Abstract
The present device relates to a slide assembly for a zipper, and a method for manufacturing a zipper slide assembly. The slide assembly is formed in a single die cast operation to include the slide member and the pull member being formed simultaneously. Portions of the bridge and pull member are formed to provide a first side to side angle of pull when the pull member cooperates with the first end of the bridge, and a second side to side angle of pull when the pull member cooperates with the second end of the bridge.
Claims
1. A slide assembly (10) for a zipper comprising: a slide member (12), said slide member being constructed and arranged to open and close a zipper chain, said slide member (12) including a top surface (24), said top surface including a bridge (16) having a first end (18) and a second end (20) both integrally formed to said top surface (24), a central portion (22) of said bridge (16) integrally formed to and extending between said first end (18) and said second end (20), an inner surface (26) of said bridge extending transversely across a width of said bridge (16), said inner surface being substantially flat smooth and free from converging planar surfaces, said first end (18) having a first cross sectional width and thickness defining a first end profile (82), said second end (20) having width and thickness defining a second cross sectional profile (84), said second cross sectional profile being smaller in area than said first cross sectional profile; a pull member (14) having a loop portion (38) and a first tab portion (40), said loop portion (38) formed as a continuous loop around encircling said bridge (16) and integrally formed to said first tab portion (40), said pull member (14) loop portion (38) includes a pull-bar (86) and a pair of arms (88) extending between said tab portion (40) and said pull-bar (86), said pull-bar having a pull-bar thickness (90) and a pull-bar width (92), said pull-bar thickness (90) being the same as said pull-bar-width (92), said loop portion cooperating with said bridge cross sections so that said pull member (14) surfaces contact an outer surface of said bridge to provide a first side to side angle of pull (94) to said pull member when said pull member (14) is positioned in a first orientation that is parallel to said top surface (24) of said bridge cooperates with said first end (18) of said bridge and a second side to side angle of pull (96) when said pull member (14) is positioned in a second orientation perpendicular to said bridge cooperates with said second end (20) of said bridge (16), both said first angle of pull (94) and said second angle of pull (96) restricting said pull member (14) angle with respect to being rotated around a longitudinal axis extending through said bridge (16).
2. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 1 wherein said pull-bar thickness (90) is greater than said pull-bar-width (92).
3. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 2 wherein said pull-bar thickness (90) is substantially the same as a distance between said top surface (24) of said slide member (12) and said inner surface (26) of said bridge (16).
4. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 2 wherein said pull-bar thickness (90) is more than 90% of a distance between said top surface (24) of said slide member (12) and said inner surface (26) of said bridge (16).
5. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 2 wherein said pull-bar thickness (90) is more than 75% of a distance between said top surface (24) of said slide member (12) and said inner surface (26) of said bridge (16).
6. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 2 wherein said pull-bar thickness (90) is at least 10% more than said pull-bar width (92).
7. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 2 wherein said pull-bar thickness (90) is at least 25% more than said pull-bar width (92).
8. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 2 wherein said loop portion (38) of said pull member (14) is substantially round in cross-section.
9. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 2 wherein said loop portion (38) of said pull member (14) is substantially rectangular in cross section.
10. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 2 wherein said loop portion (38) of said pull member (14) is polygonal in cross section.
11. The slide assembly (10) for a zipper of claim 1 wherein said pull-bar thickness (90) is the same as said pull-bar-width (92).
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention illustrating the preferred position for die casting of the slider assembly;
(2) FIG. 2 is a partial top perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrating a slider pull that has a round cross section in the area of the bridge;
(3) FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the closing of the die casting tool having at least one side shifting slide;
(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment illustrating an additional link formed between the slide and the pull of the slider assembly;
(5) FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating an alternative embodiment having two bridges and two pulls on a single slide;
(6) FIG. 6 is an end view illustrating an alternative embodiment having two bridges and two pulls on a single slide;
(7) FIG. 7 is an end view illustrating an alternative embodiment having two bridges, two pulls, and two intermediate links on a single slide;
(8) FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating an alternative embodiment having two bridges, two pulls, and two intermediate links on a single slide;
(9) FIG. 9 is an isometric view illustrating a slide assembly useful for double zippers;
(10) FIG. 10 is a partial front view illustrating side to side angular movement of the pull member with respect to the slide member when moving the slide assembly in a first direction;
(11) FIG. 11 is a partial top view illustrating the angular movement of the pull member with respect to the slide member;
(12) FIG. 12A is a perspective view illustrating the slide member, and showing the difference in thickness and shape of the sides of the bridge;
(13) FIG. 12B is a sectional view taken along lines 12B-12B of FIG. 12A illustrating a first cross sectional profile of said bridge;
(14) FIG. 12C is a sectional view taken along lines 12C-12C of FIG. 12A illustrating a second cross sectional profile of said bridge;
(15) FIG. 13 is a partial side view illustrating the construction of the pull member that provides different movements thereof;
(16) FIG. 14A is a perspective view illustrating the positioning of the pull member during an opening movement of the slide assembly; and
(17) FIG. 14B is a section view taken along lines 14B-14B of FIG. 14A.
(18) FIG. 14C is a section view taken along lines 14B-14B of FIG. 14A illustrating the pull-bar thickness being the same as the pull-bar-width.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(19) While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
(20) Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, a slide assembly (10) for zippers is illustrated. In its simplest form, the slide assembly (10) includes a slide member (12) and a pull member (14). The slide assembly (10) is preferably formed during a single operation in a die cast machine (not shown). The slide member (12) is formed to include a bridge (16) for locating and retaining the pull member (14) in a manner that allows for rotation and some linear translation of the pull member (14). The bridge (16) is also formed so that it does not include breaks or gaps which could weaken the bridge (16) and allow the pull member (14) to be released. Particularly, the bridge (16) includes a first end (18), a second end (20), and a central portion (22). Both the first and second ends (18) (20) are integrally formed to the top surface (24) of the slide (12).
(21) An inner surface (26) of the bridge is formed to be substantially flat as it extends transversely from side to side of the slide, but may include any desirable longitudinal contour for function or aesthetics. Because the bridge is integrally formed, corner radii (28) and fillets (30) may be formed during the die casting process to add strength and rigidity to the structure, as well as aesthetic appearance. The inner portion (32) of the slide (12) includes a splitter (34) which divides the inner portion (32) into a Y-shape for causing the zipper chain (not shown) to be joined or separated as is known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the slide (12) includes an upper guide (72) and a lower guide (74) for guiding the zipper chain through the slide (12); the upper guide (72) and the lower guide (74) being separated and secured together with a splitter (34), the splitter and said guides (72) (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock the zipper chain when moved in a first direction, and disengage the zipper chain when moved in a second direction. At least one, and in some embodiments two, guide wall(s) (36) are integrally formed as part of the slider to help guide the teeth as they pass through the slider assembly (12).
(22) The pull (14) is formed in position around the bridge (16) to include a loop portion (38). The loop portion (38) is integrally formed to the first tab portion (40) to eliminate breakage and separation of the two components during use. The loop portion (38) may include any geometry desirable, which may include rounds, ovals, polygons and the like, so long as the geometry is complete and does not require converging flat surfaces that are required for removal of the tools from the formed part during manufacturing as seen in the prior art. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the loop portion (38) is formed to be square in cross section, having a substantially flat inner loop surface (42) with inner corners (44) providing the desired appearance and function to the overall slide assembly (10). FIG. 2 illustrates a slide assembly (10) having a loop portion (38) with a round cross section formed around the same or similar bridge construction as described in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the loop geometry is formed complete and does not require relief geometry for the tooling retraction after forming.
(23) FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment for forming the pull (14) in place around the bridge (16). As illustrated, the tool includes at least one side shifting slide (46). As the die casting tool (50) is closed to form a slide (12) and pull (14), the at least one side shifting slide (46) and at least one first insert (48) and one secondary insert (52) are inserted into the area under the bridge (16). The insert (48) and side shifting slide (46) are positioned first along an insertion path so that the side shift can occur after the slide has reached its insertion depth. Next, the secondary insert (52) is timed to be positioned in the mold adjacent to the side shifting slide (46) once the side shift has occurred. The remaining portions of the mold can be closed before, after or simultaneously with the slides without departing from the scope of the invention. Other portions of the mold include mold sections that form the remainder of the loop portion (38) and pull (14). In a most preferred embodiment, the pull (14) is positioned to stand vertically with respect to the slide as illustrated in FIG. 1. However, it should be noted that by utilizing the side shifting slide(s), the pull may be rotated to different angles as needed in the mold without departing from the scope of the invention. After formation of the slider assembly (10) in the die cast mold, the at least one side shifting slide is configured to make an orthogonal side shift after formation of the slide member assembly, the side shift having a length great enough to clear the geometry of the loop portion (38) before retraction of the slide from under the bridge (16).
(24) Referring to FIGS. 4-8, a slide assembly (10) further including a connecting link (54) positioned and formed between the pull member (14) and the slide member (12) is illustrated. The connecting link (54) is formed as a continuous member, extending around the bridge (16) and the loop portion (38) connecting the bridge (16) to the pull member (14). The connecting link (54) is formed using the side shifting slides in the same manner as the loop portion (38) of the pull (14).
(25) Referring to FIGS. 5-8, a slide assembly (10) having a pull member (14) molded on each respective side of the slider assembly is illustrated. In this embodiment, the slide member (12) includes a bottom surface (25), the bottom surface including a second bridge (56), the second bridge (56) having a first end (58) and a second end (60), both integrally formed to the bottom surface (25). An inner surface (62) of the bridge is formed to be substantially flat as it extends transversely across the inner surface (62). The second pull member (64) includes a second loop portion (68) and a second tab portion (70). The second loop portion (68) is formed as a continuous loop around the second bridge (56) and integrally formed to the second tab portion (70). In this embodiment, the slide member (12) and said pull members (14) (64) are formed in a single operation in a die casting tool (50); the die casting tool having at least one side shifting slide (46) for forming a portion of each of the inner surface (26) (62) of the first and second bridges (16) (56), and a lower portion of each loop portion (38) (68) of the pull members (14) (64), each at least one side shifting slide (46) being configured to shift orthogonally with respect to its insertion path.
(26) Referring to FIG. 9, a double chain slider assembly (80) is illustrated. In this embodiment, the slide (12) includes an upper guide (72), a middle guide (76) and a lower guide (74) for guiding a first zipper chain (not shown) and a second zipper chain (not shown) through the slide (12). The upper guide (72) and the middle guide (76) are separated and secured together with a first splitter (34), while the middle guide (76) and the lower guide (74) are separated and secured together with a second splitter (35). The splitters (34) (35) and the guides (72) (76) (74) are constructed and arranged to interlock a first zipper chain and a second zipper chain (not shown) when moved in a first direction, and disengage the first zipper chain and the second zipper chain when moved in a second direction. This embodiment may be used for zipper chains that are the same or different from the first to the second zipper chain. This embodiment applies to waterproof zipper chains and the like, wherein one zipper chain provides fastening while the second zipper chain provides water proofing.
(27) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 10-14, an alternative embodiment of the slide assembly for a zipper is illustrated. The slide assembly includes a slide member (12), the slide member being constructed and arranged to open and close a zipper chain (not shown). The zipper chain may be of any type known in the art, including coil or individual link members. The slide member (12) includes a top surface (24), the top surface including a bridge (16) having a first end (18) and a second end (20) both integrally formed to the top surface (24), an inner surface (26) of the bridge extending transversely across the bridge (16). The first end (18) of the bridge (16) includes a first cross sectional profile (82), and the second end (20) includes a second cross sectional profile (84); the second cross sectional profile being smaller in area than the first cross sectional profile. The pull member (14) includes a loop portion (38) and a first tab portion (40). The loop portion (38) is formed as a continuous loop around the bridge (16) and is integrally formed to the first tab portion (40). The loop portion cooperates with the bridge cross sections (12B)(12C) so that the pull member (14) has a first side to side angle of pull (94), see FIG. 10, when the pull member (14) cooperates with the first end (18) of the bridge, and a second side to side angle of pull (96), see FIG. 11, when the pull member (14) cooperates with the second end (20) of the bridge (16).
(28) The pull member (14) loop portion (38) includes a pull-bar (86) and a pair of arms (88) extending between the tab portion (40) and the pull-bar (86). The pull-bar (86) includes a pull-bar thickness (90) and a pull-bar width (92), see FIG. 13. In at least one embodiment, the pull-ball thickness and width are the same or substantially the same; “substantially” meaning within manufacturing tolerances for purposes of this application. However, in a preferred embodiment, the pull-bar thickness (90) is greater than the pull-bar width (92). This construction provides several advantages over the prior art. The construction controls the available movement of the pull member (14) with respect to the slide member (12) to better direct the forces to cause the slide fastener or zipper to open or close in a smoother manner. The construction also provides comfortable ergonomics to the user by changing the side to side angle of pull with respect to the positioning of the pull member (14) to the slide member (12). If the slide fastener is freely available to open or close, the pull tab (14) can be positioned in the center or the first end of the bridge (16) where the greatest amount of side to side angle of pull is available. Allowing the user the most freedom in applying force at arcs, angles or the like while moving the pull tab to the second end of the bridge confines the movement of the pull tab to better direct the forces into alignment with the slide fastener. This construction provides a better feeling product to the consumer, and automatically directs the force to what is needed to operate the slide fastener based upon the force that is immediately required to open or close the slide fastener. Adjusting the clearance between the bottom surface of the bridge (16) by controlling the thickness of the pull-bar (86) provides a structure that allows the movement of the pull member with respect to the slide member to be controlled. The pull-bar (86) may have a thickness (90) that is substantially the same as the distance between the top surface (24) of the slide (12) and the inner surface (26) of the bridge (16). Alternatively, the thickness may be 75% of the distance between the top surface (24) of the slide (12) and the inner surface (26) of the bridge (16). In addition, the pull-bar (86) includes a width (92). The width (92) of the pull-bar (86) may be 25% or more thinner than the thickness. This construction allows more or less side to side movement of the pull member (14) depending upon the rotation angle of the pull member with respect to the slide member (12). In this manner, the more the pull member (14) is laid down to be parallel to the top surface of the slide member (12), the more the side to side movement is restricted, thereby causing more force to be directed to the slide member (12) in the direction that the user desires to move it. This construction may be employed regardless of the overall shape of the loop portion (38). Thus, the loop portion (38) may be, but should not be limited to, polygonal, round or oval in shape.
(29) The slide assembly (10) for a zipper may further include a connecting link (54) positioned and formed between the pull member (14) and the slide member (12). The connecting link (54) is preferably formed as a continuous unbroken member which extends around the bridge (16) and the connecting link loop portion (38) connecting the bridge (16) to the pull member (14). In the preferred embodiment, the connecting link (54) is constructed similarly to the pull member (14) described above, wherein the loop portion (38) of the connecting link (54) includes a pull-bar (86) and a pair of arms (88) extending between the pull member (14) and the pull-bar (86). The pull-bar (86) includes a pull-bar thickness (90) and a pull-bar width (92); the pull-bar thickness (90), as well as the pull-bar width (92), may vary as described above to control the movement of the connecting link (54).
(30) Referring to FIGS. 1-14, it should be noted that the pulls or slides may include indicia (78), in the form of logos, figures, characters or the like, that are integrally formed as part of the slider assembly. This also includes, but should not be limited to, serial numbers, lot numbers, part numbers, patent numbers, trademarks and the like. It should also be noted that the present embodiments are specifically utilized for forming slider assemblies from metal in a die casting process, and thus various metals may be utilized, including, but not limited to, zinc, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, copper, brass and suitable combinations thereof.
(31) All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
(32) It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification.
(33) One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Any compounds, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
