TOP STOP FOR SLIDE FASTENER CHAIN AND METHOD OF DISENGAGING SLIDER FROM SLIDE FASTENER

Abstract

A top stop for a slide fastener includes a first body portion, which includes a channel having an inlet at a first side of the top stop and an outlet at a second side of the top stop. The channel is defined by a channel first side wall and a channel second side wall, and a channel bottom surface therebetween. The channel second side wall includes a protruding portion, which defines an abutment protrusion in the channel. A distance parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top stop between the channel first side wall and channel second side wall defines a channel width. The channel width extending from the abutment protrusion to the channel first side wall is less than the channel width at the inlet and the channel width at the outlet.

Claims

1. A top stop for a slide fastener comprising: a first body portion comprising a channel having an inlet at a first side of the top stop and an outlet at a second side of the top stop, the second side being opposite the first side, wherein the channel is configured to receive a portion of a slider of the slide fastener, the channel being defined by a channel first side wall and a channel second side wall, and a channel bottom surface therebetween, wherein the channel second side wall comprises a protruding portion defining an abutment protrusion in the channel, wherein the top stop comprises a longitudinal axis that is parallel to an axis of operation of the slider, and a distance parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top stop between the channel first side wall and channel second side wall defines a channel width, and wherein the channel width extending from the abutment protrusion to the channel first side wall is less than the channel width at the inlet and the channel width at the outlet.

2. The top stop according to claim 1, wherein the abutment protrusion is configured to restrict travel of the portion of the slider along the channel, when the portion of the slider is received in the channel and is translated from the outlet towards the inlet in order to release the slider from a stringer of the slide fastener.

3. The top stop according to claim 2, wherein a distance between the abutment protrusion and the second side of the top stop in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the top stop, is selected such that when the portion of the slider is in contact with the abutment protrusion, the portion of the slider can be pivoted around a pivot point formed on the channel first side wall at the outlet of the channel, wherein the abutment protrusion defines a release point for the portion of the slider, and wherein the distance determines force required to pivot the portion of the slider beyond the release point and through the abutment protrusion.

4. The top stop according to claim 1, wherein the channel first side wall extends at a constant incline from the inlet of the channel to the outlet.

5. The top stop according to claim 1, wherein the channel second side wall comprises a second protruding portion defining an outlet protrusion adjacent the outlet of the channel, and wherein the outlet protrusion is configured to prevent the portion of the slider from entering the outlet of the channel.

6. The top stop according to claim 5, wherein the channel width at the inlet and the outlet is smaller than any channel width intermediate the outlet protrusion and the abutment protrusion.

7. The top stop according to claim 1, wherein the channel width at the inlet is larger than the channel width at the outlet.

8. The top stop according to claim 1, further comprising a stop portion located above the outlet of the channel, the stop portion being configured to limit travel of the slider along a chain of the slide fastener by abutment with the portion of the slider.

9. A slide fastener chain comprising: a first stringer having a row of first coupling elements attached to a coupling edge of the first stringer; and a second stringer having a row of second coupling elements attached to a coupling edge of the second stringer, wherein the first and second stringers are attached to and detached from each other by interdigitating and uncoupling of the rows of the first and second coupling elements, and wherein at least one of the first and second stringers is provided with the top stop according to claim 1.

10. The slide fastener chain according to claim 9, wherein the top stop is attached to the coupling edge of at least one of the first and second stringers, wherein the top stop is located in line with the first or second coupling elements, wherein the top stop comprises an inner portion on an inner side of the coupling edge and an outer portion on an outer side of the coupling edge, and wherein the inlet of the channel is located on the inner portion, and the outlet of the channel is located on the outer portion.

11. The slide fastener chain according to claim 10, wherein the first body portion of the top stop is mounted on a first planar surface of the at least one of the first and second stringers.

12. The slide fastener chain according to claim 10, wherein the top stop further comprises a second body portion for mounting on a second planar surface of the at least one of the first and second stringers, and wherein the second body portion comprises a second channel substantially identical to the channel of the first body portion.

13. The slide fastener chain according to claim 9, wherein the channel second side wall comprises an incline from the inlet of the channel to the abutment protrusion having a constant angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the top stop from the inlet of the channel to the abutment protrusion.

14. The slide fastener chain according to claim 9, wherein the channel second side wall comprises a first incline and a second incline, wherein the first incline extends from the inlet to the second incline at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the top stop, wherein the second incline extends between the first incline and the abutment protrusion at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the top stop, and wherein the second angle is less than the first angle.

15. The slide fastener chain according to claim 9, wherein the top stop is molded by injection onto the coupling edge of the at least one of the first and second stringers.

16. A method of disengaging a slider from a slider fastener, the method comprising: translating a portion of a slider into a channel provided in a top stop of the slide fastener, the channel being defined by a channel first side wall and a channel second side wall; abutting the portion of the slider against an abutment protrusion provided on the channel second side wall; pivoting the slider about a pivot point on the channel first side wall at an outlet to the channel, such that the portion of the slider is rotated through a release point defined on the abutment protrusion; and translating the portion of the slider through remaining channel to an inlet, such that the slider is removed from the top stop.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: rotating the slider such that the portion of the slider can rotate through an outlet protrusion provided on the channel second side wall adjacent the outlet of the channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] These and other aspects of the present application will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates a slide fastener having a top stop according to the present application.

[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top stop shown in FIG. 1 on a slider fastener.

[0046] FIG. 3A illustrates front view of the top stop according to the present application.

[0047] FIG. 3B illustrates back view of the top stop according to the present application.

[0048] FIG. 3C illustrates side view of the top stop according to the present application.

[0049] FIG. 3D illustrates side view of the top stop according to the present application.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates the insertion of the slider onto a fastener stringer including a top stop of the present application.

[0051] FIG. 5A illustrates the removal of the slider from a fastener stringer including a top stop of the present application.

[0052] FIG. 5B illustrates the removal of the slider from a fastener stringer including a top stop of the present application.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative top stop according to the present application.

[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the top stop shown in FIG. 6.

[0055] FIG. 8A illustrates an alternative top stop of the present application.

[0056] FIG. 8B illustrates an alternative top stop of the present application.

[0057] FIG. 9A illustrates front view of an alternative top stop of the present application.

[0058] FIG. 9B illustrates back view of an alternative top stop of the present application.

[0059] FIG. 9C illustrates side view of an alternative top stop of the present application.

[0060] FIG. 9D illustrates side view of an alternative top stop of the present application.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a slide fastener 10. The slide fastener 10 includes a slider 20 and a pair of stringers 12a, 12b. Each stringer includes a coupling portion in the form of a row of coupling elements 14a, 14b which are attached to an edge of a tape of each stringer. The edge to which the coupling elements are attached may be referred to as the coupling edge 16. The tape may be woven or knitted and may be formed from, for example, synthetic fibres such as polyester, vinylon or polyurethane and/or natural fibres such as cotton. The coupling elements 14a, 14b may be molded, as shown in FIG. 1, or crimped teeth (not shown) or as a continuous coil with coil elements forming the coupling elements (not shown). In this embodiment, the tape of the stringer 12a, 12b may be provided with a reinforced edge including a cord 16a (shown in FIG. 2), onto which the coupling elements 14a, 14b are attached. The presence of the reinforced edge on the stringer 12a is optional.

[0062] The tape of each stringer includes a first planar surface and a second planar surface opposite to the first planar surface. The first planar surface and the second planar surface join at the coupling edge 16 including the coupling elements 14a, 14b and the cord 16a to which they are attached so that the coupling elements 14a, 14b encompass the coupling edge 16 of both the first planar surface and the second planar surface. The coupling elements 14a, 14b include a head potion 14c in which is provided an engagement member which allows engagement with a head portion 14c of an opposing coupling element of a cooperating stringer. The tape also includes an outer edge which is opposite and parallel to the coupling edge 16.

[0063] The two stringers 12a, 12b are brought together, such that the row of coupling elements 14a, 14b of each stringer 12a, 12b can attach to each other, by interdigitating. The slide fastener chain 18 includes the two stringers 12a, 12b and extends along a longitudinal axis A of the slide fastener 10. This axis is also known as the axis of operation.

[0064] The slider 20 is attached to the slide fastener chain 18 such that the slider 20 can move along the rows of coupling element between the two stringers 12a, 12b. The slider 20 includes a slider body 21. The slider body 21 of the embodiment has an upper blade 23, a lower blade (not shown) disposed separately to be parallel to the upper blade 23, a guide post 26 connecting front end parts of the upper blade 23 and the lower blade. Upper flanges 24a, 24b and lower flanges (not shown) are disposed on each of the right and left side edge parts of the upper 21 and lower blades, that is, the edges of the slider substantially parallel to the direction of operation of the slider. A pull tab 25 is disposed on an upper surface of the upper blade 23 via a bridge portion 22. This pull tab 25 may be grasped by a user in order to effectively move the slider 20 along the rows of coupling elements.

[0065] At the front end of the slider body 21, right and left shoulder mouths 21a, 21b are formed interposing the guide post 26, and a rear mouth 21c is formed at a rear end of the slider body 21. Between the upper blade 23 and the lower blade, the guide post 26 communicates the right and left shoulder mouths 21a, 21b and the rear mouth 21c, and a substantially Y-shaped channel is formed within the slider 20 and between the blades.

[0066] In order to engage or disengage the slide fastener 10, the row of coupling elements 14a of the first stringer 12a passes through the right shoulder mouth 21a and along the portion of the Y-shaped channel extending from the right shoulder mouth 21a until coming into releasably coupling contact with the row of coupling elements 14b of the second stringer 12b. And the row of coupling elements on the second stringer 12b passes along the portion of the Y shaped channel extending from the left shoulder mouth 21b when entering the portion of the Y shaped channel extending from the rear mouth. It can be understood that only one row of coupling elements may be inserted into the slider 20 then the slider 20 may be able to travel along the row of coupling elements in the engaging and disengaging directions. Further, there is an insertion gap (not shown) between the upper flanges 24a, 24b and lower flanges of the slider body 21, into which a part of the tape of the stringer is inserted. Using a slider 20 having the above mentioned structure enables the smooth coupling and separating of the right and left rows of coupling elements 14a 14b of the first and second stringers 12a 12b.

[0067] In some embodiments, flanges may only extend from either the upper blade or the lower blade. FIG. 9A to 9D show an example top stop according to the present application which would be appropriate for such a slider.

[0068] Movement of the slider 20 along the rows of coupling elements 14a, 14b in a first sliding direction E causes the coupling elements 14a of the first stringer 12a to attach to the coupling elements 14b of the second stringer 12b. Movement of the slider along the chain in a second sliding direction D, opposite to the first sliding direction E, causes the coupling elements 14a of the first stringer 12a to detach from the coupling elements 14b of the second stringer 12b. Attached coupling elements are also known as coupled coupling elements, engaged coupling elements or paired coupling elements. The process of attaching coupling elements is also known as coupling, engaging or pairing.

[0069] Top stops 30 and 40 are provided at the top end 18a of the coupling elements rows 14a, 14b. In this example, a different top stop is provided at the top end of each row of coupling elements 14a, 14b. However, it can be understood that in some cases only a single top stop 30 may be required (i.e. as part of only one of the stringers), and/or that each top stop 30, 40 may be identical. The top stops may be formed from any suitable material, for example, they may include a polymer material such as polyester, polyacethal, or polyethylene, or they may be metal based, such as aluminium, nickel or the like.

[0070] A retainer box 11 is provided at the bottom end 18b of the row of coupling elements 14a, 14b, on the opposite side of the row to the top end 18a of the row of coupling elements 14a, 14b, into which an insertion pin 15 can be inserted in order to interlink the first and second stringers 12a, 12b. A box pin 13 provided on stringer 12a may be permanently fixed into the retainer box, therefore insertion pin 15 may be removed from the retainer box 11 when the slider 20 is located adjacent the retainer box 11, in order to pass through the slider 20 and separate the first and second stringers 12a, 12b from each other. The stringers 12a, 12b can therefore be separated. When the stringers 12a, 12b are separated, the slider 20 is retained on stringer 12a to which the retainer box 11 is attached. Slide fastener 10 is therefore an example of an open ended string fastener 10.

[0071] It can be understood that the foregoing description of top stop 30 and top stops 130, 230 and 330 as described later according to the present application may have applicability in all types of slide fastener and are not limited to the example shown in accompanying drawings.

[0072] A perspective view of top stop 30 attached to the coupling edge 16 including a cord 16a (or reinforced edge) of stringer 12a, is shown in FIG. 2. In the case where there is no reinforced edge provided, the top stop may be attached directly to the coupling edge of the tape.

[0073] In this embodiment, top stop 30 is integrally injected onto the fastener tape by injection molding. The top stop 30 as with the coupling elements 14a 14b is similarly fixed to the coupling edge 16 of the tape encompassing the first planar surface and the second planar surface with an extension extending towards the outer edge 17 of the tape of the stringer 12a. The top stop 30 has a first body portion 31a on the side of the first planar surface (FIG. 3A) and a second body portion 31b on the side of the second planar surface (FIG. 3B). That is, the top stop includes two body portions mounted on opposing planar surfaces of the tape of the stringer 12a, 12b. The top stop 30 may be formed as a singular component around the tape, for example, the first and second body portions 31a, 31b may be integrally formed around the tape. Alternatively, they may be distinct body portions which are joined together around the tape. Side views of the top stop are shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D. The body portions meet, or join, or converge around the coupling edge of the tape such that the inlets 32 of channels 36 are provided at the coupling edge 16 of the tape (FIG. 3C), and the outlets 34 of the channels 36 are provided more proximate to the outer edge 17 of the tape (FIG. 3D). Although not shown in FIG. 3D, the top stop 30 can be provided with a groove to receive the fastener tape. In some examples, top stop 30 is substantially rectangular.

[0074] The top stop 30 is provided with a stop portion 33. The stop portion 33 limits the movement of the slider 20 in the first direction E. The stop portion 33 preferably extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis of operation so that when approached by the slider 20, a part of the slider body 21, for example a flange 24a comes into contact with the stop portion 33. The stop portion 33 is located distally (relative to the rest of the top stop) from the coupling edge of the stringer 12a and is located above a channel 36 in the first sliding direction E. The channel 36 is provided in the top stop 30 to facilitate removal of the slider 20 from the stringer 12a. That is, the stop portion 33 protrudes from the first and second body portions 31a, 31b of the top stop 30 toward the outer edge 17 of the tape. The stop portion 33 may be included within at least one of the first and second body portions 31a, 31b of the top stop 30.

[0075] Top stop 30 includes a channel 36 having an inlet 32 and an outlet 34, and a channel bottom surface 35. The channel 36 is configured to receive a portion of the slider, for example a flange 24a provided on the slider 20. The channel 36 is configured to allow for easy insertion of the slider onto the stringer 12a, 12b, for example to the stringer 12a on which the retainer box 11 and the box pin 13 are attached. That is, in normal use, the top stop 30 will prevent movement of the slider 20 in the first sliding direction E beyond the row of coupling elements 14a and the box pin 13 (or the retainer box 11 or both) will prevent movement of the slider 20 beyond the row of coupling elements 14a in the second sliding direction D, thus ensuring that the slider 20 does not accidentally come away from the row of coupling elements 14a.

[0076] The channel 36 is also configured to facilitate the removal of the slider 20, should this be required, for example to replace a broken or faulty slider. The inlet 32 to the channel 36 is formed at the side of the top stop 30 at the coupling edge 16 of the tape of the stringer 12a. The inlet 32 of the channel may optionally be provided with a recess 32a. The outlet 34 is formed at the side of the top stop 30 proximal to the outer edge 17 of the tape and is located below the stop portion 33. That is, the outlet 34 is positioned between the end of the row of coupling elements proximate to the top stop 30 and the stop portion 33 of the top stop 30. The outlet 34 is located closer to the top end 18a of the coupling elements row 14a than the inlet 32.

[0077] Thus the inlet 32 is the mouth of the top stop 30 through which a slider 20 may enter the channel 36 in order for the slider 20 to be inserted onto the slide fastener chain 18 and the outlet 34 is the mouth of the top stop 30 from which a slider 20 may exit the channel 36 of the top stop 30 in order to slide onto the row of coupling elements 14a to complete the insertion. It can be understood that when it is intended to release the slider 20 from the row of coupling elements 14a, the inlet 32 and outlet 34 function in the opposite manner. However for consistency, the meaning of these terms will remain static and not change depending on the direction of movement of the slider 20.

[0078] Channel 36 includes a channel first side wall 38 and a channel second side wall 37 and a channel bottom surface 35. The channel first side wall 38 is disposed more proximate to the row of coupling elements of the stringer 12a than the channel second side wall 37. The channel first side wall 38 and the channel second side wall 37 are opposed to each other, the channel bottom surface 35 of the channel 36 includes a flat surface, and connects the channel first side wall 38 and the channel second side wall 37. That is, a groove extending from the inlet 32 to the outlet 34 is formed as the channel 36. It can be understood that, in some embodiments, the channel bottom surface 35 may include the tape 12a. Accordingly, the first, or second, or both body portions 31a, 31b may include two distinct sections which are separated by a channel width, thereby forming the channel 36 (or valley) in between the sections. As such, a channel (or valley) bottom surface 35 may include (or be defined in part by) the fastener tape 12a. In other examples, the channel bottom surface 35 may include the same material as the top stop. In such cases, the first, or second, or both body portions 31a, 31b may include a singular component having a channel 36 formed in body portion.

[0079] The channel first side wall 38 has a substantially flat or straight profile and extends at constant incline down from the inlet 32 of the channel to the outlet 34. The channel second side wall 37 includes a stepped profile to provide the channel 36 with varying widths across the length of the channel 36. The channel width at any point along the channel is defined as the distance parallel to the longitudinal axis of the top stop between the channel first and second side walls. In normal use, the longitudinal axis of the top stop is brought parallel to the axis of operation (A) (or longitudinal axis) of the slide fastener. The width of the channel 36 at the inlet 32 is denoted by letter F.

[0080] The channel second side wall 37 extends at an incline from the inlet 32, narrowing the width of the channel to an end point 37b of an abutment protrusion 37a. The channel width extending from the abutment protrusion 37a at the end point 37b to the channel first side wall 38 is denoted by letter G. This end point 37b may also be defined as the release point for a flange 24a of the slider received in the channel 36 during the operation to release a slider 20 from the row of coupling elements 14a. The channel second side wall 37 then extends away from the channel first side wall, widening the channel 36, to form the abutment protrusion 37a. The channel width at this point is denoted by letter H. The channel second side wall 37 includes another protruding portion where the channel second side wall 37 extends towards the channel first side wall 38 and out again to form an outlet protrusion 39 at the outlet 34. The channel width 36 at this point is denoted by letter J.

[0081] The top stop 30 of this example is therefore provided with two stepped regions, one adjacent the outlet in the form of the outlet protrusion 39 and another in the form of the abutment protrusion 37a. The channel width of the channel 36 at the end point 37b of the abutment protrusion 37a, the release point, G is less than the channel width of the inlet 32 and also the channel width of the outlet (F>G, J>G). The channel width H of the channel 36 intermediate the abutment protrusion 37a and the outlet protrusion 39 is greater than the channel width J at the outlet 34 and the width G at the end point 37b of the abutment protrusion 37a (H>J>G). In this embodiment, the channel width G of the channel 36 at the end point 37b of the abutment protrusion has a minimum width in the width of the channel 36, and this channel width G is greater than the thickness of the flange 24a. Further, the channel width at the inlet 32 may be smaller than the channel width H of the channel 36 intermediate the abutment protrusion 37a and the outlet protrusion 39. In addition, the channel width F at the inlet 32 may be larger than the channel width J at the outlet 34.

[0082] The distance between the end of the row of coupling elements 14a proximate to the top stop 30 and the outlet 34 is less than the distance between the end of the row of coupling elements 14a proximate to the top stop 30 and the inlet 32, in consequence the channel first side wall 38 of the channel 36 inclines away from the axis of operation A of the slide fastener by an angle of less than 90 degrees.

[0083] The channel second side wall 37 has at least three flat surfaces. A first flat surface is formed between the inlet 32 and the end point 37b of the abutment protrusion 37a, and inclines with respect to the second direction D. This inclination may be more acute than that of the channel first side wall or it may be the same. In other embodiments, it may be less acute. A second flat surface is formed between the end point 37b of the abutment protrusion 37a and the base (root) of the outlet protrusion 39. A third flat surface is formed between the base of the outlet protrusion 39 and an end point 39a of the outlet protrusion 39 or in embodiments which do not have an outlet protrusion, the outlet 34.

[0084] In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3D, the channel is provided on both the first and second body portions 31a, 31b of the top stop 30. Accordingly, there are two inlets 32 at the coupling edge 16, and two outlets 34 at the side of the top stop proximal to the outer edge 17 of the tape, allowing for passage of an upper and lower flange 24a provided on the slider. In such embodiments, the flange protruding from the upper blade 23 of slider 20 can enter inlet 32 provided on the first body portion 31a of the top stop 30, and the flange protruding from the lower blade of the slider 20 can enter inlet 32 provided on the second body portion 31b of the top stop 30.

[0085] The slider 20 can be mounted to the stringer of the slide fastener as shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the upper blade 23 of the slider 20 has been removed to allow views of the flanges 24a, 24b and guide post 26. The width 27 of flange 24a may be defined as the distance by which the flange 24a extends normally to the right side edge of the upper blade 23 (or left side edge of flange 24b). The length of the flange 24a may be defined as the distance by which the flange 24a extends parallel to the right side edge (or left side edge of flange 24b). In FIG. 4, the width 27 of flange 24a is marked in two locations along the flange 24a. In this example, the width 27 of the flange 24a is constant across the length of the flange 24a. However, it can be understood that in some examples, the flange 24a or flanges 24a, 24b may be provided with different widths at different locations along the length of the flange 24a or flanges 24a, 24b.

[0086] Flange 24a enters the channel 36 at the inlet 32. The channel width along the length of the channel 36 is always wider than the width of the flange 24a. Furthermore, the thickness between the channel bottom surfaces 35 of each channel 36 provided on the first and second body portions 31a, 31b of the top stop 30 is narrower than the gap between the flange 24a of the upper blade 23 and the flange of the lower blade, as such, the slider 20 can pass through the top stop 30. The tape of the stringer 12a may be manipulated, for example by flexing, and or folding the tape material, and the slider may be pulled via the pull tab 25 such that the flange 24a is translated through the channel 36 out of the outlet 34 and into sliding engagement with the coupling elements adjacent the top stop 30. It can be understood that a lower flange provided on the lower blade of the slider 20 may translate through the channel 36 provided on the second body portion 31b of the top stop 30. The slider 20 may then be moved in the second sliding direction D down the row of elements 14a so that the insertion pin 15 can be used to position the row of coupling elements 14b of the second stringer 12b and allow operation of the slide fastener.

[0087] In normal use, the slider 20 is pulled in the first direction E to interdigitate the coupling elements 14a, 14b and at the end of the slider's intended travel (the end of the slide fastener), the leading end of flange 24a of slider 20 will abut on the stop portion 33, preventing further travel of the slider 20. In the event that some misalignment of the slider 20 occurs, for example by the application of force in a direction other than the first direction E or second direction D, the flange 24a of slider 20 will abut on outlet protrusion 39 of channel 36, preventing the leading end of flange 24a from entering the channel 36 at the outlet 34. Accordingly, the outlet protrusion 39 can prevent accidental disengagement of the slider from the remaining slide fastener during normal operation.

[0088] The slider 20 can be intentionally removed from the slide fastener as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIG. 5A, the tape of the stringer 12a is manipulated and the slider is twisted to allow flange 24a of slider 20 to enter the outlet 34 of the channel 36 formed in top stop 30. Manipulation, in the form of folding or flexing of the tape material, for example folding a portion of the tape back on itself, or flexing in a direction at an angle to the axis of operation A, allows the flange 24a to bypass the outlet protrusion 39, and enter the channel 36. Such flexing of the tape material may be flexing in the plane of the tape. The flange 24a is pulled further into the channel until the leading end of the flange 24a abuts on the abutment protrusion 37a. Accordingly, abutment protrusion 37a can provide a further stop to prevent accidental disengagement of the slider.

[0089] If removal of the slider is desired, the slider 20 can then be pivoted around pivot point P. Therefore the flange 24a can translate through the release point of the abutment protrusion 37a (FIG. 5B) allowing the slider 20 to be disengaged from the slide fastener.

[0090] Pivoting the slider 20 around pivot point P rotates the guide post 26 bringing it into contact with the uppermost coupling element 14a of the stringer 12a. The guide post 26 pushes against the coupling element 14a at point R bringing the coupling element 14a into contact with the flange 24a at point Q. A reaction force from the tape via the coupling element 14a is also exerted on the guide post 26. In order to translate the flange 24a through the release point of the abutment protrusion 37a, the force applied to pivot the slider 20 around pivot point P has to be greater than the reaction force at point R from the coupling element 14a on the guide post 26.

[0091] In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the slider may be rotated in an anticlockwise direction but it can be understood that the rotation may be dependent upon the orientation of the top stop and the slider on the stringer.

[0092] The amount of force required to pivot the flange 24a will be dependent upon the distance perpendicular to the longitudinal axis from the outlet 34 to the release point of the abutment protrusion 37a. This distance determines the degree to which the coupling element 14a needs to move from its normal axis in order to allow the flange 24a to travel and pass the abutment protrusion 37a, that is, against the reaction force applied to the guide post 26. The greater this distance, the more the coupling element 14a and tape need to be deflected, resulting in a greater reaction force on the guide post 26 and hence a greater force to pivot the flange 24a will be required. As such, the top stop may be tailored to require a minimum force in order to disengage a slider from the slide fastener.

[0093] Further manipulation of the stringer 12a, for example by folding the stringer, maintains contact between the flange 24a and the coupling element 14a at point Q, helping to maintain the flange 24a in the orientation required to pass through channel 36 of the top stop 30. Alternatively or simultaneously, once the flange 24a has pivoted and been released from the abutment protrusion 37a, the slider may be pulled (generally upwards in the orientation of the figure) to translate the flange 24a through channel 36, releasing the slider from the slide fastener.

[0094] An alternative top stop 130 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Top stop 130 is shown in perspective view in FIG. 6. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the top stop 130 which are the same as the previous example are denoted with the like reference numerals incremented by 100 and are not described again for brevity.

[0095] The channel 136 of top stop 130 is also provided with protruding portions. In this example, the channel second side wall 137 includes a first incline 140 starting at the inlet 132 and extending to a second incline 142, the first incline 140 having a first angle α relative to the longitudinal axis A of the top stop 130, with respect to the second direction D. This first incline 140 extends to the second incline 142, the second incline having a second angle β relative to the longitudinal axis A of the top stop with respect to the second direction D. In this example, both the first angle α and second angle β are obtuse angles (although this may not always be the case) and, the second angle β is less (or less obtuse) than the first angle α of the first incline 140. The channel second side wall 137 then extends away from the channel first side wall 138 forming the abutment protrusion 137a. The distance K perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the top stop between release point 137b of the abutment protrusion 137a and the outlet 134 is larger than the width of the flanges of the slider, and accordingly, a greater force is required to pivot the slider through the release point. The top stop 130 also includes an outlet protrusion 139 which is formed by the channel second side wall 137 extending towards the channel first side wall 138 and then away from again at the outlet 134 of channel 136.

[0096] Another form of top stop 230 is illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the top stop 230 which are the same as the previous example are denoted with the like reference numerals incremented by 200 and are not described again for brevity. Top stop 230 is formed around the coupling edge of the stringer 12a or 12b and includes a first body portion 231a (FIG. 8A) and second body portion 231b (FIG. 8B), one positioned on each planar surface of the tape of the stringer 12a or 12b. First body portion 231a is provided with a channel 236 having an abutment protrusion 237a and an outlet protrusion 239. The protrusions 237a, 239 are shown to be the same as channel 36 in top stop 30 but it can be understood that the channel 236 may be the same as channel 136 of top stop 130, both of which are described above. The second body portion 231b is also provided with a channel 235, and the channel 235 has a substantially constant channel width. That is, the channel first side wall 235a and the channel second side wall 235b incline against the longitudinal axis and each have substantially a flat surface.

[0097] Sliders configured to couple teeth coupling elements (as shown in FIG. 1) have upper and lower flanges provided on either side of the slider 20 to engage teeth 14a. Top stop 230 is provided with two channels to allow insertion and removal of such a slider, and the upper and lower flanges will interact with first and second channels of the top stop respectively. However, since only one of the channels includes the protrusions 237a, 239, the force required to release the slider 20 will be less because there is only one abutment protrusion 237a to overcome.

[0098] A further top stop 330 is illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9D. Unless otherwise specified, the features of the top stop 330 which are the same as the previous example are denoted with the like reference numerals incremented by 300 and are not described again for brevity. Top stop 330 is formed around the coupling edge 16 of the stringer 12a or 12b and includes a first body portion 331a (FIG. 9A) and second body portion 331b (FIG. 9B), one positioned on either side of the stringer 12a or 12b. First body portion 331a is provided with a channel 336 substantially identical to channels 36, 236 described above. It can be understood that the channel may be formed according to channel 136, also described above. The second body portion 331b has a level surface, with no channel. Top stop 330 may be particularly suited for use with slide fasteners having coupling elements in the form of a continuous coil, because the coiled coupling elements are only present on a single planar surface of the tape 12a, 12b. As such, the slider will only have flanges on the upper blade or the lower blade of the slider to encourage engagement of the coupling elements on said one planar surface of the tape, thus requiring only a single channel in the top stop to facilitate the slider passing through the top stop in the same manner as already described. Alternatively, the top stop 330 may be provided with a single body portion for positioning on the planar surface of the stringer to which the coil coupling elements are attached. The single body portion may include a channel as described in the previous examples. In such an embodiment there is no second body portion on the planar surface of the stringer to which the coil coupling elements are not attached.

[0099] Although not shown in the drawings, it is also possible to use top stops according to the present application on a moveable slide fastener with two sliders. In such a case, instead of attaching a retainer box and a box pin to the bottom end of the stringer, that is, the end of the stringer opposite the top stop, it is sufficient to attach a retainer pin alone. In such an embodiment, both sliders on the stringer can make use of the top stop and be attached to or removed from the stringer.

[0100] It should be understood that the examples provided herein are merely exemplary of the present application and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope defined by the claims.