeth of one zipper belt and the teeth of the other zipper belt is reduced.

[0058] The implementation method can provide the following solution: in the main body portion 21 of the joint portion 13 ( Figure 4 The side extension 33 closer to the zipper tape 11 has a thickness C1 (C1 < C2) measured in the vertical direction that is smaller in the vertical direction than the thickness C2 of the side extension 34 further away from the zipper tape. To explain more specifically... Figure 4 The thicknesses C1 and C2 shown are the thicknesses in the vertical direction measured at the central part of the connecting wall, that is, at the part of the engaging recess furthest from the far edge of the joint.

[0059] According to the second embodiment ( Figure 11 and Figure 12To reduce friction between the zipper teeth 10 and the zipper pull (not shown), the side of the engagement portion 13 furthest from the zipper tape 11 can be made smaller than the side of the same engagement portion closer to the zipper tape. Specifically, the vertical distance W2 between the engaging protrusion 25 and the inclined side edge 43 of the engagement portion closer to the zipper tape is longer than the vertical distance W1 between the engaging protrusion 25 and the inclined side edge 44 of the engagement portion furthest from the zipper tape (W1 < W2).

[0060] In the second embodiment ( Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the first embodiment, the inclined side edge 44 of the connecting part 13, which is furthest from the zipper tape, is connected to the first embodiment. Figure 1 When making a comparison, the point 46 of the main body portion extends further away from the distal edge 28 of the joint portion. In other words, the joint portion 13 has an inclined side facing away from the direction of the zipper tape that can be fully formed from the root portion 14 to the distal edge 28 of the distal plate portion 22.

[0061] As a result, when the two chain links are engaged, when viewed along the length direction, the outline of the chain teeth on the two chain links on the side farther from the zipper tape forms a recess 47 with an obtuse angle. Figure 12 This recessed area reduces the contact area and interference between the zipper pull and the zipper teeth, thus enabling smoother sliding of the zipper pull.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The implementation provides a solution in which the engaging protrusion 25 is positioned closer to the inclined side edge 44 facing away from the zipper tape and further away from the side edge 43 on the side of the zipper tape, so that the engagement portion 13 has an asymmetrical design.

[0063] The implementation can provide a solution in which the distal plate portion 22 gradually tapers at its tip as it extends from a point beyond the engagement recess toward the distal edge 28.

[0064] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, alternative embodiments can provide a solution where one or two chamfers are formed on the side of the joint 13 further away from the zipper tape. Figure 13 and Figure 14The reference numeral 48 shown is a side profile extending along the contour of the distal plate portion 22, specifically along the central edge 42 and the two inclined side edges 43, 44 in the longitudinal direction. The first chamfer 49 reduces the thickness of the distal plate portion 22 in the longitudinal direction along the inclined side edge 44 furthest from the zipper tape at the joint. The first chamfer 49 joins the side profile 48 to one of the two opposing surfaces 23, 24 (23) of the distal plate portion 22, reducing the area of ​​the zipper teeth that can contact the zipper pull. Therefore, a smoother sliding motion of the zipper pull can be achieved.

[0065] like Figure 14 As shown, the embodiment provides the following solution: the second chamfer 52 reduces the thickness of the distal plate portion 22 along the inclined side edge 44 furthest from the zipper tape at the joint. The chamfer 52 joins the side shape surface 48 to the opposite surface 24 of the distal plate portion 22, further reducing the area of ​​the zipper teeth that can contact the zipper pull.

[0066] When the zipper tape in the closed state bends in the horizontal plane, such as Figure 15 As shown, it presents a curved shape with an arc centered at C. In this curved state, the side of the engaging protrusion furthest from the center C in the radial direction tends to partially disengage from the engaging recess of the teeth on the opposite zipper belt. As a result, the contact area between the engaging teeth is reduced. To prevent the teeth from disengaging and to enable separation of the two zipper belts, the embodiment provides a solution in which the connecting portion 13 can be positioned closer to the zipper belt side. Figure 16 The center of the arc-shaped groove 15 used to accommodate the core wire is defined as K, which lies within a geometric plane Q extending in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. By positioning the engaging protrusion 25 and engaging recess 26 such that they partially extend beyond plane Q toward the zipper tape, the contact engaging area increases when the zipper tape is bent in the closed state.

[0067] When the zipper teeth are pressed onto the tape, the distal end 17 of the root 14 provides a flat side 51 that rests against the zipper tape 11. Figure 17 In the illustrated embodiment, the flat side 51 of the distal end 17 has a proximal length 50 extending beyond the plane S, wherein the plane S is tangent to the arcuate groove 15 for receiving the core wire and extends in both the vertical and length directions. This proximal length 50 engages the distal end 17 with the bend 16 of the root 14. The proximal length 50 provides an additional surface for the zipper teeth to rest against the zipper tape 11. The proximal length 50 has the effect that when the zipper tape is bent in the closed state ( Figure 15 More effectively combats zipper teeth (in) Figure 17 (The rotational motion is indicated by the arrow R). The additional portion of the flat surface provided by the proximal length 50 acts on the zipper tape 11, and by utilizing the reaction of the zipper tape, it becomes an aid in preventing the outer radial direction of the engaging protrusion 25 furthest from the center of the bend C from disengaging from the engaging recess 26.

[0068] According to further implementation methods ( Figure 18 The tip portion 18 of the distal end 17 of the root 14 can extend laterally closer to the distal edge 28 of the engagement portion 13. In particular, the tip portion 18 can be positioned within a plane D extending longitudinally through the engagement recess 26. This arrangement results in a narrower gap G between the planes longitudinally in which the opposing tip portions 18 of the two rows of teeth exist. The narrower gap G conveniently restricts rotational movement between the left and right chain teeth, thereby preventing improper separation of the two chain teeth in the engaged state of the zipper. Figure 18 In the illustrated embodiment, plane D is located between plane E and plane F, which divide the recess 26 transversely between the peak 53 of the connecting wall 32 and the engaging protrusion 25. The above describes various aspects and embodiments of the zipper teeth and zipper belt. It should be understood that these aspects and embodiments can be combined with any other aspects or embodiments. In particular, it should be recognized that the features described and illustrated herein in association with the embodiment of the zipper teeth mounted on the zipper belt can be equally applied to corresponding embodiments in which the roots of the zipper teeth are bent into an undeformed state before belt mounting. Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather can be diverse within the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0069] This application is based on Italian patent application 102021000001706, filed on January 28, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0070] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0071] 10: Zipper teeth, chain teeth

[0072] 10L: Adjacent chain teeth

[0073] 11: Zipper strap, belt

[0074] 11L: Left zipper strap

[0075] 11R: Right side band

[0076] 12: Core wire

[0077] 13: Joints, Head

[0078] 14: Roots

[0079] 15: Groove, curved groove

[0080] 16: Bend

[0081] 17: Distal end

[0082] 18: Top part

[0083] 19: Side view

[0084] 20: Convex side

[0085] 20L: Convex side

[0086] 21: Main body

[0087] 22: Distal plate section

[0088] 23, 24: Opposite sides

[0089] 25: Clamping protrusion

[0090] 26: Engagement recess

[0091] 27: Distal bevel

[0092] 28: Distal edge

[0093] 29: Near bevel

[0094] 30: Strip-shaped surface

[0095] 31: Bottom

[0096] 32: Connecting Wall

[0097] 33: Side extension

[0098] 34: Side extension

[0099] 35: Central Department

[0100] 36, 37: Hypotenuse

[0101] 38, 39: Passage

[0102] 40, 41: Opposite sides

[0103] 42: Central edge

[0104] 43, 44: Lateral edge

[0105] 46: point

[0106] 47: Depression

[0107] 48: Side profile

[0108] 51: Side view, flat side view

[0109] 52: Second chamfer

[0110] 53: Peak

[0111] C: Center

[0112] C1, C2: Thickness

[0113] D, E, F: Planes

[0114] G: Gap

[0115] O: Items

[0116] P: Spacing

[0117] Q: Plane

[0118] T: Thickness in the longitudinal direction

[0119] t: thickness in the length direction

[0120] W1: Vertical distance

[0121] W2: Vertical distance.

Claims

1. A zipper tooth, which is a zipper tooth for use in zippers, characterized in that, The zipper teeth (10) have: The joint (13) has two surfaces (23, 24) that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction; and A single root (14) extends from the joint (13), The root (14) forms a superior arc-shaped groove (15) for accommodating and holding the length of the core wire (12) and the edge of the zipper tape (11), or, in order to form a superior arc-shaped groove (15) for accommodating and holding the length of the core wire (12) and the edge of the zipper tape (11), it is capable of plastic bending. The root portion (14) has a curved portion (16) and a distal end portion (17), or can be plastically bent in such a manner as having a curved portion (16) and a distal end portion (17), wherein the distal end portion (17) extends from the curved portion (16) toward the side of the joint portion (13) closer to the zipper tape. Each surface (23, 24) of the joint (13) has: a locking protrusion (25) protruding in the longitudinal direction; and a locking recess (26) recessed in the longitudinal direction relative to the surface (23, 24). The engaging recess (26) is configured to accommodate engaging protrusions (25) of the zipper teeth on the opposite toothed belt when the zipper is closed. The arc-shaped groove (15) for accommodating the core wire is positioned at its center point (K) in a geometric plane (Q) extending in the length and lateral directions. The engaging protrusion (25) and the engaging recess (26) extend beyond the geometric plane (Q) and locally toward the zipper tape (11).

2. The zipper teeth according to claim 1, wherein, The joint (13) includes: The main body (21) is connected to the root (14); and The distal plate portion (22), which extends from the main body portion (21), provides the two opposing surfaces (23, 24) having the engaging protrusion (25) and the engaging recess (26). The root portion (14) has a first length direction thickness (T), and the distal plate portion (22) has a second length direction thickness (t) that is smaller than the first length direction thickness (T) of the root portion (14).

3. The zipper teeth according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting wall (32) that joins the thick main body portion (21) and the thin distal plate portion (22) extends from the side of the joint portion (13) near the zipper tape to the opposite side of the joint portion (13) away from the zipper tape. The connecting wall (32) defines two side extensions (33, 34) of the main body (21) extending toward the distal plate (22). Thus, the engaging recess (26) is defined between the associated engaging protrusion (25), the side extensions (33, 34), the central portion (35) of the connecting wall (32) that engages the side extensions (33, 34), and the bottom surface (31).

4. The zipper tooth according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The zipper tooth (10) has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to the middle face (M), wherein the middle face (M) is perpendicular to the length direction and extends through the zipper tooth.

5. The zipper tooth according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The distal end (17) of the root (14) extends to form a top portion (18) located beyond the geometric line (A), wherein the geometric line (A) is laterally oriented and tangent to the side (19) of the joint (13) near the zipper tape.

6. The zipper teeth according to claim 4, wherein, The distal end (17) of the root (14) extends to form a top portion (18) located beyond the geometric line (A), wherein the geometric line (A) is laterally oriented and tangent to the side (19) of the joint (13) near the zipper tape.

7. The zipper teeth according to claim 2, wherein, The distal plate portion (22) provides a distal edge (28), the distal edge (28) having: a central edge portion (42); and two inclined side edges (43, 44) converging from the main body portion (21) toward the central edge portion (42) in a manner that gradually tapers toward the top. The inclined side edge (43) facing the zipper tape (11) is rounded with a radius (45) relative to the central edge (42). The main body (21) of the connecting part (13) has a convex side (20) opposite to the zipper tape (11). The convex side (20) protrudes more vertically toward the zipper tape than the inclined side edge (43) located on the side closer to the zipper tape.

8. The zipper teeth according to claim 3, wherein, The side extension (33) near the zipper tape (11) has a first thickness (C1) measured in the vertical direction that is smaller than the second thickness (C2) in the vertical direction of the side extension (34) furthest from the zipper tape (11).

9. The zipper teeth according to claim 8, wherein, The distal plate portion (22) provides a distal edge (28) having: a central edge portion (42); and two inclined side edges (43, 44) converging from the main body portion (21) toward the central edge portion (42) in a manner that gradually tapers toward the top. The first thickness (C1) and the second thickness (C2) in the vertical direction are measured at the height of the central portion (35) of the connecting wall (32) at the position where the engaging recess (26) is furthest from the distal edge (28) of the joint (13).

10. The zipper teeth according to claim 2, wherein, The distal plate portion (22) provides a distal edge (28) having: a central edge portion (42); and two inclined side edges (43, 44) converging from the main body portion (21) toward the central edge portion (42) in a manner that gradually tapers toward the top. The vertical distance (W1) between the same engagement protrusion (25) and the inclined side edge (44) of the joint (13) furthest from the zipper tape is shorter than the vertical distance (W2) between the engagement protrusion (25) and the inclined side edge (43) of the joint (13) near the zipper tape (11).

11. The zipper teeth according to claim 2, wherein, The distal plate portion (22) provides a distal edge (28) having: a central edge portion (42); and two inclined side edges (43, 44) converging from the main body portion (21) toward the central edge portion (42) in a manner that gradually tapers toward the top. The connecting portion (13) has a side edge (44) facing away from the zipper tape, which is formed as a slope extending from the root portion (14) to the distal edge (28) of the distal plate portion (22). Therefore, when the two toothed chains are connected, when viewed along the length direction, an obtuse-angled recess (47) is formed in the outline of the zipper tooth (10) on the two toothed chains on the side of the chain tooth away from the zipper chain.

12. The zipper teeth according to claim 2, wherein, The distal plate portion (22) has a distal edge (28) having: a central edge portion (42); and two inclined side edges (43, 44) converging from the main body portion (21) toward the central edge portion (42) in a manner that gradually tapers toward the top. The engagement portion (13) has an asymmetrical design in that each engagement protrusion (25) is arranged close to the inclined side edge (44) facing away from the zipper tape (11) and away from the side edge (43) facing the zipper tape.

13. The zipper teeth according to claim 2, wherein, The distal plate portion (22) includes: The distal edge (28) has a central edge (42) and two inclined side edges (43, 44) that converge toward the central edge (42) from the main body (21) in a manner that gradually tapers toward the top. Side-shaped surface (48) extends along the central edge (42) and the two inclined side edges (43, 44) in the length direction; as well as The first chamfer (49) is formed along the inclined side edge (44) of the joint (13) furthest from the zipper tape. The first chamfer (49) joins the side shape surface (48) to one of the two opposing surfaces (23, 24) of the distal plate portion (22), namely the first surface (23), thereby reducing the thickness of the distal plate portion (22) along the length direction of the inclined side edge portion (44).

14. The zipper teeth according to claim 13, wherein, The distal plate portion (22) also provides a second chamfer (52) formed along the inclined side edge portion (44) furthest from the zipper tape of the joint portion (13). The second chamfer (52) joins the side shape surface (48) to the second surface (24) of the two opposing surfaces (23, 24) of the distal plate portion (22), which is opposite to the first surface (23), thereby further reducing the thickness of the distal plate portion (22) along the length direction of the inclined side edge portion (44).

15. The zipper teeth according to claim 2, wherein, The distal end (17) of the root (14) provides a flat side (51) that rests against the zipper tape (11) during use. The arc-shaped groove (15) used to accommodate the core wire defines a geometric plane (S) that is tangent to the arc-shaped groove (15) and extends in the vertical and length directions. The flat side (51) of the distal end (17) has a proximal length (50) that extends beyond the plane (S) extending in the vertical direction and the length direction, thereby engaging the distal end (17) with the bend (16) of the root (14).

16. The zipper teeth according to claim 5, wherein, The top part (18) of the root (14) lies in a plane (D) extending along the length direction through the engaging recess (26).

17. The zipper teeth according to claim 6, wherein, The top part (18) of the root (14) lies in a plane (D) extending along the length direction through the engaging recess (26).

18. A zipper tooth tape, comprising: Zipper tape (11); Core wire (12), which is mounted along one end edge of the zipper tape (11); and The zipper teeth (10) of any one of claims 1 to 17 are fixed along one side edge of the core wire (12) and the zipper tape (11).

19. A zipper chain, comprising: The first zipper belt includes a first zipper tape (11), a first core wire (12), and a first row of zipper teeth (10) of any one of claims 1 to 17 fixed to the first core wire and the first zipper tape; and The second zipper belt includes a second zipper tape (11), a second core wire (12), and a second column of zipper teeth (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 17, which is fixed to the second core wire and the second zipper tape and engages with the first column of the zipper teeth (10). The root (14) of each zipper tooth (10) provides two opposing surfaces in the longitudinal direction. One of the two opposing faces (40, 41) of the root (14) of the first zipper tooth extends across the two geometric planes (P40, P41) of the two opposing faces (40, 41) of the root (14) of the second zipper tooth on the opposite tooth belt.

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