Upper stop for a zipper chain

Abstract

In a stop for a zipper, a first leg has a first compression tab. A second leg has a second compression tab. The first compression tab includes a first compression tab outer surface. The first compression tab outer surface has a profile that is different from a profile of a portion of the first side flange when not in contact with the first side flange. The second compression tab includes a second compression tab outer surface. The second compression tab outer surface has a profile that is different from a profile of a portion of the second side flange when not in contact with the second side flange.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a top stop for a zipper chain, a zipper chain including such a top stop, and a zipper including such a zipper chain. Background Technology

[0002] A standard zipper (or zipper pull) consists of a pair of stringers and an opening and closing mechanism, commonly referred to as the zipper pull. Each stringer includes a tape and multiple connecting elements. The connecting elements extend along a first edge of each tape, and when the zipper pull is moved to the closed position, the corresponding connecting elements of the stringers interlock, connect, or lock together. When the individual tapes of the zipper are attached to the separate parts of an item, the zipper is closed by moving the zipper pull to the closed position, thereby releasably connecting the separate parts of the item, resulting in the interlocking relationship described above for the connecting elements.

[0003] Therefore, zippers are both useful and versatile, and are used in a range of applications including clothing, furniture, and luggage. Zippers of related technologies are typically constructed as follows.

[0004] The connecting portion is typically attached to a first edge of the belt in the form of multiple connecting elements (also known as teeth) to form a toothed chain belt. This first edge may be referred to as the connecting edge of the toothed chain belt. The belt may be woven or knitted and may be formed of, for example, polyester. The connecting elements may be attached to the belt by, for example, pressing or molding the connecting elements to a reinforcing edge of the belt. In some cases, the reinforcing end may include a cord, and this cord may be sewn or woven into the belt. Alternatively, the connecting elements may be formed as continuous coils. In this case, the connecting elements are most commonly sewn to the surface of the belt at the edge, or alternatively, the connecting elements are woven or knitted into the belt.

[0005] Two chain straps are brought close together so that the connecting elements of each chain strap can be attached to each other, for example, by interleaving, to form a chain. The chain is generally planar, and the chain (and the connecting elements forming part of the chain) extends along the longitudinal axis of the chain. A slider is mounted on the chain and on the connecting elements of the respective chain straps, so that the slider can move along the chain between the two chain straps.

[0006] A zipper pull typically comprises a body having an upper plate and a lower plate through which the connecting element for each chain link passes. A pull tab or cord is attached to the body, which can be gripped by the user to move the zipper pull effectively along the chain. The body includes a guide post (sometimes called a diamond-shaped piece) that partially defines a Y-shaped channel configured to carry the connecting elements for the first and second chain links. The zipper pull can include an upper flange and a lower flange disposed on the right and left edge portions of the upper and lower plates, respectively, i.e., on the edges of the zipper pull substantially parallel to the operating direction of the zipper pull. The flange on the upper plate projects downward toward the lower plate, and the flange on the lower plate projects upward toward the upper plate. The flanges are configured for sliding engagement with the connecting elements.

[0007] Movement of the zipper head along the chain in a first sliding direction along the operating axis of the zipper head causes the connecting elements of the first chain belt to attach to the connecting elements of the second chain belt. The zipper can be considered fully closed when the zipper head can no longer engage with the elements in the first sliding direction, i.e., when substantially all the connecting elements of the first chain belt are engaged with substantially all the connecting elements of the second chain belt. Movement of the zipper head along the chain in a second sliding direction opposite to the first sliding direction along the operating axis of the zipper head causes the connecting elements of the first chain belt to disengage from the connecting elements of the second chain belt. The zipper can be considered fully open when the zipper head can no longer disengage from the elements in the second sliding direction, i.e., when substantially all the connecting elements of the first chain belt are disengaged from the connecting elements of the second chain belt.

[0008] The chain is cut to the desired length to form a zipper of the desired length. Stops (commonly referred to as top and bottom stops) can be attached to either end of the chain. Stops limit the extent to which the zipper head can move along the chain. Typically, the top stop limits the movement of the zipper head in a first sliding direction, and the bottom stop limits the movement of the zipper head in a second sliding direction. Stops are typically used to restrict the movement of the zipper head along the chain. Generally, when the zipper head is abutted by a stop such as a bottom or top stop, the zipper head can no longer engage or disengage from the element or can no longer move. The top stop can be configured to abut the top of the zipper head, for example, abut the top edge of a flange provided on the zipper head body, and can limit the movement of the zipper head in the first sliding direction. The bottom stop can be configured to abut the bottom of the zipper head, for example, abut the bottom edge of a flange provided on the zipper head body, and can limit the movement of the zipper head in the second sliding direction. The stop can also be configured to be adjacent to the upper or lower plate of the pull head.

[0009] Some zippers may have a single bottom stop attached to both the first and second zipper pulls. Other zippers, which may be referred to as split zippers, may have two separate bottom stops, each attached to a corresponding zipper pull. The two bottom stops may take the form of a retainer and an insert. The insert can be inserted into the retainer to engage the first and second zipper pulls with each other. Conversely, when the zipper pull is near the retainer, the insert can be removed from the retainer to pass through the zipper pull and separate the first and second zipper pulls from each other.

[0010] Some zippers may have two separate top stops, each attached to one of the corresponding chain straps. When the zipper is in the open position, the chain straps of such a zipper can be separated at the top of the zipper. For example, this type of zipper can be used in trousers, skirts, and boots. Other zippers may have a single top stop attached to two chain straps. In this type of zipper, when the zipper is in the open position, an opening is created between the chain straps (and specifically, between i) the connecting element of the first chain strap and ii) the connecting element of the second chain strap). However, when the zipper is in the open position, the chain straps remain connected to: i) one end of the zipper near the diamond-shaped element of the zipper; and ii) the other end of the zipper at the top stop.

[0011] In some applications, it is desirable for zippers to be fluid-resistant, such as impermeable to liquids and / or gases (i.e., it is desirable that when the zipper is in a closed configuration, it substantially prevents liquids and / or gases from passing through the zipper). By way of further example, in some applications, it is desirable for zippers to be waterproof, or more specifically, it is desirable that articles (e.g., but not limited to clothing) to have a waterproof zipper as part of them are waterproof when the zipper is in a closed configuration.

[0012] In applications of zippers that include a top stop, where the zipper is waterproof when it is in a closed configuration (i.e., when the zipper pull is in a closed or fully closed configuration), a top stop is required to facilitate a waterproof seal between the toothed chain (specifically, the portion of the toothed chain that is not joined together by the connecting element) and the zipper pull.

[0013] It is desirable to provide a top stop for zippers that are impermeable to liquids or gases, and a zipper chain including the top stop, which provides the required degree of liquid or gas tightness while being relatively easy and cost-effective to manufacture. Alternative designs for top stops for zippers that are impermeable to liquids or gases, and zipper chains including such top stops, are also desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to a first aspect of this application, a top stop for a zipper includes a body, a first leg and a second leg extending from the body, the first leg and the second leg being spaced apart from each other in a width direction, and the first leg and the second leg defining a central space therebetween, the central space being located on a central axis perpendicular to the width direction, and the central space being configured to receive a connecting post of the zipper head when the zipper head engages the top stop in a fully closed position, the first leg and the second leg extending away from the body in a direction having a component in a first direction along the central axis. The first leg has a first outer surface inclined toward the central axis, and wherein a first compression lug protrudes from a lug portion of the first outer surface. The second leg has a second outer surface inclined toward the central axis, and a second compression lug protrudes from a lug portion of the second outer surface. The first compression lug includes a first compression lug outer surface that, when the zipper head is in the fully closed position, contacts a portion of a first side flange of the zipper head in an offset plane parallel to a central plane including the first compression lug, the second compression lug, and the central axis. When not in contact with the first side flange, the outer surface of the first compression lug has a profile in the offset plane that differs from the profile of the aforementioned portion of the first side flange in the offset plane. The second compression lug includes an outer surface that, when the slider is in the fully closed position, partially contacts the second side flange of the slider in the offset plane. When not in contact with the second side flange, the outer surface of the second compression lug has a profile in the offset plane that differs from the profile of the aforementioned portion of the second side flange in the offset plane.

[0015] The first compression lug and the second compression lug may each have a first part and a second part, wherein the first part is closer to the body in the axial direction than the second part, wherein the maximum distance of the lug portion of the first part of the first compression lug extending perpendicularly to the first outer surface may be less than the maximum distance of the lug portion of the second part of the first compression lug extending perpendicularly to the first outer surface; and wherein the maximum distance of the lug portion of the first part of the second compression lug extending perpendicularly to the second outer surface may be less than the maximum distance of the lug portion of the second part of the second compression lug extending perpendicularly to the second outer surface.

[0016] The first outer surface is straight along its axis. The first compression lug may have a straight outer surface along its axis. In a central plane containing the axis of the first compression lug outer surface, the axis of the first outer surface, and the central axis, as the object moves along the central axis in a first direction, the axis of the first compression lug outer surface and the axis of the first outer surface diverge, such that the intersection of the axis of the first compression lug outer surface and the axis of the first outer surface is located in a third direction from the first compression lug outer surface, which has a component in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the central axis.

[0017] The angle between the axis of the outer surface of the first compression lug and the axis of the first outer surface in the central plane is between 0.5 degrees and 10 degrees.

[0018] The second outer surface is straight along its axis. The second compression lug has an outer surface that is entirely straight along its axis. In a central plane containing the axis of the second compression lug's outer surface, the second outer surface axis, and the central axis, as the object moves along the central axis in a first direction, the axis of the second compression lug's outer surface and the second outer surface axis can diverge, such that the intersection of the axis of the second compression lug's outer surface and the second outer surface axis lies in a fourth direction from the second compression lug's outer surface, this fourth direction having a component in the second direction along the central axis.

[0019] The angle between the axis of the outer surface of the second compression lug and the axis of the second outer surface in the central plane is between 0.5 degrees and 10 degrees.

[0020] The center point of the main body is located on the central axis and intersects with the central space. The maximum axial distance between the center point and the top of the first leg, which is far from the main body, is between 2 and 8 times the axial length of the first compression lug.

[0021] The center point of the main body is located on the central axis and intersects with the central space. The maximum axial distance between the center point and the top of the second leg, which is far from the main body, is between 2 and 8 times the axial length of the second compression lug.

[0022] The first leg has a first inner surface, and the second leg has a second inner surface, the first and second inner surfaces defining an opening therebetween to a central space, the opening being located on a central axis and in a first direction along the central axis from the central space. As the space moves along the central axis in the first direction, portions of the first and second inner surfaces defining the opening diverge relative to the central axis.

[0023] In the central plane containing the aforementioned portion of the first inner surface, the aforementioned portion of the second inner surface, and the central axis, the aforementioned portion of the first inner surface and the aforementioned portion of the second inner surface are in a straight line and spread along the axis of the first inner surface and the axis of the second inner surface, respectively.

[0024] Within the aforementioned central plane, the angle between the axis of the first inner surface and the axis of the second inner surface can be between approximately 0.5 degrees and approximately 10 degrees.

[0025] The upper stop includes a first outer skirt and a second outer skirt protruding from the body along the first direction. The first outer skirt and the first leg may define a first recess therebetween, which is configured to receive a first side flange of the slider, and wherein the second outer skirt and the second leg may define a second recess therebetween, which is configured to receive a second side flange of the slider.

[0026] Each of the first and second outer skirts has a first end away from the body that includes an inwardly projecting portion toward the central axis, and the inwardly projecting portion is configured to engage with each of the first and second side flanges of the pull head.

[0027] According to a second aspect of this application, a zipper chain includes: a first toothed chain band including a first belt having a first row of connecting elements mounted on a first longitudinal edge of the first belt; and a second toothed chain band including a second belt having a second row of connecting elements mounted on a second longitudinal edge of the second belt of a fastener, wherein the first row of connecting elements is configured to be interleaved with the second row of connecting elements along the axis of the fastener to secure the first toothed chain band and the second toothed chain band together. The zipper chain also includes a top stop according to the first aspect of this application. The body of the top stop is mounted on both the first belt and the second belt. A first leg of the top stop is mounted on the first belt such that one end of the first leg, away from the body, is adjacent to a first connecting element of the first toothed chain band. A second leg of the top stop is mounted on the second belt such that one end of the second leg, away from the body, is adjacent to a second connecting element of the second toothed chain band; and the central axis of the top stop is coaxial with the axis of the fastener.

[0028] The first leg of the upper stop is fused with the first connecting element.

[0029] According to a third aspect of this application, a zipper includes a zipper chain according to a second aspect of this application and a zipper head movably mounted on a first and a second chain belt, such that: the zipper head is movable relative to the first and second chain belts along a fastener axis in a first sliding direction, such that a first row of connecting elements of the first chain belt interlocks with a second row of connecting elements of the second chain belt to secure the first and second chain belts together; and the zipper head is movable relative to the first and second chain belts along a fastener axis in a second sliding direction, such that the first row of connecting elements of the first chain belt separates from the second row of connecting elements of the second chain belt, thereby separating the first and second chain belts. An upper stop is configured to provide restriction on movement of the zipper head along the fastener axis in the first sliding direction when the zipper head engages with the upper stop.

[0030] Beneficial effects of the invention The stop element according to this application can be applied to zippers that are impermeable to gas, liquid, or water. The zipper chain according to this application can be configured to form part of a zipper that is impermeable to gas, liquid, or water. The zipper according to this application can be an impermeable zipper to gas, liquid, or water.

[0031] When the slider engages with the upper stop, the upper stop can form a gas-proof, liquid-proof, or waterproof seal with the slider and the first and second chain straps (specifically, the portions of the first and second chain straps that are not fixed together by interlocking connecting elements). Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic plan view showing a portion of the zipper in the relevant technology; Figure 2 A schematic perspective view showing a zipper pull of the relevant technology; Figure 3 This is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a zipper including an upper stop member according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the zipper pull is in a fully closed position; Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a zipper including a top stop member according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the zipper pull is in the fully closed position. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the zipper, but with the zipper pull in the open position. Figure 6 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of the zipper, but the zipper pull has been removed for clarity. Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of the upper stop component, which is located in... Figures 3 to 6 It is shown as part of the zipper; Figure 8 This is a schematic plan view of the upper stop component, which is located in... Figures 3 to 6 It is shown as part of the zipper; Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of the upper stop, which is located in... Figures 3 to 6 It is shown as part of a zipper; and Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a zipper according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the upper view shows the configuration in which the zipper head is not in contact with the upper stop, and the lower view shows the configuration in which the zipper head is in the fully closed position. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1A zipper 10 illustrating related technology is shown. Zipper 10 includes a slider 20 and a pair of chain straps 12a, 12b. Each chain strap includes a connecting portion in the form of a row (i.e., a row of connecting elements) of connecting elements 14a, 14b, which are attached to the edge of each chain strap. The edge to which the connecting elements are attached may be referred to as a connecting edge 16. The straps may be woven or knitted and may be formed from, for example, synthetic fibers such as polyester, vinylon, or polyurethane and / or natural fibers such as cotton. Figure 1 As shown, the connecting elements 14a and 14b can be molded or pressed chain teeth (not shown), or the connecting elements 14a and 14b can be formed as continuous coils (also not shown) having coil elements forming the connecting elements. In this embodiment, the chain strips 12a and 12b can be provided with reinforcing edges including core wires (not shown), to which the connecting elements 14a and 14b are attached. The presence or absence of reinforcing edges on the chain strips 12a and 12b is optional.

[0034] Each toothed chain band includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface opposite to the first planar surface. The first and second planar surfaces are joined at a connecting edge 16 that includes connecting elements 14a, 14b and the core wires to which they are attached, such that the connecting elements 14a, 14b surround the connecting edge 16 of both the first and second planar surfaces. The connecting elements 14a, 14b include a head 14c having an engagement section that allows engagement with at least one head 14c of an opposing connecting element of a mating toothed chain band. The band also includes an outer edge 17 that is opposite to and parallel to the connecting edge 16.

[0035] The two toothed chain straps 12a and 12b are brought close together so that the rows of connecting elements 14a and 14b of each toothed chain strap 12a and 12b can be attached to each other by interleaving. The zipper chain 18 includes two toothed chain straps 12a and 12b and extends along the longitudinal axis A of the zipper 10. This axis is also the operating axis.

[0036] The zipper pull 20 is attached to the zipper chain 18, thereby enabling the zipper pull 20 to move along the row of connecting elements between the two toothed chain straps 12a, 12b. The zipper pull 20 includes a zipper body 21.

[0037] like Figure 2 As best shown, the zipper pull 20 includes a body 21 and a pull tab 25 attached to the body 21 via a bridging portion 22, with connecting elements 14a, 14b of each zipper chain 12a, 12b passing through the body 21. The pull tab 25 can be gripped by a user to allow the zipper pull 20 to move along the zipper chain 18 (e.g., in the first and second sliding directions E, D, which will be discussed in more detail below).

[0038] More specifically, the body 21 of the zipper pull 20 includes an upper portion 26 connected to the lower portion 28 by a post (not shown) extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the zipper (in this example, the connecting post extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the zipper). Figure 1 (Extending vertically in the plane). The upper part 26 can be referred to as the upper wing or upper plate. Similarly, the lower part 28 can be referred to as the lower wing or lower plate. The connecting column can be referred to as the diamond-shaped piece.

[0039] The upper part 26, the lower part 28, and the connecting post cooperate to define a Y-shaped channel within the slider 20. This Y-shaped channel is further defined by an upper side flange 26a and a lower side flange 28a on either side of the slider 20 (which may be referred to as the left and right sides), extending from the upper part 26 and the lower side flange 28a toward each other, respectively. The side flanges extend along the left and right sides of the upper and lower parts in a direction generally parallel to the sliding operation direction of the slider. Figure 2 In the diagram, only one of the upper side flange 26a and the lower side flange 28a is visible. The other of the upper side flange and the lower side flange is located on the opposite side of the pull head, which is not visible in the diagram. The Y-shaped channel has a first arm that is separated from the second arm by a connecting post.

[0040] When the zipper pull 20 is installed on the zipper chain 18, the zipper pull 20 extends along direction D from the head end 27 to the tail end 29. The Y-shaped channel also includes a third arm adjacent to the first arm and the second arm near the tail end 29.

[0041] The first and second arms have corresponding first and second openings (not shown) at the head end 27 of the slider 20 for inserting a connecting post. The third arm has a third opening 29a at the tail end 29 of the slider 20.

[0042] To engage or disengage the zipper 10, the row of connecting elements 14a of the first toothed chain strap 12a passes through the first opening of the first arm and along the first arm of the Y-shaped channel. Similarly, the row of connecting elements 14b of the second toothed chain strap 12b passes through the second opening of the second arm and along the second arm of the Y-shaped channel. Once the row of connecting elements 14a of the first toothed chain strap 12a and the row of connecting elements 14b of the second toothed chain strap 12b have passed through the connecting post, the row of connecting elements 14a of the first toothed chain strap 12a and the row of connecting elements 14b of the second toothed chain strap 12b are releasably engaged. The engaged connecting elements 14a and 14b pass through the third arm of the Y-shaped channel and through the third opening 29a.

[0043] To allow the zipper pull 20 to move along the first toothed chain band 12a and the second toothed chain band 12b (and thus along the rows of connecting elements 14a and 14b), an insertion gap 23 exists between the respective opposing upper flanges 26a and lower flanges 26b. Each insertion gap 23 receives the belt of the corresponding toothed chain band 12a, 12b.

[0044] By using the zipper head 20 with the above structure, the rows of connecting elements 14a and 14b of the first toothed chain belt 12a and the second toothed chain belt 12b (a row of connecting elements 14a and a row of connecting elements 14b) can be smoothly connected and separated.

[0045] Movement of the zipper pull 20 along the connecting elements 14a, 14b in a first sliding direction E causes the connecting element 14a of the first toothed chain belt 12a to attach or engage with the connecting element 14b of the second toothed chain belt 12b. Movement of the zipper pull along the zipper chain in a second sliding direction D, opposite to the first sliding direction E, causes the connecting element 14a of the first toothed chain belt 12a to disengage from the connecting element 14b of the second toothed chain belt 12b. The attached connecting element is also a coupled connecting element, a engaged connecting element, or a mated connecting element. The process of attaching connecting elements is also referred to as coupling, engagement, or mating.

[0046] Upper stops 30 and 40 are located at the top 18a of the multi-row connecting elements 14a, 14b. The upper stops can be formed of any suitable material, for example, they can include polymer materials such as polyester, polyacetal or polyethylene, or they can be metal-based such as aluminum, nickel or alloys of these metals.

[0047] A retaining box 11 is located at the bottom 18b of the row of connecting elements 14a, 14b. An insert 15 can be inserted into the retaining box 11 to connect the first chain strap 12a and the second chain strap 12b. A pin 13 on the chain strap 12a can be permanently fixed to the retaining box. Therefore, when the zipper pull 20 is near the retaining box 11, the insert 15 can be removed from the retaining box 11 to pass through the zipper pull 20 and separate the first chain strap 12a and the second chain strap 12b from each other. Thus, the chain straps 12a and 12b can be separated. When the chain straps 12a and 12b are separated, the zipper pull 20 is held on the chain strap 12a to which the retaining box 11 is attached. Therefore, the zipper 10 is an example of an open-end zipper.

[0048] Although the above-described example of a zipper is an open-end zipper, the present invention relates to an upper stop attached to both toothed chain straps 12a and 12b, which may be referred to as a closed-end zipper.

[0049] The upper stop of the present invention is attached to the connecting edge of each toothed chain. The connecting edge may include a core wire (or a reinforcing edge).

[0050] The upper stop of the present invention can be integrally injected into the fastener band of the toothed chain by injection molding.

[0051] Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows a portion of a zipper, which includes a portion of the zipper chain according to the invention and a top stop 50 according to the invention.

[0052] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The upper stop 50, which is combined with the pull head 20, is shown. Figure 6 The diagram shows a portion of the zipper chain and zipper, which has an upper stop 50 but no zipper pull.

[0053] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Show separately Figures 3 to 6 The upper stop component.

[0054] like Figure 3 As best shown, zipper 110 includes toothed chain straps 112a and 112b having rows of corresponding connecting elements 114a and 114b. Zipper 110 operates in the same manner as zippers of the related art, wherein the slider 20 is moved along the toothed chain straps 112a, 112b to engage and disengage the rows of connecting elements 114a and 114b. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the operational details of zipper 110 are not repeated here.

[0055] Now refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The details of the upper stop member 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed.

[0056] The upper stop 50 includes a body 52, with a first leg 54 and a second leg 56 hanging down from the body 52. ​​The first leg 54 and the second leg 56 are spaced apart from each other along the width direction W. The first leg 54 and the second leg 56 define a central space 58 therebetween on a central axis A. The central axis A is perpendicular to the width direction W.

[0057] The central space 58 is configured to receive the diamond-shaped member (or connecting post 59) of the slider 20 when it is engaged with the upper stop 50 in the fully closed position. Figure 4 In the image, the slider 20 is shown in the fully closed position.

[0058] The first leg 54 and the second leg 56 extend away from the body 52 in a direction having a component in a first direction D along the central axis A. Specifically, as Figure 8 As shown, the first leg 54 extends along a direction 54A having a component in the first direction D. In this embodiment, the direction 54A also has a component parallel to the width direction W and as shown... Figure 8 The component shown is to the left (i.e., towards the central axis A). The second leg 56 extends along a direction 56A having a component in the first direction D. In this embodiment, direction 56A also has a component parallel to the width direction W and as shown... Figure 8 The component extending to the right (i.e. towards the central axis A) is shown.

[0059] The first leg 54 has a first outer surface 54a that is inclined from the body 52 toward the central axis A. A first compression lug 60 protrudes from the lug portion 54b of the first outer surface 54a.

[0060] The second leg 56 has a second outer surface 56a that slopes from the body 52 toward the central axis A. A second compression lug 62 protrudes from the lug portion 56b of the second outer surface 56a.

[0061] The first compression lug 60 includes a first compression lug outer surface 60a. In use, in an offset plane OP parallel to the central plane CP containing the first compression lug 60, the second compression lug 62, and the central axis A, when the pull head 20 is in the fully closed position (e.g. Figure 4 When (as shown), the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug partially contacts the first side flange 26a of the pull head 20.

[0062] As previously mentioned, the central plane CP includes a first compression lug 60, a second compression lug 62, and a central axis A. Figure 9 As shown in the optimal configuration, the center plane CP extends through the center of the upper stop 50 relative to its height, and the height of the upper stop 50 is measured along the height direction H, which is perpendicular to both the center axis A and the width direction W. Similarly, as... Figure 9 As shown in the optimal configuration, the offset plane OP is parallel to and offset from the center plane CP. Specifically, both the center plane CP and the offset plane OP are perpendicular to the height direction H, and the offset plane OP is spaced apart from the center plane CP along the height direction H.

[0063] When not in contact with the first side flange 26a, the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug has a profile in the offset plane that is different from the profile of the aforementioned portion of the first side flange 26a in the offset plane.

[0064] The second compression lug 62 includes a second compression lug outer surface 62a. In use, when the aforementioned pull head 20 is in the fully closed position (e.g., Figure 4When (as shown), the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug is in partial contact with the second side flange 26a' of the slider 20. When the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug is not in contact with the second side flange 26a', the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug has a profile in the offset plane that is different from the profile of the aforementioned portion of the second side flange 26a' in the offset plane.

[0065] To help understand the concept of the relative contours of the outer surfaces of the side flange and the compression lug, the following will refer to... Figure 10 This will be discussed.

[0066] Figure 10 Two separate schematic diagrams are shown, illustrating the upper stop and the pull head. Both diagrams are shown within the offset plane. Figure 10 The top view inside shows portions of the first leg 54 and the second leg 56 of the upper stop member, specifically the outer surfaces 54a and 56a, and the first compression lug 60 and the second compression lug 62.

[0067] Figure 10 The figure below shows the inner surface of each of the first side flange 26a and the second side flange 26a' when the slider is in the fully closed position. Figure 10 The upper diagram shows the upper stop when the zipper pull is not in the fully closed position, i.e., when the zipper pull is located away from the upper stop along the zipper teeth. To aid in the comparison between the upper and lower diagrams, in the upper diagram, dashed lines DL1 and DL2 indicate the positions of the inner surfaces of the first side flange 26a and the second side flange 26a', respectively, when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position.

[0068] Since the accompanying drawings are schematic, the outline of the outer surface of the compression lug has been exaggerated for clarity in order to explain the difference between the outline of the outer surface of the compression lug and the outline of the inner surface of the side flange.

[0069] As discussed earlier, within the offset plane, the portion of the first side flange contacting the outer surface of the first compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position differs from the contour of the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position. Now refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10The lower figure shows the slider in the fully closed position, such that the first side flange 26a of the slider contacts the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug. It can be seen that when the slider is in the fully closed position and the first side flange 26a contacts the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug, the slider compresses the upper stop, causing the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug to generally conform to the contour of the inner surface of the first side flange 26a of the slider. In the figure defined between the dashed lines indicated by p26a, the portion of the first side flange 26a (and especially the inner surface of the first side flange 26a) that contacts the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug is shown when the slider is in the fully closed position.

[0070] exist Figure 10 The upper figure shows a view of the slider not in the fully closed position. To aid in the comparison between the outline of the portion of the inner surface of the first side flange 26a that contacts the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position and the outline of the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position, dashed line DL1 indicates the position of the inner surface of the first side flange of the slider when the slider is in the fully closed position, and the portion of the inner surface of the first side flange that is contacted by the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position is defined between dashed lines p26a.

[0071] Considering Figure 10 As can be easily observed in the upper diagram, the profile of the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the zipper pull is not in the fully closed position (i.e., when the zipper pull is not in contact with the top stop) differs from the profile of the portion of the inner surface of the first side flange 26a that is in contact with the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position. Specifically, in this example, the acute angle between the profile of the outer surface of the first compression lug when not in contact with the zipper pull and the longitudinal axis of the zipper is smaller than the acute angle between the profile of the portion of the inner surface of the first side flange 26a of the zipper pull that is in contact with the outer surface 60a of the first compression lug when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position and the longitudinal axis of the zipper.

[0072] Although the discussion pertains to the relationship between the profile of the outer surface of the first compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position and the profile of a portion of the surface of the first side flange of the slider that is in contact with the outer surface of the first compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position, this also applies to the profile of the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug when the slider is not in the fully closed position and the portion of the inner surface of the second side flange of the slider that is in contact with the outer surface of the second compression lug when the slider is in the fully closed position.

[0073] Specifically, as already discussed, in the offset plane, the profile of the portion of the second side flange 26a' that contacts the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug 62 (indicated between the dashed lines p26a') (and specifically the portion of the inner surface of the second side flange 26a') has a different profile than that of the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug when the zipper pull is not in the fully closed position (i.e., when the zipper pull is not in contact with the top stop). Furthermore, in this example, the acute angle between the profile of the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug in the offset plane and the longitudinal axis of the zipper is smaller than the acute angle between the profile of the portion of the inner surface of the second side flange 26a' that contacts the outer surface 62a of the second compression lug when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position and the longitudinal axis of the zipper.

[0074] Continue to refer to Figure 10 In the upper figure, the first compression lug 60 and the second compression lug 62 each include corresponding first portions 60b and 62b and corresponding second portions 60c and 62c. The first portions 60b and 62b of the compression lugs 60 and 62 are closer to the body 52 of the upper stop 50 in the axial direction than the second ends 60c and 62c of the compression lugs 60 and 62 (i.e., in terms of the distance measured along the central axis A). The maximum distance that the first portion 60b of the first compression lug 60 extends perpendicularly to the lug portion 54b of the first outer surface 54a is less than the maximum distance that the second portion 60c of the first compression lug 60 extends perpendicularly to the lug portion 54b of the first outer surface 54a.

[0075] In a similar manner, the maximum distance that the first portion 62b of the second compression lug 62 extends perpendicularly to the lug portion 56b of the second outer surface 56a is less than the maximum distance that the second portion 62c of the second compression lug 62 extends perpendicularly to the lug portion 56b of the second outer surface 56a.

[0076] When referring to the lugs on the first and second outer surfaces, it refers to the portion of the relevant surface adjacent to the relevant compression lug, and therefore excludes the portion of the corresponding outer surface from the relevant compression lug. In this embodiment, the lug of the relevant outer surface can be considered as the portion of the outer surface that is exactly above or below the relevant compression lug along the height direction H.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment not shown in the figures, the maximum distance by which the first portion of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the first outer surface is greater than the maximum distance by which the second portion of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the first outer surface. Similarly, the maximum distance by which the first portion of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the second outer surface is greater than the maximum distance by which the second portion of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the second outer surface.

[0078] like Figure 8As shown, along the axis 54B of the first outer surface, the first outer surface 54a is generally straight, and the first compression lug 60 has a generally straight first compression lug outer surface 60a extending along the axis 60A of the first compression lug outer surface.

[0079] In the central plane CP containing the outer surface axis 60A of the first compression lug, the outer surface axis 54B of the first outer surface, and the central axis A, as the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A and the outer surface axis 54B move along the central axis A in the first direction D, the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A and the outer surface axis 54B diverge from each other, such that the intersection point I1 of the first compression lug outer surface axis 60A and the outer surface axis 54B lies on a third direction from the outer surface 60A of the first compression lug (in this case, extending along the outer surface axis 60A of the first compression lug). The third direction (i.e., the direction extending along the outer surface axis 60A of the first compression lug) has a component in a second direction E opposite to the first direction D along the central axis A. For completeness, in this example, the third direction also has a component away from the central axis A (i.e., in...). Figure 8 The component that extends vertically to the right (from the center).

[0080] In this example, the angle between the axis 60A of the outer surface of the first compression lug and the axis 54B of the first outer surface in the central plane CP is approximately 2°. In other embodiments, the angle between the axis of the outer surface of the first compression lug and the axis of the first outer surface can be any suitable angle, for example, it can be between 1° and about 3°, or it can be between about 0.5° and 10°.

[0081] Along the axis 56B of the second outer surface, the second outer surface is generally straight. The second compression lug 62 has a generally straight second compression lug outer surface 62a extending along the axis 62A of the second compression outer surface. In the central plane CP containing the axis 62A of the second compression lug outer surface, the axis 56B of the second outer surface, and the central axis A, as the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A and the second outer surface axis 56B move along the central axis A in the first direction D, the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A and the second outer surface axis 56B diverge. This divergence causes the intersection point I2 of the second compression lug outer surface axis 62A and the second outer surface axis 56B to be located in a fourth direction from the second compression lug outer surface 62a (in this case, along the axis 62A of the second compression lug outer surface), which has a component in the second direction E along the central axis A. For completeness, the fourth direction also has a direction perpendicular to and away from the central axis A (i.e., as shown in the figure). Figure 8 The component shown is to the left.

[0082] In this example, the angle between the axis 62A of the second compression lug outer surface and the axis 56B of the second outer surface in the central plane CP is approximately 2°. This angle can be any suitable angle, for example, it can be between approximately 1° and approximately 3° or between approximately 0.5° and approximately 10°.

[0083] It is worth noting that, in this example, since the angles between the axis of the first compression lug's outer surface and the axis of the first outer surface, and between the axis of the second compression lug's outer surface and the axis of the second outer surface, are only about 2°, the differences between the contour of the first compression lug's outer surface and the relevant portion of the first side flange, and between the contour of the second compression lug's outer surface and the relevant portion of the second side flange, are relatively small. This is as expected, and such minor differences in contour are within the scope of the invention. What is important is not the degree of difference in the relevant contours, but rather the upper stop, specifically, the compression lug of the upper stop, which has been specially designed such that the contour of the outer surface of the compression lug differs from the contour of the portion of the slider side flange that the relevant outer surface of the compression lug contacts.

[0084] In the example discussed below, i) the axis of the first compression lug outer surface diverges from the axis of the first outer surface, and ii) the axis of the second compression lug outer surface diverges from the axis of the second outer surface, such that their respective intersections are located relative to the associated compression lug outer surface in a direction having a component in a second direction E along the central axis A. In other embodiments, the divergence of the associated axes may result in the associated intersections causing a third direction from the first compression lug outer surface to have a component in a first direction D along the central axis A, and a fourth direction from the second compression lug outer surface to have a component in the first direction D along the central axis A.

[0085] Reference Figure 8 The diagram shows the center point 70 of the body 52, which is located on the central axis A and intersects the central space 58. In this example, the maximum axial distance (i.e., the distance measured along the central axis A) between the center point 70 and the tip 54c of the first leg 54 remote from the body 52 is approximately 4.5 times the axial length (i.e., the length measured along axis A) of the first compression lug 60. In other embodiments, the maximum axial distance between the center point 70 and the tip 54c of the first leg 54 can be between approximately 2 and 8 times the axial length of the first compression lug 60. Figure 8 The upper part is annotated as 54L. Similarly, the axial length of the first compression lug 60 is in Figure 9 The above is annotated as 60L. (See reference...) Figure 9The axial length 60L is noted as the axial length of the entire first compression lug 60. Alternatively, the axial length of the first compression lug can be measured as the axial length of the straight portion of the outer surface of the compression lug.

[0086] In this example, the maximum axial distance between the center point 70 and the tip 56c of the second leg 56, which is farther from the body 52, is approximately 4.5 times the axial length of the second compression lug 62. In other embodiments, the maximum axial distance between the center point 70 and the tip 56c of the second leg 56 can be between 2 and 8 times the axial length of the second compression lug 62. The maximum axial distance between the center point and the tip of the second leg 56 is... Figure 8 The above note is 56L. It should be understood that, in this example, the axial length of the second compression lug 62 is equal to the axial length 60L of the first compression lug 60. In fact, the first and second compression lugs are mirror images of each other.

[0087] As discussed regarding the first compression lug, the axial length of the second compression lug may be the axial length of the entire second compression lug protruding from the second leg 56, or it may be the axial length of the straight portion of the outer surface of the second compression lug.

[0088] Now refer to Figure 5 The first leg 54 of the upper stop 50 has a first inner surface 54d. The second leg 56 has a second inner surface 56d. The first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d generally face the central axis A and define an opening 58a therebetween leading to the central space 58. The opening 58a is located on the central axis A and in a first direction D from the central space 58 along the central axis A. The opening 58a is the portion through which the connecting post 59 enters the central space 58 when the pull head is moved to the fully closed position.

[0089] As it moves along the central axis A in the first direction D, a portion of the first inner surface 54d defining the opening 58a and a portion of the second inner surface 56d defining the opening 58a diverge relative to the central axis A.

[0090] More specifically, in the central plane CP comprising the portion containing the first inner surface 54d, the portion containing the second inner surface 56d, and the central axis A, the diverging portions of the first and second inner surfaces are linear and positioned along the first inner surface axis 54C and the second inner surface axis 56C, respectively. In this example, the angle between each of the first inner surface axis 54C and the second inner surface axis 56C and the central plane is approximately 2°. In other embodiments, this angle can be any suitable angle. For example, it can be between approximately 1° and approximately 3°, or between approximately 0.5° and approximately 10°.

[0091] Continue to refer to Figure 5 The upper stop member 50 includes a first outer skirt 80 and a second outer skirt 82 protruding from the body 52 along a first direction D. The first outer skirt 80 and the first leg 54 define a first recess 80a therebetween, the first recess 80a being configured to receive a first flange 26a of the slider 20 when the slider is in the fully closed position. The second outer skirt 82 and the second leg 56 define a second recess 82a therebetween, the second recess 82a being configured to receive a second flange 26a' of the slider 20 when the slider is in the fully closed position.

[0092] Each of the first outer skirt 80 and the second outer skirt 82 includes an inwardly projecting portion 80b, 82b at its first end away from the main body 52. ​​The inwardly projecting portions 80b, 82b are configured to engage with the corresponding flanges 26a, 26a' of the zipper pull 20 when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position.

[0093] As discussed above, the upper stop member according to the invention can be mounted on the first and second chain belts to form a zipper chain according to the invention. Specifically, the upper stop member 50 can be mounted on the first and second chain belts, such that the body 52 of the upper stop member is mounted on both the first belt of the first chain belt and the second belt of the second chain belt. This can be referred to... Figure 3 It is clearly visible.

[0094] Reference Figure 6 The first leg 54 of the upper stop member is mounted on the first belt of the first toothed chain belt 112a, such that the portion of the first leg 54 away from the body 52 is adjacent to the first connecting element 114a' of the first toothed chain belt 112a. The second leg 56 of the upper stop member 50 is mounted on the second belt of the second toothed chain belt 112b, such that the portion of the second leg 56 away from the body 52 is adjacent to the second connecting element 114b' of the second toothed chain belt 112b.

[0095] To avoid confusion, when the upper stop 50 forms part of a zipper or zipper chain, the central axis A of the upper stop is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the zipper. In this example, the second leg 56 of the upper stop 50 is fused with the second connecting element 114b'. In other embodiments, in addition to the second leg of the upper stop being fused with the second connecting element, or as an alternative, the first connecting element may be fused with the first leg of the upper stop.

[0096] Reference Figure 4The functions of various aspects of the upper stop according to the invention will now be discussed. When the upper stop according to the invention forms part of a fluid-impermeable (e.g., liquid-impermeable or water-impermeable) zipper, the upper stop will function to improve the zipper's seal. It should be understood that it is important that the fluid-impermeable zipper seal is effective when the zipper pull 20 is in the fully closed position, in which the zipper pull is fully abutted against the upper stop 50 and cannot move further in the zipper's closing direction.

[0097] Within a fluid-impermeable zipper, some form of seal is provided to seal the connecting elements to their respective straps and to seal between rows of connecting elements when the connecting elements are coupled together. The seal between the coupled connecting elements can arise from the interaction between the connecting elements themselves, or it can take the form of individual seals. However, there are potential drawbacks regarding the seal at the top stop end of the zipper. To create a fluid-impermeable seal at the top stop end of the zipper when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position, this requires fluid-impermeable seals between the top stop and the chain strap, and between the top stop and the zipper pull. Various aspects of the invention, as discussed above, enhance this seal. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0098] Reference Figure 4 To ensure that the zipper, which forms part of the zipper, remains impermeable to fluids, there are several locations where an effective seal with the upper stop is important.

[0099] The first important sealing position is at the opening 58a leading to the central space 58, where the central space 58 receives the connecting post 59 of the pull head when the pull head is in the fully closed position. Figure 5 The opening 58a is shown when the pull head 20 is located away from the upper stop 50, while Figure 4 This shows the state of the opening when the slider is in the fully closed position. For example... Figure 4 As can be seen, when the slider is in the fully closed position, the connecting post 59 is received in the central space 58, and it is already closed. Specifically, it can be seen that... Figure 5 The opening 58a shown is closed, such that the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d contact each other in a generally straight manner at their interface and extend along the central axis A. Specifically, it can be seen that when the slider is in the fully closed position, the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d contact each other along their entire length (i.e., there is no kinking of any kind at their interface). The effectiveness of the seal between the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d (and therefore between the legs 54, 56) is enhanced by the contact of the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d along their entire length.

[0100] To close the opening 58a by sealing the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d, when the pull head 20 moves to the fully closed position, the side flanges 26a, 26a' apply force to the respective legs 54, 56 via corresponding compression lugs 60, 62, which push the legs 54, 56 toward the central axis A and thus toward each other. By using the compression lugs 60, 62 to transmit the compressive force from the pull head side flanges 26a, 26a', it is ensured that the legs 54, 56 are pushed inward in the appropriate direction so that the inner surfaces 54d, 56d enter the previously discussed integrally linear interface along their entire length. Furthermore, by using the compression lugs, it is ensured that once the inner surfaces 54d, 56d engage with each other, the compressive force applied by the surfaces 54d, 56d to each other is sufficient to create an effective fluid-impermeable seal between the first leg 54 and the second leg 56 of the upper stop 50.

[0101] Additionally, when the pull head is not in contact with the upper stop (e.g.) Figure 5 The divergence of the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d (as shown) means that once the inner surfaces 54d and 56d are brought into contact, they produce the effective seal previously discussed, wherein the surfaces 54d and 56d contact each other along their entire length without any kinking, and extend along the central axis A in a generally straight manner.

[0102] By using compression lugs 60, 62 to transmit the compressive force applied to the legs 54, 56 by the side flanges 26a, 26a' and the diverging geometry of the inner surfaces 54d, 56d, not only is sufficient sealing force between the inner surfaces 54d, 56d to create an effective seal between the legs 54, 56 is ensured, but also the sealing force of the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d of the legs 54, 56 is not excessive. This allows the connecting post 59 to move relatively easily between the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d when the user attempts to open the zipper by removing the zipper pull 20 from its engagement with the upper stop 50 (i.e., from the fully closed position). Furthermore, when the zipper pull is in the fully closed position, the contacting inner surfaces 54d, 56d extend in a generally straight manner along the central axis A, which helps to facilitate linear movement of the zipper pull away from the fully closed position (and thus facilitates linear movement of the connecting post 59 between the inner surfaces 54d, 56d). This reduces the effort required for the user to open the zipper by moving the zipper head away from the fully closed position.

[0103] An additional advantage of having the previously discussed divergent geometry of the first inner surface 54d and the second inner surface 56d is that, as Figure 5As shown, when the zipper pull is moved along the second sliding direction E (i.e., toward the upper stop 50), the divergent properties of the inner surfaces 54d and 56d help guide the connecting post 59 of the zipper pull 20 through the opening 58a between the inner surfaces 54d and 56d and into the central space 58. Therefore, this reduces the effort required by the user to move the zipper pull to the fully closed position.

[0104] By using compression lugs 60, 62 to transfer the compressive force from the side flanges 26a, 26a' to the legs 54, 56, it means that the reduced surface area of ​​the legs (i.e., only the outer surfaces 60a, 62a of the compression lugs, not the entire sides of the legs 54, 56) contacts the side flanges 26a, 26a' of the zipper pull. By minimizing the surface area of ​​the legs in contact with the side flanges of the zipper pull, it helps to minimize the frictional engagement between the legs of the upper stop and the side flanges of the zipper pull, thereby reducing the force required to move the zipper pull away from the fully closed position, and thus making it easier for a user attempting to open the zipper by moving the zipper pull away from the fully closed position to operate the zipper pull.

[0105] Furthermore, it is believed that the geometry of the compression lugs 60 and 62 (therefore their outer surfaces diverge relative to the outer surfaces of the legs 54 and 56 themselves) helps to cause / facilitate the separation of the side flanges 26a and 26a' from the compression lugs 60 and 62 when the zipper head moves away from the fully closed position, thereby facilitating easy operation by which the zipper head can be moved away from the fully closed position by the user.

[0106] like Figure 4 As can be seen, when the slider is in the fully closed position, the first outer skirt 80 and the second outer skirt 82 (specifically, the inward protrusions 80b and 82b) contact the outer sides of the side flanges 26a and 26a' when the slider is in the fully closed position. It is believed that by providing outer skirts that engage with the outer sides of the slider's side flanges, the sealing effectiveness between the upper stop and the slider is improved when the slider is in the fully closed position. Furthermore, the inward protrusions 80b and 82b on portions of the outer skirts 80 and 82 further enhance the sealing effectiveness between the upper stop and the slider's side flanges.

[0107] As an additional advantage provided by the outer skirts 80, 82, it has been found that in some applications, when the zipper pull is moved to the fully closed position to engage with the top stop 50, the outer skirts 80, 82 can interact with the zipper pull, causing the zipper pull to engage in place upon entering the fully closed position. This engagement is audible and / or tactile. Providing feedback to the user regarding the zipper pull entering the fully closed position is particularly useful when the top stop forms part of a fluid-proof zipper. It is important for the user to be aware that the zipper pull is in the fully closed position, thus ensuring the zipper is fully closed and therefore fluid-proof. Subsequently, the outer skirts can minimize the possibility that the user cannot move the zipper pull all the way to the fully closed position, thus failing to make the zipper completely fluid-proof and therefore risking that fluid will pass through the zipper.

[0108] As discussed above, in some embodiments, the connecting element 114b' is fused to the leg 56 of the upper stop. This fusion can occur in any suitable manner, such as by forming one component against another, by using an adhesive or sealant, or by forming the components integrally. By fusing the connecting element to the leg of the upper stop, no potential leakage path is created between the upper stop and the connected rows of the connecting element. Specifically, by fusing the connecting element 114b' to the leg 56 of the upper stop, potential leakage paths between the connecting element and the leg are prevented. This helps to create a fluid-proof seal when the pull head is in the fully closed position. Furthermore, the forces exerted on each other by the connected elements when they are connected can cause the connecting element fused to the leg of the upper stop to exert a force on the corresponding leg of the upper stop, which helps to bring the inner surfaces 54d, 56d into a sealing engagement as discussed above.

[0109] It should be understood that the examples provided herein are merely examples of this application and various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A top stop for a zipper, the top stop comprising: A main body, a first leg, and a second leg hanging down from the main body, the first leg and the second leg being spaced apart from each other in the width direction, and defining a central space therebetween, the central space being located on a central axis perpendicular to the width direction, and the central space being configured to receive a connecting post of the zipper pull when the zipper pull is engaged with the upper stop in the fully closed position, the first leg and the second leg extending away from the main body in a direction having a component in a first direction along the central axis, wherein... The first leg has a first outer surface inclined toward the central axis, and a first compression lug protrudes from the lug portion of the first outer surface; The second leg has a second outer surface that is inclined toward the central axis, and a second compression lug protrudes from the lug portion of the second outer surface; The first compression lug includes an outer surface that, when the slider is in the fully closed position, partially contacts the first side flange of the slider in an offset plane parallel to the central plane containing the first compression lug, the second compression lug, and the central axis. When not in contact with the first side flange, the outer surface of the first compression lug has a profile in the offset plane that is different from the profile of the portion of the first side flange in the offset plane; The second compression lug includes an outer surface that, when the slider is in the fully closed position, partially contacts the second side flange of the slider within the offset plane. When not in contact with the second side flange, the outer surface of the second compression lug has a profile in the offset plane that is different from the profile of the portion of the second side flange in the offset plane.

2. The upper stop member according to claim 1, wherein, The first compression lug and the second compression lug each have a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is axially closer to the body than the second portion. Wherein, the maximum distance by which the first portion of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the first outer surface is less than the maximum distance by which the second portion of the first compression lug extends perpendicularly to the first outer surface; and Wherein, the maximum distance by which the first portion of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the second outer surface of the lug portion is less than the maximum distance by which the second portion of the second compression lug extends perpendicularly to the second outer surface of the lug portion.

3. The upper stop member according to claim 1, wherein, The first outer surface is straight along its axis. The first compression lug has a straight outer surface of the first compression lug along the axis of the outer surface of the first compression lug, and Within the central plane that includes the outer surface axis of the first compression lug, the first outer surface axis, and the central axis, As the first compression lug outer surface axis moves along the central axis in the first direction, the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis diverge, such that the intersection of the first compression lug outer surface axis and the first outer surface axis is located in a third direction from the first compression lug outer surface, the third direction having a component in a second direction opposite to the first direction along the central axis.

4. The upper stop member according to claim 3, wherein, The angle between the axis of the outer surface of the first compression lug and the axis of the first outer surface in the central plane is between 0.5 degrees and 10 degrees.

5. The upper stop member according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The second outer surface is straight along the axis of the second outer surface. The second compression lug has a straight outer surface that runs along the axis of the outer surface of the second compression lug, and Within the central plane that includes the outer surface axis of the second compression lug, the second outer surface axis, and the central axis, As the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis diverge along the central axis, the intersection of the second compression lug outer surface axis and the second outer surface axis is located in a fourth direction from the second compression lug outer surface, the fourth direction having a component in the second direction along the central axis.

6. The upper stop member according to claim 5, wherein, The angle between the axis of the outer surface of the second compression lug and the axis of the second outer surface in the central plane is between 0.5 degrees and 10 degrees.

7. The upper stop member according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The center point of the main body is located on the central axis and intersects with the central space, and The maximum axial distance between the center point and the top of the first leg, which is far from the body, is between 2 and 8 times the axial length of the first compression lug.

8. The upper stop member according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The center point of the main body is located on the central axis and intersects with the central space, and The maximum axial distance between the center point and the top of the second leg, which is far from the body, is between 2 and 8 times the axial length of the second compression lug.

9. The upper stop member according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The first leg has a first inner surface, and the second leg has a second inner surface, the first inner surface and the second inner surface defining an opening therebetween to the central space, the opening being located on the central axis and in a first direction along the central axis from the central space. As the object moves along the central axis in the first direction, portions of the first inner surface defining the opening and portions of the second inner surface defining the opening diverge relative to the central axis.

10. The upper stop member according to claim 9, wherein, Within the central plane comprising the portion containing the first inner surface, the portion containing the second inner surface, and the central axis, The portions of the first inner surface and the second inner surface are straight and spread along the axes of the first and second inner surfaces, respectively.

11. The upper stop member according to claim 10, wherein, The angle between the axis of the first inner surface and the axis of the second inner surface in the central plane is between approximately 0.5 degrees and approximately 10 degrees.

12. The upper stop member according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein, The upper stop member includes a first outer skirt and a second outer skirt protruding from the main body along the first direction. The first outer skirt hem and the first leg portion define a first recess therebetween, the first recess being configured to receive the first side flange of the pull head, and The second outer skirt and the second leg define a second recess therebetween, the second recess being configured to receive the second side flange of the pull head.

13. The upper stop member according to claim 12, wherein, Each of the first and second outer skirts has a first end away from the body including an inwardly projecting portion toward the central axis, and the inwardly projecting portion is configured to engage with each of the first and second side flanges of the pull head.

14. Zipper chain, including: Includes a first toothed chain belt, the first belt having a first row of connecting elements mounted on a first longitudinal edge of the first belt; The second belt includes a second toothed chain belt, the second belt having a second row of connecting elements mounted on a second longitudinal edge of the second belt. The first row of connecting elements is configured to be interleaved with the second row of connecting elements along the fastener axis to secure the first toothed chain strap and the second toothed chain strap together. The zipper chain further includes an upper stop member according to any one of claims 1-13; The main body of the upper stop is mounted on both the first belt and the second belt; The first leg of the upper stop is mounted on the first belt, such that one end of the first leg away from the body is adjacent to the first connecting element of the first toothed chain belt. The second leg of the upper stop is mounted to the second belt, such that one end of the second leg, away from the main body, is adjacent to the second connecting element of the second toothed chain belt; and The central axis of the upper stop is coaxial with the axis of the fastener.

15. The zipper chain according to claim 14, wherein, The first leg of the upper stop is fused with the first connecting element.

16. Zippers, including: The zipper chain according to claim 14 or claim 15, and The zipper head is movably mounted on the first and second chain links, thereby enabling: The zipper head is movable relative to the first toothed chain and the second toothed chain along the fastener axis in a first sliding direction, so that the first row of connecting elements of the first toothed chain and the second row of connecting elements of the second toothed chain interlock with each other, so as to fix the first toothed chain and the second toothed chain together; as well as The pull head is movable relative to the first toothed chain and the second toothed chain in a second sliding direction along the fastener axis, so that the first row of connecting elements of the first toothed chain is separated from the second row of connecting elements of the second toothed chain, thereby separating the first toothed chain from the second toothed chain. The upper stop is configured to provide a restriction on the movement of the pull head along the fastener axis in the first sliding direction when the pull head engages with the upper stop.

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