Zipper assembly

Abstract

This invention provides a zipper assembly comprising a first zipper (1) and a second zipper (2) positioned opposite each other wherein the first zipper (1) and the second zipper (2) are characterized by being long lines and having flexible structures that can be interlock with each other, characterized in that, the first zipper (1) comprises a base (11) with a first leg (12) and a second leg (13) attached on the top of the base (11) wherein the first leg (12) and the second leg (13) have an S-shaped cross-section, facing each other in a mirror image configuration and the first leg (12) and the second leg (13) comprises: curved portions (121, 131) being attached to the base (11), with these curved portions (121, 131) bending in opposite directions to create a gap (14) therebetween; straight portions (123, 133) being attached to the ends of the curved portions (121, 131) and have a straight, rod-like cross-section extending toward the second zipper (2); and a first hook and a second hook (122, 132) being attached to the ends of the straight portions (123, 133) and being bent toward the curved portions (121, 131), the second zipper (2) comprises a base (21) having a first bending portion (22), a second bending portion (23), and a middle projecting portion (24) being attached to the base (21), where the first bending portion (22) and the second bending portion (23) have a C-shaped cross-section, facing each other in a mirror image configuration, and the ends of the first bending portion (22) and the second bending portion (23), there are hooks (222, 232) extending toward the middle projecting portion (24) and the middle projecting portion (24) has a straight, rod-like cross-section extending toward the first zipper (1), wherein, when the first zipper (1) and the second zipper (2) are closed, the hooks (222, 232) of the first and second bending portions (22, 23) engage with the hooks (122, 132) of the first leg and the second leg (12, 13) and contact the curved portions (121, 131), and simultaneously, the middle projecting portion (24) enters the gap (14) and contacts the curved portions (121, 131).

Description

Zipper AssemblyField of the Invention

[0001] Engineering, specifically related to zipper assembly.Background of the Invention

[0002] Zipper Assembly is commonly used in various types of storage bags, especially plastic zipper bags. In many cases, these zipper bags are required to be able to store items inside without allowing air to leak into the bag. For example, zipper bags for storing fresh food. This is to maintain the condition of the objects contained within for as long as possible or to reduce space and increase convenience in storage. Therefore, these zipper bags require a zipper assembly that can prevent outside air from leaking into the bag.

[0003] However, existing zipper assembly cannot effectively prevent air from leaking into the zipper bag, because when the zipper assembly is closed, both sides of the zipper cannot effectively resist external forces, causing gaps within the zipper assembly. In some cases, more than one zipper assembly may be required for a single zipper bag to prevent air from leaking into the zipper bag more effectively. This significantly increases the cost of producing zipper bags.Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention aims to solve the aforementioned problem by providing a zipper assembly comprising: a first zipper (1) and a second zipper (2) positioned opposite each other wherein the first zipper (1) and the second zipper (2) are characterized by being long lines and having flexible structures that can be interlock with each other, characterized in that, the first zipper (1) comprises a base (11) with a first leg (12) and a second leg (13) attached on the top of the base (11) wherein the first leg (12) and the second leg (13) have an S-shaped cross-section, facing each other in a mirror image configuration and the first leg (12) and the second leg (13) comprises: curved portions (121, 131) being attached to the base (11), with these curved portions (121, 131) bending in opposite directions to create a gap (14) therebetween; straight portions (123, 133) being attached to the ends of the curved portions (121, 131) and have a straight, rod-like cross-section extending toward the second zipper (2); and a first hook and a second hook (122, 132) being attached to the ends of the straight portions (123, 133) and being bent toward the curved portions (121, 131), the second zipper (2) comprises a base (21) having a first bending portion (22), a second bending portion (23), and a middle projecting portion (24) being attached to the base (21), where the first bending portion (22) and the second bending portion (23) have a C-shaped cross-section, facing each other in a mirror image configuration, and the ends of the first bending portion (22) and the second bending portion (23), there are hooks (222, 232) extending toward the middle projecting portion (24) and the middle projecting portion (24) has a straight, rod-like cross-section extending toward the first zipper (1), wherein, when the first zipper (1) and the second zipper (2) are closed, the hooks (222, 232) of the first and second bending portions (22, 23) engage with the hooks (122, 132) of the first leg and the second leg (12, 13) and contact the curved portions (121, 131), and simultaneously, the middle projecting portion (24) enters the gap (14) and contacts the curved portions (121, 131).

[0005] Thus, when the first zipper and the second zipper are closed together and subjected to an external force, the first zipper and the second zipper are forced toward each other. The two curved portions of the first zipper push the two hooks of the second zipper to tightly compress against the two hooks of the first zipper. Then, the two hooks of the first zipper are pushed toward each other, and the curved portions tightly compress against the middle projecting portion of the second zipper. Therefore, the first zipper and the second zipper can be compressed tightly and securely together, leaving no gap within the zipper assembly for air to pass through.

[0006] Consequently, this invention provides a zipper assembly that can effectively resist external forces and does not create gaps within the zipper assembly. On the contrary, external forces cause the zipper assembly to compress tightly and securely together, effectively preventing air from leaking into the zipper bag with only one zipper assembly. This also prevents the cost of producing zipper bags from increasing.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] shows a cross-sectional view of the first zipper of the zipper assembly according to this invention.

[0008] shows a cross-sectional view of the second zipper of the zipper assembly according to this invention.

[0009] shows a cross-sectional view of the closed zipper assembly of this invention.

[0010] shows a cross-sectional view of the zipper assembly when it is closed and subjected to a force.

[0011] shows a zipper bag with the zipper assembly of this invention installed.

[0012] shows a zipper bag with the zipper assembly of this invention and a non-return valve installed.Detailed Description of the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, this invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] As shown in, which is a cross-sectional view of the closed zipper assembly of this invention, the zipper assembly comprises two zippers, namely, a first zipper 1 and a second zipper 2. The two zippers are normally arranged on the inner surface of the mouth of the zipper bag, with the second zipper 2 being arranged opposite the first zipper 1.

[0015] The first zipper 1 and the second zipper 2 are structured as long lines and have a flexible structure that can be fastened together. That is, when user presses the first zipper 1 and the second zipper 2 together, the two zippers will interlock and be able to hold items inside the zipper bag. When the user twists the zipper and pulls the mouth of the bag apart, the first zipper 1 and the second zipper 2 will separate to open the zipper bag and allow access to the stored items through the mouth of the zipper bag.

[0016] As shown in, the first zipper 1 comprises a base 11 that is structured as long line and attached to one side of the wall of the zipper bag. On the other side of the base 11, a first leg 12 and a second leg 13 are attached to the base 11. The first leg 12 and the second leg 13 have S-shaped like cross-sections, facing each other like a mirror image configuration. That is, when viewed from the cross-sectional perspective in, the first leg 12 resembles an S, and the second leg 13 resembles a mirror image of the S. Due to the aforementioned characteristics of the first leg 12 and the second leg 13, the first leg 12 has a curved portion 121 at the proximal end attached to the base 11, which is curved outward like a C shape, a straight surface portion 123 attached to the distal end of the curved portion 121 and has a straight rod-shaped cross-section extending toward the second zipper 2, and a first hook 122 attached to the distal end of the straight surface portion 123 and is bent toward the curved portion 121, similar to a mirror image of a C.

[0017] Similarly, the second leg 13 has a curved portion 131 at the proximal end attached to the base 11, which is curved outward like a mirror image of a C, a straight surface portion 133 attached to the distal end of the curved portion 131 and has a straight rod-shaped cross-section extending toward the second zipper 2, and a second hook 132 attached to the distal end of the straight surface portion 133 and is bent toward the curved portion 131 similar to a C shape. Furthermore, since the curved portion 121 of the first leg 12 and the curved portion 131 of the second leg 13 resemble a mirror image of a C and a C shape, respectively, a gap 14 is formed between them. That is, the gap 14 is an empty space formed by the outward bending in opposite directions of the curved portion 121 and the curved portion 131.

[0018] Next, as shown in, the second zipper 2 comprises a base 21 that is structured as long line and attached to one side of the wall of the zipper bag. On the other side of the base 21, there is a first bending portion 22, a second bending portion 23, and a middle projecting portion 24 attached to the base 21. The first bending portion 22 and the second bending portion 23 have C-shaped like cross-sections, facing each other and reflecting mirror images. That is, when viewed from the cross-sectional perspective in, the first bending portion 22 resembles a C, and the second bending portion 23 resembles a mirror image of the C. Due to the aforementioned characteristics of the first bending portion 22 and the second bending portion 23, a hook 222 is formed at the distal end of the first bending portion 22 and a hook 232 is formed at the distal end of the second bending portion 23, and both hooks 222, 232 are bent and extend toward the middle projecting portion 24. In addition, the middle projecting portion 24 of the second zipper 2 is located between the first bending portion 22 and the second bending portion 23 and has a straight rod-shaped cross-section extending toward the first zipper 1.

[0019] Based on the characteristics of the zipper as described above, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when the first zipper 1 and the second zipper 2 are closed together, the hooks 222, 232 of the first and second bending portions 22, 23 engage with the hooks 122, 132 of the first and second legs 12, 13 and contact the curved portions 121, 131. In other words, the hook 222 contacts the curved portion 121 at the contact surface A, and the hook 232 contacts the curved portion 131 at the contact surface B. At the same time, the middle projecting portion 24 of the second zipper 2 enters the gap 14 and contacts the curved portions 121, 131. That is, the middle projecting portion 24 contacts the curved portion 121 at the contact surface C and contacts the curved portion 131 at the contact surface D. The contact surfaces A, B, C, and D have smooth, flat surfaces that correspond to the surfaces of the hooks 222, 232, curved portions 121, 131, and middle projecting portion 24 in those areas.

[0020] Subsequently, when the zipper assembly according to this invention is used, it is attached to the zipper bag in such a way that the second hook 132 is positioned on the side of the mouth of the bag (side X as shown in Figures 3 and 4), which is the outer side of the zipper bag, and the first hook 122 is positioned on the side of the internal gap of the zipper bag (side Y as shown in Figures 3 and 4), which is the inner side of the zipper bag. When the first zipper and the second zipper are closed together and an external force is applied to the zipper assembly, as shown in, the external force acts on the zipper assembly in the direction indicated by the arrow in. It can be seen that the external force causes the bases 11 and 21 on the inner side of the zipper bag of the first zipper 1 and the second zipper 2 to try to move toward each other, causing the first zipper 1 and the second zipper 2 to move toward each other. The hooks 222, 232 are pushed to slide along the inclined surfaces A and B, respectively, and are thus pushed closer to the hooks 122, 132. Then, the hooks 122, 132 push toward and compress the middle projecting portion 24 at the contact surfaces C and D, respectively.

[0021] Therefore, when the first zipper and the second zipper are closed together and subjected to an external force, the first zipper and the second zipper are forced toward each other. The two curved portions of the first zipper push the two hooks of the second zipper to tightly compress against the two hooks of the first zipper. Then, the two hooks of the first zipper are pushed toward each other and tightly compress against the middle projecting portion of the second zipper at the contact surface. Therefore, the first zipper and the second zipper can be compressed tightly and securely together, leaving no gap within the zipper assembly for air to pass through.

[0022] Consequently, this invention provides a zipper assembly that can effectively resist external forces and does not create gaps within the zipper. On the contrary, external forces cause the zipper assembly to compress tightly and securely together, effectively preventing air from leaking into the zipper bag with only one zipper assembly. This also prevents the cost of producing zipper bags from increasing.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, as shown in, the second zipper 2 also includes a groove 27 on the base 21 at the position adjacent to the first bending portion 22, and the first zipper 1 also includes a groove 28 on the base 11 at the position adjacent to the first leg 12. Both grooves 27, 28 have a circular cross-section.

[0024] The grooves 27 and 28 will act as hinges. When the zipper assembly is subjected to an internal force, it will increase the movement area following the force applied to the zipper assembly, thereby reducing the force acting on the zipper assembly. Therefore, the zipper assembly of this invention can withstand a greater force generated by the weight of the objects contained within and can also effectively prevent the objects contained within from escaping from the zipper bag.

[0025] In addition, in one aspect of the invention, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second hook 132 of the first zipper 1 is formed to extend toward the second bending portion 23 of the second zipper 2 less than that of the first hook 122 of the first zipper 1 being formed to extend toward the first bending portion 22 of the second zipper 2. In other words, the first hook 122 and the second hook 132 located at the distal ends of the first leg 12 and the second leg 13, respectively, are formed with rounded heads and extend in the direction of the first bending portion 22 and the second bending portion 23 of the second zipper 2, respectively. The surface opposite the rounded head is flat to fit snugly with the flat surfaces of the hooks 222, 232. Therefore, when the zipper is closed, the first hook 122 fits snugly with the hook 222, and the second hook 132 fits snugly with the hook 232 only partially, creating a gap between the first hook 122 and the recess 25 that is smaller than the gap between the second hook 132 and the recess 26.

[0026] The zipper assembly according to this invention can be applied to various types of zipper bags depending on the intended use of the zipper bags. A zipper bag typically comprises a bag body 301 having an internal cavity and a bag mouth or an opening 302 that opens and allows access to the internal cavity of the bag body 301. The zipper bag according to this invention is characterized in that at the opening 302, the zipper assembly 300 of this invention is installed in such a way that when the zipper 300 is closed, access to the cavity is not permitted, and when the zipper 300 is opened, access to the cavity is permitted, as shown in. The zipper assembly 300 is installed transversely along the entire length of the opening 302 with the second hook 132 of the zipper positioned on the side of the opening 302 and the first hook 122 positioned on the side of the bag body 301.

[0027] Since the second hook 132 is designed to be shorter than the first hook 122, the bonding force between the second hook 132 and the hook 232 is less than the bonding force between the first hook 122 and the hook 222. In addition, when the second hook 132 is positioned on the side of the bag mouth, user can easily open the zipper assembly by pulling the bag mouth apart and can quickly access the opening inside the bag body.

[0028] Additionally, the zipper assembly according to this invention is particularly desired for use with airtight zipper bags. That is, zipper bags intended for storing objects while preventing exposure to air. As shown in, this type of zipper bag comprises a bag body 301 having an internal cavity, an opening302 that opens and allows access to the internal cavity of the bag body 301, the zipper assembly according to this invention installed at the opening 302, and a non-return valve 304 that allows air to flow from the inside of the bag body 301 to the outside of the bag body 301 and prevents air from flowing into the bag body 301. The non-return valve 304 is located on the bag body 301 at a position between the zipper assembly 300 and the end 305 of the zipper bag opposite the opening 302.

[0029] As shown in, the non-return valve 304 described above is located on one surface of the bag body 301 at the end 305 of the bag body 301 opposite the opening 302, i.e., near the bottom of the bag. It serves as a passage for air. The non-return valve 304 acts as an air passage and allows air to flow from the inside of the bag body 301 to the outside of the bag body 301, while preventing air from outside the bag body 301 from flowing back into the cavity inside the bag body 301.

[0030] Therefore, when user fills the internal cavity of the bag body with an object and closes the zipper, the user can roll the bag to expel the air inside the bag body to the outside. The air will move through the non-return valve, and when all the air is sucked out, a vacuum will be created inside the zipper bag. The walls of both sides of the bag body will be pressed together, exerting pressure on the first zipper 1 and the second zipper 2, causing the two zippers to compress together. As a result, the zipper assembly closes the gap inside the zipper tightly and can more effectively prevent air from flowing into the cavity inside the zipper bag.

[0031] Additionally, the user can use a vacuum pump instead of rolling the bag to remove air from the zipper bag through the non-return valve. When all the air is sucked out, a vacuum will be created inside the zipper bag. The walls of both sides of the bag body will be pressed together, exerting pressure on the first zipper 1 and the second zipper 2, causing the two zippers to compress together. As a result, the zipper assembly closes the gap inside the zipper tightly and can effectively prevent air from flowing into the cavity inside the zipper bag. Moreover, using a vacuum pump will create a vacuum inside the zipper bag more quickly and easily.

[0032] However, in one aspect of the invention described above, where the zipper bag is designed without a non-return valve, user can still remove air from the zipper bag and create a vacuum inside the zipper bag. This can be done by opening the zipper slightly and then rolling or using a vacuum pump to suck all the air out of the bag body before closing the zipper. In this way, objects can be stored while preventing exposure to air using a zipper bag with the zipper assembly according to this invention.

[0033] In addition to the various aspects described in detail herein, any modifications may be readily understood and implemented by those skilled in the art of zipper assembly to obtain a zipper assembly that can effectively resist external forces, does not create gaps within the zipper assembly, and on the contrary, external forces cause the zipper assembly to compress more tightly and securely together, effectively preventing air from leaking into the zipper bag with only one zipper, and thus preventing the cost of producing zipper bags from increasing. This is all within the scope and intent of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.The Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] As mentioned previously in the section on the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

A zipper assembly comprising:a first zipper (1) and a second zipper (2) positioned opposite each other wherein the first zipper (1) and the second zipper (2) are characterized by being long lines and having flexible structures that can be interlock with each other,characterized in that,the first zipper (1) comprises a base (11) with a first leg (12) and a second leg (13) attached on the top of the base (11) wherein the first leg (12) and the second leg (13) have an S-shaped cross-section, facing each other in a mirror image configuration and the first leg (12) and the second leg (13) comprises:curved portions (121, 131) being attached to the base (11), with these curved portions (121, 131) bending in opposite directions to create a gap (14) therebetween;straight portions (123, 133) being attached to the ends of the curved portions (121, 131) and have a straight, rod-like cross-section extending toward the second zipper (2); anda first hook and a second hook (122, 132) being attached to the ends of the straight portions (123, 133) and being bent toward the curved portions (121, 131),the second zipper (2) comprises a base (21) having a first bending portion (22), a second bending portion (23), and a middle projecting portion (24) being attached to the base (21),where the first bending portion (22) and the second bending portion (23) have a C-shaped cross-section, facing each other in a mirror image configuration, and the ends of the first bending portion (22) and the second bending portion (23), there are hooks (222, 232) extending toward the middle projecting portion (24) and the middle projecting portion (24) has a straight, rod-like cross-section extending toward the first zipper (1),wherein, when the first zipper (1) and the second zipper (2) are closed, the hooks (222, 232) of the first and second bending portions (22, 23) engage with the hooks (122, 132) of the first leg and the second leg (12, 13) and contact the curved portions (121, 131), and simultaneously, the middle projecting portion (24) enters the gap (14) and contacts the curved portions (121, 131).A zipper assembly in claim 1, wherein the second zipper (2) further comprises a groove (27) on its base (21) located at the position adjacent to the first bending portion (22).A zipper assembly in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first zipper (1) further comprises a groove (28) on its base (11) located at the position adjacent to the first leg (12).A zipper assembly in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second hook (132) is configured to extend toward the second bending portion (23) to a lesser extent than that of the first hook (122) being configured to extend toward the first bending portion (22).A zipper bag comprising a bag body (301) having an internal cavity and an opening (302) that allows access to the internal cavity of the bag body (301), wherein the zipper bag is characterized in that at the opening (302), a zipper assembly as in any one of claims 1 to 4 is installed in a manner such that when the zipper assembly is closed, access to the cavity is not permitted, and when the zipper assembly is open, access to the cavity is permitted, wherein the second hook (132) of the zipper assembly is positioned on the opening (302) side and the first hook (122) is positioned on the bag body (301) side.A zipper bag in claim 5, further comprises a non-return valve (304) that allows air to flow from the interior of the bag body (301) to the exterior of the bag body and prevents air from flowing into the interior of the bag body (301), which is arranged on the bag body (301) at a position between the zipper assembly and the end (305) of the zipper bag opposite the opening (302).

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