Zipper

Abstract

The present invention relates to a zipper (10) comprising a first tape (12a), a second tape (12b), a first terminal means (14a / 14a') that is fixed to the first tape (12a) in the zipper (10) and is provided with a first electrical interface surface (16a), a second terminal means (14b) that is fixed to the second tape (12b) in the zipper (10) and is provided with a second electrical interface surface (16b), a first electrical connection means (18a) that is connected to the first electrical interface surface (16a) and is configured to connect to an electrical device, and a second electrical connection means (18b) that is configured to connect to the electrical device, the first and second electrical interface surfaces (16a, 16b) abutting against each other in a state in which the zipper (10) is closed and separating from each other in a state in which the zipper (10) is not closed. According to the present invention, the second terminal means (14b) is provided with a third electrical interface surface (16c) that is electrically connected to the second electrical interface surface (16b), the first terminal means (14a / 14a') is provided with a fourth electrical interface surface (16d) that is electrically insulated from the first electrical interface surface (16a) and is electrically connected to the second electrical connection means (18b), and the third and fourth electrical interface surfaces (16c, 16d) abut against each other in a state in which the zipper (10) is closed.

Description

Zipper

[0001] The present invention relates to a zipper. The zipper of the present invention comprises a first tape, a second tape, a first terminal means fixed to the first tape at the end of the zipper and having a first electrical interface surface, a second terminal means fixed to the second tape at the end of the zipper and having a second electrical interface surface, a first electrical connection means connected to the first electrical interface surface and configured to connect to an electrical device, and a second electrical connection means configured to connect to the electrical device, wherein the first and second electrical interface surfaces are in contact with each other when the zipper is closed and are separated from each other when the zipper is open.

[0002] The zipper described in detail above is also well known from Patent Document 1.

[0003] Zippers are widely known in commercial and industrial applications, used not only for everyday items such as clothing, bags, and wallets, but also for industrial applications such as waterproofing diving equipment. Their primary function is to open and close the respective items they are attached to by engaging / unengaging engaging elements via the movement of a slider. Further functionality can be added by designing zippers appropriately and / or using them in conjunction with other devices. One possibility is to combine zippers with electrical circuits, in which case a certain state, such as the zipper being closed, corresponds to a closed or open switch. An example of use in this setup is an anti-theft system where the electrical device emits an alarm signal if the zipper is not in the closed state. Since there may be other switches within the electrical device that can operate independently of the zipper, closing the switch corresponding to the zipper does not necessarily close the entire circuit. However, in many applications, the zipper functions as a switch that controls the opening and closing of the entire circuit.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a zipper provided with electrical connection means that is attached to both sides of terminal means and terminated by a pair of selected engaging elements. Each of these two connection points corresponds to an independent switch, but according to the terms of the above discussion, only the state where the slider is between the selected engaging element and the terminal means corresponds to a closed switch (i.e., the alarm operates in this state in the case of anti-theft setting). According to Patent Document 1, since a plurality of electrical connection means are arranged across both sides of the zipper and a complex configuration using two switches is adopted, a large number of resources are required and there are multiple points where there is a possibility of failure.

[0005] Some forms of zippers suitable for operating in cooperation with an electrical device can be found in the literature. Patent Document 2 discloses several modifications of a zipper provided with electrical connection means and having one or more states of a closed switch. This is achieved by using various combinations of a conductive slider, conductive teeth, and an insulating material used for a part of the electrical connection means. These can be arranged on one or both sides of the zipper. In Patent Document 3, a "zipper-like" structure shows the configuration of a guide system of a connector for connecting an array of optical fiber connection parts. Here, two rows of guide elements to which electrical connection means are attached are arranged on different sides of the guide system for each row and mesh with each other in a zipper shape. Further, the guide elements include a conductive part and an insulating part, whereby a specific electrical connection through the connector is formed only by specific elements and is electrically insulated from other connections formed by other elements. Patent Document 4 discloses a zipper having two or more electrically conductive strips. These are arranged on one side of the zipper so as to cross the opening and closing direction (zipper direction) of the zipper, and when the conductive slider contacts two of these strips, the switch becomes closed. Patent Document 5 discloses a zipper in which a terminal element is configured to come into contact with first and second terminal means (and other elements such as terminal engaging elements if necessary) when the zipper is in a closed state.

[0006] Japanese National Patent Publication No. 7-29846, International Publication No. 2015 / 118191, U.S. Patent No. 4981336, European Patent No. 3509455, European Patent Application Publication No. 1714575

[0007] While the zippers disclosed in the literature summarized above achieve the objective of providing a zipper that functions as an electrical switch (or multiple switches), problems and inconveniences may arise due to their design.

[0008] The fundamental objective of this invention is to improve upon the zipper described in Patent Document 1, thereby avoiding multiple electrical connections arranged across both sides of the zipper, and to improve the simplicity and durability of such a zipper.

[0009] According to the present invention, the above object is achieved by the second terminal means comprising a third electrical interface surface electrically connected to the second electrical interface surface, the first terminal means comprising a fourth electrical interface surface electrically isolated from the first electrical interface surface and electrically connected to the second electrical connection means, the third and fourth electrical interface surfaces being in contact with each other when the zipper is closed. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are shown in claims 2 to 16 and are described more specifically below.

[0010] According to the present invention, the third and fourth electrical interface surfaces are in contact with each other when the zipper is closed, and separate when the zipper is opened. Furthermore, the closed state of the zipper corresponds to the closed state of the switch. This is because, when the zipper is closed, the first and second electrical interface surfaces and the third and fourth electrical interface surfaces are in contact with each other, thereby forming a path for current to flow from the first electrical interface surface to the second electrical interface surface, from the second electrical interface surface to the third electrical interface surface, and further from the third electrical interface surface to the fourth electrical interface surface. Thus, these surfaces function as a closed switch when the zipper is closed and in contact with each other, and as an open switch when the zipper is open and they are separated. Therefore, the second terminal means functions as a shortcut, and electrical connections on the second tape side can be avoided, thereby improving the simplicity and durability of the zipper. The present invention is not limited to embodiments in which there is one first, second, third, and fourth electrical interface surface each. Rather, multiple electrical interface surfaces can be provided, so that there may be multiple pairs of first / second electrical interface surfaces and / or third / fourth electrical interface surfaces that come into contact with each other when the zipper is closed.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal means is injection-molded on the first tape and / or on at least one of the electrical connection means, and the second terminal means is injection-molded on the second tape. Over-injection ensures a strong connection between the electrical interface surface of the terminal means and each electrical connection means, so that the zipper's switching function is not impaired by wear or deterioration.

[0012] Preferably, the first and / or second terminal means are manufactured at least partially from a conductive material, preferably resin and / or plastic. In this case, the electrical interface surface is simply formed by the surface of each terminal element and requires no further means. In particular, in embodiments in which one or both terminal means are over-injected onto the respective tape and optionally onto the electrical connection means, the use of a conductive material allows for the efficient and easy manufacture of a zipper with an electrical switching function.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the first terminal means is divided into two separate parts, one of which comprises a first electrical interface surface and the other comprising a fourth electrical interface surface. "Divided into two separate parts" means, for example, that a gap is provided between the parts, and the switch is closed only when the first and second electrical interface surfaces are in contact with each other, and the third and fourth electrical interface surfaces are in contact with each other. For example, these parts are made of a conductive material and are mounted on an electrically nonconductive tape. Therefore, no further means are required to insulate these electrical interface surfaces from each other. Preferably, to avoid interference with this mechanism, the first and / or second tapes are electrically nonconductive at least partially (i.e., in areas where conductivity could cause the interference).

[0014] Preferably, a stopper is used as the first and / or second terminal means. Since a stopper is necessary for the proper functioning of the zipper, using it for the switch function allows for a compact configuration.

[0015] More preferably, the second and third electrical interface surfaces are part of a common surface. This common surface configuration provides further simplification, particularly in embodiments that include a conductive second terminal means.

[0016] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the zipper is closed, the first terminal means extends beyond the end face of the second terminal means facing the first tape. This configuration improves the reliability of contact between the first and second terminal means and / or between the third and fourth electrical interface surfaces, thereby ensuring a secure closed state of the switch.

[0017] Preferably, the first and / or second electrical connection means are manufactured at least partially from conductive tape, thread, or ink. These materials are suitable for attachment to zipper tape and provide good and durable electrical connections. Methods for applying conductive ink include inkjet printing, particularly non-contact digital printing (i.e., printing without contact with the material), and methods of coating or painting the ink onto the material and then curing it in an oven. Conductive thread is preferably woven into the tape, and the conductive tape is preferably bonded to the tape, but can also be bonded by heating or ultrasonic welding.

[0018] According to a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the zipper is provided with an electrically non-conductive slider. In this case, the slider prevents the switch from unintentionally closing when the zipper is not closed.

[0019] Preferably, the zipper can be securely held closed by the first and / or second terminal means, which preferably have a lock pin receiving recess. When the zipper is closed by a slider equipped with a corresponding lock pin, the zipper becomes fully closed when the lock pin is received in the recess. This locking mechanism prevents the zipper from being opened unintentionally.

[0020] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or second electrical connection means are fixed to the tape. Otherwise, they may easily detach from the electrical interface surface, potentially impairing the switching function.

[0021] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrical device is connected to at least one of the electrical connection means using a snap button. This allows for quick, easy, and durable connection and disconnection of the device, and enables easy disconnection of the device in situations where it is desirable to avoid activation of the device, such as when items are stored in a locker for security purposes. Furthermore, this allows one device to be used with multiple zippers, and one zipper to be used with multiple devices.

[0022] Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, the zipper according to the present invention is provided in combination with a connectable electrical device according to claim 13, where “connectable” means that the electrical connection means connected to the zipper can be connected to the device in order to perform the proper function. This also includes cases where the zipper and the device are sold connected, and further, the connection may be permanent and difficult to disconnect from the zipper and the device without specialized tools and / or considerable effort.

[0023] Furthermore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, an article is provided having a zipper according to claim 14. This also includes an article having a plurality of zippers, some or all of which may be zippers according to the present invention.

[0024] Finally, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an article is provided comprising a combination of zippers and devices according to a second aspect of the present invention as described in claim 15. This also includes an article comprising a plurality of zippers and / or a plurality of electrical devices, some or all of which may be zippers or combinations of zippers and devices according to a second aspect of the present invention.

[0025] The detailed features described above are merely those of one embodiment and should not be construed as limiting other possible embodiments of the present invention. Modifications by those skilled in the art are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Some possible modifications are shown below. Preferably, the electrical connection means extend parallel to each other, and / or at least one of them extends perpendicular to the direction of the zipper. Furthermore, it is preferable that the zipper includes an engaging element, at least the engaging element closest to the terminal means being electrically nonconductive, and that the engaging element prevents the switch from being closed when the zipper is open. Furthermore, if the zipper has a lock pin receiving recess, it is preferable that the slider includes a corresponding lock pin. Generally, the slider may have other locking mechanisms, with or without the presence of a lock pin and / or lock pin receiving recess.

[0026] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is a front view of a zipper according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing it in a closed state. Figure 2 is a front view of the zipper of Figure 1 in an open state. Figure 3 is a front view of the terminal means and electrical connection means of the zipper of Figure 1. Figure 4(a) is a front view of the terminal means of the zipper of Figure 1. Figure 4(b) is a rear view of the terminal means of the zipper of Figure 1. Figure 5(a) is a front view of the first terminal means of the zipper of Figure 1. Figure 5(b) is a perspective view of the first terminal means of the zipper of Figure 1. Figure 6(a) is a front view of the second terminal means of the zipper of Figure 1. Figure 6(b) is a perspective view of the second terminal means of the zipper of Figure 1.

[0028] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0029] A zipper 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 6(b). The zipper 10 comprises first and second tapes 12a, 12b, first and second terminal means 14a / 14a', 14b, first and second electrical connection means 18a, 18b, first and second engagement element rows 20a, 20b, a lock pin receiving recess 22, first and second closing recesses 24a, 24b, first and second closing structures 26a, 26b, first and second stop surfaces 28a, 28b, and a slider 30. Furthermore, the first terminal means 14a / 14a' comprises first and fourth electrical interface surfaces 16a, 16d, and the second terminal means 14b comprises second and third electrical interface surfaces 16b, 16c.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the first terminal means 14a, 14a' are arranged on the first tape 12a, and the first and second electrical connection means 18a, 18b are similarly arranged on the first tape 12a. The second terminal means 14b is arranged on the second tape 12b. Furthermore, the first engagement element row 20a is located below the first terminal means 14a, 14a' and is positioned on the edge of the first tape 12a facing the second tape 12b. The second engagement element row 20b is located below the second terminal means 14b and is positioned on the edge of the second tape 12b facing the first tape 12a. Hereafter, and in the following, directional notations such as "downward" are understood to be based on the closing direction of the zipper 10. The first and second terminal means 14a, 14a', and 14b are made of a conductive material and are injection molded (e.g., over-injection molded) onto their respective tapes. The conductive material can be resin or plastic. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, the first terminal means 14a / 14a' comprises two separate parts (upper and lower parts) 14a, 14a' with a visible gap G between them, and these parts are connected only by the first tape 12a. As a result, the tape is electrically nonconductive, and the parts are electrically insulated from each other on their own (even if there is an electrical connection via a different element such as the second terminal means 14b). A suitable value for the width of the gap G is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.5 mm. However, the width of the gap is not limited to this value and can be made larger or smaller as required. On the other hand, the second terminal means 14b is formed as a single integrated part. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrical interface surfaces 16a to 16d are positioned on the edges of the respective terminal means facing the terminal means on the opposite side. More precisely, the first electrical interface surface 16a is located on the edge of the upper portion of the first terminal means 14a, and the fourth electrical interface surface 16d is located on the edge of the lower portion of the first terminal means 14a'.Furthermore, the first and second stopping surfaces 28a and 28b, which cause the first and second terminal means 14a / 14a' and 14b to function as stoppers, are located on the upper portions of the first terminal means 14a and the second terminal means 14b, and both face in the opposite direction to the closing direction of the zipper 10. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first terminal means 14a / 14a', particularly the lower portion 14a', is provided with a lock pin receiving recess 22 and extends beyond the end face of the second terminal means 14b facing the first terminal tape 12a. That is, when the zipper 10 is closed, the lower portion 14a' of the first terminal means is located on the second terminal means 14b side of the end face of the second terminal means 14b facing the first terminal means 14a, with respect to the alignment direction of the first terminal means 14a and the second terminal means 14b. In this embodiment, the electrical connection means 18a and 18b are formed from conductive tapes fixed to the first tape 12a, which are parallel to each other and formed in a strip shape perpendicular to the closing direction of the zipper 10. These can preferably be connected to an electrical device (not shown) using a snap button mechanism (not shown).

[0031] Figure 1 shows this embodiment with the zipper 10 in the open position. Here, the first and second electrical interface surfaces 16a and 16b are spaced apart from each other, and no current path is formed between the electrical connection means 18a and 18b between the electrical interface surfaces 16a to 16d. Therefore, the open state of the zipper 10 corresponds to the open state of the electrical switch. The figure also shows the second closing recess 24b and the first and second closing structures 26a and 26b, which will be described in more detail later. These make it easier to close the zipper 10 stably, and as a result, the electrical interface surfaces 16a / 16b and 16c / 16d, respectively, in the closed state of the zipper 10 also make stably contacting each other. This contact is stable because it has a larger area than line contact. For illustrative purposes, a slider 30 is shown in Figure 1. The slider 30 facilitates opening and closing the zipper 10 and is preferably electrically nonconductive. When the slider 30 moves in the closing direction of the zipper 10, it is stopped by the stopping surfaces 28a and 28b, thereby establishing the closed state of the zipper 10.

[0032] Figure 2 shows this embodiment with the zipper 10 in the closed position. In this specification, the first and second electrical interface surfaces 16a, 16b and the third and fourth electrical interface surfaces 16c, 16d are in contact with each other (the electrical interface surfaces are shown in Figures 1, 5(b), and 6(b), respectively). In this way, because the terminal means are conductive, current can flow from the first electrical connection means 18a to the second electrical connection means 18b through these surfaces. As a result, the zipper 10 functions as a closed electrical switch when closed.

[0033] Figures 3 and 4(a) are enlarged views of the terminal means 14a / 14a' and 14b of this embodiment in the closed state of the zipper 10. Some of the details described in the description of Figure 1 are clearly shown in these figures.

[0034] Figure 4(b) is a rear view of the terminal means 14a / 14a' and 14b of this embodiment in the closed state of the zipper 10. Of particular note in this figure is the first closing recess 24a located on the back of the lower portion of the first terminal means 14a' corresponding to the fourth electrical interface surface 16d. This recess receives the back of the second terminal means 14b, making it easier to close stably and contributing to stable electrical contact.

[0035] Figures 5(a) and 5(b) are a front view and a perspective view of the first terminal means 14a / 14a'. In particular, the perspective view shows the first and fourth electrical interface surfaces 16a, 16d, the lock pin receiving recess 22, the first closing recess 24a, and the first closing structure 26a. As shown in Figure 5(b), the first and fourth electrical interface surfaces 16a, 16d constitute their respective entire edge surface regions. For example, the first electrical interface surface 16a includes the surface of the first closing structure 26a and the adjacent edge surface portion, and the fourth electrical interface surface 16d includes the surface formed by the first closing recess 24a and the adjacent edge surface portion. The lock pin receiving recess 22 receives a lock pin (not shown) from the slider 30, thereby stabilizing the closed state of the zipper 10. The first closing recess 24a receives a portion of the back side of the second terminal means 14b, particularly the portion corresponding to the second closing recess 24b shown in Figure 6(b). The first closing structure 26a has a contour having protrusions and recesses in a direction perpendicular to the closing direction of the zipper 10 within the plane of the zipper 10. This connects with the corresponding second closing structure 26b of the second terminal means 14b shown in Figure 6(b), making it easier for the zipper 10 to make stable contact when closed.

[0036] Finally, Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the second terminal means 14b in a front view and a perspective view, respectively. In particular, the perspective view shows the second and third electrical interface surfaces 16b, 16c, the second closing recess 24b, and the second closing structure 26b. As shown in Figure 6(b), the second and third electrical interface surfaces 16b, 16c each constitute an entire edge surface region. For example, the second electrical interface surface 16b includes the surface of the second closing structure 26b and the adjacent edge surface portion, and the third electrical interface surface 16c includes the surface formed by the second closing recess 24b and the adjacent edge surface portion. The second and third electrical interface surfaces 16b, 16c are continuous in the edge surface region and can constitute a part of a common surface. The second closing recess 24b receives the upper part of the lower portion of the first terminal means 14a' and, in particular, engages with the first closing recess 24a. The second closing structure 26b is coupled with the first closing structure 26a.

[0037] It should be understood that the drawings and the following description illustrate one embodiment of the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. In particular, modifications can be made by those skilled in the art while maintaining the basic concept of the invention.

[0038] This application is based on German Patent Application No. 102024134998.0, filed on 27 November 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0039] 10 Zipper 12a First tape 12b Second tape 14a / 14a' First terminal means (upper and lower portions) 14b Second terminal means 16a First electrical interface surface 16b Second electrical interface surface 16c Third electrical interface surface 16d Fourth electrical interface surface 18a First electrical connection means 18b Second electrical connection means 20a First engagement element row 20b Second engagement element row 22 Lock pin receiving recess 24a First closing recess 24b Second closing recess 26a First closing structure 26b Second closing structure 28a First stop surface 28b Second stop surface 30 Non-conductive slider G Gap

Claims

1. A zipper (10) comprising: a first tape (12a); a second tape (12b); a first terminal means (14a / 14a') fixed to the first tape (12a) in the zipper (10) and having a first electrical interface surface (16a); a second terminal means (14b) fixed to the second tape (12b) in the zipper (10) and having a second electrical interface surface (16b); a first electrical connection means (18a) connected to the first electrical interface surface (16a) and configured to connect to an electrical device; and a second electrical connection means (18b) configured to connect to the electrical device, wherein the first and second electrical interface surfaces (16a, 16b) are in contact with each other when the zipper (10) is closed, and are separated from each other when the zipper (10) is open. The zipper (10) is characterized in that it comprises a third electrical interface surface (16c) to which the second terminal means (14b) is electrically connected to the second electrical interface surface (16b), the first terminal means (14a / 14a') comprises a fourth electrical interface surface (16d) which is electrically insulated from the first electrical interface surface (16a) and electrically connected to the second electrical connection means (18b), and the third and fourth electrical interface surfaces (16c, 16d) are in contact with each other when the zipper (10) is closed.

2. The zipper (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first terminal means (14a / 14a') is injection molded on the first tape (12a) and / or on at least one of the electrical connection means (18a, 18b), and further / or the second terminal means (14b) is injection molded on the second tape (12b).

3. The zipper (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or second terminal means (14a / 14a', 14b) are manufactured at least partially from a conductive material.

4. The zipper (10) according to claim 3, wherein the conductive material is a resin and / or plastic.

5. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first terminal means (14a / 14a') is divided into two separate parts, one of which comprises the first electrical interface surface (16a) and the other comprising the fourth electrical interface surface (16d).

6. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and / or second terminal means (14a / 14a', 14b) is a stopper.

7. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second and third electrical interface surfaces (16b, 16c) are part of a common surface.

8. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the closed state of the zipper (10), the first terminal means (14a / 14a') extends beyond the end face of the second terminal means (14b) facing the first tape (12a).

9. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and / or second electrical connection means (18a, 18b) are manufactured from at least partially conductive tape, thread, or ink.

10. A zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a non-conductive slider (30).

11. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first and / or second terminal means (14a / 14a', 14b) have a lock pin receiving recess (22).

12. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first and / or second electrical connection means (18a, 18b) are fixed to the tape (12a, 12b), respectively.

13. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electrical device is connected to at least one of the electrical connection means (18a, 18b) using a snap button.

14. The zipper (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, combined with the connectable electrical device.

15. An article comprising a zipper (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

16. An article comprising a combination of the zipper (10) and the electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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