System and method for an improved zipper slider garage

Abstract

To provide a zipper excellent in waterproofness.SOLUTION: A slider garage 100 includes an overmolded body, the overmolded body being oriented on a zipper 101, the overmolded body including an overmolded male portion 120 and an overmolded female portion 135, the overmolded male and female portions being positioned on an end of the zipper, such that each is on one side of the zipper, the overmolded male portion being shaped such that it fits in the overmolded female portion in a watertight fashion, and the overmolded body is molded over a portion of the zipper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

Background Art

[0002]

[0001] A weakness of many zippers intended to be waterproof is the final closure point of the zipper. In many zipper configurations, a small but significant opening will exist at the zipper closure point. Depending on the performance required for the waterproofness of the zipper, even such a small opening may not be tolerated.

[0003]

[0002] Most, but not all, polymer zipper systems are made from olefin-based polymers such as polypropylene or polyethylene. The outer shape of the polymer zipper is manufactured using an extrusion method. Olefin-based systems have become popular in many polymer zipper systems due to the low cost characteristic of the polymer resin and its low coefficient of friction characteristics. The low coefficient of friction is important because the balls and sockets of the zipper can be pushed together with minimal effort. However, there are limitations to olefin-based zipper systems. Most olefin-based zipper systems made from polypropylene and polyethylene do not last long when used in external environments where the performance of the material is affected by the maximum and minimum temperatures. The outer shapes of polypropylene and polyethylene zippers lack tensile and tear strength, as well as good elongation characteristics. They also have excessive compression set when subjected to stress loads at higher temperatures. Therefore, they are not used for extreme applications such as "driver bags" and "wet suits" that are often used in high-temperature environments. Rather, they are used for sandwich bags and other low-performance applications.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004]

[0003] In one embodiment, the slider garage includes an overmolded body that is oriented over the zipper. The overmolded body includes an overmolded male portion and an overmolded female portion. The overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are positioned on the ends of the zipper such that each is located on one side of the zipper. The overmolded male portion is shaped to fit into the overmolded female portion in a watertight manner. The overmolded body is molded onto a portion of the zipper. Alternatively, the zipper includes a male side and a female side, the overmolded male portion is positioned on the male side of the zipper, and the overmolded female portion is positioned on the female side of the zipper. In one alternative, the overmolded body forms a u-shape, and the overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are part of the u-shape. In another alternative, the overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are located on the inside of the overmolded body where the first and second sides of the overmolded body meet when the slider is engaged within the slider garage. Alternatively, the zipper interacts with the overmolded body without interference. In another alternative, the zipper includes a continuous upper edge. Alternatively, the flange of the zipper is not exposed between the zipper and the overmolded body. In another alternative, there are no breaks in the zipper along its length. Alternatively, there are no breaks between the zipper and the slider garage along the length of the zipper.

[0005]

[0004] In one embodiment, the slider garage includes an overmolded body that is disposed on the end of the zipper. The overmolded body is engaged with the slider When engaged, it provides a waterproof seal, and the overmolded body is molded onto a portion of the zipper. In one alternative form, the overmolded body forms a U-shape, and the overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are part of the U-shape. In another alternative form, the overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are located on the inside of the overmolded body where the first and second sides of the overmolded body meet when the slider is engaged within the slider garage. Alternatively, the zipper interacts with the overmolded body without interference. In another alternative form, the zipper includes a continuous upper edge. Alternatively, the flange of the zipper is not exposed between the zipper and the overmolded body. In another alternative form, there are no breaks along the length of the zipper. Alternatively, there are no breaks between the zipper and the slider garage along the length of the zipper.

[0006]

[0005] In one embodiment, the slider garage includes an overmolded body that is oriented on the zipper. The overmolded body includes an overmolded male portion and an overmolded female portion. The overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are positioned on the ends of the zipper such that each is located on one side of the zipper. The overmolded male portion is shaped to fit into the overmolded female portion in a watertight manner, and the overmolded body is molded onto a portion of the zipper. Alternatively, the zipper includes a male side and a female side. The overmolded male portion is positioned on the male side of the zipper, and the overmolded female portion is positioned on the female side of the zipper. In one alternative form, the overmolded body forms a U-shape, and the overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are part of the U-shape. In another alternative form, the overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are located on the inside of the overmolded body where the first side and the second side of the overmolded body meet when the slider is engaged within the slider garage.

[0007]

[0006] In one embodiment, the slider garage includes an overmolded body, the overmolded body is oriented on the zipper, the overmolded body includes an overmolded male part and an overmolded female part, the overmolded male part and the overmolded female part are positioned on the ends of the zipper such that each is located on one side of the zipper, and the overmolded male part is shaped to fit into the overmolded female part in a watertight manner. Optionally, the zipper includes a male side and a female side, the overmolded male part is positioned on the male side of the zipper, and the overmolded female part is positioned on the female side of the zipper. Alternatively, the slider garage further includes an inner wall within the overmolded body, and the inner wall is sized to contact and seal the slider when the slider is advanced from the zipper to the distal end of the slider garage. Optionally, the inner wall includes an inclined portion such that the inclined portion forms an inclined path for the slider to gradually contact and seal the inner wall. In one configuration, the inner wall of the slider garage includes a portion distal from the zipper, the portion distal from the zipper has an approximately U shape, and the inner wall of the slider garage further includes a zigzag-shaped portion, the zigzag-shaped portion has a first portion on the male side of the zipper which is the side including the overmolded male part and a second portion on the female side of the zipper which is the side including the overmolded female part, the ends of the zigzag-shaped portion close to the zipper have a first position and a second position, the first position is characterized in that when the slider is engaged within the slider garage, the first portion on the male side of the zipper is directly adjacent to the second portion on the female side of the zipper, the second position is characterized in that when the slider is not engaged within the slider garage, the first portion on the male side of the zipper is separated from the second portion on the female side of the zipper, and the first and second portions include inclined portions. Optionally, the overmolded female part and the overmolded male part have a first position and a second position, the first position is characterized in that the overmolded female part and the overmolded male part are not engaged, and the second position is characterized in that the overmolded female part and the overmolded male part are engaged.Alternatively, due to the shape and positioning of the overmold female part and the overmold male part, the overmold female part and the overmold male part have a first position and a second position, and the second position. When in , the overmold female part is pushed upward in the vertical direction, and the overmold male part is pushed downward in the vertical direction. Optionally, the inner wall is surrounded by side walls, and the side walls are interconnected with the inner wall via a plurality of support parts. Alternatively, the overmold body includes a transition line, and the transition line defines a line that the slider must pass through to achieve the sealing of the zipper and the slider garage. In one alternative form, the transition line approximately coincides with the male and female overmold parts. In another alternative form, the first part of the zipper on the first side where the overmold male part is disposed extends further into the overmold body than the second part of the zipper on the second side where the overmold female part is disposed. Optionally, the overmold body is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. In another alternative form, the overmold body has a durometer between 60 and 90 Shore A. Alternatively, the overmold body part is textured to reduce adhesiveness. Optionally, the thermoplastic polyurethane contains a lubricant.

[0008]

[0007] In another embodiment, the slider garage includes an overmold body, the overmold body is disposed on the end of the zipper, and the overmold body provides a waterproof seal when engaged with the slider. Optionally, the overmold body includes a male overmold part and a female overmold part, and the male overmold part fits into the female overmold part so as to form a waterproof seal when engaged with the slider. Alternatively, the height of the overmold body is such that the overmold body contacts and seals the slider when the slider engages with the overmold body. Optionally, the overmold body includes a ramp to facilitate the transition from the sealed state to the unsealed state. Alternatively, the overmold body is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. In one alternative form, the overmold body has a durometer between 60 and 90 Shore A.

[0009]

[0008] In another embodiment, the slider garage includes an overmolded body that is oriented over the zipper. The overmolded body includes an overmolded male portion and an overmolded female portion. The overmolded male portion and the overmolded female portion are positioned on the ends of the zipper such that each is located on one side of the zipper. The overmolded male portion is shaped to fit into the overmolded female portion in a watertight manner. The overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion have a first position and a second position. The first position is characterized in that the overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion are not engaged, and the second position is characterized in that the overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion are engaged. Optionally, due to the shape and positioning of the overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion, when the overmolded female portion and the overmolded male portion have the first position and the second position and are in the second position, the overmolded female portion is pushed upward in the vertical direction, and the overmolded male portion is pushed downward in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the slider garage further includes an inner wall within the overmolded body. The inner wall is sized to contact and seal the slider when the slider is advanced from the zipper to the distal end of the slider garage. Alternatively, the inner wall includes an inclined portion such that the inclined portion forms an inclined path for the slider to gradually contact and seal the inner wall.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

[0009] Top view of one embodiment of a slider garage and a zipper.

Figure 2

[0010] Perspective view of the slider garage of FIG. 1.

Figure 3

[0011] Perspective view of the slider garage of FIG. 1 in a fully engaged position.

Figure 4

[0012] Side view of the slider garage of FIG. 1 with the slider engaged.

Figure 5

[0013] It is a top view of the slider garage of FIG. 1.

Figure 6

[0014] It is a diagram of various pressures exerted during the engagement between the slider and the slider garage of FIG. 1.

Figure 7

[0015] It is an engaged view of the slider garage of FIG. 1.

Figure 8

[0016] It is a diagram of another embodiment of the slider garage.

Figure 9

[0017] FIG. 9A is a side view of the slider garage of FIG. 1 before the slider engages. FIG. 9B is a side view of the slider garage of FIG. 1 before the slider engages.

Figure 10

[0018] FIG. 10A is a profile view of a cross-section of one embodiment of a zipper. FIG. 10B is a profile view of a cross-section of one embodiment of a zipper.

Figure 11

[0019] It is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the zipper garage.

Figure 12

[0020] FIG. 12A is a diagram of the end of the zipper on the side opposite the zipper garage. FIG. 12B is a diagram of the end of the zipper on the side opposite the zipper garage.

Figure 13

[0021] It is a diagram of an embodiment of the slider.

Figure 14

Figure 15

[0022] It is a diagram of an embodiment of a waterproof bag using an embodiment of a zipper including a waterproof slider garage.

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

[0011]

[0023] In this specification, an improved zipper slider garage (referred to as a "slider garage") is Embodiments of an improved zipper slider garage (sometimes referred to as an "interference fit" slider garage) are described, as well as methods of using and making the same. Among the many advantageous aspects of the improved zipper slider garage, the slider garage includes a shape that provides an interference fit between the zipper slider and the slider garage. This interference fit provides a seal at the end of the zipper making it waterproof. While this is the feature that makes the slider garage waterproof, there are many additional features that serve to make the slider garage easy to use and perform optimally. These features include the male side of the zipper extending further into the slider garage than the female side, the zipper's sliding locking mechanism, the materials of the zipper and slider garage, and the flexible design of the slider garage.

[0012]

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a slider garage 100. In several configurations, In the embodiment, the slider garage 100 is an overmolded extrusion. The slider garage 100 is overmolded onto a waterproof zipper 101 that includes a male side 120 and a female side 115. The male side 120 and female side 115 of the zipper 101 each include flanges 110, 105 that are used to attach the zipper 101 to a bag or other object. In operation, both sides of the zipper 101 come together to close the bag or other object. In practice, the very end of the zipper 101 where the slider would be located may not be completely waterproof and may be prone to opening if the slider garage 100 was not utilized.

[0013]

[0025] Many aspects of the slider garage 100 can be seen in FIG. 100 includes an overmolded male part 130 and an overmolded female part 135. The overmolded male part 130 and the overmolded female part 135 cooperate to ensure that a waterproof seal is formed at the transition between the slider garage 100 and the male side 120 and female side 115 of the zipper 101 when fully engaged by a slider (not shown here). When the slider engages the slider garage 100, the slider applies a laterally inward pressure that presses the overmolded male part 130 and the overmolded female part 135 together horizontally. At the same time, this inward pressure presses the overmolded female part 135 vertically upward, and due to the shape of the overmolded male part 130 and the opposing overmolded shape of the overmolded female part 135, this inward pressure presses the overmolded male part 130 vertically downward, where the two parts meet and engage in a locked sealing position. Figure 6 shows this sealing position. The locked sealing position compresses the overmolded male part 130 to form a tight seal. This inward pressure also presses the overmolded female part 135 vertically upward, and due to the shape of the overmolded male part 130 and the opposing overmolded shape of the overmolded female part 135, this inward pressure presses the overmolded male part 130 vertically downward, where the two parts meet and engage in a locked sealing position.

[0014]

[0026] Figure 1 also shows the side walls 140, support parts 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, voids 160 - 165, and the inner wall 170 of the slider garage 100. The inner wall 170 also includes inclined portions 171, 172. Finally, the slider garage 100 also includes a flange 180 that provides flexibility and sealing to a bag or other article. Various embodiments of the slider garage 100 can still function without including some of these aspects, but in many embodiments, the inclined portions 171, 172 are used for sealing. To function optimally, it is important to maintain a balance of rigidity and flexibility in the slider garage. This balance allows for smooth movement of the slider on the zipper 101 and the slider garage 100.

[0015]

[0027] When disassembled to the simplest components that seal the zipper 101, the transition point 185 can be recognized It is important to recognize that as the slider descends along the zipper 101 and begins to engage with the slider garage 100, the inner portion of the slider begins to engage with the inclined portions 171, 172. After the downward inner portion of the slider passes the transition point 185, a waterproof seal is formed. The seal can take shape for several reasons including, but not limited to, the engagement of the male and female overmolded parts and the engagement of the slider with the slider garage. This may be achieved without the inclined portions 171, 172, and in some alternative forms, the slider garage 100 may have a tight transition up to the amount of interference that seals the zipper 101 and slider garage 100 since at point 185 it does not provide contact and / or interference with the downward inner portion of the slider. As can be understood, in such a situation, the slider and slider garage 100 would have to bend significantly over a short distance, making it difficult for the slider to operate. This would require a lot of force by the user. Thus, the first aspect of this innovation in the slider garage 100 is that the slider contacts and seals against the inner wall 170 to make the closure waterproof. Another innovation is that the inclined portions 171, 172 ease the transition of the slider to the closed position, taking advantage of the wedges provided by the inclined portions 171, 172. By pulling the slider towards the wedges, an upward force approximately perpendicular to the movement of the slider is provided. The aspect of the inclined portions 171, 172 makes the zipper 101 easier to operate.

[0016]

[0028] In some configurations, even with the inclined portions 171, 172 included, the zipper There may still be cases where it is difficult to operate. To have a strong seal, the inner wall 170 must be strong enough to avoid bending in a way that breaks the seal between the slider and the inner wall 170. To achieve this, the inner wall 170 can be made thicker or of a harder material. This ensures sealing, but the engagement and disengagement of the slider with the slider garage 100 can be more difficult due to a lack of elasticity and flexibility. To allow for a thinner and more flexible inner wall 170, side walls 140, support portions 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, and voids 160 - 165 are included in many embodiments. These side walls 140, support portions 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, and voids 160 - 165 provide both the flexibility of the slider garage 100 and the rigidity to resist unwanted release of the seal between the slider and the slider garage 100.

[0017]

[0029] It should be noted that the support portions 150, 154 approximately coincide at the transition point 185. Yes. This is an important location on the slider garage 100. Since the transition point 185 is the main point where sealing is achieved, this point is optimized in many configurations by including the support portions 150, 154 at the same point. Thus, the slider garage 100 is prevented from bending significantly at this point, while at the same time, the voids 160, 161, 164, 165 allow for greater bending before and after the transition point 185. Other support portions and voids function similarly to allow for bending and support. Similarly, the flange 180 can help provide elasticity and bending to the entire device.

[0018]

[0030] In addition to the structure of the slider garage 100, the materials used are also optimized. Typ In terms of type, the zipper 101, slider, and slider garage 100 are made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Unlike olefin-based plastics, TPU is a cross-linked polymer elastomer that exhibits rubber-like properties at high and low durometers. TPU polymers exhibit extremely high tensile and tear strength and high elongation properties at high and low maximum and minimum temperatures. TPU polymers also exhibit excellent compression set resistance. TPU polymers are designed for use in extreme outdoor applications. In sealing applications such as slider garage parts, a relatively low durometer material is used due to its excellent sealing properties, including being flexible / malleable and having adhesiveness / capable of adhering to itself. A secondary effect of these excellent sealing properties is that they also tend to "stick" to other materials when they come into contact with them due to their adhesiveness. In slider garage applications, this effect is amplified by the interference fit between the slider and the slider garage 100, making it somewhat difficult for the slider to fully engage and disengage with the slider garage 100. As a solution in some alternative forms, the slider garage 100 is made of a compounded material. The composite is composed of a 75A durometer TPU material and a lubricant. This specific combination of materials creates a component that allows the slider to easily engage and disengage with the slider garage 100 while maintaining excellent sealing properties. Additionally, in an alternative form, the TPU material can be textured. Subtle regular and irregular textures can be applied to the TPU material. These textures are typically between 0.01 millimeters and 1 millimeter in depth, size, and spacing, and further, the arrangement can be a combination of various depths, sizes, and spacings. Typically, these textures have a depth of less than 0.1 millimeters. The properties of the textured TPU can prevent the TPU from sticking or adhering to itself and can enhance the ease of use in sliding parts that slide past each other.

[0019]

[0031] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the slider garage. In this figure, many aspects of the zipper 101 and the slider garage 100 can be seen. The inclined nature of the inclined portions 171, 172, such as the raised nature of the inner wall 170, can be seen in this figure. Also, the overmolded male portion 130 and the overmolded female portion 135 can be seen more clearly. Here, a way can be seen in which the overmolded male portion 130 fits into the overmolded female portion 135 and effectively covers the zipper 101 over the protruding ball portion 210 on the male side 120 that fits into the socket 115 on the female side 220. This helps to create a more effective seal. The slide garage 100 is designed to cooperate with a ball-in-socket type zipper as shown in Figure 2 in many embodiments. In this type of zipper, the ball portion 210 on the male side 120 is press-fitted into the socket 220 on the female side 115. The male and female 120, 115 bend and slide relative to each other to cause this engagement, and certain portions of the zipper 101 can be made more flexible or less flexible to provide rigidity if necessary and also to provide flexibility to enable the engagement. A sliding coating, or a material embedded in the sliding coating, can also be utilized. Also, in this figure, a portion 240 of the flange 180 is divided so that it can bend more easily between the bending lines 245, 250. These bending lines 2245, 250 provide bending of the flange 180 at more complementary locations for the function of the zipper and tend to provide bending in a direction away from the sides 260, 261 of the slider garage 100 and instead provide bending at the end 262. This helps to support the continuous integrity of the slider garage 100 and the inner wall 170 of the slider garage 100, which is important for the waterproof seal.

[0020]

[0032] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the slider garage 100 in the fully engaged position 。At this position, the inclined portions 171, 172 are tightly pressed together, and the adhesion characteristics of the slider garage 100 material further provide a tight fit and resistance to water penetration. Here, it is clear how the ball portion 210 engages with the socket 220 to close the main portion of the zipper 101.

[0021]

[0033] Figure 4 shows a side view of the slider garage 100 with the slider 410 engaged. 。The inner wall 170 engages with the bottom inner surface 420 that is partially visible in the given figure. The slider side wall 430 and the open area 440 of the slider 410 function to gradually apply pressure to the side walls of the slider garage 100 and help maintain a secure seal. It should also be noted here that the opposite side of the slider garage 100, which is not shown in many of the figures, can also be a raised inner wall that engages with the inner surface facing above the slider 410. Since the bottom of the slider garage 100 is generally intended to be located inside a bag or other object that is intended to be waterproof, the above may be omitted in some embodiments.

[0022]

[0034] Figure 5 shows how the male side 120 of the zipper 101 extends further into the slider garage 100 to line 510, in contrast to the female side 115 that extends only to line 520. This is optimal because the cavity required for the overmolded female portion 135 is deeper than the cavity of the female side 115 of the zipper 101, so the female side 115 must terminate earlier than the male side 120 in order for the overmolded female portion 135 to receive the overmolded male portion 130. Also, as seen in this figure, the slider garage 100 can extend the female side 115 further downward without interfering with the operation of the zipper 101.

[0023]

[0035] Figure 6 shows the various pressures exerted during the engagement of the slider and the slider garage 100. 6 illustrates the forces exerted by the slider on either side of the slider garage 100 as the slider advances toward the end of the slider garage 100. The slider's horizontal pressure 620 pushes the overmold male part 130 in a vertical downward direction 630 such that it interacts with the overmold female part 135. At line 640, with the overmold male part 130 extending to line 650, the overmold male part 130 and overmold female part 135 meet and engage, providing a locked sealed position that prevents water from passing through the seal.

[0024]

[0036] FIG. 7 shows the side wall 140, supports 150, 151, and 152 of the slider garage 100. 2, 153, 154, cavities 160-165, and inner wall 170 are shown engaged.

[0037] FIG. 8 shows that the male side 120 of the zipper 101 is similar to the female side 115 that extends to line 520A. Another embodiment is shown in which the male side 120 of the zipper 101 extends a similar or equal distance into the slider garage 100 to line 510A. Additionally, the female side includes a diagonal cut 511 that allows for the insertion of the overmolded male portion 130. Without this diagonal cut, the male side 120 would prevent the insertion of the overmolded male portion 130.

[0025]

[0038] FIG. 9A shows a side view of slider 410. In this view, The sloped nature of the portion can be seen. Bottom inner surface 420 slopes from point 421 to point 422, and similarly, inner surface 425 slopes from point 423 to point 424. This allows The mouth of the slider 410 is wider than the rear end portion closer to the points 421, 423. FIG. 9B further shows the inclination of the slider garage 100. The slider garage 100 includes an inclined path portion from point 901 to point 902 where the slider 410 first engages with the slider garage 100. Further, from point 902 to point 903, the thickness of the slider garage 100 gradually increases to provide a watertight seal between the inner wall 170 and the inner surface 425 when engaged with the bottom inner surface 420. In practice, the combination of the slider garage and the slider provides an interference type seal as the slider is pressed against the slider garage. The resulting height of the slider garage is slightly lower than the height of the slider when the two are fully engaged. The materials of the slider and the slider garage are flexible and deformable so that they can move relative to each other along their respective inclined surfaces and can fully engage to form a seal.

[0026]

[0039] In many embodiments, the interior of the zipper garage itself includes male and female portions No. This can be seen in Fig. 2 showing the overmolded male part 130 fitting into the overmolded female part 135. Further, it is clear from the figure that there is no interruption in the continuity of the zipper slide from the zipper part itself to the garage. This is different from other zipper systems having teeth including a garage, where the transition from the garage to the main zipper part is seamless and smooth, enhancing the usefulness of the zipper. Further, as seen in Fig. 6, the main movement of the zipper is only for the male and female parts to move towards and away from each other in a single plane. Many other toothless zippers that rely on hooks require operations on two movement surfaces for engagement and disengagement. This is not required for the zipper shown. Similarly, the garage itself only moves in a single plane for sealing and unsealing. In many embodiments, the slider garage includes a u-shaped portion having male and female parts as part of the u-shaped portion. In many embodiments, the male and female parts that are part of the u-shaped portion are located inside the slider garage where the two sides of the slider garage meet when the slider is engaged within the garage. In many embodiments, the zipper cooperates with the slider garage without being obstructed. In many embodiments, the zipper part is continuous on the upper edge of the device. In many embodiments, the flange is not exposed between the zipper and the slider garage. In many embodiments, there are no breaks along the length of the zipper. In many embodiments, there are no breaks between the zipper and the slider garage along the length of the zipper. In many embodiments, the zipper and the slider garage are directly adjacent to each other such that they contact. In many embodiments, the slider garage is molded on a portion of the zipper.

[0027]

[0040] Figures 10A and 10B show cross-sectional contour views of two embodiments of the zipper. In FIG. 10A, a first zipper design having a male side 120 and a female side 115 is shown. Flanges 1010 and 1020 can be used to attach the zipper to a bag or other article. FIG. 10B shows another embodiment. In this embodiment, a female portion 1025 receives a male portion 1030. A vacuum cavity region 1032 is created between them. Further, a second intermediate space 1033 may be formed between the female portion 1025 that receives the male portion 1030 and the male portion 1030, and this second intermediate space 1033 provides a region where the intermediate space / vacancy provides additional elasticity in the system, so this second intermediate space 1033 provides faster separation on both sides. Further, the cross-shaped portion 1031 is made smoother and more orderly compared to the previous embodiment. This improved cross-section reduces friction and allows for easier movement of the slider portion.

[0028]

[0041] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a zipper garage 1110. In this embodiment , a male portion 1115 fits into a female portion 1120. The male portion 1115 extends beyond the male protrusion on the side where it is located, and the angled edge on the inside of the zipper is from the male portion 1115 provides a smooth transition into the inside of the zipper. This also provides smooth insertion and transfer from the corresponding female portion since this portion is angled according to the angle of separation on both sides compared to a more abrupt protrusion. Further, the zipper garage 1110 includes raised flanges 1120 (which are present on both sides of the zipper). This raised flange contacts and seals the inside of the zipper to prevent water from entering the opening in the center of the garage. Further, the zipper garage includes a raised portion 1130. This portion helps support the molding of the device and ensures that enough material is extruded to fill the garage. Further, this helps hold the slider in place when the slider engages the zipper garage.

[0029]

[0042] FIGS. 12A and 12B show the ends of the zipper on the side opposite the zipper garage. Here, the flange of the zipper 1240 can be heat welded to the flange 1230 of the lower garage. The lower connection part is positioned to completely surround the zipper in a watertight manner. The cut part 1220 can be included to assist in flexibility and heat dissipation during the connection or overmolding process. The cross-section of 12B shows the male part 1025 and the female part 1030 positioned in the lower connection part in an engaged form such that they are watertight.

[0030]

[0043] Figures 13, 14A, and 14B show an embodiment of a slider having a central post that fits within the cavity portion of the slider garage, an open end complementary to the shape of the wide end of the slider garage, and parallel guides that extend along the zipper during operation.

[0031]

[0031]

[0044] Figures 15 - 18 utilize an embodiment of a zipper including a waterproof slider garage for Two embodiments of a water bag are shown. FIGS. 15 and 16 show perspective views of one embodiment of a waterproof bag utilizing an embodiment of a zipper that includes a waterproof slider garage. Bag 1510 comprises a waterproof zipper 1520 that includes a slider garage. Further, bag 1510 includes a handle 1530. The handles 1530 provide a leverage point to be used for opening and closing the zipper and they may be adapted to a strap or other attachment system. In many embodiments, bag 1510 is constructed of various types of waterproof materials and zipper 1520 is welded (heat welded) at a predetermined location within bag 1510. FIGS. 17 and 18 show perspective views of one embodiment of a waterproof bag utilizing an embodiment of a zipper that includes a waterproof slider garage. Bag 1710 comprises a waterproof zipper 1720 that includes a slider garage. Further, bag 1710 includes handles 1730, 1740. The handles 1730, 1740 provide a leverage point to be used for opening and closing the zipper and they may be adapted to a strap or other attachment system. In many embodiments, bag 1710 is constructed of various types of waterproof materials and zipper 1720 is welded (heat welded) at a predetermined location within bag 1710. As shown, bag 1710 includes an opaque portion 1760 and a transparent portion 1750. This allows the user to see inside the bag without opening it. Further, in a rear view of the device, a loop 1810 is shown for use in attaching the bag to a belt or other article.

[0032]

[0045] The foregoing detailed description has been of the order of a few embodiments for practicing a system and method for creating a slider garage and a system of slider garages and zippers and is not intended to be limiting in scope. The following claims set forth some embodiments of a system and method for creating a slider garage and a more particularly disclosed system of slider garages.

Claims

1. The male zipper side, The female zipper side comprising, the female zipper side receiving the male zipper side, a first air pocket being created between the female zipper side and the male zipper side, and an intermediate space being created between the female zipper side and the male zipper side, The male zipper side is a cross-shaped portion having a cross shape, the cross-shaped portion being in line with the flange of the male zipper side, and including a cross-shaped portion and a male portion provided at an end connecting to the female portion of the female zipper side. A zipper.

2. The female zipper side includes a socket portion, the male zipper side includes a ball portion, and the ball portion engages with the socket portion. The zipper according to claim 1.

3. The ball portion extends through a thin neck. The zipper according to claim 2.

4. The cross-shaped portion extends approximately perpendicular to the direction away from the thin neck. The zipper according to claim 3.

5. The socket portion is U-shaped. The zipper according to claim 4.

6. The intermediate space is located between the tip of the socket portion and the cross-shaped portion. The zipper according to claim 5.

7. The socket portion is curved at the tip and has a first curved portion, and the intersection of the cross-shaped portion and the thin neck is curved and has a second curved portion such that the depth of the second curved portion is greater than that of the first curved portion, thus forming the intermediate space. The zipper according to claim 6.

8. The first shape of the socket portion as the tip and the second shape at the intersection of the cross-shaped portion and the thin neck are such that the first shape and the second shape form the intermediate space. The zipper according to claim 6.

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