Slide fastener

Abstract

A coupling element (44, 44 ', 44' ', 44 ''') for a zipper (22, 22 '). The coupling element (44, 44 ', 44' ', 44 ''') includes a body (46, 46 ') having spaced apart shoulder portions (48, 50), an upper surface (52, 52'), and a lower surface (80, 80 '). The main body (46, 46 ') is configured to be mountable to a zipper stringer (28, 30) of a zipper (22, 22') in use; the coupling element (44, 44 ', 44' ', 44 ''') further comprises a head portion (54) extending parallel to the transverse axis (Z) away from the shoulder portions (48, 50) via a neck (56, 56 ', 56' ', 56''') located between the shoulder portions (48, 50). The neck (56, 56 ', 56' ', 56 ''') includes an upper surface (60) and a lower surface (62). The coupling element (44, 44 ', 44' ', 44 ''') defines a proximal end portion (57, 57 '). The proximal portion (57, 57 ') includes a body (46, 46') and a neck (56, 56 ', 56' ', 56 '''). The proximal portion (57, 57 ') includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The proximal end portion (57, 57 ') defines a first portion (59, 59') and a second portion (61, 61 '). The second portion (61, 61 ') is arranged adjacent to the first portion (59, 59') along a longitudinal axis (X) perpendicular to the transverse axis (Z). The proximal end portion (57, 57 ') includes an upper slot (64, 64', 64 '', 64 ''') extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) along an upper surface of the proximal end portion (57, 57'). The upper groove (64, 64 ', 64 ", 64"') has a first groove portion (72, 72 ', 72 ", 72"') in the region of a first portion (59, 59 ') of the proximal end portion (57, 57') and a second groove portion (74, 74 ', 74 ", 74"') in the region of a second portion (61, 61 ') of the proximal end portion (57, 57'). The first groove portion (72, 72 ', 72' ', 72 ''') of the upper groove (64, 64 ', 64'', 64 ''') defines a minimum depth d1, d1 '. The minimum depth d1, d1'of the first groove portion (72, 72 ', 72 ", 72"') of the upper groove (64, 64 ', 64 ", 64"') is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion (74, 74 ', 74 ", 74"') of the upper groove (64, 64 ', 64 ", 64"'). The proximal portion (57, 57 ') includes a lower slot (66, 66', 66 '', 66 ''') extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) along a lower surface of the proximal portion (57, 57'). A lower groove (66, 66 ', 66' ', 66 ''') has a first groove portion (76, 76 ', 76'', 76 ''') in the region of a first portion (59, 59 ') of a proximal portion (57, 57') and a second groove portion (78, 78 ', 78'', 78 ''') in the region of a second portion (61, 61 ') of the proximal portion (57, 57'). The second groove portion (78, 78 ', 78'', 78 ''') of the lower groove (66, 66 ', 66', 66'' ') defines a minimum depth d3, d3'. The minimum depth d3, d3 'of the second groove portion (78, 78', 78 '', 78'' ') of the lower groove (66, 66', 66 '', 66'' ') is smaller than the minimum depth d3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling element for a slide fastener. Background Art

[0002] A zipper (or fastener) generally comprises a pair of chain straps and a slider. Each chain strap comprises a chain cloth and a plurality of coupling elements extending along a first edge of each chain cloth. When moving in a first direction, the slider couples or interlaces with the corresponding coupling elements of each chain cloth. When moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the slider disconnects the coupling elements from each other.

[0003] The slider may include a locking pin. The locking pin is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking pin engages one or more coupling elements of the zipper such that the position of the slider along the chain is substantially fixed. In the second position, the locking pin is disengaged from the coupling elements such that the slider can be moved along the chain by a user. In the first position, if a load that causes the slider to move in the second direction exceeds a predetermined value, the locking pin may damage the coupling elements.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to mitigate or obviate one or more problems associated with known zippers, whether identified herein or otherwise. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first aspect of the present invention, a coupling element for a zipper is provided. The coupling element includes a body having spaced-apart shoulder portions, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The body is configured to be mountable to a zipper zipper of the zipper in use. The coupling element further includes a head portion extending away from the shoulder portions parallel to a transverse axis via a neck located between the shoulder portions. The neck includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The coupling element defines a proximal portion. The proximal portion includes a body and a neck. The proximal portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The proximal portion defines a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is arranged adjacent to the first portion along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the transverse axis. The proximal portion includes an upper groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis along an upper surface of the proximal portion. The upper groove has a first groove portion in the region of the first portion of the proximal portion and a second groove portion in the region of the second portion of the proximal portion. The first groove portion of the upper groove defines a minimum depth. The minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove. The proximal portion includes a lower groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis along a lower surface of the proximal portion. The lower groove has a first groove portion in the region of the first portion of the proximal portion and a second groove portion in the region of the second portion of the proximal portion. The second groove portion of the lower groove defines a minimum depth. The minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove is less than the overall depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove.

[0006] The proximal portion is so called because it is located at the proximal end of the zipper fabric when installed on the zipper fabric.

[0007] The depth of the first groove may be understood to mean the distance from the upper surface of the body of the coupling element to the upper surface of the proximal portion measured in a direction parallel to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

[0008] The depth of the second groove may be understood to mean the distance from the lower surface of the body of the coupling element to the lower surface of the proximal portion measured in a direction parallel to a normal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis.

[0009] The minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove may be the minimum depth of the upper groove. The minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove may be the minimum depth of the lower groove.

[0010] In use, the coupling element is mounted to a zipper zipper of a zipper tape. The zipper includes a slider that may be provided with a locking pin. Where the locking pin is provided, the locking pin may be movable between a first position in which the locking pin engages one or more coupling elements of the zipper and a second position in which the locking pin disengages from the coupling elements of the zipper. Because the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove, the thickness of the proximal portion in the region of the second groove portion is less than the thickness of the proximal portion in the region of the first groove portion. The proximal portion being thinner in the region of the second groove portion than in the region of the first groove portion advantageously allows for optimization of the force required to enable the engaged locking pin to pass over the proximal portion. Optimizing the force required to enable the engaged locking pin to pass over the proximal portion is desirable because the force required to enable the engaged locking pin to pass over the proximal portion may exceed the force required to remove the coupling element from the zipper zipper. Therefore, optimizing the force required to enable the engaged locking pin to pass over the proximal portion advantageously reduces the likelihood that the coupling element is removed from the zipper zipper by the locking pin in use.

[0011] The chain belt can be mounted on a garment or other article in one of two orientations (in a first orientation or a second orientation), the second orientation being rotated 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis relative to the first orientation. Because the minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove is less than the overall depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove, and the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove, the coupling element provides the above advantages regardless of whether the chain belt is mounted on a garment or other article in the first orientation or in the second orientation.

[0012] Additionally, because the minimum depth of the first slot portion of the upper slot is less than the overall depth of the second slot portion of the upper slot, and the minimum depth of the second slot portion of the lower slot is less than the overall depth of the first slot portion of the lower slot, the proximal portion is strengthened in a direction parallel to the transverse axis while still allowing optimization of the force required to force an engaged locking pin past the proximal portion, as compared to a situation where the upper slot, the lower slot, or both have a constant depth.

[0013] The second groove portion of the upper groove may define a maximum depth. The maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove may be greater than the depth of the entire first groove portion of the upper groove.

[0014] The maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove may be the maximum depth of the upper groove.

[0015] In case the maximum depth of the second slot portion of the upper slot is greater than the depth of the entirety of the first slot portion of the upper slot, the force required to force the locking pin to pass over the slot of the proximal portion is further optimized.

[0016] The maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove may be at least 15% greater than the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove.The maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove may be up to seven times the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove.

[0017] The force required to pass the locking pin over the groove is further optimized when the maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove is at least 15% greater than the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove and / or is up to seven times the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove.

[0018] The first groove portion of the lower groove may define a maximum depth. The maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove may be greater than the depth of the entirety of the second groove portion of the lower groove.

[0019] The maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove may be the maximum depth of the lower groove.

[0020] In case the maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove is greater than the depth of the entirety of the second groove portion of the lower groove, the force required for the locking pin to pass through the groove is further optimized in both possible orientations of the coupling element.

[0021] The maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove may be at least 15% greater than the minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove.The maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove may be up to seven times the minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove.

[0022] When the maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove is at least 15% greater than the minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove and / or is up to seven times the minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove, the force required to move the locking pin through the groove is further optimized in two possible orientations of the coupling element.

[0023] The proximal portion may be rotationally symmetric when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis and including the upper groove and the lower groove.

[0024] The rotational symmetry of the proximal portion may be of second order when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis.

[0025] The proximal portion rotational symmetry may be understood to mean that the proximal portion is rotationally symmetric in at least one cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. In some embodiments, at least 25% of the length of the proximal portion may be rotationally symmetric in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. The length of the proximal portion may extend in a direction parallel to the transverse axis.

[0026] The coupling element may be formed via injection molding or any other suitable process. Typically, forming the coupling element will involve heating a material and shaping the material to form the coupling element. In the case where the proximal portion is rotationally symmetrical when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis, the cooling of the proximal portion is advantageously more uniform than in the case where the proximal portion is not rotationally symmetrical.

[0027] The body may define a thickness extending from the upper surface to the lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis. The maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove may be at least 5% of the thickness of the body. The maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove may be up to 30% of the thickness of the body. The maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove may be at least 5% of the thickness of the body. The maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove may be up to 30% of the thickness of the body.

[0028] The maximum depth of the groove portion refers to the maximum depth of each groove portion. The minimum depth of the groove portion refers to the minimum depth of each groove portion.

[0029] In case the maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove is at least 5% and / or up to 30% of the thickness of the body, the strength of the proximal portion in directions parallel to the transverse axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis is improved.

[0030] In case the maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove is at least 5% and / or up to 30% of the thickness of the body, the strength of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the transverse axis and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is improved.

[0031] The first portion of the proximal portion may comprise 50% of the length of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.The second portion of the proximal portion may comprise 50% of the length of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0032] The first portion of the proximal portion may define a first end in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second portion of the proximal portion may define a second end in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The minimum depth of the first portion of the upper groove may be offset from the first end of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The minimum depth of the second portion of the lower groove may be offset from the second end of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0033] The upper groove and the lower groove may be formed in the neck.The upper groove and the lower groove may be formed in the body.

[0034] One of the body including the upper and lower grooves and the neck may be a substantially parallelogram in a cross section taken perpendicular to the transverse axis and in a plane including the upper and lower grooves.

[0035] In a second aspect of the present invention, a chain strip for a slide fastener is provided. The chain strip comprises a slide fastener fabric defining a longitudinal edge and a plurality of coupling elements according to the first aspect of the present invention. The plurality of coupling elements are mounted along the longitudinal edge of the slide fastener fabric.

[0036] In a third aspect of the present invention, a zipper is provided, comprising a first chain belt according to the second aspect of the present invention and a second chain belt according to the second aspect of the present invention. The coupling element of the first chain belt can be coupled to the coupling element of the second chain belt along the axis of the zipper. The zipper also comprises a first slider, which comprises a locking pin. The locking pin can be moved between a first position and a second position, in which the locking pin can be engaged with one or more coupling elements of the first chain belt and / or the second chain belt, and in which the locking pin is disengaged from the coupling elements of the first chain belt and the second chain belt. The first slider is movably mounted on the first chain belt and the second chain belt in use, so that the first slider can be moved relative to the first chain belt and the second chain belt along a first direction toward the upper end of the zipper so as to interlace the coupling element of the first chain belt with the coupling element of the second chain belt. The first slider can also be moved away from the upper end of the zipper along a second direction so as to disengage the coupling element of the first chain belt from the coupling element of the second chain belt.

[0037] Disengagement of the locking pin from the coupling element may be understood to mean that the locking pin is preferably spaced apart from the coupling element of the first and / or second link in a direction parallel to a normal axis perpendicular to the transverse and longitudinal axes.

[0038] The zipper may include a second slider. The second slider may include a locking pin. The locking pin may be movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the locking pin may engage one or more coupling elements of the first and / or second straps. In the second position, the locking pin may disengage from the coupling elements of the first and second straps.

[0039] The second slider can be movably mounted on the first and / or second chains in use, so that the second slider can move relative to the first and second chains. The second slider can move relative to the first and second chains along a first direction toward the upper end of the zipper so as to disconnect the coupling element of the first chain from the coupling element of the second chain. The second slider can move relative to the first and second chains along a second direction away from the upper end of the zipper so as to interlace the coupling element of the first chain with the coupling element of the second chain.

[0040] In the first position, the locking pin of the first slider can engage one or more coupling elements of the first link. In the first position, the locking pin of the second slider can engage one or more coupling elements of the second link.

[0041] The plurality of coupling elements of the first link tape may be oriented such that a minimum depth of a first groove portion of an upper groove of each of the coupling elements faces an upper end of the zipper.

[0042] The plurality of coupling elements of the second link tape may be oriented such that a minimum depth of the first slot portion of the upper slot of each of the coupling elements faces away from the upper end of the zipper.

[0043] The coupling elements and the locking pin may be configured such that, with the locking pin in the first position, once the load moving the first slide in the second direction exceeds a predetermined value, the locking pin overrides the one or more coupling elements engaged therewith.

[0044] The plurality of coupling elements of the second link tape may be oriented such that a minimum depth of the first slot portion of the upper slot of each of the coupling elements faces away from the upper end of the zipper.

[0045] Features disclosed in relation to one aspect of the invention may be combined with other aspects of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] Embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 A known coupling element is shown;

[0048] Figure 2 Shown includes a locking pin and Figure 1 A side view of a chain strip of a zipper having a coupling element;

[0049] Figure 3 A zipper according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0050] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a zipper;

[0051] Figure 5Shows Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of a connecting element of a zipper;

[0052] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a coupling element;

[0053] Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 A side view of a coupling element;

[0054] Figures 8 to 11 Shows Figure 5 A side view of the coupling element in use;

[0055] Fig.12 shows a perspective view of a coupling element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Fig.13 Shows Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of a coupling element;

[0057] Fig.14 Shows Fig.12 A side view of a coupling element;

[0058] Figures 15 to 18 Shows Fig.12 A side view of the coupling element in use;

[0059] Fig.19 Shown is the inclusion Fig.12 A zipper having multiple coupling elements;

[0060] Fig. 20 shows an alternative embodiment of a coupling element according to the invention; and

[0061] Fig.21 Further alternative embodiments of the coupling element according to the invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Figure 1 A known coupling element 2 for a slide fastener is shown. The coupling element 2 comprises a body 4. The body comprises spaced-apart shoulder portions 6, 8. The coupling element 2 further comprises a head portion 10. The head portion 10 extends away from the shoulder portions 6, 8 parallel to the transverse axis Z via a neck 12.

[0063] Figure 2 A cross-sectional side view of a known coupling element 2 mounted to a link 14 of a slide fastener 16 is shown. Figure 2 The section of the view has been taken through the neck 12 of the coupling element 2 in a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis Z. The plane of the sectional view extends in the direction of the transverse axis Z through the middle region, ie the region of the neck 12 .

[0064] The coupling element 2 is mounted to the zipper fabric 18 of the chain 14. The other coupling elements are mounted to the zipper fabric 18 but are not shown for clarity. Figure 2 . It can be seen that the zipper 16 includes a slider (not fully depicted, the body of the slider has been removed for clarity), which includes a locking pin 20. The slider can be moved in a first direction D to connect or interlace the connecting element 2 of the chain belt 14 with the corresponding connecting element of the second chain belt (not depicted) along the zipper axis (not depicted). The slider 14 can be moved in a second direction E opposite to the first direction D to disengage the connecting elements. The locking pin 20 can be moved between a first position and a second position, in the first position, the locking pin engages one or more connecting elements 2, and in the second position, the locking pin disengages from the connecting elements. The position of the locking pin 20 is controlled by the user. The rest position of the locking pin 20 is the first position. In order to move the locking pin to the second position, the user moves the pull tab ( Figure 2 ), as is known in the prior art.

[0065] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the locking pin 20 is in the first position. In the first position, the locking pin 20 engages the neck 12 of the coupling element 2. When the locking pin 20 is in the first position, the slider is prevented from moving along the zipper axis due to the engagement with the coupling element 2. However, if the load that moves the slider exceeds the first threshold, the locking pin 20 can tear one or more coupling elements 2 off from the chain belt. In addition, one or more coupling elements 2 can be torn off from the chain belt under the condition of repeatedly being subjected to a load that is lower than the first threshold but greater than the second threshold. The second threshold is less than the first threshold. It is not desirable to tear one or more coupling elements 2 off from the chain belt, because in the case of one or more coupling elements 2 missing, the zipper is no longer usable and will need to be replaced. The present invention seeks to eliminate or at least alleviate the problems associated with known zippers, regardless of whether such problems are identified herein or otherwise.

[0066] Figure 3A portion of a zipper 22 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The zipper 22 is a waterproof zipper. However, in other embodiments, the zipper does not need to be waterproof. The zipper 22 includes a first chain belt 24 and a second chain belt 26. The chain belts 24, 26 include respective zipper zipper fabrics 28, 30. The zipper zipper fabrics 28, 30 can be woven or knitted. The zipper fabrics may have another plastic layer on one or both sides to enhance the waterproof function. The zipper zipper fabrics 28, 30 define respective longitudinal edges 32, 34. The longitudinal edges 32, 34 include respective wires 33, 35. The wires 33, 35 are woven, knitted and / or incorporated at the longitudinal edges 32, 34 of the respective zipper zipper fabrics 28, 30. A respective plurality of connecting elements 36, 38 are arranged along each longitudinal edge 32, 34. The zipper 22 also includes a slider 40. The slider 40 includes a body 41. The slider 40 includes a locking pin ( Figure 3 The slide member may be a slide member as described in EP3656243A1, which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, paragraphs 10 to 17 and 27 to 56 of EP3656243A1 on the slide member and Figures 1 to 5 Incorporated by reference. The slider 40 can move in a first direction D and a second direction E. The second direction E is opposite to the first direction D. The movement of the slider 40 in the first direction D causes the coupling element 36 of the first chain belt 24 to be coupled to the coupling element 38 of the second chain belt 26 along the zipper axis F to form a chain 42 by interlacing. In the case where a plurality of coupling elements 36, 38 are coupled to each other, the lines 33, 35 are sealed against each other, making the zipper waterproof. However, as discussed above, this need not be the case, and the lines 33, 35 can be separated from each other when the coupling elements 36, 38 are coupled to each other. In the case where the zipper 22 is waterproof, the sealing pressure applied by the lines 33, 35 to each other is generally greater than in the case where the zipper 22 is not waterproof. The movement in the second direction E causes the coupling element 36 of the first chain belt 24 to be decoupled from the coupling element 38 of the second chain belt 26. The locking pin can move between a first position and a second position. The position of the locking pin is controlled by the user. The rest position of the locking pin is the first position. The position of the locking pin can be controlled by the pull tab 21 of the slider 40, as known in the prior art. In the first position, the locking pin can engage with one or more coupling elements of the plurality of coupling elements 36 of the first link 24. In the second position, the locking pin is spaced apart from the coupling elements of the plurality of coupling elements 36 of the first link 24.

[0067] In some non-depicted embodiments, the zipper 22 may include a second slider. The second slider is positioned below the slider 40 along the zipper axis F.

[0068] The second slider may also include a locking pin. The second slider may be configured so that movement of the second slider in the first direction D causes the coupling element 36 of the first link 24 to be decoupled from the coupling element 38 of the second link 26. The second slider may be configured so that movement of the slider in the second direction E causes the coupling element 36 of the first link 24 to be coupled to the coupling element 38 of the second link 26 by interlacing. In the first position, the locking pin of the second slider may engage with one or more of the coupling elements 38 of the second link 26. In the second position, the locking pin of the second slider is spaced apart from the coupling element 38 of the second link 26.

[0069] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the zipper 22. Figure 4 , the front side 84 of the zipper 22 can be seen. Figure 4 The plane of the cross section extends through the slide 40 so that the position of the locking pin 39 can be seen. Figure 4 , the locking pin 39 is in the first position. It can be seen that in the first position, the locking pin 39 engages a coupling element of the plurality of coupling elements 36 of the first link 24. In some embodiments, in the first position, the locking pin 39 may engage a coupling element of the plurality of coupling elements 38 of the second link 26. It should be appreciated that moving the locking pin 39 to the first position does not necessarily cause the coupling element of one of the plurality of coupling elements 36, 38 to immediately engage. That is, when moving the locking pin 39 to the first position, some movement of the slider 40 in the second direction E may be required before the locking pin engages the coupling element of one of the plurality of coupling elements 36, 38.

[0070] Figure 5 A coupling element 44 is shown among the plurality of coupling elements 36, 38. The coupling element 44 includes a body (or body) 46. In use, the body 46 is mounted to Figure 3 The body 46 may be mounted to the zipper fabric by injection molding it directly onto the zipper fabric. The body 46 includes shoulder portions 48, 50. The shoulder portions 48, 50 are spaced apart from each other. The shoulder portions 48, 50 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The body 46 includes an upper surface 52 and a lower surface (at Figure 5 It is not visible in the figure, as it is hidden behind the body 46).

[0071] The coupling element 44 includes a head (or head portion) 54. The head 54 extends parallel to the transverse axis Z. The transverse axis Z is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. The coupling element 44 includes a neck 56. The neck 56 is located between the shoulder portions 48, 50. The head portion 54 extends away from the shoulder portions 48, 50 via the neck 56. The neck 56 defines an upper surface 60 and a lower surface 62. The upper surface 60 and the lower surface 62 are convex or at least partially convex. The neck 56 extends in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z.

[0072] The coupling element 44 defines a proximal portion 57. The proximal portion 57 includes a body 46 and a neck 56. The proximal portion 57 is so called because it is located at the proximal end of the zipper zipper when installed on the zipper zipper. The proximal portion 57 defines a first portion 59. The proximal portion 57 defines a second portion 61. The second portion 61 is arranged adjacent to the first portion 59 along the longitudinal axis X. In some embodiments, the first portion 59 and the second portion 61 may each include 50% of the proximal portion 57. The first portion 59 and the second portion 61 may each include 50% of the volume of the proximal portion 57. The first portion 59 and the second portion 61 may each include 50% of the length of the proximal portion 57 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In particular, a plane at the interface between the first portion 59 and the second portion 61 may extend parallel to the transverse axis Z and be arranged at the midpoint of the proximal portion 57 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0073] The first portion 59 includes a portion adjacent to the upper surface 47 of the zipper fabric 45 and a portion adjacent to the lower surface 49 of the zipper fabric 45. The second portion 61 includes a portion adjacent to the upper surface 47 of the zipper fabric 45 and a portion adjacent to the lower surface 49 of the zipper fabric 45. However, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the entire first portion 59 and / or at least a portion or all of the second portion 61 may extend continuously in the direction of the normal axis Y, that is, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the entire first portion and / or the second portion may not yet have the zipper fabric passed through. In other words, at least a portion or all of the first portion 59 and / or at least a portion or all of the second portion 61 may extend through the zipper fabric. This can increase the connection strength between the coupling element 44 and the zipper fabric.

[0074] The coupling element 44 includes a wire receiving portion 58. The wire receiving portion 58 extends through the body 46 and the neck 56. The wire receiving portion 58 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. When the coupling element 44 is mounted on a zipper zipper, the wires of the zipper zipper extend through the wire receiving portion 58. The interlock between the wire receiving portion 58 of the coupling element 44 and the wires of the zipper zipper increases the force required to tear the coupling element 44 from the zipper zipper in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z. This is compared to a situation where there is no interlock. In some embodiments, the wire receiving portion 58 may extend only through the body 46. The position of the wire receiving portion 58 is determined by the desired characteristics of the zipper to which the coupling element is mounted. For example, in the case where the zipper is not a waterproof zipper, the wire receiving portion 58 may extend only through the body 46.

[0075] The neck 56 includes an upper groove 64. In other embodiments discussed below, the upper groove 64 may be formed in the body 46. The upper groove 64 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The upper groove 64 extends along the upper surface 60 of the neck 56. The neck 56 includes a lower groove 66. In other embodiments discussed below, the lower groove 66 may be formed in the body 46. The lower groove 66 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The lower groove 66 extends along the lower surface 62 of the neck 56. As will be discussed in more detail below, the neck 56 is designed so that once the force used to move the slide in the second direction (i.e., the direction in which the slide disengages the coupling element) exceeds a predetermined value, the locking pin of the slide passes over the neck. In some embodiments, the predetermined value may be at least 35N and / or up to 75N. In some embodiments, the predetermined value may be at least 20N and / or up to 150N. The magnitude of the predetermined value is a function of, among other things, the size of the zipper to which the coupling element 44 is to be mounted, including the size of the coupling element 44 and the type of zipper to which the coupling element 44 is to be mounted.

[0076] Figure 6 The coupling element 44 is shown perpendicular to the transverse axis (which extends out Figure 6 A cross-sectional view in a plane of a page). Figure 6 The coupling elements mounted to the zipper zipper 45 are shown. Figure 6 The section of the view of has been taken through the neck 56 of the coupling element 44. The plane of the cross-sectional view extends through the middle region of the neck 56 in the direction of the transverse axis Z. It can be seen that the neck 56 is substantially parallelogram-shaped in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. The neck 56 comprises a first neck portion 68. The first neck portion 68 forms part of the first portion 59 of the proximal portion 57. The neck 56 comprises a second neck portion 70.

[0077] The second neck portion 70 forms a portion of the second portion 61 of the proximal portion 57. The second neck portion 70 is arranged adjacent to the first neck portion 68 along the longitudinal axis X. In some embodiments, the first neck portion 68 and the second neck portion 70 may each include 50% of the neck 54 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In some embodiments, the first neck portion 68 and the second neck portion 70 may each include 50% of the neck 54. The first neck portion 68 and the second neck portion 70 may each include 50% of the volume of the neck 54. The first neck portion 68 and the second neck portion 70 may each include 50% of the length of the neck 54 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In particular, the plane at the interface between the first neck portion 68 and the second neck portion 70 may extend parallel to the transverse axis Z and be arranged at the midpoint of the neck 54 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0078] The first neck portion 68 includes a portion adjacent to the upper surface 47 of the zipper zipper 45 and a portion adjacent to the lower surface 49 of the zipper zipper 45. The second neck portion 70 includes a portion adjacent to the upper surface 47 of the zipper zipper 45 and a portion adjacent to the lower surface 49 of the zipper zipper 45. However, in some embodiments, the first neck portion 68 and / or the second neck portion 70 may extend continuously in the direction of the normal axis Y.

[0079] The first neck portion 68 defines a first end 75 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first end 75 is the first end of the neck 56. The first end 75 may be an end region or an end point. The first end 75 is defined between a first point and a second point. The first point is arranged at a position where, when starting from the midpoint of the upper surface 60 of the neck 56 along the longitudinal axis X and moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and away from the second neck portion 70, the angle between the normal line extending from the upper surface 60 of the neck 56 and the longitudinal axis X is less than 15 degrees. The second point is arranged at a position where, when starting from the midpoint of the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 along the longitudinal axis X and moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and away from the second neck portion 70, the angle between the normal line extending from the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 and the longitudinal axis X is less than 15 degrees. Here, the angle between the normal line extending from the upper surface 60 of the neck 56 and the longitudinal axis X refers to an acute angle formed between the normal line and the longitudinal axis, not an obtuse angle. At least a portion of the first end 75 extends parallel to the normal axis Y. However, in some embodiments, the first end 75 may not be parallel to the normal axis Y.

[0080] The upper surface 60 of the neck 56 merges into the first end 75 via a first transition portion 81. The first transition portion 81 is rounded. However, in other embodiments not depicted, the first transition portion 81 can have any suitable geometry. For example, the first transition portion 81 can define a vertex or a chamfer. The lower surface 62 of the neck 56 merges into the first end 75 via a second transition portion 83. The second transition portion 83 is rounded. However, in other embodiments not depicted, the second transition portion 83 can have any suitable geometry. For example, the second transition portion 83 can define a vertex or a chamfer.

[0081] The second neck portion 70 defines a second end 77 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The second end 77 is the second end of the neck 56. The second end 77 may be an end region or an end point. The second end 77 is defined between a first point and a second point. The first point is disposed at a position where, when starting from the midpoint of the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 along the longitudinal axis X and moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and away from the first neck portion 68, the angle between the normal line extending from the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 and the longitudinal axis X is less than 15 degrees. The second point is disposed at a position where, when starting from the midpoint of the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 along the longitudinal axis X and moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and away from the first neck portion 68, the angle between the normal line extending from the upper surface 60 of the neck 56 and the longitudinal axis X is less than 15 degrees. Here, the angle between the normal line extending from the upper surface 60 or the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 and the longitudinal axis X refers to the acute angle formed, not the obtuse angle. At least a portion of the second end 77 extends parallel to the normal axis Y. However, in some embodiments, the second end 77 may not be parallel to the normal axis Y.

[0082] The upper surface 60 of the neck 56 merges into the second end 77 via a third transition portion 85. The third transition portion 85 is rounded. However, in other embodiments not depicted, the third transition portion 85 may have any suitable geometry. For example, the third transition portion 85 may define a vertex or a chamfer. The lower surface 62 of the neck 56 merges into the second end 77 via a fourth transition portion 87. The fourth transition portion 87 is rounded. However, in other embodiments not depicted, the fourth transition portion 87 may have any suitable geometry. For example, the fourth transition portion 87 may define a vertex or a chamfer.

[0083] The neck 56 defines a width w. The width w of the neck 56 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X from a first end 75 of the first neck portion 68 to a second end 77 of the second neck portion 70.

[0084] The upper groove 64 includes a first groove portion 72 in the area of ​​the first neck portion 68. The upper groove 64 includes a second groove portion 74 in the area of ​​the second neck portion 70. The depth of any point of the first groove portion 72 or the second groove portion 74 can be understood to refer to the distance from the upper surface 52 of the body 46 of the coupling element 44 to the upper surface 60 in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis. The first groove portion 72 defines a minimum depth d1. The minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 is the minimum depth of the upper groove 64. The minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 is less than the depth of the entirety of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64. In some embodiments, the minimum depth d1 can be zero. The predetermined force for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the neck 56 is a function of the minimum depth d1.

[0085] The second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 defines a maximum depth d2. The maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 is the maximum depth of the upper groove 64. The maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 is greater than the depth of the entire first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 may be equal to the depth of at least part of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64. However, in the case where the maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 is equal to the depth of at least part of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64, the depth of at least part of the first groove portion 72 may be less than the depth of at least part of the second groove portion 74. The predetermined force for the locking pin of the slider to pass over the neck 56 is a function of the maximum depth d2. In particular, the greater the magnitude of the maximum depth d2, the smaller the magnitude of the predetermined force required for the locking pin of the slider to pass over the upper surface 60 of the neck 56, and the smaller the magnitude of the maximum depth d2, the greater the magnitude of the predetermined force required for the locking pin of the slider to pass over the upper surface 60 of the neck 56.

[0086] The maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 is at least 15% greater than the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64. Therefore, a minimum depth difference between the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 and the maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 is set. The force required to make the locking pin of the slide pass over the upper groove 64 is a function of the minimum depth d1, the maximum depth d2, and the difference between the minimum depth d1 and the maximum depth d2. The force required to make the locking pin of the slide pass over the upper groove 64 increases as the difference between the minimum depth d1 and the maximum depth d2 increases. However, other factors such as the geometry of the locking pin affect the force required to make the locking pin of the slide pass over the upper groove 64. The maximum depth d2 being at least 15% greater than the minimum depth d1 will advantageously facilitate the locking pin of the slide to pass over the neck 56. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 may be less than 15% greater than the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64.

[0087] The maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 is up to seven times the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64. As discussed above, the force required to cause the locking pin of the slider to pass over the upper groove 64 is a function of the difference between the minimum depth d1 and the maximum depth d2. In the event that the maximum depth d2 is more than seven times the minimum depth d1, the likelihood that the locking pin of the slider will inadvertently pass over the upper groove 64 exceeds an acceptable value. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 may be more than seven times the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64.

[0088] The location of the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 is offset from the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68. The location of the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 is offset from the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The location of the minimum depth d1 is offset from the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68 by at least 10% of the width w of the neck 56. The location of the minimum depth d1 is offset from the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68 by up to 50% of the width w of the neck 56. In some embodiments, the location of the minimum depth d1 may not be offset from the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68.

[0089] The body 46 defines a thickness t. The thickness t of the body 46 is measured from the upper surface 52 of the body 46 to the lower surface 80 of the body 46. The thickness t of the body 46 is measured in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y. The maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 is at least 5% of the thickness t of the body 46. The maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 is up to 30% of the thickness t of the body 46. The maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of up to 30% of the thickness t of the body 46 advantageously provides additional strength to the neck 56 compared to the case where the maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 is more than 30% of the thickness t of the body 46. This additional strength reduces deformation of the neck 56 when subjected to forces acting on the head 54 and / or the neck 56 in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z and away from the body 46. In addition, in some applications, it may be desirable to remove one or more coupling elements from the link. The additional strength of the neck 56 reduces the likelihood of removing only the head and part or all of the neck, thereby attaching the body 46 to the zipper fabric of the chain. In addition, a maximum depth d2 of up to 30% of the thickness t of the body 46 advantageously reduces the likelihood that the locking pin of the slider will inadvertently pass over the neck 56. A maximum depth d2 of at least 5% of the thickness t of the body 46 advantageously reduces the likelihood that the coupling element 44 will be removed from the zipper fabric by the load applied to the coupling element by the locking pin of the slider. In some embodiments, the maximum depth d2 of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 can be less than 5% or more than 30% of the thickness t of the body 46.

[0090] The lower groove 66 comprises a first groove portion 76 in the region of the first neck portion 68. The lower groove 64 comprises a second groove portion 78 in the region of the second neck portion 70. The depth of any point of the first groove portion 76 or of the second groove portion 78 can be understood to mean the distance from the lower surface 80 of the body 46 of the coupling element 44 to the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y. The second groove portion 78 defines a minimum depth d3. The minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 is the minimum depth of the lower groove 66. The minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 is less than the depth of the entirety of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66. The predetermined force for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the neck 56 is a function of the minimum depth d3.

[0091] The minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66 being less than the entire depth of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 advantageously makes the shape of the neck 56 more uniform. In order to attach the coupling element 44 to the zipper zipper, the coupling element 44 is injection molded onto the moving zipper zipper. When attaching the coupling element 44 to the zipper zipper, the head 54 and the neck 56 of the coupling element are pushed in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the zipper zipper. With the second neck portion 70 following the first neck portion 68, the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 provides additional strength to the neck 56 to resist deformation in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the zipper zipper. This makes the shape of the neck 56 more uniform.

[0092] The first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 defines a maximum depth d4. The maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 is the maximum depth of the lower groove 66. The maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 is greater than the depth of the entire second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 may be equal to the depth of at least part of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66. However, in the case where the maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 is equal to the depth of at least part of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66, the depth of at least part of the second groove portion 78 may be less than the depth of at least part of the first groove portion 76. The predetermined force for the locking pin of the slider to pass over the neck 56 is a function of the maximum depth d4. In particular, the greater the magnitude of the maximum depth d4, the smaller the magnitude of the predetermined force required for the locking pin of the slider to pass over the lower surface 62 of the neck 56, and the smaller the magnitude of the maximum depth d4, the greater the magnitude of the predetermined force required for the locking pin of the slider to pass over the lower surface 62 of the neck 56.

[0093] The maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 is at least 15% greater than the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66. Therefore, a minimum depth difference between the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66 and the maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 is set. The force required to make the locking pin of the slider pass over the lower groove 66 is a function of the minimum depth d3, the maximum depth d4, and the difference between the minimum depth d3 and the maximum depth d4. The force required to make the locking pin of the slider pass over the lower groove 66 increases as the difference between the minimum depth d3 and the maximum depth d4 increases. However, other factors such as the geometry of the locking pin affect the force required to make the locking pin of the slider pass over the lower groove 66. The maximum depth d4 being at least 15% greater than the minimum depth d3 will advantageously facilitate the locking pin of the slider to pass over the neck 56. It is desirable to have this advantage provided by the lower groove 66 because the coupling element 44 can be mounted to the zipper chain in one of two possible orientations, which will be discussed below. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 may be less than 15% greater than the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 .

[0094] The maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 is up to seven times the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66. As discussed above, the force required to cause the locking pin of the slider to pass over the lower groove 66 is a function of the difference between the minimum depth d3 and the maximum depth d4. In the case where the maximum depth d4 is more than seven times the minimum depth d3, the likelihood of the locking pin of the slider accidentally passing over the lower groove 66 exceeds an acceptable value. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 may be more than seven times the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66.

[0095] The maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 is at least 5% of the thickness t of the body 46. The maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 is up to 30% of the thickness t of the body 46. Compared with the case where the maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 is more than 30% of the thickness t of the body 46, the maximum depth d4 of the second groove portion 74 is up to 30% of the thickness t of the body 46, which advantageously provides additional strength to the neck 56. When subjected to a force acting on the head 54 and / or the neck 56 in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z and away from the body 46, the additional strength reduces the deformation of the neck 56. In addition, in some applications, the user may wish to remove one or more coupling elements from the chain belt. The additional strength of the neck 56 reduces the possibility of removing only the head and part or all of the neck, thereby attaching the body 46 to the zipper zipper of the chain belt. In addition, the maximum depth d4 is up to 30% of the thickness t of the body 46, which advantageously reduces the possibility of the locking pin of the slider accidentally passing over the neck 56. A maximum depth d4 of at least 5% of the thickness t of the body 46 advantageously reduces the likelihood that the coupling element 44 will be removed from the zipper zipper by a load applied to the coupling element by the locking pin of the slider. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d4 of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 can be less than 5% or more than 30% of the thickness t of the body 46.

[0096] The location of the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66 is offset from the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70. The location of the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66 is offset from the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The location of the minimum depth d3 is offset from the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70 by at least 10% of the width w of the neck 56. The location of the minimum depth d3 is offset from the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70 by up to 50% of the width w of the neck 56. In some embodiments, the location of the minimum depth d3 may not be offset from the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70.

[0097] The minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 is less than the overall depth of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66. This may be the case when the neck 56 is not rotationally symmetrical or when the neck 56 is rotationally symmetrical. The minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66 is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64. This may be the case when the neck 56 is not rotationally symmetrical or when the neck 56 is rotationally symmetrical.

[0098] Conventionally, in order to attach the coupling element to the zipper zipper, the coupling element is injection molded onto the zipper zipper. Once the two zipper zippers have been provided with the appropriate coupling elements, the coupling elements are interlaced. If the coupling elements have not been sufficiently cooled when interlaced, the coupling elements may deform. The minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 is less than the overall depth of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove and the minimum depth d3 of the second groove portion 76 of the lower groove 64 is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64, which advantageously reduces or eliminates such deformation. This is because the reduced area of ​​the neck 56 formed by the geometry of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 and the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 is compensated by the increased area of ​​the neck 56 formed by the geometry of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 and by the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66. This provides the neck 56 of the coupling element 44 with the strength to withstand coupling with one or more coupling elements without deformation or with significantly reduced deformation.

[0099] from Figure 6 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view, when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis Z, the neck 56 is rotationally symmetrical (for Figure 6 The neck 56 is rotationally symmetrical along at least 25% of the length of the neck 56. The length of the neck 56 extends in a direction parallel to the transverse axis extending out of the Figure 6 In some non-depicted embodiments, the neck 56 may be rotationally symmetric in at least one cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. In the depicted embodiment, the rotational symmetry of the neck 56 is second order. However, in some non-depicted embodiments, the rotational symmetry order of the neck 56 may be greater than two. Advantageously, the rotational symmetry of the neck 56 allows the link to which the coupling element 44 is mounted to be attached to an article in two possible orientations without affecting the effectiveness of the link, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0100] Reference now Figure 7As discussed above, the neck 56 of the coupling element 44 defines a length L1. The length L1 of the neck 56 extends parallel to the transverse axis Z. The length L1 of the neck 56 is measured along the portion of the neck 56 parallel to the transverse axis Z. In an embodiment where there is no portion in the neck 56 parallel to the transverse axis Z, the length L1 of the neck 56 is measured along the thinnest portion of the neck 56 in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z. The thinnest portion of the neck 56 is the portion having the smallest distance from the upper surface 60 of the neck 56 to the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y. The body 46 defines a length L2. The length of the body 46 extends parallel to the transverse axis Z. The body 46 abuts the neck 56. Therefore, the length of the body 46 is measured from the point where the body 46 and the neck 56 interface with each other to the rearmost point of the body 46. The rearmost point of the body 46 refers to the point of the body that is arranged farthest from the neck 56 in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z. The length L1 of the neck 56 is up to 65% of the length L2 of the body 46. This advantageously reduces the likelihood that the coupling element 44 will become detached from the link to which it is mounted during use. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the neck 56 may be at least 5% of the length L2 of the body 46. In some embodiments, the length L1 of the neck 56 may be less than 5% or more than 65% of the length L2 of the body 46.

[0101] Figure 8 The locking pin 39 of the slide is shown in a first position. It can be seen that in the first position, the locking pin 39 engages the upper surface 60 of the neck 56 of the coupling element 44. In particular, the locking pin engages the second portion 70 of the neck 56 in the area of ​​the third transition portion 85. However, in some embodiments not depicted, the locking pin 39 may engage any other suitable portion of the neck 56. For example, in the first position, the locking pin 39 may engage the second end 77 of the neck 56 or may engage with the second end 77 of the neck 56. In addition, as discussed above, the neck 56 of the coupling element 44 is rotationally symmetric. Therefore, the coupling element 44 can be oriented in one of two possible orientations relative to the slide and the locking pin. The two possible orientations are separated from each other by 180° about a transverse axis that extends out Figure 8 When the locking pin 39 is in the first position, the portion of the neck 56 that the locking pin 39 engages is determined, for example, by the geometry of the locking pin 39 and the neck 56 and the orientation of the coupling element 44 relative to the slide and the locking pin 39.

[0102] When the locking pin 39 is engaged with the neck 56 of the coupling element 44, the slider is prevented from overtaking the coupling element 44 in the second direction E due to the engagement between the locking pin 39 and the neck 56. However, once the force used to move the slider in the second direction E exceeds a predetermined value, the locking pin 39 passes over the neck 56. As the locking pin 39 passes over the neck 56, the locking pin 39 can move about a substantially parallel transverse axis (which extends out of the slider). Figure 8The slider body 40 can be rotated about an axis of the second direction E and / or moved relative to the slider 40 in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y by virtue of the engagement between the locking pin 39 and the upper surface 60 of the neck 56. Alternatively or additionally, as the locking pin 39 passes over the neck 56, the slider body can be rotated relative to the coupling element 44 by virtue of the engagement between the locking pin 39 and the upper surface 60 of the neck 56. The force for moving the slider in the second direction E is not necessarily applied directly to the slider. For example, a force can be applied substantially parallel to the transverse axis Z (which extends out of the slider body 40). Figure 8 The load is applied to the two chains of the zipper in opposite directions (page of FIG. 1 ). The load can be applied to the two chains by applying one or more loads to the article to which the zipper is attached. The amount of force required to make the locking pin 39 pass over the neck 56 in the second direction E depends on the amount of overlap between the locking pin 39 and the second end 77 of the neck 56 in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y, the geometry of the locking pin 39, the geometry of the second end 77 of the neck 56, and the geometry of the third transition portion 85. Other factors such as the direction in which the force is applied to the slider may also affect the amount of force required to make the locking pin 39 pass over the neck 56 in the second direction E. Constructing the neck 56 so that the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 reduces the force required to make the locking pin pass over the neck 56 in the second direction E. This is compared to the case where the minimum depth d1 of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 is not less than the overall depth of the second groove portion. Compared to a larger force, reducing the force required to get the locking pin 39 over the neck 56 reduces the likelihood that one or more coupling elements will be torn off the link by the locking pin 39. Thus, the predetermined force is preferably less than the force required to tear the coupling element 44 off the link.

[0103] Fig. 9 The slide and coupling element 44 are shown after the predetermined force has been exceeded. It can be seen that after the predetermined force has been exceeded, the locking pin 39 translates in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y (and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X) so that the locking pin 39 engages the upper surface 60 of the neck 56. The locking pin 39 and / or body of the slide (at Fig. 9 , which has been removed for clarity) may also be oriented about a direction parallel to the transverse axis (which extends out Fig. 9 If the force continues to be applied to move the slide in the second direction E, the locking pin 39 continues to travel along the upper surface 60 of the neck 56. However, if the force is removed, the slide may return to the Figure 8 As the locking pin 39 continues to travel along the upper surface 60 of the neck 56, the locking pin 39 continues to translate in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y. Alternatively or additionally, the body of the slide and / or the locking pin 39 may rotate about an axis parallel to the transverse axis while the locking pin 39 continues to travel along the upper surface 60 of the neck 56. Fig.10 In the embodiment, the locking pin 39 has been moved to contact the portion of the first portion 72 of the upper groove 64 that defines the minimum depth (for clarity, the portion is shown in FIG. Fig.10 Again, as the locking pin 39 travels along the upper surface 60 of the neck 56, the locking pin 39 translates in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y, and / or the locking pin 39 and / or body of the slide rotates about an axis parallel to the transverse axis. Fig.11 , the locking pin 39 has completely passed over the neck 56 of the coupling element 44 .

[0104] In addition to allowing the locking pin 39 to pass over the neck 56 once the predetermined force has been exceeded, the shape of the neck 56 also increases the strength of the neck 56. The reduced area of ​​the neck 56 formed due to the geometry of the second groove portion 74 of the upper groove 64 is compensated by the increased area of ​​the neck 56 formed due to the geometry of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 and by the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66. In addition, the reduced area of ​​the neck formed due to the geometry of the first groove portion 76 of the lower groove 66 is compensated by the increased area of ​​the neck 56 formed due to the geometry of the first groove portion 72 of the upper groove 64 and by the second groove portion 78 of the lower groove 66. This increases the strength of the neck in the transverse direction Z.

[0105] Return to reference Figure 4 The coupling elements 36 of the first link tape 24 are oriented so that the second neck portion 70 of each of the coupling elements 36 faces toward the top end 82 of the zipper 22 ( Figure 4 The position of the top 82 in FIG. 1 is merely representative because Figure 4 Only a portion of the zipper 22 is shown). The coupling elements 36 of the first link 24 are also oriented so that the upper groove 64 of each coupling element is arranged at the front side 84 of the zipper 22. Therefore, when the slider is advanced in the second direction E and the locking pin 39 of the slider 40 is in the first position, the locking pin 39 engages the upper surface 60 of the neck 56 at the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70 of the coupling element in the coupling element 36, which corresponds to the maximum depth d2. Similarly, when the slider is advanced in the first direction D and the locking pin 39 of the slider 40 is in the first position, the locking pin 39 engages the upper surface of the neck at the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68 of the coupling element in the coupling element 36, which corresponds to the minimum depth d1.

[0106] With the coupling elements 36 of the first link 24 positioned in an alternative orientation that is not depicted, the coupling elements 36 are oriented so that the first neck portion 68 of each of the coupling elements 36 faces toward the top end 82 of the zipper. In the alternative orientation, the coupling elements 36 are also oriented so that the lower groove 66 of each coupling element is arranged at the front side 84 of the zipper 22. Thus, in the alternative orientation, when the slider 40 is advanced in the second direction E and with the locking pin 39 of the slider 40 in the first position, the locking pin 39 engages the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68 of the coupling element in the coupling element 36, which corresponds to the maximum depth d4. Similarly, when the slider is advanced in the first direction D and with the locking pin 39 of the slider 40 in the first position, the locking pin 39 engages the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70 of the coupling element in the coupling element 36, which corresponds to the minimum depth d3.

[0107] The coupling elements 38 of the second link 26 are oriented so that the first neck portion 68 of each of the coupling elements 38 faces away from the top end 82 of the zipper 22. The coupling elements 38 of the second link 26 are also oriented so that the lower groove 66 of each coupling element is arranged at the front side 84 of the zipper 22. Therefore, with the locking pin (not shown) of the second slider set in the first position and when the second slider is advanced in the first direction D, the locking pin engages the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 at the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68 of the coupling element in the coupling element 38, which corresponds to the maximum depth d4. Similarly, with the locking pin of the second slider in the first position and when the second slider is advanced in the second direction E, the locking pin engages the lower surface 62 of the neck 56 at the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70 of the coupling element in the coupling element 38, which corresponds to the minimum depth d3.

[0108] With the coupling elements 38 of the second link 26 positioned in an alternative orientation that is not depicted, the coupling elements 38 are oriented so that the second neck portion 70 of each of the coupling elements 38 faces away from the top end 82 of the zipper. In the alternative orientation, the coupling elements 38 are also oriented so that the upper groove 64 of each coupling element is arranged at the front side 84 of the zipper 22. Thus, in the alternative orientation, with the locking pin 39 of the slider 40 in the first position and when the second slider is advanced in the second direction E, the locking pin 39 engages the upper surface 60 of the neck 56 at the second end 77 of the second neck portion 70 of the coupling element in the coupling element 38, which corresponds to the minimum depth d1. Similarly, with the locking pin of the second slider in the first position and when the slider is advanced in the first direction D, the locking pin engages the upper surface of the neck at the first end 75 of the first neck portion 68 of the coupling element in the coupling element 38, which corresponds to the maximum depth d2.

[0109] According to the above, it can be said that the coupling elements 36', 38' of each of the link belts are oriented so that the locking pin of the slider moves or advances in the direction of decoupling the coupling element to engage the end of the neck portion defining the maximum depth. In addition, when the slider moves or advances in the direction of coupling the coupling element, the locking pin engages the end of the neck portion defining the minimum depth.

[0110] In some embodiments, with the locking pin 39 of the slider 40 in the first position, the locking pin 39 can engage the coupling element 38 of the second link 26. In some embodiments, with the locking pin of the second slider in the first position, the locking pin can engage the coupling element 36 of the first link 24.

[0111] Because the coupling elements 36, 38 may be attached to their respective zipper strips 28, 30 in one of two possible orientations, the above description applies mutatis mutandis to situations where the coupling elements 36 of the first link strip 24 and / or the coupling elements 38 of the second link strip 36 are arranged in alternative orientations.

[0112] As discussed above, in some embodiments, upper and lower slots may be provided to the body of the coupling element. Figures 12 to 18 1 shows an embodiment of such a coupling element 44'. The features of the coupling element 44' are substantially the same as the features of the coupling element 44 of the previous embodiment, except for the location of the upper groove 64' and the lower groove 66'. Figures 12 to 18 The description uses the same numerals as used in previous figures to indicate equivalent features.

[0113] First reference Fig.12 . The body 46' includes a grooved portion 67'. The grooved portion 67' includes an upper groove 64' and a lower groove 66'. The upper groove 64' extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The upper groove 64' extends along an upper surface 82' of the body 46'. The lower groove 66' extends parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The lower groove 66' extends along a lower surface 80' of the body 46'. For the neck of the previous embodiment, the body 46', in particular the upper groove 64' and the lower groove 66' of the body, are designed so that once the force used to move the slide in the second direction (i.e., the direction in which the slide disengages the coupling element) exceeds a predetermined value, the locking pin of the slide passes over the body 46'. In some embodiments, the predetermined value can be at least 35N and / or up to 75N. In some embodiments, the predetermined value can be at least 20N and / or up to 150N. The magnitude of the predetermined value is a function of, among other things, the size of the zipper to which the coupling element 44' is installed, including the size of the coupling element 44' and the type of zipper to which the coupling element 44' is installed.

[0114] Fig.13The coupling element 44' is shown perpendicular to the transverse axis (which extends out Fig.13 A cross-sectional view in a plane of a page). Fig.13 A coupling element 44' is shown mounted to a zipper zipper 45'. Fig.13 The section of the view of has been taken through the body 46' of the coupling element 44'. The plane of the cross-sectional view extends through the middle region of the body 46' in the direction of the transverse axis Z. It can be seen that the middle region of the body 46' is substantially parallelogram-shaped in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis.

[0115] The grooved portion 67' includes an upper surface 86' and a lower surface 88'. The upper surface 86' and the lower surface 88' are convex or at least partially convex. The grooved portion 67' of the body 46' includes a first portion 51'. The first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67' forms a portion of the first portion 59' of the proximal portion 57'. The grooved portion 67' of the body 46' includes a second portion 53'. The second portion 53' of the grooved portion 67' forms a portion of the second portion 61' of the proximal portion 57'. The second portion 53' of the grooved portion 67' is arranged adjacent to the first portion 51' of the grooved portion along the longitudinal axis X. In some embodiments, the first portion 51' and the second portion 53' may each include 50% of the grooved portion 67'. The first portion 51' and the second portion 53' may each include 50% of the volume of the grooved portion 67'. The first portion 51 ′ and the second portion 53 ′ may each include 50% of the length of the grooved portion 67 ′ in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. In particular, a plane at the interface between the first portion 51 ′ and the second portion 53 ′ may extend parallel to the transverse axis Z and be arranged at a midpoint of the grooved portion 67 ′ in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0116] The first portion 51 ' of the grooved portion 67' defines a first end 90' in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The first end 90' may be an end region or an endpoint. The first end 90' is an end region or an endpoint of the grooved portion 67'. The first end 90' is defined between a first point and a second point. The first point is arranged at a position where, when starting from the midpoint of the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' along the longitudinal axis X and moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and away from the second portion 53' of the grooved portion 67', the angle between the normal extending from the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' and the longitudinal axis X is less than 25 degrees. The second point is arranged at a position where, when starting from the midpoint of the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' along the longitudinal axis X and moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and away from the second portion 53' of the grooved portion 53', the angle between the normal line extending from the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' and the longitudinal axis X is less than 25 degrees. Here, the angle between the normal line extending from the upper surface 86' or the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' and the longitudinal axis X refers to an acute angle formed between the normal line and the longitudinal axis, not an obtuse angle.

[0117] The upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' merges into the first end 90' of the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67' via the first transition portion 81'. The first transition portion 81' is rounded. However, in other embodiments depicted therein, the first transition portion 81' may have any suitable geometry. For example, the first transition portion 81' may define a vertex or a chamfer. The lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' merges into the first end 90' via the second transition portion 83'. The second transition portion 83' is rounded. However, in other embodiments not depicted therein, the second transition portion 83' may have any suitable geometry. For example, the second transition portion 83' may define a vertex or a chamfer.

[0118] The second slotted portion 53' defines a second end 92' in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The second end 92' may be an end region or an endpoint. The second end 92' is an end region or an endpoint of the slotted portion 67'. The second end 92' is defined between a first point and a second point. The first point is disposed at a location where, when starting from the midpoint of the upper surface 86' of the slotted portion 67' along the longitudinal axis X and moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and away from the first portion 51' of the slotted portion 67', the angle between the normal line extending from the upper surface 86' of the slotted portion 67' and the longitudinal axis X is less than 25 degrees. The second point is disposed at a location where, when starting from the midpoint of the lower surface 88' of the slotted portion 67' along the longitudinal axis X and moving in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X and away from the first portion 51' of the slotted portion 67', the angle between the normal line extending from the lower surface 88' of the slotted portion 67' and the longitudinal axis X is less than 25 degrees. Here, the angle between the normal line extending from the upper surface 86 ′ or the lower surface 88 ′ of the grooved portion 67 ′ and the longitudinal axis X refers to an acute angle formed, not an obtuse angle.

[0119] The upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' merges into the second end 92' via the third transition portion 85'. The third transition portion 85' is rounded. However, in other embodiments not depicted, the third transition portion 85' may have any suitable geometry. For example, the third transition portion 85' may define a vertex or a chamfer. The lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' merges into the second end 92' via the fourth transition portion 87'. The fourth transition portion 87' is rounded. However, in other embodiments not depicted, the fourth transition portion 87' may have any suitable geometry. For example, the fourth transition portion 87' may define a vertex or a chamfer.

[0120] The body 46' defines a width w'. The width w' of the body 46' extends from a first end of the body 46' in the direction of the longitudinal axis X to a second end of the body 46' in the direction of the longitudinal axis X. The width w' is measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0121] The upper groove 64' includes a first groove portion 72' in the region of the first portion 59' of the proximal portion 57'. The upper groove 64' includes a second groove portion 74' in the region of the second portion 61' of the proximal portion 57'. The depth of any point of the first groove portion 72' or the second groove portion 74' can be understood to refer to the distance from the upper surface 52' of the main body 46' of the coupling element 44' to the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y perpendicular to both the longitudinal axis X and the transverse axis. The first groove portion 72' defines a minimum depth d1'. The minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' is the minimum depth of the upper groove 64'. The minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64'. In some embodiments, the minimum depth d1' can be zero. The predetermined force for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the grooved portion 67' of the body 46' is a function of the minimum depth d1'.

[0122] The second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' defines a maximum depth d2'. The maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' is the maximum depth of the upper groove 64'. The maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' is greater than the depth of the entire first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64'. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' may be equal to the depth of at least part of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64'. However, in the case where the maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' is equal to the depth of at least part of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64', the depth of at least part of the first groove portion 72' may be less than the depth of at least part of the second groove portion 74'. The predetermined force for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the grooved portion is a function of the maximum depth d2'. In particular, the greater the magnitude of the maximum depth d2', the smaller the magnitude of the predetermined force required for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' of the body 46'. Similarly, the smaller the magnitude of the maximum depth d2', the greater the magnitude of the predetermined force required to cause the locking pin of the slide to clear the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' of the body 46'.

[0123] The maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' is at least 15% greater than the minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64'. Therefore, a minimum depth difference between the minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64' and the maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' is set. The force required for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the upper groove 64' is a function of the minimum depth d1', the maximum depth d2', and the difference between the minimum depth d1' and the maximum depth d2'. The force required for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the upper groove 64' increases as the difference between the minimum depth d1' and the maximum depth d2' increases. However, other factors such as the geometry of the locking pin may affect the force required for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the upper groove 64'. The maximum depth d2' being at least 15% greater than the minimum depth d1' will advantageously facilitate the locking pin of the slide to pass over the upper groove 64'. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d2 ′ of the second groove portion 74 ′ of the upper groove 64 ′ may be less than 15% greater than the minimum depth d1 ′ of the first groove portion 72 ′ of the upper groove 64 ′.

[0124] The maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' is up to seven times the minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64'. As discussed above, the force required to cause the locking pin of the slide to pass over the upper groove 64' is a function of the difference between the minimum depth d1' and the maximum depth d2'. In the event that the maximum depth d2' is more than seven times the minimum depth d1', the likelihood of the locking pin of the slide accidentally passing over the upper groove 64' exceeds an acceptable value. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' may be more than seven times the minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64'.

[0125] The position of the minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64' is offset from the first end 90' of the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67'. The position of the minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64' is offset from the first end 90' of the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67' in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The position of the minimum depth d1' is offset from the first end 90' of the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67' by at least 20% of the width w' of the body 46'. The position of the minimum depth d1' is offset from the first end 90' of the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67' by up to 50% of the width w' of the body 46'. In some embodiments, the position of the minimum depth d1' may not be offset from the first end 90' of the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67'.

[0126] The body 46' defines a thickness t'. The thickness t' of the body 46' is measured from the upper surface 52' of the body 46' to the lower surface 80' of the body 46'. The thickness t' of the body 46' is measured in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y. The maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' is at least 5% of the thickness t' of the body 46'. The maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' is up to 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46'. The maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the body 46' is up to 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46', which is advantageously provided to the body 46' with additional strength compared to the case where the maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' is more than 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46'. In addition, the maximum depth d2' of the body 46' is up to 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46' which is advantageously reduced The possibility of the locking pin of the slide accidentally passing over the grooved portion 67'. A maximum depth d2' of at least 5% of the thickness t' of the body 46' advantageously reduces the likelihood that the coupling element 44' will be removed from the zipper zipper by a load applied to the coupling element 44' by the locking pin of the slider. In some embodiments, the maximum depth d2' of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' can be less than 5% or more than 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46'.

[0127] The lower groove 66' includes a first groove portion 76' in the region of the first portion 59' of the proximal portion 57'. The lower groove 64' includes a second groove portion 78' in the region of the second portion 61' of the proximal portion 57'. The depth of any point of the first groove portion 76' or the second groove portion 78' can be understood to refer to the distance from the lower surface 80' of the body 46' of the coupling element 44' to the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y. The second groove portion 78' defines a minimum depth d3'. The minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' is the minimum depth of the lower groove 66'. The minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' is less than the overall depth of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66'. The predetermined force for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the lower surface 66' of the grooved portion 67' of the body 46' is a function of the minimum depth d3'.

[0128] The minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66' being less than the overall depth of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' advantageously makes the shape of the grooved portion 67' and the body 46' more uniform. In order to attach the coupling element 44' to the zipper liner, the coupling element 44' is injection molded onto the moving zipper liner. When attaching the coupling element 44' to the zipper liner, the head 54' and the neck 56' of the coupling element are pushed in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the zipper liner. This may cause the body 46' to deform, particularly in the region of the grooved portion 67'. In the case where the second portion 53' of the grooved portion 67' follows the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67', the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' provides additional strength to the body 46' against deformation in the direction opposite to the direction of movement of the zipper liner. This makes the shape of the body 46' more uniform.

[0129] The first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' defines a maximum depth d4'. The maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' is the maximum depth of the lower groove 66'. The maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' is greater than the depth of the entirety of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66'. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' may be equal to the depth of at least a portion of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66'. However, in the case where the maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' is equal to the depth of at least a portion of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66', the depth of at least a portion of the second groove portion 78' may be less than the depth of at least a portion of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66'. The predetermined force for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' of the body 46' is a function of the maximum depth d4'. In particular, the larger the value of the maximum depth d4', the smaller the value of the predetermined force required to make the locking pin of the slide pass over the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67', and the smaller the value of the maximum depth d4', the larger the value of the predetermined force required to make the locking pin of the slide pass over the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67'.

[0130] The maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' is at least 15% greater than the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66'. Therefore, a minimum depth difference between the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66' and the maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' is set. The force required for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the lower groove 66' is a function of the minimum depth d3', the maximum depth d4', and the difference between the minimum depth d3' and the maximum depth d4'. The force required for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the lower groove 66' increases as the difference between the minimum depth d3' and the maximum depth d4' increases. However, other factors such as the geometry of the locking pin affect the force required for the locking pin of the slide to pass over the lower groove 66'. The maximum depth d4' being at least 15% greater than the minimum depth d3' will advantageously facilitate the locking pin of the slide to pass over the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67'. It is desirable that this advantage be provided by the lower groove 66' because the coupling element 44' can be mounted to the zipper zipper in one of two possible orientations, as will be discussed below. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' can be less than 15% greater than the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66'.

[0131] The maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' is up to seven times the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66'. As discussed above, the force required to cause the locking pin of the slide to pass over the lower groove 66' is a function of the difference between the minimum depth d3' and the maximum depth d4'. In the event that the maximum depth d4' is more than seven times the minimum depth d3', the likelihood of the locking pin of the slide inadvertently passing over the lower groove 66' exceeds an acceptable value.

[0132] However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' may be more than seven times the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66'.

[0133] The maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' is at least 5% of the thickness t' of the body 46'. The maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' is up to 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46'. The maximum depth d4' of the second groove portion 74' of up to 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46' advantageously provides additional strength to the body 46' compared to the case where the maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' is more than 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46. In addition, the maximum depth d4' of up to 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46' advantageously reduces the possibility of the locking pin of the slider inadvertently passing over the grooved portion 67'. The maximum depth d4' of at least 5% of the thickness t' of the body 46' advantageously reduces the possibility of the coupling element 44' being removed from the zipper zipper by the load applied to the coupling element by the locking pin of the slider. However, in some embodiments, the maximum depth d4' of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' may be less than 5% or more than 30% of the thickness t' of the body 46'.

[0134] The location of the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66' is offset from the second end 92' of the grooved portion 67'. The location of the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66' is offset from the second end 92' of the grooved portion 67' in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The location of the minimum depth d3' is offset from the second end 92' of the grooved portion 67' by at least 20% of the width w' of the body 46'. The location of the minimum depth d3' is offset from the second end 92' of the grooved portion 67' by up to 50% of the width w' of the body 46'. In some embodiments, the location of the minimum depth d3' may not be offset from the second end 92' of the grooved portion 67'.

[0135] The minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64' is less than the overall depth of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66'. This can be the case both when the groove portion 67' is not rotationally symmetrical and when the groove portion 67' is rotationally symmetrical. The minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66' is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64'. This can be the case both when the groove portion 67' is not rotationally symmetrical and when the groove portion 67' is rotationally symmetrical.

[0136] Conventionally, in order to attach the coupling element to the zipper zipper, the coupling element is injection molded onto the zipper zipper. Once the two zipper zippers have been provided with the appropriate coupling elements, the coupling elements are interlaced. If the coupling elements have not cooled sufficiently when interlaced, the coupling elements may deform. The minimum depth d1' of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64' is less than the overall depth of the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' and the minimum depth d3' of the second groove portion 76' of the lower groove 64' is less than the overall depth of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64', which advantageously reduces or eliminates such deformation. This is because the reduced area of ​​the grooved portion 67' formed due to the geometry of the second groove portion 74' of the upper groove 64' and the first groove portion 76' of the lower groove 66' is compensated by the increased area of ​​the grooved portion 67' formed due to the geometry of the first groove portion 72' of the upper groove 64' and by the second groove portion 78' of the lower groove 66'. This provides the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element 44' with the strength to withstand coupling with one or more coupling elements without deformation or with significantly reduced deformation.

[0137] from Fig.13 As can be seen from the cross-sectional view, when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis Z, the grooved portion 67' is rotationally symmetrical (for Fig.13 The grooved portion 67' is rotationally symmetrical along at least 25% of the length of the grooved portion 67'. The length of the grooved portion 67' extends in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z, which extends out Fig.13 . In some non-depicted embodiments, the grooved portion 67' may be rotationally symmetric in at least one cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. In the depicted embodiment, the rotational symmetry of the grooved portion 67' has a second order. However, in some non-depicted embodiments, the order of rotational symmetry of the grooved portion 67' may be greater than two. Advantageously, the rotational symmetry of the grooved portion 67' allows the strap to which the coupling element 44' is mounted to be attached to an article in two possible orientations without affecting the effectiveness of the strap, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0138] Reference now Fig.14. The slotted portion 67' of the coupling element 44 defines a length L3'. The length L3' of the slotted portion 67' extends parallel to the transverse axis Z. The length L3' of the slotted portion 67' is measured along the portion of the slotted portion 67' that is parallel to the transverse axis Z. In an embodiment in which there is no portion of the slotted portion 67' that is parallel to the transverse axis Z, the length L3' of the slotted portion 67' is measured along the thinnest portion of the slotted portion 67' in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z. The thinnest portion of the slotted portion 67' is the portion having the smallest distance from the upper surface 86' of the slotted portion 67' to the lower surface 88' of the slotted portion 67' in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y. The body 46' defines a length L2'. The length of the body 46' extends parallel to the transverse axis Z. The body 46' is adjacent to the neck 56'. Therefore, the length of the body 46' is measured from the point where the body 46' and the neck 56' interface with each other to the rearmost point of the body 46'. The rearmost point of the body 46' refers to the point of the body 46' that is disposed furthest from the neck 56' in a direction parallel to the transverse axis Z. The length L3' of the grooved portion 67' is up to 65% of the length L2' of the body 46'. This advantageously reduces the likelihood of the body 46' breaking during use. In some embodiments, the length L3' of the grooved portion 67' may be at least 5% of the length L2' of the body 46'. In some embodiments, the length L3' of the grooved portion 67' may be less than 5% or more than 65% of the length L2' of the body 46'.

[0139] Fig.15 The slide is shown in a first position (in Fig.15 85'). As can be seen, in the first position, the locking pin 39' engages the upper surface 86' of the slotted portion 67'. In particular, the locking pin 39' engages the second portion 53' of the slotted portion 67' in the region of the third transition portion 85'. However, in some embodiments not depicted, the locking pin 39' may engage any other suitable portion of the slotted portion 67'. For example, in the first position, the locking pin 39' may engage with the second end 92' of the slotted portion 67'. The locking pin 39' may engage with the second end 92' of the slotted portion 67' and the second portion 53' of the slotted portion 67' in the region of the third transition portion 85'. In addition, as discussed above, the slotted portion 67' is rotationally symmetric. Therefore, the coupling element 44' can be oriented in one of two possible orientations relative to the slide and the locking pin 39'. The two possible orientations are separated from each other by 180° about a transverse axis extending out Fig.15 The portion of the slotted portion 67' that the locking pin 39' engages when the locking pin 39' is in the first position is determined by, for example, the geometry of the locking pin 39' and the slotted portion 67' and the orientation of the coupling element 44' relative to the slide and the locking pin 39'.

[0140] When the locking pin 39' is engaged with the slotted portion 67' of the coupling element 44', the slider is prevented from overtaking the coupling element 44' in the second direction E due to the engagement between the locking pin 39' and the slotted portion 67'. However, once the force used to move the slider in the second direction E exceeds a predetermined value, the locking pin 39' passes over the slotted portion 67'. As the locking pin 39' passes over the slotted portion 67', the locking pin 39' can move about a substantially parallel axis (which extends out of the lateral axis) to move the slider in the second direction E. Fig.15 The slider body can be rotated relative to the coupling element 44' by virtue of the engagement between the locking pin 39' and the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' as the locking pin 39' passes over the grooved portion 67'. The force for moving the slider in the second direction E is not necessarily applied directly to the slider. For example, a force can be applied substantially parallel to the transverse axis Z (which extends out of the slider body) and / or relative to the slider in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y by virtue of the engagement between the locking pin 39' and the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67'. Alternatively or additionally, as the locking pin 39' passes over the grooved portion 67', the slider body can be rotated relative to the coupling element 44' by virtue of the engagement between the locking pin 39' and the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67'. The force for moving the slider in the second direction E is not necessarily applied directly to the slider. For example, a force can be applied substantially parallel to the transverse axis Z (which extends out of the slider body) to move the slider body relative to the coupling element 44'. Fig.15 The load is applied to the two straps of the zipper in opposite directions in a direction E. The load may be applied to the two straps by applying one or more loads to the article to which the zipper is attached. The amount of force required to cause the locking pin 39' to pass over the slotted portion 67' in the second direction E is a function of the amount of overlap of the locking pin 39' and the second end 92' of the slotted portion 67' in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y, the geometry of the locking pin 39', the geometry of the second end 92' of the slotted portion 67', the maximum depth d2' (referred to herein as 'for clarity'), and the relative position of the locking pin 39' in the second direction E. Fig.15 ), minimum depth d1' (not marked in Fig.15 ), the difference between the maximum depth d2' and the minimum depth d1', and the geometry of the third transition portion 85'. Other factors, such as the direction in which the force is applied to the slider, may also affect the amount of force required for the locking pin 39' to pass over the slotted portion 67' in the second direction E. Constructing the slotted portion 67' so that the minimum depth d1' of the first slot portion 72' of the upper slot 64' is less than the overall depth of the second slot portion 74' of the upper slot 64' reduces the force required for the locking pin to pass over the slotted portion 67' in the second direction E. This is compared to if the minimum depth d1' of the first slot portion 72' of the upper slot 64' is not less than the overall depth of the second slot portion 74'. Reducing the force required to pass the locking pin 39' over the slotted portion 67' reduces the likelihood that one or more coupling elements will be torn off the chain by the locking pin 39' compared to a larger force. Therefore, the predetermined force is preferably less than the force required to tear the coupling element 44' off the chain.

[0141] Fig.16The slide and coupling element 44' are shown after the predetermined force has been exceeded. It can be seen that after the predetermined force has been exceeded, the locking pin 39' translates in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y (and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis X) so that the locking pin 39' engages the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67'. The locking pin 39' and / or body of the slide (at Fig.16 The axial direction of the axis of rotation may also be axially parallel to the transverse axis (which extends out of the Fig.16 The locking pin 39' continues to travel along the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' if the force is removed, and the slide can return to the position in the second direction E. Fig.15 As the locking pin 39' continues to travel along the upper surface 86' of the slotted portion 67', the locking pin 39' continues to translate in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y. Alternatively or additionally, the body of the slide and / or the locking pin 39' may rotate about an axis parallel to the transverse axis while the locking pin 39' continues to travel along the upper surface 86' of the slotted portion 67'. Fig.17 , the locking pin 39' has moved into contact with the portion of the first slot portion 72' of the upper slot 64' that defines the minimum depth (referred to in the illustration for clarity). Fig.17 Again, as the locking pin 39' travels along the upper surface 64' of the slotted portion 67', the locking pin 39' translates in a direction parallel to the normal axis Y, and / or the locking pin 39' and / or the body of the slide rotates about an axis parallel to the transverse axis. Fig.18 , the locking pin 39' has completely passed over the upper surface 64' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element 44'.

[0142] In addition to allowing the locking pin 39' to pass over the slotted portion 67' once the predetermined force has been exceeded, the shape of the slotted portion 67' also increases the strength of the slotted portion 67'. The reduced area of ​​the slotted portion 67' formed due to the geometry of the second slot portion 74' of the upper slot 64' is compensated by the increased area of ​​the slotted portion 67' formed due to the geometry of the first slot portion 72' of the upper slot 64' and by the second slot portion 78' of the lower slot 66'. In addition, the reduced area of ​​the slotted portion 67' formed due to the geometry of the first slot portion 76' of the lower slot 66' is compensated by the increased area of ​​the slotted portion 67' formed due to the geometry of the first slot portion 72' of the upper slot 64' and by the second slot portion 78' of the lower slot 66'. This increases the strength of the neck in the transverse direction Z.

[0143] Reference now Fig.19The coupling elements 36' of the first link 24' are oriented so that the second portion 53' of the groove portion 67' of each of the coupling elements 36' of the first link 24' faces toward the top end 82' of the zipper 22' ( Fig.19 The position of the top 82' in FIG. 1 is merely representative because Fig.19 Only a portion of the zipper 22' is shown). The coupling elements 36' of the first link 24' are also oriented so that the upper groove 64' of each coupling element is arranged at the front side 84' of the zipper 22'. Thus, when the slider 40' is advanced in the second direction E and the locking pin 39' of the slider 40' (due to the position of the plane defining the cross-sectional view) is Fig.19 With the slider 40' in the first position (only a portion of which is visible), the locking pin 39' engages the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element in the coupling element 36' at the second end 92' of the second portion 53' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element, which corresponds to the maximum depth d2'. Similarly, when the slide is advanced in the first direction D and with the locking pin 39' of the slide 40' in the first position, the locking pin 39' engages the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element in the coupling element 36' at the first end 90', which corresponds to the minimum depth d1'.

[0144] With the coupling elements 36' of the first link 24' positioned in an alternative orientation that is not depicted, the coupling elements 36' are oriented so that the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67' of each of the coupling elements 36' faces toward the top end 82' of the zipper. In the alternative orientation, the coupling elements 36' are also oriented so that the lower groove 66' of each coupling element is arranged at the front side 84' of the zipper 22'. Therefore, in the alternative orientation, when the slider 40' is advanced in the second direction E and with the locking pin 39' of the slider 40' in the first position, the locking pin 39' engages the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' at the first end 90' of the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element in the coupling element 36', which corresponds to the maximum depth d4'. Similarly, when the slide is advanced in the first direction D and with the locking pin 39' of the slide 40' in the first position, the locking pin 39' engages the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' at the second end 92' of the second portion 53' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element in the coupling element 36', which corresponds to the minimum depth d3'.

[0145] The coupling elements 38' of the second link 26' are oriented so that the second portion 53' of the grooved portion 67' of each of the coupling elements 38' faces away from the top end 82' of the zipper 22'. The coupling elements 38' of the second link 26' are also oriented so that the lower groove 66' of each coupling element is arranged at the front side 84' of the zipper 22'. Therefore, when the locking pin of the second slide (not shown) is set in the first position and when the second slide is advanced in the first direction D, the locking pin 39' engages the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' at the second end 92' of the second portion 53' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element in the coupling element 38', which corresponds to the maximum depth d4'. Similarly, when the locking pin of the second slide is in the first position and when the second slide is pushed in the second direction E, the locking pin engages the lower surface 88' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element in the coupling element 38' at the first end 90' of the first part 51' of the grooved portion 67', which corresponds to the minimum depth d3'.

[0146] With the coupling elements 38' of the second link 26' positioned in an alternative orientation that is not depicted, the coupling elements 38' are oriented so that the first portion 51' of the grooved portion 67' of each of the coupling elements 38' faces away from the top end 82' of the zipper. In the alternative orientation, the coupling elements 38' are also oriented so that the upper groove 64' of each coupling element is arranged at the front side 84' of the zipper 22'. Therefore, in the alternative orientation, with the locking pin 39' of the slider 40' in the first position and when the second slider is advanced in the second direction E, the locking pin 39' engages the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element in the coupling element 38' at the second end 92' of the second portion 53', which corresponds to the minimum depth d1'. Similarly, with the locking pin of the second slide in the first position and when the slide is advanced in the first direction D, the locking pin engages the upper surface 86' of the grooved portion 67' at the first end 90' of the first portion 53' of the grooved portion 67' of the coupling element in the coupling element 38', corresponding to the maximum depth d2'.

[0147] According to the above, it can be said that the coupling elements 36', 38' of each link are oriented so that the locking pin of the slider moves or advances in the direction of decoupling the coupling element and engages the end of the grooved portion 67' that defines the maximum depth. In addition, when the slider moves or advances in the direction of coupling the coupling element, the locking pin engages the end of the grooved portion 67' that defines the minimum depth.

[0148] In some embodiments, with the locking pin 39' of the slider 40' in the first position, the locking pin 39' can engage the coupling element 38' of the second link 26'. In some embodiments, with the locking pin of the second slider in the first position, the locking pin can engage the coupling element 36' of the first link 24'.

[0149] Because the coupling elements 36', 38' can be attached to their respective zipper strips 28', 30' in one of two possible orientations, the above description applies mutatis mutandis to situations where the coupling elements 36' of the first link strip 24' and / or the coupling elements 38' of the second link strip 36' are arranged in alternative orientations.

[0150] Fig. 20 An alternative embodiment of a coupling element 44" is shown. Fig. 20 The diagram shows a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis Z (which extends out Fig. 20 56″ in the plane of the page). In this embodiment, the depth of the first groove portion 72″ of the upper groove 64″ is constant. The second groove portion 74″ of the upper groove 64″ is tapered. Therefore, the depth of the second groove portion 74″ of the upper groove 64″ gradually decreases from the second end 77″ of the neck 56″ to the first groove portion 72″ of the upper groove 64″. In some embodiments, the second groove portion 74″ of the upper groove 64″ can be rounded. In the case where the second groove portion 74″ of the upper groove 64″ is rounded, the second groove 74″ portion of the upper groove 64″ can be convex or concave. The depth of the second groove portion 78″ of the lower groove 66″ is constant. The first groove portion 76″ of the lower groove 66″ is tapered. Therefore, the depth of the first groove portion 76″ of the lower groove 66″ gradually decreases from the first end 75″ of the neck 56″ to the second groove portion 74″ of the lower groove 66″. In some embodiments, the first groove portion 76" of the lower groove 64" may be rounded. Where the first groove portion 76" of the lower groove 66" is rounded, the first groove portion 76" of the lower groove 66" may be convex or concave. The features and geometry of the upper and lower grooves of this embodiment apply mutatis mutandis to embodiments in which the upper and lower grooves are provided to the body of the coupling element.

[0151] Fig.21 The diagram shows a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis Z (which extends out Fig.21Another alternative embodiment of a coupling element 44"' intercepted by a neck 56"' in a plane of the page). In this embodiment, the depth of the second groove portion 72"' of the upper groove 64"' is constant. The first groove portion 72"' of the upper groove 64"' is tapered. Therefore, the depth of the first groove portion 72"' of the upper groove 64"' gradually increases from the first end 75"' of the neck 56"' to the second groove portion 74"' of the upper groove 64"'. In some embodiments, the first groove portion 72"' of the upper groove 64"' can be rounded. In the case where the first groove portion 72"' of the upper groove 64"' is rounded, the first groove 72"' portion of the upper groove 64"' can be convex or concave. The depth of the first groove portion 76"' of the lower groove 66"' is constant. The second groove portion 78"' of the lower groove 66"' is tapered. Therefore, the depth of the second groove portion 78"' of the lower groove 66"' gradually increases from the second end 77"' of the neck 56"' to the first groove portion 76"' of the lower groove 66"'. In some embodiments, the second groove portion 78"' of the lower groove 66"' can be rounded. In the case where the second groove portion 78"' of the lower groove 66"' is rounded, the second groove portion 78"' of the lower groove 66"' can be convex or concave. The features and geometries of the upper and lower grooves of this embodiment are applicable, mutatis mutandis, to embodiments in which the upper and lower grooves are provided to the body of the coupling element.

[0152] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that the present invention may be practiced in other ways different from the described ones. The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described invention may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A connecting element for a slide fastener, comprising: a body having spaced-apart shoulder portions, an upper surface, and a lower surface, the body being configured to be mountable to a zipper zipper of the zipper in use; and a head portion extending parallel to the transverse axis away from the shoulder portions via a neck located between the shoulder portions, the neck comprising an upper surface and a lower surface; wherein the coupling element defines a proximal portion, the proximal portion including the body and the neck, the proximal portion including an upper surface and a lower surface; wherein the proximal portion defines a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being disposed adjacent to the first portion along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the transverse axis; wherein the proximal portion includes an upper groove extending along an upper surface of the proximal portion parallel to the longitudinal axis, the upper groove having a first groove portion in the region of a first portion of the proximal portion and a second groove portion in the region of a second portion of the proximal portion; wherein the first groove portion of the upper groove defines a minimum depth, the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove being less than the depth of the entirety of the second groove portion of the upper groove; wherein the proximal portion comprises a lower groove extending along a lower surface of the proximal portion parallel to the longitudinal axis, the lower groove having a first groove portion in the region of a first portion of the proximal portion and a second groove portion in the region of a second portion of the proximal portion; and The second groove portion of the lower groove defines a minimum depth, and the minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove is less than the entire depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove.

2. The coupling element of claim 1, wherein the second groove portion of the upper groove defines a maximum depth that is greater than the depth of the entirety of the first groove portion of the upper groove.

3. A coupling element according to claim 2, wherein the maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove is at least 15% greater than the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove; and / or wherein The maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove is up to seven times the minimum depth of the first groove portion of the upper groove.

4. A coupling element according to any preceding claim, wherein the first groove portion of the lower groove defines a maximum depth which is greater than the depth of the entirety of the second groove portion of the lower groove.

5. The coupling element according to claim 4, wherein the maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove is at least 15% greater than the minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove; and / or wherein The maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove is up to seven times the minimum depth of the second groove portion of the lower groove.

6. A coupling element according to any preceding claim, wherein the proximal portion is rotationally symmetric when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse axis and including the upper and lower grooves.

7. A coupling element according to any preceding claim, wherein the body defines a thickness extending from the upper surface to the lower surface in a direction perpendicular to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis, and wherein: i) the maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove is at least 5% of the thickness of the body; and / or ii) the maximum depth of the second groove portion of the upper groove is up to 30% of the thickness of the body; and / or iii) the maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove is at least 5% of the thickness of the body; and / or iv) The maximum depth of the first groove portion of the lower groove is up to 30% of the thickness of the body.

8. A coupling element according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion of the proximal portion comprises 50% of the length of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the second portion of the proximal portion comprises 50% of the length of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

9. A coupling element according to any preceding claim, wherein the first portion of the proximal portion defines a first end in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and the second portion of the proximal portion defines a second end in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein: i) a minimum depth of a first portion of the upper groove is offset from a first end of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; and / or where ii) a minimum depth of the second portion of the lower groove is offset from the second end of the proximal portion in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

10. A coupling element according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower grooves are formed in the neck; or wherein The upper groove and the lower groove are formed in the body.

11. The coupling element of claim 10, wherein one of the body and the neck including the upper and lower grooves is substantially parallelogram in a cross section taken perpendicular to the transverse axis and in a plane including the upper and lower grooves.

12. A chain tape for a zipper, comprising: a zipper zipper defining a longitudinal edge; and A plurality of coupling elements according to any preceding claim, mounted along a longitudinal edge of the zip fastener fabric.

13. A zipper comprising: The first link tape according to claim 11 and the second link tape according to claim 12, wherein the coupling element of the first link tape can be coupled to the coupling element of the second link tape along a zipper axis; and a first slide including a locking pin movable between a first position in which the locking pin is engageable with one or more coupling elements of the first and / or second link belts and a second position in which the locking pin is disengaged from the coupling elements of the first and second link belts; The first slider is movably mounted on the first chain belt and the second chain belt during use, so that the first slider can move relative to the first chain belt and the second chain belt along the following directions: a first direction, which is toward the upper end of the zipper, so as to interlace the coupling elements of the first strap with the coupling elements of the second strap; and The second direction is away from the upper end of the zipper so as to decouple the coupling element of the first strap from the coupling element of the second strap.

14. The slider of claim 13, wherein the plurality of coupling elements of the first link tape are oriented such that a minimum depth of a first groove portion of an upper groove of each of the coupling elements faces an upper end of the zipper.

15. The slide according to claim 14, wherein the connecting element and the locking pin are constructed so that, when the locking pin is in the first position, once the load that causes the first slide to move along the second direction exceeds a predetermined value, the locking pin passes over one or more connecting elements engaged therewith.

16. The slider of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the plurality of coupling elements of the second link tape are oriented so that a minimum depth of a first groove portion of an upper groove of each of the coupling elements faces away from an upper end of the zipper.

Images