Zip fastener

Abstract

A zip fastener (10) comprises two opposed sets of teeth (14) which are shaped such that those on one set (12a) can fit between those on the other set (12b). At least some adjacent teeth of opposed sets (12a, 12b) have facing surfaces (17a, 17b) shaped so as engage and to inhibit lateral separation of the sets, and such that each tooth can undergo at least limited angular movement relative to the adjacent tooth. The teeth (14) within a set (12) are held at a predetermined spacing along the set by linking strips (16) aligned generally along the center line of the set (12). Each tooth (14) defines a strip location (20) facing the opposed set of teeth, such that the linking strip (16) on one set (12a) fits in the strip location (20) on the other set (12b). Since the tooth spacing is set by the linking strips (16), the sets (12) of teeth (14) can lie on a curved path.

Claims

1. A zip fastener comprising two opposed sets of teeth; the teeth being shaped such that the teeth on one set can fit between the teeth on the other set, at least some adjacent teeth of the opposed sets having facing surfaces shaped so as to engage and to inhibit separation of the opposed sets, such that when the teeth fit together the shaped facing surface on one tooth is adjacent to the shaped facing surface of an adjacent tooth that engages with it to inhibit separation, and such that each tooth can undergo at least limited angular movement relative to the adjacent tooth when the zip fastener is closed; wherein the teeth within each one of the opposed sets are held at a predetermined spacing along each one of the opposed sets by a linking strip aligned generally along a center line of each one of the opposed sets; and wherein each tooth defines a strip location such that the linking strip on one of the opposed sets of teeth can be disposed in the strip location on the other set, wherein the strip location is configured to receive the opposed set of teeth; wherein either: the linking strips extend along the center line, the linking strips on the opposed sets of teeth being directly underneath each other when the zip fastener is closed, both lying on the center line; or the linking strips on the sets of teeth extend along lines that are adjacent to the center line, and the linking strips of at least one of the opposed sets of teeth abut a step in a wall within each strip location on the opposite set of teeth, when the zip fastener is closed.

2. The zip fastener of claim 1, wherein all the teeth have a convex front surface and a concave rear surface, the convex front surface and the concave rear surface constituting the engaging facing surfaces of adjacent teeth.

3. The zip fastener of claim 1, wherein the linking strips and the teeth of one of the opposed sets are integral with each other.

4. The zip fastener of claim 1, wherein the linking strips are defined by a continuous strip, onto which the teeth within each one of the opposed sets are attached.

5. The zip fastener of claim 1, wherein the strip locations on the teeth are defined by a step on each tooth.

6. The zip fastener of claim 5, wherein the strip locations of each one of the opposed sets of teeth are on an under surface or a top surface of the teeth, such that when the zip fastener is closed, the linking strips of the two opposed sets of teeth extend along lines that are adjacent to the center line, the linking strips of at least one of the opposed sets of teeth abutting a surface within each strip location on the opposite set of teeth, and the abutted surface is at least part of the step.

7. The zip fastener of claim 6, wherein the linking strips of each one of the opposed sets of teeth align with a step on each tooth of each individual one of the opposed sets of teeth, and the linking strips and the step define a continuous zigzag path.

8. The zip fastener of claim 7, wherein portions of the zigzag path are inclined at no more than 30 to the center line.

9. The zip fastener of claim 1, further comprising a slider, which when moved along the zip fastener in one direction slides the teeth one-by-one into an interlocking position, and when moved in the opposite direction slides the teeth one-by-one apart, the slider incorporating a cam element to separate successive teeth.

10. The zip fastener of claim 9, wherein the cam element is in the form of a blunt wedge.

11. The zip fastener of claim 10, wherein the cam element engages with a step on each tooth.

12. The zip fastener of claim 10, wherein the linking strips of each one of the opposed sets of teeth align with a surface feature on each tooth of each individual one of the opposed sets of teeth, and the linking strips and the surface feature define a continuous zigzag path, and wherein the cam element engages with the continuous zigzag path defined by both the linking strips and the surface feature.

13. The zip fastener of claim 1, incorporating two fabric strips to which the opposed sets of teeth are attached, one of the opposed sets of teeth being attached to each fabric strip, wherein at least a portion of the fabric strip is stretchable, and the fabric strip is pre-stretched before the teeth are attached.

14. The zip fastener of claim 13, wherein the fabric strip is pre-stretched to between 5% and 60% of its maximum extension before attachment of the teeth.

15. The zip fastener of claim 13, wherein the stretchable portion of the fabric strip has a relaxed length that is shorter than a length of one of the opposed sets of teeth.

Description

(1) The invention will now be further and more particularly described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a plan view of two opposed sets of teeth which form part of a zip fastener;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a sectional view on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing two teeth of the opposed sets in elevation;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of one set of teeth, on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show perspective views of a set of teeth of the fastener of FIG. 1, viewed from the convex side, and from the concave side;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the fastener of FIG. 1, in a curved shape;

(7) FIG. 8a shows a perspective view of a slider of the zip fastener of FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 8b snows a sectional view on the line 6-6 of FIG. 6a;

(9) FIG. 7 shows a plan view, partly cut away, of the slider of the zip fastener of FIG. 1, during operation;

(10) FIG. 8 shows a plan view of a second zip fastener, in the closed position;

(11) FIG. 9 shows a plan view of a set of teeth of the zip fastener of FIG. 8;

(12) FIG. 10 snows a view of the underside of the set of teeth of FIG. 9, to a larger scale;

(13) FIGS. 11a and 11b show sectional views of a slider of the zip fastener of FIG. 8;

(14) FIG. 12 shows a plan view of a modification to the zip fastener of FIG. 8;

(15) FIGS. 13a and 13c show plan views of the sets of teeth of the zip fastener of FIG. 12;

(16) FIGS. 13d and 13d show underside views of the sets of teeth of the zip fastener of FIG. 12;

(17) FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a third zip fastener, in the closed position;

(18) FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the zip fastener of FIG. 14, showing the underside;

(19) FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of one set of teeth of the zip fastener of FIG. 14;

(20) FIG. 17 shows a plan view of a fourth zip fastener, in the closed position;

(21) FIG. 18 shows a plan view of the two sets of teeth of the fastener of FIG. 17, separated;

(22) FIG. 19 shows a detail view of the underside of the fastener of FIG. 17;

(23) FIG. 20 shows a plan view of a fifth zip fastener, in the closed position;

(24) FIG. 21 shows a plan view of the two sets of teeth of the fastener of FIG. 20, separated;

(25) FIG. 22 shows a detail view of the underside of the fastener of FIG. 20;

(26) FIG. 23 shows an underside view of a slider of the fastener of FIG. 20;

(27) FIG. 24 shows an end view of the slider of FIG. 23;

(28) FIG. 25 shows a perspective view from above of a sixth zip fastener, in the closed position;

(29) FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the underside of the zip fastener of FIG. 25;

(30) FIGS. 27a and 27b show perspective views from above and below of a set of teeth of the zip fastener of FIG. 25;

(31) FIG. 28 shows a perspective view from above of a seventh zip fastener, in the closed position;

(32) FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the underside of the zip fastener of FIG. 28;

(33) FIGS. 30a and 30b show perspective views from below and above of one set of teeth of the rip fastener of FIG. 28; and

(34) FIGS. 30c and 30d show perspective views from above and below of the other set of teeth of the zip fastener of FIG. 28.

(35) Referring now to FIG. 1, a zip fastener 10 consists of two opposed sets 12a and 12b of teeth 14. Although the sets 12a and 12b are shown as extending in a straight line, they can equally well follow a curved line. Along the outer edges of the sets 12a and 12b the teeth 14 are attached to respective pieces of fabric 15a and 15b, which the zip fastener 10 can join together. The fabric 15a, 15b may be stretchable, as it does not hold the teeth 14 in position; the opposed edges of the pieces of fabric 15a and 15b may be cut along straight lines, as shown, or alternatively may be cut along a curved line. The teeth 14 are held at a fixed spacing by linking strips 16 along the centre line 13 of the set 12a or 12b (only the centre line 13 of the set 12a is shown, represented by a chain dotted line).

(36) In plan view each tooth 14 has a convex front face 17a and a concave rear face 17b, which in this example are of substantially the same radius of curvature; that is to say the front face 17a and the rear face 17b are shaped as parts of cylinders. When the zip fastener 10 is closed, the teeth 14 of one set 12a fit between the successive teeth 14 of the other set 12b. The spacing between successive teeth 14 is sufficient to allow some play, so that one tooth 14 can move angularly relative to the adjacent tooth through at least a limited angle, typically no more than 30, in either direction relative to the centre line 13, while the zip fastener 10 remains closed.

(37) As shown in FIG. 2, the pieces of fabric 15a and 15b locate in narrow slits 18 along the outer edges of the teeth 14. Referring also to FIGS. 3 to 5, each tooth 14 defines a slot 20 facing the opposed set 12 of teeth 14, the slot 20 (as shown in FIG. 3) extending slightly beyond the line defined by successive linking strips 16. In the set 12a the slot 20 is above (as shown) the line of the linking strips 16, whereas in the set 12b the slot 20 is below the line of the linking strips 15. The slot 20 is sufficiently wide to locate a linking strip 16. The outermost part of the slot 20 is significantly wider, as there is a step 22 in the wall of the slot 20 adjacent to the portion of the tooth 14 aligned with the linking strips 16. As seen in FIG. 3, the step 22 follows a convex curve, and defines a bearing surface.

(38) In this zip fastener 10, the teeth 14 of the set 12a and the teeth of the set 12b are of the same shape, merely rotated around the centre line through 180.

(39) As shown in FIG. 5, the zip fastener 10 can follow a curved path. The zip fastener 10 also includes a slider 25 so it can be opened and closed.

(40) Referring now to FIGS. 8a, 6b and 7, the zip fastener 10 also requires a slider 25, through which the sets 12a and 12b pass along the paths shown as broken lines A and B in FIG. 6b; the relative displacement of the teeth 14 during operation of the slider 25 is shown in FIG. 7. The slider 25 consists of two arrowhead-shaped guide plates 26 linked by a rod 27 at the top end (as shown), and the lower portions of the guide plates 26 define curved internal flanges 28. The width of the gap 23 between the opposite flanges 28 is equal to the width of the teeth 14, so the closed zip fastener 10 can fit through the gap 29. Mounted at the midpoint of the rod 27 a generally circular cam 30 with a rounded protrusion 32 facing downwards (as shown). These components are all integral.

(41) When the slider 25 is moved in one direction (upwards, as shown, in the direction of the arrow 7), the two sets 12a and 12b of teeth 14 are meshed together, each tooth 14 being caused to change its orientation as it follows the curved path A or B, and so to move angularly into engagement with adjacent teeth 14 on the other set. This therefore closes the zip fastener 10. When the slider 26 is moved in the opposite direction, the rounded protrusion 32 and the circular cam 30 pushes on the beating surface defined by the step 22 or each successive tooth 14, and so pushes the teeth 14 of the two sets 12a and 12b apart. This therefore opens the zip fastener 10.

(42) When the top fastener 10 is closed, the linking strips 16 of one set 12a or 12b fit into the slots 20 of the opposite set 12b or 12a. Hence the lines defined by the linking strips 16 of the two sets 12a and 12b both extend down the centre line 13 of the fastener 10 (when closed), one line being directly above the other.

(43) It will be appreciated that the linking strips 16 must be sufficiently flexible to allow the sets 12a and 12b to follow the curved paths A and B during opening or closing of the zip fastener 10, and indeed to allow the zip fastener 10 to follow a curved path (as shown in FIG. 5, rather than the straight line shown in FIG. 1). The linking strips 16 may be integral with the teeth 14, and of the same material. Alternatively, the linking strips 16 may form portions of a continuous strip that extends the entire length of the set 12a or 12b, through all the teeth 14, the teeth 14 being fixed onto that continuous strip at appropriate positions, for example by moulding or by adhesive. In this case the linking strips 18 may be of a different material to the teeth 14.

(44) In a modification, the linking strips 18 may form the edges of the strips of fabric 15a and 15b. In this case the narrow slits 18 would have to extend slightly different planes, to line up with the positions of the linking strips 16 as shown in FIG. 2.

(45) Referring now to FIG. 8, this shows a plan view of an alternative zip fastener 40 in the closed position. (In this closed position, the plan view of the zip fastener 10 and of the zip fastener 40 are substantially identical.) The zip fastener 40 consists of two opposed sets 42a and 42b of teeth 44 which are joined together at one end 41. Although the sets 42a and 42b are shown as extending in a straight line, they can also follow a curved line. Along the outer edges of the sets 42a and 42b the teeth 44 are attached to respective pieces of fabric 45a and 45b, which the zip fastener 40 can join together. The fabric 45a, 45b may be stretchable, as it does not hold the teeth 44 in position; the opposed edges of the pieces of fabric 45a and 45b may be cut along straight lines, as shown, or alternatively may be cut along a curved line. The teeth 44 are held at a fixed spacing by linking strips 46 (see FIG. 9) adjacent to the centre line of the set 42a or 42b.

(46) In plan view each tooth 44 has a convex front face 47a and a concave rear face 4b, which in this example are of substantially the same radius of curvature. So as shown when the zip fastener 40 is closed, the teeth 44 of one set 42a fit between the successive teeth 44 of the other set 42b. The spacing between successive teeth 44 is sufficient to allow some play, so that one tooth 44 can move angularly relative to the adjacent tooth through at least a limited angle, typically no more than 30 while the zip fastener 40 remains closed, and the teeth 44 can move angularly in either direction relative to the centre line.

(47) Referring now to FIG. 9, the linking strips 46 in the zip fastener 40 have a zigzag form. Referring now to FIG. 10, this shows the underside of the set 42a of teeth 44 shown in FIG. 9, to a larger scale. Each tooth 44 has a thicker portion 50 which defines a slit (not shown) in its edge, into which the fabric 45a is fixed. There is then a step 51 in the underside of the tooth 44, and the remaining portion 52 of the tooth is thinner. The linking strip 46, between one tooth 44 and the next, follows a shallow-V path, the two parts of this path being respectively inclined at +20 and 20 to the centre line of the set 42a. An edge of the linking strip 48 lines up with the step 51 on the underside of the tooth 44 at one end, and lines up with the step 51 on the underside of the tooth 44 at the other end. The step 51 also therefore follows a shallow-V path.

(48) The thicker portion 50 also defines a small projecting flange 53 which projects beyond the rear face 47b of the tooth 44, and is integral with the linking strip 46.

(49) The opposed set 42b of teeth 44 have the same shape, but as a mirror image.

(50) Consequently when the zip fastener 40 is closed, the teeth 44 on one set 42a fit between the teeth 44 on the other set 42b; the linking strips 45 on the set 42b cross the thinner portions 52 of the teeth 44 of the set 42a; and the abutting faces of the linking strips 46 and of the steps 51 form a continuous zigzag along the underside of the zip fastener 40. The shallow-V of the step 51 on the underside of a tooth 44 of the set 42a locates the shallow-V of the linking strip 46 of the set 42b. The projecting flanges 53 abut the thinner portion 52 of the adjacent tooth 44, and so prevent rotation of the teeth 44 about an axis aligned with the centre line.

(51) As shown in FIG. 8, the zip fastener 40 also includes a slider 55, which operates in an equivalent way to the slider 25 described above. The internal structure of the slider 55 is shown in more detail in the sectional views of FIGS. 11a and 11b; in which FIG. 11a is taken near the underside of the slider 55, and FIG. 11b is near the top surface of the slider 55, looking upwards in both cases. The slider 55 consists of two arrowhead-shaped guide plates 56 linked by a strut 57 at the left-hand end (as shown), and the right-hand portions of the guide plates 56 define curved internal flanges 58. The width of the gap 50 between the opposite flanges 58 is equal to the width of the teeth 44, so the closed zip fastener 40 can fit through the gap 59. The strut 57 has an upper portion 60 and a lower portion 61; the upper portion 60 (as shown in FIG. 11b) is teardrop shaped, whereas the lower portion 61 is significantly larger, and defines a projecting Y-shaped cam with a rounded tip 62. These components are all integral.

(52) The sectional views of FIGS. 11a and 11b also show parts of two successive teeth 44 as they pass into the slider 55. It is thus apparent that the teardrop-shaped upper portion 60 guides the teeth 44 into or out of the slider 55, as the width of the channel between the adjacent flange 58 and the portion 60 is sufficient to allow the teeth 44 to pass; and the lower portion 61 also guides the teeth 44 as the thicker portion 50 and the linking strip 46 fit between the curved surface of the lower portion 61 and the adjacent flange 58. Accurate alignment of the teeth 44 is ensured because the thinner portion 52 of the tooth passes above the lower portion 61, whereas the linking strip 46 and the thicker portion 50 pass between the lower portion 61 and the adjacent flange 58, in an alternative slider, the teardrop-shaped upper portion 60 is replaced by a smaller cylindrical rod.

(53) As previously explained, the abutting faces of the linking strips 46 and of the steps 51 form a continuous zigzag along the underside of the rip fastener 40. When the slider 55 is being used to open the zip fastener 40, the rounded tip 62 slides between the abutting faces of the linking strips 46 and the steps 51 and so pushes the teeth 44 apart, separating the set 42a from the set 42b.

(54) Since the teeth 44 are field at the appropriate separation by the linking strips 46, and are free to undergo angular movement relative so the adjacent teeth 44, the zip fastener 40 can be arranged to follow a curved path, in the same way as the zip fastener 10.

(55) It will be appreciated that the zip fastener 40 may be modified in various ways, and in particular the linking strips 46 might instead be straight, from one tooth 44 to the next. In one embodiment, in one set of teeth, the linking strips 46 are straight, and oriented at +20 to the centre line, whereas the steps 51 are straight, and oriented at 20 to the centre line; and the other set of teeth are a mirror image. It is therefore thus again the case that the abutting races of the linking strips 46 and the steps 51 form a continuous zigzag along the underside of the zip fastener.

(56) In some garments, such as jackets, it is necessary to be able to separate the two halves of the zip fastener. Referring now to FIG. 12 there is shown a zip fastener 63 which is a modification to the zip fastener 40 (the slider 55 not being shown), consisting of opposed sots 42a and 42b of tooth 44. The right-hand portion (as shown) is as described above; but the left-hand portion (as shown) includes starting teeth 44a and 44b which are larger than the other teeth 44. The starting teeth 44a and 44b can be separated once the remainder of the zip fastener 63 has been undone; and can be reconnected to initiate reconnection of the zip fastener 83.

(57) Referring to FIGS. 13a and 13b, these show the top and bottom views of the end portion of the set 42a that includes the starting tooth 44a; while FIGS. 13c and 13d show the top and bottom views of the end portion of the set 42b that includes the starting tooth 44b. The starting tooth 44a it as a convex from face 47a, which also defines a thin projecting arcuate flange 69 which is somewhat wider on the underside than on the top. The starting tooth 44b has a convex front face 47a to engage the concave rear face 47b of the adjacent tooth 44 of the set 42a, and this also includes a projecting tab 64 near the bottom. The starting tooth 44b also has concave rear face 47b to engage the front face 47a of the starting tooth 44a, which also includes projecting end tabs 55 near the top and a projecting tab 65a near the bottom. The starting tooth 44a is joined to the remainder of the set 42a by a linking strip 67 which is a continuation of the linking strip 48. The starting tooth 44b is pined to the adjacent tooth 44 of the set 42b by the linking step 46; and the underside of the starting tooth 44b defines a step 68 against which the linking strip 57 fits when the starting teeth 44a and 44b are fitted together.

(58) Hence the starting tooth 44b, when presented at an angle, can slide along an arcuate path, engaging the front face 47a of the starting tooth 44a and engaging the rear face 47b of the next tooth 44, until the linking strip 8 comes up against the step 68. The end tabs 65 and the projecting tab 65a engage on either side of the projecting flange 69, ensuring that the starting teeth 44a and 44b remain in a common plane. Similarly the projecting tab 64 engages the rear surface of the adjacent tooth 44, preventing rotation out of that common plane. The zip fastener 53 can be used with the slider 55, as the starting tooth 44b can pass through the slider 55 (following the other teeth 44), while the starting tooth 44a cannot pass through the slider 55 by virtue of protruding shoulders 65 on either side, so the slider 55 remains attached to the set 42a when the zip fastener 53 is disconnected.

(59) Referring now to FIGS. 14 to 16, there is shown a third zip fastener 70 which is a modification to the zip fastener 40, identical components being referred to by the same reference numerals, it differs primarily in having teeth 74 whose mating faces are V-shaped rather than smooth curves, so each tooth 74 has a chevron shape. The teeth 74 are at such a separation that they just touch each other at the centre of the chevron, but the chevrons are shaped so that there is a wedge-shaped gap on each side of the centre, so allowing angular movement of one tooth 74 relative to the next.

(60) As with the fastener 40, the linking strips 46 are shallow-V shaped, and the underside of the teeth 74 defines a shallow-V shaped step 51 between a thicker portion 50 and a thin portion 52. The thicker portion 50 defines a small projecting flange 53. Hence, as shown in FIG. 15, along the underside of the rip fastener 70 the abutting faces of the linking strips 45 and the steps 51 define a continuous zigzag down the centre line of the zip fastener 70.

(61) Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18 there is shown a fourth zip fastener 80 in the closed position (and without showing the slider). The zip fastener 80 consists of two opposed sets 82a and 82b of teeth 84. Although the sets 82a and 82b are shown as extending in a straight line, they can also follow a curved line. Along the outer edges of the sets 82a and 82b the teeth 84 are attached to respective pieces of fabric 85 which the zip fastener 80 can join together. The fabric 85 may be stretchable, as it does not hold the teeth 84 in position; the opposed edges of the pieces of fabric 85 may be cut along straight lines, as shown, or alternatively may be cut along a curved line. The teeth 84 are held at a fixed spacing by linking strips 86 (shown in more detail in FIG. 19) adjacent to the centre line of the set 82a or 82b.

(62) In plan view each tooth 34 has an S-shaped face 87a and a convex face 87b facing in opposite directions. The set 82b is the same as the set 82a, but oriented in the opposite direction. When the zip fastener 80 is closed, the teeth 84 of one set 82a fit between the successive teeth 84 of the other set 32b. The spacing between successive teeth 84 is sufficient to allow some play, so that one tooth 84 can move angularly relative to the adjacent tooth through at least a limited angle, typically no more than 30, the play between convex surfaces 87b of adjacent teeth 84 enables the zip fastener 80 to follow a curve. The S-shaped faces 87a of adjacent teeth 84 engage with each other, and inhibit any relative lateral movement of one set 82a relative to the other set 82b; the convex faces 87b of adjacent teeth 84 contact each other, preventing axial movement.

(63) Referring now to FIG. 19, the linking strips 86 have a zigzag form. Each tooth 84 has a thicker portion 90 which defines a slit (not shown) in its edge, into which the fabric 85 is fixed. There is then a step 91 in the underside of the tooth 84, and the remaining portion 92 of the tooth is thinner. The linking strip 86, between one tooth 84 and the next, follows an asymmetrical shallow-V path, with a longer part of this path being inclined at +10 to the centreline of the set 82a, and a shorter part inclined at about 25 to the centre line of the set 82a or 82b. An edge of the linking strip 86 lines up with the step 91 on the underside of the tooth 84 at one end, and lines up with the step 91 on the underside of the tooth 84 at the other end. The step 91 also therefore follows an asymmetrical shallow-V path.

(64) When disconnecting the zip fastener 80 (using a slider similar to the slider 55 described above), the more steeply-inclined shorter part of the zigzag achieves rapid relative rotation of adjacent teeth 84, the linking strip 88 moving across the thinner portion 92 of the adjacent tooth 84, so the S-shaped faces 87a of adjacent teeth 84 are disengaged quickly from each other. The more gently-inclined longer part of the zigzag achieves less relative rotation of adjacent teeth 84, but this corresponds to the disengagement of the convex laces 87b. The different angles of the successive sections of zigzag to the centre line thus give different mechanical advantages, appropriate to disengaging the different teeth.

(65) Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21 there is shown a fifth zip fastener 100 in the closed position (and without showing the slider). The zip fastener 100 consists of two opposed sets 102a and 102b of teeth 104a and 104b. Although the sets 102a and 102b are shown as extending in a straight line, they can also follow a curved line. Along the outer edges of the sets 102a and 102b the teeth 104 and 104b are attached to respective pieces of fabric 105 which the zip fastener 100 can join together. The fabric 105 may be stretchable, as it does not hold the teeth 104a or 104b in position; the opposed edges of the pieces of fabric 105 may be cut along straight lines, as shown, or alternatively may be cut along a curved line. The teeth 104a are held at a fixed spacing by linking stops 106a (shown in more detail in FIG. 22) adjacent to the centre line of the set 102a; similarly the teeth 104b are held at a fixed spacing by linking strips 106b adjacent to the centreline of the set 102b.

(66) In plan view each tooth 104a is shaped to represent a skull, and both its front and rear surfaces are convex. Each tooth 104b is shaped to represent crossbones, and both its front and rear surfaces are concave. As shown in FIG. 20, when the zip fastener 100 is closed, a line of alternating skulls and cross bones is shown, because the teeth 104b showing crossbones fit between the teeth 104a showing skulls, and vice versa. The spacing between successive teeth 104a and 104b is sufficient to allow some play, so that one tooth 104a or 104b can move angularly relative to the adjacent tooth 104a or 104b through at least a limited angle, typically no more than 30. Since the adjacent teeth 104a, 104b have adjacent faces that are convex and concave, the adjacent teeth 104a and 104b engage with each other, and inhibit any relative lateral movement of one set 102a relative to the other set 102b.

(67) The linking strips 105a between successive teeth 104a (i.e. the skull shapes) follow a curved path between the bottom left and the top left of the teeth 104a (as shown in FIG. 21), which ensures that successive teeth 104a can be separated sufficiently to allow the teeth 104b to be disconnected. The linking strips 106b between the teeth 104b follow a path which is almost straight, parallel to the centreline, with a very shallow V; these features are shown in more detail in FIG. 22. Each tooth 104a; 104b has a thicker portion 110a, 110b to which the fabric 105 is fixed (for example within a slot). There is then a step 111a, 111b in the underside, and the remaining portion 112a, 112b of the tooth 104a, 104b is thinner. As shown in FIG. 22, showing the underside of the assembled zip fastener 100, the longitudinal shape of the step 111a or 111b is a smooth curve, and is aligned at each end with the linking strips 106a or 106b that are connected to that tooth 104a or 104b; consequently the step 111a defines a bulge, in particular, the curved linking strips 106a locate beneath the thinner portion 112b of the teeth 104b, but do not abut the step 111b; the linking strips 106b similarly locate beneath the thinner portion 112a of the teeth 104a, and the apex of the shallow V abuts the bulge of the step 111a whereas the remainder of the linking strip 106b does not contact the step 111a.

(68) The zip fastener 100 is used along with a slider 115 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, similar to the slider 55 of FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b described above, in that if consists of two arrowhead-shaped guide plates 56 linked by a strut 57 at the top end (as shown in FIG. 23), and the guide plates 56 define curved internal flanges 58. The strut 5 has a cylindrical upper portion 116 and a lower portion 117; the lower portion 117 is significantly larger, and defines a projecting V-shaped cam with a rounded tip 118. These components are all integral. FIG. 23 shows the underside view of the slider 115, whereas FIG. 24 shows a view corresponding to that on the arrow 24, but showing the slider 115 the right way up, and consequently the left-hand side of FIG. 23 corresponds to the right-hand side of FIG. 24. The internal flanges 58 on both sides of the upper guide plate 58 and on the right-hand side of the lower guide plates 58 (as shown in FIG. 24) are of equal widths. The internal flange 58a on the lower guide plate 56 on the left hand side (as shown in FIG. 24) is thicker.

(69) When undoing the zip fastener 100, the tip 118 of the lower portion 117 pushes between the linking strips 108a or 106b and the steps 111b or 111a, causing the successive teeth 104a and 104b to undergo relative rotation so that the engaging surfaces come out of engagement, and the linking strips 106a, 106b move across the thinner portion 112b, 112a of the adjacent tooth 104b, 104a, so teeth 104a and 104b are disengaged. When doing up the zip fastener 100, the teeth 104a and 104b undergo substantially the same movements in reverse, being guided in this case partly by the internal flanges 58, 58a. The flange 58a ensures that, the teeth 104a are pushed closer towards the centre line, as the teeth 104a are somewhat narrower than the teeth 104b.

(70) The tip 118 of the lower portion 117 thus acts as a cam to push the teeth 104a and 104b apart as she zip fastener 100 is undone, and the shapes of the steps 111a and 111b are different, providing different mechanical advantages when disengaging the different-shaped successive teeth.

(71) It will be appreciated that when the zip fastener 100 is closed, the length of the zip fastener 100 (along its centreline) is determined by the dimensions of the teeth 104b and of the linking strips 108b. Although the linking strips 108b have a shallow V, they cannot significantly change in length because the apex of the shallow V abuts the bulge of the step 111a. Hence, in its closed state, the zip fastener 100 is of substantially constant length along its centreline. In contrast, during opening and closing, the teeth 104a and 104b can rotate relative to each other by virtue of the flexibility of the linking stops 106a and 106b. In particular, as one tooth 104a is rotated relative to the successive tooth 104a during opening, the curved linking strip 106a becomes straighter, increasing the axial gap between the teeth 104a sufficiently to allow disengagement from the teeth 104b.

(72) It will be appreciated that the zip fastener 100 could have teeth with different decorative shapes other than skulls and crossbones. Indeed there could be multiple different teeth with different decorative shapes within a single zip fastener. For each tooth the shape of the step on the underside would preferably be such as to provide an appropriate mechanical advantage when disengaging that tooth from the adjacent tooth.

(73) Referring now to FIG. 25 there is shown a sixth zip fastener 120 in the closed position. Structurally this has similarities to the zip fastener 40 of FIGS. 8-10, as regards the shape of the linking stops 46, but it differs in the shape of the teeth. The zip fastener 120 consists of two opposed sets 122a and 122b of teeth; and includes a slider 135. Although the zip fastener 120 is shown as extending in a straight line, it can also follow a curved line. Along the outer edges of the sets 122a and 122b the teeth 124 are attached to respective pieces of fabric (not shown). The teeth 124 are held at a fixed spacing by linking strips 46 (see FIGS. 26, 27a and 27b) adjacent to the centre line of the set 122a or 122b.

(74) In plan view each tooth 124 is approximately rectangular, and the upper surface of each tooth 124, as shown in particular in FIG. 27a, has a raised portion 128 in the shape of a heart. Each tooth 124 has a double-convex front face 127a, matching the shape of the top of the heart, and a concave rear face 127b with a small protrusion 128 at the middle corresponding to the point at the bottom of the heart. The opposed sets 122a and 122b of teeth 124 have the same shape, but one is a mirror image of the other. So when the zip fastener 120 is closed, the teeth 124 of one set 122a fit between the successive teeth 124 of the other set 122b, and the faces 127a and 127b interlock to prevent lateral movement. The spacing between successive teeth 124 is sufficient to allow some play, so that one tooth 124 can move angularly relative to the adjacent tooth through at least a limited angle, typically no more than 30. As shown in FIG. 25, the appearance of the zip fastener 120 is of a continuous line of hearts.

(75) Referring now to the underside, as shown in FIG. 26, the linking strips 48 in the zip fastener 120 follow a zigzag path. Referring now to FIG. 27b, each tooth 124 has a thicker portion 130, and there is a slit 129 (see FIG. 27a) between the top of the portion 130 and the raised portion 125 into which the fabric would be fixed. There is then a step 131 in the underside of the tooth 124, and the remaining portion 132 of the tooth is thinner. The linking strip 46, between one tooth 124 and the next, follows a shallow-V path, the two parts of this path being respectively inclined at +20 and 20 to the centre line of the set 122a. An edge of the linking stop 46 lines up with the step 131 on the underside of the tooth 124 at one end, and lines up with the step 131 on the underside of the tooth 124 at the other end. The step 131 also follows a shallow-V path.

(76) The zip fastener 120 operates in substantially the same way as described above when the slider 135 is moved along it. It will also be appreciated that the heart shapes are decorative features, and that alternative decorative shapes may be provided.

(77) Thus the zip fastener 120 can be considered as an example of a three-layer zip fastener, the lop layer (corresponding in this case to the raised portion 126) being primarily decorative; the middle layer (corresponding to the teeth 124) providing the interlocking function, and optionally also providing a surface that the slider 135 can push against when closing the zip fastener, and the bottom layer-corresponding to the linking strips 46 and the steps 131) being the part primarily concerned with interaction with the slider 135, in which the wedge or cam (corresponding for example to the cam with the rounded tip 62 of FIG. 11a) runs against the faces of the linking strips 46 and the steps 131 to open the zip fastener, while the slider rails (corresponding to the internal flanges 58 of FIG. 11a) push on the outer edges of the teeth to close the zip fastener. If will be appreciated that outer edges of the teeth which push against the slider rails during closing (if these are in the top layer) may be a different shape to the edges of the teeth of the middle layer.

(78) Referring now to FIG. 28 there is shown a seventh zip fastener 140 in the closed position. The zip fastener 140 consists of two opposed sets 142a and 142b of teeth; and includes a slider 155. Although the zip fastener 140 is shown as extending in a straight line, it can also follow a curved line. Along the outer edges of the sets 142a and 142b the teeth 144a and 144b are attached to respective pieces of fabric (not shown). The teeth 144a and 144b are held at a fixed spacing by linking strips 146a and 146b (see FIGS. 29, and 30a to 30d). As is evident from FIG. 29, when the zip fastener 140 is closed, the linking strips 146a and 146b are on either side of the centre line of the zip fastener 140.

(79) In plan view each tooth 144a has the appearance of a tick, whereas each tooth 144b is circular; as shown in FIG. 30b each tooth 144b also defines a step 147b in its periphery. The teeth 144a and the teeth 144b may be of different coloured materials.

(80) As shown in FIG. 30d, considering the underside, the longer side of each tick-shaped tooth 144a defines a thick portion 150 immediately adjacent to the linking strip 146a, the underside of this thick portion 160 being flush with the underside of the linking strips 146a; the thick portion 150 terminates as a step 151, and the remaining portion 152 is somewhat thinner; the thicker portion 150 also defines a slit 153 info which the edge of the adjacent fabric would be inserted, so that the thinner portion 152 lies above the fabric. Considering the other side of each tick-shaped tooth 144a, the thick portion 150 terminates at a second step 154 which is aligned with one edge of the linking strip 146a so as to define a continuous line, so that the portion of the tooth 144g on the other side of the linking strip 146a is mostly of the same thickness as the thinner portion 152, but includes a raised block 147a whose outer portion 155 is chamfered.

(81) As shown in FIG. 30b, each tooth 144b defines a slit 148 in its outer face into which the edge of the adjacent fabric would be inserted. As shown in FIG. 30a, showing the underside, the underside of the outer portion of each tooth 144b is coplanar with the underside of the linking strips 146b, and there is a step parallel to the edge of the linking strip 146b. The remainder of the inner portion of each tooth 144b is thinner, and is chamfered, to provide a location for the linking strips 146a when the zip fastener 140 is closed.

(82) As shown in FIG. 29, when the zip fastener 140 is closed the continuous line defined by the linking strips 145a and the steps 154 runs alongside the line defined by the steps 149. The linking strips 146a lie adjacent to the steps 154; while the linking strips 146b lie under the raised block 147a. During the closure process, the raised block 147a passes between successive cylindrical teeth 144b, parts of the thinner portion 152 of the tick-shaped tooth 144a therefore passing over the top surface of the cylindrical teeth 144b; and the chamfered portion 155 of the block 147a sliding over the linking strip 146b. Hence an edge of the block 147a engages with the step 147b, while the thick portion 150 engages with an outer curved surface of the cylindrical tooth 144b, interlocking and so preventing lateral movement. The spacing between successive teeth 144a and 144b is sufficient to allow some play, allowing restricted relative angular movement of adjacent teeth 144a and 144b through at least a limited angle, typically no more than 30.

(83) The zip fastener 140 operates in substantially the same way as described above when the slider 155 is moved along it. However in this case the slider 155 is distinguished from the slider 55 of FIGS. 11a and 11b primarily in that although there are internal flanges 58 on both sides of the lower guide plate 56, and on one side of the upper guide plate 56, there is no internal flange 58 on the other side of the upper guide plate (as shown in the underside view of FIG. 29), to allow the projecting parts of the tick-shaped teeth 144a to pass through the slider 155.

(84) It will be appreciated that the various different zip fasteners 10, 40, 63, 70, 60, 100, 120 and 140 are given by way of example only, and may be amended in various ways, for example incorporating features from other designs. For example wherever it is necessary for the two halves, that is to say the two sets of teeth of a zip fastener, to be taken completely apart, then this may be achieved using teeth analogous to the starting teeth 44a and 44b which feature in the zip fastener 63. To suppress the risk of teeth rotating about the centre line, all the teeth in a zip fastener may be provided with tabs or flanges equivalent to the thin projecting arcuate flange 69 and the projecting end tabs 65 and projecting tab 65a as provided in the starting teeth 44a and 44d. In another modification, if a firmer connection to the fabric is required, then each tooth may be additionally provided with a slotted lab or its outside edge, the slot in the lab aligning with the slit in the outside of the tooth, and the fabric being connected to the slotted tab as well as to the slit as described above. This increases the area of contact with the fabric. Other ways of attaching the teeth to the fabric may also be applied. The fabric may be joined to the top, bottom, or side of the teeth.

(85) The zip fasteners 40, 63, 70, 80 and 120 use linking strips that in combination define a zigzag. This may enable the teeth to be connected at the optimum positions with regard to mechanical strength; and inherently provides some longitudinal resilience, so that the zip fastener can more readily go along a curved path. In each of these examples the teeth may be moulded onto the fabric during manufacture, in which case the teeth would not have to define a slit to accommodate the fabric, as the fabric would be embedded in the tooth during manufacture; for example the slit 148 of the zip fastener 140 may be occupied by the fabric as the teeth 144b are made. If the teeth are moulded onto the fabric during manufacture, then each of these designs of zip fastener does not necessitate any undercuts, and so can be manufactured using a comparatively simple moulding tool.

(86) In each zip fastener 10, 40, 63, 70, 80, 100, 120 and 140 the use of the linking strips maintains the teeth at the desired spacing, allowing use of fabric which can stretch. In some cases a strip of fabric (to which the zip fastener is to be attached) may be pre-stretched before the teeth are attached. The linking strips and the teeth may be formed by an injection moulding process, using a flexible polymeric material, optionally with a fibre filler to enhance strength. Alternatively the linking strips (as in the zip fastener 10) may define a continuous strip, onto which the teeth are subsequently moulded or fixed by adhesive, welding or other bonding method. In some cases the fabric strips may extend to the centre line of the zip fastener, and be integral with the linking strips, in that case the portion of the fabric strip that is integral with the linking strips would not be stretchable, whereas the remaining portion of the fabric strip may be a longitudinally extensible.

(87) It will also be appreciated that in each case a flexible strip of fabric or of sheet polymer (which may contain fibre filler) may be fixed to the outside of the zip fastener, in place of the fabric mentioned above; and the flexible strip itself may then be joined to a piece of fabric using known bonding techniques.

(88) The zip fasteners 10, 40, 63, 70, 80, 100 and 120 have opposed sets of teeth that are linked together so that the closed zip fastener can follow a curved path as illustrated in FIG. 5. The fixed spacing of the teeth is maintained by the linking strips, so the fabric to which the zip fasteners are attached can be extensible in the longitudinal direction, i.e. parallel to the centre line of the zip fastener. The fabric may also be extensible in a transverse direction.

(89) Considering a zip fastener following a curved path, the centre line of the zip fastener is of fixed length (determined by the lengths of the interlocking teeth, and by the linking strips), so that on the inside of the curve, the fabric must become shorter, while on the outside of the curve the fabric must become longer. Puckering of the fabric on the inside of the curve can be avoided by using longitudinally extensible fabric tapes along each side of the zip fastener, the teeth and the linking strips being attached to the fabric tapes while the tape is under tension (and may be straight). In some cases the linking strips may be integral with the fabric tapes. If the zip fastener is connected together, and shaped to follow a curved path, the concave section on the inside of the curve can then relax from its pre-tensioned length, while the convex section on the outside of the curve can stretch to more than its pre-tensioned length. This ensures that the fabric on both the inside and the outside of the curve can remain flat, without puckering. By way of example the fabric may be stretched to between 40% and 60% for example 50% of its maximum extension before the teeth are attached. This ensures that the portion of the fabric on the outside of the curve can be stretched further, while also ensuring that the portion of the fabric on the inside of the curve can contract adequately. In practice the fabric may be stretched to a lesser extent, for example to between 5% and 40% of its maximum extension, for example to 20% or 30% of its maximum extension, before the teeth are attached.

(90) It will be appreciated that the length of the centre line determined by the linking strips would therefore be longer than the relaxed length of the fabric tapes.

(91) By way of example, if the width of each strip of fabric is W, and the radius of curvature of the inside edge is R, then the arc lengths along the inside edge, the centre line, and the outer edge of she zip fastener are proportional to: R; (R+W) and (R+2W) respectively. So if the inside edge is unstretched, the percentage stretch, S, along the outer edge is:
S=(2W/R)100%

(92) Hence if the fabric has a maximum percentage stretch of S.sub.m then the minimum radius of curvature R.sub.m along the inner edge is:
R.sub.m=2W(100%/S.sub.m)

(93) It therefore follows that the minimum radius of curvature C.sub.m along the centre line is;
C.sub.m=(2W(100%/S.sub.m))+W

(94) It will be appreciated that once the zip fastener has been made, and shaped into the required curve, the fabric strips on each side may be processed to remove their extensible properties, for example by heat setting, melding of a proportion of the constituent yarns within the fabric strips, or by adhesive or other treatment, it is thus feasible to create a zip fastener that follows a curved path, and has a relaxed, pucker-free carrier tape of fabric on each side.