A slide fastener includes first and second stringers, an intermediate body, a first slider, and a second slider. The first and second stringers are separated by a first lateral distance in a first longitudinal portion, the first and second stringers are separated by a second lateral distance in a second longitudinal portion. A transition portion extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal extent of the intermediate body interposes the first and second longitudinal portions, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance.

A slide fastener includes first and second stringers, an intermediate body, a first slider, and a second slider. The first and second stringers are separated by a first lateral distance in a first longitudinal portion, the first and second stringers are separated by a second lateral distance in a second longitudinal portion. A transition portion extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal extent of the intermediate body interposes the first and second longitudinal portions, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance.

A slide fastener includes first and second stringers, an intermediate body, a first slider, and a second slider. The first and second stringers are separated by a first lateral distance in a first longitudinal portion, the first and second stringers are separated by a second lateral distance in a second longitudinal portion. A transition portion extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal extent of the intermediate body interposes the first and second longitudinal portions, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance.

A slide fastener includes first and second stringers, an intermediate body, a first slider, and a second slider. The first and second stringers are separated by a first lateral distance in a first longitudinal portion, the first and second stringers are separated by a second lateral distance in a second longitudinal portion. A transition portion extending along at least a portion of a longitudinal extent of the intermediate body interposes the first and second longitudinal portions, and the second lateral distance is greater than the first lateral distance.

A non-interlocking magnetic zipper is provided which incorporates a first and second magnetic strip that connect together in response to movement of a magnetic slider which receives the second strip. The second strip includes a flexible, magnetic flap that is configured to repel the first strip and disable the magnetic attraction between the first and second strips based on the position of the slider. In operation, as the slider moves proximally along the second strip, the flap moves away from the first strip, thereby removing the repulsive force against the first strip and allowing the first and second strip to connect and close the zipper. Similarly, as the magnetic slider moves distally along the second strip, the flap moves back towards the first strip, thereby renewing the repulsive force against the first strip and allowing the first and second strips to disconnect and open the zipper.

A non-interlocking magnetic zipper is provided which incorporates a first and second magnetic strip that connect together in response to movement of a magnetic slider which receives the second strip. The second strip includes a flexible, magnetic flap that is configured to repel the first strip and disable the magnetic attraction between the first and second strips based on the position of the slider. In operation, as the slider moves proximally along the second strip, the flap moves away from the first strip, thereby removing the repulsive force against the first strip and allowing the first and second strip to connect and close the zipper. Similarly, as the magnetic slider moves distally along the second strip, the flap moves back towards the first strip, thereby renewing the repulsive force against the first strip and allowing the first and second strips to disconnect and open the zipper.

In a rail fastener, first and second mating portions are configured such that when the first and second mating portions are mated, a first contact surface of a first skin portion (or a first mating portion) and a second contact surface of a second skin portion (or a second mating portion) are brought into a pressure contact with each other at a location between first and second reinforcement sheets. The first contact surface is positioned outwardly of sheet than an inner edge of the first reinforcement sheet, and the second contact surface is positioned outwardly of sheet than an inner edge of the second reinforcement sheet.