Weather Resistant Slider With Recessed Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slide fasteners, such as zippers, compromise moisture resistance and wearer comfort due to water penetration through interlocked teeth and coatings, and require complex manufacturing processes for adhesive and coating application.
Innovation Solution
A modified slider body with increased clearance and a water-resistant design that accommodates an overlying moisture-resistant layer, allowing normal operation without abrading or displacing coatings, and a method for producing zipper tapes with integrated adhesives to simplify installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a water resistant coating is added to the outside of a zipper tape, then water penetration through the tape is limited, but the coating causes stiffness of the zipper resulting in increased difficulty of operation and unattractive appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the water resistant coating from the zipper tape and relocates it to the slider body. The slider body includes a recess that receives the zipper teeth, and the coating is applied to the outer surface of the slider body. This extraction of the coating from the tape and relocation to the slider maintains water resistance while eliminating the stiffness and operational difficulty caused by coating the entire zipper assembly.
2Reliability
If a water resistant coating is added to the outside of a zipper tape, then water penetration through the tape is limited, but the coating creates an unattractive appearance in articles such as garments
Solution Approach 1:
The water resistant coating is extracted from the zipper tape and relocated to the slider body. Since the slider body is a discrete component that can be designed to accommodate the coating, the aesthetic appearance of the overall garment is preserved while the functional water resistance is maintained at the critical sealing point.
3Volume of moving object
If the slider body is made compact to reduce size, then the fastener is more compact, but the slider cannot accommodate an overlying moisture-resistant layer without abrading or displacing coatings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the slider body with a recess that receives and accommodates the zipper teeth and an overlying moisture-resistant layer. The moisture-resistant layer is nested within the recess of the slider body, allowing the slider to maintain a compact external dimensions while providing internal space to protect the coating from abrasion and displacement during operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pre-made zipper tapes are purchased and adhesive films are cut to accommodate various zipper opening sizes, then the fastener can be installed in articles, but this increases costs and complicates the garment manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the adhesive function directly into the slider body through an adhesive layer applied to the inner surface of the slider. This eliminates the need for separate adhesive films that require cutting and application, as the integrated adhesive slider can be directly attached to the zipper tape. This multi-functional design reduces manufacturing steps, lowers costs, and maintains adaptability to various zipper opening sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a weather resistant slide fastener with a modified slider body including a top control rib and tightly controlled inner dimensions. In embodiments, a water-resistant coating and/or an adhesive may be applied to the zipper tape, resulting in a highly water-resistant zipper and finished garment. Embodiments further provide a slider body that may accommodate longitudinal edge portions of the outer layer of fabric, allowing the edges of the fabric to be brought into close proximity/contact, substantially covering the zipper teeth and minimizing ingress of water and/or wind through the zipper tape. Additional embodiments provide methods of manufacturing and installing weather resistant slide fasteners.