Device for opening and closing, of the type with zip closure, for item, in particular made of leather

Abstract

The invention relates to a zipper, comprising a slide (4) having a plurality of teeth (12), each tooth having a first fastening member (25) formed on a first face (23) of the tooth and a second fastening member (26) formed on a second face (24) of the tooth, and a slider (7) provided with a first opening (15) and two superimposed second openings (17), an upper ramp (18) extending from the first opening to one of the two second openings, and a lower ramp (19) extending from the first opening to the other of the two second openings, with the slider configured to open / close the zipper, and each tooth is provided with at least one first rounded portion (30) on its first face and distinct from the first fastening member and / or at least one second rounded portion (31) on its second face and distinct from the second fastening member. fastening.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening and closing device, of the zipper type.

[0002] It also concerns an article, particularly leather goods, equipped with such an opening and closing device. State of the art

[0003] We know of opening and closing devices, such as zippers, which classically allow the joining and separation of a slide formed of two connecting strips through the action of a slider.

[0004] European patent EP 2 700 327 describes a zipper with a so-called vertical opening, where the slider separates the connecting strips in a direction perpendicular to the plane created by them.

[0005] In particular, the cursor is provided with a first opening located at a first end, two second superimposed openings located at a second end opposite to the first end, an upper ramp joining the first opening to one of the second openings and a lower ramp joining the first opening to the other of the second openings.

[0006] The connecting bands, for their part, are provided with a plurality of teeth, each having a protrusion on one face and a recess on a second face opposite the first. Each tooth of a connecting band is configured to cooperate with at least one tooth of the other connecting band so as to form links.

[0007] US patent application US 2016 / 0324273 describes a vertical type zipper, provided with teeth forming links according to the preamble of claim 1. The teeth undergo a rotational movement which is due to the stepped shapes which are provided on the front and back of the teeth. Description of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to provide an opening and closing device, of the zipper type, which is particularly simple and convenient to use.

[0009] The invention thus relates, in a first aspect, to an opening and closing device, of the zipper type, comprising: a slide having two connecting strips, each provided with a plurality of teeth, each tooth having a first fixing member provided on a first face of the tooth and a second fixing member provided on a second face of the tooth opposite the first face, and each tooth of one of the connecting strips is configured to cooperate with at least one tooth of the other of the connecting strips, via the first and second fixing members, so as to form links; and a slider having a first opening located at a first end, two superimposed second openings located at a second end opposite the first end, an upper ramp extending from the first opening to one of the two second openings and a lower ramp extending from the first opening to the other of the two second openings;with the opening and closing device which is configured so that, under a sliding action of the slider in a predetermined direction called opening, the cooperating teeth enter the slider through its first opening, separate and travel respectively along its upper and lower ramps until they exit the slider respectively and individually through its two superimposed second openings; with the opening and closing device which is configured so that, under a sliding action of the slider in the opposite direction called closing to the predetermined direction called opening, the teeth of the connecting strips enter individually and separately through the two respective superimposed second openings of the slider, travel respectively along the upper and lower ramps until they cooperate at the level of the first opening of the slider;and with the opening and closing device which is characterized in that each tooth is provided with at least one first rounded portion on its first face and distinct from the first fixing member and / or at least one second rounded portion on its second face and distinct from the second fixing member. ;

[0010] The opening and closing device according to the invention allows the two connecting strips to be joined and separated by the action of the slider in a direction perpendicular to the plane created by them. It is therefore a zipper with a vertical opening.

[0011] On the slider side with the second two openings, the ramps are staggered, receiving the teeth individually and allowing for a vertical opening. On the slider side with the first opening, the ramps converge to form a common ramp that accommodates the teeth cooperatively as links.

[0012] Inside the slider, depending on the opening direction, the tooth-fixing elements disengage so that the teeth forming the links separate, moving from the common ramp to the upper and lower ramps, each dedicated to the teeth of a respective connecting strip. Conversely, depending on the closing direction, inside the slider, the teeth come together, moving from the upper and lower ramps to the common ramp where the tooth-fixing elements couple so that the individual teeth form the links.

[0013] The rounded portion(s) provided on the faces of the teeth make it easier to couple and uncouple the fastening elements to assemble and separate the teeth and thus form or split the links.

[0014] This makes guiding the teeth in the cursor easier.

[0015] The first fixation element is formed by a prismatic protuberance, shaped to protrude from the first face of the tooth, and the second fixation element is formed by a prismatic housing, shaped to recess from the second face of the tooth.

[0016] This allows for the creation of a ball joint which, in combination with the rounded portions, further facilitates the guidance of the teeth in the slider as well as the opening and closing of the slide in the direction perpendicular to the plane created by the connecting strips.

[0017] Each tooth has a contour that is at least partially cylindrical, each of the first and second faces joining the contour, and said at least a first rounded portion extends from the first face to the contour and / or said at least a second rounded portion extends from the second face to the contour.

[0018] Each tooth has a projecting extension on one side of the contour and the slider has lateral openings along the upper and lower ramps for the passage of the tooth extensions.

[0019] Each connecting band has a fixing ring and the tooth extensions have an opening into which the respective fixing ring is inserted for securing the teeth with the connecting band.

[0020] Particularly simple, convenient and economical preferred features of the opening and closing device, of the zipper type, according to the invention are presented below.

[0021] Each tooth may have two first rounded portions formed on either side of the first fixing organ and / or two second rounded portions formed on either side of the second fixing organ.

[0022] Each connecting strip can include a plurality of spacers, each interposed between two successive teeth.

[0023] The first opening and / or the second openings of the cursor may have an outline with a radius.

[0024] The opening and closing device may include two stop stops located on either side of the slide and one or more movable sliders between the two stop stops.

[0025] The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to an article, in particular a leather goods item, comprising an access opening and an opening and closing device, of the zipper type, as described above, and which is mechanically secured around said access opening provided in said article.

[0026] The said item could, for example, be a leather bag or a leather wallet, or alternatively, a textile item.

[0027] The said access opening may be delimited by an internal edge to which the connecting strips of said opening and closing device are mechanically attached. Brief description of the figures

[0028] We will now continue the exposition of the invention by describing examples of implementation, given below by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings. There figure 1partially represents an article, particularly a leather good, equipped with an opening and closing device, such as a zipper, in a closed configuration. figure 2 partially represents the zippered item in an open configuration. figure 3 is an exploded view of the zipper visible on the figures 1 and 2 . There figure 4 The image partially shows, in perspective and in isolation, the zipper in its closed configuration. figure 5 The image partially shows, in perspective and in isolation, the zipper in its open position. figure 6 The image partially shows, in perspective and in isolation, the zipper in an open configuration. figure 7The image partially shows, in longitudinal median section and in isolation, the zipper and in particular some of its teeth before they enter a zipper slider, respectively on the side of a first slider opening and on the side of two second slider openings. figure 8 is a view similar to that of the figure 7 and shows the same teeth once entered into the cursor, respectively for disengagement and engagement. The figure 9 is a view similar to that of the figures 7 and 8 and shows the same teeth at the cursor output, which are respectively uncoupled and coupled. Figure 10 is a perspective view of only part of the zipper, taken from the side of the second two openings of the slider. figure 11 is a view similar to that of the Figure 10but taken from a different angle, from the side of the first opening of the cursor. The figure 12 This is a top view of only part of the zipper. figure 13 is a front view from the side of the second two openings of the cursor. The figure 14 is a front view from the side of the first cursor opening. figure 15 is an isolated perspective view of a zipper tooth taken from a specific viewing angle. figure 16 is a view similar to that of the Figure 10 But taken from a different angle. The figure 17 is a longitudinal median cross-sectional view of only a portion of the zipper, showing more precisely the cooperation between the teeth for their coupling and uncoupling. Detailed description

[0029] THE figures 1 and 2partially represent an article 1, in particular leather goods and for example a bag, equipped with an opening and closing device 2, of the type zipper, respectively in a closed configuration and in an open configuration.

[0030] Article 1 includes an access opening 3 around which the zipper 2 is mechanically secured.

[0031] In particular, the zipper 2 includes a slide 4 having two connecting strips 5 which are each mechanically secured to an internal edge 6 delimiting the access opening of article 1.

[0032] The zipper 2 also includes a slider 7 movable along the slide 4 between two stoppers 8 and 9, one of which is said to be low and the other is said to be high (see below in more detail).

[0033] The zipper 2 is said to have a vertical opening because it allows the joining and separation of the two connecting strips 5 by means of the action of the slider 7, in a direction perpendicular to the plane created by them.

[0034] As can be seen in particular on the figure 2 where the slider 6 has been moved, when the slide 4 opens, the connecting strips 5 move apart in a vertical direction (or perpendicular to the plane formed by them when the slide 4 is closed).

[0035] There figure 3 shows the zipper 2 taken in isolation and in exploded view.

[0036] Each connecting strip 5 of the slide 4 has a fixing bead 10 which extends longitudinally between the stop stops 8 and 9 and which is intended to be secured to the article.

[0037] For example, the fixing bead 10 can be sewn with the item.

[0038] Each connecting strip 5 here further comprises a plurality of spacers 11 each configured to be mounted on the respective fixing ring 10.

[0039] Each connecting band 5 has a plurality of teeth 12 each configured to be mounted also on the respective fixing ring 10, with here between two successive teeth 12 a spacer 11 which is interposed.

[0040] THE figures 4 to 6 show in more detail a part of the zipper 2 which is assembled, in a closed configuration, then in an open configuration and finally in an open configuration.

[0041] Between these different configurations, the cursor 7 has been moved from a position where it is against the upper stop 9 ( figure 4 ), passing through an intermediate position ( figure 5 ), towards a position where it is opposite and against the lower stop 8 ( figure 6), and this according to a predetermined direction of movement called closure.

[0042] The slider 7 is provided with a bridge 13 to which a pull tab (not shown) can be attached to facilitate the movement of the slider 7.

[0043] In the closed configuration ( figure 4 ), the slider 7 is against the stop 9 and the teeth 12 of the connecting strips 5 are coupled to form links, so that the slide 4 is closed.

[0044] In the opening configuration ( figure 5 ), the slider 7 is at a distance from the stop stops 8 and 9 and the teeth 12 of the connecting strips 5 which are between the slider 7 and the stop stop 8 are coupled to form links, so that the slide 4 is closed on this area, while the teeth 12 of the connecting strip 5 which are between the slider 7 and the stop stop 9 are uncoupled, or separated, so that the slide 4 is open on this other area.

[0045] In the open configuration ( figure 6 ), the slider 7 is against the stop 8 and the teeth 12 of the connecting strips 5 are uncoupled, so that the slide 4 is open.

[0046] When the teeth 12 are uncoupled, the teeth 12 of one of the connecting strips 5 are offset relative to the teeth 12 of the other connecting strips 5 along an axis perpendicular to the plane formed by the connecting strips 5 when the teeth 12 are coupled and the slide 4 is closed.

[0047] It should be noted that the figures 4 to 6 show that the stop stops 8 and 9 are each engaged with the fixing rings 10 of the connecting strips 5.

[0048] We will now describe in more detail the teeth 12, the slider 7 and the cooperation of the teeth 12 under the action of the slider 7 to couple and form links of the slide 4 when the latter is moved in the closing direction, and to uncouple when the slider 7 is moved in the opposite direction called opening.

[0049] The slider 7 has a body having a first opening 15 located at a first end 14 of the slider 7, and two second openings 17 superimposed and located at a second end 16 opposite the first end 14.

[0050] The body of the slider 7 is thus larger on the side of its second end 16 than on the side of its first end 14, and therefore smaller on the side of its first end 14 than on the side of its second end 16. This is why the stop 9 which is on the side of the second end 16 of the slider 7 is said here to be high, while the stop 8 which is on the side of the first end 14 of the slider 7 is said here to be low.

[0051] The slider 7 is further provided with an upper ramp 18 formed in the body and extending from the first opening 15 to one of the second openings 17, and a lower ramp 19 formed in the body and extending from the first opening 15 to the other of the second openings 17.

[0052] Thus, on the side of the cursor 7 where the second openings 17 are located, the ramps 18 and 19 are stepped, while on the side of the cursor 7 where the first opening 15 is located, the ramps 18 and 19 join and form a common ramp.

[0053] The slider 7 is further provided with lateral openings 20 arranged on either side of the body, along the upper ramps 18 and lower ramps 19 (visible in particular on the Figures 10 and 11 ).

[0054] The first opening 15 and the two second openings 17 made in the body of the cursor 7 respectively present a contour with a radius 21, 22 (visible in particular on the Figures 10, 11 , 13 and 14 ).

[0055] Each tooth 12 of the connecting bands 5 here presents a first face 23 and a second face 24 opposite to the first face 23.

[0056] Each tooth 12 of the connecting bands 5 has a first fixing element formed here by a protuberance 25, here hemispherical in shape and formed in projection on its first face 23, and a second fixing element formed here by a housing 26, here hemispherical in shape and formed in recess on its second face 24.

[0057] Each tooth 12 of one of the link bands 5 is configured to cooperate with one or two teeth of the other of the link bands 5, via the reception of the protrusions 25 in the housings 26, so as to form links.

[0058] The zipper 2 is thus configured so that, under an action of moving the slider 7 in the opening direction, the cooperating teeth 12 enter the slider 7 through its first opening 15, separate and travel respectively along its upper and lower ramps 18 and 19 until they exit the slider 7 respectively and individually through its second two superimposed openings 17.

[0059] On the contrary, under an action of moving the slider 7 in the closing direction (opposite direction to the opening direction), the zipper 2 is configured so that the teeth 12 enter individually and separately through the two respective and superimposed second openings 17 of the slider 7, travel respectively along the upper and lower ramps 18 and 19 until they come together at the level of the first opening 15 of the slider 7.

[0060] In other words, inside the slider 7, in the opening direction, the protrusions 25 emerge from the housings 26 so that the teeth 12 forming the links separate as they pass from the common ramp to the upper and lower ramps 18 and 19, each dedicated respectively to the teeth 12 of a connecting strip 5. Conversely, in the closing direction, inside the slider 7, the teeth 12 come together as they pass from the upper and lower ramps 18 and 19 to the common ramp where the protrusions 25 re-enter the housings 26 so that the teeth 12 couple and form the links.

[0061] On the figures 7 to 9 The diagram shows the coupling phases of three teeth, labeled 12A, 12B, and 12C, to form a link when the slider 7 is moved in the closing direction; and the uncoupling of three other teeth, labeled 12D, 12E, and 12F, when the slider 7 is moved in the opening direction. figure 8 , teeth 12A and 12E are confused and teeth 12B and 12F are confused.

[0062] As can be seen in particular on the Figures 10 to 15 , each tooth 12 of the connecting bands 5 has a contour 27 at least partially cylindrical, with each of the first and second faces 23, 24 joining the contour 27.

[0063] As can be seen in particular on the Figures 10 to 16 , each tooth 12 further presents an extension 28 provided on one side of the contour 27 and which is configured to pass through a respective lateral opening 20 of the slider 7.

[0064] The extensions 28 are here substantially C-shaped and are configured to receive one of the respective fixing rings.

[0065] The extensions 28 here have a shape generally similar to that of the spacers 11.

[0066] As can be seen in particular on the Figures 15 And 16, each tooth 12 is further provided, on its first face 23, with two first rounded portions 30 arranged on either side of the protuberance 25 and, on its second face 24, with two second rounded portions arranged 31 on either side of the housing 26.

[0067] The first two rounded portions 30 extend from the first face 23 to the contour 27, and the second two rounded portions 31 extend from the second face 24 to the contour 27.

[0068] The first rounded portions 30 and the second rounded portions 31 facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of the protrusions 23 with the housings 25 to assemble and separate the teeth 12 and thus form or split the links, whose teeth 12 move apart or together in a vertical direction. This also facilitates the guidance of the teeth 12 in the upper and lower ramps 18 and 19 of the slider 7. This is clearly visible on the figure 17 .

[0069] In addition, the protrusions 25 and the housings 26 allow the creation of ball joints which, in combination with the first and second rounded portions 30 and 31, further facilitate the guidance of the teeth 12 in the slider 7 as well as the opening and closing of the slide 4 in the direction perpendicular to the plane created by the connecting strips 5.

[0070] It should be noted that the first rounded portions 30 and the second rounded portions 31, in combination with the radii 21 and 22 respectively of the first opening 15 and the two second openings 17, also facilitate the entry and exit of the teeth 12 in the slider 7.

[0071] It should also be noted that the position of the first rounded portions 30 and the second rounded portions 31 on the teeth is provided so that a first rounded portion 30 and a second rounded portion 31 are generally turned towards the upper ramp 18 of the slider 7 depending on the direction of movement of the latter, while another first rounded portion 30 and another second rounded portion 31 are generally turned towards the lower ramp 19 of the slider 7 depending on the direction of movement of the latter.

[0072] Moreover, here, the first rounded portions 30 and the second rounded portions 31 extend on the side of the extensions 28 of the teeth 12.

[0073] Unillustrated variants are shown below.

[0074] The first tooth-fixing organ and / or the second tooth-fixing organ have prismatic rather than hemispherical shapes.

[0075] The zipper may have several moving sliders between the stops. If applicable, there may be two lower stops rather than one lower and one upper stop.

[0076] The connecting strips may not be added separately and instead come from the material with the item.

[0077] The spacers can be formed as a single piece with the teeth or the closure may not have a spacer.

[0078] The item may be made of textile rather than leather; and / or the item may be a wallet rather than a bag, or any other item in the field of leather goods.

[0079] It is generally recalled that the invention is not limited to the examples described and represented but also to the claims.

Claims

1. Opening and closing device, of the zip fastener type (2), including; - a zip (4) having two connection bands (5) each provided with a plurality of teeth (12), each tooth having a first fastening member (25) provided on a first face (23) of the tooth and a second fastening member (26) provided on a second face (24) of the tooth opposite to the first face, and each tooth of one of the connection bands being configured to cooperate with at least one tooth of the other of the connection bands, via the first and second fastening members, so as to form links; and - a slider (7) provided with a first opening (15) located at a first end (14), with two second openings (17) superimposed and located at a second end (16) opposite to the first end, with a top ramp (18) extending from the first opening as far as one of the second openings, and with a bottom ramp (19) extending from the first opening as far as the other of the second openings; with the opening and closing device being configured so that, under an action of movement of the slider in a predetermined so-called opening direction, the teeth that cooperate enter the slider through its first opening, separate and travel respectively along its top and bottom ramps until they emerge from the slider respectively and individually through its two superimposed second openings; with the opening and closing device being configured so that, under an action of movement of the slider in a so-called closing direction opposite to the predetermined opening direction, the teeth of the connection bands individually and separately enter through the two respective superimposed second openings of the slider, and respectively travel along top and bottom ramps until they start to cooperate at the first opening of the slider; with the opening and closing device being characterised in that each tooth (12) is provided with at least one first rounded portion (30) on its first face (23) and distinct from the first fastening member (25) and / or with at least one second rounded portion (31) on its second face (24) and distinct from the second fastening member (26), the first fastening member being formed by a protuberance (25), prismatic in shape, provided projecting on the first face (23) of the tooth (12) and the second fastening member being formed by a housing (26), prismatic in shape, provided as an indentation on the second face (24) of the tooth; with each tooth (12) having an at least partially cylindrical contour (27), each of the first and second faces (23, 24) joining the contour, and said at least one first rounded portion (30) extending from the first face as far as the contour and / or said at least one second rounded portion (31) extending from the second face as far as the contour; with each tooth (12) having an extension (28) provided on one side of the contour (27) and the slider (7) being provided with lateral openings (20) along the top and bottom ramps (18, 19) for the extensions of the teeth to pass; and with each connection band (5) having a securing shank (10) and the extensions (28) of the teeth (12) having an orifice in which the respective securing shank is introduced for fastening the teeth to the connection band (5).

2. Opening and closing device according to claim 1, characterised in that each tooth (12) has two first rounded portions (30) provided on either side of the first fastening member (25) and / or two second rounded portions (31) provided on either side of the second fastening member (26).

3. Opening and closing device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that each connection band (5) includes a plurality of struts (11) each interposed between two successive teeth (12).

4. Opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first opening (15) and / or the two second openings (17) of the slider (7) have a contour provided with a radius (21, 22).

5. Opening and closing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that it includes two stops (8, 9) located on either side of the zip (4) and one or more sliders (7) able to move between the two stops.

6. Article, in particular a leather article, including an access opening (3) and an opening and closing device, of the zip fastener type (2), according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is mechanically connected around said access opening provided in said article (1).

7. Article according to claim 6, characterised in that its access opening (3) is delimited by an internal edge (6) to which connection bands (5) of said opening and closing device are mechanically connected.

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