Barrier-free zipper puller

Abstract

Aspects herein relate to zippers (100) and zipper sliders (10) that are made more suitable, such as for use by persons with limited flexibility. In particular, the zipper pullers disclosed herein are configured to engage with at least one finger of a user to fully operate the zipper.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Sliding fasteners (e.g., zippers) are used to releasably fasten two sets of coupling elements (e.g., zipper teeth) and can be incorporated into releasable fastening systems of articles such as clothing, luggage, shoes, handbags, wallets, etc. Such releasable fastening systems can be used in articles to releasably fasten two parts to each other and / or can be used in conjunction with various features and aspects of the article (including, but not limited to, pockets, vents, collars, sleeves, openings, donning, removal, comfort, fit, securement, etc.). Sliding fasteners typically have pulls, which are typically provided as tabs that a user grasps or pinches using at least two fingers (i.e., for example, at least the user's thumb and another finger) for operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Examples are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0003] Figure 1A An exemplary zipper assembly having a zipper pull according to aspects herein is illustrated;

[0004] Figure 1B A zipper pull according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0005] Figure 1C Pictured Figure 1B The straightened version of the slider body of the zipper slider is shown to illustrate Figure 1B Different aspects of the slider body of the zipper slider;

[0006] Figure 1D A zipper pull according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0007] Figure 1E Pictured Figure 1D The straightened form of the slider body of the zipper slider is shown in FIG. Figure 1D Different aspects of the slider body of the zipper slider;

[0008] Figure 1F A zipper pull according to aspects of the present disclosure is illustrated;

[0009] Figure 1G Pictured Figure 1F The straightened form of the slider body of the zipper slider is shown in FIG. Figure 1F Different aspects of the slider body of the zipper slider;

[0010] Figure 1H illustrates a user operating a zipper assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 1Iillustrates a first configuration of an exemplary zipper assembly having a zipper pull according to aspects herein;

[0012] Figure 1J Pictured Figure 1D The second configuration of the exemplary zipper assembly is shown;

[0013] Figure 1K illustrates a user operating a garment equipped with a zipper assembly according to aspects herein;

[0014] Figure 2A illustrates a front view (first side) of a zipper pull according to aspects herein;

[0015] Figure 2B Pictured Figure 2A Rear view (second side) of the zipper pull shown;

[0016] Figure 2C illustrates exemplary cross-sectional areas of slider bodies according to aspects herein;

[0017] Figure 3A FIGURES illustrate the deformability of the slider body in the direction along the Z axis according to various aspects of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 3B illustrates the deformability of a slider body along the XY plane (i.e., lateral direction) according to aspects herein;

[0019] Figure 4A illustrates an exemplary slider body having a variable thickness according to aspects herein;

[0020] Figure 4B Pictured Figure 4A a first cross-sectional area of ​​the slider body as shown;

[0021] Figure 4C Pictured Figure 4A a second cross-sectional area of ​​the slider body as shown;

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates different exemplary configurations of slider bodies according to aspects herein;

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates different exemplary configurations of slider bodies according to aspects herein; and

[0024] Figure 7 Different exemplary configurations of slider bodies according to aspects herein are illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] As described above, sliding fasteners (e.g., zippers) are used to releasably fasten two groups of coupling elements (e.g., zipper teeth) and can be incorporated into releasable fastening systems of articles such as clothing, bags, shoes, handbags, wallets, sleeping bags, tents, etc. In some cases, releasable fastening systems are fully releasable so that, for example, two parts of a clothing article can be completely separated from each other, which, for example, can allow for easier putting on and taking off of the clothing article. In addition, these releasable fastening systems can be used in conjunction with various features of various articles (such as pockets, vents, collars, sleeves, comfort, fit, removal, putting on, fixing, and any other uses in which sliding fasteners can be used). Such releasable fastening systems typically include a sliding fastener with a slider or carriage that is slidably permanently coupled to, for example, a first group of coupling elements (e.g., zipper teeth) and removably coupled (i.e., can be coupled and uncoupled) to a second group of coupling elements (e.g., a complementary coupling element that is configured to engage or otherwise cooperate with the first group of coupling elements). However, coupling and uncoupling the slider or carriage to the second set of coupling elements typically requires manual manipulation by the user, which may involve grasping and positioning or aligning the sliding fastener and the two sets of coupling elements. In some cases, these manual manipulations can be performed with the user's hands, but this can be challenging for some users, such as those who are young, have disabilities, have limited dexterity, or have limited mobility due to injury or other reasons. Furthermore, some zipper pulls can easily snag or become caught on other objects, which can damage the zipper, objects beneath the zipper, and other objects. For similar reasons, single-handed operation can also be challenging.

[0026] Various aspects herein provide a zipper pull that is configured to simplify the manual operations associated with operating a zipper (or other sliding fastener), such as by simplifying the one-handed operation of pulling the slider body along the coupling zipper teeth or other coupling elements. For example, various aspects herein provide a zipper pull that can be operated without the user having to pinch the zipper pull, which can simplify operation for all users, including children, individuals with impairments or disabilities, and / or users with limited hand or arm mobility, for example. Furthermore, in at least some instances, the zipper pull includes features that reduce the likelihood of the zipper pull becoming stuck or snagging, and in this aspect, the zipper pull can reduce the likelihood of damage to the article and / or injury to the user.

[0027] Traditionally, zipper pulls are designed as tabs formed of metal, plastic, or fabric (e.g., a strip of material) of varying shapes and sizes. To engage the zipper pull, a user typically uses their thumb and at least one other finger to grasp or pinch the zipper pull tab. The pinching / grasping motion typically required to grasp or pinch the zipper pull tab can be challenging for some users, who may be too young, who are still developing dexterity, or, in the case of older users, whose dexterity may be impaired due to a disability, or degraded due to injury or other reasons. Furthermore, some zipper pulls can become caught on other objects, which can damage the underlying article and / or injure the user.

[0028] Aspects herein provide zipper pulls that can be more adaptable, such as by facilitating easier sliding, one-handed operation, etc. In at least some instances, these zipper pulls are also less likely to snag or catch on other objects.

[0029] According to aspects of the present invention, a zipper pull can include a pull body that forms a discontinuous perimeter around an opening, wherein the opening is configured to receive at least one finger of a user (or a pull tool configured to operate the zipper), which can allow the zipper to be operated without having to use a pinching motion. The pull body can generally define a circular opening or a geometric opening. For example, the pull body can define a circular opening, an oval opening, a rectangular opening (or other n-sided polygon), a geometric opening, etc.

[0030] In some instances, the zipper pull is formed from a flexible material that includes a tensile strength that resists deformation during normal operation. In some cases, if the zipper pull accidentally or unintentionally engages an object, the zipper pull according to aspects of the present disclosure can be sufficiently reversibly deformed (e.g., by bending or flexing) to disengage or release from the object. As briefly described above, the zipper pull can include a discontinuous perimeter around the opening, in other words, a gap or crack exists between the first and second ends of the body of the zipper pull. The gap or crack allows manipulation of the first or second end of the body of the zipper pull to facilitate deformation (e.g., bending, flexing, etc.) and release of the object. Once the object is released, the body of the zipper pull possesses a memory that allows it to return to its original shape without breaking.

[0031] The zipper pull can be formed from one or more different materials, and in some examples can include a thermoplastic material having a tensile strength at break of at least 35 MPa and a Shore D hardness of at least 40. These thermoplastic materials can include, for example, silicone-based thermoplastics, polyester-based thermoplastics, nylon-based thermoplastics, urethane-based thermoplastics, and other materials that also exhibit the aforementioned tensile strength and Shore D hardness, or combinations of these materials. For example, a suitable material can include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) (such as TPU 95A, TPU 64D, TPU 74D, etc.) that has desirable physical properties that allow the zipper pull to be manipulated (i.e., pulled) when opening or closing the zipper, or to release objects that may be accidentally stuck in the zipper pull.

[0032] In addition to the inherent properties of thermoplastic materials, the shape of a zipper pull can also affect its physical properties. For example, the shape of the zipper pull, the thickness of the body, the location of the gap or crack, the size of the gap or crack, the size of the opening, etc. can be optimized to ensure that the zipper pull has the desired elastic resilience, sufficient rigidity to perform its function, and reversibly deformable if needed to release it from an object. In some instances, the body of the zipper pull can be uniform along its length between its first and second ends, or the body of the zipper pull can have a variable thickness along its length between its first and second ends. Furthermore, the thickness of the body can gradually decrease toward at least one of the first or second ends, thereby allowing the body of the zipper pull to have greater elastic deformability near the first and / or second ends. The zipper pull can be thinner near the midline of the body of the zipper pull to allow it to bend more easily (i.e., elastically deform) in areas where the body is thinner. In some cases, as briefly described above, according to aspects herein, the body can include a uniform thickness throughout that is optimized for pulling and releasing.

[0033] Additionally, the location of the gap or slit in the zipper pull can be optimized so that the zipper pull maintains its integrity when pulled and can initiate a quick release of the zipper pull if it accidentally or unintentionally snags an object without compromising the integrity of the zipper pull.

[0034] Other advantages of zipper pulls according to aspects of the present invention include a reduced carbon footprint because the zipper pulls can be formed from recycled thermoplastic materials. For example, these zipper pulls can include at least 10% to as much as 100% recycled materials. In addition, these zipper pulls themselves can be recyclable.

[0035] Figure 1AA zipper assembly 100 is shown equipped with a zipper pull 110 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The zipper assembly 100 includes a first set of zipper teeth 102 and a second set of zipper teeth 104. In addition, the zipper assembly 100 includes a slider 112 that is configured to interact with (e.g., pass along) the first set of zipper teeth 102 and the second set of zipper teeth 104 to engage and / or disengage the first set of zipper teeth 102 and the second set of zipper teeth 104. In an example, the zipper pull 110 is coupled to the slider 112 and can be pulled in different directions to pass the slider 112 between the zipper teeth 102 and 104. For example, the zipper pull 110 can include a pull connector 114 (e.g., a tab having an opening or other similar loop or eyelet for connection) interconnected with the slider 112, and a pull body 116 for manipulating the slider in a desired direction (e.g., applying a force to the slider). In examples, the pull connector 114 can pivot, rotate, etc. relative to the slider 112 to at least partially control the direction in which the slider 112 moves when a force is applied (e.g., when a force is applied to the pull body 116). In at least some examples, the pull body 116 includes a slider body 116 surrounding an opening 118 (e.g., Figures 1B to 1G ) has a discontinuous perimeter 120. For example, the slider body 116 has a first end 122 (e.g., a first end) and a second end 124 (e.g., a second end) proximate the first end 122. The first end 122 and the second end 124 can be separated by a crack or gap 126. In some examples, the first end 122 and the second end 124 can abut each other (e.g., corresponding surfaces contact each other and there is no perceptible gap) and still be considered discontinuous based on the fact that the first end 122 can be separated from the second end 124 without destroying the structural integrity of the slider body 116 (e.g., without breaking the slider body 116).

[0036] The slider body 116 may be associated with various shapes. Figures 1B to 1G As shown, zipper pulls 110A, 110B, and 110C are each shown having a pull body 116 that may include a generally circular ring defining a circular opening 118. In some examples, the pull body 116 may include other geometric or organic shapes, such as a non-circular shape of the opening 118 (e.g., Figure 6). In addition, the opening 118 can include various dimensions (e.g., lateral dimensions), such as a width 111, a height 113, and an area. In some examples, the width 111 (e.g., at the widest dimension) is between 8 mm and 50 mm (9 mm and 49 mm, 10 mm and 48 mm, 10 mm and 45 mm, 10 mm and 40 mm, 10 mm and 38 mm, 10 mm and 35 mm, 10 mm and 32 mm, 10 mm and 30 mm, 10 mm and 28 mm, 10 mm and 25 mm, 10 mm and 23 mm, 10 mm and 20 mm, 10 mm and 18 mm, 10 mm and 38 mm). and 15 mm, etc.), and the height 113 is within a range of between 10 mm and 50 mm (between 10 mm and 48 mm, between 10 mm and 45 mm, between 10 mm and 40 mm, between 10 mm and 38 mm, between 10 mm and 35 mm, between 10 mm and 32 mm, between 10 mm and 30 mm, between 10 mm and 28 mm, between 10 mm and 25 mm, between 10 mm and 23 mm, between 10 mm and 20 mm, between 10 mm and 18 mm, between 10 mm and 15 mm, etc.). For clarity, as used throughout this specification and in the initially filed claims, and as may be filed at any time in this application and any application claiming priority to this application, when a range of a dimension is presented as "between two stated dimensions," the range is intended and should be interpreted to include the stated dimensions. For example, a range presented as "between x mm and y mm" is intended to encompass and include x and y as part of the presented range. The opening 118 can be configured to facilitate manipulation of the slider body 116, and in some cases, the opening 118 is configured to engage at least one fingertip of a user (e.g., the distal interphalangeal joint) such that the slider body 116 can be engaged with at least one fingertip 150 of a user (e.g., the distal interphalangeal joint). Figure 1H ) engage to operate the zipper assembly 100. In some examples, the opening 118 may be triangular, oval, rectangular, include other n-sided polygons, or another geometric shape without departing from the aspects disclosed herein. Alternatively, the shape of the opening of the zipper pull may be non-geometric and / or may be asymmetrical, such as, for example Figure 6 shown.

[0037] The slider body 116 can be associated with various other dimensions (eg, in addition to the dimensions of the opening 118). For example, the slider body 116 can include a width 119, a height 121, and a thickness 123 (eg, a thickness taken in cross-section). In an example, the width 119 and / or the height 121 can be within a range of between 10 mm and 52 mm, between 11 mm and 51 mm, between 12 mm and 50 mm, between 12 mm and 47 mm, between 12 mm and 42 mm, between 12 mm and 40 mm, between 12 mm and 37 mm, between 12 mm and 34 mm, between 12 mm and 32 mm, between 12 mm and 30 mm, between 12 mm and 27 mm, between 12 mm and 25 mm, between 12 mm and 22 mm, between 12 mm and 20 mm, between 12 mm and 17 mm, between 15 mm and 35 mm, between 17 mm and 33 mm, between 20 mm and 32 mm, between 27 mm and 30 mm, etc. The thickness 123 may also vary, and in some cases, the thickness 123 may be within a range between 1 mm and 5 mm, between 1.2 mm and 3 mm, between 1.4 mm and 2.8 mm, between 1.6 mm and 2.6 mm, between 1.8 mm and 3 mm, between 2 mm and 3.2 mm, between 2 mm and 4 mm, etc.

[0038] The zipper pull 110A, 110B, or 110C according to aspects herein may be used with a conventional zipper assembly 100 having a retaining box 142 that mates with an insert pin 144, such as Figure 1A As shown. The zipper pull head 110A, 110B or 110C can also be used with a zipper assembly without a stop member (not shown). In addition, the zipper pull head 110A, 110B or 110C can be used with a magnetic zipper assembly 170 having a first set of zipper teeth 172 and a second set of zipper teeth 174 (e.g., Figure 1I and Figure 1J ). Used with Figure 1A The zipper assembly 100 shown differs in that, instead of having a retaining box 142 and an insert pin 144, the zipper assembly 170 has a first stop 176 and a second stop 178 that are configured to magnetically attract to each other to releasably mount a slider 180 of a zipper pull 190 with the first and second sets of zipper teeth 172, 174, while also aligning the first and second sets of zipper teeth 172, 174 for one-handed operation of the zipper assembly 170 in some circumstances.

[0039] According to aspects herein, the first stop 176 can accommodate a permanent magnet and the second stop 178 can be formed of or accommodate a ferromagnetic metal (e.g., iron, steel, cobalt, etc.), or vice versa. According to other aspects, the first stop 176 can accommodate a permanent magnet having a first polarity and the second stop 178 can accommodate a permanent magnet having a second polarity opposite the first polarity. In other words, the first stop 176 is configured to magnetically attract the second stop 178 and automatically align the first set of zipper teeth 172 with the second set of zipper teeth 174 and releasably mount the sliding body 180 (e.g., Figure 1J ), to modify the manual operations associated with operating the zipper assembly 170, wherein the slider body 184 is connected to the sliding body 180 via the slider connector 182 in a manner that is more easily performed by a user (which may include young children, individuals with impairments or disabilities, and / or users who have, for example, limited hand or arm mobility).

[0040] refer to Figure 1K , the user 1000 is shown wearing an open front upper body garment 1008 having a zipper assembly 1010 configured to reversibly fasten a first portion 1012 of the upper body garment 1008 to a second portion 1014 of the upper body garment 1008. The zipper assembly 1010 may be configured, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 1I and Figure 1JIn use, as shown in the first position 1002, the wearer can engage one of their fingers with the slider body 1016 by inserting one of their fingers through an opening (not shown in this figure) of the slider body 1016 (in this figure, the user is shown engaging their left thumb with the slider body 1016, although it is contemplated that any finger on either hand may be used). Once the user has engaged his finger with the slider body 1016, the user can manipulate the zipper assembly 1010 by pushing the first stop 1018 of the zipper assembly 1010 associated with the slider body 1016 toward the second stop 1020 of the zipper assembly 1010, so that the first stop 1018 and the second stop 1020 of the zipper assembly 1010 are magnetically attracted and aligned with each other, allowing the slider body (not shown) to be mounted on the second set of connecting elements 1024 so that when the zipper pull is pulled in a first direction (from the wearer's waist upward toward the wearer's head) to close the upper body garment 1008, the second set of connecting elements 1024 can be connected to the first set of connecting elements 1022, as shown in the second position 1004 and the third position 1006, ultimately completely closing the upper body garment 1008 if desired (not shown). Although the zipper assembly 1010 is shown on an upper body garment, it is contemplated that the zipper assembly disclosed in accordance with various aspects herein may be used on any type of wearable article (jackets, shoes, pullovers, shirts, backpacks, messenger bags, shoulder bags, etc.) and non-wearable article (such as duffel bags, travel bags, handbags, etc.).

[0041] In some examples, various parts of the zipper assembly 110 (e.g., the slider connector, the slider body, etc.) can be the same as or similar to various parts of the zipper assembly 170. Various portions of the present disclosure may describe the zipper assembly 110 rather than also describing the zipper assembly 170, and the same description may also apply to the zipper assembly 170. According to some aspects, the slider connector 114 and the slider body 116 can be formed as a single body (i.e., a continuous piece) through processes such as 3D printing, molding, laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, etc. According to other aspects, the slider connector 114 and the slider body 116 can be formed as separate components, wherein the slider connector 114 can be formed from a more rigid material (such as a metal or metal alloy), wood, or a non-elastic material or a material with a lower elastic deformability than the slider body 116. The higher elastic modulus of the connector 114 can be used to increase the stability of the zipper pull 110 when the zipper pull 110 is being manipulated to open or close the zipper assembly 100.

[0042] Back to Figures 1B to 1GAs shown, the relationship between the slider connector 114 and the slider body 116 can be defined based on the location of the gap or gap 126 relative to the slider connector 114. Figure 1C As shown, in Figure 1C , a straightened version of the slider body 116 of the zipper pull 110A is shown (for simplicity and ease of reference, the relationship between the slider body 116 and the slider connector 114 will be described with reference to the slider body 116, however, these principles apply to all zipper pulls disclosed herein, including slider bodies that are circular or include other shapes). Figure 1C 、 Figure 1E and Figure 1G , the slider connector 114 can be connected to the slider body 116 such that, relative to the bisecting axis 130 associated with the zipper pulls 110A, 110B, and 110C, respectively, a first length 132 of the slider body 116 measured along a first direction 138 from the bisecting axis 130 to the first end 122 is less than a second length 134 of the slider body 116 measured along an opposite second direction 140 from the bisecting axis 130 to the second end 124. In an example, the first length 132 and the second length 134 can represent arc lengths, such as associated with, for example, a slider body 110A, 110B, or 110C having a curved shape. In some aspects, the first length 132 can be up to 1 / 3 of the total length 136, and the second length 134 can be up to 2 / 3 of the total length 136 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 1C Without departing from the aspects herein, it is contemplated that the first length 132 may be up to 1 / 6 of the total length 136 (e.g., as shown). Figure 1E ), the first length 132 may be up to 1 / 9 of the total length 136 (e.g., as Figure 1G ), or can be as small as, for example, 1 / 25 of the total length 136 of the slider body 116, so that the first end 122 of the slider body 116 coincides with the edge of the slider connector 114; or as large as 1 / 2 of the total length 136 (for example, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In other words, the corresponding first length 132 changes the position of the crack or gap 126 relative to the slider connector 114.

[0043] According to aspects of the present invention, the slider body 116 and the slider connector 114 can be double-sided (i.e., the front and back sides are the same). In other cases, the slider connector 114 and the slider body 116 can be single-sided (e.g., Figures 1B to 1JFor a single-sided embodiment, positioning the slit or gap 126 on the first side of the bisecting axis 130 rather than the second side of the bisecting axis 130 may be as simple as flipping the zipper pull 110 over, unless the first length 132 and the second length 134 are equidistant from the bisecting axis 130, which would result in the same configuration even after flipping. On the other hand, for a double-sided embodiment, and as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, if the crack or gap 126 is to be located on a first side of the bisecting axis 130, the first length 132 should be less than the second length 134. However, if the crack or gap 126 is to be located on the opposite side of the bisecting axis, the second length 134 should be less than the first length 132.

[0044] like Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the slider body 116 can include a uniform thickness 202 through and between the first and second ends 122, 124. Alternatively, as will become more apparent based on FIG. 4 , the slider body 116 can include a variable thickness 202 between the first and second ends 122, 124. Figure 2C Possible cross-sectional areas or shapes for the slider body 116 are illustrated. For example, the slider body 116 can have a circular cross-sectional area 210 having a thickness / diameter 202A / 203A between 2 mm and 5 mm (measured equal along the bisecting X-axis and the bisecting Y-axis), or the slider body 116 can have a rounded non-circular cross-sectional area 212 having a thickness / width 202B (measured along the bisecting X-axis) and a thickness / width 203B (measured along the bisecting Y-axis), where the thickness / width 202B and the thickness / width 203B are different and can range between 1.5 mm and 5 mm. The circular cross-sectional area 210 and the rounded non-circular cross-sectional area 212 can contribute to a comfortable feel by eliminating edges on the slider body 116. Additionally, in some aspects, such as Figure 2B As shown, the slider body 116 can be provided with a textured surface 208 to provide sensory feedback. For example, the textured surface 208 can include a plurality of protrusions 214 evenly distributed across at least a portion of the slider body 116. For example, Figure 2A As shown, in some cases, the front side 206 of the slider body can be provided with a smooth surface 209, and the back side 207 can be provided with a textured surface 208. In other cases, the front side 206 and the back side 207 can be provided with a textured surface 208, and in still other cases, the front side 206 and the back side 207 can be provided with a smooth surface 209. Figure 2AAs shown, it is also contemplated that the slider body 116 may receive branding 216 to display images and / or alphanumeric characters on the front side 206 and / or back side 207 of the slider body 116. The branding 216 may be provided as embossing or debossing or printing.

[0045] At least Figure 2A As shown, the loop formed by the slider body 116 is nearly a closed loop, wherein the first end 122 is spaced apart from the second end 124 by a distance 204 to form a crack or gap 126 in the loop formed by the slider body 116. The distance 204 can be in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm in its resting state. Depending on the properties of the material forming the slider body 116, the crack or gap 126 can be widened by at least 50% when it is necessary to release an object that may have been inadvertently stuck on the slider body 116 through the opening 118. For example, Figure 3A , depicting a first deformed state 300 of the slider body 116, the first end 122 and / or the second end 124 can be deflected in the z-direction, thereby temporarily deforming the slider body 116 to widen the crack or gap 126 between the first end 122 and the second end 124 by a distance 304. The widened crack or gap 126 will then allow any object that may be accidentally stuck between the opening 118 and the slider body 116 to exit the opening 118, thereby releasing the object. Additionally, as Figure 3B , depicting a second deformed state 302 of the slider body 116, the first end 122 and / or the second end 124 can be deflected along the XY plane (i.e., lateral direction), thereby temporarily deforming the slider body 116 to enlarge the crack or gap 126 by a distance 306. Additionally, in some cases, the slider body 116 can be deflected in both the z-direction and the xy plane. The slider body 116 according to aspects of the present disclosure includes sufficient elastic resilience to allow for deflection in the z-direction (i.e., lateral direction). Figure 3A ) and / or along the XY plane (as Figure 3B After the external force is applied, the slider body 116 returns to its rest state (as shown in FIG. Figure 2A shown).

[0046] According to aspects of the present disclosure, the slider body 116 resists deformation when exposed to a tensile force of 3 N / mm or less, which closely corresponds to the tensile force applied by a user when attempting to open / close a sliding fastener assembly such as a zipper. In other words, when the tensile force applied to the slider body 116 is less than or equal to 3 N / mm, the slider body 116 is substantially able to maintain its static state ( Figure 2AOn the other hand, the slider body 116 can return to its original shape in its resting state and is not easily broken. For example, the tensile strength at break of the slider body 116 can be at least 35 MPa, and / or the Shore D hardness can be in the range between 35 and 55. Suitable materials according to various aspects of the present invention may include thermoplastic materials exhibiting desired physical properties, such as, for example, silicone, rubber, urethane, polyurethane, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary materials may include, for example, TPU 95A, TPU 64D, TPU 70A, etc. In addition, suitable materials may be virgin materials, recycled materials, or a mixture of recycled and virgin materials. Preferably, at least 10% of the material of the slider body is recycled and recyclable.

[0047] like Figure 4A As shown, in some exemplary embodiments, the slider body 416 can include a variable thickness 402 between its first end 410 and second end 412. For example, as shown, the variable thickness 402 of the slider body 416 can be formed between a first thickness 404 and a first cross-sectional area 420 (e.g., Figure 4B 4 and 5. The variable thickness 402 of the slider body 416 may taper near the first end 410 (shown in FIG. 4 ), and the variable thickness 402 of the slider body 416 may taper to a second thickness 406 and a second cross-sectional area 422 (shown in FIG. 4 ). Figure 4C The outer surface of the second embodiment is thicker near the second end 412 (shown).

[0048] Figure 5 Various exemplary configurations of zipper pulls according to various aspects of the present disclosure are shown. This is not a limiting list, as it is contemplated that further configurations are possible by varying the size of the slit / gap (i.e., the separation between the first and second ends of the slider body), varying the thickness of the slider body (in embodiments where the slider body has a uniform thickness and in embodiments where the slider body has a varying thickness between its first and second ends), varying the taper of the slider body when it has a variable thickness, varying the location of the thinnest portion of the slider body in embodiments where the slider body comprises varying thicknesses, varying the location of the slit / gap relative to the slider connector, and the like, without departing from various aspects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, while not shown, according to some aspects, it is contemplated that the slider body and the slider connector may be movably attached relative to each other, rather than the slider connector and the slider body being fixed relative to each other, thereby fixing the location of the slit / gap. For example, the slider body may be configured to move (i.e., rotate) within a channel or sleeve of the slider connector, such that the relative position of the slit / gap relative to the slider connector is not fixed.

[0049] Figure 6Yet another exemplary configuration of a zipper pull 600 according to aspects herein is shown, wherein the zipper pull 600 can have a pull connector 614 coupled to a pull body 616 having an organic or character shape.

[0050] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the zipper pull 700 can have a pull connector 714 that can connect a pull body 716 and a slider 712 at a predetermined distance via a strip 718 that is, for example, less rigid than the pull connector 714, rather than rigidly connecting the pull body 716 to the slider 712 at a fixed distance from each other. The separation provided by the strip 718 between the slider 712 and the pull body 716 can be customized according to the needs. The strip can be formed of a woven or knitted web, or can be formed of a non-woven polymer material.

[0051] The following clauses represent example aspects of the concepts contemplated herein. Any of the following clauses may be combined in a multi-subordinate manner to be subordinate to one or more other clauses. Furthermore, any combination of subordinate clauses (clauses that are explicitly subordinate to a preceding clause) may be combined while remaining within the scope of the various aspects contemplated herein. The following clauses are examples and are not limiting.

[0052] Item 1. A zipper comprising: a sliding body; and a slider having a slider connector and a slider body, wherein the slider connector is movably fixed to the sliding body, and the slider body forms a discontinuous perimeter around an opening of the slider body; wherein the slider body comprises a tensile strength at break of at least 35 MPa and a Shore D hardness of at least 40.

[0053] Clause 2. The zipper of Clause 1, wherein the discontinuous perimeter defines a circular opening.

[0054] Clause 3. The slide fastener of any one of Clauses 1 and 2, wherein the slider body and the slider connector are fixed relative to each other.

[0055] Clause 4. The zipper of any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the slider body comprises a first end, a second end, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the slider body is uniform throughout the length of the slider body.

[0056] Clause 5. The zipper of Clause 4, wherein the cross-sectional area comprises a circular shape.

[0057] Clause 6. The zipper of any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the slider body comprises a first end, a second end, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the slider body has a variable thickness between the first end and the second end.

[0058] Clause 7. The zipper of Clause 6, wherein the slider body comprises a first cross-sectional area proximate the first end and a second cross-sectional area proximate the second end, wherein the first cross-sectional area is different from the second cross-sectional area.

[0059] Clause 8. The zipper of Clause 7, wherein the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area comprise a circular shape.

[0060] Clause 9. The zipper of any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein the first end of the slider body is separated from the second end of the slider body by a separation distance, the separation distance forming a gap between the first end and the second end, wherein the separation distance is expandable by at least 50%.

[0061] Clause 10. The slide fastener according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the slider body resists a tensile force of 3 N / mm or less without being deformed.

[0062] Clause 11. The slide fastener of any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the opening of the slider body is at least 10 mm wide.

[0063] Clause 12. The slide fastener of any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the slider body is elastically deformable.

[0064] Item 13. A zipper assembly comprising: a first set of connecting elements; a second set of connecting elements; a sliding body configured to engage with the first set of connecting elements and the second set of connecting elements; and a slider having a slider connector and a slider body, wherein the slider connector is movably fixed to the sliding body, and the slider body forms a discontinuous perimeter around an opening of the slider body; wherein the slider body resists a tensile force of 3 N / mm or less without deforming.

[0065] Clause 14. The zipper assembly of Clause 13, wherein the slider body comprises a tensile strength at break of at least 35 MPa.

[0066] Clause 15. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 and 14, wherein the opening is circular.

[0067] Clause 16. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 and 14, wherein the opening is non-circular.

[0068] Clause 17. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the slider body comprises a uniform thickness between the first end and the second end.

[0069] Clause 18. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the slider body comprises a non-uniform thickness between the first end and the second end.

[0070] Clause 19. The zipper assembly of Clause 18, wherein a first thickness proximate the first end is different from a second thickness proximate the second end.

[0071] Clause 20. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 to 19, wherein the slider body and the slider connector are fixed relative to each other.

[0072] Clause 21. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 to 20, wherein the slider body and the slider connector are movably attached to each other.

[0073] Clause 22. The zipper assembly of Clause 13, wherein the slider body comprises a first end, a second end, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the slider body is uniform throughout the length of the slider body.

[0074] Clause 23. The zipper assembly of Clause 22, wherein the cross-sectional area comprises a circular shape.

[0075] Clause 24. The zipper assembly of Clause 23, wherein the cross-sectional area comprises a diameter of at least 2 mm.

[0076] Clause 25. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 to 24, wherein the slider body comprises a width of from 12 mm to 37 mm.

[0077] Clause 26. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 to 25, wherein the slider body comprises a height of from 12 mm to 37 mm.

[0078] Clause 27. The zipper assembly of any one of Clauses 13 to 26, wherein the opening of the slider body is at least 10 mm wide.

[0079] Clause 28. The slide fastener of any one of Clauses 13 to 27, wherein the slider body is elastically deformable.

[0080] Item 29. An upper body garment comprising: a zipper assembly, the zipper assembly comprising: a first set of connecting elements attached to a first piece of the upper body garment; a second set of connecting elements attached to a second piece of the upper body garment; a sliding body, the sliding body being configured to engage with the first set of connecting elements and the second set of connecting elements; and a slider having a slider connector and a slider body, wherein the slider connector is movably fixed to the sliding body, the slider body forming a discontinuous perimeter around an opening of the slider body; wherein the slider body resists a tensile force of 3N / mm without deforming.

[0081] Clause 30. The upper torso garment of Clause 29, wherein the slider body is elastically deformable.

[0082] Clause 31. The upper garment of Clause 29, wherein the first end of the slider body is separated from the second end of the slider body by a separation distance, the separation distance forming a gap between the first end and the second end, wherein the separation distance is expandable by at least 50%.

[0083] This detailed description is provided to satisfy statutory requirements. However, this description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as described herein. On the contrary, the claimed subject matter can be embodied in different ways and in conjunction with other current or future technologies to include different steps, different combinations of steps, different elements and / or different combinations of elements similar or equivalent to those described in this disclosure. The examples herein are intended to be illustrative and non-restrictive in all respects. In this sense, alternative examples or implementations may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which this subject matter belongs without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A zipper comprising: Sliding body; and a slider having a slider connector and a slider body, wherein the slider connector is movably secured to the slide body, the slider body forming a discontinuous perimeter around an opening of the slider body; The slider body can resist a tensile force of 3 N / mm or less without being deformed.

2. The zipper of claim 1, wherein the opening defined by the discontinuous perimeter of the slider body is a circular opening.

3. The slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the slider body and the slider connector are fixed relative to each other.

4. The zipper according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the slider body comprises a first end, a second end, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the slider body is uniform throughout the length of the slider body. The zipper of claim 4 , wherein the cross-sectional area comprises a circular shape.

6. The zipper according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the slider body comprises a first end, a second end, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the slider body has a variable thickness between the first end and the second end.

7. The zipper of claim 6, wherein the slider body comprises a first cross-sectional area proximate the first end and a second cross-sectional area proximate the second end, wherein the first cross-sectional area is different from the second cross-sectional area.

8. The zipper of claim 7, wherein the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area comprise a circular shape.

9. The zipper of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first end of the slider body is separated from the second end of the slider body by a separation distance, the separation distance forming a gap between the first end and the second end, wherein the separation distance is expandable by at least 50%.

10. The slide fastener of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the slider body comprises a tensile strength at break of at least 35 MPa and a Shore D hardness of at least 40.

11. The slide fastener according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the opening of the slider body is at least 10 mm wide. 12 . The slide fastener according to claim 1 , wherein the slider body is elastically deformable.

13. A zipper assembly comprising: a first set of coupling elements; a second set of coupling elements; a sliding body configured to engage the first set of coupling elements and the second set of coupling elements; and a slider having a slider connector and a slider body, wherein the slider connector is movably secured to the slide body, the slider body forming a discontinuous perimeter around an opening of the slider body; The slider body can resist a tensile force of 3 N / mm or less without being deformed.

14. The zipper assembly of claim 13, wherein the slider body comprises a tensile strength at break of at least 35 MPa.

15. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the opening is circular.

16. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 and 14, wherein the opening is non-circular.

17. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the slider body comprises a uniform thickness between the first end and the second end.

18. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the slider body comprises a non-uniform thickness between the first end and the second end.

19. The zipper assembly of claim 18, wherein a first thickness proximate the first end is different from a second thickness proximate the second end.

20. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the slider body and the slider connector are fixed relative to each other.

21. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the slider body and the slider connector are movably attached to each other.

22. The zipper assembly of claim 13, wherein the slider body comprises a first end, a second end, and a length extending from the first end to the second end, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the slider body is uniform throughout the length of the slider body.

23. The zipper assembly of claim 22, wherein the cross-sectional area comprises a circular shape.

24. The zipper assembly of claim 23, wherein the cross-sectional area comprises a diameter of at least 2 mm.

25. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the slider body comprises a width of from 12 mm to 37 mm.

26. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the slider body comprises a height of from 12 mm to 37 mm.

27. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 to 26, wherein the opening of the slider body is at least 10 mm wide.

28. The zipper assembly of any one of claims 13 to 27, wherein the slider body is elastically deformable.

29. A wearable article of clothing comprising: A zipper assembly comprising: a first set of coupling elements attached to a first piece of the wearable clothing article; a second set of coupling elements attached to a second piece of the wearable clothing article; a sliding body configured to engage with the first set of coupling elements and the second set of coupling elements; and a slider having a slider connector and a slider body, wherein the slider connector is movably fixed to the sliding body, and the slider body forms a discontinuous perimeter around an opening of the slider body; wherein the slider body resists a tensile force of 3 N / mm without deforming.

30. The wearable article of apparel according to claim 29, wherein the slider body is elastically deformable.

31. The wearable article of apparel according to any one of claims 29 and 30, wherein the first end of the slider body is separated from the second end of the slider body by a separation distance, the separation distance forming a gap between the first end and the second end, wherein the separation distance is capable of being expanded by at least 50%.

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